From The Publisher

I would like to open this week's edition with a question for you to consider. 

You are in a hurry driving down the road and you see a building that had caught on fire. You are fairly certain that you do not know anyone in the building. Now remember that you are in a hurry. Would you…

Keep driving and assume that someone else would call 911?

Keep driving but call 911 yourself? Or

Stop the car, get out and see what you can do to rescue the people inside?

Question 2 – Same scenario but instead of being fairly certain that you do not know anyone in the building, now you are fairly certain that an acquaintance is in the building. Again remember that you are in a hurry. Would you…

Keep driving and assume that someone else would call 911?

Keep driving but call 911 yourself? Or

Stop the car, get out and see what you can do to rescue the people inside?

The final question and yes it is the same scenario but now, you are certain that someone that you love is in the building. Again you are in a hurry. Would you…

Keep driving and assume that someone else would call 911?

Keep driving but call 911 yourself? Or

Stop the car, get out and see what you can do to rescue the people inside?

God’s examination of our lives is rooted in love. He already knows our hearts, but He calls us to look honestly at ourselves so we can align more closely with His will.

Psalm 139:23–24 says, “Search me, God, and know my heart… See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

This is not the prayer of fear—it is the prayer of trust.

This leads me to the book of Matthew and the Great Commission in chapter 28 - “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” The Great Commission is not just the church’s mission—it is your mission, my mission, our mission together. Let us go forth boldly, joyfully, and faithfully, trusting that the One who sends us is also the One who works through us. - John Ellis

Sunday, February 8 – Loving God First

Scripture:
“Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’” — Matthew 22:37

Everything in the Christian life begins with love for God. When we love Him fully, our priorities shift and our obedience becomes an act of devotion rather than obligation. Loving God first means placing Him at the center of every decision, relationship, and ambition. As this week begins, examine your heart and ask whether your love for God is reflected in how you live each day.

Prayer:
Lord, help me love You with all my heart, soul, and mind. Remove anything that competes for my devotion, and draw me closer to You. Amen.

Monday, February 9 – Walking in Obedience

Scripture:
“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” — John 14:15

Obedience is a natural expression of love for Christ. When we follow God’s commands, we demonstrate trust in His wisdom and care. Obedience may sometimes require sacrifice, but it always leads to spiritual growth and peace. Today, choose obedience as a way to honor the One who loves you perfectly.

Prayer:
Jesus, give me a heart that desires to obey You. Help me follow Your ways with joy and faith, even when it is difficult. Amen.

Tuesday, February 10 – Love One Another

Scripture:
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you.” — John 13:34

Christlike love goes beyond words; it is shown through compassion, patience, and forgiveness. Loving others as Jesus loves us requires humility and grace. In a world filled with division, God calls His people to reflect His love through their actions. Look for practical ways today to show love to those around you.

Prayer:
Lord, teach me to love others as You have loved me. Help my words and actions reflect Your grace and kindness. Amen.

Wednesday, February 11 – Faith That Works

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

Genuine faith produces action. While we are saved by grace, our faith is demonstrated through service, generosity, and obedience. When we put our faith into action, we become living witnesses of God’s transforming power. Ask God how He wants you to live out your faith today.

Prayer:
God, help me live out my faith in meaningful ways. Show me where I can serve and be a blessing to others. Amen.

Thursday, February 12 – God’s Strength in Weakness

Scripture:
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; in Him my heart trusts.” — Psalm 28:7

When we feel weak or overwhelmed, God remains our strength. He does not ask us to rely on our own abilities but to lean on Him. Trusting God in times of weakness allows His power to work through us and brings peace to our hearts.

Prayer:
Father, thank You for being my strength and protector. Help me trust You fully when I feel weak or uncertain. Amen.

Friday, February 13 – Abiding in Christ

Scripture:
“Abide in Me, and I in you… whoever abides in Me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit.” — John 15:4–5

A fruitful Christian life flows from staying connected to Christ. Abiding in Him means remaining close through prayer, Scripture, and obedience. When we stay rooted in Jesus, our lives naturally produce spiritual fruit that blesses others and glorifies God.

Prayer:
Jesus, help me abide in You daily. Keep me connected to Your truth and produce fruit in my life for Your glory. Amen.

Saturday, February 14 – Love That Endures

Scripture:
“Love is patient and kind… Love never ends.” — 1 Corinthians 13:4, 8

God’s love is steadfast and enduring. As we reflect on love today, we are reminded that true love is rooted in patience, kindness, and faithfulness. Whether in family, friendships, or marriage, God calls us to love with endurance and grace, reflecting His eternal love.

Prayer:
God of love, help me love with patience, kindness, and faithfulness. Let Your enduring love shape my relationships and my heart. Amen.

Food For Thought

This week, we will continue the series of different aspects that Christians should guard against. Our focus will be on Cultural Accommodation.

In every generation, Christians are called to live faithfully in the world without becoming shaped by it. One of the greatest challenges facing believers today is cultural accommodation—the gradual and often subtle process of allowing society’s values, beliefs, and behaviors to reshape biblical truth. While engagement with culture is necessary, accommodation occurs when Christians compromise God’s standards in order to fit in, avoid conflict, or gain acceptance.

Scripture clearly warns against this danger. Romans 12:2 instructs believers, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” Cultural pressures constantly redefine truth, morality, and identity, often in ways that directly oppose God’s Word. When Christians adopt these shifting standards without discernment, they risk diluting the gospel and losing their spiritual distinctiveness.

Cultural accommodation often begins quietly. It may appear as silence when biblical truth is unpopular, redefining sin to sound more acceptable, or prioritizing personal comfort over obedience. Over time, this erosion weakens faith and confuses both believers and those outside the church who are searching for truth. Jesus reminded His followers that they are “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:13–14). Salt that loses its flavor and light that is hidden fail to fulfill their purpose.

Guarding against cultural accommodation does not mean withdrawing from society or acting with arrogance. Instead, it requires grounding our lives in Scripture, prayer, and Christian community. Believers must regularly examine their beliefs and choices, asking whether they are shaped more by God’s Word or by popular opinion. Loving others does not require affirming everything culture celebrates; true love speaks truth with grace and compassion.

Christians are called to live as faithful witnesses, even when obedience comes at a cost. Standing firm in biblical truth may invite criticism, but it also points others to the unchanging hope found in Christ. By guarding against cultural accommodation, believers preserve the integrity of the gospel and remain faithful ambassadors of God’s kingdom in a constantly changing world.

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 02/08 - I Samuel 25-27 and Psalm 85

Monday 02/09 - I Samuel 28-31 and Psalm 86

Tuesday 02/10 - II Samuel 1-3 and Psalm 87

Wednesday 02/11 - II Samuel 4-8 and Psalm 88

Thursday 02/12 - II Samuel 9-12 and Psalm 89

Friday 02/13 - II Samuel 13-15 and Psalm 90

Saturday 02/14 - II Samuel 16-18 and Psalm 91

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 Randy Matthews of Raleigh, NC share with us.

"I am a 45-year-old man who learned the hard way that sin never stays contained. For years I appeared to have a stable life—a wife, children, a home, and steady employment. But behind the scenes, I made a selfish choice that unraveled everything. I had an affair, believing I could hide it and manage the consequences. Instead, the truth came out, and my wife left. The divorce took more than a marriage; I lost my home and daily life with my children. The weight of my choices settled in, and the guilt was relentless.

As my personal life collapsed, my professional life followed. I struggled to function, lost focus, and eventually lost my job. With no income and nowhere to go, I ended up living on the street. I had known about God most of my life, but at that point I felt completely separated from Him. Shame convinced me I was beyond forgiveness. Each day felt heavier than the last, and eventually I began to believe my family would be better off without me. I was seriously contemplating suicide, convinced there was no way back.

One evening, as I sat alone, a car parked nearby with music playing. I wasn’t paying attention until the lyrics caught my heart—words about the road being lonely, steep, and filled with pain, and an invitation to cry out to Jesus. Those words hit me like a brick. In that moment, broken and desperate, I cried out to Jesus with everything I had left. I didn’t hear an audible voice, but I felt a peace and clarity I hadn’t known in years. For the first time in a long time, I felt hope—and direction.

That moment didn’t fix everything overnight, but it changed everything. Today, I am back on my feet, working, and rebuilding my life. I am learning humility, accountability, and grace. I am also working toward a healthy, respectful relationship with my ex-wife and striving to be present and faithful as a father to my children. It isn’t always easy, and the climb can still be steep, but I now know the destination is worth it. God met me at my lowest point, and His mercy carried me upward." - Randy Matthews

BIBLE TRIVIA

Answers in next week's edition

Who was king of Israel when Elijah rebuilt the altar to the Lord on Mount Carmel after defeating the prophets of Baal? ________________
How many people were recorded as being baptized in the New Testament church after Pentecost following Peter’s sermon? 

________________

What miracle did Jesus perform at the wedding in Cana?
__________________ 

Answers to last week's trivia questions:

Joshua

Book of James

Pontius Pilate

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

This week we are pleased to highlight Dale Helsabeck of Resource Financial Services as our Christian Business of the Week! Dale is a seasoned Mortgage Banker based in Raleigh, North Carolina, serving homebuyers with integrity, care, and expertise.

Dale brings more than 30 years of commercial and mortgage lending experience to her role, having helped clients navigate one of the most important financial decisions of their lives—buying a home. Whether working with first-time homebuyers, those financing their dream home, or individuals seeking jumbo loans, Dale tailors lending solutions to fit each client’s goals and preferred communication style, whether online, over the phone, or in person. 

She is deeply involved in her community and faithfully follows her Christian walk through active participation in Trinity Baptist Church in Raleigh. Beyond her professional work, Dale serves on the Board of Directors for Dew 4 Him, a women’s prison ministry, and is a member of Women in Networking (WIN). Her commitment to service reflects values of compassion, respect, and integrity—values that shape both her personal life and her approach to helping others. 

Resource Financial Services, the company Dale represents, is a locally owned mortgage banker dedicated to making the home loan process easier and more transparent for clients across multiple states. Founded with a mission to help people achieve the dream of homeownership, Resource Financial emphasizes respect, integrity, service, and excellence in everything they do. The company is known for providing a range of loan options—including conventional, first-time buyer, VA, USDA, and refinancing solutions—paired with knowledgeable guidance and a streamlined experience designed to meet individual client needs.

You can reach Dale at 919.417.0684.

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

Now getting back to the Great Commission in Matthew. In verse 18, Jesus came and said “‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”

Before Jesus gives the command, He gives the foundation: His authority.

We do not go forth in our own strength, wisdom, or ability. Jesus is reminding us:

We can go, because He is the One sending us.

We can speak, because His words empower us.

We can serve, because His Spirit leads us.

The Great Commission is not a suggestion—it is backed by the full authority of Jesus Christ, the risen Lord.

The command to make Disciples, not just converts

Matthew 28:19 – “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…”

Jesus does not simply say “Go make believers.”

He does not say “Go get people to attend church.”

He says: Make disciples—followers, students, lifelong learners of His way.

To “make disciples” means:

Going by intentionally stepping outside comfort zones

Baptizing by welcoming people into the family of God

Teaching by helping others grow in obedience and spiritual maturity

Discipleship is not a one-time event; it’s a lifelong journey. And every Christian—regardless of age, experience, or position—has a role in this mission. The world is full of people searching for hope, healing, identity, and truth.

We have the answer in Jesus Christ. And God, in His grace, chooses to use us—ordinary people—to carry the extraordinary Gospel.

Matthew 28:20 – “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

This may be the most comforting part of the mission statement also known as the Great Commission. We are never alone.

In the conversations, in the moments of prayer, in the times of awkwardness or fear—Christ is present.

His presence empowers our mission. His Spirit guides our steps. His love flows through our lives. We go with Him, not merely for Him.