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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, 2016 - Sunday was the 2nd Sunday of Easter. The Gospel Lesson for this Sunday came from the John Gospel—20: 19-21. The story of “Doubting Thomas” is one of the best-known post-Easter stories. We know that doubting is part of believing—an emotion that we all feel, and not just in a spiritual sense. We are so familiar with this wonderful story of belief and disbelief that we forget what Jesus promised those that experienced him: “Peace be with you. As the Father sent me, so I am sending you.”
We have had several birthdays these past two weeks: Evie Ideker, Carolyn Umbrell, and Fannie Watson. Happy Birthday! Evie was one year old, and I’m pretty sure that makes her the youngest of those three. Sunday being the first Sunday of the month, we celebrated Holy Communion. On Monday we head to Green Acres for our monthly ministry there. During the month of April, we will be collecting toothpaste and toothbrushes for Community Christian Services.
Last Sunday Fannie and her family hosted an Easter Sunrise Service. There are so many people to thank for all they did to get ready for the large crowd—around 120 on this 29th sunrise service. We also thank God for the beautiful weather that morning. According to the weather reports, there was a good chance of rain. Instead we got sunshine and a cool morning.
Stephen George played the keyboard for congregational singing and also sang a moving special. Larry McNeil read the Invocation. Brenda Giles welcomed everyone on behalf of the Watson family. Luke Johnson and Jonathan Williamson played guitar and drums, performing two songs of faith. Colleen Doggett led the Responsive Reading. Michael Black introduced Rev. Tim Watson, the interim pastor at Center First Baptist, who delivered a thought-provoking Easter message about eyewitnesses to the Resurrection. After the message, Fannie invited everyone to stay for breakfast (wonderful, as usual). Rev. Matt Cecil, the recently appointed pastor to Tenaha and Timpson Methodist churches, gave the benediction and blessing.
“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!
April 4, 2016 - "Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets." (Matt. 7:12) NKJV
We know these words as the "Golden Rule" which we usually say as; "do unto others as you would have them do unto you". They are not only words to live by, they are a part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, the famous sermon preached there to His disciples.
These words are reinforced by the words of God through the old prophet, Micah when he answered the young man's prayer for answers to how he should come to be saved; "He has shown you O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:8) NKJV NOTE: THIS DOES NOT SAY "REQUEST" IT SAYS "REQUIRE"
To do justly would be to do unto others as you would have them to do unto you. To love mercy would be to help your fellow man, your neighbor, when he is in need or in trouble. To walk humbly with your God means that each day we Christians are to do the Lord's will for us and not our own wishes for that day, nor the wishes of mankind. For it is God's will that counts and not our own.
Through Matthew, Jesus said these words; "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." (Matt 22:39) NKJV. If we truly love our neighbors as ourselves then we will be good neighbors, we will treat others justly and in turn, we will be inclined to walk humbly with God each day.
In other words, we will become the kind of Christians that we should be. A people working each day, in harmony, doing God's will, spreading the gospel of the Lord by our daily lives, our daily actions and our daily words. We will be the vessels by which God can shine the light of the gospel into the darkness of this cold, cruel world.
Why, you say, are these words not followed any more than they are in America today? The answer is simple, the Golden Rule is much more than words, it is a Christian principal; to obey it and follow it throughly, requires the grace of God in one's heart. One must be saved if one is to follow it.
This golden rule is really the sum of all the scriptures in the Bible, for when you boil it down, to be Christian means to act like Christ in our lives. While we are not perfect as He was, our goal should be to be as perfect as we can possibly be each day.
We Christians are the closest thing to Jesus that many will ever see, by our actions He is judged, remember that each day. If you profess to follow Jesus then by your actions, He, Jesus, is judged. Let us by our actions and words spread the gospel and love of Jesus to everyone we meet each day. Please feel welcome to join us each Wednesday evening at 6:00PM for Bible Study at Spring Hill Baptist
Church, call 936-615-1427 for more info.
May the Lord bless you and keep you each day...
April 4, 2016 - House of Refuge Apostolic Ministries and Pastor Apostle W. E. Nash, Jr. would like to invite the public to their Usher Program. The program will be on Sunday, April 10th, starting at 3:00 in the afternoon. The church is located at 215 Church St. in Center, TX. Guest Speaker will be Elder Richard McCowin from Long Star Baptist Church in Chandler, Texas. Lunch will be served.
April 4, 2016 - At the end of Judges it is written, “In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes” (Judg. 21:25). This same statement is made three other times in the book of Judges, Jdg.17:6, Jdg.18:1, Jdg.19:1.
As a result of their “perception” of not having a king, they at one point asked for one. In response to this Samuel told them, “And when ye saw that Nahash the king of the children of Ammon came against you, ye said unto me, Nay; but a king shall reign over us: when the LORD your God was your king” (1 Sam. 12:12).
Just like in the days of Israel people today must think we have no king and we are entitled to do whatever we want in spiritual matters. Paul said that Jesus was King of kings (1 Tim. 6:15) and Jesus Himself even took the title of King (Jn. 18:37).
When people do what is right in their own eyes, they willingly neglect and forget that King of kings and Lord of lords, Jesus. Paul wrote, “And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence” (Col. 1:17-18).
As King, Jesus’ words are final and unalterable (Jn. 12:48). Jesus said, “For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: … And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man” (Jn. 5:22,27). Jesus is judge, jury and executioner, make no mistake about it. There is a KING in the land!
For this reason men need to seek what the King wants, how He wants and where He wants it. As long as men do what is right in THEIR eyes with their creeds and the like the true King will never be honored.
Church email: northsidecoccenter@gmail.comIf you would like to receive our weekly bulletin, just email us us your request and we will be happy to put you on the list!
“Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.” - Proverbs 17:6
April 3, 2016 - Our son Brandon, his wife Kristi and their 5-year old twins visited us for several days last week. They live in Mesquite, Texas and we always look forward to seeing them. Brandon likes to fish so we drove down to Bayou Seipe Bridge near Huxley to a place we used to fish when he was in high school. Giant Salvinia had completely covered the water’s surface, so we drove around looking for another fishing spot. As we neared the lake, I spotted a Female Wood Duck and her 14 (!) babies lined up on a fallen willow log. I grabbed my camera and asked Pam to fish with the others while I photographed the ducks. The beautiful clouds… sprinkling rain… the cypress and willows…the smell of clean air… so engrossed me that I began photographing everything I found in this attractive inland cove. I sat on several logs of driftwood as I got shots of the ducks, an Anhinga, a Green Heron and a group of five Kingbirds. Watching the Anhingas soar so effortless on the high air currents made me feel only marginally superior to them. I was stunned by how quickly the ants… big black ones, red ones…tiny ones… found me wherever I sat. (I had forgotten that I spilled NuGrape soda earlier on my blue jeans).
When I joined the others, I found Zoe and Lundyn giggling and splashing in the shallow water with Pam and Kristi watching and Brandon fishing. We took pictures, collected driftwood and spent most of the day at the lake with Brandon and his young family.
As we drove behind them on our way back to San Augustine, Pam reflected wistfully, “Hasn’t it been wonderful being with the kids today?” “Yes”, I replied. ”We always do good…
…..when our children do”.
April 2, 2016 - Patroon Baptist Church invites you to join Family Night for food, fun and fellowship on April 16 at 6 p.m. Family Night takes place monthly on the third Saturday night. As always, everyone is welcome to join us for regular service times: Wednesday nights at 6 p.m. and Sundays at 11 a.m. with Sunday School for all ages at 10 a.m.
April 1, 2016 - The entire chapter of the 96th Psalm is one song of praise to the Lord and His glory. It calls on all believers to sing His praises. It doesn't say so, but I believe it is a song of the Sabbath Day, the day each week when believers gather together and sing His praises in unison.
Chapter 96 tells us of many things; for us to proclaim the good news daily, to declare His glory among nations, of His honor and majesty and strength and beauty. Of the praise that we to give to Him, that we are to bring offerings into His court, to worship Him and to tremble before Him. And, lastly that He is coming back, He is coming back to judge the earth and all it’s people.
Our text for today is just verses 8 through 10 so we will look at them now. Verse 8; “Give unto the Lord the glory due unto His name; bring an offering, and come into His courts.” The name of Jesus has been lifted above all other names and we are instructed here to give to Him all the glory that is due. This would be ALL glory for no other is worthy of glory here on earth. As it tells us that He is coming back to judge this world, and we know that every head shall bow and every knee shall bend when the world sees the glory of the Lord in all His power and majesty.
Verse 9;”Oh, worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness! Fear before Him, all the earth.” As Moses was in awe of the Lord in the burning bush, so shall all people be in awe of Him when He returns in power and glory. We can’t add to His glory, but we can acknowledge His glory in everything we do. All things we do should be done for the glory of God for we are to; “fear God and keep His commandments, that is the sole duty of man”. (Eccl 12:13) If we are truly saved and do belong to the Lord then He has the right to expect us to glorify Him each day in worship to Him.
Verse 10; “Say among the heathen that; “The Lord reigneth; The world also shall be established, that it shall not be moved; He shall judge the people righteously.” We are to come into His House willingly, bringing gifts of support and giving ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God, which is our reasonable service. “He has shown you o man what is good; and what does He require of you; but to do justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with God.” (Micah 6:8) When this is done, there will be grateful praise to God, generous contributions to God’s work, and devoted service by His children. All glory be to the Lord God, Amen…
I welcome you to join us each week on Wednesday evenings for our Bible Study at Spring Hill Baptist Church, for more information call (936) 615-1427. May the Lord richly bless you and keep you…
March 21, 2016 - On Friday, April 15 and Saturday, April 16, the 140 year old First United Methodist Church of Joaquin will host the first Rio De Sabinas Heritage Days, celebrating the Faith,Fortitude, and Courage of the men and women who pioneered the settlement of the lands along the Sabine River in the perilous times when this was literally a no-man’s land.
The organizing committee of the Rio De Sabinas Heritage Days is seeking local authors, artists, artisans, and storytellers interested in participating in the two-day event. On these days, the Garden, Grounds and Fellowship Hall of the 140 year-old First United Methodist Church of Joaquin, TX, will feature an art exhibit, literary rally, demonstrations and storytelling events. Those interested should contact Rev. Robert Oritgo at (903) 407-3570 or Frances Freeman at (318) 347-9318.
A dramatic feature of the two-day event will be a traditional “Brush Arbor” constructed so that our youth and children can see how their ancestors worshiped in the days when Protestant services were forbidden in Texas and later when settlers from scattered farms gathered to worship together at “camp grounds.”
The William Carroll Crawford Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas are among the heritage and historical groups supporting Heritage Days. Members will be conducting demonstrations with exhibits and activities for children. These include special presentations related to frontier medicine, making and dying cloth, sewing, and quilt making.
Special guest, and keynote lecturer for the event will be the State Historian of Texas, Dr. Bill O’Neal, (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_O%27Neal) author of over 40 books on Texas History. Dr. O’Neal will open the Heritage Days with a lecture on a topic of local interest, the War Between the Moderators and Regulators. The lecture will be based on his book, War in East Texas: Regulators Vs. Moderators.
While the outdoor areas will feature a fair-like set up of exhibits and demonstrations frompast times, the Fellowship Hall of the Church will house an exhibit of local artists and authors. A number of local authors will be present to autograph their books and talk with visitors, while the walls of the hall will feature works by local artists. Sponsors of the event are continuing to seek local artists and authors willing to display their creations.
An exhibit and demonstration of historical musical instruments will be of special interest to many. Performances will take place every hour. On Saturday afternoon a concert of old-time gospel music will be featured on the program. Five groups from will be performing.
On Friday, school children from local schools will be special guests at the Heritage Days.While the public is invited on both days, we look forward to hosting Church Groups and families on Saturday. On Sunday, a special anniversary service will be held in the Sanctuary of the Church, commemorating 140 years of Methodist Christian ministry in Joaquin.
March 30, 2016 - St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Center, Tx * Rev. Winston Kibbles- Pastor * will be hosting a Family & Friends Day Program on April 17, 2016 at 3:00p.m. The theme is "This Means War", and we will be over looking Ephesians 6:10-20. Special Guest will be Rev. W. R. Ricks, Pastor of First Missionary Baptist Church, Lufkin Texas. Inviting all of our family and friends to come celebrate with us! Ready of war? Put your war clothes on!
March 29, 2016 - The entire chapter of the 96th Psalm is one song of praise to the Lord and His glory. It calls on all believers to sing His praises. It doesn't say so, but I believe it is a song of the Sabbath Day, the day each week when believers gather together and sing His praises in unison.
Chapter 96 tells us of many things; for us to proclaim the good news daily, to declare His glory among nations, of His honor and majesty and strength and beauty. Of the praise that we to give to Him, that we are to bring offerings into His court, to worship Him and to tremble before Him. And, lastly that He is coming back, He is coming back to judge the earth and all it’s people.
Our text for today is just verses 8 through 10 so we will look at them now. Verse 8; “Give unto the Lord the glory due unto His name; bring an offering, and come into His courts.” The name of Jesus has been lifted above all other names and we are instructed here to give to Him all the glory that is due. This would be ALL glory for no other is worthy of glory here on earth.
As it tells us that He is coming back to judge this world, and we know that every head shall bow and every knee shall bend when the world sees the glory of the Lord in all His power and majesty.
Verse 9;”Oh, worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness! Fear before Him, all the earth.” As Moses was in awe of the Lord in the burning bush, so shall all people be in awe of Him when He returns in power and glory. We can’t add to His glory, but we can acknowledge His glory in everything we do. All things we do should be done for the glory of God for we are to; “fear God and keep His commandments, that is the sole duty of man”. (Eccl 12:13) If we are truly saved and do belong to the Lord then He has the right to expect us to glorify Him each day in worship to Him.
Verse 10; “Say among the heathen that; “The Lord reigneth; The world also shall be established, that it shall not be moved; He shall judge the people righteously.” We are to come into His House willingly, bringing gifts of support and giving ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God, which is our reasonable service. “He has shown you o man what is good; and what does He require of you; but to do justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with God.” (Micah 6:8) When this is done, there will be grateful praise to God, generous contributions to God’s work, and devoted service by His children. All glory be to the Lord God, Amen…
I welcome you to join us each week on Wednesday evenings for our Bible Study at Spring Hill Baptist Church, for more information call (936) 615-1427. May the Lord richly bless you and keep you…
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