ANNOUNCEMENT
Please share this important information. We are attempting to include all of our members and regular attendees. I look forward to having a new pictorial record of our church family and the amazing God-Centered Activities of our Fellowship!
In His Love,
Pastor Glen
ANNOUNCEMENT: Just a reminder all Church Members! We are making a new church directory and are encouraging all church members to sign up to get your picture made for the directory. The benefit for you is that you get an 8 x 10 portrait absolutely free, and a church directory, if you get your picture made for the directory. Picture dates are April 13, 14, and 15. Pictures will be taken in the Family Ministry Center by professional photographers that work for Universal Church Directories. To sign up you can do one of the following:
1. Go to ucdir.com, click the "Photography Appointment Scheduling Login" button. Enter the church code nc436 and church password photos. Then follow the instructions to sign up.
2. Call the church office at 919-365-5558 between 9 and 12, Monday thru Friday and ask the Church Secretary to sign you up.
3. Someone will sign you up on Sunday Morning in the Education Building, Assembly Room prior to Sunday School and directly after Church.
The more families that sign up, the better the church directory will be. Please sign up! If you are not a member, and have been attending our worship experiences, please have your picture included in the new directory! We want a complete and accurate directory of all the church members.
BIRTHDAYS FOR MARCH 23, 2023
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
NICHOLAS WHITE
EDNA WHITLEY (In Heaven)
ADVERTISING FOR CHRIST
March 23 “Advertising for Christ” Matthew 5:16
ANNOUNCEMENT: Just a reminder all Church Members! We are making a new church directory and are encouraging all church members to sign up to get your picture made for the directory. The benefit for you is that you get an 8 x 10 portrait absolutely free, and a church directory, if you get your picture made for the directory. Picture dates are April 13, 14, and 15. Pictures will be taken in the Family Ministry Center by professional photographers that work for Universal Church Directories. To sign up you can do one of the following:
1. Go to ucdir.com, click the "Photography Appointment Scheduling Login" button. Enter the church code nc436 and church password photos. Then follow the instructions to sign up.
2. Call the church office at 919-365-5558 between 9 and 12, Monday thru Friday and ask the Church Secretary to sign you up.
3. Someone will sign you up on Sunday Morning in the Education Building, Assembly Room prior to Sunday School and directly after Church.
The more families that sign up, the better the church directory will be. Please sign up! If you are not a member, and have been attending our worship experiences, please have your picture included in the new directory! We want a complete and accurate directory of all the church members.
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
During my extended retail career, I experienced many competitors that would advertise products that they didn’t have, nor were they going to sell those products. Many were creating the wrong impression, about the products, just to lure folks into their stores. I have always thought that this was a sad and deceptive practice, and it usually ends in disappointment. This reminds me of a poem that Daddy used to make a point about impressions. It is called, “The Lion and the Rabbit.” “A lion met a tiger as they drew beside a pool, Said the tiger, ‘Tell me why you’re roaring like a fool.’
‘That’s not foolish,’ said the lion with a twinkle in his eyes. ‘They call me King of all Beasts because I advertise.’
A rabbit heard them talking and ran home with a streak; he thought he’d try the lion’s plan, but his roar was just a squeak.
A fox came to investigate – Had luncheon in the woods, so when you advertise, my friend, be sure you’ve got the goods!”
The Lord commands us to “advertise,” “Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature…” Jesus Christ tells us, in our passage for today, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven.” In the secular world, advertising is used to draw attention to a product or a service and there are various methods for that purpose. We live in an age in which most of the peoples may be experiencing “Brainwashing,” due to so much false advertising. Could it be possible, that in the Spiritual World, that there is “False Advertising?” Saying that we are one thing and acting like another. Why Advertise? We do it to attract people to our products, services, or ideas. In the Christian Life, advertising is essential to honor God’s Calling. Unfortunately, there are many that label themselves as Christian, but their lives indicate “False Advertising!!” If an investigation were made of your life, as a Christian, could you be sued for “False Advertisement?” Christ told us to go and lift Him up as the Key to Eternal Life in Heaven, but perhaps we have lifted-up other things. What a shame!! There are those that will spend their entire life lifting-up the wrong things, maybe leading folks into a religious circle of activities, yet never leading them to “CHRIST!!” Several months ago, I wrote a devotion called, “Old Time Religion,” and I truly believe that we need to keep it fresh and vital before folks and allow the Spirit of God to draw them into His Saving Grace! Remember this? “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, I will draw all men to Me.” True Advertising…Here Are the Facts: When this lost and decaying world sees that we love when we are hated, and that we return good for evil, then they will surely know, as we speak boldly for Jesus Christ, that He has the Power to Change Hearts and Lives! Believer, because of your truthful advertising, the sinner will know that you are acquainted with the ONE who has the kind of Power that they need to live a life that is pleasing to God! Please Dear Lord; let our advertising be true and effective! TO GOD BE THE GLORY! Stay Strong, Stay Focused… Remember, THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR MARCH 22, 2023
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
CARL CREECH
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
JAMES & CALLIE FERRELL
EYES ON JESUS
March 22 Eyes on Jesus Ephesians 1:18
ANNOUNCEMENT: Just a reminder all Church Members! We are making a new church directory and are encouraging all church members to sign up to get your picture made for the directory. The benefit for you is that you get an 8 x 10 portrait absolutely free, and a church directory, if you get your picture made for the directory. Picture dates are April 13, 14, and 15. Pictures will be taken in the Family Ministry Center by professional photographers that work for Universal Church Directories. To sign up you can do one of the following:
1. Go to ucdir.com, click the "Photography Appointment Scheduling Login" button. Enter the church code nc436 and church password photos. Then follow the instructions to sign up.
2. Call the church office at 919-365-5558 between 9 and 12, Monday thru Friday and ask the Church Secretary to sign you up.
3. Someone will sign you up on Sunday Morning in the Education Building, Assembly Room prior to Sunday School and directly after Church.
The more families that sign up, the better the church directory will be. Please sign up! If you are not a member, and have been attending our worship experiences, please have your picture included in the new directory! We want a complete and accurate directory of all the church members.
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….
BIRTHDAYS FOR 03/21/23
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
BLAIZE BATTEN
THOMAS BROCK
SHARON CREECH
DENNY IDE, JR
BROOKLYN PEEBLES
NANCY GULLIFER (In Heaven)
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY
March 21 Happy Anniversary! 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never fails….” (1 Corinthians 13:4-8)
On March 21, 1981, I had the privilege to meet the most amazing young lady that I had ever seen! Standing in the dormitory, at Atlantic Christian College (now Barton College), waiting for her to appear, nothing had prepared me for the amazing vision that I saw! She walked into the room and my heart skipped a beat or two, as I fumbled to say, “Hello.” She was beautiful! Her hair was so long! It cascaded down below her waist and when she smiled, I was smitten! Away we went on our adventure! Our first stop was Parker’s Barbeque (what a way to impress a Country Girl). In those days, I really knew how to “spoil” a girl! Next stop, the Bowling Alley. She beat me badly! I was still so focused on just how amazing she was, that I couldn’t even form words together to even act like someone with the ability to talk! As we sat at the snack area, I worked up enough courage to speak, and I asked for her phone number. Wow! She gave it to me! My heart skipped another beat! We brought her back to the dorm and we said our good-byes and back to Zebulon we went! On the drive home, I knew that my life had changed forever! Who would have thought that a “Blind Date” would be so special? Over the next few days, I was extremely busy, and I had not called her, and my friend asked me about calling her, and when I told him that I had not, well, he went “crazy!” I was still enamored, and I was still smiling, yet life was busy, and I just needed a push! I called her and we agreed to meet and go out again! Wow Wee… I was hooked! Now, she was not so much…she was completing her BS in Nursing and all that goes with those final days, and I was not a priority! I continued to visit, and we continued to date, and we continued to grow closer, and we continued to have fun together and then it happened! I was saying “Good Night,” and I said it, I really said it, I said, “I Love You!” She responded with, “Thank you!” Thank-you! Really? At this point, I began the campaign to change the “Thank you” into “I Love You!” Praise God! She finally said it and on October 29, 1983, she said, “I DO,” and our Love Story that began with a “Blind Date,” still survives and thrives today! By the way… I had prayed that God would send someone into my life that I could love and that she would love me and that, together, we could build a life together, that would honor Him and make our earthly lives fulfilling! THANK YOU, GOD, FOR ANSWERED PRAYERS! Annette, I loved you then, and I love you more today than I did yesterday! Thank you for 42 amazing years of love, dedication, and shared blessings! Friends, may you know the blessings of God, in every area of your life! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS FOR MARCH 20, 2023
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
TAYLOR BLONIARCZYK
ASHER HAYDEN
LAUGH A LITTLE ....
March 20 Laugh a Little….. Job 8:21
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.” (Job 8:21)
Some of the best memories of my early years were sitting around the supper table and laughing with my parents. Daddy had a “dry and sharp wit,” and Mama was smart, yet gullible and witnessing the banter between them was always colorful and entertaining. Amazingly, without fail, I always felt better after supper, regardless of what we ate. As I grew older, I noticed that Mama always tried to see the “Bright Side” of every situation, easy or difficult. From 1960 until 1964, Mama had 5 major kidney surgeries, with the 5th one removing her right kidney. Now, picture this, it was 1964 and medical science was evolving, yet was nothing like today. Mama came home with a drain tube coming from her right side and it was attached to a large glass jar. My first question to Mama was, “What is that?” She could see the fear in my young eyes, and she answered my question with a “Funny” that would calm my fears. A few weeks before her surgery, we had a new septic tank installed and the man that installed it was patient and kind, with this inquisitive young kid, as he explained every aspect of the installation and the need for the new septic tank. So, Mama said to me, “Baby, this is my new septic tank!” She laughed, I laughed and when Daddy got home, he laughed. I learned that laughter will not stop calamities or disease or tensions or distresses, however, laughter acts as a strong medicine, soothing difficult times and brightening up the dreariness of our daily grind. Laughter builds inner strength and fortifies us as we deal with life’s challenges. Amid this challenging environment and during the confusion of what is real and what is fake and what is true and what is false, I pray that God will allow us to stop and re-focus and re-tool, so that we can smile in the midst of the chaos and confusion and, simply, let ourselves laugh a little! A couple of years ago, I fell and hurt my back. I was carrying a jar of water in my hand, and when I recovered from my acrobatic contortions, I discovered that I had not spilled the water, nor had I broken the jar. I was in constant pain for 12 days and I was unable to rest in bed, so I attempted sleep in my recliner. I thought about my first thought and laughed…I wasn’t upset about the fall; I was amazed that I held the jar! It does not take a lot to see the negative and the controversial issues of the day, however, it requires the Grace of God to believe that He has this situation and with the God Given Common Sense, and with Obedience to His Call, we will overcome and do it with a smile on our faces and a chuckle in our souls. Recently, I was asked how I could be so casual about all that is going on in the world. My answer was simple and direct… “I do not know exactly where this is going and I do not know how it will change our daily lives and I do not know the struggles and distress that we will face, however, what I do know is this: I AM THE SON OF THE KING, WHO IS NOT MOVED BY THE WORLD. FOR MY GOD IS WITH ME AND GOES BEFORE ME AND HE HAS ME SECURELY IN HIS GRIP. I DO NOT FEAR BECAUSE I AM HIS!” I am not angry, nor am I dismayed, nor am I sad…I choose to claim His Promises of Victory and to live my short time here, with a song in my heart, laughter on my lips and joy unspeakable and covered in His Glory! Be grumpy, hateful, angry, and argumentative if you will, however, I refuse to do it! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
P.S. If you need a laugh, think about this old man doing the “hucklebuck” while falling and attempting to keep the water in the jar and the jar from dropping and breaking. It was kinda funny!!
BIRTHDAY & ANNIVERSARIES FOR MARCH 19, 2023
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
MR. HAROLD ANDREWS
ALLETTE HALE
JOSH WHEELER
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
DALE & SANDRA WEATHERS
HIS Love ....
March 19 HIS Love… Romans 5:8
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
There are days when I am amazed that God loves humanity! The things that are occurring and the challenges that exist, even among professing believers, it is amazing that He still loves us! When I think about the “width and length and depth and the height” of His love for mankind, I am so grateful! Unfortunately, there are many that have a “Superficial” expression of Love, and there is no depth or conviction or truth in their expression of that love. Think about it… Think of the Love that was demonstrated towards us, when Jesus went to the Cross to sacrifice Himself for our Salvation and our Restoration of Relationship, with the Father! Friends, when we are participants in that kind of love, then our expressions of His Love should be truthful and authentic and eternal! God demonstrated His Amazing and Abundant and Extravagant Love for us when He sent Jesus to the Cross, for our sins! I am so thankful for this Love and the fact that I am under this Love, every single day of my life! When I think about, and embrace His Perfect Love, it makes it so much easier to Love others! Because of the amazing example of Love that was demonstrated, on the Cross, may I express that same Love to my neighbors! I want to be real, authentic, and determined, as I share the Love of God with others! Focus on His Love and pass it on! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
HE IS THE ONLY WAY!!!
March 18 HE IS THE ONLY WAY!!! John 3:36
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” (John 3:36)
Eternal Life is a reality for humanity! Every one of us will live forever, somewhere! For the Believer, Eternal Life is with our Savior, Jesus Christ! Eternal Life is in and about the Son, Jesus! Jesus Christ is not A way to God; HE IS THE ONLY WAY!!! He tells us that those who Believe in Him and Trust in Him and, by Faith, walk in His Way, that we will have Everlasting Life with Him! When we believe, confess our transgressions, ask Him to Save us, then a relationship is established with our Savior! This relationship should grow and mature as we navigate through this life! When we place our Faith and Trust and Hope, in Jesus Christ, for our forgiveness of sin, at that very moment, we begin to experience His Eternal Life! Remember John 14:6: “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” Are you walking in relationship with the Savior? Are you growing in His Grace and His Provision, every day? Are you depending on His Promises and His Power to ensure our Eternal Place with Him in Heaven? “Forgive me, Lord, and please give to me Your strength to overcome my own sin and human weaknesses and help me to live a life that is pleasing to YOU! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
GOD'S POWER FOR LIVING
“March 17 “God’s Power for Living” Romans 12:2
**THANK – YOU to the Deacons of BTC for posting devotions, in my absence! Another Great Job! **
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Romans 12:2)
Yesterday was another day that tested my resolve and tried my level of patience with my fellowman! In the middle of this encounter, I stopped and remembered that we were told that there would be “days like this,” and that we, the followers of Christ, are overcomers, because HE is the ultimate “Overcomer!” Amazingly, the individuals, in question, that were creating the situation, were unaware of the real blessing of time! You see, had this occurred, a few years ago, there would have been a much different outcome! Thanks be to God for His Grace and His Power and His Love! I spoke with kindness, and I said, “I am sorry that you feel this way! I pray that you will see the error of your ways and come to Jesus before it is too late!” I turned towards my vehicle and began to say my “VICTORY PRINCIPLE” statement, and I spoke it, repeatedly! “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 calling. 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!!” Afterwards, I shouted, for the entire world to hear… “NOT TODAY SATAN, NOT TODAY!!” Friends, challenges will come! We must be ready to deal with the EVIL that exists among us! Please be ready! Armor up, Stay Read up, Stay Prayed up and continue to “LOOK UP!” TO GOD BE THE GLORY! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY GAYLE ALFORD
JESUS CHRIST: OUR HOPE
March 12 Jesus Christ: Our HOPE Psalm 146:5
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God:” (Psalm 146:5)
Every day, in everything, we have the opportunity and responsibility, to show this world the Love and the Hope of Almighty God, through His Son, Jesus! This is difficult for some! I was asked, just recently if God loves me, why is life so difficult? Well, all of us face tough times and all of us have challenges! We are told that we would have tribulations and trials and challenges, yet His Great Love and His (Jesus) selfless act at Calvary, and His Redeeming Grace has made it possible for us to Overcome the issues of Life! The Good News is that we WILL have dark days and challenges, and we will experience difficulties, and we will encounter people that are negative and destructive, yet HE PROMISED VICTORY for His Children! I choose to take the challenges of this life, and to use them to show others that there is Hope! Hope for tomorrow! Hope for the struggles of Life! Hope for endurance! It is through Jesus Christ, and His Love for us, that offers the opportunity for us to be a witness for Him, of His Hope and Victory for Living! Simply put… God is the Only One who can provide us with the HOPE and ultimately lead us to Victory! TO GOD BE THE GLORY! Stay Strong, Stay FOCUSED!!! THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
WORSHIP IN SPIRIT & IN TRUTH
March 11 Worship in Spirit & Truth John 4:24
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!
BIRTHDAYS FOR 03/09/2023
HAPPY BIRTHDAY( In Heaven) TO TWO AMAZING FOLKS, MR. BILL DRIVER & MRS. OTHELL PRICE! WE MISS YOU BOTH!
SEEK AND YOU WILL FIND
March 9 “Seek and You WILL Find” 1 Corinthians 2:9
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9)
When I observe the actions of this world and the individuals that are searching for beauty and meaning in the dark and decaying worldly existence, I am so encouraged by the redeeming Grace of my God! People are searching and their eyes are open, and their ears are tuned, and their hearts are longing, yet when the answer, the real and true answer, is presented, they doubt and run. A dear brother was sharing a story about a young man that was searching for some light into his dark world, and my friend shared the “Light and Love” of Jesus with him, and he walked away, refusing to believe that this could be true, yet he searches among the “self-help” books and the knowledge of humans, in order to satisfy his longing for understanding. Since Adam and the original sin, man has been in the grip of Satan and living in the darkness that sin brings to our existence. Because of the love that God has for His Creation (each one of us) and His desire for our relationship to be re-established, He sent Jesus as the one, true, and final blood sacrifice for our sins, and when we, by faith, believe, confess our sinfulness, and receive the saving Grace of God, we are privileged to experience the unveiling of God Bright and transforming Light. He unplugs our ears, and He allows us to see clearly, His Great Love and His Limitless Power and Provision for our Lives! Receiving the Grace of God and His transforming and Saving Power, ignites, within our souls, the Hope and Joy and Power that we seek! Praise God! Because of His Grace and because of His act at Calvary, we can live in the radiant light of His Salvation, and we can bring that Light into the lives of others! Through Jesus, Our Eyes are Opened, and Our Ears can Hear, and our hearts are full of the Grace of Almighty God! I pray that you will allow God to unveil His Grace in you and be that Bright Light in this Dark and Decaying Sinful World! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE! REMEMBER THIS FACT: “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12) The Solution to the Problems that exist, for us, is a Saving Relationship with JESUS CHRIST! No One, or No Other Thing… Just JESUS!