|
|
|
FWMBC Members and Friends,
Among other things, February is known as Black History Month. There are many who believe that this designation is no longer important because of the progress that Black people have made. I disagree. I believe that spot-lighting our history is important. Indeed we have come a long way, but we still have a long way to go. There will be many programs, celebrations, and the like that will remember many Black Americans who have contributed to this country. Take time and celebrate with us.
As always, remember to pray for our sick and shut-in Brothers and Sisters in Christ.
|
|
| Weekly Message
THE COURAGE OF YOUR CONVICTIONS!
But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which have happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. (Philippians 1:12-14).
In his Eulogy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Dr. Benjamin E. Mays (former President of Moorhouse College) mentioned many of the hardships that Dr. King experienced in his quest for Civil Rights. He stated: "But Martin Luther faced the dogs, the police jails, heavy criticism, and finally death, and he never carried a gun, not even a pocket knife to defend himself.... Coupled with moral courage was Martin Luther's capacity to love people."
As we celebrate Black History Month, we should never forget the courage that so many individuals had to stand for principles that they believed were right even though they frequently endured tremendous hardships as a result. It is not easy to face those who would put you in jail for speaking your convictions. Yet, when you believe that you are right, and you believe that others will be helped by your sacrifices, more often than not, you will summon the courage of your convictions.
The Apostle Paul was in a Roman Prison when he wrote the letter to the church at Philippi. Like Dr. King, he was not there because he had committed the kind of act that most of us would consider as being criminal. Like Dr. King's letter from the Birmingham jail, Paul was encouraging those who were supporting him and pointing out those distractors who were opposing him. I am sure that he would have rather been at home in a soft bed. Yet he understood that his cause was righteous. He was committed to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and he was willing to suffer in order to achieve his purposes.
Do you have convictions that you would be willing to suffer for? Are you courageous when it appears that your actions may cause you to be criticized and/or ostracized? As Christians we can always know that we are never alone in our quest for doing what is right. You will never learn that Jesus is all that you need, until you are at a place where Jesus is all that you have. Let us celebrate the courage and the convictions of those who came before us, while we exemplify that same courage and conviction as we go forward. To God Be The Glory! |
News Update:
February 7, 2010 - Super Bowl Fellowship (4:00 pm)
February 14, 2010 - Renewal of Vows - Valentine Day
February 14, 2010 - At St. Paul Methodist Church...Galveston, Texas 3:30 pm
February 18, 2010 - First Shiloh Baptist Church (7:00 pm)
February 20, 2010 - Pastor's Workshop (9:00 am - 12:00 noon)
February 21, 2010 - New Pleasant Grove (8:00 am) Service as usual at FWMBC
February 21, 2010 - Black History Program (11:00)
February 21, 2010 - At East Park Baptist Church (3:00) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
