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Contributing Writers: Mike Mills, Spring Hill Church | Doug Fincher | Pastor Randy and Sue Smith | Mike Belgard | Tim Perkins
Faith
August 18, 2017 - I saw a bumper sticker not too long ago that I thought was kind of humorous that said, "Live your life in such a way that the preacher won't have to lie at your funeral." As I continued down the road I began thinking, there really was some wisdom to that little statement. I began to think; What if we lived our lives everyday in such a way that we would insure that the legacy that we leave with our family and friends would be one that they could and would, want to emulate? How can we insure a legacy of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control?
With what's been going on in our country recently and around the world, it's hard for us to believe that human beings can be capable of true love. We have "prostituted" the true meaning of love. For many, love is equated to sex. For some it has become a verb that we use to describe how much we really care for something ( i.e. "I love chocolate."). But for believers in Christ "love" should take on a much deeper meaning. For a believer in Christ we are commanded to love everyone with an unconditional love.
Now I know that this may come as surprise to some of my friends and fellow Christians, but I will say it again for emphasis, God has commanded us to love everyone. John 13:35 "By this all men will know you are my disciples, if you have love one to another." That's right even those, that we do not agree with or who have opposing views than ours. As a matter of fact in 1John 4:20 the writer delves deeper into what God thinks of Christians who hate, "If anyone says, 'I love God,' but hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not." That's pretty cut and dry.
The only thing that is going to stop this violence and hatred in America and the world is the love of Christ demonstrated by those who call themselves His. Its the only way. We as believers of Christ; that's all races and denominations, must come together to pray for our country and for those who have fallen prey to the hatred that Satan has put in the hearts of those in the world. Its time for us to be "salt and light."
We need to stand up and be "the church." As a pastor I call on all pastors to preach what the word of God says in Ephesians 5:1-2 "Be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." Teach your congregations what the Spirit of God is saying in these difficult times.
So the answer to our original question is wrapped up in this verse. We are to be imitators of God. To leave a legacy of love we have to "be" love to those who do not know love. It's like investing money in a bank. The more money you invest the more money you will be able to leave those you love. The same is true with people and love. The more love you invest in their lives, the more love you will leave them when you are gone. The more love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control you invest in life the more you will leave in this world when you are gone. Because just like money it accrues interest and starts to grow itself. That's how legacies are built.
How do you want to be remembered? Do you want to be remembered as the generation who through love out the window? When you die, what do you want your family and friends to look back and gain encouragement from in your life? I would guess that you would want them to remember you in a positive way. You may be feeling that its too late for you to change. Maybe you feel like you have never known love so you can't show that kind of love. Well God loves you so much that He gave his son Jesus for you. Trust Him and allow His spirit to guide you. It will change your life and allow you to leave a legacy of love in this world that will never pass away. Jude 1:21 "keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life."
Im just Sayin
Michael Belgard
August 17, 2017 - Exciting things are happening at Toledo Bend Cowboy Church in Huxley. Bro. Jeff Spring will start a 4 week series on Signs of the Times; The Road to the Apocalypse on Sunday, August 20th. This is going to be a great series, and one that is definitely needed at this time. We know you won’t want to miss a single segment of this informative and timely series.
On Friday, August 25th, all are invited to attend a concert featuring the Christian music group Summit Trace. A FREE Covered Dish Dinner at 6:00 PM will proceed the concert which will start at 7:00PM. From its outset in 2013, the message of Summit Trace has struck a resounding chord – a genuine burden to reach the lost, minister to those who are hurting, and encourage the church. This purpose driven devotion continues to be delivered by some of the most talented and spirit filled young men in Christian Music. Lead vocalist Keith and his son Alex have previously toured with a number of respected Christian Music artists perfecting their God given talents in ministry and now bring that experience to the stage with Summit Trace. The result is rich, high-energy, harmonies, stirring testimonies and a message of hope conveyed by professional, sincere, compassionate servants of the body of Christ.
These men are certainly no strangers to the Christian music world having a long list of accomplishments during their vocal careers. Christian music is genetically programmed into their DNA. Each one grew up surrounded by the sound of people praising God through their musical gifts. They experienced a very impressive musical beginning even before reaching their teenage years. They sang together for several years in regional bands until 2006 when the door was opened for both Keith and Alex to begin touring with the Anchormen. During this time the group experienced continued success with Keith serving as the group's lead vocalist on several of the group's high-charting songs such as 'Reach Out To Jesus', 'Almost Time To Fly', 'Everything But Time', and 'All In A Sunday's Work'. After a four-year tenure with the Anchormen, Keith went on to join the award-winning Dove Brothers Band, while Alex began touring as a soloist. Following the call of God to begin touring together again, Keith and Alex formed Summit Trace early in 2013 reuniting their unparalleled vocal excellence and impeccable tight family harmony.
After teaming up with long time friend and outstanding musician, Justin Hamby, Summit Trace began to reserve their spot as one of the most prominent, talented new bands in Christian music. Their style and versatility have earned devoted fans all across the US. They consistently deliver an exciting energy packed concert and a message that ministers to each person individually in a way that is genuinely and sincerely felt by all, and they are committed to continue doing so for as long as God makes a way.
With the success of their debut radio release 'Better Than Ever', this group has taken Christian music and radio by storm. The song, which is produced by the award-winning Donna Beauvais King and penned by dynamic songwriter Sherri LaFontaine, showcases the vocal team's unique style and tight harmony.
Whether you’re listening to Summit Trace for the first time or have been a faithful follower, you won't be disappointed. An event with Summit Trace combines talent, sincerity, and professionalism to create a memorable concert experience. Their goal for the evening is to usher in the presence of God and celebrate the Christian message. They feel privileged and honored to enjoy the freedom to honor Christ with any and all of their abilities. Their purpose is obvious. These people love great songs, know how to deliver them, and obviously love God and ministry!
If you have any questions, please call Lynda Huebel, 936-368-2547 or Bro. Jeff Spring at 936-488-9091.
August 14, 2017 - Overcomers Recovery is presenting a 4 week Seminar featuring Joyce Meyer “Beauty for Ashes” beginning Wednesday, August 16th at 6 p.m. Timpson Assembly Outreach Center.
Timpson Assembly Outreach is located at the corner of Houston & 59 in Timpson.
Many people seem to have it all together outwardly, but inside they are a wreck.
Their past has broken, crushed, and wounded them inwardly. They can be healed. God has a plan for everyone. Come join us and be set free from the past.
August 16, 2017 - We are ready for another Great year of AWANA. All we are waiting on is you!
August 23rd is our Kick-Off Night. Registration and meal begins at 5:45pm.
Parents are invited to visit the classrooms, meet our AWANA leaders, and see first hand what your child will be learning this year.
Pastor - David Long
Awana Commander - Sue Finch
August 15, 2017 - There was a man of the Pharisee’s named Nicodemus, a ruler of Jews, who came to the Lord Jesus one night seeking answers to his questions of salvation and eternal life.
Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” (John 3:5)
Many people have the same question as did Nicodemus.
All people are first, born to a human mother, born of flesh and blood and bone. All are born into sin due to the sins of Adam, all are doomed to sin at birth.
Jesus explained it this way; “Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as He is righteous. Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning.” (1 John 3:7)
Jesus was born not of an earthly father, his seed was of the Holy Spirit of God. One who is born-again is also born of the Holy Spirit of God, washed and made pure by the blood of Jesus that the Holy Spirit can then dwell within that person, becoming a helper, a comforter, a daily guide through life’s perils.
Once born-again you must understand that you are then more like God, washed by the blood, set aside from the world, becoming more in His image.
Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.” (Genesis 1:26)
This likeness is not visible, it is the likeness of the Spirit of God and the only creature blessed with this Spirit of God is man. Our earthly bodies are only shells, tents in which our spirit resides until it is no longer needed and we are called home.
Many may say, “I just cannot understand.” That is understandable, but keep in mind that part of being born-again is that one must have faith and trust in the Lord.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Trust in the Lord, be obedient to him, acknowledge Him in all you do, giving all glory to him for all you have.
“Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, since you have been born-again, not of perishable seed (human seed) but of imperishable, (Spiritual) through the living and abiding word of God.” (1 Peter 1:22-23)
One comparison to being born-again, being saved from the penalty of sin forever, would be in the exodus of the Israelites from bondage under the Egyptians.
As with salvation, God lifted them up from their bondage and carried them across the great wilderness, crossing over the river Jordan into the Promised Land to become a new people, living under a new set of rules, living with their God in their new home.
A very similar thing happens when one is saved or born-again. Once born-again, one is lifted from the bondage of sin, carried away from one’s old (sinful) life in the world into a new (righteous) life in Christ, becoming a new person, living in a new world (the spiritual world) under a new set of rules, living with one’s God in a new home, a spiritual home.
Jesus is the cornerstone of the church and each of his followers are living stones being built up as a spiritual house.
“So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow into salvation.” (1 Peter 2:1-2)
I beg you today, leave the bondages of sin, accept the free gift of salvation, become a new creature born of the Spirit of God washed forever clean by the precious blood of Jesus shed on the cross for the sins of all people. Jesus paid it all, all you have to do is to believe and accept his free gift of eternal life in heaven with our Lord. May His blessings be yours this day…
August 15, 2017 - The pastor and members of the House of Refuge invite everyone to worship with them on Sunday, August 20, 2017 at 3pm. Guest speaker will be Pastor Mario Osby of Smith Chapel, Timpson, Texas.
On Monday, August 21, 2017 at 7:30pm Pastor Carlos Johnson with Mt. Olive Baptist Church of Timpson will be the guest speaker.
Tuesday, August 22, 2017 at 7:30pm the speaker will be Pastor Byvon Cutee from Blount Chapel, Center.
Wednesday, August 23, 2017 at 7:30pm listen to Bishop W.C. Martin with Bennett Chapel Missionary Baptist Church of Shelbyville.
August 14, 2017 - Sunday was the 10th Sunday after Pentecost. We have had a rainy August which means we have had cooler temperatures, with no string of 100 degree days this August! Since this is the year of Matthew, our Gospel Lesson for Sunday was Matthew 14:22-33. Once again Jesus sends his disciples ahead so that he can find that quiet place to pray and think. When Jesus rejoins his disciples, he does so in dramatic fashion. He comes walking on the water toward the boat. At first the disciples think they are seeing a vision or a ghost. But then they realize it is the teacher. Peter asks permission to join Jesus on the water: Peter does well in the “walking on water” category until he realizes what he is doing and starts to sink. Jesus reaches for him and pulls him to safety.
Our Sunday school lessons for this quarter have all dealt with how people respond to the call of God. The scripture from The Acts of the Apostles tells us of Philip and his chance meeting with the Gentile eunuch. This man was considered very unclean and yet Philip is moved more by Jesus’ love than he is by religious purity. Philip proclaims the Good News, and on the side of the road the eunuch is baptized. That is all we know about this fellow. I wish someone would write a book about his life—maybe someone has and I just haven’t found it. Ms. Fannie led us in a spirited discussion and our time flew by.
We were in double digits this Sunday, a reason for celebration (but we controlled ourselves). Fannie read a request for a scholarship from a Joaquin graduate for whom the church is very happy to provide money to further her education. This month we are collecting children’s underwear and socks for Community Christian Services. Most students are already in school or will be starting next Monday. In the Prayers of the Church the teachers, students, and all those who make school possible were lifted up. We pray that Vera has a productive school year.
Our monthly ministry to Focus Care (Green Acres) was last Thursday at a new and improved time—10:15. Hilda said everything was great—larger crowd and quieter environment. Sue and I were in Dallas. My brother had a lung transplant, so we went to Dallas to provide moral support and prayers. My kids have been with my sister-in-law the whole time. My brother is doing fine—Monday will be a big day as they will remove the ventilator and allow him to wake completely up. We are all hoping and praying for continued renewal.
“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. Godspeed.
Randy & Sue Smith
Paxton Methodist Church
August 11, 2017 - St. John Missionary Baptist Church, Tenaha Texas would like to Announce their Homecoming and Revival Services.
Annual Homecoming Service will be Sunday, August 27th at 2:30 pm Guest Speaker will be Pastor Larry Thorn of the Pleasant Valley Baptist Church Carthage, Texas.
Revival Services will begin Monday, Aug. 27th - Wednesday, Aug. 30th 2017 at 7:30 p.m nightly.
Guest Speakers will be as follows:
- Monday Night: Aug. 28th: Pastor Carlos Johnson, Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Timpson, Texas
- Tuesday Night Aug. 29th: Pastor Harold Patton Antioch Baptist Church Timpson, Texas
- Wednesday Night Aug. 30th Pastor Marlon Cloudy Abundant Love Ministries, Center, Texas.
Pastor C. Pettis and the St. John Missionary Baptist Church Family cordially invite all to come and be Revived.
Humbly submitted Church Secretary M Cook.
August 9, 2016 - Huxley helping hands, a local mission group is holding a food pantry for the residents of Shelby County. It will be held the second Saturday of August 2017. Proof of residency & I.D. will be required. Only (1) box per household will be given.
Date: August 12, 2016
Time: 9am – until food is gone
Location: Hillcrest Baptist Church 901 Southview Circle, Center Texas
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:6
August 8, 2017 - The Blake Brothers will be at Joaquin First Baptist this Sunday morning, August 13 at 11am. Everyone is invited to come and a love offering will be taken during the service for the Blake Brothers.
A fish fry lunch will follow the singing event, which is free of charge and welcome to everyone.
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