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Contributing Writers: Mike Mills, Spring Hill Church | Doug Fincher | Pastor Randy and Sue Smith | Mike Belgard | Tim Perkins
Faith
June 8, 2020 - Grace and peace from our brother Jesus, Amen. Sunday was Trinity Sunday, the day on the Christian calendar set aside to celebrate the doctrine of the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The idea of the Trinity is certainly mysterious and is really beyond my comprehension. As our affirmation in our worship service we used the Nicene Creed, one of the oldest creeds.
If you forgot that you lived in Texas, the temperatures this week were a good reminder. Of course, it will get hotter as we enter the summer season. I have been watering every day, trying to get it done in the morning before it gets too hot. I can’t believe it is June. Because of this pandemic and its shelter-in-place, I still think it is March or April. We missed Joe at Sunday School and worship. His grandson was driving in from New Mexico, and I know they will have a great visit.
We once again had “in-house” church. This week, we added Sunday School. For both we practiced social distancing, and most people wore masks. There are 22 states where Covid 19 is expanding—Texas one of the unlucky ones. We still need to be careful and listen to the scientists and medical experts.
Our new Sunday School book is titled Community—Summer 2020. The more I read and understand the faith of Jesus, the more I realize the importance of community. The first lesson was called “Living as God’s People.” The text, Deuteronomy 8: 1-10, spoke about the Israelites’ forty-year trek through the wilderness. Ms. Fannie tied this ancient story to our times now. The author reminded us that God wants us to know eternal and enduring love; further, God will always love us and draw us toward him.
This certainly has been a sad and difficult time for our nation. I am reminded of that line in “America the Beautiful”: “America! America! God mend thine every flaw.” We have a long way to go to become a more just and compassionate nation. We need to remember that regardless of differences, we are all children of God.
For my sermon I read several theologians who had differing takes on the Trinity. Garrison Keillor said this about love on his show, A Prairie Home Companion: “We should not think that we have figured out love, because it is not a problem; it’s a mystery and always will be.” You could substitute the Trinity for love, and the statement would still be true.
In the month of June, Paxton Methodist will collect toilet paper and paper towels. Just a few months ago this project would have been impossible! I delivered cans of fruit and some cash donations to Community Christian Services last Wednesday. It was great to see John Paul, Jay, Debbie, and all the other hard workers of CCS. They certainly are well organized and efficient, adapting to fit pandemic guidelines.
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, and Open Minds.” 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 your email address to the Paxton email address, and I will add you to the list. God’s Speed.
June 8, 2020 - Why are Christians, those who profess Jesus Christ as Lord of all, different from the world?
It is simple really, because we who have accepted Jesus Christ as our Sovereign Lord and Savior worship not some golden image or wooden idol made by the hands of man, nor some long dead god or prophet of olden times.
No, we worship the one true living God of this universe, creator of all things and Savior of the world.
What makes us different is our unrelenting faith in our Redeemer who lives now in heaven as he prepares a place for all who love him. Our faith that his promise to return for us is good and true and that he will certainly do so in time.
One might say, "But you also say that this Jesus you worship died on a cross for the sin of all men!"
Yes, we do say that for it is true, Jesus gave himself, his own human life, that others might live. And all anyone has to do to gain that everlasting life is to believe in him as Lord of all and profess that belief to others around us.
So how then can one who gave his own life and died on the cross live now in heaven? For God raised him from the dead on the third day after his death on the cross of Calvary, the first fruits of resurrection, and he lives now forever, never to die again, just as will all who love him and follow him as their Lord.
On the third day after Jesus' death on the cross, early that morning just as day was breaking the women who had followed Jesus all the way from Galilee during his ministry came to the tomb to anoint his dead body with oils and fragrances.
"But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they (the women) went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus." (Luke 24:1-3)
One can only imagine the surprise and wonder that overcame them for they had been at the cross the entire time that the Lord had suffered and died and had followed his body to the tomb and watched it being wrapped in linen and laid on the stone of rest in the tomb. And now, three days later, he is gone!
"While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel.
And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, "Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, BUT HAS RISEN.
Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise."
And they remembered his words, and returning from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest." (Luke 24:4-9)
Many of the disciples did not, could not believe what the women were telling them, including Peter.
"But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home marveling at what had happened." (Luke 24:12)
Even for those who had spent years being taught by the Lord, living with him day and night; resurrection from the dead was almost too much to believe, but this would all change as Jesus appeared among them time after time during the next forty or so days.
It is so now for many in todays world, but the fact remains: "MY REDEEMER LIVES and one glorious day I will stand beside him in glory, forever with my Lord.
Praise and glory to the Lord Jesus Christ...
You too can stand with him one day in glory, all you must do is to accept him as Lord of all and profess him to the world around you. May you submit to him this day and forever in love for the Sovereign Lord...
June 3, 2020 - In my reading about the American Civil War, I read of a woman who heard that the enemy (Yankees) was approaching. She immediately grabbed a poker from beside the fireplace and rushed out of the house into the yard. Someone standing nearby laughed and asked, “What good do you think that poker will do against guns?” She grimly replied, “At least they will know which side I am on!”
Jesus was concerned about this when he said, “He that is not with me is against me” (Matthew 12:30). There is no such thing in Christianity as a “middle of the road” position. We may refuse to take part in the troubles of individuals. We may refuse to take part in the differences in nations. But we cannot refuse to take a part in the work of the Lord. Refusal places us against Christ. In no other condition in life is this felt so severely as in the work of Christ. There is a reason for this. Our final home with God depends on what we do while we dwell on this earth. We are constantly fighting evil and upholding right if we live as Jesus would have us to live and according to his teachings. It is a race. It is a battle. It is a struggle. There is no place where we may rest and there is no possibility of capitulation. We must be constantly on the march.
We need to pick up our pokers and let the devil and his crowd know whose side we are on!
It’s something to think about . . . tbp
Come and join us for worship at Center Church of Christ, 110 Hurst Street, Center, Texas.
June 3, 2020 - Come enjoy a BBQ chicken plate on Saturday, June 6th from 11am until 2pm and support Smyrna Church Youth Group as they make plans to attend church camp!
Delivery available in the Center area when 10 or more plates are ordered.
We will be selling plates at The Gathering Place, 708 Southview Circle, Center, TX 75935 and the Huxley Fire Station.
Pre-Sale plates are available and will include half-chicken, baked beans, potato salad, bread, and a bottle of water for $10 a plate!
The following is a link to the Facebook event where you can message the event host with questions or to place an order - https://facebook.com/events/s/bbq-chicken-plate-fundraiser/612723912784840/?ti=ia or call 9363320052.
June 3, 2020 - Jesus said that by the love we have for one another we will be known in this world as his disciples.
By our attitudes toward others, by our willingness to help those less fortunate than ourselves, by our eternal faith in our precious Lord Jesus Christ, the attitude of one whose future is secure, one whose destiny is set and one who has the knowledge that nothing the world can do can effect that destiny of truth and love.
So what happens when one puts his trust in the Lord and accepts the Son of God as his own personal Lord and Master?
Why do Christians seem to almost always have a smile and a kind word for others?
"I waited patently for the Lord, he inclined to me and heard my cry." (Psalm 40:1)
Yes, the Lord always hears the prayers of the lost, the prayers seeking forgiveness, the prayers of repentance, and he always responds to sincere prayers seeking redemption from sin.
"He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure." (Psalm 40:2)
And so will he do also for you. You too can know the joy, the peace, of being forever in the care of the Lord Jesus Christ, led each day by his Holy Spirit through the pitfalls of life. You too will then have a new song in your heart, a song that brightens your day and the day of all whom you meet each day.
"He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord." (Psalm 40: 3)
For many people, the disciples of Christ will be the only link they have to the Lord Jesus Christ. By our actions, our attitudes toward others is He, our Lord known in the world.
Think of that, you, a born-again sinner, now a disciple of Christ Jesus, can be the light that shines into the darkness of their lives and illuminates the path for their feet to come before the Holy Spirit and be convicted of their sinful lives and accept Jesus Christ as their Lord, forever... Wow! Wow! Wow!
Let us go forth illuminating the darkness of this evil world, shining the light of the gospel unto all the world.
"Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust, who does not turn to the proud, to those who go astray after a lie! (Psalm 40:4)
Yes, blessed; blessed are those who put their trust in the Lord, those who accept him as their Sovereign Lord and shine the light of his gospel unto all the world.
Why am I smiling all day?
How could I not be for I am full of joy as I bask in the light of the world, my Lord, my Savior, Jesus Christ, the living Son of God.
For he has written his law, his will within my heart and I am secure in my faith and my destiny of hope and love in him.
"I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart." (Psalm 40:8)
"But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation say continually, "Great is the Lord!" (Psalm 40:16)
"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." (Matthew 7:7)
Won't you come today, come to him, call out to him, "Lord Jesus save me for I am a sinner who wishes to turn from my wicked past, to do your will, and to walk in your light forevermore.
Save me Lord Jesus! And he will!
June 3, 2020 - Mid-week Bible study resumes at the Center Church of Christ Wednesday, June 10 at 7pm. Everyone is welcome to attend. Social distancing practices per state guidelines remain in effect for the safety of everyone in attendance.
Regular Sunday morning worship in one service resumed May 17 at 10:45 following eight weeks of meeting in groups of 10 or less for multiple shortened services. State recommended social distancing and non-contact practices have been followed in each service since March 22 and will continue to be followed allowing everyone who desires the opportunity to worship as New Testament Christians did in Acts chapter 20 to participate.
The Center Church of Christ is located at 110 Hurst Street in Center. Tim Perkins is the minister. For more information call 936-598-2945.
June 1, 2020 - Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church will be in revival Monday, June 1 through Friday, June 5! Services begin at 7:00 each night. Join us afterward in the fellowship hall for some great food and fellowship!
Sunday Morning Worship Services will resume Sunday, June 7th at 10:00 am!
Worship within the Sanctuary or online.
June 1, 2020 - The Pastor and members of Bright Morning Star Baptist Church located at 623 Martin Luther King Dr., officially announce that we are re-opening our doors for worship Sunday, June 7th at 10am with Sunday school. Children will attend worship with parents with social distancing requirements. We are encouraging all to wear face masks to protect those around us and practice social distancing by keeping a minimum of 6 feet distance between each other. The pews have been marked with tape so show where individuals can sit that are not in the same household.
If you or someone you love is in a high-risk category, we encourage you to stay home and continue to worship online with us.
- We will maintain social distancing between family groups.
- We will use offering boxes located at the back and front of the auditorium.
- Please feel free to wear a mask and/or gloves you bring from home. We have some masks, gloves, and hand sanitizer available at the church.
- There will be no hymn books or bulletins available. Worship will be directed by the worship leaders and the Pastor.
- Please respect others and do not attend if you are not feeling well, have a fever or underlying health issues. We want this to be a safe place for all.
The service will continue to be broadcast on our Facebook live page. So please do whatever is safe and comfortable for you and yours. We will respect your choice. We look forward to seeing those of you who choose to come and worship with us!
June 1, 2020 - Grace and peace from our brother Jesus, Amen. Sunday was the Day of Pentecost, which marks 50 days since Easter. In the early church, Pentecost was considered the second most important day next to Easter. Ancient Jewish people also revered Pentecost, which for them marked fifty days from Passover.
I think people worldwide are having Covid 19 fatigue. Sue and I are retired, so we haven’t had to face furloughs or layoffs. Our hearts go out to the forty million Americans who have lost their jobs. In our country’s desire to get back to work and to normal, it seems as if some have forgotten coronavirus. But rest assured, the virus hasn’t forgotten us. This week we saw the death toll reach 100,000. We need to proceed with caution, intelligence, and greater compassion for our fellow human beings.
This was our first time back at Paxton Methodist Church in a long time. It was so good seeing everyone—at least through face masks! We practiced social distancing (not so difficult when you have a small congregation), adapted our singing, and will change up Communion for these pandemic times. It’s still worship, and we still take heart in observing it together.
We were in double digits, with all our regulars there. We had two songs: On CD “O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing,” which is considered the Methodist anthem, and a beautiful hymn Mrs. Hilda played on the piano. As part of the “Prayers of the Church,” I read selections from the Memorial Day Prayer found in the United Methodist Book of Worship. We visited from a distance before and after church. The church house had been thoroughly cleaned, and the church voted to hire the same lady to clean on a regular basis.
Ms. Hilda’s sister Velma is not doing well; we all need to keep her in our prayers. Friday I had a call from Lillie, sounding so good. She is at home in Houston and is able to put 50% of her weight on her foot. She was so ready to leave the hospital and rehab behind. She wanted me to thank everyone for the cards.
The beginning of Acts 2 describes the gale force winds and the spreading of God’s Spirit like wildfire. I used the Bible paraphrase called The Message because I like the images and wording. Pentecost for Christians describes the disciples stepping out and telling the Jesus story. The Jesus followers went into the streets of Jerusalem during the Jewish celebration of Pentecost to share what they learned from hearing and witnessing the actions of Jesus. They spoke of God in the here and now—God, who is Love, the source of life, and the very Ground of Being.
During the month of May we collected cans of fruit. Sue and I will deliver them to Community Christian Services this week. In June we are going to collect toilet paper and paper towels. Our nursing home ministries are on hold.
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, and Open Minds.” 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 your email address to the Paxton email address, and I will add you to the list. God’s Speed.
May 28, 2020 - God gives instruction for righteous living to all who will read and study his word.
"Hear, O sons, a father's instruction, be attentive, that you may gain insight, for I give you good precepts; do not forsake my teachings." (Proverbs 4:1-2)
He tells us to listen to him that we may gain wisdom and understanding about life, as he gives us only good and right knowledge. And, he warns us not to deny his teachings for to do so is to commit spiritual
suicide.
suicide.
I am going to tell you now, "If you do not have a Bible, go and get one, if you have one now, good start reading it each and every day, above all else, study God's word that you will not be deceived by the evil one and his workers that surround us all this day."
God will tell you, in his word, everything that you will ever need to know about all things.
"Get wisdom; get insight; do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth." (Proverbs 4:5)
God speaks of wisdom and insight as they are a woman as he calls them "her" in these next verses of his Scripture.
"Do not forsake her and she will keep you; love her, and she will guard you. The beginning of wisdom is this. Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight. Prize her highly, and she will exalt you; she will honor you if you embrace her." (Proverbs 4:6-8)
You might wonder, "Why is God so intent upon me gaining wisdom and insight?"
He wants you to do able to navigate the most treacherous of the waters of our journey through life on earth and nothing does more to fortify us against the evils of this world than wisdom and insight.
Wisdom being defined as the ability to discern inner qualities and to gain meaningful relationships throughout this life.
Insight being defined as the power or ability to see into any situation of life. To understand the inner nature of people and things, to see intuitively, to know, to understand.
"Hear, my son, and accept my words, that the years of your life may be many. I have taught you the way of wisdom; I have led you in the paths of uprightness. When you walk, your step will not be hampered, and if you run, you will not stumble." (Proverbs 4:10-12)
God's word will see all who study it and heed it through all the trials and tribulations of this life and this world and will place one firmly in the kingdom of God at the end of one's life here on earth.
"Keep hold of instruction; do not let go; guard her, for she is your life. Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of the evil. Avoid it and do not go on it; turn away from it and pass on." (Proverbs 4:13-15)
"My son, be attentive to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Let them not escape from your sight; keep them within your heart. For they are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh. Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. Put away from you crooked speech, and put devious talk far from you. Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil." (Proverbs 4:20-27)
Again, I say, if you do not have a Bible, go and get one, if you have one then begin today to read and to study so that you will not be deceived by the evil one and his minions.
Only two things on this earth stand between you and hell, the Bible and its instructions and the Holy Spirit of God which you receive as a free gift when you accept Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Master.
Do it today for the time grows shorter with each passing day.
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