101 WARREN MOTT PARKWAY * HATTIESBURG, MS 39401 * 601-583-9243 EMAIL: [email protected] WEBSITE: WWW.SHADYGROVE-CHURCH.ORG THE SUPREMACY OF CHRIST THE SUPREMACY OF JESUS 2024 CHURCH THEME: “ARE YOU EXPECTING GOD’S BEST?” ROMAN 8:18 REV. DR. REGINALD WOULLARD, PASTOR April 2024 Volume 5 Edition 4 SHADY GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH 1. THE LORD JESUS CHRIST ALONE HAS THE RIGHT TO BE SUPREME IN OUR LIVES Only one person in the whole of God’s universe has the absolute right to occupy first place in your life and mine; others may seek to have the first place, but it is not their right to seek or to obtain it. The Devil seeks first place in your life and mine, but it is not his right to have it. There are three reasons why the Lord Jesus Christ alone has the right of being first in our life: 1. Because He made us. Look up Colossians 1:16, and particularly notice that we were not only created “by Him” but “for Him”. Compare Proverbs 16:4 and Isaiah 43:7. He made us in order that He might be first in our hearts and lives. 2. Because He has redeemed us. Through His infinite sacrifice upon Calvary’s cross, and by the mighty power of His resurrection, God has “rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves.” 3. Because God has given Him the supremacy. In Matthew 12 our Lord declares His supremacy by saying that He is greater than the temple (v 6), the Sabbath (v 8), the Devil (v 29), Jonah (v 41) and Solomon (v 42). He is greater than all of them! 2. THOUGH IT IS THE RIGHT OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST TO OCCUPY FIRST PLACE IN OUR LIVES, HE DOES NOT ALWAYS DO SO He is not always free to exercise His right, in your life and mine very often self is first – look up Luke 9:59 and 61, and notice the words “…first let me”. 3. THE LORD JESUS MAY BE PRESENT IN OUR LIFE, YET NOT SUPREME If you are a Christian, He is truly present – but is He supreme? It is true to say today that in measure He is present in our national life, our political life, our commercial life and our religious life, but He is not by any means supreme! The same may be true of us; He may be in, but not king; resident, but not president. 4. WHEN THE LORD JESUS IS SUPREME IN OUR LIVES THE FOLLOWING THREE THINGS ARE TRUE 1. There is supreme love to His Person; 2. There is unquestioning obedience to His commands; and 3. There is complete submission to His will. Read more at: www.wordsoflife.co.uk/bible-studies/study-3-the-supremacy-of-christ INSIDE THIS ISSUE Page 2: Pastor’s Anniversary Pictures Page 3: Pastor’s Anniversary Pictures Page 4: Pastor’s Anniversary Pictures Page 5: Black History Pictures Page 6: Black History Pictures Page 7: What Is Supremacy Of Christ Page 8: Members Spotlight Baptism/Baby Dedication Page 9: Graduation Vacation Bible School Bible Trivia Page 10: Scholarship Flyer Page 11: Financial Literacy Flyer Page 12: Birthdays & Anniversaries Page 13: Birthdays & Anniversaries Page 14: Encouragement For April Welcome New Members Ties That Bind Ministry Page 15: Mental Wellness Bible Trivia Answers Congratulations To The Ellis Page 16: Word Search Puzzle Page 17: Word Search Puzzle Page 18: Sick / Shut-in / Bereaved Weekly Schedule April Calendar
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In-person (Dropbox, Cash, Check, Credit/Debit Cards) CASH APP ($sgbchburg) Online Giving (shadygrove-church.org/give) VENMO (@sgbchburg PAYPAL ([email protected]) 7 WHAT IS THE SUPREMACY OF CHRIST AND WHAT ARE ITS IMPLICATIONS? The supremacy of Christ is a doctrine surrounding the authority of Jesus and His God-nature. In the simplest of terms, to affirm the supremacy of Christ is to affirm that Jesus is God. Hebrews explains that Christ is supreme over more than just roles and systems. Hebrews 1:3a says, “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being, sustaining all things by His powerful word.” Similarly, Colossians 2:9 says, “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form.” Essentially, Jesus is God. Colossians 1:15–23 is labeled “The Supremacy of Christ” in some Bibles. In this passage, Paul makes it plain that Jesus is over all things. Christ is called “the image of the invisible God” and “the firstborn over all creation (Colossians 1:15). The word firstborn may seem confusing. It does not imply that Christ was created (as in the doctrine of the Jehovah’s Witnesses). Instead, the term firstborn refers to a position of authority. To be “firstborn” was to hold an honored position. Paul immediately goes on to explain Jesus’ role in creation: “For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him” (Colossians 1:16). This means that Jesus is not created but is Creator. He is God. Paul goes on to say, “He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything He might have the supremacy” (Colossians 1:17–18). Paul highlights multiple areas in which Christ has authority—over creation, over the Church, over death, and finally “in everything.” Christ is both before all things and encompasses all things (“in Him all things hold together”). Therefore, Christ is supreme. This doctrine is essential to our view of and worship of Christ. The supremacy of Christ affirms that Jesus is fully God. He is not simply a man greater than the rest but is truly above all creation, as only God can be. This truth is essential for our salvation. God is infinite and, therefore, our sin against Him is an infinite offense. In order to atone for this offense, the sacrifice must be infinite. Jesus, as God, is infinite and thus an able sacrifice. The supremacy of Jesus teaches us that He is not simply a spiritual being above the rest. Hebrews 1:4 calls Jesus superior to the angels. This truth negates any tendencies toward angel worship. Jesus created the angels and is above them. We are explicitly told He is greater than they. Jesus is supreme over both the physical and spiritual realms, thus giving both arenas importance while still remaining sovereign over them. When we understand the supremacy of Christ, we have a more accurate view of Him. We more fully understand the depth of His love; we are more able to receive and to respond to His love. Theologians believe that Colossians was written, in part, to combat heresies rising in Colossae. It seemed fitting to Paul to affirm the supremacy of Christ in order to quash these misled beliefs. He affirmed Christ’s supremacy, His lordship, and His sufficiency for us. Hebrews explains the link between the Old Testament covenant and the new covenant of Jesus. It reveals the old system as a shadow of the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The supremacy of Christ is central to an accurate view of His Person, His work, our status as believers, and the Kingdom. Read more at: www.gotquestions.org/supremacy-of-Christ
HAVE YOU MET THIS NEW MEMBER? 8 Meet Robin Keyes! • Robin is a stay-at-home mom. • Her favorite verse is Psalm 19:14-“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock, and my redeemer”. • Robin is already working in a church ministry as a member of the Inspirational choir. • She stated the reason she decided to join Shady Grove Baptist Church is because of the way Pastor Woullard preaches the Word. WELCOME ROBIN KEYES! • The Youngs have been members since 2006. • Kenneth is a member of the Deacon Board. • Sandra is a member of the Inspirational Choir, the Sisterhood, Helping Hand and Baptism ministries. • Dea. Young’s favorite Bible verse is Isaiah 40:31. • Sandra’s favorite Bible verses are Psalm 23. • They are the parents of Kenneth Jr. and wife, Amber; Victoria Shuler and husband, Corey; grandsons, Kenneth Young III and Corey Shuler Jr.; granddaughters, Victoria and Casey Shuler. • Dea. Young and Sandra are the owners of Young’s Funeral Home in Taylorsville. DO YOU KNOW DEA. KENNETH & SANDRA YOUNG? We will have baby dedication Sunday, April 24th during the 10:45 am service. If you would like to dedicate your baby, please see Maxine Coleman. We will have Holy Baptism Sunday, April 24th at 10 am, and recognition during the 10:45 am service. If you would like to be baptized, please see Deborah Woullard or Sandra Thompson.
9 1. “_____, and it shall be given you; _____, and ye shall find; _____, and it shall be opened unto you…: (Matthew 7:7). 2. “Be ye therefore _____, even as your Father which is in heaven is _____” (Matthew 5:48). 3. In Jesus’ parable of the shepherd of the sheep, the sheep follow him because they know the shepherd’s _____. 4. Who did Jesus say loved public ‘greetings’ and ‘uppermost seats’? 5. What did Jesus tell his disciples not to tell anyone about until after his resurrection? 6. Jesus said, “If ye love me, keep my _________.” 7. According to Jesus, who did the Pharisees build tombs for? 8. In the day when Jesus shall separate the sheep from the goats, what will the king say to those on his right hand? 9. Who are they that come in sheep’s clothing, but are inwardly ravening wolves? 10. How many masters can a man serve? www.crosswalk.com/faith/biblestudy/bible-trivia-questions.html (Answers on page 15) If you will graduate from high school or college, please contact Maxine Coleman. We need your: • Name • School (honor student?) • Graduation picture (if possible) • Future plan (college/military) • Aspiration • Degree BACCALAUREATE SERVICE IS MAY 26TH! CALL THE OFFICE FOR SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION PACKETS Early planning for Vacation Bible School is in progress. We need: • Door Prizes • Volunteers Vacation Bible School will be held June 17th - 21st. To begin giving your door prizes or to volunteer, please contact Chelsa Fairley Richardson.
10 The Rev. Dr. R.W. Woullard Jr. Scholarship was birthed in 2005 Scholarships are awarded based on the available funds and the number of approved applications Members who will graduate from high school and attend college are eligible to apply Like your Tithes, you can claim your gift on your tax return
11 POWERPOINT PRESENTATIONS SMALL GROUP SESSIONS INDEPTH LOOK AT FINANCES OPPORTUNITY TO ASK QUESTIONS
12 Corey Abrams Alexis Adams Lorin Brown Addison Lashyla Allen Cynthia Altman Travis Johnson Kendall Bolton Michael Carter Raychele Coleman Norma Crosby Tasha Dahmer Roderick Davis Howard Dillon Crashona Duff Arleon Duplessis Kamery Earl Maurice Eaton Bently O. Evans Lequisa Evans Deloris Foster Kathy Alicia Gilmore Jonathan Harris Michael Harris Tomora Harris Elaine Hartfield Gary Lee Hayes Sr. Clinton Heidelberg Johnny A. Henry Jr. Jeremiah Holliman Jessie Horn April Hudson Imiya Bias Marcus Jefferson Mercedes Johnson Richard C. Jones Samantha Jones Laryssa Kellen Alicia Latham Kendall Currie Lavatious Currie Dondrell Matthews Eric McCullum Sr. Deloris McLain Tyler McLaurin James E. McLemore Sr. Kwamane Walker Cameron Taylor Shinece McSwain Wanda Moye Adrian Newby Jylah Arrington Kristy Orange Carrington Pugh Jalen Reasor Nolana A. Reese Rico Roberts Jazmine Moody Emeesha Robinson Noelle Williams James Sims Patricia Slaughter Ricky Spann Vivian Steward Roy C. Strahan Angelle Walker Nariade Taylor-Jones Amber Travis Shantrell Travis Mary Varnado Kendrick McIntyre Kevin Walters Dorothy G. Washington Marvin L. Watkins Latonia Wilson Deborah Woullard APRIL 1ST—APRIL 15TH APRIL 1ST—APRIL 15TH Reginald & Tashonia Lewis Eugene & Kimberly Thigpen Wayne Jr. & Sonya Duncan Felts Robert & Marilyn Buckley Johnathan Sr. & Janice Robinson Matthew & Nykela Jacks Anthony & Edith Stallings Mitchell & Earnestine Roberts
13 APRIL 16TH—APRIL 30TH Jaden Hayes Matthew Wolfe Jasmine Abram Chris Adams LaTayia Allen Joshua Barnes Emoni Bolton Celester M. Brown Doreunna Ruffin Shontyeria Burks Tina Bush Demaja Calloway Lawana Y. Carson Willie Clark Jasmine Cooke Saroya Crowell Lakita Davis Tony Davis Bronson Evans Karly Kennedy Yakeisha Foreman Chimene Fountain Russell Gholar Mollie Glass Tamyra Grear Pauline Hardy Salenna Hayes Jarrad Henry Jasmyne Henry Tyler Hicks Christine Hilliard Sarieta Holmes Justin Dozier Rione Hughes Jemiah Johnson Meco Johnson Lemond Jordan Angelica Fairley Gregory M. Keyes II Patricia Keys Kendra Magee John Martin Ora B. McLemore Michael McLendon Deborah O. Miller Senetra Moody Faith Poole April Nicole Portis Mariah Jones Willie M. Wagger-Price Karlon Burkett Icy Satcher Jasmine L. Shelby Laterrance Simmons Patrick Smith Colby Nicole Stallings Daquashia Strahan Thomas Sturdavant Tracey McKeller Tarvin Marcus Thornton Rosanna Travis Audria Walker Boodie Bettina Watts Felicia Watts Story England Carlus Williams Jazmyne Griffith Isaac Leon Woodland Markiz Wooten Rev. Cathy Ross Woulard Fred Woullard Chara Young APRIL 16TH—APRIL 30TH Julius & Jennifer Gray Bolivar & Deborah Cherry Charles III & Tangela Gray Sean & Tarsha Wilson James & Eddie Dean Smith Detrick & Samarion Pitts-Marshall
THE SUPREMACY OF JESUS 14 Supremacy: the state or condition of being superior to all others in authority, power, or status. JESUS who is HE? The Son of The Living GOD! This means that JESUS is superior over everything. JESUS controls all. Why is this? Because HE is the SON of THE LIVING GOD, HE has authority over all. Why? Because God gave HIM ALL Power. When JESUS was born, He was born of the spirit of GOD, Not conceived in the normal way as we as human beings are born. JESUS was born in an incredibly special way that of a virgin whose name was Mary. There was no human man involved in His birth. It was supernatural. Man had nothing to do with it. With that being said, HIS birth was superior. His life was superior. The people did not know HE was special until HE read scripture in the synagogue/temple. (Remember the carpenter’s son). Instead of them recognizing the special and superior gift JESUS was to them, their thoughts went to the left. Leaders, Pharisees, Sadducees and all others in so called authority were among them. Isaiah wrote in chapter 53:1, Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? He grew up before Him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to Him, nothing in His appearance that we should desire Him. Verse 3, He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces. He was despised, and we held Him in low esteem. That is my Jesus the Supreme One. He is our Lord, Savior, Master, and Friend and all else wrapped in one. That is the Supremacy of Jesus, God’s Only Son. He means so much to me. I pray He means just that much and more to you. Let’s pray: Father, how excellent is Your Name in all the earth. I honor You because You are due that and so much more. Help us to see You for Who You really are. Help us to understand that You are Superior, Supreme, Sovereign and Supernatural in our lives. We love and honor You today and every day. In Jesus’ Name! Amen! Humbly submitted by Rev. Cathy Ross Woulard Carrie Nix Jonaza Arrington Jykiah Arrington Jumia Nix Draden Mayfield Christianna Hubbard Kenneth Hubbard Kennedie Hubbard Kacey Hubbard Carlie White Encouragement For April
15 Losing someone important, whether because of death, breakup, relocation or some other development, can feel catastrophic. We are social creatures, and other people give us a sense of belonging, continuity and grounding. The abrupt nature of many separations can leave us exposed, weighing us down with feelings of aloneness and meaninglessness that can be allconsuming. We feel this way because experiencing loss can lead to shifts in our biological systems. Understanding these changes, especially in our brain, can help us realize that healing from a loss can take time, and we need to be gentle with ourselves during the grieving process. How Grief Affects the Brain During grief, stress hormone levels increase, and brain activation patterns can change. For instance, the “basal ganglia” — groups of neurons located deep within the lower portions of the brain — can become more activated. These neurons are involved in establishing our habitual action patterns. They also help determine the reward and pleasure we obtain from certain relationships and will play a part in how we respond to separation from loved ones. Getting Stuck in Grief There are many ways in which we can become “stuck” in a grief cycle. Our sense of pleasure and satisfaction can become so connected to specific individuals that it can seem impossible to do anything worthwhile unrelated to them. Whether listening to songs or watching movies both enjoyed or looking over photographs and mementos, we’d rather obtain some version of reward by engaging with these reminders than shift toward other activities that could be pleasurable, but have no connection to the absent person. Avoid Isolation It can be easy to surround ourselves with reminders of the absent person, ruminating over the loss and avoiding engagement with anything unrelated to the relationship. It can be hard to think clearly (griever’s fog), and the thoughts we do have are often repetitive and torturous, such as “why did this happen to me?” or could I have done anything different?” We keep ourselves trapped in a relationship that has both ended and remains ongoing. Don’t Define Yourself by the Loss When a relationship ends, what is lost is not only the predictability and comfort, but also the feeling of being special and unique in someone else’s mind. A critical part of the grieving process is remembering that we have inherent value, which remains alive despite the other person’s absence. Reclaiming our sense of worth can remind us that life goes on, even if the relationship does not. Remember That Grief Dictates Its Own Course There is no timeline for grief to end. People can put a lot of pressure on the grieving individual to move on, but only those in the relationship know what it meant. We cannot eliminate all reminders of the absent person. Reexperiencing grief is to be expected, especially around important dates and when interacting with reminders of people who are gone. Being patient and compassionate with ourselves is crucial. Healing takes time. Submitted by: Dr. Stacey Blalock Henry Excerpted from Christopher W.T. Miller, MD -Washington Post 1. Ask, seek, knock Matthew 7:7 2. Perfect, perfect Matthew 5:48 3. Voice, John 10:4 4. Pharisees, Luke 11:43 5. His transfiguration, Matthew 17:1-9 6. Commandments, John 14:15 7. The prophets, Matthew 23:29 8. “Come, inherit the kingdom” Matthew 25:34 9. False prophets, Matthew 7:15 10. One, Matthew 6:24 Mental Wellness “WHAT GRIEF DOES TO YOUR BRAIN AND HOW TO COPE WITH IT” On February 22nd Mr. E.G. and Mrs. Marcella Ellis renewed their vows to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary. Congratulations on your Diamond Anniversary. CONGRATULATION E.G. & MARCELLA ELLIS
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WEEKLY SCHEDULE Mary Dean Lee Kathy Wallace Joe Lee Jessica Hibbler The SGBC Newsletter is a publication of the Shady Grove Baptist Church. It is published once a month on the 1st of each month. Contact us at [email protected]. Maxine Coleman, Editor SICK HOME BOUND NURSING HOME 18 SUNDAY Sunday School at 9:30 am Worship Service at 7:45 am and 10:45 am MONDAY Dance Weekly at 6 pm TUESDAY Senior Citizen Luncheon 1st Week at 10 am Wise Encouragers 3rd Week at 6 pm WEDNESDAY Brotherhood & Adult Men’s Bible Study 2nd & 4th Week at 6 pm Sisterhood at 6 pm Adult and Youth Bible Study at 7 pm (Adult-Life Center; Youth-Sanctuary) SATURDAY Corporate Prayer at 8 am Join by dialing 720-740-9642 access code 4402008 Boys2Men Ministry 2nd & 4th Week at 11 am Girl Scouts 2nd Week at 11 am Iron Sharpeners 2nd Week at 10 am Women In The Making 3rd Week at 11 am WOW 3rd Week at 10 am Witness 4th Week at 9 am (announced) Youth Ushers at 1 pm (quarterly) Dea. Allen Ellis Barbara Payton Margaret Long Magnolia Gholar Vernice Roberts Linda Bourn Lynn Ellis Betty Dagons Monique Crosby Terry Harris Leona Woullard Lue Dahmer Albert Barnett Josie Davis Darlene Dantzler Celia Grant Angela Thames Harold Dahmer Sr. Vernon Dahmer Jr. Dea. Chester Hopkins Bettye Mott Dea. Ronnie Woullard APRIL CHURCH CALENDAR 2 Senior Citizen Luncheon 13 Financial Literacy Workshop 24 Baptism Baby Dedication