Grace Baptist Church of Henrietta, NC

Grace Baptist Church of Henrietta, NC Grace Baptist Church of Henrietta NC is an Independent Fundamental Baptist Church seeking to serve Jesus Christ. Independent Baptist Church

Our service times are: Sunday School 10AM, Sunday Morning Service 11AM, Sunday Evening Service 6PM, and Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting 7PM.

03/16/2026

When a Minus is a Plus
The Apostle Paul was writing the church at Philippi, reminding them about the blessings of living a committed Christian life. One of the aspects of trusting God is learning to be content in whatever circumstance you find yourself. It is easy to praise God and be thankful when life is positive and plentiful, but how you respond to the downturns of life reveal much more about your faith. Paul testified that we must not let outward conditions dictate our inner attitude. He wrote, “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” (Philippians 4:11)
There are times in our lives that we strive to do the right thing, and yet the results are negative. You may expend all of your human energy, wisdom and strength with no favorable results. Have you ever thought that God is using the minuses in your life for a future blessing? God has something else in mind that is above and beyond your human reasoning. We should continue to trust His sovereignty and his infallible wisdom even when we can’t see His hand at work.
When life doesn’t turn out the way we thought it should, we must stay committed to the Lord and to his working in our life. The greatest life lessons are not learned on the mountain top, but in the valleys. Contentment, humility and dependence are not easy lessons to learn. He loves us more than anyone in this world loves us and even though we may not be able to see the future outcome, we know that His will is perfect. He is using the negatives of life for a greater purpose.

03/09/2026

When God is Near

We are guilty of a great misconception about God and how to relate to him. Our perception of God is often misconstrued by our own self-sufficiency and pride. We think that if we are good enough or try hard enough to please him then He will accept us. This delusion causes us to relate to God through a life based on merit and achievements. This is the whole basis of false religion. If we pray longer, have a greater knowledge of Him and prove our sincerity, then surely God will accept us.
The problem with a belief system based on our own goodness is that we never arrive at our destination. The painful reality is that we are all fallen creatures. Our humanity will always prevail even in the midst of our religious devotion. We may climb the proverbial “holy mountain”, but with one misstep we are back to where we started. Eventually, we either begin to rationalize our shortcomings and adopt a life of self-piety or we completely give up and allow our sinfulness to take over.
The key to having a relationship with God is found in Psalm 34:18, “The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.” We must realize that our Holy God is full of compassion and rich in mercy. He offers an invitation to come to Him just as we are. When we are broken and desperate for deliverance, that is the moment he will pour out his transforming grace. As we come to him by faith with all our brokenness and helplessness, then he promises to draw near to us. The first prayer God ever answers is, “Lord, I need you.”

03/02/2026

Tears
The other day someone was sharing a heartfelt story with me and during his testimony of healing, he began to weep. Sometimes when we cry, we feel vulnerable and embarrassed. There is nothing shameful about weeping over something that has touched our life. It is part of being human to shed tears. Tears are a universal language which speak to all people no matter what creed or nationality.
I am not sure how tears work, but I do know that they are a result of something that touches our inner soul. Someone said that tears happen when something squeezes our heart. Whether it be an overflowing of happiness or the painful ache of brokenness, crying is an outward sign of deep emotion. When those emotions well up inside of us a stream of tears will begin to flow. Weeping involves a certain amount of cleansing; it bathes our soul. There is nothing more emotionally liberating than a good cry.
Tears are important to God. The psalmist speaks of a bottle of our tears and a book in which God records the tear drops of His children (Psalm 56:8). Jesus wept at the tomb of His dear friend Lazarus and in the Garden of Gethsemane. The Book of Revelation tells us that there will be a day that God the Father will wipe away all tears from our eyes and there will be no more sorrow, death or crying. Something tells me that we will still experience tears of joy for eternity. Until then, as we face the joys and sorrows of life it is ok to have a crying spell. “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning” (Psalm 30:5).

02/23/2026

Tribute to Pastors
We would like to honor and thank every Pastor/Shepherd who fill a vital role in the spiritual well-being of our county. As a funeral director, I have the privilege of coming in contact with those who care for the souls of Rutherford County. I can truly say without a doubt that we are fortunate to have such a great group of people who serve the churches of our community.
No matter what time of the day or night when we enter a room at a home, hospice or the hospital many times there is a minister already there helping the family. They are providing much needed support both physically and emotionally for the grieving person or family. It is a blessing to know that someone was comforting them as their loved one transitioned from this life to the next.
Being a pastor is not an easy task. They are called upon to be prepared and to speak on God’s behalf each week. An effective shepherd is available 24/7 and many times their plans are interrupted by the call of someone in need. They are often subject to unfair comparisons. They must walk a straight line when it comes to the expectations of others and are expected to live a life beyond reproach. I have heard ministers say that they feel as though they and their family live in a “glass house.” Our hats go off to all those who have accepted the call to be a pastor. We should lift up our pastors in prayer on a consistent basis.
The staff of Harrelson Funeral Home would like to invite all pastors of Rutherford County to a Free Brunch to take place on Thursday, March 5th between the hours of 10 am and 1:00 pm in the fellowship hall of Caroleen Baptist Church, 205 Spencer Street, Ellenboro, NC 28040. It will be a “drop in at your convenience” reception. We will also have a free gift for each one who attends. We ask that you RSVP by Saturday, February 28th at (828)657-6383.

02/16/2026

The Birthmark of God
People are sometimes born with physical birthmarks. Due to their uniqueness, they are sometimes used as a source of identification. Did you know that according to God’s Word everyone who is born into the family of God has a specific birthmark? The Apostle John wrote, “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and everyone that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God” (1 John 4:7).
This identifying characteristic was first found in the only begotten Son of God, Jesus, who manifested the full expression of God’s love. When He came into this world as a baby, He was God’s love gift to a world of sinners. As Christ lived among sinful men, he lived a righteous life, full of compassion and mercy toward fallen man. During His earthly life, every action was an demonstration of Divine love. Ultimately, Jesus became man’s substitute and suffered death for all of mankind. While the Redeemer of the world was hanging on the cross, God was stretching out his hand of love and mercy to a world that had rejected him.
When a person through faith and repentance receives Christ as Savior, something radical happens in their life. They are spiritually reborn, and God’s Spirit takes up residence in their soul. The same love that brought Jesus into this lost world is literally poured out by the Spirit in the heart of every believer. Therefore, every child of God bears the unique birthmark of God’s love. This love motivates us to love God and to love others. As children of God we will look at others through the lens of God’s love and have a God-given desire to make a difference in their lives.

02/09/2026

Hats Off to Billy and Jesse
Ten years from now, the question will be, “Where were you during the snowstorm of 2026?” One of my answers will be, “stuck in my driveway with no way to get out.” I won’t go into a lengthy narrative, but I had taken a trip that day to Charlotte with my family, which was a promised Christmas present for my oldest grandson. Though slow and tedious the trip was memorable and God kept us safe on the roadway. Upon arriving back home that evening, I needed to return the rental so that no further charges were incurred. Well, that was when the “fun” began. After dropping everyone off, I realized that the lightness of the vehicle prohibited any traction. For lack of better words, I was stuck!
My son-in-law and his friend worked feverishly to clear the deep accumulation of snow, and we did everything we knew to get the vehicle out of the driveway. It was at that exhausted moment that a man in a truck with four-wheel drive stopped and asked if we needed help. Without hesitancy, we affirmed that we needed all the help we could get. He left and in just a few minutes returned with who I believe was his son. After attaching a strap to the vehicle, they were able to pull it out of the driveway, and I was on my way. We offered to pay them, but they refused.
The point of this article is to thank Billy and Jesse who were true angels sent from God. They both are proof that when difficult times come, there are still good people that are willing to help others. They sacrificed their time and gas to be out in the snowy and cold conditions looking for people in need of help. I pray that God will bless them for their goodness toward a wayfaring neighbor. Thanks, Billy and Jesse for what you did for me!

02/02/2026

Love’s Cost

The emotional pain which surrounds us when death takes a loved one can be even more painful than any physical pain we have ever experienced. Being able to understand the intensity of our pain can help us deal with the reality of death and how it affects us. After years of dealing with grief and the mark it leaves on the grieving, I believe the amount of pain a person experiences is relative to the love they have for the one who is gone. With immense love comes immense pain.
The nature of love is that it binds itself to the object. The pinnacle of life is to love and to be loved. In other words, when we love someone, we become emotionally, socially, physically and even spiritually attached to that person. To put it more simply, we belong. It is impossible to really love someone and not to give yourself to them in some way or fashion. Love is not free; it comes with a cost. We become vulnerable when we give our heart to someone.
When we make the choice to love someone, they become a part of our life’s fabric. When that person leaves our world, it leaves a rip that can at best be mended but never restored to it’s original condition. Therefore, the pain we feel is literally our emotions and body telling us that we have suffered a traumatic loss. Literally, a part of us has died. Life after the death of someone we love, becomes a lifetime of learning to adjust. Love is the greatest virtue known to man and a gift from the God of love. Its grand reward comes at a great price.

01/24/2026

The Morning

One of my fondest childhood memories was spending time at my Grandad and Granny’s house one week each summer. My Grandad was a retired mechanic for the Potash mines and was always working in his garage. He believed a boy should learn how to work and so he would always have chores for us to do. Looking back, I appreciate the fact that he worked us so hard. After the work was done, he would take us out fishing on the Pecos River. Granny was always busy preparing food, cleaning or helping my grandad with a project. As the evening arrived, we would take a bath, watch Gunsmoke and the local news. Just before bedtime, my Granny would give us each a tablespoon of pure honey and a glass of water. She believed that it would help us sleep better. I am not sure if the honey worked but I have never slept more soundly then the time spent at their house.
What I remember most was the morning time. After a good night’s rest, I would wake up to Mr. Wright’s, the next-door neighbor, rooster crowing and the aroma of fresh cooked bacon and biscuits. Along with the new day would come thoughts of new adventures and the anticipation of spending time with Grandad in his workshop or running errands with Granny. Each new morning was filled with great expectation.
Those times have passed, but retreating to those memories brings back the simple pleasures of past years and reminds me that life is not about the race. It’s more about the finish line. I know that one day I will go to sleep after a life of work and adventure and wake up in an eternal morning. Grandad and Granny will be there along with many other friends and relatives. Just imagine a perpetual day of seeing our loved ones and experiencing the beauty of God’s Glory. My heart often longs for the morning!

01/19/2026

Putting Love to the Test
According to scripture, one of the most distinguishing characteristics of a child of God is love. At the moment of salvation divine love is placed in the heart of every believer through the Ministry of the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5). Every child of God has been blessed with the propensity to love God and to love others. As we yield to God and deny our sinful nature, we will unleash a God-given love that is beyond human understanding.
Jesus mentioned love often when he was instructing his disciples on how to relate to God and others. His words recorded in John 13:35, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” reveals love’s outward impact. Later the Apostle John wrote that anyone who is born of God will have a special love for those in God’s family. According to scripture, all born again believers carry the birthmark of love.
There are times when the authenticity of our love is tested. Paul’s matchless chapter on love in 1 Corinthians 13 describes what real love does when it is put to the test. He lists several responses of pure love. Love is described as patient, kind, not envious, is not proud, not rude, thinks and hopes for the best in others and does not deny the truth. Love seeks to leave someone better than we found them.
There are certain times that we must dip into the reserve of God’s love. Naturally, it is easy to react angrily or harshly when someone is acting unfavorably toward us or when we are tempted to distort the truth to gain an advantage. Those are times along with many more that we must allow God to take over and to give us the strength to act in love. It may be convenient to say that you love someone, but life’s challenges will test whether it is real or not.

01/09/2026

My Heart
Almost twenty years ago, I was offered an opportunity to take over and manage Harrelson Funeral Home. After wrestling with the decision of moving my family, I agreed with three motives in mind. The first being to follow God’s leading in my life, the second was to do what was best for my family and the third was to have a greater opportunity to make an impact in the lives of others.
Looking back, there is no doubt that this was God’s leading. Time and space would not permit the proof of God’s providential hand in my decision. Our youngest two children are all grown up and have found wonderful life-long mates, and we have had the privilege of getting to know and becoming friends with some of the world’s finest people. He has blessed me with a church of loving people to pastor. I could not ask for any better.
My heart concerning Harrelson’s is to carry on the tradition of those who built the business. Because I know it has meant much to the surrounding community, we do our utmost to esteem the Harrelson name. Secondly, my goal is not to treat individuals or families as customers, but to look at them as people to serve. God knows that I only want what is best for families. While being committed to fiscal responsibility, my ultimate priority is not just to make a profit but to compassionately help grieving people to honor the life of their loved one with whatever means they have available.
Each of our amazing and well-trained staff members share the same desire to honor God while serving others. We do our best to love and to help people. My prayer is that one day when the curtain falls, that many lives will have been touched by what God has done. That is my heart and will always be.

01/05/2026

Counting Our Days
Moses, the great leader, found himself and the people of God in the midst of a forty-year wilderness journey. The children of Israel were facing daily hardships and a journey that seemed to have no end. He was moved by God to make a humble request. He prayed in Psalm 92: 12, “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” Moses realized the importance of getting the most out of each day.
Even though the expectation of seeing the promised land was a great way off, God was prescribing an answer for their difficulties. Instead of focusing on their terrible plight, Moses asked God to give him the endurance to take each day as it comes and to apply wisdom to make it purposeful.
If we are not careful, we can become like the children of Israel. We can be guilty of forfeiting the present blessings in the midst of our trials. It is easy for us to overlook the opportunities of a new day and the people who surround us. How many times have we wasted a chance to be a blessing to others because we could not see through the darkness of our experience?
When we number our days, we will come to grips with our own mortality and the urgency to make each waking moment count. Living life “day by day” will enable us to draw from God’s grace and keep us focused on the most important things in life. No one really knows how many days are left on life’s calendar, so we must approach each one as if it could be our last.

12/29/2025

What Now?
The Christmas season has come to an end and now we are making plans for a new year. The last several weeks, we have filled our days with traditional Christmas music, nativity scenes and special programs that portrayed the birth of Jesus. Countless hours have been dedicated to proclaiming the coming of the Savior under the guise of Christmas. Now that the wonderful celebration has passed, the question of the hour is, “What Now?” Do we respond to the gospel message of Christmas, or do we just casually turn the next page on the calendar?
As the Magi sought out the baby born in Bethlehem, it would greatly benefit us to seek him too. All of the fulfilled prophecies about his birth demand an inquiry. The historical evidence that bears the reality of Jesus, the Son of God, coming to a sin cursed world begs a response. Do we leave him in the cold and dark manger, or do we acknowledge his life, ministry, death and resurrection?
Life’s most important question that we must all answer is “What will I do with Jesus?” Everything about our earthly life and everything concerning our eternal state hinges on our answer. In his book “Mere Christianity”, C.S. Lewis wrote that the only logical conclusion about Jesus’ claim of being the Son of God is that he was either a liar, a lunatic or the Lord of all. You must decide which one to accept. You can deny him and his claims, but you must be prepared to live with the consequences both now and for eternity. According to scripture, he was and is God’s love gift to the world, but if you refuse to receive him, then this baby born in Bethlehem will have no lasting impact on your life. Choose wisely!

Address

416 N. Main Street
Mooresboro, NC
28114

Opening Hours

Wednesday 7pm - 8:15pm
Sunday 10am - 12pm

Telephone

+18284476853

Website

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