Connections 7-27-25 by First Southern Baptist Church

July 27, 2025

“But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.” ~ Matthew 5:44-45 (NKJV) ~

LOVING YOUR ENEMIES A LITTLE LESS

1n 2008,Al Rogulski was on a boating and snorkeling trip sponsored by a distributor of his heating and air-conditioning business. Owners and employees from several heating and air firms were there it’s the kind of trip that companies award to their best customers.

One afternoon everyone went snorkeling, but Rogulski chose to stay on the boat; the water was a little too rough for him. Within just a few minutes, several snorkelers began having trouble, including one man in particular: Rogulski could see him floating unconscious in the water, bumping against the boat.

Rogulski helped pull the man to safety, and when no one else could administer CPR, Rogulski took over. It took about 15 minutes to revive the man, but he finally spit out about a half-gallon of water and began to breathe. Rogulski had saved his life.

It’s already a pretty good story, but here’s the twist.

The name of the unconscious man is Don Bertrand. He’s the founder of Brick Heating and Cooling, located in Rogulski’s hometown.

In other words, they’re competitors. Enemies, you might say, in a business sense. Normally they fight each other for customers, but this day Rogulski was fighting for Bertrand.And he saved his life.

The fact that they’re competitors was never an issue for Rogulski. He said, “I just felt like I had to do what I had to do.”

When Jesus said, “Love your enemies,” he was talking about this kind of thing and a little less.

Here’s what I mean: I doubt any of us would bypass a chance to save the life of someone, even someone we might consider an enemy.

But what if it wasn’t about saving their life, but, instead, just giving them a helping hand in a small matter? Could we show them this kind of love as well?

Could you give a ride to someone you know doesn’t like you?

Or visit the hospital room of someone who has criticized you?

Or offer a word of encouragement to someone who would rather discourage you?

This is the little less that loving your enemies sometimes calls for. This kind of love doesn’t make you a hero, but it does make you more like your Father.

Blessings on your week as you perhaps have the chance to love those who love you but also the opportunity to show true love to someone who may not even like you. I do hope to see you all in worship this coming Sunday. I will continue my sermon series: STRAIGHTAHEAD with my sermon: LOVEACTUALLY.

Pastor Terrell

ScheduleforSunday,July27,2025

The Saints Class @ 9:00 AM Room #201

Ruth Class @ 9:00 AM Room #202

Prayer Room open @ 9:00 AM Room #206

Sunday Morning Worship @ 10:30 AM in Worship Center

Schedulefortherestoftheweek:

Tuesday@ 10:00 AM in Room #202 - Men’s Bible Study

Wednesday@ 6:30 PM in Cabin - Youth Group

Thursday@ 6:00 PM in Fellowship Hall - Adult Bible Study

BEGIN reading this week.

Small Groups begin next week, so complete your weekly reading assignment before your group begins.

The Immerse Reading Bible Experience is like no other. Decide today to participate in exploring the Prophets - they are more than just names that are hard to pronounce!

These studies will take the place of our Tuesday Morning 10 AM Bible Studies and our Thursday evening 6 PM Bible Study for August and September with weekly readings for 5 days each week.

Want to learn more? Check out this helpful website: immersebible.com/prophets/ for the weekly videos and the daily audio readings.

Here’s a description of what will be covered: Prophets covers these historical periods: Before the fall of Israel’s northern kingdom with Jonah, Amos, Hosea, Micah & Isaiah; then before the fall of the southern kingdom with Zephaniah, Nahum & Habakkuk; the time of Jerusalem’s destruction with Jeremiah, Obadiah & Ezekiel; finally, after the return from exile with Haggai, Zechariah, Joel & Malachi.

If you don’t yet have one, the IMMERSE: Prophets Bibles are available to purchase at the church for just $5.

go to KID CITY to drop off your preschoolers for Preschool Worship (Beginning @ 10:15AM) AND sign in elementary-aged kids for Kidz4Christ Worship. (dismissed during worship time) IF YOU NEED HELP OR ASSISTANCE Deacon of the Week:

Smith 928-642-2425