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October 19, 2026 • 14 Minute Read
How to Study Your Bible
If you’ve ever opened your Bible, read a few verses, and then wondered what you just read, you’re in good company. Everybody starts somewhere. The good news is that you don’t need a seminary degree to study God’s Word. You need a Bible, a little time, and a willing heart. II Timothy 2:15
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. God expects His people to study His Word, and He has made it clear enough for a beginner to start today. Pick a Time, a Place, and a Plan Don’t wait until you “have time,” because you won’t. Choose a time you can keep, even if it’s only ten or fifteen minutes.
Pick a quiet spot, grab a pen and a notebook, and decide ahead of time what you’re going to read.
Having a plan keeps you from wondering where to start each day. (There’s a simple one below.) Start With the Right Bible Before you study, you need a Bible you can trust and will actually use. Walk into a bookstore and you will find dozens of versions, sizes, and styles, and the choices can overwhelm a beginner. Here is some simple guidance. Choose the right translation. God’s Word is not a book of opinions or suggestions. It is a book of pure words, and God has promised to keep them. Psalm 12:6-7
The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever. Matthew 24:35
Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. Because God has preserved His words, it matters which Bible is in your hands. At Faith Baptist, we believe the King James Version is the right Bible for English-speaking people. We hold it to be the preserved, trustworthy Word of God in our language, and it is the only translation we preach from, teach from, and put in the hands of our people. It has served believers for over four hundred years, and it has been used of God to bring countless souls to Christ and to build strong churches. We do not say this lightly, and we do not say it out of tradition alone. We say it because we believe God means what He says about His words, and because we want you to build your faith on a text you can be sure of. Stay with one translation. When you read, study, and memorize from the same Bible week after week, the words stay with you, and you can follow along on Sundays without getting lost. Be careful with modern versions and paraphrases. They change, leave out, or reword what God actually said, and a paraphrase often reflects what a writer thinks the verse means rather than what the verse says. Since the whole point of study is to know exactly what God said, begin with the real thing. Choose a Bible you will actually read. The best Bible is one you will open. Consider a few practical things: Readable print. If the type is too small, you will give up quickly. Look at a few sizes before you buy. Room to write. Wide margins or a little blank space let you jot down notes. A cheap notebook works too. Cross-references. A center-column or margin reference system helps you follow a verse to related passages, which we will use in the steps below. A size you can carry. A Bible you can slip in a bag goes places with you. A giant pulpit edition probably stays on a shelf. Durable binding. You will be using this book for years, so a sturdy cover is worth a few extra dollars. You do not need an expensive leather Bible. A simple, inexpensive edition that you will use every day beats a beautiful one that sits unopened. Be careful with study notes. Many Bibles are printed with commentary, charts, and notes on the same page as the Scripture text. Some of these helps are useful, but they were written by men, and they can be wrong. It is easy for a beginner to read a note and treat it as if it were Scripture. If you use a study edition, always read the Bible text first, form your own understanding, and only then look at the notes. Weigh everything by the plain words of the text. II Timothy 3:16
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. Only the Scripture itself carries that promise. Everything else, however helpful, is a tool. Make it your Bible. Mark it up. Write in the margins. Date the verses God uses to speak to you. Years from now, you may treasure that worn, underlined copy more than anything else on your shelf. It is a good thing for a Bible to look used. Psalm 119:105
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Don’t have one yet? If you do not own a King James Bible, please let us know. We would be glad to put one in your hands. Contact the church office or stop by the welcome table on Sunday. A Simple Bible Study Method: Pray, Read, Ask, Apply There are many methods for studying the Bible, and you will find your own rhythm over time. This one is easy to remember and works with any passage in the book. Think of it as four steps you can repeat every day. Step 1: Pray Bible study is not like studying any other book. The Author is available to help you understand it. That is why prayer comes first. James 1:5
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. You do not need fancy words. Something like this is plenty: “Lord, help me understand what I read today, show me what You want me to know, and give me a heart that is willing to obey.” The psalmist prayed in a similar way: Psalm 119:34
Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart. Notice that he asked for understanding so that he could obey. That is the right motive for studying. We are not collecting information to feel smart. We are learning what God says so we can walk with Him. A few practical thoughts: Pray before you read, not just after. Even thirty seconds sets the tone. Ask God to show you your own heart. The Bible is a mirror as well as a textbook. Pray again when you get stuck. If a verse puzzles you, stop and ask God for light on it. Step 2: Read This sounds obvious, but many of us rush through it. Most confusion clears up when we simply slow down and read carefully. Nehemiah 8:8
So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading. Here is how to read well: Read the whole passage, not just one verse. A verse pulled out of its setting is easy to misunderstand. Read the paragraph, or even the whole chapter, so you can see what the verse is part of. Read it twice. The first time, just get the flow. The second time, slow down and notice details: repeated words, commands, promises, warnings, and names. Read it aloud if you can. You will catch things your eyes skip over. Mark your Bible or use a notebook. Underline repeated words. Circle commands. Jot down questions in the margin or in your notebook. Start at the beginning of a book and read through it. Jumping around leaves you without context. Reading a book in order, as it was written, helps you follow the author’s thought. If the KJV language is new to you, keep going. You will not catch every word on the first pass, and that is normal. Your ear adjusts faster than you expect. Step 3: Ask Now that you have read the passage, ask it questions. Good questions turn reading into studying. Let me suggest three. Question 1: What does it say? This is observation, which means noticing what is actually on the page before deciding what it means. Ask: Who is speaking, and who is being spoken to? What is happening? Where and when? What words or ideas show up more than once? Are there commands to obey, promises to claim, warnings to heed, or truths to believe? Do not skip this step. Many wrong ideas about the Bible start when people jump to a conclusion before they have carefully looked at the text. Question 2: What does it mean? This is interpretation. You are working out what the passage meant to the people who first received it, because that is what it still means. A few guidelines will keep you on the right track: Let the context speak. Read the verses just before and just after. What is the writer talking about? Take it at its plain meaning. Most of the Bible is meant to be understood the way it reads. Do not hunt for hidden meanings. Let Scripture explain Scripture. Use the cross-references in your Bible. If one verse is unclear, a clearer passage on the same subject will usually help. Check the old words. The KJV sometimes uses words that have shifted in meaning. A Bible dictionary or a concordance like Strong’s can help with a word you do not know. Do not build a teaching on a single verse. If a doctrine is true, it will be supported across the Bible. Ask a mature believer. If you are stuck, bring your question to your pastor or Sunday school teacher. That is what they are for. Question 3: What does it teach me about God, about Jesus, and about myself? Every passage tells us something about who God is. And all of Scripture points to the Lord Jesus Christ. John 5:39
Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. So ask: What does this show me about God’s character? Where do I see Christ here, either directly or pointing ahead to Him? What does this reveal about my own heart, my need, or my sin? These questions keep your study centered on the Lord, not just on facts. Step 4: Apply This step is where Bible study turns into Christian living, and it is where many of us stop too soon. Knowing what the Bible says is not the finish line. James 1:22–24
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. The Lord Jesus said the same thing at the close of the Sermon on the Mount: Matthew 7:24
Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock. To make your application specific, try finishing one of these sentences in your notebook: Believe: Today I need to trust that God is _____________. Obey: Today I will _____________ because the Bible says to. Confess or change: God showed me that I need to turn from ___________________. Pray: Because of what I read, I will pray for _____________. Share: I will tell _____________ what I learned. Pick one and keep it small. One specific step you actually take is better than a long list of good intentions. Then, before you close your Bible, thank God for what He showed you. A Quick Example: Philippians 4:6–7 Here is how the four steps might look on a short passage. Philippians 4:6–7
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Pray: “Lord, teach me what You want me to know about worry and peace.” Read: Read the whole of Philippians 4 and notice that Paul is writing from a difficult place, yet he is full of joy. Ask:
What does it say? There is a command (do not be careful), a way to handle it (prayer with thanksgiving), and a promise (God’s peace will guard the heart).
What does it mean? In the KJV, “careful” means anxious or full of care. Paul is saying not to be anxious about anything, and to bring everything to God instead.
What does it teach? God invites us to bring every concern to Him, and His peace is a gift that works even when we cannot explain it. The peace comes “through Christ Jesus.” Apply: “This week, when I start to worry about ______, I will stop and pray about it right then, and thank God for something specific.” Let Scripture Explain Scripture Many Bibles have cross-references in the margin or center column. Those little notes point you to other verses on the same subject. Isaiah describes how God builds understanding: Isaiah 28:10
For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little. When something confuses you, don’t panic. Look up the cross-reference. Most of the time, another passage brings clarity. A Few Helps for Reading the KJV Don't skip over the old words. Words like "thee," "thou," and "ye" are really just singular and plural forms of "you." Once you see that, a lot of verses open up. Keep reading when you don’t understand. You aren’t failing. You’re learning. Ask someone. Your pastor, your Sunday school teacher, or a mature believer would love to help you. Memorize a verse now and then. Even one verse a week adds up. Psalm 119:11
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. A 30-Day Starter Reading Plan Not sure where to begin? Try this one. It’s short enough to finish and meaty enough to feed you. Days 1–21: The Gospel of John.
Read one chapter a day. John tells us why he wrote it: John 20:31
But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. Days 22–25: Philippians.
One chapter a day. It’s a short book about joy and about living for Christ. Days 26–30: A Psalm a day.
Read Psalm 1, 23, 91, 100, and 121. When you finish, keep going. Read another Gospel, then Acts, then Romans. The goal isn’t to finish a program. It’s to know God better. Keep It Going Some days will go better than others, and that’s fine. If you miss a day, pick up the next day. Don’t quit. God’s Word is food for the soul: I Peter 2:2
As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby. The Bereans are a good example for us. They didn’t just listen, they checked for themselves: Acts 17:11
These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Start today. Open your Bible to John 1, say a short prayer, and read. God will meet you there.
October 13, 2026 • 4 Minute Read
Praying for Our Church This Fall
Fall is a busy season on our church calendar. Our community is invited in, our hearts are focused toward missions, and our newest members are welcomed into our church family. None of it bears lasting fruit without the Lord’s blessing. Below are a few things coming up this fall, along with specific ways you can pray for each one. 1) Family Harvest Hayride — Friday, October 23 The Family Harvest Hayride is one of our largest outreaches of the year. It is a joyful evening for families, and it is a wide-open door for the gospel. This event has two aims: inviting our community, and serving those who come. Pray for boldness as we invite neighbors and friends. Pray for the Holy Spirit to prepare the hearts of every guest before they arrive. Pray for our serve team, and for hearts that see serving as ministry and not just a task. Pray for good weather, safety for every family, and gospel conversations that lead to follow-up and a return visit.Join the Serve Team 2) Missions Month — November November is Missions Month at Faith Baptist Church! We will hear from guest missionaries and pastors who will challenge us to see the great need of the gospel around the world. This is a special time to renew our commitment, pray for laborers, and prepare our hearts for Faith Promise Sunday at the end of the month. Pray for our guest missionaries and pastors as they travel and preach, that God would give them clear, Spirit-filled messages. Pray that our church family would see the world’s need with fresh eyes and a tender heart. Pray for the Lord to raise up laborers from within our own congregation. Pray that each family would seek the Lord’s leading for Faith Promise Sunday and give with faith and joy. 3) New Member Fellowship — Sunday, November 8 We are excited to invite all who have joined Faith Baptist Church since January 2026 to our New Member Fellowship on Sunday, November 8, immediately following the evening service at Pastor’s home. Personal invitations will be sent out. This will be a wonderful time of fellowship, encouragement, and getting better connected with our church family. Pray that every new member would feel welcomed, known, and at home. Pray for real friendships to begin that evening, the kind that last. Pray that new members would find their place to serve and grow. Pray for our pastors as they shepherd and encourage those who have recently joined. 4) Food Bank Thanksgiving Dinner — Sunday, November 15 Join us for our Food Bank Thanksgiving Dinner on Sunday, November 15, from 6:00 p.m.! Come enjoy good food, fellowship, and the joy of giving thanks with our community. Everyone is welcome, so bring a friend! Pray for the families and individuals in our community who will join us, that they would feel welcomed and cared for. Pray for the volunteers who will serve, that they would serve with joy. Pray for opportunities to share the love of Christ and for hearts that are thankful to the Lord.Register your FamilyJoin the Serve Team Save the Date: 70th Anniversary Sunday — January 3, 2027 More information is coming soon. In the meantime, plan to be in attendance all day as we celebrate the Lord’s faithfulness to this church over seventy years. Matthew 9:37-38
Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest. Would you commit to praying over these requests this fall? The Lord delights to work through the prayers of His people. Let us ask Him to send out laborers, open our community’s hearts, and make us a church that is faithful to the harvest, both here and around the world.
October 8, 2026 • 6 Minute Read
Called to Serve: How These Offices Work Together
Acts 6:1-7; Ephesians 4:11-16 Over the past several weeks, we have looked at three callings God has placed in His church: the senior pastor who feeds and watches, the deacons who serve, and the assistant pastors who hold up tired hands. (If you missed those posts check them out here!) Each of these roles carries its own weight. But Scripture never presents them as separate ministries working in isolation. God gave them to be one team under Christ, so that His people would be well served and His Word would go forward. Where the Pattern Began One of the clearest picture of these callings working together is found in Acts 6. The church was growing, and with growth came a real need: widows were being overlooked in the daily ministry. The apostles did not ignore the need, and they did not try to carry it alone. Acts 6:2-4
Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. Notice that three groups are involved. The apostles gave themselves to prayer and the Word. Seven godly men were set apart to serve. And the whole church family had a part in the decision: Acts 6:5-6
And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost... Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. The apostles prayed and appointed, and the deacons served. No one considered one task holier than the other. Each was needed, and each freed the other to do what God had called them to do. Then comes the result: Acts 6:7
And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly. Three Callings, One Team What Acts 6 shows in the early church, the rest of Scripture confirms: The senior pastor feeds and watches. He gives himself to prayer and the ministry of the Word, and he will answer to God for the flock (Acts 20:28; Hebrews 13:17). The assistant pastors sustain. Like Aaron and Hur, they hold up the hands of the man God has placed over them, sharing the pastoral load without ever seeking to take his place (Exodus 17:12). The deacons serve. They meet the practical needs of the church family, carrying the daily work so that the pastoral staff can remain devoted to prayer and the Word (Acts 6:3-4). When the deacons serve faithfully, the pastors are free to pray and to teach. When the assistant pastors strengthen the senior pastor, the whole flock is better watched over. And when the pastor feeds the flock faithfully, everyone who serves is strengthened by the same Word they labor to protect. The work flows in every direction, and the whole church benefits. What Holds It Together A team made up of faithful men can still struggle without the right spirit. Paul describes what must hold every part of the church together: Ephesians 4:2-3
With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Humility keeps the pastor from lording over the flock. Humility keeps the assistant from seeking the platform. Humility keeps the deacon from thinking his work is small. And above all of them stands the One to whom every one of these men answers: 1 Peter 5:4
And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. No pastor, assistant pastor, or deacon is the head of this church. Christ is. Every office exists to serve Him and to serve His people for His sake. Your Part in This Remember that Ephesians 4:11-12 tells us why Christ gave pastors and teachers: for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. Leadership is not meant to carry the ministry while the church watches. The whole body is meant to be fitted together: Ephesians 4:15-16
But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. That includes you. There are two ways you can take your place this week. Pray for your leaders. Paul, a man who preached to thousands, still asked the church to pray for him: 2 Thessalonians 3:1
Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you. Your prayers matter more than you know. The writer of Hebrews says leaders watch for your souls "that they may do it with joy, and not with grief" (Hebrews 13:17). Pray for your pastor, your assistant pastors, and your deacons, by name, and ask God to strengthen them for the weight they carry on your behalf. Serve where God has placed you. Paul reminds us that "the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee" (1 Corinthians 12:21). Every believer has something to give: 1 Peter 4:10
As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. Whether it is greeting a visitor, meeting a need quietly, or simply showing up faithfully, your service is part of how God builds this church. Why It All Matters None of this exists for the sake of organization. The purpose behind every office, and behind every member who serves, is the same: to connect people to Christ, to grow them in His truth, and to lead them to commit their lives fully to the Savior. When pastors, assistant pastors, deacons, and the church family each do their part, the hungry soul is fed, the hurting is cared for, the lost hear the gospel, and the wanderer finds his way home. That is what Acts 6:7 looks like today. This week, will you pray for the men who lead and serve among us? Will you ask the Lord where He would have you serve? And will you take a moment to thank one of them, in person, this Sunday? Ready to serve? Visit our Serve pageLearn more about the our Pastors & Deacons
October 1, 2026 • 8 Minute Read
Called to Serve: Assistant Pastors
Exodus 17:8-13; 24:13; 33:11; Numbers 27:18-23 Scripture gives us no single verse that defines the office of assistant pastor the way it defines the senior pastor or the deacon. Instead, God gives us something instructive, the lives of men who served faithfully alongside another. In the life of Moses, we find two pictures: Aaron and Hur, who held up his hands in battle, and Joshua, who was quietly shaped for leadership over many years. Together, they show us the two halves of this calling, sustaining the man God has placed over you, and being shaped by God in the process. Aaron & Hur: Holding Up the Hands Israel was under attack by Amalek at Rephidim. Moses sent Joshua down into the fight, while he himself climbed a hill overlooking the battle, staff in hand. Exodus 17:11
And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed As long as Moses' hands stayed lifted, Israel had the victory. But Moses was a man, and even a godly man's arms become heavy. Exodus 17:12
But Moses' hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. What Aaron and Hur Teach Us 1) They held him up, they did not take his place.
Aaron and Hur never reached for the staff. They did not step in to lead the battle or claim any credit for what God did that day. Their whole contribution was simply to keep Moses steady. This is the heart of what an assistant pastor does, he strengthens the man God has placed over him; he does not compete with him. 2) They noticed before they were asked.
Nobody had to tell Aaron and Hur that Moses was struggling. They saw his hands growing heavy, and they acted. Much of faithful ministry is simply paying close enough attention to notice when your leader is growing weary, and stepping in before they ever have to ask. 3) Their work was not glamorous, but it mattered.
No sermon was preached from that hilltop. No miracle was performed by Aaron or Hur. They simply held up arms until the sun went down. So much of this kind of ministry looks exactly like that - quiet, repetitive, tiring, and unnoticed by anyone watching from a distance. But without it, the battle would have been lost. 4) Their faithfulness on the hill won the battle in the valley.
“And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword” (Exodus 17:13). The fighting happened below, but the outcome was decided above, by men who refused to let tired arms decide the day. When those who assist a pastor stay faithful in quiet, unseen ways, the whole church benefits, even those who never once look up at the hill. This picture is not an isolated exception, it is a pattern God builds into how His people are meant to carry burdens. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. And Paul commands the church at Galatia in words that could have been written about that very hillside: Galatians 6:2
Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. Assistant pastors live this out at the leadership level, but this is not only a pattern for pastors, it is a pattern for the whole church family. Someone near you is carrying heavy arms today. Joshua: The Minister Who Was Being Made Ready Long before Joshua ever led Israel into the promised land, his name shows up quietly, again and again, beside Moses. Scripture gives him a title easy to skim past, but worth considering - he is called Moses' “minister.” Exodus 24:13
And Moses rose up, and his minister Joshua: and Moses went up into the mount of God. One of the most telling verses about Joshua has nothing to do with leadership at all: Exodus 33:11
And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle. Moses would meet with God and then return to the camp, but Joshua remained behind, alone, in the tabernacle. No one was watching. No assignment required it of him. He simply stayed in the presence of God because he loved being there. This is the kind of hidden faithfulness that shapes a man's heart long before God ever hands him something public to lead. What Joshua's Life Teaches Us 1) He was being shaped, not just used.
Those years beside Moses were not only about getting things done. They were formation. God was quietly building within Joshua the character and dependence on God he would need decades later. If you are serving alongside leadership right now, this season is not wasted. Whether or not you are ever asked to lead publicly, God is building something in you that you will need later, even if you cannot see it yet. 2) Nearness to God matters more than nearness to the platform.
Joshua's greatest qualification was not his skill in battle, it was that he lingered in the tabernacle. Time spent in prayer and in the Word, when no one is watching or applauding, is what makes public ministry bear fruit that lasts. 3) God's timing, not personal ambition, moved him forward.
When it finally came time for Joshua to lead, it did not happen because he pushed for it: Numbers 27:18, 23
And the LORD said unto Moses, Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay thine hand upon him... And he laid his hands upon him, and gave him a charge, as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses. The Lord directed it. Moses commissioned it publicly, before the whole congregation. And the people recognized it. Joshua never appointed himself, and he never campaigned for the role. This remains the pattern God honors today, leadership that comes through divine calling, not simply ambition. 4) Small, hidden faithfulness always comes first.
Joshua served quietly beside Moses for roughly forty years before he ever led Israel across the Jordan. There is no shortcut in Scripture. God is patient, and He proves men in the small places long before He entrusts them with the large ones. When Moses finally laid his hands on Joshua, Scripture tells us exactly what resulted: Deuteronomy 34:9
And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom; for Moses had laid his hands upon him: and the children of Israel hearkened unto him, and did as the LORD commanded Moses. This wisdom did not appear in Joshua overnight, it was the fruit of years spent near Moses, watching him pray, watching him lead, watching him fail and repent and trust God again. This is exactly the pattern Paul later instructs Timothy to continue: 2 Timothy 2:2
And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. Faithful men, teaching faithful men, who go on to teach others. This is not a modern leadership strategy, it is simply how God has always grown His church, one faithful life poured into another. A Challenge for All of Us Jesus captured what made Joshua ready long before Israel ever knew his name: Luke 16:10
He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. An assistant pastor's calling holds both of these truths together. Like Aaron and Hur, he is called to sustain, to notice weariness, to hold up tired hands, and to strengthen the man God has placed over him without ever seeking to replace him. And like Joshua, he is called to be shaped, to remain faithful in hidden, unseen places, trusting that God is building something in him for a purpose only the Lord fully sees. If you are serving in a supporting role right now, in pastoral ministry or anywhere else in this church, don’t be discouraged in the tent or weary in holding up the hands of another. The Lord is not wasting this season. Every one of you who serves faithfully where no one is watching is needed. Next in this series: How These Offices Work TogetherHow these offices work together
September 24, 2026 • 4 Minute Read
Called to Serve: The Deacons
The word “deacon” simply means servant, and that tells us a lot about the office before we read another verse. Our deacons are not just a governing board, and they are not a junior version of the pastorate. They are godly, spiritually qualified men, set apart to care for the real, practical needs of this church family, so your pastor can remain devoted to prayer and the ministry of the Word on your behalf. Where This Calling Began The office of deacon grew out of a real problem in the early church. Widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food, and it grieved the congregation. Here is how the apostles responded: Acts 6:2-4
Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables... Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. The apostles did not consider the physical needs of the widows unimportant, they considered those needs important enough to entrust to godly, Spirit-filled men, so they would be cared for well. And the result was remarkable: Acts 6:7
And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly. When deacons serve faithfully, the preaching of God's Word goes forward unhindered. These two callings were never meant to compete with each other. They were designed to free each other for exactly what each was made to do. Godly Men, Not Just Willing Hands Paul lays out real qualifications for deacons in 1 Timothy 3:8-13, sober men, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy, holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience, tested and found blameless, faithful husbands who lead their homes well. Our deacons are not simply the men who happen to be available or willing to work, they are men whose character has already been proven. The trust placed in them is spiritual before it is ever practical. What Deacon Ministry Looks Like Caring for our members' physical needs, especially during illness, grief, or hardship Helping carry the practical, everyday operation of the church so your pastor is free for prayer and the Word Living as examples of godly character and faithful households within our congregation Standing ready to quietly meet needs as they become known, often without ever being asked Guarding the peace and unity of this church family alongside pastoral leadership The Example Christ Himself Set If our deacons ever wonder whether their service is truly significant, they need only remember whose example they are following. Jesus told His disciples plainly what greatness looks like in His kingdom: Matthew 20:26-28
But whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. Our Lord washed feet. He served in like manner long before He ever commissioned seven men to serve tables in Jerusalem. When a deacon serves quietly and without recognition, he is not doing lesser work, he is walking in the footsteps of Christ. Paul promises that this service is never wasted, even when no one else notices it: 1 Timothy 3:13
For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. Faithful service in this office does not go unnoticed by God, even on the days it goes unnoticed by everyone else. Why This Matters to You If a meal has ever appeared at your door during a hospital stay, if someone has ever quietly checked on you during a hard season, or helped you with something you did not even have to ask twice for, you have likely already seen deacon ministry at work. It is often hidden, but it is no less precious to this church family. Our deacons free your pastor to feed and watch the flock, and in doing so, they serve every one of us.Learn more about our current Deacons Next in this series: Assistant PastorsAssistant Pastors
September 22, 2026 • 3 Minute Read
Your Average Sunday, May Be Someone’s Breakthrough
For those who serve faithfully week after week, or fill the same seat and greet the same familiar faces, a Sunday can begin to feel routine. The order of service becomes familiar. The rhythm is comfortable. It can become simply another Sunday. But not everyone who walks through those doors is carrying that same level of comfort. For some, coming this Sunday will be a breakthrough. The one who hasn’t come through a church door in years, finally walking back in. The one who has never once heard the gospel clearly, hearing it for the first time. The wanderer, sick of running, finally coming home. For others, this Sunday is a victory of obedience. The believer who has struggled to be faithful, choosing to show up anyway. The one who has wrestled with sin, coming forward at last to lay it at the altar. The quiet person who has known for weeks they needed to be baptized, or join in membership, or serve, and this week finally said yes to the Lord. None of these moments look dramatic from the outside. No one else in the room may even notice. But heaven takes notice. Consider the words of the Christ: Luke 15:10, Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. And consider the father who ran to meet his returning son: Luke 15:20, But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. What looks ordinary to us may be the very moment God has been working toward for years in someone else's heart. A Few Ways to Watch for the Breakthrough Around You Look for the unfamiliar face. A warm greeting may be the very thing that confirms they made the right choice in coming. Recognize the quiet victories. Not every breakthrough is loud. Sometimes it is simply someone choosing faithfulness over comfort, one more week. Do not let familiarity dull your gratitude. Ask the Lord to give you fresh eyes for what He is doing, even on an "ordinary" Sunday. Be ready to encourage the step of obedience. A brief word after the service may be exactly what someone needs to keep walking forward. A Few Things to Guard Against Do not assume you know someone's story. A quiet face or an awkward greeting may be masking real courage. Give grace before you form an opinion. Do not let cliques close the door on a newcomer. Familiar friendships are a blessing, but they can unintentionally exclude the very person who needed to be welcomed. Do not treat a visitor's presence as an opportunity to "sell" the church. Genuine care is felt. A performance is also felt. Do not make a big return or a first-time step feel like a spectacle. Some breakthroughs need quiet encouragement, not a spotlight. Do not assume someone will come back next week. Follow up. Many who leave without a kind word or a next step simply do not return. Every Sunday carries the potential to be someone's breakthrough and someone's victory of obedience. May we never grow so accustomed to gathering together that we miss what the Lord is doing in the hearts around us.
September 17, 2026 • 5 Minute Read
Called to Serve: The Senior Pastor
Every church family looks to one man to carry the final weight of pastoral care, the senior pastor. This is not a position of convenience. It is a holy calling, and Scripture describes it in language that humbles the man who carries it and ought to deepen your love for him. Called to Feed and Watch When Paul left the elders at Ephesus, he gave them words that still define this calling today: Acts 20:28
Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. Feed and watch - this is the heart of the calling. A pastor feeds you through faithful, grounded preaching and teaching, week after week, so you are never left spiritually hungry. And he watches, aware of dangers you may not see, aware of the sheep who are struggling or straying, aware that every person sitting in that pew was purchased with the blood of Christ Himself. This is not a small thing to carry. Called to Give Account Peter, writing to fellow elders, describes this calling as both a privilege and a weight: 1 Peter 5:2-3
Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. A true pastor never treats the flock as something he owns, the flock belongs to God. He leads by going first, not by just demanding others follow. And the writer of Hebrews adds a truth that ought to move us to pray earnestly for the men who shepherd us: Hebrews 13:17
They watch for your souls, as they that must give account. One day, your senior pastor will stand before God and give an account for how he cared for you. That is the weight behind every sermon prepared, every hospital room visited, and every hard conversation had in love, because he must care more about your soul than your comfort. A Calling Rooted in Love, Not Duty Before Jesus ever gave Peter a flock to feed, He asked him a question three times, and the order is worth noting: John 21:15
So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. Jesus did not ask Peter whether he was capable, trained, or confident. He asked whether Peter loved Him. Every faithful pastor's ministry flows from that same source, not duty first, but love for Christ first, and only then a love for His sheep that is willing to feed them, tend them, and feed them again (John 21:15-17). This is what truly qualifies a man to shepherd you. Paul calls this desire itself a good thing, not something to be ashamed of: 1 Timothy 3:1
This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. It is good work, hard, humbling, and good. And it is work Paul says deserves our honor: 1 Timothy 5:17
Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. A Man Who Is Tested, Not Just Willing God does not leave the qualifications for this calling unclear. 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9 lay them out in detail, a blameless life, sound doctrine, a well-ordered home, a good reputation even among those outside the church. This office is not granted because a man wants it or is willing to do it. It is granted to a man whose life and doctrine have been tested and found faithful, and whom the church itself recognizes and affirms. James reminds us why this bar is set so high: James 3:1
My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. Teaching God's people carries a weightier judgment, not a lighter one. Your pastor does not step into a pulpit lightly, and he should not. Every time he opens the Word to you, he is aware that he will answer to God for what he says and how he lives. Why We Follow Gladly Submission to your pastor should never be seen as something forced or reluctant. Scripture calls us to follow willingly, because he watches for our souls and will answer to God for how he shepherded us. That is not a burden, it is a gift. Take a moment this week to thank the Lord for the pastor He has given you, and pray that God would strengthen him for the weight he carries on your behalf. Next in this series: The DeaconsCalled to Serve: The Deacons
September 10, 2026 • 5 Minute Read
Called to Serve: Why Church Leadership Matters
From the very first churches in the book of Acts, God gave His people men who were called and equipped in specific ways to walk alongside and lead them. God loves us too much to leave us untended. Paul opens his letter to the church at Philippi with a line that is easy to read past, until we slow down and let it sink in: Philippians 1:1
Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons. Paul does not simply greet “the church.” He greets the saints, and then he names the men God had placed among them, bishops (another word for pastors) and deacons. From the earliest days of the church, God's people were never meant to be a crowd without shepherds. We were meant to be a family, intentionally led and cared for. Two Offices Scripture gives us two offices in a local church, pastor and deacon. The pastor is referenced by different names throughout scripture, the bishop, elder, or overseer. They all reference the same calling while describing the role from a few different angles. Both offices carry qualifications God laid out for us in His Word (1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9), and both exist for the same reason: to love and care for you. Your pastor is given to the ministry of the Word and prayer - feeding you, watching over your soul, and one day giving an account to God for how he shepherded you (Acts 20:28; Hebrews 13:17). Your deacons are given to practical, hands-on service - making sure needs are met, so your pastor can stay devoted to prayer and the Word on your behalf (Acts 6:1-4). Sometimes a church is blessed with more than one man serving in pastoral ministry. A senior pastor may have serving alongside him one or more assistant pastors. This is not a group of men dividing loyalty or competing for influence. They serve together, under one leader, for the sake of the gospel. A Promise Kept This pattern did not begin with Paul in the New Testament, it was a promise God made long before. Through the prophet Jeremiah, the Lord looked ahead to how He would care for His people: Jeremiah 3:15
And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding. Pastors according to His heart, not according to ours.
These are not men chosen by our own standards of charisma or ability, but men shaped after God's own heart for His people. And this was not a one-time gift to a single congregation. Wherever the gospel took root in the book of Acts, the same pattern followed: Acts 14:23
And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed. Every church - not only the large ones, not only the ones in the great cities. Paul and Barnabas did not consider their work finished until godly men were in place to shepherd what God had started. The same care is taken here. These men are not given to us simply to keep the doors open. Paul tells the Ephesians exactly why Christ gives a church pastors and teachers: Ephesians 4:11-12
And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. The purpose is not to keep leadership occupied, it is to equip you. Your pastors are not meant to carry out all the ministry of this church alone while the rest of us watch. They are given to prepare you for the work God has for you, so that this whole body is built up together. Why This Matters to You This is not just about organizational structure. This is personal. This is God's own provision for His people. He never intended for you to walk through hard seasons, quiet doubts, or ordinary weeks without someone watching over you, and without someone ready to help when a need arises. Church leadership exists because God loves this church, and He has made loving provision for how we are shepherded and served. Over the next several weeks, this series will walk through what it means to have a senior pastor, what an assistant pastor's calling looks like, what a deacon's calling looks like, and how all of these callings work together toward one purpose: connecting you to Christ, growing you in His truth, and leading you to commit your life fully to the Savior. Next in this series: The Senior Pastor The weight your senior pastor carries - and why he carries it gladly.The Senior Pastor
September 7, 2026 • 8 Minute Read
Choose Life
Church family, It is hard to believe that an entire year has passed since we opened our Bibles together and began our journey through the book of Deuteronomy. Week after week, we have stood with the children of Israel on the plains of Moab and listened as Moses prepared a new generation to enter the land God had promised them. When we began this study, my desire was never simply that we would learn more about an Old Testament book. My prayer was that the truths Moses gave Israel thousands of years ago would challenge us to examine our own walk with God today. Throughout our study, we have seen the faithfulness of God, the seriousness of His Word, the consequences of disobedience, and the blessings that accompany a life surrendered to Him. Our theme for this journey has been: A Call to Faithfulness And as we reached the closing chapters of Deuteronomy, one statement seemed to capture the heart of the entire book: Deuteronomy 30:19–20
I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: That thou mayest love the LORD thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him... Choose life. Those words were spoken to Israel, but the principle behind them speak directly into our lives today. God had been faithful. God had spoken clearly. Now Israel had a decision to make. Would they trust Him? Would they obey Him? Would they follow Him? Would they choose life? Remember What God Has Done Deuteronomy 1–4 Deuteronomy begins with Moses looking backward. Before Israel could move forward into Canaan, Moses wanted them to remember where they had been. He reminded them of God's leading from Mount Sinai. He reminded them of their failure at Kadesh-barnea. He reminded them of the wilderness years. He reminded them of battles won, prayers answered, lessons learned, and the continual faithfulness of God. Some of those memories were wonderful. Others were painful. But all of them were important. One of the dangers facing Israel was that once they entered the land, built houses, planted vineyards, and enjoyed prosperity, they might forget the God who had brought them there. That warning is just as necessary for us. We must never become so accustomed to the blessings of God that we forget the God who gave the blessings. Faith Baptist Church has much to be thankful for. God has answered prayers. He has saved souls. He has changed lives. He has provided for His church. He has led us through difficult seasons and allowed us to experience seasons of tremendous blessing. We must remember. The God who was faithful yesterday is worthy of our trust today. Respond to the Word of God Deuteronomy 5–26 The largest section of Deuteronomy contains Moses' instruction concerning the Law of God. The Ten Commandments are repeated. Israel is instructed concerning worship, family, leadership, justice, giving, relationships, possessions, and everyday life. What becomes obvious throughout these chapters is that God was never interested in simply occupying one portion of their lives. He wanted all of them. One of the great passages of Deuteronomy declares: Deuteronomy 6:4–5
Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. God desired more than outward religious activity. He wanted their hearts. That remains true today. It is possible to attend church, carry a Bible, sing the songs, know the language, and yet allow our hearts to drift away from God. Deuteronomy has reminded us that biblical truth is intended to produce biblical living. God's Word is not simply something we study — it is something we obey. It should affect our homes, our marriages, our parenting, our finances, our relationships, our priorities, our worship, and our decisions. The question is not just, "What does the Bible say?" The next question must always be, "What am I going to do about what God has said?" Recognize That Choices Have Consequences Deuteronomy 27–30 As Israel approached the Promised Land, Moses placed two very different paths before them. There was obedience and disobedience. There was blessing and cursing. There was life and death. God did not hide the consequences from them. Their decisions mattered. That is ultimately what brings us to the great statement of Deuteronomy 30: Therefore choose life. I believe this is one of the greatest lessons we can carry away from our year in Deuteronomy: the direction of our lives is shaped by the choices we make concerning God and His Word. Every generation has to choose. Every family has to choose. Every church has to choose. Every individual has to choose. Israel could appreciate the faith of Moses, but they could not live on Moses' faith. They could remember what their parents had experienced, but they still had to decide whether they would personally follow the Lord. The same is true for us. You cannot live on your parents' faith. You cannot live on your pastor's faith. Our children cannot live on our faith. At some point, every person must determine: I will follow the Lord. That is why Moses' words carry such weight: Choose life. Choose obedience. Choose truth. Choose faithfulness. Choose the Lord. Remain Faithful to the End Deuteronomy 31–34 The final chapters of Deuteronomy bring us to the end of Moses' life. After forty years of leading God's people, Moses prepared Israel for a future without him. Joshua would become their leader. Israel would cross the Jordan. Battles would be fought. The land would be divided. A new chapter in Israel's history was about to begin. Moses gave his final instructions, taught Israel a song, pronounced blessings upon the tribes, and eventually climbed Mount Nebo. From there, God allowed him to see the Promised Land. Then Moses died. There is something moving about reaching the end of Deuteronomy and looking back over the life of this man. Moses was not perfect. Deuteronomy itself reminds us of his failures. Yet his life teaches us something desperately needed today: Faithfulness is not simply beginning well. Faithfulness is continuing with God and finishing well. I want that for my life. I want that for our families. And I want that for Faith Baptist Church. I do not simply want us to have moments of faithfulness. I want us to be a faithful church. Faithful to Scripture. Faithful to the Gospel. Faithful in worship. Faithful in discipleship. Faithful in reaching our community. Faithful in teaching our children. Faithful in supporting missions around the world. Faithful until the Lord returns. Choose Life If I could summarize our entire year in Deuteronomy with one challenge, it would be those two words: Choose life. Every day presents us with opportunities to make that choice. Choose to love God. Choose to obey His Word. Choose faith over fear. Choose holiness over compromise. Choose gratitude over complaining. Choose forgiveness over bitterness. Choose worship over distraction. Choose service over selfishness. Choose truth over the changing opinions of culture. Choose to teach God's Word to your children and your children's children. Choose to remain faithful when following God becomes difficult. And when you fail, choose to get back up and return to the God who has never stopped being faithful. Church family, we have spent a year studying Deuteronomy, but my prayer is that Deuteronomy will continue working in us long after this series has ended. May we remember what God has done. May we respond to what God has said. May we recognize that our choices have consequences. May we remain faithful to the end. And as another generation watches our lives, may they see men and women who did more than talk about faithfulness. May they see a church that lived it. There are many things about tomorrow that we do not know. We do not know every opportunity that will come before Faith Baptist Church. We do not know every trial we will face. We do not know every door God will open or every challenge we will encounter. But we know the God who goes before us. The same God who faithfully led Israel through the wilderness is still faithful today. So as we close the pages of Deuteronomy and continue forward together, I pray that the words of Moses will remain in our hearts: I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life. Faith Baptist Church, may that be our decision. May that be the testimony of our homes. May that be the legacy we leave the next generation. Let us choose life. We invite you to watch or listen through the full series at the link below.
Called to Faithfulness — Study of DeuteronomyHe Loved the People
September 1, 2026 • 3 Minute Read
Five Things to Pray for Our Church This Month
September is a busy month at Faith Baptist Church. New ministries are launching, our school is opening its doors, and opportunities to reach our community are on the calendar. None of this bears lasting fruit apart from the Lord's blessing on it. Below are five specific things happening this month, along with specific ways you can pray for each one. 1) GriefShare Begins Tonight at 7:00 PM Tonight marks the launch of our new GriefShare ministry, a place of comfort and biblical hope for those walking through the loss of a loved one. Pray that those who are hurting would find their way through the door tonight. Pray for the group facilitators, that they would minister with compassion and point every participant to the comfort found only in Christ. Pray for group members to feel safe enough to open up and begin the healing process. Pray that this ministry would be a means of showing Christ's love to our community.Learn more about GriefShare 2) Faith Baptist Christian Academy Opens September 3 Faith Baptist Christian Academy begins its new school year on Wednesday, September 3, with 113 students currently enrolled. Pray for each child to be tender toward the things of God as they begin the year. Pray for our teachers and staff, for wisdom and patience as they lead our students. Pray for smooth transitions on opening day, particularly for new families and younger students. Pray that the Academy would remain a strong instrument for raising children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. 3) Grandparents Day — Sunday, September 13 at 11:00 AM We will honor and celebrate the legacy of our church family during our morning service. Pray for grandparents to experience the appreciation of our church family that morning. Pray for grandchildren to be encouraged to invite their grandparents to attend. Pray that the Lord would use this day to strengthen the spiritual legacy passed from one generation to the next. Pray for salvation among any unsaved grandparents or grandchildren who may be present.Read our Grandparents Day Post 4) Master Clubs Relaunches — Wednesday, September 16 Master Clubs returns this month under new leadership, continuing its work of discipling children in the Word of God. Pray for Bro. Brad and Jaime O'Dell as they step into leadership, asking the Lord for wisdom, vision, and endurance. Pray for a strong team of workers to come alongside them. Pray for children to attend and for the gospel to take root. Pray for smooth logistics as the ministry gets up and running.Learn more about Master ClubRegister your Children 5) Friend Day — Sunday, September 20 Friend Day gives every member of our church family the opportunity to bring someone who needs Christ and needs a church home. Pray for boldness as members invite friends, neighbors, co-workers, and family members. Pray for the Holy Spirit to prepare the hearts of those who are invited before they ever walk through the door. Pray for clear gospel preaching that morning, resulting in souls saved. Pray for guests to feel welcome and to want to return.Download an Invitation to Share! James 5:16
The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Would you commit to praying over these five requests this month? The Lord delights to work through the prayers of His people. Let us seek Him earnestly for our church, our school, and our community.
August 24, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
Trusting God on Unfamiliar Ground
Good afternoon Church Family, I wanted to take a moment to strongly encourage you to set aside some time this week to listen to Sunday evening’s message delivered by Pastor Will Duttry. Brother Duttry took us to the book of Joshua and the account of the children of Israel preparing to cross the Jordan River, emphasizing the powerful truth, “Ye have not passed this way heretofore.” There are seasons in life when God leads us down a path we have never walked before, and we must learn to trust His presence, His direction, and His faithfulness. God used this message in a special way in the lives of those who were in attendance Sunday evening, and I believe you will find an opportunity for spiritual growth in your own life as you listen and apply these truths. Brother Duttry was also very open and honest with us about the trials his family is currently walking through and how God is sustaining, strengthening, and leading them through a way they have not passed before. I encourage you to listen with an open Bible and an open heart, asking the Lord how these truths apply to the path He has you walking today. May we continue to grow together—not only through what is preached from the pulpit, but through the truths we carry with us beyond the pulpit. Pastor Chad You can listen to the sermon here:We Have Not Passed this Way Before
August 18, 2026 • 5 Minute Read
A Bag with Holes
Haggai 1:6
He that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes. There is a kind of financial frustration that is almost exclusive to those who follow God. It is the frustration of a person who works hard, gives to the Lord, and still cannot seem to get ahead. The harvest never quite matches the labor. The wages disappear before the month is out. There is always more month than money. And somewhere underneath the stress is a nagging question: Why isn't God blessing this? Haggai had a word for people who felt exactly that way. The returned remnant of Israel wasn't lazy. They weren't godless. They were back in the land, going through the motions of religious life, and their finances were still leaking. God put His finger on the reason: their priorities were disordered. They had been so focused on their own houses that they had neglected His. And the result was a bag full of holes, labor that produced nothing lasting, wages that vanished as fast as they came. It is worth asking whether the same diagnosis might apply closer to home. Start with the tithe. If you are not tithing, giving a faithful, intentional ten percent to the Lord through your local church, this is a direct and loving challenge to begin. Not because God is in need. "For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills." (Psalm 50:10) He is not waiting on your contribution to balance His books. But He has ordained the tithe as an act of worship and an exercise of faith, it is a regular declaration that He is Lord over everything you earn, and He blesses the obedience of His people who take Him at His word. In Malachi 3:10, God extends an invitation: "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." That is the only place in Scripture where God says to His people: test Me. He is not offended by your uncertainty. He is simply calling your bluff, inviting you to step out in obedience and see what He does. We are not under the Mosaic law. We stand under grace. But grace never lowers the bar, it lifts the heart toward it. If a tenth was the starting point for God's Old Testament people, what does it say about New Testament believers, who have seen the full revelation of Calvary, if they give less? Those who understand what Christ has done are not looking for the minimum, they are looking for ways to give more. So let this be a straightforward challenge: tithe.
Give your tithe this Sunday. Give it next Sunday. Make it the first thing you do with what God provides, not the last. Honor Him with the firstfruits, not the remainder. But the tithe is the beginning, not the end. This is where I must be honest with you.
A man can tithe faithfully on Sunday and dishonor God financially the rest of the week. He can put 10% in the plate and spend the other 90% in ways that reflect no prayer, no planning, no biblical conviction whatsoever, driven by impulse, shaped by covetousness, burdened by debt he did not have to carry. And then wonder why the bag still has holes. Here is the truth that biblical stewardship demands we recognize: the other 90% belongs to God too. Every dollar that passes through your hands, given, spent, or saved, is the Lord's money being managed by the Lord's servant. The tithe is an act of worship. But stewardship is a whole-life conviction. It covers the budget you make or refuse to make. The debt you take on or choose to avoid. The way you spend, the discipline with which you save, and the contentment, or lack of it, that drives your financial decisions day to day. 1 Corinthians 4:2
Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. God is not looking for financial success. He is looking for faithfulness. And faithfulness with money means holding all of it with an open hand, managing it with the same intentionality and prayerfulness you bring to the offering, because it all came from Him, it all belongs to Him, and you will give an account for all of it. So here is the full challenge: Tithe. Do it consistently, do it cheerfully, do it in faith, and trust God with the results. And then carry that same conviction into the rest of your financial life. Build a budget. Get out of debt. Spend with purpose. Save with wisdom. Ask before every major decision: Am I being a faithful steward of what God has entrusted to me? The goal is not a bigger bank account. The goal is a freer heart, one that holds money loosely because the question of ownership has already been settled. When you've acknowledged that it all belongs to Him, the anxiety of grasping loosens its grip. Contentment becomes possible. Generosity becomes natural. That is what God is after. Not a portion of your paycheck. All of you, surrendered, trusting, and faithful with everything He's placed in your hands. The windows of heaven are worth finding out about. Take Him up on it. Questions about biblical stewardship?
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Unshaken in the Storm
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