Notes of Faith February 9, 2026

Notes of Faith February 9, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

October 22, 2000

“YOU SHALL BE WITNESSES”

Acts 1:8

But ye shall receive power, after the Holy Spirit is come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

In Acts 1:8 Jesus told the disciples what would happen when the Holy Spirit came upon them. He told them that they would be witnesses for Him. Note He didn’t say you shall witness - rather you shall be witnesses. To witness is not necessarily what we say. More comprehensively to witness is what we are. “Let your light shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in Heaven.” Matt. 5:16.

If our lives are as they should be, that is controlled by God the Holy Spirit, we will have great opportunity to explain the reason for the difference in our lifestyle from that of the world in general. A silent witness never won anyone to the Lord. Somewhere along the way we have to speak out and explain our lives. This is precisely what the apostles did. Peter said, “Be ready always to give an answer to everyone who asks for the reason for the hope that is in you.” I Peter 3:15. Paul was always explaining why he no longer persecuted Christians. Essentially he said, “The One whom I once hated I now serve as my Lord and Savior.”

On the other hand, we can talk to people about Jesus Christ until we’re blue in the face, but if our lives show no change - what good is it? I’m talking about people we know and who know us. They have watched us live a certain way for a long time. They know our lifestyle. Then we start talking to them without demonstrating a change in our attitudes and the way we live - our priorities. Can we expect them to trust someone whom we say we love and serve but who has really made no apparent difference in the way we view or live life? Hardly. People are looking for answers and for someone or something to make a difference in their lives. That is why Jesus told His disciples that before they would or could be witnesses for Him, the Holy Spirit would be necessary to affect that witness.

In Acts 1:8 the word “witness” is MARTURO from which we get the work MARTYR. A martyr was one who died for what he or she believed. So a witness was a die-er not a talker. Every one of the disciples there that day, except one, died for his faith in Jesus Christ. So the ultimate aspect of the Christian witness is to be ready to die for our faith if necessary. Sobering, is it not?

Remember beloved - if we live what we believe, people will believe what we live!

Love to you all,

Pastor Charles Covington

Those who call themselves believers in and followers of Jesus will show proof by the lives that they live. Some will prove fruitful, leading others to the throne of grace by their actions, good deeds, compassion, care, and love. Others will be a poor witness through their unrighteous actions, evil deeds, their lack of compassion, care and love. How would your life define your relationship with Jesus? Are you a good witness? Being a true witness for Jesus is more about how we live than what we say… yet we need to

1 Peter 3:15

always be ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence

Know whom you believe in and why!

Know what you believe and why!

You (Christian) are being watched by both revilers and seekers! You are a witness for the Lord Jesus Christ in one way or another! Seek to be a blessed fruitful one!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith February 8, 2026

Notes of Faith February 8, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

October 15, 2000

“PULLING AT THE BIT”

Psalm 32: 8, 9

I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you. Do not be as the horse or as the mule which have no understanding, whose trappings include bit and bridle to hold them in check, otherwise they will not come near to you.

In this Psalm God gives His people some promises of instruction and leading along the road of life. He knows there will be difficulties along the way so He adds a third promise - that of personal counseling. Then He promises that His eye will be upon us.

I’ve always thought of God’s hand upon me, referring to His power, but I don’t believe I’ve ever thought of His eye as being upon me! This is His watchful care. He sees our every motive - our every intention. He wants to gently show us the way of His wise counsel. This means that He sees accurately the pitfalls in our path. He sees around the corners of our lives. He sees and knows the mistakes before we make them. In His counsel He tries to guide us around those mistakes.

If we are sensitive to His gentle voice we can avoid a lot of heartache and disappointment. However, if we remain stubborn and bent on our own way, He uses our mistakes as a bit in our mouth to get our attention. Often the bit is not pleasant. We pull against it and our “mouths” get tender and sore. It’s just God saying to us, “Child of mine, I want you to listen and pay attention to me!”

The horse is a vivid analogy of this truth. Often horses are spirited and stubborn and need the bit in order to keep them in line. Then there are horses, while the owner puts the bit into their mouth, the bit is not really needed because somewhere along the way the horse wised up. He learned that it’s not good to go around with a sore mouth all the time. He realized that it’s better for him to simply stop struggling and fighting his master’s wish and go with the flow.

Believer, are you facing unnecessary difficulties in your life? If you are, maybe you are pulling at the bit. Let me suggest that you reassess your sensitivity to His leading and His wise counsel. This is not the only reason we face difficulties, but it is a primary one.

The wisest man who ever lived wrote -

Listen to counsel and accept discipline, that you may be wise the rest of your days. Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but the counsel of the Lord, it will stand. Proverbs 19: 20, 21

Remember, God speaks loud enough for a listening heart to hear. Beloved, are you listening?

Love to you all,

Pastor Charles Covington (my mentor at Community Grace)

Ps 1

How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel (wisdom or lack thereof) of the wicked,

Nor stand in the path of sinners, (don’t walk with them in their wickedness)

Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! (certainly don’t join and participate with them)

2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord,

And in His law he meditates day and night.

3 He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water,

Which yields its fruit in its season

And its leaf does not wither;

And in whatever he does, he prospers.

4 The wicked are not so,

But they are like chaff which the wind drives away.

5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,

Nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.

6 For the Lord knows the way of the righteous,

Heb 12:5-6

"My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline,

and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,

6 because the Lord disciplines those he loves,

and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son."

This is the Lord’s loving and guiding hand. He warns us to stay on the narrow way (believe in and follow Jesus) and not stray into the broad path that leads to eternal destruction.

Fear God, (revere God) the beginning of wisdom and worship Him alone for only Jesus can save your eternal soul!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith February 7, 2026

Notes of Faith February 7, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

October 8, 2000

“EACH DAY” - Psalm 27

Did you wake this morning wondering what today will bring? Each day we face we are somewhat ignorant as to what will unfold for us. In Matthew 6:34b we read “Sufficient for the day is its own trouble!” It’s scary to face each day not knowing what is going to happen - yet knowing that there is a lot of unpleasant stuff we’ve got to look at eyeball to eyeball.

So each of us woke this morning knowing that there will be a certain amount of stuff that we’ve got to confront. Some of what makes up that “stuff” will be trouble, frustration, loneliness, boredom, a certain amount of uneasiness, hostility perhaps, pain, anticipating more pain!. Sometimes we feel like we just can’t go on.

But wait.....Each day we wake up with the stuff that fills our day....we also wake up with the good things of life. Hasn’t Christ promised, “As thy days so shall thy strength be?”

The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the defense of my life; whom shall I dread?

When evildoers came upon me to devour my flesh, my adversaries and my enemies, they stumbled and fell.

Though a host encamp against me, my heart will not fear; though war arise against me, in spite of this I shall be confident.

One thing I have asked from the LORD, that I shall seek; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to meditate in His temple.

For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle; in the secret place of His tent he will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock.

And now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me; and I will offer in His tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the LORD. Psalm 27

1. What the LORD is to me

• My light • My salvation • My defense

2. What the LORD will do for me

• He will show me the beauty of His person - in the midst of the ugliness of life

• He will conceal me & hide me from the dangers that threaten me

• He will lift me up - when I am despondent & feel unused and unwanted

3. What changes will take place in me?

• Confidence will replace fear & panic - vs. 1-3

• I will gain a fresh view of the Lord - v.4

• Joy & praise will replace grumbling and complaining

Eva and I begin each day with singing the little chorus, “This is the day the Lord hath made! We WILL rejoice and be glad in it!” Oh, how that helps us face the day. Try it! You’ll like it!

Love to you all,

Pastor Charles Covington

Worry, suffering, pain, fear, even thinking that we have reason to grumble and complain is due to sin. Not our sin (yes, everyone sins) but that sin exists. All of creation is affected by sin. Before sin the world was perfect and hallelujah, the Lord is going to make all things new and there will be no sin once more. And we will be without sin for all eternity. Our days should be a celebration, a rehearsal of when this will take place. God provides for us each day as He has planned them before the foundation of the world. He has also planned for those that believe and obey Him, that they be with Him forever! As we look forward to the coming transformation of 1 Corinthians 15, where we are made fit for heavenly living, let us pursue holy and pure living now for the glory of God. May we be used as others look at us, to see Jesus, and desire the free gift that we have been given. May we always be ready to share the true and eternal hope that is within us by the grace of God the Father, through the work of His Son, Jesus, in the power of the Holy Spirit!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith February 6, 2026

Notes of Faith February 6, 2026

(Pastor Appreciation Month)

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

10/1/2000

Dear Church Family - Once again you have overwhelmed us with your love and encouragement. Your cards, gifts, and the love shown to us last Sunday is so greatly appreciated. Eva joins me in thanking you and praising God for each of you. I prepared a sermon for “Pastor Appreciation Sunday” - however, as you know, I wasn’t able to give it from the pulpit. With some degree of reduction here it is in Pastor’s Pen Pulpit.

“A CHALLENGE TO MINISTRY”

II Timothy 2:1-26

In Jeremiah 1:4-10 we have the record of Jeremiah’s call to the prophetic ministry. Jeremiah objects in verse 6, “I can’t speak. I am but a youth.” In verses 7-9 we have God’s twofold answer to Jeremiah’s objection - Everywhere I send you, you shall go; I have put My words in your mouth. So Jeremiah was both called and gifted of God.

This order has not changed in church history. A true minister of God must be both called and gifted. Any other reason for going into the ministry is bogus. In II Timothy 2:1-26 we have a beautiful portrait of a man called into the ministry of the Word.

1. He must be a man who understands the grace of God (v. 1b). Timothy is called to be strong in the grace. You can’t be strong in grace unless you understand grace. Three areas of understanding are:

• The source of Grace - “In Christ Jesus”

• The function of Grace (Titus 2:11-13)

• The environment in which Grace works (II Cor. 12:7-9a). Paul understands this very well (9b, 10).

2. He must be a man who is committed to spiritual reproduction - a discipling mindset (verse 2.)

This doctrine is the Apostle’s doctrine. It is to be committed to faithful men “to deposit or to entrust”, faithful men who are trustworthy and who can be depended on. Faithful men who will be able to teach others. A man called to ministry is to pass the old truth on to new men.

3. He must seek to be a well disciplined individual. In verses 3-13 we see three pictures of the arena of discipline.

As a soldier (vs. 3, 4, 8-13)

1. A disciplined soldier learns to adjust to hardship (v. 3). The word “hardship” suggests the whole round of hardship that comes with being a soldier for Jesus Christ on the front line of battle - to endure affliction or rough treatment that often leaves battle scars, to have thick skin and a soft heart (never reverse the two). A soldier must learn to endure hardship without becoming hardened.

2. A disciplined soldier develops a singular focus to commitment and calling (v.4). The man of God must avoid becoming involved in secular interest and pursuits that would dull the keen edge of ministry. This does not imply renunciating family, friends, etc. but warns against preoccupation with things that entangle. They entangle when they pull you away from your commitment.

3. A disciplined soldier learns to keep the source of his power and authority constantly before him (v. 8). Exalt Jesus Christ, your captain. We must never lose sight of Him. Keep Him before you always. This is not just remembering a cause to fight for - but that He is your resurrected leader - the source of your power and authority. He is the one who has conquered already - and guarantees that if you look to Him you will not fail. (Hebrews 12:1,2)

Fallen giants have forgotten this somewhere along the way. Make up your mind that you are not going to become a casualty.

4. A disciplined soldier learns to concentrate on his purpose for serving (v. 10). “God’s elect”. If you lose sight of the importance of people - you lose your purpose for serving. The principle of success is to love people and use things (again - never reverse the two)!

5. A disciplined soldier learns to trust and follow his leader without question (vs. 11-13).

As an athlete (v.5).

The discipline of an athlete. The athlete in training had a rigid schedule involving diet and physical exercise. If they did not stay with that schedule they were disqualified. The disciplines of the Christian ministry are exacting. The man of God must run according to the rules. This means that he must be willing to give the time and effort that is necessary to be the best preacher he can possibly be. We must avoid the Samson mentality.

As a farmer (v. 6).

The discipline of a farmer. This involves labor to the point of weariness - patiently sowing the seed and cultivating the ground. Sometimes the results are slow in coming - sometimes you have to look for the long term yield of your labor.

The principle of financial support is also taught in this passage (cf. I Tim. 5:17). The church that calls a man to give his full time to a ministry ought to free him up to do that work.

4. He must be a man who is committed to the Word of God (vs. 14-21).

Lack of respect for the Word of God disqualifies a man from the ministry. Verse 15 spells out the nature and extent of that commitment.

The minister should seek to be nothing less than an approved workman (Note requirements for doctors, attorneys, etc.) Be skilled in your practice. Don’t be guilty of spiritual malpractice!

In the professing church (Christendom), there is the true and there is the false (vessels to honor and to dishonor) - make sure that you are a vessel that honors Jesus Christ.

5. He must be a man with a servant mentality (vs. 24-26).

A servant must concentrate on pleasing his master. He must avoid getting involved in issues that cause divisions.

The servant must seek to maintain a patient and kind disposition, not quick to retaliate toward those who oppose him.

So my charge to you, Pastor Dale:

YOU are the Lord’s bond servant!

YOU are doing His work!

YOU are His representative!

And beloved, let us as his flock love him, pray for him, support him, encourage him, and appreciate him as he is God’s gift to us.

Love to you all,

Pastor Charles Covington

Pastor Charles had a major stroke on the previous Father’s Day of the year he wrote this “pen-pulpit”. I had been quite surprised by God’s leading through Charles illness and being thrust into the pulpit leadership. I asked God to miraculously heal Pastor Charles and relieve me of the responsibilities of preaching/teaching and leading the church. However, God had other plans, as many of you know and now, 26 years later, He is continuing to use me to lead people to His throne of grace, preaching truth, one on one, or to larger groups, guiding in His Word to strengthen faith, hope and love in all who will listen.

I give thanks for Charles and his family who supported me well, to the people of Community Grace Brethren Church who supported me much better than I ever deserved. I love all of you for trusting God to lead and guide you through His using me these many years and pray that our relationship remains strong and steadfast during our earthly travels as I know it will be in our eternal heavenly home.

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith February 5, 2026

Notes of Faith February 5, 2026

“A CHALLENGE TO MINISTRY”

II Timothy 2:1-26

Let’s Begin - - - - In Jeremiah’s call to the ministry - he was sovereignly called and gifted (cf Jeremiah 1:4-10). A true minister of God must be called and gifted. Any other reason to go into the ministry is bogus. In II Timothy 2:1-16 we have a self-portrait of a man called into the ministry of the Word.

1a. He must be a Man Who Understands the Grace of God (v. 1b).

Be strong in the Grace that is in Christ Jesus.

Being an expositor of the Word of God in the ministry is not difficult - IT IS IMPOSSIBLE! To be the right kind of preacher requires a clear grasp of the Grace of God and how to appropriate and relate to that Grace.

Schooled in Grace - Titus 2:11, 12

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age.

Established in Grace - Hebrews 13:9a

Do not be carried away by varied and strange teachings; for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace.

2a. He Must be a Man Who is Committed to Spiritual Reproduction - a Discipling Mindset (verse 2.)

And the things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, these entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.

1. The doctrine - the Apostle’s doctrine.

2. This doctrine is to be committed to faithful men “to deposit or to entrust.”

3. To faithful men - trustworthy men who can be depended on.

4. Who will be able to teach others.

Passing the old truth to new men.

3a. He Must Seek to be a Well Disciplined Individual (verses 3-13) - three pictures; (the arena of discipline)

1b. As a soldier (vs. 3, 4, 8-13)

1. A disciplined soldier learns to adjust to hardship (v. 3).

Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. (v.3)

The word “hardship” suggests the whole round of hardship that comes with being a soldier for Jesus Christ on the front line of battle - - - to endure affliction or rough treatment that often leaves battle scars - - - thick skin and soft heart (never reverse the two).

We must learn to endure Hardship without becoming Hardened.

2. A disciplined soldier develops a singular focus to commitment and calling (v.4).

No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier (v.4).

The man of God must avoid becoming involved in secular interest and pursuits that would dull the keen edge of ministry. Does not imply renunciating family, friends, etc. but warns against preoccupation with things that entangle. They entangle when they pull you away from your commitment.

3. A disciplined soldier learns to keep the source of his power and authority constantly before him (v. 8).

Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descendant of David, according to my Gospel.

Exalt Jesus Christ, your captain. we must never lose sight of Him - - - keep Him before you always (Battle cry - “remember the Alamo/Pearl Harbor”). This is not just remembering a cause to fight for - but that He is your resurrected leader - - - the source of your power and authority. He is the one who has conquered already - and guarantees that if you look to Him you will not fail. (Hebrews 12:1,2)

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

(Fallen giants have forgotten this somewhere along the way.) Make up your mind that you are not going to become a casualty.

4. A disciplined soldier learns to concentrate on his purpose for serving (v. 10).

For this reason I endure all things for the sake of those who are chosen, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory.

“God’s elect”. If you lose sight of the importance of people - you lose your purpose for serving.

Principle of success - Love people - Use things.

5. A disciplined soldier learns to trust and following his leader without question (vs. 11-13).

It is a trustworthy statement: For if we died with Him, we shall also live with Him;

If we endure, we shall also reign with Him;

If we deny Him, He also will deny us;

If we are faithless, He remains faithful; for He cannot deny Himself.

2b. As an athlete (v.5).

And also if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not win the prize unless he competes according to the rules.

The discipline of an athlete. The athlete in training had a rigid schedule involving diet and physical exercise. If they did not stay with that schedule they were disqualified. The disciplines of the Christian ministry are exacting. The man of God must run according to the rules. This means that he must be willing to give the time and effort that is necessary to be the best preacher he can possibly be. We must avoid the Samson mentality.

3c. As a farmer (v. 6).

The hard-working farmer ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops.

The discipline of a farmer. This involves labor to the point of weariness - patiently sowing the seed and cultivating the ground. Sometimes the results are slow in coming - - - sometimes you have to look for the long term yield of your labor. The principle of financial support is taught in this passage (cf. I Tim. 5:17).

Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.

The church that calls a man to give his full time to a ministry ought to free him up to do that work.

4a. He Must be a Man Who is Committed to the Word of God (vs. 14-21).

Lack of respect for the Word of God disqualifies a man from the ministry. Verse 15 spells out the nature and extent of that commitment.

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the Word of Truth.

The minister should seek to be nothing less than an approved workman (Note requirements for doctors, attorneys, etc.) Be skilled in your practice. Don’t be guilty of spiritual malpractice!

In the professing church (Christendom), there is the true and there is the false (vessels to honor and to dishonor) - make sure that you are a vessel that honors Jesus Christ.

5a. He Must be a Man with a Servant Mentality (vs. 24-26).

And the Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.

A servant must concentrate on pleasing his master. He must avoid getting involved in issues that cause divisions.

The servant must seek to maintain a patient and kind disposition, not quick to retaliate toward those who oppose him.

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many. Mark 10:45

YOU are the Lord’s bond servant!

YOU are doing His work!

YOU are His representative!

Pastor Charles Covington

I believe that these notes were used for a sermon. They are not dated or labeled as other “pen pulpits” are. Nevertheless, as I have found them with the others, I am sharing them with you. This speaks to any and all called by God, gifted with the Spirit of God, to serve God. All Christians should know the truths taught through the Scriptures in this message. You are called to serve! There are many rewards both earthly and eternal! It is not an easy labor. Satan and his minions will battle you at every turn but you already have won the victory in Christ and with Christ always at your side in the battle! May we accept the call and obey the commandments…

Love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength…and love your neighbor as yourself! Love God! Love others!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith February 4, 2026

Notes of Faith February 4, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

September 17, 2000

“COME UNTO ME”

Matthew 11:28-30

Come unto Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.

There are several invitations given by Jesus in the Gospels. They are given to different classes of people. The invitation given in Matthew 11:28-30 is directed to all who are weary (lit. who work to exhaustion) and are burdened down. The promise is that of rest.

In the context of Matthew this primarily is speaking to those burdened down with the Mosaic Law (c.f. Acts 15:10). The law was a heavy burden borne by Israel since Sinai.

By wider application this refers to the burden of sin. It is true that sin is a hard taskmaster. And then there are those who are burdened down with the cares of life.

There is no rest quite like the rest provided by the grace that is in Jesus Christ, our Lord. He invites us to take His yoke upon us and learn of Him. The analogy is beautiful. In Israel the farmers trained young oxen by yoking them up with an older, experienced ox that was well seasoned in pulling heavy loads. The harness was attached to the older ox so that he pulled the bulk of the load. The remainder of the harness was then draped loosely over the young, inexperienced ox so that as he walked beside the older one, he wasn’t pulling any of the load.

What a beautiful picture of how Jesus wants us to take our burdens all by Himself. So we walk alongside Him in the hectic affairs of everyday life. We learn what a kind, gentle Saviour He is - willing to bear our load all by Himself.

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, are you bearing a load today that is weighing you down? You do not think you can go on much longer? If you are, please stop trying to carry it yourself. Put it on Him. He can carry it much better than you.

Casting all your care upon Him for He cares for you (I Peter 5:7).

God bless!

Love to you all,

Pastor Charles Covington

Rom 8:13

If you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

Rom 13:14

put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts.

2 Cor 10:3-4

though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, 4 for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses.

Gal 5:16-24

walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. 17 For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. 19 Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, 21 envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ gave His life on the cross after all the sin of mankind was placed on Him…

2 Cor 5:21

21 He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

We must see Christ Jesus bearing our sin when a thought or action of sin comes our way. This will strengthen us and give us opportunity to repent, to turn away from the flesh and live by the Spirit of God within us. Let us pursue the Spirit of life and fruitfulness for the glory of God!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith February 3, 2026

Notes of Faith February 3, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

September 10, 2000

“YOU SHALL BE FREE”

John 8:32, 36

You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free. - - - If the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed.

The word that catches my attention in these two verses is the word “free.” It appears three times. “You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.” Knowledge of the truth shall free us. But what is “the truth?” In John 14:6 Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life.” So knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ shall free us and “If the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed.”

You may ask the question, free from what and from whom?

• We are free from Satan’s rule of fear. “Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage” (Hebrews 2: 14, 15).

• We are free from the law of sin and death. “For the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:2).

• We are free from the law’s condemnation. “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit” Romans 8:1).

Prisoners do not know the exhilaration of freedom until they are out of prison. One can become accustomed to being a captive. Freedom becomes something you hear or dream about. However, once freedom becomes a reality through parole or completion of sentence, the moment of truth arrives. Freedom is for real.

In like manner, the Christian comes into freedom through faith in Jesus Christ. A glorious moment of truth that spreads into an eternity.

To emphasize this reality, the Holy spirit is given to the believer. Paul says to the Corinthians “Where the Spirit is there is liberty” (II Corinthians 3:17). Jesus told the disciples that “the Spirit would take the things of mine and show them unto you” (John 16:13, 14). This means that God, the Holy Spirit, will make a living reality of the freedom in Christ to the life of each believer!

What a wonderful reality to awake in the morning to a living freedom that you can know and experience throughout the day. This freedom gives Christians a peace that the world cannot know because they do not know Him. Our privilege and responsibility is to introduce this freedom and peace to the world.

I trust that each of you knows this freedom in Christ and the peace it brings.

Love to you all,

Pastor Charles Covington

The people that are not believers in and followers of Jesus Christ do not know that they are held captive by sin. They may have heard the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ but not believing in Him are not set free from their sin and sentence of death. They do not know the power that can set them free. Many Christians struggle with understanding the power of God that sets them free and have acquired sinful habits that can only be broken through His strength and power. Today, if you are struggling with sinful thoughts, actions, consequences of your sin, may you know God’s power today…

Rom 8:31

If God is for us, who is against us?

Rom 8:37-39

37 But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

We are more than conquerors in Christ Jesus! Let us live a true life of freedom, choosing what is righteous and godly, pleasing our heavenly Father, honoring our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, through the power of the Holy Spirit given to live within us! We are free indeed!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith February 2, 2026

Notes of Faith February 2, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

September 3, 2000

“HOW TO REALIZE YOUR FREEDOM IN CHRIST”

Galatians 5:16, 17

I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.

The aspiration of every child is to grow to a place of responsibility - to come to the place where they are no longer hampered or controlled by parents and the confines of home environment; to come to the place of responsible freedom. Likewise, the desire of every child of God should be to come to the place of freedom in his life - responsible freedom. The greatest hindrance to the Christian’s understanding and enjoying real spiritual freedom is the flesh. To realize real freedom in your life is to learn to walk by the Spirit.

[Note a joint responsibility in these verses: The Christian exerts the effort to walk and the Holy Spirit energizes our effort and gives it dynamic.]

What is walking by the Spirit? Walking by the Spirit is learning to regulate your whole round of life according to the norm or standard set by the Holy Spirit. This is something you are constantly working on.

How do you learn to walk by the Spirit?

• Walking by the Spirit is as natural as learning to walk physically. Everyone eventually learns to walk.

• You learn to walk by walking! No one ever learned to walk just by observing others.

• You learn to walk by falling. You never reach the place in your life where you are not prone to fall. Making bad decisions in the process of life is all a part of learning to walk. You don’t quit because you fall. You get up and start over again. Stay involved!

• You learn to walk responsibly. You first “house walked” which was monitored by your parents (restricted freedom.) Then you “yard walked” which was monitored by the confines of a fence under the watchful eye of parents, big brother, etc. (still restricted freedom). Then you walked on your own (responsible freedom).

How does it work? In the process of learning to live a responsible Christian life, you are allowing the Holy Spirit to win you away from the controlling power of the flesh. Just as you learn to walk physically, you gradually pull away from the things of infancy (see Ephesians 4:11-16). You walk by the Spirit by leaning to regulate your life in the Word (Christ’s example is found in Luke 4:1-14, see also Ephesians 6:17). You become familiar with the Spirit’s voice in the Scriptures.

The objective of the believer is to:

Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage to sin (Galatians 5:1).

Keep walking! God bless.

Love to you all,

Pastor Charles Covington

I have to assume that even Enoch had to learn to walk with God and fell many times because of his sin nature but continued to rise and continue his walk of faith and trust in God! The Scriptures say that Enoch and Noah walked with God. We recognize that they both must have sinned, (for all fall short of the glory of God, sinless perfection), but we read nothing but Noah becoming drunk. I would like to think that all people that God calls to Himself through the gift of faith “walk” with Him. How well we walk might not be fully understood or reflected until rewards are handed out in the glory of heaven.

May we get up quickly when we fall, repent of our sin, and strive to “walk” with God as Jesus did, doing His will, pleasing to the Father. Thank God for the gift of His Spirit that strengthens us, encourages us, and helps us to stand firm in the truth of the most wonderful relationship possible!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith February 1, 2026

Notes of Faith February 1, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

August 27, 2000

“TRUSTING IN THE LORD”

Proverbs 3: 5, 6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.

If you would ask the average Christian, “are you trusting in the Lord?” you would probably get this answer: “Of course I’m trusting in the Lord. I’m a Christian!” However, there are different levels of trust. There is salvation trust where the Gospel is presented, we are made aware of our sin of unbelief by the Holy Spirit and we trust Jesus to save us. This puts us in God’s family. There is trust for our daily needs. This includes trusting God to keep us healthy so we can work and provide for our family.

Then there is another level of trust which is what is in view in Proverbs 3: 5 and 6 when you come up against a problem that is larger than you’ve ever seen before. You try your best to figure some way to get through it. The harder you try the more complex the problem becomes. Finally you throw up your hands in despair. “What’s the use?” you ask. “I’m helpless against this barrier in my life. What’s a person to do?” Ever been there? I know some of you have. Some of you are there now. It’s quite a bit different than trusting God for daily needs, isn’t it?

Yes, God calls each one of His children, sooner or later, to this highest level of trust. He does it to prove Himself to us. André Crouch wrote in one of his songs:

If we never had them (trials) we’d never know we need Him.

Through it all, through it all, I’ve learned to trust in Jesus,

I’ve learned to trust in God. Through it all, through it all,

I’ve learned to depend upon His Word.

That is what is in view in this passage:

• “Trust in the Lord with all your heart.” This means with all your inner being - all you are.

• “And lean not on your own understanding.” This is perhaps the most difficult of all for us to do. We are naturally programmed to trust ourselves. But in cases like this, it is not good to lean on our own understanding.

• “In all your ways acknowledge Him.” This takes in our daily needs and the otherwise immovable mountains in our path. We acknowledge that God is the One we look to.

• “And He will direct your path.” God not only knows everything, He also sees everything. He can see around corners. I’ve always taken great comfort in that fact. Literally, He will make your paths straight. Ever feel like your way was blocked? That something was in your path and you couldn’t get around it? Or that you were going down a crooked road and couldn’t see clearly? I’ve been there a few times. These are the times when God makes the crooked places straight. He will make the crooked places straight for you.

Let’s work on this highest level of trust together. I’m faced with it every day. I’m sure many of you are. Happy trusting!

Love to you all,

Pastor Charles Covington

Heb 2:10-18

10 For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to perfect the author of their salvation through sufferings. 11 For both He who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all from one Father; for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren, 12 saying,

"I WILL PROCLAIM YOUR NAME TO MY BRETHREN,IN THE MIDST OF THE CONGREGATION I WILL SING YOUR PRAISE."

13 And again,

"I WILL PUT MY TRUST IN HIM."

And again,

"BEHOLD, I AND THE CHILDREN WHOM GOD HAS GIVEN ME."

14 Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives. 16 For assuredly He does not give help to angels, but He gives help to the descendant of Abraham. 17 Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted.

Hebrews is one of the books that needs to be studied carefully to understand the wisdom and truth that it contains. These verses speak of Jesus and His complete trust in doing the will of His Father, that He might be glorified, providing the way for His bride, the church, to be redeemed, forgiven for their sin, and made perfect and able to enter into the glory of God, to be with Him forever.

Let us give thanks every day for the One willing to suffer and die that we might receive life, and that eternal.

1 Peter 5:6-10

6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, 7 casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. 8 Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. 10 After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.

I pray for all of you as I pray for myself…to be established in the truth of the Word of God, knowing intimate relationship with God, walking with Him through every circumstance, recognizing my weaknesses and most of all, trusting in God and His love for me, to bring me to my forever home, with Him, perfect in His transforming power toward me and all who trust in Him!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith January 31, 202

Notes of Faith January 31, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

August 20, 2000

“PREACHING THE WORD”

II Timothy 4:1, 2

In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of His appearing and His kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the Word, be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage - with great patience and careful instruction.

The man of God has several mandates from God. Perhaps the most challenging of these is the responsibility of proclaiming the Word of God. This is seen in the solemn charge that Paul gives to Timothy in II Timothy 4:1-2. This charge is given in the presence of God and of Jesus Christ, who is the judge of both the living and the dead. The following are elements of the ministry of preaching the Word.

1. What does he do with the Word? Preach or proclaim. People need to hear the Word, not hear about it, but hear it proclaimed with power and conviction.

2. When does he preach? Be ready at all times. In season - when the time is right. This would include regular pulpit ministry. Out of season - when it is not convenient. Times when people don’t particularly desire to hear the Word. The offense of the cross has not ceased!

3. How does he preach? Reprove essentially means “to correct.” There are those in the church who quite easily drift into error. There are those so-called teachers in some churches who would lead others astray doctrinally. God’s man is to correct this trend. Rebuke those who have fallen into sin. The man of God is to rebuke. This requires courage and conviction. Exhort no doubt involves those who are living within the parameters of God’s will. They are to be encouraged to continue their course of action.

So proclaiming, correcting, rebuking, and encouraging are the elements of the major mandate from God to His servant and all of this is to be done with patience and instruction. So often some preach, correct, rebuke, and encourage in less than a patient manner and do it out of human understanding.

Paul says the man of God is to minister with great patience. This involves understanding his own weakness. God’s Word is to be the center of all the man of God does in behalf of God’s people. Therefore churches who have this kind of man are to be thankful and supportive. God bless.

Love to you all,

Pastor Charles Covington

The one who is willing to do God’s will and preach/teach/reprove/correct/rebuke/exhort/encourage/ must be filled with the Word of God, living by the truth and doctrine within it, in order to be a useful vessel in proclaiming the truth of God.

We have been given such a man to lead our flock as an under shepherd for the perfect and holy Shepherd by which we all have life. Let us give glory to God for sending this man and those surrounding him who serve “with all their heart” for the glory of God! Thank you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!

Pastor Dale