Posts

Bulletin for 10-15-23

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Birthdays and Anniversaries

None this week

Prayer requests:

Tommy Reames has not been well this week.

Lowell and Paula Taylor have been sick.

Paul Tyler has a bad sort Parkinson’s. Got stem cell treatments. Pray for their success.

Shirley Weeks, Steve’s mom, some better

Teresa Weeks, Steve’s sister, having age related issues. She has Down’s Syndrome. PT for knee.

Angela Martin, friend of Weeks’, issues may be related to hearing implant.

Robert and Sue Waller, health issues

Darla Nitti, kidney disease

Judy Dingus, friend of the Camachos, cancer.

Leta, has a recurring cancer, prayer request from her granddaughter via our website.

Tammy Jones, Weeks’ neighbor, kidney failure/dialysis

Romans 1-3: Not ashamed

Pride turning to shame is not rare. Consider the young person who is proud of his or her school project until seeing the outstanding accomplishments of others. Or reflect upon how the boldness of worshipping together on Sunday morning might disintegrate later in the week into shame when surrounded by hostile scoffers.

Why did Paul write that he was not ashamed of the gospel? Did he want the church at Rome to envision him taking his stand in Rome before Gentiles who viewed Christ crucified as foolishness? Did he want them to realize his missionary zeal before pressing onward to Spain? What we do know is that because of the gospel being God’s power to save and because of what the gospel reveals, Paul felt no shame in declaring it.

From Romans 1:16-17 we should notice both the gospel’s result as well as its range and method. Each of these provided reasons to be proud of the gospel.

As for the gospel’s result, through it God extends his power to save those who respond with faith.  Regarding its range, the gospel is for all, not just a certain people group, thereby revealing God’s righteousness.

Furthermore, God offered it first for the Jew and then for the Greek consequently honoring the Jewish heritage and further displaying God’s righteousness. And when it comes to the gospel’s method of working, it is “out of faith unto faith” (Romans 1:17). Later Paul will elaborate more on this idea.

Paul was not ashamed of the gospel because it both constituted God’s power to save and it reveals how God is righteous. In Romans 1-3 Paul proceed to provide us with a string of pearls developing these thoughts. He highlighted various ways in which the gospel underscores God’s righteousness.

  • Through the gospel God offers salvation to all people.
  • Through the gospel God honored his historic relationship with the Jews.
  • The gospel declares that God will righteously judge one day (Romans 2:16). Not only is God righteous in pouring out wrath upon sin, but also the principles God will use to judge are extremely fair (Romans 2:6f). Therefore no favoritism exists (Romans 2:11).
  • God has remained faithful in spite of human unfaithfulness, thus preserving his righteousness and ability to judge righteously (Romans 3:3f).
  • Although previously the Law and the prophets had pointed to God’s righteousness, now the gospel also manifests it by working “through the faith(faithfulness) of Jesus Christ unto all who respond with faith” (Romans 3:21-22). No favoritism. And since it is available on the basis of faith in Jesus’ blood at the mercy seat and not based upon works, it is within reach of all people!
  • Although sin and thus condemnation have overtaken all of humanity, the gospel displays God’s righteousness by offering redemption through Christ to all people by grace.
  • God’s manner of handling humanity’s sin problem does not involve him glibly pronouncing the guilty innocent, rather God declares righteous “the one who is out of Jesus’ faith(faithfulness)” (Romans 3:26).

As Paul pushed further into his message to the Romans, no wonder he broke out praising God.

Rom. 11:33  Oh, the depth of the riches  of the wisdom and  knowledge of God!
How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!
“Who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been his counselor?”
Who has ever given to God,
that God should repay them?”
For from him and through him and for him are all things.
To him be the glory forever! Amen. Romans 11:33-36

Paul had no reason to either be ashamed of the gospel nor of his God. The gospel reveals the righteousness of God.

____________________________

For some of the academic undergirding supporting these thoughts consider Romans 1-3: A Non-Lutheran Reading.

Barry Newton, link to original article

Bulletin for 10-8-23

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Birthdays and Anniversaries

None this week

Prayer requests:

Jimmy Reames, Tommy’s brother, had a fall this week. Pretty banged up.

Paul Tyler has a bad sort Parkinson’s. Got stem cell treatments. Pray for their success.

Shirley Weeks, Steve’s mom, some better

Teresa Weeks, Steve’s sister, having age related issues. She has Down’s Syndrome. PT for knee.

Angela Martin, friend of Weeks’, issues may be related to hearing implant.

Robert and Sue Waller, health issues

Darla Nitti, kidney disease

Judy Dingus, friend of the Camachos, cancer.

Leta, has a recurring cancer, prayer request from her granddaughter via our website.

Tammy Jones, Weeks’ neighbor, kidney failure/dialysis

The only one worthy

“Then I saw in the right hand of him who sat on the throne a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals. And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, ‘Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?’ But no-one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could open the scroll or even look inside it. I wept and wept because no-one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside.” (Revelation 5:1-4 NIV)

John saw that the One on the throne had a scroll in his right hand. The right hand was the position of authority, which indicates that this had God’s authority. This scroll was written on both sides – as it seems to have been rolled, John would be able to see writing. The significance seems to be that it was so full of important information that it had to be written on both sides and was now full and complete. This scroll was sealed with seven seals.

Being sealed, it was not open to be read but it was obviously important. But there was no one who could open it! How frustrating that must have been for John! And John began to weep and weep. He could see the importance of this scroll being opened so that he could learn what God had in store for his people. But there was no one who could open it.

“Then one of the elders said to me, ‘Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.’” (Revelation 5:5)

It seems that John was the only one in heaven who did not know that a worthy one was about to step forward! Who could open this scroll? It was the “Lion of the tribe of Judah”! Why could he open it? Because he had triumphed! And who was this Lion? It was Jesus himself! He could open it because he had conquered death so he had the right to open the scroll and its seals.

“Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the centre of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. He went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne.” (Revelation 5:6-7)

If John had looked for a lion he must have been disappointed. What he saw was a lamb. And not only a lamb, but one like none he had ever seen. It looked like it had been killed yet it was alive, and it had seven horns and seven eyes. What a sight! Why did it look like it had been killed? Because it had been killed!

John was seeing Jesus in the form of a lamb that had been given as a sacrifice. He was worthy to take the scroll and break its seals because he had died and with his blood had purchased all people for God to be a kingdom and priests (Revelation 5:8-10).

What does this tell us about Jesus? Because of his death we have been purchased for God to be a ‘priestly kingdom’. The idea of a priest is that we have direct access to worship and approach God. Jesus gave us this through his death. In being forgiven we have become the people that God wanted to have with all the blessings that Jesus can give us (read Ephesians 1). We should join with the audience in heaven praising Jesus for what he has done for us!

“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honour and glory and power, for ever and ever!” (Revelation 5:13)

Image by jeffjacobs1990 from pixabay.com.

Jon Galloway, link to original article

Bulletin for 9-24-23

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Birthdays and Anniversaries

9-28 Steve Weeks

Prayer requests:

Stacey Esner, injured leg, on crutches at the moment.

Paul Tyler has a bad sort Parkinson’s. Got stem cell treatments. Pray for their success.

Shirley Weeks, Steve’s mom, some better

Teresa Weeks, Steve’s sister, having age related issues. She has Down’s Syndrome. PT for knee.

Angela Martin, friend of Weeks’, issues may be related to hearing implant.

Robert and Sue Waller, health issues

Darla Nitti, kidney disease

Judy Dingus, friend of the Camachos, cancer.

Leta, has a recurring cancer, prayer request from her granddaughter via our website.

Tammy Jones, Weeks’ neighbor, kidney failure/dialysis

Sympathy: Bill’s cousin Truman passed away. Bill is in Kilgore for the funeral this week.

Fear, faith & church directions

If we trivialize fear within scripture, we may fail to live with faith. If we assume we understand what is best, we may chose the wrong path. How well are we listening to scripture?

We know the stories. Perhaps the familiarity trivializes the impact they should have. Have we become deaf to the embedded fear?

Forward looked impossible. If ever there was a moment for an anxiety attack this was it. Trapped between the sea and a vindictive charging Egyptian army, the end seemed inevitable. Where was God? Whatever hope had existed for tomorrow was a dissipating mist.

God’s instructions were clear regarding the land of Canaan. But the walled cities were fortified. The land was filled with giant people. Nearly everyone was thinking the same thing. Crossing the Jordan would be suicide. That choice made no sense. Fear dominated their hearts and their mind’s decisions.

The stories continue.  Who in the world would engage in one-on-one battle with a life-long military champion giant? What made sense involved huddling in fear with the other Israelites.

With the combined armies of Israel and Syria threatening the king of Judah’s life, the reasonable response involved requesting Assyrian aid. The prophet’s encouragement to trust in God’s deliverance and “If your faith does not remain firm, then you will not remain secure” (Isaiah 7:14) sounded like nonsense.

Fear thrives on human reasoning. Fear feeds on looking at life’s next step through human eyes. The fixation is upon limitations and what seems reasonable based on statistics, size, projected outcomes, dominant cultural forces … the list goes on.

Faith, on the other hand, sees the world through the eyes of God’s promises, commands and teachings. It trusts in his deliverance. It obeys even when the fire is seven times hotter while proclaiming:

 “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter.  If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up” Daniel 3:16-18.

Faith charts one path … fear another.

And so today’s church leaders face their own giants and seemingly impossible situations. When society’s values differ from God’s will, then God’s ways appear increasingly exotic, untenable and not realistic. Leaders perceive white hairs filling the pews. Simplistic explanations counsel appeasing societal forces and acquiescing. Will the leaders approach their decisions with fear or with faith to obey God?

Nothing is new under the sun! What do today’s giants look like? Each person seeks to do what is right in his or her own eyes. Evil is called good and good evil. Nothing is new under the sun!

If nothing is new under the sun, then neither is the uncommon faith of a Joshua, a Caleb or a David standing tall when human eyes only offer fear. Unless we stand in their shoes aware of how others trembled with fear, we may not realize our story is nothing new. What will we choose? Fear and accommodation or faith and obedience?

Barry Newton, link to original article

Bulletin for 9-17-23

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Birthdays and Anniversaries

None this week

Prayer requests:

Emma Reames new doctor, working it out

Chaney Reames is undergoing extensive dental work.

Stacey Esner, injured leg, on crutches at the moment.

Paul Tyler has a bad sort Parkinson’s. Got stem cell treatments. Pray for their success.

Shirley Weeks, Steve’s mom, some better

Teresa Weeks, Steve’s sister, having age related issues. She has Down’s Syndrome. PT for knee.

Angela Martin, friend of Weeks’, issues may be related to hearing implant.

Robert and Sue Waller, health issues

Darla Nitti, kidney disease

Judy Dingus, friend of the Camachos, cancer.

Leta, has a recurring cancer, prayer request from her granddaughter via our website.

Tammy Jones, Weeks’ neighbor, kidney failure/dialysis

Choose Joy

Three hours in the garden flew by as swiftly as the ruby-throated hummingbird, annoyed that I had just weeded out a lot of the cypress vine that he so loved. Note to self: I must put up the hummingbird feeder to make up for lessening his food source in favor of a neater garden.

The mild breezes caressing my face as I cleared out the weeds spoke peace and joy into my heart, even if the angry bird did not. Gone for this week was the oppressive heat of summer, when opening the back door was akin to opening the oven. 

It felt luxurious after the busy months of July and August to have a few days to do garden chores. Yes; I actually enjoy the chores themselves, but enjoy it so much more when it’s done! I felt a twinge of guilt that I could be doing something more productive, maybe propagating roses for selling. The reality is that I can’t sell as much from a messy garden, but it drove home the point that we often are motivated away from things that are actually quite good.

Take the emotion of joy, for instance. I was in my happy place, my bliss, turning a weedy patch into what it used to be; a place of beauty. As I worked, I contemplated this joy that I was experiencing, free from the headaches that had been plaguing me for so long and having a few days to just “be.” That twinge of guilt — unearned as it was — had even bled over into this joyful feeling I had.

Is it right to feel happy and joyful when the world is a mess? Wildfires in one place and floods in another? Friends who are sick and far away? 

YES!

I am starting to believe it is a requirement that we dare not follow because it’s … well … pleasant! Fun! Joyful!! While we rightly take time to decry sin in all its forms and sneaky ways, we have been given a great gift by our Lord who has saved us from sin. 

Joy. Continual joy. Joy in whatever circumstances we find ourselves, whether watching the birds and butterflies on a quiet patio or being hounded from place to place because we won’t stop teaching the truth.  

“And the disciples were continually filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 13:52, NASB). 

It is significant that this placid passage closely follows a rather tumultuous persecution of Paul and Barnabas by their own Jewish brethren. Later, Paul and Silas will be found singing hymns while they’re in prison with their feet in stocks. 

As one of the fruits of the Spirit spoken of in Galatians 5:22, we want to partake and enjoy this gift. It will make the sweet moments sweeter, and our gratitude more full. It will make the hard times more bearable, in knowing that they are all temporary until we reach the heavenly home where our joy is made completely full.

“So that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light” (Colossians 1:10-12).

Christine Berglund, link to original article

Bulletin for 9-3-23

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Birthdays and Anniversaries

None this week

Prayer requests:

Emma Reames new doctor, working it out

Chaney Reames is undergoing extensive dental work.

Stacey Esner, injured leg, on crutches at the moment.

Paul Tyler has a bad sort Parkinson’s. Got stem cell treatments. Pray for their success.

Shirley Weeks, Steve’s mom, some better

Marvin Weeks, doing well.

Teresa Weeks, Steve’s sister, having age related issues. She has Down’s Syndrome. PT for knee.

Angela Martin, friend of Weeks’, early onset Alzheimer’s, she is also Down’s Syndrome.

Robert and Sue Waller, health issues

Darla Nitti, kidney disease

Judy Dingus, friend of the Camachos, cancer.

Leta, has a recurring cancer, prayer request from her granddaughter via our website.

Tammy Jones, Weeks’ neighbor, kidney failure/dialysis

Have you seen the light?

As I write this, we are expecting a super blue moon. That means we will experience the second full moon of this month and it will be especially bright. It is rare and beautiful to behold. I cannot wait to see the earth lit up at night!

In the spiritual realm, light comes from God’s word. The singer of Israel said, “Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). Isaiah chided the people of God:

“And when they say to you, ‘Seek those who are mediums and wizards, who whisper and mutter,’ should not a people seek their God? Should they seek the dead on behalf of the living? To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them” (Isaiah 8:19-20).

Paul made much the same point, when he wrote,

“For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6).

The light of God’s word calls for right conduct. John told his children in the faith,

“This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth” (1 John 1:5-6).

Paul wanted the saints to realize light and darkness do not mix:

“Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14).

Since light and darkness do not coexist, the apostle issued an appeal:

“Therefore ‘Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the Lord Almighty” (2 Corinthians 6:17-18).

There are a number of good things that come out of walking in the light. John states,

“But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).

John went on to say,

“He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now. He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him” (1 John 2:9-10).

Paul went down much the same path when he wrote,

“If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:1-3).

The light that surrounds us in this world is often a wonder to behold. The light of God’s word and the path it directs us to is even more beautiful. It teaches us to live a righteous life and produces a number of good results. Have you seen the light? If not, open God’s book. It will be all around you.

Gary C. Hampton, link to original article

Bulletin for 8-27-23

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Birthdays and Anniversaries

8-28 David & Rosibel Mendoza

8-30 Jennifer Mendoza

Prayer requests:

Emma Reames new doctor, working it out

Chaney Reames is undergoing extensive dental work.

Stacey Esner, injured leg, on crutches at the moment.

Paul Tyler has a bad sort Parkinson’s. Got stem cell treatments. Pray for their success.

Shirley Weeks, Steve’s mom, some better

Marvin Weeks, surgery on neck Monday.

Teresa Weeks, Steve’s sister, having age related issues. She has Down’s Syndrome. PT for knee.

Dewey Prater, heart echo tomorrow.

Robert and Sue Waller, health issues

Darla Nitti, kidney disease

Leta, has a recurring cancer, prayer request from her granddaughter via our website.

Tammy Jones, Weeks’ neighbor, kidney failure/dialysis

Taste and see

“Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.” (1 Peter 2:1-3 NIV)

How do we know if something tastes good or not? You would think that the obvious answer would be to take a bite! But often this is not what we do.

I remember how my children reacted when I introduced a new dish to them. First they would look at it. Did it look appealing? Then they would smell it – did it smell good? (There is actually good sense in the smelling because this is part of how we taste.) As they got older they would ask to see the recipe to see what it contained. But the only real way to know if something tastes good is to try it.

The Psalmist (we believe it was David when he was acting insane; at least this is what the preamble states) said this:

“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him” (Psalms 34:8).

In this Psalm he gives the reasons why he believes that when we taste the Lord we will find him good. When he prayed God answered him and delivered him from his fears. God helps the poor out of their troubles. God camps around those who follow him and delivers them. God makes sure his people lack no good thing. God rescues his servants and doesn’t condemn those who take refuge in him. In other words, as far as David was concerned, the evidence was in: he had tried God and found him to be good!

But how can we taste God?

“Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” (Psalms 34:12-14)

Following and serving God requires a person to live their life for God. They needed to live changed lives in what they said, in what they did, and in what they pursued.

Isn’t this what Peter wrote here? We have to get rid of everything in our lives that are evil: malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy and slander. Those cannot be part of the life of God’s people. Sadly, this seems to be what many around us crave, as can be seen in how they live their lives and what they post on social media.

Instead, we are to “crave pure spiritual milk”. Milk, we realise, is necessary for babies to grow and develop. Spiritual milk is necessary for new Christians to “grow up in your salvation”. But what exactly is this “spiritual milk”? If we check the context by reading the verses before this, we discover that Peter is talking about God’s word (keep in mind that the chapter breaks were not part of Peter’s letter and often break the continuity of thought).

“Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart. For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. For, ‘All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord endures for ever.’ And this is the word that was preached to you.” (1 Peter 1:22-25)

It is when we spend time in God’s word, see how God interacted and blessed people in the past and see the instructions he has for us and the blessings that are promised, we see that he is, indeed, good.

Maybe the question for us is this: have we tasted God to see that he is good? If we haven’t we need to give him a try.

Image by Ryan McGuire from pixabay.com. Free for use.

Jon Galloway, link to original article

Bulletin for 8-20-23

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Birthdays and Anniversaries

8-24 Ruben Turcios, Jr

Prayer requests:

Emma Reames new doctor, working it out

Chaney Reames is undergoing extensive dental work.

Paul Tyler has a bad sort Parkinson’s. Got stem cell treatments. Pray for their success.

Shirley Weeks, Steve’s mom, some better

Marvin Weeks, surgery on neck next Monday.

Teresa Weeks, Steve’s sister, having age related issues. She has Down’s Syndrome. PT for knee.

Dewey Prater, heart echo tomorrow.

Toni Parrish, Dena’s sister, several procedures this week.

Robert and Sue Waller, health issues

Darla Nitti, kidney disease

Leta, has a recurring cancer, prayer request from her granddaughter via our website.

Tammy Jones, Weeks’ neighbor, kidney failure/dialysis

Sarah Ussery, Chris Girvin’s sister, funeral this week. Keep family in your prayers as they travel.

Preparing for eternity

As you read through the books of the Law you discover that the Israelites were introduced to a system of sacrifices. Animals were killed and offered to make restitution for something someone had done. Once each year the high priest entered the inner room of the tabernacle with blood of an animal to deal with his sin as well as the sin of the nation. The problem was that he had to do this each year. Why? Because the blood of animals, the sacrifices they made, were unable to get rid of the sin.

“This is an illustration for the present time, indicating that the gifts and sacrifices being offered were not able to clear the conscience of the worshipper. They are only a matter of food and drink and various ceremonial washings – external regulations applying until the time of the new order.” (Hebrews 9:9-10 NIV)

What was this ‘new order’? It was Jesus coming to pay the price for our sin. He didn’t do this with the blood of more animals but he came with his own blood, “so obtaining eternal redemption” (Hebrews 9:12). Finally there was a way to deal with sin once and for all. This was not just for people of his time or those who lived afterwards, but his blood took care of the sins of those who offered the sacrifices under the first covenant.

“For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance – now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.” (Hebrews 9:15)

Have you thought about that? Jesus not only paid for our sins when he died on the cross, but his blood stretched back to take care of the sins of those who lived before his time. That is powerful cleansing! And he only had to do it once!

“For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made with human hands that was only a copy of the true one; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God’s presence. Nor did he enter heaven to offer himself again and again, the way the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood that is not his own. Otherwise Christ would have had to suffer many times since the creation of the world. But he has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself. Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.” (Hebrews 9:24-28)

What is this saying to us? It tells us that Jesus’ one-time sacrifice of himself dealt with the sin of the world. He didn’t have to make an offering over and over again as the high priest did for many centuries. He did it once in order to deal with sin forever. He did this by offering himself as the sacrifice.

The forgiveness Jesus offers is available now. But we only have the present time to take advantage of this. When we die we will face judgment. When Jesus returns it will not be to deal with sin because he has already done that. If we are holding out for a ‘second chance’ this scripture tells us we must use our time here to prepare for eternity.

When Jesus comes the next time it will be “to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him”. Are we ready? Are we waiting for him and looking forward to his coming?

Image by Didgeman from pixabay.com. Free for use.

Jon Galloway, link to original article

Bulletin for 8-13-23

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Birthdays and Anniversaries

None this week

Prayer requests:

Emma Reames new doctor, working it out

Chaney Reames is undergoing extensive dental work.

Gladys Ramirez tests on stomach.

Paul Tyler has a bad sort Parkinson’s. Got stem cell treatments. Pray for their success.

Shirley Weeks, Steve’s mom, some better

Teresa Weeks, Steve’s sister, having age related issues. She has Down’s Syndrome. PT for knee.

Robert and Sue Waller, health issues

Darla Nitti, kidney disease

Leta, has a recurring cancer, prayer request from her granddaughter via our website.

Tammy Jones, Weeks’ neighbor, kidney failure/dialysis

Sarah Ussery, Chris Girvin’s sister, passed away this week. Keep family in your prayers.

Whatever happened to being good?

“Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no-one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle towards everyone.” (Titus 3:1-2 NIV)

As you read through Paul’s conclusion to his letter to Titus, the description of what Christians are to be stands in stark contrast to the world around us today. In fact, it is quite a contrast to many who call themselves followers of Jesus.

In our politically-polarised world much of this seems to be out the window. Rather than encouraging all to be subject to whoever is in government we instead hear slander and ways to get around the law. As far as being peaceable, considerate, and gentle, many Christians are known for stirring up controversy and being anything but these things. Yet when we read the ‘fruit of the Spirit’ – what we are to be producing in our lives as Christians – we find these front and centre. And the contrast doesn’t stop there.

“But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned.” (Titus 3:9-11)

Christians are not to be involved in quarrels and arguments and are definitely not to be dividing Christians. Yet, sadly, this is what we so often see. It seems the political turmoil around us is spilling over into our lives as Christians. What has gone wrong?

I would suggest that what has happened to Christians today is the same as was happening when Paul wrote to Titus. Christians have forgotten all that Jesus has done for us. Although living full of hate and malice might characterise those living around us, we put that away when we chose to follow Jesus.

“At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Saviour appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Saviour, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.” (Titus 3:3-8)

This is what being a Christian is all about! Getting rid of deception and being enslaved to our passions and pleasures and getting rid of hatred. These were part of the old life we lived in the past before we were born again through the “washing of rebirth” and were renewed by the Holy Spirit. Our lives are now to be different because of what Jesus has done and the relationship we now have with him.

In a nutshell, we need to be devoted “to doing what is good”. It really is that simple. We are to be helpful, encouraging, and live lives of peace and harmony. We are to encourage each other and be gentle to everyone. This is what we are to be like if we are really following Jesus.

“These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.”

Image by joojoo41 from pixabay.com. Free for use.

Jon Galloway, link to original article

Bulletin for 8-6-23

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Birthdays and Anniversaries

8-10 Wendi Camacho

8-11 Vanessea Chance

Prayer requests:

Emma Reames new doctor, working it out

Chaney Reames is undergoing extensive dental work.

Gladys Ramirez tests on stomach.

Paul Tyler has a bad sort Parkinson’s. Got stem cell treatments. Pray for their success.

Shirley Weeks, Steve’s mom, some better

Teresa Weeks, Steve’s sister, having age related issues. She has Down’s Syndrome. PT for knee.

Robert and Sue Waller, health issues

Darla Nitti, kidney disease

Leta, has a recurring cancer, prayer request from her granddaughter via our website.

Tammy Jones, Weeks’ neighbor, kidney failure/dialysis

Sarah Ussery, Chris Girvin’s sister, in hospice care after long fight with cancer.

Even them

“Even them I will bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer” (Isaiah 56:7 NKJV).

In the Law of Moses there were certain classes of people who were not to be admitted to “the assembly of Israel” or be allowed to participate in its worship in the tabernacle and temple (Leviticus 21:16-23). Isaiah prophesied concerning some of those classes (probably intended to be understood as representing all those previously banned) that, at some point in his future, “even they” would receive God’s blessings and be included as part of his chosen people.

God has never forgotten or rejected the masses of humanity with whom he did not establish a covenant relationship, either through Moses or through Christ. The Bible is filled with references to his being the creator of the entire world, including all of humanity, and of his love and compassion for all of mankind. So the prophet Isaiah proclaimed, “The Lord God, who gathers the outcasts of Israel, says, ‘Yet I will gather to him others besides those who are gathered to him’” (Isaiah 56:8).

It is this conviction, that all mankind lives within the scope of the love of God, that drives mission activity. And not only that, but all of mankind also lives within accountability to God’s laws and will (Romans 3:9, 23). This was the basis for the Great Commission given by Jesus to his apostles (and all Christians) just before his ascension (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16).

No land is too remote for the Gospel to reach. No peoples are so poor, or immoral, or idolatrous that it is useless to attempt to proclaim the good news of salvation to them. “God so loved the world” (John 3:16) speaks just as clearly today as it did in the first century.

The greatest barrier to fulfillment of Jesus’ command is not expense or governmental anti-evangelistic interference. Neither is it persecution, though there is much more persecution of Christians today than most American Christians imagine. The greatest barrier to evangelism is the indifference of far too many to the plight of the lost — especially those lost who are not just like us.

John wrote, “We have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And he himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world” (1 John 2:1-2). We are not the sole object of God’s love, nor of Jesus’ sacrifice. John is not teaching universal salvation, but rather universal potential. Jesus’ blood is available to anyone, anywhere, and anytime, who will turn to him in obedient trust.

But they can turn only when they know of Jesus. Paul reminds us,

“For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent . . . So then faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:13-15a, 16).

Billions of people whom God brought to life and whom he loves live today without knowledge of Jesus. It is both the burden and the privilege of the Church to reach out to them with God’s saving message. Let us never be indifferent to their plight or blind to our opportunities to help them.

Michael Brooks, link to original article

Bulletin for 7-30-23

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Birthdays and Anniversaries

None this week

Prayer requests:

Emma Reames new doctor, working it out

Chaney Reames is undergoing extensive dental work.

Gladys Ramirez tests on stomach.

Clayton Castle, friend of Steve and Dena, passed away, services Thursday.

Paul Tyler has a bad sort Parkinson’s. Got stem cell treatments. Pray for their success.

Shirley Weeks, Steve’s mom, some better

Teresa Weeks, Steve’s sister, having age related issues. She has Down’s Syndrome. PT for knee.

Robert and Sue Waller, health issues

Darla Nitti, recovering from a fall

Leta, has a recurring cancer, prayer request from her granddaughter via our website.

Tammy Jones, Weeks’ neighbor, kidney failure/dialysis

Sarah Ussery, Chris Girvin’s sister, in hospice care after long fight with cancer.

Just a prayer meeting?

If Paul were to write a little handbook about congregational worship and functioning, what might be foremost in his mind? Where would the emphasis lie?

1 Timothy can remove the speculation. Within this letter Paul provided Timothy with instructions regarding, “how people ought to conduct themselves in the household of God” (1 Timothy 3:15). Where did he place the priority?

“First of all, then, I urge that requests, prayers, intercessions, and thanks be offered on behalf of all people” (1 Timothy 2:1). Paul directed that “in every place,” that is in every meeting place godly men were to pray to God (1 Timothy 2:8).

I remember a long time ago listening to someone’s response upon hearing that the regular Wednesday night Bible study program had been replaced by a prayer meeting. “It is just going to be a prayer meeting.” It would appear that in that person’s thinking, prayer didn’t rank too high.

On the other hand, for Paul it was the first topic that needed clarification. As I read 1 Timothy 2, two prayer principles stand out: first, an inclusive focus and, second, diversity of type.

God’s people were to be lifting up before the Father all who are in authority and all people. These prayers were to burst through a self-centered focus to embrace the needs of all people.

Secondly, the range of these prayers were to include praying for the lost because God wants everyone to come to a knowledge of the truth. Furthermore, gratitude for God’s loving kindness was to spill out in prayer. An awareness of our dependence upon God was to erupt in prayer as godly men laid before the Father requests.

Paul desired that prayer in all its forms and with an inclusive focus upon humanity be directed to God. “Such prayer for all is good and welcomed before God our Savior” (1 Timothy 1:3).

What about us? How do we view God’s people gathering to pray? Is it “just a prayer night”? Or does the opportunity to gather together before God in pray rank high in our minds?

Barry Newton, link to original article