admin «

Sermon Notes: 07/17 Summer Fruit #7 Faith

Posted on Jul 17, 2022 in Uncategorized |

WELCOME TO CENTRAL CHURCH OF CHRIST. Let’s talk about FAITH in God’s love, God’s Story, and God’s family! We’re wrapping up the Fruit of the Spirit today.

“… the righteous shall live by faith” (Romans 1:17)
Philippians 3:9 “…righteousness … is through faith in Christ….
Ephesians 6:16 “… shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.”
Hebrews 11:6 “…without faith it is impossible to please God…”

“…if you have faith and do not doubt… you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done.” Matthew 21:21

(Hebrews 11:1)

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”

“… by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food!…. Hebrews 5:12-13

Ephesians 2:10 “…we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

Essentially, “2nd Work of Grace” is the teaching that you get the Holy Spirit on two occasions

1st – when you’re saved the Holy Spirit comes into your life

2nd – later in life, you essentially get a booster shot of the Spirit that leads you on to a higher level of maturity.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_work_of_grace#:~:text=According%20to%20some%20Christian%20traditions,life%20of%20an%20individual%20Christian.

Now, I say this is a “man-made” doctrine for two reason:

1) the phrase never shows up in the Bible. That doesn’t necessarily disqualify doctrines, but it should make us at least look at such teachings closely.

2) there’s absolutely no Scriptures that teach this idea.

Hebrews 11:1 –“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”

II Corinthians 3:18 describes it this way: “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” (KJV)

Galatians 5:25 “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”

CLOSE: Let me close with this observation about TOMBSTONE

TOMBSTONE CLOSE: – OUTLAW OF FAITH (1993 Movie)

Tombstone is the story of legendary lawman, Wyatt Earp, his brothers Virgil and Morgan, and the Shakespeare-quoting, dentist-turned-gunslinger sidekick, Doc Holliday, as they cleaned up Tombstone, Arizona, in the 1880’s. Recently, I watched clips. Just like my first viewing of this movie, I was riveted. I was no longer tired or exhausted, but sat straight up, drinking in each scene of triumph of good over evil.

As the story unfolds, the Earp brothers are retired from law enforcement, have left Dodge City, and are settling down with their wives in Arizona, looking for some peace and quiet. Tagging along with them is the ubiquitous, tubercular Holliday. Little do they know that the town is run by a weak mayor, has a crooked sheriff, and is under a virtual siege of terror from the marauding Clanton and McLaury gangs, along with the bloodthirsty outlaw, Johnny Ringo.

The Earp brothers have no interest in cleaning up another town. But after the local U. S. Marshall is gunned down in the streets in front of terrified women and children, steely-eyed and flinty Virgil Earp is persuaded to become the new Marshall, deputizing a young and idealistic Morgan, and a reluctant and resentful Wyatt.

As I sat there, I wondered why, after all these years, I was still drawn to this movie.

Tombstone is a guy flick. It’s rough and earthy. Tough, rugged men fight bad guys, protect women and children, and bring law and order by spilling their own blood. They shoot and they get shot. They stand tall and they ride hard. Guys watch movies like this and live their lives vicariously through the bold and courageous characters. The stories call out the slumbering warriors in us who, deep inside, yearn to be bold heroes to our wives and children, and soldiers of faith to our Commander, Jesus the Christ.

Until we go to be with the Lord, we are living in Tombstone today. It is often a lawless town. The Clantons and McLaurys are here. Johnny Ringo lays in wait outside our doors. The innoccent desperately need us to people filled with the Spirit. The bride of Christ needs us to guide in FAITH. God is calling us to be Gideons, the Elijahs, the Shadrachs, Meshacks, & Abednegos. Our Marshall, Jesus Chrisdt is in town. He has called you to live by His Spirit, to wear the badge of faith. So Saddle your horses.

Put on His Badge in Confession, Repentance, and Baptism. Be immersed in Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, & Self Control. Walk in the Holy Spirit of Christ today

https://bible.org/article/saddle

Sermon Notes: 07/10 Summer Fruit 06 – Good for Nothing

Posted on Jul 10, 2022 in Uncategorized |

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control…” Galatians 5:22-23a

NAME: Agatha – It is the Greek word for Good!

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Agatha

Jerome speaks over her in the 200’s as being a woman of virtue and faith. She resisted the advances of a Roman prefect sent to govern Sicily, and was tortured for her devout faith in Jesus. It’s said that a Vision of Peter comforted and healed her wounds, and when she was put on a stake to be burned an earthquake occurred and the crowds immediately took her down.

Galatians 6:9 “… not become weary in DOING GOOD, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

“Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but WHAT IS GOOD. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God.” 3 John 11

“God will give to each person according to what he has done… for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger… but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good…” Romans 2:6, 8 & 10

“… a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?”

Jesus replied “Why do you ask me about what is good?. There is only One who is good…” Matthew 19:16-17a

Romans 3:10 “There is no one righteous, not even one”

“Romans 3:23 says ‘… all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.’”

INSTAGRAM FILTERS: ysmorphia-how-beauty-filters-are-changing-the-way-we-see-ourselves/?sh=75fbd6bb4eff

“Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” John 15:4

Luke 6:43-45

“No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thorn bushes, or grapes from briers.

The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.”

“let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another— and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25

Tim. 3:16, 17 “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

In 1980, the State of Kentucky had a law that every classroom in its in public schools had to post the 10 Commandments.

The Supreme Court ruled against the state of Kentucky ordering it to take down all copies of the Ten Commandments from the walls of its schools saying: “Having the commandments on the wall may induce a student to read, meditate upon, and actually obey what is therein written.”

https://www.mtsu.edu/first-amendment/article/696/stone-v-graham#:~:text=the%20Associated%20Press)-,In%20Stone%20v.,the%20display%20was%20essentially%20religious.

I recently read on a college website that 59% of high school students admitting to cheating on a test in the last year. https://shsnews.org/24160/opinion/cheating-in-the-classroom-increases-in-the-digital-age/

Wonder Why?

Eph. 2:10 “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”

Acts 11:24 “Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith – and many people were added to the Lord through him”

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

A little girl who, on the way home from church, turned to her mother and said, “Mommy, the Preacher’s sermon this morning confused me.”

The mother said, “Oh! Why is that?”

The girl replied, “Well, he said that God is bigger than we are. Is that true?”

“Yes, that’s true,” the mother replied.

“He also said that God lives within us. Is that true too?”

Again the mother replied, “Yes.”

“Well,” said the girl. “If God is bigger than us and He lives in us, wouldn’t He show through?”

https://www.all-creatures.org/humor/showing.html

https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-trust-and-obey

Invitation

Sermon Notes: 7/03 – Summer Fruit #5 – Killing with Kindness

Posted on Jul 3, 2022 in Uncategorized |

https://lambertcastle.org/an-act-of-kindness/

We were invited to visit a curiosity in the neighborhood. This is a monster in human form. He is 27 years of age; his face, from the upper part of his forehead to the end of his chin, measures 20 inches, and round the upper part of his head is 21 inches; his eyes and nose are remarkably large and prominent, chin long and pointed. His features are course, irregular, and disgusting and his voice is rough and sonorous. His body is only 27 inches in length, his limbs are small and much deformed, and he has the use of one hand only. He has never been able to stand or sit up, as he cannot support the enormous weight of his head; but he lies constantly in a large cradle, with his head supported on pillows.

General Washington, while quartered at the Dey family mansion for several months in the year 1780, was told of the unfortunate little boy. Thereupon, he visited the child and was, indeed, alarmed but equally saddened by the grotesque sight before his eyes. Upon subsequent visits, Washington gained the friendship of the boy and spent much time in conversation with the lad. He also encouraged his many staff officers and generals to visit the boy. His purpose was clear. George Washington wanted to bring cheer and comfort to the life of a small boy who, like himself, knew the pain of isolation, of loneliness and of despair.

CHURCHES KINDNESS _- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qftpoMfe08

Pastor James McDonald 2018 – Youtube. 1:00-2:31 mark

“I wanted to see how we were doing when it is hardest to love.”

Romans 3:12 tells us “All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good (literally “kindness” – the same word found in Galatians 5:22), not even one.”

“Do to others as you would have them do to you.” Luke 6:31

https://www.qcc.cuny.edu/socialsciences/ppecorino/ethics_text/chapter_8_kantian_theory/Not_Golden.htm

Did you realize that Jesus wasn’t the first to say something like this???

* 500 years before Jesus, Confucius said “Do not unto others what you would not wish done to yourself.”

* The Buddhists 6^th Cent BC also said Hurt not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful.

* In the Old Testament Apocrypha in the book Tobit 4:15: “Do not do to anyone what you yourself hate.”

* Rabbi Hillel (20 B.C.): “What is hateful to you, do not do to anyone else. This is the whole law; all the rest is only commentary”

https://johnstott.org/bible_studies/9-dec-2017/#:~:text=In%20the%20Old%20Testament%20Apocrypha,while%20standing%20on%20one%20leg.

“DO to others as you would have them do to you.” Luke 6:31

ILLUS: Book – The Claims of Christ by Barry Davis (2001) – tells this story.

https://books.google.com/books?id=Z5FzWaW86lwC&pg=PA87#v=onepage&q&f=false

Boy came home one day to find his mother sitting at the table with an old tramp. Apparently she had gone shopping, met the tramp along the way, and invited him home for a warm meal.

During the conversation the tramp said, “I wish there were more people like you in the world.”

Whereupon his mother replied, “Oh, there are. But you must look for them.”

The old man simply shook his head, saying. “But, lady, I didn’t need to look for you… you looked for me.”

World Kindness Day is November 13^th this year. On Inspirekindness.com it says, “The purpose of this day, celebrated on November 13 of each year, is to help everyone understand that compassion for others is what binds us all together.” https://inspirekindness.com/world-kindness-day#:~:text=World%20Kindness%20Day%20is%20a,what%20binds%20us%20all%20together.

Luke 6:27-36

“But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back.

Do to others as you would have them do to you.

“If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ do that.

And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ lend to ‘sinners,’ expecting to be repaid in full.

But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because HE IS KIND to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qftpoMfe08

Pastor James McDonald 2018 – Youtube. 1:00-2:31 mark

“I wanted to see how we were doing when it is hardest to love.”

Ephesians 4:32 “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

“A PRIEST happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a LEVITE, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.” Luke 10:31-32

“the fruit of the SPIRIT is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness…” (Galatians 5:22)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hudson_Taylor

1800’s British Missionary James Hudson Taylor said “If your father and mother, your sister and brother, if the very cat and dog in the house, are not happier for your being Christian, it is a question whether you really are”

In the Greek

The word Christ is “ChrIstos”

And the word for Kindness is “ChrEstos”

CHALLENGE: TO USE YOUR FREEDOM – REVOLUTIONARY WAR HERO BENJAMIN FRANKLIN

During the American Revolution, he served in the Second Continental Congress and helped draft the Declaration of Independence in 1776. He also negotiated the 1783 Treaty of Paris that ended the Revolutionary War (1775-83)

“He that has once done you a kindness will be more ready to do you another, than he whom you yourself have obliged.” – Ben Franklin

https://www.themarginalian.org/index.php/2014/02/20/the-benjamin-franklin-effect-mcraney/

Sermon Notes: 6/26 Summer Fruit 4 – Puzzling Patience

Posted on Jun 26, 2022 in Uncategorized |

“Everything I needed to know about life, I learned from a jigsaw puzzle.”

Establish the border first. Boundaries give a sense of security and order.
When things aren’t going so well, take a break. Everything will look different when you return.
Working together with friends and family makes any task quicker and more fun.
The creator of the puzzle gave you the picture as a guidebook
Don’t force a fit. If something is meant to be, it will come together naturally.
Patience pays off. Every puzzle goes together bit by bit, piece by piece.
Anything worth doing takes time and effort. A great puzzle can’t be rushed.
https://www.appleseeds.org/Life_Jigsaw.htm

WELCOME TO CENTRAL CHURCH OF CHRIST: We PATIENTLY desire to Share God’s Love, Tell God’s Story, and Be God’s Family. For the summer months we’re going to jump into a deeper understanding of the Holy Spirit of God and how He lives in our lives! First week we longed for a Deeper Love in the Spirit. Then we journeyed toward Joy. Last week we got Spiritual about Peace. Now, let’s take a look at the SPIRIT’s POWER OF PAITENCE– Love Joy Peace Patience Kindness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-Control.

Galatians 5:15 “If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.”

“sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like.” ”I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:19-21

https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g3116/kjv/tr/0-1/

The Greek word here “Makrothumi” means “Slow to anger” (COMPOSITE – makro LONG/FAR, thumos= ANGER/WRATH)

Or, as the KJV puts it “Longgggg – suffering”

ILLUS: Funny Prayer of a Woman – Prayer for Patience

I pray for –

Wisdom – to understand my man;

Love – to forgive him;

Patience – for his moods;

Because, Lord if I pray for Strength, I’ll beat him to death.

In Jesus Name, Amen.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/538250592937031193/

“…be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit— just as you were called to one hope when you were called— one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” (Ephesians 4:2-6)

God’s objective is to take people from many different walks of life – people who have struggled with many different kinds of sins – THEN save them and join them together… like they were pieces of a puzzle. His goal is to take these people of various shapes and sizes and colors and fit them together to form a glorious picture of unity that can impress even the most jaded skeptic or critic.

Ephesians 4:15-16 tells us that our goal should be to speak… “the truth in love, (so) we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together (kind of like pieces of a puzzle) by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”

“… the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, PATIENCE… If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” Galatians 5:22 & 25

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (Colossians 3:12-14)

“…the riches of his kindness, tolerance and PATIENCE, (that) leads you toward repentance…” Romans 2:4

“Bear(ing) with each other and forgiv(ing) whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive AS THE LORD FORGAVE YOU.” (Colossians 3:14)

“…first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. Matthew 7:5

“If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.” (Matthew 18:15)

https://www.readersdigest.ca/health/relationships/lesson-from-a-five-year-old/

John 15:8 says, This is to my Father’s Glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

Sermon Notes: 6/19 Summer Fruit #3 – Power of Peace

Posted on Jun 19, 2022 in Uncategorized |

ILLUS OPEN: FATHER’S DAY GIFTS

Not sure what to get dad for Father’s Day this year? According to a new survey, you’re better off reaching for the phone, than buying a “World’s Best Dad” mug.

The new poll of 2,000 dads revealed that more than three in four dads (76 percent) prefer an experience over a physical gift for Father’s Day.

And the top gift you can give your dad this year? A simple phone call.

And, surprisingly, the survey found that 57 percent of dads actually said it’s their favorite day of the year.

TOP 10 GIFTS DADS WANT FOR FATHER’S DAY THIS YEAR

Phone call from my kid(s) 47%

A big juicy steak 41%

Peace and quiet 38%

Taking in a ball game with the family 38%

An ice cold beer or two 35%

A cheaper, practical gift (socks, tie, etc.) 35%

Glass of wine 34%

Watch whatever I want on TV 34%

Glass of whiskey 29%

A physical, expensive gift (apple watch, etc.) 29%

https://swnsdigital.com/us/2019/06/heres-what-dad-really-wants-for-fathers-day/

WELCOME TO CENTRAL CHURCH OF CHRIST: We desire to Share God’s Love, Tell God’s Story, and Be God’s Family. For the summer months we’re going to jump into a deeper understanding of the Holy Spirit of God and how He lives in our lives! First week we longed for a Deeper Love in the Spirit. Last week we journeyed toward Joy. This morning, let get Spiritual about Peace. – Love Joy Peace Patience Kindness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-Control.

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Luke 2:14

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you….” John 14:27

“The Prince of Peace, and of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end…” Isaiah 9:6-7

https://theyoungleader.experiencegla.com/be-bold-how-to-win-an-argument-with-your-parents-for-the-right-reason/

“What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don’t get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God.” James 4:1-2a

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives…” John 14:27

“… the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7

Philippians 4:2. Paul is saying “I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord.”

1 Corinthians 6:19b-20 “…You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.”

SOUTHERN LIVING, Things we put sugar in.

Sandwiches when were were kids: sugar and butter.
I put it in cornbread—even though my Memaw said, ‘Cornbread with sugar is cake.’
Just a light sprinkle on asparagus before grilling.
Just a touch on veggies.
Just a little in turnip greens to take the bitter out. Vera Wyatt’s special secret.
A tiny bit in the baby lima beans.
I know they aren’t for everyone, but with a little sugar, rutabagas are so, so good! Yumm!
Collards! Pinch of sugar, cup of wine, and vinegar are all must-haves in collards.
My grandparents put sugar on tomatoes.
My grandma put sugar in her potato saladand coleslaw. Her slaw is known by the family as “Grandma Slaw.” She had a unique way of hand-cutting the cabbage with a paring knife that made it taste so good.

· Tea, Tea, Tea

Do we even need to talk about this one? No. No, we do not. On the sweet tea issue, we are a united people.

Philippians 4:5-7 says “Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

“… must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.” James 1:6-8

ILLUS: As children bring their broken toys with tears for us to mend,

I brought my broken dreams to God because He was my friend.

But then, instead of leaving Him in peace to work alone,

I hung around and tried to help with ways that were my own.

At last I snatched them back and cried, “How could you be so slow?”

“My child,” he said, “What could I do? You never did let go.” – Loretta P Burns

https://www.scrapbook.com/poems/doc/27113.html

Philippians 4:8&9 “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable— if anything is excellent or praiseworthy— think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me— put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”

https://www.thetabernaclechoir.org/articles/it-is-well-with-my-soul.html

Passing of Denny Gilliam

Posted on Jun 13, 2022 in Uncategorized |

We are saddened to share the passing of Denny Gilliam this morning. Please pray for peace and comfort for Joan, Jennifer, Chaz, & Chelsey. Visitation will be at 1pm on Wednesday at Hunter’s and the funeral service will follow at 3pm. Our Central family will be providing a meal for the family of the Gilliams in the Central annex for Wednesday after the services. Please bring food by 2pm Wednesday to the annex. Please contact Janice with any questions. May God bless the Gilliam family in their loss.

https://www.hunterfuneralhome.net/obituary/william-denny-gilliam

Mr. William Dennis Gilliam, better known as Denny, age 73 of Sparta, passed away at 7:09am Monday, June 13, 2022 at his residence.

Denny was born August 12, 1948 in Sparta, Tennessee to the late William Clark “Bill” & Anna Geneva Lowery Gilliam. He was a former machinist. Denny served in the United States Army. He was an avid bird watcher and history buff with an emphasis on war history. Denny loved to listen to music and had a vast catalog of songs he liked to listen to. He would often use music lyrics in everyday conversation and he enjoyed passing that love of music on to his children. In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by an infant sister, Darlene Gilliam.

Survivors include his wife of 38 years Joan Gilliam

Daughter: Jennifer Gilliam Rodriguez & husband Andrew

Son: Chaz Lee Gilliam

Daughter: Chelsey Lea Curry & husband Dan

Grandson: Beau Curry

A host of close cousins and friends

In honor of Denny’s wishes, he will be cremated and a memorial service will be conducted 3:00pm Wednesday, June 15, 2022 from the Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home. Military honors will be presented by the Veterans’ Honor Guard. The family will receive friends after 1:00pm Wednesday at Hunter Funeral Home. Christopher Wiles will officiate.

Sermon Notes: 06/12 – Summer Fruit #2- Joy

Posted on Jun 12, 2022 in Uncategorized |

Frank Lloyd Wright built a house for industrialist Hibbard Johnson. https://bible.org/illustration/move-your-chair

In the Jewish Encyclopedia Kaufmann Kohler stated that no language has as many words for joy and rejoicing as does Hebrew. In the Old Testament there are 27 different words that are used primarily… for some aspect of joy or joyful participation in religious worship. Wünsche (“Die Freude in den Schriften des Alten Bundes,” 1896) states that no language possesses as many words for joy as does the Hebrew; which fact indicates the cheerful disposition of the Jewish people and the optimism predominant in Judaism (see Optimism).
https://jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/8937-joy

“You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” Psalm 16:11

“Be joyful always” 1 Thessalonians 5:16

Romans 12:12 says we should “Be joyful in hope…”

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” Philippians 4:4

“The trouble with many men is that they have got just enough religion to make them miserable. If there is not joy in religion, you have got a leak in your religion.” – Billy Sunday – https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/billy_sunday_183037

“… In this world you will have trouble…” John 16:33

https://www.etymonline.com/word/happenstance#etymonline_v_34000

“… if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36

James 1:2-4: Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.” 1 Peter 4:12-13

“… the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten. After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. Upon receiving such orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.. Acts 16:22-24

Acts 16:25 tells us “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.”

Galatians 5:22 “The fruit of the SPIRIT is… joy…” “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” Ephesians 5:21

Ephesians 6:18 – Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Jude 1:20 – But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,

Romans 8:26-27 – Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. (Read More…)

1 Corinthians 14:15 – What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. – Hebrews 12:1-3

But Fanny Crosby had been blind since she had been a baby. When she was 8 years old she wrote this poem:

“O what a happy soul am I! Although I cannot see,

I am resolved that in this world contented I will be;

How many blessings I enjoy that other people don’t!

To weep and sigh because I’m blind, I cannot and I won’t.”

https://www.wholesomewords.org/poetry/crosby2.html

Fishing at the Blevins

Posted on Jun 10, 2022 in Uncategorized |

We’re fishing at the Blevins at 8am!
Here’s a quick list of directions from Tommy & Pat.

Directions to Tommy & Pat Blevins home-

Head on Highway 70 toward Smithville, approximately 10 miles. You will pass the flashing lights at Old Kentucky Rd., and a little later pass the Hwy. 70 Market. About a quarter mile past the market, you will turn left on Indian Mound Rd. Stay on that road for 3.5 miles until you come to the South Pin Hook Rd. Intersection. The first driveway on Pin Hook Rd. is 115 Pin Road Road. You will see a Roger Mason campaign sign. Turn into the driveway then turn right beside the mailbox and follow the tree line to the pond.

Warning, there is an East Pin Hook Road just one mile off HWY 70 on Indian Mound, but do not turn on it. Keep on going until you come to the other Pin Hook Rd.

If you get lost, call me at 931-261-8418

CLICK HERE TO VIEW IN GOOGLE MAPS

Tommy & Pat’s house is 14 miles west of the church building.

Prayers for Kelvin Daniel

Posted on Jun 8, 2022 in Uncategorized |

Church family, we know many of you have been praying for a 2 year old toddler in Cuba, Kelvin. Thank you. Kelvin is the son of Jorge and Dayami, our hosts on the farm in Matanzas. Kelvin had to be admitted to ICU and put in a medically induced coma for possible dehydration complications. We praise God that little Kelvin woke up from his coma this morning asking for food, which is great progress! Please pray for the family and pray that our mission team can be a great blessing to Kelvin & his family when they arrive on the 18th.

Sermon Notes: 06/05 – Summer Fruit 01 – LOVE

Posted on Jun 5, 2022 in Uncategorized |

Fruit of the Spirit Song. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdNZ1_HDPWI

https://www.britannica.com/search?query=love

WIKIPEDIA – Definitions

The word “love” can have a variety of related but distinct meanings in different contexts. Many other languages use multiple words to express some of the different concepts that in English are denoted as “love”; one example is the plurality of Greek concepts for “love” (agape, eros, philia, storge) .^[13] Cultural differences in conceptualizing love thus doubly impede the establishment of a universal definition.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Love

“If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you do well” (James 2:8)

“This is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another.” (1 John 3:11)

“Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.” (Romans 13:8)

“Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart.” (1 Peter 1:22)

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” (John 15:9-12)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Love

John 3:16 says: “For God so loved the world, that he (what?) He GAVE his only begotten Son…”

“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence” – 1 John 3:16-19

“Love is patient, love is kind.

It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails.”

Galatians 5:22 “But the FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness”

“Dear friends, let us love one another, FOR LOVE COMES FROM GOD. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.” (1 John 4:7)

Colossians 3:1-10 tells us what is really “natural” for men and women. It goes thru a whole litany of sinful behaviors like anger, rage, malice and slander, and filthy language… and then it says “You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived.”

Romans 5:4b – God’s LOVE has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

“… It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: John 16:7-8