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Due West Baptist Church, 218 Main Street (physical address), (P. O. Box 247 (mailing address)), Due West, SC (2026)

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218 Main Street (physical Address), (P. O. Box 247 (mailing Address))

11/02/2025

Note from Pastor:
Growing up on the farm, I heard the roosters every morning. I promise you we did not lay awake and wait for them to do their thing. We would sleep until they done their cock-a-doodle-doo. Peter in the New Testament is sometimes called the rooster man. Listen to this story about one of God’s disciples.
Right before Jesus was arrested and crucified, the disciples met for the Last Supper. Now Peter adored his rabbi and friend. Can you imagine Peter's dismay when Jesus looked him in the eye and point blank told him that he would soon betray Him not once, but three times? Before the rooster crowed. Peter was amazed, but of course, that's what happened. As soon as Jesus was arrested and push came to shove, Peter denied knowing his best friend to save his own skin. Once, twice, three times.
Can you imagine the shame that splintered Peter's soul once he realized what he had done? Shame often sits embedded like a splinter in our souls because we humans tend to love reliving past mistakes. It seems crazy, but we replay foolish decisions and the ways we hurt others, even when we are Christ followers who believe in forgiveness and grace.
It doesn't have to be that way. Peter wept bitterly. But when Jesus was resurrected and met with His disciples, part of His time was spent reconciling with Peter. He offered Peter the opportunity to re-engage and re-connect with Him. Essentially what happened was Peter had a chance to change the end of the story. Isn't it just like Jesus to take our deepest regrets and wipe them clean? But that's not the end of the story. Every single morning. For the rest of his life. Peter probably woke up to the sound of a rooster's crow. It could have been a daily reminder of his deepest shame. But Peter chose to accept God's grace and forgiveness and let regret be wiped away, rather than replaying his failure and letting it fester in his soul.
We have to do the same thing when we hurt someone so badly. Repent to the person and ask for their forgiveness. (Make it right.) It's up to them to forgive. Let's be reminded that God knows all about wrongs and He wants us to repent and accept His forgiveness. And that means living in forgiveness and not replaying regrets.
The truth was, the rooster continued to crow, but God's desire for Peter and us is never let the rooster crowing be a reminder of our shame. It is to remind us of His Amazing Grace and forgiveness.
God’s Almighty Grace,
Pastor James

09/28/2025

Note from Pastor:
Cell phones are used so often that the battery will suddenly drop into the red zone just when an important call comes in. We keep asking ourselves, will the battery hold out? Or will it go dead, leaving us sounding unprofessional? Or uncaring? Or simply unable to finish the very important conversation.
Finally, we get to a place where we see an outlet, so we can recharge it. We can breathe again as we continue the very important conversation as our battery power slowly creeps back up into the normal zone.
As humans, our batteries often run dangerously low. We may try to plug into superficial power, such as an extra cup of coffee or some type of energy drink. Or perhaps we try to rely on a friend to give that boost to make us feel stronger. Or we look to our spouse to fill the deep need of strength to go on.
Those power sources don’t cut it. They can’t quite get our battery to full charge. We’re left frustrated, run down, let down, and even defeated. Let’s be reminded of what the Lord has promised His children in Isaiah 40:28-29: “Hast thou not known? Hast thou no heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? There is no searching of His understanding.” (v 29) “He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might He increaseth strength.”
There is only one real energy source, and it is not found at the coffee shop. It Is found in the moment when we come before the one who understands every minute detail about us and He longs to give power to those that are weary and weak.
We may feel like we need a nap, but He never grows weary. We may feel weak in the knees as we struggle to understand how to handle a difficult relationship, but He gives strength. He provides guidance and wisdom and fills every single need in your heart. His charge will take hold and fill you. But here’s the catch: you need to plug into Him.
You and I can plug into Him by daily Bible study, prayer, Sunday School, and listening to sermons from God’s Holy Word, and by reaching out to a Christian friend as an accountability partner wo will remind you of the only true source of strength – God Himself.
What ever has you weak – God is the answer. God may not remove the circumstance that’s made you weak, but He will give you the strength to walk with Him.
Because of Him,
Pastor James

08/09/2025

Note from Pastor,
Churches are important in God’s plan of building a spiritual kingdom of righteousness. This can be said of all churches in which Jesus Christ is exalted as Lord and the Word of God is proclaimed in the power of the Spirit. Churches bring the message of salvation to people everywhere. Churches minister to the everyday hurt of humanity, as Jesus did in Judea, Galilee, and Samaria.
With confidence Jesus said, “I will build my church, and the gates of Hell will not overcome it.” (Matt. 16:18) Paul really understood that and gave his life to starting and nurturing churches. He rejoiced when churches were growing in understanding and applying the Word of the Lord. He grieved when churches were distracted by dissension and other expressions of worldliness. Paul appealed to the Corinthians to focus on that which edifies, builds up the church, and strengthens the church. (I Cor. 14:4-5 and 19)
Today’s world needs to see the church at its very best. The world needs the message with which the church is commanded and commissioned to present clearly and without distractions. The world needs the caring touch of the church on its hurts. In other words, the world needs to know Jesus, and the church has the awesome responsibility to make Jesus known in this world.
Just think what a powerful statement would be made if just all Southern Baptist Church members would be actively involved in building the Church for Jesus’ sake! If that were so the nature of our communities throughout America would be changed as Jesus is introduced to the people of this great nation.
Building the Church for Jesus’ sake requires –
• Faithful participation in the organized life of the church;
• Persistent prayer for all the life of the church, including staff
and elected leaders and all members;
• Individual, daily communication of the message of the Gospel;
• The use of personal gifts and abilities in accomplishing the
work of the church;
• Regular dedication of tithes and financial offerings through
the church;
• Consistent commitment to living out Christ’s kind of life in
today’s kind of world;

Oh, what a challenge! But oh, what a privilege! Oh, what a Savior!
Because of Him,
Pastor James

08/03/2025

Note from Pastor,
Christians are to witness of God's mercy and grace. We have been wonderfully made . . . for witness! The word witness carries 2 distinct meanings. It can be a noun or a verb in the English language. As a noun, witness refers to a person who experienced a particular event. As a verb, witness refers to an action of testifying or telling what a person knows. So, a Christian then has been wonderfully remade (saved) to witness of the saving power of Almighty God. Just like Paul. (Note Romans 1:1), “Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the Gospel of God.” God, our Heavenly Father, has set us apart also. Read Romans 1:1 again, but this time replace Paul's name with your own.
Are you surprised? Your and my identity is firmly established because our Almighty God has set us apart! The great Creator of all that exists has made you and me to be a servant of Christ Jesus. The word servant is sometimes translated as “slave”, but in this case it doesn't carry the common connotations of brutality or drudgery. Instead, the word “servant” expresses the notion of specialness. It's a most high honor to be a “servant” of Christ! What a distinct and humbling privilege - that God has set you and me apart to serve the Savior of the World!
As Christ's servant, you and I are called to be an advocate, a promoter, a gospel proclaimer. Wait! What? Yes, you read that right! God has set you and me apart to declare the truth about the One we serve - Jesus Christ! God has set you and me apart so that we can witness! His message - which is Jesus Saves!
Dear God, thank you for setting us apart for your divine purpose. Lord, give us grace to live as those set apart to witness when situations seem so impossible. Lord help us to glow for His sake.
Just Because of Him,
Pastor James

07/27/2025

Note from Pastor,
The greatest exchange ever in the world took place as Christ gave His life for our sins. II Corinthians 5:21 says, “For our sake He made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” The words of II Corinthians 5:21 describe what some have called the Great Exchange. This passage describes what may be the wonder of all wonders. It can be hard for us to grasp the truth expressed in this scripture. The verse reads a lot like a riddle. Some background can help untangle it.
Jesus was no friend of sin. He was not even a distant acquaintance. He “knew no sin”. He was holy, obedient, and right with God in every way.
You and I are on a first-name basis with sin. We know all about it. We are well acquainted with disobedience. Our friendship with rebellion goes way back.
In mercy, God the Father has subtracted all the sin – every single bit of it – from our account. He has replaced it with Jesus’ very own righteousness.
Our sin did not just evaporate. God added our sins to Jesus’ account. Jesus was punished for it on Calvary’s Cross.
With that as background, reread II Corinthians 5:21. It really describes the Greatest Exchange, the Greatest Exchange ever! Not for His own benefit but for ours- - - in deep love for us God made Jesus – the One who never sinned - - - become sin Himself. Jesus became fully, totally, completely sin. So that now, in Jesus we are made fully holy, righteous, and blameless before God! Oh, What a Savior!!
Because of Jesus the truth is He makes re-creation possible. It’s almost too good to be true. Yes, the Lord took my sin, and I received His righteousness. I will never be able to thank Him for remaking me and putting me on the right path.
Because of Him,
Pastor James

07/20/2025

Note from Pastor,
God wonderfully made each of us and we are completely loved! Psalm 117: 2 says, “For great is His steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.” Praise the Lord! Our Heavenly Father's love for us is powerful and unfailing. Our sins don't make Him love us less. Our achievements can't make Him love us more. God the Father showed His love by sending Jesus to live and die for us. In Him we are forgiven! Our Creator-Savior has made and remade us for love. I John 3:1 says, “See what kind of love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.”
When I held our newborn children for the first time, I was surprised by how instantly and intensely I loved them. I'm not talking about the warm emotion of affection. Of course that was there, but this was something stronger. I immediately knew that I would do anything to ensure their well-being. Now, my commitment was not based on their personalities, abilities, or how well they behaved. I love them because they are our children.
God describes His love for us as the love a father and mother has for their children. His love is not just a feeling or an emotion. His love, it's an active commitment. He has stopped at nothing to provide for our well-being. John 3:16,” For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.”
In perfect love, God sent His only Son to save us from sin! It was something we could never have done on our own. Only God's love could save us from the eternal consequences of our sin. And that love is never based on our actions. Nothing we do will make Him love us more or less. God's love for us is based on the perfect goodness and mercy of Jesus.
God loved you even before He made you. He forgives you because of Christ's sacrifice on the cross. By faith in Jesus, you can be adopted into the family of God. Trust Christ today if you have not already done so.
The love I have for my children isn't perfect. I often slip into impatience and selfishness. I failed them in ways I don't even realize. But God's love is different. No matter what kind of parents you have or don't have, God's love isn't limited. Praise Him! Human parents may hurt or even abandon their children, but God never does. God loves us more than any earthly parent could. By the loving sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, whosoever calls upon His name and confesses their sin shall become God's forgiven and beloved sons or daughters. Then you will spend eternity in perfect peace and joy with your Heavenly Father.
The Amazing Grace,
Pastor James

07/12/2025

Note from Pastor,
Growing up with many brothers and sisters, I witnessed my fair share of squabbles. We would push each other around and cause bumps and bruises. As most parents would, mine required apologies after a fight. I often heard a monotone “I’m sorry” and a mumbled “I forgive you”. Most of the time we went through the motions, but it was clear that our hearts weren’t in it.
Unfortunately, those closest to us often get the worst of us. Family members use hurtful words and actions within the home that they would never use with others. It seems those who know you best have the greatest capacity to hurt you. Yet, the bonds created within a family can be stronger and longer lasting than any other. Co-workers and neighbors may come and go, but family connections can’t be erased.
Navigating family relationships isn’t easy. Apologies and forgiveness are a necessary part of healthy family life. But what if there isn’t an apology? What if forgiveness isn’t deserved? How can you forgive someone who just doesn’t deserve it? There are conflicts that just can’t be resolved and differences that can’t be settled. Listen, sometimes the only way to build a healthy relationship is to forgive and love anyway.
Forgiveness is possible only through the power of God. His love enables you and I to give what isn’t deserved or even asked for. We can forgive others only because the Lord has forgiven us. Before you and I ever asked for it, Jesus earned your complete forgiveness. God sent Jesus to pay the price for our sins. (Romans 5:8) We don’t deserve God’s forgiveness, but in Jesus, we have it. Just call on Him and He freely forgives.
You and I can never love and forgive to the extent that God loves and forgives us. Like fighting children, we often go through the motions of forgiving and receiving apologies. I’m thankful, our weaknesses don’t erase God’s strength! He works through our attempts to love our family and forgives us when we fail. I’m very thankful that In Jesus, we can have total forgiveness – filled to the brim and overflowing.
Because of Him,
Pastor James

07/06/2025

Note from Pastor,
Freedom that we experience as Americans is not free. Many people have given their life for the freedom we so enjoy today. Many wars have been fought down through the years to gain our freedom and to keep it. Today the battle continues on. Listen, Jesus Christ gives the greatest freedom of all. He sets a person free from the bo***ge of sin by accepting Him as Lord and Savior. Because of Christ anyone can be forgiven and set free. Christ will give you a new life, a loving hope, an inheritance, and a great security now and forever more. Every Christian is kept by the power of almighty God. That’s Great News.
So, today the best mindset for the Christian is The Kingdom view. God’s Kingdom is eternal. The Kingdom view is always pointing in 5 different directions: one, we look upward toward God, showing the world that God alone is worthy of worship. Two, we look inward to our own church life, seeking to love one another in a way that will compel outsiders to want to be a part of our Christ-centered community. Three, we look backward to creation, seeking to live the way God designed us to live when He created us. Four, we look forward to the end times when we will live in perfect relationship with God and with one another. Five, we look outward to the Nations, inviting them to embrace Christ by believing the Gospel. Folks, with a Kingdom View mindset, every aspect of life is ripe with potential for a Godly witness. When we display a Kingdom view others can be reached and set free from sin.
Christians we’ve been set free, and we have many reasons to rejoice even in the midst of our trials and circumstances because of His mercy and grace! Forgiven!
Only Because of Him,
Pastor James

06/25/2025

Note from Pastor,
Many years ago, this nation became alarmed about the great possibility of an atomic war. Thousands of Americans built expensive bomb shelters, which in reality were “Hiding Places”. Now, there is nothing wrong with preparing for the emergency. It would be good for most people to have a pit or shelter from bad weather. It's very strange though, what man will do to protect his flesh. He will build an expensive shelter for the fleshly body and completely neglect to make any provision for the soul which is going to live forever.
The thought of an emergency shelter brings to mind the old song. “I ran to the rocks to hide my face. The rocks cried out no hiding place. There's no hiding place down here.” Our very souls need a hiding place, and that place is in Christ Jesus.
I want to share with you 4 reasons why we need a Hiding Place. First, because all people have an accusing conscience, which often shakes us. There is no way a person can get away from their conscience. One can climb a high mountain, but it is there. Jesus is a hiding place from a guilty conscience; when we confess our sins to Him. Christ is the hiding place when the storms of life come, like grief and troubles. Secondly, we need a hiding place because of the power of sin within ourselves. Anyone who knows themselves at all knows that the power of sin cannot be mastered by our own strength. Now, we may try to arrest this raging power, but only through Christ can the inward power of sin be conquered. (Romans 7:24-25) Thirdly, we need a hiding place because of the power of the devil! Many people today think they are too smart to believe in a devil. The Bible declares those who do not believe there's a devil are being willfully ignorant of both human experience and Biblical knowledge. I Peter 5:8 warns us about the devil. “Be sober, be vigilant: because of your adversary, the devil.” Study also Ephesians 6:11-12, which warns about the devil. Fourthly, we need a hiding place because of The Judgment to come. The world is judgement bound. All will be judged one day. (Acts 17:30-31) There is a day appointed for His general review of all that man has done in time, and a final determination of our state for eternity. A day of decision, a day of recompense, a day that will put a final period to all the days of time is coming one day. Judgment Day is coming. Are you ready? Only Jesus Christ will be a hiding place when the judgment comes. The time to find The Hiding Place is now!
In Christ,
Pastor James

06/15/2025

Note from Pastor,
As a child I learned to sing a chorus about the Bible. It went like this: The B-I-B-L-E, yes, that’s the book for me. I stand on the Word of God; The B-I-B-L-E. now, more than 75 years later I still believe what that chorus teaches.
It is said that when a missionary was killed in a plane crash in Columbia, South America, a Bible in the language of an Indian tribe was thrown into the jungle. The Indian who found some pages from the Bible got help in reading it, became a believer, and shared it with others. Then he made a long trip to find a missionary who could help organize a church. That’s the Bible’s power!
A passenger on a train in Japan picked up a tract that had many Bible verses in it. The tract had been left on the seat by a Japanese Christian. A man began to read the tract and became convicted that the words were true and trusted his life to Christ and today serves as an evangelist. That’s the Bible’s power!
Many despondent people, tired of the frustrations and failures of their lives, have thought of ending their lives only to have their attention directed to the Bibles left in their hotel rooms by Gideons. They read, they believed, they accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, and they found a new life. That's the Bible's power!
The Word of God is powerful. Many stories are told over and over again, about The Bible’s message being powerful. The message of the Word transforms lives even when no one helps the reader understand its meaning. The Holy Spirit makes the truth of the Bible personal to those who read it, believing and receiving the message. (Hebrews 4:2) “The Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double edged sword, and it penetrates even to the dividing soul and the spirit joints and marrow, it judges the thoughts and the attitudes of the heart.” That's The Powerful Holy Scripture! The Bible is to be the textbook of the Christian. No other book can take its place. Let's all remember this quote.” The Bible will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from the Bible.” What a true quote There is awesome power in God's Word!
Because of Him,
Pastor James

06/08/2025

Note from Pastor,
Christian witnessing is not limited to just a few of us giving a verbal witness of the saving grace of God. The Gospel of John presents an enthusiasm for sharing personal experiences that should be evident in every Christian’s life today. One example is Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother: the first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah (this is, the Christ). And Andrew brought Simon to Jesus.” (John 1:41-42) Another example is Philip of Bethsaida: Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law and about whom the prophets also wrote – Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” (John 1:45)
The Samaritan woman also shared her experience that she had with Jesus: “Then leaving her water pots, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. This is the Christ.” (John 4:28-29)
A man born blind was questioned about his experience with Jesus: “He replied, ‘The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. Then, He told me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and then I could see.’”
In each of these examples witnessing of one’s experiences is a natural response to a supernatural reality. These people simply told what Jesus had done for them and what He made known to them. Folks, a witness that grows out of a personal experience, is powerfully effective.
The Great Commission, recorded in Matthew 28:19-20, presents witnessing as a directive from Jesus to His disciples. Paul spoke of witnessing as an obligation: “I am obligated both to Greeks and Non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish. That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are at Rome.” (Romans 1:14-15) It’s good to talk about Jesus Christ when you are excited about the good things He is doing in your life. It is also right to talk about Jesus Christ when things are not going so well. Paul demonstrated this when he witnessed in the jail in Philippi. (Acts 16:22-34)
Christian witnessing is not limited to preaching to a congregation or teaching a group. Witnessing is not the task of preachers and teachers only. Witnessing is a calling and an opportunity for all Christians. Every Christian should share with others their experience of coming to know Christ. We should share the experiences in which God has answered prayers, provided strength, and given guidance to our lives. Others will be encouraged when we share the way God is working in our lives. Our testimony should point always to God’s love, mercy, and provision. The Holy Spirit uses ordinary personal experiences to draw people to faith in God.
Just for Him,
Pastor James

06/01/2025

Come join the fun at Vacation Bible School every Wednesday in June at 5:30 p.m.
We will serve supper to the children each night of VBS.

Due West Baptist Church

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