From The Publisher

The Season of Advent—Waiting With Hope

The Season of Advent starts today and marks the beginning of the Christian year and invites believers into a sacred rhythm of anticipation, reflection, and preparation. While our culture often rushes ahead to the celebrations of Christmas, Advent calls us to slow down and embrace the deeper meaning of Christ’s coming—both His birth in Bethlehem and His promised return as King of Kings.

A Time of Holy Expectation
For centuries, Christians have used these weeks to prepare their hearts through prayer, Scripture, repentance, and worship. Advent reminds us that we are a waiting people, living between the “already” of Christ’s first coming and the “not yet” of His future return.

Four Themes of Advent

1. Hope – God keeps His promises. Just as Israel longed for the Messiah, we look ahead with confidence that Jesus will come again.
2. Peace – Christ brings peace with God and peace within, even in a restless world.
3. Joy – Our joy does not depend on circumstances but on the Savior who entered our world to redeem it.
4. Love – The incarnation reveals the depth of God’s love, expressed fully in Jesus Christ.

Lighting Advent candles helps visually mark our journey toward the celebration of Christ’s birth. Each flame reminds us that “the Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

Living Advent Daily
Advent is not merely a tradition—it is a posture of the heart. We observe Advent when we:

• Make space for prayer in a busy season
• Read Scripture with renewed expectation
• Practice generosity and acts of mercy
• Seek reconciliation with those around us
• Remember that this world is not our final home

As we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Savior, may Advent draw us deeper into the story of God’s redemption and anchor us in the hope that Christ will come again. Let us wait well, worship fully, and walk in the light of His glory. - John Ellis

Daily Devotional Guide

Sunday, Nov 30 — “Light in the Darkness”

Scripture: Psalm 27:1 “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?”

No matter how dark or uncertain life may feel, God is your unshakable light. He illuminates your path, strengthens your heart, and removes the power of fear. Walk today knowing you are protected and guided.

Prayer:
Lord, be my light today. Strengthen my heart and remove every fear. Amen.

Monday, Dec 1 — “God’s Daily Provision”

Scripture: Matthew 6:33 “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

When you put God first, everything else falls into place. He knows your needs and provides for you with perfect timing. Make Him your first focus today, and trust Him to take care of the rest.

Prayer:
Father, help me seek You above all else. Provide for my needs as I walk in faith. Amen.

Tuesday, Dec 2 — “God Is Your Refuge”

Scripture: Psalm 46:1 “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”

You don’t face difficulty alone—God is your shelter, strength, and steady help. When troubles rise, His presence is closer than your next breath. Rest in His protection.

Prayer:
God, thank You for being my refuge. Help me rely on Your strength today. Amen.

Wednesday, Dec 3 — “Guided by His Wisdom”

Scripture: James 1:5 “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

You never have to make decisions on your own. God offers wisdom freely and abundantly. When you ask, He guides your steps, clears your mind, and leads you in His perfect way.

Prayer:
Lord, give me Your wisdom today. Guide my decisions and steady my heart. Amen.

Thursday, Dec 4 — “Rest in God’s Care”

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:7 “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

You don’t have to carry the weight of worry. God cares deeply about every concern on your heart. Release your anxieties to Him—His shoulders are strong, and His love is gentle.

Prayer:
Father, I cast my worries on You. Fill me with peace and remind me of Your constant care. Amen.

Friday, Dec 5 — “God’s Perfect Peace”

Scripture: Isaiah 26:3 “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”

Perfect peace isn’t found in a quiet life—it’s found in a trusting heart. When your mind stays fixed on God, His peace settles over you and guards you from fear and distraction.

Prayer:
Lord, keep my mind focused on You. Surround me with Your perfect peace today. Amen.

Saturday, Dec 6 — “God Who Renews”

Scripture: Psalm 51:10 “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”

God gladly refreshes, cleanses, and renews your heart. No matter what this week has looked like, He offers a fresh spirit and a restored sense of purpose. Let Him renew you for the days ahead.

Prayer:
Lord, renew my heart and restore my spirit. Prepare me for the week to come. Amen.

Food For Thought

I was sent a YouTube video of a pastor sharing the same scenario. The video is below but here is the basic transcript.

There are two things in life to worry about

Whether you're healthy or whether your sick

If you're healthy you have nothing to worry about

If you are sick you have two things to worry about -

Are you gonna get better or are you gonna get worse?

If you're gonna get better then you have nothing to worry about

If you're gonna get worse then you have two things to worry about -

Are you gonna live or are you gonna die?

If you're gonna live then you have nothing to worry about

If you're gonna die then you have two things to worry about -

Are you going to Heaven or are you going to Hell?

If you're going to Heaven then you have nothing to worry about

If you're unsure about going to Hell then PLEASE ACCEPT JESUS as your personal Savior and say the following prayer

"Lord Jesus, I repent of my sins and surrender my life. Wash me clean. I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. That he died on the cross for my sins and rose again on the third day for my Victory. I believe that in my heart and make confession with my mouth, that Jesus is my Savior and Lord. Amen

This week's Church of the Week is Northside Community Church located at 621 North First Avenue in Knightdale. The worship service begins at either 9:00am or 10:45am. Since their first service in February of 2002, Adrian Dixon has served the congregation as their pastor.

Northside is a growing congregation that exemplifies what it means to serve not only their members but those outside of its walls. They do this as they follow their mission of meeting the community's changing needs by living the unchanging Gospel of Christ.

Each Sunday they focus on teaching, worship, responding to the Holy Spirit and prayer. There is NO dress code at Northside so come dressed comfortably. You will be greeted by someone that will be more than happy to answer any questions for you. Their prayer is that you come as you are but leave differently.

Northside has ministries outside of the worship service for the entire family and individuals including their preschool. If you would like additional information call 919.295.2261, email at info@northsidecommunity.com or visit their website at www.northsidecommunity.com and see why they have experienced such tremendous growth.

* If you would like to have your church spotlighted then reach out, via email, to believersbulletin004@gmail.com.

Special Music

Bible Reading Guide

We continue our year long project of reading the entire Bible in its entirety by Thanksgiving 2026. Let's continue on.

Sunday 11/30 - Genesis 46-47 and Psalm 15

Monday 12/01 - Genesis 48-50 and Psalm 16

Tuesday 12/02 - Exodus 1-3 and Psalm 17

Wednesday 12/03 - Exodus 4-6 and Psalm 18

Thursday 12/04 - Exodus 7-9 and Psalm 19

Friday 12/05 - Exodus 10-12 and Psalm 20

Saturday 12/06 - Exodus 13-15 and Psalm 21

We would love to hear about your progress. Send results to believersbulletin004@gmail.com

As we enter Advent, be in a prayerful state

Personal Testimony

Each week will provide an opportunity for a fellow brother or sister to share their personal testimony. This week we are honored to have Amanda Johnson of Apex, NC share with us.

"My name is Amanda Johnson, and I am 35 years old. A few years ago, my life looked very different from the one I’m blessed to live today. For over a decade, I struggled with alcohol addiction. What began as “just to relax” slowly grew into something that controlled my thoughts, my relationships, and my future. I tried to quit more times than I can count, but every time I fell right back into the same cycle. I felt ashamed, defeated, and convinced that I was too broken for God to care about me.

But God never stopped caring.

One night, after a particularly heavy relapse, I found myself alone, exhausted, and scared of what I was becoming. In that moment, I cried out to God—really cried out for the first time in years. I told Him I couldn’t do it on my own anymore. And He listened. That night marked the beginning of my journey to freedom.

God brought the right people into my life at just the right time—friends who prayed with me, a mentor who encouraged me, and a church family that didn’t judge me but walked with me. He gave me strength on the days when temptation was overwhelming. He reminded me that His grace was bigger than my failures. Slowly but surely, I began to heal. And by the power of God, I got sober…and I’ve stayed sober.

Today, I am married to a wonderful husband, and together we are raising our energetic, joyful 5-year-old son. Every day I look at my family, I see a living reminder of God’s restoration. What the enemy tried to use to destroy me, God turned into a testimony.

I share my story because I want others to know the truth: no addiction, no struggle, no past mistake is too big for God. If He can set me free from something that once felt impossible to overcome, He can do the same for you. Don’t give up. Turn to Him. His power is real, His love is unshakeable, and His grace can break any chain." - Amanda Johnson

Recipe of the Week

Submitted by Ruth Chambers - Rolesville, NC

Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow Topping

Ingredients

Sweet Potato Base:

• 3 cups mashed sweet potatoes (3–4 large)

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar or brown sugar

• 2 large eggs, beaten

• 1/2 cup melted butter

• 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

• Pinch of salt

Marshmallow Topping:

• 3–4 cups mini marshmallows
  (Enough to fully cover the top in an even layer)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
   Peel and cube the sweet potatoes. Boil them for 15–20 minutes until tender. Drain and mash until smooth. Let cool slightly.

2. Mix the Base:
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
   In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, eggs, melted butter, milk, vanilla, cinnamon (optional), and salt. Mix until creamy.

3. Fill the Baking Dish:
   Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly in a greased 9×13-inch dish.

4. Bake Before Adding Marshmallows:
   Bake for 20–25 minutes to set the base.

5. Add Marshmallows:
   Remove from oven and top with an even layer of mini marshmallows.

6. Broil or Bake to Toast:

   • Bake for 10–12 minutes until marshmallows are puffed and lightly golden
     OR

   • Broil for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Optional Add-Ins

• Add 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg for warmth.

• Add 1–2 tablespoons maple syrup for extra sweetness.

• Swirl in a bit of brown sugar on top of the potatoes before adding marshmallows for caramelization. Enjoy - Ruth

BIBLE TRIVIA

Answers in next week's edition

1. Who was the left-handed judge who killed King Eglon of Moab?
   _________

2. Which prophet saw a vision of a valley filled with dry bones? ____________ 

3. Who found a coin in the mouth of a fish, just as Jesus said he would?  _____________ 

Answers to last week's trivia questions:

Mount Carmel

Matthias

Joseph

Each week we spotlight a Christian owned business that operates under Christian principles. This week's selection is Riverwood Veterinary Clinic located in Clayton, NC. The practice is owned and operated by Dr. Kathryn Kahdy after she took over upon her father's, Dr. George Kahdy's, retirement. Her sister, Dr. Kristin Kahdy, also is a veterinarian at the practice. 

The practice has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau along with years of positive testimonials. They provide wellness services along with internal medicine, surgical services and more. 

The family has a long history of being active in their church and their community and not only operate their business but live their daily lives with a "What Would Jesus Do" mentality. To find out more about the practice call 919.359.2750, email info@riverwoodveterinaryclinic.com or visit them online at www.riverwoodveterinaryclinic.com 

If you have a business that you know operates under Christian principles then feel free to nominate them by emailing us at believersbulletin004@gmail.com

Prayer Request

Please keep the following brothers and sisters in your prayers. If you or someone you know is in need of prayer, please submit the names to believersbulletin004@gmail.com.

Faith Anderson

Delma and Joyce Austin

Cathy Baker

Julia Barrett

Molly Barrett

Lucas Bennett

Samuel Briggs

Nathan Brooks

Helen Bunn

Megan Caldwell

Emily Carter

Ryan Chandler

Lily Chapman

Sarah Collins

Blake Dalton

Charlotte Dawson

Sue Dupree

Paige Ellison

Dylan Fletcher

Antoinette Griffin

Abbie Guthrie

Rachel Hammond

Joshua Harding

Olivia Harrington

Zoe Harper

Benjamin Hayes

Cole Jennings

Brandon Kent

Matthew Langford

Derek Lawson

Gavin Maddox

Meghan Maynard

Tyler Monroe

Glen Morgan

Caleb Norton

Brandy Osario

Hannah Porter

Claire Preston

Jacob Reynolds

Daniel Rivers

Trevor Sinclair

Victoria Sloan

Sue Smith

Natalie Thornton

Abigail Turner

Jenna Wallace

Grace Whitfield

We are looking to expand the Believer's Bulletin and will be growing the following sections:

Upcoming Events

Family and Faith Resources

Volunteer and Service Opportunities

Classified Marketplace to share information between churches and people in the area.

If you have anything that you would like to list, please forward to believersbulletin004@gmail.com the Wednesday prior to the Sunday that the edition is scheduled to go out.

Final Thoughts

Church Unity—A Witness the World Cannot Ignore

In a world marked by division, polarization, and conflict, the call for church unity is more urgent than ever. Jesus Himself prayed, “that they may all be one… so that the world may believe that You sent Me” (John 17:21). Unity is not optional—it is central to the mission, health, and testimony of the Church.

What Unity Is—And Isn’t
Unity does not mean uniformity. The body of Christ is made up of diverse people, backgrounds, cultures, and personalities. Unity is not about everyone thinking the same way, worshiping the same way, or expressing their gifts identically.

Instead, unity means:

• We share one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one Spirit
• We honor one another above ourselves
• We work together for the gospel
• We allow love to govern our relationships

Unity is rooted in Christ Himself. When He reigns in our hearts, unity becomes the natural fruit of His Spirit at work in us.

Barriers to Unity
Divisions often arise from:

• Personal preferences
• Misunderstandings and poor communication
• Pride and unforgiveness
• Cultural differences
• Competing agendas

These barriers weaken the witness of the Church and distract us from our true mission. The enemy delights in division because it dilutes our impact.

Building a Culture of Unity
Churches cultivate unity when they intentionally practice:

1. Humility – placing others before ourselves
2. Forgiveness – choosing reconciliation over resentment
3. Prayer – interceding for one another
4. Shared mission – focusing on what truly matters: making disciples
5. Healthy communication – speaking truth in love and listening with grace
6. Servant leadership – leaders modeling Christlike character

When believers work together across generations, races, styles, and preferences, the Church grows stronger and reflects the beauty of God’s kingdom.

Unity as Our Testimony
The world is not convinced by our buildings, programs, or platforms—but it is moved by our love. When the Church is united, the gospel becomes visible. Our harmony becomes a living sermon, declaring that Jesus transforms lives and reconciles hearts.

In this season and beyond, may we recommit ourselves to the unity Christ prayed for. May our words, actions, and attitudes build bridges, not barriers. And may our churches echo the love and oneness of heaven, demonstrating to the world the power of the gospel at work among God’s people.

IT'S COMING