Newsletter May 18th

GREETINGS FROM BARBEE’S GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH

When I was a Pastor in Haywood County one of the other Pastors came to our local Pastors Conference and told this incredible, but true, story. He said, that on a recent weekday morning, a young lady came to his Church Office. She said, “Can somebody help me? Every time I drive past this church I come under conviction:. Someone in the office talked with her and led her into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ.

The power and presence of the Lord in that church was so strong that even an empty building contained enough of Jesus that His presence reached the road in front of the church. WOW! Think of this possibility. What if the power and presence of Jesus was that strong in every Baptist church in Stanly and Montgomery Counties? Unbelievers, backslidden Christians, and disobedient Christians would have a hard time leaving home and going anywhere without being convicted. I think a very positive witness for Jesus and many changed lives would result.

Is such a thing possible? Scan your Bible. Jacob recognized that he had spent the night in the presence of God. [Genesis 28: 10-22] Moses knew that he was on Holy Ground. [Exodus 3:1-6] When Solomon’s Temple was dedicated the glory of the Lord was so strong that the priests could not minister. [2 Chronicles 7:1-3] Often, in the presence of Jesus both people and demons recognized God’s anointing. [Mark 4:41, Mark 5:25ff, Luke 9:26-28, and many others]. The very shadow of the Apostle Peter brought healing. [Acts 5:15-17]

Now, let me share a personal story. I have a relative that I have only seen twice in 25 years. The first time, we were in a very crowded, public place. He was so “foul mouthed” that I was embarrassed and felt like I needed 3 baths to get rid of the filth. Several years later I heard that he was coming to Albemarle and that another relative was bringing him to my house. I wondered what I would hear. Those of you who have visited me know that my dear Godly wife had stenciled Scripture verses on several of our walls. Religious pictures and tapestries hang on the empty spaces on those walls. Our house has been saturated with worship music and vocal prayers. Those of you who knew Pamela know that she exuded the sweet presence of Jesus. This “foul mouthed” relative came into my house, sat on my couch, and talked with all the vocabulary of a good Baptist Deacon! God’s presence overshadowed the vulgarity. When he left, I said, “Wow, that was God”.

What happened at my house can happen at any house. In fact, some of you reading this Newsletter have a greater anointing of God’s presence at your house than I have at mine. I have been to your homes. I feel Jesus there. Friends, here is our challenge. Can we strive to cleanse ourselves of sin and to make our homes and churches so full of Jesus that the Glory of God touches those who drive past? May unbelievers, backslidden Christians, and disobedient Christians be touched by God’s presence throughout our area. Let us welcome the Glory of our Lord.

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

1. Sunday School is at 9:00 am
2. Morning Worship and Children’s Church is at 10:00 am. Also available in the parking lot at 10 on 99.1 FM and on the website after 12:30 pm
3. Prayer and Bible Study is Wednesday at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall
4. $ 1060–Final total for the Baptist Children’s Homes Spring Food Drive–Awesome–Thank you
5. June 20 and 21—VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
6. May 18–Called Church Conference–Elect members to the Nominating Committee
7. June 1–Graduate Sunday

Let us strive to make Jesus real to our world

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church