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Contributing Writers: Mike Mills, Spring Hill Church | Doug Fincher | Pastor Randy and Sue Smith | Mike Belgard | Tim Perkins
Faith
July 1, 2019 - Starts Monday, July 15 through 19 at Mount Calvary Full Gospel Church two miles from Shelbyville, Texas on Hwy 417 East Starts at 7pm. Guest Speaker - Brother Lamar Denby.
Guest Singers The Stanleys' will be there Friday night.
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1)
July 1, 2019 - For all who have truly and fully accepted Jesus Christ as their own personal Lord and Master there is no judgement on the day of the final judgment of mankind. For those have been set free from that judgement that leads to the death of the spirit.
“For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.” (Romans 8:2)
Our Lord Christ Jesus said this about living in him and knowing his truth, the truth of the gospel of our Lord.
“If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31)
“For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” (Romans 8:3-4)
Jesus Christ gave his life, once for all, on the cross of Calvary that all mankind might have eternal life through his sacrifice. He paid the debt for the sin of all and he requires nothing in return but that we believe in him as Lord of all and King of kings. That we accept his free gift of salvation as we accept him as our personal Lord and Savior.
The law could never accomplish what Christ Jesus was able to accomplish by that one gracious act of love and mercy for all people.
“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.” (Romans 8:5)
This one simple choice is the one choice that all people must make. All must choose whom they will serve, Jesus Christ and eternal life with him in heaven, or, the devil and eternal life with him in hell.
“For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” (Romans 8:6)
No one can not choose for the choice is made at birth for all and that choice is death, all must then choose Jesus Christ to gain life and defeat the death of the spirit.
This must be done; “For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law, indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.” (Romans 8:7)
The choice to serve Jesus Christ must be made or you will be forever lost, forever in torment, forever in pain and suffering.
“You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.” (Romans 8:9)
All must choose the one or the other.
“But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his spirit who dwells in you.” (Romans 8:10-11)
July 1, 2019 - Love and peace from our brother Jesus. We have entered Ordinary Time on the church calendar and will celebrate our nation’s independence on the American calendar. I sure hope everyone has a wonderful Fourth of July with family and friends. We have had a wet June—but I’m not complaining. It started heating up the past week or so, but nothing like the heat wave in Europe. I saw on TV that it was an unheard-of 115 degrees in the south of France! The US women’s soccer team won a big match in France—the French women were the ones with unhappy faces—and is making another run at the world title.
Our Sunday school lesson from Matthew was Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. The literature used the New Common English Translation which says “Happy are people” instead of “Blessed.” Ms. Fannie brought a King James translation, and Gene read the beatitudes in the way we are more accustomed. Our author reminded us how mountains in the Bible signify something very important and often come with fire, smoke, clouds, mystery, light, and revelation.
The Epistle Lesson for today continues Paul’s letter to the Galatians. He is worried about disagreements that are already brewing in the movement. Paul speaks of the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Years ago a writer in the Upper Room devotional wrote that “Christianity is about becoming lovers.” Love as Jesus spoke of it meant compassion and respect for others.
Tomorrow is the first day of July. In June our little church has been collecting toilet paper and paper towels for Community Christian Services. I will transport our donations to them soon, hopefully, as they are currently filling my dogs’ back seat in my truck. In July we will collect cans of spaghetti and ravioli.
I received word that our church’s Charge Conference will be at our church on Saturday, October 5th at 2:00 PM, conducted by Dr. White, our District Superintendent. In recent years, our whole area has met at Center Methodist, but this year he’ll be going to individual churches like we did in the past. Charge Conferences are a “Methodist thing,” but I think most denominations have some sort of yearly meeting.
On Monday we will head to Focused Care for our monthly ministry. The program begins at 10:00. Last week we were at Lakeside Assisted Living for that program. As usual, we had a good crowd, both of presenters and audience. I emceed, and Hilda played their electronic baby grand. Because we were so close to July 4, we sang a couple of patriotic hymns. Later, Sallie sang the verses of “Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory,” while we joined her for the choruses. We were fortunate this time that Mark Ivey was visiting his mother, who asked him to play guitar and sing for us: He graciously performed two songs that he wrote, including one about his father’s death when Mark was young. Fannie reminded us that June featured D-Day and Flag Day, followed closely by the Fourth of July; she read pieces celebrating all three. After her presentation, Gene began “God Bless America.” Later he led us in “His Eye Is on the Sparrow” and Blessed Assurance.” Jo and Margie were kind enough to join us and make us sound better in the congregational singing. Ollie read a piece about Jesus washing the feet of the disciples, and Sue did another Jimmy’s Boa book—The Big Splash Birthday Bash. We sang our usual closing, “God Be with You ‘Til We Meet Again,” and I finished with a benediction. On the way home, it rained so hard in some places that we could barely see!
Our worship time is 10:00 AM; we would love to have you come to worship with us. I know how very busy everyone is: Our early meeting time enables you to move on to family get-togethers or jobs afterward. Not to mention naps, which my wife says are best on Sunday afternoon. Whoever you are, in whatever faith you were born, whatever creed you profess; if you come to this house to find God you are welcome here.” Paxton United Methodist Church is an inviting church that takes to heart the idea of “Open Doors, Open Hearts, Open Minds.” Sunday School starts at 9:30 and Worship begins at 10:00. Our email address is paxtonumc@yahoo.com. If you would like the weekly email newsletter about Paxton Methodist you can send me your email address to the Paxton email address and I will add you to the list. God’s Speed.
June 28, 2019 - Pleasant Grove Cemetery Homecoming is on Saturday, July 6, 2019.
Please join us for the homecoming at the picnic grounds adjacent to the cemetery (behind Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church on CR 1470). We’ll be gathering around 10:30 a.m. Please bring family members, chairs, memories, covered dishes, and an appetite!
After lunch, feel free to continue visiting or join us inside Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church for some uplifting singing!
Donations for the continued upkeep of our cemetery can be made at the homecoming or can be mailed to Pleasant Grove Cemetery Association, c/o Jackie Grant, 269 CR 1505, Center, TX, 75935.
June 27, 2019 - Pastor Byron Coutee, Jr. and the Blount Chapel Missionary Baptist Church would like to invite everyone to our Mission Program this 5th Sunday, June 30th, 2019 at 11am.
Speakers include:
- Sis. Alice Garrett
- Sis. Rillia Thomas
- Bro. Tyrone Garrett
Theme: Holding on to one's faith in suffering Job 2:1-10
Humbly submitted,
Sis. April N. Moore, Church Clerk
June 27, 2019 - Logansport Missionary Baptist Church in Logansport, LA will be having a one day Vacation Bible School July 13th from 8am till 3pm for Pre-k through 6 grade. Please come join us in learning about the word of God and enjoy games and crafts. For information call Sheila Walker 936-269-3682 or 936-590-2795, Vicki Britain 936-269-3928 or 936-254-4807, or Amber Oliver 936-598-9069 or 936-591-7556.
June 27, 2019 - House of Refuge Apostolic Ministries presents an Evening with Lady Pearl Nash on Sunday, July 14, 2019 at 3:30pm. Lady Nash will be escorted by Tyrone Davis and the theme is 'A Treasure' Proverbs 31.
Hostess Lady Pearl Nash invites everyone to enjoy guest speaker Pastor Gina Cutright from Zwolle, LA and a special dance performance by book author Candice Turner.
House of Refuge Apostolic Ministries is located at 215 Church Street in Center, Texas and Pastor is Apostle W.E. Nash, Jr.
June 27, 2019 - The Homecoming for Old Home Baptist Church will be Sunday, July 14th at 10:30.
The annual cemetery business meeting will be at 10:30 followed by singing and the message brought by Bro Hollis Bass. There will be a covered dish lunch in the fellowship hall afterwards.
Everyone is invited to join in. Call or text for details: 936-332-9293
June 26, 2019 - The story is told that one evening, a man lit a taper and began to climb a long, winding stairway. “Where are you going?” inquired the taper. “I am going up higher than a house to show ships the way to the harbor!”
“But no ship in the harbor could ever see my light,” said the taper.“It is so very small.” “If your light is small”, the man responded,“keep burning brightly, and leave the rest to me.”
When the man reached the top of the long steps, he came to a great lamp. Then he took the little taper and lit the lamp. Soon the great polished reflectors behind the lamp sent bright beams of light many, many miles out to sea!
The legend of the taper is but a suggestion of how God can use His light in our lives. Our job is to keep His light glowing. The effectiveness is in His hands.
No wonder we have such language from Jesus: “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel but on a candle-stick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine among men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-15)
So, how brightly is your light for Jesus shining?
It’s something to think about…..tbp
Join us for worship this coming Lord’s day at the Center Church of Christ, 110 Hurst Street, Center, Texas.
June 24, 2019 - “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgements and how inscrutable his ways!” (Romans 11:33)
“For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.” (Romans 11:36)
Let all people give God the glory in all things for only he is God and only he is worthy of our praise and honor.
For he does provide all things to us through his wisdom and knowledge in ways which we cannot comprehend nor understand because his mind is a mystery to us. His ways are much higher than our ways, his thoughts much higher than our thoughts, his reasoning a mystery to our feeble minds. For he is God and there is none other!
Let us look at one of his greatest gifts to mankind, his grace.
“But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus.” (Acts 15:11)
“But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, otherwise grace would no longer be grace.” (Romans 11:6)
Grace comes through the Lord Jesus Christ, for it is through his sacrifice that all who are to be saved will be saved.
Grace allows imperfect people who cannot deserve salvation, who certainly could never earn it, to receive it free of charge. Through faith in the word of the gospel we are given grace from God through the Lord Jesus Christ.
“So faith comes from hearing and hearing through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17)
From hearing the words of the Lord we believe through faith that he is Lord and Master and that through him comes the saving grace of God to all who will simply accept his offer of salvation from the penalties of our sin.
Many would then say, “I am saved by grace and therefore I am relieved of all responsibilities for I am now a child of God.
Part of this is true, as saved people, we are saved by God’s grace through the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus and once saved we certainly are children of the Most High God, but we also do have responsibilities and duties given us by God as his children. We are not saved to sit, but to serve, to serve through the gifts given us through his grace as we become a part of the body of Christ Jesus.
“For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.” (Romans 12:4-5)
Yes, each of us, as we join the body of Christ through grace, become part of a much larger body with each having different functions within the body, even to being a part of one another as we are drawn together in Christ. So we work together for Christ and for one another that all may draw strength and comfort from one another.
And now we see how we are to use the gifts given us by God’s grace. Not by works are we saved, but once saved, by works we serve the Lord and do his will on earth.
“Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.” (Romans 12:6-8)
What then are the marks, the attributes of the true christian?
“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil, hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.” (Romans 12:9-13)
Do these things, this service, that God as set us aside for, cheerfully but most of all, remember, “For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen
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