“Our Commission”
July 1 “Our Commission” John 20:21
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” (John 20:21)
Picture the scene, Jesus has been crucified and the Disciples were afraid that the same mob that falsely accused and beat Him and crucified Him, would be coming for them. They quickly gathered in one room, behind a securely bolted door. Amazingly and miraculously, their entire situation was about to change: “Jesus came and stood in the midst. (v19) … Can you imagine? Their fear was replaced with shock and amazement. The first words that Jesus spoke to these fearful followers were so appropriate: “PEACE BE WITH YOU!” Jesus came to fulfill His mission for humankind and the Holy Scriptures clearly tells us that God, the Father, sent Jesus, His Son, into this sinful world, in order, to make it possible for we, as sinful man, to be forgiven and to re-establish our relationship with God, the Father. It is here and now, that Jesus commissions His Disciples to go into this sinful world, with the mission of telling others about the Love of God and the miraculous power of Jesus to have conquered Death and Sin and through His Grace, that they, too, could be saved. Jesus prepared His Disciples for the struggle and task ahead. He breathed upon them, and He gave them a taste of the Power that would be coming at Pentecost: THE HOLY SPIRIT! Folks, God’s Love, and the sacrifice of Jesus is for us, even today! Just as Jesus commissioned His Disciples to go into the world and share Jesus, we too, have that same commission, right now, right here, today! He promised that we would not be “Comfortless,” that is, we would not be “Powerless!” The Holy Spirit provides the guidance and the Power and the Presence to carry out this “GREAT COMMISSION!” Sharing Jesus IS NOT ONLY FOR THE PREACHER; IT IS FOR EVERY BELIEVER! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR JUNE 30, 2024
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
ETTA ROUSE
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
WILLIAM & VICKIE HOCUTT
JIMMIE & TAMMY NARRON
BJ & MICHELLE SMITH
STACY & LORI BUNN
MATT & BROOKE DILLON
Bringing Light into the Darkness
June 30 Bringing Light into the Darkness Isaiah 41:10
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)
There are so many opportunities to “Fear,” yet, God tells us, “Not to Fear!” approximately 2 years ago, I overheard a conversation between two mothers, and they were expressing the “Fear” for the safety of their children, as they experience the “In-Person” learning at their local school. Both, of these ladies were genuinely concerned about the COVID-19 virus and its threat to their children and their families. As I think about the implications of this virus and the seriousness of its effects and the lives lost and the issues that are evolving, I can only imagine what some are feeling, that are not followers of Jesus. “Fear” is a debilitating factor, even for the Believer! Sadly, many professing Believers are spending so much time, walking in the darkness and the shadows that exist, in this world. Please, turn the “Light” of God on! Light chases away the Darkness and we must be “People of the Light!” Keep in mind, “fear” is a normal part of life, however, we are not to be consumed and controlled be the “Fear!” God promises that He will, “Single-handedly,” take care of us… “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Even though, COVID-19 is real, and the effects are real and far-reaching, and the results are real and the need to be aware and the need to be prudent in our behaviors is real and the recognition of our need to be diligent in our service and attitude is real! Folks, do you remember the individuals that were quarantined because of this virus (plague) that exists. On the backside of this pandemic, we see that there was an overreaction on the part of so many, and the results of these actions, was the creation of a level of FEAR that permeated our land. Unfortunately, it still exists! PLEASE DO NOT FEAR; BUT RECOGNIZE THAT GOD HAS PROVIDED THE COMMON SENSE TO BE AWARE OF THE DANGERS OF THIS WORLD AND HAS PROVIDED THE OPPORTUNITY AND THE ABILITY TO AVOID THE CHALLENGE AND TO BE PRACTICAL IN OUR LIVING! I recall, having heard about a group of individuals, many years ago, that practiced “Taking Up the Serpent,” as evidence of their faith. Amazingly, there were many pictures of individuals, that were hanging on the walls and the question was asked, “Who are these People?” The answer was shocking and, sadly, revealing! “These are pictures of those who ‘Took Up the Serpent’ and then, lost their faith!” Don’t tempt God…Use the Common Sense that He has Blessed You with! I do not fear, nor am I going to succumb to Satan’s manipulation, in order, to challenge my witness for my Christ! Recognize the dangers of Life; Avoid the pitfalls of the challenges, exercise your Faith in God, and claim the promises of God, and “DO NOT FEAR!” Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE! (Re-posting)
BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR JUNE 29, 2024
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
DEBBIE RICHARDSON
GINNY GAY
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
STEVE & CAROL BAILEY
RICKY & PAM TURNER
“Do You TRUST GOD?”
June 29 “Do You TRUST GOD?” Philippians 4:19
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)
I assume that taking an inventory of what we have and what we lack, is a natural part of our human existence. I listen to family and friends talking about what they don’t have and what they desire yet, they seem to forget the blessings that they already enjoy! Are we spending valuable time worrying about lack, when we should be rejoicing, for what we actually have to enjoy? As I reflect on my own life, I am blessed, and I am living a Full Life. I am excited for the future! God has promised that there would be great and mighty blessing ahead, and all that I must do; is to be Faithful and ask for His Provision and He would provide for my every need… Considering all that is in my life, I AM TRULY BLESSED! The older that I become and the Stronger and more mature I become, spiritually, I am excited that I am focusing on what I have, and not what I perceive that I lack. God said that He would supply my every need and He said that He would provide Wisdom and Strength and Courage, so, what do I need beyond His Promises? How about embracing the blessings and living for Him, in such a way that others would recognize His Grace, Power, Provision and Promise and that they too, would become more focused on Praise versus Pity. Think about this question: How would the Lord God of all that is, want to bless you? How about blessing you, HEART, MIND, SOUL AND WITH HIS STRENGTH? Matthew 6:33 says it best:
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Seek God first and watch Him supply your needs beyond your grandest imagination…Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHYDAYS FOR JUJNE 28, 2024
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
DALE MATTHEWS
“LET IT GO!”
June 28 “LET IT GO!” Isaiah 41:13
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, Saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’” (Isaiah 41:13)
“You have to let it go Son!” I can hear my mother saying those words to me, and she did it to teach me that there are times when you simply must let it go! My nature is to “Fix” folk, but the reality is, that I cannot “fix” some folks and their issues and behaviors can only be “fixed” by the Lord God Almighty! When I encounter this situation, I must “Let it go!” When I am faced with the insanity and the inconsistencies of this life, and the behaviors and actions of “Professing” fellow believers that do not match their words, and they attempt to force their unbalanced beliefs of me, I must “Let it go!” Praise God, as I release more and more of these things into the direct care of my Savior, and I pray that He will remove any thoughts of “taking them back,” and continue to empower me to live to honor and glorify Him! My security is found in the promise of His Forever Love, and His Ability to be with me, forever! Regardless of the insanity, inconsistencies and the twisted actions of others, He has Promised that His Presence IS with me, and that “He will help me!” No circumstance, no situation, no one person can shake that Security! As I release more and more into the care of my Savior, I am free to embrace His Grace and Grow in His Love! So, as Mama would say, “LET IT GO!” Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR JUNE 27, 2024
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
PAM BATTEN
DAVID GAY
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
GARY & JOANN HOCUTT
Interceding for Me…
June 27 Interceding for Me… Hebrews 7:25
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Therefore, He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” (Hebrews 7:25)
As a Believer, I can be assured that, regardless of the present struggles, God’s presence is with me, guiding me, empowering me, and allowing me to have victory in the face of adversity! His call for all of us that labor and are heavy laden, to come unto Him, is a promise of victory over the trials and challenges of life! Praise God, He goes before me, behind me, beside of me and He is my solid foundation! Even when I am unable to recognize His great power, and even when I fail in my commitment to him, He has promised that He is making “Intercession” for me! So, my responsibility is to Trust Him, believe Him, and to Claim His Promise by actively seeking Him, trusting Him and Serving Him! Walk with the Lord, daily! Continue to Grow in Your Faith and experience the intercession that He has promised! Stay Strong, Stay Focused … THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
PRAYER REQUEST
BTC PRAYER PARTNERS: Please Pray for ANNA MARTIN! Having Surgery at UNC today! Complete Success - Rapid Recovery!