“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

PASTOR’S ARTICLE
The holiday season is quickly approaching, bringing with it a host of new challenges. We often find ourselves juggling family visits with everyday responsibilities. There's also the financial aspect—figuring out how much to spend on food, gifts, and celebrations, as well as deciding where that money will come from. With limited time, we must prioritize which events and activities are most important. Amidst all these concerns, it's easy to lose sight of the true purpose of the holidays and what will matter most when the new year arrives and the season's frenzy subsides.
To navigate this busy time, focus on what truly matters and establish your priorities beforehand. It’s crucial to set aside time to reflect on the spiritual significance of the holidays, placing importance on Jesus and gratitude during Thanksgiving and Christmas. Remember to give thanks to the source of your blessings and express appreciation to God for the gift of His son and the hope that comes through Him.
Equally important, value the people in your life above places and material things. Looking back, I realize the friends and family God has placed in my life mean far more than any location or gift I've received. For example, when I was young, my dad gave me a gun for Christmas, a present I eagerly anticipated. While the gun still holds meaning for me today, its true value lies in who gave it to me. I would trade it immediately just to have another conversation with my dad this Christmas. Ultimately, the relationships in our lives are more precious than our possessions. Cherish the blessing of your family and friends this holiday season.
Pastor,
Rev. Wayne Marcus

How good is your memory? Do you remember when you turned 16? When you got married, had your first child, or you retired? As we get older, we have many memories to try and hang on to. However, there are none among us who remember when there was nothing, and then all that is was created. Only the Lord remembers because He was there and He is the one who created everything that is. The Father spoke it and Jesus created it. People mistakenly mark the birth of Christ as His beginning, but the Bible teaches us that His birth was His incarnation, the time when He became flesh and dwelt among us. The truth is that Jesus has always been; there has never been a time when Christ was not. He is the creator, not a creation. The amazing story of the gospel is that Jesus, the Lord of Glory, stepped out of Heaven into His creation, to be born as a man and to die to save His prize creation, mankind. He is the life, the light and the Lord, and all that come to the Father will have to come through Him. Please don’t ever get over how much Jesus loves you! I pray that we can spend the rest of our earthly lives basking in the amazing love that He has for us. We love Him because He first loved us (1 John 4:19).  I have never loved Him as much as He loves me, but I am asking Him to help me grow in my love for Him every day. I hope you are pursuing a deeper love for Christ each day of your life, for it is our love for Him that motivates us to serve Him sacrificially. 
Pastor,
Rev. Wayne Marcus

THE STEWARDSHIP OF TIME
John Taylor recently invented a clock called the chronophage. Literally it means "time eater." It was donated to Corpus Christi College at Cambridge. It combines the Greek word for time, "chronos," and the word "phageo," meaning "to eat". A monster-looking grasshopper with a mouthful of teeth devours every second with the movement of its jaw. A chain rattles in a tiny wooden coffin at the back of the clock, and then slams shut marking the tolling of the hour. Taylor, 72, says it is the sound of his mortality.
The pendulum swings erratically. It will slow to a near stop, and then race ahead, reminding us of occasions when time flies or seems as though it has come to a standstill. The timepiece is accurate only once every five minutes. Blue lights play an optical illusion. They will whirl around the clock one second and then suddenly appear to freeze the next. Einstein said an hour sitting next to a pretty girl can be like a minute, and a minute sitting on a hot stove can seem like an hour.
John Taylor says, "Clocks are boring. They just tell the time, and people treat them as boring objects. This clock actually interacts with you." One reason he built this $1.5 million clock was to remind viewers not to take time for granted.
Our biggest issue with time is not how to organize or plan our time. We know how to make a to do list or we have a Day-Timer or PalmPilot. Our biggest issue is being convinced we don’t have a lot of time. We need to do what matters. Therefore, we need God’s wisdom so we can live a life that is rich in its relationship with God and meaningful in its service for God.
(From a sermon by Ed Sasnett, "The Stewardship of Time" 1/19/2009)
Invest your time wisely.
Pastor,
Rev. Wayne Marcus

What would you say is the greatest stumbling block to people accepting Christ in America? I know there is a lack of witnessing from Christians, and a perverted gospel being preached from the pulpits of many churches. However, I think the biggest hinderance to people accepting Christ is the sin of idolatry. Americans have fallen head over heels in love with their stuff, with themselves, and with their entertainment. We think more about what we are going to do and what we are going to have than we do about our purpose and mission here on this earth. Jesus made it crystal clear in His preaching that if anyone would follow Him, it would require sacrifice and a total surrender of their will and life. Jesus never offered the option of a half-hearted commitment for salvation. He never said, “Follow Me to worship on Sunday,” but rather spoke a stern, “Come, follow Me.” People who refuse to give their lives to God don’t receive life from God. God gave His only begotten Son, Jesus. The Son who was given gave His life, and the Holy Spirit calls us to give our all to God if we are to receive Jesus as our Savior and Lord. For many, this is difficult because, while God so loved the world (meaning the people in it), many people also 'love the world' (meaning the things of it, not the people). And as you will see today in the message, Jesus calls us to forsake our idols to follow Him in total surrender. Have you surrendered your all to Christ? If not, that is the call that has been extended to you.
Pastor,
Rev. Wayne Marcus

What you believe determines how you behave, and what you set your mind on determines what matters to you. It is essential that you make certain that you are the one who decides what you are going to think on, and that you work to have the mind of Christ. The Bible tells us to set our minds on things above (Colossians 3:2), to think on good things, godly things, and not on the things of this world (Philippians 4:8). The battles of our life are fought and won in our minds, as long as we don’t let the world and the principalities of this world control our thoughts, for if we do, we will not live in victory. Personally, I am tired of the media of this world telling me how I should think, and how I should feel about the things they say are taking place. I challenge you to get a pen and a piece of paper the next time you sit down to watch the news, and keep a tally of how many times you are told what should outrage you, or how you should feel. The truth is the powers of this world want to control your thinking, because if they do, they eventually control your emotions and actions. As Christians, we need to be committed to allowing God to tell us how to feel and lead us in our thinking. If I want to be like Christ, I need to learn to think like Christ. What I classify as wrong or good needs to be determined by God, not this world. Therefore, it is essential that I get out of bed every single day and put on the whole armor of God, which includes the helmet of salvation to protect my mind. I am not equipped to battle without preparing my mind to filter out my thoughts, so that I might stay focused and fortified to withstand the mental attacks that come daily into my life. Beloved, don’t give your mind to the world, or you will become like the world. Learn to meditate on the Word of God so that you can understand the will of God, and be faithful to fulfill His perfect plan for your life day after day.
Pastor,
Rev. Wayne Marcus