BIRTHDAYS FOR DECEMBER 2, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

BARBARA EATMON

BRANDON GAY

Real and Lasting Peace

December 2     Real and Lasting Peace   Colossians 3:15

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” (Colossians 3:15)

When Paul wrote these words, the only “Peace” that the people were familiar with was the “Peace” that came through conquest, by Caesar and the Roman Empire and its armies.  So, here comes this fellow named Paul, and he is talking about the “Peace of Christ,” and this Peace should “rule in your hearts.”  Think about it… Caesar brought a perceived Peace through “Might” and “Conquest,” yet, this Christ, that Paul speaks of, brings Peace that is described as “Mercy and Humility and Love and seems to be about a personal experience, not a conquering force and domination.  As I contemplate the environment of Paul’s day, I see how these folks would have difficulty with this “Peace” thing.  We have a natural tendency to attempt to “make Peace” in our lives by being more assertive and attaining more power and leverage.  Notice, that the Followers of Jesus were different!  They recognized that the only true and lasting way to bring “Peace,” is through “Peace!”  I believe that this lesson is vital and critical in our, present day, survival!  Evil, Chaos, and Total Insanity has taken hold of our world and, it appears that the goal is to disrupt and to destroy any “Peace” that we might enjoy!  Paul said, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”  Model your life after Jesus and allow Him to “Rule” in your heart and be Grateful for His Blessings, Guidance and His Real and Lasting PEACE, regardless of the worldly circumstances!  The Source of Real and Lasting Peace is Jesus Christ, and HIM ALONE! Isaiah 9:6 tells us… “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” This World Needs JESUS CHRIST! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!                         (Re-Posting)

P.S.: Is it possible to be a part of a Baptist Church and NOT be Baptist (Having been baptized by immersion)? I fully realize that Traditions and Man Created Processes DO NOT Save People, however, I have been made aware that there are several “Baptist” Churches that are no longer requiring “Baptism by Immersion” or “Baptism,” period, as a requirement for membership in the Baptist Church. Wow! There are two (2) sacraments in the Baptist Church, and they are Celebration of Communion and Water Baptism. Just a thought, if baptism by immersion is no longer required for membership, and you could have been sprinkled or even baptized as a baby, and qualify for membership, then what’s to say that Salvation should be required? Last thought: When is it appropriate for the “Body of Christ” to conform to the world versus the world conforming to the “Body of Christ?” In an attempt to attract the World, are we becoming like the World? Matthew 7:13-14 speaks of “The Narrow Way!”  “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” Just an Observation!

BIRTHDAYS FOR DECEMBER 1, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

EMMA MAIDON

JUAN TRIPPE

SHARON BOWERS

“Am I Alone in This?”

December 1     “Am I Alone in This?”      Hebrews 6:19

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “This Hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the presence behind the veil.”   (Hebrews 6:19)

Since the Election of 2024, I have been called upon to offer counsel and encouragement to a number of people. The perspectives are as varied as there are individuals, yet the one common denominator is their fear of what is to be! I have shared that God is still God, and He is in Control, so we must look to Him for our foundation and our stability, and not any political entity or person! Amazingly, there are days when I am satisfied that I must be going crazy! I have asked myself if I am the only one that feels this way and am I the only one that sees the craziness and insanity that is going on! We are all faced with the realities of life, whether we acknowledge it or not. The challenges that come from a “New” normal; that has been thrust upon us, and all that goes with it, create upheaval and descent in our thoughts and actions. Dealing with the insanity and the “Storms” of life causes us to become disillusioned and become a bit fearful. There are times when we feel as if we are adrift in the middle of a raging storm with no “Safe Port” in sight. Folks, I am here to declare that WE DO have HOPE! We need to ANCHOR DEEP! Our ANCHOR is JESUS CHRIST, and HE IS OUR HOPE!! HE is firm and strong and secure and, if we are to navigate through all the craziness of this present age, we MUST be firmly and securely attached to our SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST! You have heard me use this before: “In times like these, you need a Savior, In times like these you need an Anchor; Be very sure, be very sure, Your Anchor holds and grips the SOLID ROCK! This ROCK is JESUS, yes, He’s the ONE; This ROCK is JESUS, the ONLY ONE! Be very sure, be very sure, Your Anchor holds and grips the SOLID ROCK!” In times like these, we really do need that ROCK, which is JESUS CHRIST (HE is the REASON for the SEASON)! So, the answer to the question is clear…NO, you are not going crazy; crazy things are happening, however, when we anchor deep in the promises of Jesus, HE WILL HOLD US, SECURELY AND STEADFASTLY, UNTIL THE STORM PASSES BY!! I am clinging to the anchor, which is my Savior, and when I feel confused and a sense of despair, I grip that anchor rope that gives me peace and strength and ETERNAL HOPE! I pray that you will “ANCHOR DEEP,” and grab hold of the HOPE, read John 3:16 and embrace the HOPE that is found, only in Jesus! Remember – You Are Not Alone!!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!!

BIRTHDAYS FOR NOVEMBER 30, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

DONNIE HOLMQUIST

MICHELLE SMITH

CAROLYN HOLBROOK

ERIN HALE

BRADLEY O’NEAL

“HIS Children…”

November 30            “HIS Children…”      Acts 17:28

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “For in Him we live, and move, and have our being…For we are also His offspring.”  (Acts 17:28)

Being concerned for your children is a “rite of passage,” for a parent! I know that I am still concerned about our child and her family. Years ago, for a brief time, I, personally, had a rebellion moment. I rejected the sage advice and counsel of my Daddy, and I struck out on my own. Well, I encountered obstacle after obstacle and I fell MANY times, yet I picked myself up and kept on going! I made decisions that Daddy did not agree with, and he told me that he was upset with me. I asked him, “Do you love me? Then trust me!”  As time went on, Daddy began to see that I was doing “OK!” He and Mama came for a visit, and he told me that he was proud of me. Amazingly, I had accomplished what I had set out to do, without any direct help from him. Please be aware that 20 years of learning from this man, and watching him grow, isn’t something that you forget, so he, actually, did have a strong and lasting effect on my ability to survive on my own. We were standing on my front porch, and I looked at him and said to him, “Daddy, thank you for loving me and giving me up to try it on my own, but not giving up on me!” My Christian journey has been littered with falls and missteps and errors and hurts and sorrows, yet HE has never, ever, given up on me! As a Child of God, I am grateful for His Love, His Grace, through Jesus Christ, and for His sustaining Power, through the Holy Spirit, to lead me and teach me and to allow me to grow into what He would have me to be! Remember, “Life is a process, not an event!” How about you! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR NOVEMBER 29, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

JACOB WORLEY

JANELLE MEDLIN

MARY O’DONNELL

JENNIFER MURRAY

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:

RAY & DONNA SMITH

We Have A Choice

November 29           We Have A Choice            Joshua 24:15

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 NOVEMBER 28, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

LEWIS CARROLL

TOMMY PERRY

WESLEY DUNBAR

THANKSGIVING 2024

November 28  THANKSGIVING 2024     Colossians 2:6-7

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7 rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.” (Colossians 2:6-7)

I am so Thankful for my salvation through Jesus Christ! When I think about the Love of God, and the promises of His Amazing Grace, I am humbled to realize that His Love is permanent, and He has promised to sustain me until I see Him in Glory! In just a few short hours, our home will be filled with the smells of blessings (Turkey, Ham, Cakes, Pies), and the sweet sounds of family and friends, gathered to celebrate our blessings and to give all praise to our God! During this Thanksgiving time, please take a moment and reflect on the abundant blessings of our lives and recognize the value of His Amazing Grace! From my family to yours… HAPPY THANKSGIVING! May God Continue to Bless you in every area of your life! Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

We LOVE YOU ALL, Pastor Glen & Annette

BIRTHDAYS FOR NOVEMBER 27, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

KAYLA BROCK SCOTT

KENNETH JONES

LEON JONES

Anticipation

November 27   Anticipation    1 Corinthians 2: 9-10

** HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY GIRL! Kayla… Mama and I Love You with all Our Hearts! You are a True Blessing! Enjoy Your SPECIAL DAY **

                                                ~~~~~~~

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him. But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.”  (1 Corinthians 2:9-10)

Somewhere around the middle of October, I used to concentrate on what Santa would bring to me on Christmas. Now, I would keep it to myself, although my anticipation of the Happy Season would build, until it simply had to come out! I recall leaving little hints or dropping my desires into the conversations with my parents. Each day seemed to get longer and longer, as I anticipated the wonderful day! Finally, it came time for me to share my wants and desires with my folks. Christmas has always been a time of anticipation for me, and it is no different for Kayla, DJ, and Ava! During the “Pandemic,” Annette and I attempted to keep our lives as close to normal as possible while heeding the warnings from medical professionals. As I have reflected on the reality of this present time, this scripture came to mind. In my earthly thoughts, I am anticipating the time of fellowship and celebration and Christmas cheer with my little family, however, I have ruminated on the greater joy, the greater blessings, the greater Promises of God, for the Followers of Christ! We can only imagine the amazing blessings and the preparations for the future that we as believers are going to enjoy, in the fullness of time. I am going to relish every moment, this Christmas, with my family and friends, yet, with the Hope of Eternal Joy and a Hallelujah Celebration that is to come, when I stand in His Presence! Why am I excited? Why am I anticipating that Glorious Day? The answer is simple: “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him. But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.”  I am ready and I am anticipating all that God has in store for me, through the Redeeming Blood of His Only Son… HOPE for the Future, CONFIDENCE in HIS PROMISES, DEPENDENCE on HIS GRACE…I am ready, willing, and able! Commit today, to serve God, to be what He has called you to be and be excited about what is to come! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS FOR NOVEMBER 26, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

ANNETTE BROCK

DUSTY ANDERSSON

DONALD RAGAN

NOAH JUSTICE

RAY FAULKNER

KIM EATMON

BRUCE JOHNSON

“Be Strong”

November 26         “Be Strong”                 Joshua 1:9

HAPPY 67th BIRTHDAY TO MY BRIDE, MY BEST FRIEND AND MY BEAUTIFUL WIFE! ANNETTE, I LOVE YOU to the Moon and back… (FOUR-ever)!

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of Good Courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go!” (Joshua 1:9)

Circumstances change, opportunities come and go, situations are fluid, however, the Love of God and His Promises for us, and His instructions to us, are eternal and consistent! I think about the situation with Joshua. Moses, the amazingly great leader, deliverer, and interceder for the Hebrew people, was dead, yet GOD WAS NOT! There was ole Joshua, Moses’ successor. What was he to do? Joshua could not dwell on the past, nor live in the past! He had to look to the future and to keep moving forward. God wants us to learn from the past, as we look to the future, as we live in the present! In the light of our present situation, I am excited to claim His Promises, to be STRONG and to BE OF GOOD COURAGE and not be FEARFUL or CONFUSED! Praise God, our LORD is with us wherever we go! A SOLID PROMISE FOR A POSITION SHIFTING WORLD! As we travel through these uncertain times, claim His Promises, and keep looking to the future with hope and confidence and with the assurance of His Grace and His Mercies and His Power! Remember, when we walk in God’s Presence, we have HIS POWER, PEACE, PROVISION, and HIS BLESSINGS! As we face shifting values and priorities and the, seemingly, insane actions and reactions of others,” Don’t overreact, Don’t Panic; Don’t be Afraid; Don’t look back…With the Promise of His Overcoming Power, Seize the moment, Keep Moving Forward! GOD IS NOT FINISHED WITH US YET!!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!      

BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR NOVEMBER 25, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

LILLE SCOTT

SCOTT STEWART

RYAN HARGREAVES

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:

RAY & DANA HOCUTT

RON & JAN DIEHL (In Heaven)

“BE BLESSED”

November 25  “BE BLESSED”   Numbers 6:24-26

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “The Lord bless thee and keep thee: The Lord make His face shine upon thee and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up His countenance upon thee and give thee peace.”  (Numbers 6:24-26)

Trusting in the “Goodness” of God and the Promises of His Grace, I am praying that you are Growing and Maturing in the Love of God, Through Jesus Christ and that You are Praising God every day and that You are making a difference in this dark and evil world! It is my desire for you, to be blessed, to enjoy the presence of God and His Blessings and to embrace His Peace. Please encourage others to “Be Blessed,” to Embrace His Love and to Live “Under the Blood” of our SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST! A dear lady, Mrs. Peggy Wilder, that I respected greatly, had a “saying,” that inspired me every time that I read one on her posts, on Facebook. She ended her words with, “Feeling blessed, more blessed & blessed again!” The message for today is simple: BE WHAT YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO BE AND LIVE ABOVE THE EARTHLY CIRCUMSTANCES AND RECOGNIZE THE POWER THAT WE HAVE TO BE OVERCOMERS. ENCOURAGE OTHERS, TEACH OTHERS, BE AN EXAMPLE FOR OTHERS, FORGIVE OTHERS, LOVE OTHERS AND FULFILL YOUR PART IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD! As Miss Peggy said, “Feeling blessed more blessed & blessed again!”  Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

SIDE NOTE: February 24, 2008, I became the Pastor of the Baptist Tabernacle Church and little did I know, that I was about to be blessed beyond my broadest imagination. This unique gathering of like-minded believers, each with specific talents and energies, blending together to worship and to share the “Good News” and to Enhance the Blessings of God together! Almost 17 years later, the Blessings continue to expand to include new believers and the mission of sharing Jesus with this world continues! What a blessing it is to be a part of the BTC family and to be actively engaged in the Cause of Christ, right here, right now! Miss Peggy was correct: “I am Blessed, More Blessed & Blessed Again!”   TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR NOVEMBER 24, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

LIN CREECH

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:

RICKY & PAT NARRON

Eyes on Jesus

November 24       Eyes on Jesus      Ephesians 1:18

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 NOVEMBER 23, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

TIM DAVIS

DEBBIE CHRISTIE

TIM CONGLETON

VICTOR MASSEY

MRS. LINDA PRICE

Rising Above the Circumstances

November 23   Rising Above the Circumstances   Isaiah 26:3

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” (Isaiah 26:3)

There is an uneasiness of minds, in our land, that creates troubling thoughts that permeate our lives. As I observe the issues of the day, with a human perspective, I am forced to recognize the Hand of Satan at work, in this world. When you look at the raw numbers, am I to believe that over half of the population of the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave, are in favor of less freedom and more government control, lawlessness, and chaos? Then it hit me…Not everyone, even if they claim some religious affiliation, think like me, or believe like me or feel a sense of commitment to their, supposed, convictions. John 14:27 tells us that, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” The reality is clear; there is no peace, in this world, except that which comes from God! Before Jesus went to Calvary and would later ascend back to the Father, He told His Disciples, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in Me” (John 14:1). Jesus knew their hearts; He knew they were deeply troubled about His coming death and then His leaving them. The trouble is many people trust their “feelings” over trusting God. What you feel may or may not be true, but that which Jesus says, is always TRUE! Isaiah writes that God will keep them in perfect peace, but it is conditional; this peace is for those whose minds are stayed on God. They have peace because they trust in Him. We already trust in a lot of things, every day that give us peace of mind, so we know that we can trust Him and His Word more than our feelings. Circumstances change; politicians come and go; however, the WORD OF GOD IS CONSTANT AND UNCHANGING!! So, what are we to do in this evil loving, hate driven, anti-God environment? We are to trust in God, Claim His Promises and Stay Faithful to Him, in Prayer, Witnessing, Studying, and in ATTITUDE! Believer, my Daddy used to preach a sermon called, “ANCHOR DEEP,” and that is the instruction for today’s environment: ANCHOR DEEP in HIS WORD! Things are going to change, Things are going to become challenging, Situations are going to defy Common Sense Reasoning, and the Environment of Chaos is only going to get worse, so ANCHOR DEEP because, whether you recognize it or not, THE STORMS ARE COMING!!!! You want PEACE? Again, John 14:27 tells us that, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

P.S. Thank You for the prayers this past week. I am, finally, feeling better and I apologize for not being able to fulfill my duties this past week. Thank you to Ashelyn Briggerman, Lou Carroll and our amazing Church Family! I am a Blessed Man! TO GOD BE THE GLORY! (Pastor Glen)