The Testament. The Power Of One: One Man

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The Testament January 2014 Lincoln Memorial Baptist Church The Power Of One: One Man Has a decision you made ever gone bad? Did you have regret or grief about that decision when it did?

These powerful words are a pathway to lead someone out of regret, or guilt over a decision that has gone bad and to overcome that decision by making better ones.

He chose to use the dust of the ground to make man, and then He breathed the breath of life into man to make him a living soul. God had great intentions for man, as outlined in these same chapters.

It was, until Genesis 6:6 God confesses that He regrets and is grieved that He made man, to later send a flood. This regret and grief came after sin entered into the world.

1 The Testament January 2014 Lincoln Memorial Baptist Church The Power Of One: One Man Has a decision you made ever gone bad? Did you have regret or grief about that decision when it did? Joyce Meyer quoted once, Don t mourn bad decisions; Overcome them with good ones. These powerful words are a pathway to lead someone out of regret, or guilt over a decision that has gone bad and to overcome that decision by making better ones. According to Genesis Chapters 1 and 2, God has made a very good decision to create man. The bible tells us that God made man in the likeness of His image. He chose to use the dust of the ground to make man, and then He breathed the breath of life into man to make him a living soul. God had great intentions for man, as outlined in these same chapters. Man was going to be the ruler and keeper of the earth and have dominion over every living thing in it. That sounds like a great decision and plan right? It was, until Genesis 6:6 God confesses that He regrets and is grieved that He made man, to later send a flood. This regret and grief came after sin entered into the world. We know the story in the Garden of Eden, when the forbidden fruit was eaten that caused death to come to mankind. Mankind became wicked in the eyes of God. However instead of getting stuck in that regret, God overcame it by making an even better decision. Instead of letting his creation of mankind be lost forever, and wiping them out with a flood again and again he - by Sis. Chanetta Evans made a better decision by pulling from within Himself and sending us a gift through His son, Jesus, so that man can be redeemed, restored and live. Romans 5:12-21 shows us how the power of one man s sin caused death to everyone, but the power of one man s death gives everyone the right to eternal life, and justification. Verse 19 says, for by one man s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. Imagine where we would be if God decided to allow a decision that turned bad to cause him to make another decision to erase his creation. There would be an endless cycle of tearing down and building up. Instead God sent His only Son, as a gift to the world, so that we may have the right to eternal life and restoration with Him. Just as in our own lives we have decisions that we make that end up being bad, but in order for that bad to turn around, it can only be overcome with something good. God made man flesh first then He added the spirit and that was good. God made Jesus spirit first and then He added the flesh that turned out even better. Could the decisions we make that turn bad originate from our flesh? That is something to evaluate and reflect on as we go into this New Year. Is the decision I am about to make a Durham, NC flesh decision, or a spiritual one? We will explore how to tell the difference with What Do You Mind as we continue The Power of One. Deaconess Spread Joy Ever mindful of our sick and shut-in, the Deaconess Ministry recently paid a visit to several of our members who reside in Nursing Homes. Through scripture, songs and prayer, the Deaconess reassured our members that they are always in our thoughts.

More Than A Conqueror! I am more than a conqueror! I must say it again. I am more than a conqueror! Ok, I need to say it just one more time. I am more than a conqueror! Yes, that s me!

After having a conversation with my best friend with the expectation that we would talk after he returned from the beach, he was killed in a fatal motorcycle accident.

I had to leave my full time job due to the care of my mother and lived off of a part time income for 6 months. This eventually led to me being evicted.

2 More Than A Conqueror! I am more than a conqueror! I must say it again. I am more than a conqueror! Ok, I need to say it just one more time. I am more than a conqueror! Yes, that s me! Why so much joy? Because I serve a mighty God who has brought me through some extremely challenging times. After having a conversation with my best friend with the expectation that we would talk after he returned from the beach, he was killed in a fatal motorcycle accident. My mother became ill and no doctor could explain what was wrong. I was harassed by a person who was drowning in misery, and eventually had to press charges against them. I had to leave my full time job due to the care of my mother and lived off of a part time income for 6 months. This eventually led to me being evicted. There were times when I thought I was going to lose my mind. I prayed, I cried a lot, I came to church, I prayed some more. I called my pastor, family, and friends seeking support and prayer. I definitely felt alone. In spite of what I went through, I am still here! I am still standing! I was not alone. God was always there. He sent people to bless me, pray for me, and encourage me. Everything that I lost, God continues to restore. I still miss my best friend, but it s a lot easier now. God healed my mother. I Maranda enjoys the moment with her realtor, Carol Veronica Reeves following the home loan closing at the attorneys office. won the victory with my court issue and today I am a home owner! Psalm 126:5 says that those who sew in tears shall reap in joy. I am now reaping my joy. - by Sis. Maranda Leverette Maranda beams with pride and joy in front of her new home! I share this story not because my struggles are any different than anyone else s, but because I am a living testimony that God is faithful. No matter what happened, no matter what you did, no matter who hurt you, no matter what you lost, always remember, God is still on the throne and has overcome the world. Our struggles and challenges are always temporary. God is faithful and He cares. Trust Him! Congratulations Maranda! Laymen s League Steadfast and Immovable - by Deacon Carlos Best The beginning of a new year is typically associated with the creation of new resolutions for many of us. We resolve or take a stand on our shortcomings in our finances, health, and even our faith walk, to name a few. But for many of us, we regretfully fall short in fulfilling many of these resolutions. To allude to a sermon the Lord inspired in our pastor at the close of 2013, did we completely understand the cause or purpose of the resolution, have the requisite tenacity or capacity, and consulted with God before implementing the resolution (connectedness)? The Bible is replete of examples of men and women who took a stand or were resolved in their faith. Ruth, the Hebrew boys (Dan. 3:17-18), Peter and John (Acts 4:19) are a few such individuals resolved in their faith. God, in His infinite wisdom, gave us modern day examples of people endowed with a tremendous level of spiritual fortitude, as well. One of which our nation celebrates and recognizes this month, and the other of whom God called home last month. Their names are the Rev. Dr. Martin L. King Jr. and Nelson Mandela, the former president of South Africa. We celebrate the lives of these men for their steadfastness regarding the poor and oppressed (Matt. 25:35) and we are beneficiaries of their sacrifice. Let s not forget their sacrifice, as well as those from our church and family ancestors, so that we too may leave an enduring inheritance for the generations to come (Prov. 13:22).

Member Spotlight -by Sis. Marva Atkins Sis. Jocelyn Campbell Sister Jocelyn Campbell has been a member of the Lincoln family for 21 years. She was born in Durham, North Carolina.

After high school graduation Jocelyn attended North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in Greensboro, NC, also known as A&T - Aggie Pride!

3 Member Spotlight -by Sis. Marva Atkins Sis. Jocelyn Campbell Sister Jocelyn Campbell has been a member of the Lincoln family for 21 years. She was born in Durham, North Carolina. She attended Eno Valley Elementary, Easley Elementary, Carrington Middle School, and Northern High School. After high school graduation Jocelyn attended North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in Greensboro, NC, also known as A&T - Aggie Pride!! She majored in Fashion Merchandising and Design and minored in Business Management. Sister Campbell currently serves on the Health & Wellness Ministry, the Computer and Technology Ministry and the Young Adult Ministry. She also photographs church events. A few years ago Jocelyn started her own photography business called Seventh Love Photography ( In her spare time Jocelyn enjoys exercising and learning more about fitness and nutrition. She is the daughter of Deacon Daniel and Sis. Janice Campbell, the twin sister to Jacqueline Campbell, older sister to Erin Campbell, and auntie to her handsome nephew Cayden. Happy Birthday to our January Birthday Celebrities! Chris Lofton Leonidus Murphy TJ Wilson Lisa Lucas Kenya Harrell Joseph Eley, Sr. Joseph Eley, II Khadija Thompson Barbara Harrell Charmaine Harris Ta Tianyna Wilson Anissa Turner John Hodge, Jr. Najaree Cordy Joan Lofton Zoe Valentine Kenneth Lennon Linda Rorie Tina Hinton Arleen Webster Retella Jones Lelia Ervin Best Wishes For Many More!! Food For Thought... "It must be borne in mind that the tragedy in life doesn't lie in not reaching your goal. The tragedy lies in having no goal to reach. It isn't a calamity to die with dreams unfulfilled, but it is a calamity not to dream. It is not a disaster to be unable to capture your ideal, but it is a disaster to have no ideal to capture. It is not a disgrace not to reach the stars, but it is a disgrace to have no stars to reach for. Not failure, but low aim is sin." -Dr. Benjamin E. Mays President, Morehouse College ( ) Celebrating The Legacy Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. January 15, April 4, 1968 National Holiday Observance January 20, 2014 Happy Birthday Dr. King! Happy New Year!! From the Newsletter Committee Newsletter Committee Chanetta Evans Gloria Manley Reginald Davis Willee Murphy Joan Lofton Marva Atkins William Mayfield Earleen Sharrock Dean Jernigan, Chair

Happy New Year! Congratulations Lincoln for all of our successes in 2013! The start of a new year brings forth new and fresh opportunities for growth, happiness and success.

It's a time when we fondly reflect on the past year, and boldly turn the page to begin writing the next chapter in the book of life that our heavenly Father has blessed us to have.

It's an indication that our heavenly Father still has plans for you in growing His kingdom.

I encourage each of you to embrace the awesome opportunity that lies before you.

Plan: Yes, I have written about it before, but it comes back up because it's still the key to success.

4 Happy New Year! Congratulations Lincoln for all of our successes in 2013! The start of a new year brings forth new and fresh opportunities for growth, happiness and success. It's the traditional time for introspection, goalsetting and an assessment of how close we are to where we want to be at a given stage in life. It's a time when we fondly reflect on the past year, and boldly turn the page to begin writing the next chapter in the book of life that our heavenly Father has blessed us to have. Regardless of the successful or less than successful outcomes of 2013, count it as a blessing that you are here for It's an indication that our heavenly Father still has plans for you in growing His kingdom. You have a role to play in spreading the Good News of salvation and bringing light into the areas of darkness in our communities, workplaces and homes. I encourage each of you to embrace the awesome opportunity that lies before you. Along with setting goals for 2014, I want to offer a few suggestions for making sure that you get where you're trying to go this year and beyond. Plan: Yes, I have written about it before, but it comes back up because it's still the key to success. Without a The Next Chapter plan, we may drift along without really knowing if we're heading in the right direction. Planning gives us a target and provides for a means of measurement. Also, when obstacles and detours occur as they often do, having a plan helps us to stay focused on our goals as we work toward overcoming the obstacles and returning to the path that leads to success. Don't fear failure: The fear of failure is one of the greatest impediments to success. This type of fear is so great that many ideas are never put forward. They die as unfulfilled dreams that never feel the surge of energy that births an idea into fruition. The key is to understand that failure has to be viewed as part of the process of reaching success. Failure can be discouraging but you have to press on and realize that each failure takes you one step closer to success. As babies, each of us fell several times while learning to walk. Imagine what would have happened if our parents had stopped us from trying to walk after we fell down one or two times. Start where you are: Live in the moment and move forward. Our vision is 20/20 when we look back - by Deacon Dean Jernigan on yesterday. Regrets and missed opportunities lie in plain sight when we play out the countless images of days gone by in our memory banks. Likewise, the grass is so much greener when we envision our ship rolling in tomorrow. The reality, of course, is that all we have is the moment. Nothing is promised to us beyond the moment. So we have to start with each moment, each day, each segment of time and strive to make the next segment better. This is when we put our plans into action, live our dreams without the fear of failure, and trust in God's Word that He will provide for us, never forsake us, and that no weapon formed against us will prosper. This is when we write the next chapter of an ongoing book that documents our faith in a living God and serves as an example for others to follow. May God continue to shower His many blessings upon you in 2014 and beyond. Make the next chapter a better chapter! Write it with faith, and fill it with love, peace and joy. Best wishes for a blessed, healthy and prosperous year! Deacon and Deaconess Christmas Social Joined by Rev. Atkins and First Lady Marva Atkins, the Deacons, Deaconess and their spouses gathered recently for an afternoon of fellowship to celebrate 2013 and usher in this season of reflection, thanks and joy. Gathering at the Millennium Hotel, the group dined on a delicious meal and but feasted primarily on the good vibes created by a wonderful atmosphere of love and fellowship. Best wishes for a Happy and Wonderful New Year from the Deacon and Deaconess Ministries!

5 Annual Christmas Program Congratulations to the Sunday School Ministry and Christian Board for an awesome Christmas program. With outstanding acting, graceful dancing and a meaningful story told through the play title The Inn Keeper, the entire evening served as an excellent reminder of the true reason for this season of love. Hats off to everyone involved in bringing the Christmas program to us. Great job!

One Word Can Change Your Life! What if there was one thing that would improve your life in an incredible way? What if one word could mean the difference between repeated failure and newfound success?

Instead of nothing about everything, spend the entire year focusing one just one word that represents what you most hope God will do in you.

6 One Word Can Change Your Life! What if there was one thing that would improve your life in an incredible way? What if one word could mean the difference between repeated failure and newfound success? Each year, resolutions are rarely kept and goals are often easily forgotten. Lose the long list of resolutions and do something about one thing this year. Instead of nothing about everything, spend the entire year focusing one just one word that represents what you most hope God will do in you. Find that one word, live your word, trust that God will do a great work in you and through you. One word will change your life. Why, one word because the simple power of one word is that it impacts all six dimensions of your life: mental, physical, emotional, relational, Spiritual. There is a word meant for you and me, when we find it, live it, and share it, your life will become more rewarding and exciting than ever. One word success is about living your word. Your one word will give you direction and confidence. Choose your word, research your word, pray about your word and know what the Bible says about your word. My word has been Transformation, Romans 12; 2 Cor. 11:15. In 2014 my word will be Grateful, grateful is a condition of the heart and it will determine how I live my life in Your word can be salvation, forgiveness, kindness, Holy, love, focus to name a few. Make the better of your one word. Go on and get started - one word can change your life! Have a great Christmas and a wonderful New Year!! Look in the first column and give an answer in the second column. - by Sis. Janice Campbell What or whom did you listen to? Did you show love today? What did you think? What did you want? What did you need? Do you have any must haves? What is your one word? What stuck with you today? What made an impact? I am making 2014 a new beginning and if you would like to join me, give me a call. Happy New Year! Laymen s League Honors Members Deacon Carlos Best, Chair of the Laymen s League Ministry, present a gift to Deacon Leonidus Murphy and Bro. Marcus Lofton at the annual Laymen s League Christmas breakfast. Each year, the Laymen s League chooses a senior and a young member to honor based on their contributions to the church. Congratulations to Deacon Murphy and Bro. Lofton. The Laymen s League meets on the 3rd Saturday of each month at 9:00am. All men in the Lincoln family are invited and encouraged to attend.

7 -submitted by Sis. Earleen Sharrock wanted to find something new to do in the New Year. He looked under his but only found a It was too cold to play Disappointed went to the and found a but there wasn t any on the ground. Sadly kicked some on his way back to the He plopped down into a big looked through the and found an old family [Bible] As he opened it, a fell out. It was a from his grandmother telling the family about the importance of the She said to find something new in the everyday. The was a book that nothing could compare to. She said - Find your relationship with God and you will be new everyday. couldn t wait to open the to find his special message for the day. He opened to Ps. 96:1 O sing unto the Lord a new song. Starting that day Tommy knew he d be new everyday as he put God s message in his

8 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat To add an event to the church calendar, please contact Sis. Jocelyn Campbell by calling the church at You may also reach her via at Please send articles, photos or information for The Testament to by the 3rd Sunday of each month. January 2014 Building the Church in the Community and the Community in the Church 1 New Year s Day (All Day) 10:00am Trustees Women of Faith :30am Deacons 3:00pm Youth Missionary Mtg 19 1:00pm Usher Board Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Noon Day Prayer Pastor s Aide Committee 14 Noon Day Prayer Health & Wellness Ministry 21 Male Chorus Noon Day Prayer Newsletter Committee 8 Sounds of Joy Intercessory Prayer Bible Study and Dance Ministry Intercessory Prayer Bible Study Music Ministry Intercessory Prayer Bible Study 9 Christian Board Church Conference YAC Male Chorus (All Day) 10:00am Deaconess Couples Ministry 18 (All Day) 9:00am Laymen s League 12Noon Male Chorus Rehearsal 25 (All Day) 10:00am Missionary Dept. Meeting Noon Day Prayer Computing & Technology 29 Sounds of Joy Intercessory Prayer Bible Study and Dance Ministry Newsletter Photos by Bro. Reginald Davis, Sis. Vera Hodge, Deacon Eugene Lofton and Deacon Dean Jernigan

The Testament. Judge Marsh To Address Youth. In Memoriam. Rev. Weldon Harris

The Testament. Judge Marsh To Address Youth. In Memoriam. Rev. Weldon Harris The Testament January 2016 Happy New Year! It s hard to believe that the sun has set on 2015 and that we have crossed over into 2016. As you glimpse at 2015 through your mind s rear view mirror, how pleased