The Messenger. December December. The Road to Everlasting Life. December 2014 ISSUE 369 VOLUME 31 THE MESSENGER.

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1 Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID 0057 Permit No. 9 VOLUME 31 December 2014 ISSUE 369 THE MESSENGER Smith Grove Baptist Church P.O. Box 57 PROVERBS 25:13 As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him, for he refresheth the soul of his masters... Sunday School 10:00 AM Morning Worship 11:00 AM Junior Church 11:15 AM Evening Worship 6:00 PM Wednesday Service 7:00 PM Bible Clubs 6:45 PM Thursday Visitation 7:00 PM - NURSERY PROVIDED Sandy Ridge Road Dr. Charles (Chuck) Peters, Pastor Home: (336) Cell: (336) The Messenger The Road to Everlasting Life December 2014 December Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." Romans 5:12 "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned." Romans 5:8 "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 10:9-10 "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." Romans 10:13 "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." We are an independent Baptist Church, still preaching the Word of God as it is, to people as they are. We are furthermore satisfied that the King James Version of the Bible is the preserved, inspired Word of God. If you have not yet followed the Lord in Believer s Baptism or if you feel the Lord is leading you to join Smith Grove Baptist Church, please see Pastor Chuck. Sun., Dec Evangelist Cliff Burwell, Speaker (a.m. & p.m. services); Christmas Dinner ~ covered dish meal in the Fellowship Building ~ after the morning service. Tues., Dec. 9, 7-8 pm... Robinwood Retirement Community ~ The Smith Grove Choir will present the cantata Arise SHINE! Sunday, Dec. 21, 11 am... Cantata Presentation, Arise SHINE! Tues., Dec. 23, 7:00 pm...mid-week Prayer Meeting. Sunday, Dec BEAMS SUNDAY

2 THE COLEMANS ~ John & Mavis Blessings in Jesus Name: From the Colemans and the Great People of the Tohono O odham Nation. My Life s Verse: Ps. 37:5 Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. Missions Verse: Matt. 4:19b Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. We focus daily on staying committed to the Word of God. God has enabled us since October 2003 to service as missionaries on the Great Tohono O odham Nation. What a Mission Field in America: God s People must stay focused first on America with mission outreach. Some think because they were born in America they are Christian, not so - the Bible says Ye must be born again. We do need your continued love, prayers, and support. God has called and blessed us that we are able to go forth with the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. We have seen souls saved, Bibles placed in homes, New Testaments given away, food and clothing provided to hundreds... Glory and Praise to God! A special Thank You to all that help. Let s keep looking up and going forward till Jesus comes again. Praise God! *Needs Met. * God s Protection. *Souls Saved. PRAYER REQUEST! *God s Daily Wisdom. *Trip to Virginia to Visit Mission Supporting Churches. *Transportation Needs. *Our Daughter Charity s Health Issues. Thank you for all your love, prayers, and support. Do keep the Colemans and the Great Tohono Nation in your prayers. Serving with Christ to the Nation Missions and Rincon Baptist Church, John and Mavis Coleman Matthew 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. My Life Has Been Blessed Pastor Chuck Peters Many songs have I sung since He first gave the song that He placed in my heart on that day. Many sermons I ve preached since He first bid me preach of His Gospel and power to save. Many seasons I ve known, much love He has shown, He grows nearer and dearer to me. I m much slower in the pace, I will soon end this race, I must soon head on home and be free. Many friends I have known, much love they have shown, they have all been so gracious to me. I ve a wife by my side, a helpmeet and bride, and a love shown by word and by deed. My son and my buddy, my church and my study, rich blessings I count beyond measure. I ve truly been blessed, what more could I ask? Where else could I find greater treasure? Many titles I ve worn since the day I was born, many miles have been traveled through life. Many times I have cried, many times I ve been tried, and many days have seen trouble and strife. Every time He was there, Every time He did care, Every time He gave mercy and grace. He ll be with me on that day, when I part this house of clay, I ll be with Him and I ll see His blessed face.

3 December Birthdays 1 Adalyn Finney 3 Sheila Payne 4 Mackenzie Ann Barham 4 Chasity Ramey 5 Willis George 5 Elaine Lowe 7 Joretta Holt 9 Shaila Puckett 10 Reva Holt 11 Rhoney Wilson January Birthdays 2 Adrian Barham 3 Jerry Crump 3 Bessie Sloop 4 Keith Crouch 4 Kevin Crouch 5 William Holt 6 Shirley Ingold 7 Corey Faulkner 12 Lydia Beeson 12 Tori Heath 16 Gale Tester 16 Jan Wilson 17 Jessica Holt 18 Brian Faulkner 19 Neva Long 19 Todd Tucker 20 Andrew Harrison Smith 21 Johnny Cameron 7 Wanda Stafford 7 Kathy Flynt 10 Gary Hendrix 12 Becky McCollum 14 Emberly Lynn Tate 17 Doris Cochran 17 Jennifer Finney 20 Stephanie Hutton 23 Rachael Keedy 23 Matthew Norman December Anniversaries Dan & Bobbie Hayworth Dec. 3 Cleo & Reva Holt Waynard & Carol Nuckles 23 Bernice Johnson 23 Nancy Kelly 30 Barbara Bowden 30 Lillie Mae Crump 31 John David Payne Craig Pearman Lonnie Tucker 27 Morgan Flynt 27 Dolly Westmoreland 29 Brianna Clemmons 29 Louise Byrd 30 Briana Crews 30 Austin Russell 30 Allen Tate 30 Betty Bame Terry Dillon ~ Congratulations, new Grandparents ~ Glenn & Pam Blackburn at the birth of their granddaughter, Leighton Elizabeth Valentine Born November 13, 2014 at 3:12 p.m. 8.4 lbs.; 20 1/4 in. long The new parents are Reneé & Bryan Valentine. Bethlehem Song by Joyce Carr Stedelbauer O little town of Bethlehem how still we see thee lie Slingshots sing a sorry hymn o er Bethlehem s fields, sheep shudder at the mournful whine of mortar music. Souvenir shops stand empty with hosts of silent angels, Nativity Church in Manger Square looms in loneliness. The Eye of the Needle is closed to worshipers, and Rachel s Tomb is soldiered against prayer. Above thy deep and dreamless streets the silent stars go by An aching sun will rise o er rubbled streets, anxious women hurrying early to the well. The men labor repairing ravage from the night, and children gather rocks before the school bell. Shepherds calm frightened flocks in their fields while sandbags are stacked against blue doors. Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting Light The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight. Shalom Candles of conciliation sputter hopefully, healers of hurts work long and feverishly, the faithful gather quietly in dark homes to pray. Warm bread is baking in Bethlehem the house of bread and we long for the coming of the Prince of Peace. Such a profound statement... pray that Israelis will realize the truth it contains, and may God protect Israel.

4 What Christmas Is All About Christmas will always be for us A time to reflect on Christ, The gift God gave to all the world Was the gift of His life We know Christmas is not about tinsel, Nor fancy Christmas wreaths, Nor is it about all the decorations That adorns our Christmas trees And it s not about Holly or Mistletoe Hanging from our doors, Nor is it about the gifts that are left By the jolly Santa Claus Welcome, New Members Norman & Misty Smith (& Jeffrey) 111 Buena Vista Ave High Point, NC (Norman Cell) (Misty Cell) Member Change of Address: Christmas is more than all of this And the only reason why We celebrate Christ s birth together And the wonder of His life So remember as you celebrate, Just what it s all about And invite the Lord to join with you, Instead of leaving Him out For He will always be the reason We celebrate this day, No substitute the world may offer Can take that meaning away. By M.S.Lowndes ~ 2007 Paul Westmoreland 1775 Peabody Forest Trl H. B. Clegg 3121 Gateway Place Ln Kernersville, NC What is your favorite Bible verse? Place it in The Messenger box in the foyer & we ll share it in an upcoming Messenger! (Or sherrill@triad.rr.com) The late Laurence F. Clark (Johnny s dad who died at age 34) came to know the Lord through these verses of scripture. He sat alone in the woods with his Bible, and Inez Alley prayed with him there as the Lord sent conviction to his soul. Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. SHUT-INS Louise Byrd Iris Farrington Harry Haynes REMEMBER IN PRAYER Neva Long Jo Anne Pegram Ann Rayle Louise Smith Barbara Tucker Forrest Tucker Assisted Living/Nursing Home Helen Jones ~ Rose Matthews ~ Betty Robinson Clara Ward Mary Westmoreland Gerry Williams SICK/OTHER NEEDS: (Newly added names are in italics.) Robert & Doris Anderson Ricky Hedgecock Curt Bame (broken hip) Tim Hedgecock Donnie Barham (Cancer) - Joretta Holt (CHF) Adrian s Dad Shirley Hutton (Lung Sara Benach (cancer) cancer) Sherri Bowling Stephanie Hutton Patty Brittain Jimmy Johnson (Illness) Ann Burke (stroke) Dot Long Thelma Bullard Mark Lowe (Surgery) Tammy Burnett (cancer) Daniel & Mazie Kevin Canady (Illness) Matthews (Special needs) Johnny Clark Gary McArthur (malignant tumor) (heart transplant patient) Maggie McGee Patrick Clark (CHF) Cindy Miller Christie Cobb (Breast (Health Issues) Cancer - Drema s niece by Phillip Moore - (Lung marriage) Cancer - Drema s brotherin-law) Kathy Fulk (Diabetes & other health issues) Clara Morgan (94 years Kim Garrett (Cancer & old ~ health issues) Crohn s Disease) Sally Nester (cancer) George Hayes (heart ) Clarence Parker Rhonda Hedgecock (Cancer) Gene & Oma Lou Pitts Sandra Richardson Justin Royal Jean Rumsey Violet Sealey Betty Soyars Gale Tester (Recovering from surgery) Donise Tucker (Severe respiratory infection) Brooke Long Wagoner Kenneth Westmoreland Reid Westmoreland Jan Wilson BEREAVED: Families of Dewey Broadstreet (Jeanette Dillon s brother) Gladys Godfrey (Eloise McColllum s sister) Gurney & Sandy Lunsford asked that we convey their gratitude for all the prayers on their behalf. Pray for those... In the Service of our Country A1C William Holt, US Air Force Pope AFB, Vass, NC CW3 Jonathan Harless (Raleigh, NC) Maj. Robert Harless (160th SOAR, Savannah, GA) Charles Holmes, Al Asad Air Base (Northern Iraq) Chief Warrant Officer 4 Michael Maine, US Army [Germany] (Nephew of Clarence Redmon) Amn. Kyle Norman, PCS Box 5000, JB Lewis-McCord, WA David Ortez, Iraq & Afghanistan SSgt. Samuel A. Priddy, Marines - New River (Jacksonville, NC) - son of Brenda Westmoreland

5 Our Honour Roll Smith Grove s ministry to our widows and widowers Honour widows that are widows indeed. (I Timothy 5:3) This is a continuing churchwide ministry to remember widows and widowers of the church in a meaningful way. Each month, we highlight our special Honour Roll Gang Members who are having birthdays. Listed below are December and January Honour Roll Gang members. Please take a moment to send a card, make a telephone call, or do something extra special for our special saints. The Cold Within Six humans trapped by happenstance In black and bitter cold, Each one possessed a stick of wood Or so the story is told. Their dying fire was in need of logs But the first man held his back, For of the faces around the fire He noticed that one was black. Joretta Holt 8412 Stafford Mill Rd. Oak Ridge, N.C (Cell) ~ Dec. 7 Neva Long 8716 Staples Road ~ Dec. 19 Bernice Johnson 5220 Prince Charles Dr. Kernersville, NC ~ Dec. 23 The next man looking across the way Saw one not of his church, And he wouldn t bring himself to give The fire his stick of birch. Kathy Flynt 1965 Sandy Ridge Rd ~ Jan. 7 Dolly Westmoreland 520 Lakedale Rd ~ Jan. 27 Louise Byrd 2211 Golden Gate Dr APT 301 Greensboro, NC ~ Jan. 29 Prosperity is only an instrument to be used, not a deity to be worshipped.~ Calvin Coolidge ( ) 30th president of the U.S BEAMS Report for October 2014 # of Pledges: 9 ; # of Contributions: 14 ; Total Contributors: 23 Total Contributed: $ = 92 Bibles (plus postage) in October The third man sat in tattered clothes. He gave his coat a hitch. Why should he put his log to use To warm the idle rich? The rich man sat back and thought Of the wealth he had in store, And how to keep what he had earned From the lazy, shiftless poor. The black man s face bespoke revenge As the fire passed from sight; For all he saw in his stick of wood Was a chance to spite the white. BEAMS Report for November 2014 # of Pledges: 9 ; # of Contributions: 11 ; Total Contributors: 20 Total Contributed: $ = 64 Bibles (plus postage) in November You can also get the BEAMS report online at our website: The last man of this forlorn group Did nothing except for gain, Giving only to those who gave to him, Was the way he played the game. Their logs held tight in death s still grasp Is proof of human sin. They didn t die of cold without, They died from the cold within. $$$

6 His Name is Wonderful Pastor Chuck Peters For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Names often relate to the character of one s life. Examples would include: Alexander the Great, William the Conqueror, Simon the Zealot, and John the Baptist. The name Jesus means Jehovah Saves. Salvation is only through Him. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12) Christmas is all about the celebration of the birth of this One who was born. His name is truly wonderful! There is, in fact, wonder in His name. Every aspect of His life was wonderful. His birth was wonderful, His life was wonderful, His teaching was wonderful, His miracles were wonderful, His transfiguration was wonderful, His death was wonderful, His resurrection was wonderful, His ascension was wonderful, and His heavenly priesthood is wonderful. There is wonder in His name and also there is wisdom in His name. He is Counselor. He is always available, He comforts, and He guides in the right way. There is wonder, wisdom, and wealth in His name. He is The Mighty God. He has been given all power in heaven and earth. (Ref. Mat.28:18) Nothing is too hard for Him! There is wonder, wisdom, wealth, and worship in His name. He is Everlasting Father. If you know Him, you know the Father. As Father, He is life giver. There is wonder, wisdom, wealth, worship, and welcome in His name. He is, Prince of Peace. He came to give rest. Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Mat.11:28) It has been accurately said, No Jesus, No peace. His name is a welcoming name, for sinners can come to Him for salvation. Christmas without Christ is only a holiday. Christmas with Christ in your life is a glorious celebration of the greatest birth of all times. Even before you get involved in the purchasing of gifts to give on Christmas day, have you received the One who s name is Wonderful? But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: John 1:12 His name is wonderful! Room at the Inn? by Linda Breeden It seemed like a great idea for our church to put the youth group in charge of the annual Christmas pageant until they asked my son, Charlie, to take part in it. Charlie just turned four, I said. That s too young to be in a play. But we really want him to be the innkeeper, said Julie, the teenage head of the youth group. He would only have one line. I know he can do it. My husband, Frank, shrugged. How could we disappoint the kids? As long as it s only one line. I said. Charlie enjoyed the practices, and Frank and I made a game out of helping him. But it was one thing to remember the line at home; another thing entirely in front of a full house. The closer we got to opening night, the more I worried. When we got to the church, Julie whisked Charlie away behind the curtain. The lights dimmed and the curtains opened. Soft lights provided an angelic glow around the children. In the center stood Charlie, looking heartbreakingly small. His lower lip was puckering, and I thought he might cry as he searched the audience. I m right here, Charlie, I thought, sliding to the edge of my seat. I am Joseph from Galilee, announced twelve-year-old Jason. My wife is heavy with child, and we are weary and need a room. He turned to the tiny innkeeper, waiting for his answer. Charlie looked a bit startled, then dazed. I gripped Frank s hand and whispered, Please, Jesus, be with Charlie onstage. He needs help! Jason turned to Charlie again. Innkeeper, do you have a room for us? Charlie suddenly snapped to attention. He stood up straight and considered the weary travelers. That s my boy!, I thought. Now say your line, Charlie. Go on. You can do it. The audience waited. Y all come on in! he sang out. I gots room for Baby Jesus. For a moment nobody made a sound. Then, from the back of the audience, a woman called, Amen, child! She was answered by a chorus of amens throughout the church. Joseph chose the manger instead, but Charlie stood proud throughout the rest of the play. Afterward, the older kids congratulated our adorable innkeeper who had room for Baby Jesus. Wasn t that what Christmas was all about? I had asked Jesus to be with Charlie onstage, but Jesus found an even more loving spot in Charlie s heart.