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Contributing Writers: David Mathis | Tim Perkins
Past Contributing Writers: Mike Mills, Spring Hill Church | Doug Fincher | Pastor Randy and Sue Smith | Mike Belgard
Faith
September 9, 2019 - Clever Creek Baptist Church at 199 CR 1042 just off FM 417 W will have their annual Homecoming and Cemetery Celebration on Sunday, September 29th. The Church Sunday School will be at 10 am and the special worship and Homecoming/Cemetery Celebration will be at 10:55 am.
Bro. Doug Fincher, pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in San Augustine and a native of Center and Shelby County, will preach for the Homecoming. Bro. Doug grew up in Shelby County. He was called to preach and served in many area churches for many years.
The Moon Family (Shannon, Jeanie and daughter Bethany) from Ragley, LA, will lead the music and give special music. Maureen Kennon will also present special music for the service. The Moon Family have been leading worship together for more than 15 years. They currently live in Ragley. They have led worshp in many area churches and are currently attending and serving The Family Place Church in Reeves, LA, where Bethany is the worship leader. It is their desire to serve the Lord using the gift of music to praise His name. “I tell you, if these stones should keep silent, the very stones would cry out” (Luke 9:40).
After worship there will be a “dinner on the ground” for all who would like to stay for food and fellowship. A special offering will be taken for the maintenance of the Clever Creek Cemetery and for the special guests working with this event. The church is seeking to build an endowment to assure the maintenance and care of the cemetery. We hope that you will join us for this exceptional program of worship and witness.
September 9, 2019 - After shopping in Lufkin .last week, Pam and I drove through a Barbecue Drive-thru Lame and ordered sandwiches to eat on our way home. When I opened mine, I instantly recognized the aroma of good barbecue, but my joy was short-lived. Suddenly barbecue sauce was dripping all the way through the bun as it came apart in my hand. When we reached The Neches River Bridge, I casually asked Pam if she liked the barbecue. “It wasn’t barbecue,” she laughed! “It was meat sauce!”
And I began wondering how much “Meat of The Word” is being served in our modern churches. The preaching was so powerful the night I was converted that bashful, fourteen year old Henry Fincher couldn’t wait to accept Christ. I’m 86 now and haven’t forgotten how John Rawlings preached that night in 1947—it was like he was speaking only to me.
There are many Henry Finchers seeking peace of mind in the world today. But a church that only offers only a “feel good” pep talk and a little entertainment is offering barbecue without meat. It’s the “Meat of The Word” that brings us both conviction and peace of mind. I’ve heard it preached many times in hospitals, revival meetings, jail houses…in churches large and small. And when it’s preached by a God-called preacher, nothing equals its power. It will lead us to the Lord Jesus…
… and all the way to heaven.
September 9, 2019 - To trust in someone or something is ; “to rely on the truthfulness and accuracy of - to place confidence in - to believe in, to trust”. We know that if we are to believe in Jesus Christ as the eternal living God then we must trust in his words, we must trust in the words of the Bible. For if we cannot trust in the Bible as the inspired word of God, how then can we believe in what we cannot see, trust what we cannot touch and eventually, receive what we have hoped for and believed in? One day as Jesus was teaching the gospel people began to bring little children to him, asking for him to just touch them that they might receive a blessing from him.
Some of his disciples rebuked those who were bringing the children as if they were being a bother to the Lord. But when Jesus saw this he was upset and said to them. “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.” (Mark 10:14) And then he said something that may reveal the level of trust, of belief in him, he that is required of all who would seek to inherit the kingdom of God. “Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” (Mark 10:15)
Now, we understand that there is but one way to the Father and his kingdom and that way is the same today as it was on the day when Jesus made this statement; “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6) First, Jesus tells us that one must receive the kingdom of God like a child. What could this mean, “like a child”? We know the trust a child places in his parents, he knows that he is dependent upon them for everything in his young life and he trusts in them to deliver what he needs.
There is no trust like the trust of a child In his father or his mother and to me, that is what Jesus is speaking of, that childlike trust that overcomes all doubt. And since we know from Jesus’ own mouth that there is no way to the Father except through him then this childlike trust must be in him. We must trust completely in his promise that he will return for us as he said.
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? I will come again and will take you to myself, that were I am you may be also.” (John 14:1-3) This is the blessed hope that all who believe in him as Lord have (Titus 2:13), the knowledge that his word is true, that he will do what he says, that he will, one day, return for all who have believed in him as Lord and Master. For all who have truly accepted Jesus as Lord have an advantage in trust, we have the Spirit of truth dwelling within us and guiding us through this life, as Jesus tells us; “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.” (John 14:15-17)
“If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him and we will come to him and make our home with him.” (John 14:23)
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” (John 15:12)
“These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” (John 15:11) That is the trust that is required of all who enter the kingdom of God, complete trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and God. Trust without doubt, without reservation, trust insured by the Holy Spirit within all who have truly accepted Jesus Christ as Lord. Oh, I pray that you too will know this joy this day and forever trust him for he will deliver his promise of eternal life…
September 5, 2019 - One of the things there is too little of in our world today is praise. People have become so filled with critical ideas and harsh words that a little genuine praise and appreciation is often mistaken for flattery. Yet, every heart years for appreciation. All of us want to know that our efforts, however small they might be, are appreciated and noticed.
The Apostle Paul was noted for his compliments, whenever praise was due. Once he wrote to the Thessalonians and said, “We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, remembering without ceasing your work of faith and labor of love and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” (I Thessalonians 1:2-3) Neither Paul nor the church would have been better off had he withheld his words o praise and commendation.
Our world is filled with wickedness, it is true. But there is also much goodness, patience, sacrifice, loyal work and kindness that needs to receive credit. Solomon said, “Take away the dross from the silver, and there cometh forth a vessel for the refiner.” (Proverbs 25:4)
Look for something to praise in someone you meet this week. If you are sincere in your praise, you will lift a person’s courage and determination every time you open your lips. Remember that someone’s circumstances of life may be molded by your words today.
It’s something to think about…..tbp
Join us for worship this coming Lord’s day at the Center Church of Christ, 110 Hurst Street Center, Texas or online at www.centerchurchofchrist.com.
September 4, 2019 - The Open Door Church will be hosting a Men and Women Day Program on Sunday, September 15, 2019 at 3pm. Special Guest will be the Pastor Marlin Cloudy and the Abundant Love Ministries. Open Door Church invites you to come out and worship with us. Open Door Worship Center is located at 900 Cotton Ford Road, Center, Texas 75935.
September 4, 2019 - The annual Folsom Cemetery Reunion will be the third Sunday in September, September 15th on the grounds beside the cemetery beginning at noon. Friends and family are asked to bring their lunch to share and contributions to the Folsom Cemetery Perpetual Fund. Funds can be mailed to 3471 FM 2026 Center, Texas 75935. It is requested that no glass vases or ornaments be used for decorations.
Danny Paul Windham, Secretary/ Treasurer
September 3, 2019 - Smyrna Baptist Church in Huxley invites you to come receive a blessing at "The Porch" Monday, September 9, at 7pm, refreshments served at 6:30pm.
Speaker and Evangelist Steve Paysen will be leading our worship service, and leading the worship music will be Paul, Brittany, Abigail and Hannah Grace.
Smyrna Baptist Church invited you to come praise and worship the Lord with them!
September 3, 2019 - The Pastor and members of Bright Morning Star would like to invite everyone to the Annual Usher's Day program, Sunday September 8th at 3 p.m. Guests will be Pastor Mario Osby and the Smith Chapel Baptist Church of Timpson, Texas.
September 3, 2019 - Love and peace from our brother, Jesus. Happy Labor Day! Not much going on in downtown Joaquin—not that much ever happens. It is just plain hot outside. Labor Day used to signal the end of summer and the beginning of school. But kids in Joaquin have been back to work for a couple of weeks—and we’re expecting triple digits this week. Once again, Texas is dealing with a mass shooting. We are left to wonder what can be done to stop the carnage. The folks along the east coast are dealing with their own potential tragedy as Mother Nature has created quite a powerful hurricane.
At Sunday school we started a new quarter with new books that are smaller and lessons with a different format. But that didn’t stop us: We had a good class about the creation stories in Genesis that tied into the message for this Sunday in Ordinary Time. At church we celebrated Holy Communion as we do each first Sunday of the month. My sermon came from Luke 14, where we find Rabbi Jesus invited to a Pharisee’s home for Sabbath dinner. Jesus uses the situation to explain how it will be in the Kingdom of God. We certainly hear how important humility is in the Kingdom and that everyone—even people we marginalize—are more than welcome to join him.
Paxton Methodist got the nicest letter from Heaven Umbrell, who is finishing up her work on her Master’s Degree (with a 4.0). During the month of September we will collect macaroni and cheese for Community Christian Services. Last week I caught them busy on a Wednesday and delivered our August donations. Our Charge Conference is coming up in October; I need to get the reports done so we can have everything ready.
Labor Day turned out to be our regular date for the program at Focused Care in Center. I was under the weather, so my wife Sue took over the emcee duties, leading the group in songs from Heavenly Highways and sharing anecdotes. Mrs. Hilda was lively as ever on the piano—and visited nursing home folks before and after the program. Mrs. Margie visited them also but saved time to join in with our singing. Pastor Sarah shared a sweet story about her own dog and a stray that seemed to have adopted them, linking it to a passage in Revelation. Sallie lent her sweet, clear voice to “I Come to the Garden Alone.” Sue presented Yertle the Turtle, her mother’s favorite of the Dr. Seuss classics.
Our worship time is 10:00 AM; we would love to have you come to worship with us. I know how very busy everyone is: Our early meeting time enables you to move on to family get-togethers or jobs afterward. Not to mention naps, which my wife says are best on Sunday afternoon. 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.
September 2, 2019 - The question of godly works -
Jesus tells us that we are to be the light of the world, and he explains that people do not light a lamp in their house and then put a cover over it. No, they set it on a stand so all in the room can see by its light. And then he says of us,
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:18)
And James, the brother of Jesus, said this about good works,
“What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works?” (James 2:14)
And in an even more profound statement James says this about faith and works,
“For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.” (James 2:26)
This sounds like a pretty strong argument that to be complete in Christ that we must do many works for him. But what would these works be, how would we do them, how do we know what works we are to be doing for the Lord?
We all know the story of how Jesus fed the 5000 people with only a small boy’s lunch of fish and bread.
How he prayed and broke the fish and bread and the disciples passed it out to the people and when all had eaten their fill, there was twelve baskets of leftovers, all from five barley loaves and two fish.
Maybe we don’t all know the rest of that story though.
The next day the people searched for Jesus until they found him, as they were looking for more food, but Jesus told them, you are seeking me because you ate your fill of the loaves.
And then he told them this, “Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life.” (John 6:27)
And then the people asked of him, “What must we do to be doing the works of God?” Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” (John 6:28-29)
And then Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.” (John 6:35)
“For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.” (John 6:40)
“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life.” (John 6:47-48)
The good works that we are to do for the Lord is simply to show by our lives lived in him; the goodness, the love, the grace and the mercy shown by him to everyone, even those who nailed him to the cross.
A young man once asked the great preacher, Billy Sunday, “What must I do to be saved.” Billy Sunday answered him, “Son, there is nothing that you can do to be saved!” The young man then pleaded with him for a way to salvation and Billy told him again, “Son, there is nothing you can do to be saved! Jesus has already done it all!”
And that is the gospel truth of faith and works, we are saved by the blood of Jesus Christ, shed for all on the cross of Calvary and the works we must do are to believe in him and to shine the light of the gospel through our lives lived for him.
Believe in him that he is God, repent of your sinful ways, and accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and you will be saved… May his blessings be upon you this day and forever.
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