​          This is the month when we focus on love.  Valentine’s Day will be here before you know it (take the hint guys) and we all take particular care to romance that special person in our lives.  There will be flowers, or candy, or dinner, or some special gift just for the one we love.  Guys, remember now, household appliances such as toasters and vacuum cleaners are not what your lady dreams to receive from you on Valentine’s Day!  She desires something romantic and personal. 
          But Valentine gifts can be expensive.  Roses are astronomical.  We heard that the price for roses are set months in advance for this time of year so that it will not necessarily save you any money to purchase them in advance.  Could it be that the price of some perfumes, powders, and lotions was so high that it was what led the Fed to lower the interest rate? 
          But soon the candy will be gone, the cards will be put away, the flowers will wilt, and the expensive gifts will loose their freshness and new luster.  The romance of Valentine’s Day will fade away.  We tend to forget to romance our mate or special someone and the flame of love soon begins to flicker.
          But there is a way to keep the flame burning—it doesn’t require you to be charming, intelligent, or witty, it isn’t fattening, doesn’t require good looks, and will not bust your budget.  And, best of all, it works all year long.  What is it?  It’s all that free stuff that’s the best.  It’s the simple things.
          It is long hugs (best applied daily), saying, “I love you” for no special reason, writing a short love note and hiding it somewhere or using a dry erase marker to write it on the mirror.  It is remembering to kiss “Goodbye” and “Hello.”  It is opening the car door, or warming their car up, or cooking a simple meal.  It is just sitting and talking about their day and your day.  It is cooking his favorite desert or vacuuming the floor for her.  It is the day-to-day simple acts of love that keep the flame burning.
          No amount of money could replace these “gifts of love” if they are missing.  No one-time gift can begin to compare with these day-to-day special acts of love.  This is how love lasts from day to day.  This is how we keep the flame of love burning for a lifetime.  This is how we enjoy one another as God intended.
1 Corinthians 13
4 Love is patient, love is kind. Love does not envy, is not boastful, is not conceited, 
5 does not act improperly, is not selfish, is not provoked, and does not keep a record of wrongs. 
6 Love finds no joy in unrighteousness but rejoices in the truth. 
7 It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 
8 Love never ends. … 
          This reminds us of God’s love for us.  He always loves us.  His love never ends. He has promised never to leave us or forsake those who belong to Him.  Every day God’s love is just as strong for us as it was the day we came to Christ.  Isn’t God wonderful?
          So let’s love one another and praise the Lord!
 
Pastor Pat
 

Genesis 2:18  Then the LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper as his complement.", (HCSB)
 
It is also not ideal for women to be alone as well. The scriptures tell us we are to help widows who are alone and need help. The Bible often depicts those who are alone as desolate, unprotected, and weak.
 
Ecclesiastes 4:9  Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts. 
10  For if either falls, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to lift him up. 
11  Also, if two lie down together, they can keep warm; but how can one person alone keep warm? 
12  And if someone overpowers one person, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not easily broken. (HCSB)
 
Are you 65 or older? There is someone who wants to talk to you if you are lonely or feel isolated or want someone to pray with you. Our North Carolina Baptist Aging Ministry has people ready to talk to you free of charge. They are waiting for you to call them daily from 9am to 9pm at 866-578-4673. This is a ministry of our North Carolina Baptist State Convention. “One Hope is NCBAM’s dedicated outreach to offer a spiritual response to social isolation and loneliness that affects many of North Carolina’s seniors. The outreach features the NCBAM Hope Line where trained volunteers encourage callers with a friendly voice and compassionate ear.”, https://ncbam.org.
 
Loneliness and social isolation is associated with a number of health risks. God put us in families for a reason. We need other people to keep us mentally, physically, and spiritually strong. We all need someone to listen to us and encourage us from time to time.
 
Our North Carolina Baptist Aging Ministry provides a number of additional services. They help with smoke alarm installations, safe at home strategies, Red Bags for medication management, connect senior adults or their caregivers to resources or volunteers, assist with wheelchair ramps, smoke alarms, grab bars, and light yard work. They even do friendly visits. They can help with spiritual needs as well as physical needs.
 
They are waiting for you to call them daily from 9am to 9pm at 866-578-4673. The calls are free.
 
Pastor Pat

              It is amazing what our church is able to do for Christ each month. We are ministering to many others, delivering meals to nearly 200 people each month, teaching over 30 little children every Tuesday that Jesus loves them, going on mission trips to help those made homeless by hurricane Helene, teaching the Bible in a local care facility, sending shoeboxes full of goodies and the gospel across the world through Samaritan’s Purse, teaching the Bible to groups of women and young men, proclaiming the gospel here and online week after week through singing and telling the good news.
                This takes a lot of work from hard working precious people who faithfully labor to help others month after month and week after week. But a lot of them need a break. Some are no longer physically able to carry on as before while others have had life changes that are leading them to other important priorities.
                Jesus said, "The harvest is abundant, but the workers are few. Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.”, (Luke 10:2, HCSB). Will you pray for Jesus’ prayer request? Will you consider working for Jesus?
                Sadly some people faithfully come to church, yet never serve Jesus as part of His church. They don’t know the joy of giving of their work for Jesus. While attending worship is important, Jesus didn’t ask us to pray for attenders, but workers.
                Some are dealing with overwhelming issues and are unable to serve at this time. I am not speaking to them.
                Please bear with me to be bold and challenge you a bit if you are not serving others for Christ and are complacent. Are you selfish and focus on what you want but not on what others need? Don’t you know that it is a sin not to serve others in some capacity? Will you be like the servant that hid his talent instead of investing it for his master? God forbid! Step up and be a real man or woman for Christ and serve for His sake. After all your service or lack of it is unto Christ. “Then He will answer them, ‘I assure you: Whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for Me either.’”, (Matthew 25:45, HCSB). 
                Your help is needed now. Jesus said, “Don't you say, 'There are still four more months, then comes the harvest'? Listen to what I'm telling you: Open your eyes and look at the fields, for they are ready for harvest”, (John 4:35, HCSB).
                There are many needs and ways to serve. You can ask Pastor A.J. or Pastor Pat how you can serve. Here are just a few ways. You can volunteer to deliver meals for Hope Kitchen or help in the kitchen preparing the meals the last Saturday of the month. You can teach children about Jesus. You can help with our annual Christmas Toy Store for needy families. You can help with our monthly VBS night on the first Wednesday night of the month. Will you choose to serve and please Christ?
                Will you be among those who hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.”?, (Matthew 25:23, NKJV).
                “Who will go for Us?” asked the Lord in Isaiah 6:8. “Here I am. Send me.”, Isaiah replied. What is your reply to this question? The Lord is calling all of us to do good works, “For we are His creation, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them.”, (Ephesians 2:10, HCSB).
 
Pastor Pat

​          “What is God’s will for my life?” we have heard people say many times. Whatever else His will for you may entail, one thing is clearly His will for you: “Give thanks in everything, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.”, (1 Thessalonians 5:18, HCSB). He wants you to give thanks to Him in “everything”. This is repeated in Ephesians 5:20 where we notice the word “always” added in, “giving thanks always for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,”, (HCSB). No matter what you face, how hard the trial, the act of giving thanks to God is  a vital key to overcoming the difficulties of life. We are exhorted, “Don't worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”, (Philippians 4:6, HCSB). 
          There is something powerful, joyful, and life changing about giving thanks to God. Adrian Rogers said it is almost impossible to be depressed when giving thanks to God. The three main points below are inspired by one of his messages. You can always give thanks to God in three ways.
 
You Can Give Thanks for Your Blessings in the Past
          You can thank God He has carried you through difficult times and seasons of joy in the past. “I will praise You forever for what You have done. In the presence of Your faithful people, I will put my hope in Your name, for it is good.”, (Psalms 52:9, HCSB). When you give thanks for how God has taken care of you in the past it cheers your heart and encourages you to trust Him for the present.
 
You Can Give Thanks for Your Blessings in the Present
          Sometimes you get so caught up in your ongoing cares in life you just need to take a break and thank God for all He is doing in your life right now. There is so much you can thank God for. You can thank Him for his beautiful creation, your loved ones, your daily blessings, and your wonderful Savior who never leaves you or forsakes you. In Lamentations 3:22-23 we read, “Because of the LORD's faithful love we do not perish, for His mercies never end. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!”, (HCSB). This gives you courage to face each day as well as the future.
 
You Can Give Thanks for Your Blessings in the Future
          Sometimes you worry about the future. If you are facing difficult times to come this can be very depressing. But your spirits can always be lifted by thanking God Christ is coming back, He is preparing a place for you in heaven, and you will bask in His glorious presence for all eternity. “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the archangel's voice, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are still alive will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words.”, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18, HCSB). 
 
Pastor Pat

                I love to preach about the end times. I have preached through the book of Revelation in three different churches. Preaching about the end times easily leads to a focus on evangelism. We want everyone to be ready for the return of Christ. So we encourage people to be saved and Christians to win souls and made disciples. For we don’t want anyone to have to face the antichrist. How terrible for those left behind to face the wrath to come!
                  "Then I saw Him open the sixth seal. A violent earthquake occurred; the sun turned black like sackcloth made of goat hair; the entire moon became like blood; the stars of heaven fell to the earth as a fig tree drops its unripe figs when shaken by a high wind; the sky separated like a scroll being rolled up; and every mountain and island was moved from its place. Then the kings of the earth, the nobles, the military commanders, the rich, the powerful, and every slave and free person hid in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains. And they said to the mountains and to the rocks, 'Fall on us and hide us from the face of the One seated on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb, because the great day of Their wrath has come! And who is able to stand?'" (Revelation 6:12–17, HCSB)
                I have heard of a lot of preachers who would not preach from the book of Revelation either because they didn’t know how to interpret it or they thought it was too controversial.  That is sad because there is a special blessing for those who read and hear the book of Revelation: “The one who reads this is blessed, and those who hear the words of this prophecy and keep what is written in it are blessed, because the time is near!”, (Revelation 1:3, HCSB)
                If there is something in the book of Revelation you don’t understand, don’t worry about it. God will reveal all things in it’s time. It is far more important to take to heart, take encouragement, and act on what we do understand. There is so much instruction and encouragement for Christians in those sacred pages.
                There is so much good in Revelation and enough instruction and encouragement that we should focus on those things rather than useless speculation, especially when it puffs up with pride because we think we have special knowledge. As Paul wrote in 1 Timothy:
          "Now the goal of our instruction is love that comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith. Some have deviated from these and turned aside to fruitless discussion. They want to be teachers of the law, although they don't understand what they are saying or what they are insisting on."  (vs. 5-7, HCSB)
                All of the important things to do and believe are made very clear in the scriptures. Let us focus on them. We have more than enough truth made clear to us over which to be thankful, and much work to do to follow the instructions that are clear in God’s word. Let us not be distracted by disputes and controversial interpretations. Let us focus on what God has made abundantly clear to us in His precious scriptures.
 
Pastor Pat

​                Is it possible the Bible does not contradict evolution? The belief that God created life on earth and man through evolution over millions of years is called Theistic Evolution or Evolutionary Creation. This raises a lot of questions. Could Theistic Evolution be true? Would a God who created time need time to create life? Would a God great enough to create the multiplied billions of stars and galaxies need millions of years to create life?
                If it took millions of years for us to be created this leads us to ask, “Would a good God create us through millions of years of death after death?” Doesn’t death through evolution contradict the scriptures?
                Beginning in Genesis 3 the Bible plainly teaches sin and death entered the world through Adam. This truth is confirmed in the New Testament. Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, in this way death spread to all men, because all sinned. (Romans 5:12, HCSB).
                Like death, salvation was also brought through one man, Jesus Christ. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. (1 Corinthians 15:22, HCSB).
                Christ himself confirmed the creation account in Mathew 19:4, "Haven't you read," He replied, "that He who created them in the beginning made them male and female," (HCSB). If we can’t believe in a literal Adam then how can we believe in a literal Jesus Christ?  
                If we start allegorizing the plain speech of the Bible how do we know where the allegory ends? Creating doubt in God’s word is the tactic Satan used in the garden of Eden to temp us to sin in the first place when he said, Did God really say…, (Genesis 3:1, HCSB). He is still using that tactic today.
                The Bible warns us not to manipulate the word of God. Israel was ordered, You must not add anything to what I command you or take anything away from it, so that you may keep the commands of the LORD your God I am giving you. (Deuteronomy 4:2, HCSB)
                In Proverbs 30:5-6 We are instructed: Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. Don't add to His words, or He will rebuke you, and you will be proved a liar.
                The apostle Paul, who we quoted earlier, gave a fiery admonition: But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel other than what we have preached to you, a curse be on him!, (Galatians 1:8, HCSB).
                It is a dangerous thing to twist the plain meaning of the word of God because it does not fit what we believe. In Hebrews 3:18-19 we are cautioned, And who did He swear to that they would not enter His rest, if not those who disobeyed? So we see that they were unable to enter because of unbelief. (HCSB).
                Let us base our faith on the clear meaning of scripture.
 
Pastor Pat

                When God began His creation work in Genesis chapter 1 He said, “Let there be light” and then “God saw that the light was good” in Genesis 1:3-4. Seven times in Genesis chapter 1 God saw what He created was “good”. In chapter 2 the scriptures we are given more details about His creation work.  God had said everything was good until He created man then said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper as his complement.” (Genesis 2:18, HCSB) 
              "Everything thus far in Genesis that has been scrutinized by God has been given a positive assessment. Every situation has come through as either good or very good. For the first time we encounter something that is not good: man’s lack of a corresponding companion."  (Victor P. Hamilton)
                God is so good to provide what we need. Matthew Henry points out, “It is God only who perfectly knows our wants, and is perfectly able to supply them all, Philippians 4:19. In him alone our help is, and from him are all our helpers.” God knew what we needed we marriage and families.
                The very first institution God created for society was the marriage of a man and a woman, establishing the family. All of society and human life depends upon it. Nations cannot survive without marriages and families. Marriage was created before the church and the church can’t survive without strong marriages.
                Marriage is so important, so holy, and so blessed that God calls the church the bride of Christ (Revelation 21:9). The apostle Paul says husbands are to love their wives as Christ loved his bride and gave himself for her.
               "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her to make her holy, cleansing her with the washing of water by the word. He did this to present the church to Himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or anything like that, but holy and blameless. In the same way, husbands are to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hates his own flesh but provides and cares for it, just as Christ does for the church, since we are members of His body. For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. This mystery is profound, but I am talking about Christ and the church. To sum up, each one of you is to love his wife as himself, and the wife is to respect her husband." (Ephesians 5:25-33, HCSB)
                No wonder Satan’s first attack came upon us was on the first family. He wanted to destroy their relationship with God and with one another. He is still at it today. Satan loves pornography, hookups, adultery, perversions and divorce because these things destroy families, hurt children, tear at the very fabric of society, and ruins our witness. Satan loves our pain, heartache, and loneliness. God loves our harmony, joy, and intimacy so he gave us marriage and families.
                Let’s encourage love, marriage and families. Let’s be careful that what we say lifts up married life, having children, the many blessings of marriage. After all, when God finished creating man and woman and all they needed He said “it was very good” (Genesis, 1:31, HCSB).
 
Pastor Pat

                 In my last article I wrote about how good it is to celebrate and enjoy the fact that God made men and women different. Not only did He make us to be different He created us to have different purposes and roles in life. As the Lord says in Genesis 2:18, "It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.". Women have ever since pointed that men need help: and we do! I greatly appreciate how Janice decorates our house, plants flowers in the yard, gives me instructions on the best shirts and ties that match, and helps me in countless other ways. I definitely need her help.
                The Bible tells us men that our role is to be the leaders in the family and He gives us an incredible mission:
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. (HCSB, Ephesians 5:25 -27)
                Christ loved the church so much that He served us day and night and sacrificed His life on the cross for us. I need all the help I can get to try to fulfil that assignment! That is “Godly Masculinity”. We want to help you to fulfill this mission in your life.
                Pastor A.J. is helping young men under 40 to grow in their faith every other Monday night in what they call “Macho Man Mondays”, (love the name!) where they discuss questions about the Bible and spiritual matters. You are invited to contact Pastor A.J. if you want to participate.
                There is an Ironman Conference focusing on Biblical Manhood on Saturday August 16th at Peace Haven Baptist Church at 2200 Booger Swamp Rd., Yadkinville, NC 27055. (What a great name for a road!) We are told:
              "You will be challenged, encouraged and equipped to become the man God created you to be. Through powerful teaching, dynamic worship and real conversations with other men who are striving to follow Christ, you will gain the tools and courage to lead in your home, workplace and community."
                Proverbs 27:17 reminds us, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” This is your opportunity to surround yourself with like-minded brothers in Christ, sharpen your faith and step into a life of purpose and impact.
                The cost of $25 includes a steak dinner. I would love to get a group to go together so contact me in person by phone or text and let me know if you are interested. We must register by August 4th to get the steak dinner.
                Men need fellowship with other men whom they respect where they can feel comfortable to encourage one another, sharpen one another, and grow stronger in faith and courage. We want you to have that opportunity.
 
Pastor Pat

​                There is a common myth that people need to discover if they are compatible before they marry. The truth is that absolutely no two people are compatible when they get married! Both have a great many adjustments to make and so much to learn in order to become compatible.
                When we first got married we had to make a lot of changes and compromises. We even debated over how the roll of bath tissue was supposed to be placed. Should it roll out on top or from the bottom of the roll. You can easily have a real fight over something trivial. Then there are the big issues. How money should be handled was a big one. One of you thinks, “Why can’t they just be on time?” and the other thinks “Why are they always rushing me?”.
                It is easy to get irritated. You grew up doing things one way and all of a sudden you are told your whole family has done it wrong all your life and you have to do it differently. You find it hard not to get resentful. You ask yourself, “Why do they have to have this attitude? Why do they always do the same thing that gets on my nerves over and over again?” Resentment builds up and that leads to arguments. Your relationship suffers.
                I am glad we had our differences when we got married. I had some rough edges and attitudes that needed to change and she helped me see that and make those changes. I had to learn she had needs that were important even though they felt trivial or silly to me.
                She had strengths that counteracted my weaknesses. I had strengths that she needed me to provide. We complimented each other amazingly well. It is truly wonderful how the Lord put us together to help one another.
                Have you tried thanking the Lord for your differences? Instead of resenting your spouse for their differences how much better it is to appreciate your spouse for them.
                Janice and I went to a marriage retreat in March that was put on by our Baptist Association, the Triad Church Network. There we were told “The happiest and healthiest couples learn how to celebrate differences.” I encourage you to celebrate your spouse’s unique talents. It is wise to complement your spouse every day.
                “Three things are too wondrous for me; four I can’t understand: the way of an eagle in the sky, the way of a snake on a rock, the way of a ship at sea, and the way of a man with a young woman.” Proverbs 30:18-19, CSB. 
 
Pastor Pat