Notes of Faith March 21, 2026

Notes of Faith March 21, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

October 7, 2001

Series: Romans Chapter 5

“JUSTIFICATION PLUS” - continued

Romans 5:10-11

For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.

Let’s consider Part II of Justification Plus. Paul has just stated that believers have been delivered forever from the wrath of God because of our justification (being declared righteous) in Christ Jesus.

He now says that while we were still enemies of God, we were reconciled to God through the death of His son (the word reconcile means to change from a state of enmity to a state of friendship). The Greek word is katallasso. Here is the second “much more”.

In verse 10 he tells us much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved (continuously) by His resurrected life. Surely if the death of His Son brought us to God and justified us, how much more will He continue to save us in His resurrected life. This phase of His continuing salvation is seen in His intercessory work at the right hand of God the Father (cf Hebrews 7 and Romans 8:34.) He arose to a brand new life. This is life beyond death. It is life that keeps on saving. This is essentially the message of Romans 6.

What a thrill to know that both the death and life of Jesus Christ constitute the basis of our great salvation. How does this affect the believer? In verse 11 he writes, “not only this but we also exult or rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ through whom we have received the reconciliation.”

Rejoicing is a big plus in our redemption. Rejoicing is a concept that appears prolifically in both old and new testaments. In fact, the one thing that can mar our rejoicing is sin in our lives. Sin pours cold water on the believer’s joy.

So, beloved, rejoicing should be our experience today. If it is not, then let’s examine ourselves. Let’s ask God to show us what is eroding our Christian joy. He will surely answer that prayer. When He shows us let’s confess it and move on in our walk with God - rejoicing! God bless.

Love to you all,

Pastor Charles Covington

The creation of mankind was in sinless perfection. There was communion and fellowship, walking with God. Sin caused separation from God that could only be fixed, corrected, by an act of God. The only satisfactory payment for our sin would be a sinless sacrifice. The Son of God, Jesus, came to earth, lived a perfect and holy human life, then took on all sin of man, that man might be set free from the chains and servitude of sin. Jesus is our Savior, our Redeemer! In Him we have life and that, eternal! Praise Him for the gift of faith to believe, to follow and obey the Lord Jesus Christ. May we be blessed to grow in the grace and knowledge of God and relationship with Him, both now and for all eternity!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith March 20, 2026

Notes of Faith March 20, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

September 9, 2001

Series: Romans Chapter 5

“A STANDING WITH GOD”

Romans 5:2

Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

through Whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.

Everything following verse one kind of melts down from that verse. Peace with God results in a wonderful standing in grace and abounding in hope. A standing in grace means that we have received a position in the grace of God.

The word “received” is a perfect tense verb which means we have received this position once for all, never to be changed! We are totally immersed in the grace of God forever and ever.

The unbeliever, if he remains in his unbelief, has a complete standing in the condemnation of God forever and ever.

God is so good! He takes us - through faith - from forever condemned to a perfect standing in God’s forever favor. Praise the Lord! Grace is available to God’s people for everything.

We also exult or rejoice in the glorious hope that grace brings to us. This means that we have this hope right now and thus we can rejoice in it.

But that hope is just the beginning. One day we will be in His glorious presence and we will be like Him, without sin, holy and righteous. Can you think of a greater legacy than that, beloved?

What a wonderful God we have. Let us rejoice in our standing in GRACE and HOPE OF GLORY today. God bless.

Love to you all,

Pastor Charles Covington

Without the grace of God we would all stand condemned for “all have fallen short of the glory of God”. We have been given a hope that leaves the earthly temporal glory behind and looks forward to the heavenly eternal glory waiting for those who believe in Jesus and His finished work on the cross, providing complete payment for our sin, forgiveness, a restored relationship…and in His resurrection, He, Jesus, the first fruits of eternal life.

John 11:25-26

I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?"

1 Cor 15:42-49

…the resurrection of the dead. It is sown a perishable body, it is raised an imperishable body; 43 it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; 44 it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. 45 So also it is written, "The first MAN, Adam, BECAME A LIVING SOUL." The last Adam became a life-giving spirit. 46 However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural; then the spiritual. 47 The first man is from the earth, earthy; the second man is from heaven. 48 As is the earthy, so also are those who are earthy; and as is the heavenly, so also are those who are heavenly. 49 Just as we have borne the image of the earthy, we will also bear the image of the heavenly.

My HOPE is in the glory of God! Jesus, the God-man, is the image of God in which we were originally created. As in Adam, all mankind sins, so in Jesus all believers will be made like His resurrected glory. Though we do not become “gods”, we will be transformed into sinless spiritual beings. Just as Jesus has a resurrected body that can be seen and touched, we will have an amazing resurrected body like His. But the greatest of these, for me, is to be without sin!

I can’t wait to be with Jesus. Let us endeavor to have the most intimate relationship possible with the One who loves us and died for us that we might truly live…today! Though we do not see Him now, we worship our Lord and Savior, giving thanks to God the Father, through the power and strength of the Holy Spirit, with HOPE, expectantly looking for His return to take us to be with Him forever!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith March 19, 2026

Notes of Faith March 19, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

September 2, 2001

Series: Romans Chapter 5

“PEACE WITH GOD”

Romans 5:1

Today we begin a verse-by-verse study of the fifth chapter of Romans. This is one of the great chapters of the Bible.

In Romans chapters 1-4 Paul makes an unarguable case against the whole of the human race - both Jew and Gentile. He closes chapter four with these words:

He who was delivered up because of our transgressions and was raised because of our justification.

Then he launches right into chapter five:

Therefore being justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

“Therefore” reaches back and connects the whole of the preceding chapters with chapter five. “Justifies” means “declared righteous” not “made righteous.” Being made righteous won’t happen until we receive our new bodies. But we are declared righteous before God based upon what Jesus Christ has done. God the Father looks at us as He does His own Son! This produces for us peace with God. Not the peace of God, although that follows later. This is talking about a peace relationship that Jesus Christ established for us when He died and rose again. What a statement of finality He makes here! All of God’s justified ones share an equal standing with Christ before God. This should settle once and for all how God looks at us.

Are you struggling today with guilt? If you are, it may be unjustified guilt. If you have trusted Jesus as Lord and Savior, there is no guilt upon you. However, if you are out of fellowship with God, there is something causing that. Find out what it is and confess it to Him in the Name of Jesus.

Have a guilt-free day! God bless.

Love to you all,

Pastor Charles Covington

Rom 8:1

Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

No means none. Though we still sin we are covered by the blood of Jesus perfect sacrifice and our sins are washed clean. We stand before God in Jesus, pure and holy, as He is. Satan likes to bring up our past sin, saying that we are unworthy of relationship with God. Yet, we believe in the work of Jesus! Being in Christ brings us into a relationship with God through His righteousness and worthiness. We must understand our relationship to God through Jesus to understand that we have perfect peace with God, now, and forever more!

Follow Jesus! Pursue holiness! Trust the work of God through His Son, believing that you have been given perfect peace through keeping your heart and mind on Christ and your relationship in Him!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith March 18, 2026

Notes of Faith March 18, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

August 19, 2001

“NO MORE THAN YOU CAN BEAR”

I Corinthians 10:13

No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it.

In I Corinthians 10:13 Paul assures us that God will not allow more than we are able to bear. Sometimes what we are called to bear is others’ pressures. They can be devastating, especially if they are pressures relating to our children. We worry and wonder what we can do. The more we think about it the more frustrated we become. Three of our children are in crisis situations at this writing. How we hurt watching them hurt and how helpless we feel not being able to “fix it”.

God is so good to alleviate the pressure, although He doesn’t take it away. He does, however, lighten the load considerably. I am also reminded that the primary purpose is to strengthen my faith (James 1:3-4).

The first thing we should do is go to Him in prayer. There is something about prayer that is very consoling (I John 5:14-15). What a comfort it is to know that our Heavenly Father can “fix it” - far better than we - and He knows the very best way to work things out, so we leave our children in His hands.

So what pressures are you experiencing today? Do they seem more than you can bear? Just remember “There is no testing that has taken you that is not common to man but - GOD IS FAITHFUL”.

God has not promised skies always blue,

Flower strewn pathways, all our lives through.

God has not promised sun without rain,

Joy without sorrow, peace without pain.

But God HAS promised strength for the day,

Rest for the weary, light for the way,

Grace for the trial, help from above,

Unfailing sympathy, undying love.

So, beloved, look at your pressures straight on, and thank God that He has chosen you to undergo this trying time! God bless.

Love to you all,

Pastor Charles Covington

James 1:2-4

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

2 Peter 2:9

The Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation…

Heb 2:18

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.

Heb 4:15-16

For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. 16 Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

James 1:13-15

Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. 15 Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.

Gal 6:1-2

Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted. 2 Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.

Let us consider the temptations and sufferings of Jesus, pick up our cross daily and follow Him, striving to live holy and acceptable lives to God. He will lead, guide and direct our path and bring us, at journeys end to our eternal home with Him!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith March 17, 2026

Notes of Faith March 17, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

August 12, 2001

“MARKS OF A GENUINE RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD”

I John 2:3-6

Have you ever asked the question, “How can I be sure that I am truly a child of God?” John answers the question in this passage.

And by this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments (v. 3).

What assurance this is! Obeying His Word is proof of God’s ownership of us! God puts His Holy Spirit in our lives. He gives us His Word. The two are compatible. Our will becomes His will in reality.

Verse four contrasts the absence of obedience and the profession that it exposes:

The one who says, “I have come to know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

I suppose it is possible for someone to go through life deceiving himself that he knows God without obeying His Word, but he has certainly failed the test.

But whoever keeps His Word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him (v. 5)

Again we receive a wonderful assurance from our indwelling guest, the Holy Spirit. But what is involved in obeying the Word? James 1:22-25 answers this question.

But prove yourselves doers of the Word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the Word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man shall be blessed in what he does.

I John 2:6 shows us the example that the one who obeys will follow:

. . . the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the

same manner as He walked (v. 6).

What a mandate - Christ our example (John 15:10). The greatest, most influential and tangible evidence of the validity and tenability of Biblical Christianity is the living evidence that a true Christian is to reflect in his/her life.

Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven (Matthew 5:15).

If we fall short of having this assurance we should be concerned. Stop and ask yourself, “Do I have this indication that I know Him?” This is a serious question for you and me. Let’s look into our hearts a little closer today. Do we need to make some changes? God bless.

Love to you all,

Pastor Charles Covington

If you are still reading this you may be challenged today… We all fail to keep His commandments and will as long as we are in this earthly body of sin. But God is transforming our hearts and mind to be like that of Jesus who obeyed all commandments. Our pursuit in life should be one of obedience. When we fall short, we should repent of our sin, and press on toward the upward call of God in Christ Jesus, striving to obey through the power of God within us, the gift of His Spirit. Let us pray for His strength to obey and receive the blessings of obedience. Following Jesus is not easy. Being a Christian is not easy. Picking up your cross daily is not easy. Leaving your sin on the cross of Jesus and not taking it back, is not easy. LIFE is not easy. But God… God has called us to Himself and provides all that we need to live pleasing to Him. To obey is a good thing. Follow Jesus in His sufferings and sacrifice of obedience.

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith March 16, 2026

Notes of Faith March 16, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

August 5, 2001

“LOSING HEART OR GAINING CONFIDENCE?”

II Corinthians 4:16ff

Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.

Another stay in the hospital. A couple more maladies to add to my ever-growing list of physical problems. Will it ever end? Often we allow the physical to govern our outlook on life. I know I do! If things are going well physically then we are reasonably optimistic. If not, we tend to become pessimistic and lose heart. This decay is a result of the fall. We call it growing old.

How do Christians cope with the aging process? You can’t change it, so how do you deal with it? Some succumb to it and become “grumpy old men” while others refuse to accept it and try to remain young all their lives. The fact is that aging in this life is an irreversible process. We need to understand it, accept it, and concentrate on what God says to concentrate on and that is to cultivate the internal.

While there is a gradual retirement of the physical, there is a constant change and renewal process taking place within the spiritual system. God, the Holy Spirit, is constantly developing His people from within.

What is this renewal and how does it happen?

• Christ is formed in us - Galatians 4:19

• We are renewed in our mind - Romans 12:1, 2

• We are renewed in knowledge - Colossians 3:10

• There is an overall renewal - II Corinthians 3:18

The renewing in the inner man is the process by which the Holy Spirit brings the essence of truth to your mind - your inner self - and with it forms and shapes Christ in you. The result of this inner renewing process has little to do with how you look but has a lot to do with how you look at things and people and life.

1. We have a more mature outlook and mindset in relation to the world in which we live. Maturity brings understanding.

2. We are more reflective of the mindset of Jesus Christ. This means a stronger capability of dealing with the difficulty.

3. This renewal is “day by day”. Are you, am I, willing to cultivate day by day to the principle of Colossians 3:1-2?

We need to take time to cultivate the inner man because if the internal man isn’t cultivated, the external will take control. Inner renewal will not only prevent us from losing heart, it will enable us to gain confidence as we move toward the eternal (Philippians 3:12-14).

Beloved, the Christian is conditioned by difficulty and by the renewing process of the Holy Spirit to appreciate and embrace eternal realities. How precious this passage has become to me:

For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself. Philippians 3:21.

Once again Eva and I thank you for your love and prayers. What a blessing you are!

Love to you all,

Pastor Charles Covington

We (true believers and obedient followers of Christ) are NOTW !

Gal 4:19

19 My children, with whom I am again in labor until Christ is formed in you…

Rom 12:2

do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

Col 3:10

put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him

2 Cor 3:18

18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.

Col 3:1-2

Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.

Phil 3:12-14

12 Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Created in the image of God, and although having fallen from that perfection, God through His grace, mercy and love, pursues us, to know Him, to love Him, to worship and serve Him. Because of His great love, He is making us more like Jesus, day by day, that He might present us, the church, the bride of Christ, who will be like Him in holiness, righteousness, and truth! May we pray for this life change, answer the call of God on our heart, and follow Jesus in obedience all of our days!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith March 15, 2026

Notes of Faith March 15, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

July 29, 2001

“THE TRUE GOSPEL”

I Corinthians 15:1-3ff

What is the true Gospel? I’ve always been taught there are three points to the Gospel and technically that is true. Paul said that he delivered to the Corinthians the Gospel he received and that is that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures and that He was buried according to the Scriptures and that He was raised again according to the Scriptures. Please don’t omit the words following these three great events. This entire statement comprises the glorious Gospel.

1. Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures. Psalm 22, Isaiah 53:6

2. Christ was buried and He rose again according to the Scriptures.

Psalm 16:9-11, 68:18

The Gospel that saves is the Gospel that is firmly rooted in the Old Testament scriptures. In sharing the Gospel one has to identify the Jesus in question. There are a lot of people named “Jesus” in the world. None of them is able to save. So we need to be very clear as to whom we mean. It is the word that the Holy Spirit uses. We must remember that important fact. The Gospel according to the Scriptures is the Gospel we must present.

What can we expect to happen when we share this divine message?

1. Some will stiff-arm the message. They don’t see their need.

2. Some will assent to the message, affirming the facts but they seem to fall short of embracing it for themselves. All too often this is what happens.

3. Some will submit to the ministry of the Holy Spirit and embrace the life-saving message and be saved.

So in conclusion I say with Paul:

I give you that which I first received. That Christ died, was buried, and rose again, all according to the Scriptures.

Whosoever believes in Him will be truly saved because he has believed in the true Gospel. God bless.

Love to you all,

Pastor Charles Covington

Eph 2:8-9

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.

It is God who saves and no other. The work of salvation is completed through faith (believing) that Jesus died for your sin and is the only way to be reconciled to God. It is the Holy Spirit that convicts the sinner of the need for a Savior and brings that repentant sinner to the throne of God’s grace to receive forgiveness through that faith in Jesus’ perfect blood sacrifice and eternal salvation through the power of God’s holding us in His hand. Nothing will ever separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus.

Don’t just say you believe…the demons do and shudder! Repent of your sin, submit to God, obey His commandments, and be welcomed into the joy of your Master and the blessings He has waiting for you!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith March 14, 2026

Notes of Faith March 14, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

July 22, 2001

“GOD’S PRIMARY GOAL FOR THE BELIEVER”

There are many goals that God has designated for His people. Time would not permit me to elaborate on all of them.

However, I would like to center on one which I consider to be foremost among them all:

I Thessalonians 3:12, 13

. . . and may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another, and for all men, just as we also do for you; so that He may establish your hearts unblamable in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints.

You will note first that it is the Lord who causes us to increase and abound in love toward one another and to all men. Jesus said in John 15:5:

“Without Me you can do nothing.”

Love has always been God’s highest priority on His agenda. Note next that we are to be constantly increasing and abounding in love. Love is never to be static in the life of the Christian. It never plateaus.

How do we increase and abound in love toward one another? Let me suggest two things:

1. Make ways to do it. Be creative in your spiritual love life. Tell other believers you love them. There is power in words (Proverbs 15:1).

2. Think of something that is extremely difficult for you personally then just do it. Go beyond the normal. Make your love evident (Philippians 4:13).

There is something in my life that I’ve had to deal with regarding the increase of God’s love. It wasn’t easy but it was possible and I feel better for it. Search your life. Come up with something that hurts to do. Take it before the Lord. Pray about it then DO it. God bless.

Love to you all,

Pastor Charles Covington

We have a new covenant in Jesus’ blood that by His grace through faith in Him brings forgiveness of our sins, salvation and redemption for eternal life and most precious of all, relationship with God restored in and through Jesus! Sacrifice, forgiveness and love are at the forefront of our new life in Christ. We are to love God with all that we are AND our neighbor as ourselves. I agree with Charles, that we need to do things of love that challenge our old dark hearts and selfish behavior. God promises to make you more like His Son! You will not make yourself more like Jesus but the Father will, the Holy Spirit will. Listen to Him and do what He says…you will be more blessed than ever before!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith March 13, 2026

Notes of Faith March 13, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

July 15, 2001

“TRUE PRAYER”

. . . devoted to prayer.

Romans 12:12c

I have written to many of you over the past month. In my notes I’ve stated that I’m praying for you. The question is, what have I been praying? I’ve also asked for requests. Thank you for giving me something specific to pray for.

However, the most effective prayer I could ever pray for you is the type of petition Paul made for the Ephesians. This is found in Ephesians 3:16 ff:

. . . that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man; so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith . . .

Isn’t that where the battle is really raging? In the inner man? That is where I fight my severest battles - right down deep in my heart. Battles in the form of doubt, fear, resentment, and a million other things.

I feel weak in the inner man sometimes. That is where we most often faint. Let me encourage you to pray that prayer in Ephesians for your fellow believers, for Pastor Dale, for Pastor Randy, and for me. We surely appreciate it.

Specific prayer is essential regarding certain things, but you will never miss if you concentrate on the strengthening of the inner man. Let’s make this a priority.

If you don’t know how to pray in this way, ask God to show you. Go through other prayers of the Apostle Paul to learn his style. You’ll find similar prayers in Philippians 1 and Colossians 3. These three chapters have been of great help to me in my personal prayer life. I’m sure they will help you. God bless.

Love to you all,

Pastor Charles Covington

1 Thess 5:17-18

17 pray without ceasing; 18 in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

Col 1:9-14

For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10 And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. 13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

2 Thess 1:11-12

We constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. 12 We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Rom 8:26

We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.

God prompts us to pray and responds to our prayers. Let us fervently lift up one another daily as you are prompted and know of one another’s needs. We always have need to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith March 12, 2026

Notes of Faith March 12, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

July 8, 2001

“TRUE FREEDOM”

For you were called to freedom, brethren.

Galatians 5:13a

For the past few days people in our neighborhood have been setting off fireworks, of course anticipating the Fourth of July. I’m wondering how many of these people really understand the true significance of the Fourth of July - that it commemorates freedom for our nation?

If Christians would set off fireworks for the real freedom we have in Christ, would that make an impact on anyone? It would sure give us an opportunity to sound our freedom cry! Jesus set me free from my sin when He died on the cross. I claimed that freedom on August 13, 1963 - freedom from sin, freedom from the law, freedom from fear and dread, and freedom from myself.

John 8:36 says:

If therefore the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed.

Galatians 5:1 states:

It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing

firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.

Are you free in Christ? Can you rejoice greatly in that accomplished fact? What a source of joy that truth should bring to our hearts! Oh, the devil tries to convince us that there is something in our lives that Christ missed - but don’t listen to his lies. All your sins were future when Jesus died. He died for them all.

Take time to review your life today just to assure yourself of what He has done for you and then thank Him for the true freedom we have in Christ. I know I am! God bless.

Love to you all,

Pastor Charles Covington

We should be “living” fireworks displays for what we have in Christ. It should be every day and all the time…Glorifying Jesus in all that we do and say. May you be a blessing to someone today, a living, glorifying, fireworks display for the hope that you have in Christ. Tell them your story of salvation in Jesus!

Pastor Dale