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Contributing Writers: Mike Mills, Spring Hill Church | Doug Fincher | Pastor Randy and Sue Smith | Mike Belgard | Tim Perkins
Faith
May 31, 2017 - When my mother decided to remarry after my father passed away, I was not necessarily on board with it. My future step-father was about to take on a lady who had five sons, none of which were angels. I remember on several occasions playing "tricks" on my prospective step father to get him to "go away". I once ran up to him when he came up to pick my mom up in his freshly starched white shirt, and gave him a big hug. However, I had just happened to be playing in the "burn pile" outside just prior and left two little black hand prints on his shirt. But what changed my attitude toward him forever was when I finally came out one day and told him how I really felt.
I said some pretty mean things that he took without wavering. As he left I instantly felt convicted. It was like I had been locked in a prison cell and I had to get free. I remembered the times he had shown me love when I didn't deserve it. How he was always quick to forgive and defend me when I had obviously done wrong. I couldn't stand it any longer. I new that he was going to a friends house about a mile away. I began to run to where I new he was. I had to tell him I was sorry for what I had said. When he saw me running up the road he ran up to meet me. I was crying and asked for his forgiveness. He hugged me and told me he already had. He said he knew that I didn't mean what I had said but even if I did he would love me anyway. Our relationship was never the same after that. At the age of 11 a learned a valuable lesson in love and forgiveness. When I was asked to speak at his funeral four years ago, It was my honor to stand and say my step father was the kindest, gentlest, most forgiving man I had ever known. He taught me that sin locks you in prison but forgiveness sets you free.
Forgiveness is a vital part of any relationship. Ask any couple who has been married for any length of time and they will tell you that you have to learn how to forgive to have a successful marriage. As a matter of fact any relationship whether it be business, social, or family is affected by our willingness to forgive other people. As a Christian, to forgive is not requested of us but commanded of us. We are required to forgive others to receive forgiveness ourselves. Jesus said " For if you forgive men their trespasses, your Father in heaven will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive yours." (Matt 6:14-15) Its not a choice. You can't be a Christian and have an attitude of unforgiveness toward anyone. In Gods eyes forgiveness equals love. God shows His love for us by forgiving us of all our sins. The good news is that no matter what you have done in your life God promises to forgive you and make you His child. All you have to do is ask for it, repent, and receive it .
I'm just Saying
Mike Belgard
May 30, 2017 - Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church "Gone Fishing" VBS June 12-16 6pm-8:30
For a ride text (936)205-0970 or comment on the fb event
Sealed by the Spirit, Saved by Grace
"And Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38)
May 30, 2017 - Peter made this statement on the day of Pentecost to the thousands of people who had gathered and who witnessed the miracles of the coming of the Holy Spirit over the apostles that day.
Realizing from the preaching that day that they were responsible for the crucifixion of the Lord Jesus, they began to ask what they could do to be saved.
This verse, (Acts 2:38) was Peter's response to their request for salvation.
Paul then gives us a much clearer picture of salvation and meaning of the gift of the Holy Spirit for all who believe and accept Christ as Lord.
"In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory." (Ephesians 1:11-12)
Paul explains that the apostles were chosen by God and he goes on to explain what happens to us when we are called by the Word of God.
"In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory." (Ephesians 1:13-14) Wow!
There we see the beauty of the salvation of the Lord. Just as with the original apostles and disciples of Christ Jesus, we too are sealed with the Holy Spirit, saved from the penalty of sin as we wait for the day when we can take possession of our inheritance, that glorious day when we join with the Lord.
God saves us from sin through the blood of his Son, he gives us the gift of the Holy Spirit, sealing us from evil. That is what salvation truly means, to be sat aside from the world, sealed by the Holy Spirit, destined to be in the glory of the Lord in heaven. As long as we follow the Holy Spirit each day, nothing can separate us from the Lord.
Let me ask you, what of this world, what worldly pleasure or treasure can be as valuable as the salvation of the Lord?
Why then do you wait? Why then do you resist the Spirit's call? If you have not accepted Christ as Lord, then please, do so today.
Just stop what you are doing and submit to the Lord. Bow your head and bend your knee to him and say to him in prayer.
"Jesus, I am a sinner who wishes to be saved from my sins. I believe in you Lord Jesus, I believe that you came from heaven to earth to live and die, for me. I believe that the Heavenly Father raised you from the dead. I believe that you then ascended back to heaven where you live and reign today. I ask you Lord Jesus this day. Please Lord, save me!"
If you pray that prayer, in earnest, having faith and believing in your heart the words you are speaking, you will be saved.
"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God." (Ephesians 2:8)
May the Lord bless you and keep you and make his face to shine upon you this day...
May 30, 2017 - Ramah Cemetery's annual meeting is Saturday, June 3rd at 11:00 AM with a covered dish dinner at 12:00 noon.
May 29, 2017 - VBS at Old Home Baptist Church will be Monday, June 5 thru Thursday, June 8th from 6:00 - 7:30. Come out and learn about the Super Heroes of the bible at "Hero Central". There will be Story Time, Snacks, Science Projects and Fun and Games. Classes start at Age 3. Call or text for more details 936-332-9293.
“Go into the highways and hedges and compel them to come in…that my house may be filled..” Luke 14:23
May 29, 2017 - A few years ago, Pam and I visited Arizona’s Saguaro National Park near Tucson and it has since become one of our favorite vacation stops. Along with the display of animals in their natural habitat, there’s a large avian enclosure that houses numerous species of gorgeous birds. Orioles, warblers, doves, and buntings all fed, watered and nested in the lush trees of this large wire enclosure. They all seemed so happy, and none of them were trying to get out.
Then we noticed an unusual thing. Scores of wild birds were hanging on the outside of this wire enclosure trying to get in! Woodpeckers, jays and wrens frantically sought to get through the wire mesh to be with the tame birds.
And I thought: this place is like some of our churches. The members are so busy eating, drinking and enjoying the safety of their home that they haven’t even noticed that wild ones are wanting in. And there’s one thing for sure: They’ll never get in….
… until we show them The Way.
May 29, 2017 - Sunday morning began with a little rain. When I started to Paxton, it was raining pretty good. By the time worship was over at 11:00, it was a sunny, warm, humid day. There are no promises in the weather department for Memorial Day. Sunday we celebrated the ascension of Jesus. This was another milestone in the church’s history, considered an important holy day. And of course, for us modern Americans, it was Memorial Day weekend. This solemn day dates back to just after the Civil War in the United States, called Decoration Day. Today’s families take a break, get together, have cookouts and remember all those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country. For the church the ascension marks the moment when the baton was handed off from Jesus to his followers, charging them with spreading the good news and helping bring God’s Kingdom upon the earth. Part of my sermon was also about the 2016 Chicago Cubs winning the World Series. As most everyone knows, I am a big Cubs fan, and I just finished reading a book about the Cub’s super year.
Our Sunday school lesson finished up a quarter, so we got new lesson books. Today’s lesson also finished Jonah’s story. We all know that instead of Jonah being happy that the people of Nineveh repented and that God saved the city, Jonah was angry at God for his great mercy. I think this strikes a chord in all humans, as we certainly want God and others to forgive us our shortcomings—but we are a lot less willing to forgive. We are not really sure that we want God to care for our enemies.
At the beginning of our Sunday school class, we had a nice surprise when Carolyn came in. Carolyn has been in Pennsylvania for the longest; we were so happy to see her and to hear what she has been up to. As our Sunday school class was ending, we had another surprise. Hilda and her sister Linda came in. Hilda looks so good, and her health is defiitely improving. Our numbers this morning soared into double digits. Cynthia played the piano for us again, which really appreciate. All month we have been collecting cans of fruit for Community Christian Services. In June we will be collecting paper towels and toilet paper. Next Sunday is Pentecost, when we celebrate the official birth of the Jesus movement and also Holy Communion.
We had our ministry at Lakeside this week. Pastor Matt started the program with prayer. Sue then spoke to the group, telling them how Mrs. Hilda's rehabbing was coming along. With accompaniment from Joyce Hughes, we sang a number of congregational songs. Tori was unable to attend, but Nora, Gene, and Jo kept us in tune (well, they tried) and making a joyful noise (more realistic). Joyce sang and played a lovely special of "Like a River, Glorious." Nora sang her soulful "Put a Little Love in Your Heart." Gene recited and then sang a modern favorite, "Hymn of Promise." At the end of the program, he led us in a stirring rendition of "God Bless America." Fannie read that hilarious piece, a 9-year-old's interpretation of God. Ollie read a sweet story of a little boy and an elderly man, both seeking God and finding him in each other. Sue recited various jump rope chants and song parodies from her childhood, like "On top of spaghetti, all covered with cheese" (to "On Top of Old Smoky"). Matt did a devotional on Jacob, choosing various verses to show how Jacob's faith evolved and matured over time.
“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.
May 26, 2017 - Lone Cedar Missionary Baptist Church will have revival May 29 - June 2 starting at 7pm each night.
Evangelist will be Bro. John Raines, with music led by Bro. Jay Pollan and pianist Bro. Travis Worsham.
Bro. Hiram Melton, Pastor.
May 26, 2017 - Have an un-bear-ably fun adventure at VBS this summer!
At Camp Our VBS, kids will discover an important truth that Jesus is the light!
First Baptist Church Tenaha June 10-11. Fun begins at: 8:30AM Saturday, June 10th and ends at 2:30PM. Sunday Celebration: June 11th at 10:30AM.
For more information, call: 936-248-320
May 26, 2017 - Lydia Missionary Baptist Church invites you to Summer Revival on Sunday, June 4, 2017 from 11am until 6pm and June 5-7 at 6pm nightly. Special music by Bro. Josh Adams and family. Special speaker is Bro. Josh Adams.
Lydia Missionary Baptist Church is located at 14998 FM 139, Shelbyville, Texas 75973. For any questions or more information, call 936-368-2462.
Wilt thou not revive us again; that thy people may rejoice in thee? Psalms 85:6
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