Shelby County Today

June 6, 2016 - Sunday was the 3rd Sunday after Pentecost. The Epistle Lesson comes from the 3rd chapter of Galatians. This short letter is the second oldest Christian writing that has survived.  It is the only one of the seven “Pauline letters” that was written to an entire group of Jesus communities. Paul is not very happy with the people of Galatia. Paul thought he had settled the issue of whether Gentile converts had to subscribe to the Torah. Paul believed that trust in the Christ was sufficient. However, other early Christian missionaries believed that Gentiles must submit to the Law. Paul was afraid that the work he had done would be unraveled, so he not only cursed those Christian missionaries who disagreed with him he placed a “double curse” on them. Paul was very passionate and also had great confidence that he was right and others were wrong.

Our Sunday school lesson came from the minor prophet, Zephaniah. He is called a minor prophet not because his words were less important but because the book is short. Zephaniah restates Micah’s belief that God desires us to be just, kind, and humble. Those few words explain what is important to God. What sounds so simple is sometimes very difficult for us humans.

Texas had a week of devastating floods and storms this past week. Our hearts and prayers go out to the families of all those who lost loved ones. We had some rain here in Shelby County but nothing like other parts of Texas. The sad thing is that in another month or so we will probably be praying for rain as Texas tends to be very hot and dry during the summer.

There are several programs that Paxton volunteers and other volunteers will have this month. Tomorrow (Monday June 6th) will be our ministry to Green Acres Nursing Center. On the 3rd Tuesday we will head to Holiday Nursing Center. On the 4th Thursday we go to Lakeside Assisted Living. All these programs will start at 2:00. Everyone is certainly invited to come and join us. Sue and I took all the cans of fruit Paxton Methodist collected last month to Community Christian Services.  During the month of June we will be collecting paper towels and toilet paper.       

“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!

June 3, 2016 - Revival June 6 - June 10, 7pm Lone Cedar Missionary Baptist Church FM 3082. Your presence would be a blessing!

Bro. Paul Clark, Evangelist; Bro. Jay Pollan, Music Director; Bro. Travis Worsham, Pianist. Hiram Melton, Pastor.

June 3, 2016 - Ramah Baptist Church of Tenaha is announcing bible school which will start on Monday, June 6 and last until Friday, June 10. The event will start each day at 6 pm and last until about 8:30 pm and is for ages Pre-K through 7th Grade. Music, bible study, food, game, and crafts will be among the activities available open to any kids who attend. 

June 2, 2016 - Paul writes, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Rm. 12:2). Peter also echoes these words, “As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: 15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;” (1 Pet. 1:14-15).

These are great, wise and important words, but how do we do it? David gives us a great explanation and example of how not be conformed to this world so that our behavior will be holy. “For thy loving kindness is before mine eyes: and I have walked in thy truth. 4 I have not sat with vain persons, neither will I go in with dissemblers. 5 I have hated the congregation of evil doers; and will not sit with the wicked. 6 I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O LORD: 7 That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works” (Ps. 26:3-7).

It is a very simple “formula”. Simply, have God before our eyes and do not keep company with those that are conformed with the world. In other words, keep a respectful distance with those walking in sin while at the same time telling them about the greatness of God along with a devoted life of service, worship and study.

David also writes, “I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. 3 I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me” (Ps. 101:2-3). If we take the wisdom and example of David we will indeed be on track to not be conformed to this world. Simply put, do not set the world in front us.

Church email: northsidecoccenter@gmail.com

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