It is a great privilege and responsibility to be a mother. No one has a more profound and enduring influence upon those around them than a mother raising her children in the fear and wisdom of the Lord.
Timothy, influenced by important women in his life, became a prominent preacher. He likely converted to Christianity during Paul’s first journey to Lystra and matured quickly, becoming Paul’s apprentice within two years. Timothy later served as one of Paul’s most trusted aides and was appointed to remain in Ephesus to counter false religious teachings.
Paul described Timothy as “faithful in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 4:17) and trusted him deeply because of his enduring, genuine faith. Timothy’s commitment to Christ was sincere and steadfast, proven through trials and service (Philippians 2:22).
Paul recognized Timothy's strong faith, which originated from his grandmother Lois and mother Eunice, both committed believers who taught him Scripture from childhood (2 Timothy 1:5; 3:15). Paul urges Timothy to stay true to his beliefs, knowing the trustworthy sources from whom he learned (2 Timothy 3:14).
How often Christian mothers have been used of God to raise sons for the ministry of God’s church!
Proverbs 22: 6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not turn from it.”
Mothers who want a positive eternal influence on their children will teach them about genuine faith in Christ and make sure they get true teaching from God’s Word. This is a firm foundation to lay down for your children. Mothers, keep up the good work and remember that your highest calling is your family.
Pastor,
Rev. Wayne Marcus

The tale of the rich man and Lazarus from Luke 16:19-31 is often considered one of the most tragic stories in the Bible. What strikes me as particularly sorrowful is the depiction of a man who appears to possess everything during his lifetime, yet ultimately falls prey to the illusion of success. When his brief existence ends, he is left with nothing, not even his own soul. He opened his eyes in Hell, being in a place of eternal torment. How sad to be in a place of eternal damnation forever! It is hard to imagine anyone that I know having to be in Hell for eternity. Especially knowing that God loves all people and has made a perfect way for mankind to be saved through accepting His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, as Lord and Savior.  That is sad, but to me, what is even sadder is that this man, while in Hell, begins to plead with Father Abraham to send the beggar named Lazarus to his five brethren. He wants to warn them of this awful place they are headed toward, too. Being in Hell is terrible, but knowing you had left a well-marked path for others to follow - and could do nothing to change your destructive legacy - is even worse. Think about it: these seem to be the only people he really loved and cared about, yet he has left them a legacy that leads them - and most likely all who follow them - to eternal damnation, with no way to set it right.
As we celebrate Family Day today, will you consider the teachings of the life you are living and simply ask yourself: For those whom you love and who are following your leadership, what does their future look like? Today is the day that you can start leading them to the right place by simply changing the way you live. Make a commitment to lead well and help others find a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Pastor,
Rev. Wayne Marcus

It's wonderful to be back home—there truly is no place like it. Our mission trip to Peru was memorable, and I'm looking forward to some of you joining in sharing the gospel with the Peruvian people. I discovered a city full of individuals eager to hear the word of God and reflect on their lives through biblical teachings. Last week, more than 50 people accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior, and many others engaged in meaningful conversations with us. Most of the people of Peru seem to be very down-to-earth people who have not been overtaken in the sin of materialism due to the impoverished lifestyle they have become accustomed to. This leads us to wonder whether our abundance is truly a blessing or has become the central purpose of our lives. We are called to live for something greater than material possessions that merely catch our attention in this world. If Christ is not at the heart of your life, consider taking a moment to reflect on your priorities with eternity in mind.  Life is more than material possessions; learning contentment helps prevent greed. Real satisfaction and peace come from the Lord, who calls us to love Him fully.  Look at this passage of Scripture, 1 Timothy 6:6-10, “6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”                                
Would you feel content if all you had were food and clothing? Most people would find it difficult, unless they had experienced true deprivation. Because we don't experience significant hardships, we often forget that hardship is possible. As a result, we may shift from worrying about meeting our basic needs to never being satisfied with what we do have. Let us recognize how fortunate we are, so that we can live our lives in gratitude.
Pastor,
Rev. Wayne Marcus

Brief Thoughts from BRYAN
As we prepare to worship together here today through music, what a blessing it is to lift up our Lord and Savior Jesus. What better way to lift Him up than through song, and to be fed through the music we hear? I am reminded of how incredibly important music is to our worship: not only does it feed our spirit but also strengthens it. Music helps us in times of need and often expresses the way we feel. Please continue to be strengthened and encouraged, having a heart that overflows with the joy of the Lord! Let your song be new every day because the Lord is deserving. As we worship, let us recall Ephesians 5:19-20: (19) speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; (20) always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father.

Do you ever stop and think about how amazing it is that God chose us to be the gospel bearers of this world? Out of all the ways God could have - and indeed has - shared the gospel with people, His primary means of sharing the good news of Jesus Christ is for us, sinners saved by grace, to go tell the world how God saved us. We have the awesome and, I might add, obligatory responsibility of making Jesus known to the world. We do that through teaching and preaching at the local church, and by equipping, sending, and supporting missionaries both here at home and to the uttermost parts of the earth. Truth be told, we are falling behind in our efforts as more people are born in unreached areas than we can keep pace with; not to mention the fact that much of the so-called Church has become more interested in drawing a crowd than in making disciples who will go share the gospel. We are not called to come up with a more palatable gospel, or to entice people to accept Christ with sleight of hand or emotional appeals. Our commission is actually very simple. “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Matthew 28:19–20 Our mission is not to make converts, but disciples who will, in turn, go and make disciples. It is important that people accept Christ, but accepting Christ means following Him. We have a lot to do. Let’s go do it!
Pastor,
Rev. Wayne Marcus

“Because He Lives” is one of my favorite songs. Its lyrics are rich with profound theological meaning, consistently inspiring genuine believers. Take a look at some of the powerful lines from this song.

God sent His son, they called him Jesus
He came to love, heal and forgive
He lived and died to buy my pardon
An empty grave is there to prove my savior lives

I have witnessed the empty grave, which fills me with the hope we celebrate today. Jesus lived and died to secure my forgiveness, conquering death through His resurrection. While sin leads to death, Jesus was without sin, so the grave could not keep Him; the debt He paid was not for Himself, but for us all. I rejoice in Christ's triumph over death—not only because He lives, but also because everyone who believes in Him will live forever in His glory.

His victory becomes our victory, His life becomes ours, allowing us to face life’s hardships with the promise of eternal life. This is why I cherish this song—it continually reminds me of the profound hope I hold in Christ Jesus.

And then one day I'll cross the river
I'll fight life's final war with pain
And then, as death gives way to vict'ry
I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know He reigns
Because He lives
I can face tomorrow
Because He lives
All fear is gone
Because I know He holds the future
And life is worth the living
Just because He lives.
  
Do you have this hope? It is found in a personal relationship with Christ.
Pastor,
Rev. Wayne Marcus

Easter is one of my favorite times of the year. My family enjoys celebrating spring, the Easter egg hunt, Good Friday, and sharing a meal together with meaningful fellowship. However, when I reflect on why we celebrate, I realize it's a bittersweet occasion. For Jewish people, this period marks Passover, a festival commemorating the sacrifice of the Passover lamb. During the first Passover, the lamb's blood was placed on doorposts so that the death angel would pass over their homes, sparing their firstborn and allowing them to escape Egyptian bondage. This marked a great blessing for Israel as they were freed from oppression and began their journey to the promised land.
Yet, for the lamb, Passover represented the ultimate sacrifice. The innocent lamb was killed, roasted, and eaten, its life given as an act of grace and redemption—much like what Jesus faced before His death. As people brought sacrifices to Jerusalem, debating over lambs without blemish, Jesus understood that He Himself was the perfect Lamb offered by God as the supreme sacrifice. He knew His blood would be shed, and He would endure agony on Calvary. Good Friday is meaningful to us, but for Jesus, it was a day of brutality and suffering: He was falsely accused, whipped, mocked, denied, and crucified. What makes this day "good" for us is that through Jesus' death over 2,000 years ago, our impossible debt of sin was paid by God's grace and the sacrifice of His only Son on the cross. Because of this, we have the freedom to choose life and serve the Lord. Let us remember that we have Good Friday because we have a good God, a wonderful Savior, and a hopeful future through the power of the resurrection.
Pastor,
Rev. Wayne Marcus

Views about reaching heaven vary. Some believe good deeds and caring for family ensure entry, while others stress strict religious observance. Some think heaven is earthly, and others think that death ends existence. The Bible is the definitive authority, teaching that only faith in Jesus Christ grants access to heaven. Jesus Himself said that He was “the way, the truth, and the life: no one comes to the Father but by Me.”  (John 14:6) That is what the thief on the cross discovered in his last hours on this earth. He cried out to the Lord Jesus and was gloriously saved, not from dying but from eternal death. When your death day comes, all that will matter is what you have done with Jesus. If you have accepted Him then you will have eternal life; if you have rejected Him, you will have eternal death. No matter how messed up your life has been, no matter how mean you have been, there is hope for you in Christ Jesus. The only hopeless man is the one who hangs his hopes on the wrong person or the wrong thing. Please understand today that the most important decision you can make in life is to call on Christ and allow Him to be the Lord and Savior of your life. If you accept Him as Lord, He will also be your Savior. What about it? Do you know Him? Will you surrender to Him today?
Pastor,
Rev. Wayne Marcus

It has been a great privilege and honor to serve Tom’s Creek Baptist Church over these last 28 years. I would be lying if I didn’t admit there have been some very difficult seasons, but thankfully, only seasons. There have been many more good days than tough times, which were great opportunities for personal growth in our lives. 
It is always an honor when you take time to recognize our service with an appreciation day.  I think everyone loves to know that what they do does not go unnoticed, and Tammy and I are no exception to that rule. While we don’t do what we do for our honor and glory, but for the Lord’s, we do appreciate your acknowledgement and love. The love offering, fellowship meal, flowers, and gift cards to honor us were very generous and greatly appreciated. 
I would also like to let you know that we greatly appreciate your unwavering service to the Lord through this body of Christ that we refer to as Tom’s Creek. We can always count on you to step up to the plate and serve with us, no matter what the ministry task is before us. We love each and every one of you, and pray the Lord continues to use this body of Christ to impact this community for Him.

Pastor,
Rev Wayne Marcus

Do you think your life is truly balanced? Are you spending enough time reading the Bible, serving at church, attending services, working, vacationing, and being with loved ones? It's not easy to achieve this kind of balance, and most people need to be very intentional about it. Today, I’d like you to make a list of your priorities—not based on your current thoughts, but on how God wants your life to be ordered. List all the ways you divide your time and ask yourself if these are aligned with God’s guidance from His Word.
Next, write out, in order of importance, what you should be doing with your time and talents according to God’s teachings—not according to the world or your own desires, but honestly as you know from Scripture. Then, create a practical plan to reorder your life so it aligns more closely with how God wants you to live.
Following this path will help you honor God in every area of your life, tuning your actions to His will and accomplishing much for Him. Be aware: not everyone will approve, and it might cost you financially, but over time, you'll enjoy stronger family relationships and deeper peace each day.
Pastor,
Rev. Wayne Marcus

Are you living a victorious life? I'm not referring to whether you're enjoying yourself or achieving financial success. Rather, I'm asking if your life is honoring and glorifying God. For Christians, living victoriously can mean persevering through persecution like Paul and Silas did while imprisoned in Philippi, or making sacrifices that result in hardship, such as David and his followers eating consecrated bread because they were starving. Achieving victory may also involve working tirelessly to prepare for preaching or teaching, or, as the Apostle Paul described, becoming a spectacle so that the gospel can be spread. Success or victory may look very different through the world’s lens compared to God’s perspective. Deacon Stephen, full of faith and power, delivered a powerful sermon, which ultimately led to him being attacked and stoned by an enraged crowd. If you look at that from the world’s viewpoint, it looks as though Stephen was defeated, but not so. The Bible says in Acts 8, “54 When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. 55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, 56 And said, ‘Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.’” The audience that mattered was well pleased and Stephen died having lived a victorious life.  Beloved, God wants us to live a life that is defined by Him, a life sold out to the honor and glory of Jesus Christ. That is what real victory is.
Pastor,
Rev. Wayne Marcus

THE LORD'S WILL
A farmer is out working his fence line near the road when he sees a neighbor from a few farms down walking toward him with a cow. "Where are you headed with that cow?" the farmer asks.
"I'm heading into town to sell it," comes the neighbor's reply.
"You mean, if it's the Lord's will, you are going to sell it," corrects the farmer.
"Well," says the neighbor, now feeling a little perturbed by the rebuke. "I don't much reckon the Lord has anything to do with it. I bought her, I raised her, I milk her, and now I'm gonna sell her, and nobody is going to stop me from doing it."
"Oh, alright," says the farmer, and off down the road goes the neighbor with his cow.
About twenty minutes later, here comes the neighbor back the other way, only now his clothes are ripped, his eye is black and he is missing a few teeth. "What happened to you?" asks the farmer.
"Well,” the neighbor replies, “I got a few miles down the road and some guys jumped me, beat me up, and stole my cow."
"Oh no," says the farmer, "what are you going to do now?"
"Well," comes the reply, "I'm going home to bandage up my wounds...if it's the Lord's will!" (Source: from a sermon by Dan Cormie)

The Lord’s will for your life is the most important thing for you to discover.

I love them that love me; And those that seek me early shall find me.
Proverbs 8:17

Pastor,
Rev. Wayne Marcus

Have you ever felt vulnerable or naked before God? So dirty that you couldn’t stand the idea of facing the LORD and giving an account of the wrong that you had done? This is how Adam and Eve, the first man and woman, felt after they sinned in the Garden of Eden. According to the Bible, they regularly walked with God and enjoyed His company until they ate the forbidden fruit; afterward, the Bible says they hid from Him. The story continues with the Bible describing how they realized their nakedness and made coverings out of fig leaves. This is a familiar pattern—trying everything possible to address one’s shame or guilt, only to find that these efforts fall short. Consider how often you have tried to hide your own guilt or mistakes by taking similar actions. Sometimes people start going to church, not to get right with God, but to cover up the fact that they are out of God’s will. It seems that religion is often man’s first attempt at covering his nakedness. As it was with Adam and Eve, man still has a guilty and naked awareness in his life, and therefore hides from the very God whom he had been accustomed to having sweet fellowship with. I recall the biblical passage in which God calls out to Adam, asking, “Adam, where art thou?” (Genesis 3:9) This moment resonates with me, as I reflect on how God's call prompted me to evaluate the status of my own relationship with Him. I attempted to achieve moral alignment through religious practices and good deeds; however, genuine reconciliation was only attained when I acknowledged my mistakes openly and admitted wrongdoing. It was only then I understood I couldn't conceal my sin, but God was ready to forgive me through His sacrifice. Jesus, as the perfect Lamb of God, was the sole sufficient offering to restore my relationship with God. Where do you stand today? God prompted me to ask you.
Pastor,
Rev. Wayne Marcus

“Love is one of the most powerful emotions we have. The actress Joan Crawford once said, ‘Love is a fire but whether it warms your heart or burns your house down, you can never tell!’ Love can motivate, give pleasure, hurt even destroy. It can make us do bold, even stupid things. During the 17th century, Oliver Cromwell, sentenced a soldier to be shot for his crimes. The execution was to take place at the ringing of the evening curfew bell. However, the bell did not sound. The soldier’s fiancé had climbed into the belfry and clung to the great clapper of the bell to prevent it from striking. When she was summoned by Cromwell to account for her actions, she wept as she showed him her bruised and bleeding hands. Cromwell’s heart was touched and he said, ‘Your lover shall live because of your sacrifice. Curfew shall not ring tonight!’ As Christians, portrayed in the bible as brides of Christ, who is the Bridegroom, we too have a lover who gives us life because of his sacrifice. We are told that one day the Bridegroom will return and we shall be reunited and honeymoon, so to speak, in heaven. Before the world of political correctness and equality, the marriage ceremony as printed in the 1662 Book of Common Prayer, made the bride, not bridegroom, pledge to obey the one they loved!”
                                                                                                            - Evangelist Roger Whipp


Understanding that one is deeply valued is essential; indeed, recognizing love may be unattainable without first experiencing it. The concept of love is often perceived as complex, frequently regarded simply as an emotion. However, while genuine love undoubtedly evokes strong feelings, it transcends mere sentiment by representing a deliberate commitment to support and invest in another’s well-being. The form of love discussed here—agape love—is considered the highest kind and appears in the New Testament 137 times as a verb and 116 times as a noun. Clearly, this authentic love encompasses not only emotions, but also consistent actions demonstrated daily.
Pastor,  
Rev. Wayne Marcus

Will a man leave the snow of Lebanon which cometh from the rock of the field? or shall the cold flowing waters that come from another place be forsaken? 15 Because my people hath forgotten me, they have burned incense to vanity, and they have caused them to stumble in their ways from the ancient paths, to walk in paths, in a way not cast up; Jer 18:14–15.
God presented a straightforward question to the people, reminding them of His kindness. When we imagine snow-covered mountains, their impressive beauty is striking—but it’s easy to forget that these peaks rise from dry desert landscapes in the Middle East. More important than their majestic appearance is the clean, cold water that flows from melting snow, which reliably refreshes the people each day. God asked whether anyone would willingly give up such a vital blessing, emphasizing this because the people were turning away from Him—the true source of daily nourishment—to follow false gods. Have you ever turned away from the Lord, who generously provides good and perfect gifts, only to pursue distractions that don’t last? Only God, our creator, can satisfy our deepest needs. Place your trust in Him and allow Him to care for you.
Pastor,
Rev. Wayne Marcus

What would you consider your most valuable possession? While many homeowners might answer "my house," and others might mention their farm or vehicles, we're not referring to minor material things but rather something worthwhile, meaning something truly priceless. We're talking about what is genuinely worth protecting, something so important that losing it would leave you empty. No, it's not your health or marriage; it’s the most precious thing you have: your eternal soul—the real you. It isn't your body or the things you own temporarily on this earth, but rather the essence of who you are when all worldly possessions fade away.
If you find yourself doubting the worth of your soul, remember that the greatest struggle ever waged is truly for our souls. Satan works tirelessly to tempt, trap, deceive, and damn your soul both day and night. He does this not so he can have it, but so you will lose it. He is destined for eternal damnation, and your eternal destination will not change his fate. He works to destroy you because God has placed such high value on your soul by declaring His love toward you. Please hear me when I say that what makes your soul valuable today is the fact that God has declared His love and desire to spend eternity with you. Satan works to destroy and God gave to deliver you. He has established the immense value of your soul in that He gave His only begotten son to save you. Friend, if you reject Jesus and die having lost your eternal soul to this awful place called Hell, you have lost the most valuable thing you ever had. That is the reason Jesus said, “what does it profit a man if he should gain the whole world and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36) The ultimate losers are the people who die without Jesus as the Lord of their lives. Will you give your life to Jesus today?
Pastor,
Rev. Wayne Marcus

If you look at the current statistic on morality in our world, you will find that most say it has improved or gotten better over the years, which anyone with half a brain can look around and see that simply isn’t true! So, what’s up with that? The fact is things have gotten much worse, but the goal post has been moved. Changing the standard has changed the results. Actions that the Bible clearly says are wrong, and even abominations, are now readily accepted in society. I found the following information on the Barna Research website.

“We live in an increasingly ‘post-truth’ political climate. But even before fake news and alternative facts, few Americans were in agreement about, well, almost anything. Over time, consensus on key moral principles has waned, and the younger generations are now inheriting this new moral landscape. In addition to a growing religious apathy and a singular focus on success, another prominent trait of Gen Z is a more relativistic worldview. Though still in a formative stage of life, the leading edge of Gen Z, along with Millennials, appear to hold notably different views about morality than other generations. In a major study in partnership with Impact 360 Institute, Barna’s Gen Z report examines beliefs about morality among the next, next generation.
Morality Can Be a Grey Area to Gen Z
Looking at some basic principles, there is a curious generational shift in the moral compass of Americans. With some awareness that teens’ views may still be quite pliable, we’ll focus on the respondents who indicate the highest level of agreement with these statements in order to show those presently most committed to these beliefs. At this extreme end, one-quarter of Gen Z (24%) strongly agrees that what is morally right and wrong changes over time based on society. There is a wide generational divide on this point: Twice as many Gen Z than Boomers (12%) believe this. The centrality of the self as moral arbiter is also higher among the younger generations—21 percent of Gen Z and 23 percent of Millennials believe each individual is his or her own moral authority—though Gen X (18%) and Boomers (17%) aren’t too far behind on this one. As mentioned, these are only the proportions who strongly agree, so this is perhaps just a hint of a broader public acceptance that morality can be fluid. Teens in Barna focus groups elaborated on their perspective. One participant said, ‘Society changes, and what’s good or bad changes as well. It is all relative to what’s happening in the world.’’’  
   
There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, But the end thereof are the ways of death.  
Proverbs 14:12 and 16:25.
Pastor,
Rev. Wayne Marcus

In 1212 a French shepherd boy by the name of Stephen claimed that Jesus had appeared to him disguised as a pilgrim. Supposedly, Jesus instructed him to take a letter to the king of France. This poor, misguided boy told everyone he saw about what he thought he had encountered. Before long he had gathered a large following of more than thirty thousand children who accompanied him on his pilgrimage. As Philip Schaff records it, when asked where they were going, they replied, “We go to God, and seek for the holy cross beyond the sea.” They reached Marseilles, but the waves did not part and let them go through dry-shod as they expected.
It was at Marseilles that tragedy occurred. The children met two men, Hugo Ferreus and William Porcus. The men claimed to be so impressed with the calling of the children that they offered to transport them across the Mediterranean in seven ships without charge. What the children didn’t know was that the two men were slave traders. The children boarded the ships and the journey began, but instead of setting sail for the Holy Land, they set course for North Africa, “where they were sold as slaves in the Muslim markets that did a large business in the buying and selling of human beings. Few, if any, returned. None ever reached the Holy Land.”
Two cunning men enjoyed enormous financial profits simply because they were willing to sacrifice the lives of thousands of children. Satan loves to do the same: he tricks people into a life of religion and they become slaves to trying to do better, trying to meet unrealistic expectations when, all the time, all they have to do is understand that salvation comes through having a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. When you surrender your life to Christ, He leads you day by day through His word and there is peace in knowing that you are His and He is yours. Have your put your faith in Christ and committed to following Him? If not, will you do that today?
Pastor,
Rev. Wayne Marcus

Many people hope that the coming year will be  perfect - no illness, no losses, no inflation and no maintenance problems at home or church. The idea is that avoiding negative events will guarantee happiness, but that's unrealistic. Some believe in this mindset, even though it often leads to disappointment because challenges are a normal part of life in our imperfect world. Personally, I want the upcoming year to be wonderful, but more importantly, I aim to maintain a positive attitude and deep joy, regardless of circumstances. If my happiness depends solely on what happens around me, I'll likely end up discouraged. It's possible to experience hardship yet keep a good attitude or be physically unwell yet spiritually thriving. My joy comes from the Lord, not from material wealth or personal health. Admittedly, it's easier to feel cheerful when things are going well, but God provides guidance on how to remain joyful even in tough times. I invite you to join me as we explore biblical disciplines cultivating lasting joy. Let's aspire to make this next year meaningful, whatever challenges may arise.

Pastor,
Rev. Wayne Marcus

PASTOR’S ARTICLE
Over the past weeks, we’ve discussed the birth of Jesus – a miraculous event announced by the angels and celebrated for thousands of years. Consider this: most people will forget my birthday a few years after I’m gone, but the birth of Jesus remains widely remembered. People around the world, including many who aren’t Christians, celebrate Christ’s birth and spend thousands of dollars each year for the festivities. Let’s reflect not only on His birth but also on His life, His death, and His enduring works, which continue to be the central topic over countless generations. If Jesus weren’t significant, it’s likely He would have been forgotten long ago.
What makes Jesus a big deal is the fact that He is the real deal, there would be no life without Him and even those who live without Him are as dead men walking. What makes Jesus the central focus of every page of history and prophecy is the fact that His work was not one and done, but is still being done in the lives of all whom accept Him. You see, Jesus is still doing great works, every believer has Christ working in them and through them, and they understand that Jesus gets all the honor and glory for all that is done in and through their lives. I have come to believe that the most foolish unqualified men and women become the greatest tools in the hands of our all-powerful Lord. You know what qualifies me, Brian, Denny, and you to serve the Lord? The Holy Spirit enabling, equipping, and empowering us to do so. Friend, Jesus is working every day to bring honor to His name through born -again believers who humble themselves and say Yes to the will of God, Therefore Jesus continues to do His work “Teaching then to observe all things, whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world,”  
Amen!
Pastor
Rev. Wayne Marcus
 

For many of us, Christmas brings back countless memories—from staying up late as children, hoping to catch a glimpse of Santa through the window, to dressing up as farm animals and performing in front of amused adults at church plays. There have been numerous family get-togethers, work events, church gatherings, and drives to admire festive lights, all centered around this holiday known as Christmas. Reflecting on these moments sometimes fills me with sadness for those who are no longer here to celebrate. However, I am comforted knowing they remain part of my Christmas, holding a special place in my heart that is forever theirs.

I will never forget my grandmother playing her favorite Christmas records so loudly that we had to raise our voices just to talk, or my grandfather tending an overly warm fire, calling me 'wormy' and sending me to fetch more wood. My father's constant joking and my mother's loving smile at his playful flirting—often leaving the rest of us a little embarrassed—are precious memories too. Yet, what makes Christmas truly wonderful for me is remembering that God welcomed me into His family by giving the greatest gift: His only Son. For me, Christmas is about God's indescribable gift—His Son, who brought me eternal life and made me His child. By accepting Christ's gift, I became part of God's eternal family, and now, for all eternity, I am His child and He is my Father. Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift!

Pastor,
Rev. Wayne Marcus

Every year when Christmas arrives, economists pay attention to sales to gauge whether the season will be successful. Children eagerly search for toys they hope to receive as gifts, while parents evaluate their finances to see what is affordable. Churches, meanwhile, strive to keep attention on the true meaning of Christmas. Unfortunately, the real meaning—the Gift of God—can sometimes be overshadowed by all the festivities. Despite singing and preaching about Jesus, He, as the greatest Gift ever given, is often absent from many Christmas stories. Ironically, everything about Christmas was designed to honor Him, yet He is frequently overlooked.
Consider the traditions of Christmas. The nativity scene symbolizes the night Jesus was born. Angels remind us of the proclamation of Christ’s birth, while Christmas lights signify that Jesus is the light of the world. The candy cane, shaped like a "J" for Jesus, can also resemble a shepherd's crook when turned upside down; its red and white colors represent purity and the blood that cleanses us. Exchanging gifts calls to mind both the wise men’s offerings and the gift of Christ given to humanity. Saint Nicholas, who is the patron saint of sailors, merchants, archers, repentant thieves, children, brewers, pawnbrokers, toymakers, unmarried people, and students across Europe, became known for his secret acts of generosity as his reputation grew among the devout—much like other early Christian saints. Each of these traditions once carried specific meanings designed to help people celebrate Christ’s incarnation, though at times they may distract from the true worship intended during Christmas. I share these reflections so that seeing these symbols will guide your thoughts back to Christ, the remarkable gift God the Father has given to all of us.  
Pastor,
Rev. Wayne Marcus

Asking someone what they need for Christmas can be tricky - you might get a wish list that changes every few days or ends up costing far more than you expected. The reality is that even if you receive a list, it's unlikely to reflect what someone truly needs for Christmas. Most of us aren't sure about our real needs; we often confuse what we want with what would genuinely benefit us, and we've all been mistaken about that before. As the book of James points out, “We ask and do not receive because we ask amiss.” (James 4:3) This happens because it's challenging to recognize what will help us grow into the person God intends us to become. We tend to desire our wants, not necessarily our needs.

If material possessions truly provided lasting joy, storage lockers and closets would not be filled with items that were once considered treasures but have since become unnecessary. According to Christian belief, the essential need for Christmas has already been fulfilled through the gift of the Savior. It is asserted that only Jesus can provide enduring joy. The selected passage from Isaiah 9 highlights a prophetic promise regarding a gift that addresses the needs of all people. This passage describes a form of happiness experienced by the people, which may best be understood as joy based on significant events. For those in search of fulfillment, it is suggested that acquiring additional possessions, experiences, or wealth is not the answer; rather, true joy is believed to come through a profound relationship with Jesus Christ.

Pastor,
Rev. Wayne Marcus

I hope you enjoyed Thanksgiving celebrations with friends and family. For many, this season is an opportunity to reflect not only on the value of shared meals but also on their impact. Gathering around the table fosters connection, much as it did when Jesus met with His disciples for their final meal prior to His crucifixion. During this occasion, He emphasized His love for them and entrusted them with the continuation of His life and ministry. This event established the Lord’s Supper, marking a significant transition for the disciples as they prepared to witness His sacrificial death, burial, and resurrection. Subsequently, they were tasked with laying the foundation of the New Testament Church.

The Lord’s Supper is a time for us to reflect on God’s love, demonstrated by His giving His only begotten Son. Jesus, fulfilling the Father’s will, willingly gave His life on Calvary to pay our debt of sin. As the Bread of Heaven was offered, broken, and received, it grants us the eternal life we need to live forever. Today, as we break bread together at the Lord’s table, we remember the sacrifice that made our eternal life possible. I hope this reflection draws you closer to God as you consider His immense love for you.

Pastor,
Rev. Wayne Marcus

      It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD,
      And to sing praises unto thy name, O most High:
      Ps 92:1

It's easy to focus on what bothers us and waste our precious time complaining. Dwelling on life's negatives only makes issues appear larger than they really are. We were meant to be grateful, and when negativity takes over, we lose sight of what is good. Reflecting on the verse above, giving thanks to God is worthwhile, while grumbling about life's circumstances does us no favors. Thanksgiving shouldn't just be a once-a-year event—it ought to be how we live every day. Let’s make an effort today, and always, to appreciate the good, embrace gratitude, and let it shape our lives.

Let me recount two experiences I’ve had at Burger King. Many years ago, a group of about 10 to 15 older adults and I traveled to Hartwell to visit friends in a nursing home. On our way back, we stopped at the local Burger King. From the moment we entered, it was clear the staff wasn’t pleased to see us; their attitudes showed frustration at having to serve such a large group. We left feeling unwelcome and as though our patronage was not valued.

In contrast, last January after a snow tubing trip, around 30 to 40 of us visited the Burger King in Clayton. There, we were greeted warmly and the staff went out of their way to make sure we were comfortable. The manager even thanked me personally and encouraged us to come again next year. It’s obvious which location I’ll choose in the future—the Clayton Burger King because they showed genuine appreciation for our business.

Being valued makes a difference. It’s important to express gratitude both to one another and to the LORD. Giving thanks is never a waste of time.

Pastor,
Rev. Wayne Marcus