Rev. Jewelly Rice preaches about the precious, cleansing blood of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Rom 3:25 "Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;" 1Co 11:25 "After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me." Eph 1:7 "In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;" Heb 9:12 "Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us." 1Jn 1:7 "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin."

Our Lord is so faithful. He is our Savior, and was sent to die for us. He is God with us and closer than a brother. He gave us life forever, and all have the plan of salvation. His Spirit draws us to Him. All He asks of us after we are saved is to keep His commandments.

Lesson: Matthew 2:1-12 Luke 2:11 "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which iss Christ the Lord."

Our Lord has given us gifts that last eternally; everlasting life, love, joy, peace, faith, goodness, righteousness, and truth. Gal 5:22 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith." Eph 5:9 "For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth."

Luke 2:1-14 "And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Faith is believing without evidence. Hope is our expectations as to what God can and will do. Faith will activate the power given to us by our Lord. Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Rom 10:17 "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."

Act 7:47-50 But Solomon built him an house. Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet, Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest? Hath not my hand made all these things?

Psalm 16:8 I have set the LORD always before me: because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Psalm 62:2 He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be greatly moved. Psa 40:2-3 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.

The Ten Lepers: Luk 17:11-19 And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off: And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed. And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.

Worldwide, people desperately need God's Word. Prayer is the first way to help. Pray for continued access to schools, hotels, prisons, hospitals, and the military. Pray for funds to supply more Scriptures for the world. Most importantly, pray for those who need Jesus Christ as their Savior.

2Ti 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. Gen 6:1-8 And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose. And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years. There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown. And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them. But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.

Rev. Don Van Zandt delivered a sermon about the woman with an issue of blood. If she could but touch the hem of Jesus' garment, she knew she would be healed of a great heath problem. Jesus told her it was her faith that made her whole! Mat 9:22 "But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour."

Commerce Community Church, located in West Des Moines, IA, uploads Sunday sermons each week. Now you can listen to the weekly sermon anytime, anywhere using the RSS feed. You will be blessed by hearing Dr. B. L. Rice present God's Word each Sunday.

Gen 2:7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. Jhn 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. Rom 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. Rom 8:10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

Rev. Jeremy Breese provided Commerce with a sermon that truly fed our souls! He spoke from Ephesians 1:1-23 pointing out seven purposes: 1) desire us to become children of God, 2) to be holy and blameless through Him, 3) to love and be in the beloved, 4) be rich in spirit and wisdom with a mind that changes through God, 5) wants to reveal all mysteries to us, with us pursuing those mysteries, 6) desire to be filled with the Holy Spirit, 7) and vs. 18: "Give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him. The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints."

This has been a very special day, Commerce has celebrated the 42nd anniversary with Dr. B. L. Rice. We had various members sharing their testimonies and history with the church. We have chosen two to share with you, a song written by one of our members, Diana Walker, and a poem written by another member, John Ayers.

We are the precious, great pearl which God has seen and know it is beyond price. He sells all, He gives all to purchase the pearl, His very life! We are that Great Pearl, blessed, loved and cherished by the One who died for us.

O how powerful is the precious "Word of God!" It is the substance of our strength, the hope of our eternal life and so much more. We read it, devour it, and live by this awesome blessing from our God and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Psa 127:3-4 "Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth." Mrk 10:14-6 "But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them."

"And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing." Luke 2:46-48