News from Isabel Acheson for issue of Aug. 6, 2026
Somerset Bible Chapel
The worship service for Sunday August 2 began with Rejean Picard reading the opening announcements. Pastor Jeff Peacock and Rebekah led the singing. Bill Acheson served as usher. Clayton Kimber led the Prayer Focus. Isabel A. read the Scripture lesson from Romans 8:1-4.
The opening hymn was “It is Well with my Soul” from the Hymnal.
The sermon series “I’m Glad You Asked” by Pastor Jeff dealt this Sunday with questions about Forgiveness. “Is there an unpardonable sin?” “Is there an unforgivable sin?” Often such questions come up in relation to the matter of suicide.
The principles drawn from scripture began with: Mercy and Forgiveness are always available. Matthew 12:22-32 finds Jesus speaking directly with the Pharisees, the gifted, knowledgeable spiritual leaders of the time. They accuse Jesus of doing the work of the devil. They do so knowing that he is in truth the Messiah, sent from God. They know the truth, but choose to deny it. They are fully conscious of their selfish motivation.
The text of 1John 1:8-2:6 makes plain that by common grace to the whole world God is faithful and just to forgive sins and cleanse from all unrighteousness. Romans 5:6-8 speaks of the timing.
The Old Testament deals with conditions before Christ made his physical appearance on earth. The message of the New Testament is that Jesus Christ paid the sin debt and by his resurrection gave evidence of power over sin and death.
The Bible includes 9 specific suicides. One is Judas, the betrayer of Jesus, who felt sorry for what he had done, but did not repent. Another is King Saul, whose intentional disobedience is recorded several times before “the Spirit of the Lord” left him. His life ends when defeat in battle finds him falling on his sword.
A closing comment about the prevalence of depression and anxiety reminded listeners that there are many causes, some medically treatable, others may be spiritual. The world left behind is dealt much suffering. Better to talk to someone, to get help and to get care.
The closing song “Holy Forever” by Chris Tomlin uses language drawn from Revelation 4,5 & 6 describing the church singing to Jesus in Glory.
Monthly bulletins and previous reports are available on the website www.somersetbiblechapel.com.