Newsletter May 31st

GREETINGS FROM BARBEE’S GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH

Thanks to all who cooked, wrapped, sold, and other ways contributed to the success of the Boston Butt sale. Your efforts are greatly appreciated.
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We remember with thankfulness the service and sacrifice of all the men and women who have served our nation in the military,  This Memorial Day is a reminder of the freedom we have because of you.
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The first church where I was the Pastor was Brush Creek Baptist in Chatham County, NC. Recently, the Lord reminded me of a unique historical and geographical feature of that community. About a mile or so south of the church is an area known as THE DEVIL’S TRAMPING GROUND. For you non-North Carolinians who read this [ and for you Carolinians who were not paying attention when this was taught in school], let me explain.

In a grove of trees is a 40 foot patch of barren ground where nothing will grow. It has been observed since the 1700s. Vegetation grows in the area, but not in the circle. Scientists have analyzed the soil and cannot understand why nothing will grow. Seeds and plants have been sown, but will not grow. The explanation that has been told since Colonial Days is this—–The Devil picked that particular spot as his earthly meditating spot. He paces around and around, contemplating his next evil scheme against mankind. As he walks, fire and brimstone from the fires of Hell fall off his body. They pollute the soil, causing it to be non-productive.  Thus, for hundreds of years, locals have called it THE DEVIL’S TRAMPING GROUND.

I doubt that the Devil picked that particular spot for his meditating, but remember what he said in Job 1:7:
   …”And the Lord said unto Satan,’ Whence comest thou?’ Then Satan answered the Lord and said, ‘From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it”.
   …Consider also, 1 Peter 5:8,9 “Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil. As a roaring lion, walketh about seeking whom he may devour. Whom resist steadfast in the faith.”

The devil does walk the earth. But the Christian, the truly born again child of God, has no reason to fear. The Crucifixion and the Resurrection of  Jesus totally defeated Satan. Now, Satan fights from a position of defeat and the Christian fights from a position of victory.
   …2 Corinthians 2:14 “Now thanks be unto God which always causeth us to triumph in Christ…”.
   …Colossians 2:15 “And having spoiled principalities and powers, He made a show of the openly, triumphing over them…’
   …Ephesians 6:10, 11 “Finally my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the Whole Armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil”.

Fellow Believer, we walk and live in victory. The devil has no power against those who know, and use, the Name and the Blood of Jesus.

Sadly, the site known as THE DEVIL’S TRAMPING GROUND has fallen on difficult times in recent years. The site is isolated. An hour away are 3 major universities and several smaller colleges. Often college students gather at the site waiting to see if the Devil appears. When they leave the next morning, the area is littered with beer bottles and cans, drug paraphernalia, fast food containers, and other trash that must be collected. Sadly, these students do not realize that the devil made the trip with them from school and back and enjoyed their unGodly activities. I don’t know for sure, but I was told that the state hesitates to put up a historical marker at the site. As soon as a marker is erected, some drunk college student rips it off the post and takes it back to school to decorate his dorm room. It is a spot that the devil does use for his own purposes.

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

1. Sunday School is at 9:00 am
2. Morning Worship and Children’s Church are at 10:00 am. Also available in the parking lot at 10 on 99.1 FM and on the website after 12:30pm
3. Prayer and Bible Study are Wednesday at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall
4. VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL—-June 26 and 27

Remember the Scripture that tells us :Resist the devil and he will flee from you”.
Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church