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I Just Love These Fellows ! Much Love ! A Look Back

Black History Month and Christianity Every February, the script remains largely unchanged. It’s Black History Month, and if people don’t celebrate it, they begin with the questions: "Why do we celebrate Black History Month, anyway?" "Why don’t we celebrate White History Month?" And from some of my Christian brothers and sisters I hear: "I just don’t get it. I’m saved, why should I have to think about Black history?" If you're saved, they argue, you don't need to think about anything else. Not race or racism, or any of the isms. These questions reveal an enduring rift among Christians in this country - one that has healed, somewhat, but still has a long way to go. It was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who, during a 1963 talk at Western Michigan University, said, “At 11 o'clock on Sunday morning when we stand and sing and Christ has no east or west, we stand at the most segregated hour in this nation.” Historically, black churches and denominations were established separately from white churches and denominations because of racism and discrimination. This made religion more salient among African-Americans as the black community began to develop a collective identity. A 2009 report by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life found that African-Americans are significantly more religious on various measures than the rest of the U.S. population - most notably, belief in God, importance of religion in their lives and daily prayer. So the tie within the African-American community to the Christian faith is strong. Perhaps it is because of Christianity that blacks gained a larger voice. The march toward reconciling and recognizing those who have made important strides in the name of Christ continues. Christianity is the language that unites us under one redemptive belief, even though we may still practice segregation in some form. It is the charge toward this common language that gives voice to celebrations such as Black History Month and to revolutions such as the Civil Rights Movement. Absent Christianity, there is little or no collective consciousness to frame the rights of an oppressed people and the reconciliation that must continue to take place to maintain and secure those rights. It’s important to remember, too, that many of those who are celebrated during Black History Month embraced and lived the Christian faith. Dr. Carter G. Woodson started what would become Black History Month in 1926 with the goal of bringing national attention to African-American contributions throughout American history. Woodson, who wrote "The History of the Negro Church," became a devout Christian at an early age and his faith informed his understanding of American history. Others, like the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., saw the ministry as their calling and social reform as their divine duty. Still others, such as Harriet Tubman, saw themselves as doing God’s work here on Earth. How should we view that influence as we approach a new chapter of our history? Much is being said, yet is what you've heard the truth? Let's, you and I, examine some of these perspectives about African Americans and Christianity. The best historical record of Jesus' life is found in the Bible. One of the most frequently posed challenges is directed at this book. Is the Bible credible? Isn't it just a European book that has little to do with our people? The answer to the questions are, "Yes, the Bible is credible," and "No, it isn't a European book that has nothing to do with our people." Black people are referred to and appear on the stage of biblical history many times. Several works have been done to chronicle these instances.1 One notable biblical character was Zipporah, Moses' Midianite wife. This means that Zipporah's father, Jethro, was also black.2 In the New Testament; there are several characters whom scholars believe were likely black due to the location of their home cities. The most undeniable instance was Lucius' comrade in Antioch, Simeon, who was called Niger. Niger simply means "black." African nations and African people are quite prominent in biblical times. To say that the Bible is the white man's holy book or to suggest that it is European in origin or nature, is simply not taking into account the facts. So, while the 11 o'clock hour on Sunday may still be the most segregated, the march toward reconciling and recognizing those who have made important strides in the name of Christ continues. The celebration of Black History Month should bring with it a sense of Christian pride and possibility. After all, many blacks and whites sing out of the same hymnal and read the same Bible every Sunday morning. Christianity is what we have in common.

WALKING WITH GOD – The Compassionate Jesus When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Matthew 9:36 Compassion is a distinctive characteristic of Jesus’ personality. It flowed from the very center of His heart and filled His teachings. People enjoyed listening to Him and walked many miles just to hear Him. The brief record that we have of what He did and taught in three years reveals the depth of His wisdom and the uniqueness of His revelation of God the Father. If life has disappointed you, or if you have failed and are filled with despair and have no idea where to turn to for inspiration and strength, remember the compassion of Jesus. In the power of His love He encourages you to persevere and to rebuild your life. Let Us Pray Compassionate Lord, thank You for Your love that renews my life. AMEN!

PRAYING IS NO EASY TASK: And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, And with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; And thy neighbor as thyself. Luke 10:27 This was the answer of Jesus to the scribe as to what was the first and greatest commandment. In other words, the whole person must love God without reservation. Such a person is required to do the praying that God asks of His children. Just as it requires a whole heart to God to glady and fully obey God’s commandments, so it takes a whole heart to pray effectively. And because it requires the whole person to pray, praying is no easy task. Praying is far more than simply bending the knee and saying a few random words. Praying is divine. Let Us Pray! Lord, I realize again today that prayer is no easy task. You ask all of me when I come to You in prayer Please help me pray. Amen.

THE POWER OF PRAYER; Faith That God Is Able “I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, Shall he find faith on the earth?” Luke 18:8 The possibilities of prayer are measured by faith in God’s ability to do. Faith is the one prime condition By which God works and is the one prime condition By which man prays. Faith believes in God’s limitless power. Faith Gives character to prayer. A feeble faith has always Brought forth feeble praying. Vigorous faith creates Vigorous praying. We need a quickening faith in God’s power. We have restricted God to fit into our world, And now we have little faith in His power. We have Made Him a little God through our little faith. LET US PRAY: I pray, God, that You will increase our faith in Your Ability to accomplish anything. What is impossible for Man is possible with You. Glory to Your name. Amen.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING GOD'S PROPERTY! Be careful for nothing;but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. PHILIPPIANS 4:6

WALKING WITH GOD – SAY “Yes” TO LIFE “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” JOHN 10:10 Every day of your life is a time of boundless opportunity to do good and to grow spiritually and intellectually. Remember, the future belongs to you and you can do with it whatever you want to because God has given you freedom of choice. God, in His grace, gave you life with a sublime purpose. Every day is a gift from the loving hand of God, but you can only live life to the full when you subject yourself to His purpose for your life. The abundant life belongs to God and, even though He is generous with this gift, He can only give it to those who are willing to receive and use it. So, say “yes” to life: it is your privilege as well as your responsibility. LET US PRAY! Thank You that I may have everlasting life through Christ’s crucifixion. Not even death can make me tremble. Amen.

(The Power Of Prayer) THE CHRISTIAN LIFE IS WARFARE Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 2nd Timothy 2:3 What a misconception many people have of the Christian life ! The average church member today Does not seem to know anything about conflict or How the world, the Devil and flesh will try to hinder A believer’s walk. It is just at this point in today’s Christianity that One may find its greatest defect. There is little or Nothing of the soldier element in it. The discipline, Self-denial, spirit of hardship and determination so Prominent in and belonging to the military life, are Lacking. Yet the Christian life is warfare. We need to fight The good fight and endure hardships as good Soldiers of Christ. Let us Pray; Almighty Father, please strengthen me to endure Hardships of many kinds like a good soldier of Christ. Amen.

THE POWER OF PRAYER *Born in the Divine Mind And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: But tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued With power from on high. Luke 24:49 Missions mean the bringing of the Gospel to those Who have never heard of Christ. It means giving to Others the opportunity to hear of salvation through Our Lord Jesus Christ, and allowing others to have a Chance to receive and accept the blessings of the Gospel. It means that those who enjoy the benefits of the Gospel give these same religious advantages and Gospel privileges to all of mankind. Prayer has a Great deal to do with missions. Both prayer and missions were born in the Divine Mind. Prayer creates and makes missions successful, While the success of missions lean heavily on prayer. Let Us Pray; Oh Lord I want to spread the Good News of the Gospel So that others can also have the chance to receive the benefits And blessings that come from Your gracious hand. Amen.

It’s Always Harvest Time ~ By Deborah Ann Not just at harvest time, do we need to have a reason we can plant seeds of hope in and out, of every season. We can reap souls to Jesus, no matter the time of year it doesn’t have to be Autumn harvest time, is always here. Seeds of faith can be planted, into the hearts of everyone whether under snowy covers or the warm blanket of the sun. We can gather in the lost, bring back a wandering soul it doesn’t have to be Fall for the harvest, God controls. It’s always harvest time, we don’t need to have a reason we can sow seeds of eternal hope in and out, of every season! ~~~~~~~ Luke 10:2 “Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.”

A Most Enriching Experience: “ Remain In Me. And I will remain in you” John 15:4 It is worth remembering that the stars are still shinning, even when clouds hide them. Remember, too, that behind the dark patches of life, the eternal love of your heavenly Father is still shining brightly. If you have cultivated trust in Him, your faith will carry you through the darkest moments of life. The life that Jesus promises us if we “remain in Him” is such a challenge that people hesitate to accept it and instead choose to remain in a religious rut that promotes neither joy nor spiritual growth. The life that Christ promotes is much more than an emotional experience. It creates inner peace, a constructive purpose in life, and provides the strength to achieve and maintain such a life through the power of the Holy Spirit. Let Us Pray! Holy Father, I praise and glorify You for the life changing strength that flows from Christ. Amen. WALKING WITH GOD !

WALKING WITH GOD-VELEBRATING LIFE *Where Are You Heading Thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ. 2 Corinthians 2:14 It is not always easy to choose which road you should follow. But accepting Christ as Lord of your life puts divine powers into action. Your values in Him will provide you with an inspired yet practical goal. Choosing your goal and objectives with Christ will put you on the right road and will bring joy, confidence and enthusiasm into your life. If you walk through life in the light of God, the whole journey becomes a joyous experience. LET US PRAY! Dear God, thank You that i can walk through life with You and that You guide me along the paths of life. Amen.

Just Want to Again too Thank all for coming out and Worshiping with us on our "Men and Women's Day" celebration, Sharing Christ with Neighbors, Pastor Eric Tarver and Bethlehem Baptist Church Family. We GBMBC Thank You. Family Friends, Neighboring Churches, Paul Kinney Thank You All ! GBMBC Family Much Love ! To God be the Glory ! God Bless You All !

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12A * Wilson County News -Wednesday, March 14,2018 *MEETING WATCH Floresville City Council Meeting: Floresville City Council regular meeting, March 8, 6-7:37 p.m. Actions: .Approved a proclamation recognizing the 126th anniversary of the Greater Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, believed to be the oldest African-American church in Floresville. ln attendance: Mayor Cissy Gonzalez-Dippel, council members David Johns, Nick Nissen, Juan Ortiz, Gerard Jimenez, and Gloria Cantu, City Manager Henrietta Turner, City Secretary Monica Cordova, and City Attorney Sylvia Rodriguez.

Take Him In To Your Heart !

Lord Fill My Cup !

Bind Me To Your Side !

Scripture Sounds Good To Me!

The Master Is Calling! So Don't Be Lost