Shelby County Today

March 30, 2018 - Have you ever said or done something that you wish you could take back? Just imagine if you could take back those harsh words that you may have said to a friend or relative. Unfortunately I have had to "eat my words" far too many times in my life. I am sure that if you have lived for very long you can think of a time that you have done the same thing. 

As I prepare for the Easter service this Sunday, I was reading the story in John 20 where John and Peter came running to the tomb. I realized that even though John outran Peter and came to the tomb first, he didn't go in. But Peter went immediately without hesitation, into the tomb to find Jesus gone.  Peter appeared to be more enthusiastic to see the empty tomb than others. I asked  myself the question, "What made Peter so bold that without hesitation he ran straight into the tomb without stopping at the door?" Then I recalled that it was he, who when Jesus was taken from the cross dead,  he denied Christ three times. It was he, who had wept and was filled with guilt when the rooster crowed as predicted by Jesus. And now if the resurrection was real, he had a chance to right the wrong he had done that night as he stood by the fire and denied that he even knew Jesus. You see the empty grave for Peter was an opportunity for a new beginning. 

Later in John 21: 15-19 Jesus restores Peters place as the leader of the disciples and the early church by making him commit to "feed my sheep." the same number of times (three) as Peter had denied Jesus. Peter became the "rock" of the church that Jesus had told him he would be. Even though Peter stumbled, Jesus forgave him, and restored him to the position that Jesus had promised him.

I love this story because it reminds me of the kind of God we serve.  He is a God of forgiveness and restoration. Romans 5:8 tells us, "But God demonstrates His love toward us, in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us." Christ died for you even though you were, or are still committing sins. In other words He loves you right where you are at. He knows we sometimes stumble. That we have all manner of character flaws, but He loves us just the same. And just like Peter, if we are willing to seek forgiveness and restoration He is faithful to give it to us. Not because we deserve it, but because of His great love for us and His unlimited grace. 

So remember, no matter how bad you may think you have messed up, God loves you. He wants to restore you to the high place He has prepared for you. With arms open wide He's waiting for you. Quit running away and start running toward Him. 

I'm Just Sayin,
Mike Belgard

March 30, 2018 - Good Friday Worship Experience will be March 30th at 6 p.m. in the Family Life Center at the First Baptist Church, 107 Cora Street, Center, Texas. A unique service that will include Praise and Worship, Scripture, and a self guided walk through the “Stations of the Cross.”

Easter Block Party will be held on Saturday, March 31st, Noon until 3 p.m. at the Port-A-Cool Park located behind the Library in Center. An afternoon of fun for children and families hosted by the First Baptist Church in Center.

Easter Morning Worship Services will be April 1st and will begin at 10:15 a.m. in the Sanctuary of the First Baptist Church.

March 30, 2018 - Triumph the Church and Kingdom of God in Christ will be having their 2nd Biannual Conference April 5-7, 2018 in Center, Tx.  

Presider: Prince Archie Thompson

March 27, 2018 - Jesus came to give his life for others, that all might have eternal life in him.

He gave up his life willingly for no man nor men could have nailed him to that cross if he had not allowed it to happen.

Before he left ascending back to heaven he gave us many things, one of which is this commandment which he called “my commandment”, giving it utmost importance to all who would follow him.

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” (John 15:12) 

And so Christians all over the world would testify, I love others, my brothers and sisters as Jesus loved me. 

Oh really, Jesus gave his life for you, that is the level of love that he loves us with. Not with words but with actions, a life given that others might have eternal life in him.

Jesus tells us that he comes, not like a thief to steal but to give life that others may live life and live it abundantly.

As he says; “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10) 

Jesus came that all might have the abundant life of the saved. That all who believe in him and accept him as Lord would know the abundant joy of living in his light, in the light of the world.

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11) 

Jesus, the good shepherd laid down his earthly life that all might be able to receive the abundance of life in him.

Are you giving of yourself as the Lord Jesus has taught us that we are to give if we are to follow his command, to love one another as he loves us?

When others wrong you or ridicule you or treat you with disdain, do you pray for them or do you harbor ill will toward them as they do to you? 

While that is the worldly way; “to do unto others as they have done to you”, it is not the Christian way, the way we are to follow if we are truly followers of Jesus Christ.

The Christian way is; “to do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” The polar opposite from the worldly way, which says to get even, to repay with the same evil that was brought upon you.

As followers of Jesus we are to; “Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.” (Romans 12:17) 

All Christians are to be toward one another as Paul instructed the Corinthians.

“I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be not divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgement.” (1 Corinthians 1:10) 

Instructions for the church, that all be of one mind for all are members of one body, the body of Christ on earth.

Peter gives us much the same message of unity when he says; “Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.” (1 Peter 3:8-9) 

As Jesus told us, it is by our love for one another that we will be known by the world as his own. It is by our love shown for others that Jesus is known by the world, for if we profess Christ, then we must also project Christ with our lives.

For whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it.” (1 Peter 3:10-11) 

And so, I appeal to you brothers and sisters in Christ, turn from evil and do good today, reflect the image of the Christ by the life you live each day. Truly love one another as our Lord Jesus Christ loves us…

May all know the peace and joy that only comes through knowing the Lord Jesus and walking in his light each day…