+ Church Directory
+ Read the Bible Online (Link)
Contributing Writers: David Mathis | Tim Perkins
Past Contributing Writers: Mike Mills, Spring Hill Church | Doug Fincher | Pastor Randy and Sue Smith | Mike Belgard
Faith
“I am the light of the world…” John 8:12
August 5, 2024 - 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...
The BIBLE!
August 5, 2024 - Abundant Love Ministries is hosting their annual Back to School Revival, August 8th - 11th. The dynamic Pastor John Russell, Senior Pastor of Calvary Tabernacle, Alexandria, LA, is our guest Revivalist.
Everyone is welcome and invited, Thursday and Friday nights at 7pm nightly, Saturday morning at 11am, and Sunday morning at our regular 10am services.
Abundant Love Ministries is shepherded by Pastor Marlin Cloudy Sr., and is located at 1426 Shelbyville Street, Center, TX 75935.
August 5, 2024 - New Prospect Missionary Baptist Church is hosting it’s Annual Homecoming on Sunday, August 18, 2024 at 1:30 PM. Guest Speaker is Rev. Mario Osby, Pastor of the Smith Chapel Baptist Church, Timpson, Texas. Everyone is cordially invited to attend.
Following the Homecoming, the church is hosting a One-night revival on Wednesday, August 21, 2024 at 7:30pm. Guest Speaker is Rev. Amos L. Horton, Pastor of the Reed Chapel Baptist Church, San Augustine, Texas 75972. Everyone is cordially invited to attend.
Sis. Janice Garrett, Program Coordinator
Sis. Mary Criner, Church Clerk
Rev. Rayford Caraway, Pastor
The church is located at 8033 FM 2026, Timpson, Texas 75935 and mailing address is P.O. Box 417, Timpson.
August 5, 2024 - Good Morning! It's Monday, August 5.
Every year, on the Sunday before school starts back, First Baptist Church of Center pauses to remember teachers, to honor them, to pray for them. We'll be doing that again this coming Sunday, and it is an honor and blessing to support and encourage the educators of our area.
I'm remembering teachers today. My youngest sister, who we lost in 2022, was a gifted teacher. So is my oldest sister (she'll hate that adjective). I guess it's no surprise that the two of them turned out the way they did, since my mother was one of the finest Bible teachers I've ever known.
My oldest daughter (she'll hate that adjective) is an educator as well. And so are numerous nieces and nephews and cousins, too many to list. I taught school for six years in the '90's. I had never worked so hard in my life. And I haven't worked as hard since. I have great respect for the teaching profession, as I know you do as well.
Take a moment today to remember a special teacher from your past. A teacher who made a difference in your life. Even though decades may have gone by, I'll wager that your remember that teacher by name. Speak their name out loud. Maybe that teacher has gone on to heaven. But, as the old saying goes, "As long as we remember someone, they're not really gone".
Remembering teachers today. Thank God for teachers. God bless teachers.
Meet you back here tomorrow,
Bro. David
dmathis@fbccenter.org
August 2, 2024 - Lancewood Baptist Church in Lufkin is hosting the group Right Road Quartet on Saturday, August 24th at 5pm. Please be seated by 4:45pm.
Right Road Quartet is a brand new group started in March of 2022. The group was founded by lead singer Matt Linton. Matt had enjoyed a successful full time solo ministry but he always had a passion for great quartet music. Other members of the group include Kip Barrier (Tenor), Cameron Rawlinson (Baritone), and Lanny Wilkerson (Bass).
This Quartet is a high energy, ministry minded group with a strong passion for Jesus and they are causing a buzz everywhere they go.
Lancewood Baptist Church is located at 2535 Bethlehem Road, Lufkin,Texas 75904.
July 31, 2024 - There is a very meaningful passage from the pen of the Apostle Paul in Philippians 1:21. He writes, “For me to live is Christ”. Have you ever really thought about what that means? What does it mean to say, “for me to live is Christ”?
It means that Jesus Christ is the Lord and Master of my life. You see, if Jesus is not Lord and Master of all of your life, He is not Lord and Master at all in your life. When Jesus is Lord of our life, we will never forget His cross and all He did and suffered for us. That is why we observe the Lord’s supper. Jesus left that as a memorial for us to remember his death. He told His disciples “this do in remembrance of me”.
Yet, when Jesus is Lord of our life, we will never forget that He is with us. Whether it is early in the morning or late in the evening, we will be aware the He is near, He is watching over us, and He is aware of our every action. He will be with us on the mountains of life and He will be there in the valleys as well.
Being able to say with Paul, “for me to live is Christ” and knowing He is Lord of our lives, we will conduct ourselves in a way that will bring glory and honor to Him. Can you say that for you to live is Christ? Is Jesus the Lord and Master of your life? Can others see by your actions that you belong to Christ?
It’s something to think about. . . TBP
Join Us for Worship this coming Lord’s Day, Center Church of Christ, www.centerchurchofchrist.com
July 29, 2024 - Logansport Missionary Baptist Church will be having VBS Fun Day on Saturday, August 3rd from 8:30am till 2:30pm. All are welcome to join us.
July 29, 2024 - Good Morning! It's Monday, July 29.
On July 29, 1961, the legendary songwriter, Bob Dylan, was involved in a very serious car accident. Exactly five years later, on July 29, 1966, he had a motorcycle crash that almost cost him his life. I'm thinking that, ever since, on July 29, Bob Dylan stays in bed and pulls the covers up over his head!
Have you ever looked back on a day and wished you'd stayed in bed? I'm sure you have. There are dark days in all of our memories. But the legendary psalm writer, King David, suggests that we don't have to be controlled by our circumstances. We don't have to live at the whim of premonitions and chance and fate. Through the power of God, we can simply choose to have joy in every situation.
Psalm 118:24 - This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it!
Meet you back here tomorrow,
Bro. David
“O Lord, Send a Revival! And let it begin in me!”
July 25, 2024 - Blount Chapel Baptist Church, Center, Texas is hosting its Annual Revival on July 31, 2024 through August 2, 2024 at 7pm nightly.
Guest speakers will be:
- Wednesday, July 31st - Minister Desmond Johnson, Bright Morning Star Baptist Church, Center, Texas
- Thursday, August 1st - Pastor Brian Bass, Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, Lufkin, Texas
- Friday, August 2nd - Pastor Brandon Owens, Bethel Baptist Church, Longview, Texas
Homecoming service and cemetery drive to follow on Sunday, August 4 at 11:30am with Rev. Dr. Jackie Garrett.
Pastor Byron Coutee, Jr.
Sis. April Moore, Church Clerk
July 25, 2024 - Hillcrest Baptist Church will be having Vacation Bible School on Wednesday, July 31st through Friday, August 2nd. VBS will be from 6pm to 7:45pm nightly. Hillcrest Baptist Church is located at 901 Southview Circle, Center, Texas 75935.
Pages
