Newsletter Sept 6th

GREETINGS FROM BARBEE’S GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH

We welcome Mrs. Winter Barbee into our Active Church Membership. May we enjoy serving the Lord together.

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One of the “joys”?????? Of my teenage years was plowing and cultivating with a mule in the hot summer sun. Buck was no ordinary mule. He was sleek like a riding horse and not skinny and bony like so many other mules. Despite his good looks, Buck was still a mule. Some days he had no interest in pulling that plow, if I did not pay attention and keep him moving, we both baked in that hot sun and accomplished nothing. At other times, Buck was not interested in walking in a straight line. Again, it took my full attention to keep him moving in the correct row and not making a mess of the field.

When I think back to those days on the farm, I think of the words of Jesus: “No man, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the Kingdom of God”. [Luke 9:62] So many thoughts leap to mind:
   …The individual who claims to have accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior. They declare that they want to live for Him. Yet, they look back with longing [and often return] to their previous lifestyle. That previous lifestyle may be evil and sinful, or it may be activities that leave no time for Jesus. They are trying to have one foot in the world and one foot in the Kingdom of God. That never works.
   …The Pastor who looks back at the glories of a previous Pastorate. Somehow, his present church does not “measure up” to his current place of ministry. The Pastor may become bitter toward the Lord for placing him there. He can also become bitter towards his present church members. Perhaps, he just wastes time looking back with longing. If God placed him in that church, then the Lord had a reason for doing so. My plowing days remind me that every row is different. Some rows have more rocks. Some have more weeds. Some have more stubborn weeds. The challenge is to deal with the task at hand.
   …Churches can also stop progressing when they spend excessive time looking back. Many churches look back and dream of the 1950s. Churches were overflowing. New and bigger buildings were needed. Now, attendance is way down. It may be a third or a half of what it was back then. Many churches blame the Pastor and call Pastor-after-Pastor trying to reverse the decline. Sadly, so many churches have become worldly, they don’t preach a real New Testament Gospel, and there is very little outreach and soul winning. The attitude is: “Folks know we are here. They can come if they want to come”.  We forget the words of Jesus about “going out into the highways and hedges and seeking the lost”.
   …Individuals can also waste time looking back to when they “sang most of the solos”, or “served as a key Youth Leader”, or, “enjoyed ministering as a Deacon” etc. The question is: “Where does the Lord want me to serve Him at the present moment?”

Friends, Jesus warned us about living in the past. The Apostle Paul challenges us to live differently. “Brethren, I have one compelling focus: I forget all the past as I fasten my heart to the future instead. I run straight for the Divine invitation of reaching the Heavenly goal and gaining the victory prize through the anointing of Jesus”. [Philippians 3: 13, 14] TPT.

We live in the “here and Now” and not in the “back when”. God deliberately chose you and me to live in these “end times” of the Church Age. If we will prayerfully seek to Know, and to do, God’s will for our generation, we will please our Lord. Like Paul, may we keep our eyes on Jesus and on  His plans for our individual lives, our church, and our world.

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 12:30 pm
3. Prayer and Bible Study are on Wednesday at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall
4. REVIVAL — October 11-14—–Rev. Mark Caldwell
   Are you praying? Inviting others? Planning to attend?
   Will we have “revival” or just have some “services?””

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church

Newsletter Aug 30th

GREETINGS FROM BARBEE’S GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH

I don’t know how many hundreds of times, maybe even thousands of times, over the years, someone has come to me and said something like this: “Pastor Ed, you have got to help me”. Then, they begin to share their burden. Usually, it is a situation with no easy, simple solution. It may be a family problem. It could be a crushing financial obligation. Others were facing serious medical issues. For some, it was spiritual. Perhaps it was a crisis of faith, or a difficult to overcome temptation to sin. It could be mental or emotional attacks from the devil. Each individual faced their own particular battle.

I offer any insight or counsel the Holy Spirit gives me to share. I pray for—-and —–with, the one who is hurting. Also, I try to offer encouraging words from God’s Word, the Bible. Sometimes, I show them 2 Corinthians 12:7-9. In that Scripture Paul tells about his “Thorn in the Flesh”. Let’s not debate what Paul’s “Thorn” was today. Just agree that it was powerful, troubling, and difficult to overcome. In a sense, the Lord acknowledges Paul’s pain. Then, the Lord assured Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you”. What is God’s “Grace” anyway? Some describe it as “God’s Favor”. It truly is that. God looks with love, compassion, and blessing, upon us when He bestows His grace upon us. However, God’s grace is so much more. God’s grace is God’s power brought to bear upon a situation. An unsaved person, on their way to Hell, experiences God’s grace and the power of that grace saves them, changes them into a new creation, and reroutes them to Heaven.

A second beautiful, encouraging Scripture is 2 Corinthians 9:8:
“GOD IS ABLE”‘ . God is God. He is almighty. He has the power to do anything He desires to do.
“TO MAKE ALL GRACE ABOUND TOWARD YOU”. God has the power, and the desire, to make “All Grace” available to us. “All” means “all we need”. Not only that, but God’s grace “abounds”. It spills over. When we use all we need for our particular situation, there is still more grace leftover.
“THAT YOU, ALWAYS HAVING ALL SUFFICIENCY IN ALL THINGS , MAY ABOUND TO EVERY GOOD WORK”. God’s grace is “always” available to the Believer. That grace makes us sufficient for every situation. No matter what our problem happens to be, no matter how desperate we are, when we walk with the Lord, there is enough of God’s grace to lead us to victory. We become “Overcomers” in Christ Jesus.

Most of us have had our “Red Sea moments”, our “Jericho walls obstacles”, our “walk through the Valley of the shadow of death fears”. At the time, we thought, “How can I survive this?” Let your mind stroll through the halls of your memories. Think of the many times that God’s grace brought you through to victory.  Your “Thorn” was painful. But God’s grace was sufficient. Truly, it is “Amazing grace, how sweet the sound”.  We can join the Apostle Paul in saying, “Yes, God’s grace is what brought me out of my bad situation and gave me strength to continue to serve Jesus”

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 12:30 pm
3. Prayer and Bible Study are at 6:30 pm on Wednesday in the Fellowship Hall
4. Revival Services—-October 11-14—-Rev. Mark Cadwell—-Are you praying ? Planning to attend? Inviting Others?

Enjoy God’s powerful grace today

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church 

Newsletter Aug 23rd

GREETINGS FROM BARBEE’S GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH

A SPECIAL HOMECOMING DAY
   …A strong Biblical message from Rev. Kinney Wallace
   …Anointed music from our Praise Team
   …Plenty of good food and sweet fellowship around the table
JUST A FORETASTE OF HOW WONDERFUL IT WILL BE IN HEAVEN
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WILL WE PAY THE PRICE FOR REVIVAL?
As you know, we have Revival Services planned for October 11-14. Rev. Mark Caldwell will be preaching. But, will we have “services’, or “genuine revival”? I think I hear someone’s brain cells clicking, “I really hope the Lord sends “genuine revival” this year”.

Sometimes, I think that many Christians have the mistaken notion that God sits in Heaven and flips a coin, “Heads, I send revival; Tails, no revival this year”. Then, if nothing much happens, we think God did not want us to have revival at that time. Is that the way it is? Think of the verse we quote so often: “If My people, which are called by My Name, shall humble themselves and pray, and seek My Face, and turn from their wicked ways; then I will hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14 That verse tells us that God truly desires to send a “genuine revival” to our land. However, God is waiting on us. What happens depends upon our actions. The Lord only sends real revival to a people who genuinely desire it.

Folks, Pastor Mark Caldwell is a dear Pastor friend of mine. However, he can’t go to his study and fill a suitcase full of “revival” and come pour it out on us. Brother Leonard and the Praise Team are practicing to deliver anointed music. They can’t pour out “revival” either.

SUGGESTIONS
What would happen IF —-between now and October 11, every Barbee’s Grove household became a place of prayer? I encourage each of you to 1] Pray daily, 2] If others live in your house, have family prayer at least once a week, and 3] Invite your close friends from the church to come to your house and pray with you -do it more than once.

OBSERVATIONS

1. We will get the “revival” we plan to have, not necessarily the revival we say we want. Genuine “revival” can get “messy”
2. Genuine revival messes with our schedule. We have to plan to attend, even if we need to forgo other activities. What are our priorities? God or Self?
3. Genuine revival services may last longer than an hour and cause for later arrivals back at home.
4. During “genuine revivals” the Holy Spirit may reveal sin, create the need for confession, apologies, forgiveness asked for, and offered and accepted. In Joshua 6-8, the sin of one man, Achan, caused the entire Israelite army to be defeated. Victory did not come until that sin was dealt with.
5. During genuine revival God may call some of our children or youths to fulltime Christian Ministry. It could be to a foreign nation. Can you rejoice if that is your child or grandchild? Believe me, I have been in that situation. It is not as easy as you think. [Who will look after me in my old age?]
6. During genuine revival the Holy Spirit might tell you to pull out your checkbook and write a large check for the tithes you withheld from the Lord.
7. Genuine revival leads to a more holy lifestyle, an increased prayer life, and an eagerness to witness to the unsaved. Our daily priorities become God’s priorities.
   During genuine revival the services may be marked by tears, by holy laughter, by some shouts and “amens” and by kneeling at the altar. Do you have the mindset, “Bring it on Lord”, or is your thought, “We don’t do that in our church”?

I have read of some wonderful “genuine revivals” down through the years. I have experienced a few in my lifetime. However, sadly, I have experienced far more “services” and far too few “genuine revival moves of God”.  WILL WE PAY THE PRICE FOR GENUINE REVIVAL AT BARBEE’S GROVE THIS YEAR?

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 12:30 pm
3. Prayer and Bible Study are Wednesday at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall
4. October 11-14- “Revival” or “Revival Services”—-Rev. Mark Caldwell

Praying for a “Genuine Revival”

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church 

Newsletter Aug 16th

GREETINGS FROM BARBEE’S GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH

Mr. Garry Hamilton was elected as a Deacon this past Sunday. He replaces Mr. Leonard Harvell who finishes his term of service. Pray for Garry as he serves our church and the Lord.
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We rejoice that Jeremy and Tina Burris have chosen to join us in serving the Lord at Barbee’s Grove. We welcome them into our fellowship.
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What a special sight we had Sunday morning. A platform full of beautiful children, backpacks ready, and preparing for this school year. We thank our WINGS group for planning this wonderful event for our children and youth.
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One morning recently I woke up with the Lord reminding me of the 2 main houses of my childhood. The first one belonged to my Grandpa and Granny Smith. It was an old, two story, farmhouse with a porch that wrapped around 3 sides of the house. The corners of the house sat upon rocks. Some places had several rocks piled on top of one another. The house was open underneath. In the summer, barefoot boys had to watch where they stepped because chickens roamed the yard. Often, Little Eddie [ME!!!] was instructed to crawl under the house and gather the eggs that the hens had laid.

I realize now that those rocks made for an unsecure foundation. A slipping or a crumbling rock would have been disastrous for that section of the house. The open space led to freezing pipes in winter and an invitation to other critters to set up housekeeping. Thankfully, in later years someone had the wisdom and the money to underpin the entire house with concrete blocks.

Many people build their lives upon an unstable foundation. When a crisis comes, or when their life ends, that foundation crumbles and they have no hope. Consider these verses:
   …”For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ”. [1 Corinthians 3:11]
   …”Nevertheless, the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, the Lord knoweth them that are His.” [2 Timothy 2:19]

The second house of my childhood is the house where I grew up. Dad built that house with wood plank siding. It was painted white. Every few years, the paint would fade and peel. A strenuous scraping and repainting followed. Scraping and repainting was a frequent event. But one day, new [aluminum?] siding was added. It covered the old siding. To this day, it has never needed to be repainted.

Under the Law, Israel offered repeated animal sacrifices for sin. But, no matter how many times they did it over the centuries, it had to be repeated. However, Jesus came. He died on that cross and covered our sin for all of eternity.
   … “Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His Own Blood He entered in once into the Holy Place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.” [Hebrews 9:12]
   …”But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God. ” [Hebrews 10:12]

What a joy it is to know that, because of Jesus, our faith in Him causes our sins to forever be cleansed by His Blood. One sacrifice that lasts an eternity. Also, what joy it is to know, that when the storms of life come, our lives rest upon Jesus, the most solid, unshakeable foundation in the universe. We praise God for all we have because we believe in Jesus as our Savior and Lord.

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 on 99.1 FM at 10 and on the website after 12:30 pm
3. Prayer and Bible Study are Wednesday at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall
4. HOMECOMING—-August 16—Rev. Kinney Wallace. Bring a well-filled picnic basket for the fellowship meal. Invite others to join you at the service.
5. REVIVAL—-October 11-14—-Rev. Mark Caldwell—-Pray–Plan to attend—Invite others

One little sentence says it well—-JESUS PAID IT ALL

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church

Newsletter Aug 9th

GREETINGS FROM BARBEE’S GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH

Let’s see how many of you are old enough to remember the phenomenon I am about to describe. One of the wonderful memories of my childhood is my fascination with watching a giant beam of light in the night sky. It was bright, could be seen for miles, and slowly rotated. I was told that it was the spotlight from the old Albemarle Airport. Those were the days before planes and airports had all the navigational and radio equipment they now  have available. I have also read that some pilots only had a license that allowed them to fly in daylight hours. They navigated by recognizing the roads, rivers, and other large landmarks they could see beneath them. A pilot who lost his way after dark was in serious trouble.

That giant, rotating, beam of light enabled the pilot to safely return to land. It said to the local pilot, “Welcome Home”. It said to the pilot who was landing at the airport for the first time, “Welcome to Albemarle’. It said to the desperate pilot who was running low on fuel or who was experiencing mechanical difficulties, “Welcome. This is a place of safety. We will help you”. As a little boy, I marveled at that light. I could watch it for hours. To those pilots, the light was a lifeline to safety.

Read the Gospel of John, Chapter 1, verses 1-9. These verses remind us that “Jesus is the Light of the world”. They tell us that Jesus is the Light in a sin-darkened world. The glorious truth is that “In Him was life; and the life was the Light of men”. [Verse 4] To the Child of God, Jesus is the Light in the window who welcomes us home for fellowship. To the unbeliever who has been touched by the Holy Spirit, Jesus is the Light who stands by the open door and says, “Come in, welcome to the Family of God”. And, to the one who has a life that is near crashing and ruin, Jesus says, “Come unto Me all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest”. [Matthew 11:28]

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus tells His followers “You are the light of the world”. [Matthew 5:14] He also said, “Let your light so shine before men that they will see your good works and glorify your Father which is in Heaven”. [Matthew 5:16] When we become followers of Jesus, His light becomes our light. We are to live in such a way as to bring honor to our Lord. How sad it would have been for a struggling pilot if that beam of light had been turned off, or reduced to the glow of a lantern or flashlight. How sad it is when Christians live so unGodly that the struggling unsaved sinner cannot find his way to Jesus. May we live in such a powerful way that Jesus shines brightly through us. Christians shining with the amazing good news of Jesus are exactly what our sin -darkened world needs today.

So many times we have been challenged as we sang this precious hymn

“There’s a call comes ringing over the restless wave
Send the Light, Send the Light
There are souls to rescue, there are souls to save
Send the Light, Send the Light
CHORUS
Send the Light, the blessed gospel Light
Let it shine from shore to shore
Send the Light, the blessed gospel Light
Let it shine forevermore”.

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 12:30 pm
3. Prayer and Bible Study are on Wednesday at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall
4. HOMECOMING—August 16—Rev. Kinney Wallace—Bring friends and a well filled picnic basket
5. REVIVAL—October 11-14—-Rev. Mark Caldwell—Pray for these services

Shining brightly—filled with the presence of Jesus, the Light of the World

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church

Newsletter Aug 2nd

GREETINGS FROM BARBEE’S GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH

Late last summer, I came out of the house and realized that the guys who mow my yard had put weed killer on the weeds in my flower beds. Unfortunately, they did not know weeds from flowers. They also poisoned my flowers. This Spring, Ted and Bonnie, were kind enough to find some of Pamela’s favorite flowers so that I could replant. I replaced all that had been killed. Because of dry weather, I had to water a few times, but those new plants were growing and blooming.

It was not long until I noticed that the grass was also returning. Little clumps, about the size of my hand, began to appear. I knew that I should get busy uprooting that grass while it was still small. But, at my age, I do not enjoy working in 95 degree heat. [Actually, working in that type of heat was never fun, but even more so now.] I kept delaying. Now, those little clumps of grass have continued to grow and are threatening to take over.

In a similar vein, I look in the mirror and realize that I need to lose weight. Sadly, I know the truth. If I had gotten serious and acted when I gained the first 10 extra pounds, and if I had acted every time that happened, I would not be needing to lose a bunch now. Procrastination is not a good thing.

Those two illustrations have a spiritual application. For years, I have heard this expression, “THE ROAD TO HELL IS PAVED WITH GOOD INTENTIONS”. Many people who are in Hell today planned to go to Heaven. They planned to begin to attend church—next Sunday. They planned to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior—at the next revival. They planned to live for Jesus—soon. Years came and went, The commitment was –someday soon. That –someday soon—never came and they are  eternally lost.

I know many backslidden Christians [At least I hope they are Christians]. At one time, they were “on fire” for Jesus. Now the fire is gone. Bible reading and prayer were neglected. Church services were missed. Anger and a grudge were held against a Pastor, a church, or a fellow Christian. Perhaps, some “flirting ” that was not quickly stopped, led to adultery.  Barney Fife on the old Andy Griffeth show, made lots of hilarious mistakes, but one time his advice was right on target: “NIP IT, IN THE BUD, NIP IT IN THE BUD”. Whatever the situation, it was not “Nipped”, and an “on fire” for Jesus believer became backslidden and cold toward spiritual matters.

Friends, consider the following verses:
   …”Keep the heart with diligence, for out of it are the issues of life”. Proverbs 4:23
   …”Yet, a little sleep, a little slumber, a folding of the hands to sleep: so shall thy poverty come as one that travelled. And thy want as an armed man”. Proverbs 6: 10, 11
   …”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….”. 1 Peter 5:8,9

As long as we have life and a sound mind, we can still be saved. We can also return from a life of backsliding. The choice is always our own personal decision. What type of relationship do you have with Jesus today?
   …My Spirit will not always strive with man…”. Genesis 6:3
   …”No man can come to ME, except the Father which hath sent ME draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.” John 6:44

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 99.1FM and on the website after 12:30 pm
3. Prayer and Bible Study are Wednesday at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall
4. HOMECOMING—August 16—-Rev. Kinney Wallace—Pack that picnic basket and stay for the fellowship meal. Bring guests with you
5. REVIVAL—-October 11-14—-Rev. Mark Caldwell —Pray for these services

Learn from Barney

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church

Newsletter  July 26th

GREETINGS FROM BARBEE’S GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH

Unfortunately, not every family is a loving family.  However, one of the special characteristics of a loving family [a family where the Dad and Mom love one another and parents and children have real love] is the trust the children have in their parents. A violent storm, with fierce thunder and lightning, rages in the middle of the night. There is the “pitter patter” of little feet. A timid voice says. “Mama, Daddy, I am afraid. Can I sleep with you?” Even though the storm continues, the little child snuggles up to a parent, feels safe and secure, and soon is sleeping peacefully. At other times [dark nights, big crowds] the child reaches up and takes the hand of a parent and knows that all is well.

Recently, I flipped on my TV and a choir was singing an old song that I had not heard in many years. I will give you two lines. How much of the song do you remember?
   …”Put your hands in the hands of the Man who calmed the sea
   …Put your hands in the hands of the Man from Galilee” 

What a wonderful truth that teaches. At one time or another, all of us experience storms in our life. The storms of life may rage [sickness, financial need, disagreements. Rejections, deaths, divorce, fired from our job, etc.] Those who put their hands in the hands of Jesus face those storms with a love, a comfort, a peace, a protection, that those without Jesus never have. Even in the middle of the storm, those who hold the Hand of Jesus are secure. This week, allow the Bible to speak to you and encourage you.

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for Thou art with me, Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me”. Psalm 23:4

“I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: My God, in Him will I trust”. Psalm 91:2
“Thou shall not be afraid for the terror by night, nor for the arrow that flieth by day”. Psalm 91:5
“There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling”. Psalm 91:10

Jesus said, “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My Hand. My Father, which gave them Me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of My Father’s Hand.” John 10:28, 29

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind”. 2 Timothy 1:7

As that song reminds us, the safest place for now, and for all eternity is to have our hand in the loving Hand of Jesus. Remember His promise, “I will never leave you nor forsake you”. Hebrew 13:5. Are you living your life, Hand-in Hand, with Jesus?

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 12:30 pm
3. Prayer and Bible Study are Wednesday at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall
4. Homecoming—August 16—Rev. Kinney Wallace—-Plan to stay for the Covered Dish Meal
5. Revival—October 11-14—–Rev. Mark Caldwell

Another comforting Hymn—-SHELTERED IN THE ARMS OF GOD

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church

Newsletter  July 19th

GREETINGS FROM BARBEE’S GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH

Sunday, I read to the church a letter from some non-Barbee’s Grove families. They sent their kids to our recent Vacation Bible School. They were lavish in their praise of how well their kids were treated and in the excellence of the VBS teaching and activities. Again, I say, “THANK YOU” to those who made the VBS happen. You made a positive difference in the lives of children.

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Recently, I noticed some of our members, sheet of paper in hand, encountering other members. I soon realized that they were members of the Nominating Committee, seeking volunteers to serve in various ministries during the next church year. Since Barbee’s Grove is small, some of you serve in several ministries. Sometimes, we have trouble filling every position. At one time I thought, “OH, if we just had more members, the problem would be solved”. Then, one day I was watching Dr. Charles Stanley, Pastor of First Baptist Church of Atlanta. He was gently chiding his people for the same problem. Thousands of church members, but still not enough volunteers.

In the Bible, the Church is sometimes referred to as the ARMY OF GOD and sometimes as the BODY OF CHRIST.  How strong is that army? How healthy is that body? The Bible teaches that the Lord gives SPIRITUAL GIFTS to every born-again Christian [Romans 12 – 1 Corinthians 12 – Ephesians 4] . Any Christian who is not operating in his/her spiritual gift is weakening the Army and the Body of Christ. Think of the dozens of people you know. They are reasonably healthy, mobile, etc. They claim to be saved. Yet, they seldom, if ever, set foot in a church or do any other ministry to advance the Kingdom of God. They do not seem to realize how their lack of participation brings weakness to the work of God.

Every born-again Christian has at least one spiritual gift. If I were in the Old Sanctuary at West Albemarle Baptist Church, I could point you to a certain seat. Every Sunday, that seat was occupied by a resident of the Old County Home for the Poor [that may not be the official name], One of our church members gave the man a ride to church. The man had no money to give, didn’t sing in the choir. Taught no classes. One Sunday, our Pastor pointed out that this man only had one spiritual gift and he used it. His gift was “Faithfulness”. He loved Jesus. He loved his church. He was faithful’

Our Son, Stephen, does Physical Therapy in a facility in Oregon. When someone has an accident, stroke, joint replacement, it is Stephen’s job to get them back to normal mobility and usefulness. One day, it hit me–Stephen and I have the same job. He is attempting to restore human bodies. I am attempting to restore a section of the Body of Christ. Personally, I think he may be doing a better job than I am!!!!!

If all the healthy members on the Barbee’s Grove Church Membership List, and all of those on the Church Rolls of the other churches in Stanly County, suddenly became sold out to Jesus and began to allow Him to use their spiritual gifts, the results would be spectacular. A healthy Body and an Army with no AWOL members would be a powerful force in our world. What about it folks? Are you sitting on the sidelines or active in ministry for the Lord? 

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 12:30 pm
3. Prayer and Bible Study are Wednesday at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall
4. August 16–HOMECOMING
5. October 11-14—FALL REVIVAL

Ponder the question from the old hymn—-WILL THERE BE ANY STARS IN MY CROWN?

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church 

Newsletter  July 12th

GREETINGS FROM BARBEE’S GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH

Recently, I was driving out to Barbee’s Grove. I passed several fields of nice looking, knee high corn.  An old memory flashed back. In a previous church, one of my members had a beautiful field of corn. It was one of the best I have ever seen. The stalks were just beginning to form ears. We were at a church social event. This farmer was bragging that a potential buyer had offered him hundreds of dollars for that crop. The buyer would pay now. The crop was his to harvest when the time came. The farmer could have the cash now and no longer be responsible for the crop. 

The farmer bragged that he turned down the potential buyer. He was going to make a bigger profit for himself. Something strange happened. From the day of that church social event, until harvest season, not another drop of rain fell. The corn stalks dried up in the field and produced no crop at all. The potential buyer “dodged a bullet”. He did not lose the money he would have paid weeks earlier. The farmer lost the crop, plus the cost of his seed and fertilizer.

There is a relevant passage of Scripture:
   …”Listen, those of you who are boasting, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to another city and spend some time and go into business and make heaps of profit’. But you don’t have a clue what tomorrow may bring. For your fleeting life is but a warm breath of air that is visible in the cold only for a moment and then vanishes. Instead, you should say, ‘Our tomorrows are in the Lord’s Hands and if He is willing, we will live life to its fullest and do this or that’. But here you boast in your ignorance, for to be presumptuous about what you will do tomorrow is evil.” [James 4:13-16 TPT]

How correct James is. Only the Lord knows our tomorrows. The wise person has Jesus as his Lord and Savior. We never know when we will step into eternity, so we should be prepared. The wise person will also consult the Lord when making every decision.
I doubt the Lord cares whether you have a tomato sandwich or a banana sandwich for lunch, but there are choices He wants to help you make.
   …Education beyond High School? Yes? No? Where? Course of Study?
   …What will be your career?
   …Dating choices. Are you dating a strong Christian?
   …Marriage Partner. Has the Lord brought you together?
   …Where will you live?
   …Where will you work?
   …Which church will you attend?
   …What type of ministry will you have in the church and outside the church?
   …How will you vote? Political stance?
   …How will you rear your children?
   …Spending/Giving/Investment practices?

When Jesus is truly Lord of a person’s life, then doing His will on a daily basis is of utmost importance. To think that we can run our life without the wisdom of Almighty God is the height of foolishness and pride. The happiest, the most secure, the most productive, the most pleasing to the Lord, people, are those who constantly and consistently seek to live in God’s will for their lives!!

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 12:30 pm
3. Prayer and Bible Study are Wednesday at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall

Lord, Thy will is all that matters

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church

Newsletter  July 5th

GREETINGS FROM BARBEE’S GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH

It is with sadness that we report the death of Mrs. Pat Burgess, a long-time member of Barbee’s Grove. We pray for God’s peace and comfort to rest upon her family and her many friends.
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It was a joy to see so many happy kids having a wonderful time at Vacation Bible School last week. Everywhere I looked I saw smiling kids having a good time and learning about Jesus. THANK YOU to the Directors, Teachers, Leaders, Helpers, Decorators, Food Preparers, and others who helped make VBS a wonderful experience. The Lord has taken note of your investment in the spiritual future of those children.
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My Grandpa and Granny Smith lived on the Northwest corner of their block. One road [with a steep hill] ran North and South. The intersecting road ran East and West.  The road bed was about 2 feet below the bank of dirt that marked the corner of the property. The dirt bank was topped by a row of hedges that was another 3 feet high. Traffic was virtually non-existent in those days. One day, I was out riding my little 20 inch bicycle. I came roaring down that hill intending to make a left hand turn onto the road that led to my house.

That is when the trouble began. I was 6 years old, still learning to ride a bike. The Training Wheels were firmly attached to the real wheel of the bike. They prevented my making that sharp turn at the speed I was traveling. In an instance, somehow, I found myself hanging in that hedge. The bike and I were trapped 4 or 5 feet off the ground. I could not free myself. I was stuck. Guess what? I did what any sensible 6 year old would do. I began yelling at the top of my lungs, “Granny”, Aunt Dorothy”, “Help”. I was desperate. Eventually, one of them heard me and came and set me and my bike free. I only had a few scratches to remind me to be more careful.

Is that not a perfect picture of mankind’s’ dilemma? Because of Adam’s sin, we are born with a sin nature. 
   …”All have sinned and come short of the glory of God”. Romans 3:23
   …YOU…were dead in trespasses and sins”. Ephesians 2:1
Even if our intentions are good and even if we try hard to behave, we are still trapped by our sin nature. The truth is—–we cannot free ourselves. The wonderful good news is that God wants to set us free. Like me in that hedge, we must admit our helplessness, Then we must cry out for help. I needed Granny. Every sinner needs Jesus. He will deliver us and set us free for all of eternity. He hears our cry and quickly comes to our aid. 

Have you cried out to Jesus for deliverance and salvation? If not, please allow the Holy Spirit to point you to Jesus today.
Perhaps, you are one of those who cried out to Jesus in the past. You were saved and enjoyed that salvation. But now, you are in a backslidden condition. Once again you are tangled up in sin. The same Jesus that saved you can free you now. Don’t allow the devil to keep you trapped, hanging in sin. You might be there for an eternity. Call out to Jesus today!!!
   …”If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness”. 1 John 1:9
   …”If the Son therefore shall make you free, you shall be free indeed”. John 8:36

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 12:30 pm
3. Prayer and Bible Study are Wednesday at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall

Thank God for the freedom Jesus gives
Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church

Newsletter  June 28th

GREETINGS FROM BARBEE’S GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH

Thanks to all who participated in the Work Days, at the church the last 2 Saturdays. Your efforts have been a blessing. Thanks also to the team who came to decorate the church for Vacation Bible School. Great job!!
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We extend our love and sympathy to Mrs. Karen Linker and family upon the death of her father, Mr. Stoney Ray Hatley. May the comfort and peace of Jesus surround you at this time.
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After I sent out the Newsletter last week on “Shrinkflation” in our Christian life, I began to think, “How many modern Church Members would question my thoughts? How many would think I was unfair? How many feel like people today have more to do than our ancestors?” Before you get on your soapbox and complain too loudly, answer the following questions. Everything I mention, I, my family, or our neighbors on the Mill Hill in Albemarle experienced during my early years. Rural folks had it even worse.

   …BEFORE BREAKFAST TODAY—-Did you go to the barn, milk the cow, strain the milk, and make butter with the cream? Did you stop by the Chicken House and gather the eggs? Was there a stop by the well to draw several buckets of water for the needs of the day? Did you put wood in the old woodstove and wait for it to heat enough to cook? Did you get out the flour, lard, and buttermilk and make a pan of biscuits? Did you slice country ham, fatback, or side meat for the morning meal?

AFTER BREAKFAST—–Did you wash the dishes, pack school and work lunches and walk a mile or more to work or school? After school or work, did you repeat many of the chores you did in the morning? Did it include shoveling out the stables and putting down fresh straw?

SUNDAY—— Was it a repeat of weekly mornings? Did someone go to the Chicken House and capture a chicken, then make the necessary preparations so that the family could have chicken for Sunday dinner? Did you put on your Sunday best and walk 30 minutes or more to the church of your choice?

WASH DAY—-Did you go to the well and draw many buckets of water to fill the large cast iron pots? Did you build a fire under those pots to heat the water? Did you skin your knuckles using a scrub board, hang those clothes on a line, take them down when they were dry, and iron them?

FOOD—–Did most of your food come from a garden you plowed with a horse or mule? Did you use a hoe to remove weeds? Did you pick your crop, eat some during the summer, and can the remainder for your winter meals?

I will stop, but I can think of so many other chores our ancestors had that most of us do not have today. I can’t help but wonder—–“If those Old Timers had been able to have what we have—-electric hot water heaters, indoor plumbing, electric or gas cook stoves. Dishwashers, washing machines, clothes dryers—-would they have gone to church even more than they did in their day”?

We are a busy people. That is so true. But how much of that activity is by choice and how much is mandated? We each can choose spiritual pursuits or we can choose worldly things, Sports, excessive trips, video games, scrolling on our phones, clubs, and so many  other choices scream to be chosen. Our choices show where our loyalties really lie. 

Jesus knew our day was coming. He warned us:
   …”Be ye therefore ready also for the Son of Man cometh in an hour when you think not.” Luke 12:40
Jesus encourages us with this challenge:
   …”And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we will reap, if we faint not”. Galatians 6:9

Every person, in every life, has 24/7. Work, sleep, family, take much of that time. What we choose to do with our other hours rest solely on our shoulders. How important is Jesus to you? What does your weekly schedule of activities reveal?

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 12:30 pm
3. Prayer and Bible Study are at 6:30 pm on Wednesday in the Fellowship Hall

Every generation faces its own challenge to put Jesus first or to put Him last!
Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church

Newsletter  June 21st

GREETINGS FROM BARBEE’S GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH

Most of you have seen  the word “Shrinkflation”. It is the corporate world’s attempt to fool customers and to raise prices in a subtle way. They hope the customer never notices. For those of you who are not aware of the term, or the practice, it goes like this:
   …You buy your usual box of cookies. The price is unchanged, however, when you get home and compare, you realize that your old box had 18 cookies. The new box only has 16 cookies. You are getting less for the same price.
   …Similarly, the new bottle of dishwashing liquid only has 15 ounces. The old bottle had 18 ounces.
Product after product has seen this pattern in recent years. Unsuspecting customers think they are paying for the same amount when actually they are getting less.

It is okay if you think I am “strange”, but lately I have been thinking of the “Shrinkflation” I have seen in American Christianity in the last 75 years. Many Christians think they are just as committed to Jesus Christ and His Church as were their grandparents. Is it true??? Consider:
   …75 years ago, many church members strived to have perfect attendance every year. Unless job requirements or major illness happened , 47 Sundays a year was considered faithful attendance. 2 Sundays for vacation, 2 for sickness, and 1 for a family reunion, were normal. Every other Sunday folks sat in their regular pew. Today, anyone who attends 25-30 Sundays a year is considered as a faithful member.
   …When I was a child, most churches had 2 Revivals each year. Both of those meetings lasted 2 weeks.  By the time I became a Pastor, Revivals were down to 1 week. Now we have 3 or 4 days, or 1 Sunday, or 4 Sundays in a row with different preachers.
   …Anyone besides me remember when churches set aside 3 other special weeks ? Early in the year was the January Bible Study. Spring brought the Home Mission Study. Late Fall saw churches have a Foreign Mission Study. When was the last time you heard of that happening?
   …What happened to Discipleship Training and weekly Sunday night services?
   …Remember Mission Friends, GAs, RAs, and Acteens? Remember the competition for the Junior Memory Work Tournament, the Intermediate Sword Drill, and the Youth Speakers Tournament? How many churches still have these?
   …When was the last time you heard of a church having Vacation Bible School for 3 hours a day for 2 weeks?
   …Any churches still prepare for their Revivals by having several nights of “Cottage Prayer Meetings” in the homes of church members?

Pardon an “Old Man’s” longing for the “Good Old Days”. But they really were the “Good Old Days”. Jesus, and His Church were much more the center of the life of most Christians back then, than they are today. As a result, the outcome of those years was far more productive and God-honoring.
   …Salvations were more numerous
   …Genuine tears of repentance and backsliders returning to the Lord often were seen at the altars
   …Church buildings were full at Sunday Services
   …In church after church, young men regularly responded to God’s call to serve  in the Gospel Ministry
   …The Church had a positive “Salt and Light” effect on the lifestyles, morals, and practices of the community. Today, the Church is often ignored, and is a frequent object of ridicule.

I submit that in the last 75 years, the Church in general has seen a major disastrous Shrinkflation. Less hours to hear God’s Word preached and taught [plus] Less hours developing young Christians [plus] Less hours of prayer [equals] a sadly declining Church. I could despair. That is what the devil wants. However, I cling to the promise of my Lord Jesus [Matthew 16:18] “Upon this rock I will build MY Church and the Gates of Hell will not prevail against it”.  I don’t know when the next great move of God is coming. But I do believe that before the Rapture of the Church, we will see Jesus glorified once again as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. I stand on His promise. 

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 12:30 pm
3. Prayer and Bible Study are Wednesday at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall
4. VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL—June 26,27

Today I ask myself the question—What is my level of commitment to my Lord?? What is your level?

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church

Newsletter  June 14th

GREETINGS FROM BARBEE’S GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH

When my Mom and Dad were first married, they lived with my Grandmother Lowder in her house on the Old Charlotte Road. I was born in that house. Before I was 2 years old, my Grandfather Smith gave them a plot of land on Monroe Street. Even though Dad was only about 18, he built them a house that is still in use. My brothers and I grew up in that house. As far back as I can remember, there was a huge “mudhole” beside the south end of the driveway. No matter what the weather was, the mudhole never disappeared. That mudhole was a trouble spot. A vehicle could get stuck. Playing around the edge was a wonderful way for 4 little boys to get really muddy. As I think of it now, I wonder, was it the site of a spring, or a “wet weather” spring?

At that time, Dad had a huge dump truck that he used for hauling things. I remember going with him to the train station, getting a load of coal, and taking it to Pfeiffer College. I remember a trip to a rock quarry near Concord. Can’t remember where we dumped that load of rock. When Dad got home, any left-over rock or dirt was dumped into that mudhole. Year-after-year, Dad dumped rock and dirt into that hole. It never completely disappeared. As a little boy who loved the old Tarzan movies, I wondered if the hole was quicksand and reached the center of the earth. We sold the house after Dad died and Mom entered a nursing facility, so I don’t know the present situation of the hole. Maybe by now enough has been dumped there for it to finally be filled.

The “mudhole” that would not be filled. Reminds me of an idea that has been around since the early days of Christianity. Augustine, one of the Early Church Fathers [AD 354-430], wrote, “God is the end of our desires”. He prayed, “You have made us for Yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You”.  There is a quotation that is attributed to Blaize Pascal [about 1670] that goes like this, “There is a God-shaped vacuum in the heart of every man which cannot be filled by any created thing, but only by God the Creator, made known in Jesus Christ”.

Throughout the ages of time, the devil has tried to convince people that they can fill that God-shaped hole in their hearts with something other than God. Men have tried alcohol, drugs, sex [normal and abnormal], violence, brutality, political power, fame, accumulating a fortune in money, travel to far-off exotic places, and even various religions—-including a version of Christianity that has people who are religious, but who have no saving relationship with Jesus. Nothing ever works. Many people have tried almost everything mentioned above. They still feel empty and unfulfilled. 

In a jigsaw puzzle, the last piece must be the correct one, or it will not fit. In the heart of man, only one thing will fit. And it is not a “thing”, it is a Person, the Lord Jesus Christ. When we truly know Jesus as our personal Lord and Savior, when we are totally surrendered to  Him, life is complete. The puzzle has the last perfect piece in place.

Listen to this beautiful invitation:
“Come unto Me all you who are burdened and heavy-ladened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon  you for I am meek and lowly in heart and you shall find rest for your souls. “. Matthew 11:28, 29 

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 12:30 pm
3. Prayer and Bible Study are Wednesday at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall
4. VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL—-June 26,27

A real relationship with Jesus—-the key to a satisfied heart

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church

Newsletter  June 7th

GREETINGS FROM BARBEE’S GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH

Our region of the USA has had many signs of drought in recent weeks. Rain has been scarce. “Burn Bans” were issued. Cities issued water usage restrictions. The creek that flows under the one-lane bridge on Booger Hollow Road is at the lowest level that I have seen it in my almost 9 years of driving to Barbee’s Grove. Last week, we did have some rain. It was helpful, but “spotty” This past Saturday was a perfect example. Ted Barbe’s Greenhouse is about 15 miles south of my house. I was at the Greenhouse at 10am. It was raining “bucketfuls”. Water began pooling up in low spots. It was still pouring when I left for home. Talked with my brother, Jim. He lives about 10 miles west of me. He said he had a good rain, but that it only lasted 20 minutes or so. Got to my house. I live near Lowes. Not a drop of rain had fallen and not a drop came all day. 

In my mind, the situation we face with a lack of physical rain, is the same as the one we face with spiritual rain. It has been decades since a real, powerful move of God, a genuine spiritual rain, has swept across our land. We hear of one church who has a small “shower”. 5 or 6 people are saved. Elsewhere, another church has several families join and they have their own “shower”. Meanwhile, other churches where the Pastor is just as faithful, and the members really strive to serve Jesus, experience no growth at all. Spiritual rain is as “spotty” as physical rain. It must have been such a time as this that caused the hymn writer to pen these words: 

Verse 3…”There shall be showers of blessing, Send them upon us, O Lord
                      Grant to us now a refreshing, Come and now honor Thy Word 
Verse 4…There shall be showers of blessing, OH, that today they might fall
                     Now as to God we’re confessing Now as on Jesus we call
Chorus      Showers of blessing, Showers of blessing we need
                      Mercy drops round us are falling, But for the showers we plead”.

Every drop of physical or spiritual “rain” is a “mercy drop” from the Lord. We thank Him and praise Him for those drops. But are we pleading, praying, preparing, and expecting a full blown shower in both categories? The Lord recently reminded me of Amos 4:7, 8. I am going to give a short, edited version. I suggest you get your Bibles and read all that Chapter. “I have withholden the rain from you…I caused it to rain upon one city and caused it not to rain upon another city…yet, have you not returned unto Me, saith the Lord”. I still contend that if we want to receive more than “mercy drops”, a group of genuine Christians will need to do some serious seeking of the Lord in repentance and a commitment to Godly living. How long will the drought last? Are our actions ending, or extending the drought?

God’s power to change the situation is amazing. When we lived those few years in Oklahoma, a similar drought came. The many lakes around Tulsa were seriously low. Scientists said that one lake was in a particularly bad situation. They said that because the creeks that fed that lake were so few and so small it would take 17 years of normal rainfall to refill that lake. Nothing is impossible with God. Two weeks later, every lake in the area was out of its banks and overflowing their dams. That included the lake that was supposed to take 17 years to refill.
DO YOU THINK GOD LAUGHS WHEN MERE MORTALS TELL HIM WHAT HE CANNOT DO? PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL RAIN CAN COME TO A REPENTANT NATION!

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

1. Sunday School is at 9:00 am
2. Morning Worship and Children’s Church are at 10:00 am. Also available at 10 in the parking lot on 99,1 FM and on the website after 12:30 pm
3. Prayer and Bible Study are at 6:30 pm on \Wednesday in the Fellowship Hall
4. VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL—-June 26 and 27 — Are you inviting kids to attend?

LET IT RAIN!!!!
Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church

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

Newsletter May 24th

GREETINGS FROM BARBEE’S GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH

In one of my churches, 3 or 4 families became enthused about white water rafting. One day they decided it would be great fun for a large group from the church to go. I was not particularly excited, but the group leader, one of my Deacons, said, “We don’t use paid Guides, but we will make sure there is an experienced rafter in every raft. A group of about 2 dozen headed to the mountains, Saturday morning, we were taken to the place where we started the journey down river. Rafting teams began to form by families and by friendships. Suddenly, I realized that my team was composed of myself, my wife, Pamela, our daughter, Sarah, and Sarah’s friend, Susan. The girls were about 11 or 12 at that time. I asked, “Where is my experienced rafter?” Some rafts had 2 or 3 experienced people. Did my Deacon ask one of them to join me? NO! He turned his promise into a lie. “Preacher, we are all comfortable with our teams. You are on your own. Good luck.”

In order to not get in each other’s way, the rafts launched at intervals. [Maybe 5 minutes apart]My raft was in the middle of the launch. Rain that summer had been sparse. River levels were low, but still enough water to raft. Maybe 500 yards down the river, my raft slid upon a table rock that was just inches below the water level. No amount of pushing, paddling, etc. could get us free. I got out of the raft, into chest deep water, but could not pull us free.

Pamela joined me in the river. However, her feet slipped as she touched the river bottom. Her entire body went under the part of the raft that was not stuck on the rock. Only her life jacket kept her face above water. She was panicking, struggling to get up. Couldn’t do it. Without our weight the raft floated. Couldn’t turn it loose and watch 2 little girls float away without an adult. Finally, I got the raft pulled to a place it would float with us in it, with my left arm I reached down, grabbed Pamela under her legs, and lifted her up and dumped her into the raft like she was a sack of potatoes. I climbed back into the raft. I was soaked up to my neck. Pamela was soaked, even the back of her head. She was cold, wet, frightened, and miserable. [Not a single raft came past us while all this transpired.] 

If Pamela could have gotten out of the raft and made it to the road, she would have walked back to our car!!!! Unfortunately, the river bank was covered in weeds, briars, poison oak and poison ivy. We had no choice but to finish the trip down the river.

There are things in life that you can try. If you don’t like them, you never have to do them again. Remember, in an earlier Newsletter I told the story of Pamela’s peach picking trip. Once was enough. As you can imagine from the story you have just read, Pamela only made one rafting trip. No way was she ever getting in a raft again!!!!

Last week, I wrote a Newsletter about a man who chose to go to Hell. My son-in-law, Brian, read that story and made this comment, “people need to realize that Hell is not a weekend trip and if you don’t like it, you don’t have to go again”. Indeed, folks don’t go to Hell, realize how awful it is, and then make a call to Heaven, “Jesus, I have changed my mind, I want to believe in You. Come get me and take me to Heaven”.

In Luke 16:19-31, Jesus tells the story that we call The Rich Man and Lazarus. That story teaches 2 truths.
   …Hell is permanent. Once a person reaches that awful place, there is no escape, there is no second chance.
   …Those in Hell are very much in favor of Christian missions. That Rich Man pleaded for someone to go tell his 5 brothers so that they would not join him in torment. If you are not a believer in Jesus, there are people in Hell who know you. They are praying that you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior and that you not join them in that place of eternal torment.
YOUR CHOICE!!!   PLEASE CHOOSE JESUS!!!!

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 12:30 pm
3. Prayer and Bible Study are Wednesday at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall
4. Vacation Bible School—June 26 and 27  –Plan to attend—-Volunteer to help

God loves YOU!! That is why Jesus came to die for YOU!!
Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church

Newsletter May 17th

GREETINGS FROM BARBEE’S GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH

From the surveys I have seen, and from the interviews I have heard, I have come to this conclusion——-Most of the people in the USA have these beliefs: 1] If there really is a Heaven, then 2]they are going to that Heaven when they die, even if they are not very  religious. Also, 3] most do not believe there is a Hell, or that they could possibly go there. Despite all the Bible teaches about a place of eternal torment [Hell, Lake of Fire, Luke 16:19-31, Revelation 20:11-15, and 21: 7-8], people doubt such a place exists. Scholars say that Jesus talked more about Hell than He did about Heaven.. The doubt continues. Many consign those teachings to the level of myth or fable.

Allow me to share with you the very true life story of a man I knew. This man and his wife did not believe. They hated Christianity and all it taught. The wife contracted a disease and was in the process of dying. The last words she spoke to her husband were, “I will see you in Hell.” His reply to her was, “I will meet you there”.

This couple had no children or close relatives. When the man reached the life stage where he needed help managing his affairs, a loving Christian couple from my church stepped in to help him. One of the couple [I have forgotten which] was like a third cousin to the man. When the man became more feeble, they moved him into their home. He refused to attend church with them. He rejected their witness about Jesus, He would leave the room if Billy Graham, or another Gospel preacher came on the TV. He would not allow the Pastor who preceded me, or myself to witness to him.

Eventually, he had to be moved into a Nursing Home and was at the point of dying. Those in the room with him said that he suddenly blurted out, “Please get up and open the window so the smoke can get out. The room is filling up with smoke and I can’t see or breathe.” His next words, “I am getting hot.” His last words were, “I feel like I am on fire”. Evidently, before he took his final breath on earth, Hell was reaching out, drawing him into his final resting place. It was a difficult funeral for me to preach. I could not preach hope, when all hope was gone.

We often hear this comment, “I don’t see how a Loving God could send anyone to Hell”. God’s love gave this man many chances to choose Heaven. Instead, he deliberately chose to go to Hell. It was his choice. God did not send him. He chose:
   …Every time he rejected the witness of his caregivers
   …Every time he refused to attend church
   …Every time he closed his ears to a TV Preacher
   …Every time he would not allow the other Pastor or myself to share Jesus with him
   …Every time he missed an opportunity to put his faith in Jesus

Hell is real. Those who go there, go, not because God sends them there, but because of the choices they make. What choice have you made? Anyone that you know have a need for you to tell them about Jesus?

THE BIBLE SAYS:
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only Begotten Son, the whosoever believeth in Him, might not perish, but would have everlasting life.” [John 3:16]
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” [Romans 10″9]
“For whosoever shall call upon the Name of the Lord shall be saved.” [Romans 10:13]

So simple—–Believe in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Confess with your mouth that those facts are true. Ask Jesus to become your Lord and Savior. You will escape Hell and go to Heaven. It is your eternal choice. Please choose wisely!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  12:30 pm
3. Prayer and Bible Study are Wednesday at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall
4. Boston Butt sale for missions, Order now—$45—Pick up May 23—Time to order is running out!

Please choose to join Jesus, and us, in Heaven
Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church

Newsletter May 10th

GREETINGS FROM BARBEE’S GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH

Newsletter May 3rd

GREETINGS FROM BARBEE’S GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH

We all know that during the last few years our world has been inundated with rising temperatures, devastating floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, severe droughts, and many other types of destruction. One group says that it is all caused by Global Warming. Depending upon the researcher, they blame it on burning fossil fuels, or even the gas passed by cows. We are warned that life on the earth will soon be unsustainable. Another group denies that there is Global Warming, but cannot explain why creation seems to be totally out of control. Do you think that perhaps both groups have it wrong?

From time-to-time, I contemplate a reason for our problems that I have not heard in years. First, let’s think of this:
   …Scientists say that the earth “pulsates”. If I remember correctly, it happens about every 29 seconds. No one can explain it, but it is almost like the earth has a “heartbeat”.
   …Romans 8:22 says, “For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain until now”, It is as if God’s creation  has “feelings” and can have sorrow over situations in our world.
   …Evidently rocks can hear and respond to world events, for Jesus said that if the people ceased their praise of Him, the rocks would cry out. {Luke 19:40]
   …The moment Jesus died on the cross it seems that the earth responded with a terrific, large rock shattering earthquake. [Matthew 27:50, 51]

Now let’s turn to Deuteronomy 28. After years of wandering in the wilderness, Israel is at last, preparing to enter the Promised Land. It is a land “Flowing with milk and honey”. God gives them a promised blessing followed by a prophetical warning. If Israel hearkens to the Voice of God and follows His commands, then God will cause them to be “raised high above all nations on the earth, blessed in the city, blessed in the countryside, their children, their crops, their livestock, their health, and will have victory over their enemies.” The list of blessings goes on and on. However, If Israel turns away from the Lord and disobeys Him, then they will be cursed in every area where they could have been blessed.  They would choose blessing or cursing.

I completely realize that not all of the Founding Fathers of our nation were Christian. However, many did come here to worship the Lord in freedom. Many of the documents and sentiments of our founding had the Bible as an inspiration. As a result, the Lord has blessed our nation. It pains me to admit it, but during my lifetime, the USA has become more secular and Godless. God’s Word and instructions are given less and less importance. Sin has become more open. Sin is celebrated as “normal” rather than bringing regret, shame, and repentance. 

Thus, I submit to you this question :Is our climate change with all its destruction due, not to Global Warming, but due to a broken-hearted creation, lamenting our abandonment of our Creator? Please give it some prayerful thought. If I am correct the answer is found in 2 Chronicles 7:14. A healed land comes when God’s people repent, turn from their sin, and pray. If we want the Lord to “heal our land” then maybe getting on our knees is the place to start. God promised to spare Sodom if there were 10 righteous people there. I believe that there are enough righteous people in the USA that when we get serious and get on our knees then healing will come.

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 12:30 pm
3. Prayer and Bible Study are on Wednesday at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall
4. $ 1205—-Final Total for the NC Baptist Children’s Homes Spring Food Drive
5. May 3—-Celebrating Leonard Harvell’s 80th Birthday
   5:00 pm—-The Towers in concert
   6:00 pm—-Food and fellowship
6. Boston Butt sale for missions—-$ 45—order now—pick up May 23

Please—–May we be the Believers who ask the Lord to heal our land
Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church

Newsletter April 26th

GREETINGS FROM BARBEE’S GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH

We extend our love and sympathy to Mrs. Donna Harvell and family upon the death of her Stepmother, Mrs. Montize Whitley. May the peace and comfort of the Lord surround your family during this time in your life.
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During the years of our ministry, Pamela and I lived in 3 church-owned Parsonages. One of these had a particularly annoying problem. The kitchen sink emptied through the usual S trap and then through the floor. Overhead, in the full basement, the pipe connected to a 12 foot long metal pipe. Because of a “last minute” design change, that 12 foot pipe was basically level. It did not drain properly. Soap suds and food residue quickly stopped the pipe. No amount of drain cleaner ever seemed to work.

Thus, about once a year, I called my Deacon “Handyman”. He came with his pipe wrench. We would disconnect the pipe and take it outside. We beat on it with hammers to break the clogs loose. We ran a heavy wire through the pipe. Then we flushed it out with the water hose. When the pipe was clear we would reinstall it. It was a disgusting yearly task. No amount of water in the sink would flow when the pipe was clogged.

Last week, I found myself praying the song I mentioned in a recent Newsletter:
   …”Lord, send the old time power, the Pentecostal power
        The floodgates of blessing on us throw open wide
       Lord send the old time power, the Pentecostal power
        That sinners be converted and Thy Name glorified”
I was praying, “Lord, our nation and our world are in a mess. Please send that Pentecostal power. We desperately need Him”. Suddenly, I felt like I heard the Lord say, “Ed, on the Day of Pentecost I sent all the Holy Spirit power you need. The problem is that He has very few clean pipes through which to work”.

I was reminded of that clogged pipe at the parsonage. Indeed, is this not our problem? Two things hinder the Holy Spirit and His ability to work powerfully in our lives. The first is UNBELIEF. Even Jesus had to deal with unbelief. Mark 6:5,6 says, “And He could there no mighty work….and He marveled because of their unbelief.” We have a generation of Christians who are saved. They know they received the Holy Spirit at salvation. They love to talk about the amazing miraculous things He did in Bible days. Now [They probably would not phrase it this way]
, the Holy Spirit is retired, comfortably resting in the recliner of their hearts. They don’t dare expect Him to stand up and do the “signs and wonders” He did in past ages.

The second element that clogs the flow of the Holy Spirit is OUR OPEN ACCEPTANCE AND TOLERANCE OF SIN. Isaiah 59:1, 2  states “Behold the Lord’s Hand is not shortened that it cannot save…..But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid His Face from you, that He will not hear”.
Can I list a few things I observe?
   …”Sipping Saints” who shame Jesus with their drunken behavior
   …Those who violate God’s plan for marriage purity
   …The multitudes of sexual molestations that churches have attempted to hide
   …Those who violate God’s Holy Day and God’s Holy Tithe
   …Those who violate God’s instruction to care for the widows, orphans, needy, and hurting [Matthew 25 and James 1:27]
   …Those who pervert Scripture in order to justify their sin
The list could go on and on.

Do you remember a quote I cited from THE SHANTUNG REVIVAL—–“It is easy to win the lost when Christ’s Spirit has clean channels through which to work”? I find myself praying. “Lord, clean out any junk that is clogging my life. I want to be a clean channel”. The Holy Spirit has come. God has done His part. How many clean vessels that He can use does He have available??????

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 12:30 pm
    3. Prayer and Bible Study are Wednesday at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall
    4. Continue your giving to the NC Baptist Children’s Homes Spring Food Drive
    5. May 3—Celebrating Leonard Harvell’s 80th birthday
 5 pm – The Towers Quartet
 6 pm – Food and Fellowship
    6. Boston Butt sale for missions—-$ 45- Order now—-Pick up on May 23

Lord, send a revival, and let it begin in me
Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church

Newsletter April 19th

GREETINGS FROM BARBEE’S GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH

We note with sadness the death of Mrs. Nell Jacumin. She was a faithful long time member of Barbee’s Grove. She will be missed. We extend our love and prayers to each member of her family. May precious memories fill your hearts. Kathy, Robert, and Will, may the Lord be very near to you.

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We also extend our prayers to the family of Mr. Buddy Lee, who passed away last week. May God’s peace be your peace. He was a brother-in law to Robert High.

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When our Son, Stephen, was in school at Appalachian State University, Boone, NC, he spent the Spring, Summer, and Fall seasons, working as a Guide with a white water rafting company. He enjoyed it. He was good at it. They rafted most of the major rivers on the East Coast. On one trip, Stephen’s raft was full of Girl Scouts. He was responsible for a group of 11, 12, 13, year old girls.

When they reached a certain place on the river, a snake fell out of a tree and landed in the middle of the raft. I hate snakes and wonder how I would have reacted. Jump out and let the girls and the snake fight it out?? Tell the girls to jump out with me and let the snake have the raft?? Beat a hole in the bottom of the raft with my paddle trying to kill the snake?? I am so glad that I was not the Guide that day.

Stephen has always been more calm, cool and collected, and “laid back”, than I am. He calmly slid his paddle under the snake, lifted it a few inches, and flipped it into the river. Crises and panic averted. No girls got bitten. Yea, Stephen.

In the Bible, the devil [Satan] is often depicted as a snake.

   …”And the serpent said unto the woman, ‘you shall not surely die'”. [Genesis 3:4]
   …”And the Dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the devil and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world”. [Revelation 12:9]

So let me ask you a very serious question. “How are you going to react when that snake drops into your raft?” Your raft is your life. It is not a question of IF he is coming. The devil will definitely drop in on you from time-to- time. Here are some ways he does it:

   …Asking you to doubt God’s Word or God’s goodness
   …Asking you to disobey God’s Word
   …Giving you a bad medical report
   …Giving you a financial problem
   …Giving you an opportunity to be immoral
   …Allowing someone to hurt you and telling you to never forgive them
   …Attempting to bring fear into your life

Will you be calm, cool and collected when he comes? Blessed are those who have Jesus in their raft [life] when that snake, the devil drops in. Because of Jesus, the Holy Spirit gives us the power to be overcomers and to walk in victory. The Holy Spirit will bring answers to our prayers [John 14:13, 14] be our Comforter [John 14:16-18], teach us all we need to know [John 14:26] and give us God’s peace {John 14:27]. Walk in the power of the Holy Spirit and you can “flip” that snake out into the river!!

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

1. Sunday School is at 9:00 am
2. Morning Worship and Children’s Church are at 10:00 am. Also available at 10  in the parking lot on 99.1 FM and on the website after 12:30 pm
3. Prayer and Bible Study are Wednesday at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall
4. $ 850—Latest total for NC Baptist Children’s Homes Spring Food Drive. Continue to give during April
5. Boston Butt sale for missions—$45-Order now—Pick up on May 23

Those early Disciples were blessed to have Jesus in the boat when the storms came. Make sure He is with you as well

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church

Newsletter April 12th

GREETINGS FROM BARBEE’S GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH

Thanks to all the men who gathered early and worked so diligently to provide us with the excellent Easter Breakfast. It was delicious! We appreciate you and your ministry to us.
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I think that most good parents have the hope that when they leave this world, they will be able to leave a gift for their children and grandchildren. It may be money, or property, or family heirlooms. It is a noble ambition, one to be admired. Sometimes sickness, or disease, or long Nursing Home stays, robs a person of what they planned to give. That is so sad.

This week I have been thinking of two other things we can leave our descendants. These are things that can never be taken by anyone.  They are solid, forever legacies. Are we leaving them?
The first is this: A GODLY HERITAGE—A GOOD NAME
   …”A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver or gold”. [Proverbs 22:1]
   …The Proverbs 31 woman is praised and honored by her husband and her children.
   …”The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him”. [Proverbs 20:7]

Some descendants live with shame. They try to hide the fact that their ancestors were crooks, drunks, evil, a drain on society. Others can speak of their ancestors with pride. They came from Godly folk, men and women who were a blessing to their generation. A Godly heritage will not be found in A LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT, but it will be a fantastic treasure to leave behind. Every day we live and every choice we make determines what we leave for our descendants.

The second gift you can leave behind is: YOUR PRAYERS
   …”Each of them had a harp and golden bowls brimming full of sweet fragrant incense—-which are the prayers of God’s holy lovers”. [Revelation 5:8 TPT]
   …”And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censor: and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with all the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel’s hand.” [Revelation 8:3,4]

Evidently, the prayers of God’s holy people are stored in golden vessels in Heaven. From time-to-time, they are poured out upon Heaven’ golden altar. Long after we are in Heaven, our prayers can bless our children, grandchildren, and even future generations.
   …Pray for their salvation
   …Pray for them to have a close walk with the Lord
   …Pray that they will know and do the will of God for their life
   …Pray that they will know and use their spiritual gifts in ministry
   …Pray that they will be filled with the Holy Spirit
   …Pray for them to have good health
   …Pray for them to have a Godly mate
   …Pray that their financial needs are met
   …Pray that they will have joy and peace in their walk with the Lord

What an awesome privilege the Lord has given us.  May we fill up Heaven’s Prayer Room with prayers for our family. When those future generations join you in Heaven they will thank you for your prayers!!!!!

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 12:30 pm
3. Prayer and Bible Study are at 6:30 pm on Wednesday in the Fellowship Hall
4. $1340—Final total for the Annie Armstrong Mission Offering
5. $ 200—-Beginning offering for the Baptist Children’s Homes Spring Food Drive—continue to give during April

Continue to celebrate Jesus—-HE IS ALIVE

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church

Newsletter April 5th

GREETINGS FROM BARBEE’S GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH

We have some awesome children and youth at Barbee’s Grove. We thank Hudson Snider for blessing us with his solo this past Sunday.
Thanks to all who made the Easter Egg Hunt for the children such a special event. We appreciate you.
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Today, let’s discuss weapons. I have never been in the military, so this first paragraph is based upon what I have read and upon what veterans have shared with me. I understand that many of our military men carried the M16 rifle during WW2. I also understand that the M16 was easy to jam. As a result, early in their training, each soldier was instructed on how to disassemble, clean his weapon, and reassemble it. In fact, he was supposed to be able to do it in the dark, by feel alone. A soldier without a working weapon was in great danger. Knowing his weapon and keeping it in working condition was vital.

Now, let’s turn to a different type of fighting. I grew up in the era of TV Westerns—-Gunsmoke, Bonanza, etc. Usually, a key scene in most episodes was the “Show Down”. “Bad Guy” faces the “Good Guy”. “Bad Guy” grabs for his pistol. “Good Guy” is always faster  and wins the duel. Being fast with your  weapon was imperative if you wanted to continue to live. 

We have one more weapon to discuss. In Ephesians 6 Paul lists parts of the Whole Armor of God. This Armor is available to all Christians. In v. 17 Paul mentions “…the Sword of the Spirit. Which is the Word of God”, Roman soldiers could carry several types of swords. The Greek word for “sword” in this verse describes the most deadly type of sword that was available.

Friends, Fellow Believers, do I need to remind you that we are engaged in spiritual warfare?
   …”Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness in this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” [Ephesians 6:11,12]
   …”The thief cometh but not for to kill, steal. and destroy.” [John10:10]
   …”Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” [ 1Peter 5:8]

Easter is good news. The devil was totally defeated on the cross and through the resurrection. Even though he still exists and attacks us, we need not fear him. Instead, we need to use our God-given weapon against him. That weapon is the deadly Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God. Now let’s put it all together.
   …The soldier needed skill in repairing and using his gun. The more of the Word od God we have in  our heart and the more we understand how to use that Word, the more powerful we will be.
   …As we learn to “Walk in the Spirit”, the Holy Spirit will quicken the appropriate Word to our minds and mouths at just the right moment. We become “fast on the draw” with God’s Word. Jesus quickly defeated the devil by His fast use of His Father’s Word. [Luke 4:1-13]
   …Remember to use God’s Word. It is a deadly weapon that your Heavenly Father has provided for you. The devil is not impressed with our bluster and bravado. However, he is helpless when God’s Word is used as a powerful weapon and is spoken with authority and faith. 
I encourage you to always have your weapon at hand. Use it quickly, powerfully, and wisely. You will walk in victory!!!!

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

1. EASTER SCHEDULE
   7:00 am Sunrise Service
   7:30 Breakfast
   8:30 Worship Service
2. Prayer and Bible Study is Wednesday at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall
3. $ 840- Latest total for Annie Armstrong Missions Offering- Easter is our last Sunday to give
4. April—-Give to the Baptist Children’s Homes Spring Food Drive [Food, paper products, cash]

Thank God the He did not leave us defenseless in the face of our evil enemy
Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church

Newsletter Mar 29th

GREETINGS FROM BARBEE’S GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH

We offer our love and sympathy to Mrs. Amy Linker Adams and family upon the death of her Father-in-law, Mr. Rinky Adams. May the Lord give you peace and comfort.
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Recently, the Lord reminded me of an experience I had about 50 years ago. It had not entered my mind in many years until the Lord brought it back to memory. Let me give you some background. The Lord called me to fulltime Christian ministry while I was in my teens. At first, I had no idea where that would lead—-Pastor, Missionary, or Teacher. As time passed, I began to have a dream:
   …Pamela and I would get married. She and I [and any kids we had] would live on a small 30-50 acre farm. There would be a large garden, fruit trees, and some cows.
   …On Sundays, I would do supply preaching and Interim pastorates at churches in the surrounding community.
   …My main ministry would be teaching Bible and perhaps Church History  at a small Christian College. I was thinking maybe Wingate or Pfeiffer.

Following that dream, I received a degree from UNC Chapel Hill and a Master of Divinity Degree form Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. I remained at Southeastern and earned a second degree, a Master of Theology. I don’t know about now, but 50 years ago I was told that the second degree would qualify me to teach on the college or seminary level.

The ink was barely dry on that  Master of Theology diploma when about bedtime one night I received a phone call. I did not recognize the voice. The man introduced himself as the President of a Baptist College in New Mexico. They were looking for a Professor of Old Testament studies. That was my specialty. They had heard of me and wanted to know if I was interested. ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVILY. YES! We spent the next half hour in a job interview. He told me all about the college and asked about my qualifications. My dream was coming true and I was thrilled!

Just about the time I was going to ask when I needed to be on campus, the man started laughing hysterically. It was all a PRANK, a HOAX, a SICK JOKE. The man who called was a local Pastor who knew of my dream and decided to make fun of me and get a big laugh at my expense. I had never talked with him on the phone. That is why I did not recognize his voice.

As you can guess, my first impulse was to get in my car, drive to his house and beat him into a pulp. Then I remembered. Physically, he was much bigger than me. Plus, I had seen him on the basketball court. He had a mean, ugly, nasty streak, that was totally out of place at a friendly Church League game. Besides, I was too hurt, disappointed, shamed, heartsick, and in mental and emotional pain to have the energy to fight. I never cried any physical tears, but I cried inside for a long time.

In many places the Bible tells us that God has His own plans for our lives, His plans are for us to be blessed. As I followed God’s plan for my life, I discovered that He had a different dream for me. I never lived on my own farm. I never owned a single cow. I never taught at a Christian College. I did marry Pamela—-Hallelujah, Praise the Lord.  We had two wonderful children, Stephen and Sarah. God called us to Pastor several wonderful churches. Our lives have become intertwined with so many special people. Births,  deaths, marriages, meal sharing, mission trips, praying and ministering in partnership—-so many precious memories. I am a blessed man to have so many longtime Christian friends and fellow servants of our Lord.

Friends, God may alter your path as you journey through life. Follow Him and you will be blessed. At times you may encounter hurtful people who impact your life. Forgive them [as I forgave my fellow Pastor]. Don’t allow the misdeeds of others to sour your relationship with Jesus. Keep your eyes upon Jesus and upon eternal goals, and you will walk in victory.

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

1. Sunday School is at 9:00 am
2. Morning Worship and Children’s Church are at 10:00 am. Also available at 10 on 99.1 FM in the parking lot and after 12:30 pm on the website.
3. Prayer and Bible Study are at 6:30 pm on Wednesday in the Fellowship Hall
4. $ 700—Latest total for the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering for Home Missions. Give through Easter
5. Easter Schedule
           No Wednesday Bible Study
           Thursday—6:30  pm—Maundy Thursday Service
           7:00 am—Easter Sunrise Service
           7:30–Breakfast
           8:30- Easter Worship Service
           Please attend and invite others to attend with you
6. April—-Spring Food Drive for the NC Baptist Children’s Homes
          You may give monetary donations any Sunday during April. Mark your envelope accordingly.
          Paper products and food must be at the church by April 19. Please check to make sure food is not out of date.

The Bible reminds us—-Others may mean to harm us , but our Lord can use it for good!
Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church

Newsletter Mar 22nd

GREETINGS FROM BARBEE’S GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH

We extend our love and sympathy to Mr. Aaron Triplett and family upon the death of his grandfather, Mr. Bobby Pyron. May the Lord give you comfort and peace during this difficult time.

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Over 60 years ago I learned that human love has its limits. Here is the story. Pamela and I had been dating a couple of years. She knew all about my regular excursions to the peach orchards. She was curious. Also, we were always looking for ways to spend more time together. So, she asked her parents if she could go with me one day. By then, they had decided that I was a nice guy and they said, “yes”.

3:00 am was our usual time to leave Albemarle. I picked up Pamela and she sat between Dad and me on the bench seat of that old truck. Dad was always teasing her about something. Between his teasing and her excitement of being with me, the trip to South Carolina was fun for her. We had breakfast at our usual Truck Stop in Cowpens, SC. Then it was on to the orchard in Inman, SC.

It was barely daylight when we got to our assigned spot to pick. [Let me insert this—-for a first-timer, Pamela did very well in speed and in quality of peaches she picked]. Here is where the story turns bad. Grass around some trees was knee high. Morning dew, plus dampness from an overnight rain, made for wet walking. Soon, our shoes, socks, feet, and jeans were soaked. Dew and rain drops clung to the leaves. Each time we grabbed a peach, we got a face full of water. It did not take long to be soaked from head-to-toe. Add in the perspiration from the work. The sun came up and turned on the heat. Those of us who were regulars were accustomed to it all. Pamela’s sensitive skin began to itch from the “peach fuzz”. Soon, my sweet, darling, Pamela, was one miserable, hurting, ball of “ITCH”.

We finished picking the load as fast as possible. Pamela was miserable the entire ride home. I got her to her house as quickly as possible. This time there was no lingering on  the porch for some last minute hugs, or “one more kiss”. She dashed into the house. I did not ask back then and now I wonder, “How many baths and how much lotion was necessary for her to quit itching?” In the years that followed, I often teased her about joining me on a peach picking trip. She would laugh and say , “Never again will I deliberately choose to make myself so miserable”.  Pamela loved me enough to stay married to me for 55 years. She did not love me enough to go back to the peach orchard!!!! And I loved her too much to force her to go.

Human love does have some limits. Easter is a reminder that God’s love is without limits. No matter who you are, no matter where you live, no matter what you have done, God loves YOU. Consider what the Bible says about that love:

   …”But God commendeth His love toward us, in that while we were sinners, Christ died for us”. [Romans 5:8]

   …”But [the Lord] is long suffering to us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance”. [ 2 Peter 3:9]

   …”the  cup which My Father hath given Me, shall I not drink it ?’ [John 18:11]

   …”the Book of the Lamb, slain from the foundation of the world”. [Revelation 13:8]

   …”But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and with His stripes we are healed”. [Isaiah 53:5]

Jesus, deliberately, voluntarily, fully aware of the pain, chose to die on that cross for you. His love has no limits. I pray that you have already asked Jesus to be your Lord and Savior. If not, please do so now. Your forgiveness, your sin debt, has already been PAID IN FULL. Don’t let what Jesus did for you be done in vain.

   …”God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but should have everlasting life”. [John 3:16]

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 12:30 pm

3. Prayer and Bible Study are at 6:30 pm on Wednesday in the Fellowship Hall

4. $ 410- latest total for  Annie Armstrong Easter Offering for Home Missions—You may continue to give

5. EASTER SCHEDULE
   April 2-6:30 pm-Maundy Thursday Service
   Easter—7:00 am—Sunrise Service
   7:30-Breakfast
   8:30-Worship Service

God’s Love for you is amazing!!!!!!!!!!!

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church

Newsletter Mar 15th

GREETINGS FROM BARBEE’S GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH

I feel impressed of the Lord to continue our discussion from last week—-our need for the Fire of God. What difference does the fire make? What are some evidences that the fire is present?
WHEN THE FIRE IS PRESENT THERE IS A BOLD PROCLAMATION OF THE WORD OF GOD 
,…Jeremiah [20:9] was discouraged and wanted to quit preaching. But he testified that God’s Word was “like a fire in his bones” and that he could not be silent.
…When the early disciples were hit by the Fire of God [Acts 2] , they did not sit in the Upper Room admiring their ability to speak in tongues. NO! NO! NO! They hit the streets telling the “good news of Jesus”. The Apostle Peter preached and 3000 were saved.
WHEN THE FIRE OF GOD IS PRESENT THERE IS HOLINESS
…Isaiah [6] saw the Lord. Isaiah recognized his sinfulness. An angel took a hot coal from the Heavenly altar and touched his lips to make him clean. Then, he was prepared to preach.
…Holiness was such a vital part of the Early Church that when Ananias and Sapphira lied to the Holy Spirit, they dropped dead on the spot. [Acts 5]
…Believers were serious about living holy lives. “Be ye holy, for I am holy, says the Lord” [1 Peter 1:16] 
WHEN THE FIRE OF GOD IS PRESENT THERE ARE MIRACLES
… Lame man healed [Acts 3]. Signs and wonders done by the Apostles {Acts 5:12]. Peter’s shadow brought healing [ Acts 5:15]. The New Testament is full of examples of the Fire of God bringing miracles to people.

In the 1920s and 1930s the Fire of God came to Southern Baptist Missionaries and native Chinese Christians. I was blessed to meet two of those missionaries, Martha Franks, and Bertha Smith. Another of those missionaries C.L. Culpepper, wrote a book about that move of God, THE SHANTUNG REVIVAL.  I wish I could give you the entire book, but it is out of print. The following are some citations from the book:
BOLD PROCLAMATION
   …People discovered and admitted that they had not been born again [p.19]
   …3000 saved in one year [p.28]
   … We have gone from 50 church members to 1000 Christians [p.34]
   …600 girls and 900 boys from the mission school accepted Jesus [p.43]
   …Pingtu… No longer a school, but a powerhouse , preparing bands of soul winners [p. 58]
   …It revived spiritually dead churches [p.62]

HOLINESS
   …It is easy to win the lost  when Christ’s Spirit has clean channels through which to work [p.55]
   …The Fire of the Holy Spirit was burning away everything but the purest and holiest of impulses [P.50]
   …God removed pride, envy, jealousy, and criticism, so that we embraced, laughed, and shared the love of Jesus [p.40]

MIRACLES
   … Mrs. Culpepper’s eyes were healed as a result of prayer and anointing with oil [p.12-14] 
   …A woman who was paralyzed for 28 years was healed [p.31]
   …A man who knew he was dying bought his coffin and grave clothes. When he was healed he sold the coffin and gave the money to build a church building. [p;64]

The Shantung Revival was so unusual that the Mission Board sent some one to check it out. The report was, “God is at work. Do not criticize” There was also the prayer that the revival would spread to the USA.

Is it possible to have the powerful Fire of God today? I personally know a family that is living in that Fire. Documented [not guesses or estimates] results for 2025—-over 360,000 accepted Jesus. Over 100,000 were baptized. More than 1000 new House Churches were planted in the nation where they have most of their ministry. Yes, powerful ministry is available when we, like the New Testament Christians live in the Fire of God.

WHAT NOW?
   …Some readers probably believe that the authentic Fire of God is no longer available. They will  scoff at those who do believe and will muddle along in their “ice box” faith until they die or until Jesus returns.
   …Others will get excited and say “Amen, Brother, I agree”. But their enthusiasm will soon wane and they will return to their lukewarmness.
   …I am praying that some will get such a hunger for the Fire of God in their personal lives and in their churches that they will not be satisfied until the are anointed with that Fire.

SING WITH ME
“Lord, send the old time power, the Pentecostal power
The floodgates of blessing on us throw open wide
Lord, send the old time power, the Pentecostal power
That sinners be converted and Thy Name glorified”

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 12:30 pm
3. Prayer and Bible Study are on Wednesday at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall
4. We are now in the process of giving our  Annie Armstrong Easter Offering for Home Missions
5. Easter schedule
   April 2—6:30 pm—-Maundy Thursday Service
   Easter—-7:00 am – Sunrise Service
                7:30 – Breakfast
                8:30 – Worship Service

Ice Box or Hot Fire—–Your choice

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church

Newsletter Mar 8th

GREETINGS FROM BARBEE’S GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH

Thank you, Baptist Men, for a good day at Barbee’s Grove.  Breakfast was awesome, as it usually is. The concert by the Towers Quartet was inspiring. We were blessed as Mr. Bobby   Williams gave his testimony and shared from his heart. Your ministry to the church and to the Lord is deeply appreciated.
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Recent extremely cold days reminded me of how glad I am to have central heating. Being able to go to one thermostat and regulate the temperature in every room is a blessing. It was not that way in my childhood. Our house was heated by a wood stove in the Living Room. That room was warm. The bedrooms usually felt colder than the inside of a refrigerator. Sometimes, at bedtime, Mom would give us a piece of flannel. We would warm it at the stove. Then came a quick dash to the bedroom. We would wrap that warm flannel around our feet in order to knock off some of the  chill from the cold sheets. Then, pile on so many quilts we had trouble turning over.

Mornings were a reverse of the process. Jump out of bed. Feet felt like they were freezing on the cold floor. Dash into the Living Room. Get as near to the stove as possible without getting burned. We craved the warmth. We were blessed to have a Dad that rose early and got the fire roaring.

Let’s use my childhood memory to make a spiritual application. In the Bible, “Fire”, is often used to indicate the power and presence of the Lord.
   …The destruction of Sodom  [Genesis 19:24]
   …The Burning Bush Moses saw [Exodus 3:2 ff]
   …The fire from Heaven that consumed Elijah’s sacrifice, wood, altar, and water [1 Kings 18: 10-38]
   …John the Baptist made this prophecy about Jesus, “…He that cometh after me is mightier than I…He shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit and Fire”. [Matthew 3:11]
   ,,,On the Day of Pentecost the Holy Spirit descended upon the followers of Jesus who were assembled in an upper room. “And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire and set upon each of them”. [Acts 2:3]
   …”Who maketh …His ministers a flame of fire”. [Hebrews 1:7]

Filled with the Fire of God, those early Christians radically changed their world. It was not their natural abilities, or their training that empowered them. It was the Fire of God that made them so effective. Where the Fire of God is, there is power. Now, let’s consider this sad prophecy from John Wesley: “My great fear is not that our great movement known as Methodist, will eventually cease to exist or one day die from the earth. My fear is that our people will become content to live without the fire, the power, the excitement, the supernatural element that makes us great”.

Today, so many churches in multiple Protestant Denominations are exactly what John Wesley feared. They are content to have church without the Fire, The Fire is dying in some churches and has completely died in others. NO FIRE EQUALS NO POWER OF GOD. Friends, the Bible teaches us “Quench not the Spirit”. [1 Thessalonians 5:19] The Greek words in that verse can be translated as “Don’t throw water and extinguish the Fire of God.

In my childhood, I wanted to spend as much time as possible near the fire my earthly father provided. As a child of God I want to live in the presence of the Fire of God that my Heavenly Father provides. What about you, and the church you attend? Is your heart, and your  church an ice box, or is the Fire of God alive and well. Are you stoking the fire, or throwing cold water?  Care to join me in singing”
“Set my soul afire Lord, set my soul afire
Millions grope in darkness, waiting for Thy Word
Set my soul afire, Lord, set my soul afire”.

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 12:30 pm
3. Prayer and Bible Study are Wednesday at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall
4. John Wesley quote is found on page 25 in A LIFE ABLAZE by Rick Renner

Don’t settle for freezing when God offers His Fire
Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church

Newsletter Mar 1st

GREETINGS FROM BARBEE’S GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH

Ladies, we thank you for the wonderful way you led us in the Baptist Women’s Day service. The sharing, the music, and the message by Mrs. Janice Hopkins, were all a blessing. We appreciate you and your ministry for the Lord and for Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church.
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This week, let’s go on to Chapter 3. You remember that a few weeks ago I wrote a Newsletter about the question so many elderly people ask, WHY IS THE LORD STILL LEAVING ME HERE? Of course, the answer is that God still has ministry for you to do. In that Newsletter I told of an older friend of mine. A medical issue had landed her in a Rehab Facility. That week she had been able to share her faith in Jesus with an older Student Nurse. The Nurse knew nothing about Jesus. Several weeks later I wrote another Newsletter about my friend. That week  she was able to share Jesus with 2 different staff members. They also knew nothing about Jesus. At least 1 of those staff members indicated that she invited Jesus into her life.

My friend’s ministry has continued. She won several appeals and was allowed to stay in Rehab longer than most people. At the last, the insurance company said, “No more”. As a result, my friend was transferred to the Long Term Care section of that facility. The staff member who was pushing my friend’s wheelchair to Long Term Care began to cry. She told my friend, “I am going to miss you. You are the only person in my entire life who has made me feel loved, treasured, and valuable”. Imagine, an adult who had been made to feel like “Trash” all her life. My friend came into her life and made her feel like a “Treasure”. When we allow Jesus to flow through us we become a blessing and brighten the lives of others.

In her new room, my friend had a roommate. The lady was a couple of years younger. But she was sad, depressed, “down in the dumps”. In about 2 days my friend had the roommate happy, sharing, and laughing. The Bible says “The joy of the Lord is my strength” [Nehemiah 8:10]. It is so good when the Jesus joy in us spills out onto others.

A day or two after my friend was transferred I called her. She was crocheting. I knew that in the past, she had bought the yarn and had made and given away over 100 Afghans. The day I called she had 2 more planned. [One was for the staff member who had cried]. Days later I called again. She was teaching 3 staff members how to crochet their own blankets. Here is where it gets interesting. One of those staff members asked, “Why are you doing this?” My friend replied, “Why wouldn’t I do it?. The staff member answered, “You are a white woman and we are black. We are not accustomed to being treated so nicely”. It was another chance for my friend to witness. She told them, “Jesus doesn’t see color. He loves us all the same”. A simple act of kindness and Jesus used my friend to bless ladies of a different race.

Fellow Believers, indeed the Bible teaches, [Galatians 3:28] “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond or free, there is neither male nor female: for you are all one in Christ Jesus”. As the children’s chorus goes, “Red and yellow, black and white. They are precious in His sight”.

My friend is still letting the Light of Jesus shine in her small corner of the world. I pray that I am doing the same. What about you?
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At the risk of offending someone, I feel strongly impressed by the Holy Spirit to share my personal, but Biblical based opinion. I really believe that if someone shows up at the Gate of Heaven and says to the Gatekeeper, “I have a reservation in the WHITES ONLY section of this beautiful city”, they will be sorely disappointed. I believe they will be told, “You are at the wrong Gate. Make a U-Turn and head in the opposite direction”. 
Revelation 7:9—-“After this I beheld, and lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people and tongues, stood before the Throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands”.

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 12:30 pm
3. Prayer and Bible Study are Wednesday at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall
4. March 1—Baptist Men’s Day See previously announced schedule
5. March 1—Called Church Conference—Building and Grounds Committee recommendations

Let others see Jesus in you!
Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church 

Newsletter Feb 22nd

GREETINGS FROM BARBEE’S GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH

I can imagine that recently you had the same experience I had. Daylight came. I looked out my windows and beautiful white snow covered everything—my lawn—flower beds—the roads around my house. The world looked pristine and pure. But I knew the truth. Under that pretty snow was a lot of “UGLY”. There were areas of my lawn that were bare, too rocky to grow grass. Dead flowers and dead tomato plants from last summer were also covered. I could see beauty, but I was well aware that underneath was a much uglier scene.

Is this not a wonderful picture of the born again believers’ relationship with Jesus, our Lord and Savior? We acknowledge the truth of Romans 3:23 “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God”. We look at our past and see accidental sin and deliberate sin. But there came a wonderful day when we came to Jesus. We confessed our sin. We asked Him to be our Lord and Savior. We were forgiven, cleansed, and made holy in the eyes of God. As a result, our hearts thrill at the awesome promise of Isaiah 1:18 ” Come now, let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool”.

From the moment we enter into a saving relationship with Jesus, God sees us as covered by the Blood of our Savior. The ugliness of our sin is hidden, washed away, and no longer held against us. Meditate upon these truths:
   …”According as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love” [Ephesians 1:4]
   …Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” [Romans 3:24]
   …”Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” [Romans 5:1]

Consider, also, these phrases from the hymn, I STAND AMAZED IN THE PRESENCE:
   …”And wonder how He could love me, a sinner, condemned, unclean”
   …”He had no tears for His own griefs, but sweat drops of blood for mine”
   …”He took my sins and my sorrows, and made them His very own”
   …”He bore the burden to Calvary and suffered and died alone”
   …”When with the ransomed in glory, His face I at last will see”
   …”it will be my joy through the ages to sing of His love for me”

The beautiful snow covered the “Ugly” in my yard. Praise the Lord, when the precious Blood of Jesus covers my sin, then that sin is covered for all eternity. Jesus does for us what we can never do for ourselves apart from Him. THANK YOU, JESUS, for shedding Your blood that covers and cleanses us from all sin.  AMEN

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

1. Sunday School is at 9:00 am
2. Morning Worship and Children’s Church are at 10:00 am. Also available at 10 in the parking lot on 99.1 FM and on the website after 12:30 pm
3. Prayer and Bible Study are on Wednesday at 6:30 pm in  the Fellowship Hall
4. February 22—Baptist Women’s Day
5. March 1—Baptist Men’s Day—-Same schedule as previously announced
6. THANK YOU for the wonderful meal, fellowship, and gifts that made our Widows/widowers lunch so special

Are you a Believer? If so, your sins are covered. God sees you as righteous because of Jesus
Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church

Newsletter Feb 15th

GREETINGS FROM BARBEE’S GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH

Many years ago, I read a book by Dr. Gary Chapman. Title of the book was “The Five Languages of Love”. He wrote that there are 5 ways human beings express their love for one another. Because our personalities are different, one person may enjoy and feel most loved by one expression of love while another person prefers something different. After I read the book, I could easily rate myself. Two ranked at the top. The other three only made me feel loved under certain circumstances. Also, I quickly realized how Pamela felt most loved. From that moment, until her death, I tried to do those things she appreciated the most. 

If you have not read the book, here are those 5 love languages. Rate them in your own life. Think about your family and friends. Which languages bless you and /or them, the most?
   …WORDS OF AFFIRMATION—Expressing love through words of affection, praise, commendation, etc.
   …ACTS OF SERVICE—- Helpful actions. Helping with something they appreciate
   …RECEIVING GIFTS—-Some people feel most loved when they receive a thoughtful gift
   …QUALITY TIME—-Giving someone your undivided attention while doing things they enjoy-conversation, hobbies, games, etc.
   …PHYSICAL TOUCH— Appropriate physical touch-hugs, holding hands, etc.

I was thinking of that book recently when the thought hit me, “God has His own love languages”. Anyone can say. “I love You, Lord” but there are ways we express that love that shows our sincerity. What are they?
   …OBEDIENCE—-“If you love Me, keep My commandments”. [John 14:15]
   …INTENTIONALLY BLESSING OTHER BELIEVERS—-“Simon, son of Jonas, do you love Me? Yes, Lord, You know I love You. Feed My lambs, feed My sheep”. [John 21:15-17] Caring, loving, edifying other Believers, especially those new to the faith, is an excellent way to make our Lord feel loved.
   …PRAISE, WORSHIP, THANKSGIVING— “But Thou art holy, O Thou that inhabits the praises of Israel”. [Psalm 22:3] Of course this love language is meaningless if we neglect the first two. Jesus Himself was critical of those who “Draw nigh unto Me with their mouth and honoreth Me with their lips: but whose heart is far from Me”, [Matthew 15:8]

Let us deliberately choose to be loving to those around us and especially to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

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 12:30 pm
3. Prayer and Bible Study are Wednesday at 6:30 in the Fellowship Hall
4. Widows/widowers Luncheon—February 15 after the Morning Worship Service
5. February 22—Baptist Women’s Day
6. March 1—Baptist Men’s Day — Same schedule as previously announced

As the chorus says, “The world will know we are Christians by our love”.
Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church

Newsletter Feb 8th

GREETINGS FROM BARBEE’S GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH

Two Sundays in a row with no Church. We are praying that week we will be back to normal. Baptist Men’s Day will be rescheduled. This Sunday we will be back to our normal format.
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Snow covers my lawn at the moment, but I remember that soon after the first of the year, we had several days of really warm weather. In fact, one farmer expressed to me his concern. He said that some fruit trees were starting to bud. He knew that if it continued, the next cold snap would kill the possibility of fruit this summer. During that time, my front yard had a flower bed filled with beautiful yellow buttercup flowers. Pamela planted those bulbs many years ago. Once again they were doing what God created them to do. They were adding beauty to the Winter season and telling us that Spring was coming.

Cold weather came. They still bloomed. That first snow and sleet fell. The flowers were beautiful against that white blanket. Only after they had lived their normal life cycle did they begin to droop and fade away.

Several years ago, BLOOM WHERE YOU ARE PLANTED, was a popular phrase. It became the subject of sermons, Bible studies, books, and Christian Retreats. It is a wonderful concept. Those flowers did not choose that plant bed. My wife chose to plant them there. So, that is where they bloomed. You and I have no choice about many things early in life. You did not choose—-your parents—-your community—-your extended family—-your elementary school—-and many other things. God allowed each of us to be born into our particular environment. As Believers in Jesus, we can choose to bloom [show forth Jesus] wherever we are planted.

As I meditated on this concept, and as I looked at my buttercups, I realized that there was a second concept that was also important. We can BLOOM EVEN IN UNFAVORABLE CONDITIONS. The weather turned cold. Sleet and snow fell. The flowers continued to bloom, showing forth the beauty God created within them.

Our conditions in life vary. Your family may be loving, or unloving, or even toxic. Your neighborhood may be friendly, caring, or dangerous. Your place of employment may be your dream job, or a nightmare. You get the picture. No matter the situation, because of the Holy Spirit power that is in you as a Believer, you can continue to bloom. You can show forth the grace, power, and love of Jesus. In fact, the worse the conditions, the more brightly you can shine for Jesus.

Be challenged by the words of Jesus “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] Your Lord will be pleased and honored when you continue to bloom in your spot, no matter what the conditions are.

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

1. Sunday School is at 9:00 am
2. Morning Worship and Children’s Church are at 10:00 am. Also available at 10 on 99.1 FM and on the website after 12:30 pm.
3. Prayer and Bible Study are at 6:30 pm on Wednesday

May Jesus shine through you and me!!

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church

Newsletter Feb 1st

GREETINGS FROM BARBEE’S GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH

Frigid temperatures plus dangerous roads equal no church services. We really did miss those smiles, handshakes, and hugs that we share as we worship together. Praying for better weather next weekend. Baptist Men’s Day will be observed on the same schedule as was planned for this past Sunday. Looking forward to seeing YOU.
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Let me tweak your thoughts this week. Are there two types of salvation?  Does that question start the wheels in your mind to begin spinning? Let’s think about it for a moment.

In a true sense, if we are saved, then we are saved. Anyone who believes that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior, that He was crucified for our sin, that He rose from the dead, and who confesses those truths with his mouth is truly saved. [Romans 10:9] They have salvation and are assured of Heaven. That reality is true and will always be true.

However, I have been meditating upon Psalm 51:12 where David prayed, “Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation”.[KJV] I really like the way the Complete Jewish Bible states it, “Restore my joy in Your salvation”. At that moment David had salvation, but it was a salvation without joy. Why? He had sinned and was out of fellowship with his Lord. But David was confessing his sin, turning to his Lord, asking for a return to a salvation with joy.

Is it possible to have a salvation WITH joy, or to have a salvation WITHOUT joy? One reason for a salvation without joy is that we have become careless with sin. As a result, we don’t enjoy church services, reading our Bibles, prayer, or spending time with “on Fire” Christians. Over the years, I have met Christians who were saved, but whose sin made them miserable. As 1 John 1:9 tells us, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness”. Once our fellowship with the Lord is restored, the joy returns.

A second reason for a lack of joy is Busyness.  A married couple can be “head over heels in love”. Yet, as the years pass, they get busy with careers, rearing children, and personal pursuits. One day they realize, “I don’t know my mate any more”. Sadly, many choose divorce at this point. A wiser couple will opt for quality time together in order to reignite that love they once had. In the same way, Christians can get so busy that they neglect their walk with God. They wake up one day and realize the joy they once had is missing. The wise Christian will immediately opt for quality time with the Lord so that the joy can be restored.

Christians without joy are ineffective in their personal lives and in their service for the Lord. When the joy returns, the power returns. Nehemiah 8:10 puts it this way, “The joy of the Lord is my strength”. Psalm 51 says [13] “I will teach transgressors Thy ways”, “Sinners shall be converted”, [14] My tongue shall sing aloud of Thy righteousness”, [15] “My mouth shall show forth Thy praise”.

“JOY” salvation is a powerful salvation. That is my personal preference. What about you? Is your JOY bucket full?

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 12:30 pm
3. Prayer and Bible Study are on Wednesday at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall
4. February 1—BAPTIST MEN’S DAY—Men’s Breakfast at 8:00 am. Mr. Bobby Williams will speak at the Breakfast and at the Morning Worship Service
5. February 15—-Widows/Widowers Luncheon after the Morning Worship Service
6. February 22—-BAPTIST WOMEN’S DAY

Rejoice in the Lord always
Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church

Newsletter Jan 25th

GREETINGS FROM BARBEE’S GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH

Do you remember that a few weeks ago I wrote a Newsletter about a question many older people ask. WHY IS THE LORD STILL LEAVING ME HERE? I mentioned a dear friend who was in a Rehab Facility. God had allowed her the privilege of talking to a Student Nurse about the nurse’s need to have Jesus as her Lord and Savior.

God continues to use my friend. This week a Rehab Staff member came to the room and said, “You have won your appeal and get to stay for another week. I don’t understand. Most people get 1 or 2 appeals and then have to leave. You have won 5 or 6 appeals. How do you do it? My friend told her, “I am on the Lord’s side and He looks after me”. The Staff member replied, “I never heard of such a thing. What do you mean about being on the Lord’s side?” My friend said, “I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior when I was 9 years old and He has looked after me ever since.” Again, the Staff member said, “I never heard of anything like that. How do you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior?” My friend was more than happy to do her best to explain how a person becomes a Christian. The Staff member left the room, but later came back and said, “I’m on the Lord’s side now”. My friend showed her a Bible and talked about the next steps to take.

Later in the week, another Staff member came to the room and said, “It makes my day to come see you. You are always so happy. How do you do it?” Again, the answer was, “It is because I have Jesus as my Lord and Savior”. This second Staff member said, I never heard of such a thing, what do you mean?” My friend had another opportunity to share her faith in Jesus.

I am thrilled that my friend continues to have opportunities to share her faith while in that Rehab Facility. I am also saddened and a little puzzled. There are over 60 Baptist Churches in that County [not to mention the Christian Churches of other denominations]. How could someone live there and not know about Jesus, their need for salvation, and how to become a Believer?  Another memory pops up—-Several years ago, in that same County, a group was out visiting, inviting kids to Vacation Bible School. At one house, the kids did not know the Name of Jesus. Had never heard about Him. Yet, from their front porch, the tall steeple of the First Baptist Church could be seen.

Sometimes, I think that the Christians in the USA believe that all the citizens of our nation can be divided into 3 groups
   ,,,Church members who serve the Lord regularly and faithfully
   …Former church members who know about Jesus. They once served the Lord but now, because of deliberate choice or slow backsliding , no longer serve
   …People who know about Jesus, but who choose not to follow Him

Unfortunately, [ we may deny it] there is a fourth group. These are people who are as ignorant about Jesus as any native living in the jungles of South America. Friends, if we truly love Jesus, we will be asking the Lord to allow us to harvest in fields 2,3 and 4.

By now, I can imagine that the devil is regretting his attack on my friend’s body. His attack caused her to be in that Rehab Facility. Since she arrived, she has been faithful to lift up Jesus and the devil hates it.  Jesus told His followers to “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel”. [Matthew 28:18-20] My friend has a “world” that is limited. She sees family and friends who come to visit, Staff Members and Therapists. If she can share Jesus in her small “world”, what can we who are “up and out and about” do to spread the good news of Jesus in our much larger world?

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 12:30 pm
3. Prayer and Bible Study are Wednesday at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall
4. $ 1075,05—Pregnancy Resource Center  Offering—AWESOME–THANK YOU
5. January 25—BAPTIST MEN’S DAY—Men’s Breakfast at 8 am. Mr. Bobby Williams will speak  at Breakfast and at the Morning Worship Service
6. February 15—Widow/Widowers Luncheon after the Morning Worship Service
7. February 22—BAPTIST WOMEN’S DAY

LET’S GO HARVESTING!!!
Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church 

Newsletter Jan 18th

GREETINGS FROM BARBEE’S GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH

There is a song that has blessed me many times for over 60 years. Recently, it fit with a sermon I planned to preach. I asked Leonard to sing it. He was accompanied by Brenda and they did their usual wonderful ministry of blessing us with that song.  The title of the song is “The Love Of God’. Every line is a blessing, but the ones I remember so often are:
“The love of God is greater far
Than tongue or pen can ever tell
It goes beyond the highest star
And reaches to the lowest Hell”

God’s love is so amazing:
   …An astronaut can get saved on the International Space Station, or after landing on the moon
   …A person can be saved in the most miserable slum, or the vilest prison
   …God’s Creation is awesome. He created many marvelous things to delight our eyes—-mountains, oceans, sunrises and sunsets, flowers of many colors and varieties. He created a vast array of fruits and vegetables and other foods to satisfy our taste buds
   …God did us the honor of creating us in His own special image [Genesis 1:26]
   …God’s love is from the beginning of time. Jesus is the “Lamb slain from the foundation of the world”. [1Peter 1:19, 20—2Timothy 1:9—Ephesians 1:4]
   …God’s love is a keeping love. “No one shall take us out of the Hand of the Father or the Son” [John 10:28-30]
   …God’s love is a forgiving love. “If we confess our sin He is faithful and just to forgive our sin and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” [1 John 1:9] 
   …God’s love is a sacrificial love. Jesus died on the cross to take away our sin and to restore us to fellowship with the Heavenly Father [John 10:10-John1:12-John 3:16]
   …God’s love is forever. “I have loved you with an everlasting love” [Jeremiah 31:3]

God offers that love to you and to me. “He that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out”. [John 6:37] God greatly desires to pour out His love into you and over you and for you to experience that love for all of eternity.
God’s love is available. God’s love is offered. My prayer is that every person reading these words is living in God’s love. If not, please give serious consideration to receiving that love today.
“The love of God is greater far, than tongue or pen can ever tell
It goes beyond the highest star, and reaches to the lowest Hell
The guilty pair bowed down with care, God gave His Son to win
His erring child He reconciled, and pardoned from his sin

Could we with ink the ocean fill, and were the skies of parchment made
Were every stalk on earth a quill, and every man a scribe by trade
To write the love of God above, would drain the ocean dry
Nor could the scroll contain the whole, though stretched from sky to sky

Oh love of God so rich and pure, how measureless and strong
It shall forever more endure, the saints and angels song”

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

1. Sunday School  is at 9:00 am
2. Morning Worship and Children’s Church are at 10:00 am. Also available at 10  the parking lot on 99.1 FM and on the website after 12:30 pm
3. Prayer and Bible Study are Wednesday at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall
4. January 18—Special offering for our local Pregnancy Resource Center
5. January 25—-Baptist Men’s Day—Breakfast before Sunday School-Guest Speaker—Mr. Bobby Williams

Simply stated—God loves YOU!
Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church 

Newsletter Jan 11th

GREETINGS FROM BARBEE’S GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH

Thank you so much for the many ways you blessed me during this Christmas Season. The beautiful cards, the “well wishes”. The gifts, and the very generous Christmas Love Offering, are all deeply appreciated. I feel totally loved by you. My Church Family.
***********
One night this week I was wide awake at 3:00 am. I found myself reminiscing about ministry opportunities Pamela and I had over the years. But before I talk about us, I want to talk about Jesus. Here are a few examples from His ministry:

As we read our New Testaments, we learn that often Jesus deliberately chose His ministry opportunities. 
   …Jesus chose to go home with Jairus and minister to the daughter who was dying [Mark 5:22-43]
   …Jesus chose to go home with Zacchaeus [Luke 19:1-10
   …Jesus chose to visit Mary and Martha after their brother Lazarus died [John 11:1-45]

But Jesus ministered to many people that He encountered daily as He walked down the road:
   …A leper who ran up and said “You can heal me if You want to do so” [Mark 1:40-45]
   …A funeral procession for the Widow of Nain’s son [Luke 7:11-15]
   …A woman who had an issue of blood who reached out and touched Him as He walked past her [Mark 5: 24-34]
   …Blind Bartimaeus, a beggar, who cried out, “Jesus, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me” [Mark 10:46-52]

It was this type of “As we Go” ministry that the Lord brought to my memory so early that morning. Pamela had a love for Jesus and a boldness in sharing her faith  that far surpassed mine. We would encounter someone, she would quickly begin the conversation, and I would join in when appropriate. The following are some of the witnessing opportunities the Lord brought to my memory:
   …The Nurse from Oregon we met at an airport in Honduras and sat with on the flight back to the USA
   …The young man we met on a city bus in Phoenix. He had just been released from prison. He said he had become a Christian in prison. We gave him a Bible which he needed and encouraged him to grow in the Lord
   …The lady who was putting out the breakfast food at a motel in Waynesville, NC
   …The lady who was putting out breakfast food at a motel in Montana. We had several days to share with her and mailed Christian materials to her after we got home
   …The nice next door neighbor lady who sometimes watched our kids. Her cancer was discovered too late to be treated, and she died at a very young age. But, Pamela made sure that when she left this world so quickly, she went to Heaven.

There are many others, but you get the idea. I have my memories. Many of you have similar memories. You remember those times when “out of the blue” the Holy Spirit used you as a witness for Jesus. As we enter 2026, I pray for myself, and I pray for you, that we will be like our Lord and Savior Jesus. May we listen to the Holy Spirit and take those times when we “deliberately choose” to go and share. May we also ask the Spirit to create in us a sensitivity, a listening heart, so that chance encounters become opportunities to witness, encourage, and bless, in the Name of Jesus. LET EACH OF US SEE HOW MANY PEOPLE THE LORD CAN USE US TO BLESS IN 2026.

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 12:30 pm
3. Prayer and Bible Study are Wednesday at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall

What a joy it will be in Heaven to meet those we have touched for Jesus

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church

Newsletter Jan 4th

GREETINGS FROM BARBEE’S GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH

It has been many years, but I still remember one unhappy event from my wedding day. I knew that our Honeymoon trip involved driving several hundred miles. As a result, I had new tires placed on my car. Everything seemed fine as I drove the few blocks from the tire store to my house and then to the church. Our wedding vows were finished about 7:30 pm on a Friday night. Pamela and I jumped into my car and headed to her parents’ house. She was going to change into some traveling clothes, grab her suitcases, so we could head out on our trip.

Suddenly, my car was almost undriveable. It bounced and jerked all over the road. I had trouble keeping it under control. My first thought was that the folks at the tire store had not balanced my new tires. My second thought was that something had broken in the suspension system. I was close to tears. I knew I would not be getting any repairs done that late on Friday night in Albemarle. The thought of spending my wedding night in the house with my new In-laws was embarrassing.  Besides, I knew that if I did not leave town, my Dad would expect me to show up the next morning at the Curb Market ready to go to work. 

Shortly after we finally made it to Pamela’s house, some guys from our wedding showed up. They were doubled over laughing at the prank they had pulled. They had filled my hubcaps with rocks. Every tire was out of balance, Frankly, I FAILED TO SEE THE HUMOR IN THE SITUATION! I did not use any un-Preacher-like words. But. I threatened them with “great bodily harm” if they did not fix their mess. They realized I meant it. The prospect of a hospital visit did not appeal to them, so they undid their prank. Pamela and I had smooth driving on our trip.

As we come to the close of 2025 and approach the beginning of 2026, have any rocks gotten into the “hubcaps” of your life? Life will always have “potholes” and some rough broken pavement. But life always runs smoother when we deal with the things we can control.
   …Have you allowed sinful ideas or actions to creep into your life? The devil tells you it is “okay” but you know the Lord is not pleased.
   …Have you been faithful with your tithing and your extra giving to Godly ministries?
   …Have you been faithful, or careless, with your weekly attendance at a place of worship?
   …Is the Lord pleased with the way you have used your talents and spiritual gifts?
   …Have you experienced areas of hurt, and now you hold anger, unforgiveness, and thoughts of revenge in your heart?

As we clear away those “rocks” in our lives, we find peace with God and peace with others. Let’s begin 2026 having done all we can do personally to have a year of smooth driving [living].
I am praying two prayers from Psalms.
   …”Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me and know my thoughts, and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting”. [139:23, 24]
   …”Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight O Lord, my strength and my redeemer”. [19:14]

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 12:30 pm
3. Prayer and Bible Study are Wednesday at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall
4. $ 1470—Final total for the Lottie Moon Offering for Foreign Missions

Smooth driving in 2026

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church