Those of you who were at Barbee’s Grove this past Sunday know that I began the sermon speaking about the Prophet Ezekiel’s trip to the Valley of Dry Bones [Ezekiel 37]. After Ezekiel prophesied, those bones rejoined into human skeletons and were covered with flesh and skin. It was an impressive display of humanity. However, no one had life. Ezekiel prophesied again. The wind of God began to blow. The life of God entered each person. Soon, a large army stood to its feet.

I commented that no matter how impressive a person is – educated, rich, moral, famous, good citizen, athletic, or talented – they are still spiritually dead until the Holy Spirit brings the life of God into them. We must be “Born Again”, “Born from Above”. Romans 8:9 states it this way:

   …”But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His”.

As I drove home from the service, I was reminded of an experience from 30 years ago. Pamela and I were near Hickory, N.C. visiting a Baptist Pastor friend. He and I were in the front seat, our wives behind us. He drove past an impressive church of another Christian denomination. The building looked new and I imagined that it would hold at least 500 people. My Pastor friend said, “That church just fired their Pastor”. I was shocked and asked, “Why, embezzlement, immorality?” I was really shocked at his reply, “He was trying to get his church members saved”.

Evidently, this Pastor was truly “Born Again”. The Holy Spirit residing in him alerted him to the fact that most of his church members were just that –  “church members”. They did not have a saving relationship with Jesus. Out of concern for their spiritual condition, and their eternal destination, the Pastor was visiting church members in their homes. He was sharing that they needed a personal relationship with Jesus. Those church members were comfortable with their “Cultural Christianity” and uncomfortable with their “lostness” being exposed. The solution: Fire the Pastor.

Friends, the message of Easter is that all men are sinners. All men need a Savior. Jesus is the only One who can save us. In order to go to Heaven, we need a personal relationship with Jesus. I pray that the Spirit of Christ does dwell within each person who reads these words. If so, I will see you in Heaven. 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. $ 858.88 – Total given for our local Pregnancy Resource Center. WONDERFUL
5. $ 850 – Present total for Annie Armstrong Offering for Home Missions. Great start! Three more Sundays to add to this total
6. March 17 – Called Conference to elect Nominating Committee
7. Choir Practice – March 24
8. March 21 – Golden Agers Meal. Meet at the church at 4:45 to carpool or meet the group at Rocky River Springs Fish House
9. March 30 – 10:00 am. Easter Egg Hunt for the children. Bring guests
10. Thursday, March 28 – Maundy Thursday Service – 6:30 pm. No Wednesday service that week
11. Easter – March 31
    5:30 Cooks arrive
    7:00 Sunrise Service
    7:30 Breakfast
    8:30 Morning Worship – Communion
    Please bring guests
    NO SUNDAY SCHOOL
12. Church Training begins – 5:30 pm. This comes as a result of your wishes on our recent Church Survey. Please come as we begin this new time of learning.

Question – “Is it a good idea to fire the Pastor when he is attempting to enable you to spend an eternity in Heaven?”

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church

Let us begin this week by saying, THANK YOU. When Covid hit and the Government ordered us to close the church, we began this Newsletter. We wanted our membership to be informed, encouraged, and instructed. I was only the Interim Pastor. We had no idea what was ahead of us. These years later, there have been more than 200 Newsletters written. We thank the Lord for giving ideas each week. There are some others we also want to thank: Brenda Burris, Wes Barbee, and men who served as Deacon Chairmen through these years [Leonard Harvell, Jeff Keplinger, and David Talley]. They have made the delivery process possible. They got the Newsletter from my computer to you. In March 2020 they had no idea what they were volunteering to do, nor how many hours they would spend in the delivery process. Because they love the Lord and Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church, they have been faithful. I thank them. If you enjoy the Newsletter, please also thank these faithful workers when you have the opportunity.

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Recently, I had a 70 years ago, “Flashback”. I was in one of the early grades at West Albemarle School. Our art assignment was to take a bar of soap and to carve the head of some famous person. I chose Ivory soap because it was soft and easy to carve. Since my artistic abilities are near zero, I carved a head that was somewhere between a human and a space alien. After I received my grade and took my “artistic” creation home, I am sure it soon ended up in the soap holder at the bathtub. Our family was too poor to waste a bar of soap.

Contrast my temporary, poorly done, artwork to magnificent statues carved out of marble. You have seen them in person or in pictures. These statues are beautiful and have endured for hundreds, and even thousands, of years. How do those works of art get created? The artist envisions what he wants to create. He selects a block of marble. He takes a mallet and chisel and begins to chip away every bit of stone that hides the beautiful object he is creating. In the later stages, he takes something like sandpaper to smooth out all the rough edges. It takes months, maybe years, but at last he has a masterpiece that is admired by all who see it.

I was picturing that creative process in my mind. I realized that this is similar to what happens after we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Remember the little chorus the kids often sing

“God made the moon and the stars
But He’s still working on me”

Usually, we don’t resemble Jesus when we are first saved. But God begins to work on us. He shows sin that needs to go. We repent. He shows bad habits that need to stop. He leads us to good actions that bless us and others. Month-by month, year-by-year, God makes us more like Jesus. The more we cooperate with Him, the faster the process goes.

Please don’t let the devil discourage you or cause you to lose heart. He wants you to quit. The last thing the devil wants is a group of Believers running around, looking and acting like Jesus. When you feel a little sandpaper [spiritually], tell Jesus “Thank You”. After all, soon more of Jesus will be seen in your life. Think of this:

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works…” [Ephesians 2:10]

“That in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace…” [Ephesians 2:7]

The beauty the Lord is creating in you is not temporary, like my bar of soap. He is creating an eternal masterpiece.

GOD WANTS TO SPEND AN ETERNITY FEATURING YOU AS ONE OF HIS BEAUTIFUL CREATIONS. HOW AWESOME IS THAT?

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 10–Called Conference to elect a Nominating Committee
5. Easter Egg hunt for the children and youth–Saturday, March 30 at 10:00 am
6. Maundy Thursday Service March 28-6:30 pm. NO WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY.
7. EASTER SCHEDULE — March 31
   7:00 am – Sunrise Service
   7:30 am – Breakfast
   8:30 am – Morning Worship Service – Communion
   NO SUNDAY SCHOOL

Please invite family, friends, and neighbors, to celebrate our Risen Lord Jesus at Barbee’s Grove this year.

Our goal is to look more like Jesus every day and for all eternity

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church

Consider these scenarios:

…You buy something you need. Stamped in bold letters on the box are these words, “Some Assembly Required”. You get home, take out your tools, and start the assembly. Midway through the project you realize that a main piece of the product is missing. It isn’t in the box. You are left with an unfinished product. It is so frustrating.

…Your taste buds crave a favorite food. Outcome the mixing bowls and you begin to prepare the dish. Suddenly, you realize that you don’t have a key ingredient. Unless you make a trip to the store, the recipe will be left unfinished. It is so frustrating.

…You spend hours assembling a large jigsaw puzzle. A beautiful scene emerges. The picture isn’t perfect and you cannot complete it because 2 pieces of the puzzle are not in the box. It is so frustrating.

…God has a special mission and ministry He wants a local church to complete. Members gather to plan how to obey the Lord. However, the ministry never happens because the members needed to do the work are missing. It is so frustrating.

Friends, There is a reason God told us in Hebrews 10:25 “Forsake not the assembling of yourselves together, as the manner of some is…”. In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul compares the Church to a human body. There are many parts [arms, legs, eyes, ears, etc.]. Each part has its own unique function. If any part is missing or damaged, the body cannot function properly.

My friend, you may feel small, insignificant, and unnecessary. However, if you are saved, you are vital to the mission and ministry of your local church. Your talents and spiritual gifts equip you to serve. Sadly, so many God inspired ministries “never get off the ground”. Why? The person with the energy, insight, and ability to empower the ministry either does not show up, or refuses to have a role in God’s plan.

Let me add this: Sometimes, the Lord’s work does not get done because a person, or a family, is trying to attach themselves to the wrong local body of Believers. They are trying to attach to Church A when the Lord has an assignment for them at Church B. When that happens, Church A suffers, Church B suffers, and those in the wrong pew suffer.

It is when we are properly attached, present, and ministering in the will of God, that the Kingdom of God advances, and that all are blessed. Today, someone needs your smile, your hug, your word of encouragement. May we never be AWOL from the Army of God.

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 is the month that we give our Annie Armstrong Offering for missions in the USA. Begin to ask the Lord how much He wants you to give
5. THANK YOU to all our wonderful ladies who led the Worship Service so beautifully on Baptist Women’s Day. We appreciate all your ministry at Barbee’s Grove

Where is your unique, God given, place of ministry?

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church

This week we extend our love and sympathy to Lionel Hahn and family upon the death of his mother, Mrs. Kathleen Hahn. May the Lord’s peace and comfort surround each of you.
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We also note with sadness the death of Rev. Tony Bradley, a former Pastor of Barbee’s Grove. Please remember his family in your prayers.
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May I be permitted to get up on my soapbox this week? When I was a Kid, I heard this saying often, “A fool and his money are soon parted”. Folks who are not wise, soon find themselves in financial difficulty. I think of that saying often when I see the gambling craze that is consuming America. The Lottery, casinos, and sports betting are everywhere.

Sure, there are some winners, but at what cost? Many winners are broke a few years later. What about the losers? I can’t validate it, but I read that casinos pay out 10% in winnings and keep the other 90%. If that is true, when they pay out a million dollars, gamblers have lost 10 million. You say to me, “But Ed, what about the Education Lottery?” I well remember the day the Lottery was made legal. Our officials proclaimed a glorious, wonderful new day for education in North Carolina. How well has that worked out? Think of these remarkable results: 1-Underpaid Teachers, 2-Inadequate classroom resources, 3- Crumbling buildings, 4- Unruly students, 5- Metal detectors at the doors, 6- Armed Resource Officers, 7- Students who don’t know if they are male, female, or something else, and 8- In spite of the fact that there are some good, hard-working Teachers in the system, generally falling test scores. It is not a “glorious new day”!!

Let me share some personal stories. When I was a Pastor in the mountains, a new casino was approved. I know of one lady who gambled away a million dollar business. A tour bus from Atlanta broke down leaving the casino. Riders were stranded. Not a single person on the bus had the money to buy a meal while they waited for a replacement bus. A man was living blissfully in his retirement home. He had worked and sacrificed for years to buy that home. One day, he found out he was being evicted. Unknown to him, his wife had gambled away that home to the casino. Last I heard, he was living in a small camper on borrowed property. [I did not hear whether his wife was with him, or if he kicked her out.]

After I wrote the first draft of this Newsletter, I read where a major sports team was begging one of the gambling sites to return 20 million dollars. It seems that someone on the team staff manipulated team credit cards and gambled away over 20 million dollars of team money. Last I heard, the gambling site said something like this: “Tough, but that is between the team and the staff member. We are keeping the money. It is not our problem.” [It will be interesting to see if anything changes in the weeks to come.]

Friends, gambling is a way to lose all you have. God’s way to financial blessing is far more sure and certain.
   …”It is He [God], who gives thee the power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant….” Deuteronomy 8:18
   …”He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord: and that which he hath given will He pay him again”. Proverbs 19:17
   …”Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse….. I will open the windows of Heaven and pour you out a blessing that there shall not be room enough to receive it”. Malachi 3:10
   …”Give, and it shall be given unto you: good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom.”  Luke 6:38

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

Let’s make safe investments, not foolish ones.

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church

I do not begin to have the spiritual stature of Apostle Paul or Apostle John. However, as a Pastor, there are some ways I closely identify with these men. Let’s start with John.
In 3 John verses 3 and 4, John writes: “For I rejoiced greatly when the Brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in the truth”. [John makes the same comment in 2 John verse 4].

John was full of joy that those he led to Jesus, those he taught, those who shared his ministry, were continuing to live for Jesus. I share that joy. I look at the churches where I have served, the fellow Believers that I have taught. We served and worshipped Jesus together. So many are still as faithful to the Lord as they were 20-30-40-50 years ago. Their bodies may have grown more feeble and frail, but their fire, their passion for Jesus, is as strong or stronger than it ever was. Like John, I remember these friends with thankfulness and joy!!

However, I also identify with Paul.
In 2 Timothy 4:10, Paul writes, “For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica”. After a time of faithfulness, Demas turned his back on Jesus and chased a worldly lifestyle. This brought Paul great sorrow. I also look back and remember men and women who were Teachers, Deacons, Choir Members, and Youth Leaders. Sadly, now they seldom, if ever, attend church. Their lifestyle is worldly. They have no positive influence in the Kingdom of God. It makes me sad. Sometimes I ask myself, “Did I mess up? Was there something I did not teach or live?”

The reality is that a Pastor does have a role to play. However, we each make our own personal decision. Will we faithfully serve Jesus until the end of our life, or will we turn our back upon Him? Consider this—when former Pastors think of you and me, do they have joy or sorrow? I pray that it is joy.

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 11–Baptist Womens’ Day–Guest Speaker from the Pregnancy Resource Center
5. If you have placed your Resource Center Offering in a baby bottle, please bring it Sunday
6. February 11—5-7 pm–Youth and Children’s activities. All school age youth and children are invited. Bring a friend

Let’s be faithful until the Lord calls, “Come home my child”

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church

This week I have been thinking about forgiveness. That is a practice with which many people struggle. There are those who will never forgive any wrong. Others will forgive up to a limit. As Believers in Jesus we learn to forgive, even when we are wronged and hurt.

Today, I have been meditating upon God’s forgiveness. It began as I listened to the third verse of another hymn. Remember, in an earlier Newsletter I lamented that we often miss great revelation when we skip the third verse of a hymn we are singing. The hymn on my heart goes like this:
“My sin–oh, the bliss of this glorious thought
My sin–not in part, but the WHOLE
Is nailed to the cross
And I bear it no more
Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord, O my soul”
No wonder the song writer could say, “It is well with my soul”.

Focus on the phrase, “not in part, but the Whole, of our sins is nailed to the cross”. Here is how my thoughts went. Suppose a person died. He got to the Gate of Heaven. His life records were checked. Then, the Gatekeeping Angel said, “I am sorry, I cannot let you into Heaven. Father God is truly a Loving, forgiving God, but even He has His limit on the number of sins He will forgive. Sadly, you exceeded that lifetime limit, so you don’t qualify for Heaven. OR, suppose the angel said, “Because you believed in Jesus, you do get to enter Heaven. However, because you exceeded God’s sin limit, you don’t get a clean white robe. For all of eternity, you will be in Heaven, but you will be wearing a soiled, dirty robe. Everyone in Heaven will know that you exceeded God’s sin limit. Aren’t those sad thoughts?

Praise the Lord, our Loving Heavenly Father has no sin limit. He is willing to forgive each, every, all our sin, as we confess and repent. 1 John 1:9–“If we confess our sin, He is faithful and just to forgive our sin and to cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness.” What joy to know, “Not in part, but the WHOLE of our sins are nailed to the cross”. Praise the Lord, O my soul.

The hymn writer got it right. Place your sins under the Blood of Jesus. Be thankful! Rejoice! Praise Jesus!

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 4–Called Church Conference [Repairing stained glass windows, perhaps other window issues, security doors]
5. February 11–Baptist Women’s Day–Speaker from our local Pregnancy Resource Center
6. Remember–Special offering for the Pregnancy Resource Center
7. Youth Night–February-4. Time 5-7 pm. All school age children and youth invited. Supper served at 5 pm. Bring a friend

Is it well with your soul today?

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church

I was reading a passage of Scripture this week when certain thoughts and memories came to mind. I have been preaching for over 60 years. During that time I have been privileged to know some awesome men and women of God. We have prayed together, ministered as partners, and celebrated Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Indeed, these special people have truly been anointed by God.

During that same period of time, I have met some church leaders who were just the opposite. These folks had the spiritual wisdom and maturity of some 8 year old new Christian. It appeared to me that they got their position of leadership simply by “hanging around”. They had been a part of the church so long that someone decided to elect them as a Teacher, Deacon, or to another position of leadership. No one paid any attention to their spiritual immaturity. As a result, they usually caused trouble wherever they served. Being a member of a religious group does not guarantee a walk with God.

Now, back to the passage of Scripture that triggered these thoughts. It is the story of “The woman with the issue of blood” [Luke 8: 43-48] She had been ill for years. She was broke from paying doctors. She was getting weaker. Then this lady heard about Jesus. When she pressed through the crowd and touched Him she was made well.

Notice, it was a large crowd. I imagine that many were jostling, elbowing, pushing and shoving, trying to get as near to Jesus as possible. No doubt, some did touch Jesus. However, only one person was healed. It was the woman who would not be deterred until she touched Jesus by faith. The Bible says, “We walk by faith and not by sight” [2 Corinthians 5:7] and “Without faith it is impossible to please Him [God]” [Hebrews 11:6].

Let me go back to those “awesome” believers I have known over the years. What made them that way? They were not content to just “hang around” as one in the religious crowd. Instead, they daily reach out to touch Jesus by faith. They have an intimate fellowship with Him. They live and serve in the power of the Holy Spirit. They have a reality of experience with Jesus that makes them genuine.

Perhaps you have heard some variation of this statement, “Just because you live in a garage, does not mean that you are a car. Just because you “hang around” with religious people does not mean that you are a true child of God”. Are you just in the crowd, “hanging around” Jesus, or have you touched Him by faith?

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 or 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 making our special gifts to our local Pregnancy Resource Center

Reach out by faith to Jesus

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church

CONGRATULATIONS—–IT’S A GIRL
Darcy Ann Whitley
Parents–Baron and Emily Whitley
Grandparents–Chris and Veronica Whitley— Marc and Emily Clarkson
Great Grandparent–Barbara Whitley

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Please read this Newsletter slowly and carefully. I am going to try to make a point or two, but it may be in a “roundabout” way. This Sunday, January 21 , has been designated by religious groups as “Sanctity Of Human Life ” Sunday. It is a day when, historically, Christians have focused on ending abortion. Some of that battle has been won in recent years. Now we are getting a “push back”. If we are not vigilant we could lose the ground we have gained. Keep alert. Keep working. Keep praying.

But what happens after children are born is very important. This past Sunday, I gave my testimony. Several times I mentioned that I am so thankful that [1] I had a Mother who faithfully took her boys to church, and [2] that she took us to a loving, Bible believing church. Both are important. My brothers and I had normal childhood activities [Little League, Boy Scouts, etc.], but nothing interfered with church. Hot, cold, rain, sleet, snow, it did not matter. Mama and her 4 boys walked to church. I have this memory of the 5 of us receiving our 12 year Perfect Attendance pins. If my math is correct, that means all of us had attended church 624 Sundays without a miss. Thank God for Mama. 2 Preachers and 2 Deacons were the result.

Now let’s get serious. Parents, you can give your kids clothes, toys, education, trips, activities, and vacations, but if you don’t regularly see that they are in a loving Bible believing church, you are failing as a parent. Haphazard attendance, or attending a church with faulty Scriptural beliefs, will not get the job done. In the very beginning God told His followers, [Deuteronomy 6:6,7] “And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: and thou shalt teach the diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way….” Each child still has to personally say “Yes” or “No” to Jesus, but so many kids never get that chance. I remember a number of kids from the past 60 years. Their parents said that they were Christian. Yet, often with tears in their eyes, their children would say to me, “Preacher, I want to come to church, but no one will bring me”. As far as I now know, many years later, all of these kids are still unsaved.

Now, let me shock you with how serious this is. I truly believe that every aborted baby immediately goes to Heaven to be with Jesus. Earthly life was cruelly snatched from them, but they will have a glorious eternity. HOWEVER, those children who are born, live to the Age of Accountability, and never have a real opportunity to believe in Jesus, die and do not go to Heaven. They spend an eternity separated from God’s blessing. How tragic!!!! You cannot be saved for your children. That is their choice. However, you can make sure they have multiple opportunities to learn about Jesus.

Let’s continue to strive to outlaw abortion. More importantly, let’s strive to see that every child is “Born Again”. [John 3:16]

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 21—Quarterly Church Conference

Jesus died that we might have eternal life

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church

These days it is not unusual to encounter someone with a haughty, superior attitude toward those of us who believe the Bible is true and who try to live by Biblical precepts. Those folks believe that we are ignorant simpletons. They say, or write, such things as, “The Bible is old fashioned, out-dated, and has absolutely no relevance for modern society.” Don’t try to argue with such folks. Just sadly shake your head at their ignorance. May I share with you a story that is told as historically true?

In the late 1780s, a ship, Bounty, sailed from England. Somewhere in the South Seas the sailors became so angry at Captain Bligh’s treatment of them that they staged a mutiny. Captain Bligh and those who sided with him were placed on another boat. The mutineers took the Bounty and sailed to Tahiti. Some of those sailors stayed there. In 1790, nine of the mutineers abducted 20 Polynesians [14 of whom were women] and sailed to Pitcairn Island. Someone burned the Bounty, leaving no way of escape. Ten years of debauchery and turmoil followed. There were rivalries, immorality, abuse of the native women,alcoholism, and murders.

By 1800, John Adams was the only one of the original sailors still living. It is reported that he found a Bible in the ship’s chest. He began to read that Bible and to teach it to the 9 remaining women and 14 children. As they followed the Bible, lives were changed and social life became better. In 1808, an American ship, Topaz, docked and found a healthy, thriving community. A year or so later, a British ship came. After their visit, “John Adams was celebrated as the founder of a community that was an example of Victorian morality”.

What made the difference? The Bible, God’s Word changed an evil community into a more Godly settlement. It takes a really unthinking person to say that the Bible is outdated. Think of living in a community where God is honored, parents are respected, there is no lying, no theft, no adultery, no murder, and no coveting what others have, Think of living where the Golden Rule is practiced, Folks treating others with the kindness they themselves desire. Living in such a Bible based community would seem like Heaven on earth.

The Bible is God’s Word. Read it. Study it. Live it. In addition to rules for living, the Bible tells us about Jesus, the One who died for us and who opens the door for us to spend an eternity in Heaven.

…”Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” Psalm 119:105
…”For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword,….and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12
…Heaven and earth shall pass away, But My Words shall not pass away”. Luke 21:33

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 14–Baptist Men’s Day–Breakfast at 7:00 am
5. January 21–Quarterly Church Conference
6. THANK YOU for the very generous Christmas bonus, the cards, gifts, and other expressions of your love during the holiday season. Pastor Ed

Use the lamp of the Bible to guide your footsteps

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church

We note with sadness the death of one of our oldest church members, Mrs. Bertie Hatley. She will be greatly missed. We extend our love and sympathy to her daughters, Mrs. Tamra Hahn and Mrs. Tonda Hamilton, and to her sister, Mrs. Betty Davis, and to all the other relatives. May the Lord’s peace and comfort surround you with precious memories.

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What is your level of Christianity? It is your choice. The answer you give determines your power and effectiveness as a Christian, and also determines how much peace and joy you have as you follow the Lord.

Some folks have a LIFE INSURANCE POLICY Christianity. Their goal is to be religious enough to have an insurance policy to “cash in” for a home in Heaven when they die. They keep their religion in a safe deposit box and rarely take it out to be seen. From time-to-time they go to church, pray, or do some other religious activity, hoping that they keep the premiums paid on their policy. It is hard to tell if these folks are “saved” or “unsaved”. Christianity brings them very little joy, and they have almost no power and effectiveness as Believers.

Others, have a GOD IS MY CO-PILOT faith. [Remember when those bumper stickers were popular 50 years ago?] This type of Christian does the driving. God sits in the Co-Pilot seat. Often, the one doing the driving gets hopelessly lost. He then turns to God and prays, “Lord, can you get me out of this mess?” Usually he is in trouble because the Lord told him not to take that road, but he was stubborn, or “knew more than God.” And ignored what the Lord told him. Once again, this type of faith has little joy and little power.

Then, there is the Biblical, New Testament level of Christianity. This is the HAND IN THE GLOVE level. The Believer is the glove and the Lord is the Hand in the glove. The Hand moves the glove. They act as one. There is great joy in sensing the Lord working through you. The glove has the power and authority to do anything the Hand can do. Since the Hand [God] has unlimited power and authority, so does the glove. This level of Christianity is joyful and powerfully anointed. The New Testament has many verses that proclaim this truth. Find and meditate upon them. Because of space limitations I am going to only mention a few from the Gospel of John.
…14:12 “He that believeth on Me, the works that I do shall he do also, and greater works than these shall he do…”
…14:16 “I will pray the Father and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever. …He dwelleth with you and shall be in you”
…14:20 “At that day ye shall know that I am in My Father, and ye in Me and I in you”.
…15:5 “I am the Vine. Ye are the branches. He that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit. For without Me, ye can do nothing”

I encourage you to become a “glove”. Be a Believer who is totally yielded to the Lord. Your joy, power, and effectiveness as a Christian will grow abundantly.

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. $ 2357 Final Lottie Moon Offering for Foreign Missions.
5. January 14–Baptist Men’s Day–Breakfast at 7:30 am
6. January 21–Quarterly Church Conference

Let’s move our Christianity to a higher level!

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church.