Christian

The early church began as a small group of Christians who believed in God and the Bible and considered Dr. Billy their faith as their highest Holland priority. However, we have sadly observed in recent years, a significant decline in morality and a falling away from the awareness and reverence for the Almighty. When I was young, television would not even show a married couple’s bedroom having only one bed, but instead would have separate beds. Many will laugh at this as being ridiculous, but modesty and a sensitivity to purity was at one time very important to the general public. Having a conscience and spiritual respect for the divine standards of right and wrong was considered normal and accepted as the decency of our culture. It’s sad how quickly our modesty became extinct. God is holy and has always established a standard of holiness for His people which includes that we should live like He is, or at least as close as we can. In fact, all people are given a sense of right and wrong along with a built-in ethical code and a moral compass. We realize the Christian life is a progression of spiritual development and as we learn to repent and realize the importance of letting go of our fallen nature, we can become changed into His image. Our existence is a daily classroom where the serious minded follower of Jesus desires to grow and become stronger in their personal relationship with Him and their dedication to His will.

So what happened to our world in such a short period of time? I believe we can agree that all it takes for the arrogance of sin to become dominant is for a generation of individuals who know God’s truth to remain silent. Many Christians ignored the danger like the story of the frog sitting in a pan of water which was slowly heated until it boiled him alive without him realizing it. The styles of clothing became more provocative, while nudity, sex, and vulgar language flooded the world of entertainment. Sin began to push the limits of what was acceptable and as each barrier was broken, it was hardly noticed. This is how wickedness can plant subtle seeds of rebellion into the harvest fields of a society. Compromise can be deadly and usually begins with a little cheating here and a little lying there, until the conscience becomes calloused to behaviors that were at one time condemned as unacceptable. We should be disturbed that the future has no limit to how far it will go with perversion and debauchery. Unfortunately, many in the church were not only asleep, but also participated in the intentional drifting away from sanctification. Which by the way, 60 years ago was about the time that rebellious music, recreational drug use, and relaxed attitudes about humanism was being accepted as normal. Today, most of the world is aggressive about their freedom to live however they want, but God hates sin and never intended for anyone to create a lifestyle which ignores His holy standards.

We are reminded that followers of Jesus are to be different from the world and are called to separate themselves from the love of the world which is sanctification. Of all the people you know in your personal network, can you tell any difference between the Christians and those who are not? Being spiritually born again through what Christ accomplished on the cross and His resurrection is what determines a child of God from those who have yet to experience this glorious transformation. Yes, it’s true that Christians have the potential to understand Biblical values and to be led by the Holy Spirit, but in order to know Him personally, we must be close to Him. One aspect of our new identity is the sensitivity of our conscience to discern truth from error, as only those who develop an awareness of His presence can comprehend what He is saying. Sadly, many resist this invitation to dwell in this secret place and as a result of losing their humility, inhibition, and innocence, have become hardened to intentional sin. When anyone can do wrong and not feel guilt and shame, something is terribly wrong within their mind and soul. The only way to joy and peace is to humbly ask God for His forgiveness and for self-discipline as we strive to resist the deceptions and temptations of carnality. “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me” Psalm 51:10.

You can read more about the Christian life and order Billy’s books for the holidays at billyhol-

A Christian Fellowship

150 Fellowship Ln, Sherman, TX 75090 (903) 815-1333

Wednesday 6:30 pm – Potluck Meal 7:00 pm – Worship Service 7:00 pm – Jr & Sr High Youth Sunday 9:30 am – Sunday School (all ages) 10:30 am – Worship Service 10:30 am – KidZone Children’s Service (5yr – 12 yr.)

Community Bible Fellowship

415 S Collins Fwy, Howe, TX 75459 Wednesday 6:30 pm - Food and Fellowship 7:00 pm - Community Kids (ages 3 - 6th grade, nursery available) 7:00 pm - Youth and Adult Bible Study Sunday 10:30 am - Worship Service

First Baptist Church Dorchester

11831 FM 902, Dorchester, TX 75459 903-476-5525 Wednesday 6:00 pm - Meal (Donations for adults and kids eat free) 6:30 pm - Praise service 7:00 pm - Youth Bible Study 7:00 pm - Adult Bible Study 7:00 pm - RA's/GA's/children's group Sunday 9:00 am - Men's Prayer Time 9:45 am - Sunday School 10:45 am - A.M. Worship Service 5:00 pm - Adult Choir Practice 6:00 pm - Evening Worship

First Baptist Church Howe

100 E. Davis St., Howe, TX 903532-5504 Tuesday 7:00 pm - Bible Study Wednesday 5:30 pm - Kids Choir 6:30 pm - Team Kid 6:30 pm - Youth Ministry 6:30 pm - Adult Bible Fellowship Sunday 9:15 am - Bible Fellowship 10:30 am - Kids Church 10:30am - Worship Service

First United Methodist Church of Howe

810 N Denny St, Howe, TX 75459 903-532-6718 Monday 9:30 am - Care Team Meeting 10:30 am - Pastor's Bible Study Tuesday 9:30 am - Women's Bible Study 11:30 am - Out and About with Pastor Zack 6:30 pm Boy Scouts Wednesday 9:00 am - Wednesday Workers 6:30 pm - Jr. High and Sr. High Youth Saturday 9:00 am - Feed My Sheep (1st and 3rd Sat each month) Sunday 8:40 am - Fellowship and Donuts 9:00 am - Sunday School 10:00 am - Worship service 3:00 pm - Cub Scouts

Howe Church of Christ

1205 N Collins Fwy, Howe, TX 75459 903-532-6441 Wednesday 7:00 pm - Bible Classes (all ages) Sunday 9:00 am - Bible Classes (all ages) 10:00 am - Worship Service 5:00 pm - Worship Service

New Beginning Fellowship

910 S Denny St, Howe, TX 75459 903-532-6828 Wednesday 7:00 pm - Radiate Youth 7:00 pm - Sanctuary of for prayer Sunday 9:30 am - Sunday School (kids, youth, women, men) 10:30 am - Worship Service 10:30 am - Kids Church

Times are subject to change. Please check with each church for any possible changes

Verse of the week

Ephesians 1:15-16 For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord

Jesus and your love for all God’s people, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.