Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church  

Often, churches like Barbee’s Grove, bemoan the fact that their smallness and isolation prevent them from accomplishing much for the Lord. They know that they can do some things for Jesus. However, because there is more farmland than houses in the area, they feel that their usefulness to God’s Kingdom is limited.

May I respectfully disagree? Recently the Lord pointed me to some individuals in the Bible and to their successes. Today, let’s consider John the Baptist. First, we read about his birth. The next time we see him, he is a grown man. [Matthew 3:1-6] Consider John’s clothing: a camel’s hair garment with a leather belt. Study his diet: locusts and wild honey. More importantly, what is John doing? He is preaching! Where is he preaching? His pulpit is in the Judean wilderness near the Jordan River.

Is that not strange? God called John to be the Prophet who prepared the path for Jesus, the Messiah. Second only to the words of Jesus, John’s message was the most important in the history of the world. You would have thought that the Lord would have placed John in the Temple in Jerusalem to proclaim the coming of Jesus. Instead, John is preaching in one of the more isolated regions of the nation. Yet, even in the wilderness, multitudes came to hear John’s message of “Repentance”, “Baptism”, and “Prepare for the Messiah”.

John’s story teaches us these truths. Location may be important in real estate but it is not as important in the Kingdom of God. When a person, or a local church, is in the will of God, led and empowered by the Holy Spirit, and serving the Lord in the fullness of the Holy Spirit, they can do great things for the Lord, no matter where they are located.

God can do more with an “on fire”, Spirit-filled church in a rural community than He can do with a “large”, “dead”, church in a mega city. Of course, He cannot do anything with a “spiritually dead” rural church either. When God is present in power, people will come and be blessed. Remember the words of Jesus, [John 12:32] “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, I will draw all men unto Me”. Are you willing to allow our Lord to exhibit His power and His glory at Barbee’s Grove?

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

1. Sunday School at 9:00 am. Also available in the parking lot on 99.1 FM
2. Morning Worship and Children’s Church at 10:00 am. Also available in the parking lot at 10:00 am and on the website after 12:30 pm
3. Wednesday at 6:30 pm—Prayer and Bible Study
4. Adult Choir restarts Sunday , July 11, at 6:00 pm. Former Choir members and new singers are urged to attend.
5. Vacation Bible School -One Day- Saturday, August 7
6. The Women’s Quartet was a wonderful blessing this past Sunday. Thank you Kathy, Rita, Tonda, and Pamela. We look forward to hearing you again

Celebrate Jesus this week

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church 

Have you ever been in a place, or situation, where you did not feel welcome? I have. I have been in churches where no one spoke to me, family gatherings where my spiritual commitment clashed with the values of other family members, and class reunions when my moral stance offended some classmates. It is not a comfortable feeling, is it? How much sweeter are those situations where I am surrounded by friendly people who have similar religious beliefs, morals, and love for Jesus.

In the Gospel of John [14:16,17] Jesus promises that He will give us the Holy Spirit.

” And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever. Even the Spirit of Truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him: but ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.”

Notice the words: “abide”, “dwelleth with you”, and “shall be in you”. When you were saved, the Holy Spirit, the Third Person of the Trinity, came to permanently abide, live, and be in you.

Do you remember the little chorus I mentioned in the Newsletter last week, “Holy Spirit You are welcome in this place”? Now, for the big question. The Holy Spirit lives in you, if you are a believer in Jesus. But, does He really feel welcome in your life? Is He ignored, or do you spend time in sweet fellowship with Him frequently? Are there sinful attitudes or actions in our lives that grieve Him and make Him uncomfortable? Are there parts of our lives that He wants to change, yet we rebel against those changes?

The Father gave us the Holy Spirit to comfort, teach, guide, love, bless, and perfect us. The more welcome He feels, the more He will lead us to become like Jesus.

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

1. Sunday School at 9:00 am. Also available in the parking lot on 99.1 FM
2. Morning Worship and Children’s Church at 10:00 am. Also available in the parking lot at 10:00 am and on the website after 12:30 pm.
3. Wednesday at 6:30 pm—Prayer and Bible Study.
4. Adult Choir will restart July11.
5. Date for Vacation Bible School will be announced soon.

Let’s join together this Sunday to celebrate our nation, and to worship the Lord who gave us our salvation.

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church

Over the years, I have enjoyed reading about those early wagon train trips to California, Oregon, and other places in the West. It was a long, arduous, dangerous trip that took many months. Not everyone who left the East survived the journey west. 

The most needed and important person on every trip was a wise, experienced Guide. At the beginning of the trip he offered advice concerning type of covered wagon, animals to pull the wagon, supplies that each family needed, and a leaving date. As the trip progressed, he knew the best places to cross the rivers, sites to stop and rest, hunting grounds, when to watch for enemies, and the forts where additional supplies could be purchased. The Guide was essential. 

Each of us, you, and me, face a long, arduous, dangerous journey. We call it, “Life”. The marvelous truth is that God, our wise Heavenly Father, knew that we would desperately need a Guide for this journey of life. Therefore, He lovingly gave us the Holy Spirit. 

“…when He, the Spirit of Truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth…”  [John 16:13] 

Some folks opt to disbelieve, or to ignore the presence of the Holy Spirit. They choose to make their own plans and to go their own way. The end result is a disastrous life on earth and an eternity of torment. 

Others, accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Then they become filled with the Holy Spirit. Moment-by-moment, they listen for His direction and instruction. He knows where the pitfalls are and where to find the blessings. He guides as we travel through places of danger and times of trouble. He leads onward and upward until we arrive at our glorious Heavenly destination. 

Friends, the Lord provided the Holy Spirit as a blessing, your personal spiritual Guide for life. Be thankful and tell the Lord you are thankful. Choose each day to allow the Holy Spirit to direct your steps. When you come to the end of life, you will be happy you made such a wise choice.  

There is a little chorus that has this phrase, “Holy Spirit, You are welcome in this place”. In the depths of your heart would you join me in whispering this prayer as you go about your activities this week? 

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS  

1. Sunday School at 9:00 am. [Also available in the parking lot on 99.1 FM]
2. Morning Worship and Children’s Church at 10:00 am. [Also available in the parking lot at 10:00 am and on the website after 12:30 pm]
3. Prayer and Bible Study on Wednesday at 6:30 pm.
4. Adult Choir will restart July 11
5. Be watching for an announcement concerning Vacation Bible School

The safest place to be in life is to be in the will of God.  

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church 

In one of my previous pastorates, I was out visiting one afternoon. I rang the doorbell at a certain house. A toddler came to the door. He peeped through a side window of the door and took off running. In a few moments, his Mother came to the door. She was doubled over, laughing. She told me that her son burst into the room where she was, excitedly yelling, “Mama, Mama, Jesus is at the door”. I joined her laughter. 

It was a logical conclusion for a 2-year-old. He went to church and heard all about how special and important Jesus was. Since I was up at the front, leading, and doing most of the talking, he just assumed I was the Jesus his teachers were describing. 

You and I know that I am not Jesus. I am not and will never be Him. [If you doubt it, ask my sweet wife. She will quickly tell you that I am very human.] Jesus is and will forever be, the One and Only Lord and Savior. Jesus was the perfect Son of God who died for our sin and who rose again. However, I do love Him, serve Him, follow Him, and endeavor to be like Him. I do hope and pray that others see Jesus in me. 

My afternoon visit was a vivid reminder to me, and I pray, an example to you, that we must always be aware that people are watching us. They are studying our lives. They want to know— Is this Jesus these people talk about on Sunday a reality in their lives? Does Jesus make a difference in the way they live 24/7? 

Remember the old hymn that says 
“Your life’s a book before their eyes 
 They’re reading it thro’ and thro’ 
 Say, does it point them to the skies 
 Do others see Jesus in you?” 

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS  

1. Sunday School at 9:00 am. [Also available in the parking lot on 99.1 FM]
2. Morning Worship and Children’s Church at 10:00 am. [Also available in the parking lot at 10 am and on the website after 12:30 pm]
3. Prayer and Bible Study on Wednesday at 6:30 pm.
4. Continue to hand your written suggestions of facility improvements to members of the Building and Grounds Committee.
5. THANK YOU to all who came to help with the Workday last Saturday. We had a good group of workers and got a lot accomplished.
6. Wasn’t it wonderful to see the Sanctuary full as the Singing Towers blessed all of us this past Sunday night?. The music, the worship, the joy, and the special fellowship that only Christians can enjoy, made for a memorable night.

This week, let others see Jesus in you! 
Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church  

The older folks reading this will remember the days of Kerosene lanterns. In some homes, these lanterns, along with candles, and the fireplace were the only light in the house after dark. We used lanterns on hunts and on other outside trips at night. In order to have good light, you needed kerosene in the tank, the wick properly trimmed, and the glass globe cleaned. If any one of these three got “messed up”, then the light grew dim or went out. 

Do you remember Jesus saying, “Ye are the light of the world…..Let your light so shine before men that they will see your good works and glorify your Father which is in Heaven”? [Matthew 5:14, 16] As faithful followers of our Lord Jesus Christ our desire is to be bright, shining lights. We want a lost world living in darkness to see that light and to turn to Jesus. How do we do that? 

Remember the three things the lantern needed to shine brightly? It is very similar to what we need in our lives in order to shine brightly as Christians. 

1. Oil is often equated with the Holy Spirit. Thus, to let our light shine brightly, we need to be full of the Holy Spirit. Being full of the Spirit means an intimate walk with Him. We listen. We obey. He gives the direction and the power. Does that describe you? 
2. The wick must be properly trimmed. This means we must allow the Lord to plan, direct, regulate, and be in total control of our lives. Not our wills, but His be done. 
3. The glass globe must be kept clean and free of soot. Questionable living, un-Christian attitudes and practices, and flagrant sin, all bring dimness to our witness for Jesus. We must continually seek to have a clean heart and a pure spirit as we live each day. 

It is easy to tell where a Christian’s heart is and where his priorities are. How willing is he to do those things necessary to let Jesus shine brightly through him. Are you a shining light in the Kingdom of God? 

 ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS 

1.  Sunday School 9:00 am [Also available in the parking lot on 99.1 FM] 
2.  Morning Worship and Children’s Church. 10:00 am. [Also available in the parking lot at 10 am and on the website after 12:30 pm] 
3.  Prayer and Bible Study Wednesday at 6:30 pm 
4.  The Singing Towers will be at Barbee’s Grove on Sunday, June 13, at 6:00 pm. This will be a time of honoring Mr. Heath Hahn 
5.  Continue to hand your written suggestions of facility improvements to members of the Building and Grounds Committee 

Live expecting Jesus to return at any moment!! 

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church 

The wonderful realization is that I have the Lord all the time. He is ever with me. He came to live in me the moment I was born again as an 8 year old. The same is true for you. The Lord came to live within you the moment you were saved. Jesus promised His disciples that He would not leave them comfortless, that He would come to them. [John 14:18] That same promise is mine and yours. Hallelujah!

We have the Lord all the time. We can quench Him, grieve Him, ignore Him, OR we can love Him, fellowship with Him, learn to hear His voice, obey Him, and rejoice in His sweet presence. He is with us in the valleys and on the mountain tops. He never leaves us nor forsakes us.

Today, let’s each draw closer to the Lord. You are welcome in His presence. He cherishes time with you. He rejoices when you allow Him to direct your paths, when you come to Him for comfort, and when you approach His throne with praise and thanksgiving. Oh, what a great and wonderful Savior and Lord we have!!   Amen

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

1. Sunday School restarts this Sunday–June 6  9:00 am
   1.      Adult II and III meet in the Sanctuary
   2.      Adult I meets in the Fellowship Hall
   3.      All other classes meet in their normal places.
2. Worship Service in the Sanctuary—10 am. Children’s Church meets at the same time. 10 am Service is also available in the parking lot on 99.1 FM or on the website after 12:30 pm.
3. Wednesday Prayer and Bible Study has resumed—6:30 pm
4. Sunday, June 13, 6:00 pm, the Singing Towers will host a gospel singing at Barbee’s Grove to honor Mr. Heath Hahn. You are invited.
5. Work Day – Saturday, June 12 – 8:00 am. You are invited to help do repairs and some “sprucing up” at the church.
6. The Building and Grounds Committee welcomes your suggestions for improvements to our facilities. In writing if possible.
7. Thank you to ALL who helped to make the Baptist Men barbecue sale a success. Your work is appreciated.

Fellowship with the Lord this week.

Join us as we worship Him on Sunday!

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church

These past sunny days, Pamela and I have done lots of yard work. It’s amazing, the projects that woman wants us to do !! We have both made multiple trips to Lowes and to Brother Ted Barbee’s Greenhouse. Of course, I should not complain. She works longer and harder than I do. This morning, I was thinking of how you can take a bulb [Tulip, Daffodil, etc.] and plant it. The bulb looks dead and lifeless, but at the proper season, a green shoot pops through the ground and soon a beautiful flower emerges.

1. Easter Sunrise Service at 7:00 am. It is okay to bring your lawn chair if you do not think you will be able to stand for the service. As usual, there will be a service on the website after 12;30 PM.
2. April 11, 10 am, we restart inside services. Masks suggested but not required. Choose inside, parking lot, or web, whatever makes you comfortable. Children’s Church also restarts the same day.
3. Quarterly Church Conference on April 18.
4. Our Annie Armstrong Home Missions Offering total is now $ 515. Thank you for giving. Let’s complete our giving on Easter.
5. As we restart inside services, it is a good time to renew our commitment to the Lord and to Barbee’s Grove. Let us vow to be faithful with our attendance and our financial support. [Of course, the Lord understands when health issues prevent our attendance. Perhaps you could spend that hour at home praying for me and the services.] Call and Invite folks that you know who are not in church anywhere. Pray for our church, our Deacons, and for me as your Pastor.

Over the past few years it has been fun to get together with Brother Jerry Kelly and talk about funerals the two of us have conducted. Both of us have had some interesting and unusual experiences. We kid each other about writing a book together. It might not be a “Best Seller”, but I guarantee it would hold your interest.

This week, Pamela and I did a stroll down Memory Lane about a funeral I had when I was Pastor at Prospect. It was held at another Baptist Church in the county. I was asked to participate because I was a longtime friend of the gentleman who was deceased. At the appropriate time, I stood and had my part in the service. A former Pastor of that church followed me. Last, was the man who was Pastor of that particular Baptist Church in those days. In the course of his message, he said something like this, “There is no resurrection of the dead”. Evidently, he believed that you were born, you lived, you died, and that was the end, you ceased to exist. I was so shocked I almost fell off the platform.

Earlier that morning I had taken a pain pill and had passed a kidney stone. Since I was still a little “loopy”, Pamela had driven me to the funeral. When we got into the car to drive to the cemetery, I asked her, “Did that Pastor say what I thought he said”? She assured me that, even though I was a little “fuzzy”, I had heard correctly.

I know that the Apostle Paul would have been as shocked at that heresy as I was. I encourage you to get out your Bible and read all of 1 Corinthians 15. Let me quote a few verses:

 v.12- “Now if Christ be preached that He rose from the dead, how say some of you that there is no resurrection of the dead?”

 v.13-“But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen”?

 v.16-“For if the dead rise not, then is Christ not raised”?

 v. 20-“But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that have died”.

Paul is correct. Our entire faith and assurance of eternal life is guaranteed by the truth of the Easter Resurrection. Jesus is alive and those who trust Him as Lord and Savior will be resurrected to live with Him in Heaven forever!!!!

That Pastor offered the family no hope. He ignored the plain teaching of God’s Word. I offer you hope, not of myself, but the hope given to us by our Risen Lord. As you celebrate Easter this year, rejoice in your hope as a Believer that you will live with Jesus forever!!

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

1. March 28–Parking Lot service [FM 99.1] at 10 am and after 12:30 on Web.
2. April 4-Easter- Sunrise Service at 7 am. If weather causes any change you will receive a One Call. No other service that day. A service will be available on the web at the usual time.
3. April 11-We resume inside services. Masks recommended. PLEASE, do whatever makes you comfortable [Inside, Parking Lot, Fellowship Hall – all at 10 am] or the website. Children’s Church resumes that day also.
4. Quarterly Church Conference on April 18.
5. $220 is the amount already given for the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering for Home Missions. We would like to conclude our giving by Easter. We believe that each of you is asking the Lord how much He wants you to give.

“Because He lives, we shall live”.

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

Wow !

If I counted correctly, this is Newsletter number 53. That means we are starting our second year of writing. Last year at this time, no one had any idea that we would still be in a pandemic a year later.  Can I take a moment to say,”Thanks” to some people?.

1. I thank our Deacons for giving me the permission, honor, and privilege of writing. Without their “okay” none of this would have happened.
2. I thank Deacon Chairmen David and Leonard for receiving my work and passing it on to the appropriate people.
3. I thank Brenda and Wesley for making sure you received your printed copy or email version each week. Without them, all would have been left in the computer.
4. I thank you, my friends, for faithfully reading each week, for your positive comments, and for passing these articles on to family and friends.
5. I thank Jesus for giving me something to write each week. I am well aware that it is not my “smarts” that produces these articles. It is the revelation of ideas and Scriptures by Jesus each week that gives me something to say. He gets the praise and the glory.

To all of you, I say “Thanks”. Like everything we do for the Lord, it is a team effort all the way.

As we begin Year 2, I have been thinking of what a pleasure it has been to see the fields of wheat, corn, soy beans, or cotton as I drove to Barbee’s Grove every week. I get joy out of seeing land bring forth a crop.

However, we all know that, if a farmer decides not to plant a field, he will not expect neat rows of a crop that year. Isn’t it interesting? Good crops do not repeat themselves without our intervention. Instead, an untended field brings forth grass, weeds, and briers. That is a reality of life.

It is the same spiritually. You have to work at your spiritual life if you are planning to reap a Godly harvest. If you are neglectful spiritually, the devil will fill your life with all manner of unpleasant, useless, and sinful things. Spiritually, you cannot just “coast” and expect to become more like Jesus. Please note——-No matter how much you work, YOU CANNOT EARN YOUR SALVATION, IT IS A FREE GIFT OF THE MERCY AND GRACE OF GOD. Salvation comes to all who will accept Jesus as Lord. However how much we grow and develop spiritually, is our choice.

Let us strive to honor Jesus by allowing the fruit of the Spirit to grow abundantly in our lives., [Galatians 5:22 ff. TPT]

“But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit within you is divine love in all its varied expressions

  joy that overflows

  peace that subdues

  patience that endures

  kindness in action

  a life full of virtue

  faith that prevails

  gentleness of heart, and

  strength of spirit”

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

1. Services next 2 weeks. Parking lot [FM 99.1] at 10 am and website after 12:30 pm
2. EASTER SUNDAY April 4–Sunrise Service at 7:00 am. Outside if weather permits.. If weather is bad, you will receive a One Call denoting changes. This will be our only service for the day There will still be a service on the website.
3. Sunday, April 11, we restart inside services. 10:00 am. Masks recommended. You have 4 options [Sanctuary, Fellowship Hall, Parking Lot, or Website]. Children’s Church restarts the same day.
4. Quarterly Church Conference is April 18.
5. Annie Armstrong Easter Offering for Home Missions is now being given. Special envelopes and brochures are available at the church. Of course, you can use any envelope you have available. Just write “Annie Armstrong” on it. The turmoil that has been happening in our nation lets us know that here is a great need to reach the USA with the gospel of Jesus.

Let’s plant some good seed this week!

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

1. You have faith to believe that when you get out of bed and stand, the floor will hold your weight.
2. Every time you sit, you have faith in the chair.
3. All day, you drive by faith. You believe the other drivers will stay in their lanes.
4. You eat with the faith that your food will give strength and energy.

1. Your employer offers you a weekly wage. He does not pay every 15 minutes. No, you work all week, or maybe all month, trusting that you will receive your pay at the appropriate time.
2. You deposit your hard earned money in a bank, believing the word of the banker that he will safeguard your funds and return them when you ask.

1. Services continue as usual for the next 3 weeks. Parking Lot at 10 am on FM 99.1 and on the website after 12:30 pm
2. EASTER SUNDAY, April 4, we will have a Sunrise Service. Exact time to be announced later. If weather is bad, you will receive a “One Call” announcing any change.
3. Sunday, April 11, we will restart inside services. You will have 4 options, Inside, Parking Lot, Fellowship Hall, or Website. Masks recommended for the inside service. Please choose the option that makes you the most comfortable.
4. Our plans are to restart Children’s Worship on April 11.
5. The details on the sale of the Parsonage are being worked out.
6. Since we plan to be back inside, we should be able to have our Quarterly Church Conference on Sunday, April 18.
7. This is the time of the year that we give our Annie Armstrong Easter Offering for Home Missions. It is estimated that over half the citizens of the United States are not born again Christians. Therefore, this offering is needed more than ever. I know you will be generous. Give between now and Easter.

If I asked you to describe the earthly ministry of Jesus, many of you would say something like this: “It was awesome. Jesus taught, preached, and healed all manner of sickness. He raised the dead. He took authority over demons. He was crucified, but rose victorious over sin, death, and hell. Jesus came with power and glory.” 

If I asked you next about the Second Coming of Jesus, what would you say? Would it be something like this? “Jesus is coming with great power and glory. He will rapture His Church, deal with the Anti-Christ, and the False Prophet. He will cast the devil into the bottomless pit. Then, Jesus will reign over the earth for 1000 years. Afterward, the devil will be defeated in a final battle and be thrown into the Lake of Fire. Then comes an eternity of blessing for every Believer.” 

You would be correct in all you spoke about Jesus in the past and in the future. Glorious, powerful, anointed, life changing and world changing are His attributes both past and future. 

If my third question to you was, “What about Jesus at this present moment? How do you see Him at this present hour?” Would you hem and haw and stumble a little bit? Do you picture Jesus way off, up in Heaven, maybe doing a little ministry on earth and saving a few? OR, do you see a powerful Jesus, reigning supreme and victorious? 

After the awesome encounter the Apostle John had with the Risen Jesus, he wrote these words [Revelation 1:4] “John to the seven churches which are in Asia :Grace be unto you, and peace, from Him which is, and which was, and which is to come….”.: Take careful notice of John’s words. The same Jesus who “was” and the same Jesus who “is to come” is the same Jesus who now “is”. Jesus has not changed. He is the “same yesterday, today, and forever” [Hebrews 13:8] 

Should we not be expecting the same glorious, powerful Jesus to be working in our world today? YES! Indeed, there are places in our present world where the New Testament is being relived every day. The secular news will not be reporting it, but it is happening. What will it take for us to join this move of God? FAITH! Think of the many times someone came to Jesus with a request for a miracle and Jesus said “According to your faith be it unto you ” [ex. Matthew 9:29] People believed and received. [There is a difference between “believing” and “hoping” but that is a separate article.] 

Dear friends, we are “Believers”. We had faith [believed] and were saved. Let’s believe that the same Jesus who “was” and who “is to come” is the same Jesus who walks among us today!!! 

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS 

1. Service times as usual. Parking lot on 99.1 FM at 10 am. Website after 12:30 pm.
2. Remember, Daylight Savings Time begins Sunday, March 14.
3. Final offering total for the Pregnancy Resource Center was $1035. You have done well. People will be blessed because you care. Thank you!

May the Lord bless you mightily this week. 

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church 

Recently, as I was reading from one of my devotional books, the writer, a great minister, mentioned that he and his wife had been in a deep conversation. As they talked, the train of thought turned to people who had harmed and opposed their ministry. When he realized that the negative talk was making him angry and depressed, he immediately changed directions. They began to remember all the people who had been a blessing and who made them smile. The tone of the conversation changed dramatically.

As we sat down for lunch, I mentioned that devotion to Pamela. We have had plenty of negative people in our lives, but immediately my sweet wife started naming some of those “make you smile people”. I added a few and we had a great time reminiscing about special individuals who had been a blessing to us.

All through lunch, we kept saying names. Each brought a smile of remembrance and a new bubble of joy. Some of these we contact regularly, and some are waiting for us in heaven.  All of these “make you smile” and “fill your heart with joy” friends have been God’s special grace gift to us.

The challenge each of us face, is to be that kind of person. When others think of you and when they think of me, do their memories of us bring joy? Are they excited about seeing us again?  Sweet words, loving attitudes, and acts of kindness are ways of leaving positive thoughts in the minds of others.

The Psalmist [19:14] said, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight, oh Lord, my Strength and my Redeemer”. When our hearts and words please the Lord, we will be a blessing.

The Apostle Paul wrote to the Philippians [1:3] “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you”. As he wrote to the Thessalonians twice, he said [1:3, 2:13] “But we are always bound to give thanks for you”. Here were two churches that brought a smile to the Apostle’s face. 

Let’s vow to strive to be such a blessing to others that we become “smile bringers”. As a result, others will be touched, and Jesus will be honored. AMEN 

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS 

1. Services continue as usual. 10:00 am on FM 99.1 in the parking lot and after 12:30 pm on the website.
2. The total of our offering for the Pregnancy Resource Center remains at $975. This is the last week to give. You have done well!
3. The Realtor is now showing the parsonage to all interested buyers.

Let’s continue to worship and serve Jesus together. 

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church 

Many years ago, a new Pastor came to our Baptist Association. One of the first times he met with us he stood up and boldly proclaimed, “I want to be upfront with you. I want you to know that I drink all the alcohol I want and I cheat on my wife as often as I want”. While we were standing there with our jaws dropping open, he grinned, laughed, and said, “Since I got saved I don’t want any alcohol and I don’t want to cheat on my wife”. It was his way of telling us that his “wants” changed when he entered into a real relationship with Jesus.

That memory reminds me that we Christians have often approached the sins of our nation from the wrong angle. How many times have you heard it said, “If we can just get the right President and the right Justices on the Supreme Court they would reverse Roe vs. Wade and outlaw abortion?” The same is often said about other evils in the nation that the Bible calls sin.

Let me disillusion you. Under the current climate in our nation, such a move would cause protests and riots that would make what happened last summer seem like a walk in the park. It would likely lead to civil war. Remember, the days of Prohibition were a noble attempt to regulate morals by law, but it failed miserably.

What this nation needs is the same thing my Pastor friend had, a relationship with Jesus that gave him a changed heart and in turn, changed his “wants”. Is such a miracle possible? YES! In days of old, revival swept through various parts of the world. Saloons closed, not because of some law, but because “born again” folks had no desire to drink. Jails emptied because no one was committing crimes. Let me point you to a few Scriptures:

“If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature. Old things are passed away. Behold all things are become new”. [2 Corinthians 5:17]

“How enriched are they who find their strength in the Lord. Within their hearts are the highways of holiness”. [Psalm 84:5 TPT]

“Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises. That by these you might be partakers of the Divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust”. [2 Peter 1:4]

Catch that last thought— True Believers have the Divine nature, the nature of God. Since there is no sin in God, when we receive His nature in our lives, our “wants” change and we strive to renounce sin.

Friends, the only way this nation will change is not by new laws and court rulings, but by changing the hearts of our fellow citizens. A man or woman who is truly born again, filled with the Holy Spirit, is taught the Word of God, and who follows the leading of the Spirit, will choose to do what is right and honorable.

I ENCOURAGE YOU:

1. Be sure of your own salvation
2. Be filled with the Holy Spirit
3. Be knowledgeable of what the Bible teaches
4. Be led by the Spirit and choose to live a holy life
5. Be a person whose “wants” are pure before God
6.  Be a Godly example to others
7. Be a witness to your unsaved family and friends
8. Be prayerful for yourself, your family, your church, and your nation

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

1. Services as usual–Sunday at 10 am on 99.1 FM in the parking lot and on the website after 12:30 pm
2. $975 is the new total for our offering for the Pregnancy Resource Center. Awesome! Thank you! You may still give through the end of the month.
3. We realize that some of you are concerned because we have not returned to inside worship. We are exploring ways we can SAFELY do that. Since additional church members have contracted Covid in recent weeks, we are being cautious. Please be patient, prayerful, and share with us any suggestions that the Lord gives to you.

Be blessed!!

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church

You probably remember seeing a cartoon of Heaven and it was pictured like this: Some lonely guy is floating past on a cloud. He is playing his harp and not at all looking happy. As a result, many people are not interested in going to Heaven. They see it as a boring place. Will you spend an eternity there in boredom?

NO! Heaven will be the most exciting, thrilling, not to mention, the most beautiful place you have ever seen. Imagine, worshiping Jesus with all that is within you. Unhindered, pure worship will flow from your innermost being as you proclaim the glories of your Lord. Think of walking up to Jesus, falling on your knees, and beginning to thank Him for forgiving your sin, saving you, and for the thousands of blessings He bestowed upon your earthly life. We will probably do that every time we encounter Him.

Think of meeting all your Bible heroes and getting to know them. Then, think of being reunited with all those you have loved in this life. Think of meeting some you never knew. I learned this past year that I had a great grandfather who was a preacher in Montgomery County in the 1800’s. It is going to be so interesting to meet him, compare doctrine, preaching styles, ministerial experiences, and our own personal walk with the Lord. Is there someone special that you anticipate meeting?

Another part of the excitement of Heaven will be seeking all the people who were a blessing to you. People helped you, loved you, made positive contributions to your life. You will surely want to express your thanks and gratitude.

Think of the people who will walk up to you and say “Thank You”. Let me share a report I received this week. Covid, shutdowns, and social distancing, made the work of Samaritan’s Purse especially difficult this year. Despite the pandemic, 9 million boxes were packed and processed. They were distributed in hundreds of villages around the globe. 3.5 million children participated in “The Greatest Journey” Bible Study. 1.3 million of these children accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior. What an awesome harvest!! Barbee’s Grove family, some of these children will be looking for you in Heaven to say “Thank you for my box and for my salvation”. Nothing boring about that!

Others will come up to you and say something like this: “I never knew my Daddy. Mom was strung out on drugs. My brother, sister and I often went hungry and dirty. One day a nice Social Worker took us to the Baptist Children’s Home. We had food three times a day, a clean warm bed, lots of love, and best of all they told us that Jesus loved us. Thank you so much for making a difference in my life.

Another may come and say, “I was in despair and thinking of taking my life. Your phone call and kind words gave me the courage to face my difficulties and to continue living” Still another may say, “Because you gave to the Pregnancy Resource Center their counselors were there. They talked to my Mom. She chose to let me live. I had a long full life because of you”.

Doesn’t it thrill your heart and make it beat with anticipation at spending an eternity thanking Jesus and others, and being thanked in return? You might be thinking,”Ed, with all these words of appreciation and ‘Thank yous’ being said, will we not become proud and conceited?” Oh no! Just the opposite. Every time we see Jesus we will lay the latest round of “Thank Yous’ at His feet. They will be given to Him as trophies of His grace and love. After all, our wonderful Savior made it all possible. He gets the glory and praise! PRAISE THE NAME OF JESUS!  Heaven will not be boring!

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

1. Parking lot service on 99.1 FM at 10 am on Sunday. Website service after 12:30 pm.
2. Through the Newsletter and Leonard’s announcements we try to keep you updated on church business. If you ever have questions about anything please call your Deacon for clarification.
3. $775 is the last total I have for our Offering for the Pregnancy Resource Center. Excellent! Several members have indicated that they will be mailing additional gifts. As a result, Brenda will hold off writing the check until all gifts are sent. It is not too late to give if the Lord leads you to do so.
4. Continue to spend much time in prayer. The needs are abundant.

Remember, “We are one in the bond of love”.

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church 

When our kids were small, almost every week we drove from Siler City to Albemarle to visit grandparents. [And usually for me to work a few hours at the farm]. On the trip back to Siler City the kids usually fell asleep in the backseat. They felt safe, secure, and comfortable. Dad was driving. Mom was constantly turning around to check on them and to lay a loving hand on them. The sun may have been shining or the moon and stars might be lighting the sky. Even if it was raining, snowing, or gusting cold blasts of wind, they slept peacefully. After all, they knew they were in the care of loving parents.

Believing Friends, followers of Jesus, somedays the sun shines in your life. On other days there are storms. That is a part of human existence. However, as a Believer in Jesus, you live “in a kingdom that cannot be shaken”.[Hebrews 12:28] You have a Good Shepherd who “Leads you beside still waters, into green pastures, and with the power of His rod and staff, He protects and comforts you”. [Psalm 23] He promises to “Never leave you or forsake you”. [Hebrews 13:5]

Today, is your life sunny? Or, are the storms of doubt, fear, and concern in your sky? Rest secure. Be at peace. As a Christian you have Someone unbelievers do not have. You have the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, living inside of you. You, as God’s child, are far safer and far more loved than were our kids in the backseat of our car.  [Read and meditate on Psalm 91 often]

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS 

1. Services continue as usual. FM 99.1 on Sunday at 10:00 am in the parking lot or after 12;30 pm on the website.
2. As of today, you have given $185 to the offering for the Pregnancy Resource Center. That is a nice start. Please make your gifts by this Sunday, February 7.
3. Thank you for your continued giving to the needs and ministries of Barbee’s Grove. Whether you drop them in the mail or drop them in the white bucket on the porch on Sunday morning, each gift is appreciated. Each time we give we are expressing our love for our Lord and for His Church. 

Call someone today and lift their spirits with a word of God’s blessing! 

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church 

In days of long ago, back when I was a teenager, my Dad often came to me and said something like this, “Early tomorrow morning go to the farm, take a certain tractor, hook to a certain plow, and plow a certain field”. I may have thought, “Why that tractor and plow and why that particular field”? However, my job was not to speculate, but to obey. Dad was the one with the big picture in his mind. He knew how many acres of each crop he wanted to plant. He knew the fields where each crop would go. He knew which crops needed to be planted first each Spring. Because he was my Dad, I honored him by obeying.

Often, God speaks to our hearts, instructing us to do or say certain things. “Pray for this individual. Share your faith here. Call this person. Give to this cause. Study this passage of My Word. As a witness, get up and go to church even if you do not feel like going.” [The list goes on.] Sometimes, the Lord instructs us to do things that we really do not understand. He tells us, “Forgive and do good to them that wrong you. Pray for political leaders and others in authority even if you do not like them. Be careful with the words you speak, for you are determining your destiny”‘ and other such commandments.

We may not understand, but God sees the “Big Picture”. He knows how every prayer, every gift, every act of forgiveness, fits into His plan for changing our circumstances and our world. We simply trust and obey.

I honored my earthly father each time I followed his instructions. We honor our Heavenly Father each time we obey His commands. Obedience is another way of saying, “We trust our Lord. We have faith in His Word. We believe. He speaks and we act”.

When we obey our Father’s instructions and do His will we are following in the steps of those who have gone before us.[Hebrews 11] Abraham packed up his family and moved to an unknown country. Joshua and Israel marched around the walls of Jericho. Gideon took an army of 300 and defeated an army of over 100,000. The Bible is full of examples.

Walking in faith is walking in obedience. Is it not exciting and joyful to watch our Lord work powerfully when we do things His way and in His timing? Which tractor, plow, and field is your personal way and place to honor your Lord today?

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS 

1. Services continue as usual. You may listen in the parking lot at 10:00 am on FM 99.1 each Sunday or on the website after 12:30 pm. The number of cars in the parking lot is growing.

2. We continue our giving to the ministry of our local Pregnancy Resource Center. Your gifts are a blessing. Please give by February 7.

3. Get out your world globes or an atlas. Look for the nation of Honduras. [Hint—It is in Central America]. That is the nation that received the Samaritan’s Purse Shoe Boxes from Barbee’s Grove. Since I made 3 mission trips to Honduras, I cannot help but wonder if someone in a family I met, received one of our boxes. Thank you again for giving!

We miss seeing you in person, but Jesus still binds us together!

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church 

This week, the Lord reminded me of a cute story from the Presidency of John Kennedy. It seems that President Kennedy was holding a meeting in the Oval Office. It was a serious meeting attended by important government leaders. In the meantime, President Kennedy’s son, 4-year-old John-John, decided he wanted to see his Dad. He did not care that an important meeting was in session. He simply marched through the door and climbed up onto his Dad’s lap. The President stopped the meeting, spent a few minutes loving his son, and then sent him back out to play.

Think of it! The confidence a son had that he was always welcome to go see his Dad. Think of a Dad, who even though he was busy, made time for his son.

I pray that the little paragraph above describes your relationship with your Heavenly Father and that you know you are always welcome in His Presence. The Throne Room of God is not a crowded waiting room, where you take a number and wait and wait and wait. NO! Anytime you wish, you can have instant access to the Father through the Name of Jesus. [John 16:23, 24] The Father will quickly treat you as if you are the only person in the room.

Hebrews 4:16 tells us “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need”.

May each of us be found often bursting into the Throne Room to spend quality time with our Loving Heavenly Father!!!

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

1.Services continue as usual. You may listen in the parking lot at FM 99.1 on Sunday at 10:00 am or on the website after 12:30 pm.

2.The Quarterly Church Conference will be postponed until we can meet in person.

3. Ordinarily at this time of year, we would be having a speaker from our local Pregnancy Resource Center. These folks do a wonderful ministry fighting against abortion and aiding the families that choose to let their babies live. That work continues despite the pandemic. Even though we will not be hearing an inspiring speaker, we still want to support this ministry with our usual Love Offering. As the Lord leads you, and as He enables you to give, you may give in the usual ways [by mail or in the white bucket on the porch on Sundays]. Simply mark “Pregnancy Resource Center” on your envelope. Let’s finish our giving by Sunday, February 7.

4.When things were “normal” we often witnessed for Jesus by inviting family, friends, and neighbors to attend church with us. At the present time, that is not possible. So, what can we do? 1. We can invite them to park beside us in the parking lot on Sunday morning. 2. We can point them to the website. 3. We can make copies and share our Newsletters. I know for a fact that some of those Newsletters have been sent all over North Carolina and to a number of other states. I say that not to brag, but out of thankfulness that God is using what He gave me to write, to speak to many people. Do you know of someone who would be blessed by something the Lord said in one of those articles? 4. You can share your personal testimony of your relationship with Jesus by phone, text, or other social media.

5. In conclusion, let me remind you once again of 1 Timothy 2:1-4. There the Lord tells us that if we want to live a “quiet and peaceable life” we are to pray for, all those in authority [our bosses and all government leaders]. As we think of those in leadership in Washington, Raleigh, and Stanly County, we may be thrilled, sad, angry, or frightened. Our feelings are irrelevant. God says, “Pray for them”. God says, “Pray for ALL of them”. God says, “Pray for them First of All”, not a few mumbled words before we say, “Amen”. Let us believe that God is smarter than we are. Let us believe that He can take any leaders and accomplish His purposes. I encourage you, if you want to live that “quiet and peaceable life”, let’s obey our Lord. HE IS ALWAYS AND FOREVER ON HIS THRONE!!!!

Have a God blessed week.

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church

2020 was one of the strangest years in American history. Devastating hurricanes, massive wildfires, rioting in the streets, and a contentious political campaign were bad. Add in, Covid-19 with its sicknesses, deaths, lay-offs, shut-downs, quarantines, face masks, social distancing and shortages of products like cleaning supplies and toilet paper and you have had a hard year. With that in mind, let’s look at Barbee’s Grove, a small country church that has 60-70 active members. Let’s look with our “wide angle lens” and see what the Lord accomplished in 2020.

1. I think of wonderful folks at Barbee’s Grove. You brought your folding chairs and endured the heat and the bugs as you faithfully worshiped under the big oak tree all summer. When the cold weather forced us inside, you wore your face masks and practiced social distancing. Those of you who could not attend listened to the webcast, read your Newsletters, and regularly mailed your tithes and offerings. A small group sacrificed your Saturday afternoons for weeks in order to produce those website services. It was not “church as usual” but the praises of Jesus were sung, the Word of God was preached, Christian fellowship continued, and Believers grew in the Lord.

2. Since none of my paychecks “bounced” I know that you faithfully gave to meet the needs represented by our Church Budget.

3. Do you have any idea how wonderful and faithful you were in joyfully and sacrificially giving to missions?. Let me add it up for you.

$ 1500 Cooperative Program [Budget]

   1500 Stanly-Montgomery Baptist Association [Budget]

   1200 NC Baptist Children’s Homes [Budget]

   4000 Children’s Homes Spring Food Drive

   5000 Children’s Homes Thanksgiving Offering

    581 Children’s Homes van for Guatemala

    390 NCBAM [Otis Goins Memorial] Children’s Homes aging ministry

    900 NC Missions Offering

  2360 Lottie Moon Christmas offering for International Missions

  2900 West Stanly Christian Ministries Day of Sharing

   456 Christmas boxes for shut-ins

   576 Mailing Samaritan’s Purse Shoe Boxes

   355 Law Enforcement Appreciation Meal

   900 Pregnancy Resource Center

   260 Food for a needy family [Benevolence Fund]

22878  TOTAL MISSIONS GIFTS IN 2020

All of the above gifts went through the church offerings. When we add the $100s of dollars that you spent filling those shoe boxes and the $100s you spent buying the pajamas for the nursing home residents then we can probably add another $700-800 to the total above. That is impressive for a church the size of Barbee’s Grove.

4. Then we must not forget the 1000s of phone calls, texts, emails, cards, letters, and hours of prayer that were a part of church life last year. Time after time you demonstrated your love for Jesus as you loved one another.

Consider these words of Jesus. [John 15:12] “This is my commandment, that ye love one another as I have loved you.” [Matthew 25:34-36] “Then shall the King say unto them on His right hand, ‘Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungered and ye gave Me meat: I was thirsty and ye gave Me drink: I was a stranger and ye took Me in: Naked and ye clothed Me: I was sick and ye visited Me: I was in prison and ye came unto Me'”. . Then notice verse 40 “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these, my brethren. , ye have done it unto Me.

2020 was not an ordinary year. But despite all the turmoil you have been faithful. You were sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit and you ministered to Jesus as you ministered to others THANK YOU! Heavenly rewards are in your future.

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

1. Services available on 99.1 in the parking lot at 10 am and on the website after 12:30 pm.

2. The Tithes and Offerings bucket will be on the porch on Sunday morning. You are also able to mail your gifts and any time.

3. As we continue to be consistent and faithful in our love for Jesus and our service for Him God has great things ahead for Barbee’s Grove.

Keep following Jesus!!

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church 

The school kids are back in “remote learning”. As a church, Barbee’s Grove is back in “remote worship”. It is sad that we feel led to do this, but for your health and safety we believe that it is necessary. We will meet back in person as soon as possible. In the meantime, we have two options to worship together. You can listen to FM 99.1 in your car in the church parking lot at 10:00 am each Sunday. You can also listen on the website after 12:30 pm each Sunday.

As we read the Apostle Paul’s letters to the churches, we discover that he writes wonderful words about the deep things of God. He also writes of practical ways that we can practice our faith. Would you allow me to suggest some practical ways that you can maintain your walk with Christ during this difficult time?

1. In six weeks you can become seriously backslidden, or you can grow closer to the Lord and a more powerful Christian than ever. It all depends upon the daily and weekly choices you make.

2. Plan time each Sunday to attend the service in the parking lot or to listen on the website. DO NOT let anything interfere with the time you have chosen. If more than one person lives in the house, try to listen as a family. Sing along with the music. Follow the message in your Bible. Turn off the TV. Do not be distracted by cooking, washing dishes, etc.

3. On Wednesday night at 6:30 get your Bible. Go to a quiet place. Read a chapter. Spend time meditating upon what the Lord is saying to you.

4. Many of you are Sunday School Teachers. Ordinarily, you would spend a certain amount of time studying and preparing to teach. At the time you usually would be studying, go to the place where you study, and spend that time praying by name for your class members. Also, pray for your Deacons, your Pastor, and other members of the church.

5. During our regular devotion times all of us should pray for all those listed above. Then, we can add to the list the unsaved, the backslidden, inactive church members, the sick and hurting, and others the Holy Spirit brings to mind. The Bible says, “The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” [James 5:16]. Imagine what an awesome power will be generated for the Kingdom of God as we members of Barbee’s Grove send faith filled prayers to heaven.

6. Write your Tithes and Offerings check at the normal time each week, put it in your envelope and drop it in the mail or place it in the white bucket that will be outside the church each Sunday morning.

7. If each of us will do the things listed above, we will remain spiritually strong. The devil’s attempt to undermine our faith will be brought to naught. He loses and you and the Kingdom of God win.

I am hearing reports from all over the world. God is at work powerfully.  People are being born again. Churches are being started. Believers are learning and growing in their faith. What the devil meant for evil our Lord is using to bring honor and glory to the Name of Jesus. Let that also be true at Barbee’s Grove. Amen and Hallelujah!!!!

We send you our love and prayers.

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church

In the Newsletter last week, I discussed the wonderful Bible truth that at this very moment, Jesus is at the right hand of the Father making intercession for us [Hebrews 7,8] That is good and thrilling news.  This week, I want to continue that thought. Did you realize that you can make the intercession of Jesus for you more effective or less effective? How is that possible?

What do you have faith to believe and what words are coming out of your mouth? For example, if Jesus often hears you saying,”I am poor, sick and sorry; I come from a long line of people who were poor, sick, and sorry; I will never be anything but poor, sick, and sorry”; then He has little with which to intercede. His hands are tied to a certain extent.

However, if Jesus hears you saying in faith, “Father, I ask for wisdom. You promised to give it to those who ask”. [James 1:5] “Father, thank You for the peace You give” [John 14:27] “Thank You that ‘By the stripes of Jesus I am healed'” [1 Peter 2:24] “Thank You that ‘You supply all my needs according to Your riches in Glory in Christ Jesus'” [Philippians 4:19] “Thank You that ‘I am more than a conqueror in Christ Jesus'”[Romans 8:37] “Thank You that You did not give a spirit of fear but of power and love and a sound mind” [2 Timothy 1:7] and other such Scriptures, then Jesus can get to work on your behalf. He leans over and whispers to the Father, “Listen to Your beloved child. They are standing in faith, believing and quoting Your Word. Since We always honor Our Word, let’s get busy on behalf of this precious believer.”

I grew up with a long line of “negative” people, both family and acquaintances. So, for me, this has been a learning process. Each day, I am trying my best to speak God’s Word back to Him. I want Jesus to see and to hear my faith as He intercedes for me. I encourage you to do the same! As we enter 2021 it is so vitally important that we know the Word of God, that we believe the Word of God, that we build our faith on the Word of God, and that we speak the Word of God.

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

1. Drive in Service – 10:00 am Sunday. Only available on the radio at 99.1 FM in the parking lot or on the website after 12:30 pm.

2. Adult Bible Study – Canceled until further notice.

3. Our final Total for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions is $2330. That is a great amount. Thank you for faithful giving.

4. We note with sadness the death of Mr. Don Whitley. Don’s joy, laughter, and faithfulness will be missed at Barbee’s Grove. He was a blessing. Continue to keep Barbara and the other members of the family in your prayers.

5. Your faithful attendance, giving, encouragement, and prayers have blessed Barbee’s Grove during this pandemic. THANK YOU!. As we begin the New Year let us make a commitment to Jesus to continue that faithfulness. As we attend regularly, give faithfully, pray daily, and invite others to attend at every opportunity, we will experience the blessing of the Lord and we will see His Mighty Hand at work at Barbee’s Grove.

Anticipate and expect a meeting with the Lord when we worship together!

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church

The Holy Spirit recently reminded me of one of the most amazing, wonderful, precious, truths that is a reality of heaven. I pray that the thought will bless you as much as it blessed me. First, remember that the word “intercession” means to go to another and make a plea, usually on behalf of someone other than the intercessor. Now, let us look at some Scriptures.

Hebrews 8:1-“We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens”. Where is Jesus? He is seated in glory at the right hand of the Father. It is a place of honor, prestige, power, and access. What is Jesus doing there? Hebrews 7:25–“Seeing He is also able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them”.Jesus is making intercession for us. Think of it. At this very moment, Jesus is leaning over and is whispering in His Father’s ear special requests just for you. What is your situation? Are you ill? hurting?, sad?, lonely?, financially distressed?, concerned about a friend or loved one? Jesus has noticed your situation and is talking to the Father about that need.

You protest, “I am a ‘nobody’. God doesn’t have time to notice me”. Consider Luke 12:6 “Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God” You are much more important than a little bird. If God is aware of a little bird, He is surely aware of you. You protest, “There are millions of people in the world. I will be lost in the crowd.” Remember, God is Supreme. He can hear, and keep in mind, millions of requests from Jesus without a single memory lapse. You protest, “That is wonderful news for you Christians, but it does not apply to me. I am not a believer”. Oh, but it does apply to you. At this very moment, Jesus is whispering, “Father see that precious one? They do not believe. What can we do to show them how much we love them and how much we want them to accept me as Lord and Savior, and how much we want them to join our family in heaven”?

Friends, rejoice. Your name and your situation are on the lips of Jesus as He speaks to the Father about you AT THIS VERY MOMENT. Let that heavenly reality of the intimate love and care that Jesus has for you thrill your soul. Let it refresh your spirit and cause words of praise to bubble from your lips.

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

1. Sanctuary service-10:00 am Sunday–Also available on the radio in the parking lot and on the website after noon.

2. Adult Bible Study – Wednesday-6:30 pm

3. Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions is now $ 2250. We have one more Sunday in December to give. Somebody from another country is going to be in heaven because Barbee’s Grove loves, cares, and gives.

4. Pamela and I want to wish you a God blessed, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. 2020 was a troublesome year. However, our Lord was with us every step of the way. He is in us, and He will walk with us no matter what 2021 brings. Pamela and I thank you for the cards, gifts, nice love offering, and well wishes you have given us. We appreciate your love for us, your love for others, and your love for Jesus. It is a privilege to serve the Lord with you at Barbee’s Grove.

Jesus came once and HE IS COMING AGAIN! Prepare for His Coming!

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church

In their Gospels, Matthew and Luke tell us those wonderful “birth of Jesus” stories that delight our hearts. We thrill as we read them. In his Gospel, John does not take the time to repeat the things Matthew and Luke had already written. Instead, John goes quickly to the purpose of who Jesus was, and why Jesus came. As you read those first verses in John 1, notice especially verse 5. It reads, “The light shineth in darkness and the darkness comprehended it not”

We usually use the word “comprehend” to mean “understand”. Truly, many of the people of Jesus’ day did not understand who Jesus was and why He came. Even His own disciples often had trouble discerning what Jesus was teaching. Only after the crucifixion, resurrection, ascension, and Day of Pentecost, did they finally “get it”. Even today, many do not understand that Jesus is Savior, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, and the only way to Heaven. We must continue to share that good news.

Interestingly, many translations of John use a different idea for the word “comprehend”. They translate it as the darkness could not “overpower the light”, “put out the light”, or “absorb the light”. I like that thought. No matter how deep, dark, or black, the darkness is, it can never “overpower or put out the Light” that is Jesus. Religious leaders and dictators have tried their best for 2000 years. All have failed. All will fail forever. Jesus still sits on His throne in glory!!! Jesus is the Light. He will be the Light forever!. As men and women see the Light, draw near to the Light, they will find warmth, love, healing, forgiveness, salvation, and joy.

Two little songs have played through my mind as I have been typing. “Brighten the corner where you are” is the first. You may be the only Believer in your home, your extended family, your circle of friends, or your workplace. Brighten that corner with the Light of Jesus. The second chorus is one the children often sing, “This little light of mine,I’m going to let it shine”. If I remember correctly, it has a phrase, “let it shine all over the world”, and another that says, “let it shine till Jesus comes”.

A decorated, well lighted house can be a wonderful attraction in a neighborhood. An “on fire” “full of Jesus”, Believer, shining with the glow and glory of Jesus is a beautiful witness in a time and place of spiritual darkness. Everywhere, and forever, let the Jesus who lives in you shine forth as a witness and a blessing to the world.  Amen

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

1. Sanctuary Service- 10:00 am. Also available on the radio in the Parking Lot and on the website after noon.

2. Adult Bible Study-Wednesday, 6:30 pm

3. Called Church Conference-Sunday, December 20-Purpose is to consider the sale parsonage.

4. Our total for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering has reached $1055. It is wonderful to see that number growing each week. Your generous gifts will reach people who have never heard of Jesus. They will join us in Heaven. Thank you for caring and sharing.

5. Over the past 3 years that Pamela and I have been at Barbee’s Grove, and especially during this weird Covid-19 year, you have been awesome in your generous giving to those who have needs. You not only helped when asked, indeed you have gone looking for people who needed help. The Lord has taken notice and as we have sown, we are reaping. This past Sunday an anonymous donor gave Barbee’s Grove $6000 for our Benevolence Fund. “WOW”! This will enable us to help others in need in the months ahead. The Lord knows He can trust us to “do the right thing” with this gift, so He impressed upon someone’s heart to give it. [This is a good time to say, “Thank you Jesus”.] We also believe, that when we ask, you as a congregation, will continue to dig deep into your pockets and checkbooks and give to help others. 

 It is not the size of the congregation that matters. It is the size of the “loving heart” of a congregation that matters and that makes a difference in a lost and hurting world. Thank you for caring and sharing!

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church

Years ago, if I planned a trip to somewhere I had never been, I asked a friend for directions. If no one was available, I unfolded a state road map and carefully plotted my route. Today, my computer can print step-by-step directions down to tenths of a mile. It is even possible to ask my phone for directions.

Think back to Genesis 12:1 and the word Abraham received: “The Lord said…Get thee out of thy country… unto a land that I will show thee”. That is pretty vague isn’t it? Many of us would have balked at such a word. It must have been frustrating to stop and ask the Lord for directions at every fork in the road. Many of us have the attitude, “I want to see the whole trip in print before I take the first step”.

Yet, life is not like that. Every day is new. Every day is different. Every day we need new guidance. Which school should I attend? Whom do I date? Who will be my marriage partner? Where do I work? How do I handle the Covid-19 crises? Do I take this trip, or stay home? Can I eat out? Which restaurant? Is it okay to shop at this particular store? Your phone, nor your computer can answer those type of questions.

One of the blessings we have as Christians, as a child of God, is the same blessing that Abraham had. We believe in, and follow, the One True God who has all knowledge. He is the One who knows from beginning to the end. [Isaiah 46:9-10] Jesus said [John 10:27] “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” Paul wrote [Romans 8:14] “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God”. The Psalmist says,[37:23] “The steps of a good man are ordered of the Lord….”

Abraham walked in faith and listened to the voice of God, reached his destination, accomplished the will of God, and received the multiplied blessings of God. Our world is crazy, mixed up, and has many voices crying for our attention. The more we learn to hear and follow the “still small voice” of our Lord, and to walk in faith, the more confidently we can live our daily lives. Even in a Covid-19 pandemic, the Lord will direct our paths in marvelous ways. We will be a fruitful blessing to others and receive in return our Lord’s blessings upon our own lives!!

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

1.Sanctuary Service-10am on Sunday-Also available on radio in the parking lot and after noon on the website.

2. Adult Bible Study-Wednesday 6:30 pm

3. Christmas cards need to be at the church this Sunday [13th]

4. Called Church Conference-Sunday December 13-Purpose is to elect Sunday School Secretaries and to consider a proposal about the Baptist Children’s Homes Offering.

5. Called Church Conference-Sunday, December 20-Purpose is to consider the sale of the parsonage.

6. More than 40 sets of pajamas have been delivered to the nursing home. The Administrator and the Activities Director were thrilled as we stacked their cart full to running over. THANK YOU FOR YOUR LOVING GENEROSITY

7. The total Sunday for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions was $465. Some Mission Board Highlight from the past year

     12368 New churches planted

     535,325 Heard about Jesus

      89,325 New believers

      47,929 Baptisms

Your gifts are making a difference all over the world! We have the remainder of December to add to our total.

Love in Jesus

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church

You remember the Christmas story from the Gospel of Luke [2]. A group of shepherds were out in the field minding their own business, which was, watching their sheep. Suddenly, the sky was full of angels loudly proclaiming “Boy, are you guys in for a lot of trouble. God is so angry with you earthlings. He cannot wait to slap you on the head”. Is that what those shepherds heard? Many folks seem to think so. Many of us grew up hearing of an angry God who was just waiting for a reason to do us harm. Some still believe that all their troubles come from God. One of the most famous sermons in American history had as title and theme “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God’. It is a fearful and depressing way to live. 

Let’s look again at the real announcement that first Christmas day. “Good news of great joy” [2:10]; “For all people” [2:10]; “A Savior is born” [2:11]; “On earth peace and good will toward men” [2:14]. Ponder those phrases. Let them sink deep into your inner being. Let them thrill your soul.  

What is God’s real attitude toward us? God has “good will” toward men, not anger. He sent a Savior so that we might have peace with Him and peace with each other. The Lord offers this peace to “all people”, not to just a select few of the elite. That peace is for you and for me and for all who will believe and accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. 

To know God loves me and wants to save and bless me is truly “good news”. It is a reason to join the angels in proclaiming, “Glory to God in the highest”. Praise the Lord for His great love. 

We do need to be reminded that if we reject the love and salvation that is offered, we will come under the judgement of God. However, that is only a last resort. God stands with open arms, proclaiming, “Look at Christmas, the cross, and Easter. That is how much I love you. I plead with you to accept my love and to come live with Me forever”. 

Christmas is “good news” of God’s “good will” toward you. Believe it, receive it, live it, rejoice, and thank the Lord every day for that wonderful news. 

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS 

1. Sanctuary Service-Sunday- 10:00 am [Also on radio in parking lot and on website after 12:00].
2. Adult Bible Study-Wednesday-6:30 pm
3. We voted to give West Stanly Christian Ministries $2300 for their “Day of Giving”. Additional donations have pushed that total to $2900.
4. Another $1305 was given Sunday for the NC Baptist Children’s Homes Thanksgiving Offering. That brings our total to $4550
5. Thank you for the pajamas that you are giving for the residents of a nearby nursing home. Remember that your gifts need to be wrapped and at the church this Sunday [December 6].
6. Our December special offering is our Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for Foreign Missions. As we pray and as we give, our international missionaries are sharing the good news of Jesus in the far corners of our world.
7. If you are giving Christmas cards, please have them at the church by December 13. We need time to process them before the 20th. As usual, we are asking you to take the money you would have spent on stamps and to give it to the Lottie Moon Offering.

YOUR GIVING THIS MONTH HAS BEEN AWESOME. WE THANK YOU. THE LORD WILL BLESS YOU FOR YOUR LOVING GENEROSITY 

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

Did you realize that the devil was a recycler? He has recycled the same lies for thousands of years. He does that because he finds people in every generation who believe those lies. Remember the scene under the “Forbidden Fruit” tree in the Garden of Eden. How did the lie go? “God did not really mean it when He told you to stay away from this fruit. Besides, He is cheating you out of a wonderful experience.” Adam and Eve believed the lie, ate, and suffered the painful consequences.

The lie was repeated when the Children of Israel dwelled in the Promised Land. “God did not mean it when He told you not to intermarry with heathen nations around you. Also, He is robbing you of the blessings you can receive from worshiping their gods and goddesses.” Time-after-time, Israel violated God’s clear directions and reaped disaster.

Today, that same lie is still being repeated. “God did not mean it when He said Marriage is one man to one woman for life, Forgive those who hurt you, Love your enemies, Live a holy life. God is depriving you of pleasure.. Besides, if you Christians would stop advocating a strict, pure lifestyle and would ‘loosen up’,and  relax your standards, people would like you and would flock to your churches.” 

The sad result is this: Throughout America there are those who have fallen for the lie and now the members and ministers of some churches are not really believers in Jesus. They live and preach a sinful, unGodly lifestyle. Some have relaxed their standards until they have no standards at all. New Testament Believers would be appalled at what is preached from some pulpits. The result is that the unsaved world has no respect for the real Church of Jesus. The Lord is not pleased and we are reaping a painful harvest in our nation.

Think of this truth. In John 6, when the crowd said, “This is a hard saying” [6:60] and many left Jesus [6:66], did Jesus relax His standards so they would return? NO! When the Rich Young Ruler [Mark 10:17-23] walked away sorrowful, did Jesus call out, “Come back, I will make it easier for you”? NO!

Consider these words from Psalm 24: “Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord, or who shall stand in His Holy Place? He that hath clean hands and a pure heart, who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity nor sworn deceitfully.” Pretty high standards it seems to me. Think of the message of Jesus [Matthew 5:13] “Ye are the salt of the earth. Salt that has lost its saltiness is worthless and is thrown out.” It appears to me that Jesus is saying that compromising, sin filled members and the churches they attend are worthless to the Kingdom of God.

Believing and living the devil’s recycled lie may get a Pastor or a church some type of “Pastor, or Church of the Year Award” from the local sin filled community. Such does not interest me. I am waiting and longing to hear my Master, Jesus, say, “Well done, good and faithful servant”. What about you?

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

1.Sanctuary Service-10:00 am Sunday

2. NO Adult Bible Study this Wednesday -NOVEMBER 25 

3. Called Church Conference- Sunday November 22. Purpose is to elect committee members and to switch some unused line items in the 2020 Budget to mission gifts.

4. $420 plus $1775 plus $850 equals $3045

Your loving, sacrificial gift to the NC Baptist Children’s Homes Thanksgiving Offering keeps soaring. THANK YOU   Two Sundays left to give.

5. Thank you for helping to provide pajamas for nursing home residents. Many have given Pamela money and asked her to buy items that are needed. Those of you who selected a name and chose to do your own shopping are asked to have your gifts at the church by Sunday, December 6. 

Those who plant, reap a harvest!

God bless you

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church    

In America today, where is the most dangerous place to be, the place most likely to lead to death? It depends upon the day, and the particular news media you use. We have been warned to stay away from churches, bars, large gatherings, and even your extended family Thanksgiving meal. But, are these the most dangerous places?

Consider these facts that came from a very reputable source: On an average day in in America:

    587 people die from injuries

    688 people die from medical mistakes

    846 people die from Covid-19 [This number is rising]

   1662 people die from Cancer

   1795 people die from Heart Disease

   2363 babies die from Abortions

It should be shockingly sad to all Believers in Jesus that the most dangerous place in America, is in a mother’s womb. Think of it!! For each person who dies of Covid-19, almost 3 innocent babies are killed. God have mercy on a nation that allows and encourages such activities.

Every person who dies from Covid-19 is a loss, a pain, a tragedy. We hurt for them when they suffer and feel the pain of their families when death comes.  Millions of dollars are being spent to find a cure and a vaccine for Covid-19 as well as cures for Cancer and Heart Disease. I have no problem with seeking cures for all of these diseases. Abortion is not a disease. With a few simple rulings, and at zero cost in dollars, over 2000 lives could be saved every day. Of course, I understand that in a few cases, a medical emergency could make an abortion necessary. Those cases are rare.

It is so sad, that those who push for abortion are so often the same folks who lead the campaigns to “save the whales, the seals, the snail darters, and other species of plants and animals”. All life is precious. Our Lord created life. But, man, who was created in the image of God, has the most precious life of all.

Brothers and Sisters in the Lord, let us repent of the sins of our nation. Let us ask the Lord to forgive our nation. Let us ask Him to change the hearts of men and women. Let us pray that the womb becomes a place of nurture and safety.

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

1. Sanctuary Service-Sunday 10:00 am

2. Adult Bible Study-Wednesday 6:30 pm

3. Called Church Conference-Sunday, November 15-Purpose is to approve a Church Budget for 2021

4. Called Church Conference-Sunday November 22-Purpose is to elect some committee members and to vote on transferring some line items in the 2020 Church Budget

5.WOW!   WOW!    WOW!

You are being so loving and generous

…. $420 plus $1775 equals $2195 given already for the Baptist Children’s Homes Thanksgiving Offering. We are on our way to a record gift.

…. You have given generously to Pamela’s request to buy pajamas for nursing home residents.

…. You are responding to the West Stanly Christian Ministries appeal to help needy children and families at Christmas

…. 64–The number of Shoe Boxes you prepared for the Samaritan’s Purse. Since this is the first time in recent years that  we have done this, it is a great number for a church our size. Samaritan’s Purse recently sent out this report. ” A 7 year old boy in Burundi received a box. In the box was a pair of shoes. They fit him perfectly. His widowed father was too poor to buy the shoes his son so desperately needed. Tears flowed. Now both dad and son have received Jesus as their Lord and Savior and are faithfully attending church”. It is all because of one little shoe box that these two will be in Heaven.

THANK YOU FOR LOVING JESUS AND LOVING OTHERS AND GIVING GENEROUSLY

Great rewards are coming to God’s people

The love of Jesus is flowing at Barbee’s Grove

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church

As I write this, the election results are not yet known. When all the votes are finally counted, some of you may be in dismay and others will be thrilled. No matter who wins, all Christians are exhorted in 1 Timothy 2:1-3 to “pray for kings and for all in authority.”. Imagine what thoughts must have passed through the Apostle Paul’s mind when the Holy Spirit told him to write those words. “Lord, have you noticed how evil that Caesar in Rome is? Do you really expect me to pray for those local leaders who keep beating me and throwing me into their jails? Do you really mean it?”

The answer is, “Yes”. Our Lord orders us to pray for our leadership, no matter whether they are good or bad. In those same verses He says that we are to pray, “In order to lead a quiet and peaceable life”. No matter who sits in the place of authority, our prayers make a difference in the way we live as citizens.

Study your Bible. Research the Egyptian Pharaohs, King Ahab, Cyrus, the King of Nineveh, Belshazzer, Nebuchadnezzar, Ahasuerus, the two King Herods in the NewTestament, and others. None of them were nice men!  Sometimes God stopped them in their tracks, sometimes He changed their hearts, sometimes He used them for His Purposes and they did not even realize it, and sometimes the Lord removed them from the scene.

I can guarantee you this–The Lord is not sitting in Heaven, wringing His hands, and saying, “What am I going to do? Now that Mr.———is elected My hands are tied”. Brothers and Sisters, God is still on His throne. Let’s obey our Lord’s instruction to us and pray for our country and for those in office. We can like them, or dislike them, but in a spirit of Christlike love, we can pray for the Lord to guide their steps. AMEN

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

1. Sanctuary Service-Sunday 10:00 am

2. Adult Bible Study-Wednesday 6:30 pm

3. Called Church Conference-Sunday, November 15. Purpose-Approving Church Budget for 2021. Copies available this Sunday.

4.Please continue to pray for Immanuel Baptist Church and the family of Rev. Joe Smith. They need our prayers as they walk through this difficult time.

5.Try to get your Samaritan’s Purse Shoe Boxes to church this Sunday. Do not put money in the boxes. Our church will pay those shipping fees from a mission fund.

6. $420–The amount that was given this past Sunday for the NC Baptist Children’s Homes Thanksgiving Offering. It is a good start for what is going to be a fantastic offering from Barbee’s Grove. Let me share additional good news. When the total offering from all NC Baptist Churches and individuals is compiled at the first of the year, an anonymous donor has promised to match it! That means this first $420 will eventually equal $840. More than 100,000 people are impacted each year through the ministries of these Homes. THANK YOU FOR GIVING

When we are on our knees talking with our Lord we are powerful!

The Lord bless you!

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church

Elijah, our 15-year-old grandson in Oregon, has loved ice hockey since he was just past the toddler stage. Last year he was selected as 1 of
the 3 best hockey players in Oregon in his age group. In May, he was on his way to Nevada for tryouts with a chance to make the USA Jr. Olympic team. Covid-19 shut that down as it did so many other events.

How did Elijah get to be so good? First, God gave him some natural talents and abilities. However, Elijah has worked extremely hard to develop those abilities. In the summer, when other kids are “sleeping in”, playing video games, “goofing off”, and eating junk food, Elijah has an entirely different routine. He eats healthy food. He gets up at 6:00 am, rides his bike to school, runs the track, and does some work in the gym. After he gets home, he goes into his backyard. There he has a hockey net. He spends hours hitting pucks into that net. He is determined to be the best he can be. Pamela and I are so proud of his commitment to the sport he loves.

In our “heart-of hearts”, most of us want to excel as Believers in Jesus. We want to be the best Christians we can possibly be. But, becoming a “super” Christian doesn’t “just happen”. There will be Sundays when we will have to pull ourselves out of bed to go to church, even when we would rather “sleep in”. Like shunning unhealthy food, we will choose to forsake people, TV, movies, video games, computer programs, books, and magazines that pollute our minds with trash, unbelief, and unGodly ideas. We have to choose love and forgiveness over hate and bitterness. Then, we will have to discipline ourselves to maintain good habits—Bible study, prayer, meditation on the things of God, and using our spiritual gifts to serve our Savior. It is as simple as daily saying “No” to the things that harm our walk with Jesus, and “Yes” to the things that strengthen that walk with our Lord.

Elijah is good at ice hockey because he chooses to do the things that enable him to excel. God’s gifts, plus Elijah’s dedication bring results. The Lord will enable any of us, and each of us, to be a “super” Christian if we will dedicate ourselves to making the right choices.  What choices have you made this week?

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

1. Sanctuary Service-Sunday, 10:00 am

2. Adult Bible Study- Wednesday, 6:30 pm

3. Children’s Church restarts November 1. 10:00 am in the Fellowship Hall. To seek to do this safely, temperatures will be taken as every child enters.

4. Samaritan’s Purse Shoe Box information

     a. Boy/Girl labels go on the lid. Place on the end of the lid and not in the middle

     b. Do not put money in the box at this time. We will tell you what to do later

     c. Additional empty boxes are available at the church

5. Baptist Children’s Home Thanksgiving Offering will be received during the month of November. This year, the need is greater than ever.  Prayerfully, ask the Lord to lead you in the amount you should give.

6. PLEASE VOTE–Pray before you vote. Remember, Jesus is in the voting booth with you

7. Franklin Graham has asked that we make this Sunday [October 25] a Day of Prayer and Fasting for America. Let us join 1000’s of other  Christians in praying for our nation.

God is still on His Throne!
Be blessed of the Lord this week!
Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee‘s Grove Baptist Church    

If we were ever accused of a serious crime and were facing a lifetime in prison, we would want the best lawyer in the country. In fact, if he was a real person we would want Perry Mason. Perry’s clients always walked out of the courtroom as free men and women, declared “Not Guilty”.

But what about the courtroom of Heaven? We stand before the Judge, Almighty God, Maker of Heaven and Earth. We know we are guilty of sin, and the Judge knows we are guilty. Is there any hope? YES! 1John 2:1,2 says “And if any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous. And He is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world”.

We stand before the Judge, guilty, ready to be condemned and sentenced. Then, stepping up to our side is someone better than Perry Mason. It is our Advocate, our Lawyer, Jesus Christ the Righteous. Suddenly a glimmer of hope springs up in our chest. We might have a chance after all. Jesus boldly proclaims, “Let this man, this woman, go free. Their sin debt has been paid. I paid it on a cross on a lonely hill outside of Jerusalem 2000 years ago. The debt does not need to be paid a second time. Now, as you can see, this person is covered with My Righteousness”. The Judge listens to Jesus, checks the historical record, and replies, “You are correct”. We stand before Him, trembling, waiting for His next words. He turns to us and says, “Your Advocate vouches for you. I declare you, ‘Not Guilty’. You are free”.

What joy, what peace, what freedom, what comfort it is to know, that when we as Believers, confess our sin we are forgiven and cleansed. [1 John 1:9] Have you looked upon the Face of your wonderful Advocate lately, and told Him, “Thank You”? If not, today would be a good time to do so.

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS
1. Sanctuary Service—10:00 am Sunday
2. Adult Bible Study—6:30 pm Wednesday
3. Quarterly Church Conference this Sunday [October 18]
4.You may bring your filled Samaritan’s Purse Shoe Boxes to church any time before November 8. Place them on the platform near the piano.
5. Children’s Services will restart November 1. 10:00 -11:00 am in the Fellowship Hall. We will take all possible precautions for safety. Parents are encouraged to check their children for any signs of illness before you leave for church.
6.We thank each of you for the many ways you expressed Pastor Appreciation to Pamela and me. The words, the gifts, the cards, the gift of money, the newspaper article, all were very special. Know that we love and appreciate you as well. It is wonderful to be your Pastor

Have a week that is blessed of the Lord!!
Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church

You will remember from your study of the Bible that God used Moses to miraculously deliver the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Their
destination was the land that God had promised to give them. However, doubt, unbelief, and disobedience led to approximately 40 years of
camping in the wilderness.

Imagine, an estimated crowd of 3 million people looking for food in a place where there were no Farmers’ Markets or grocery stores! Exodus 16
tells us that God performed another miracle. 6 days each week for the entire 40 years, “Manna” fell on the ground around the camp. It came every morning and simply had to be picked up and prepared for the daily meals. Any that was not gathered was melted by the heat of the day [v.21].

Several interesting facts:
1. It was provided daily and there was enough for everyone.
2.If a person “slept in” and did not go out in time, nothing was available.
3. If someone tried to gather enough on one day to last several days, the amount left over to the next day rotted, bred worms, and stank [v.20].

I see a spiritual analogy in this historical story:

1. God wants to give a fresh revelation of Himself to every Christian on a daily basis. He wants you to experience His presence every day you live.

2. The truly strong and healthy Believers are those who take advantage of the opportunity to meet with the Lord every day. They crave the “fresh manna” He gives.

3. Less spiritually healthy are those who seek the Lord on a “hit and miss” schedule. They “eat spiritually” from time-to-time, but not often enough to be really powerful in their faith.

4.Those who try to live on past encounters with God and seldom seek Him in the present, soon develop problems. People who live on “stored up” faith, whom I have known personally, usually have beliefs that are not Biblical, attitudes that are harmful, and a lifestyle that shames the Name of Jesus. Like the “stored up manna” their faith is not a pretty sight.

Our Precious Lord has fresh manna for you every day. Choose to receive it, enjoy it, be refreshed, and live in the strength it gives you to serve Jesus!!

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

1.Services in the Sanctuary at 10:00 am

2.Adult Bible Study–Wednesday, 6:30 pm

3.Childrens Church/Sunday School
Immediately after the Morning Service Sunday [11th], we would like to have a meeting of parents, grandparents, and anyone who can give the Deacons input on restarting activities for our children. Volunteers who help with these activities are also invited. We need ideas, children, and leaders to make this work.

4. It has been exciting to see the Samaritan’s Purse Shoe Boxes go out the door each Sunday. Let’s have them back to the church by Sunday, November 8. It will be a blessing in Heaven to have someone walk up to us and say, “You do not know me, but I want to Thank You. You prepared a shoe box. It was exciting to open it and to find all the nice things you sent. Best of all, the kind person who handed me the box told me about Jesus. I gave my heart to Jesus and now I am in Heaven all because you cared enough to share. Thank You”.

The Lord is doing great things. Praise His Name.

Have a God Blessed week!

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

Most of you know that Pamela’s mother, Helen Almond, recently graduated to heaven. This is something I wrote about her. I hope that you will
find it informative and instructive.

Is it true that unfavorable circumstances early in life, forever, and always, prevent a person from being successful, productive, and happy in
life? Some folks loudly proclaim it. I do not agree.

I think of Helen, my Mother-in-law of over 50 years. She was born in the 1920’s at the beginning of the Great Depression. Home was an isolated
“holler” far back in the coal mining hills of Kentucky. Her Dad became an alcoholic, leading to a divorce. Mom, Helen, 3 sisters, and 3 brothers moved to live with an uncle. The house where they lived was substandard by today’s definition. Helen was never able to finish school. [One of the proudest days of her life was when she received her GED from Stanly Community College around the time of her 40th birthday.]  From all outward signs, you could not expect Helen to turn out well or to accomplish much in life.

During WW2, Helen joined her sisters in Newport News, VA. looking for work. She found much more than work! She met Hubert Almond, a young man from Albemarle. They came to love one another and were married. Out of that marriage came four good children, Pamela, Kenneth, Timothy, and Jill. All four grew to become fine, loving, hard-working citizens.

Helen found several jobs in retail, including many years at Belk’s. She became the Manager of Albemarle Christian Bookstore when it was struggling to exist and turned it into a prosperous enterprise. In addition, she was one of the founding members and major leaders in the early days of Albemarle First Assembly. Not bad for someone who entered life with 3 strikes against her.

The things that made the difference in Helen’s life are the same things that will be a blessing to every one of us

1. Helen came to know Jesus as her personal Lord and Savior early in life. Her Aunt Sue led Helen to the Lord in an experience that was real
and genuine.

2. She developed that relationship with Jesus. As a child, it was Helen’s chore each evening to climb the mountain, find the family cow, and to bring the cow home for the evening milking. Those evening walks were her “alone” time with Jesus. Day-by-day, she came to know Jesus better.

3 She chose her husband carefully. Spending our lifetime with the right partner is more important than most folks realize. Our spouses can bless
us or ruin us.

4. She maintained a committed relationship with a good, Bible believing church. She worked with the women’s group and taught a Bible class at
West Albemarle. Later, she devoted her service to the ministries of Albemarle Assembly.

5. Helen gathered around her several Godly, Christian ladies. They were a blessing to her and she blessed them as well. Christ-like friends greatly enhance our lives.

Is it not amazing how God can take us, no matter how horrible our start in life is, and turn us into one of His masterpieces? Helen did not have a rosy start in life. That did not matter. She committed her life to Jesus and walked with Him. He made her a “woman to be praised” [Proverbs 31]

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

1. Sanctuary Service-Sunday, 10:00 am, FM 99.1 in cars or Fellowship Hall are also options.  Website after noon

2. Samaritan’s Purse Shoe Boxes are available at the church

3.Wednesday, Adult Bible Study resumes October 7, 6:30 pm

4. THANK YOU for your gifts of $900 for the NC Mission Offering

Have a blessed week!!

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

While going through some of her Mom’s things, Pamela came across a letter that she had written to her Mom from Wingate College. In the letter, she mentioned that the dorms would be closed for the Easter Holiday. Pamela’s friend, Lynn, lived too far from school to go home for a short holiday, so Pamela asked her Mom if she could bring Lynn home with her for Easter. It was agreeable and Lynn spent the holiday with the Almonds. Lynn did not have to do a single special thing to be a welcome guest. Because Lynn was a friend to Pamela, she was welcome at the family home.

So it is with you as a Believer in Jesus. Ephesians 1:6 makes the glorious affirmation that we are “accepted in the Beloved”. We cannot do anything to be accepted other than to yield to the Holy Spirit and to choose to enter into a personal relationship with Jesus as our Lord and Savior. At that moment, the Heavenly Father says, “If My Son, Jesus,vouches for you, then you are welcome into the Family of God. I will treat you special all the days of your life and then have a home ready for you when you pass into eternity”. It is by His grace that we are “accepted in the Beloved”.

Child of God, you are accepted, loved, wanted, and welcomed! God is for you and not against you! Rejoice, be thankful, and enjoy all the privileges of the Father’s Family!

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

1. New service time—10:00 am

   You may listen from your car–99.1 FM

   You may listen in the Fellowship Hall

   You can join us in the Sanctuary. [Masks, social distancing in seating, and while entering and exiting are highly recommended!] This worked very well this past Sunday.

2. Website service will be a broadcast of the Sunday Morning Service and will be available after 12:00 noon on Sunday.

3. Samaritan’s Purse shoe boxes are available at the church if you wish to fill one for a needy child. How many can we fill this year?

4. Sunday, September 27 is the last Sunday for the NC Mission Offering. This money goes for Disaster Relief, Church Planting, Medical and Dental missions, Mission Camps, and Association Mission projects

5. Let us give THANKS

…To the Lord for His Love and faithfulness.

…To the Lord for 6 months of good weather that allowed us to worship outside.

…For the faithful attendance of those who were physically healthy and could attend those outside services.

…For those who had health issues that prevented their attendance, yet were faithful to listen to the webcast, to read their Newsletters, and to continue to support their church.

…For all who continued to give their tithes and offerings regularly during this Covid-19 crises.

Members who Love the Lord and who love their church make a church a strong church.

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

Thank you for the confidence in me that you expressed when you chose me as the next full time Pastor of Barbee’s Grove. With 3 years of “Trial Sermons”, you certainly know what you are getting. Pamela and I love you and will look forward to future years of serving the Lord along with you.

Because of Covid-19 there are not many changes that we can make immediately. As time passes, I hope that we can spend more time in prayer – at the church – in small groups – and individually. Also, let’s be praying about ways we can enhance our children and youth ministries. Do you know any unchurched youngsters who need to be at Barbee’s Grove? We have a good music ministry and I believe it will get even better when Covid-19 abates and the choir can return to full strength. In addition, as soon as medical conditions allow, I plan for Pamela and myself to be knocking on some doors in the community. I want to meet folks and to learn of their church relationships. Please consider joining us.

With our cooperation, the Lord has a great future for Barbee’s Grove.

Now, let us turn to other thoughts. If you are typical, when you are out shopping, there are several types of people you meet. First, are the strangers. You may nod as you pass in the aisle, but you keep moving. Then, come the casual acquaintances. You stop, talk about the weather, ask about family, and move on down the aisle. Then, there are the people you do not like. You turn into the aisle, see them turn into the other end of the aisle, and immediately back up and choose a different aisle. Finally, comes the people you really love. You spot each other and almost run to hug, greet, and talk. 30 minutes later you are still talking and clogging traffic in the aisle.

So it is spiritually. Some folks only give God a passing glance. Others, spend a few minutes chatting with Him. Some, despise the Lord, want absolutely nothing to do with Him, and run when the Name of Jesus is mentioned. The blessed people are the ones who run to spend time with Jesus at every opportunity. James 4:8 says, ” Draw near to God and He will draw near to you”. Thus, when you run to the Lord, you find that He runs to meet you. He will stay as long as you wish to stay. Like visiting with family, or old friends, how precious are the moments you spend in fellowship with Jesus.

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

1. As the weather turns cooler, we will be altering our service conditions. We will inform you as soon as decisions are made.

2. We continue to give to the NC Mission Offering

3. We thank Leonard Harvell for preaching while I was away speaking at a Homecoming Service. I heard he did an excellent job. Deacons doing some preaching goes all the way back to those first Deacons in the Book of Acts.

4. We owe many “Thanks” to our Pastor Selection Committee. Kathy High, Rita Linker, Gail Perkins, McChord Barbee, Wes Barbee, and Chairman, Lionel Hahn spent many hours reading resumes, listening to recorded messages, interviewing prospective pastors, thinking and praying. In the past 3 years they have invested themselves in seeking the Lord’s will for Barbee’s Grove. Please extend your personal “Thanks” to each of these individuals.

Even when things seem dark, the Lord is still at work in our world. Praise Him for His blessings.

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church

When Covid-19 hit our area, I suggested to our Deacons that I could write a little Newsletter to keep our church informed. We all thought that I would only need to write 3 or 4. Everyone was sure that the disease would be gone in a few weeks. I just counted. This is Newsletter number 26. That is one-half of a year. Each week the Lord has been faithful to give me something to write. Some ideas I have liked better than other ideas. Since the thoughts came from the Lord, I know that He had someone specifically in mind for the message that week. The God who “knows the number of hairs on our heads” knows our hearts and needs also.

I have realized that my weekly routine and activities affect how many ideas I have for sermons and Newsletters. Let me illustrate before I explain. If a family wants to roast a few hot dogs and marshmallows in the backyard, all they need are a few twigs and small sticks. A large youth group will need much more fuel and a bigger fire. Campers on a frigid night will need plenty of logs and someone staying awake to keep a large fire going. If there are predators, like wolves, around, maintaining a large fire is a necessity. It is a simple truth, the more fuel, the larger the fire.

I have found the same equation to be true spiritually. Some weeks, I am able to spend a large amount of time listening to Bible teachers and reading inspirational materials. That is “large fire” fuel. Those weeks, it seems that ideas for Newsletters and sermons come to me in bunches. Other weeks, my study time is limited by outside duties. Those are “little twig” weeks. Those are also the weeks it is more of a struggle to know what to write or preach. Interestingly, those “large fire” weeks somehow make it easier to deal with a frigid world and that evil predator, the devil.

We are all equal before God. We need Him daily. My experience says to me, and I hope says to you, “We need to spend as much time as possible in serious spiritual development. It must be a priority. Time with Jesus is of utmost importance.

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

1. Website and 9 am Parking Lot services continue as usual.

2. The vote concerning Rev. Ed Lowder becoming the next full time Pastor of Barbee’s Grove will be this Sunday, September 13.

3. We continue our giving to the NC Mission Offering. This money goes for ministries in our state and local association.

4. Our total gifts for the Rev. Otis Goins Memorial Fund for the NC Baptist Aging ministry was $390. Thank you!

5. Most of you know that Pamela’s mother, Mrs. Helen Almond, passed away this week. Thank you for your words of sympathy, offers to help, and all the other expressions of your love.

God has blessings for YOU this week. Receive and enjoy them.

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church

In 1Kings 20 there is an interesting acted out parable. God uses a prophet to pronounce judgment upon a disobedient king of Israel. The prophet pretends to be a soldier who was given an important prisoner to guard. However, he says, “as I was busy here and there my prisoner escaped”. He was condemned to pay a price for his negligence. The message to the king was the same, “you were derelict in your duty and now there is a price to pay”.

“Busy here and there” is a sad commentary on many lives that I have observed in 50plus years of ministry.
1.There were “on fire” Christians who got “busy here and there” and began to neglect their walk with the Lord. As time passed they grew cold toward spiritual things and began to live like the unChristian world.
2. There were Dads and Moms who got “busy here and there” and as a result neglected the spiritual life of their children. Those kids grew up unsaved with no relationship to Jesus and were on the road to an eternal Hell.
3. There were husbands and wives who became “busy here and there” and had little time for their spouse. Soon it was like two strangers in the same house. Anger, infidelity, and divorce followed.
4. Then there were the church members who got “busy here and there”. The church that they said they loved struggled and began to die.

I could go on, but you get the picture. “Busy here and there” can ruin the things that should be most precious to us. The world, the flesh, and the devil offer more than enough “here and there” activities to keep us busy for several lifetimes. Some, of course, are sinful activities.  However, many are good, helpful, fun things to do. They  only become wrong when they replace things that are of more eternal importance.  Anything that replaces the will of God for our lives needs to be changed.

Over the course of my life, I have had numerous times of re-evaluation.  Sometimes the Lord said “You are right on track”. Other times I have had to repent because He told me that I had stopped letting “first things be first”. I am blessed by God’s grace that allows me to repent. I am thankful that the Holy Spirit enables me to live differently. You serve the same Lord I serve. Are there any “here and there” activities in your life?

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS
1.Website and 9 am Parking Lot services continue as usual.
2.Deacon Officers for this year–Chairman – Leonard Harvell
                                                  Vice Chairman – David Talley
                                                  Secretary – Kenny Linker
3.The Pastor Selection Committee has submitted the name of Rev. Ed Lowder to be the Full-time Pastor of Barbee’s Grove. Vote will be September 13. If you need absentee ballots please contact Mrs. Janette Barbee.
4.During September we contribute to the NC Missions Offering. This money goes to NC Baptist Men and others for mission projects in our state and around the world. Some is returned to our local  association for ministries here. There are envelopes available for those the Lord leads to give to this work.
5. We extend our love and sympathy to the Doug Sasser family. Doug  was a long time faithful member of Barbee’s Grove. His death saddens us all.  Thank you for ministering to the Sasser family during this time of grief.

Serve the Lord with gladness!!
Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church.

Last week, I read a news item that emphasized how depressed, discouraged, and downhearted so many Americans are. It told of a high
percentage of citizens who have seriously considered taking their own lives in the past few weeks. What a sad commentary on life in our
nation.

That is why the Gospel is such “good news” for these difficult days. We need to remind ourselves, and others, that God has a great love for us.
Many might say, “I just cannot see why, or how, God loves me. I don’t feel love. I’m not even worthy of love”.

Those negative thoughts are a lie from the devil. Jesus told a parable that reveals how untrue the devil’s words are. [ Luke 15: 3-7] Jesus
tells of a shepherd who counts his sheep. 99 are together, but one is missing. The shepherd does not say, “Oh well, it’s no big deal if I lose
one”. No, instead, he goes looking for that lost sheep and never stops looking until it is found. Neither does he beat that sheep or drive it
home with a prod. He lovingly lays it upon his shoulders and carries it to safety. The shepherd returns rejoicing that this sheep is once again
in his care.

You may be that lost sheep. Maybe, you have never been in the Family of God. Jesus is eagerly searching for you. Maybe, you have been in the
Family of God, but lately you have strayed. Jesus is also looking for you. Jesus is the Good Shepherd and He will never stop His search until
you receive His love and are safely home.

Perhaps you are thinking, “I have done so many bad things. How can Jesus love me?” Two of the most precious verses in the Bible profoundly speak to your thoughts. [Lamentations 3:22,23] They remind us that “God’s mercies are new every morning”. God never says to me, “Ed, you have
messed up so many times that I am out of grace, mercy, forgiveness, and love. Sorry, but you have gone past My limit”. God always has fresh
mercy for me, a new batch every day. He will always have fresh mercy for you also.
Jesus loved you enough to die on the cross for you. He continues to love you as He seeks you for Himself.

The world around you today may be troubled. Remember, Jesus told us, “These things have I spoken unto you, that in Me you might have peace.
In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world”. [John 16:33] As a Believer in Jesus, you live in
His love, and you can also be an overcomer!!! Let the Joy of the Lord lift your spirits today!  Amen

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

1. Website service and 9am Parking Lot service continue as usual

2. Called Church Conference–August 23

Electing two new members of the Building and Grounds Committee and messengers to the Associational meeting.

3. Communion will be celebrated on August 30. We will be doing this in a safe manner.

4. This Sunday, August 23, is your opportunity to give to the Rev, Otis Goins fund to help the elderly in our area. Mark your envelopes 
accordingly Thanks for your gifts.

Look up! Jesus is giving a great revival and then He is coming for His Church.
Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church

Years ago, a pastor friend who taught a business course at Gaston Community College invited me to speak to his class. I talked and then hung around to hear my friend teach the remainder of the class period. As part of the lesson he used the old game that is sometimes played at parties. He whispered to a student an instruction “Go tell Bill to use the forklift to put the red pallets on the blue truck”. Each student whispered the instructions to the next student. By the time the word had gone around the room it was a mess. It was not clear who was doing what and when! My friend was teaching the students that when they got out in the business world instructions needed to be in writing or to be given without a lot of middlemen. That would lessen the confusion. 

From my perspective, it seems that this is what many have done with Biblical truth. It is not a game. It is serious business. I listen to what is said about the Bible. I hear what is taught. Christians read certain books and extoll their virtues without realizing how much error they contain. This week, my wife read me a Facebook post by a pastor’s wife. Sadly, it was not true to Scripture. 

What has happened? Just as in the little game my pastor friend used to teach his class, we have passed down thoughts about the Bible without checking the facts. “Word of mouth” is the way many people get their impression of what the Bible teaches. It has resulted in much distortion, misunderstanding, and a weak version of New Testament Christianity. 

A historical incident found in the book of Acts [17:10-12] should enlighten us. The Bible says that the Believers in Berea were “more noble than those of Thessalonica”. When God commends someone with words of honor, we need to sit up and take notice. We need to ask, “Why did God praise these folks in Berea”? Listen to what is said, “they received the Word with readiness of mind and searched the Scriptures daily, whether these things were so”. The disciples in Berea listened to Paul and Silas teach with open minds and hearts. They were searching for truth. But they did not stop with only hearing. They got out the Scripture that was available to them in that day and diligently measured everything they heard by God’s Word. These folks were not satisfied with blindly following a second or third hand representation of the Gospel. They verified everything personally. God commended them for their diligence.  

The challenge for each of us is this. What do I believe and why do I believe it? It is not a good answer to say, “That is what Pastor Ed teaches, that is what I heard on TV, or that is what Grandma always said”. What if they were wrong? The correct answer is “I believe it because that is what the Bible says. Let me show you some verses”. You do not need a college degree to do this. It is amazing how our understanding opens up and our perspective changes when we have: 

1. An open mind
2. Spend quality time studying God’s Word
3. Allow the Holy Spirit to do one of His jobs—be our Teacher

Following the written instruction of God’s Word rather than secondhand reports eliminates much confusion. You may have been taught correctly. Just verify it for yourself. Getting our beliefs straight from the mouth of God is always best. 

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS. 

1. Website and 9:00 am Parking Lot services continue as usual.
2. Newly elected Deacons –Kenny Linker and Jeff Keplinger   Pray for these men and for all your Deacons [active and inactive]
3. Thank you for your faithfulness to attend our Parking Lot services. We know that some of you have physical conditions that prevent your attendance. God understands and so do we. Almost everyone else who could attend is doing so and we appreciate it.
4. NCBAM is the short way of saying NC Baptist Aging Ministry. It is a ministry of our convention to meet the needs of the elderly in our state. It includes such things as wheelchair ramps, plumbing issues and other repairs that the person needs to have done. Usually this is for those who do not have family or funds to get this done. Until his death, Rev. Otis Goins was the man in charge of this ministry in our county. He was a towering figure in this work. As a result, an endowment fund in his name has been started. It will be used to provide help for those in need in the years to come. We will be giving you an opportunity to add your gifts to this endeavor soon.

Have a glorious week with the Lord! 

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church   

Newsletter August 2nd

The Prophet Isaiah was probably the most Godly man in his nation. Yet, we hear him crying out, “Woe is me, for I am a man of unclean lips and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips”. [6:5] What caused this Godly prophet to cry out in repentance? 

1. He saw the Lord “high and lifted up”.
2. He heard the seraphim praising the holiness of God.

Experiencing God in holiness and glory sent Isaiah to his knees. 

Another man of God, Nehemiah, is found praying his own prayer of repentance [1:1-11]. He uses the pronoun “we” to describe the sin of Israel. Nehemiah was not the guilty party. Yet, he identified with his nation and her sin. 

Another man who walked closely with the Lord was the Prophet Daniel. In Chapter 9 we find him using the pronoun “we” as he repents of the sin of his people. Again, Daniel was not the guilty party. 

Special friends, I call upon you as Believers in Jesus, to join me in a special “Prayer of Repentance” for the sins of our nation. I can hear the cries of protest. “I have no reason to repent. I am not guilty of all the evil in the United States.” Neither were Isaiah, Nehemiah, or Daniel guilty of their national sins. 

Your body may be 98% well, but if your big toe is in pain it affects your entire body. “Technically”, we may not be guilty, but “collectively” we all share the sins of our nation. 

2 Chronicles 7:14 reminds us that repentance always begins with God’s faithful people. We know that the ungodly glorify and justify their evil lifestyle. They have no intention of repenting. We, Believers, on the other hand, desire to walk in the favor and blessing of God as individuals, as a church, and as a nation. That will happen when the real Christians in this nation get “fed up”, disgusted with the direction our nation is heading, and fall on our faces in genuine repentance. Godly repentance will save us from perishing. 

The good news is found in 1 John 1:9″ If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” Add that to the promise from 2 Chronicles 7:14 that if we repent, “God will heal our land”. We have a reason to expect better days after we repent. 

I have been preaching almost 60 years. In that time our nation has deteriorated morally and spiritually. I have to take some of the responsibility for that decline and it pushes me to my knees. 

Friends, our Lord wants to revive and restore America. He is waiting for us to realize how far we have fallen and to then drop to our knees in repentance. 

PLEASE take some time this week. Listen to the Voice of the Holy Spirit. Is He calling you to join me in this time of prayer and repentance for our nation? 

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS 

1. Sunday Service continues at 9 am. Website service also available as usual.
2. Homecoming is delayed until September.
3. Deacon election is this Sunday [August 2].
4. Please check the Barbee’s Grove website and watch the video from the NC Baptist Aging Ministry concerning a special offering in memory of Rev. Otis Goins. We will be asking you to contribute to that ministry in the next few weeks.
5. As Pamela and I begin our 4th year as your Interim Pastor and wife, we thank you for the wonderful ways you have been a blessing to us.

Be blessed!! 

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church 

As you know, I love going to the local farmers markets to buy fresh from the garden produce. A couple of weeks ago, one of the farmers had the first okra I had seen. He had about 3 pounds. I did not want to be greedy, so I only bought part of what he had. My sweet wife loves fresh okra so when she looked in the bag she squealed with delight. Then, the first words that popped out of her mouth were, “Is this all you bought”? Of course she was teasing. Today I went back and he had another 3 pounds. He wanted to sell it all to me. I bought it all. Nothing like having a happy wife. 

How does this apply spiritually? Remember the old hair product Brylcreem and its slogan, “A little dab will do you”? When it comes to their walk with God some folks are satisfied with a partially filled bag or a little dab. They are satisfied to have enough of Jesus to be saved and to make it into Heaven as the Pearly Gate slams shut behind them. We definitely want to be saved, but there is so much more the Lord longs to share with us before we get to Heaven. There is an abundance of spiritual gifts, fillings of the Holy Spirit, blessings, and answered prayers that are available to the Believer who wants more of Jesus 

Ezekiel 47:1-12 is an interesting passage of Scripture. It tells of a river that issues from the Lord. He tells of being ankle deep, then up to the loins, and then the river became so deep that there was enough water to swim. The river was a healing flow and was filled with fish. I think God is telling us that we can go as deep with Him as we desire. We can be satisfied to wade ankle-deep or we can swim. The choice is yours and mine.

 I challenge you to never become satisfied with where you are in your walk with the Lord. Want more than a little bag, or a “dab”. Grow daily .Study God’s Word. Believe God’s Word. Live God’s Word. The deeper you go with Him, the more exciting your faith will be, and the more real and personal Jesus will be to you.

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

1. Quarterly Church Conference July 19 [Third Sunday]

2. VBS Drive Through

     Sunday July 5 [4:00-6:00 pm.]

     Drive up and receive your packet of VBS materials to take home and study. Lessons, crafts, and snacks are included. Packets are for all ages, including Adults.

3. Law enforcement officers have taken a beating lately. We at Barbee’s Grove want to show our appreciation to our local officers. Saturday, July 18, we will be providing a meal for the Oakboro Police Department, the Stanly County Sheriff’s Department and the local Highway Patrol. We plan on 130 plates. We will need some of you to provide cakes for this meal. Thanks for volunteering! This will be a “Drive Through” and take to go meal.

 Have a wonderful week as you celebrate the birth of our nation.

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church