From The Publisher

First of all, we would like to welcome all of our fellow believers and Brothers and Sisters in Christ From Durham, Franklin and Nash County's.

Each year, Time magazine selects a “Person of the Year” to recognize the individual or idea that has most influenced the world over the previous twelve months. These honorees range from political leaders and innovators to movements that shape culture and history. Yet when viewed through an eternal lens, there is one figure whose influence surpasses every other name ever printed on a magazine cover: the baby Jesus.
Born not in a palace but in a humble manger, Jesus entered the world quietly, without headlines, armies, or earthly power. And yet, more than 2,000 years later, time itself is measured by His life. History is divided into before and after His birth. No other person—past, present, or future—can claim such an impact on humanity. If influence is the standard, then the baby Jesus is not just the Person of the Year, but the Person of all time.
What makes this even more remarkable is the manner in which Jesus came. As an infant, He was completely dependent, wrapped in swaddling cloths, laid where animals fed. God chose vulnerability over dominance, love over force, and humility over status. In doing so, He redefined greatness forever. The baby in Bethlehem would grow to heal the sick, restore the broken, forgive sinners, and ultimately give His life for the salvation of the world.
Even today, the influence of Jesus continues to shape lives, families, communities, and nations. His teachings inspire compassion, justice, mercy, and sacrificial love. Hospitals, charities, schools, and countless acts of service trace their roots back to His message. Hearts are still being changed, hope is still being restored, and light is still shining in darkness because of Him.
As we reflect on another year gone by, it is fitting to remember that the most powerful figure in history began life as a baby. The birth of Jesus reminds us that true change does not always arrive loudly. Sometimes, the greatest turning point in the world comes quietly, wrapped in humility, carrying hope for all mankind. If ever there was a rightful “Person of the Year,” it is the baby Jesus—Emmanuel, God with us.

- John Ellis

Daily Devotional Guide

Sponsored by The Endowment Specialist

Sunday, January 4 – A New Beginning in Christ

Scripture: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)

The start of a new year is a reminder that God is in the business of making all things new. While the calendar changes, our greatest renewal happens in Christ. Whatever burdens, regrets, or failures followed you into the end of last year do not define you now. In Jesus, you are offered a fresh start each day. Today, embrace the truth that God’s mercies are new every morning, and step forward with confidence, knowing He walks with you.

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for making me new in Christ. Help me release the past and fully embrace the future You have prepared for me. Renew my heart, my mind, and my spirit as I begin this new year with You. Amen.

Monday, January 5 – Trusting God’s Direction

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

As plans are made and goals are set, it is easy to rely on our own wisdom. God invites us instead to trust Him fully. His understanding far exceeds ours, and His path always leads to life. When we surrender our plans to Him, He promises to direct our steps. Trust grows when we choose obedience even when the way forward is unclear.

Prayer:
Father, I place my plans, dreams, and concerns into Your hands. Teach me to trust You completely and guide my steps according to Your will. Amen.

Tuesday, January 6 – Strength for the Journey

Scripture: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” — Philippians 4:13

The road ahead may feel long or uncertain, but you are not walking it alone. Christ provides strength not just for great victories, but for everyday faithfulness. When weariness comes, lean into His power rather than your own. God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness.

Prayer:
Jesus, I rely on Your strength today. When I feel tired or overwhelmed, remind me that Your power sustains me. Help me walk faithfully in Your strength. Amen.

Wednesday, January 7 – Seeking God First

Scripture: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” — Matthew 6:33

This new year brings many competing priorities. Jesus calls us to put God first—not as one task among many, but as the foundation of everything we do. When our hearts are aligned with His kingdom, our lives find clarity and peace. Seek Him intentionally through prayer, Scripture, and obedience.

Prayer:
Lord, help me seek You above all else. Align my desires with Your will and teach me to live with eternal purpose. Amen.

Thursday, January 8 – Walking in Peace

Scripture: “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:7

God’s peace is not dependent on circumstances; it flows from His presence. In times of anxiety or uncertainty, His peace stands guard over our hearts and minds. Choose today to bring every worry to Him and rest in the assurance that He is in control.

Prayer:
God of peace, calm my anxious thoughts and fill my heart with Your perfect peace. Help me trust You in every situation. Amen.

Friday, January 9 – Living as a Light

Scripture: “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” — Matthew 5:16

As believers, we are called to reflect Christ’s light in a world that needs hope. Our words, actions, and attitudes can point others to God. Small acts of kindness and faithfulness can make an eternal impact when done for His glory.

Prayer:
Lord, let Your light shine through me. Use my life to bring hope, encouragement, and glory to Your name. Amen.

Saturday, January 10 – Renewed Hope

Scripture: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord… plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” — Jeremiah 29:11

God’s plans for your life are filled with hope. Even when circumstances seem uncertain, His promises remain firm. As this first week of the year ends, rest in the confidence that God is faithful and His purposes will prevail.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the hope I have in You. Strengthen my faith and help me trust Your plans for my life as I move forward in this new year. Amen.

Food For Thought

In every generation, Christians are called not only to personal faith but to faithful engagement with the world around them. One area where this engagement matters greatly is in the political sphere. While politics can be divisive and imperfect, it remains one of the primary ways decisions are made that affect families, communities, and nations. For Christians, being politically active is not about power or party loyalty, but about stewardship, witness, and love for neighbor.

Scripture reminds believers that God is sovereign over all authority. Romans 13 teaches that governing authorities are established by God, and with that comes a responsibility for citizens to act wisely and responsibly. In democratic societies, political participation is one of the ways Christians can exercise the influence entrusted to them. Choosing not to engage does not remove the impact of political decisions; it simply leaves those decisions to others without the input of biblical values.

Jesus taught His followers to be “salt and light” in the world (Matthew 5:13–16). Salt preserves, and light reveals truth. Political engagement is one avenue through which Christians can advocate for justice, protect the vulnerable, defend religious freedom, and promote policies that reflect the dignity of every human life. From caring for the poor and widowed to addressing education, public safety, and moral integrity, public policy directly intersects with biblical principles.

Being politically active does not mean compromising faith or becoming combative. On the contrary, Christians are called to engage with humility, prayer, and respect—even toward those with whom they disagree. Voting, staying informed, communicating with elected officials, and participating in civil discourse are ways believers can contribute thoughtfully and peaceably.

Ultimately, Christian political involvement is an expression of loving one’s neighbor and seeking the common good. By engaging rather than withdrawing, believers can help shape a society that more closely reflects God’s heart for justice, compassion, and truth—always remembering that while earthly governments matter, our ultimate hope remains in the Kingdom of God.

 Louisburg Baptist Church is honored this week as our featured Church of the Week, spotlighting a congregation deeply committed to worship, discipleship, and community outreach in Louisburg, North Carolina. Established as a welcoming spiritual home for believers and seekers alike, Louisburg Baptist stands as a place where faith grows and lives are transformed through the gospel of Jesus Christ. 
Located at 302 N. Main Street, Louisburg, NC 27549, this church offers a warm, family-oriented environment where people of all ages can connect with God and with each other. The congregation’s heart for missions, worship, and spiritual growth is evident in both its weekly gatherings and ongoing ministries for children, students, and adults. Worship services are held every Sunday, beginning with Sunday School at 9:45 a.m. followed by the main worship service at 11:00 a.m. in the sanctuary — a time for heartfelt praise, biblical teaching, and fellowship.

In addition to Sunday mornings, the church offers children’s and youth programs on Sunday evenings, mid-week Bible studies, and variety of ministries designed to build strong spiritual foundations for families and individuals.
Louisburg Baptist Church also emphasizes community outreach, providing opportunities for service and mission involvement throughout the year. Whether it’s local compassion ministries or global missions support, the congregation strives to live out Christ’s command to love God and love neighbor. 
Rev. David Averette, the leadership team and volunteers at Louisburg Baptist work together to shepherd the church with a spirit of servanthood and humility. Members and visitors alike appreciate the friendly atmosphere and strong biblical teaching that define the life of this historic church.
If you’re seeking a church family that values worship, discipleship, and community impact, consider joining Louisburg Baptist Church this Sunday — where faith is lived and shared every week. You can find out more about them at www.louisburgbaptistchurch.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 01/04 - Numbers 31-32 and Psalm 50

Monday 01/05 - Numbers 33-34 and Psalm 51

Tuesday 01/06 - Numbers 35-36 and Psalm 52

Wednesday 01/07 - Deuteronomy 1-3 and Psalm 53

Thursday 01/08 - Deuteronomy 4-6 and Psalm 54

Friday 01/09 - Deuteronomy 7-9 and Psalm 55

Saturday 01/10 - Deuteronomy 10-12 and Psalm 56

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 Michael West of Durham, NC share with us.

"I am a 23-year-old man, and for most of my life I thought I had everything figured out. I grew up playing sports, staying busy with school, and spending my weekends partying with friends. From the outside, my life probably looked full and successful. I had teammates, social circles, and goals I was chasing. But on the inside, there was an emptiness I could never quite explain. No matter how many wins, good grades, or late nights I had, something always felt missing.

I tried to ignore that feeling. I told myself it was just stress or boredom, something that would go away as I moved on to the next phase of life. But the emptiness followed me everywhere. It showed up in quiet moments and late nights when the noise of life faded. I didn’t know it then, but my heart was searching for something only God could provide.

One afternoon, everything changed in the most unexpected way. I was walking through town and stopped near a small street show where a crowd had gathered. In the middle of it all stood an eleven-year-old little girl, holding a microphone with both hands. When she began to sing “Amazing Grace,” the noise around me seemed to disappear. Her voice was pure, innocent, and full of conviction. As she sang the words “that saved a wretch like me,” they pierced my heart.

In that moment, I felt God’s presence in a way I never had before. It was as if the Holy Spirit was speaking directly to me, showing me that the emptiness I had been carrying was a space meant for Him. Tears came to my eyes as I realized that God’s grace was real, personal, and available to me right then and there.

That day, listening to a child sing about God’s amazing grace, I found Jesus. He filled the void I had tried to fill with sports, success, and partying. My life didn’t become perfect overnight, but it became whole. God filled the space in my heart I never could, and I now know that His grace truly is amazing." Michael West

BIBLE TRIVIA

Answers in next week's edition

Which New Testament book ends with the words, “The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.”?

__________________
Which Old Testament figure wrestled with God and was given the name Israel?

_____________
In the book of Acts, who was the first Christian martyr?

_____________________________

Answers to last week's trivia questions:

King Josiah

Tabitha

Shield of Faith

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

This week we are excited to honor Marks Creek Landscaping Inc as our Christian Business of the Week, spotlighting a local company in Knightdale, NC, that blends professional excellence with community values rooted in faith, integrity, and service.
Owned and led by M.G. Davis, Marks Creek Landscaping has served Wake County and the surrounding areas for over two decades, providing thoughtful landscape design, installation, and maintenance services that enhance both residential and commercial outdoor spaces.

From custom design work and hardscaping to lawn care and irrigation systems, their team brings passion, creativity, and meticulous attention to detail to every project.
What sets Marks Creek Landscaping apart isn’t just its portfolio of beautiful outdoor transformations — it’s the way the business operates each day. Under M.G. Davis’s leadership, the company reflects Christ-like values in its commitment to honest communication, fair pricing, dependable service, and encouraging relationships with clients and team members alike. Whether working with a homeowner dreaming of a backyard oasis or a business looking to refresh its curb appeal, the staff strives to serve each person with respect and dignity.
In a world where high-quality craftsmanship and strong character don’t always go hand in hand, Marks Creek Landscaping stands out as a business that pursues excellence while honoring God through its work. Their approach reminds us that every job — big or small — is an opportunity to be a positive witness in the community and to treat others as we would want to be treated. 
If you’re looking for landscaping services grounded in professional skill and personal integrity, consider supporting Marks Creek Landscaping this week. Their dedication to serving others with humility and excellence makes them a deserving Christian Business of the Week. 

Visit them online at www.markscreek.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

Cole Jennings

Brandon Kent

Matthew Langford

Derek Lawson

Gavin Maddox

Meghan Maynard

Tyler Monroe

Glen Morgan

Brandy Osario

Hannah Porter

Claire Preston

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

Forgiveness is not an optional part of the Christian walk; it is a foundational command and a defining mark of a life transformed by Christ. From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture reveals a God who forgives, restores, and redeems, and followers of Jesus are called to reflect that same grace in their daily lives. While forgiveness can be one of the most difficult spiritual disciplines, it is also one of the most freeing and powerful.

Jesus made the importance of forgiveness unmistakably clear. In the Lord’s Prayer, He taught believers to pray, “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” (Matthew 6:12). Immediately after, Jesus emphasized that forgiving others is directly connected to experiencing God’s forgiveness ourselves. This does not mean we earn salvation through forgiveness, but it reveals the condition of our hearts. A heart that truly understands God’s mercy will be willing to extend mercy to others.

Forgiveness is essential because it releases us from the burden of bitterness and resentment. Holding onto unforgiveness can harden our hearts, damage relationships, and hinder our spiritual growth. Hebrews 12:15 warns that bitterness can take root and defile many. When Christians choose forgiveness, they are not excusing sin or ignoring pain; they are entrusting justice to God and choosing freedom over bondage.

In the Christian walk, forgiveness is also a powerful witness to the world. In a culture that often promotes revenge and retaliation, forgiving those who have wronged us reflects the countercultural love of Christ. Jesus Himself modeled this on the cross when He prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). When believers forgive, they demonstrate the gospel in action.

Ultimately, forgiveness restores fellowship—both with God and with others. It opens the door to healing, reconciliation, and spiritual maturity. While forgiveness may be a process rather than a single moment, it is a step of obedience that leads to peace. As Christians walk daily in forgiveness, they grow more Christlike, allowing God’s grace to flow through them and into a broken world desperately in need of mercy.