Finding God’s Presence Through Grief

Will Duttry • Assistant Pastor
July 27, 2026

4 Minute Read
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
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From this Author: Will Duttry
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

Will Duttry

Assistant Pastor

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.

Will Duttry

Assistant Pastor

August 2, 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. Join Us This service will be centered around honoring that legacy, with the entire ministry family gathering together to celebrate. When: Sunday, September 13, 2026 What: A ministry-wide service honoring the gift of generational faith Send an Personal Invitation Beginning August 9, 2026, greeting cards will be available in the lobby for you to personalize and send to a grandparent or grandchild. Take some home, write a word of encouragement, and remind them of the faith that connects your generations. Whether your name is on the card as the one who prayed first, or the one still learning to pray, your legacy matters to the Lord, and it matters to us. Download this digital invitation Share with your grandparents or grandchildren!

Will Duttry

Assistant Pastor

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!

Will Duttry

Assistant Pastor

Currently Reading
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

Will Duttry

Assistant Pastor

July 6, 2026 • 3 Minute Read
How the Food Bank Connects People to the Gospel
When someone walks through the doors of our Food Bank, they may come for food, but that is never the end of the story we want to tell. Scripture is clear: God cares about the whole person, and He has called His church to meet real needs as a bridge to the greatest need of all, a right relationship with Him. Scripture Commands Us to Care The Bible does not treat compassion as optional. It is a direct command to God’s people. Galatians 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. Proverbs 19:17 He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again. James 1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction. Jesus Himself modeled this. He fed the five thousand before He preached to them (John 6:1–14). During his earthly ministry He healed bodies and was willing to touch the untouchable. Compassion was never separate from His mission, it opened the way for it. Physical Need Matters, But It Isn’t the Main Thing We take hunger seriously. Every box of food packed, every hour given, every family served through the faithful labor of our Food Bank serve team is an act of biblical love. But if we can’t stopped there, our purpose is bigger than groceries: The physical gift is temporary. It meets a need for a week. The spiritual need is eternal. Every person who walks through our doors has a soul that will live forever, somewhere. Matthew 4:4 Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. The Food Bank as a Gospel Bridge This is why every distribution includes more than food: A friendly, Christ-like welcome Scripture and gospel literature placed in every hand A genuine invitation to hear more, to visit a service, or to talk with someone about Christ We are not running a charity that happens to be at a church. We are a church using practical compassion to earn the right to speak, and then speaking. Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. What This Means for You Volunteer — Serving in the Food Bank puts you face-to-face with people God loves. Pray — Ask God to open hearts and give opportunities. Share Christ — A kind word and a gospel tract can outlast the groceries by eternity. The next time you see a Food Bank family drive onto our parking lot, remember: we’re not just filling a need. We’re planting a seed, and trusting God for the harvest.Sign-up to ServeDonate to the Faith Baptist Food Bank Need Help Putting Food on the Table? If your family is facing a hard season and could use some help, our Food Bank exists for exactly this, no judgment, no strings attached, just our church family ready to help meet a real need. We’d count it an honor to serve you, and we’d love the chance to get to know you along the way.Learn more about how to come and shop.

Will Duttry

Assistant Pastor

July 3, 2026 • 3 Minute Read
The Lord's Day: Why Sunday Worship Still Matters
Sunday keeps coming around. The question is, what are we doing with it? In a world that treats Sunday like a bonus Saturday, errands, sports, sleeping in, catching up on anything but church, it is worth asking a simple question: Does it still matter to gather with God's people on the Lord's Day? The answer from Scripture is a clear yes. What does the Bible Say? The first day of the week carries special weight all the way through the New Testament. The Resurrection happened on the first day (Matthew 28:1; Mark 16:2; Luke 24:1; John 20:1). Everything changed on that first day of the week. Death is defeated. Christ is alive. . The early church gathered on the first day. "And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them" (Acts 20:7). This was their pattern — not a suggestion, a practice. The offering was collected on the first day (1 Corinthians 16:2), showing that Sunday shaped the whole rhythm of their giving and worship life. The Lord's Day was not invented by tradition. It was shaped by the resurrection. Why Gathering Still Matters Some folks have come to feel that personal devotions at home, a podcast sermon, or a live stream is "just as good" as being in the house of God with His people. We'd push back on that idea, and here's why. 1. God commands it. "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is" (Hebrews 10:25). The word "forsaking" implies people were already making excuses in the first century. The command stands because the need has never changed. 2. You need the body, and the body needs you. The church is not a service you consume. It is a body you belong to (1 Corinthians 12:27). When you are absent, something is genuinely missing. Your presence is a ministry, even when you don't feel like it. 3. Worship is formative, not just informational. Sitting under the preaching of God's Word, singing together, giving, praying with one another, these things shape you in ways a screen simply can’t. You are not just learning truth on Sunday. You are being formed by it as part of a church body. 4. It declares something to the world. When Christians make Sunday worship a clear, consistent priority, not squeezed around ball games and beach trips, it is a testimony. It says: Christ rose from the dead, and that changes everything about how I spend my time. Let’s be Real. We understand that life is genuinely demanding. Work is real. Illness is real. Seasons of hardship are real. This is not about guilt, it is about priority. Every follower of Christ has to ask honestly: Is the Lord's Day on my calendar as a firm appointment with God, or is it the first thing I move when something else comes up? Grace says: start fresh this Sunday. The doors of Faith Baptist Church are open, the Word will be preached, and our family will be glad you came. Join us for worship this Lord's Day. Sunday Schedule 10:00 a.m. - Bible Study Hour Nursery, Faith Kids, Faith Teens, & Adult classes available. 11:00 a.m. - Morning Worship Service Deaf interpretation available. 5:00 p.m. - Evening Worship ServicePlan your Visit

Will Duttry

Assistant Pastor

June 30, 2026 • 3 Minute Read
How to Continue the Lesson at Home
Dad and Mom — the lesson your child hears on Sunday is meant to keep working in your home all week long. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 charges parents to teach God's Word "when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up." You don't need a curriculum or special training to do this — just a few minutes and the questions below. Use this guide every week to pick the conversation back up at the dinner table, in the car, or at bedtime. Find Out What They Learned Start by asking your child these three questions. They'll help you discover the lesson together, even if you weren't in the room: What was the Bible story about, and who was in it? Did your teacher give you a verse to remember? Can you say it? What's one thing you learned about God — or one thing He wants you to do? Their answers become your starting point for the rest of the week. Talk It Over Once you know the lesson, use these questions to go deeper at dinner or in the car: What did we learn about God, Jesus, or ourselves in this story? Why do you think God put this story in the Bible? What is one thing you can do this week because of what we learned? Make It Practical Pick one of these each week to help the lesson stick — no supplies needed: Retell it. Have your child tell you the story in their own words, like they're the teacher. Act it out. Take turns playing the characters from the Bible story. Draw it. Sketch the main scene together and talk through what's happening as you draw. Say it together. Repeat the memory verse a few times a day — try it as a family before meals or at bedtime. Live it out. Look for a moment during the week to point out when the lesson applies — "This is like what we learned on Sunday." Pray Together Use these prompts as a family, or let your child pray in their own words: Thank God for one thing from this week's lesson. Ask God to help our family live out what we learned. Pray for someone who needs to know Jesus as Savior. Read Together Keep God's Word in front of your family with a short daily reading. Questions about your child's class or how to use this guide? Reach out to the Faith Kids ministry anytime — we're glad to partner with you in raising your child "in the nurture and admonition of the Lord" - Ephesians 6:4

Will Duttry

Assistant Pastor

June 24, 2026 • 3 Minute Read
How to use Online Giving
Faithful giving is one of the most tangible ways we honor God and invest in the ministry He has entrusted to us here at Faith Baptist. We want to make it as easy as possible for you to be faithful. Faith Baptist Church uses Nucleus Giving as our secure online giving platform. You can give in minutes from your phone, tablet, or computer — and set up automatic recurring gifts so you never miss a week. How to Give Online You don't need an account to give — but creating one makes the process faster every time after and gives you a personal dashboard to track your giving history. Here's how to get started. Step 1 — Visit Our Giving Flow Access online giving through the launcher accessible on each page of our website and click the Online Giving button in the menu. Step 2 — Enter Your Gift Amount Type in the amount you'd like to give. You'll see available giving funds listed — choose the one that applies to your gift (General Fund, Missions, etc.). Step 3 — Choose Your Giving Frequency You can give as a one-time gift or set up a recurring gift on a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly schedule. Recurring giving is a great way to stay consistent in your stewardship even when life gets busy. Step 4 — Select Your Payment Method You can give by credit or debit card, or connect your bank account directly (ACH). Giving by bank account is the simplest and most cost-effective option — the processing fee is just 25¢ per transaction. NOTE: When selecting Bank Account, there are two options, using Plaid or entering manually. If you don’t already use Plaid entering manually will make for an easier process. Step 5 — Complete Your Gift Enter your payment details, add an optional memo, confirm your contact info and submit. You'll receive a confirmation email right away. Want to Create an Account? Creating a free Nucleus Giving account lets you: View your complete giving history Access your annual giving statement for tax purposes Save your payment method so future gifts take just seconds Manage or update recurring gifts at any time To create your account: Go to the launcher and click Sign In Enter your email address and create a password Check your inbox for a verification email and click the confirmation link Once verified, click My Account to fill in your profile details Managing Your Online Giving Once your account is set up, you're in full control. From your personal dashboard you can: View past gifts and download giving records Update a recurring gift — change the amount, frequency, or payment method Cancel a recurring gift if needed Access your annual tax statement once it's been released by the church office Need Help? If you run into any trouble setting up your account or completing a gift, reach out to the church office — we're happy to walk you through it.Send us an EmailCall the Church Office 2 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.

Will Duttry

Assistant Pastor

June 22, 2026 • 4 Minute Read
Adult Bible Study Series: Faith that Triumphs
Every Sunday morning at 9:45 a.m., before the morning worship service, adults of all ages and stages of life gather at Faith Baptist Church to open God's Word together. Whether you've been walking with the Lord for decades or you're just beginning to explore what it means to follow Jesus, there's a place here for you. But Adult Bible Study is more than a class on a Sunday morning. It's one of the most consistent investments you can make in your spiritual growth — and it's better when you do it with others. Why Small Groups Matter The Christian life was never meant to be lived in isolation. In Acts 2, the early church devoted themselves not only to the apostles' doctrine, but to fellowship — to doing life and faith together. When you study God's Word alongside others, something happens that can't happen on your own. Questions get asked that sharpen your understanding. Burdens that feel heavy alone become lighter when a group of believers prays over them together. "Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend" (Proverbs 27:17). And perhaps most importantly, you become known — by people who notice when you're missing, check in during a hard week, and walk with you through whatever life brings. Bible Study classes are one of the primary places where that happens at Faith. If you've never joined one, this is the time to start. Our Adult Bible Study Classes Young Adults (adults 30 and under) Taught by Bro. Matthew Beighle | Room 103 A community for adults under 30, working through life's big questions from God's Word and building real friendships along the way. Faith Families (adults in their 30s & 40s) Taught by Bro. Brad O'Dell | Room 104 Practical, biblical teaching to strengthen marriages and family life for couples in this season of life. Cornerstone Couples (adults in their 40s & 50s) Taught by Bro. Joe Sanfilippo | Room 107 Focused on applying faith to life's real challenges and deepening your spiritual roots together as a couple. Berean (all adults) Taught by Bro. Will Duttry | Auditorium A welcoming, open-to-all session in the auditorium offering foundational Bible teaching every week. If you're not sure where to start, this is a great place to begin. Ladies Bible Study (adult ladies) Taught by Mrs. Laura Braley | Conference Room An encouraging environment for women of all ages to grow spiritually and enjoy meaningful fellowship. Faith That Triumphs Overcoming Life's Challenges with Courage from God's Word Life is full of challenges — some expected, others completely unforeseen. In every season, we face decisions, uncertainties, and trials that test our resolve. But the God we serve never changes, and His Word gives us strength, direction, and hope for every one of those moments. Faith That Triumphs is a 10-lesson study designed to help you build a steadfast trust in God. You'll explore what it means to trust Him when life doesn't make sense, when provision seems scarce, in seasons of suffering, and in a world that increasingly opposes truth. Each lesson includes thorough Bible teaching, discussion questions, and real-life application to strengthen your walk with the Lord. This is a great time to join a class for the first time — or to invite a friend to come with you. A new study means a natural starting point, and Faith That Triumphs is the kind of study that's relevant to everyone, no matter where you are in life right now. No matter what you're facing — your faith can triumph. Join us beginning Sunday, July 5 at 9:45 a.m.

Will Duttry

Assistant Pastor

June 20, 2026 • 5 Minute Read
Our Father’s Pattern
I've been thinking about Father's Day a lot this week. Partly because it's coming up, but also because I've been paying attention to the people around me. This Day Lands Differently for Everyone For some of us, today is a good day. Our kids are going to make us feel special, or we’re going to call our dad’s and mean every word of it. That's a gift. Don't take it for granted. For others, there's grief tied to father's day. Maybe you lost your dad, and this is the first Father's Day without him. Or the fifth, and people assume it gets easier. Maybe your relationship with your father is complicated in ways that are hard to explain. I'm not going to gloss over any of that. But I do want to point us all toward something that changes the way we see this day, no matter where we're coming from. God Set the Pattern First Here's what I keep coming back to: God the Father isn't a concept we invented to make sense of our earthly fathers. It's the other way around. Every good thing we associate with fatherhood, the love, the protection, the discipline that actually comes from care, it all originates in Him. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son." (John 3:16) That's a Father who loved at a cost. Who gave something irreplaceable. And it doesn’t stop there. Jesus paints a picture of the Father in Luke 15 who sees his son coming back from a long way off and runs to him. Doesn't wait. Doesn't make him grovel. Runs. That's the standard. And let’s be honest, it's a humbling one, whether you're a father or not. What Scripture Asks of Fathers The Bible isn’t vague. There are some clear expectations laid out, and I think they're worth looking at. Teach the Word. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 puts it right on the father's shoulders. Get the Word of God in your heart, then teach it to your kids. Not just at church. In the house. On the road. Morning and night. It's supposed to be a part of the fabric of your home. Nurture our children. Ephesians 6:4 is a verse a lot of dads need to sit with. "Provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." There's a version of fatherhood that's harsh, critical, impossible to please, and Paul says that's not it. The word nurture here is tender. It's a long-haul. It's a slow, consistent work of shaping a child with care. Live with integrity. Proverbs 20:7: "The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him." What your kids watch you do when things get hard, when money is tight, when you think nobody's looking, that's the lesson they will remember longest. Provide and lead. 1 Timothy 5:8 is blunt. A man who doesn't provide for his own household has, in Paul's words, denied the faith. That's more than a paycheck. It's stability, presence, spiritual leading. It's showing up. None of us does all of this perfectly. But the goal isn't perfection, it’s progressIt's faithfulness to the One who is. To all the Fathers If your family is celebrating you, receive it. You don't have to have everything figured out to be a faithful father. And if there are places where you feel like you've fallen short. Let it be a moment where you quietly say, Lord, I want to do better. Help me. That prayer matters more than you know. Honor is a command. But honor doesn't require a perfect relationship. It's a posture of the heart that says: God put this man in my life, and I'm going to recognize that. If your dad is still around, don't assume there's always more time. Tell him what he's meant to you. Even if it comes out clunky. Especially if it comes out clunky. If your missing your dad today, grief doesn't take weekends off, and it doesn't take Father's Day off either. This fathers day might carry a weight that's hard to describe to someone who hasn't felt it. You don't have to pretend otherwise. He sees what's missing. He draws near to it. He doesn't ask you to have it all together today.Bring the ache to Him. He can handle it. A Few Questions Worth Considering Wherever fathers day finds you, I want to leave you with a few questions, not to pile on, but to help bring some clarity: What is one quality of God as Father that you are most grateful for right now? How does it change the way you see your own life or your own relationships? If you're a father: Where do you feel God nudging you to grow? Thinking about the father in your life: What's one thing he did that, looking back, pointed you toward God, even if neither of you realized it at the time? If Father’s Day is hard: What's one truth about our Heavenly Father that you can hold onto, not to rush past the pain, but to carry with it? What's one step you can take this week, as a father, a child, or both, toward the kind of faithfulness Scripture calls us to? Father's Day is bigger than we give it credit for. It's a window into something God designed, the love of a father is meant to reflect the love of the Father. I'm grateful for every dad at Faith Baptist who is doing that work, imperfectly, but one day at a time. And I'm grateful for a Heavenly Father who meets all of us exactly where we are. Happy Father's Day.

Will Duttry

Assistant Pastor

June 16, 2026 • 5 Minute Read
Bringing Your Week into the Seat
Psalm 34:1 I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. Sunday morning comes around, the music begins, and we're invited to worship. But if we're honest, many of us arrive carrying the weight of a full week of discouragement. We slide into our seats and hope something in the service will flip a switch and put us in the right frame of mind. Here's an important truth: worship was never meant to be a switch we flip on Sunday. It's a fire we keep burning all week long. Worship Is a Way of Living, Not Just a Service to Attend The apostle Paul writes in Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. Paul is helping us understand that the surrendered, God-honoring life you live Monday through Saturday is an act of worship. The Sunday gathering is meant to be a celebration of what has already been happening in your heart throughout the week, not the only hour you spend thinking about God. When we understand that, it changes everything about how we approach gathering together. What a Worshipful Week Actually Looks Like A heart that worships daily isn't a perfect heart. It's a directed heart, one that keeps returning its attention to the Lord through the ordinary moments of life. Here are a few practical anchors: 1) Start your mornings with God before you start them with anything else. Before the phone, before the news, before the demands of the day crowd in, give the Lord the first moments. Even five minutes in the Word and a brief prayer sets the compass for the day. Psalm 5:3 says, My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up. 2) Let thankfulness interrupt your day. Gratitude is one of the most powerful tools of a worshipful heart. When something good happens, a safe drive, a kind word, a problem solved, pause and acknowledge the Lord. I Thessalonians 5:18 reminds us to give thanks "in every thing." That's not just a Sunday discipline. That's a throughout-the-day discipline. 3) Bring your burdens to God as they come, not just when they pile up. One reason we arrive at church distracted is that we've carried our worries all week without handing them over. Philippians 4:6 tells us to be "careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." When you pray through your troubles as they arise, you arrive on Sunday lighter, and readier to worship. 4) Let the Word speak into your situations. When you're in a difficult conversation or an uncertain moment, ask: What has God already said about this? Meditating on Scripture throughout the week keeps your heart tethered to truth rather than tossed by circumstances. How Your Week Shapes Your Sunday Think of it this way, the heart you bring to your seat on Sunday is the heart you've been building all week. If you've been feeding on the Word, you'll recognize what's being preached. If you've been praying, you'll mean what you sing. If you've been walking in thankfulness, the hymns won't feel like a warm-up, they'll feel like a continuation. But if Sunday is the only time God gets your attention, it's hard to shift gears quickly. The music may feel unfamiliar. The sermon may feel disconnected. Not because anything is wrong with the service, but because the heart needs time to be moved. A Word of Encouragement If this describes where you are right now, arriving on Sunday running on empty, this isn't meant to heap guilt on you. It's meant to open a door. God meets us where we are. The same Lord who met a weary Elijah under a juniper tree (1 Kings 19:4-5) meets you in your seat, even when you've had a hard week and your heart is scattered. His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:23), and that includes Sunday morning. But don't settle for that being the pattern. You were made for more than a one-hour-a-week connection with your Creator. You were made to walk with Him, through the workday, through the kitchen, through it all. A Simple Challenge This Week Pick one daily anchor and practice it for the next seven days: A short passage of Scripture read each morning A prayer of thanks spoken out loud at lunch A moment of quiet before bed to reflect on where you saw God's hand that day Come Sunday, notice the difference in how you enter the service. You may find that worship doesn't begin when the music starts — it simply continues. Psalm 118:24 This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Faith Baptist Church exists to connect people to Christ, grow them in truth, and lead them to commit fully to the Savior, and that mission doesn't pause between Sundays.

Will Duttry

Assistant Pastor