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Contributing Writers: Mike Mills, Spring Hill Church | Doug Fincher | Pastor Randy and Sue Smith | Mike Belgard | Tim Perkins
Faith
January 22, 2016 - Commitment, "to pledge or promise, to be engaged or to become involved".
Commitment to Paul meant much more than words, it called for his continued service to the Lord, no matter the conditions or hardships he might face each day. The book of Philippians was written by Paul during the time of his bondage in Rome. He sat, literally, in chains as he wrote the scriptures.
Verses 12 through 14 of our text tell of the results of his faithfulness within the palace prison where he was imprisoned. "But, I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel." (Phil. 1:12) By his faith the palace guards had been converted and were speaking of the gospel of Christ, even within the prison."and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the Word without fear." (Phil.1:14)
Paul says that some preach Christ from envy and strife, hoping to make his imprisonment even worse, while others preach Christ out of love for the Word. Either way says Paul, calls for rejoicing; "and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice."
Paul rejoiced that Christ was preached, regardless of the motive of some of trying to add to his bonds. Their efforts were off set by those who preached Christ through love, knowing that Paul was set for the defense of the gospel. "Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill."(Phil. 1:15)
We see many people today who merely exist, having no real purpose in their lives, like a ship with a broken rudder they drift through life without ever seeming to realize that there is an eternal objective. Others live strictly for the riches of this world, giving no thought of eternity or of a coming judgment. Much of what we see today can be attributed to the lack of the gospel being taught to children at home and much of it can be attributed to the "feel good" preachers who teach only the love of God. By leaving out the justness of God they lead people to believe that God is only the God of love and that they have nothing to fear from God if they live in sin. The fool says in his heart that there is no God. Even some believers fail to serve the Lord, they believe in Him but are unwilling to step up in service.
Let me tell you of the difference between forgiveness and consequences, God does forgive our sins when we ask Him for forgiveness and repent of those sins, but, while forgiven, we are not released from the consequences of those same sins and are held accountable for them. That is why some people will say; "well, I prayed for forgiveness but God didn't hear me and I still had to suffer. Wrong, God certainly heard them and if they asked in earnest He forgave their sin, but they still had to pay the consequences for their actions.
Paul was not ashamed of the gospel for he knew that with boldness Christ would be magnified in his body, whether in life or in death.
Paul was not ashamed of the gospel of Christ for he knew that it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes. If any person is in Christ, he is a new creature; old things have passed away and all things have become new.
For the believer to live is Christ. Christ is both the source and the purpose of the believers life. Live begins in regeneration and is sustained by the power of God. "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain." (Phil 1:21)
The believer should be about his Father's business as he awaits either death or Christ's coming.
"Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you are am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you may stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel." (Phil.1:27) "and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God." (Phil.1:28)
We should work together for the cause of the gospel, presenting the light of Christ for the darkness of this world to see, all the while looking up for the time of redemption draws near...
Please feel free to join us any Wednesday evening at 6:00PM for Bible Study at Spring Hill Baptist Church. For more info, call 936-615-1427. May God bless and keep you...
Isaiah 41:10-13
January 14, 2016 - Our text for today predicts the coming of the Persian conqueror, Cyrus, whose victories and rapid growth in power are ascribed to the providence of God. Cyrus is also the Persian Emperor who financed the work of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem by Nehemiah and helped the Israelite people return to their homeland. It also assures us that God will watch over us and protect us if are His children.
While God predicts Cyrus' coming, He also comforts His people as in verse 10; "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed for I am your God." (Isaiah 41:10)
Fear is a common trait in all people, every one of us will face some type of fear in our lives. Adam feared God's face in the garden of Eden, when he realized that he had sinned against God.
There are many degrees of fear from uneasiness to dread to terror to panic. Fear in a believer causes him to look to God in times of need. However, we should look to Him for all things and not just when we are having problems.
Here, we see Israel surrounded by her enemies, hopelessly outnumbered by the Persian forces, yet their extreme peril was God's opportunity. He told her not to fear, for He was with her. Not to be sorry nor dismayed, for God was watching over her.
If God be for us, who can be against us. He is always near to us and in times of trouble He is always able to help. He possesses all power, both in heaven and on earth and He invites us to cast all of our cares upon Him, His mercy endures forever.
In verse 11 He tells the people; "Behold, all those who were incensed against you, shall be ashamed and disgraced," (incensed - to inflame with wrath) "Isaiah 41:11) He is our "Heavenly Father" the Creator and Supreme Power of the universe, nothing nor no one can prevail against Him. He has promised never to leave nor forsake His own and He is able to supply all of our needs according to His riches in glory.
Once saved, the Holy Spirit has sealed our souls unto the day of redemption. Even if the enemy comes upon us like a flood, the Holy Spirit lifts up a wall against him, He leads, guides and protects us against all enemies each day. Verse 12 says; "Those who contended with you. Those who war against you shall be as nothing," (contend - to struggle in opposition) (Isaiah 41:12)
While we are no match for Satan and the world on our own, no matter, for we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. The life we live today in the flesh, we live through faith in the Lord Jesus, who loved us and gave His life for us.
God has promised to help us. That means that we are to do what we can for ourselves, and God will then supply what is lacking. We must work out our own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in us, both to will and to work for His good pleasure, but once we are saved, we are then, forever under God's protective cover.
God has promised to take care of our enemies, to watch over and to protect us and help us, to uphold us with His strong right hand.
Verse 13; "For I, the Lord, your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, Fear not, I will help you." (Isaiah 41:13)
The eternal God is our refuge, though we fall, we shall not be utterly cast down and shall be lifted up in the end.
God holds us by His right hand. He asked us not to fear, for He will help us. He holds us by our right hand as proof that we belong to Him; that He protects us; that He will lead us; that nothing can separate us; and that He provides for us.
As we face this new year, let us face it with strength and faith, knowing that our Heavenly Father is in control of all things and though the world may indeed persecute us, God holds our hand and will walk us through the valley of fear and will deliver us into His kingdom, forever.
Please feel welcome to join us any Wednesday evening at 6:00PM for our Bible Study at Spring Hill Baptist Church. For more info call 936-615-1427 May God bless and keep you...
January 18, 2016 - Sunday was the Second Sunday after the Epiphany. Our Gospel Lesson moved from Luke to the John Gospel. We find Jesus at the wedding at Cana. This story is only found in the John Gospel. John is different than the other three Gospels found in the New Testament. The writer of John spends much of his gospel speaking of signs pointing to the unique and wonderful character of Jesus. The sign of turning water into wine speaks of the abundance in the Kingdom. Even for the poor and the marginalized—Jesus’ audience, there will be plenty—more than plenty. The lesson begins with “On the third day…” which is a reminder of the three days and resurrection.
We had a small crowd even by Paxton UMC standards. Joe and Hilda teamed up and we had good music this morning. Sue is our liturgist and read our Psalter Lesson and the Gospel Lesson. She also led us in reading the Apostles’ Creed which is the one most Protestants know the best.
Our Sunday school lesson came from Hosea. Fannie did a great job even with a difficult scripture. We are so removed by thousands of years that it is sometimes hard for us to really grasp the situation. Even though the scripture is a hard one, Hosea intended to show how disappointed God was and is in his great creation—us humans! Reading through our lesson it is like God’s feelings have been hurt. But as in all the words of the prophets God always finds a way to bring us back into the fold.
This Tuesday is our church’s ministry to Holiday Nursing Center. Actually it is more than just our church’s ministry as many others join us to bring songs and stories to the residents at Holiday. Since I retired I understand the kind of traveling seniors do—going to the doctor. I have an appointment on Tuesday in Nacogdoches and a Longview doctor visit on Thursday.
“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 9:15 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!
Randall Smith, Pastor
January 11, 2016 - It was a cold start Sunday morning. Everyone at church sure appreciated Fannie coming last night and turning on the heaters. We are in the season of the Epiphany. Today traditionally is “the Baptism of our Lord” Sunday. All four of the Gospels tell of Jesus’ baptism by John. After his baptism and his forty days off by himself, Jesus’ ministry begins. Some historians say that Jesus’ ministry was only a year long, but most believe it was three years. So little is known about this time that it is hard to tell just how long it was. This day is also a day to remember our own baptisms and our own journeys in life and toward the love of God. This Sunday is a great reminder that we are all precious to God.
I filled in for Fannie to teach an unusual lesson from the Old Testament—the Song of Songs. There is no doubt that all the poetry in this book celebrates romance and love. It is beautiful poetry, and we understand that God made us for each other and that we are to love and cherish our family and friends. Both Jewish and Christian writers often speak of these poems as an allegory, with the man being God and the woman Israel.
On Monday Hilda, Fannie, and Sue joined others at Green Acres. Our newest ministry is the first Monday of each month at 2:00 at Green Acres. Also each month we go to Holliday and Lakeside . During the month of January we are collecting tuna fish for Community Christian Services. I have a couple of boxes of soup cans that I need to deliver to the food bank.
“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 9:15 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!
Randall Smith, Pastor
January 18, 2017 - First Baptist Church of Center is hosting Disciple Now January 22-24, 2016.
Scheduled dates and times will be Friday 6-9 p.m.
Saturday 8:30 a.m. until Noon and 6-9 p.m.
Friday and Saturday meetings will be held in the Family Life Center.
Sunday 9-10.a.m. All Adult classes will meet in the Sanctuary for Sunday School
Sunday 10:15 until Noon meet in the Sanctuary
Youth will participate in the study.
Childcare is available for all the sessions for children age Birth to Kindergarten. Classes for First through Sixth grade will meet in the Game Room of the Family Life Center.
January 18, 2016 - Join us at First Baptist Church Timpson (715 2nd Street) on January 31 at 6:30pm to hear the Reynolds Family Band. No charge for admission! They are based in Gladewater, TX. This band plays guitar, mandolin, fiddle and bass instruments and sings bluegrass gospel music.
“Listen to me and eat what is good....” Isaiah 55:2
January 11, 2016 - When I was growing up in the 40’s, many poor folks in my hometown of Center, Texas depended on wild game for food. There were so many people hunting that deer and squirrels were hard to find. When someone killed a deer, they’d tie it across their car’s hood and parade it around the Center square. The rabbits we brought to mother tasted a lot like chicken after she her pressure cooked and batter-fried them. We also ate a few raccoons and tried possum…. once.
There was always plenty of “greens” in the neighborhood gardens. Our neighbors often shouted to us, “you kids come over and pick a ‘mess of greens’ when you get home from school”. We ate turnip greens, mustard greens …and in the winter…collards. I got hooked on the broth left in the pot ….we called it “Pot Liquor”. Pot liquor with cornbread and a glass of my Grandmother’s freshly churned buttermilk was as good as it got. My brother Joe says the very thought of pot liquor and cornbread still puts him in a coma.
Our neighbors Ottis and Tommie Melton bring us greens every year from their farm on Palo Gaucho Creek near Hemphill, Texas. When Otis walked up with a sack of Mustard greens yesterday, the greens’ fresh aroma reached the porch before he did. After supper Pam saved some pot liquor for my cornbread the next day. (I was a grown man before I learned that “pot liquor” is not spelled “pot licker” that it’s full of vitamins and makes good soups and gravies.)
When Mother asked me to never drink liquor, I promised her I never would. I’m an old feller now and haven’t broken my promise. I’ve never tasted a drop of wine, beer or any other intoxicant.
But I have imbibed many, many bowls of pot liquor during my lifetime and have enjoyed every drop of it. And the future remains bright for all of us pot liquor lovers. Since it tastes good, is cheap to make and won’t get me drunk, not only will it always be my favorite liquor.
It’ll also be my only liquor.
January 18, 2016 - Saving a Generation Ministry presents Apostle James Bolton of the Bolton Brothers on this, Thursday, January 21, 2016, 7:30pm at Pineywoods Outreach Center 255 Haley Ave. join us for an evening of Praise and Worship!
January 8, 2016 - First Pentecostal Church of Joaquin invites everyone to come and help welcome our new pastor and his wife, Rev. Clark and Sis. Charlotte Bynum to Joaquin, Tx and Shelby County. An installation service will be held Sunday, January 17, 2016 at 6pm with Cornerstone UPC from Lufkin, Texas ministering in praise and worship.
They are both natives of the Pollok area about 5 miles North of Lufkin, on Highway 69 North. Rev. Bynum graduated from Central in 1983, and Sis. Charlotte graduated from Central in 1986. They have two children: Carli Joy Moore, Carson James Bynum and one grandson Cooper. Carli is married to Kade Moore, the son of Brother and Sister Phillip Moore who Pastors at Cornerstone UPC, in Lufkin, Tx.
Bro. and Sis. Bynum both have been very active in all facets of Sunday School for all ages. They have been involved in Music Ministry together since Rev. Clark received the Holy Ghost in July 1986. She was the piano player in the local church they attended. Rev. Bynum has held Local License with the United Pentecostal Church since 1991. Together they have been very active in Sunday School teaching, Singing, and Preaching in many churches around East Texas.
Rev. Bynum holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from SFA, and a Master of Education from SFA. He has been in the public school system for 21 years. He was a classroom teacher for 10 years, and has been a campus principal for 11 years. Sis. Charlotte holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting Degree from SFA, and a Master of Science in School Business from Texas A & M Commerce. She has been in corporate accounting, and public school accounting.
We are so excited about what God is doing for our church. We have a new Sunday School department that is awesome and would like to invite you to come and worship with us.
We are blessed and honor to have Rev. Philip Moore and His wife Sis. Tina Moore from Cornerstone UPC, Lufkin, TX helping to welcome Rev. and Sis. Bynum to Joaquin, Tx. And Shelby County. Rev. Philip Moore will be preaching and Sis. Tina Moore will be leading the Praise and Worship Team. You do not want to miss this you will truly be blessed.
“If any should not work, neither should he eat…” - I Thes. 3:10
January 4, 2016 - Spot, a Painted Bunting that I’ve photographed the past three years, has a new family in the sand hills near Center, Texas. Today all three fledglings flew into the grass where their parents often feed. They are fully feathered and except for their lack of color and yellow at the corner of their mouths, they look like adults. After their crash landing, they began frantically fluttering their wings to get fed.
But instead of feeding them, Spot angrily fussed and chased them away. These determined little birds not only tried to get food from Spot, but from every other adult that flew into their feeding area. All the adults wisely ignored their begging like Spot did.
Although our country has a large number of people who can’t feed themselves, we also have a lot of folk who could but won’t ….and unless we stop serving them, they never will.
Even the birds know that.
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