STAR Fall '24

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2 South Texas Ministry Network

Tim R. Barker Network Superintendent

Jesus when teaching about prayer invites His disciples not to be concerned about the public demonstration of prayer ... but to find a place of prayer in a special "closet!"

The term “prayer closet” comes from this passage of scripture; but many really don’t comprehend what it actually means, because they are thinking of a regular closet, not the “treasure room” which is the literal translation from the Greek word used.

So, what was Jesus trying to say here?

The Bible teaches us to have a private prayer life that is an important part of our relationship with God.

Matthew 6:6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

The Greek word here is “temeion” (tameion) which literally means "treasure room!" It was a secret room in every home where the family's treasurers were kept for safety reasons! It was a secure room designed to keep safe ones' treasures from thieves! For this reason, it was a room usually known only to the family members!

Here a man would go from time to time to be around his treasures and contemplate his wealth, it was the room where security was found! It is this “treasure room” (KJV calls it a “closet”) that Jesus says we are to enter when we pray! The concept used in Matt. 6:21 where Jesus talks about “laying up treasures in Heaven” may play into this “treasure room” idea! Today in modern Greece, the “temeion” is the cashier in a store or office. The word translated "closet" in some translations is still in use today but means “cashier!”

It is ironic that Jesus would choose this room to be the place or prayer ... or maybe it makes more sense than it seems! Notice that the Temple of God had a treasure room! *Neh. 10:38 Hezekiah got into trouble because he took allies into the treasure room in God’s Temple and took pride in how much he had ... forgetting God in such a room can be easy, unless of course we take God in there with us because otherwise all we will see is our “treasure.” The Ethiopian Eunuch is described as the “Treasurer of Candice, Queen of Ethiopia” in Acts 8:27 ... yet, he is reflecting on God, not Candice's treasure room ... no wonder God sends Philip to talk to him! Our treasures need Christ's presence or we will forget Him! God wants to be invited into our “treasure room” where we can commune with Him! We should not be uncomfortable with Jesus' presence among our treasures, unless of course we have improper treasures stored there, or we are hoarding them and not sharing with God and man! If He is in our “treasure room” ... we are not nearly as likely to focus on those treasures as we are to commune with him!

Focus must go off of treasures to Christ ... this is why we are told by Jesus to go into this room to pray, to take the focus off of our treasures and put it on Christ!

In a treasure room a man is focused on what he had, not on what he didn't have! If he was alone in there with only his treasures, this is all he thought about! Christ's presence in our treasure room will guard our hearts against improper attitudes toward earthly treasures!

Only mom’s presence could keep the situation in hand ... hence Jesus' request that we use this room to pray in rather than just focus on our earthly treasures ... to keep our attitudes in check with God's presence in the very room that might lead to pride! Having Christ enter this room by prayer might also help us realize what treasures need to be cleared out! This was a real sign of trust to bring someone else into this room ... it was the secret room after all ... to invite someone's presence in this room was a display of absolute trust in that person with all your treasures!

All this ties in closely with Matthew 6:19-21 and the idea of “treasure” in verse 21: “for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also!” In this passage the word “treasure” here relays the idea of laying up eternal things rather than earthly things. Jesus understood the connection between our heart and treasures ... that's why He wants entrance to this room!!!

Matthew 6:19-21 19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Jesus adds something new here ... move the treasure room or closet to a new location! To heaven! This way Christ can rule over it, and we can still come in prayer to visit it ... but here it is safe from robbers! And since it is in heaven we must come in a spiritual way to enter into a spiritual realm!

He also instructs us to change the treasures we store ... from earthly things to heavenly stuff! This will preserve a "secret place" from Satan's attempts to break in and steal ... he won't find this room or our treasures because he has no access to God’s dwelling place!

Having a new room for treasures and new treasures will adjust our focus from an earthly one to a heavenly one. Focus is so important in our lives! This is why Jesus wanted prayer in this room in the first place ... to change the focus off of our treasures to Him! Notice too the location changes for this room -- to heaven! Now when we want to save valuables and enter our "closet" or “treasure room” ... we go right into God's presence! Instead of us worrying about the security of all the treasures, God can watch over it all … thus freeing us to commune with Him fully! Moving treasures to a secret place in heaven was a brilliant idea to free us to fellowship with Christ unencumbered by fears and pride! Since our heart seems to always be focused in the place of our treasures, how much more sense to have those treasures in heaven anyways so that our heart stays there too!

Someday perhaps this treasure room will be included in our mansion in Heaven ... still full of those treasures we put there ... and our full communion with Christ directly in it! If both our treasures and treasure room are now in heaven, when we enter it, we come right into God's domain and Christ meets us there! Since our “heart is where our treasures are” ... we must be sure to have Christ come into this room! Now we can enter our "prayer closet" or “treasure room” ... not only is our heart there but so is the master!

HAVE YOU ENTERED YOUR “PRAYER CLOSET” ... the “treasure room!”

AND, MORE IMPORTANTLY, HAS CHRIST BEEN ALLOWED IN TOO? When you enter your “treasure room” are you alone, or do you have company in there? stxmn.org

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This summer Beth, Colton, Morgan, Pierce and I trekked to the highest summit in New Mexico that can be reached by motorized vehicle. Greenie Park 11,223 ft.

The views are breath taking and beautiful! Greenie Peak is located in the Carson National Forest. Upon reaching the peak you experience incredible views of the Wheeler Peak Wilderness and also a bird's eye view of the Red River Ski Resort.

For anyone touring the Enchanted Circle (Angel Fire, Red River & Taos) this high altitude adventure is a must. It is a 25.2-mile loop trail near Red River, New Mexico. Generally considered a moderately challenging route for offroad driving.

We rode up to the peak in an old Ford 4x4 truck - very rough ride. That Ford had no doubt been welded and repaired 100’s of times but it was our way up and back down. We bounced around the back of that vehicle like a bingo ball in the wind. We laughed. Probably cried (only the girls). We held on so tightly to the steel handle in front of us that it seemingly wore the paint right off. I had fear and some apprehension as we made the climb only to see the edge of many cliffs that disappeared into the forest. Would we make it? Would we get car sick? Was the driver skilled enough to get us safely to our destination?

I think the person who had the most fun and was seemingly oblivious to the dangers around was our 2 year of grandson, Pierce. He was safe and secure in his very own car seat. Belts securely fastened like he does every day of his life. Pierce heard us laughing and he laughed or maybe vice versa.

How to experience victory - a few thoughts 1. Stay in the vehicle. No matter how torn and tattered. It didn’t look good but it worked.

2. Don’t get angry with the driver and jump. It’s a long way down. Don’t unhook your seat belt because it’s too tight.

3. When driving the vehicle keep your eyes on the road and keep moving forward no matter how slow. Don’t look past the road and don’t look back 4. Be faithful with the small trials. Small trials small victories. Large trials large victories.

5. Don’t listen to anyone else’s voice except the chief shepherd.

Psalm 119:105 (ESV) “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

6. Our attitude affects all around us. If we are confident and filled with faith others will take our lead. If we are fearful and filled with doubt others will also be affected by this.

Hebrews 3:13 (NIV) “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.”

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7. Fruit doesn’t grow on the mountain top. We have to go back down into the valley - the valley of trials and tribulations in order to grow. The problem with the definition of love and the fruit of the Spirit, is that the opposite has to be present in order to experience the fruit.

1 Corinthians 13:4–8a (ESV) “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth."

Galatians 5:22, 23 (ESV) “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”

8. If you’re going to get the photo you have to make the trip 9. Be a child and enjoy the ride like Pierce.

James 1:2-4 (NIV) 2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

The perplexing issue going up is that we had to come down and it was just as rough or more so. The problem in this life is that you never stay on the mountain top. It’s rough going up and it’s rough coming down. Praise God for those moments of victory and exuberance. And then we made it home.

Boy did it feel good.

So one day we will be home. With Jesus. With our loved ones who have gone before. It will be so worth it! Until then, there will be ups and downs. Curves and cliffs. Moments of fast pace and moments of progressing with a crawl.

Life and ministry assignments can be hard, difficult, challenging, trying, demanding, arduous, burdensome, laborious, onerous, painful, problematic, strenuous, tough & troublesome at times, But it’s worth it!

“Cast all your care on Him. . .” 1 Peter 5:7 Author Jacqueline Susann, author of “Valley of the Dolls” “When you’re climbing Mount Everest, nothing is easy. You just take one step at a time, never look back and always keep your eyes glued to the top.”

Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV) 1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.

And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

The view at the top is worth it! Persevere!

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DR. JOHN ANIEMEKE RECEIVES THE 2024 H. DALTON CONNER HUMANITARIAN AWARD

John Chukwuedum Aniemeke DDS, MS, FICOI, an alumnus of UT Health Science Center San Antonio School of Dentistry, has been awarded the prestigious H. Dalton Conner Humanitarian Award by the American Academy of Periodontology for his outstanding dedication to serving those in need. The award is presented annually to an Academy member in acknowledgment of their selfless act and contribution of time and expertise in an ongoing commitment to service, benefiting a deserving population in the United States or abroad and serving as an inspiration to others.

Aniemeke graduated from dental school in his home country of Nigeria and later moved to the United States to work. He attended the School of Dentistry’s first International Dentist Education Program (IDEP) class and then continued to complete his periodontics residency, graduating in 2012. Following graduation, he opened a successful private practice in Live Oak, Texas. In addition to his practice, Aniemeke has been part of the school’s Periodontics Practice Management Course and is now also teaching periodontics part-time in the Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency program.

"I am deeply grateful to God for the privilege to serve and for the opportunity to give back to the community. This recognition is a testament to his grace and the unwavering support of my family, mentors, colleagues and community. I am honored and inspired to continue striving for excellence in all that I do and to further contribute to the betterment of humanity,” said Aniemeke about receiving the award.

Aniemeke, along with his wife Chidinma Aniemeke, MD, a geriatrician at the university, has been instrumental in leading various projects aimed at serving the economically disadvantaged and promoting better health outcomes in both the San Antonio community and his native Nigeria.

“I could not be prouder than I am of John for the work he has done. His servant leadership extends from our local San Antonio community back to his home country of Nigeria,” said Brian Mealey, DDS, clinical professor, periodontics. “His efforts are emblematic of what we try to emphasize in our periodontics residency program – lead by example, work hard then work harder, give more than you receive, live beyond yourself.”

In addition to running his practice and being a husband and father. Aniemeke and his wife are the founders of Bethel Covenant Assembly of God where he is lead pastor. Mealey believes Aniemeke’s commitment to serving others, his exemplary leadership qualities and his dedication to making a positive impact have earned him the admiration and respect of his colleagues, mentors and community members.

David Cochran, DDS, PhD, chair, Department of Periodontics, reflected on Aniemeke, “I could not be more proud of him as well. He was a real delight as a resident and has continued as he set up his practice and grown it so successfully. He is constantly giving back. I also knew Dalton Conner, the award’s namesake, and John is the perfect representative of the values that Dalton and the award epitomize. Well done, John! We are all so proud of you!”

Article originally published by UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry. Dr. John Aniemeke is a South Texas credentialed minister, a South Texas Executive Presbyter, and the lead pastor of Bethel Covenant Assembly of God in San Antonio, TX.

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Ministers & Churches Changes and Updates

New Certified Joshua Allard

New License

Sherrie Norman

Steven Thrash

Mary Vaughan

Sylvahelen Okorienta

Sylvernus Okorienta

Upgraded to License: Andrew Schafer

Reinstated

Terrance Levi

Transfers Out Amy McClane – Tennessee District Brian McClane – Tennessee District Jared Mitchell – Nebraska District

Loyd Thurman Jr. – North Texas Sophia Young-Malcolm – North Texas District

New Churches Church of the Hills – Bulverde, TX – Lead Pastor: Cody Laymon Kingway Life Church – Houston, TX – Lead Pastor: Eric Nanez

New PAC Churches Divine International Ministries – Houston, TX – Lead Pastor: David Bangura Parent Church: Victory Assembly of God – Sugarland, TX

Church Name Change Equip Church – Tomball, TX | Formally: Tomball Assembly of God Church Freedom Place Church – Jasper, TX | Formally: First Assembly of God Set Free Houston – Houston, TX | Formally: LifeStream Church Refugio Assembly of God – Refugio, TX | Formally: First Assembly of God

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REGIONS & SECTIONS REGION 1. — (Formerly San Antonio Section)

Bexar, Comal, Guadalupe, Wilson, Karnes, Atascosa, Medina, Frio, LaSalle, Uvalde, Zavala, Dimmit, Kinney, Maverick, Kendall, Kerr, Bandera, Real, and Edwards Counties

Brush Country Section

First A/G, Carrizo Springs | Discover Church, Castroville | Bethel A/G, Devine | First A/G, Karnes City | Hope Church, La Vernia | Grace Bible Church, Lytle | Gateway Fellowship Church Medina County, Natalia | First A/G, Pearsall | Living Water Fellowship, Pleasanton | Quemado A/G, Quemado | First A/G, Stockdale

San Antonio East Section

Living Hope Church, Boerne | Church in the Wildwood, Canyon Lake | Discovery Church A/G, Cibolo | Revelation Church San Antonio, Garden Ridge | Real Life Community Church, New Braunfels | AGORA Ministries Mission Center, San Antonio | Calvary Temple A/G, San Antonio | Camelot Christian Center, San Antonio | First A/G, San Antonio | Heart of Praise Worship Center, San Antonio | Northwest A/G, San Antonio | Baruch Hashem Congregation, San Antonio | Southeast A/G, San Antonio | Hillcrest A/G, Seguin | Victory A/G, Universal City

San Antonio West Section

Gateway Fellowship Church, Bandera | First A/G, Kerrville | Gateway Fellowship Church, Kerrville | Living Waters A/G, Kerrville | Bethel Covenant A/G, San Antonio | City on a Hill A/G, San Antonio | Faith A/G, San Antonio | Gateway Fellowship Church Northwest, San Antonio | Gateway Fellowship Church Northwest Night, San Antonio | Gateway Fellowship Espanol, San Antonio | Gateway Fellowship Church Farwest, San Antonio | Gateway Fellowship Church Highlands, San Antonio | Gateway Fellowship Church Westside, San Antonio | Life Church A/G, San Antonio | Motion Church, San Antonio | New Harvest A/G, San Antonio | Tabernacle House of Worship, San Antonio | THREE: 16 Church, San Antonio | Westover Hills A/G, San Antonio | Westover Hills Espanol, San Antonio

REGION 2. — (Formerly Corpus Christi & Rio Grande Valley Sections)

McMullen, Live Oak, Bee, Refugio, Aransas, San Patricio, Nueces, Webb, Duval, Jim Wells, Kleberg, Jim Hogg, Brooks, and Kennedy Counties, Zapata, Starr, Hidalgo, Willacy, and Cameron Counties

Corpus Christi Section

First A/G, Alice | Crossroads Church, Aransas Pass | Christian Worship Center, Beeville | Bethel A/G, Corpus Christi | Church of Hope, Corpus Christi | Gateway Christian Center, Corpus Christi | Glad Tidings A/G, Corpus Christi | Grace Temple A/G, Corpus Christi | Koinonia Church of Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi | Spirit Life Fellowship, Corpus Christi | The Lord is Peace Worship Center, Corpus Christi | The NET Fellowship, Corpus Christi | Trinity Worship Center, Corpus Christi | Maranatha A/G, Falfurrias | Victory Fellowship A/G, Gregory | First A/G, Ingleside | Abide Church, Kingsville | First A/G, Mathis | Portland Revival Center, Portland | | | First A/G, Refugio | First A/G, Rockport | Grace Church A/G, Sinton | Open Fields A/G, Taft | First A/G, Three Rivers

Laredo Section

Divine Grace AG Church, Laredo | First A/G, Laredo | Gateway A/G, Laredo | Global Impact Prayer House, Laredo | Iglesia Cristiana Vino Nuevo, Laredo | La Iglesia Del Pueblo, Laredo | La Voz De Cristo, Laredo | Lighthouse A/G Church, Laredo | Mision Maranata, Laredo | New Creation Family Church, Laredo | New Life A/G, Laredo | Pan De Vida Asamblea de Dios, Laredo | Victory Faith Center A/G, Laredo | Rio Bravo Church, Rio Bravo | Nueva Generation En Christo, Zapata

Rio Grande Valley Section

Hosanna A/G, Brownsville | Faith A/G, Combes | Life Ministries Church, Edinburg | Harvest International Church, Edinburg | Redemption Valley Fellowship, Edinburg | Limitless Church, Harlingen | First A/G, McAllen | Rock of Ages A/G, Pharr | Lighthouse A/G, Port Isabel | First A/G, Raymondville | Labors of Love and Hope Church, Weslaco | Mid-Valley A/G, Weslaco

REGION 3. — (Formerly Victoria & Gulf Coast Sections)

Fayette, Gonzales, Lavaca, DeWitt, Colorado, Goliad, Victoria, Jackson, Wharton, and Calhoun Counties, Brazoria, Galveston, and Matagorda Counties

Brazoria Section

Faith A/G, Alvin | Faith Family Fellowship, Alvin | Central A/G, Angleton | First A/G, Angleton | Family Worship Center, Bay City | First A/G, Brazoria | Destination Church, Clute | First A/G, Freeport | Souls Harbor, Jones Creek | Bethel Church of the Assemblies of God, Lake Jackson | Access Church, Pearland | Life Point Church, Pearland | His Grace A/G, Sweeney | Gulf Coast Christian Center A/G, West Columbia

Galveston Section

Faith A/G, Bacliff | Dominion Church, Dickinson | West Bay A/G, Dickinson | Lighthouse Family A/G, Galveston | New Life Fellowship, Galveston | Mainland A/G, Hitchcock | Living Faith A/G, La Marque | Faith A/G, League City | His Touch A/G, San Leon | Day Spring Church, Santa Fe | Maranatha Christian Center, Santa Fe | First A/G, Texas City | Glad Tidings A/G, Texas City

Victoria Section

Tree of Life Church, Bloomington | Columbus Community Church, Columbus | Cuero A/G, Cuero | River of Life; The New Beginning, East Bernard | First A/G, Edna | New Life A/G, El Campo | Gateway Fellowship Church, Gonzales | Hallettsville Community Church, Hallettsville | Gospel Lighthouse, La Grange | Nixon A/G, Nixon | New Beginnings A/G, Port Lavaca | Six Mile A/G, Port Lavaca | First A/G, Seadrift | First A/G, Victoria | Abundant Life Christian Fellowship, Wharton | Faith Christian Fellowship A/G, Yorktown

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REGION 4. — (Formerly San Jacinto & Houston Sections) Washington, Waller, Austin, and Fort Bend Counties, and all that portion of Harris County lying west of the Santa Fe Railroad (along Mykawa Road) H.B. & T. Railroad, and Rock Island Railroad, the portion of Harris County lying east of Santa Fe Railroad (along Mykawa Road), H.B. & T. Railroad, and the Missouri Pacific Railroad and the portion of Liberty County lying South of the Missouri Pacific Railroad and west of the Trinity River, and the portion of Chambers County lying west of the Trinity River.

Northwest Houston Section Cornerstone Christian Center, Brenham | The Ark Fellowship, Cypress | Harvest Family Church, Cypress | Iglesia Nueva Vida, Cypress | New Life Church, Cypress | Champion Cowboy Church, Hockley | Divine Mercy A/G, Houston | Faith Church, Houston | Discover Church, Cypress | Iglesia Fuente De Agua Viva, Houston | Lindale A/G, Houston | The Pursuit Church, Houston | Real Life Church, Houston | Christian City Fellowship, Sealy | Iglesia Esperanza Viva, Tomball | Local Church A/G, Tomball | Tomball A/G, Tomball

Houston South Section

Braeswood Church, Houston | Braeswood Church West Campus, Houston | Emmanuel A/G, Houston | Fountain of Life Christian Center, Houston | Gloryland A/G Church, Houston | | Living Word Tabernacle, Houston | New Song Fellowship, Houston | Space City Church, Houston | Family Life A/G, Katy | Amazing Grace Assembly, Manvel | Alpha and Omega Assembly, Missouri City | Brave Church, Missouri City | The Source Church, Needville | Friendship Church A/G, Richmond | Embassy Church, Rosenberg | Legacy Church, Stafford | New Pointe Church, Stafford | Firebrand A/G, Sugarland | Victory A/G, Sugarland

North San Jacinto Section

First A/G, Channelview | East Houston Revival Center, Channelview | First A/G, Dayton | Old River A/G, Dayton | Cathedral of Praise, Houston | Coat of Many Colors, Houston | Crossroads Fellowship, Houston | LifeStream Church, Houston | | | Seeker Hill, Houston | Mercy Gate, Mont Belvieu

South San Jacinto Section

Bayway Drive A/G, Baytown | The Lighthouse, Baytown | New Life Ministries Int’l, Baytown | Trinity Assembly, Baytown | Anchor Church, Deer Park | Faithbridge Church, Deer Park | Galena Park A/G, Galena Park | Christ’s Church, Houston | Ebenezer A/G, Houston | Gulf Palms A/G, Houston | First A/G, La Porte | Iglesia Gracia Divina, La Porte | Calvary Chapel A/G, Pasadena | Connect Community Church, Pasadena | Faith A/G, Pasadena | Living Springs A/G, Pasadena | Reach Church, Webster

REGION 5. — (Formerly North Houston Section) Walker, Grimes, San Jacinto, and Montgomery Counties, and all that portion of Harris and Liberty Counties north of Rock Island Railroad, H.B. & T. Railroad, and Missouri Pacific Railroad Conroe Section All Nations’ Worship Center, Conroe | Capstone International, Conroe | Cornerstone Church, Conroe | First A/G, Conroe | Lone Star Cowboy Church, Montgomery | City Church, Houston | The Bridge Church, Houston | First A/G, Huntsville | New Birth A/G (PAC), Huntsville | The Journey Fellowship, New Waverly

Humble/Cleveland Section

Bethel A/G, Cleveland | Cross Church, Cleveland | Hi-Way Tabernacle, Cleveland | Lifestyle Community Church, Cleveland | Peace Tabernacle A/G, Cleveland | Sole Mission/The Resource Center, Conroe | Simmons Bottom A/G, Dayton | Radius Church, Humble | New Life Church on Northpark, Kingwood | Embrace Church, New Caney | New Life A/G, Patton Village | Dayspring Church, Porter | Family Deaf A/G, Porter | Grand Parkway Church, Porter | First A/G, Romayor | First A/G, Shepherd | Plum Grove A/G, Splendora | Splendora First A/G, Splendora

Spring Section

High Calling Church, Houston | Imperial Valley A/G, Houston | North Side A/G, Houston | Grace Chapel A/G, Magnolia | Living Waters A/G, Magnolia | Fusion Church A/G, Spring | North Central Church, Spring | Northwood A/G, Spring | Praise and Worship Center of Spring, Spring | Spring First Church, Spring | Springs of Living Waters, Spring | Spring Creek Fellowship Church, Tomball

REGION 6. — (Formerly Beaumont & Neches Valley Sections) Orange and Jefferson Counties and that portion of Liberty and Chambers Counties lying east of the Trinity River, Tyler, Jasper, Newton, and Hardin Counties Beaumont Section

Satellite Campus of Cornerstone Community Church Winnie, Anahuac | One City Church, Beaumont | New Birth A/G, Beaumont | First A/G, Bridge City | Harvest Church, Daisetta | Encounter Church, Groves | Moss Hill A/G, Hardin | Bethel A/G, Liberty | Revive Church, Nederland | Community Church, Orange | Encounter Church – Orange County Campus, Orange | Faith Harbor A/G, Port Arthur | Glad Tidings A/G, Port Arthur | The Rock Outreach Center, Port Arthur | Faith A/G, Vidor | River of Life Worship Center, Vidor | Cornerstone Community Church, Winnie

Neches Valley Section

New Life Church, Batson | Lakeside Christian Fellowship, Brookeland | First A/G, Buna | First A/G, Colmesneil | New Beginnings Church, Evadale | Hillister A/G, Hillister | First A/G, Jasper | First A/G, Kirbyville | Victory A/G, Kirbyville | First A/G, Kountze | Honey Island A/G, Kountze | Little Rock A/G, Kountze | Faith A/G, Lumberton | First A/G, Newton | First A/G, Saratoga | Caney Head A/G, Silsbee | First A/G, Silsbee | New Covenant A/G, Silsbee | Oak Grove Harvest A/G, Spurger | Abundant Life Fellowship, Woodville | Trinity A/G, Woodville

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A Senior Character Check Judy and I so enjoy doing Seniors Ministry. In most cases these are wonderful people who have served the Lord faithfully! And we quantify the years of serving by decades!

Further, our Seniors are an incredible treasure of experiencing God’s blessings, knowing His Word and holding to the truth of the Gospel while walking through many of life’s circumstances, both good and difficult!

There is an accumulation of Godly wisdom that can come only from the experiences of that journey.

Often, we’re tempted to relate our Christian responsibilities to a relay race, at some point, handing the baton to following generations and retreating permanently to the sidelines! While that can be true to a degree, that does not mean we are now excused from continued involvement in ministry. You are not off the team or out of the game! The Bible does not validate that! In fact, its instructions are very different.

While growing old is not for wimps and has some real, specific challenges, we still must stay active in the Kingdom and be responsible wise stewards of all we have and all we are!

We have learned several things about some of the spiritual challenges of our demographic. Several of those are addressed in the book of James.

While by no means ant an exhaustive list, these are precious components of living with Christlike character that if we think we have passed the baton, can become rusty, hardened or even completely dormant!

So here is Pastor James’ Senior challenges, 5 of them! They are truly for all Believers. But there are special applications for us who are often considered, “over the hill”, but are NOT! There is not room in this article to share all the verses in writing as well as a little commentary. So, I’ll give you chapter and verse and pray that you will read them.

This could be a Senior Character Check!

1. Work Hard to Keep Your Motives Pure. James 3:13-18 Fight Motivational Drift- When not connected fully to the Body of Christ, the Church, there can be a tendency see things differently. We must hold tight to God’s Word! 5 degrees off will hurt you down the road. If you left San Francisco headed to New York and you were just 5 degrees off to the South, you would wind up somewhere in the Carolinas.

Be Especially Cautious When Under Pressure! When pressure increases, motives are often challenged!

2. Keep Your Words Uplifting, Encouraging. James 3:3-11; 1:19-20 What is your conversation default? Encourage or Correct and Complain?

This is a big one for many Seniors. We struggle with change sometimes.

If not careful, our complaining about not having what we prefer or like can lead to a way of life! A good test is to listen to yourself when you enter into a fresh conversation. What do your first words say!

We are all called to be encouragers. Trust that is what you default to when speaking to others! We, as people who follow Jesus, are to build each other up, not…. Well, you know!

3. Keep Your Faith Visible. James 2:14-26 Be careful to keep your faith alive and fresh! Way too many Seniors drift away into the safety of their own resources and often fight tenaciously to preserve them. Not that Stewardship is not vital, it is. But, what are you attempting that requires Faith? None of us want to live in a fish bowl.

But, then again, perhaps we should be living in such a way that others can see our Godly lives and the way we live as Believers! Wow, now that’s a thought!

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4. Constantly Check That Your Gratitude and Humility Are Fresh and Genuine. James 4 These are two primary components of true Christian character! I love the hymn, “Count Your Blessings”. Sometimes that’s not easy, especially when you’re walking through a deep trial. Just work at counting your blessings first instead of cataloging the other stuff before the blessings!

Makes a difference!

And finally, 5. Keep Your Compassion Alive! James 1:27 In the Administration of Grace, Compassion is usually the first thing to go! The bottom line is simple, do you care? Some of the most dangerous words a Christian can utter is: “I don’t care!” So, pursue God better than you pursue self.

True compassion will often place you in a position where there is risk.

Many of our present-day Christians, after reading what the Apostle Paul went through would say to him, “you need to take a course in risk management!” Please don’t think that we should not “count the cost” or understand these issues in light of the complexities of our world today.

There are churches and individuals who have lost a lot because they chose to ignore something that should have been addressed!

But if not careful, we can live in such a way that the reach of the Gospel is now limited. “I came to reach the lost”- Jesus! When we lose our compassion, eventually, we will lose something else!

So many people are genuinely messed up! Many have reached the state of hopelessness! We cannot respond, “I don’t care, it’s their own fault”! Let’s see, the Priest, the Scribe, the Samaritan, which one had compassion?

What a great check list: Pure Motives; Encouraging Words; Visible Faith; Fresh Gratitude and Humility; Active Compassion!

Wow, after writing this, I have some work to do myself!

“No Coasting to the Finish Line”!

Wayne and Judy Clark Seniors With Purpose Upcoming Events: SWP Missions Trip to France- Oct 14-22 (You can still go up to Sept 25 to register) 2025 Senior Summit- March 17-19 Seniors With Purpose Fishing Trip- May 21-24. Go with us in 2025!

Seniors With Purpose Fish Fry- Memorial Day, May 26,In the Houston area Also- Working on another Cruise, this time a 7-day with Princess Also- a trip to Noah’s Ark in Kentucky. Be watching for dates Also- A Network Concert Tour, hitting all 6 South Texas Regions Don’t forget the weekly Singalong on Facebook, Tuesdays at 2:00 PM on the “Seniors With Purpose” Facebook page! Join in with many South Texas Seniors and others from all over the U S and often from countries around the world!

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ALL CHURCH TRAINING For anyone working with kids or youth

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$10 per person + book

Girls Club Leadership Guide #02CB4297 14.99

ORDERING My Healthy Church www.myhealthychurch.com 1-800-641-4310

SET UP TRAINING Contact Melissa LeClare STX Girls Ministries Director mleclare@stxag.org 713.455.1221 (o) 713.705.4239 (c)

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Including Children with Disabilities #02TW4115 9.99

Sticky Lessons: Learning that Lasts #02TW4116 9.99 Leaving a Spiritual Legacy #02TW4122 9.99

Cultivating a Spirit-Empowered Kids Ministry #02TW4238 9.99 South Texas Girls Ministries

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18 South Texas Ministry Network

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20 South Texas Ministry Network

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THE DOCTRINE OF CREATION POSITION PAPER (This statement on creation was adopted as the official statement by the General Presbytery of the Assemblies of God in August 2010. It was revise by the General Presbytery in August 2014.)

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1).1 The Bible begins with the story of creation, declares at the outset that God is the Creator, and reiterates this understanding of origins from Genesis to Revelation. The Bible’s teachings on creation clearly are foundational to Christian faith.

In studying the biblical doctrine of creation, it should be understood that the Bible makes no claim to be a scientific textbook. Nor should the Bible, which is intended to communicate to people throughout the ages, be expected to utilize modern scientific terminology. Nonetheless, the Bible declares itself to be trustworthy in whatever it teaches to be true, whether relating to matters of faith, history, or the created order.

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). We affirm with Jesus the authority, certainty, and finality of God’s eternal Word, for “Scripture cannot be broken” (John 10:35, NASB;2 Matthew 5:18).

God Is Creator of Everything In the Genesis creation narratives, and throughout the Old and New Testaments, the Bible emphasizes that God is Creator, not only of the earth and its inhabitants, but of everything that exists (Exodus 20:11; Nehemiah 9:6; Psalm 146:6; Acts 14:17; Revelation 4:11; 10:6).

The Bible story stands in sharp contrast to ancient Near East thought that tended to be dualistic, teaching that the universe in some form existed eternally alongside the gods. In ancient mythologies, the gods created certain things but always from preexisting materials. However, the biblical declaration that God is the Creator of everything sets Him apart from these pagan gods and their idols (Psalm 96:5).

More recent materialists also tend to believe that matter is eternal and the sum total of all existence. Consequently, evolutionary theory assumes that the universe and all life forms, including humans, are evolving spontaneously through mechanistic forces, unguided by any external intelligence, divine or otherwise.

Over against these beliefs, the Bible assumes and plainly teaches that God existed before all things (Psalm 90:2). Moreover, He brought the universe into existence out of nothing (ex nihilo), that is, without preexisting materials (Romans 4:17; Hebrews 11:3). Belief in the eternality of matter and the theory that the universe evolved on its own are therefore inconsistent with, and, indeed antagonistic to, biblical faith.

The Reality of Creation Chapters 1 and 2 of Genesis accurately communicate God’s creation of the heavens and the earth. Using language that appears to employ both prose and poetry, and that contains both literal and symbolic elements, the story is a simple, yet beautiful and compelling, narrative intended to speak to people in all ages.

The intricate design and delicate balance of creation is so complex that humans will never fully comprehend it—only the Creator himself can do so. But the message that God alone is Creator plainly has been communicated to all who through the ages hear and read the Genesis account. The simplicity, power, and beauty of these creation narratives contrast vividly with competing pagan myths from the ancient Near East.

Some have contended that the first two chapters of Genesis are poetical and are to be taken as parables. But a comparison of poetical references to creation (Deuteronomy 32, 33; Job 38:4–11; Psalms 90; 104:5–9) shows that the Genesis account is in prose form, though it may contain some poetic language. Even so, poetry in the Bible, as in other literature, often describes actual, historical events, so the use of poetry does not make this account fictional.

Only God Can Create It is also evident that no part of God’s creation, angel or human, is creative in the sense God is. The Hebrew word for “create” (bara’) always has God as the subject of the verb. This word is used for God’s work of creation and is also used to indicate that God will do something unusual and unprecedented. For example, it is used when God said to Israel at Sinai: “I will do wonders never before done [bara’, “created”] in any nation in all the world” (Exodus 34:10).

The significance of the Hebrew verb bara’ is also illustrated when God spoke through Isaiah to his stubborn people, “From now on I will tell you of new things . . . They are created [bara’] now, and not long ago” (Isaiah 48:6–7). As in the first chapter of Genesis, the word bara’, “to create,” is used only of completely new and unprecedented acts of God; that is, of the creation of the heavens and the earth in the beginning, of the creation of the first animal life in the sea (1:21), and of man and woman in God’s own image (1:27). At other times, the words “made” (‘asah) and “formed” (yatsar) are used. So the word “create” (bara’) emphasizes that God alone is the Great Creator of all.

Creation Is Purposeful God had a stated purpose in creation. He created “for his own ends” (Proverbs 16:4) and for His glory (Isaiah 43:7). He “formed [the earth] to be inhabited” by his own animate creatures (Isaiah 45:18). All creation is thus an expression of His will and His power.

Moreover, order, progress, and climax are all woven into the biblical account of creation. Order is seen in the careful structuring of the various stages of creative activity in a six-day format, evening to morning.

Progress can be seen in the sequential development and filling out of the earth and its inhabitants, and in the increase of personal attention God gave to His creative work. Of the vegetation we read that God said, “‘Let the land produce vegetation’ . . . And it was so” (Genesis 1:11–12). Of the animals we read that God said, “‘Let the land produce living creatures’ . . . And it was so” (vv. 24–25). But of the human race God, using strikingly personal and plural language, said, “‘Let us make mankind’ . . . So God created mankind . . . male and female he created them” (vv. 26–27). The human race is thus the capstone of God’s creative activity.

The biblical narratives intentionally show careful, intelligent planning and rules out the idea that any part of creation came into being by mere chance. God exercised His wisdom and control at all times (Psalms 136:5; 148:5; Isaiah 45:12; 48:12–13) and brought the entire created order to a complete and well-designed climax (Genesis 1:31).

The Nature of the Creator It is important to note that Scripture focuses our attention not so much stxmn.org 25

on the technical details of God’s creative activity as on the Creator himself. From Genesis 1:1 to 2:3, God’s presence and activity are primary.

We read that “God created,” “God said,” “God saw,” God “separated,” “God called [named],” “God made,” “God set [placed],” “God blessed,” and God “rested.” The God of creation acted deliberately and decisively through His spoken word to bring about His intended purposes (Isaiah 55:10).

The creation accounts further show the Creator to be intelligent, loving, and personal. In contrast to pantheism, He is distinct from His creation (Psalm 90:2). In contrast to deism, He continues to be personally active in His creation. He upholds, sustains, and preserves it (Nehemiah 9:6) and, in His own time, will bring it to consummation (Romans 8:20–21; Colossians 1:16–17; 2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 20–21).

The relational nature of the Creator is seen in His fellowship with the first human pair and His expectations of all His human creatures. Humans are to worship and serve Him as the Creator (Isaiah 40:26,28,31). They are warned not to strive against their Maker (Isaiah 45:9). They are to commit the keeping of their souls to Him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator (1 Peter 4:19). They are also to recognize that their help comes from the One who made the heavens and the earth (Psalms 121:2; 124:8; 146:5–6), and in effecting His eternal purposes, there is nothing too hard for Him (Jeremiah 32:17).

A Work of the Trinity The Bible also teaches that creation was a cooperative work of the Trinity.

In addition to naming God [the Father] as Creator, the Old Testament shows that “the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters” (Genesis 1:2; Psalm 33:6–7). The New Testament further reveals that Jesus [the Son], who is the one Mediator between God and fallen humanity (1 Timothy 2:5), was the active Agent in creation, “For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth” (Colossians 1:16). This truth is also echoed in John’s Gospel, “Through him [Jesus, the Word] all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made” (John 1:3).

God’s Creation of Humans The creation story depicts human beings as the zenith of God’s creative activity. Their uniqueness is portrayed in two separate and complementary accounts. Genesis chapter 1 is a terse overview of all creation while Genesis chapter 2 shows that God lavished very personal and particular attention on the creation of both Adam and Eve. Significantly, it was only humans of whom God said, “Let us make mankind [“human being,” not exclusively “male”] in our image, in our likeness” (1:26), “so that they may rule . . . over all the creatures” (1:26).

Neither the previous inanimate or animate creation was so described. In those creative activities, God had simply said, “‘Let there be’…And it was so” (as in Genesis 1:6–7).

Being made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26–27), human beings are free, rational, capable of self-appreciation and self-expression, capable of moral and spiritual understanding, and created for fellowship with each other and with God. That the first human pair, made in God’s image, would fall and lead the race into sin (3:1ff.) was hardly a surprise for the Creator, who nonetheless purposed to create and redeem them through Christ. To be sure, the image of God divinely stamped on the race would be marred by sin (Genesis 3). But Jesus Christ was destined “before the creation of the world” (1 Peter 1:20) to redeem fallen humankind and include His redeemed people in the final reconciliation of the universe (Romans 8:21; 1 Corinthians 15:20–28; Ephesians 1:4; Colossians 1:19).

While some think that the account of human creation is merely parabolic and not to be taken literally, Genesis pointedly declares God formed Adam fromTexas theMinistry dust ofNetwork the earth and breathed into him the breath of 26 South

life (2:7). Subsequently, God deliberately made Eve from Adam’s rib [perhaps “side”] (2:22). Both Adam and Eve, male and female, are declared to be made in the “image” and “likeness” of God. These carefully delineated creative acts indicate that humans are distinct from animals. God did not form Adam from some previously existing creature (1 Corinthians 15:39). Any evolutionary theory, including theistic evolution/evolutionary creationism, that claims all forms of life arose from a common ancestry is thereby ruled out.

Moreover, the New Testament treats the first Adam as a historical person (Romans 5:14; 1 Corinthians 15:45; 1 Timothy 2:13–14). Adam is named as the first human in Luke’s genealogy (Luke 3:38) and Jesus pointed out, authoritatively citing Genesis 1:27, that “at the beginning, the Creator ‘made them male and female’” (Matthew 19:4; Mark 10:6).

Paul spoke of Adam and Jesus as historical persons, recognizing Adam as the beginning of the human race. “For Adam was formed first, then Eve” (1 Timothy 2:13). “’[T]he first man Adam became a living being’” (2 Corinthians 15:45) and “a pattern of the one [Christ] to come” (Romans 5:14), thus definitively linking Adam with Christ, “the last Adam.” Adam is the “one man” by whom sin and death came (Romans 5:12; 1 Corinthians 15:22). Jude 14 also cited Adam as the beginning of the race.

We strongly affirm that Adam and Eve were real, historical persons whose fall into sin (Genesis 3) is likewise historical. Both their and our redemption is historically effected through Christ, the “second Adam.”

To suggest that Adam is not a historical person uniquely created by God may well diminish vital biblical teachings on the nature of humankind, their fall into sin, and, perhaps, the nature of Christ himself.

Creation and Science The discoveries of science have frequently been utilized by skeptics to question the accuracy of the biblical accounts. In response, believing scientists and biblical scholars consider no fundamental conflict to exist between God’s Word and His works. The theories of scientists are routinely modified with the introduction of new evidence. But the Scriptures, properly interpreted, are always the final, unchanging authority for Christian faith.

Christians historically have believed that “all truth is God’s truth.” God reveals himself finally and authoritatively in the Scriptures, His special revelation. In a subsidiary but nonconflicting way, He also reveals himself in the general revelation of His created order. Not surprisingly, many scientists have observed that the universe is fine-tuned to be capable of supporting life. There are many constants, which differing even slightly, would make life as we know it impossible. These observations are consistent with the testimony of the ancient Psalmist, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. . . . Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world” (Psalm 19:1–2,4).

Ultimately, then, when God’s Word and God’s Work are properly understood and taught by reverent scholarship, there is no disunity.

“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse” (Romans 1:20). God has revealed himself in such a way as to invite us into reverent exploration of His nature both through His Word and His work—the Bible and scientific exploration.

In conclusion, we affirm that God and God alone is the designer and creator of the universe and of life. The Bible from beginning to end identifies God as the Creator. “By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible” (Hebrews 11:3). “For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm” (Psalm 33:9).

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