On November 25, 2014, we gathered together at the First Baptist Church here in Blanco, to celebrate Thanksgiving Day with other men, women and children, from churches in Blanco. There were people from First Baptist, New Hope, St. Ferdinand’s, Trinity Lutheran, Mt. Horeb Baptist, St. Michael’s Episcopalian, and United Methodist churches, all bringing food into one church fellowship hall, to give thanks to God, in the name of Jesus Christ, and break bread together.
It just fills my heart with gladness when we come together as one church, in the name of Jesus Christ, because we all believe God’s Word.
“19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us- ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, 20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, 21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: 22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.” Ephesians 1:19-23
John 3:1-15 – You Must Be Born Again
“1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.”
3 Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 4 Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?”
5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again. ’ 8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
9 Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?” 10 Jesus answered him, “Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things? 11 Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony. 12 If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things? 13 No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.”
I’m so happy to be a member of God’s family. I hope you are a member, too. It will be too late for you to join us for Thanksgiving dinner, by the time this is published, but it won’t be too late for you to join us at Mt. Horeb Baptist Church to praise and worship God on the first Sunday of December! Service begins at 11:30; Sunday School begins at10:15. Call 830-385-6726 for more information. May God bless you and keep you safe from all harm, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
More from Focus on Faith.