The Way, the Truth, and the Life
August 28 The Way, the Truth, and the Life John 14:1-6
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. 4 And where I go you know, and the way you know.” 5 Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:1-6)
The message, for today, is short and simple! Regardless of what you hear, and regardless of what you see, there is ONLY ONE WAY TO HEAVEN, AND THAT IS THROUGH THE SHED BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST! No amount of “good deeds” will qualify you for Heaven! You cannot be “politically, socially, worldly, earthly,” correct and enter into Heaven! No amount of money, no amount of good intentions, no amount of worldly influence will get you one step closer to Heaven! If you are focusing on anything, other that the redeeming blood of Jesus Christ, and surrendering your life, washed in His Saving Blood, and staying focused on the selfless redeeming act at Calvary, you are missing the mark! Simply put: Jesus made it crystal clear to Thomas, and it is crystal clear to us, right now, right here, today, when He declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” Confused about the situations and issues of this world, the get Jesus in your heart, allow Him to provide His clarity! He will provide the “WAY” that you must go, and He will reveal the TRUTH that will sustain you, and He will provide the real and eternal LIFE that we must have in order to enter into Heaven! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE! HIS WAY, HIS TRUTH AND HIS LIFE is ours for the asking (through FAITH, BELIEVING and RECEIVING… John 3:16)!!!!!
BIRTHDAYS FOR AUGUST 27, 2024
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
GINA LANIER
DESIREE JONES
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/woman, 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, in North Carolina, in Wendell, 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! (Re-Post with Purpose)
BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR AUGUST 26, 2024
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
ELIZABETH JONES
BRANDON MANGUM
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
BILL & SUSIE HINNANT
Fruit Producing Living…
August 26 Fruit Producing Living… Galatians 5:22-23
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)
“The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger,
And his glory is to overlook a transgression.” (Proverbs 19:11)
Amazingly, one of the signs of an individual that is NOT growing in God’s Grace and does NOT demonstrate and live the “Fruit of the Spirit,” is their ability to be easily offended! A few days ago, I encountered an individual that was offended by one of the devotions that I post each morning! “How Dare You Judge Me!” I asked for clarity before I responded, and the response from this special soul was priceless and extremely revealing! “You act as if you are God! You say that we all ought to be like you and believe like you and to live like you! Well, I don’t believe like you and I don’t live like you, and I don’t appreciate you telling me that I am wrong!” I stood in silence as this beautiful soul was building up a “head of steam!” “Please Lord, give to me the words that will comfort this raging soul!” I spoke in a subdued tone as I attempted to clarify what I perceived to be the offence. “I am so sorry that the words that I shared were offensive to you. My intent was not to single you out for condemnation or judgement. Please be aware that it seems to me that your offense is with the reality of God’s Holy Word, and when I share them, in a morning devotion, you perceive them as offensive to your particular way of living. Your perception, I cannot help! Your interpretation of God’s Word for your life is a personal thing between you and God, and the idea that it is offensive to you makes me sad! You are a special soul, and I will always have a brotherly fondness for you, but I DO NOT APOLOGIZE for God’s Word or His Instructions for Living! That is a ‘Done Deal,’ and I am attempting to ‘Live-out’ the ‘Fruit of the Spirit,’ in my life, every day! I hope that we can be friends, but if you believe that I am wrong and you wish to embrace the offense, then please know that I love you, and I continue to pray for you, and I will always be as close as a call!” The next response was so revealing! “I don’t need or want your prayers! You ‘Holy Rollers’ give decent people a bad name!” Keep in mind, this individual would not be offended if they were not reading the devotions each morning! How easily offended are we? If someone doesn’t believe the way that we do, politically, socially, are we offended and are ready to “Write them off?” Jesus told us that His word would be offensive to this world, and I recognize this fact, and I am not discouraged, or dissuaded from continuing to PROCLAIM THE TRUTH OF HIS HOLY WORD! If I offend you, I am truly sorry; If God’s Word of Truth offends you, I pray for you! Please be careful to proclaim the truth, God’s Holy Word, and not opinions, bias, prejudices and feelings! We are called to demonstrate the “FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT” in ALL that WE DO! Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
MIKIE & 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!!!
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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, 2024
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
BRANDIE B. BRIDGES
PATSY DILLON
JUSTIN LANE
KENNY WORLEY
Positive -vs- Negative?
August 24 Positive -vs- Negative? 1 Thessalonians 5:11
INVITATION: Our YOUTH of BAPTIST TABERNACLE CHURCH will be sharing their Camp Caswell Experiences and sharing their Testimonies of the Life Changing Moments, this Sunday Morning, August 25, 2024. You are cordially invited to be a part of this amazing experience! Come an experience the excitement and enthusiasm of these vibrant and excited Young People as they share the joy of their Spiritual Experience and Growth! Come and be a part of a growing and dynamic movement! See You there….
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Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
One true and amazing fact is that it is always easier to tear down than it is to build up! We are born into a negative world, and it is always easier to be negative than it is to be positive! It is easier to be critical of others versus lifting them up! Sound familiar? The Bible teaches us that we are to build one another up, to encourage one another, to be patient with one another, and to Love one another! Wow! The reality is that Life is not filled with cotton candy, rainbows, unicorns and little kittens and glitter! Just because the reality of earthly life is negative and difficult, it does not mean that we must participate in the negativity! Jesus Christ came to be our one, true, and final sacrifice for our sins and because of His Great Love, we have the opportunity, to live positively in this negative world! Can you think of ways that you can live positively today? Is there someone to encourage, to build up, to pray for? Spread some Divinely Inspired Encouragement Today! Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
Proclaiming Our Lord
August 23 Proclaiming Our Lord Isaiah 61:1-3
INVITATION: Our YOUTH of BAPTIST TABERNACLE CHURCH will be sharing their Camp Caswell Experiences and sharing their Testimonies of the Life Changing Moments, this Sunday Morning, August 25, 2024. You are cordially invited to be a part of this amazing experience! Come an experience the excitement and enthusiasm of these vibrant and excited Young People as they share the joy of their Spiritual Experience and Growth! Come and be a part of a growing and dynamic movement! See You there….
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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 & ANNIVERSARIES FRO AUGUST 23, 2024
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
BETH C. HUGHEY
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
JOHN & NITA EDWARDS
BIRTHDAYS FOR AUGUST 22, 2024
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
DJ SCOTT
DARYL HALES
DIANNE ANDREWS
Let His River Flow….
August 22 Let His River Flow…. John 7:38
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” (John 7:38)
Our Living is made so much sweeter when we are walking in the Love of God and trusting in His Holy Word! Our plans, our jobs, our families, our very existence comes from a Loving God and we need to recognize this fact and live accordingly! We will never be more alive, more joyful, more content, than when we are Growing in His Holy Word, and embracing our relationship with Him! We have been given an incredible gift! We are assured that God Loves Us, and that He Sent Jesus to Die for Our Sins, and because of His Great Love, and the Life Changing Power, we have an obligation to Share the News with Others! Think about it… “out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” That, my friends, is a beautiful image! I want to be a vessel of that Living Water, and I desire that my words, actions, and my thoughts are consumed by this “Living Water!” What an Honor to Live for Jesus! What a privilege to Live Life with Him! Every day, I am praying with gratitude that my God is filling me with His Great Love through my Savior, Jesus Christ! My job is to embrace His Love, Share His Love and Live His Love! He promises that he will refresh me, Comfort Me, and fill me with his Living Waters! Stay Strong, Stay Focused… I am excited that the BEST IS YET TO BE!
“Pray Without Ceasing!”
August 21 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18
Tomorrow, Evening, August 21, 2024, at 6:30pm, at Baptist Tabernacle Church, we are having a “Concert of Prayer.” We will be praying for our Civic Leaders, Police, Firefighters, First Responders (EMS), Principles, Teachers, Pastors, and Families. We have invited these Special People to be a part of our commitment to prayer and the fact that we are targeting them in intercessory prayer. Come be a part of this Special Time!
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Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18)
Isn’t it wonderful? We can go to God anytime, and anywhere, and we can talk to Him about anything! What a true privilege that we have to go to Him with our needs and our praise and our gratitude for all that He has provided for our eternal life! The “Pray without Ceasing” command, has caused me some difficulties, over the years. How am I to pray constantly, when I am engaged in the activities of any given day? My dear Daddy shared some words of wisdom with me, and I have embraced the privilege since that day! He said, “Son, it is your attitude and your focus!” Listen, you do not have to walk around mumbling words to God, however, we must be concentrated and focused on God and be in position to talk to Him, always! Having the profound privilege of being able to communicate with the Father God, through Jesus Christ, should create within our beings the absolute need to shout “Thank-You” to God! Think about this scripture! What a divine privilege to be able to “Pray about Everything, and to be Grateful about Everything!” ANYTIME, ANYWHERE, ABOUT ANYTHING… Prayer is the key to Spiritual Growth and to achieve a growing and closer relationship with the Father, through the Son! With a THANKFUL Heart, PRAY WITHOUT CEASING! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR AUGUST 21, 2024
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
KATHY WHEELER
BRENDA NARRON … aka… MY FAVORITE AUNTIE
MIKE BUNN
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
WESLEY & REBECCA DUNBAR
BIRTHDAYS FOR AUGUST 20, 2024
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
BAILEY LANE
God’s Rest Area
August 20 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 FOR AUGUST 19, 2024
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
RYAN SCOTT
SCOTTY BATTEN