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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
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 5, 2026 • 3 Minute Read
The Answer for a Discouraged Soul
Last Sunday evening, we began walking through Psalm 42 and considered the subject “Thirst for God.” The Psalmist described his longing for God with these familiar words: “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.” We were reminded that the greatest evidence of spiritual health is not that we believe in God, but that we continually desire God. The Psalmist did not just want relief from his circumstances. More than anything else, he wanted renewed fellowship with the Living God! Tonight, we will return to Psalm 42 and continue into Psalm 43 as we consider the subject “The Answer for a Discouraged Soul.” Although the Psalmist genuinely thirsted for God, he was also deeply discouraged. He was separated from the house of God, overwhelmed by sorrow, mocked by his enemies and struggling with what appeared to be the silence of God. Again and again, he asked himself: “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me?” But he did not allow discouragement to have the final word. He answered his troubled soul with this declaration: “Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him.” That repeated statement forms the heart of tonight’s message. Biblical hope is not pretending that everything is fine. It is not ignoring pain, denying sorrow or refusing to admit that we are struggling. Biblical hope is the confident expectation that, even when our soul is cast down and God seems far away, He is still faithful and we must praise Him. The Psalmist teaches us that we do not have to just listen to our discouraged hearts. We can speak truth to them. We can remember God in the middle of the storm. We can bring our hardest questions to Him. We can ask Him to send out His Light and Truth. And we can trust that the God who sees our discouragement is still able to lift our soul. You may be walking through a difficult season tonight. Your soul may feel heavy. Your prayers may seem unanswered. You may know what the Bible says while still struggling with what you feel. Psalm 42 and Psalm 43 give us a message for moments like these: You may be cast down, but you have not been cast away. You may feel overwhelmed, but you are not outside the reach of God’s lovingkindness. You may be walking through the night, but morning is coming. You may not understand the road, but His light and truth will lead you. Come prepared tonight with your Bible open to Psalm 42 and Psalm 43. My prayer is that God will strengthen discouraged hearts and teach each of us to say with confidence: “Hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.” Can't make it tonight? Watch Live HERE!The Answer for a Discouraged Soul
July 21, 2026 • 6 Minute Read
No Other Gospel: A Study of Galatians
As I have studied and preached through Galatians, the Lord has done a work in my own heart. One of the truths that has encouraged and challenged me most is Paul’s statement: Galatians 6:14
But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. Paul was saying that because of the cross, his relationship with the world had completely changed. The world and its system had lost their appeal to Paul, and Paul was no longer considered anything of value by the world. Paul found something greater, the cross of Jesus Christ. This was not a new truth for Paul. Earlier in Galatians, he wrote: Galatians 2:20
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me. Paul understood that the cross was not just the place where Jesus died for him; it had become the defining reality of his entire life. His old identity, ambitions, righteousness, and confidence had been crucified with Christ. He was no longer living to establish his own worth. Christ was now living through him. That truth has caused me to examine my own heart. What still holds too much appeal for me? Whose approval am I seeking? In what accomplishments am I tempted to glory? Do I find my identity in what I have done, what I possess, what others think of me, or in what Jesus Christ accomplished upon the cross? The Gospel does not just bring us to the cross for salvation and then allow us to move on to something else. We begin at the cross, we live under the shadow of the cross, and we will glory in the cross for all eternity. There is no other Gospel, and there can be no other object of our glory than Jesus Christ and His finished work. Individual Sermon Summaries The series includes the following fifteen messages: 1) When the Gospel is at Stake — Galatians 1:1–10
We open this series by uncovering the urgency behind Paul's letter to the Galatians. Paul confronts a dangerous distortion of the true gospel that had taken root in the churches of Galatia, and this message sets the stakes for the entire study: when the gospel is altered, everything is lost. 2) Called into Grace — Galatians 1:1–10
Returning to the same passage in the evening service, this message focuses on Paul's warning to a young church drifting from the gospel that had called them. Though the Galatians had received grace, they were tempted to abandon it, and Paul's astonishment becomes the church's own caution. 3) The Power that Changes Everything — Galatians 1:10–16
This message examines the testimony of the Apostle Paul, whose radical conversion stands as undeniable proof that the gospel of Jesus Christ does not merely improve a life—it transforms it entirely, from the inside out. 4) Only the Gospel — Galatians 1 (focus verse 1:24)
Continuing through Paul's early testimony, this message shows that only the gospel of Jesus Christ has the power to truly and radically change a life, as those who once persecuted the faith glorified God in Paul because of him. 5) Living What We Say We Believe — Galatians 2:11–21
Paul's public confrontation of Peter at Antioch exposes the gap that can form between what believers profess and how they actually live. This message challenges the church to close that gap, holding fast to the truth that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone. 6) Who is Living Your Life — Galatians 2:16–21
Building on Paul's confrontation of Peter, this message moves believers beyond simply knowing the gospel to truly living it, anchored in Paul's declaration: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me." 7) The Danger of Spiritual Self Reliance — Galatians 3:1–9
Paul confronts the Galatians' drift toward self-effort, reminding them—and the church today—that the Christian life begins, continues, and grows by grace through faith, never by human striving. 8) Redeemed and Adopted — Galatians 4
Paul reminds believers of the fullness of the gospel: through Jesus Christ, believers are not only redeemed from the bondage of sin and the law, but adopted into the family of God as sons and heirs. 9) Don't Go Back — Galatians 4:8–11
Paul issues a passionate warning to believers tempted to return to spiritual bondage after tasting the freedom found in Christ. Having been set free, the church is called never to look back. 10) Until Christ be Formed in You — Galatians 4 (focus verse 4:19)
Paul's travail for the Galatian believers reveals that the gospel does far more than save from judgment—it transforms believers into the likeness of Christ. This message calls the church to ongoing spiritual formation, not mere profession. 11) Free to Serve — Galatians 5:1–15
The freedom Christ purchased was never meant to become an excuse for self-centered living. This message shows that true Christian liberty is found in loving and serving others, not indulging the flesh. 12) The War Within — Galatians 5:16–21
The greatest battle every Christian faces is not one found in the headlines, but the war raging within the heart. Paul reveals the constant conflict between the flesh and the Spirit that marks the believer's daily walk. 13) Evidence of True Freedom — Galatians 5:16–26
What does true freedom in Christ actually look like? This message shows that the Christian life is not about trying harder or merely avoiding sin—it is about Christ living His life through the believer, evidenced by the fruit of the Spirit. 14) Restoring Grace — Galatians 6:1–10
Paul reminds the church that a Spirit-filled congregation is not made up of perfect people, but of believers who lovingly restore one another in a spirit of meekness, bearing one another's burdens. 15) No Other Glory — Galatians 6:11–18
In Paul's closing words, the series reaches its conclusion: there is no other glory than the cross of Jesus Christ. As Paul contrasts empty religion with true faith, the church is reminded one final time that no other gospel—and no other glory—will do. From beginning to end, Galatians reminds the church that the gospel is not to be added to, altered, or abandoned. It stands alone as the power of God unto salvation, and it alone sets the believer free to walk in the Spirit, free to serve, free to restore one another in grace, and free to glory in nothing but the cross. We invite you to watch or listen through the full series at the link below.
No Other Gospel — Study of GalatiansWhen the Gospel is at Stake
June 24, 2026 • 5 Minute Read
Marked Pages: More Than an Offering Plate
I have recently been reading material to help me get a better grasp on what biblical giving looks like in modern economic times. When I read the Old Testament, I find God's people bringing offerings that often look very different from what we see today. They brought grain offerings, firstfruits, livestock, produce from their fields, and various other sacrifices. Their giving reflected the way they earned a living and the resources God had entrusted to them. That raises an interesting question: What does biblical stewardship look like in today's world? As I studied this subject, I came across a resource that identified three primary "pockets" from which believers give today. The concept challenged me because most Christians are familiar with one of these pockets but rarely consider the other two. I wanted to pass this thought along because it is something worth contemplating, praying about, and engaging in as faithful stewards of God's blessings. The principle is simple: everything God entrusts to us is meant to be stewarded for His glory. Psalm 24:1
The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. We are not owners. We are stewards.
God blesses His children not merely so they can possess resources, but so they can manage those resources in a way that honors Him. The purpose of blessing is that it is stewarded by God's children for His glory. 1) The Earned Income Pocket This is the pocket most of us immediately think about when the subject of giving arises. Earned income is the money we receive through our labor—our paycheck, salary, wages, commissions, or business income. For many believers, faithful stewardship begins here. As God provides through our work, we return a portion to Him through regular, cheerful, and sacrificial giving. When we place an offering in the plate, support missions, or give toward a ministry need, we are often giving from our earned income pocket. This type of giving is important, biblical, and should be practiced consistently. Yet it is only one aspect of stewardship. 2) The Capital Pocket The capital pocket includes assets that have accumulated over time. These may include savings accounts, investments, stocks, retirement funds, real estate, land, business interests, valuable collections, or other resources God has entrusted to us. Many believers carefully consider giving from their income while never considering how God might use their accumulated assets. Throughout Scripture, God's people gave not only from what they earned, but also from what they possessed. There are seasons when God may lead a believer to use a portion of their savings to advance a ministry project, support a missionary, assist a family in need, or invest in a kingdom opportunity. The question becomes: Are our assets serving God's purposes, or are they simply sitting idle? The capital pocket reminds us that stewardship extends beyond our weekly paycheck. 3) The Estate Pocket The estate pocket concerns what happens to our resources after we enter eternity. Every believer will one day leave behind possessions, property, investments, and accumulated wealth. Most people spend considerable time planning how those assets will be distributed among family members. Yet few consider how their final act of stewardship can impact the work of God. One statement I encountered that every believer should consider including in their will is this:
"After all my bills are paid, I want 10 percent of my estate (a tithe) to go to ______ Church." What a powerful testimony of stewardship. Estate giving is not about neglecting family responsibilities. Rather, it is recognizing that everything belongs to God and intentionally including His work in our final plans. For some believers, this may involve leaving a percentage of their estate to their local church. For others, it may include missionaries, Christian schools, camps, or ministries that have played a significant role in their spiritual lives. Estate planning allows us to continue investing in God's work even after we have gone home to be with the Lord. A Stewardship Mindset When most people hear a message about giving, they immediately think about what is in their wallet or checking account. Yet biblical stewardship is much broader than that. God has entrusted us with income. God has entrusted us with assets. God has entrusted us with an estate. Each of these represents an opportunity to honor Him. The goal is not simply to give more. The goal is to recognize that everything belongs to God and to ask, Lord, how would You have me steward what You have entrusted to me? Whether from our earned income, our accumulated capital, or our eventual estate, every gift becomes an opportunity to invest in something that will outlast this world. After all, we cannot take any of it with us—but we can use it now and direct it wisely so that it continues to bring glory to God long after we are gone. These are simply a few thoughts from my recent reading. I am thankful to be part of a church that is sensitive to the Lord and gives in a way that honors Him. God Bless, Pastor Braley Highlighted Reading:
Not Your Parent’s Offering Plate by Cliff Christopher & Mike Slaughter As with any book outside of Scripture, Pastor Braley does not endorse every view or conclusion the author presents. The Bible alone is our final and infallible authority — Scripture alone holds that distinction.
June 13, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
Sunday Setup: Is Christ being formed in you?
Tomorrow we'll be in Galatians 4 and wrestle with a powerful question: Is Christ being formed in you? Many believers spend their lives measuring spiritual growth by church attendance, Bible knowledge, or religious activity. But Paul points us to a deeper question—not simply whether Christ is in us, but whether Christ can be seen through us. In Galatians 4:19, Paul writes:
My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you. As you prepare for worship tomorrow, consider: Is my faith centered on what Christ has done or what I am trying to do? Can others see the character of Jesus in my attitudes, responses, and relationships? What might God be asking me to surrender so that Christ can be more clearly reflected in my life? Am I living as a child of promise or slipping back into spiritual bondage? The Gospel does more than save us from judgment—it transforms us into the likeness of Christ. Take a few moments tonight to read Galatians 4:12-31 and ask the Lord to prepare your heart. We look forward to worshiping together tomorrow as we explore Paul's passionate prayer: "Until Christ be formed in you." Can't make it tomorrow? Watch Live HERE!Can't make it tomorrow? Watch Live HERE!
June 12, 2026 • 5 Minute Read
GriefShare is coming to Faith Baptist
Grief is one of the heaviest burdens a person can carry. Whether you have lost a spouse, a parent, a child, a sibling, or a dear friend, the pain of that loss can feel overwhelming, and far too often, it feels very lonely. You may be sitting in the seat on Sunday morning with a smile on your face while your heart is quietly breaking. If that is you, we want you to know: you do not have to walk through this alone. We are thrilled to announce that Faith Baptist Church will be launching a GriefShare ministry beginning Tuesday, September 1. This is a ministry we have been praying about, and we believe God's timing is perfect. Matthew 5:4
Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. What Is GriefShare? GriefShare is a 13-week, Christ-centered support group designed to walk people through their grief journey with compassion and biblical truth. Each week features a video seminar with respected Christian counselors and pastors, followed by small-group discussion and personal workbook exercises to help participants process what they are going through. Every session addresses the real challenges that come with grief, the loneliness, the anger, the questions, the sleepless nights — and points you back to the One who is "a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief" (Isaiah 53:3). At its heart, GriefShare points to Christ as the ultimate source of healing. That lines up perfectly with who we are as a church and what we believe God's Word teaches about comfort, hope, and restoration. Why This Ministry Matters In any church family, individuals are silently struggling with the pain of losing a loved one — some may have lost a spouse, a parent, a child, another relative, or a close friend. The grief does not end after the funeral. It does not stop after a few weeks. Many people suffer in silence for months and even years, not knowing where to turn. GriefShare provides a safe space where individuals can process their grief, share their stories, and find support from others who understand their pain, not just to help them move through grief, but to offer biblical hope and encouragement. That is exactly the kind of ministry the local church is called to provide. Is This for You? If you have experienced the loss of a loved one, recently or even years ago, we warmly invite you to come. You do not need to have it all together. You do not need to know what to say. You simply need to show up, and we will walk through it together, with God's Word as our guide and our church family by your side. GriefShare is also open to friends, neighbors, and coworkers in our community who are hurting. This is a wonderful opportunity to invite someone you know who needs the comfort that only Christ can give. Psalm 147:3
He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds. When: Tuesday, September 1 - Tuesday, November 24, 2026
Location: Faith Baptist Church — Fairless Hills, PA
Time: Tuesday Nights at 7:00 p.m.Register Here We love you, Faith Baptist family. If grief has found you in this season of life, we want to be right there with you. Feel free to share this with anyone you know who may need a place of healing and hope. Interested in serving in GriefShare? GriefShare groups don't run themselves — they run because someone in the church was willing to say yes. Leading a GriefShare group does not require a counseling degree or a personal expertise in grief. It requires a heart for hurting people, a willingness to show up faithfully week after week, and a love for the local church. GriefShare provides all the training and materials a leader needs. Your role is to facilitate — to create a safe, consistent place where people can be honest and where God's Word has room to work. Paul's words in Second Corinthians describe this kind of ministry beautifully:
2 Corinthians 1:4
Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. If you have walked through grief yourself, that experience is not a disqualification. God does not waste our sorrows. He redeems them, and often uses them to open doors of ministry that nothing else could open. If you sense the Lord leading you to serve in this way, we want to hear from you. Group leaders will go through a brief GriefShare orientation before the ministry launches in September, and pastoral support will be available throughout the 13-week cycle. Serve Team Schedule:
Sunday, July 19, 2026 - Interest Meeting
Wednesday, August 5, 2026 - Worker Training To express interest in serving, let us know HERE! This is a meaningful opportunity to serve your church family in one of the most tender areas of life. Don't talk yourself out of it — reach out, and let's have a conversation.
May 30, 2026 • 4 Minute Read
Josiah: Lost and Found
There’s a moment in Josiah’s life that we need to slow down and really see. In the middle of repairing the temple, something is discovered that had been missing for a long time: 2 Chronicles 34:14
And Hilkiah the priest found a book of the law of the LORD given by Moses. “Found a book of the law of the Lord…” This wasn’t a new book. It was a neglected one. Josiah grew up in a nation that still had a temple, still had priests, and still had religious activity. But somewhere along the way, the Word of God stopped being read. That decline really started years earlier under Manasseh: 2 Kings 21:2
And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD… For decades, idolatry filled the land and false worship became normal. And when that happens, the Word of God gets pushed aside. You can have religion without the Word—and still be far from God. By Josiah’s time, Judah still looked like a nation with spiritual structure, but it had drifted far from truth. That’s what happens when Scripture is ignored: idols take over, conviction fades, compromise feels normal, and people keep going through the motions. If the Word doesn’t rule, something else will. The greatest tragedy wasn’t that the Law was lost—it was that nobody missed it. Then in our text, everything changes. In the middle of repairs, someone opens something that hadn’t been opened in a long time: 2 Chronicles 34:14
And Hilkiah… found a book of the law of the LORD. At that moment, everything shifts. Because when the Word of God comes back into the light, it doesn’t just sit there—it speaks. Psalm 119:130
The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple. And when the Word comes back, idols go out. Josiah doesn’t just read it and move on—he responds. He starts tearing things down: high places, idols, everything that had taken God’s place. Why? Because the Word always demands a response. Exodus 20:3
Thou shalt have no other gods before me. And real faith always shows up in real change “Faith… if it hath not works, is dead…” (James 2:17) The same problem still shows up today. We may not be bowing to carved statues, but idols are still everywhere. Anything that takes first place in our lives can become one—success, entertainment, social media, relationships, comfort, even good things that become ultimate things. And Scripture warns us plainly: 1 John 5:21
Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Because idols don’t just sit there—they compete for your heart. Jesus said: “Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.” (John 8:34) Sin always looks like freedom, but it never delivers it. It promises life—but produces bondage. It promises joy—but leaves emptiness. It promises more—but always takes more than it gives. Sin promises freedom… but delivers chains. Josiah’s story is really a “lost and found” story. The Word wasn’t gone—it was just buried under years of neglect. And when it was found again, it changed everything. The same is still true today. “When the Word of God is found again, it never leaves things the same.” Because the real question isn’t whether God is still speaking… it’s whether we’re still listening. So, where is your Bible and how did it speak to you today? This post expands on a key point from a recent sermon and is intended to further encourage your study and reflection on God's Word. While this post explores one aspect of the message, the full sermon provides the broader context, and practical application.
We invite you to watch the complete sermon below.Watch the full sermon now!
May 27, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
Honoring our Missionaries: Dr. Dave & Jill Smith
Matthew 25:21
...well done, thou good and faithful servant... After 55 years of faithful ministry, Faith Baptist Church is rejoicing with Dr. Dave and Jill Smith as they step into a well-deserved retirement from active missionary service. At their request, we recently sent our final support check to the Smiths, and with it goes with our deep gratitude and love. Supporting missionaries is one of our great privileges as a local church, and it has been an honor to partner with Dave and Jill in the work of the Gospel. Over more than five decades, Dr. Smith has faithfully preached the Word of God, loved people well, and carried the message of salvation to the world. In every role, he has served with humility and an unwavering commitment to biblical truth. And none of it was done alone, Jill has been right beside him every step of the way, modeling a Christ-centered marriage and a faithful ministry partnership that is a blessing and an example to us all. Dr. Smith's ministry has meant something very personal to our church family here at Faith Baptist. During a season of transition between pastors, before the Lord brought Pastor Braley to us, Dr. Smith was an incredible help and a steady, encouraging presence. He stepped in with grace and faithfulness at a time when our church needed it most, and we have never forgotten it. That kind of servant-hearted ministry is a mark of a man who truly loves the Lord and His people. Dr. Smith's own heart for those of us still in the race says it best — his desire is that each of us would finish well, that we would one day stand before our Lord and hear those precious words: "Well done, thou good and faithful servant." What a testimony. Thank you, Dr. Dave and Jill Smith, for your steadfast faith, your sacrificial service, and your devotion to Christ. Faith Baptist Church loves you and is grateful to God for every year He worked through your lives. 2 Timothy 4:7
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.
May 20, 2026 • 3 Minute Read
Summer Bible Study Modules
One of the great blessings of our church family is the opportunity we have to continue growing in our walk with God together. This summer, we are excited to offer several Summer Modules designed to strengthen our faith, sharpen our witness, and help us better serve others for the cause of Christ. These classes are more than simply additional studies—they are opportunities for spiritual growth, practical ministry training, and deeper connection within our church family. I want to encourage every member to prayerfully consider being part of one of these modules this summer. We're offering three special 3-week Bible Study Modules designed to help you grow, learn, and connect. Each module meets on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 p.m., and you'll choose one of two available session windows: Session A: June 17, June 24 & July 1
Session B: July 15, July 22 & July 29 Browse the three modules below. Introduction to American Sign Language Taught by Mrs. Laura Braley & Mrs. Christina McHenry Session A Location: Room 10
Session B Location: Conference Room Join us for an introductory ASL class designed for church members who want to learn how to better connect with the Deaf community and share the love of Christ through sign language. Each weekly session will include: A review of fingerspelling An introduction to conversational and biblical ASL signs Learning to sign John 3:16 Signing along to one of our church's popular worship songs Participants will also gain insight into Deaf culture and the history of the Deaf community and the church. Did you know? Of the estimated 150–250 million Deaf people in the world, only 2% are followers of Jesus Christ. An alarming 98% of Deaf people are currently missing the blessing of eternal life with Jesus — making Deaf people one of the largest unreached and unengaged people groups in the world. Through this class, we hope to inspire awareness, compassion, and a heart for Deaf ministry. Snapshots of Revival Taught by Pastor Chad Braley UPDATED
Session A Location: Teen Room
Session B Location: Auditorium Throughout this study, we will examine moments in Scripture where God transformed lives, homes, and even nations through people who were willing to let revival begin in them personally. Revival has never started with crowds—it begins in individual hearts surrendered to God. Our prayer is that this study will challenge and encourage us to seek the Lord in a deeper and more personal way. Reaching the Religious Taught by Bro. Michael Poapst UPDATED
Session A Location: Auditorium
Session B Location: Teen Room In a day when many people are religious yet still without a true relationship with Christ, this class will help believers learn how to lovingly and biblically point people to the truth of God’s Word. Brother Mike is a serious student of the Scriptures and will do an excellent job helping us understand how to handle the Word with both grace and truth, allowing the Bible to do the work in a person’s heart and life. I truly believe these Summer Modules will be a tremendous encouragement and help to our church family. Let’s take advantage of this opportunity to grow in truth, strengthen our witness, and allow God to continue working in our lives throughout the summer months.
May 15, 2026 • 3 Minute Read
What is "Continue" Discipleship?
If you've recently trusted Christ as your Saviour — or if you've been a Christian for a while but feel like you need a stronger foundation — the Continue discipleship program at Faith Baptist Church might be exactly what you need. What Is Continue? Continue is a biblically-grounded, one-on-one discipleship program designed to give new (and growing) Christians a solid footing in the Word of God. The program was developed by Striving Together Publications and written by Pastor Paul Chappell. It consists of fourteen weekly lessons that walk through the core doctrines and practical truths every Christian needs to know. Each lesson is built around a clear outline, thorough Scripture references, and built-in conversation starters to help open up honest, personal discussion. At the end of each lesson, there are five daily devotional readings to help develop the habit of getting into God's Word every day. Each session is designed to take about 45–60 minutes. What Topics Does It Cover? The fourteen lessons include: The Word of God Knowing God Who Is Jesus? Your Salvation Developing a Prayer Life Your Relationship with God's Word The Holy Spirit The Life of a Disciple The Local Church Your Place in Your Church Family Financial Stewardship Go and Tell the Good News Living in Light of Eternity Continue Every topic is practical, biblical, and tied to real Christian living — not just information, but transformation. How Does It Work at Faith Baptist? When you enroll in Continue at Faith Baptist, you'll be paired with an experienced believer from our church family who will walk through the lessons with you week by week. Discipleship is meant to happen in relationship — and that's exactly how Continue is designed. When does Discipleship happen? Discipleship happens best when it becomes a regular, intentional part of your life. In the Continue program, most pairs meet once a week at a time that works for both people — before or after a service, in a home, at the church, or even over coffee. The key is consistency and a setting where you can focus on God’s Word and honest conversation. But discipleship is more than just a scheduled meeting. It continues throughout the week as you spend time in God’s Word using the daily devotions, apply what you’ve learned, and stay connected with the person discipling you. It’s not just about completing lessons — it’s about growing in Christ day by day. In other words, discipleship isn’t confined to one hour a week. It’s a lifestyle of learning, growing, and following Jesus together. How Do I Sign Up? You can sign up and learn more below. The Continue book itself is available through the church office. Whether you're brand new to the faith or looking to get grounded in what you believe, we'd love to walk through this with you. Reach out to us — we'll get you connected.Sign me up!
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 Together Available Thursday, October 8, 2026.
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 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 13, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
Grandparents Day at Faith Baptist
Some gifts skip a generation. Others are meant to be passed down. On Sunday, September 13, 2026, our whole church family will pause together to give thanks for one of God's most precious gifts, the heritage of faith carried from one generation to the next. The Psalmist wrote, "One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts" (Psalm 145:4). That is the heartbeat of Grandparents Day at Faith Baptist. Faith is not meant to end with us. It is meant to be spoken, modeled, and handed down. Scripture reminds us how important it is: Proverbs 17:6
Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers. 2 Timothy 1:5
I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. Timothy's faith did not begin with him. It was planted by a grandmother, watered by a mother, and it grew into a life the Lord used greatly. That same kind of legacy is being written in homes across our church family right now, whether through a grandparent who walked faithfully before you, or grandchildren who remind you why it all matters. Weren’t able to make it? On Grandparents Sunday, we were reminded that every generation leaves something behind for the generation that follows—but the greatest inheritance we can give is not wealth, possessions, or earthly success, but a genuine faith in God. From Deuteronomy 6:1–12, we learn that generations must remember God, repeat His truth, reflect His truth in daily life, and guard against forgetting Him when His blessings bring comfort and prosperity. Our faith cannot simply be “Grandpa’s religion” or “Mom and Dad’s convictions”; it must be personally known, faithfully lived, and intentionally passed to those coming behind us. As we consider what we are leaving behind, may we remember what God has done, live according to His Word, and diligently teach the next generation to know and follow Him.Generations that Remember God
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 3, 2026 • 10 Minute Read
Guarding the Gate
This post covers current iOS 26 Screen Time steps (verified against Apple's published settings paths as of August 2026). Apple has previewed additional Screen Time features arriving with iOS 27 this fall; once that update is live, this guide should be revisited. Proverbs 4:23
Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Psalm 101:3
I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes. Why These Safeguards Matter The teenage years are some of the most important years of spiritual and emotional formation in a young person's life. A teenager's convictions are being tested, their identity is being shaped, and their sense of right and wrong is being formed by everything that has access to their eyes, ears, and mind. During these years, the mind is still developing the capacity for self-control and long-term judgment, even while the desire for independence is growing quickly. That gap between growing freedom and growing wisdom is exactly where a smartphone becomes either a tremendous help or a serious danger. An iPhone in a teenager's pocket is not a neutral object. It is a door. Through that door can come sound Bible teaching, encouraging communication with godly friends, and useful tools for school and ministry. But through that same door can also come pornography, predatory strangers, cruel words from peers, hours of wasted time, and a steady stream of worldly messages about identity, beauty, and worth that contradict the truth of God's Word. Scripture places the primary responsibility for this kind of guarding on parents. Ephesians 6:4
And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Proverbs 22:6
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Parental controls are not a lack of trust in your teenager. They are one practical way of fulfilling the charge God has given parents to nurture, protect, and train. A wise farmer builds a fence before he needs one. A wise parent sets a boundary before it is tested. Setting up these tools now, and explaining calmly why they are in place, is an act of love and shepherding, not suspicion. The instructions below will walk you through every major parental control currently available on iOS, step by step. Setting Up Parental Controls on iOS (Step-by-Step) These steps use Apple's built-in Screen Time and Family Sharing tools, which are free and do not require any third-party app. Plan on fifteen to twenty minutes to complete the full setup. You will need your own iPhone and access to your teenager's Apple ID. Suggested Starting Settings At a Glance The starting points below reflect a standard consistent with our church's convictions on media and worldliness. Every family may adjust from here, but this is a sound place to begin. Suggested Starting Point Movies, TV Shows, Apps - G or PG only Music, Podcasts & News - Block explicit content Web Content - Limit Adult Websites (or Allowed Websites Only for stronger filtering) Downtime - 10:00 PM – 7:00 AM App Limits - Set limits on Social Networking, Games, and Entertainment/Streaming Video The detailed steps below show exactly where to enter each of these. Step 1: Set Up Family Sharing Family Sharing links your teenager's Apple Account to yours so that every setting below can be managed from your own phone, not theirs. On your iPhone, open Settings. Tap your name at the top, then tap Family (on some devices this appears as Family Sharing). Tap Add Member, then follow the prompts to add your teenager, either by inviting their existing Apple ID or creating a new one for them. Confirm your teenager now appears listed under your Family group. [Screenshot: Settings > Family screen] This step matters more than any other. Every control below depends on your teenager's account being part of your Family group. Without it, restrictions can be changed or removed from their own device. Step 2: Turn On Screen Time and Set a Screen Time Passcode On your iPhone, go to Settings > Screen Time. Under the "Family" section, tap your teenager's name. If Screen Time is not already on, tap Turn On Screen Time, and follow the prompts, making sure you are setting it up as the parent. When prompted, create a four-digit Screen Time Passcode. This is separate from your teenager's device passcode. [Screenshot: Screen Time passcode setup] Do not use a birthday, "1234," or any code your teenager could guess. This passcode is what keeps them from changing or removing any setting you put in place. Step 3: Enable Content and Privacy Restrictions This is where you control what content is allowed on the device. Go to Settings > Screen Time, tap your teenager's name, then tap Content & Privacy Restrictions. Turn on Content & Privacy Restrictions. Tap iTunes & App Store Purchases to control installing, deleting, and in-app purchases. Tap Content Restrictions to set age-appropriate limits for: Movies, TV Shows, Apps, and Books (choose the appropriate rating for your teenager's age) Web Content — select Limit Adult Websites at minimum, or Allowed Websites Only for stronger filtering Music, Podcasts & News and explicit content filtering Siri — restrict explicit language and web search results Passcode Changes — set this to require your Screen Time passcode [Screenshot: Content & Privacy Restrictions menu] Suggested starting point: Set Movies, TV Shows, and Apps to G or PG, block explicit content under Music, Podcasts & News, set Web Content to at least Limit Adult Websites, and turn off explicit language and search results under Siri. This is a stricter baseline than Apple's own defaults, chosen to reflect the standard of purity Scripture calls us to guard our minds with: Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Families are free to adjust from here as they know their own household, but this is a sound and biblically consistent place to begin. Step 4: Configure Communication Limits and Communication Safety From the same Screen Time menu for your teenager, tap Communication Limits. Choose who your teenager can call, message, or FaceTime with, and set separate rules for during Downtimehours. Return to Screen Time and look for Communication Safety (under Content & Privacy Restrictions or as its own menu depending on iOS version). Turn this on. It warns and blurs sensitive images sent or received in Messages and other supported apps, without alerting anyone outside the family. [Screenshot: Communication Limits screen] Step 5: Set Downtime and App Limits In Screen Time, tap Downtime and schedule hours when only phone calls and apps you allow will be available — a strong recommendation is overnight hours and during family or church time. Tap App Limits, then Add Limit, and choose categories such as Social Networking, Games, or Entertainment to set daily time budgets. Under Always Allowed, choose which apps (such as Phone, Messages, or a Bible app) remain available even during Downtime. [Screenshot: Downtime and App Limits screens] Suggested starting point: Set Downtime for 9:00 PM to 7:00 AM as a general common-sense window, adjusting for your family's own schedule, church commitments, and school demands. For App Limits, the categories most worth restricting are Social Networking, Games, and Entertainment/Streaming Video. The exact number of minutes is best left to each family, but limiting these three categories in particular will address where most unsupervised time tends to go. Step 6: Turn On Ask to Buy Go to Settings > [your name] > Family. Tap your teenager's name, then turn on Ask to Buy. This sends you a notification any time your teenager attempts to download an app or make a purchase, giving you the chance to approve or decline it. Step 7: Turn On Location Sharing Go to Settings > [your name] > Family, tap your teenager's name, and enable Share My Location, or open the Find My app directly. This is a safety measure, not a means of constant surveillance. It exists so that in an emergency, or simply out of ordinary parental care, you know where your child is. Step 8: Lock the Settings Down Return one more time to Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions and confirm that Passcode Changesrequires your Screen Time passcode. This prevents your teenager from disabling anything you have just set up. Keep this passcode private, and do not store it in a note on a shared device. A Word to Our Teenagers If you are a teenager reading this, some of what your parents are setting up on your phone may feel restrictive, or even like they do not trust you. Please listen and understand: these limits are not a punishment, and they are not evidence that your parents think poorly of you. They are evidence that your parents love you and take seriously the responsibility God has given them to watch over you. Proverbs 1:8-9
My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: for they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck. Ephesians 6:1
Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Scripture is honest about the fact that there is real danger in this world, and much of it now arrives through a screen. The Bible describes an adversary who is active and watching for an opportunity: 1 Peter 5:8
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. That danger is not hypothetical. Strangers online do not always present themselves honestly, and some intend real harm. Pornography does lasting damage to the mind and to the conscience, and it is designed to be addictive. Endless scrolling and comparison on social media are tied to real struggles with anxiety and discouragement among people your age. None of these dangers announce themselves clearly before they do harm. That is exactly why a boundary set in advance, by someone who loves you, is worth more than a warning that comes too late. When you are tempted to see a parental control as an obstacle, try to see it instead as a guardrail on a mountain road. It is not there because the road's engineers think you are a bad driver. It is there because the drop is real, and someone who cares about you decided you deserved protection before you needed it. Trust your parents in this. Talk with them if a rule feels unclear or if you disagree, honestly and respectfully, rather than looking for ways around it. And above all, remember that ultimate safety and ultimate satisfaction were never found in unlimited access to anything a screen can offer. They are found in Christ. Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. Questions about any of these settings can be directed to Bro. Nick Brunoni. Parents are also encouraged to review these settings together with their teenager rather than simply installing them without conversation, a boundary explained is far more likely to be respected than a boundary imposed in silence.
September 3, 2026 • 4 Minute Read
Faithful Over a Few Things
Faith Baptist Christian Academy is not the only place where children at Faith Baptist Church are being taught week by week. Every Sunday morning and Wednesday night, a faithful group of teachers and helpers gives up their personal time to make preparation to patiently serve in our Faith Kids classrooms. In our recent Worker Training we were from the parable of the talents in Matthew 25. Matthew 25:14-15
For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. The point of the parable is simple. The talents did not belong to the servants. They belonged to the master. The servants were stewards, not owners, entrusted with something for a season. In the same way, none of our Faith Kids workers own the children in their classrooms, the rooms they use, or the gospel they teach. All of it belongs to the Lord, and all of it has been placed in their hands to manage faithfully. Three areas of stewardship were laid before our workers that evening. Steward the Opportunity to Teach and Influence Children Every child who walks into a Faith Kids classroom belongs to the Lord first, and to their parents second. For some of these children, the hour spent in that classroom may be the only spiritual input they receive all week. That is a sobering thought, and it means preparation matters. Coming ready to teach, ready to love, and ready to notice the child who is struggling or has never heard the gospel is not optional. It is the calling. 1 Corinthians 4:2
Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. Steward the Church's Property and Resources Faith Kids classrooms are shared spaces, used by other ministries and by the Christian Academy throughout the week. Stewardship does not end when class is dismissed. It extends to the next person who walks through that door. Psalm 24:1
The earth is the LORD's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. We are challenged to leave every room better than they found it, remembering that even picking up crayons from the floor can be done as unto the Lord. Colossians 3:23
And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men. Steward the Gospel Itself The highest stewardship of all is the gospel. No craft, snack, or game carries the weight of the message that can change a child’s eternal destination. 1 Thessalonians 2:4
But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. We are reminded that it is possible to run a fun, well-organized class and never once clearly present the cross of Christ. Every lesson should carry a clear gospel thread: that all are sinners, that Christ died for sin and rose again, and that salvation comes by grace through faith in Him alone. A Closing Word Faithful stewardship also means guarding the integrity of the ministry itself. We are reminded to never be alone with a child in a closed room, not out of distrust, but so that this ministry remains above reproach. A faithful steward refuses to put himself, the child, or this ministry into a position where he could be falsely accused, or where sin could ever find an opening. Proverbs 4:23
Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. None of our Faith Kids workers are seeking recognition. But they are seeking to hear these words spoken over them one day. Matthew 25:21
His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. Please pray for our Faith Kids workers as they faithfully steward the children, the resources, and the gospel entrusted to them each week.Interested in serving in Faith Kids?
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 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?
We'd love to walk through it with you. Join us Sunday at Faith Baptist ChurchPlan a Visit
August 7, 2026 • 4 Minute Read
Keeping the Spotlight on Christ
The piano is tuned, every word rehearsed, every voice ready, and still, the most important question a worship team member can ask has nothing to do with sound. Who is this for? Worship Is More Than Singing When most people hear the word "worship," they think of the songs sung before the sermon. But worship is much more than that. Singing, preaching, praying, and giving are all acts of worship, and every one of them can be offered to God in sincerity, or to self in pride. A pastor can study over a sermon to be admired for his insights rather than to feed the flock God has entrusted him with. A giver can drop an offering in the plate to be seen as generous rather than out of love for the Lord, a danger Christ addressed directly: Matthew 6:1
Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. A worshipper can lift hands or sing loudly not from a heart stirred by God, but from a desire to appear spiritual to those nearby. Wherever a person serves in worship, pulpit, platform, offering plate, or the seat, the same temptation is there: to turn an act meant for God into a performance for man. John the Baptist stood at the peak of his ministry, with crowds gathering and people following, and said this of Christ: John 3:30
He must increase, but I must decrease. That single sentence defines the calling of every person who serves on a platform. Any Ministry that puts attention on the servant instead of the Savior has already missed the point. The Danger of a Watching Crowd Scripture warns plainly about the pull toward performing for people rather than for God. In John 12, even some of the chief rulers believed on Christ, yet would not confess Him openly: John 12:43
For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. A worship team stands in a uniquely exposed position. There is a congregation watching, a sound system amplifying, and a camera live streaming. None of that is wrong in itself, but it creates real temptation to serve the eyes in the room rather than the throne of God. The desire to be noticed or complimented can quietly replace the desire to glorify Christ, and the shift rarely announces itself. It creeps in through small compromises, a note held for effect rather than for the Lord, a subtle seeking of praise from people that outweighs the joy of pleasing God. The Standard Is the Heart, Not the Performance When Samuel was sent to anoint a king, he was reminded of an unchanging truth: 1 Samuel 16:7
For the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. A congregation can only judge the outward appearance, tone, timing, technique. God alone judges the heart behind it. A technically flawless song offered in pride is not acceptable worship. A simple song offered in humility, aimed entirely at the glory of God, is. Paul gives the team the standard that settles every motive question: 1 Corinthians 10:31
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. Keeping the Spotlight Where It Belongs Practical tips for the platform: Examine motive before rehearsal, not just during it. Ask privately whether preparation is aimed at excellence for God's glory or excellence for personal recognition. Refuse the compliment trap. Receive kind words graciously, but redirect the credit quickly and genuinely to the Lord. Guard against comparison. Comparing gifting, placement, or attention with other team members feeds pride and steals joy from service. Remember the unseen Audience. The congregation may never know the difference between worship and performance, but God always does. David wrote plainly:
Psalm 115:1
Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory. This posture David is highlighting, should be present in every faithful servant from any stage. We offer our skills without reservation, surrender the credit without exception, and Christ alone is left standing in the spotlight.
July 30, 2026 • 7 Minute Read
What Does It Mean to Be a Church Member?
The word "membership" gets used for all kinds of things; gym memberships, subscription memberships. None of those come close to describing what it means to be a member of a local church. Church membership is not a card in your wallet or a name on a roll. It is a covenant commitment, made before God and before a body of believers, to walk together in the work of the gospel. At Faith Baptist Church, we believe church membership is an expression of a Christian's commitment to Christ and to the local church family. It reflects the pattern of the early church, where believers were devoted to one another in a way that went far beyond simply attending the same meeting. Membership is not a formality. It is a meaningful way of living out our faith together. Here is what that commitment looks like. We Commit to Attend Church Hebrews 10:25
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. Acts 2:46
And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Faithful attendance is not about filling a seat. It is about showing up for one another, being present to encourage, to be encouraged, and to stand together as the day of the Lord draws near. We Commit to Care for One Another 1 Peter 4:8
And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. Romans 12:15
Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Caring for one another is central to what it means to belong to a church family. This kind of care is best built in smaller settings, which is why joining a Bible Study class is such an important step for every member. We Commit to Serve 1 Corinthians 12:7
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. Every member has been given spiritual gifts for the profit of the whole body. Membership is an invitation to use those gifts. During the membership interview, our pastoral staff and deacons are glad to talk through where you might serve and grow. We Commit to a Godly Life 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. We are called to live holy lives, not to earn favor with God, but because we have already been washed, sanctified, and justified. A holy life pleases God, helps our brothers and sisters, and brings honor to Christ. We Commit to Give Malachi 3:10
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. II Corinthians 9:7
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. The tithe gives us a starting point rooted in the Old Testament pattern. The New Testament calls us further still; to give cheerfully, generously, and sacrificially, not out of a sense of obligation, but out of love for the Lord. We Commit to Keep the Peace 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. Members are called to live out the gospel in their relationships with one another, choosing humility and patience over division, and unity over strife. We Commit to Pray Ephesians 6:18-20
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. We hope every member is praying daily for Faith Baptist, and especially for other members and our pastoral staff. One of the best ways to grow in this is to join us for our weekly prayer meeting each Wednesday evening at 7:00 p.m. Not a Formality, but a Family Church membership at Faith Baptist is not about adding your name to a list. It is about joining a family, a body of believers who have committed together to attend, to care, to serve, to live godly lives, to give, to honor leadership, to keep peace, and to pray for one another. This is the pattern we see in the early church in the book of Acts, and it is the pattern we want to live out today. Who Can Become a Member? Membership at Faith Baptist is open to anyone who can testify to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Specifically, we ask every prospective member to affirm three things: A clear testimony of salvation - a credible profession of faith in Jesus Christ alone, by grace through faith, as the only way of salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9). Believer’s baptism by immersion - having been scripturally baptized by immersion following salvation, in obedience to Christ’s example (Matthew 3:16; Acts 8:36-39). If you have not yet been baptized this way, our pastoral staff would love to talk with you about that next step. Agreement with our Statement of Faith - a willingness to affirm what we believe the Bible teaches, as outlined in our church constitution, and to walk in unity with this local body under that agreed understanding of Scripture. Membership is not reserved for the mature believer or the lifelong church attender. It is for anyone the Lord has saved who is ready to commit to walking this road together with this church family. The Process of Membership A) Meet with a Staff Member The first step is simple: reach out to one of our Pastoral Staff. We will schedule a time to sit down together, hear your testimony of salvation, walk through what membership means, and answer any questions you have along the way.Learn more about what we Believe B) Meet with a Deacon Next, you’ll meet with one of our deacons. This conversation continues the process, giving you a chance to talk through your baptism, your walk with the Lord, and where you might serve and grow as part of this church family — and giving our deacons the opportunity to know you and pray for you as you take this step.Learn about our Deacons C) Publicly Join Once these conversations are complete, you’ll be presented to the church family and publicly received into membership — usually during a Sunday service. This is a joyful moment where the whole church gets to welcome you and commit, alongside you, to walk together in the work of the gospel. Interested in becoming a member? We would love to talk with you about taking this next step. Reach out to one of our Pastoral Staff, and we will schedule a time to hear your testimony and walk through what membership means together.Want to Join? Let's Talk!
July 27, 2026 • 4 Minute Read
Finding God’s Presence Through Grief
Isaiah 43:2
When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. There are several words that stick out to me in this passage, the first one is not a word of comfort in the way we might first expect. The word is when. The Lord does not say, “If thou passest through the waters.” He does not offer a conditional promise, reserved only for those who might happen to face hardship. He speaks with certainty. The waters will come. The rivers will rise. The fire will burn. Believers are not exempt from grief and loss; they are a part of life in a world marked by sin. The context of Isaiah 43, God spoke this word to Israel in the hardship of exile, it reveals His character, that He does not abandon His people during trials but walks through it with them, is the same character He shows to every believer today. The Certainty of Grief Scripture never hides this reality from us. Job was a man described by God as perfect and upright, yet was not exempt from devastating loss. Job 14:1
Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble. The Lord Jesus Christ Himself, though sinless, was not shielded from grief. He wept at the tomb of Lazarus, entering fully into the sorrow of those He loved. John 11:35
Jesus wept. If the Son of God was not exempt from grief, His people should not expect to either. The promise of Isaiah 43:2 is not that trouble will pass us by, but that when it comes, and it will, we do not face it alone. The Promise of Presence The second word worth noting in Isaiah 43:2 is through. God does not promise a detour around the waters or a shortcut past the fire. He promises to walk with us through them. This is not a passive presence but an active sustaining. The waters do not overflow. The flame does not kindle. Something is preserved in the midst of the trial, and that something is the soul of the believer, held fast by the hand of God. The psalmist understood this same truth when he wrote of walking through the darkest valley: Psalm 23:4
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Notice again the word through. Not around. Not stuck within. Through. The valley has an end, and the Shepherd walks every step beside His sheep. A Present Help The Lord does not offer His presence only in joyful seasons. He identifies Himself as a refuge specifically during times of trouble. Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. For the believer walking through grief today, whether from the loss of a loved one, the weight of a difficult situation, or sorrow that has no easy explanation, this promise stands firm. The waters have not overtaken you.
The fire has not consumed you. The Lord who spoke this word to Israel is the same Lord who still upholds us now. A Place to Walk Through It Together Grief was never meant to be carried in isolation. Starting Tuesday, September 1, 2026, we will be launching a GriefShare ministry, a place where those walking through loss can find fellowship with others who understand, along with the steady hope found only in God’s Word.Learn more about GriefShare
September 29, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
Faith Teens October Newsletter
Dear Parents, This past month, we had the opportunity to take our 10th–12th graders to a Youth Rally in Newington, CT. Throughout the weekend, our teens were challenged from Matthew 7 to consider what they are searching for and where they are looking to find it. It was a great opportunity to spend time with this group, invest in them, and challenge them in their walk with God. We were also encouraged to see our teens take part in Friend Day. Multiple teens invited and brought their friends to church. It was great to see our teens wanting to invite their friends to church. We are praying for God to build our Youth Ministry. As we look ahead to this upcoming month, we are excited to have a special activity planned for our 7th–9th graders. We will be taking them to Camp Calvary for a night of harvest-themed activities, including a corn maze, hayride, games, s’mores, and a bonfire. Upcoming Schedule Harvest Fest- October 2nd (Hosted by Camp Calvary) 7th–9th graders are invited to join us for the Harvest Fest hosted by Camp Calvary, on October 2. We'll leave the church at 5:00 PM and return by Midnight. The cost is $15.SIGN-UP HERE Scarf & Barf- October 18th All 7th–12th graders are invited to join us for Scarf & Barf, a fast-food scavenger hunt designed to bring our teens together for a fun and competitive night. Throughout the evening, teens will have to figure out the correct food item at each restaurant and race to finish it. It will be a fun night of competition, teamwork, and fun with their youth group. Since this event falls on a school night, we will start promptly at 6:30 PM and finish at 8:30 PM. We want our students to enjoy some time together while still getting home at a reasonable time to prepare for the school week ahead. Cost: $10. Have Questions? Contact Bro. Nick Brunoni
Cell #: 267.969.0156 - Email: nbrunoni@fbcfh.com
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 9, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
Faith Teens September Newsletter
Dear Parents, It’s a new school year! We are praying for our teens as they kick off this new year, and recently our team stopped by—or tried to stop by :)—the homes of all of our faithful teens before school to drop off a care package. We are thankful for each of them and excited about what God is going to do in their lives this year. Our ladies also baked over 400 cookies for our local police department. We are thankful for the opportunity to serve and show appreciation to those in our community. Our Wednesday schedule is also updating this month. Starting today, Wednesday, September 9, Teen Soulwinning will be from 4:15–6:30 PM, giving our teens an opportunity to go out and invite people to church. Then, beginning Wednesday, September 16, we will begin our Wednesday Night Bible Study for our teens at 7:00 PM. I’m looking forward to seeing how God uses this new school year. There are a lot of opportunities ahead for our teens to grow in their faith, build relationships, serve others, and invite their friends to be part of what God is doing through Faith Teens. Upcoming Schedule Harvest Fest- October 2nd (Hosted by Camp Calvary) 7th–9th graders are invited to join us for the Harvest Fest hosted by Camp Calvary, on October 2. We'll leave the church at 5:00 PM and return by Midnight. The cost is $15.SIGN-UP HERE Have Questions? Contact Bro. Nick Brunoni
Cell #: 267.969.0156 - Email: nbrunoni@fbcfh.com
July 27, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
Faith Teens August Newsletter
Dear Parents, It’s hard to believe we’re already wrapping up another great summer event. This past week, over 25 of our teens served alongside four church plants in three different cities during our Northeast Missions Trip. One of the biggest highlights for me was watching our students serve with joy and boldly invite people to church. It was encouraging to see God growing their faith and giving them confidence to share Christ. As we head into the school year, we're excited to kick off our Teen Discipleship series this Wednesday at 4:00 PM. I also want to highlight our Northeast Rally in September. Because the rally is about five hours away, it will take place Thursday–Friday this year, and students will miss two days of school. We can provide school excuse letters if needed. We only have 12 spots available, so if your teen would like to attend, I encourage you to sign up soon. Last year's rally was a tremendous encouragement to those who went, and we're looking forward to another great year. Upcoming Schedule Summer Discipleship- Begins Wednesday, July 29th This Wednesday we're kicking off our Teen Discipleship series! As we get ready for the new school year, we're going to spend the next four weeks looking at Four Lessons Every Teen Should Hear. We'll meet here at the church for games, snacks, fellowship, and a Bible lesson. We're looking forward to a great few weeks together and hope your teen can make it! Northeast Rally (Hosted by Emmanuel Baptist Church) 10th–12th graders are invited to join us for the Northeast Rally in Newington, CT, on September 17–18. We'll leave the church at 10:30 AM Thursday and return by 8:00 PM Friday. The cost is $110. Space is limited, so be sure to sign up soon!SIGN-UP HERE Have Questions? Contact Bro. Nick Brunoni
Cell #: 267.969.0156 - Email: nbrunoni@fbcfh.com
July 4, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
Faith Teens July Newsletter
Dear Parents, It’s hard to believe it is already July, and our road trip to Pensacola Christian College and Teen Camp has already come and gone. Our week at camp was incredibly encouraging, with over 1,200 teens in attendance. Our students did an outstanding job throughout the entire experience—from the 18-hour car ride to adjusting to a new environment with so many teens at one camp. We truly saw God work in the hearts of our young people. Our goal in Faith Teens is not simply to provide experiences like camp, but to build a community of like-minded young people who are growing in their faith and learning to serve God together. As we move forward from camp and continue what God has started in our students’ lives, we are looking ahead to our next opportunity to serve together. Below, you will find details for our upcoming Northeast Mission Trip. Upcoming Schedule Northeast Mission Trip- July 20-23, 2026 Parents, we are just two weeks away from our Northeast Missions Trip, and we're looking forward to a great week together! Throughout the week, we'll be serving alongside local churches in three different cities over three days, allowing our teens the opportunity to make a difference in each community. The cost for the trip is $65, which includes admission to our Thursday fun day at Six Flags but does not include meals. Please have your teen bring money for food each day or pack a lunch. Sign-up HereDownload Trip Itinerary Summer Discipleship - Starting Wednesday, July 29, 2026 All 7th-12th graders are invited to a four-week discipleship program, taking place every Wednesday. We will meet in the Activity Center at 4 pm for games, snacks, and a Bible lesson. Have Questions? Contact Bro. Nick Brunoni
Cell #: 267.969.0156 - Email: nbrunoni@fbcfh.com
June 3, 2026 • 1 Minute Read
Faith Teens June Newsletter
Dear Parents, Over the last month, we have been working hard at our Teen Work Days, which have been a huge success resulting in our students raising over $2,000 towards camp. Upcoming Schedule 90’s Night - Friday, June 5, 2026 All 7th–12th graders are invited to our 90’s Night! Come dressed in your best 90’s outfit—winner receives a prize. We’ll be heading to Hot Wheelz and Bowling after our service. Bring money for dinner. Departure: 5:00 PM from the church
Return: Midnight
Cost: $30 per teenSign-Up Teen Extreme Summer Camp - June 20-27, 2026 Parents, we are just two weeks away from Summer Camp and are looking forward to a great week together! On Sunday, June 7th, your teen will receive an updated itinerary and camp cost. Payment can be made by cash, check (written out to Faith Baptist Church), or online HERE (please mark as events).Download Trip Itinerary Be sure to reference the Camp Dress Code while you're packing! Getting Excited! Watch the recap video for 2025 Teen Extreme Camp HERE! Northeast Mission Trip - July 20-23, 2026 Have Questions? Contact Bro. Nick Brunoni
Cell #: 267.969.0156 - Email: nbrunoni@fbcfh.com
May 14, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
How the Bus Ministry Works — A Guide for New Riders
Have you heard about the Bus Ministry at Faith Baptist Church but weren't sure exactly how it works? This is a quick, simple guide to help you know what to expect. What Is the Bus Ministry? The Bus Ministry is one of the ways Faith Baptist Church reaches out to the community. We believe that every child deserves to hear the Gospel and the Word of God, and we know that not every family has a way to get to church on Sunday morning. So we come to them. Our buses travel through the local area each Sunday to pick up children and bring them to church — free of charge. Who Leads It? The Bus Ministry is led by Brother Nick Brunoni and his wife, Kisha. Bro. Nick and his family have been faithfully serving at Faith Baptist since 2015, and they and their team are dedicated to reaching people with the truth of the gospel. They are supported by a team of committed volunteers who love kids and take this ministry seriously. What Happens When Your Child Rides? Here's the simple flow of a Bus Ministry Sunday: The bus comes to your neighborhood at a set time and picks up your child. All riders are supervised by workers on the bus. When your child arrives at Faith Baptist, they are taken to a children's Sunday school class that is designed just for them — with songs, games, and a Bible lesson taught in an age-appropriate way. After the service, the bus brings your child back home, and our workers will walk them to your front door and make sure they are safely returned to a parent. Is It Safe? Safety is a priority. Our workers are vetted, trained, and committed to caring for every child as if they were their own. You can trust that your child will be in a safe, encouraging environment the entire time. How Do I Sign Up? If you'd like to get your child on the bus route, or if you have questions, we'd love to connect with you. We'd love to have your child with us this Sunday!Request Information
May 13, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
Faith Teens May Newsletter
Dear Parents, Last week, we kicked off our Teen Work Days, which will continue through the end of the month. Each Wednesday, our teens will have at least three job opportunities as we work together to help lower the cost of camp for everyone. This coming Saturday, we’ll be doing car detailing, and there are still spots available for anyone who would like to sign up. Please help spread the word. I also wanted to clarify a few details for our Graduate Sunday on May 31st. During the 11:00 service, we will have a special time to honor our seniors and their families. Following the service, lunch will be provided for our FaithTeens and their families as we come together to celebrate our seniors. How to Sign Up:
To help us prepare, please click HERE to sign up for Car Detailing! Upcoming Schedule Graduation Sunday - May 31, 2026 Join us for Graduation Sunday as we celebrate the Class of 2026! Let’s come together as a church family to honor our graduates and rejoice in their hard work and accomplishments. Don’t miss this special service as we recognize them and pray over their future. Lunch for all FaithTeens and their families will follow. 90’s Night - Friday, June 5, 2026 All 7th–12th graders are invited to our 90’s Night! Come dressed in your best 90’s outfit—winner receives a prize. We’ll be heading to Skate Plex and Bowling after our service. Bring money for dinner. Departure: 5:30 PM from the church
Return: Midnight
Cost: $30 per teenSign-Up Teen Extreme Summer Camp - June 20-27, 2026 Parents, we are a little over a month away from camp! We are looking forward to a great week together. If you have any questions, please contact me directly. An updated itinerary will be coming soon. Have Questions? Contact Bro. Nick Brunoni
Cell #: 267.969.0156 - Email: nbrunoni@fbcfh.com
May 13, 2026 • 3 Minute Read
Why Church Matters When You're a Teenager
Let's be honest — Sunday morning isn't always the easiest time to be a teenager. There are late Saturday nights, comfortable beds, and a hundred other things pulling at your attention. So why bother? Why does church actually matter during these years? Here's the truth: the teen years are some of the most important years of your life, not just for your future — but for your faith. 1) You're Making Decisions That Shape Everything The choices you make between 13 and 19 — who you spend time with, what you believe, how you handle hard things — lay a foundation that carries into adulthood. Proverbs 22:6 says, "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Church isn't just something to do — it's one of God's primary means of building that foundation in your life. 2) You Need More Than Just Good Advice The world is full of voices telling teenagers what to think, who to be, and what to value. Social media, friends, entertainment — none of it is neutral. You need the Word of God and a community of people who are anchored to it. Psalm 119:9 asks, "Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way?" The answer? "By taking heed thereto according to thy word." Church is where you get that Word — consistently, week after week. 3) You Need People Who Are For You One of the gifts God gives through the local church is relationships. You need older Christians who have walked through hard things and come out on the other side. You need friends your age who are genuinely trying to follow Christ. You need adults in your life who care about your soul — not just your grades or your schedule. That kind of community doesn't happen by accident; it happens in a church family. 4) Your Faith Is Yours to Own At some point, your parents' faith has to become your faith. Church is one of the main places that happens. When you sit under preaching, when you open your Bible in Sunday school, when you hear testimonies and pray with others — God uses all of that to grow something real in your own heart. To Our Teens at Faith Baptist We are glad you are here. We believe God has a plan for your life, and we want to walk alongside you as you discover it. Don't drift through these years — dig in. Come to Faith Teens. Bring a friend. Let this be the place where your faith gets roots.Learn more about Faith Teens Ministry
August 6, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
Master Clubs Is Relaunching September 16
Faith Baptist Church is excited to announce the relaunch of Master Clubs on Wednesday, September 16. This ministry has long been a vital part of how our church disciples the next generation, and this season brings fresh leadership and a full return to the mission that makes it so special. What Is Master Clubs? Master Clubs is a Bible-centered discipleship program for children age three through sixth grade. Unlike programs built around community service or achievement, Master Clubs is built entirely around Christ. Children earn badges for Scripture memorization, Bible knowledge, and Christian service, all while learning to walk with the Lord in practical, age-appropriate ways. Each week includes: The Master Clubs key verse — "For one is your Master, even Christ" (Matthew 23:10) Singing and devotions to prepare hearts for the Word Table time, where children work with their leaders toward Scripture memory and badge work Group games and activities that reinforce the lesson in a fun, memorable way Proverbs 22:6
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. New Leadership Bro. Brad and Jaime O'Dell have accepted the responsibility of leading Master Clubs. The O'Dells previously served in Master Clubs for over 15 years and bring that experience back with them after over a decade of leading our Worship Ministry. We are confident the Lord will use their experience to strengthen this ministry for your children. How to Get Your Children Involved If you have children age three through sixth grade, we would love to have them join us for the Master Clubs relaunch on September 16. No prior experience is necessary, and children are welcome to join even after the year begins. We are looking forward to what the Lord will do in the hearts of our children this year through Master Clubs.Register your Children Now!
July 16, 2026 • 7 Minute Read
Songs Worth Singing
Colossians 3:16
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. There is something powerful that happens when a congregation sings together. But not all songs do that well. And that is worth thinking about. This is not an argument for one style over another. It is not a case for the old against the new, or the traditional against the contemporary. It is simply an invitation to take seriously what Paul told the church at Colossae, that the songs we sing are meant to let the word of Christ dwell in us richly. The question worth asking is not how old is this song? It is how much of Christ is in it? God's Design for Congregational Singing Paul's instruction in Ephesians 5:19 gives us a remarkably broad category for worship music, “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.” That breadth is intentional. Congregational singing should not be confined to a single style, era, or form. It should be rich, varied, and full, much like the Psalms themselves, which range from triumphant praise to gut-honest lament, from quiet trust to thunderous declaration. What unifies that variety is not style. It is substance. Every psalm, every hymn, every spiritual song is meant to carry the weight of truth and direct the heart toward God. When a song does that well, whatever its form, it belongs in the worship of God's people. What Great Songs Do Whether a song was written in the eighteenth century or last year, the best worship songs share certain qualities. They are worth looking for, and worth protecting. 1) They are anchored in Scripture. The greatest songs the church has ever sung draw their content from the Word of God. They are not vague impressions about a generic higher power. They are specific declarations about the God of the Bible, the cross of Christ, the grace that saves, the hope that holds. When a song is saturated with Scripture, it does more than entertain. It instructs. 2) They teach as they are sung. Paul connects singing directly to teaching and admonishing one another in Colossians 3:16. That means congregational singing is not a passive experience. It is a corporate act of edification. When the words are theologically grounded, the congregation is being built up every time they sing them, whether they realize it or not. 3) They engage both the heart and the mind. Paul's standard in 1 Corinthians 14:15 is clear, “I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.” The best songs stir genuine emotion because they are rooted in genuine truth. Feeling and doctrine are not enemies in worship. They are meant to travel together. 4) They point to Christ, not to the experience of worship itself. There is a subtle but important difference between a song that says look at what God has done and one that says look at how I feel about God. Both have their place. But a steady diet of the latter can quietly shift the center of worship from the Savior to the worshipper. Songs that keep Christ at the center, His person, His work, His glory, do the most lasting good. The Gift of the Historic Hymns It would be a real loss to walk away from the great hymns of the faith, not because they are old, but because they are extraordinarily good at doing what congregational singing is meant to do. The men and women who wrote them were not simply poets. They were theologians with a pastoral burden. Isaac Watts wanted truth to be singable. Charles Wesley believed every doctrine deserved to be sung. Fanny Crosby, blind from infancy, wrote thousands of hymns because she had seen something with the eyes of faith that she could not stop putting into words. Open a hymn like And Can It Be and you will find the incarnation, the atonement, the new birth, and the assurance of salvation — all developed across five stanzas. Sing It Is Well With My Soul and you are singing words written by a man who had just lost his four daughters at sea. Those words have steadied grieving believers ever since, because they were already planted in the memory, already true. That kind of depth is a gift. And it is a gift worth passing on to the next generation, not as a museum piece, but as a living inheritance. The Value of Newer Songs At the same time, God has not stopped inspiring His people to write. There are songs being sung today that are rich in doctrine, saturated in Scripture, and genuinely Christ-centered. When a newer song meets that standard, it deserves a place in our worship just as much as any hymn written centuries ago. The issue was never the age of the song. The issue is always the content. A theologically empty hymn from 1750 does less for the congregation than a doctrinally rich song written last decade. What we are after is not the preservation of an era, it is the presence of truth. Why Balance Matters A healthy worship diet includes both old and new, and here is why: The older songs anchor us. They connect us to the faith of a long line of believers who trusted the same God before us. They remind us that we did not invent this faith, we received it. The newer songs remind us the gospel is still alive. They reflect a faith that is not frozen in the past but active in the present, still moving hearts, still producing fruit, still being proclaimed in every generation. Together, they give the congregation something full and balanced, a worship life that is rooted in history and alive in the present. Singing With Understanding When the lyrics appear on the screen, resist the urge to simply wait for the music to cue you in. Read the words first. Let them land as statements of faith before they become songs of worship. Ask yourself: What is this saying about God? Do I believe this? What is this calling me to remember or do? That simple habit turns singing from a passive activity into an act of genuine, engaged worship, which is exactly what God is after. John 4:24
God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. A Word Before You Leave Your Seat The songs we sing together are not filler between the announcements and the sermon. They are a vital part of what happens when the church gathers. They teach us. They anchor us. They give us a shared language for expressing faith, grief, hope, and praise. They plant truth in us that surfaces at exactly the right moment, in a hospital room, in a sleepless night, when we need it most. So sing. Sing the old songs and mean them.
Sing the newer songs and let them do their work.
Sing with your whole heart and your whole mind. And let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, not just while the music plays, but long after you leave your seat. 1 Corinthians 14:15
I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. At Faith Baptist Church, we are committed to worship that is rooted in Scripture, balanced in expression, and directed wholly to the glory of God — because the songs we sing shape what we believe.
May 17, 2026 • 5 Minute Read
God the Uncreated One
The Story This modern hymn - alternately titled "God the Uncreated One" and "King Forevermore” - was written by Aaron Keyes and Pete James. "'Kingdoms rise and kingdoms fall, he is faithful through it all' is a timely reminder for us. Our God, who was, is, and is to come, is actively working in our world. As beautifully as he hung the stars in space, he has faithfully been our strong fortress in every storm. We can trust his unchanging character because he has perfectly revealed himself to us in the cross, and powerfully defeated even death itself. The Eternal King is a God of love, leading his people into everlasting life. " (Aaron Keyes) Scriptural Application God the Father works his sovereign will in all things, at all times. What God designs, he brings into existence. We see this in his glorious creation, and we see it in his glorious plan of salvation. Before he made the world, God had already determined, in every meticulous detail, exactly how he would create a people for himself, saving them from their sins. Like the author of a book, God—the Uncreated One—stands outside “the laws of space and time,” working out his plans as history unfolds. He has known the end from the beginning, and that brings us great comfort as we trust in his promise that justice will roll as surely as Christ was raised from the dead. Each stanza in this hymn helps to draw our focus to one aspect of the triune God’s eternal reign. The first verse emphasizes His role as Creator. The scope of His glorious design of the universe ranges from the grand (he set the stars and planets in place) to the minute (he numbers every grain of sand). Yet God is not merely a Maker, but an Artist, for he has made his creation beautiful (“like chandeliers”; Ecclesiastes 3:11). When David marveled at the majesty of the heavens, he couldn’t help but wonder why a God who could make such wonders would care about us individually (Psalm 8:3-4), yet this same God “knows the heart of every man” (Jeremiah 17:10; Acts 15:8). And so with David, we acknowledge that “He is King forevermore,” and worthy of our praise (Psalm 8:9). Verse 2 contains a number of Old Testament allusions to the might and power of Almighty God. He is “our fortress and our strength” (Psalm 91:2); the “rock on which we can depend” (1 Samuel 2:2). He is “matchless in his majesty, power, and authority” (Jeremiah 10:6). He is the “never-changing” (Malachi 3:6) “Great I AM” (Exodus 3:14). Sovereign even over the rise and fall of earthly kingdoms (Job 12:23), He remains “faithful through it all” (Deuteronomy 7:9). The hymn’s third verse speaks of the incarnation, when this mighty God put on mortal flesh (Colossians 2:9). The ancient curse of sin (Genesis 2:17; Romans 6:23) was brought to bear on the sinless Savior, both Mighty God and the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). Christ was lifted high (John 3:14) as our perfect, spotless sacrifice in order to secure our redemption (Hebrews 9:12). On the cross, Jesus cried out words from Psalm 22 (Matthew 27:46), a Messianic psalm which calls for help to a Father who is a rescuer of those who place their trust in Him (Psalm 22:5,19). The Son’s trust was not misplaced, and He was “rescued by the Father’s hand to reign as King forevermore!” In the final stanza, we focus on Christ’s victory over sin & death, and look forward to his perfect and righteous rule over all the earth. In that day, the cries of God’s people to see “justice roll” (Amos 5:24) will be answered, and, as we see in the Revelation, all the angels of heaven and all of the saints redeemed by the blood of the Lamb will sing together, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty” (Revelation 4:8, 5:13). He will reign as the “King of kings” (Revelation 19:16) and those who have been saved by grace through faith in Christ will experience the promised “joy in everlasting life” (Psalm 16:11) as we reign with him forevermore (Revelation 22:5). There’s a reason Revelation is filled with songs and singing. When we reflect on these glorious truths, how can we keep from singing? Praise be to the King of kings forevermore! Lyrics Verse 1
God the uncreated One
The Author of salvation
Who wrote the laws of space and time
And fashioned worlds to His design
The One whom angel hosts revere
Hung the stars like chandeliers
Numbered every grain of sand
Knows the heart of every man
He is King forever
He is King forever
He is King forevermore
Verse 2
God our fortress and our strength
The Rock on which we can depend
Matchless in His majesty
His power and authority
Unshaken by the schemes of man
Never changing Great I am
Kingdoms rise and kingdoms fall
He is faithful through it all
Crown Him King forever
Crown Him King forever
Crown Him King forevermore
Verse 3
Mighty God in mortal flesh
Forsaken by a traitor's kiss
The curse of sin and centuries
Did pierce the lowly Prince of Peace
Lifted high the sinless man
Crucified the spotless Lamb
Buried by the sons of man
Rescued by the Father's hand
To reign as King forever
Reign as King forever
Reign as King forevermore
Verse 4
King eternal God of grace
We crown You with the highest praise
Heaven shouts and saints adore
You're holy holy holy Lord
What joy in everlasting life
All is love and faith is sight
Justice rolls and praises rise
At the name of Jesus Christ
King of kings forever
King of kings forever
King of kings forevermore
Crucified the spotless Lamb
Buried by the sons of man
Rescued by the Father's hand
To reign as King forever
Reign as King forever
Reign as King forevermore
May 17, 2026 • 4 Minute Read
Show Us Christ
The Story “Show Us Christ reminds us that the purpose of preaching God’s Word is not simply to give insights for living, impress people with our knowledge, or to tell people they need to try harder. The primary goal is to display the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. The written and preached Word is meant to point us to the riches of the living Word. And because we need the Holy Spirit to open our eyes to the glory of Christ in Scripture, it’s right and good that we ask God for help to do just that." (Bob Kauflin, writer “Show Us Christ”) Scriptural Application We sing about many aspects of our faith: giving glory to God, retelling the wondrous story of the Gospel, celebrating the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, expressing our love for God and dependence on His grace and mercy. They are all Scripturally-based songs, but how often do we sing songs that ask God to transform us by His powerful Word? This simple yet beautiful song is a humble prayer of preparation and begging God to impress His Word upon our hearts by the power of His Spirit in such a way that our lives bear the fruit of the Gospel as a response. At the heart of this prayer is the centrality of Christ. What great privilege we have as Christians on this side of the Cross, with the joy of seeing Christ as the fulfillment of God’s written Word (Matt 5:17) and the very Word of God in flesh (John 1:14). We should never take for granted the fact that God has chosen to reveal Himself to us in the Bible. Neither should we ever trust in our ability to properly understand His revelation apart from the discernment given by His Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:14). The fact that the "experts" on the Old Testament missed the coming of the Messiah, despite devoting their entire lives to studying God's Word, should serve as a warning against coming to the Scriptures on our own terms. Yet God has promised that He Himself will give us understanding (2 Timothy 2:7). And so we pray for open eyes and hearts, both for ourselves and for others (Psalm 119:144; Colossians 1:9). We confess our need for God to give us the growth that we desire (Mark 4:14-20; 1 Corinthians 3:7), and to help our unbelief (Mark 9:24). We claim the unmatched ability of God's Word to make us wise (Psalm 119:130), to feed our souls (Job 23:12; Matthew 4:4), and to impart to us the riches of His knowledge (Romans 11:33). And when the Bible seems hard to understand and ever harder to apply, we must acknowledge that we have nowhere else to turn, and express our trust that God's Word will give us the direction and discernment we need in our lives. (John 6:66-68; Philippians 2:9-11). This is a perfect song to sing before hearing God’s Word preached. The truth is, we need God’s help to prepare our hearts, give us the ears to hear, and hearts to understand and apply His Word. With so many worldly voices competing for our attention, we must cling to God’s voice, spoken to us in His living Word. For as the disciples recognized: “Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.” (John 6:68-69). Lyrics Verse 1
Prepare our hearts, O God, help us to receive
Break the hard and stony ground, help our unbelief
Plant your Word down deep in us, cause it to bear fruit
Open up our ears to hear, lead us in Your truth
Chorus
Show us Christ, Show us Christ
O God, reveal Your glory through the preaching of Your Word
Until every heart confesses Christ is Lord
Verse 2
Your Word is living light upon our darkened eyes
Guards us through temptations, makes the simple wise
Your Word is food for famished ones, freedom for the slave
Riches for the needy soul, come speak to us today
Bridge
Where else can we go, Lord?
Where else can we go?
You have the words of eternal life!
June 2, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
Parent Perspective: Ayala Family
“As a parent of four children—two boys and two girls—who were actively involved in the youth group from 7th through 12th grade, I can say with confidence that I have never encountered a group of leaders who genuinely loved and cared for my children the way they did. Their commitment to faithfully teaching God's Word and preaching directly from the Bible provided a strong spiritual foundation, while also creating a safe and welcoming environment where each of my children felt valued and encouraged. Throughout the years, they partnered with my husband and me in helping to raise our children to know and love Jesus, reinforcing the biblical values we taught at home.” “We are deeply grateful for the lasting impact they have had on our family and for the Christ-centered investment they made in each of our children's lives.” - Jon & Evelyn Ayala Members of Faith Baptist Church since 2011Share your Faith Teens Testimony HERE! Every family has a story of God's grace and faithfulness. Have you seen the Lord working in the life of your teen or your family? We'd love to hear it. Your testimony could be an encouragement to another parent walking a similar path and a reminder of what God is doing through Faith Teens. Click below to share your Parent Perspective with our church family.
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