Notes of Faith October 16, 2025

Notes of Faith October 16, 2025

Give Today a Song!

Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; and let them say among the nations, “The Lord reigns.”

1 Chronicles 16:31

Fanny Crosby wrote thousands of hymns, though only a few are sung today (such as “Blessed Assurance” and “To God Be the Glory”). One of her forgotten hymns says, “Sing when the birds are waking, sing with the morning light; sing in the noontide’s golden beam, sing in the hush of night.”

Recommended Reading:

1 Chronicles 16:31-36

When we sing throughout the day, we’re reflecting the worship of heaven. When we sing with other believers in worship services, we’re joining the choirs of heaven. We need to enjoy a wide range of music in our worship services—from classic hymns to modern praise and worship. If the words glorify God and reflect biblical truth, sing them with gusto. Learn the old hymns. Sing the new music.

Reflect the joy of heaven and let your heart be glad. Say and sing to the nations, “The Lord reigns!” Be filled with the Spirit and overflow with praise. Give today a song!

Sing when the sky is darkest, sing when the thunders roll; sing of a land where rest remains, rest for the weary soul.

Fanny Crosby

1 Chron 16:31-36

31 Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad;

let them say among the nations, "The Lord reigns!"

32 Let the sea resound, and all that is in it;

let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them!

33 Then the trees of the forest will sing,

they will sing for joy before the Lord,

for he comes to judge the earth.

34 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;

his love endures forever.

35 Cry out, "Save us, O God our Savior;

gather us and deliver us from the nations,

that we may give thanks to your holy name,

that we may glory in your praise."

36 Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel,

from everlasting to everlasting.

Then all the people said "Amen" and "Praise the Lord."

Music has always been an important part of my life, singing and playing instruments as a young boy, leading to both choral and instrumental teaching degrees in college.  The Lord used me in church to lead worship and choirs starting at age 18 and has continued to allow me to be involved in the music ministry.  It is easy to sing, even if words do not come out of your mouth, to declare the truth and joy we have in praising and worshipping God.  Declare the truth of who God is.  Give thanks in everything.  Confess sin before Him (yes, you can even sing this).  Ask for deliverance from the snares of the devil.  Pray that you will be obedient to His will and not that of your flesh. 

Do songs come to mind when you read these examples of themes of worship and praise? 

I grew up on the hymns of faith and I still love the Scriptures that they are based on.  The newer songs and those yet to be written that express the truth of who God is, His will for us, His work in us, and the glory of what is to come…are all wonderful as well.  May we be able to give all glory to God for His creation and the work He has done, is doing, and has promised to do.  God is good all the time!

Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)

Song by Chris Tomlin

Amazing grace how sweet the sound

That saved a wretch like me

I once was lost, but now I'm found

Was blind, but now I see

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear

And grace my fears relieved

How precious did that grace appear

The hour I first believed

My chains are gone, I've been set free

My God, my Savior has ransomed me

And like a flood His mercy reigns

Unending love

Amazing grace

The Lord has promised good to me

His word my hope secures

He will my shield and portion be

As long as life endures

My chains are gone, I've been set free

My God, my Savior has ransomed me

And like a flood His mercy reigns

Unending love

Amazing grace

My chains are gone, I've been set free

My God, my Savior has ransomed me

And like a flood His mercy reigns

Unending love

Amazing grace

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow

The sun forbear to shine

But God, who called me here below

Will be forever mine, will be forever mine

You are forever mine

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith October 15, 2025

Notes of Faith October 15, 2025

Tree of Life

In the middle of [the New Jerusalem’s] street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.

Revelation 22:2

God forbade Adam and Eve from eating of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, but they disobeyed. Once their eyes were opened to their sin, they were banished from the Garden so they could not eat of the tree of life and live forever (Genesis 2:9; 3:22-24). Physical death for humanity was the result but with the possibility of resurrection unto eternal life.

While the image of a “tree of life” is used metaphorically in the book of Proverbs, the tree of life from the Garden of Eden does not appear in Scripture again until it is found in the New Jerusalem (Revelation 2:7; 22:2, 14). There it is described as a source of life for all who eat of its fruit. Mankind was banned from eating of the tree of life after the Fall but is welcome to eat of its fruit in the eternal city.

Praise God today that He has made provision for not only the forgiveness of sin but also for eternal life in His presence.

We have been created for eternal life.

Alister McGrath

Mankind was the only thing God created in His image. God is eternal and it would seem that man was created to be in relationship eternally when he was created…until sin entered the world and through it man reaped death. Only the saving grace and mercy of God in sending His Son Jesus to die as a substitute for our sin made it possible for man to be redeemed to eternal life through faith in the work of Jesus. Let us leave behind the sin the so easily entangles us and pursue intimacy with God in Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit given to live within the believer in Jesus will guide, direct, encourage, and hold onto us for God’s sake for all eternity. Praise the Lord!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith October 14, 2025

Notes of Faith October 14, 2025

Eternal Light

The [New Jerusalem] had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light.

Revelation 21:23

On the fourth day of Creation, God created the sun, the moon, and the stars. But when the New Jerusalem will become the abode of the saved, there will be no need for the sun or moon to provide light to the city. Indeed, there will be no night at all (Revelation 21:25).

In John’s vision of the eternal city in Revelation 21:22-26, he describes light in the New Jerusalem. Supposedly, the sun and moon will still exist in the heavens, but as for light in the New Jerusalem, there will be a different source: the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ. The glory of God will illuminate the entire city with Jesus Christ Himself being the source of the glory and light. He who declared Himself to be “the light of the world” (John 8:12; 9:5) will fill the eternal city with His light forever. We who dwell there will reflect His glory and light for all eternity.

Let His light and life shine through you today as you anticipate reflecting His light for eternity.

I am walking toward a bright light and the nearer I get the brighter it is.

Dwight L. Moody

God has often revealed Himself visually as blazing, spectacular light. He led the people of Israel out of captivity in Egypt as a pillar of fire at night and a pillar of cloud during the day. Jesus called Himself the light of the world. He also called His followers the light of the world.

How are we doing at being lights in this dark world? Make in the image of God, I pray that we would reflect His glory more and more as we mature in Christ, and bring more people to His throne of grace each day.

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith October 13, 2025

Notes of Faith October 13, 2025

Lifting the Curse

Then to Adam [God] said…“Cursed is the ground for your sake; in toil you shall eat of it all the days of your life.”

Genesis 3:17

Coaxing food from the soil is a laborious task. Weather, pests, and crop diseases are challenges. The words of Genesis 3:19 become all too real: “In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread till you return to the ground.”

The sin of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden resulted in the earth being cursed. Everything that troubles our world today—discord, disease, disaster—is evidence of the earth laboring under a curse. The apostle Paul wrote that “the creation was subjected to futility” (Romans 8:20). But there is good news! “The creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God” (verse 21). Though we sometimes “groan within ourselves” (verse 23), we wait “in eager expectation” (verse 19, NIV) for the redemption of all creation.

Whatever toil or trouble you are experiencing today, know that it is only temporary. It will be replaced by the glory of a new heaven and new earth.

[In heaven] we shall not rest from our work but from our labors. There will be no toil, no pain in our work.

Robert Murray M’Cheyne

Rom 8:18-25

18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now. 23 And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body. 24 For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it.

As each day goes by we all become a little more frail and broken. Sin caused this to happen. Not our sin, but when sin entered the world it brought death.

Rom 6:23

the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Because of sin, mankind is destined to die. But God, in His love, grace and mercy, provided a way for man to be redeemed…saved, sanctified, and glorified!

This life is short…certainly compared to eternity. How many of you would love to live your lives over with different responses and behavior in your relationship with God? Me too. What can we expect after this short life?

SAVED!

Rom 10:9-11

9 If you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.

SANCTIFIED!

John 17:14-17

14 "I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 15 "I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one. 16 "They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 17 "Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.

GLORIFIED!

John 17:22-24

22 "The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one; 23 I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me. 24 "Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given Me, be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory which You have given Me, for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.

Rom 8:18-25

18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now. 23 And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body. 24 For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it.

Rom 8:28-30

28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. 29 For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; 30 and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.

Rev 21:1-5

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

5 He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!"

Praise God for His care for you today and His promise of making everything “NEW”.

Let us pray for that day to come soon!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith October 12, 2025

Notes of Faith October 12, 2025

Pillar of Fire and Cloud of Smoke

EXODUS 13 / JOHN 8:12–30

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” — John 8:12

Do you remember traveling on a road trip before using a map app on your phone?

If you can, there’s a high possibility you remember the days of printing turn-by-turn directions from MapQuest.com. Or before that, buying a printed road map or atlas! Oh, how far we’ve come!

Getting lost, missing exits, getting turned around... the confusion can leave us feeling so vulnerable.

It’s incredibly dysregulating and sometimes downright frightening to be lost. The Israelites most definitely felt this vulnerability and anxiety when they left Egypt. Yes, they were leaving the devastating hardships of Egypt, but every step took them deeper into the unknown. And the unknown can be a frightening place to willingly walk into.

God... where am I supposed to be going?

From the start of the Israelites’ exit from Egypt, God kept His promise not just to lead His people, but to be with them every step of the way.

01 Read Exodus 13:17–18a. Take note of the words in verse 18a, especially

But God led the people around by the way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea.

How does it make you feel, reading that God intentionally led the Israelites into the wilderness?

It’s hard to understand why God would intentionally take the Israelites through such a desolate place like the wilderness. Maybe today you find yourself questioning God in a place you find yourself in.

God... why am I here?

God... where are You?

God... what am I supposed to be doing?

God... where am I supposed to be going?

The wilderness wasn’t God’s punishment because He didn’t care. It was where God took them because He knew something they didn’t.

God knew going the shorter journey through the land of the Philistines was a greater danger to them in the long run. If the Israelites faced the Philistines, their fear might have prompted them to turn back to Egypt. Or, they might have been tempted by the idolatry of the Philistines and turn towards false gods.

God was not unaware of the needs of the Israelites. And God is not unaware of your deepest needs.

The promise of God’s presence would carry the Israelites through what appeared to be their worst nightmare in the wilderness.

02 Read Exodus 13:21–22. What was the manifestation of God’s presence that went before them?

These manifestations served two important purposes:

... The pillars led the people in the direction that they should go.

... The pillars provided boundaries and protection for the people.

Let’s zoom in on the image here. The Israelites saw the tangible presence of God leading and guiding them day and night. Even though the Israelites cried out in complaints and weariness from the journey that felt purposeless to them, God’s presence continued to guide them.

Here is one of the challenges we face when experiencing unexpected pain and suffering: We can believe there is an underlying meaninglessness to what we’re facing. But through uncovering these details within the story of Israel in the wilderness, we see there is not a single moment of our hardship and hurt that is not used by God to bring forth a greater good and purpose.

03 The question isn’t so much about the direction in which God is leading us — it’s about our obedience along the way.

Think about where you are today. What might obedience to God look like here?

The pillar of cloud by day and pillar of fire by night didn’t just lead God’s people; it also served as a protective boundary.

The people always knew how far ahead they could go. This clear boundary gave them a visible marking of what too far would be. Too far would simply be to step in front of the pillar of cloud or fire, putting them outside or ahead of the presence of God and the pace of His leading.

04 Have you experienced the Lord leading you or revealing a boundary to you? What did that look like?

Jesus is “the light of the world.”

JOHN 8:12

When Jesus says He is the “light of the world” in John 8:12, it is a promise of orientation and direction. Just like the pillar of cloud by day and pillar of fire by night provided direction for the Israelites, we have this same guide in the person of Jesus.

In the darkest moments of our life, when we feel unseen, disregarded or abandoned, we can remember that the Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it (John 1:5). Wherever the Light of Christ is, there is hope. This isn’t just a good-sounding Christian slogan. This is truth. And sometimes it’s helpful to speak this out loud over whatever you are facing. Remember, lies flee in the presence of truth, just like darkness flees in the presence of light.

Jesus is “the way, and the truth, and the life.”

JOHN 14:6

Where there is the light, there is the promise of life. John 1:4 says,

In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.

In Jesus, we find the life all of humanity longs for. And we can also be assured that Jesus will guide us along our way through the Truth of His Word and His presence.

Jesus is the “good shepherd” who promises to lead His people.

JOHN 10:11; JOHN 10:27

Sheep depend on the care and protection of a shepherd, and we can depend on the care of Jesus as our Good Shepherd. Read the words of Jesus in John 10:27–28:

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.

This takes some humility to lean into His guidance, but we also need to grow attuned to the voice of Jesus so we can obey when He is speaking to us. In the hard, desolate places in our lives, it can feel like Jesus is absent. But if we take a moment to pause, be silent, watch, and really listen, we can both see the light of His presence and hear the comfort of His voice.

God’s presence never departed from the Israelites, and Jesus is with us even now. We pray today that you found yourself comforted and cared for even in the hardest place you could find yourself in.

Take heart, friend. He is with you.

~ Lysa

Excerpted from 30 Days with Jesus by Lysa TerKeurst and Joel Muddamalle, copyright Lysa TerKeurst and Joel Muddamalle.

We all go through times of difficulty, tension, struggle, temptation, pain and suffering…often feeling lost and wondering why we are in such situations. But God, (some of the most wonderful words in the Bible) is always with us. He knows what is coming, He walks with us through all things, and He knows what our lives will be like after these circumstances. God IS ALWAYS with us! Praise God for His love!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith October 11, 2025

Notes of Faith October 11, 2025

Glimpses of Heaven: Jesus

If anyone can tell us about heaven, it’s the One who came down from heaven, our Lord Jesus Christ. In the humanity of His ministry, Jesus had several glimpses of heaven. At His baptism the skies parted, and the Holy Spirit descended on Him. At His transfiguration the glory of heaven enveloped Him and two heavenly residents—Moses and Elijah—visited with Him. At His ascension the skies opened and received Him back home.

When Jesus prayed, He often looked up to heaven. Whether with physical eyes or with the eyes of His perfect imagination, He could see the throne of God, surrounded by all the majestic glories of Paradise. What names did Jesus use for heaven? He said it was Paradise (Luke 23:43), His Father’s house (John 14:2), the Kingdom (Matthew 5:10), a place where “neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal” (Matthew 6:20), everlasting life (John 6:27), and glory (Luke 24:26).

Jesus was eager to return home (John 17:4-5). Let the glimpses of heaven that come from Him make you eager for the trip home too!

When the people of God reach heaven…we shall see, with our eyes, that very body which was born of Mary at Bethlehem, and crucified at Jerusalem.

Thomas Boston

John 17:1-5

17 Jesus spoke these things; and lifting up His eyes to heaven, He said, "Father, the hour has come; glorify Your Son, that the Son may glorify You, 2 even as You gave Him authority over all flesh, that to all whom You have given Him, He may give eternal life. 3 "This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. 4 "I glorified You on the earth, having accomplished the work which You have given Me to do. 5 "Now, Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.

John 14:1-4

14 "Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 "In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. 3 "If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.

Jesus came from heaven, went back to heaven, is coming again to meet those that believe in Him in the clouds and taking us, His bride, the church, to heaven. We shall forever be with the Lord surrounded by His glory, and given a new glory of our own. May that day come soon!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith October 10, 2025

Notes of Faith October 10, 2025

Renovated and Replaced

Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea.

Revelation 21:1

On January 7, 2025, a wildfire broke out in the Santa Monica Mountains of Los Angeles County, California. Nearly four weeks later, the fire had burned more than 23,000 acres of the densely populated county. Twelve people were killed and nearly 7,000 structures were destroyed. Apocalyptic was the word frequently used to describe the destruction the fire left in its wake.

Apocalyptic is also used to describe images in Scripture associated with the end of this age on earth. The apostle Peter wrote that “the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up” and “the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat” (2 Peter 3:10, 12). Since fire often refers to judgment in Scripture, Peter may be referring to God’s judgment. Whether literal or figurative fire, the earth as we know it will be renovated and replaced by “a new heaven and a new earth” on which the New Jerusalem (the eternal state) will be established.

Give thanks to God that an Eden-like earth will be your home with Him forever.

To go to heaven, fully to enjoy God, is infinitely better than the most pleasant accommodations here.

Jonathan Edwards

2 Peter 3:10-13

10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up.

11 Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, 12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat! 13 But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.

Scripture says the judgment of God will be severe in torment and pain and that it also brings separation eternally from the God who gave initial life. That judgment cannot be imagined now, or if it is possible, I pray that no person could choose to not believe, trust in, and obey God!

Let us live to please God …with His gift of believing faith, trusting in Him, being obedient, bringing blessing now, looking forward to the eternal new heaven and new earth in which righteousness dwells!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith October 9, 2025

Notes of Faith October 9, 2025

The Power of Unity

“I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; that they may all be one; even as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be in Us; that the world may believe that Thou didst send Me” (John 17:20-21).

In this beautiful passage of scripture, our Lord is praying for us. In verses 1-5 of John’s gospel, Jesus prays for Himself. In verses 6-19, Jesus prays for His disciples; those with whom He has ministered for three years. In verses 20-26, He prays for all believers, those yet to believe, in future times, which of course includes us.

I know I have read this portion of scripture many, many times throughout the years. However, what especially caught my attention upon reading this again recently was the emphasis He places on the power of unity to initiate belief in Christ; “That the world may believe that Thou didst send me.”

Again in verse 23, John re-emphasizes that as a result of observing true unity among believers, as exampled through the intimacy of relationship between the Father and the Son, “...the world may know that Thou didst send Me and didst love them, even as Thou didst love Me.”

Unity among believers is one of the most powerful forces to convince the world of the reality of Christ! Is it any wonder then that one of the areas Satan most attacks is unity among believers?

I recently was engaged in conversation with a dear brother in Christ, with whom I am sure I would have some doctrinal differences. I worship at a more reformed Baptist church; he attends a somewhat more charismatic church. However, we both believe and have firm agreement in the main doctrinal truths such as the substitutionary, atoning sacrifice of Christ on the cross, the inerrancy and sufficiency of scripture, the presence and power of the Holy Spirit within our bodily lives, the doctrines of Heaven, Hell, sin, regeneration, the Triune Godhead, and many more “top tier” doctrines.

We are both members of the same “Body of Christ” and thus we should share a unity that convinces the skeptical observer of the reality of God and of His Son, Jesus.

It seems where the problems arise is when individuals or denominations try to make second or third tier doctrinal issues the “main thing.” I am tempted to articulate some lesser doctrinal concepts that have arisen throughout the years, often from misinterpretation or misrepresentation of scripture, but I fear it might only stir up some disunity.

I think you know what I’m talking about though. Sometimes there are ideas or concepts that scripture presents in minimal proportion, but then some take those lesser prioritized ideas or concepts and elevate them to a top priority status. This is almost always problematic.

When I was in Bible College I had a professor who taught a class on how to develop and preach sermons. His name was Professor Snow. He reminded me a little of “Floyd the barber” on the old Andy Griffith show. He was rather soft spoken, had a little mustache, and often spoke with his head and eyes glancing upward in a rather heavenly fashion.

One day he said to us, “Gentlemen, when you’re preaching in the coming years ahead, make sure you place great emphasis on those things that scripture greatly emphasizes. And likewise, spend less time and emphasis on those things that scripture emphasizes less.” What simple yet profound wisdom!

Tension between denominations (even within denominations) and individuals is so often the result of doctrinal differences. We build up our doctrinal defenses, sling our doctrinal arrows at one another, and then wonder why more onlookers don’t want to enlist in the Lord’s Army!

I’m not sure many have been won to Christ or encouraged in the Lord because of someone “winning” a doctrinal argument. “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35).

Recently, I read a wonderful quote by Oswald Chambers: “The Lord Jesus Christ must be presented to sinners. The Spirit of God will guide you, as you rely on Him, to the presentation of Him that is required for each sinner. But, if you attempt to enclose Jesus Christ into neat little doctrinal packages, one marked “salvation,” another marked “sanctification,” another marked “the baptism of the Holy Spirit,” you will fail to convince sinners that they need Him. In every case, we need to rely on the Holy Spirit.”

I love that quote from Chambers. I firmly believe we should study the word diligently, read the words of great men and women of God, to develop sound doctrine and ascertain correct theology. However, in the final analysis, LOVE wins the day!

I’ve often said that when “we all get to Heaven” as the old hymn says, there will be this great sit down orientation moment before we take the tour, and Jesus will say to us, “You were all wrong about a few things, and you were all right about some things.”

But, I’m pretty sure the main thing will be the love of God toward us, our love of Jesus, His Son, and our love for one another realized and expressed through The Power of Unity.

In Christ,

Dallas Holm

This is where I find myself in my journey toward maturity in Christ. We walk many paths of doctrinal beliefs, denominational focus, church traditions, and individual church personalities. All of these things effect our walk with Jesus. But there is only one true church. It is not of our making. Jesus said He would build His church. If we belong to His church we will be seeking unity of the true faith and not argue and fight about differences in understanding and practice. Let us be sure that we know what we believe and draw close to one another in love and truth, trusting God to one day make us all perfect and holy, acceptable and pleasing to Him!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith October 8, 2025

Notes of Faith October 8, 2025

Better Than Bionic!

The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption.

1 Corinthians 15:42

In the 1970s, Lee Majors starred in The Six Million Dollar Man about an astronaut who was seriously injured in a spaceship crash and rebuilt with bionic parts. Today the concept is no longer science fiction. Doctors can replace organs, bones, corneas, hands and arms, joints and hips, and even faces. Still, only one thing eventually takes care of the aging process—death!

Our earthly bodies are far from perfect, and over time they age and decay. But as Christians we’ll receive new bodies when we get to heaven that are indestructible, incredible, and infinite. They will not get old or break down. From the instant of our resurrection, our new bodies will never wear out nor grow old. They will be totally resistant to deterioration or decay. Your new body will be designed for eternity. It will not be subject to accidents, diseases, aging, or death. It will be pain-free and disease-free. It will never wear out and never die.

If you are ill or hurting today, take a moment to ask God for His healing power, and give thanks for the body to come.

There is a day coming when…all of the maladies of this life are destroyed, when we, in our glorified bodies will live in heaven…eternally fulfilling God’s ordained purpose for us.

Paul P. Enns

1 Cor 15:42-49

42 So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; 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 it is written: "The first man Adam became a living being"; the last Adam, a life-giving spirit. 46 The spiritual did not come first, but the natural, and after that the spiritual. 47 The first man was of the dust of the earth, the second man from heaven. 48 As was the earthly man, so are those who are of the earth; and as is the man from heaven, so also are those who are of heaven. 49 And just as we have borne the likeness of the earthly man, so shall we bear the likeness of the man from heaven.

The Lord is fixing my mind on things to come rather than on the effects of sin that run rampant on the earth on which we live. Do not dwell on the things of earth but rather the things of heaven and your eternal life in glory with Jesus!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith October 7, 2025

Notes of Faith October 7, 2025

Today is two years since the horrendous attack on Israel by Hamas who still holds captives, some dead, some barely alive. Please pray for their release and for the peace of Jerusalem, and for the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. May He come soon! May Your will be done one earth as it is in heaven!

Citizenship

For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Philippians 3:20

An ambassador is an appointed diplomat sent by a country as an official representative to a foreign country. He or she is authorized to speak with the authority of the leader of the home country. The ambassador must be a citizen of the home country and must have been officially appointed.

The apostle Paul referred to himself as an ambassador for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20; Ephesians 6:20). As an apostolic ambassador, he spoke with the authority of heaven behind his words. He also said that every Christian is a citizen of heaven—the first requirement for being an ambassador of heaven (Philippians 3:20). In other words, heaven is the Christian’s true home—the place in which we should be investing for eternity (Matthew 6:19-21). As citizens of heaven, it is our calling to declare God’s Gospel to all who may not yet be citizens of heaven.

Represent the Kingdom of heaven today as an ambassador worthy of your calling. Ask God to help you lay up treasures in heaven, especially souls for eternity.

If you are a Christian, you are not a citizen of this world trying to get to heaven; you are a citizen of heaven making your way through this world.

Vance Havner

Matt 6:19-21

19 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 "But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; 21 for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

According to the Scriptures those who believe and follow in obedience to Christ are saved, sanctified, and glorified. We are seated in the heavenlies with Christ. These are all written in past tense as though everything has been completed. This is how God sees the one He has called by grace through faith to Himself. IT IS FINISHED! True Christians are citizens of another world, not this one, one created for eternal life with Christ, without the burden and suffering caused by sin. A perfect world prepared for those who love, worship and serve God. May we live today and each day after focusing on relationship with God and His gift of life eternal in His presence!

Pastor Dale