New Hope Baptist Church Bloomburg Texas

09/14/2026

Sharing a few great pics that were shared with me this morning! Homecoming is always a special time of fellowship at New Hope! If you're looking for a church that will love you like family come visit us! We never want to take anyone away from their church home but if you are actively looking,we would love to have you!

09/14/2026

Leaders Are Made, Not Born By Pastor Chuck Swindoll



“Things are not going well for those who returned to the province of Judah. They are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem has been torn down, and the gates have been destroyed by fire.” When I heard this, I sat down and wept. In fact, for days I mourned, fasted, and prayed to the God of heaven. (Nehemiah 1:3–4)



One book, written about 425 BC, still stands as a classic work on effective leadership; yet it is strangely obscure and virtually unknown to people today. It was written by a man who was prominent in business and politics in the ancient Middle East. He not only possessed an exceptional personal philosophy of leadership, but he lived it out as well. In his lifetime, this gentleman rose from utter obscurity to national recognition. The book he penned bears his name: Nehemiah.



Believe it or not, what Nehemiah had to say concerning leadership speaks to the very same issues you and I face today. For example, from his book we learn:



how to relate to a touchy boss;

how to balance faith in God’s sovereignty and the need for personal planning;

how to handle discouragement at the executive level;

how to respond to unwarranted criticism.

In this biblical manual for leaders we find timeless and reliable guidelines that work. They enable us to know how to build quality characteristics in ourselves and others—the kind that are rarely seen today. These truths are not suddenly “dumped” on us, but rather handed to us—brick by brick, as it were—in the form of a narrative. The story begins with an unassuming servant and follows his personal journey to become the official governor of Israel during its reconstruction, which incidentally points us to our first lesson. Good leaders are made, not born; they are built, shaped, and tested by God—brick by brick—over time.



That’s the purpose of this ancient book: to equip you, to build you into the kind of leader God desires—a true leader. If you allow yourself to get caught up in the story, you will find something wonderful begin to happen. As you watch the plot develop, as you see Nehemiah’s character and his project built, shaped, and tested, you will find something in your hand that wasn’t there before: a brick, something with which to begin building your own character.



Whatever you do, don’t just stand there. Use it. Set it in place and continue reading. And before the end of the story, I think you will be amazed by how many bricks were passed from Nehemiah’s hands to yours. When God puts His hand on a plain, ordinary person whom He has destined for leadership, that person is given mountain-matching abilities, whether he be a Roosevelt, a Lincoln, a Nehemiah—or a person like you or me. He motivates leaders to accomplish goals, to keep on working, to pass the bricks! Nehemiah, although an ordinary man underneath, emerges as one of the most significant leaders in history. He was highly motivated to do a job for God that involved many difficult circumstances.



PRAYER REQUEST.



WHAT’S HAPPENING AT NHBC

September 17th YAH

September 20th Business after PM service.



SERVICE TIMES: WORSHIP Sunday 10:50 AM and 5:30 PM BIBLE STUDY: Sunday all ages 9:45 AM; Monday Ladies 6 PM; Wednesday Adults 5 PM, Youth and Children 6:30 PM; FELLOWSHIP: First Friday Fellowship 6 PM monthly; Young at Heart 50 plus 3rd Thursday monthly

09/13/2026

What a sweet Homecoming! Brother Tim Ellis brought a powerful message to the congregation this morning! The fellowship meal was out of this world delicious as usual and the singing was such a special time together.

09/12/2026

Thank you to the men for hosting a delicious breakfast for the ladies of the church this morning! We felt special and very loved! The men even cleaned up the dishes!

09/12/2026

Wrapping Up a Ragged-Edge Journey By Pastor Chuck Swindoll



That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty. God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad. (Ecclesiastes 12:13–14)



The thing I love about Solomon’s conclusion is there isn’t a ruffle of drums, a loud blast of the horns, and screaming clarinets with a crescendo of passionate emotion. There’s just a simple statement. And Solomon doesn’t try to be fancy about it either. When the conclusion has been heard, when it’s all been said, it literally reads, “Fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person” (Ecclesiastes 12:13 NASB) Isn’t that great? I love the understated ending to this incredible journal.



We’ve been with him through every conceivable emotion, but now he finishes the entire work by saying that there are two things we need to pay attention to—two “musts.”



First, we must take God seriously. Hold Him in highest regard. Respect and revere Him.



Second, we must do what He says. Obey Him.



You’d think Solomon slammed his journal shut and said, “Now, I’m going fishing. Got it done. Got it said.” But that’s not all. He knows his readers would ask why. Why should I revere God? Why should I obey His truth? His last statement explains his reason. Because “God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil” (12:14 NASB).



Why does Solomon close with that? Because we cannot live the life of an irresponsible pl***oy and get away with it. We aren’t free to run wild and wink in God’s direction, thinking that, no matter what, the big Teddy Bear in the sky will yawn, pat us on the head, and say, “Everything is going to be just fine.” No, it doesn’t work like that. Our ragged-edge journey is headed for a sudden stop. And all alone, standing face to face with the One who created us, we will give an account of the life we have lived. Sobering, serious thought! Don’t walk away from it too quickly.



Do you want to know how to handle your life in light of such a day of reckoning? Would you like to know the secret? The password? I’ll give it to you in one word—Christ. He alone is the way, the truth, the life. Without “the way,” there is no going. Without “the truth,” there is no knowing. Without “the life,” there is no living.



PRAYER REQUEST.



WHAT’S HAPPENING AT NHBC

September 13th Homecoming “Old Fashioned Day”. If you choose to wear something that you think people would have worn years ago to church. Lunch after morning service. Afternoon singing, and no evening service.

September 17th YAH

September 20th Business after PM service.



SERVICE TIMES: WORSHIP Sunday 10:50 AM and 5:30 PM BIBLE STUDY: Sunday all ages 9:45 AM; Monday Ladies 6 PM; Wednesday Adults 5 PM, Youth and Children 6:30 PM; FELLOWSHIP: First Friday Fellowship 6 PM monthly; Young at Heart 50 plus 3rd Thursday monthly.

09/11/2026

09/11/2026

A Long-Awaited Insight By Pastor Chuck Swindoll



Don’t let the excitement of youth cause you to forget your Creator. Honor him in your youth before you grow old and say, “Life is not pleasant anymore.” (Ecclesiastes 12:1)



As we approach the finale of Solomon’s ragged-edge journey, we are finally introduced to the One who can give life meaning. At long last, Solomon says it! I’ve wanted to tell him to “remember the Creator” ever since chapter 1 (Doesn’t that sound like an evangelical pastor?). “Solomon, you should remember your Creator in the days of your youth. That’s why you’re so miserable in chapters 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9 and 10!” But now he sees it on his own. And he openly admits it. In the final analysis, it’s best if a person makes such a discovery on his own.



The truth is that it takes a while for some folks to see it. Some people need room to find out the hard things on their own. You and I can yell and scream, preach and stick tracts under their noses, write notes, send them Bibles with underlined verses, and tell them to read so-and-so’s book or listen to some sermon online—but they’re not going to do it. They are not ready. They are like Solomon—it will take time. They cannot be told what to do. They need to find out on their own.



Finally, at long last, the day comes when they bow before the King and they say, “Oh, my God! I see it all so clearly. Lord, I need You.” When that happens—and not until—things like perception, reality, and understanding fall into place. They get their “heads together,” as we often say. Prayer returns. God comes into clearer focus. Lo and behold, they remember their Creator.



Solomon finally does that. Isn’t that great? But he doesn’t say “remember,” meaning, “Don’t forget Him.” It is not that kind of remembrance. In fact, this Hebrew word translated “remember” is used somewhat frequently in the Old Testament in a most insightful manner. It is used in 1 Samuel for Hannah when she prayed for a baby. And Scripture says, “The Lord remembered her” (1 Samuel 1:19). God acted on her behalf and caused her to conceive. It’s the same term. It means “to act decisively on behalf of someone.”



“Remember your Creator” means to act decisively on behalf of the living God. This means that we realize He is the one essential ingredient we need for a truly happy lifestyle. It means that we listen to what He says and act accordingly. It means we will not follow the dictates of our own heart, but that we will follow the dictates of His truth. It means we will make an intelligent, serious study of what Scripture says about how to walk in obedience. And having taken a serious account of what God has said about life early on, we will act decisively on His behalf—while we are young.



PRAYER REQUEST.



WHAT’S HAPPENING AT NHBC

September 13th Homecoming “Old Fashioned Day”. If you choose to wear something that you think people would have worn years ago to church. Lunch after morning service. Afternoon singing, and no evening service.

September 17th YAH

September 20th Business after PM service.



SERVICE TIMES: WORSHIP Sunday 10:50 AM and 5:30 PM BIBLE STUDY: Sunday all ages 9:45 AM; Monday Ladies 6 PM; Wednesday Adults 5 PM, Youth and Children 6:30 PM; FELLOWSHIP: First Friday Fellowship 6 PM monthly; Young at Heart 50 plus 3rd Thursday monthly.

09/11/2026

Today is 9/11 Let us never forget that America was attacked by terrorist Islam in 2001. While America is not perfect, it is the greatest nation on planet earth! If we forget and allow those who seek to defeat us into our government and open our borders to them, they will defeat us. Pray for our leaders and vote for those who stand for America!

09/10/2026

September 10, 2026



Enjoy Life Now, Not Later: Part Two By Pastor Chuck Swindoll



Light is sweet; how pleasant to see a new day dawning. When people live to be very old, let them rejoice in every day of life. (Ecclesiastes 11:7–8)



A catechism in the Presbyterian Church begins with the question, “What is the chief end of man?” The answer to that question is familiar to many: “The chief end of man is to love God and enjoy Him forever.” Not just serve Him, not just obey Him, not just sacrifice to Him, not simply commit ourselves to Him, but enjoy Him—“laugh through life with Him.” Smile in His presence. So much more is included in serving Him forever than most would ever believe. I don’t know if the Scottish Presbyterian divines back in the seventeenth century derived their answer from Solomon’s journal, but they certainly could have! The wise monarch, as we shall see, realized the value of enjoying life to the fullest. Let’s take a look at what he has to say about it.

The first thing I notice is that we are given permission to enjoy life. He says: “The light is pleasant, and it is good for the eyes to see the sun” (Ecclesiastes 11:7 NASB). Now, remember that this is picturesque, symbolic Hebrew. It is inspired poetry, not meant to be taken literally. The reader is expected to feel the romance, the rhythmic beauty, and the color of the wise man’s counsel.

Frequently through the Scriptures, references to light and sunshine are used to describe the warmth of God’s love. “The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear?” asked the psalmist (Psalm 27:1 NASB). When we are enveloped in the warmth of our Father’s love, we fear no one. It gives us a sense of warm security to be under His wings, surrounded by His care. That’s the idea.

The light of God’s ever-present, always-comforting love is pleasant. And it’s good for our eyes to focus on the warmth and protection of the hand of God wrapped around our lives and to know that He is pleased with us and that He gives us permission to enjoy ourselves. When we focus on Him, He lifts the gloom and begins to lift the stinging pain of depression.

Solomon continues: “Indeed, if a man should live many years, let him rejoice in them all” (Ecclesiastes 11:8 NASB 1995).

I love that! Happiness is to pervade all the years of our life. We don’t have to wait until we reach some magical age when we are allowed to crack open the door and slip silently into the realm of happiness. It’s there for us to enjoy throughout our days.

PRAYER REQUEST.



WHAT’S HAPPENING AT NHBC

September 13th Homecoming “Old Fashioned Day”. If you choose to wear something that you think people would have worn years ago to church. Lunch after morning service. Afternoon singing, and no evening service.

September 17th YAH

September 20th Business after PM service.



SERVICE TIMES: WORSHIP Sunday 10:50 AM and 5:30 PM BIBLE STUDY: Sunday all ages 9:45 AM; Monday Ladies 6 PM; Wednesday Adults 5 PM, Youth and Children 6:30 PM; FELLOWSHIP: First Friday Fellowship 6 PM monthly; Young at Heart 50 plus 3rd Thursday monthly.

09/09/2026

Enjoy Life Now, Not Later: Part One By Pastor Chuck Swindoll



Light is sweet; how pleasant to see a new day dawning. When people live to be very old, let them rejoice in every day of life. (Ecclesiastes 11:7–8)



It was a great moment in my adult life when I realized that life was meant to be enjoyed rather than simply endured. I cannot recall when that thought became a conscious reality to me. It certainly did not transpire overnight, but perhaps over a period of several years I distinctly remember being slowly freed up from former self-imposed restrictions. I remember entertaining the thought that since I am the kind of person who really enjoys life, why should I try to hide it?



If you were to walk down the streets of the town where you live and ask the people you meet, “What are you waiting for to enjoy life?” I think you would get one of three different answers, and each one finds its origin in the world’s system in which we live.



Here’s the first that comes to mind: “I’m waiting until I have the things I’ve always wanted. When that happens, then I’ll be happy.” That directly connects happiness with material possessions. This cuts cross-grain with Jesus’ words: “Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions” (Luke 12:15 NASB 1995).



Another answer people would give is “I’m waiting for a person who will fulfill my life.” Frequently, this answer comes from someone who is unhappily single or from the couple who is anxious to start a family. Many would say they’re waiting for a friend to relieve their loneliness.



We can’t depend on people for our happiness. We may invest much time and emotion in cultivating a close friendship, only to be let down with heartaches. No, if you’re counting on a human being to bring you happiness, you’re in for a lifetime of waiting.



There is a third possible answer: “I’m waiting until I have achieved my goals and realized my dreams.” How many have dreams on the horizon and think, “I’ll be so happy when I accomplish my plans.” However great the dream may be, and as much as it may keep us plugging, chances are extremely good that it will never bring satisfaction. The realization of our dreams will never make us smile contentedly deep within.



This is going to sound terribly familiar, but repetition reinforces the truth. Happiness is for today. Joy is accessible now. We are not to put it on hold. Happiness isn’t something that will open up to us when we turn sixty-five, or when we reach some goal, or find the right partner. Happiness is for now. It is inseparably linked to the living Lord.





PRAYER REQUEST.



WHAT’S HAPPENING AT NHBC

September 13th Homecoming “Old Fashioned Day”. If you choose to wear something that you think people would have worn years ago to church. Lunch after morning service. Afternoon singing, and no evening service.

September 17th YAH

September 20th Business after PM service.



SERVICE TIMES: WORSHIP Sunday 10:50 AM and 5:30 PM BIBLE STUDY: Sunday all ages 9:45 AM; Monday Ladies 6 PM; Wednesday Adults 5 PM, Youth and Children 6:30 PM; FELLOWSHIP: First Friday Fellowship 6 PM monthly; Young at Heart 50 plus 3rd Thursday monthly.