Tri-Annual Singing!
February 21, 2026
7:00pm - 8:30pm
Sermon: What is Fair?
An examination of Ezekiel 18, which give us much insight as to the grievous nature of sin, and how our righteous God deals with both those who pursue sin, and those who pursue righteousness.
Sermon: Being a Place for Growth
Speaker: Justin Carrell.
It is important for our congregation that we be a safe and welcoming place, that each of us are able to confess our failings, and grow spiritual as we love one another.
A Stone’s Throw
A few weeks ago my son Jeremiah preached a lesson titled, “The Distance Greater Than a Stone’s Throw.” The principles found in that lesson are worthy of examination, and I would like to adapt his teaching in this article.
The reference is to Jesus’ prayer in the garden of Gethsemane on the night of his betrayal, (Luke 22 & Matthew 26). Matthew reveals that after entering the garden, Jesus, Peter, James and John walked a bit further into the garden. There, Jesus left the three of them, and “He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw” (Luke 22:41), where He began to pray to His Father. He was in agony. After finding them asleep, Jesus said to Peter, “What! Could you not watch with Me one hour? Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26: 40-41).
The Patternists: In Spirit and Truth
In John 4, the apostle records Jesus’ conversation with a Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well. She asked Him about proper worship, and asked whether the Jews or the Samaritans had it right. Her question was concerned with location. Was Jerusalem the right place? Or was the mountain located adjacent to the well the proper place to worship God?
Jesus’ answer was Jerusalem. “We know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews” (John 4:22). More importantly, Jesus indicated an impending change, in covenant and worship. “But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:23-24).
Quiet Resolve and Confidence
“Truly my soul silently waits for God; from Him comes my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be greatly moved” (Psalm 62:1-2).
Christians who have a full and correct understanding of the nature of grace and faith have a great confidence in their salvation. It is God who accomplishes their redemption, so they can be sure that their service to Him will be rewarded in the end. This brings patience and comfort as they await the day where the Lord says, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (cf. Matthew 25:21).
Others, who place their trust in something other than God, have no such assurance.
“Surely men of low degree are a vapor, men of high degree are a lie; if they weighed on the scales, they are altogether lighter than vapor. Do not trust in oppression, nor vainly hope in robbery; if riches increase, do not set your heart on them.” (Psalm 62:9-10).
Remember:
“In God is my salvation and glory; the rock of my strength, and my refuge is in God. Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.” AND “God has spoken once, twice I have heard this: that power belongs to God. Also to You, O Lord, belongs mercy; for You render to each one according to his work” (Psalm 62:7-8, 11-2).
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Sermon: Vain Things
The writer of Ecclesiastes recognized something we must learn as well. There is no intrinsic value in wisdom, pleasure or possessions. If we do not serve God, our life is lived among vain things.
Sermon: A Lesson on Service and Humility
In John 13:1-17, Jesus taught by example a lesson on service and humility by washing the feet of His disciples. There are lessons for us as well.
The Patternists: Turning Your Heart from God
King Solomon serves as a cautionary tale to all Christians concerning the necessity of staying true to God’s will. Most are aware that Solomon began his reign as King of Israel in a commendable way, as a young man asking God for wisdom, that he might be a capable king. We are told, “And God gave Solomon wisdom and exceedingly great understanding, and largeness of heart like the sand on the seashore”; and “he was wiser than all men” (1 Kings 4:29,31).
Solomon built a temple to the Lord and placed the ark of the Lord in it. At the dedication of the temple, Solomon prayed, saying “Lord God of Israel, there is no God in heaven above or on earth below like You” (1 Kings 8:23).
Continue reading “The Patternists: Turning Your Heart from God”
Not a Novice
The word novice, found in 1 Timothy 3:6 comes from a Greek word that is used only here in the New Testament. It is the word (neophytos). Thayer defines the term: newly planted… a new convert, neophyte… one who has recently become a Christian.
It is necessary that a man be a Christian for some time in order to serve as an elder. One who is newly converted is not qualified to serve. Why is this? It is simple, living in the world does not equip a man to serve as an overseer of the Lord’s people. Becoming a Christian does not automatically change that truth, as experience and effort is required to grow in the faith sufficiently to be so equipped.
(1 Peter 2:2), “as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby.”
(Hebrews 5:14), “But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”
In our context (1 Timothy 3:6), the Holy Spirit states that being a novice may lead one to be puffed up with pride. Consider what may happen to a babe in Christ who is appointed as an elder. He has not yet learned humility, and could easily become inordinately “proud” of such an honor. One who has experience and knowledge would not be so vulnerable to the same vice of pride that plagued the devil and led to his condemnation.
We need “meat-eaters” to serve as elders, not babies!
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Big Bang Theory Debunked
I just finished reading an article titled, “We now know the big bang theory is (probably) not how the universe began.” It was written by Ethan Siegle, who is a Ph.D. astrophysicist, and the author of the book “Starts with a Bang.” The article seeks to show that the idea of the universe having its origin with a big bang, expanding from a a state of “infinitesimal sizes and infinite densities and temperatures”, is not a valid explanation for the beginning of the universe.
The big bang theory has been used for decades as the explanation for the existence of the universe as we observe it today. It has had almost universal acceptance among naturalists, as it has been the most effective naturalistic explanation for things being the way they are.
“I Was Made This Way”
The Utne Reader is an online digest of reading material designed to offer “meaningful conversations that transcend traditional labels, biases, and stereotypes.” Its slogan is “Cure Ignorance”, and topics cover the gamut of societal issues. A recent article that appeared in the digest under the topic of politics is an article by a lesbian writer titled “The Gay Option.”
Beginning the article with a personal anecdote, this writer, Stephanie Fairyington, alluded to a couple of lies she told her mother when coming out of the closet at the age of 28. She said her first lie was “I was born this way”, and the second one was “If there were a straight pill I’d swallow it faster than you can say the word gay.” She writes that “I didn’t mean either of these things.”
The Patternists: Parental Responsibility
The Virginia gubernatorial election became national news a couple of weeks ago, as the two candidates expressed sharp disagreement on the part that parents should play in the education of their children. The Republican candidate, Glenn Youngkin said, “I believe parents should be in charge of their kids’ education.” The Democrat candidate, Terry McAuliffe said, “I don’t think parents should be telling schools what they should teach.”
The Word of a King
(Ecclesiastes 8:2-4), “I say, ‘Keep the king’s commandment for the sake of your oath to God. Do not be hasty to go from his presence. Do not take your stand for an evil thing, for he does whatever pleases him.’ Where the word of a king is, there is power; And who may say to him, ‘What are you doing?’”
The wise man’s words ring true in our time. As pandemic mandates gain traction, and our society polarizes more and more each day, many feel that our government is guilty of overreach. Whatever your view of this particular matter, there are a few points that are beyond dispute.
FIRST, our responsibility to be obedient to the governing authorities is one that has God as it’s source. It is a part of our agreement as Christians. Paul agreed with the wise man on this matter (cf. Romans 13:2). Of course, there are limits (cf. Acts 5:29).
SECOND, doing what is unlawful (“an evil thing”) will bring consequences from the authorities — “for he does whatever pleases him.” It is always a losing hand to rail against “the man.”
THIRD, “Where the word of a king is, there is power.” We may not like it when the authorities abuse their authority. We may cry out and complain — but no amount of threatening on our part will keep them from doing what they want to do.
It is for this reason we long for eternity. We realize that in the end, this world is a mere layover to eternity. In the end all inequities will be resolved. All abuses will come to an end. All suffering will cease. Praise be to God! “But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. ‘And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled’” (1 Peter 3:14).
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Sermon: Silence is Virtue
In a world full of noise, it is important to note virtue of being silent. It indicates reverence, respect, submission and discretion. Sometimes it is best to be silent!
Sermon: Guarding Against Apostasy
Speaker: Josh Cox
Suggestions on how to avoid faltering in faith. It is possible for a child of God to lose their way, and thus their soul.
