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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
April 4, 2018 - We have all heard of Jesus being called the Son of David and see this repeated many times in the New Testament. But, do we really understand why that is said so often about our Lord Jesus Christ? Let us look in the book of Matthew for a better understanding of the genealogy of the Lord Jesus.
It all starts with Abraham, the first to become a Jew, the first of the chosen ones of the Lord God. God called Abraham and promised him that he would be the Father of many, many people, more even than the sands of the sea shore.
Now we know that; “Abraham was the father if Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers.” (Matt. 1:2) And so the linage goes on until we reach Jesse. Now Jesse was the grandson of Rehab, the prostitute who saved the spies that Joshua sent into the city of Jericho. Rehab, the same who was spared by Joshua when the city of Jericho was laid to waste and all except for Rehab and her family were destroyed. God uses, the least to defeat the most, often to show his glory.
“And Salmon the father of Boaz, by Rehab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of David the king. And David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah.” (Matt. 1:5)
Time continues on through many generations, through the deportation of all the people of Israel to Babylon and back into Israel until we find Joseph, the husband of Mary, the mother of Jesus.
“And Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ.” (Matt. 1:16)
“So all generations from Abraham to David were fourteen generations, and from David to the deportation to Babylon fourteen generations, and from the deportation to Babylon to the Christ fourteen generations.” (Matt. 1:17)
A generation in Biblical times was considered to be one hundred years, so the time from Abraham to Jesus would have been 4200 years. but, the blood from Abraham through David to Jesus was never broken, showing why Jesus is often referred to as the Son of Abraham, the Son of David in the Bible.
Now here is the greatness of this, we also are Sons of Abraham, for through Abraham, by his two sons, Isaac and Ishmael. One a Jew, the other an Arab by the women Hagar, servant to Abrahams wife Sarah.
According to the Bible all people on earth are descended from these two sons of Abraham. Through Ishmael the twelve tribes of Arabs and through Isaac, the twelve tribes of Israel and eventually all the people of the world.
“For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. for as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to the promise.” (Galatians 3:26-29)
“But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” (Titus 3:4-7)
And so I ask you this morning, are you washed in regeneration by the blood of Jesus Christ? Do you know the joy of walking in the light of Christ each day? May it be so Lord, but if not, then the Lord Jesus stands ready to accept you into his flock this very day.
And all you must do is take that one step of accepting him as Lord and Savior, asking him for forgiveness of your sins and by forever dedicating your life to him.
He is knocking at the door of your heart this morning, open it and let him in and receive the gift of eternal life in him. May the blessings of our Lord be yours this day…
April 2, 2018 - Sunday was Easter Sunday. Some people don’t like the term Easter because it comes from the goddess Eostre who is a fertility goddess and the goddess of light and the dawn. So some people speak of Sunday as Resurrection Sunday. It was also April Fool’s Day which fit in well with my sermon. I was raised in a very conservative sect of the Lutheran Church and traditionally, Lutheran ministers tell a joke on Easter Sunday. Martin Luther thought the joke was on the devil because God resurrected Jesus and death had been defeated. Love wins! Christians should laugh and sing on Easter Sunday.
Jesus’ resurrection is just as radical as his teachings. During Holy Week, Jesus attacked the religious institutions of his day. Let us not become complacent and too comfortable in our institutions—our churches. Let us pledge never to become the religious elites that Jesus criticized in his day. Let us never let our religion, our institutions, our denomination, our ways of faith override the message of Easter.
We were in double digits this morning. Hilda’s sister Linda came this morning; it was wonderful to catch up with her. Liz and her beautiful voice added greatly to our singing this morning—and always nice to talk with her. The lilies from last week still looked nice: We had to move them and the palm fronds off the altar before having Communion.
And wasn’t it a lovely Easter day? Ever since last Wednesday’s storms, we’ve had the most gorgeous weather (and no snow like some Americans are dealing with today). I haven’t delivered last month’s donations to Community Christian Services yet but will try to go by this week. For April we will collect toothpaste and toothbrushes.
“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. Godspeed
Randy & Sue Smith
Paxton Methodist Church
March 30, 2018 - Have you ever said or done something that you wish you could take back? Just imagine if you could take back those harsh words that you may have said to a friend or relative. Unfortunately I have had to "eat my words" far too many times in my life. I am sure that if you have lived for very long you can think of a time that you have done the same thing.
As I prepare for the Easter service this Sunday, I was reading the story in John 20 where John and Peter came running to the tomb. I realized that even though John outran Peter and came to the tomb first, he didn't go in. But Peter went immediately without hesitation, into the tomb to find Jesus gone. Peter appeared to be more enthusiastic to see the empty tomb than others. I asked myself the question, "What made Peter so bold that without hesitation he ran straight into the tomb without stopping at the door?" Then I recalled that it was he, who when Jesus was taken from the cross dead, he denied Christ three times. It was he, who had wept and was filled with guilt when the rooster crowed as predicted by Jesus. And now if the resurrection was real, he had a chance to right the wrong he had done that night as he stood by the fire and denied that he even knew Jesus. You see the empty grave for Peter was an opportunity for a new beginning.
Later in John 21: 15-19 Jesus restores Peters place as the leader of the disciples and the early church by making him commit to "feed my sheep." the same number of times (three) as Peter had denied Jesus. Peter became the "rock" of the church that Jesus had told him he would be. Even though Peter stumbled, Jesus forgave him, and restored him to the position that Jesus had promised him.
I love this story because it reminds me of the kind of God we serve. He is a God of forgiveness and restoration. Romans 5:8 tells us, "But God demonstrates His love toward us, in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us." Christ died for you even though you were, or are still committing sins. In other words He loves you right where you are at. He knows we sometimes stumble. That we have all manner of character flaws, but He loves us just the same. And just like Peter, if we are willing to seek forgiveness and restoration He is faithful to give it to us. Not because we deserve it, but because of His great love for us and His unlimited grace.
So remember, no matter how bad you may think you have messed up, God loves you. He wants to restore you to the high place He has prepared for you. With arms open wide He's waiting for you. Quit running away and start running toward Him.
I'm Just Sayin,
Mike Belgard
March 30, 2018 - Come and join us for 'Light the Night,' a glow-in-the-dark Easter Celebration, on Friday, March 30, 2018 at New Life Church. Check in is at 6:30pm. Kids ages 1-12 will enjoy the fun of exciting drama, games, food, photos, and a "Glow-in-the-dark" egg hunt from 7pm until 8:30pm.
New Life Church is located at 822 Hurst Street, Center, Texas.
March 30, 2018 - Good Friday Worship Experience will be March 30th at 6 p.m. in the Family Life Center at the First Baptist Church, 107 Cora Street, Center, Texas. A unique service that will include Praise and Worship, Scripture, and a self guided walk through the “Stations of the Cross.”
Easter Block Party will be held on Saturday, March 31st, Noon until 3 p.m. at the Port-A-Cool Park located behind the Library in Center. An afternoon of fun for children and families hosted by the First Baptist Church in Center.
Easter Morning Worship Services will be April 1st and will begin at 10:15 a.m. in the Sanctuary of the First Baptist Church.
March 30, 2018 - Bennett Chapel Baptist Church is hosting their Annual Easter Bake Sale on Good Friday, March 30, 2018 from 9am until sold out! The bake sale is at H&S Discount Foods on Shelbyville Street in Center. Pies are $15, cakes (Layered or pound) are $20 to $30. Special orders are welcome! Call Annie M. Garrett at 936.598.7141 or Gladys Garrett at 936.368.7137. If no answer, leave a message and phone number.
March 30, 2018 - Triumph the Church and Kingdom of God in Christ will be having their 2nd Biannual Conference April 5-7, 2018 in Center, Tx.
Presider: Prince Archie Thompson
March 29, 2018 - Easter "Speggtacular" sponsored by Jackson Baptist Church is set for 11:30am on Saturday, March 31, 2018 at the Joaquin City Park. Enjoy hot dogs, popcorn, egg hunt, and Easter Blessing!
March 27, 2018 - Jesus came to give his life for others, that all might have eternal life in him.
He gave up his life willingly for no man nor men could have nailed him to that cross if he had not allowed it to happen.
Before he left ascending back to heaven he gave us many things, one of which is this commandment which he called “my commandment”, giving it utmost importance to all who would follow him.
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” (John 15:12)
And so Christians all over the world would testify, I love others, my brothers and sisters as Jesus loved me.
Oh really, Jesus gave his life for you, that is the level of love that he loves us with. Not with words but with actions, a life given that others might have eternal life in him.
Jesus tells us that he comes, not like a thief to steal but to give life that others may live life and live it abundantly.
As he says; “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10)
Jesus came that all might have the abundant life of the saved. That all who believe in him and accept him as Lord would know the abundant joy of living in his light, in the light of the world.
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11)
Jesus, the good shepherd laid down his earthly life that all might be able to receive the abundance of life in him.
Are you giving of yourself as the Lord Jesus has taught us that we are to give if we are to follow his command, to love one another as he loves us?
When others wrong you or ridicule you or treat you with disdain, do you pray for them or do you harbor ill will toward them as they do to you?
While that is the worldly way; “to do unto others as they have done to you”, it is not the Christian way, the way we are to follow if we are truly followers of Jesus Christ.
The Christian way is; “to do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” The polar opposite from the worldly way, which says to get even, to repay with the same evil that was brought upon you.
As followers of Jesus we are to; “Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.” (Romans 12:17)
All Christians are to be toward one another as Paul instructed the Corinthians.
“I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be not divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgement.” (1 Corinthians 1:10)
Instructions for the church, that all be of one mind for all are members of one body, the body of Christ on earth.
Peter gives us much the same message of unity when he says; “Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.” (1 Peter 3:8-9)
As Jesus told us, it is by our love for one another that we will be known by the world as his own. It is by our love shown for others that Jesus is known by the world, for if we profess Christ, then we must also project Christ with our lives.
For whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it.” (1 Peter 3:10-11)
And so, I appeal to you brothers and sisters in Christ, turn from evil and do good today, reflect the image of the Christ by the life you live each day. Truly love one another as our Lord Jesus Christ loves us…
May all know the peace and joy that only comes through knowing the Lord Jesus and walking in his light each day…
March 26, 2018 - Sunday was Palm Sunday. Fannie wrote this note that she would like to get out to everyone who came all these years to the Sunrise Easter Service at the Watson home.
“The Dock and Fannie Watson family and Paxton United Methodist Church wish to express their appreciation for those who have attended and participated in the Easter Sunrise Services held in Paxton for the past 30 years. We will not be able to host the event this year. We wish for you a Happy Easter Season as you worship in another Sunrise Service, continuing to celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord by letting His light shine through us each day.”
Of course, we who worshipped at the Watsons’ Sunrise Easter Service year after year owe their family a debt of gratitude too. They always put together an inspiring program—and then fed us a delicious breakfast. It was a joyous fellowship.
I used the John Gospel and the scriptures dealing with Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. The John Gospel is the only one that mentions palm branches as Jesus entered to cries of “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in God’s name!” The palm branches that we used in our worship this morning came from Sunshine Flowers, as did the Easter lilies decorating the altar. Roy and Judy have been so kind to provide palms for at least the last fifteen years. Our processional hymn was #261, Lord of the Dance. That long-ago Palm Sunday had two processions. There was Jesus’ triumphant entry and, on the other side of Jerusalem, the Imperial procession headed by Pontius Pilate. These were two different parades and two different ways of seeing the world. We had peace and justice vs. greed and hate, a battle that continues to this day.
Our Sunday school lesson came from 2 Chronicles 7: The purpose of the lesson was to seek God and turn from those things that are not God-inspired. At the heart of the lesson for the Israelites and us is what it means to choose to follow God rather to follow what seems to be, at the moment, more pleasing to us.
After two months of lying low, hoping to avoid giving or getting illness at our usual nursing home programs, we are now back in business. Because of the way the dates fell in March, we had programs at both Holiday Nursing Home and Lakeside Assisted Living last week. Most of our participants were able to be at one or both—Hilda, Minnie, Fannie, Nora, Maggie, Gene, Ollie, Margie, Sue and me. We sang, listened to music, told stories, read, and enjoyed each others’ company. It was good to see old friends after an absence.
“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. Godspeed.
Randy & Sue Smith
Paxton Methodist Church
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