Southwood Baptist Church

06/18/2026

June 18, 2026
Helping Others Learn to Pray
Our prayers open doors for others to encounter God more deeply.
Luke 11:1-4

After hearing the Lord pray, the disciples recognized they had much to learn about communicating with the Father. So they asked Jesus to teach them. With the Lord as our role model, we can try to motivate our loved ones to develop a prayer life that will endure. Since an example can be even more effective than an explanation, it’s beneficial for them to see and hear us as we talk intimately with God.

When we bring our concerns to the Lord, our family and friends will see how He answers prayers. They’ll also recognize that He’s our provider, protector, and guide. Learning how God responds to our requests can encourage people to take their concerns to Him as well (Phil. 4:6-7).

Fellow believers also need to understand that prayer is not just a list of requests. Rather, it’s a conversation that builds a relationship with the Lord. When they hear us praise and exalt Him, they’ll realize praying should be God-focused rather than self-focused. And as they observe us reading the Bible and letting it guide our requests, they’ll learn to pray according to God’s will.

Sometimes prayer can be challenging, but remain committed. Never forget that you can influence others through your example of faithful prayer.

06/17/2026

June 17, 2026
Hindrances to Accepting God’s Love
Is something in your life preventing you from accepting God's unconditional love?
1 John 3:1-3

Do you ever struggle to embrace the pure love of God? What might prevent a believer from accepting this wonderful blessing?

Our own relationships. Ironically, the way we love each other can distort how we perceive the heavenly Father’s love. As imperfect people, we exhibit imperfect love.

Guilt. Our remorse over sinful behavior might convince us that we are unworthy of God’s love. However, we have the assurance of Scripture that our Father loves us completely.

Legalism. Many people view the Bible as a rule book. However, God gave us His Word for instruction and inspiration, not as a measuring stick by which He distributes love or punishment.

Misinterpretation of divine discipline. God is a trustworthy and caring Father; His discipline and love are intimately connected (Heb. 12:5-6). He corrects our behavior when necessary for our benefit, not as a form of punishment. Jesus already redeemed us from our sin; God doesn’t continue to hold anything over our head.

Is something in your life preventing you from fully experiencing the joy and exhilaration of God’s unconditional love? If so, lay it down before Him today and receive the amazing grace He so freely offers to His beloved ones.

06/16/2026

June 16, 2026
The Unconditional Love of God
God's love isn't something you can earn or lose. It flows from His nature, not your performance.
Romans 5:6-8

New believers may find it difficult to accept that God loves them just as they are. After all, much of the world operates by conditional love, which offers approval and acceptance on the basis of performance. So when we first come to Christ, there is often a natural tendency to assume we must strive to “earn” blessings.

Divine love can never be gained by human effort. There’s nothing we can do to make our Father love us more. Nor can we do anything to make Him stop loving us (Rom. 8:38-39).

No matter what has occurred in your past or what you’re struggling with right now, God’s love is freely given to you. Our heavenly Father pours His love upon us without exception. It’s not as if He postponed loving you until the moment you invited Him into your life. In truth, the Lord never began to love you at all; He always has. From the creation of the world, God knew you and loved you (Ps. 139:13-16; Eph. 1:4-5).

Rejoice in the Father’s love. Experience His peace instead of focusing only on what-ifs, and embrace a life characterized by purpose rather than fear. It’s available as soon as you prayerfully open your arms to His

06/15/2026

June 15, 2026
Understanding the Christian Life
Do you understand what it means to be saved?
Galatians 1:11-17

A change in both lifestyle and understanding should result from salvation (Rom. 12:2). Shortly after encountering Jesus on the road to Damascus, Paul pulled away to Arabia for a time. Before he could start his ministry, he needed to learn from the Lord. Similarly, new believers coming into faith need to understand what salvation really means. Let’s look at some terms that help explain what is meant by “being saved”:

Born again (John 3:3; 2 Cor. 5:17). Rebirth is a starting over. We become new creations in Christ, with new spiritual life and identity.

Converted (1 Thess. 1:9). Converting something means changing it, like money that’s exchanged from one currency to another. The Christian life involves many different changes.

Receiving Christ (John 1:12). We often think of salvation as something God gives us, but it is more than that. When someone trusts in Christ, that person welcomes the Lord to live within his or her being.

Think about how you thought and lived before you knew the Savior, as compared with now. In what ways do you see genuine change? Ask God to reveal areas in your life where Christ could become more evident.

06/14/2026

WEEKLY ANNOUNCEMENT,

6-20-26
VBS Planning Meeting. 11:00
2:00-4:00 Game Night- Fellowship Hall

6-21-26
Fathers Day Service ( No Evening Service)

6-26-25
VBS Planning / Work Meeting 6:30-8:30 SS Room

6-27-26
Westward Road Concert 6:00 pm

7-5-26
God & Country Day ( No Evening Service)
Picnic to follow Morning Service

7-11-26
Church Work Day in preparation for VBS 9:00-12:00

7-12-26
VBS themed morning worship

7-13-7-17-26
VBS If you can please sign up to help.

06/14/2026

Sunday service 6/14/26

06/14/2026

06/14/2026

Revelation 14:1-5
Saints and Angels
Pastor Brent McFarland