“Controlling What Comes In”

December 27  “Controlling What Comes In” Ephesians 5:15-16

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”  (Ephesians 5:15-16)

Wow! Have you noticed the “trash” that is on mainstream television and online, today? I was asked, just a few days ago, if I had watched a program on a major network, and my response was, “No!” I try to avoid the Evil propaganda that has permeated the major television programming. Sex, violence, profanity, and a host of questionable actions have replaced decent and uplifting programming. I watch the Andy Griffith Show and Perry Mason and Rawhide and Wagon Train and Hazel, and anything that has some reasonable content! I am controlling the online content that I am exposed to, and I use Facebook as a tool, not as entertainment. We must be careful what we expose ourselves to, and we must filter the materials that enter our minds through the “Boob-Tube!” I have purposely reduced my TV exposure, which provides greater available time to do the things that are more productive and beneficial! I have chosen to control the materials that come into my life, and I fully believe that we must do this, in order, to grow and to become mature and strong followers of Jesus Christ! Satan will use every means available to dilute and to thwart the cause of Christ! I simply refuse to be a contributor to his efforts!! How about you? Are you controlling what comes into your eyes and ears? There is an old computer saying… “Garbage in, Garbage out!”  Please do not allow Satan to distract you from your calling, your mission and your service for the Lord! As we are about to enter a new year, with abundant opportunities for growth and witnessing, please be careful what you allow to enter into your life, your thoughts, and, ultimately, your actions!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS FOR DECEMBER 26, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

EVERLY BOYETTE

CHRIS WHITE

BEN GREEN

JOSEPH BLONIARCZYK

JASON BEVINS

“Just Get Along!”

December 26  “Just Get Along!”              Ephesians 4:26-27

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, 27 nor give place to the devil.” (Ephesians 4:26-27)

This Christmas, 2024, has been one to remember! Amazingly, and sadly, there have been so many among us that have been offended by others and the offense led to anger and hurtful words! Expectedly, the pastor is the “sounding board” for all these offenses and conflicts. Each issue, each participant, each offense was justified in their challenges. How are we to overcome and continue to serve when we are challenged in the process? Satan is ready, willing, and able to use every offense, every issue, every challenge, every “anger producing” situation to alter, thwart and to complicate our witness for God! Passion, dedication, ownership, commitment are amazing traits for the determined believer as we serve our God, however, we must never lose sight of the Reason for our Service, and we should recognize that HIS Name MUST be Edified in ALL that We DO! The past 3 weeks have presented some unique challenges, yet, at the same time, amazing opportunities! Jesus Christ came with the mission of bringing “Peace” to the Soul, and to Provide the Means to achieve Salvation, so, please live like you understand this fact, and continue to serve and NEVER, EVER GIVE A PLACE FOR THE DEVIL TO INTERVENE IN YOUR LIFE OR THE LIVES OF YOUR NEIGHBORS AND FELLOW BELIEVERS! I am so grateful for the passion and commitment of our fellow believers, and I recognize, that from time to time, we will have conflicting methods for our ministry, however, please take a moment and thank God for the opportunity, the strength, and the calling, to serve Him, while “Loving” your fellow servant! Dear Friends and Family, when we are actively engaged in service for our Lord, we ARE going to encounter challenges and disagreements and conflicts of ideas, however, this is a time to focus on Prayer, asking God to empower us, to Guide us, and to put a “Muzzle” on our mouths! We are in this together, so please recognize the reason for our service and be a bit more tolerant of others! Remember Mark 12:30-31, “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment.  And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Our thought, our methods, our actions are important, in our witness for Jesus and our exercise thereof! As Mama used to tell me and my buddies, “Ya’ll Get Along with Each Other!” I am so grateful that we have so many service opportunities available that we have differing opinions and challenges, as we serve Him together! Last word… Let Your Actions be a Testimony of His Grace and Just Get Along! I am so blessed, and I enjoy the privilege to be the Shephard of the BTC Flock, and I, genuinely, Love Each One of YOU! Last word… Keep growing, maturing and Concentrating on HIS WILL, not Ours! Stay Strong, Stay Focused … THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS FOR DECEMBER 25,2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

MERRIE HOCUTT

VICKIE HOCUTT

RICKY PERRY

Our Promised Hope

December 25   Our Promised Hope   Isaiah 9:2-7

**MERRY CHRISTMAS! May God Richly Bless You, Today & Always! With His Love, Pastor Glen**

                                      ~~~~~~~

Good Christmas morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Pastor of Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, NC! Isaiah 9:2-7: “The people who walked in darkness Have seen a great light;
Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, Upon them a light has shined. 3 You have multiplied the nation And increased its joy; They rejoice before You According to the joy of harvest, As men rejoice when they divide the spoil.
4 For You have broken the yoke of his burden And the staff of his shoulder, The rod of his oppressor, As in the day of Midian.
5 For every warrior’s sandal from the noisy battle, And garments rolled in blood, Will be used for burning and fuel of fire. 6 For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.” (Isaiah 9:2-7)

 Today is Christmas Day, the Special Day when Christians, around the world, celebrate the Birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Isaiah tells us why the birth of Jesus is such great news for the world. This good and enlightening news comes to people who were “walking in darkness.” But now, through Jesus, those same people “have seen a great light.” In the prophecy of Isaiah, darkness and light are used to represent sin and salvation. Without Christ, we are lost in the darkness of sin. But because of the birth of Jesus, we have hope in God’s light, his victory over sin and death. God promises us salvation in Jesus. In our world and in our lives, it can often feel as though the darkness is overwhelming. It can seem as though sadness and sin have overpowered the common sense of so many, while the light of goodness, morality and joy are hidden in shadows. There is HOPE! Our God’s Word promises us that light is coming to the world, in the person of Jesus Christ. Isaiah, the prophet, promises a Savior who will rule the world. “He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” His reign will bring peace and joy to the world. “Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.” Jesus rules the whole world, and his rule is one of peace (Compare this message of Love and Hope to the hatred that is being promoted in every segment of our world – Jesus has come to promote Love and Peace). This news is light for a darkened world, and it is the Hope for Tomorrow. I look forward to celebrating my Lord today and forever! I am anticipating the excitement of being in the brightness of His Glorious Light, and I am excited about His Hope for the Future! MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL! Stay Strong, Stay Focused …THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS FOR DECEMBER 24, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

BRANTLEIGH DUNBAR

TOM BERGERON

MRS. MARGARET ANDREWS (In Heaven)

The HOPE of GLORY

December 24  The HOPE of GLORY         Colossians 1:27

** TODAY, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2024, BTC will have a 4:00pm CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE. We will Celebrate Communion, Share the CHRISTMAS STORY, and PRAY TOGETHER! You are welcome to celebrate JESUS with US! **

 Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”  (Colossians 1:27)

Before the wonder of the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem, God was planning for the celebration of your rebirth into eternal life with Him! Praise God, that He loved us enough to give us a “second” chance! In the depths of my being, may I continue to seek His face and to follow His commands, until I stand before Him in Heaven, that He has prepared for me! May I tune my living and my very existence into reflecting His Love and Mission for humanity! This Christmas Eve, I am encouraged to know that “this mystery,” is alive and well in me! That is the fact that Christ is in me, and that He is my HOPE of GLORY! THIS IS THE STORY OF CHRISTMAS! Take time to reflect on His Love and Grace! Take time to recognize His Love and Gift of Eternal Life and Love! This Christmas Eve 2023, you have a choice to, as Colossians 3:15 says, to “let the Peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you are called to Peace. And Be Thankful.” MERRY CHRISTMAS! Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

“Accepting Change…”

December 23  “Accepting Change…”   2 Thessalonians 3:5

** TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2024, BTC will have a 4:00pm CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE. We will Celebrate Communion, Share the CHRISTMAS STORY, and PRAY TOGETHER! You are welcome to celebrate JESUS with US! **

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.”  (2 Thessalonians 3:5)

One of the most evident activities of our human existence is “Change!” This season is all about “change!” Jesus Christ was born into humble circumstances and changed into the Messiah, the Savior of this world, and people have resisted “change,” His Life Changing Love, for centuries! Amazingly, most of us do not like or accept change! Wonder why it is that we resist this simple thing called “Change?” Well, “Change” can bring a sense of “Fear.” I think that “Change,” so often, takes away our sense of security. In my own experience, I have felt a sense of self-doubt and powerlessness, as I have made changes in my life. As I reflect on the radical changes that have occurred, since March of 2020, and speculate on the changes that are ahead, I feel a sense of uncertainty and recognize that the future is unpredictable. Then, THANK GOD, I remember that God promised that He would direct us, and He would hold us, through the twists and turns of this life. As a Follower of Christ, this Guarantee, this Divine Promise, gives me Hope and Fortified Confidence! Regardless of the crazy situations and all of the erosion of basic “Common Sense,” I, through my Jesus Christ, can “Step Away” from the situations, and take a breath, maintain my focus on the “Real” and the “Truth,” then, with His Leadership and Courage I can move forward on a new path and with a renewed vision. So often, my direction is unclear and there is a sense of trepidation, as I take that first step in a new direction, but, by Faith, I am assured that as I put one foot in front of the other, my path, my direction, will ultimately, be revealed to me! As I claim His Promises and His Provision, as I WALK IN FAITH, God’s Love will continue to direct my steps and energize my walk and strengthen me as I go! Persevere, my Friends! God has great and noble things ahead…However, we MUST “CHANGE,” to accept the “Changes” ahead, Claim His Direction, Exercise Faith in His Promises, and Embrace the “CHANGE,” for without “Change,” we would Still Be Lost!! Thank you, God, for Your Love for us and the VICTORY through Your Son, Jesus! “Change” IS GOING TO HAPPEN! What you do with this “Change,” is absolutely and entirely UP TO YOU!! Embrace the ultimate change that is presented to us, by the birth, life, death, and resurrection of our Savior, JESUS CHRIST! If you do this, it will be a MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR DECEMBER 23, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

SEAN MELVIN

REV. MARK COTTRELL

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:

MATTHEW & KALEA PARKER

BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR DECEMEBR 22, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

REBECCA B. DUNBAR

FRED FLOWERS

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:

MATTHEW & BROOKE SANDERS

“The GREAT LIGHT”

December 22      “The GREAT LIGHT”      Isaiah 9:2

** TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2024, BTC will have a 4:00pm CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE. We will Celebrate Communion, Hear the CHRISTMAS STORY, and PRAY TOGETHER! You are welcome to celebrate JESUS with US! **

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “The people who walk in darkness have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, Upon them a light has shined.”  (Isaiah 9:2)

I believe that everyone would agree that this world is a dark and desolate place, without light. People have struggled, for centuries, to provide illumination for their lives. Growing up in the country of Eastern Wayne County, when the Sun went down, it got dark! It is difficult to walk from the back door to the place where I fed our dogs, without some light. Have you ever experienced the Linville Caverns? When the lights are turned off, it gets extremely dark! Sadly, without Jesus, we are walking in the absence of LIGHT, and we are wandering aimlessly in the Dark World! Hang-on… THE LIGHT is about to make an entrance into the world! Can you imagine those who were there to hear the angels proclaiming the birth of Jesus and the Fact that He IS THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD! The True Light, the Light of Love, provided by God, through the person of His Son, JESUS! Without JESUS, every one of us would be walking in eternal darkness! Thank God for His Love for us! Every Christmas Eve, Daddy would read the Christmas Story, usually from the Book of Luke, before we would eat or open the first present! Daddy always talked about God’s Love and His providing “LIGHT,” so that we could navigate through this life, with “Blessed Assurance!” 2024 has been another record experience, and I suspect that its influence will be felt for years to come, however, calamities, pandemics, struggles, challenges, social and political upheavals, will NEVER dim the TRUE LIGHT OF JESUS! So, walk in HIS LIGHT and FOLLOW the STAR of CHRISTMAS, and remember God’s blessings and His Promises! What a Christmas Gift!! What a Christmas Blessing … THE LIGHT OF JESUS INTO THIS DARK AND DECAYING WORLD! “Sweetly the Light is shining on Thee, Oh, once I was blind, but now I can see, The Light of the world is JESUS!” Dear Friends, there is a price that must be paid for anything worthwhile, and God loved us enough to pay the ultimate price with His Only Son! I Believe, I Receive, I Experience, I Claim, I Share… How about you? My prayer, for myself and for you, is to be a True Reflection of the LIGHT OF JESUS, into this Dark and Lost 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). May this Christmas Eve be the Brightest and Best that you have ever enjoyed and as this world grows “Darker,” may your LIGHT grow BRIGHTER! To God be the Glory!! Merry Christmas… Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR DECEMBER 21, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

ERMA ADKINS

CAROLYN STEVENS

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:

TOMMY & ROWENA PERRY

“On Your Mark, Get Set, Go…”

December 21  “On Your Mark, Get Set, Go…” 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. 25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. 26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus, I fight: not as one who beats the air. 27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.” (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)

Paul was writing to the Church in Corinth, and he was talking about running a race. There were many such events that occurred in and around Corinth, and he used this comparison to help the believers in Corinth to understand the need to be committed and focused. Thinking back to those High School Days of running track and those Football Days of running “wind-sprints!” Paul was telling the folks of Corinth that to be in a race requires “running!” He says that all that are to run in the race, must “RUN!” We are not to “walk” or “stroll” or “jog,” we are to “RUN!” We are in a race! A race that requires our total focus and commitment! Running the “race of Life” requires that we meet certain conditions. God has told us what is required to “run the race!” We need to “Hear,” “Believe,” “Repent,” “Confess,” and to “Remain Faithful” to the very end! Paul tells us to run as if we are going to win! No wavering or doubts, just solid commitment and determined effort to achieve the “Prize!” As I observe the conditions of the “Race of Life,” I recognize the absolute need for commitment and the need for a “New Attitude!” Stay focused on Jesus and may we all be able to say, as Paul said, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Paul had a good attitude, regardless of what went wrong, he constantly looked for the good and made the very best of the conditions. Listen, when things get rough, and they will, don’t complain or sulk about, and don’t blame others. Please don’t make excuses, just remain faithful to Almighty God, and remember that at the end of the Race, for the Christian, is Heaven and our “Crown” of Life! I leave you with the beautiful and powerful words of Hebrews 12:1: “Lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us!”  RUN TO WIN! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR DECEMBER 20, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

LINDA HAMMETT

CHARLE’ JOHNSON

CLAY HAISLIP

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:

JIMMY (In Heaven) & BRENDA LEWIS

“One Accord…”

December 20  “One Accord…”       Acts 2:1

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.” (Acts 2:1)

 What does it mean to be in one accord? If several people do a particular thing and they, do it in full agreement or accord with one another! Other words would be, unanimously, without exception, by common consent, unitedly in a common cause! God’s Word, from the beginning until the end, teaches and preaches that it should be the reality of Believers to be in “One Accord!” Granted, each of us come from a different place, with various experience levels and understandings, yet we are to be in one accord (get along), based on the Good News of God’s Love, manifested in the Person of Jesus Christ! When professing Christians come together and the will, cause or motives are not centered on the message of Jesus Christ and their actions are not edifying to the Cause of Christ, then personalities, preferences, prejudices, egos, attitudes and harmful words and actions will, ultimately, be the unfortunate results! Thank God for the Diverse Experiences that each one brings to the Fellowship, and it is exciting to be a part of a growing and dynamic cause, but when “My Way or the Highway” attitudes begin to dominate the endeavors, then failure is just around the corner! One Mind, One Accord… Focused on the Cause of Christ, Coming Together to Promote His Word, His Grace and His Holy Mission, NOT OUR OWN NARROW HUMAN IDEAS, DRIVEN BY SELFISH and DISRUPTIVE INTENTIONS! I continue to Pray for the “Church,” God’s Anointed Peoples, that we would understand the concept of harmony and unity, not based on human emotions, but the Divine Nature of a HOLY GOD, and His Complete Love for Humanity! Just yesterday, I was asked if I had heard about the issues going on in another church fellowship, very close to our own church, and the comments were sad and the words had to have made Satan smile! HERE IS A THOUGHT! If you come together with an ATTITUDE, check it at the door! If you have a desire to disrupt and to be a “stumbling block,” then check it at the door! The assembly of God’s People is NOT FOR CHAOS and DISHARMONY! Because of the Selfless Grace of God, through Jesus Christ, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, we have the opportunity to actually fulfill the mandate of “getting along,” and Being in ONE ACCORD! Before you act, speak or otherwise do anything that is not edifying to the Cause of Christ, STOP, DROP, and PRAY for UNITY in JESUS, EMPOWERED by the BLESSED HOLY SPIRIT! TO GOD BE THE GLORY! Sray Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS FOR DECEMBER 19, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

JON CARROLL

AUSTIN HIMMEL

Strength for the Battle

December 19  Strength for the Battle    2 Thessalonians 1:11

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Therefore, we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power…”  (2 Thessalonians 1:11)

How strong are you? In our culture, being strong is equated with being tough. Have you ever seen someone who appeared to be emotionless, stern, self-asserting? We refer to these folks as “strong!” Listen, regardless of how strong that you are or perceive that you are, the strength and resolve of the strongest will rapidly fade under the onslaught of pressures and battles that Satan is poised to bring to us and is in the middle of attacking our Spiritual wellbeing! For Followers of Christ, this is where the “Battlefield” really exists! In Ephesians 6:12, it tells us about the battles that we are, and will engage in, and none of us are strong enough to stand up under the onslaught and pressures of this kind of battle, on our own! Listen… “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Dear friends, do not fear the battles, because we have the ultimate weapon in this struggle between “Good” and “Evil!” God did not mean for us to fight this battle alone! He has promised Victory, and I choose to claim this Victory, Power, and Strength! Friends, we are the strongest when we surrender to Him and rely on His power, provision and His Glorious Promises for Complete and Total Victory over the Evil One! As Born-Again Believers, we are not alone, nor are we fighting this battle by ourselves! “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the POWER of HIS MIGHT!!!” (Ephesians 6:10). TO GOD BE THE GLORY! Stay Strong, Stay Focused, and Prepare for the Battles that are Coming… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

 P.S. Satan continues to challenge my service and my ability to be a strong and effective witness for my Savior! Amazingly, he has, and will use any means, and anyone, to accomplish his stated goal and purpose. Many have stated that they would not be used by Satan, so my warning is that you need to be Prayed Up, Read Up, FOCUSED and Alert or you will be a part of his Evil plan! We must be prepared for the challenges, and we must be ready to actively resist and to take the battle to him! My God provides the Power, the Holy Spirit, to face the challenge, and He prepares us, through His Holy Word, with the knowledge necessary to defeat Satan! NOT TODAY SATAN, NOT TODAY! GET AWAY FROM ME!

BIRTHDAYS FOR DECEMBER 18, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

BEN HOCUTT

BOBBY SELLERS

VICTORIA BUNN

Living More Abundantly

December 18   Living More Abundantly         John 10:10

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10)

Amazingly, it is possible to live our lives in a bland and joyless manner.  Going through the motions and accomplishing, doing, yet never finding joy in our existence. Unfortunately, this is true of believers, as well as non-believers. Think about it: God has given life so that we can serve Him and to enjoy His Creation. Believers, we need to figure out how to embrace God’s blessings and to enjoy His Bounty! Regardless of the circumstances, we have the opportunity to enjoy His Blessings! This is an Attitude, and a conscience Decision! Frustrations and unbelief and struggles tend to steal our joy and reduce of quality of living! As we approach a New Year, I choose to leave my problems at the foot of the Cross and believe in My Savior for Joy and Spiritual Bounty! Please don’t miss out on the joy that is yours, as a “Birth-right!” May God help us to live our lives, walking in obedience and embracing the blessings and enjoying life! To God Be the Glory…. Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS FOR DECEMBER 17, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

NITA EDWARDS

BILLIE FAY WILSON (In Heaven)

TRUDY FRANKS

SARITA DEANS