From The Publisher

In the life of the Church, it is often the large, visible events that receive the most attention. Packed sanctuaries, community festivals, mission banquets, and major outreach programs are celebrated—and rightly so. Yet Scripture and lived Christian experience remind us that the quieter, behind-the-scenes acts of service reveal just as much, if not more, about the depth of Christian love and community support. The Kingdom of God is built not only through grand gestures, but through faithful obedience in small and often unseen ways.

Consider the simple signs that many people overlook. A handwritten note slipped into a card for someone who is grieving. A volunteer arriving early to unlock doors, turn on lights, and make coffee so others feel welcome. A member who notices an elderly neighbor’s yard needs attention and quietly takes care of it. A church that keeps a small box of food in the fellowship hall for anyone who might be struggling. These acts rarely make announcements or social media posts, but they speak loudly of Christ’s compassion. Jesus Himself emphasized this truth when He praised the widow who gave two small coins—not because of the amount, but because of the heart behind the gift.

Behind every meaningful church moment is a network of people serving faithfully without applause. Someone washes communion trays. Someone prepares lesson materials for children. Someone prays consistently for needs no one else remembers. Someone stays late to clean or arrives early to rehearse. These quiet servants are living testimonies of Christian love, showing that ministry is not about visibility, but availability.

This truth is especially important for small churches to embrace. It can be tempting to believe that limited space, smaller budgets, or fewer members restrict impact. But the reach of a church is never defined by square footage. A small congregation can support missionaries across the globe, encourage local teachers and first responders, partner with food banks, write letters to shut-ins, or mentor youth one relationship at a time. The square mileage of a church’s ministry is determined by its willingness to serve, not the size of its building.

When small churches remain faithful in the “little things,” God multiplies their influence in powerful ways. Communities are strengthened, lives are changed, and Christ is glorified. In God’s economy, no act of love is insignificant. The quiet sign of care, the unseen act of service, and the faithful presence of believers working together all proclaim the same message: Christian love is alive, active, and far-reaching—often most clearly in the places few people notice. - John Ellis

Sunday, February 1, 2026

Bible Verse: Zechariah 4:10 (NIV)
“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.”

God often begins His greatest works in the smallest ways. What may feel insignificant to us is never overlooked by Him. Small acts of obedience, quiet prayers, and faithful steps forward all matter deeply in God’s plan. When we trust Him with small beginnings, He faithfully brings growth in His time and for His glory.

Prayer:
Lord, help me to value faithfulness over visibility. Teach me to trust You with small beginnings and to serve You wholeheartedly, even when results seem modest. Amen.

Monday, February 2, 2026

Bible Verse: Colossians 3:23 (NIV)
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”

Every task becomes sacred when it is done for God. Whether serving publicly or quietly behind the scenes, our work is an offering to Him. God sees every effort made with a sincere heart and uses it to build His kingdom in ways we may never fully see.

Prayer:
Father, remind me that my service is for You alone. Help me to give my best in all I do, knowing You see and value my faithfulness. Amen.

Tuesday, February 3, 2026

Bible Verse: Galatians 6:9 (NIV)
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

Serving others can sometimes feel tiring or unnoticed, but God promises that perseverance brings reward. When we continue to do good, even when it feels difficult, God is at work producing fruit that will bless others and strengthen our faith.

Prayer:
Lord, renew my strength when I feel weary. Help me to remain faithful in doing good and to trust You for the harvest. Amen.

Wednesday, February 4, 2026

Bible Verse: Matthew 25:40 (NIV)
“Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

Jesus reminds us that serving others is the same as serving Him. Simple acts of kindness—offering encouragement, meeting a need, or showing compassion—reflect Christ’s love in tangible ways. No act of service is too small when done in His name.

Prayer:
Jesus, open my eyes to see opportunities to serve You through serving others. Give me a compassionate heart and willing hands. Amen.

Thursday, February 5, 2026

Bible Verse: 1 Corinthians 12:12 (NIV)
“Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.”

The Church thrives when each person plays their part. Every role matters, whether seen or unseen. When believers serve together in unity, God’s love is displayed powerfully to the world around them.

Prayer:
God, thank You for making me part of the body of Christ. Help me to serve faithfully in the role You’ve given me and to value the contributions of others. Amen.

Friday, February 6, 2026

Bible Verse: Proverbs 16:3 (NIV)
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”

When we place our efforts in God’s hands, He gives them purpose and direction. Trusting Him with our plans allows Him to guide our steps and use our work for something greater than we can imagine.

Prayer:
Lord, I commit my plans and efforts to You. Guide my steps and use my service to bring honor to Your name. Amen.

Saturday, February 7, 2026

Bible Verse: Hebrews 6:10 (NIV)
“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people.”

God never forgets faithful service. Even when no one else notices, He sees every act of love done in His name. Our faithfulness is precious to Him and leaves an eternal impact.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for seeing and remembering my service. Help me to continue showing love with joy and humility, trusting that You are always at work. Amen.

Food For Thought

Over the next several weeks, this section will cover different aspects that Christians should guard against. This week's area is Secularism and Relativism.

In today’s culture, Christians are surrounded by ideas that subtly challenge biblical truth. Two of the most influential are secularism and relativism. They rarely arrive with loud announcements or open hostility. Instead, they slip quietly into everyday thinking, conversations, and decision-making—much like unnoticed ingredients added to a familiar recipe. This makes them especially important for believers to recognize and guard against.

Secularism promotes the idea that God should be kept out of public life and practical decision-making. Faith is reduced to something private, acceptable on Sunday mornings but unnecessary in the workplace, the classroom, or the public square. Food for thought: when a Christian hesitates to pray before a meal in public, avoids mentioning faith at work out of fear of discomfort, or makes decisions without seeking God’s wisdom, secularism may already be influencing the heart. Scripture reminds us that Christ is Lord over every area of life, not just the parts we label as “spiritual.”

Relativism teaches that truth is flexible and personal—what is right for one person may not be right for another. In this mindset, moral absolutes are replaced with phrases like, “That’s your truth” or “It depends on how you feel.” Consider this carefully: when biblical teachings on honesty, sexuality, forgiveness, or justice are reinterpreted to fit cultural preferences, relativism is shaping belief. God’s Word, however, is not a menu from which we choose only what tastes good. It is nourishment for the soul, offering life and guidance even when it challenges us.

Food for thought: a steady diet of culture without Scripture can slowly dull spiritual discernment. Just as unhealthy food weakens the body over time, unexamined cultural beliefs can weaken faith. Christians are called to test everything against God’s Word, holding firmly to what is true.

Guarding against secularism and relativism does not mean withdrawing from the world, but engaging it wisely. It means grounding our thoughts in Scripture, seeking God’s wisdom daily, and allowing biblical truth to shape our values and actions. When believers remain rooted in God’s unchanging truth, they become lights in a world searching for meaning—offering spiritual nourishment that truly satisfies.

This Weeks Sponsor

First United Methodist Church — First Cary UMC is recognized this week for its dynamic blend of faithful worship, meaningful community engagement, and ministries that serve all ages and stages of life. Located in the heart of downtown Cary, First Cary exemplifies what it means to share “the heart of Christ from the heart of Cary,” making it a spiritual home where connection, growth, and service flourish.

Inspirational Leadership

Under the leadership of Lead Pastor Ben Alexander, First Cary UMC continues to guide the congregation with thoughtful preaching, pastoral care, and a vision for deep community connection that resonates both inside and beyond the church walls. The pastoral team also includes pastors focused on young adults, care and connection, and extensive staff who shepherd ministries for children, youth, adults, and outreach.

Worship for Everyone

Worship at First Cary UMC is designed to meet people where they are and help them grow in faith. The church offers two distinct Sunday worship experiences:

• First Sanctuary — traditional worship at 8:30, 9:45, and 11:00 a.m. featuring classic hymns, creeds, Holy Communion (monthly), and biblically rooted sermons.

• First on Chatham — modern and relatable worship at 9:45 and 11:00 a.m., with contemporary music and authentic teaching.
  Nursery care and creative children’s worship spaces like Praygrounds are available to support families.

A Place to Connect and Grow

First Cary UMC offers a wide array of ministries that foster spiritual growth, meaningful relationships, and service:

• Adult Ministries: Nearly 50 small groups, Sunday school classes, community groups, weekday Bible studies, and focused ministry groups help adults of all ages deepen their faith and build community.

• Children & Youth: The Children’s Ministry engages young disciples with scripture-based learning and fun activities, while the Youth Ministry creates a welcoming space for students to connect, grow, and serve throughout the year with Sunday and weekday programs.

• Young Adults & Foundry: A dedicated ministry for young adults fosters authentic community and spiritual exploration.

• Outreach & Missions: From local food distribution and community garden efforts to tutoring programs and global partnerships, the church’s outreach embodies Christ’s love in tangible ways across Cary and beyond.

Why Church of the Week?

First Cary UMC’s intentional focus on inclusive worship, robust discipleship opportunities, and expansive service efforts make it a standout congregation in the Triangle area this week. Whether someone is exploring faith, seeking community, or looking for meaningful ways to serve, First Cary UMC offers a welcoming and transformative environment rooted in Christ’s love.

For more details, visit www.firstcary.com and discover all the ways this church makes an impact in Cary and beyond.

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 02/01 - I Samuel 1-3 and Psalm 78

Monday 02/02 - I Samuel 4-8 and Psalm 79

Tuesday 02/03 - I Samuel 9-12 and Psalm 80

Wednesday 02/04 - I Samuel 13-14 and Psalm 81

Thursday 02/05 - I Samuel 15-17 and Psalm 82

Friday 02/06 - I Samuel 18-20 and Psalm 83

Saturday 02/07 - I Samuel 21-24 and Psalm 84

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 going a little different route. Below is the personal testimony of the man that preached to and led to salvation millions of people. May I present the Reverend Billy Graham November 7, 1918 - February 21, 2018.

"I was raised in a Christian home on a dairy farm near Charlotte, North Carolina. From an early age, I heard about God and learned the Scriptures, but knowing about God is not the same as knowing Him personally. As a young man, I wrestled with doubts and questions about faith, the Bible, and my own life’s direction. I wanted my life to count for something greater than myself, but I did not yet understand how that would happen.

In 1934, during a series of revival meetings led by evangelist Mordecai Ham, God began to work powerfully in my heart. Night after night, I felt the Holy Spirit convicting me of my sin and my need for a Savior. I realized that, despite my religious background, I was separated from God by my own sin. I came to understand that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, died on the cross for my sins and rose again so that I could be forgiven and have eternal life.

One night, I made the most important decision of my life. I stepped forward and surrendered my life to Jesus Christ. I asked Him to forgive me, to cleanse me, and to be the Lord of my life. In that moment, I experienced a peace and assurance I had never known before. I knew I was not perfect, but I knew I was forgiven. God had given my life a new direction and a new purpose.

Later, as I entered ministry, I faced another season of doubt—this time about whether I could fully trust the Bible. One night, alone in prayer, I made a commitment that would shape the rest of my life and ministry. I knelt before God and told Him that, by faith, I would accept the Bible as His Word and trust it completely, even when I could not answer every question. That decision became the foundation of everything I preached.

From that point forward, God opened doors I never could have imagined. I had the privilege of preaching the gospel to millions of people around the world. Yet my message has always remained simple: God loves you, you are a sinner in need of salvation, Jesus Christ died for your sins, and by repentance and faith in Him, you can be forgiven and given new life.

I am not a great man, but I serve a great Savior. Everything good that has come from my life is because of Jesus Christ and His grace. My hope has always been that people would not remember my name, but that they would remember the name of Jesus and place their trust in Him. He alone is the way, the truth, and the life—and He can change any heart, just as He changed mine." Rev. Billy Graham

BIBLE TRIVIA

Answers in next week's edition

Which Old Testament leader succeeded Moses and led the Israelites across the Jordan River into the Promised Land? _______________________________

In the New Testament, which book was written to address false teachings and emphasize that faith without works is dead? ______________

Who was the Roman governor that presided over the trial of Jesus and ultimately authorized His crucifixion _________________

Answers to last week's trivia questions:

Nathan

Athens

James and John

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

This week, we’re proud to highlight Briley & Goodson Insurance Agency as our Christian Business of the Week, with a special focus on their Knightdale, North Carolina office. Known for its commitment to service, integrity, and faith-centered business principles, Briley & Goodson has become a trusted partner for families and businesses across Eastern and Central North Carolina.

Located at 7633 Knightdale Boulevard, Suite 116, the Knightdale office serves the Knightdale and greater Raleigh-Durham communities with personalized insurance solutions tailored to each client’s needs. The team there helps individuals and business owners protect what matters most—whether it’s auto, home, life, or commercial insurance.

What sets Briley & Goodson apart is not just their comprehensive insurance offerings but also the way they conduct business. As an independent agency, they work with a carefully selected panel of financially strong and reputable carriers to secure competitive pricing and comprehensive coverage for their clients. Their approach is rooted in building long-term relationships, acting with honesty, and serving each person with the respect and care they deserve.

At the Knightdale location, clients often remark on the warm, welcoming environment and the staff’s genuine commitment to helping them make informed decisions. This dedication reflects the agency’s Christian values—serving others with compassion, integrity, and excellence.

Whether you’re looking for a free quote or personalized guidance on insurance options, the Knightdale team at Briley & Goodson stands ready to serve you in a way that honors both your practical needs and higher values. To learn more about their services, visit their website at www.bgiainc.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

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

Across our nation and around the world, many believers sense a deep spiritual hunger—a longing for renewal, truth, and authentic faith. Cultural uncertainty, moral confusion, and growing divisions have left countless people searching for hope that cannot be found in politics, prosperity, or popularity. This is why the message is clear: the time for Christian revival is now. Revival is not merely an emotional moment or a special church service; it is a movement of God that begins in the hearts of individuals who are willing to return fully to Him.

Scripture reminds us in 2 Chronicles 7:14 that revival starts with humility, repentance, and prayer. Before communities, churches, or nations are transformed, individuals must first allow God to do a renewing work within them. Personal revival lays the foundation for corporate revival. When believers examine their lives honestly, confess sin, and realign their priorities with God’s Word, the Holy Spirit is given room to move powerfully.

So what can an individual do to assist in this revival movement? First, commit to daily prayer. Revival is birthed in prayer closets long before it is seen in church pews. Pray not only for personal renewal but also for your family, church, community, and leaders.

Second, return to Scripture. God’s Word is the authority for faith and life, and revival thrives where the Bible is read, believed, and obeyed. Allow Scripture to challenge, convict, and shape your decisions.

Third, live out your faith boldly and lovingly. Revival is not confined to Sunday mornings. It is expressed through kindness, integrity, generosity, and compassion in everyday life. Share your testimony, serve others, and be unashamed of the gospel in a world that desperately needs hope.

Fourth, support and engage in your local church. Revival flourishes when believers worship together, disciple one another, and work collectively for God’s kingdom.

Finally, be willing to surrender control. True revival requires openness to God’s leading, even when it disrupts comfort or routine. When individuals yield their hearts fully to Christ, spiritual fire spreads naturally.

Christian revival does not begin with crowds—it begins with one surrendered life. As more believers choose obedience, prayer, and faithfulness, God’s renewing power can once again awaken His people. The time is not tomorrow or someday. The time for revival is now.