STAND UP FOR JESUS
June 9 STAND UP FOR JESUS Philippians 1:27-30
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… “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.” (Philippians 1:27-30)
Can you believe that I was told, just a few days ago, that I was controversial? Really? Sharing the Good News of the Love of God, through Jesus Christ, and the transforming power of His Grace, is controversial? SO, BE IT! I am witnessing a sad and factual phenomenon, that causes me to pray with more intensity, and to reach out to this lost and confused world, with more passion, and to be, as the Word declares, that “Bright Light” in this dismal and dark existence! Pay attention! What is it, in the 10 Commandments, that would cause a professing believer, to have a problem with the simple message of moral standards offered within the words of this simple, and effective standard for living? Oh yeah! When there are NO standards, then everything is acceptable and is deemed appropriate for everyone to participate. Evil is absolutely opposed to anything that will thwart the progression of lawlessness and the idea that, “if it feels good, do it!” The original deception occurred, in the Garden of Eden, and Adam & Eve, with the beautiful environment of the perfect paradise of the garden and the run of the entire place, yet with one restriction, and humanity just could not resist the wiles of the Devil! Folks, please understand that, as Born-Again Believers, and as Americans, we hold dual citizenship. We are privileged to be Americans and live in a land that, at least at this moment, still has a measurable level of personal freedoms, yet as Born-Again, Blood Bought Believers, our citizenship in the Kingdom of God, must take priority! Everything that we do, everything that we say, should reflect the commitment to God, and the reverence for His will for our lives. How is it possible, that a professing believer, can espouse a political position that is absolutely and diametrically opposed to the teachings of Almighty God, that are found in His Holy Word? I am amazed, and I will continue to be amazed, at what is acceptable behavior for some, and the idea that the twisted and perverse nature of the behaviors of many, are deemed appropriate! Keep this one fact in mind! I respect ones “right” to determine what and how one does anything, and I respect the idea of personal freedoms (as Americans), yet I do not understand how a professing Christian can accept and participate in actions and positions that are in direct conflict with the same Word that proclaims the Good News of God’s Love and Grace! FACT: There are wolves among us, that are clothed in “sheep’s wool!” FACT: This evil and debase world hates you and all that you stand for, as a Born-Again, Living by Standards, Believer! John 15:19 speaks the fact to us… “If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.” FACT: I am to live peacefully, as possible, with everyone, but that does not mean that I am going to compromise my Faith, my Witness, my Commitments, in order to placate a twisted and deceptive moral standard! BOTTOM LINE!! BELIEVERS, IT IS TIME TO CHOOSE! WHO ARE YOU GOING TO SERVE? WHAT IS GOING TO DETERMINE YOUR STANDARDS OF ACCEPTABILITY AND YOUR ACCEPTANCE OF TWISTED BEHAVIORS? WILL YOU COMPROMISE YOUR FAITH TO APPEASE A WORLD SYSTEM THAT HATES YOU? WILL YOU DESTROY YOUR WITNESS TO BE APPROVED BY THIS EVIL AND DEBASE WORLD? Choose today who you will serve! As Joshua 24:15 says, “And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” Regardless of what may come my way, I choose to claim God’s Love for me and His saving and redeeming Grace, through the Blood of Jesus, and I choose to serve GOD BOLDLY and CONFIDENTLY! HOW ABOUT YOU? Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
SHARPEN EACH OTHER
June 8 “Sharpen Each Other…” Proverbs 27:17
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… “As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” (Proverbs 27:17)
We are not travelling alone, in this world, and, even though, there are times when, being alone, is healthy, we are called to build friendships and relationships that improve each participant and to be an encourager of each other. This verse from Proverbs, produces a clear and strong image of our responsibility towards each other. Do you have “Iron” in your life? Who is it that “Sharpens” you? Iron rubbed against another piece of iron, and it will become sharp, even as it sharpens the other piece. The best of Christ-centered relationships will be like two pieces of iron. A quality relationship will be based on growth in Christlikeness and “Lifting” one another up and “Edifying” Christ, in the growing relationship. Many have said that they didn’t need to go to church to be a Christian, and that is, on the face of it, correct, yet, we miss so much of what God has ordained for us to use and enjoy, in our growth process. True Christian friends will not allow falsehoods to exist within the friendship, nor within the friend. True Christian friends will love one another enough to say what needs to be said, ask tough questions, and expect the same from the other. True Christian friends will “encourage one another all the more as the day approaches” (Heb 10:25). I am grateful for my dear Christian Brother, Ricky Anderson, who has always provided the “Iron” that I need to stay “Sharp” and to keep focused on Growing in Christ! Who is your “Iron?” God has established the plan for each of us to lift-up and to edify each other and continue to grow is our relationship with Christ. Remember, to have a friend, you must be a friend!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
WORSHIP IN SPIRIT & TRUTH
June 7 Worship in Spirit & Truth John 4:24
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… “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in SPIRIT & TRUTH.” (John 4:24)
Jesus was in a discussion with the Samaritan woman, and she realized that Jesus was a prophet, and she pointed out the issues related to the Jews and the Samaritans. The Jews worshipped in Jerusalem and the Samaritans worshipped on Mount Gerizim, in their own Temple, and that the Samaritans did not have the same access to worship God. Jesus told this woman that there was coming a day when all peoples could worship the Father anywhere and everywhere, as long, as they worshipped Him in “Spirit & Truth!” Folks, God could care less about a person’s heritage, color, gender, or race! He expects worship and He expects us to be obedient to His call. He knows our motives for worship, and He knows our motives for going to worship. Do we worship out of a sense of Duty or Joy? What God requires and what God expects, in our worship, is a heart that is fully and completely devoted to Him!! As long, as God tarries, and as long, as the opportunity exists for corporate worship, may we remain faithful in our prayer life and may we continue to ask God for His guidance and for His Spirit to direct our worship! We MUST worship God with an OPEN HEART and a SENSE of EXPECTATION. Jesus puts it this way… ““God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in SPIRIT & TRUTH.” Does that include you? Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
CONFESS, BELIEVE, BE SAVED
June 6 “Confess, Believe, Be Saved” Romans 10:9
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… “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9)
Why is it that we have a natural inclination to complicate the message of salvation? We tend to take simple things and make them complicated and difficult to understand. I am excited that our Lord and His Holy Word (the Bible) takes difficult things and makes them easy to comprehend! Salvation is so very simple! BELIEVE in your heart that He is what He says that HE is, then CONFESS with your mouth what your heart knows is true, and you will be SAVED! Recently, I had the privilege to lead a young man to Christ, and I shared the simple plan of God’s salvation, and when he had assured me that he believed that Jesus was the Christ and that He had died on the cross and was raised from the dead and that He was with God the Father, and that He loved him enough to shed His blood to save his soul, and he confessed this fact and asked Jesus into his life, and he looked at me and asked, “Is that it?” I said, “Yes!” “That is so simple!” Folks, the God that made this universe, knows the number of hairs on your head (for me, I am making the counting easier as I age), and has ordained your destiny, has made His Love and Redemption simple enough for sinful humans to comprehend! PRAISE GOD for the simplicity of His Message and the Power of His Grace! Trusting Christ is as simple as receiving a gift! Receiving the gift of Grace, through Jesus Christ (John 3:16). Now is the time to receive the gift of God! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
ATTITUDE
June 5 ATTITUDE Matthew 12:34
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… “O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” (Matthew 12:34)
Many years ago, when I was a senior in High School, I was asked to help with the “Special Needs” children at the Elementary School. The reputation of these children was not good. They were struggling in their learning and there were two teachers that were designated as “Special Needs” teachers. Wow! I just happen to have been assigned to the teacher that was having the most difficulty with her class. The first day was traumatic! This lady, although skilled in her craft, was treating these children with an attitude of failure and difficulty! The two classes of these Special Children would gather, in the hallway, to go outside for recess, and the other teacher had the children hugging her knees and hustling to see which one could be the closest to her. What was the difference in the two classes? Both classes were for the “Special Needs” students. Then I witnessed the difference! As we were walking to the playground, this teacher was turning back towards her students and she would say, “Look at my amazing kids!” “Aren’t they the best thing that you have ever seen?” Wow! That is why her class was achieving more than the other class! This Special Needs teacher did not assume that these children could not learn, she was determined that they would learn! What an encourager! While attempting to teach these “Special” children, I learned a valuable lesson about life and interacting with others! Encourage others, lift others up, highlight the positive and leave the negative alone! How many of us are telling our family, friends, co-workers that they are special and wonderful and that you are blessed that they are in your life? Friends, sharing the good, lifting the burdens of our neighbors is our responsibility, as born-again believers! Do you think that the POSITIVE LOVE OF GOD would make a difference in this dismal and evil land? Matthew 5:16 tells us what to do… “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Let’s make a difference, every day, with everyone, right where we are! IT IS YOUR ATTITUDE, NOT YOUR APTITUDE THAT WILL DETERMINE YOUR ALTITUDE!! Lord, help me to see the good in others, and to encourage them into a loving and saving relationship with You. Help me to see that a “hopeless case” is not “hopeless” to You… Make me a Channel of Blessings for others! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
DEMONSTRATING SERVANTHOOD
June 4 “Demonstrating Servanthood” John 13:14
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… “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.” (John 13:14)
(I am not suggesting that you wash my feet, however, I am suggesting that we need a “servant’s heart” for service!)
Many years ago, while attending a Sunday Night service, at my grandmother’s church, I experienced a real “Foot Washing Service!” Now, let me tell you right now, this was a totally new and slightly unnerving experience. I was paired with an older man and when he revealed his feet, I was appalled. His feet were rough and ragged, and his nails were long and yellow, and I was wondering how I was going to get out of this. The young Pastor noticed that I was having some difficulty with this new experience, and he came over and asked me if I was ok. Well, the fact was that I was not ok! I whispered to him, “I don’t think that I can do this. Look at his feet!” His response was priceless! He said, “It’s not the condition of his feet, it is the condition of your heart!” In biblical times, most people’s feet were dirty and dusty, because they walked everywhere that they went. It was a demonstration of hospitality to visitors, to wash their feet as they entered the home. The job of washing feet was left for the lowest of servants. After the meal was completed, Jesus began to wash the feet of His Disciples. In the Upper Room, on that faithful night, not one of the Disciples volunteered to wash anyone’s feet. Jesus was still teaching a lesson, and this did not stop Him from washing their feet. Jesus’ purpose in washing the Disciple’s feet was to demonstrate love and for the Disciples to recognize the role of servanthood. He was demonstrating that the Christian Life requires the surrender and the giving of ourselves in service to others. The reality of the message is that LOVE REQUIRES ACTION! Genuine faith and real love will always lead to godly actions. Yes, I washed that old man’s feet, and I did it while saying to myself, “Lord, if you washed feet, who am I to say no way!” That experience has stayed with me, and it has helped me to realize my role in sharing Jesus and living for Him, in humility and service. Interesting Fact: The word “LEADER” is found 6 times in the Bible and the word “SERVANT” is found 900 times in the Bible. That should indicate the importance of serving others and to lead by example. Are you being a servant to others? Folks, once again, what God does with you is entirely up to you! It always has and it always will! I am not suggesting that you wash my feet, however, just as that young Pastor, so many years ago, told me… “It’s not the condition of his feet, it is the condition of your heart!” We must be in an attitude of servanthood if we are to walk in obedience! TO GOD BE THE GLORY!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR JUNE 3, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
GARY HOCUTT
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
RYAN & CAITLIN SCOTT
STAND STRONG & BOLD
June 3 Stand Strong & Bold 1 Peter 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… “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)
Wow! Have you ever been asked, “How do you eat an elephant?” The answer is, “One bite at a time!” That is exactly how Satan and his minions have been operating throughout the history of mankind! Slowly and methodically, introducing more and more twisted evil and thoughts that are contrary to the divine order of things. I thought it so revealing, that when President Biden (the candidate that received the most votes of anyone running for president, in the history of our republic) was on his Asian tour, he spoke about the issue of rising gasoline prices, and revealed the reality of the influence of the radical environmentalists, when he said, “When it comes to gas prices, we’re going through an incredible transition that is taking place that, God willing, when it’s over, we’ll be stronger and less reliant on fossil fuels when this is over.” Wow! As I was listening to this, I immediately asked myself, “Is this a plan? Are we in the middle of a societal adjustment where we are to accept higher prices, shortages on every hand, and a lower standard of living?” Are we being forced to “eat an elephant?” What are we to do? It is simple, for the “born-again believer!” We are to be, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” Satan is in the business of deception, lying, cheating and any other method to thwart the message and the cause of Christ! PLEASE, DO NOT PARTICIPATE IN THIS EVIL! This kind of tragic stuff is going to continue! We MUST be Read Up, Prayed Up, Armored Up and Ready to Stand Against the Wiles of the Devil and READY TO BOLDLY proclaim with divine assurance that God is in control and that Satan, and his followers ARE going to be defeated and they WILL be cast into the Burning Lake of Fire! Take comfort in the FACT that, as Believers, we are OVERCOMERS! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS FOR 06/02/2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
LANIE GRACE STRICKLAND
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!