News and Notes:  Monday, Sept. 6^th

Eastside Gospel Meeting – Our Fall meeting with Bruce Reeves is in the books. Bruce did a great job in sharing the Truth with us with conviction. We had pretty solid participation from our members and a nice group of visitors from the area. We pray all were edified. (NOTE: Bruce will begin a meeting at the Pruitt at Lobit Church of Christ in Baytown beginning this Sunday: Sept. 12^th-17^th, Mon-Fri at 7:30pm)

News Among Members:

Mickey Suttle is showing signs of improvement as he remains in the Bayside hospital in Anahuac and recovers from pneumonia. A group of Christians went to sing to him yesterday and he seemed to enjoy that. Room 109.

Tom Henry is in the Bayshore hospital in Pasadena. He suffered a stroke and is currently non-responsive.

June Paulsel will have knee replacement surgery tomorrow morning at 7:30a.m. at San Jac. in Baytown.

Johnny Partin was taken to the emergency room last night. Sadly his health continues to decline.

Christine Smith’s cousin, Debbie Fontenot, is facing complications from brain cancer at this time.

Erica Walker was able to bring her baby, Bryce Austin, to services last night. Great to see them doing well.

Sandra Brown is slowly but surely feeling better following surgery. She continues to recover at home. Also, her father is in the hospital and that has been difficult for her as well.

Claudia Sisco, Karen Stover’s mother, is still suffering from a lot of jaw pain due to a nerve in her face.

Pam Thomas was feeling well enough to be with us both services yesterday! We are thankful for that.

Elma Chilson remains in Kindred hospital in Pasadena. It has been a LONG road for her. Visit if you can.

Charles Kelly was not feeling well yesterday and could not get out for worship.

Mary Griffin was with us in worship yesterday morning. It was nice to see her smile again in worship.

Others undergoing cancer treatment should have a place in our prayers daily: Joyce Lee, Kathy Williams, Linda Bockmiller, Renate Turner, and all in our family who are hurting.

New Members: William C. Waters

Jeanette Page

Special Service NOTE: Wednesday night Invitation assignments:

Sept. 8^th – Tim Johnson

Sept. 15^th – Robin Merritt

Related Notes:

Labor Day gathering at Bill Murff’s home – TODAY 5 p.m. – Contact Elaine about food/chairs, etc.

Bible Thoughts – “The Demons Also Believe, and Shudder.” (Ja. 2:19)

We live in a country where most proclaim belief in Christ and the Bible, and yet most don’t obey the Will of Christ in the Bible. How is that possible? The reality is the religious climate of our time is fully embracing the concept of “Belief Only.” Simply put, as long as someone believes that Jesus is the Son of God, and that He was raised and is coming again, that is all that is needed to be saved. Tele-evangelists and denominationalists alike tell people to simply “ask Jesus to come into your heart.” This is a mental acknowledgement of belief, and constitutes salvation for many.

The Bible speaks about the condition of those who believe but do not obey. And we can share passages about baptism and works and obedience with our friends, but they still contend that believe in Jesus is all that they need to do. Well, maybe it is time to consider … demons. The fact is: if believing that Jesus is the Son of God is all that is required to go to heaven, then Satan and all his demons are going to heaven! Let me demonstrate:

Denominational View: [John 3:16-18 ONLY] – 1) Believes Jesus to be the Son of God. 2) Believes Him to be al-powerful. 3) Believes Him in all fear. 4) Humble yourself before Him. Once these four criteria are met, one becomes a saved soul, without reference to baptism or faithfulness.

But now note: [Mark 5:1-13] – 1) The demon believed Jesus was the Son of God (v7). 2) The demon believed Jesus is al-powerful (v12-13). 3) The demon believed in fear of Jesus (v7,10). 4) The demon humbled himself before the Lord (v10,12).

According to popular religious positions in our country… this demon is saved! But such cannot be so, for Jesus Himself said the “eternal fire…has been prepared for the devil and his angels” (Mt. 25:41).

Well then, how do we harmonize the truth of Scripture? How is it possible that belief is necessary to be saved (John 3:16), but belief alone is not enough to access the matchless grace of God?

The answer is found in James 2:14-24:

“What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,’ and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that? Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.” (14-17)

“You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up Isaac his son on the altar? You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of works, faith was perfected… You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone.” (19-24)

This article is intended to bring about two results: 1) For our religious friends to understand that one cannot believe in Jesus unto salvation without obeying Jesus. His works for us are required by Him. To belief but not obey is to be like the shuddering demon. To believe unto obedience in baptism and faithfulness is to be a child of God. 2) Most are unaware that James chapter 2 is not written concerning the non-Christian. It is actually a message to God’s people. You are now a Christian, baptized into Christ. Can we recognize our continued relationship with the King is not about putting our belief on auto pilot, but daily committing ourselves to living for Jesus and fulfilling the works of God with diligence?

May today be a day defined as “you and Christ.” I live because He lives. I will live because He will return. And so today, I live for Him!

News and Notes:  Monday, August 30^th

Eastside Gospel Meeting – Our Fall meeting with Bruce Reeves is now ongoing! We had a tremendously uplifting set of worship services yesterday and are looking forward to encouragement through the week, as well as being challenged to greater service. We meet Monday through Thursday at 7 p.m. Also Wed. 10 a.m.

News Among Members:

Blake and Erica Walker welcomed a baby boy, Bryce Austin into this world on the 25^th. All are doing well!

Sandra Brown is now home following abdominal surgery 10 days ago. She is feeling quite a lot of soreness.

Evie Sisco had an appendectomy Saturday and is doing much better this week.

Claudia Sisco, Karen Stover’s mother, is going to the neurologist today due to frequent pain in her jaw.

Pam Thomas is home recovering from abdominal surgery this past week.

Elma Chilson continues to be at Kindred Hospital in Pasadena as she is treated for infection.

Sheri Campbell was able to be with us in worship yesterday following recent surgery. It was great to see her.

Charles Kelly wants to thank everyone for prayers. Reports have been very good. No surgery or treatments are needed at this time and he will go back to the doctor in 3 months.

Mickey Suttle continues to valiantly battle brain cancer. He and Celeste were in Humble for the weekend and worshipped with the brethren there.

Damon Davenport is now receiving cancer treatments and has been feeling very poorly recently.

Mary Griffin had successful surgery and is now recovering well at home. She hopes to be with us this week.

Others undergoing cancer treatment should have a place in our prayers daily: Kathy Williams, Linda Bockmiller, Renate Turner, and all in our family who are hurting.

New Members:

William C. Waters 7410 Broken Arrow Baytown, TX 77521 281-839-8944

Jeanette Page 2215 Loch Lomond Rd. Highlands, 77562

Visitors: (*indicate new or recently revisited) (none new this week)

Jeanie Wood 27406 E. Fairway Oaks Dr. Huffman, 77336 281-324-1575 (John Brinkley’s mom)

Louis, Missy and Sam House 3625 Whatley Dr. Deer Park, 77536 (Southside members)

Pauline Sonnier (family of Donna Shoultz) 602 Fifth Gueydan, LA 70542 337-536-7050

Shannon Carter 1711 James Bowie #307 Baytown, 77520 405-887-5673

Vera Martinez 2401 Tyler Ln. Deer Park, 77536 713-882-8518 281-930-7199

Oscar and Rosa Sanchez 1011 Mabry Rd. Baytown, 77520 281-427-8123 osanchez@pasadenaisd.org

Special Service NOTE: Wednesday night Invitation assignments:

Sept. 1^st – Gospel Meeting

Sept. 8^th – Tim Johnson

Sept. 15^th – Robin Merritt

Related Notes:

New Class quarters begin next Sunday, Sept. 5^th

Labor Day gathering at Bill Murff’s home – Monday 5 p.m. – Contact Elaine about food/chairs, etc.

Bible Thoughts — Letter from a “friend” (reprint from last week… still relevant)

Dear Local Church Member,

I heard that you were having a gospel meeting this week. At least, I heard your elders have scheduled one for you to attend. Listen, I know you will hear a lot of reasons why you ought to attend the meeting faithfully, but as your friend, I want to ask you to disregard those arguments. I’m aware of the passages brethren use, like “let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near…” (Heb. 10:24-25). This passage is used to teach that God’s people are so interested in building one another up spiritually, that they would never miss an opportunity scheduled by their elders for that exact purpose. But listen, real brethren ought to be able to encourage themselves; God does not expect you to play a sacrificial role for the sake of their spiritual development.

I’ve heard the verses from Romans 12 about brotherly love: “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord…” (Ro. 12:10-11). And yes, this passage does seem to suggest that the good of brethren and the team ought to be more important to us than our own pleasures. And yes, it seems that should be reflected in your attendance this week. But hear me out: this letter was written to Christians centuries ago, long before such things as television or school functions were ever created. God no longer expects you to honor this principle.

And yes, I was there a few months ago when your preacher taught on Matt. 16:24 – “And He was saying to them all, ‘If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take us his cross daily and follow Me.” I heard him show you that “take up his cross” is a willingness to live a life of worldly sacrifice for the sake of Christ’s honor. And “daily” means that such decisions must be made just as valiantly on Thursday night of a gospel meeting week as on any given Sunday morning. But seriously, are a few forsaken worship services…a few disregarded times to help brethren and honor God…are they really going to represent a dropped cross before the Messiah? I think not.

Finally, preachers and elders will appeal strongly to your love for God, as to why you should attend your meeting faithfully. “By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and observe His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome” (I Jn. 5:1-3). Sound familiar? This passage seems to indicate that people who love God WANT to do what He asks, faithfully and fully; out of love! God commands His people to sing together (Col. 3:16), grow in faith together (II Pe. 3:18), assemble together (I Co. 14:26). At the very least He makes His commandments clear through examples among brethren. But listen carefully: you cannot help how you feel. If you feel tired this evening, you can’t help that. And God doesn’t expect your love for Him or His people to trump personal feelings of fatigue, stress… you know, taking care of yourself.

In the end, you still have decisions to make this week, based on the choice of your elders to structure this meeting for you. Whatever you do, don’t think about what Jesus said: “seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things [every need] will be added unto you.” If you do, it will certainly destroy all of my previous points.

Your Friend, Satan

I mean…Anonymous

News and Notes:  Monday, August 23^rd

Eastside Gospel Meeting – Our Fall meeting with Bruce Reeves begins NEXT SUNDAY! I’ll attach a meeting flyer to this week’s N&N. Please plan to be here as often as possible. Bruce is a dedicated Bible student, debater and preacher. His work will be good for us! Sun, Aug. 19^th – Thu, Sept. 2^nd!

–btw – Monday dinner is open if you’d like to feed the preacher this coming week– Let me know soon!

Wednesday Evening Auditorium Class: Exodus 17-18 (also read I Cor. 10:1-13)

News Among Members:

Elma Chilson has been moved to the Kindred Hospital in Pasadena as she continues to heal from infection.

Sandra Brown is recovering well at UTMB following surgery last week. She is hopeful to come home this week and then (since cancer could not be removed) she will begin another round of treatments.

Sheri Campbell continues to recover following recent surgery. She certainly could use calls of support.

Charles Kelly wants to thank everyone for prayers. Reports have been very good. No surgery or treatments are needed at this time and he will go back to the doctor in 3 months.

Mickey Suttle walked through our doors Sunday morning. What a sight to see? He is still very tired and weak, but Celeste believes that is related to the medication and should improve over time.

Damon Davenport is now receiving cancer treatments and has been feeling very poorly recently.

Mary Griffin had surgery last week and is recovering at home. She is hopeful all cancer was removed.

Others undergoing cancer treatment should have a place in our prayers daily: Kathy Williams, Linda Bockmiller, Renate Turner, and all in our family who are hurting.

New Member: Jeanette Page

Aug. Group Meetings: No more meetings for this month

Bible Thoughts — Letter from a “friend”

Dear Local Church Member,

I heard that you were having a gospel meeting starting on Sunday. At least, I heard your elders had scheduled one for you to attend. Listen, I know you will hear a lot of reasons why you ought to attend the meeting faithfully, but as your friend, I want to ask you to disregard those arguments. I’m aware of the passages brethren use, like “let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near…” (Heb. 10:24-25). This passage is used to teach that God’s people are so interested in building one another up spiritually, that they would never miss an opportunity scheduled by their elders for that exact purpose. But listen, real brethren ought to be able to encourage themselves; God does not expect you to play a sacrificial role for the sake of their spiritual development.

I’ve heard the verses from Romans 12 about brotherly love: “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord…” (Ro. 12:10-11). And yes, this passage does seem to suggest that the good of brethren and the team ought to be more important to us than our own pleasures. And yes, it seems that should be reflected in your attendance next week. But hear me out: this letter was written to Christians centuries ago, long before such fun as television or school functions were ever created. God no longer expects you to honor this principle.

And yes, I was there a few months ago when your preacher taught on Matt. 16:24 – “And He was saying to them all, ‘If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take us his cross daily and follow Me.” I heard him show you that “take up his cross” is a willingness to live a life of worldly sacrifice for the sake of Christ’s honor. And “daily” means that such decisions must be made just as valiantly on Thursday night of a gospel meeting week as on any given Sunday morning. But seriously, are a few forsaken worship services…a few disregarded times to help brethren and honor God…are they really going to represent a dropped cross before the Messiah? I think not.

Finally, preachers and elders will appeal strongly to your love for God, as to why you should attend your meeting faithfully. “By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and observe His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome” (I Jn. 5:1-3). Sound familiar? This passage seems to indicate that people who love God WANT to do what He asks, faithfully and fully; out of love! God commands His people to sing together (Col. 3:16), grow in faith together (II Pe. 3:18), assemble together (I Co. 14:26). At the very least He makes His commandments clear through examples among brethren. But listen carefully: you cannot help how you feel. If you feel tired on Monday night, you can’t help that. And God doesn’t expect your love for Him or His people to trump personal feelings of fatigue, stress… you know, taking care of yourself.

In the end, you still have decisions to make all week, based on the choice of your elders to structure this meeting for you. Whatever you do, don’t think about what Jesus said: “seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things [every need] will be added unto you.” If you do, it will certainly destroy all of my previous points.

Your Friend, Satan

I mean…Anonymous

News and Notes:  Monday, August 16^th

Eastside Gospel Meeting – Our Fall meeting with Bruce Reeves is fast approaching! Sunday, August 29^th through Thursday September 2^nd. Let’s mark that on our calendars. Bruce preached for us 3 years ago and did a great job! We are glad to have him back. Meal lists will be up soon. [Flyers will be out this week.]

Wednesday Evening Auditorium Class: Exodus 14-16 – Please read the Song of Moses. It is inspiring!

News Among Members:

Elma Chilson is back in the Patients Hospital (rm 212), now suffering from blood poisoning.

Sandra Brown will have surgery on Wednesday at UTMB in Galveston. This is a major procedure and our prayers are certainly with her as she is having a colonoscopy today in preparation for surgery.

Maurice Cornelius, relative of Geralene Paulsel, passed away last week. Service: Sat. 10am @ Navarre

Braydon Byington, Sarah and Brad’s son, was feeling a little better this weekend.

Sheri Campbell is recovering well following recent surgery.

Charles Kelly, has been diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer. No treatment plan has been set.

Mickey Suttle was able to be with us Sunday morning. It was great to see the family out together.

Damon Davenport is now receiving cancer treatments and has been feeling very poorly recently.

Jack Newton is having tests run today (Monday).

Cindy Kirby had good test results this past week and we are thankful for that.

Mary Brown was at home sick yesterday.

Pam Thomas’ grandfather passed away last week.

New Member: Jeanette Page

Special Service NOTE: Wednesday night Invitation assignments:

Aug. 18^th – Gerald Gardner

Aug. 25^th – Steven Farquhar

Sept. 1^st – Gospel Meeting

Aug. Group Meetings:

Arlon Minor’s Group – TONIGHT, Aug. 16^th @ Kenneth Miller’s home

Scott Hill’s Group – Tuesday, Aug. 17^th @ Herb Lorfing’s house

Ed Aiken’s Group – Tuesday, Aug. 17^th @ Bill Murff’s house

Ricky Leon’s Group – Thursday, Aug. 19^th @ Scott Murff’s house

Bible Thoughts — (article by David Osteen… would make a great sermon!)

“It Doesn’t Take Talent…”

I was listening the other day to some Sport’s Radio talk show hosts lamenting the hometown Houston Astros who are off to the worst start in baseball.  But the complaining, from both broadcasters and callers, was not the abhorrent lack of skill or talent on the team this year.  We all knew that and expected it ahead of time.  Rather, it was the lack of “fire” or “desire” that the players seem to exhibit in practice, warm up, and in game time.  One announcer put it best by saying, “You don’t need talent to hustle.”  In this town, and for true sports fans, that’s what we want to see.  Regardless of circumstances we want guys who will try, who will fight, who will give it their all.  We can forgive them for not being the most talented (after all, they are more talented than us), but we are less lenient on those who just don’t put in the effort.

When it comes to being a disciple of Christ, we need to understand that principle that “It doesn’t take talent to hustle.”  The scriptures don’t refer to it as “hustle” of course; but rather, it is called “zeal”.  And it is an undeniable truth that “zeal” has virtually nothing to do with talent.  That is, one can exhibit a maximum amount of zeal and yet have zero talent.  Just take a quick look at the pop culture phenomenon “American Idol”, and you will see tens of thousands of people who are exuberantly zealous and completely void of talent.  As a Christian, a lack of talent will never hinder our service to the Lord, but a lack of zeal will.  It doesn’t take talent to go to bible class, go to worship service, to pray, to sing, to partake of the Lord’s supper, to follow a sermon, or even to give (Lk 21:1-4 – Poor Widow).  It just takes zeal.

Zeal is not an ability… it is a choice; and it is also a “purpose” that should possess every disciple of Christ. For Christ, “… gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.” (Titus 2:14)  It was purposed within us as Christians to be zealous for the works of our Savior.  None of the works described in Chapters 2 or 3 take talent, they all merely take “will” and “zeal”; not abilities, but choices.  Christ chose us in giving Himself to redeem us, and He expects us to choose Him daily by choosing to live zealously in righteousness.  We must not blame our lack of service to the Lord on a lack of “talent” that He has not given us.  Service to God doesn’t require talent!  Lack of service can only be blamed on one thing… ourselves; our own lack of heart.

May we also see the blessing that zeal is not a talent but a choice.  When looking at the Holy Apostles, chosen by our Lord, what made them so equipped to serve as preachers and teachers.  Were they scholars?  Were they scribes, or priests, or religiously talented leaders?  NONE OF THE ABOVE!  They were fishermen, a tax collector, a tentmaker.  They were possibly talented at their jobs, but hardly in any religious or leadership sense.  They were ordinary when it came to talent, but they were extraordinary when it came to zeal. They were zealous to the point of death, for serving the Lord Jesus Christ.   It is a blessing that the Lord is not basing our worth as a disciple upon our talents, skills, or abilities.  He is looking at our will and our zeal; that is, are we willing to do His will, and are we willing to do it with zeal.

So take a long good hard look at yourself and ask this question, “Am I zealously doing the Lord’s will?”  If you are not, may you have a heart of repentance to begin serving the Lord as you should… as He desires.  If you are, then may I simply encourage you to “excel still more.” (I Thessalonians 4:1) Let us ner forget, that the Lord will forgive us for not being talented; but He will not be so lenient if we lack zeal for His will. (I Jn 5:3; Rev. 2:10; II Thessalonians 1:7-9)

Bruce is the minister for the Highway 65 church of Christ in Conway, AR. We had him in a meeting here a few years ago and he did a great job presenting truths from the Bible and we look forward to another uplifting meeting this year!

Scott Hill’s Group – Tuesday, Aug. 17th, at Herb Lorfing’s house

Ed Aiken’s Group – Tuesday, Aug. 17th, at Bill Murff’s house

Ricky Leon’s Group – Thursday, Aug. 19th, at Scott Murff’s house