Shelby County Today

June 26, 2023 - Good Morning! It's Monday, June 26.

Today's devotion is all about 3:16. There are 49 "3:16" verses in the Bible. Bu there are 66 books in the Bible, so why aren't there 66? Well, some books, like Psalms, have a 3rd chapter with less than 16 verses, and other books, like Jude, don't have a 3rd chapter at all. 

Here are a few notable "3:16s" . . .

• Matthew - When Jesus had been baptized, as He came up from the water, suddenly the heavens opened and the Spirit of God descended like a dove and alighted on Him.
• I Corinthians - Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you?
• Colossians - Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly, in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your heart to the Lord.
• 2 Timothy - All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.
• I John - We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for one another.

Having shared these random, single verses today, I must admit that I prefer to study God's Word "in context". Looking at each verse in the context of the verses that come before and after, in the context of the entire book - its writer, it's intended readers, the time and history and culture of its writing.

But, then again, there are some verses that seem to... stand alone.

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Meet you back here tomorrow,
Bro. David
dmahis@fbccenter.org

“I am the light of the world…” John 8:12

June 19, 2023 - When I bought my first “good camera” in 1975, I soon saw I’d have to learn some things to use it. When I asked Photographer Ron Newton what book I should read to get started, I was a bit puzzled when he said, “Get a good book on ‘Light.’” Figuring a book like that would only slow me down, I ignored his suggestion and it was a decision I would live to regret.

The word “photography” comes from two Greek words: “Photos” (light), and “grapho” (to write) so it’s literal meaning is “to write with light.” Light comes through the lens, and is transferred past a reflex mirror to the film. When the light hits the layers of silver halide crystals on the film, an image is formed. Knowing how to use light is what photography is all about.

When I was converted to Christ in 1948, Evangelist Bob Jacobs handed me a Bible and told me to start reading it. It was God’s Book on Light. I eagerly read it for a while but later started depending on the preachers to explain the Book instead of reading it for myself. I was slow to realize that learning about the Light of the World is what Christianity is all about.

A lot of us live dull, colorless lives even though we attend church and walk upright. And a library full of devotional books on “How-to Live The Christian Life” can never teach us what we need most to know. 

That will only come from reading God’s Book on Light!!

June 15, 2023 - The body is made up largely of bones, about 200 or them, classified as to shape. The church is also made up of bones, classified according to use. There are three kinds. First, Wishbones. You know this kind. They wish for greater things in the church. They wish for larger attendance. They wish for more souls to be saved. Wishbones? They are languid and they are listless. The only thing they deny themselves is work and effort to make their wishes come true. They are sometimes referred to as “rocking chair Christians.”

Then there are the jawbones. Nothing slow or listless about this kind. They work up and down at great speed. They can criticize. They can pick flaws. They tell how it would be done if they were in charge. In their wake, follows dissension and discouragement. Verily, it takes a Samson to handle this class and turn them to some good use.

But, the third class is the one we like to think of. They are the backbones. There is work to be done; the backbones do it. There are meetings to attend; the backbones are there. When the Saints assemble in their home congregation, the backbones are there to support their brothers and sisters and have fellowship with the saints. There is giving so the work might be carried on; the backbones are willing to sacrifice. Oh backbones! If we were poets we would write about you! If we were singers we would chant your praises! If we were artists we would paint your lovely likeness! Being merely ordinary humans, we can only love and appreciate you. And we do!

It’s something to think about... tbp

Join Us for Worship this coming Lord’s Day at Center Church of Christ or online at www.centerchurchofchrist.com.

June 13, 2023 - House of Refuge Apostolic Ministries presents its Youth Revival from Wednesday, June 14 through Friday, June 16 at 7:30pm nightly. Guest speaker is Pastor Marquist Taylor from Freedom City Church, Lufkin, Texas.