HIS Great Love...
June 2 HIS Great Love… John 15:13
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… “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” (John 15:13)
In 1 John 4:8, John wrote to the early church that “God is Love!” Christianity is the only earthly belief system that, has at its foundation, the reality of Loving One Another! Love is the key. Love is the central part of our God’s very nature and existence. It is because of God’s amazing Love that He sought a vital relationship with sinful men and women, even at the cost of His Only Begotten Son. It was this GREAT LOVE that brought Jesus to the Cross, and it was this amazing Love that Jesus demonstrated, on that old Cross, is the reality of God’s GREAT LOVE for us! So, when Jesus says that; “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends,” it is a statement of our requirement to Love God and our Neighbor! Our Jesus, willingly and with divine purpose, went to the Cross and suffered and died for our sins and this is the Greatest Act of Love that the world has ever known!! Jesus came because God Loves us and Jesus, in His Love for Mankind, was willing to be the one, true, and final blood sacrifice for our sins! That, my friends, is LOVE. I am excited to be a part of that “Shed Blood Experience” and to call Jesus, friend, Savior and LORD. As my friend, I am in communication with Him, and to have Him share in my burdens, and grateful that He intercedes, with the Father, on my behalf. As my Savior and Lord, He has freely provided for me (and you) the opportunity to have a relationship with the Father! The reality is clear, we are to Love God, Embrace and claim His Love through Jesus and to GO and SHARE this LOVING RELATIONSHIP and this LOVING FRIENDSHIP with everyone that we meet!! Thank you God for Loving me enough to “Lay Down Your Son’s Life For ME!” IT IS ALL ABOUT HIS LOVE FOR US!! DO YOU REALLY LOVE HIM? Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES FOR JUNE 1, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
TARA COOKE
DYLAN HAYNES
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
ROSS & LOU CARROLL
FORGIVENESS
June 1 “Forgiveness” Ephesians 4:32
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… “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)
Our human nature wants to “get even,” and to “teach folks a lesson,” or try to make things unpleasant for those that make things unpleasant for us. Again, in our human nature, we think that getting even will restore our “wholeness!” No wonder, that Evil and Evil Doers, are absolutely opposed to the radical offering of Jesus Christ. Jesus instructs us to have an attitude of forgiveness and to become “Christ-Like,” in all of our encounters. This world, and the Evil that exists, will continue to throw punch after punch, with the express purpose to shake our faith and our commitment to Christ! Being Christ-Like, we have a special anointing that comes from God’s Love and the Precious Shed Blood of Jesus Christ, and the gift, empowers us to Love and to Forgive! Love and Forgiveness are special attributes of the Christian, and we must live out these blessings, in everything that we do! Remember, regardless of what has happened to you, and regardless of who has hurt you, FORGIVENESS is REQUIRED, FORGIVENESS is a MUST, for your GROWTH and your being truly “CHRIST-LIKE!” If you do not FORGIVE others, how can you expect to be FORGIVEN? Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
May 31 Rejoice, Pray, Be Thankful 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
In the Fall of 1964, I saw the power of God demonstrated within my own little family. The year began with my mother having, yet another kidney surgery and the disruption of our household, by her absence. Daddy hired a lady to come in and cook and clean and “look after me.” Sadly, this lady was a thief and a liar! She didn’t stay long! So, I went to a neighbor’s house after school and that was interesting. They were good people, just strange! Mama came home and all was right with the world, until she was forced to go back to the hospital in October of 1964. Here we go again…I can only imagine the stress and anxiety that my Daddy was going through. This time, this surgery, Mama had her right kidney removed. She finally came home, and things began to normalize. The phone rang and I answered the call and there was a Goldsboro Police Officer on the other end of the line, asking to speak to Mrs. Brock. Well, she was asleep, and I told him, and he dropped the news on me…your Daddy has been in an accident, and he is at Wayne Memorial Hospital. I immediately woke Mama, and she calmly called the Police Department for details and then she called the Hospital for details of his condition. Her first response was…we need to pray! Keep in mind, Mama had a drain tube and a glass jar as the collection sight and I was a boy and we didn’t have a vehicle to travel on, with the exception, of a tractor. After some challenges and calls, Mama was able to speak to Daddy and things improved quickly. Apparently, someone ran a light and T-Boned Daddy. He was OK and was headed home. When he arrived home, there was such a relief and a calm within the walls of our little home. Daddy was bruised up and had 2 broken ribs and we were now a “No” car family and Mama was recovering from major surgery, and I was a boy! Daddy made fried bologna sandwiches for our supper, and we sat around the table, and we prayed and ate. When I reflect back to that day, and the conditions that we experienced, I am still amazed at the attitude and actions of my parents. Daddy, Mama, and I held hands and Daddy asked blessing on the food and he gave thanks for bringing him through and he offered praise to God for protecting our little family! Amazing! I was seeing the misery and Daddy and Mama was seeing the Blessing! This visual and practical lesson has stayed with me all these years. Later, I asked Daddy how it was that they were so upbeat when their lives were in shambles, and his response was priceless… “Son, we are children of God and He promised that He would be with us and help us. He, also, told us that troubles would come our way and to look to Him for comfort and restitution!” That day, I did not fully understand, but today I do! Our Faith in God is the Key to Living! By Faith, my parents navigated through this life, and, by Faith, they taught me to “Look to God” for everything that I do… Basically… “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Please Stay Strong, Stay Focused…EVEN IN THE FACE OF GREAT CHALLENGES, THE BEST IS YET TO BE! (Reprint)
BIRTHDAYS FOR MAY 29, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
DELANIE GILMORE
LARRY PRICE
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!