To Have & To Hold Wedding Chapel

02/16/2024

01/13/2024

And now we have no power.

12/20/2023

Just a reminder that Our Little Church TX is holding thier inaugural Christmas Candlelight Services on Saturday, December 23rd!

Join us for an evening of Christmas Carols, Scripture Readings, Musical Interlude, a Special Christmas Message and, yes, Christmas cookies and Christmas punch!

If you cannot join us in person, you can still join us online through our Facebook Live!

https://fb.me/e/y9gI59DpR

08/13/2023

Good afternoon! I hope you are all having a lovely Sunday!

Over the next week or so, you may notice some changes to this page and receive an invite to Our Little Church TX. When I (Pastor Leslie) created the church page, I accidently used my personal existing wedding page (To Have & To Hold) and I am trying to correct the issue without having to delete the page completely.

Shortly, this page should return to the wedding page and the church page with all of its content will move to the new page.

Please bear with me!

08/06/2023

This morning's service.

07/30/2023

The Face of Fear - Joseph
Sunday Morning, July 30, 2023
“For when two or three are gathered in my name,
there am I among them.”
Matthew 18:20

Scripture Reading:

“So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews.”

Today’s scripture reading is from the Gospel of John 19:38-42.

Jesus Is Buried

38 After these things Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took away his body. 39 Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight. 40 So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. 41 Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. 42 So because of the Jewish day of Preparation, since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there.

Today’s Message:

The Face of Fear - Joseph

The cross of Christ changed two cowards. They came to the cross bound by fear but left with a life filled with courage.

Many of us identify with Joseph and Nicodemus, more so than with anyone else at the cross. We know what it’s like to be silent when we should speak out, to keep our relationship with Christ a secret when it should be worn like a badge of honor.

Joseph of Arimathea was a man of commendable character and that’s exactly how he is portrayed on the pages of the New Testament. Each Gospel sets out Joseph’s role in Jesus’ burial. Each one tells us that he was a successful businessman and a community leader and Luke refers to him as a good and righteous man.

Later, he became one of the remnant that looked for the kingdom of God and was likely a member of the Sanhedrin along with Nicodemus.

This put him in the unique position to act on behalf of Jesus.

Since the Sanhedrin’s decision was unanimous, Joseph and Nicodemus evidently stayed away from that important meeting. Being absent would have been easier than speaking up for Jesus since they wouldn’t have tell anyone that they were among Jesus’ “disciples.”

But after Jesus’ death, Joseph and Nicodemus couldn’t keep their secret any longer. What they saw that day outweighed their fears and allowed them to act.

And Joseph displayed this new found courage by asking Pontius Pilate for Jesus’ body. That was without a doubt, a public sign of friendship and support for the Jesus.

So what was the cause of Joseph’s fear?

John tells us that, even though Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, it was in secret because he feared reprisal from the Jews. And despite that fear, he asked Pilate for Jesus’ body of Jesus.

But the fear wasn’t caused by the Jews; their presence simply revealed it. What really caused Joseph’s fear?

First, he valued his position before men more than his position before God.

His position in the community and all the riches that came with it meant too much to Joseph. They were the fruits of a lifetime of labor. He couldn’t just cast them away. What would he be without them?

And a bold confession that Jesus was the Christ would surely cause him to lose his position on the Sanhedrin. Plus it would probably hurt his business, if not destroy it.

These misplaced values were the root of the fear that silenced him. And not just Joseph. These kind of values have frozen countless people in fear throughout the ages.

What affect does your value system have on your relationship with Jesus? Those who are prepared to give bold witness to Jesus must be ready to set their minds on things above. “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” (Colossians 3:2).

Next, he valued the praise of men more than the praise of God.

For many, gaining the approval of others can become very important and losing that approval becomes a major crisis. This was the reality facing Joseph.

If he publicaly confessed that Jesus was the Christ, the price would be high – very high. Losing the approval of others would have immediate repercussions on his standing in the community.

What others think of us can cause us to do hurtful things – things we normally would not do otherwise.

You may not fear physical attack if you openly declare your Christianity, although you may have to face ridicule or disapproval from your friends, coworkers or even from members of your own family. But what’s more important: having their approval or having the approval of God?

OK, that’s what caused it but what was the cost of Joseph’s fear?

We have to read between the lines a bit and try to imagine ourselves in Joseph’s situation. Remember, he was a respected Jewish businessman and had a lot at stake.
But he lost the opportunity for friendship and, fellowship with Jesus.

And this opportunity was lost forever.

Joseph missed seeing countless miracles. He missed hearing valuable lessons. And he missed sharing so many conversations with Jesus. He, too, could have walked with Peter and the others in Jesus’ company.

Is fear keeping you from a closer walk with Jesus?

And he lost the assurance of eternal life.

Some question whether a person can be a “secret disciple” and still receive eternal life. And I think we call all agree that there can be no real assurance of salvation
absent a public acceptance of Jesus Christ.

Fear brings torment, guilt, self-accusation and shame.

Joseph must have been so ashamed to face himself in the mirror when he considered
his cowardly actions toward Christ.

Assurance comes with a bold confession of Jesus as Lord (“because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.” Romans 10:9–10)

So what is the cure for fear?

The cross! The cross cures our fears by revealing the end of fear.

As Joseph and Nicodemus saw Jesus hanging on the cross, they saw the end of their cowardly actions. Deep within they knew their silence had played a part in this terrible tragedy.

Realizing what their silence had done, forced them to take action.

Do you realize that Jesus’ body most likely would have been thrown in the trash heap or buried in a mass grave if these two hadn’t stepped up?

Have you ever considered the end of your own fearful way of life?

Next, the cross cures our fears by revealing God’s love for us.

Seeing Jesus on the cross, Nicodemus likely thought back to his first meeting with Jesus. In the shadow of the night, Jesus had said to him, “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.” John 3:14–15

As Nicodemus and Joseph looked up at Jesus’ lifeless body hanging there, Nicodemus may have even mentioned that very conversation to Joseph. And now, they could see exactly how far Jesus was willing to go for them. Jesus’ love is the kind that casts out all fears.

How could they remain silent in the shadow of such love? How can you?

Conclusion

In the light of the love of the Lord Jesus Christ, I call you to action. I call on you to cast aside your secrecy and your fears and to boldly declare him as your Lord and Savior.

He promises, “So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, 33 but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 10:32–33

This week, let the whole world know that you rest your hopes of eternal life on Christ alone.

And to quote my friend and fellow pastor, Xavier Bright, “We are all connected at the foot of the cross.”

May peace be in your hearts, grace be in your words, love be in your hands and joy be in your souls. Have a great week everyone!

07/24/2023

The Face of Faith – The Centurion
Sunday Morning, July 23, 2023

“For when two or three are gathered in my name,
there am I among them.”
Matthew 18:20

Scripture Reading:

“When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, ‘Truly this was the Son of God!’ ”

Today’s scripture reading is Matthew 27:45-56 (ESV).

The Death of Jesus

45 Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour. 46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” 47 And some of the bystanders, hearing it, said, “This man is calling Elijah.” 48 And one of them at once ran and took a sponge, filled it with sour wine, and put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink. 49 But the others said, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to save him.” 50 And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit.

51 And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. 52 The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, 53 and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many. 54 When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!”

55 There were also many women there, looking on from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to him, 56 among whom were Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Joseph and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.

Today’s Message:
The Face of Faith – The Centurion

At that time, centurions represented the best of the Roman men, who rose up through the ranks to become commanders over a hundred men. The centurions they talk about in the New Testament were strong, moral soldiers – good men. This unnamed centurion witnessed Jesus’ death. He saw all of these events leading up to the crucifixion and all that followed. He was probably even there when Jesus was arrested and for His trial and there he was, beneath the cross.

What he saw and heard and experienced that day had a profound effect on him.

When Jesus died, the earth literally quaked and The Centurion confessed, “Truly this was the Son of God.” In that instant, he became a man of faith in Jesus Christ.

This is the passionate confession that God wants to hear from each of us. This is the faith He wants us to have. And if we look closely at this “face of faith” beneath the cross, we can experience The Centurion’s faith and join him in his confession.

What was his evidence for faith?

This noble man completely changed his mind about Jesus in a relatively short time. What started as The Centurion helping the Jews rid themselves of a nuisance – Jesus, soon became his confession that that nuisance was none other than the Son of God.

So what evidence changed his mind?

Was it the manner of Christ’s suffering?

Never in his life had The Centurion seen one person undergo so much abuse, in such a short time – and he had seen a lot. He watched as Jesus was harassed, beaten, mocked, whipped, spat on, stripped naked and now crucified. But not once did Jesus ever lose His composure or react in anger.

Even as the soldiers nailed his hands and feet to the cross, Jesus was meek and submissive. The only words he spoke were a prayer: “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.”

Watching Jesus’ behavior that day deeply affected The Centurion. What kind of man was this Jesus? How could he remain so calm through all of the torture and abuse?

Surely he must be more than human!

He even showed love for his enemies.

The crowd’s hatred for Jesus was obvious. The people were relentlessly. They hurled insults and accusations at Jesus even as He died. But He responded to their ridicule with love, “Father, forgive them.”

Even then, He was concerned about the welfare of the crowd who was crucifying him.

That level of love is hard to comprehend.

And it impressed The Centurion so much that it made him wonder about the judgment of the crowd and Pilate. How could someone with such love deserve to die?

Then there was the natural phenomena.

That was a strange day. Jesus had been hanging on the cross for about three hours when darkness came over the land. Even though it was high noon, there was no sun – it was as dark as night.

As The Centurion stood beneath the cross during the darkness, he heard Jesus cry out, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” – “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

Then, at around three, Jesus died and the whole countryside began to tremble and shake. There was no doubt in The Centurion’s mind that there was a definitely connection between Jesus’ death and that earthquake.

No, this man was not a criminal!

And the manner of Christ’s death.

The Centurion had seen many, many deaths – it was part of his job, after all – and he knew that death by crucifixion followed a certain pattern.

But Jesus’ death was different. In his last moments, Jesus cried out, “It is finished.” It was like a shout of triumph. Then quietly he prayed again, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” (Luke 23:46)

He gave His spirit over and then He died. They didn’t take it from Him. They couldn’t take it from Him. He gave it up willingly and died with a quiet trust in God, His Father.

All the evidence was too much. The Centurion knew in his heart that Jesus was more than just a man – He was the Christ. So he exclaimed, “Truly this was the Son of God.”

And we have more evidence than The Centurion, because we know about Jesus’ resurrection, His continued work and His promise to return.

So when you look at the evidence carefully, it will lead you to faith.

So what is the evidence of faith?

There are two separate accounts of The Centurion’s confession. According to Luke, The Centurion declared, “Certainly this was a righteous man.” And Matthew reported that The Centurion confessed Jesus to be the Son of God. There’s no doubt in my mind that both accounts are accurate.

It was an act of confession.

The Centurion’s confession itself reveals his faith. His voice is the only voice we hear at the cross proclaiming Jesus’ righteousness. It’s one thing to have some impressions in your heart but another thing entirely to publicaly verbalize those impressions.
But True faith leads to confession. And if you have never confessed, your faith is in question.

So let’s look at the substance of the confession.

What The Centurion confessed is the real evidence. That day, in front of everyone, he confessed the righteous character of Jesus, contradicting the judgment of the world. Now, that’s a strong confession!

The Centurion also confessed the uniqueness of Christ: “Truly this was the Son of God.”

Matthew included this account probably because he saw it as being the logical end of Jesus’ life and death. Both Matthew and Luke put it at the climax of the gospel story.

So, without trying to make a theologian out of The Centurion, let’s just accept his confession for what it actually says: He believed in the uniqueness of Christ. He believed that Christ was the Son of God.

Conclusion

There’s a story about an old English farmer who went to London and, while he was there, he visited one of the great art galleries in the city. He felt drawn to a painting of the crucifixion and sat down right in front of it to take it all in. He studied each detail with intense interest for a long while.

Then, suddenly, forgetting he was in a quiet gallery, he exclaimed, “Bless Him! I love Him!”

The other patrons were startled but curious so they came to see what was with the old man. Men and women from all over the gallery gathered around him. They all saw the tears streaking down his cheeks.

Then, slowly, they each turned their attention to the painting. And after a while, one of them reached for the farmer’s hand and said through tears of his own, “And I love Him, too!”

Then another and another and another – and one by one, they took each other’s hands until there was a sizable group of sobbing believers rejoicing in front of the painting of Christ’s crucifixion – all declaring, “We love Him, too!”

Will you join the old man and declare, “I love Him, too!”?

Will you join The Centurion in his confession, “Truly this man is the Son of God”?

May peace be in your hearts, grace be in your words, love be in your hands and joy be in your souls.

Have a great week everyone!

07/16/2023

The Face of Forgiveness – The Thief
Sunday Morning, July 16, 2023

“For when two or three are gathered in my name,
there am I among them.”
Matthew 18:20

Scripture Reading:

One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!”

But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Today’s scripture reading is from Luke Chapter 23 verses 26 through 43.

The Crucifixion

26 And as they led him away, they seized one Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, and laid on him the cross, to carry it behind Jesus. 27 And there followed him a great multitude of the people and of women who were mourning and lamenting for him. 28 But turning to them Jesus said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. 29 For behold, the days are coming when they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren and the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!’ 30 Then they will begin to say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us,’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us.’ 31 For if they do these things when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?”

32 Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. 33 And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. 34 And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments. 35 And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!” 36 The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine 37 and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” 38 There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.”

39 One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” 40 But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43 And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Today’s Message:
The Face of Forgiveness – The Thief

Everything about Jesus’ death was designed to bring him suffering and shame. His enemies crucified even Him between two thieves for the explicit purpose of humiliating him. They wanted the people to see Him as a common criminal dying with his own kind.

And as usual, Jesus turned the evil plans of his enemies into something good. The very presence of these two condemned men gave him the perfect opportunity to demonstrate His grace, His mercy and His forgiveness.

Although the two thieves came from similar backgrounds and may have even been partners in crime, their responses to their shared current situation couldn’t have been more different. True, at first they both joined the crowd in ridiculing and mocking Jesus, but one of them made a drastic 180 in his attitude toward Jesus.

The gracious way that Jesus handled all of the abuse that day, made an impression on that thief. It solidified his own guilt and magnified Jesus’ innocence.

The Thief knew that he and his companion deserved death. They were guilty. But he knew that Jesus was innocent and he could see that Jesus was different. He didn’t belong on that cross, especially not in between two criminals.

And the way that Jesus was praying had to have made an impression. He said, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” How could any man in this situation have such faith in God? Imagine for a minute the way Jesus said the word “Father”.

He had to be different. He forgave the very men who were crucifying him.

All of this moved the Thief to appeal to Jesus. “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

It wasn’t a strong appeal. It wasn’t long or full of fancy words or scripture quotes, but he was definitely appealing to the right person.

This simple request held an unspoken plea for forgiveness. And with mercy and love, Jesus answered his plea, “Today you will be with me in paradise.”

Today. Not some arbitrary time in the distant future in a place that may not even exist yet but today in paradise. And the Thief would be more than just there. He would be with Jesus in the dwelling place of God, Jesus’ Father.

Right then, right there, Jesus assumed responsibility for all of the Thief’s sins and granted him full, free and unconditional forgiveness.

This is the perfect example of divine forgiveness. Forgiveness is the removal of our sins so they are no longer a factor in God’s judgment of us. Micah 7:19 says that God “will tread our iniquities underfoot” and “cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.”

We have no greater need than the assurance of God’s forgiveness.

Let’s examine
The fullness of divine forgiveness.

God’s forgiveness is full - He forgives all kinds of sins.

This man was a convicted thief and was sentenced to death by crucifixion. And I am sure he was guilty of many other sins as well. For all we know, he may have broken all of the Ten Commandments along the way!

Have you ever heard someone say something they did was unforgivable? Or have you ever done something you felt God just couldn’t forgive you for?

I am constantly surprised by the things that people feel God can’t forgive. Some may think that adultery is unforgivable. For others, it may be divorce. Or murder or homosexuality, and I could go on and on. But the account of Jesus’ forgiveness granted the Thief shows us that God forgives all kinds of sins. Nothing is unforgivable.

God’s forgiveness is full - He forgives all sins, regardless of their number.

Can we accumulate so many sins that God can’t forgive them all? No.

Is there a certain number of sins we get before we reach the limit of divine forgiveness? Not even close to it.

The Thief on the cross was an eye-witness to the fullness of God’s forgiveness. God can forgive a multitude of sins just as easily as he can forgive one sin.

But before we could receive His forgiveness, God had to send His Son as a sacrificial lamb. When Jesus died on the cross, he died for all of us. His death covered all of our transgressions.

Isaiah knew this when he prophesied, “Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.” (Isaiah 1:18) And John offered this assurance in 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” The phrase “all unrighteousness” reminds us of the fullness of divine forgiveness.

Now let’s talk about
The freeness of God’s forgiveness.

When Jesus forgave the Thief he made it clear exactly how we receive forgiveness, more so than any other incident in the Bible. Luke likely included the account for that very reason. To demonstrate that God forgives people freely. The only way the Thief could have known God’s forgiveness was through Jesus.
Divine forgiveness is extended, apart from good works.

The Thief didn’t have the opportunity to do any good works. Again and again I see people who think that if they just do enough good deeds, God will forgive for their sins. And when they start to feel guilty over past sins, they double-down on their good works in an attempt to atone for all of their sins.

But good works alone are worthless without sincere repentance.

The Thief received the forgiveness of his sins from Jesus in response to his contrition on the cross that day.

Divine forgiveness is extended apart from religious affiliation or ordinances.

The Thief didn’t have the opportunity to be baptized. He didn’t have the opportunity to receive Communion. He certainly didn’t have the opportunity to join any religious group or church. Yet, he was welcomed into Heaven.

Baptism is our public commitment to Christ, but it’s not necessary to wash away our sins. Communion is a reminder of Jesus’ sacrifice and an opportunity to unburden our heart, but it isn’t necessary to receive God’s forgiveness. And belonging to a church is important to our spiritual growth, but it isn’t necessary to enter Heaven.

The Thief had none of these opportunities yet he was welcomed to paradise by Jesus.

Forgiveness is a free gift apart from all of the religious trappings.

Divine forgiveness comes through repentance.

Repentance means to acknowledge our sins. The Thief openly confessed his guilt and his worthiness of the death sentence.

Repentance can be extremely difficult for many people. It means to reach the point where we can sincerely admit, not only to God but to ourselves, “I have sinned. I am a sinner.” Repentance is essential, because God cannot forgive a sin that we refuse to acknowledge ourselves.

And Divine forgiveness comes by faith.

After we acknowledge our sin, we must turn to Jesus for forgiveness. We must do what the Thief did. We must ask Jesus for forgiveness. The Thief may not have said it in those exact words, but Jesus clearly knew what the man meant and wanted. Jesus knew exactly what was in the Thief’s heart. It was faith!

The freeness of forgiveness makes it possible for all of us to be forgiven at any time, in any place during our lives. Although the story of the Thief doesn’t encourage us to wait for deathbed repentance, it does encourage us to believe that it is never too late to turn to Christ. God forgives freely and fully. All you have to do is ask and have faith.

Conclusion

God is a God of forgiveness. In the death of his Son on the cross, God made full provision for the forgiveness of your sins. He gave every one of us a pathway to redemption through His Son, Jesus Christ. And he’s waiting for your response. Will you, like the Thief, ask him to forgive your sins and to become your Savior and the Lord of your life?

07/14/2023

I just wanted to update everyone:

Memaw's Essentials is doing a bit of renovations/rearranging to accommodate us better for Sunday Services!

They are swapping from a boutique into a chapel/church/classroom setup
It's a bit of mess and tiny but come join us Sunday morning anyway!

Doors open at 10:30 am and Services start at 11:00 am. This week's message is from the Faces Beneath the Cross series: Face of Forgiveness - The Thief.

And bring a coffee cup. We have the most excellent coffee around!

07/11/2023

It is time to clear out the old to make room for the new!!!!

Stop by Memaw's Essentials this week for their Summer Clearance Sale! Licensed Astros items, bath & body items, gourmet coffee, coffee mugs, clothing, jewelry, 2A bags, home decor and Christian gifts - 15% to 75% off!!!

Hours:
Thursday - 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Friday - 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Saturday - 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Sunday Services 11:00 a.m. to noon. (doors open at 10:30 a.m.)
Sunday - After Sunday Services until 3:00 p.m.