From The Publisher

In recent weeks, Christians across the United States have been confronted with a vivid example of societal tension when a group of protesters entered a church during a Sunday worship service in Minnesota, disrupting the gathering and shouting slogans related to immigration enforcement and the role of federal agencies. The incident, which led to arrests and a Justice Department investigation, has ignited conversation about both constitutional rights and the responsibilities of Christians when faced with outside forces interrupting sacred worship.

Every Christian possesses constitutional protections in the United States — including freedom of religion and the right to peaceful assembly. These rights affirm that believers are free to gather for worship without fear of interference, and they underpin legal protections against threats that impede that worship. At the same time, Christians are part of a broader civic community that also protects others’ First Amendment rights, including free speech and peaceful protest. The clash between these rights in the Minneapolis incident illustrates the delicate balance inherent in a pluralistic society.

But beyond legal rights lies a deeper biblical and ethical responsibility. Scripture repeatedly calls Christians to be both salt and light in the world — upholding truth and justice while extending grace and compassion even toward those with whom they disagree (Matthew 5:13–16). When external forces disrupt a church service, believers are not only justified in asserting their right to worship but also called to respond with dignity, refusing retaliation while standing firm in their faith. This means praying for peace, engaging respectfully with authorities, and working through lawful channels if grievances arise. Even when tensions run high, Christians are urged to model Christlike behavior — advocating for justice without devolving into anger or division.

The Minnesota event also raises questions about how Christians witness in public life. Standing up to outside forces doesn’t simply mean resisting opposition — it also involves listening to legitimate concerns, offering compassion to those who feel marginalized, and engaging in responsible dialogue. The apostle Paul, in Romans 12, urges believers to “live peaceably with all” and to overcome evil with good. In practice, that means resisting hostility without sacrificing truth and seeking reconciliation even in difficult moments.

As Christians reflect on incidents like the Minneapolis worship service disruption, they are reminded that their rights are not just legal privileges but opportunities to demonstrate Christ’s love under pressure. Balancing justice and mercy, conviction and compassion, remains central — especially when outside forces challenge both faith and community. - John Ellis

Sunday, January 25, 2026 – Standing on a Firm Foundation

Scripture: “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” — Matthew 7:24

The Christian life begins with a firm foundation. Jesus reminds us that faith is not merely something we believe, but something we live. When pressure, opposition, or uncertainty arises, obedience to Christ becomes our anchor. Today is an opportunity to reflect on whether your life is rooted in God’s truth or shifting circumstances.

Prayer:
Lord, help me build my life on You alone. Strengthen my faith and keep me grounded in Your truth. Amen.

Monday, January 26, 2026 – Courage Without Compromise

Scripture: “Be strong and courageous… for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” — Joshua 1:9

God’s call to courage is always tied to His presence. We are not asked to be bold on our own, but to trust that He walks with us. Courage means standing firm in faith while remaining humble and obedient to God’s Word.

Prayer:
God, give me courage today to honor You in every situation. Amen.

Tuesday, January 27, 2026 – Peace in the Midst of Conflict

Scripture: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” — Matthew 5:9

Peace is not the absence of disagreement but the presence of Christlike character. When tensions arise, Christians are called to respond with wisdom, restraint, and love rooted in truth.

Prayer:
Jesus, shape my heart to reflect Your peace, even in difficult moments. Amen.

Wednesday, January 28, 2026 – Responding with Grace

Scripture: “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt.” — Colossians 4:6

Words have power—to heal or to harm. God invites us to speak with grace, especially when emotions run high. A gentle response can reveal Christ more clearly than harsh words ever could.

Prayer:
Lord, guide my words today so they honor You and bless others. Amen.

Thursday, January 29, 2026 – Faith That Acts

Scripture: “Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” — James 2:17

True faith moves us beyond belief into action. God calls us to live out our faith through obedience, compassion, and service. Faith becomes visible when it is practiced daily.

Prayer:
God, show me where my faith can be put into action today. Amen.

Friday, January 30, 2026 – Trusting God’s Sovereignty

Scripture: “The Lord has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all.” — Psalm 103:19

When the world feels uncertain, God remains sovereign. Trust grows when we remember that His plans are higher than ours and His purposes are always good.

Prayer:
Father, help me trust You completely and rest in Your control. Amen.

Saturday, January 31, 2026 – Shining as Light

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

As the week ends, remember that your faith is a testimony. God uses everyday obedience to reflect His love and truth to the world. Shine faithfully where He has placed you.

Prayer:
Lord, let my life reflect Your light and bring glory to You. Amen.

Food For Thought

At the close of the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus gives His followers a clear and enduring mandate: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). Commonly known as the Great Commission, this command is not reserved for pastors, missionaries, or church leaders alone—it is a foundational calling for every Christian. To follow Christ faithfully is to participate in His mission to bring the hope of the gospel to the world.

The Great Commission reminds believers that Christianity is not meant to be passive or private. While personal faith is essential, it was never intended to stop at individual belief. Jesus calls His followers to go—crossing cultural, social, and geographic boundaries—to share the message of salvation. This outward focus reflects God’s heart for the world, desiring that all people come to know Him through repentance, faith, and discipleship.

Making disciples involves more than evangelism alone. Jesus instructs believers to teach others to obey all that He commanded, emphasizing spiritual growth, obedience, and transformation. This means walking alongside others, modeling Christlike character, and nurturing faith within the context of community. The Great Commission therefore shapes not only how Christians share the gospel, but how they live it daily.

In a world marked by division, uncertainty, and spiritual confusion, the mission of the church remains as vital as ever. Christians are called to be witnesses through both words and actions—demonstrating love, humility, and truth. Obedience to the Great Commission requires courage, sacrifice, and reliance on the Holy Spirit, but it also brings deep purpose and joy.

Ultimately, following the Great Commission is an act of faithfulness and love. It aligns believers with God’s redemptive work and affirms that the message of Christ is meant for all people. When Christians embrace this calling, they participate in God’s ongoing mission to renew lives, transform communities, and glorify His name throughout the world.

This week, we are delighted to highlight Wake Forest Presbyterian Church as our Church of the Week. Located at 12605 Capital Boulevard in Wake Forest, North Carolina, this welcoming Presbyterian (PCUSA) congregation is committed to being rooted in Christ, growing together in faith, and reaching out to others through worship, discipleship, and service.

Under the leadership of Senior Pastor Liz Troyer, Wake Forest Presbyterian seeks to follow Christ’s call in both word and deed, embracing a vision “to follow Christ as we welcome all, by seeking to listen, understand, and learn how to serve our church and community with love and hope.”

Worship services are held every Sunday at 10:00 a.m., with options to attend in person or participate via livestream on their YouTube channel. Nursery care and a Children’s Corner are provided during worship for the youngest attendees, and Communion is celebrated on the first Sunday of each month.

Wake Forest Presbyterian offers a rich variety of programs and ministries for all ages and stages of life. Their Children’s Ministry nurtures faith formation for young disciples, while Youth Ministries focus on building community and spiritual growth. Adult discipleship classes and small groups meet throughout the week to deepen understanding of Scripture and strengthen connections among members.

The church also prioritizes music and worship arts, featuring choirs, handbell groups, a praise team, and ensembles for children and youth that contribute to vibrant worship experiences.

In addition to internal ministries, Wake Forest Presbyterian is active in mission and outreach, addressing local and global needs through programs that combat hunger, support families, assist with disaster recovery, and offer pastoral care such as the Stephen Ministry and caregiver support groups.

Wake Forest Presbyterian Church embodies a spirit of grace, service, and community, making it a cherished place of worship and spiritual growth in the region. Whether you are seeking a church home or exploring faith in community, WFPC warmly welcomes you. Visit them online at www.wakeforestpres.org.

* 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 01/25 - Judges 4-5 and Psalm 71

Monday 01/26 - Judges 6-8 and Psalm 72

Tuesday 01/27 - Judges 9-12 and Psalm 73

Wednesday 01/28 - Judges 13-15 and Psalm 74

Thursday 01/29 - Judges 16-18 and Psalm 75

Friday 01/30 - Judges 19-21 and Psalm 76

Saturday 01/31 - Ruth and Psalm 77

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 Ann Dove of Rocky Mount, NC share with us.

"I am 76 years old, and for as long as I can remember, I have been in church. I was baptized, confirmed, married, and raised my family there. From the outside, my life looked like the picture of a faithful Christian woman. I believed God existed. I respected Him. But for most of my life, I never truly surrendered to Him.

If I’m honest, I liked being in control. I managed our home, our schedule, our plans, and our future. I was married to a wonderful man for 50 years, and together we raised two daughters and were blessed with five beautiful grandchildren. I told myself that my faith was strong, but really, I was still the one directing the story of my life.

Everything changed when my husband was diagnosed with prostate cancer. For five long years after that diagnosis, my need to control everything only grew stronger. I thought if I could manage every appointment, every medication, every decision, I could somehow keep fear at bay. But as his health declined, I felt more exhausted and more afraid than ever.

Near the very end of his life, my husband did something unexpected. He gently released me from the responsibility I had carried for so long. He told me it was okay to let go. He asked that we meet with our pastor together. During that conversation, I watched my husband—who had truly given his life to the Lord—sit with a peace I could not understand. He had no fear. He was ready.

In that moment, I realized something that shook me to my core: I believed in God, but I had never turned my life over to Him. As we prayed together, I finally surrendered everything—my fear, my need for control, my future—into God’s hands. We were both assured that this was not goodbye, but “see you later.”

Thirty minutes later, my husband passed away peacefully.

I thanked God for our time together, even in my grief. Since that day, I have lived my life according to what I believe the Lord is calling me to do, not what I can control. My testimony is simple: you are never too old to change, but you are also not guaranteed another day. If you are holding back, don’t wait. Get right with God today." - Ann Dove

BIBLE TRIVIA

Answers in next week's edition

Which Old Testament prophet confronted King David about his sin with Bathsheba by telling the parable of a rich man and a poor man’s lamb? _______________________________

In the New Testament, which city did Paul describe as having an altar “to an unknown god” during his sermon? ______________

What were the names of the two sons of Zebedee, whom Jesus nicknamed “Sons of Thunder”? ______________________

Answers to last week's trivia questions:

Nehemiah

Rainbow

Luke

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

For our Christian Business of the Week, we are pleased to recognize Danco Electrical Contractors Inc, a faith-minded company that has been serving North Carolina and the greater Triangle area with excellence and integrity for over two decades. Located in Youngsville, NC, and serving communities from Raleigh to Cary and beyond, Danco brings a deep commitment to quality electrical services across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors.

Danco Electrical Contractors is a full-service electrical contracting organization that handles everything from new construction wiring and upgrades to back-up power systems, energy efficiency solutions, and emergency electrical services. Their experienced team delivers professional workmanship with attention to safety, compliance, and customer satisfaction — hallmarks of a business that seeks to honor God through diligent service to others.

Beyond technical expertise, what makes Danco especially worthy of recognition within the Christian community is the company’s reputation for ethical conduct, reliability, and responsible stewardship — values that resonate with biblical principles of honesty and excellence (Colossians 3:23). Whether installing life-safety systems for commercial clients, upgrading power systems in homes, or consulting on energy-efficient electrical design, Danco strives to serve with integrity and care.

In addition to its core services, Danco is involved in broader efforts to reduce energy consumption through modern technologies and green solutions, reflecting a stewardship mindset toward creation.

We encourage fellow believers and community members to consider Danco Electrical Contractors for electrical needs and to support businesses that reflect Christian values in their daily work. For more information, visit their website at www.dancoelectrical.com or contact their team to learn how they can help with your next project.

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

Meredith Ellis

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

Billy Maynard

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 Growing

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

In a world that increasingly celebrates shifting values and moral flexibility, Christians are often faced with an uncomfortable question: What do we truly stand for? Following Christ has never been about blending in or avoiding tension. From the very beginning, the Christian faith has called believers to live set apart—not in arrogance or hostility, but in conviction, truth, and love.

As Christians, we stand first and foremost for the authority of God and His Word. Scripture is not meant to be adjusted to fit cultural trends or personal preferences. It is the foundation that guides our beliefs, our behavior, and our understanding of right and wrong. Jesus Himself made it clear that following Him would not always be easy or popular, yet He also promised that the truth would set us free. Standing firm on biblical truth is not an act of intolerance; it is an act of faithfulness.

It is also important to understand that drawing a line in the sand does not mean drawing a sword. Defending our beliefs does not require anger, cruelty, or condemnation. Christians are called to speak the truth in love. We can show compassion, extend grace, and still refuse to compromise on what God has declared to be true. Love without truth is empty, but truth without love is harsh. The Christian walk requires both.

There comes a time when silence is no longer humility, but avoidance. When core beliefs are challenged—about faith, family, morality, or the value of human life—it is okay, and even necessary, to say, “This is where I stand.” The apostles did this boldly, declaring they would obey God rather than man. Their courage did not come from pride, but from obedience.

Drawing a line in the sand is not about winning arguments; it is about remaining faithful. It signals that while we respect others, we will not abandon our convictions to gain approval or comfort. Our ultimate allegiance is not to public opinion, but to Christ.

As Christians, we should stand for truth, righteousness, mercy, and unwavering faith in God. We are never promised tomorrow, and we are never promised ease—but we are promised that standing with Christ is always worth it. In a world desperate for clarity, believers who stand firm with humility and courage may be the very light others are searching for.