From The Publisher

As one year closes and another begins, the start of a new year offers a natural moment for reflection, renewal, and hope. For many, New Year’s celebrations are marked by resolutions, fresh calendars, and the promise of new beginnings. For Christians, however, the turning of the year carries even deeper significance. It is an invitation not only to personal renewal, but to a renewed passion for God and a sincere prayer for spiritual revival in 2026.

The past year has reminded us that the world is hungry for truth, peace, and genuine hope. Anxiety, division, and uncertainty continue to shape daily life, yet Scripture assures us that God remains unchanging and faithful. As we step into 2026, Christians are called to look beyond surface-level change and seek a revival of the heart—one that begins with repentance, humility, and a return to God’s Word. True revival does not start in stadiums or programs; it begins when individuals surrender afresh to the Lord and allow the Holy Spirit to transform their lives.

Celebrating the new year provides an opportunity to realign our priorities. Instead of focusing solely on personal goals, believers can ask deeper questions: Are we loving God with our whole hearts? Are we living out our faith in our homes, workplaces, and communities? Revival calls the Church to move from complacency to compassion, from routine to relationship. It challenges us to pray more earnestly, serve more faithfully, and share the gospel more boldly.

Christian revival in 2026 is not about returning to the past, but about allowing God to do a fresh work in the present. It means strengthening families through faith, reaching the hurting with grace, and standing for truth with both conviction and love. In a culture searching for meaning, revived believers become living testimonies of Christ’s power to heal, restore, and redeem.

As we celebrate the start of a new year, may our joy be rooted in more than optimism—it should be grounded in faith. Let 2026 be a year marked by spiritual awakening, deeper unity within the Church, and a renewed commitment to follow Jesus wholeheartedly. With prayerful hearts and willing spirits, Christians can step into the new year believing that God is not finished with us yet, and that revival is possible when His people seek Him first. - John Ellis

Daily Devotional Guide

Sunday, December 28 – Remembering God’s Faithfulness

Scripture: Lamentations 3:22–23 (NIV)
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

As the year comes to a close, take time to remember God’s faithfulness. There may have been victories, losses, answered prayers, and lingering questions, yet through it all, God remained constant. Reflecting on His faithfulness builds gratitude and strengthens trust for what lies ahead.

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for carrying me through this year. Help me remember Your goodness and trust You fully as I look to the days ahead. Amen.

Monday, December 29 – Letting Go of the Past

Scripture: Isaiah 43:18–19 (NIV)
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!”

God invites us to release the weight of yesterday—mistakes, regrets, and even successes—and make room for something new. Letting go is an act of faith, trusting that God’s future plans are greater than anything left behind.

Prayer:
Father, help me release what no longer belongs in my life. Prepare my heart for the new work You want to do in me. Amen.

Tuesday, December 30 – God Is With You

Scripture: Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV)
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

As uncertainty surrounds the future, God promises His presence. You do not step into the new year alone. Wherever 2026 leads, the Lord is already there, guiding and sustaining you.

Prayer:
God, thank You for Your constant presence. Calm my fears and help me walk confidently into the future with You. Amen.

Wednesday, December 31 – A Time for Reflection

Scripture: Psalm 90:12 (NIV)
“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

The final day of the year is a sacred pause. Reflection leads to wisdom when we allow God to shape what we have learned. Ask Him to show you where growth has occurred and where change is still needed.

Prayer:
Lord, give me wisdom as I reflect on this year. Shape my heart and guide my steps forward. Amen.

Thursday, January 1 – New Beginnings

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)
“If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

The new year symbolizes fresh beginnings, but in Christ, renewal is ongoing. Each day offers the chance to walk in grace, forgiveness, and purpose.

Prayer:
Jesus, thank You for making all things new. Help me live fully in the new life You have given me. Amen.

Friday, January 2 – Trusting God’s Direction

Scripture: Proverbs 3:5–6 (NIV)
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”

Plans are helpful, but trust is essential. God’s direction is often revealed step by step. When you surrender control, He faithfully leads you on the right path.

Prayer:
Lord, I place my plans in Your hands. Help me trust You even when I don’t see the whole picture. Amen.

Saturday, January 3 – Living with Hope

Scripture: Romans 15:13 (NIV)
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him.”

Hope is not wishful thinking—it is confident expectation rooted in God’s promises. As the new year begins, choose to live with hope, knowing God is at work in ways you cannot yet see.

Prayer:
God of hope, fill my heart with joy and peace. Let my life reflect Your hope to others in the year ahead. Amen.

Food For Thought

The Lighthouse Keeper: Throughout history, lighthouses have stood as symbols of guidance, safety, and hope. Positioned along dangerous coastlines, they shine their light to warn of danger and point the way to safe harbor. In much the same way, the Church is called to be a lighthouse in the community—steadfast, visible, and shining the light of Christ into a world often clouded by darkness, confusion, and despair.

The Church serves as a spiritual beacon by proclaiming truth, offering grace, and providing refuge for the hurting. When a community faces hardship—whether through loss, division, or uncertainty—the Church has the opportunity to shine brightly by demonstrating Christ’s love in practical ways. Worship, prayer, teaching, and service all work together to illuminate God’s presence and remind people that they are not alone.

Yet a lighthouse does not function without a keeper. Believers play a vital role in maintaining and spreading the light. Each Christian has been given spiritual gifts, not for personal recognition, but for the strengthening of the body and the blessing of others. When these gifts are faithfully used, the light of the Church grows stronger and reaches farther.

For example, those gifted in teaching can serve as lighthouse keepers by leading Bible studies, mentoring new believers, or teaching children and youth. Their clarity and patience help others understand God’s Word and navigate life with wisdom. Individuals with the gift of encouragement keep the light shining through handwritten notes, kind words, and compassionate listening, often lifting people during their darkest moments. Those gifted in service may quietly work behind the scenes—preparing meals, organizing outreach events, or caring for church facilities—ensuring the light remains steady and welcoming.

Leadership and administration gifts help guide the Church’s mission, keeping it focused and effective, while those with gifts of mercy reflect Christ’s heart by visiting the sick, comforting the grieving, and supporting those in need. Creative gifts such as music, art, or media can illuminate truth by drawing hearts toward worship and reflection.

When each believer embraces their role as a lighthouse keeper, the Church becomes a powerful and consistent source of hope. By using your spiritual gifts with humility and faithfulness, you help ensure that the light of Christ continues to shine, guiding others safely toward the love, truth, and salvation found in Him.

Richland Creek Community Church, located in Wake Forest, North Carolina, has been honored as this week's Church of the Week. It is a vibrant and growing Christian congregation committed to glorifying God, growing as disciples of Jesus, and going on mission with the Gospel. Their mission emphasizes worship, discipleship, and outreach — rooted deeply in Scripture and gospel-centered living. 
At the heart of Richland Creek’s community life is Lead Pastor Mike Powers, who, along with a dedicated pastoral team, delivers weekly sermons that focus on faithful engagement with the Bible and real-life application of its truths. Pastor Mike’s messages (and those from other members of the pastoral body) are available both in person and through the church’s sermon podcast, underscoring the church’s vision to make disciples who love God and love others. 

Beliefs and Theology

Richland Creek Community Church holds to a traditional evangelical statement of faith. They affirm that the Holy Scriptures are inspired by God and without error, viewing the Bible as the final authority in all matters of life and faith. Their doctrinal statement covers foundational Christian beliefs about:

God, existing eternally as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit;

Jesus Christ, fully God and fully man, whose atoning death and resurrection provide salvation for all who trust in Him;

The Holy Spirit, who convicts, regenerates, and empowers believers;

Humanity’s sinfulness and need for salvation;

Salvation by grace through faith alone in Christ;

The importance of the local church and eternal realities of heaven and hell.
In addition to these core convictions, Richland Creek also affirms the Baptist Faith & Message 2000, aligning with broader Southern Baptist theological tradition. 
Worship and Services

Richland Creek offers Sunday worship services at 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM, both on-campus and online, welcoming families, students, and individuals of all ages. Their services blend biblical preaching, congregational singing, prayer, and opportunities for spiritual growth. Congregants can also connect through Life Groups, ministries for children and students, and special-needs classes — all designed to help people grow in faith and community.
The church also hosts special ministries like Creek Riders, a motorcycle ministry focused on evangelism and community outreach, reflecting Richland Creek’s heart for reaching people in diverse contexts. Whether you’re exploring faith or seeking a church home that emphasizes biblical teaching, intentional community, and gospel-centered mission, Richland Creek Community Church extends a warm invitation to gather, grow, and go together. For more information, visit www.richlandcreek.com

* 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 12/28 - Numbers 11-13 and Psalm 43

Monday 12/29 - Numbers 14-16 and Psalm 44

Tuesday 12/30 - Numbers 17-18 and Psalm 45

Wednesday 12/31 - Numbers 19-21 and Psalm 46

Thursday 01/01 - Numbers 22-24 and Psalm 47

Friday 01/02 - Numbers 25-27 and Psalm 48

Saturday 01/03 - Numbers 28-30 and Psalm 49

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

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 Mackenzie Painter of Raleigh, NC share with us.

"I grew up going to church. Some of my earliest memories are of Sunday school rooms with bright murals on the walls, singing songs about Jesus, and sitting beside my family in the pews. I knew who God was, but as I grew older, that knowledge stayed in my head and never really reached my heart. By the time I was a teenager, I began to drift away from church and everything it stood for.

In my teens, I started looking for love, acceptance, and purpose in all the wrong places. I turned to recreational drugs and sex, convincing myself that I was just “living my life” and doing what everyone else was doing. But behind the parties and the temporary highs was a growing emptiness and pain I didn’t know how to escape. I was running from God, even though I didn’t fully realize it at the time.

Everything changed when I found out I was pregnant. I was scared, overwhelmed, and felt completely unprepared. As a single young woman, I seriously considered having an abortion. I remember lying awake at night, replaying every possible outcome and feeling trapped by my own choices. In the middle of that darkness, something spoke to my heart—not audibly, but unmistakably—and told me that I should have this child. It was the first time in years that I had felt God gently breaking through the noise of my life.

What I didn’t expect was that I would give birth to twin boys. The moment I saw them, something inside me shattered and healed all at once. I was overwhelmed by a love so deep and pure that it brought me to tears. In that moment, God spoke to my heart again and showed me that the love I felt for my sons—strong as it was—could never compare to the love He has for His Son, Jesus, and for me. I realized then how far I had wandered, and how patiently God had waited for me to come home.

That day, I prayed for forgiveness and accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Savior. My life didn’t instantly become perfect, but it became grounded in grace, hope, and purpose. Today, my twin boys are seven years old. We are active in our church, growing in faith together, and learning daily what it means to trust God. Being a single parent is not always easy, but by God’s strength and provision, we are doing quite well. My story is living proof that God redeems broken paths and turns them into testimonies of His unfailing love." - Mackenzie Painter

BIBLE TRIVIA

Answers in next week's edition

Who was the king of Judah that found the Book of the Law in the temple, leading to a national spiritual reform?

__________________
In the New Testament, which woman was known for her hospitality and was raised from the dead by the apostle Peter?

_____________
What piece of spiritual armor is described as being used to “extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one”?

_____________________________

Answers to last week's trivia questions:

Nathan

Philippi

Bronze serpent on a pole

Each week we spotlight a Christian owned business that operates under Christian principles.

Johnson’s Tire & Auto in Smithfield, North Carolina, is being honored as this week’s Christian Business of the Week for its outstanding service, strong community commitment, and faithful leadership rooted in Christian values. This family-owned and -operated auto repair shop — led by owners Robbie and Maria Johnson — has built a reputation for integrity, kindness, and service that reflects their deep faith and involvement in both their church and the local community. 

Since opening in 2006, Johnson’s Tire & Auto has grown into more than just a trusted place for tire services and comprehensive auto repair — it has become a cornerstone of the community. Robbie and Maria’s leadership is hands-on and personal: they know many of their customers by name, take the time to listen, and treat every vehicle as if it belonged to a member of their own family. Their daughter, Olivia, now oversees daily operations, continuing the legacy of faith, service, and excellence that the business was founded on. 

The Johnsons are active members of their local church, where they volunteer regularly and lead by example in ministry and outreach. Their commitment to their faith isn’t just something they practice privately — it guides how they run their business and serve every person who walks through their doors. This has earned them deep respect from customers and neighbors alike. Many in the community praise the shop not only for its quality workmanship but also for the warmth and sincerity that Robbie, Maria, Olivia, and their team bring to every interaction.
For more information about their services or values, visit their website at www.johnsonstireandauto.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.

Phillip Adams

Delma and Joyce Austin

Cathy Baker

Julia Barrett

Molly Barrett

Lucas Bennett

Samuel Briggs

Nathan Brooks

Helen Bunn

Megan Caldwell

Emily Carter

Ryan Chandler

Sarah Collins

Blake Dalton

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

Brandy Osario

Hannah Porter

Claire Preston

Jacob Reynolds

Daniel Rivers

Trevor Sinclair

Victoria Sloan

Sue Smith

Natalie Thornton

Abigail Turner

Jenna Wallace

Jason West

Grace Whitfield

Chris Williams

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

As we stand on the threshold of 2026, many believers sense a growing tension in the world around us. Voices are loud, divisions are deep, and frustration can easily harden into anger. In moments like these, Scripture reminds us that the calling of the Christian is not to start a rebellion, but to be instruments of revival. The difference between the two is not passion, but posture—and that posture is shaped by putting on the full armor of God.

In Ephesians 6:10–18, the apostle Paul urges believers to be strong in the Lord and to stand firm against spiritual opposition. He does not call us to fight people or institutions, but to engage in a spiritual battle with spiritual weapons. As we move forward into 2026, this armor is essential if we are to bring healing and hope rather than conflict and chaos.

The belt of truth keeps us grounded. Revival begins with honesty—about our sin, our need for God, and the truth of His Word. In an age of misinformation and half-truths, believers must be known as people who walk in truth with humility and grace.

The breastplate of righteousness guards our hearts. We cannot call others to repentance while ignoring compromise in our own lives. Revival always starts within the people of God, as we allow Christ’s righteousness to shape our actions and attitudes.

The shoes of the gospel of peace remind us that our mission is reconciliation, not division. Rebellion shouts; revival invites. Wherever God places us—in our homes, workplaces, or communities—we are called to carry peace and point others to the hope found in Jesus.

The shield of faith protects us when doubts, fears, and accusations come. Faith does not deny hardship, but it trusts God in the midst of it. Revival flourishes when believers refuse to be discouraged and instead stand firm in God’s promises.

The helmet of salvation guards our minds, anchoring our identity in Christ rather than in politics, culture, or circumstances. And the sword of the Spirit, God’s Word, equips us to speak life, truth, and hope into a hurting world.

As we step into 2026, may we clothe ourselves daily in God’s armor—not to fight against people, but to stand for Christ. When the Church is armored in love, truth, and faith, we won’t spark rebellion—we will ignite revival.

IT'S COMING

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