When I was growing up I was taught that God created the world in six days and on the seventh day He rested. Sometimes this thought would come to my little boy mind—maybe on the eighth day God woke up and was bored. So He decided to do some more creating. Therefore, on the eighth day God created American and Efird, Wiscassett, and all the other textile mills in Albemarle. As a six year old it seemed that those mills had been in existence since Creation. I would hear 16 year olds say, “I don’t need any more education. I am quitting school and joining my Dad, Granddad, and Great Granddad in the mill. [Moms and Grandmoms also worked there]. One of the jokesters in my high school class wrote this—“When you come into Albemarle from the West you pass the cotton mills. When you go out to the East you pass Fairview Cemetery. Cotton mill to cemetery pretty much describes life in Albemarle”.

We all believed those mills would still be in operation when Jesus came to Rapture His Church.  70 years later there is almost no textile work in Albemarle. Hard to imagine isn’t it? Some of those buildings have been torn down. Some have been repurposed, and some sit vacant. We blink our eyes. A few years pass. Life changes drastically. Textile mills close. Kmart ceases to exist. And, I never thought I would see the time when I would not receive the Sears Christmas catalog. OH, the hours I spent thumbing through that Sears “Wishbook”, dreaming of owning all those wonderful toys. Alas, those days are gone forever.

There is much uncertainty in life. Things we thought would always be with us no longer exist. Therefore, A wise, thinking person will take that fact to heart and will build his/her life upon things that are permanent. What are some of those permanent things?
   …”Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My [Jesus] word will not pass away.” Matthew 24:35
   …”For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life”. John 3:16
   …”Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever”. Hebrews 13:8

Scientific theories, medical treatments, social insights, and so many other parts of our lives are constantly changing. New discoveries make textbooks obsolete almost as soon as they come off the press. The three verses above are representative of many found in God’s Word. They remind us:
   …Jesus never changes. He loves us, then, now, and always
   …Salvation and eternal life in Heaven is only possible through a personal relationship with Jesus
   …What God says in the Bible, His Word, is true now and will always be true
100 years from now, when you are in eternity, will you have built your life upon Jesus, the One sure and solid foundation? Where you will be in 100 years [Heaven or Hell] will be determined by your answer to that question.

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

1. Sunday School is at 9:00 am
2. Morning Worship and Children’s Church is 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. Thursday-APRIL 17-6:30 PM  Maundy Thursday service–No Wednesday Bible Study
4. $ 975–Latest total for Annie Armstrong Home Missions Offering–2 more Sundays to give your mission gift
5. April 27–Quarterly Church Conference
6. EASTER–6:40 AM  Sunrise Service
   7:00 AM Breakfast for everyone
   8:00 AM Easter Service–Celebrating the Resurrection

The cotton mills are gone, but Jesus is still on His Throne

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church

Let’s continue to think in the same direction we discussed last week. There’s a little chorus that our church kids often sing. The first two lines are:

“He’s still working on me
To make me what I ought to be”.

It teaches the children that God is at work in their lives on a daily basis. However, we adults also need to embrace those words for ourselves. Each time I hear that chorus sung, I am reminded of the Apostle Paul’s beautiful promise as he wrote the Philippians [1:6 – TPT] I pray with great faith for you, because I am fully convinced that the One who began this glorious work in you will continue the process of maturing you and will put His finishing touches to it until the unveiling of our Lord Jesus Christ”. 

What a comforting thought that is. God begins to work in our lives when we are saved. He will continue that work in our lives until we enter Heaven or until we experience the Rapture of living Believers. I think of my own life. Mom, Godly Sunday School teachers, and my Pastor were used of the Lord to make me aware that I needed to be saved. About a month after my 9th birthday I walked to the front of the church and announced that I was publicly declaring my desire to follow Jesus. At age 9 how much Bible did I know? How much did I understand about living the Christian life? The answer to both questions is, “I did not know very much”.

However, the Lord began to patiently teach me. Bible reading, Christian books, 100s of sermons, Sunday School lessons, youth group meetings, personal conversations, and quiet times with the Lord, all contributed to my spiritual growth. I imagine that almost everyone reading this Newsletter can say the same thing. You look back over the years of your life and see God’s Hand leading you to grow. You, too, proclaim, “He’s still working on me”.

The verse in Philippians encourages me in another way. When I “mess up”, “blow it”, the devil says to me, “Ed, you are a hypocrite, you need to hide your head in shame and quit pretending to be a Christian. I could follow the devil’s advice, but I have a better thought. I tell the devil, “Yes, I ‘blew it’, but my Lord is still working on me. That place where I ‘blew it’ is a rough spot where the Lord is still using His Holy sandpaper to smooth out the rough edges.”

No one stuck his foot in his mouth more than the Apostle Peter. He even denied that he knew Jesus. Did Jesus give up on Peter and throw him into the trash heap? NO! Some of the last words Jesus said to Peter were, “Peter, do you love Me? Feed My sheep”.[John 22:15] Be encouraged by John 10:27, 28: “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me: And I give unto them eternal life and they  shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand”.

It is not always pleasant when the Lord begins to “sand” upon one of our rough spots. But rejoice that “He is still working on you”, making you beautiful and precious for eternity.

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

1. Sunday School is at 9:00 am
2. Morning Worship and Children’s Church is 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 is Wednesday at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall
4. $ 735–New total for Annie Armstrong Home Mission Offering
5. April 6—5:00-7:00 pm–Children and Youth meet
   5:00 pm–Adult Prayer Time
   5:30- Adult Church Training
6. Thursday, April 17–6;30 pm–Maundy   Thursday celebration of the Lord’s Supper
7. EASTER SCHEDULE
   6:40 am–Sunrise Service
   7:00 Breakfast for everyone
   8:00 Easter Service— Please invite others to attend

Let’s be thankful God doesn’t give up on us,

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church

One of the features of every church where I have been the Pastor, is the piano. It may have been an upright, or a Baby Grand, but there was always a piano. From time-to-time, over the years I would hear a conversation between my Pianist and my Music Director that would go something like this, “The piano is out of tune. Certain notes are off”. [You will remember from a much earlier Newsletter that an Elementary school teacher labeled me as “Tone Deaf”. So, unless the piano was really, really out of tune, I never noticed.”] You have my permission to laugh!.

The piano could get out of tune for a number of reasons—age, how often it was played, how vigorously it was played, or conditions in the building [heat, cold, or dampness]. No matter the reason, there needed to be an adjustment if the piano was to play the beautiful music it was designed to produce. As a result of the problem, every few months a Piano Tuner, a professional tuner, would come to the church. He would meticulously adjust every note until every key played perfectly.

I believe that every truly born again child of God has a sincere desire to please their Lord. They desire that their life be “in tune” and producing beautiful music for the Lord. By “music” I mean that we want every moment, every day, every action, everything in our lifestyle to honor our Lord. However, sometimes we get “out of tune”. One or more of our daily practices no longer measure up to the wishes of the Lord. Many times it happens and we don’t even realize it. Perhaps we are busy caring for a new baby, or a sick loved one. Sometimes there is stress on the job. It could be friction with a family member. Health issues or financial difficulties are also possible causes.

If we notice that we are “out of tune” in some area of our life, or even if we are not aware of anything specific, it is wise to have a spiritual adjustment from time-to-time.  Take time to get alone with God. A quiet spot, your Bible, and the Holy Spirit are all you need. Allow the Lord to make any needed adjustment in thought, word, or deed. A good place to start is to pray the prayer the Psalmist prayed [139:23, 24] “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”. David’s prayer in Psalm 51:10 is also relevant: “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me”. Remember also the beautiful promise of Jesus, [John 16:13] “When He, the Spirit of Truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth….”.

I have been a follower of Jesus for over 70 years. Yet, I still need for the Lord to continually spiritually “adjust” my life and to keep me in tune with Him. Only then can I produce the harmonious spiritual “music” that pleases my Lord. Are you “in tune” today?

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

1. Sunday School is at 9:00 am
2. Morning Worship and Children’s Church is 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 is Wednesday at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall
4. $ 615–latest total for our Annie Armstrong Home Missions Offering. Continue to give until Easter.
5. Saturday, April 5–10-12 am–EASTER EGG HUNT FOR THE CHILDREN
6. March 30—5:00-7:00 pm–Children and Youth meet
   5:00 pm–Adult Prayer Time
   5:30- Adult Church Training
7. Thursday, April 17–6;30 pm–Maundy  Thursday celebration of the Lord’s Supper
8. EASTER SCHEDULE
   6:40 am–Sunrise Service
   7:00 Breakfast for everyone
   8:00 Easter Service— Please invite others to attend

Let’s stay “in tune” with Jesus

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church

Think of the things we value highly today in America. First, we value education. Schools, colleges, and universities are everywhere. Many people accumulate great debt in order to have that diploma. We also value medical knowledge. Millions are spent on research, technology, and doctor visits. Money is also high on the list. So many are striving for financial gain. Also, it is evident from the number of potions, lotions, and medical procedures that are on the market that we value youthful looks and beauty.

Now let your mind travel back to the land of Egypt 3500 years ago. There were two classes of people living there. First, were the Egyptians. They had medical and engineering knowledge that even today we do not understand [embalming techniques and how they built those massive pyramids] are two examples. Egypt was also a land of great wealth. A second group lived in Egypt 3500 years ago. They were the Israelites. Those people were slaves. They had no money. Their bodies were ravaged by cruel treatment and long hours of toiling in the hot sun. It was not a pleasant existence.

However, there came a fateful night that changed the course of history. Throughout the land, in every Egyptian home, there came a mournful, sorrowful cry of despair. The firstborn child in every home was dead. No amount of money or medical knowledge could change that pitiful reality. Meanwhile, there was not a single death in any Israelite home. In spite of poverty and slave status, they were spared. What made the difference? The Israelites had followed the instructions given to them by God. Innocent lambs were slain and the blood was placed on the lintel and door posts of each house. Death skipped every house that was protected by the blood.

That piece of history is both “good news” and “bad news”. Everything depends upon a choice we make. 2000 years ago, Jesus, the Son of God, was crucified on a cross outside of Jerusalem. He is the Lamb of God. His blood was shed for you and me. His blood is the atonement for our sin. Someday, every one of us will pass into eternity. We will stand before the Creator of the universe. We will give an account of our lives. Wealth, education, or looks, will not matter. All that will matter in that moment is this, “Are we covered by the Blood of Jesus”? It will be “good news” for those who have professed Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior. It will be “bad news” for those not covered by the Blood of Jesus.

The Egyptians had much to brag about all those years ago. However, they did not have the most needed thing, the blood. The Israelites had little, but they had what was most important. Today, are you covered by the Blood of Jesus? Please make sure you are prepared for eternity. It will be here quicker than you think.

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

1. Sunday School is at 9:00 am
2. Morning Worship and Children’s Church is 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 is Wednesday at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall
4. $ 395– latest total for the Annie Armstrong Mission Offering. Continue to give as the Lord leads
5. EASTER SCHEDULE
   6:40 am–Sunrise Service
   7:00 am—Breakfast
   8:00 am–Easter Service
   Please invite others to attend with you.

An old hymn truth–“What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the Blood of Jesus”

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church

This week, I want to share with all of you a thought I shared in a recent sermon. Let’s begin with these questions:
   …Do you, personally, believe in a real, literal Hell?
   …Do you believe the torment in Hell is horrendous?
   …Do you believe that Hell is eternal [forever and ever]?
   …Do you believe that those who reject Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior go to Hell?
I think that most of you who are reading this Newsletter would answer “Yes” to those questions. But do we really, really, believe that truth?

I love watching football. High School, college, or pro, I like it all. Maybe it was just the particular games I watched this past year, but I seemed to see a certain play several times. The Quarterback hands the ball to the Runningback. Blocking is good. A few of those on defense grab at the Runningback as he bursts through the line. They miss, and he runs untouched to the endzone. Another play goes like this: the man with the ball is at the 5 yard line, struggling to score. Someone on defense has him around the legs, striving with all his might to prevent that man from crossing into the endzone.

Okay Pastor, what does football have to do with Hell? I see a parallel. As a man who has been a Christian for over 70 years and who has been in the ministry for over 60 years, I see a very troubling picture. It seems to me, that these days, far too many of our family, friends, and neighbors, are sprinting basically untouched, straight to Hell. So many Christians appear to have no burden for the unsaved. Years ago, I was often approached by someone asking me to pray for a specific unbeliever. I was asked to accompany them as we went to a home to share Jesus. Prayer requests were made,  by name,  for the lost as we met in our services. Most of that seldom happens today. So sad!!!

What has happened to our agonizing prayer for the unsaved? From the time I was born again as an 8 year old, until my Dad was saved over 40 years later, I felt like I was that man on defense. I was holding on to Dad’s legs spiritually, praying for his salvation. “Lord, please save my Daddy. Lord, Please don’t let the Rapture come until Dad is saved”. I witnessed when I could. I could not stand the thought of my Daddy spending an eternity in Hell. [I am sure that my Mom and others had their prayer arms around Dad’s legs as well]. It took over 40 years, but at last our prayers were answered. Daddy accepted Jesus. Praise the Lord.

Friends, if we really believe Hell is real, how can we watch folks sprint almost untouched spiritually on their dash into that horrible eternity? In Ezekial 33:7-9 God calls us to be “watchmen” on the wall, warning people of the danger that is coming. God holds us responsible for whether or not we warn those who may be destroyed. We cannot be saved for them, but we can tell them how to be saved. Remember, also, the main instruction of Jesus, “Go and make disciples”. [Matthew 28:18-20

How many unbelievers do you have around the legs spiritually, trying to prevent their descent into Hell?

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

1. Sunday School is at 9:00 am
2. Morning Worship and Children’s Church is 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 is Wednesday at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall
4. $ 1114.04–Our gift to our local Pregnancy Resource Center. THANK YOU for this fantastic offering of love
5. $ 325–Our beginning gift for the Annie Armstrong Offering for mission work in the USA. Let’s add to that amount in the next few weeks

WATCHMEN —Shout out the warning–Tell the good news–JESUS SAVES all who will believe

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church

We extend our love and sympathy to Anna, Angela, and Ri’lynn Frick upon the death of their Grandmother, Mrs. Betty Howell. May the presence of the Lord be with you to give you comfort and peace during this difficult time.
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Someone asked me recently about Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church. I replied that I was honored to be the Pastor of a church where the members genuinely loved and cared for one another. I experience it in the hugs, quiet conversations, and words of encouragement you share with each other when we meet together. I see people, who often have a “plate full” of their own needs, yet who make the time to minister to others. I watch as some of you ignore your own frailties in order to be a blessing to others. THANK YOU

Then, I think of two ladies in other places in North Carolina. Janie and Ann are both in their mid-80s. Both have health issues. But they have not stopped. They are not sitting in their rockers, complaining. Instead, they are busy cooking and canning food to give to others. Daily, these sweet ladies are a blessing and an encouragement to others.

Now, let me return to an old memory. My Dad loved to cook, and he was a fantastic cook. Even after he became feeble and often fell, he did not quit. He would sit at the Kitchen table to prepare the meal. Then, he would perch on a stool at the stove to cook the meal. During this time in his life, Pamela had some serious surgery. The day I brought her home from the hospital Dad cooked her a meal and brought it to the Parsonage at Prospect Baptist Church. That day, Dad was so feeble that he literally had to get down on his hands and knees and crawl up the steps to our house. For the remainder of her life Pamela would get tears in her eyes as she remembered that day. She was touched deeply, that my Dad, her Father-in law, loved her enough to cook for her and to crawl up the steps to visit her. 

Folks, do you realize what I have been describing? It is genuine Christianity. Consider these words:
   …”This is My commandment, that you love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friend.” [John 15:12, 13]
   …”Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father, is this, To visit the fatherless and the widows in their affliction….”.[James 1:27]   
   … “Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought to love one another “. [1 John 4:11]
   …”Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God: and everyone that loveth is born of God and knoweth God”. [1 John 4:7]

Genuine Christianity begins as we receive God’s love through a personal, born again, relationship with Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior. The result of receiving God’s love is sharing God’s love with others. As we share God’s love, others are blessed and our Lord is pleased. AMEN

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

1. Sunday School is at 9:00 am
2. Morning Worship and Children’s Church is 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 is Wednesday at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall
4. We are now giving our Annie Armstrong Offering for mission work in the USA
5. March 9—5:00 pm  — Children and youth meet
   5:00 pm – Adult Prayer Time
   5:30 pm – Adult Church Training

May we be like Jesus—-Always ready to minister to others

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church

We extend our love and sympathy to Mrs. Betty Davis and family upon the death of her son, Scott. May the Lord’s presence comfort you during this most difficult time. 
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Many of you seem to enjoy it when I write about Heidi, my little white furry, doggie. Indeed, the Lord has used her often to remind me of spiritual realities. May I share once again this week? When we first got Heidi, she was shy. She would run around the room, but if Pamela or I wanted to pet her, we had to reach down and pick her up. As things progressed, Heidi would jump up and sit beside us. Then, she became comfortable climbing into our laps.

The last few weeks, Heidi seems to have graduated to a whole new level of love. If I am resting on the couch or in my recliner, Heidi jumps on me. But she doesn’t stop on my lap. Instead, she moves to my chest. Sometimes, she plops on my chest, places her nose just inches from mine, and stares intently at me. Other times, she sprawls across my chest and places her head up against my face. Then, there are times she places her body under my chin and rests her head on my chest, right over my heart. In every way, I think Heidi is saying, “Daddy, I want to be as close to you as I can possibly get. I enjoy being near to you”.

The other day, as Heidi lay with her head on my heart, the Lord reminded me of this old hymn:
VERSES
“There is a place of quiet rest, Near to the heart of God
A place where sin cannot molest, Near to the heart of God

There is a place of comfort sweet, Near to the heart of God
A place where we our Savior meet, Near to the heart of God

There is a place of full release, Near to the heart of God
A place where all is joy and peace, Near to the heart of God
CHORUS
O Jesus, blest Redeemer, sent from the heart of God
Hold us who wait before Thee, Near to the heart of God”.

Think of the precious invitation of Jesus, “Come unto Me, all ye who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest”. [Matthew 11:28] There is a place of comfort, peace, joy, rest, and blessing, when we draw near to the heart of God. Doesn’t the fact that you are a Christian make you want to “jump for joy”? Heidi finds her peace as she gets as close to my heart as a little doggie can get. The same truth applies to us spiritually. The nearer we are to the loving heart of our Lord, the greater is our peace and joy. James 4:8 reminds us, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you”.  Your Lord is waiting with open arms to welcome you!! 

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

1. Sunday School is at 9:00 am
2. Morning Worship and Children’s Church is 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 is Wednesday at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall
4. March—Time to give our Annie Armstrong Offering for Home Missions
5. March 2–5:00 pm–Youth and Children meet
   5:00 pm–Adult Prayer Time
   5:00 pm–Adult Church Training

As another song says, may we pray, “Draw me nearer Lord, to thy precious bleeding side”

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church

Last Sunday, we were blessed as the Ladies of Barbee’s Grove led our service. The music was beautiful. The message by Mrs. Rozena Tucker was heartwarming. Thanks to all of you who participated. Our church is honored to have you in our fellowship.
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You will realize that I have had “quite a few birthdays”, when I tell you that when I first became a Pastor, I had church members who lived in homes that had no electricity. When it grew dark, they went to bed, or lit a candle or lantern. Usually, they lit a kerosene lantern. Even today, some of us keep a lantern on hand —just in case—there is a prolonged power outage. I remember that Pamela and I bought our own lanterns soon after we were married. [If someone reading this has no idea what a kerosene lantern looks like, get some older friend to show you the one they have]

The base of the lantern was a reservoir that held kerosene. There was a wick that went down into the oil, then up through a device that allowed you to adjust the light. All was contained within a glass globe that enabled the fire to be contained. After the wick was lit, it could be adjusted to give the most light to the room. Properly adjusted, a lantern gave a warm glow to the room. Light came when there was oil in the reservoir, the wick touched the oil, fire touched the top of the wick, and all was properly adjusted. All four were needed to provide the maximum light.

Jesus said to His followers, “You are the light of the world”. [Matthew 5:14] In a sense, we are God’s lanterns in a world that is increasingly being darkened by sin. You and I are the wicks that need to be lit with the fire of God to show the light of Jesus. If we are to give proper light, exhibiting Jesus to the world, we must have:
   …Oil—In the Bible, oil is often used to represent the Holy Spirit. Some folks have trouble giving forth the light of Jesus because they believe “The Days of Oil have ceased”. Others believe, but like the foolish virgins of Matthew 25:1-13 they don’t spend enough time with the Lord to keep their oil supplies replenished. Only those with a reservoir full of Holy Spirit oil are prepared to give light.
   …The fire of God to touch us to become lit with God’s presence. There is an old song that goes: “Set my soul afire Lord, Set my soul afire”. When that is our prayer of surrender, the Lord will do what we ask.
   …Proper adjustment—A lantern can, barely give light, become smoky and fog up the glass globe, or it can be adjusted to give a beautiful glow. When we are totally surrendered to the Lord and open to His correction and direction, He will adjust us. He will show us attitude changes, habit changes, word changes, lifestyle changes, etc. that will enable to shine the brightest for Jesus.

Let us commit to a life full of the Holy Spirit, on fire for Jesus, and always ready for the Lord to make any needed changes in our life. Then Jesus will shine brightly through us.

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

1. Sunday School is at 9:00 am
2. Morning Worship and Children’s Church is 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 is Wednesday at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall

Keep shining brightly

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church

Long before Big Oak Curb Market days, my Dad did sawmilling for a living. Those were the days when a sawmill was set up in a tract of timber and was moved to another tract when all the trees were cut on the first site. Trees were cut down and Dad used a horse and a mule to drag them to the sawmill. Ned, the horse, was a beautiful palomino. He reminded me of the horse Roy Rogers rode. Dad stabled the horse and mule on a place he rented. It was on the east side of Long Creek, near Highway 73. When the day’s work was done, the animals walked a couple hundred yards downhill to drink from Long Creek. Even though I was only 5 or 6 years old at the time, if I was there, I rode Ned to the creek. He was such a gentle giant that I never had a saddle or bridle. I just held on to his mane.

Ned had one quirk. He would not go get a drink if the mule did not go. One memorable evening, I rode Ned to the creek. The mule was right alongside of us. Ned was standing in shallow water, drinking his fill, when suddenly he lifted his head and realized that the mule was no longer with him. The mule had headed on back to the barn. Ned panicked. He whirled around and headed toward the barn as fast as he could run. I was desperately holding on to his mane, yelling, “Whoa Ned, whoa, Ned”. Ned acted like we were in the homestretch of the Kentucky Derby and I was yelling, “Go, Ned, Go, Ned”. Fortunately, I was able to hold on and Ned calmed down just as soon as he was reunited with his mule buddy. 

In Luke 15:11-32, Jesus tells the story of a young man who suddenly looked around and realized that he was all alone, standing in a pig pen, totally separated from his father and those who loved him. Realizing his aloneness, the young man headed for home. Jesus does not tell us if the young man walked slowly, reluctantly, at a normal pace, or ran. Jesus does tell us that when the father saw the young man coming, the father ran to him, gave him a hug, a kiss, and restored the family relationship.

The story Jesus told is so encouraging. It reminds us that no matter where we are, or no matter the time, when we wake up and realize that we are absent from the presence of our Loving Heavenly Father, He always welcomes us home. The quicker we repent, and the faster we confess our sins, and ask for a restored relationship with God, the faster it happens. When we head to the Lord, He will run to meet us.
   …”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]  
   … “And ye shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye shall search for Me with all your heart”. [Jeremiah 29:13]

Ned, never wanted to be separated from his buddy, the mule. May we be so in love with Jesus that we never want any separation from Him. And if we discover that some separation has occurred, may we head back to Jesus at a dead run.

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

1. Sunday School is at 9:00 am
2. Morning Worship and Children’s Church is 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 is Wednesday at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall
4. February 16—Baptist Women’s Day events

Let us stay near to Jesus

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church

Baptist Men’s Day was a special blessing. Thanks to all the cooks who arrived early and prepared the delicious breakfast. We also appreciate the good messages from Justin Keplinger. It is wonderful to see a young man grow up in a church and still be living for the Lord many years later. Dad and Mom, Jeff and Lori, and all of you Barbee’s Grove members who poured yourself into Justin’s life those years ago will not lose your Heavenly rewards.

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I have mentioned in earlier Newsletters about how much I enjoy visiting Ted Barbee’s Greenhouse. One thing I have noticed is this—–there is almost always someone watering the plants, especially on the hottest days. After all, it doesn’t matter how many seeds are placed in those little soil pods, if they are not watered they do not sprout and grow. After they sprout, it takes repeated watering to keep them growing. Without water they shrivel and die. With proper soil, water, and light, each seed becomes the plant the Lord designed it to be.

The scene at the Greenhouse depicts a spiritual principle that we need to apply to our lives. In 1 Corinthians 3:6 Paul writes, “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase”. Paul came to Corinth preaching the life, death, resurrection of Jesus and the filling of the Holy Spirit. Paul planted the seeds of salvation and spiritual growth.  Apollos came and watered those seeds by preaching the same message. As a result, God used the planting and the watering to build a great church.

It has been many years but I still remember how shocked and saddened I was as a young Pastor when a Middle-aged Deacon came to me one Sunday morning and said, “From now on, I won’t be coming to church as often as I have been coming. I already know all I need to know”. He ceased spiritual watering. From that moment, his spiritual walk with God began to shrivel.

Do we desire to be men and women of great faith? Do we want a powerful walk with God? We don’t get it by “wishing”, “hoping”, or “even by asking for it in prayer”. Romans 10:17 states, “So then faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God”. Simply put, you build faith by planting the Word of God in your heart, and by continuing to water that Word by hearing it over and over and over and over. The more we hear it, the more we grow.

Recently I was reading a book by a well-known Evangelist. He recounted that he was watching an old DVD of a Bible Teacher. He said that the Bible Teacher made a profound statement and the Evangelist said to himself, “I never heard that before”. He grabbed a pen and paper to write it down before he forgot. About that time, the DVD cameraman scanned over the crowd. The Evangelist said he was shocked to see himself on the DVD. He was sitting in the front row. Years before, a seed had been planted. Since it had never been watered, it never grew in this man’s understanding. 

Friends, we must never get complacent and think we “Know it all” spiritually. Our Lord has so much to teach us in order to build our faith and to enable us to live the victorious, abundant life. Planting and watering in the Greenhouse makes for healthy flower and vegetable plants. Planting and watering with the Word of God creates healthy, vibrant, growing Christians. It is our choice to think we “Know it all” or to continue to water our faith by using every opportunity to hear God’s Word.

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

1. Sunday School is at 9:00 am
2. Morning Worship and Children’s Church is 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 is Wednesday at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall
4. February 9–Called Church Conference–Nominating Committee report
5. Baby bottle gifts for Pregnancy Resource Center collected
6. February 16–Baptist Women’s Day
7. February 9–5:00 pm–Children and Youth meet
   5:00 Adult Prayer Time
   5:30 Adult Church Training

Happy watering

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church

Now that we have a new Administration in the White House we will see a number of headlines that go something like this, “Such and such person has been named the United States Ambassador to such and such Nation”. These Ambassadors represent our country. They have no right to speak for themselves. Their sole purpose is to make known the plans, purposes, and wishes of the USA to that other nation. However, when you think about it, every American who travels to another nation is a representative of the USA. Their actions can cause those who live in the other nations to think of Americans as “good, kind, loving people”, or to think of us as “arrogant, pompous, jerks”. What is said and done is a witness.

Many, many, years ago, at West Albemarle Baptist Church, I was a member of a mission group that Baptist churches had for boys. We were called, Royal Ambassadors, [RAs]. One of the major Bible verses we were taught was 2 Corinthians 5:20, “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ….”.At an early age we were being taught that as Christians we represented Jesus to our world. Could school mates, play mates, family members, neighbors, see Jesus in us?

My friends, if you are a Christian, you are an Ambassador for Christ. You represent Him to the world where you live. Some Christians are good Ambassadors, some “not so good”. We get to choose. There is an interesting insight in Acts 8; 4, “Therefore they that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word.” The background is this. Stephen had been stoned. Saul was attempting to destroy this new Christianity. As a result, many Believers fled from Jerusalem and headed to other parts of the world. Notice:
   … These folks had only been followers of Jesus for a short period of time
   …They had not been to Bible School or seminary
   … They were not shy or scared to share Jesus
   …They had no right to make up their own message. They were to tell of Jesus and His love
   …They were people whose lives had been radically changed by Jesus. They loved Jesus. They wanted everyone they met to know Jesus

You and I are Ambassadors for Christ. Can we be as bold and as faithful as those first Christians? May we be reminded again of the command of our Lord, “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] Or, as the old hymn says, “Let others see Jesus in you”.

ADDITIONAL THOUGHT

1. Sunday School is at 9:00 am
2. Morning Worship and Children’s Church is 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 is Wednesday at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall
4. Baptist Men’s Day–February 2–Rescheduled because of illness
   8:00 Breakfast All are invited
5. February 2–Called Church Conference–Nominating Committee report
6. We are now making our “Baby Bottle” gifts to the Pregnancy Resource Center
7. February 16—Baptist Women’s Day

Let’s strive to be great Ambassadors for Jesus

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church

I find it somewhat ironic how haphazardly people will plan for future events. For example:
   …If the Weatherman hints that there is a possibility of snow, the lines at the Supermarket grow long. Everyone buys milk, bread, and other essentials, “Just in case”.
   …When Covid hit 5 years ago it was predicted that there would be toilet paper shortages. As a result, people were seen leaving stores with carts piled high with bundles of toilet paper. [I expect some folks still have a closet full.]
   …The SuperBowl will be here in a few weeks. Many fans are already planning their menu for watching the game. Pizza, ribs, wings, chips and dip, popcorn, favorite drinks, the list goes on and on. 5 or 6 people sitting in front of the TV with enough food to feed 50.

There is absolutely nothing wrong for being prepared for snow, the big game, or a toilet paper shortage. I have done all three. However, the sad, tragic, irony of this situation is that folks will prepare for events such as those listed above, but may not prepare for the Most Important Event in life. What do I mean? Have you noticed lately that the death rate for human beings is 100 percent? Everyone who is born will eventually die. Even if we live to be 100 years old, death is still a certainty. The Bible tells us that, “It is appointed unto men once to die, and after this, the Judgement”. [Hebrews 9:27]

Just as surely as death will come, in like manner, we will stand before God’s Judgement to give an account for our lives. It is sad that many people give careful planning to the “little events” in their lives, but do not plan for the most important event of all. For those who make no preparation, that will be the most awful, fearful day of their existence.

However, for others, Judgement Day will be a joyful, peaceful, wonderful day. Why? These are those who 1] Have believed the Bible, 2] Acknowledged and confessed their sin, 3] Believed in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and 4] Confessed Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior. With great delight, these followers of Jesus will hear their Lord say, “Welcome home, My child. Enter into the bliss of Heaven”.

I am so happy that over 70 years ago I made Jesus my Lord and Savior. I am prepared for that Big Day. What about you?

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

1. Sunday School is at 9:00 am
2. Morning Worship and Children’s Church is 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 is Wednesday at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall
4. Sunday, February 2, called Church Conference–Nominating Committee report
5. Remember to pick up baby bottles at the church. Fill these with your offering for our local Pregnancy Resource Center
6. Sunday, January 26–Baptist Men’s Day
   8:00 am Breakfast  [Men, women, and children are invited to the meal]
   Special speakers at Breakfast and at the Morning Worship Service

Let’s be ready to meet Jesus

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church 

I look in my Library and see Bibles in Hebrew, Greek, French, and Portuguese. In addition, there are multiple Bibles in various English translations. If that isn’t enough, I can always read the Bible translations that are on my cell phone. I am a blessed Pastor. Why do I mention it? Most of you know that my daughter, Sarah, son-in-law, Brian, and their daughters Hannah and Maggie, are missionaries to Australia. One aspect of their ministry is to lead a small, Barbee’s Grove size church. Each month their church receives a Mission Offering. They use that money to bless someone in another part of the world. In recent months, their gifts have bought Bibles for Pastors in Africa. These were men who were Pastors, but who OWNED NO BIBLE. I cannot imagine trying to preach without having a Bible. You can readily see why, when I am able, I send money to Australia with this note, “Put this gift in your Mission Fund. Bless more Pastors with Bibles”.

I have read that, in some parts of the world, a church may have only one Bible. Someone carefully separates that Bible into individual pages. Each church member is allowed to take a few pages home to read, study, and copy. At the next meeting, members swap pages and repeat the process. They value God’s Word.

I remember visiting a certain Barbee’s Grove member who has now graduated to Heaven. Most visits, she would tell me how many times she had read her Bible “cover to cover”. Then she would tell me where she was in her current journey through her Bible.

Why mention all of the above? Because the Bible is God’s Holy Word. It is the Lord speaking to us. The strongest Christians are those who spend the most quality time studying what God has said. They read and study with open minds and open hearts. Each day they allow the Holy Spirit to enlighten them concerning God’s message for that day.

How many Bibles are you blessed to own? Are they precious to you? How much Bible did you read in 2024? What are your plans for 2025? I encourage you to read often. If you are intimidated by the Old Testament, read the New Testament. One chapter in the New Testament and one chapter in Psalms [followed by Proverbs] is a good daily diet. Put a bookmark in your Bible. If you miss a day, don’t quit. Just go back to the bookmark and continue reading.
   …”Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path”. Psalms 119:105
   …”Thy Words were found, and I did eat them; and Thy Word was unto me joy and rejoicing of mine heart…”. Jeremiah 15:16
   …”The Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart”. Hebrews 4:12
   …”Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth” 2 Timothy 2;!5
   …”All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God should be thoroughly furnished unto all good works”. 2 Timothy 3:15, 16

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

1. Sunday School is at 9:00 am
2. Morning Worship and Children’s Church is 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 is Wednesday at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall
4. January 19—Quarterly Church Conference
5. January 26—Baptist Men’s Day
   8:00 am _ Breakfast [all are invited–Men, Women and Children]
   Guest speakers at Breakfast and during the Morning Worship Service

Let’s make God’s Word a priority in 2025

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church

I may have miscounted, but I think that this is Newsletter 250. WOW! I had no idea that Covid would lead to a ministry that would last this long and that would reach so many NC counties and so many states. I thank the Lord for giving me something to write each week. I also thank the various Deacon Chairmen, Brenda Burris, and Wes Barbee, for making sure that my article reached you each week. They deserve our appreciation.
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Thank you for the kind words, beautiful Christmas cards, and nice Christmas bonus you gave me. It was all deeply appreciated. Most of all, I thank you for your love.
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Good old governmental bureaucratic inefficiency always amazes me. Recently, I visited a certain government agency. The Waiting Room was basically empty. I registered and sat down. In about 10 minutes I was called back to see the government official. He typed my information [Name, address, etc] into his computer. I told him what I needed. I thought, “This is going so well. All he needs to do is click on the box to order what I need, and then click on Submit, and we will be done”. Instead, he asked me, “Did you have an appointment?” I said, “No”. His reply, “You can’t just walk in and do this. You need an appointment”. He checked his schedule, made an appointment, and sent me on my way.

Instead of being finished with the entire process in 5 minutes, I had to drive back to that office another day and waste my time and his repeating what we had done the day before. It was all unnecessary. Some Bureaucrat somewhere made a rule that “: NO appointment, No business transacted”. Makes no sense to me!!! 

That afternoon, I was sitting in my recliner. Suddenly, I had a lap full of doggie. I was about half asleep and I heard myself say, “Heidi, do you have an appointment? You can’t just jump up here and expect some loving anytime you wish. You need an appointment”. I woke myself, laughing at what I had said. Heidi knows she needs no appointment.

Then, I begin to think, “I am so glad the Lord does not operate the way the government operates.” Imagine, bowing your head and beginning to pray, “Dear Father God in Heaven, I come to You in the Name of Your Son, Jesus”. Immediately, you hear the Lord say, “Whoa, whoa, it doesn’t work that way. You can’t pray any old time that suits you. You need an appointment. I can fit you into my prayer schedule next Thursday at 2:00 pm. How does that work for you?”

We are so blessed that 24/7 the Lord welcomes us into His presence. His Prayer Room is always accessible. No waiting and no delay.
   …”Pray without ceasing”.  1 Thessalonians 5:17
   …”Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need”. Hebrews 4:16
   …”And He spoke a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray and not to faint”. Luke 18:1
SEEK THE LORD OFTEN. NO APPOINTMENT NEEDED. HALLELUJAH.

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

1. Sunday School is at 9:00 am
2. Morning Worship and Children’s Church is 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 is Wednesday at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall
4. January 19– Quarterly Church Conference
5. January 12  — 5-7 pm  –Children and youth meet
   5 pm–Adult Prayer Time
   5:30 pm  –Adult Church Training

Your Lord is waiting for you to pray. Anytime you come, He is available

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church

We extend our love and sympathy to Mr. Lionel Hahn and family upon the death of his Son-In-Law, Mr. Chris Wade. May the presence, peace, and comfort of the Lord be with you during this difficult time.
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There is an Interesting phenomenon that sometimes happens at Christmas. Mom and Dad spend hours searching for the perfect gift for their child. It is bought, wrapped, and placed under the tree. Christmas morning, the child excitedly opens the package and begins to play with his new toy. However, later in the day, Mom and Dad notice something strange. The new toy is pushed aside, and their child is now eagerly playing with the box that contained the toy. The child is enjoying the box more than the toy. Mom and Dad are left thinking, “We should have saved our money and just wrapped an empty box”.

Swapping a wonderful toy for an empty box doesn’t make a lot of sense does it?  Yet, according to the Bible, many people make a similar swap spiritually. Romans 1:25 declares, “Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen”.

Around the world, men and women have forsaken the Wonderful, Powerful, Loving, Almighty God who created the world and all that is in it. They have turned their backs upon Jesus, who died on the cross to save us from our sins. Instead they worship something that is a part of the created world. It is easy to feel sad for those in certain places on the earth who worship carved or molded idols. Many of them have never heard the Name, Jesus.

Before we get too smug and self-righteous, perhaps we need to ask the question, “How many Americans worship created things and not the Creator”? What about:
   …Those who can quote all the statistics from their favorite sports team, but can’t quote Scripture?
   …Those who fill the arenas and stadiums, even in extreme weather, but who seldom attend church?
   …Those who waste their money gambling, but who give nothing to worthy ministries?
   …Those who can tell you the latest winners on Dancing With The Stars, but who have no idea of how to be saved, or even who wrote the four Gospels?
   …Those who enjoy the beautiful outdoors the Lord created, but who seldom stop to think, “God You are awesome. Only an awesome God could have created what I am seeing”.

I could go on for pages, but you get the picture. There are many beautiful, exciting, wonderful things in our world. But, in a sense, they are just the “box”. The real Treasure, the real Gift, is our Lord Jesus Christ. He, alone, is worthy of our primary attention, our worship, and our praise. As we enter 2025, I encourage you to appreciate the “box”, but to focus your main attention upon Jesus, the real Treasure. When you reach the end of your life you will be glad you made that choice. AMEN !!!

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

1. Sunday School is at 9:00 am
2. Morning Worship and Children’s Church is 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 is Wednesday at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall
4. $ 1840—Final Total for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions
5. January 5 and 12
   5-7 pm—Children and Youth meet
   5:00 pm– Adult Prayer Time
   5:30 pm–Adult Church Training

The “box”, or the Treasure? Your choice.

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church