Newsletter  July 5th

GREETINGS FROM BARBEE’S GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH

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

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

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

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

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS 

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

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