SIGNS OF THE TIMES

August 27        Signs of the Times    Matthew 24:3-14

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” 4 And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. 6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. 9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. 10 And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. 11 Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. 12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.”  (Matthew 24:3-14)

Recently, I had the opportunity to spend some time at a local restaurant, where the “Learned & Wise” men gather around the “Hardhead” table and discuss the issues of the day. Amazingly, there is conflict in the process of solving all of the world’s problems. The longer I sat, listening to these men regale about the ways to change our country, there was one man that was silent, and that was me! One of the men turned to me and asked, “So, what do you think Preacher?” The “ball” was now in my court, and I had a “captive” audience, and I simply stated that we, America, and the World, are experiencing a “SIN” problem, and that this will continue, and get worse, because it is God’s plan (Just Read the BOOK)! Wow! One of the gentlemen spoke directly to me, and let me know quickly, that we could turn this world around if we would elect the right individual to office! He was, almost, angry when he expressed his opinion! He, then, with some level of arrogance, asked me, “So, what do you think about that?” My response was measured and direct! Everyone at the table, and some that were standing around the table, were silent, ready to hear what this “Preacher” was going to say. You see, the entire population of this table, save one, were “diehard” political animals, and were viewing life through the “rose colored glasses” of the concept that one man, one election, one party could solve all of the world’s issues! When I spoke, I looked directly at this individual and did not waver in my stare. I began by restating the core, basic problem, and that is SIN! Then, I shared the message of Matthew 24, as it clearly tells us that all of the issues that we are experiencing right now, right here, in America, and in this world, were predicted and are coming true, before our eyes! I reminded them that Matthew 24 tells us: “And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass…” “That may be true, but what are we to do about it?” Trying not to be judgmental, and being amazed at this professed, “Deacon,” and his response to the reality of God’s Word, I quietly spoke that we must be prepared ourselves, meaning that we must have a saving relationship with Jesus Christ and that we are to share Jesus, and His message of Hope, Peace and Redemption, and we must be concerned about the individual souls that have not heard about Jesus and the solution to the issues of this world ARE found in one man, and that is JESUS CHRIST! Now having the attention of the crowd, and this golden opportunity to “preach” HIS Word, I went on to say that we MUST prepare for the challenges by following God’s Word and preparing for the battles ahead. We must be prayed up, read up, armored up and ready to bring clarity into the chaos, through the Redeeming Word of God, and the Grace of His Son, Jesus Christ! Amazingly, the table began to empty, and for one brief moment, I was all alone at the “Table of Wisdom!” As I prepared to exit the table, and the restaurant, two beautiful ladies, who were seated across from the “Hardhead” table, reached out their hands and expressed their agreement, and one of the ladies said, “You really told them today!” “Well, maybe, but my prayer is that they will grow in Christ and recognize that our ability to change this world begins with one soul at a time!” This world is as it is, but we must PREACH JESUS to as many people as we can, and continue to focus on the Love of God, through Jesus Christ! What are we going to do about this world? The world is a done deal! Concentrate on your relationship with Jesus, and share His redeeming Grace with others, so that they can miss HELL! Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

ANNIVERSARIES FOR AUGUST 25, 2023

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:

MIKE & BETTY HARRIS

YOUR EXAMPLE…

August 25        YOUR EXAMPLE…            Luke 6:31

Yesterday, in my observation, we entered a new arena in our country. Hate driven obsession, and the desire to hold on to power, regardless of the damage inflicted, while simultaneously declaring the virtue of the actions, and the desire to protect and defend democracy, is yet another example of the “twisted” and “perverted” view of TRUTH! Right is Right, and Wrong is Wrong, and, regardless of one’s opinion, it will always be true! Each day, we edge closer and closer to the fulfillment of God’s prophesy becoming a completed reality! Your Political Position is NOT the Most Important Position, it is your SPIRITUAL POSITION! Please let God’s Right be Your Right!!!

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina…“Do to others as you would have them do to you.” (Luke 6:31)

When Kayla was in preschool, this verse was taught to these children, and I believe that it should be required for every level of our society.  It is the simple things that make the most sense when it comes to interpersonal relationships.  Keep this one thing in your mind…People may hear your words, but they will follow your example!  You are being watched!  Your behaviors and your attitude and your expressions and your actions will always reflect your commitments and your loyalties!  Remember, folks will hear your words, but will do as you do!  Are your words in line with your actions?  Please be real!  Please be a true example of the Love of Christ!  The message is basic and simple… “Do to others as you would have them do to you.”  Please Lord, help me to live my life as an example of Your Love and Your Grace, and may I treat others the way that I want to be treated! Remember what Jesus Said, “Love the Lord your God, with all of your heart, and Love your neighbor as yourself!!” This is not a suggestion; it is a command! Don’t Judge, just Love; Don’t belittle, simply encourage; and pray for one another!  Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS FOR AUGUST 24, 2023

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

JOSHUA BOYETTE BRANDIE BUNN BRIDGES PATSY DILLON JUSTIN LANE KENNY WORLEY

Divine Protection

August 24        Divine Protection   Luke 10:19

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.” (Luke 10:19)

Please be aware that this scripture passage does not indicate that you are to walk on snakes and scorpions as a test of your faith! It is a declarative statement that God’s power and protection for us is complete and is eternal! Satan is coming to attack you, and he is ready, willing, and able to challenge you, at every turn and thought in your life! As Born-Again Believers, we have the blessing and the anointing of God, and when we speak the Name of Jesus Christ, Satan backs away! Satan cannot stand in the presence of Jesus! When we are proclaiming Jesus, and His Amazing Grace, Satan is silent! When we walk in Christ, and we are continually focused on Him, and His Will for our lives, and we are in “Continual” Prayer, calling out His Name and declaring His Grace, Satan cannot stand the pressure! Satan is powerless against the protection of Jesus Christ, and when we are totally immersed in Jesus, growing closer each day, we are fortified and protected for the Evil One! Make no mistake, Stan is moving around, looking, seeking whom he may attack and be successful doing it! Remember, when Jesus says that He will keep you safe, He really means it, and Hell and Satan will have to get through Him to get to you! JESUS CHRIST SAVES, PROTECTS AND SUSTAINS US, WHEN WE ARE HIS, THROUGH SALVATION AND THE SANCIFITATION (Growing) PROCESS! Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

ANNIVERSARIES FOR AUGUST 23, 2023

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:

JOHN & NITA EDWARDS

Proclaiming Our Lord

August 23   Proclaiming Our Lord   Isaiah 61:1-3

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.”  (Isaiah 61:1-3)

This passage is so powerful and prophetic!  It is the proclamation of the coming of our Messiah, Jesus Christ!  Isaiah, under the power and direction, of the Holy Spirit, tells us of the coming “servant” of the Lord, who will be the ultimate “Preacher” of all time, and he declares the ministry that He will be proclaim.  Do you remember the wristbands that had “WWJD” embossed on them?  “What Would Jesus Do?”  We are told that He will “Preach” the Good Tidings to the Poor, He will heal the brokenhearted, He will proclaim liberty to the captives, and He will open the prison doors for the prisoners.  THAT IS TRULY “GOOD NEWS!”  When individuals are without Jesus, they are imprisoned in their sin and their hope for freedom is found in the “Preacher” that we call Jesus!  Because of God’s Love for humanity, Jesus came to take on our sins, and He, at the Cross, insured our freedom, and allowed us the privilege and responsibility to live, so as, to, honor God, and reflect the Love of Jesus!  Folks, as Redeemed Believers, we are to be “Like Jesus,” and that means that we are to be about sharing the Good News and we are to set the captives free and to help the brokenhearted and we are to be about the Father’s Business!  Our priorities should and must be about serving God!  Paul said, in Romans 1:6 that he is “not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ!”  We must share the Good News!  We must live it out before men!  This world is hearing the “Bad” news, how about we share some “Good News!”  Let’s commit to “PUSH BACK THE DARKNESS,” as we serve God and look for the day when we will see Him, face to face!  Let Your Light Shine!! We are being challenged every day to live out our commitments and to demonstrate our stance on the moral and ethical issues of our time, and to be an Example for others! Be what God expects, Do what God requires, and be a blessing to others!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS FOR AUGUST 22, 2023

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

DJ SCOTT

DARYL HALES

DIANNE ANDREWS

God’s Rest Area

August 22        God’s Rest Area      Psalm 37:7

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.” (Psalm 37:7)

Every day brings new and intense challenges along this journey of life! Satan and his minions are constantly attacking our every move and attempting to create chaos and placing stumbling blocks in our path! There are times when we MUST Stop and Rest! Taking a moment to reflect and to regroup and to retool and re-arm is necessary if we are to be ready to take on Satan and his assaults! It has been one of the most challenging tasks for me! The idea of stopping and resting and reflecting and praying and simply focusing on God and His promises for a better tomorrow, has come slowly for me! I have always thought that I needed to be “doing” something for the Lord, however, being prepared to share His Love, and to promote His Promises, it requires me to be at my best, and being worn out and weary is a great position for Satan to attack! Resting is required! Focusing is necessary! Matthew 11:28-30 gives us a beautiful promise, when it instructs us to: Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” On those days when I feel that I must “work” for the Lord, and I am so weary that I have lost my focus, and the “Joy,” in service to God, is nowhere to be found, I understand the necessity to STOP, DROP, PRAY and to RE-FOCUS my efforts and allegiance to Almighty God! When I attempt to “do it on my own,” and realize that I am not physically, spiritually, or mentally prepared to handle the load, I realize the need to “Take on His Yoke and Allow Him to give me the True Rest that is needed to Serve Him with Gladness and to be what He expects me to be! So many times, fellow servants of God will tell me to take time to rest, and I am so grateful for their love and concern.” The common statement is true: “You can’t help others when you are not okay!” On this journey of life, take time to stop by God’s Rest Area to re-group, re-tool, re-focus and to allow Him to Energize you, both Physically and Spiritually! Stay Strong, Stay Focused….THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR AUGUST 21, 2023

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

KATHY WHEELER

BRENDA NARRON

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:

WESLEY & REBECCA DUNBAR

Rejoicing in HEAVEN

August 21     Rejoicing in HEAVEN          Luke 15:10

**Please Continue to Pray for DENNIS LOCKLEAIR, ELAINE BARHAM, JANE STRAUTNICKS, MIKE BAILEY, KIM EATMON, DONNA SMITH, as they battle that invader called cancer! **

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Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina…“In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Luke 15:10

God loves us enough to have sent Jesus Christ to this planet, to live and work among us, and to witness to His Amazing Grace and the Forgiveness of our sins and to reestablish our relationship with God the Father, through the sacrificial death of Jesus, on that cruel rugged cross! When we, every one that comes to God, through the Grace of Jesus Christ, and our sins are cleansed, and our lives are eternally changed, represent one more that has claimed the Holy Mission of Jesus and the entire throng of Angels, along with our Savior, are rejoicing in Heaven! Have you ever thought about “Why” Jesus and the Angels, in heaven, rejoice when one comes to salvation through the Blood of Jesus? Think about it! Heaven is full of those who allowed God to alter their lives and claimed the Grace of God, through Jesus! When I think about the joys and blessings of Heaven, I get excited! No more arguing, no more strife, no more challenges, no more jealousy, no more lies, no more secrets, no more struggles! SIN is ETERNALLY GONE! All of our human insecurities disappear, and our fears and doubts disappear! Think about it! Only the “Wheat” will be in Heaven, and the “Weeds” will be headed to Hell! When I think about the beauty and blessings of Heaven, no wonder that the Angels are rejoicing! Jesus is rejoicing because one more soul has missed Hell! There is rejoicing in heaven, and I am excited that one day, I will be in the middle of that rejoicing! Thank You God for Jesus Christ, and for loving me enough to provide a pathway to Heaven! TO GOD BE THE GLORY! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

Triumph

August 20        Triumph           2 Corinthians 2:14

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of Him everywhere.” (2 Corinthians 2:14)

Many years ago, I played on a softball team that started out, well, the worst team in the entire softball league (we lost every game the entire season). The next year, we had a new coach, and he taught us to “have a good time and enjoy the game!” For the next 3 years, we won every game, and the folks began to expect a win from us. The last game of the season had arrived, and we were ready to play ball. After the dust settled, we lost a hard-fought game by 1 run. As we were walking off the field, I heard a lady say, “What a way to end the season… what a waste!!” A bit later, at the Pizza Party, for the team, I heard this same woman say that “Winning is not just the most important thing, it is the only thing!” We had won 35 straight games, yet she was saying that that was not enough. Guess What? Life is like a Game. We have victories and defeats and ups and downs. I think of ole Solomon. He was one of the biggest winners of all time, yet it was not enough. Think about the “Rich Young Ruler” that approached Christ with the question of his future. He seemed to have it all, but his soul was empty and bankrupt, and the answer that Jesus gave him, made him sad. He had great riches, and, apparently, to him, Jesus was not enough. Daddy used to say that “Folks will always be restless and dissatisfied, until they “Rest in Him!” Our Triumph, Our Joy, Our Happiness will always depend on our Relationship with God, through Jesus Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit! Reflecting on the current social and political situations that exist, I remind you that, whether in victory or defeat, our Hope is found in the Love of God, and not in and of this world! The world will never be satisfied because it is empty and void of any real and lasting Hope! Our Hope is found in HIM! When we “Rest in Him,” we are VICTORIOUS! As Followers of Christ, WE ARE TRIUMPHANT! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE! (Re-Post)

BIRTHDAYS FOR AUGUST 19, 2023

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

SCOTTY BATTEN

HANNAH HEADRICK

RYAN SCOTT

“Open Your Eyes”

August 19        “Open Your Eyes”            John 4:35

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Say not ye, there are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.”  (John 4:35)

When I was a small boy, I remember people talking about having a burden for lost folks and I was amazed why they were not busy getting these people found!  As I have grown, I understand the process of this “Burden!”  When I walk into the Walmart or into the Walgreens, I wonder if these folks are “saved” and if they are “Found.”  Early on, in my Christian Life, I was aggressive and, downright irritating, as I shared Jesus with folks.  A wise and loving believer shared with me the rules of Love and Sharing Jesus effectively.  “You need to build relationships with those around you with the explicit purpose of opening the door to share the gospel with them!”  The mission of the Gospel is not just for the Preacher, it is for every believer!  Folks, “Lift up your eyes,” and build relationships and share His Love, so that our families and our friends will be with us in Heaven!  These words… “Lift up your eyes,” are not a suggestion, but a command!  We are to love one another and to walk in Obedience and that requires sharing His Love with others!  Lord, give us strength and power to be Bold for You…Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS FOR AUGUST 18, 2023

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

TIMOTHY HALE

“Be the ‘Night Light’ for Others"

August 18  “Be the ‘Night Light’ for Others  John 8:12

**Remember the BTC BLOCK PARTY, this SATURDAY, August 19th, 10:00 am – 2:00pm. Bounce House, Balloon Animals, Games for the Kids, Hotdogs, Cotton Candy, Popcorn, Snow Cones. Admission is FREE! Ya’ll Come! Hope to see you there!**

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Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “I am the light of the world: he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness but shall have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

Like many other children, our Kayla insisted on having a “night light” shining brightly, in her bedroom. We would tuck her into bed, making sure that “Gray Bear” was by her side, and we would say our prayers, and off to sleep she would go! When Kayla was older, I asked her why she wanted the night light, and her response was “preach-able!” “Daddy, I can’t see in the dark!” Wow! Reflecting on this experience, I realized that all of us need “night lights!” Without Jesus Christ, we are walking in the darkness of this evil world, and we cannot see what is before us! Jesus loved us enough to suffer and die for our sins and to bring “Light” into our “Darkness!” What a promise! He said, “I am the light of the world: he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness but shall have the light of life.” Let us be God’s Light, shining brightly into the abyss of darkness of this Evil and Sinful world! “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven (Matthew 5:16).” Everyone needs the Light of Jesus to chase away the Darkness! Embrace the Light! Share the Light! BE THE LIGHT OF JESUS IN THIS EVIL AND DARK WORLD!!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE! 

BIRTHDAYS FOR AUGUST 17, 2023

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

NATALIE BAILEY

JESSIKA MADJAR

We Have A Choice

August 17                 We Have A Choice           Joshua 24:15

**Remember the BTC BLOCK PARTY, this SATURDAY, August 19th, 10:00 am – 2:00pm. Bounce House, Balloon Animals, Games for the Kids, Hotdogs, Cotton Candy, Popcorn, Snow Cones. Admission is FREE! Ya’ll Come! Hope to see you there!**

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Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “If you don’t want to serve the Lord, you must choose for yourselves today whom you will serve.” (Joshua 24:15)

There is one overriding fact: God has invited us to be a part of His Kingdom, to be “Forgiven” through Jesus Christ, to embrace His Love and Grace, to serve Him and to be saved! There is no mistake in His invitation to us! God loved us enough to send Jesus to die for our sins, and He loved us enough to ensure that our lives would be secure, through the Holy Spirit, and He has provided redemption and Grace! He is clear in what He asks of us, and His offer to us is clear! God has left the choice to us! I find it amazing that God has left the choice to us! He loves us, He has provided relief and redemption, He has offered complete salvation, yet He has left it up to us! It is incredible that He has “moved heaven and earth” for us to be in a relationship with Him, and the decision is ours to accept or reject! So much of this life is a done deal! We cannot choose how tall we are, or how large we are, or if we will have a small nose or a “honker!” Praise God! We can, and must, choose where we will spend eternity! This is a BIG choice, this is a CRITICAL decision, and He has left it up to us!
“But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord (Joshua 24:15).” You make decisions every day and the only real and true and lasting and MOST IMPORTANT decision is WHO ARE YOU GOING TO SERVE! But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord!!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS FOR AUGUST 16, 2023

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

CLARA HOCUTT

ALLEN WILSON

BROOKE DILLON

Delight in the Lord

August 16   Delight in the Lord   Psalm 37:4

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.”             (Psalm 37:4)

“Delight” is an interesting word. It has such a deeper meaning than what we might think. “Delight” is followed by “also,” in today’s scripture passage. It implies that our “Delight” is to be greater than our present capacity and expanding to be more our present “Delight!” Our Call, Our Duty, Our Privilege is to “Delight in the Lord!” We do this, by rejoicing in the Lord and to come before Him with Thanksgiving and Anticipation of His Gracious Provision. Desires are things that we want to receive. It is sort of like your desires for Christmas and the “loot’ that you will haul in! For our desires to be fulfilled, we must have hearts that are sincere and dedicated and committed to His will for our lives. You see, in God, what we are to do is “Delight,” then what we receive is “Desires,” as they become one. We must align our delighting and desiring, so that it honors Him and that our focus is on His Grace, His Promises, His Glory, and His “Desires” for our lives! God has promised, to us, the “Desires” of our Hearts, however, it requires our dedicated commitment and surrender to HIS WILL FOR OUR LIVES! Relationship is KEY! I pray that you will embrace His Promises and live to bring honor and glory to God! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!