PUSH AWAY THE DARKNESS
May 29 Push Away the Darkness Matthew 5:8
REMEMBER Vacation Bible School: Volunteer Meeting, June 12th at BTC, 3:00pm – 4:00pm ~ Kick-off July 10th, 3:00 -4:30pm ~ VBS: July 15th, 6:00pm – 8:30pm~ July 16th, 9:00am – 2:00pm
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Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8)
Many years ago, my wonderful Sunday School Teacher, was attempting to help us understand about “Purity” and the process to attain the goal. Keep in mind, we all begin life in the “Darkness” and, through the Blood of Jesus and His Salvation, through Faith, we come into the “Light” and the “Darkness” of our Human Lives becomes “Pure.” Mrs. Joyner had a pitcher with dark, ink-stained water and a glass of clear water on the table. She began to pour the nasty water into the glass, as the water ran over the rim of the glass into a pan. “Children, see what is happening to the water?” This clear glass of water became cloudy and murky. She quickly said that this is what happens to our spirit when we fill ourselves with negative and unpleasant thoughts! She took another pitcher that was filled with pure, clear water, and poured the water into the glass. The dirty water, in the glass, gradually became lighter and lighter in color until it was clear again. Folks, this is what happens when we fill ourselves with God’s pure love and light! Please be careful what you allow to enter your minds! Please be careful to stay in God’s Word and to keep praying and to keep sharing the Good News! When you fill your mind with the murky and negative, you will be murky and negative. I pray that you will allow the wisdom and direction, from God’s Word, to fill you to overflowing, therefore, pushing away the “Darkness!” Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
PRAY WITHOUT CEASING
May 28 “PRAY WITHOUT CEASING” James 5:16
REMEMBER Vacation Bible School: Volunteer Meeting, June 12th at BTC, 3:00pm – 4:00pm ~ Kick-off July 10th, 3:00 -4:30pm ~ VBS: July 15th, 6:00pm – 8:30pm~ July 16th, 9:00am – 2:00pm
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Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” (James 5:16)
Every Believer is in a battle! We are fighting the same good fight, yet it appears that some are bolder and more effective in this fight! What is the difference? The answer is simple and requires Believers to become great by means of the habit of a diligent and faithful prayer life! We are connected to the Holy Spirit through prayer, and the outpouring of His Power and Provision for our lives, is achieved when we are in a growing state of communication. The work of GRACE, in the hearts of every Believer is achieved through FAITH and PRAYER! We need to be asking our God, through Jesus and The Holy Spirit, to teach us to pray and to develop the habit of coming into His presence often!! 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 instructs us to, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” As I observe the chaos and blatant disregard for human life and the systematic decay of our American culture, I recognize the need for more prayer! More Intense and Bold Prayer! Prayer that recognizes the Deity and Lordship of Almighty God and His Power and Presence and Provision, to sustain us and to bring us through this insane and EVIL world, until we, either meet Him in the sky, or He calls us Home to be with Him! In my humanity, I am saddened by the circumstances of our culture, yet in my Spirit, I am encouraged that my time on earth is growing short and that I am going to be in His Presence any day now! FOCUS ON JESUS! REMEMBER HIS PROMISES AND POWER! TO GOD BE THE GLORY! Stay Strong, Stay Focused….THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
HE Knows Best
May 27 HE Knows Best! Proverbs 3:5
REMEMBER Vacation Bible School: Volunteer Meeting, June 12th at BTC, 3:00pm – 4:00pm ~ Kick-off July 10th, 3:00 -4:30pm ~ VBS: July 15th, 6:00pm – 8:30pm~ July 16th, 9:00am – 2:00pm
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Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Trust the Lord with all your heart, and don’t depend on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5)
A few years ago, while on vacation, I received a call from a young man that was in distress. He had, apparently, did something that caused him to doubt his salvation and his position in the kingdom. He was crying out to me for help! After listening to his confession and his pleas for guidance, I explained to him that we “walk by Faith, and not by sight!” Simply put, we do not fit in this world! We are designed and made to live forever and because of Adam’s actions, we must live here on earth until God calls us home. We were created to be in harmony and fellowship with God, and He loves us enough that he sent Jesus to die for our sins, to reestablish our relationship with God the Father. So, here on earth, we walk by FAITH, and we are going to stumble and even fall, yet; our God loves us enough to provide redemption and renewal and restoration for our journey. We must trust God to know what is best for us and to continue to grow in our relationship with Him through the empowering of the Holy Spirit! Paul told us that he, himself, struggled with the human side of his life. He said that the things that he should do, he didn’t and the things that he shouldn’t do, he did! Even Paul struggled in his humanity. Folks, our relationship with Jesus is not determined by what we do; it is totally and completely an act of Grace. Remember, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in His should not perish, but have eternal life (John 3:16)!” The end of our conversation went like this… Do you believe that Jesus has saved your soul? His answer was “YES!” Do you understand that you are going to make mistakes and that you CANNOT live a perfect life here on earth? He answered, “YES!” Are you focused on Jesus and are you growing every day, in your RELATIONSHIP with Jesus? His answer was so truthful and so revealing… “Well, I am trying…” Listen, here is the issue! Satan uses “doubt” to cloud our witness and to make us question our commitment! So, the answer to doubt is a “GROWING FAITH!!!” When your Faith is dynamic and growing, then your doubts and fears will subside. Do not let Satan deceive you into believing that God is not powerful and truthful enough to keep what He has promised… What God does with us is entirely up to us…it always has, and it always will! Are you struggling? Are you doubting your walk with Christ? Are you walking by what you see, instead of the Promises and Provisions of God? Simply put… Claim His Promises, Walk in Faith and Keep Growing as you study His word and continue to talk with God, through “Constant” Prayer! Repeat…NOT TODAY SATAN, NOT TODAY!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES FOR MAY 26, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
RYAN ALFORD
NICHOLAS CARLYLE
JOY RAE PARRISH
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
RICKY & SUSAN ANDREWS
RAY & ALLETTE HALE
THE TRUTH SHALL SET YOU FREE
May 26 “The Truth Shall Set You Free” John 8:32
We commemorate Jesus Christ’s ascension into Heaven by celebrating Ascension Day, which occurs on the Thursday, which is 40 (or 39) days after Easter. This year, it occurs on May 26, today. Known by multiple names — The Feast of the Ascension, The Ascension of Jesus, Ascension Thursday, Holy Thursday, or Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord! This act was the completion of the mission for Jesus and without Him ascending back to Heaven, and being our advocate before the Father, we would not have the assurance of Heaven! TO GOD BE THE GLORY!
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REMEMBER Vacation Bible School: Volunteer Meeting, June 12th at BTC, 3:00pm – 4:00pm ~ Kick-off July 10th, 3:00 -4:30pm ~ VBS: July 15th, 6:00pm – 8:30pm~ July 16th, 9:00am – 2:00pm
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Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “The Truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32)
Just a few days ago, I reminded you of the saying of my mother. Mama used to say that; “The Truth is the Truth, and it will stand when the world is on fire!” In today’s world, the value of absolute truth is fading away. You can see it happening, as people are doing what they think is right in their own eyes and are not following the absolute truth of God’s Holy Word. Truth has become a flexible ideal, with the “if it feels good, do it” mentality. This world is in a “Spiritual Bondage” and those who choose to walk in the lie of Satan are forgetting the words of Jesus, found in John’s Gospel. “If you abide in My Word, you are my Disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free!” (John 8:31-32). The world may deny the absolute truth of God, however, as born-again children of God, we must realize that this promise, this foundation of truth, is our strength to face the challenges of living and it is our responsibility to live for Jesus, obeying the standards that have been established, in His Holy Word. He promised, that if, we will follow His Truth, He will set us free from the bondage of sin. We need to study His Word and we need to live His Word, every single day. Folks, by walking in His Truth, according to His Holy Scriptures, and walking in obedience to His Calling, we are promised that we will have Spiritual Freedom. His Love for us, His Plan for Humanity, His Gift of Grace, are ABSOLUTE TRUTHS, and we must embrace His Gift, and live it every day! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES FOR MAY 25, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
SCOTT CREECH
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
JACKIE & JOAN HUNTER
EYES ON JESUS
May 25 Eyes on Jesus Ephesians 1:18
PLEASE Pray for the families that lost loved ones in the tragic shooting in Uvalde, Texas. Words simply fail to describe the emotions and the grief that exists. This is another example of the Evil that continues to expand across our world. Just Pray!
REMEMBER Vacation Bible School: Volunteer Meeting, June 12th at BTC, 3:00pm – 4:00pm / Kick-off July 10th, 3:00 -4:30pm / VBS: July 15th, 6:00pm – 8:30pm/ July 16th, 9:00am – 2:00pm
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “May He enlighten the eyes of your mind so that you can see what hope His call holds for you.” (Ephesians 1:18)
WWJD…Do you remember the bracelets that were popular a few years ago? WWJD… “What Would Jesus Do?” We are told and I continue to preach, that we are to be like Jesus. What does it mean to be “like Jesus?” Think about it…This old world has never known a man like Jesus. His heart was pure, and his lifestyle and character were without fault or blemish. He was in tune with the Father, and He heard every whisper of the Father God. Jesus brought to mankind His mercy, that was powerfully capable of forgiving our sins. He reached out to great and small, and He was engaged in the lives of those who were in need. This man called Jesus, endured the suffering and shame and pain and ridicule, yet He never quit, and He was determined to fulfill His mission for Humanity. Jesus is the ultimate model for humanity, and we are to embrace His mission, His Grace and His Mercy and emulate Him in every area of our lives! To Be Christ-Like, is to emulate Jesus Christ! We must focus on Jesus and, we must embrace His example for living and we must make Jesus the center of our existence! Christmas is a great time to reflect and inspect and adjust our priorities and become more “Christ-Like” in all that we do! We have the EXAMPLE, now let’s BE WHAT HE WANTS US TO BE! In His Love…Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE….
ANNIVERSARIES FOR 05/24/22
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
ALTON & CHARLE’ JOHNSON
OUR BOUNTIFUL AND ENDLESS SUPPLY
May 24 Our Bountiful and Endless Supply Romans 8:32
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… ““He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:32)
God has promised that He would be faithful to us and that He would sustain us and never leave us nor forsake us, yet there are times when we are discouraged and lonely and in despair and we have difficulty finding our way. Remember, He is our unending and on-going supply for everything that we need to live for Him and to enjoy the “Fruit” of our Labor and to Praise God from whom, all, of our, blessings flow!! You see, God gave His Son for us. How much more will He give, in our times of need and struggles? I am excited that He is an overflowing well of resources, that brings, into my life, spiritual pride and hope and energy and vitality and His Blessed Assurance. Guess What? That’s right…God is Good…God is Mighty…God is Love and God is Good to His Children. Be Encouraged! Be Committed! Be True to His Calling! Enjoy the Prosperity that He Provides for His Children! Once again, Be Encouraged!!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
100thANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
THANK YOU to all that planned, participated and had anything to do with the celebration on Sunday! What a beautiful day, beautiful service and a great fellowship meal. We begin another 100 years, firmly grounded in His Word, and dedicated to sharing the Good News to ALL! TO GOD BE THE GLORY ~ THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
THE IMPOSSIBLE MADE POSSIBLE
May 23 The Impossible Made Possible Mark 10:27
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “And Jesus looking upon them saith, with men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.” (Mark 10:27)
I absolutely love this promise from my Savior! There are times, especially in recent days, that I have been bewildered and overwhelmed by the challenges of the day and have had a sense of being defeated and I Praise God that this promise of God, spoken by my Savior, has brought me back to the reality of my living! When I remember God’s great Love for me, and all the promises that He provides and the necessity to be what He has called me to be, well, all the blues and defeated attitudes simple disappear and I am ready and re-energized to take on the impossible, directed and empowered by the Holy Spirit! Alone, I am weak, but through my God, I have strength to overcome and to live for Him with power and assurance and with the humanly impossible, becomes absolutely and totally possible through my God! Remember the VICTORY PRINCIPLE? “I affirm that God’s power is rising in me, renewing, and healing my body, bringing power to my mind, giving me success in my work. I affirm health, energy, enthusiasm, the joy of life! All of this I owe to Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. He has given me the VICTORY PRINCIPLE for which I thank Him every day!” I continue to Praise God for making the IMPOSSIBLE, completely POSSIBLE, in my walk with Him! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS FOR MAY22, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
JACK BUNN
STAN PRUDEN
OUR LOCAL CHURCH AT 100
May 22 Our Local Church at 100 Ephesians 4:11-12
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina…“And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,” (Ephesians 4:11-12)
Over 100 years ago, a group of believers, saw the need for another church fellowship, and set about to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, and established, what we now know as the Baptist Tabernacle Church! As I reflect on 100 years of service and ministry, I am encouraged that we are still about the Father’s business! Praise God! We are still following the biblical call to “Equip the Saints,” and to “Edify the body of Christ!” In the life of any organization, there are struggles and difficulties and there are always challenges that must be met, but, PRAISE GOD, this fellowship, this band of believers, that we call Baptist Tabernacle Church, have met the challenges and are continuing to serve God and represent His Good News into the 21st century, strong and growing, with a sense of mission and of His Purpose! Dear Friends, I count it as a privilege and a blessing to be the pastor of such a dynamic and growing fellowship! Satan continues to bombard us with his brand of confusion and deception, however, as we commit ourselves to prayer and fasting and the guidance of the Blessed Holy Spirit, we are positioned to be a BRIGHT LIGHT in the darkness that is this evil world! I thank God, daily, that He has provided the opportunity to serve with such amazing people! Who would have thought that in January of 2008, that I would have the blessing of being the longest serving pastor of this amazing church family! Thank you, God! Thank you, Baptist Tabernacle Family! As we embark on another 100 years of worship, ministry, music, and fellowship, may we commit to being greater tomorrow than we are today, for His Honor and His Glory, and to help others avoid the fires of Hell! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS TRULY AND MOST ASSUREDLY YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS FOR MAY 21, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
JERRY LEE
OUR BOUNTIFUL AND ENDLESS SUPPLY
May 21 Our Bountiful and Endless Supply Romans 8:32
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… ““He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:32)
God has promised that He would be faithful to us and that He would sustain us and never leave us nor forsake us, yet there are times when we are discouraged and lonely and in despair and we have difficulty finding our way. Remember, He is our unending and on-going supply for everything that we need to live for Him and to enjoy the “Fruit” of our Labor and to Praise God from whom, all, of our, blessings flow!! You see, God gave His Son for us. How much more will He give, in our times of need and struggles? I am excited that He is an overflowing well of resources, that brings, into my life, spiritual pride and hope and energy and vitality and His Blessed Assurance. Guess What? That’s right…God is Good…God is Mighty…God is Love and God is Good to His Children. Be Encouraged! Be Committed! Be True to His Calling! Enjoy the Prosperity that He Provides for His Children! Once again, Be Encouraged!!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
PERSONAL COMMITMENT
May 20 Personal Commitment James 4:7-8
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… ““Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” (James 4:7-8)
Who is in charge, of your life? Who has your loyalty and devotion? Who do you look to for authority and guidance for your living? James is pointing out that we, want to serve God, yet we allow the Devil to have authority over our lives. We must choose who we will follow! Through the Blood of Jesus, our God has provided the ability to stand up against the wiles of the Devil, as he creates temptations, within our lives. Under the Redeeming Blood of Jesus, we are no longer controlled by the power of sin, nor are we helpless against Satan and his minions. Praise God! We have the power and the authority to stand up and speak with Holy Power, to Satan and his henchmen, to get away and to “Flee” from us! When we choose to draw near to God and resist the wiles of Satan, the scriptures tell us that He (God) will move closer to us! Remember, we have the Victory! We just, have, to claim it! Live it! Share it! I choose to resist Satan, Claim God’s Promises of Victory and be confident in my personal devotion and commitment, each day of my life! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
ANNIVERSARIES FOR 05/20/22
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO RICKY & JOAN WATSON
LIVING WITH CERTAINTY
May 19 “Living with Certainty” Psalm 119:105
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
Wow! We are living in some crazy times! Haphazard behaviors, undisciplined ways, absence of basic Common Sense, and so many other words to describe a society that seems to have lost its way! During one of my, “I can’t sleep” nights, I was watching a program about self-improvement, and I was fascinated that they were promoting the idea that, with just a few short moments, each day, with their program, that you could transform yourself into a different person. I listened with curiosity, and I thought to myself, “that is preach-able!” The more that I listened, the more I became aware that I already have the best program for self-improvement and life-changing processes! We have the best book available for personal improvement, and that is the HOLY BIBLE! Today, I am going to provide a basic summary of the pathway to being the best that you can be! The very first thing that is required, is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ! “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)… Now that we have the foundation for our growth, we need to be aware that, “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he…” (Proverbs 23:7)! Let us continue with the lesson of living. “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” (Galatians 6:7)… “Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” (Matthew 19:19)… Wow! All of the wisdom and advice for living, is already written in this amazing book, “THE TRUE AND LIVING WORD OF GOD, THE HOLY BIBLE!!!” No wonder this book, this AMAZINGLY POWERFUL BOOK, that was written so many years ago, is STILL the ONLY source for our living and our service! This Book is STILL the “Best-seller” in the entire world! Do you think that it is time that we recognized our need, and opened this powerful program for living, and began to “shape-up?” For self-improvement, just reach for the perfect and powerful “WORD OF GOD!” TO GOD BE THE GLORY! Stay Strong, Stay Focused, Stay in the WORD… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!