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Contributing Writers: Mike Mills, Spring Hill Church | Doug Fincher | Pastor Randy and Sue Smith | Mike Belgard | Tim Perkins
Faith
December 5, 2018 - Members and Pastor of Carroll Chapel CME Church in Shelbyville, would like to invite you to their Annual Harvest Time Program on Sunday, December 16 at 3pm. Our keynote speaker will be Rev. Richard Edwards of the Mount Zion CME Church in Center, Tx. Everyone is invited.
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)
December 4, 2018 - For one searching for salvation this verse may be confusing as those searching have not yet found and so understanding has not yet come to those who still seek.
The gift of life is given through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross of calvary. By his death Jesus took the sin of all mankind and cast them into the deepest sea, fulfilling the Father’s requirement for forgiveness and salvation.
As we accept Jesus as Lord we too are released from the penalties of sin, as Jesus, we too are then dead to the world but forever alive in Christ, forever in service to the One who died for all, that all might receive the gift of life eternal.
“But now we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive (sin), so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old way of the written code (Mosaic Law).” (Romans 7:6)
For one to die without salvation the penalties for denying Christ as Lord is to die what is called the :second death”, or the death of one’s spirit. Physical death comes to all people but death of the spirit only comes to those who have not accepted Jesus Christ as their Sovereign Lord and Master.
All those are condemned to an eternity of darkness, separated from God, being tortured and tormented forever. All the while realizing that all they had to do to prevent this second death was to accept Jesus as their Lord.
“There is therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.” (Romans 8:1-2)
For by Christ’ death and resurrection; death, hell, and the grave has been defeated. Christ has overcome the world, the devil and all his deceptions and all who follow Jesus, by his power, also overcome the same.
“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)
For all who have accepted Jesus as Lord and have received salvation from the penalties of sin are no longer living in the world but in the Spirit of Light which is the Lord Jesus Christ. No longer controlled by fleshly passions but led by the Spirit of God so that we understand the prophecies of the Book of Life, God’s Word.
“Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law.” (Proverbs 30:18)
Without spiritual knowledge one cannot determine what is good or what is evil and will be led by the devil into the pit of destruction that is known as hell.
But, for those who are led by the Spirit of God their steps are illuminated by the glory of God that they can walk and not stumble as their paths are made straight and level by the Lord.
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing to the glory that is to be revealed to us.” (Romans 8:18)
No man can know how majestic the kingdom of God is, how beautiful or how wonderful our lives spent in heaven with Christ will be.
We can only look forward to it and patiently wait for that glorious day when he will call each of his own home to be with him forever. May you find his blessings and gain understanding into his salvation…
December 3, 2018 - “A double minded man is unstable in all his ways….” James 1:8
When I decided to get a B.A. instead of a B.S. at ETBU, I knew I would have to take a course in some foreign language. And since Greek was the World language when Jesus was born and since our New Testament was originally written in Greek, I decided Greek would be my foreign language choice.
On the first morning of Dr. Roark’s class, we were given some free advice. “Young men,“ he began, “If you plan to miss any of my classes, don’t bother coming back.” “A third of you will either flunk out or drop out of this class and it will probably be “διαιρώντας το μυαλόo” that caused it.” “Those Greek words are translated as “worry” in English but they mean literally “to divide the mind.” “And you can’t pass this course unless you come to every class with an “undivided mind.”
I immediately thought of my “divided mind´ through High School. As teachers like Mr. Wyatt was trying to explain Algebra, I day-dreamed about going down to perch fish or swim at Weaver’s pond as soon as school let out. Consequently, my “divided mind” made me barely pass Algebra even though I had great fun after school.
Because of my determination to learn Greek from Dr. Roark, I began challenging Tony Evans and Jimmy Millikan for first place in the class. On the second year, I asked Dr. Roark who did best on the last test. I had a 99 and Tony and Jimmy both had 96’s. I later learned that they both became Seminary Professors. In 1947…at 14 years of age… I gave my life to Christ. It was unconditional surrender. And I will always be fine…
……….if I serve Him with an “undivided mind”.
December 3, 2018 - Sunday was the First Sunday of Advent. The church really looked festive this morning. Joy and Gene bought a new Christmas tree full of lights. Joy, Gene, and Carolyn decorated the tree. Ms. Fannie bought poinsettias and placed them along the communion rail. Sue and I noticed the manger scene in front of the church when we drove back from Nacogdoches. It is really starting to feel like Christmas!
We started the winter quarter in our Sunday School lessons. Last quarter the author provided more questions than answers, which probably is a good thing. I always like to find the page of the new lesson book with the picture and biography of the writer. This one is a retired minister and a writer. The first lesson, “Love and Devotion,” featured Deuteronomy 6: 1-9. Included in the scripture is the Shema, a prayer to be said several times a day: “Love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your being, and all your strength.” The author reminded us that Jesus said this was the most important commandment and added that the way to love God is to love our fellow human beings.
We have begun a new liturgical year in Christianity. Our focus is preparing ourselves so that we can live Kingdom lives. We are fast approaching the birth of John and then, of course, the birth of Jesus. The scripture from Luke sounded pretty scary. It is apocalyptic literature that speaks of the end of an age and the dawning of a new one. Our hope is that this new time will be one of peace and justice, with the ways of the Christ paramount in our lives.
With the Church Conference and Charge Conference complete, my attention looks back on 2018. In fine Methodist tradition, End-of-Year Reports detail what the local church has done in the past year. Much of the report deals with finances, and I have the able assistance of our church treasurer Gene, who keeps very good records. Later this month, I will have my yearly meeting with our District Superintendent, Dr White, in Lufkin. Since I was not raised in the Methodist Church, all these reports and meetings were new to me. But in my 20th year as a Methodist minister, I am finally catching on! Larry has been doing research in old Shreveport Times and found an article from 1910 about a Quarterly Conference that was held in Tenaha. I guess I need to stop my complaining about yearly reports!
Last week was our program at Lakeside Assisted Living, postponed because of Thanksgiving. We had many participants—ones who live there and ones we brought. Mrs. Hilda played the piano for all the congregational singing, about half of which was from the Christmas section. I stepped in as emcee, and Pastor Matt did the “preacher parts.” Sallie, Stellar, and Gene all sang specials. Nora still hasn’t “found” her (singing) voice, so she read a patriotic essay her niece had written. Fannie told us about the writing and performing of “God Bless America,” followed by Gene leading us in the actual song. Sue read “Everything I Know About Christmas I Learned from a Little Golden Book.” As usual, it was lovely to have Margie join us; we missed Jo, whose fracture is giving her trouble.
During the month of December we will collect cans of soup for Community Christian Services. Paxton Methodist sent money to First Baptist Joaquin to buy Christmas gifts for young folks in the community, and Sue and I adopted an Angel Tree child. The Paxton Christmas Party is Thursday, December 13th at 6pm: program first, followed by a potluck meal. We hope to see you there!
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 9:30am and Worship begins at 10am. 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.
Randy & Sue Smith
Paxton Methodist Church
December 3, 2018 - This Christmas as we celebrate the miraculous gift of Jesus, may we share with others the joy that knowing him brings!
Strong Triumph Church, under the leadership of Elder Faye Dell Allen, cordially invites everyone to join in with us as we celebrate the reason for the season and share His love with our family and friends in our annual Christmas celebration.
The celebration will take place Saturday, December 15, 2018 at 7pm. Speaker for this spectacular celebration will be newly elected shepherd, Rev. Charles McCowin of Triumph the Church and Kingdom of God in Christ of Houston, Texas.
We invite all choirs, soloists, and praise dancers to join in the celebration. For more information, please call Elder Faye Dell Allen at 936-368-2611 or 936-572-5810.
November 30, 2018 - "First Christmas" – a First Baptist Center holiday production – is coming Saturday, December 8 at 6pm and Sunday, December 9 at 6pm. It’s a gift from the First Baptist Family to our community!
Both performances are free and will feature adult, senior adult, and children’s choirs; soloists; costumed living nativity; sing-a-longs; drama and comedy; candlelight carols; bells; and much more. Come and join us as we share the fun, the joy, and the message of Christmas!
November 26, 2018 - First Baptist Church will be hosting National Award winning, Southern Gospel Quartet Group, Paul's Journey in a Free Christmas Concert on December 9th at 6pm. We would like to invite Timpson and the surrounding area. It will be a blessed night of music, fun, and entertainment for the whole family. The doors will open at 5pm, seating will be first-come, first serve, so come early to get the best seats. Concert begins at 6pm. There will be a "Love Offering" taken up during the concert.
"Entertaining, uplifting, and ministry-minded" are words often used to describe a Paul's Journey event. Paul's Journey, a Chapel Valley Music Recording artist on the "Inspire" label, is an award-winning group based in the Houston, Texas area. The ministry of Paul's Journey is in its 40th year now, and they have garnered many Top 40 Radio hits and earned many awards down through the years such as the 2007 "SGM FanFair Group of the Year". In 2012 Paul's Journey was nominated for "Horizon Group of the Year" and in 2013, 2014 and 2015 the group was chosen by Southern Gospel Music fans as one of the "Top 5 Traditional Quartets" in the country. Year after year they continue to sing on some of the biggest stages of Southern Gospel Music including the National Quartet Convention. Throughout time, this powerhouse group has quickly become known for their unique style and blend. The group travels some 200 dates per year all across the USA and abroad.
Paul's Journey is comprised of Rod Treme, Ron Higgins, Brad Davis, Keith Gilliam and David Thornhill on keyboards. From up-tempo songs to heart-felt ballads, from the progressive sounds of today to the classics of yesterday, audiences of all generations and denominations are recognizing the refreshing sound of Paul's Journey. Their high-energy performances and enthusiasm is captivating, contagious, and spiritually uplifting.
We look forward to seeing everyone come for a great community event!
First Baptist Church of Timpson is located at 715 North 2nd Street in Timpson, Texas 75975. For more information regarding this performance feel free to contact the church office at 936-254-2220. For more information about Paul's Journey or their ministry, check them out at www.paulsjourneymusic.com or contact The Victory Agency at 936-333-0174.
November 26, 2018 - First Baptist Church of Center is having a blood drive on Thursday, November 29, 2018 starting at 10am and ending at 2:30pm in the fellowship hall. Be a Hero! Contact Teresa Crawford at 936-598-5605 with sponsor code 7765. Free T-Shirt to donors!
November 26, 2018 - Sunday was Christ the King Sunday. We Americans are not real keen on kings and queens, but the question posed by Christ the King Sunday is whether we put the ways of Christ first. Are we working to bring his Kingdom of justice, tolerance, and peace into our world? We completed our series of Sunday School lessons and will be ready for the Winter Quarter next Sunday. Our lesson once again focused on Jacob. What I think we all realized is how flawed Jacob was; yet God saw potential and was ready to be the God for Jacob and the nation that would come from his family.
It was great to see everyone. Before church we talked about Thanksgiving. Some prepared a feast at home for their families and some, (like Sue & I) went out to eat with family. Everyone seemed to have a good time with family and friends. The Gospel Lesson for this Sunday was John 18: 33-37, where we see Pilate quizzing Jesus about being the King of the Jews. This seems like a strange scripture for a Sunday a month or so before Christmas. But it is Christ the King Sunday—and Jesus explains that his Kingdom deals not with earthly things such as borders or national pride but with truth and justice.
After services we loaded up the rice and beans we’ve been collecting for Community Christian Services. Next month we’ll gather soup to donate. The Paxton Christmas Party will be December 13th, program at 6:00 PM and potluck meal afterward.
The Methodists of Shelby County met Sunday afternoon at FUMC Center for our annual Charge Conference. Our District Superintendent, Dr White, presided and we dispatched with all the business pretty quickly. Each church gave a short report. We had special music from Chris Watlington and Sally and Danny Paul Windham. So I guess we Methodists are ready to go for another year. In fine Methodist tradition, churches will now start preparing the “end-of-year” reports.
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.
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.” (Psalm 136:1)
“Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me.” (Psalm 138:7)
November 26, 2018 - As God’s love is steadfast, enduring forever, I have no fear of this world for I know that the power of my God is greater than any power of this earth and that he will deliver me from my enemies. And I know that if he chooses not to pluck me from the clutches of my enemies, that he will receive me into his kingdom forever.
So, what have I to fear from the world and all its evils; nothing, for my God has already overcome the world and all who follow him shall overcome the world by his strength and mercy.
“Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence?” (Psalm 139:7)
Because God is Omnipresent, meaning he is everywhere at once, there is no where that I can go where God cannot see me and protect me from evil.
If I sink to the bottom of the sea, or climb the highest mountain, or go into the darkest place, God is already there watching out for me, lighting my path as bright as the mid-day sun.
“Give thanks to the God of heaven for his steadfast love endures forever.” (Psalm 136:26)
I can truly say this day as did the great servant of God, Job; “For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth.” (Job 19:25)
Yes, I know from the pages of God’s Holy Word that he lives and that some day, when he chooses, he will return to the earth and he will stand on the mountain of Zion and all peoples from all over the world will come and bow down to him as they tremble in fear at the sight of his majesty and power.
Oh what a day that will be when my Redeemer returns to rule and reign over the earth.
So the thing that I must ask you this day is; “where will you be when he returns in glory and power?”
The price of salvation has been paid for all people, have you accepted your salvation, if Christ returns today will he find you anxiously, joyously waiting for him or will he find you with the world, hiding in fear of his wrath which is soon to come to the world?
“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. Declare these things, exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.” (Titus 2:11-15)
And so I ask you once again, if Christ were to return today, where would he find you? There is a choice that every person must make, either to follow God and have eternal life in the Spirit, or, follow the devil and the world and die the second death, the death of one’s spirit, sentenced to an eternity of torment in the fires of hell. Choose wisely today for your decision is forever. May you find your blessings in the Lord this day and know his joy forever…
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