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

Notes of Faith March 11, 2026

Notes of Faith March 11, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

July 1, 2001

“A MIGHTY FORTRESS IS OUR GOD”

Psalm 46

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble; therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change. And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy dwelling places of the Most High. God is in the midst of her, she will not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns. The nations made an uproar, the kingdoms tottered; He raised His voice, the earth melted. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold. Come, behold the works of the Lord, Who has wrought desolations in the earth. He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariots with fire. “Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold.

The battle was growing hot and heavy as Martin Luther sat down and penned the words, “A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing.” Then in verse 7, “The Lord of hosts is with us. The God of Jacob is our refuge.”

The battle we in the Christian church face today is not unlike the battle the great reformer faced. Circumstances may be different, but the source is the same and the cause is the same. Satan has attempted to dethrone God in the lives of His people from day one.

Luther’s battle was quite up front and personal with certain high members of the Roman Catholic Church. He was given an ultimatum: give up or go down. Luther did neither - because he was a fighter. He took his licks and continued to preach the Word of God - more specifically, justification by faith. His persistence won out. We have his great song stating his philosophy of life.

What an encouragement he is to the church. When he was challenged to recant his stand, he boldly declared, “Here I stand. I can do no other.”

I’m wondering if we found ourselves in the same predicament as the reformer, could we say with conviction, “Here we stand. We can do no other.”

Our Christian young people face the same battle in public schools today. Let me challenge you, guys and gals, take your stand because God is your refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble. Let’s take that stand in our neighborhoods and in our churches. Make this next week a week of standing up to be counted. God bless.

Love to you all

Pastor Charles Covington

Eph 6:12-18

12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

Matt 28:20

I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

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.

Are you a believer in and follower of the Lord Jesus Christ? If so, there is nothing that can take you out of God’s hand. You are safe and secure for all eternity because you are not the One in control of your destiny. God is! He is faithful! His promises are true! We who believe in Jesus are on the winning side. Praise God from whom ALL blessings flow!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith March 10, 2026

Notes of Faith March 10, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

Father’s Day 2001

Today is a special day for me. It was two years ago today that I preached my last sermon to this beloved flock. I thought it would be appropriate to print a maxi-version of today’s pen pulpit. This is the sermon I preached on Father’s Day, 1999.

“The Truly Great Man”

Mark 10:35-45

What is greatness? How do we recognize greatness? Who do we set up as great people in our estimation?

A person who is eminent, important? One who has notability? One who has superiority or is famous? Usually we tag someone as great who has prominence, lineage, who has achieved much or has ability to make significant contributions in philanthropy, sports, medicine, military prowess, the literary field, etc.

These men are all great because society has a way of measuring men by standards we have created or endorsed.

But when we come to Scripture we discover that there is a standard for greatness by which men are measured that the world does not recognize. In fact they repudiate it. That standard is seen in, reflected by, and lived out in Jesus Christ. In Mark 10:35-45 He gives to His disciples His perspective of greatness.

1. He established the principle of true greatness based in God’s standard [vs.42-44]

In vs. 32-34 He reveals that this trip to Jerusalem will fulfill Old Testament prophecy.

In verses 35-37 His apostles see something different awaiting them - they are looking at the pathway to glory. They ask three things of Him in v. 37: to grant preeminence, proximity, and power.

In verses 38-40 Jesus responds. He does not rebuke them for what they ask - but in the manner by which they are going about it. They have no idea what is involved - of the price that must be paid. He is on the same path they are on - but He will pay the price!

Then in verses 42-44 He outlines for them a two-fold mindset that is essential to obtaining true greatness:

• The truly great man must avoid following the standards for greatness set by the world (vs. 42,43 cf. vs. 35-37).

This is the spirit of the age. The spirit of intense rivalry. There is not to be striving and struggling for position and honor - jockeying for position, the world of aggressive competition, the insatiable desire to have authority over others. To constantly strive to be first among equals, campaigning for promotion (cf. mud-slinging of political campaigns) - cf. 3 John 9,10.

Compare the difference between legitimately, honorably contending in the Christian race that the Bible endorses - 2 Timothy ch 2; 1 Cor. 9:27; Hebrews 12:1,2 with the narrow minded, selfish, clawing ones way over others to reach the top at any cost. The hunger and thrill for authority over others - cf. 3 John 9,10. The greatest erosion to true greatness is the harsh competitive spirit of the age.

• The truly great man must learn to acquire the heart of a servant - (vs. 43, 44).

There is nothing wrong in desiring greatness as long as you understand the meaning of the term in God’s dictionary and the path that must be followed to acquire it. To become great is to be willing to be nothing

“A true servant is one who does the will of another to the best of his ability without calling attention to himself - also in his serving, he seeks the greatest benefit for others.”

The Christian is a paradox [A.W. Tozer]

• We save our life by losing it - we are in danger of losing it by trying to save it (Matthew 16:2).

• We are the strongest when we are the weakest - and we are the weakest when we are the strongest. Our strength lies in our weakness - our weakness lies in our strength (cf. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10).

• The first shall be last and the last shall be first (Matthew 20:16).

2. He sets the supreme example of true greatness [v.45] Only twice is He said to be an example: John 13:15 (serving); 1 Peter 2:2 (suffering). His entire life was a life of servanthood (vs. 45a).

Compare servant prophecy Isa. 42:1-4 with Matt. 12:18-21 (Note characteristics of His servanthood in Isa. 42:1-4)

• Toward God - v.1 - Submission. John’s baptism - Spirit of God descended upon Him.

• Toward self - v.2 - Selflessness. Would not seek notoriety nor prominence.

• Toward others - vs. 3,4 - Sensitivity. Would deal gently with others.

He performed His greatest act of service in His cross work - vs. 45b. In analyzing the heavenly logic of the cross, we see that He descended to the greatest depths and dimensions of humiliation, suffering, love, obedience, sensitivity. (Compare Phil 2:5-8. Please study this passage carefully.)

Questions to ask yourself............

1. What kind of man am I?

• A self-made man - We’ve all heard of men climbing out of obscurity by sheer determination - climbing their way to the top.

• A Christ-made man - Takes the place of insignificant servant - lets God exalt him.

2. Am I fulfilling my role as God intended?

• As a leader among men (if you are called to this level) cf. 1 Peter 5:1-4.

• As the leader in your family (if this is applicable) cf. Eph. 5:25-28.

Something for all of us............

Compare Phil 1:1 - saints in exalted position with Gal 5:13 - saints in lowly service.

Men, ask yourselves this morning, “Am I a man described by the characteristics in this passage?” A good question for us all. Let’s work on it together! God bless. Have a Happy 2001 Father’s Day!

Love to you all,

Pastor Charles Covington

All people should be concerned about what kind of follower of Jesus that they are. Are they a false follower like Judas or the many other disciples that stopped following Jesus when difficult things came their way. We are not unlike the people of God thousands of years ago, wanting our way, our hopes and dreams to be fulfilled our way, focused on earthly things. May we pray fervently to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ and live spiritually minded that we might live as servants of Christ, pleasing to the Father through the power of the Holy Spirit! May we live godly lives!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith March 9, 2026

Notes of Faith March 9, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

June 24, 2001

“Three Profiles of the Christian in Ephesians”

Ephesians 1-6

The Bible describes the Christian’s life in simple, understandable terms - terms to which we can easily relate. The book of Ephesians, the book of the Church, exhibits Christians in three profiles: sitting, walking, and standing.

1. The Christian as Sitting (Confidence) - Ephesians 1:20 - 2:6

In Ephesians 1:20 Paul states that God the Father has raised Jesus from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenlies. In Ephesians 2:6 Paul states that God has raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in the heavenlies in Christ Jesus! This profile is stating the authority and confidence that the Christian has in Christ (cf. Romans 8:1).

2. The Christian as Walking (Conduct)

• Ephesians 2:10 - In preordained good works.

• Ephesians 4:1 - In a manner worthy of our calling.

• Ephesians 5:2 - In love as imitators of the Father.

• Ephesians 5:8 - As children of Light.

• Ephesians 5:15 - As wise people.

3. The Christian as Standing (Conflict) - Ephesians 6:10-17

In this passage Paul records the Christian armor. This reveals the believer to be in a heated conflict. In this battle with Satan’s forces we are not to fight aggressively, we are to stand aggressively. Stand in God’s divine armor. Stand still and see the Salvation of the Lord.

We must be careful not to break the sequence of these three profiles. Sitting must precede effective walking. Walking becomes the prerequisite for standing.

This is truth for all of God’s people and it is truth we are learning throughout our Christian lives. Are we good learners? God bless.

Love to all,

Pastor Charles Covington

We, believers and followers of Christ, need to know where we stand. There is nothing that can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus! This is our confidence for living now and for all eternity.

We must learn how to walk spiritually. Paul clearly shows the calling of God on our lives, to walk with God in all that we do and say.

In this world we will face conflict, not only with other people but against the forces of Satan, rulers and dominions of evil that war against God and anyone that worships God.

Sit in confidence. Walk in righteous conduct. Stand firm in the conflict that will come against all true Christian living!

God has promised to keep you to the end. He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it.

I look forward to seeing you all soon, here on earth or in heaven with Jesus!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith March 8, 2026

Notes of Faith March 8, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

June 10, 2001

“FOR THE OTHER’S GOOD”

Romans 15:1-3a

Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to his edification. For even Christ did not please Himself.

The common practice of all mankind naturally is for each of us to please ourselves, foremost of all. That’s just the way we are! We entered the world with that mentality and we live up to it very well.

One exception. Jesus Christ came not to please Himself, but what He did was for the benefit of others - and in doing that He pleased the Father. Christ didn’t live for Himself. He didn’t die for Himself. His death was a birth message for us. His death benefits us in that it gives us life.

His life was a growth message for us. It’s observing how He lived in His everyday world. How He handled the difficulties and setbacks that invaded His life becomes the norm for our growth for He definitely worked His way through them. Jesus was the overcomer. We are told to walk as He walked (cf. I John 2:6).

Have you received eternal life through believing that the death of the Lord Jesus applies personally to you (II Corinthians 5:21)? On the cross He took your sins and removed them from you as far as the east is from the west (cf. Psalms 103:12).

And how about your life? Do you see Jesus as the great example for you? Do you desire to see your life affect someone else in a godly, positive way? If you are concentrating on influencing others for the Lord Jesus Christ you can rest assured that you are living for the good of others. This is something we have to do daily. In your talk and your conduct do you have other’s good in view as Jesus had your good in view? Let’s work on it together. God bless.

Love to you all,

Pastor Charles Covington

Matt 22:36-40

"Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?" 37 And He said to him, " 'YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.' 38 "This is the great and foremost commandment. 39 "The second is like it, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.' 40 "On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets."

John 13:34-35

34 "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."

Gal 6:10

So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.

Rom 12:10

10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor…

Rom 13:8

8 Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.

Eph 4:32

Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.

Col 3:16

Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

A word that is implied in many of these verses is “sacrifice”. We are to sacrifice ourselves for the sake of others. We need to be an example of Christ to those who are without Christ and use our gifting for the blessing and edification of the church, the bride of Christ. May we understand the joy of sacrifice for the benefit of those God is drawing to His eternal family!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith March 7, 2026

Notes of Faith March 7, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

June 3, 2001

“THE AWESOME POWER OF KNOWLEDGE”

John 8:32

. . . and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. Jesus

Some people revel in the fact that they possess a great deal of knowledge. Knowledge gives them a certain sense of security. However, the question arises - knowledge of what? Just knowledge for knowledge’s sake is worth very little. But if knowledge is affixed to the right thing it can be extremely powerful.

In our text today Jesus said knowledge of the truth can free you. The truth referred to here is the ultimate truth - the Word of God (John 17:17). “Thy Word is truth.”

Now the question - free from what? What has man in such bondage that only the truth of God can free him?

1. We need to know the truth about ourselves. That’s where liberating knowledge begins. We are, by nature bound to ourselves. Mark chapter 7 and Galatians 5:22 list those enslaving characteristics that hold us bound to ourselves. Only a working knowledge of the truth can free us.

2. We need to know about the binding power of Satan (Hebrews 2:14,15). In this same context we see that liberation from Satan comes through Jesus Christ who is the truth (John 14:6).

3. We need to know about the binding power of the law (Romans 7:2). Again, Jesus (who is truth) has freed us from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2).

Knowing these facts and the liberating power of truth can be yours for the taking. What a blessing to know that myself (flesh), Satan or the law no longer need enslave us if we diligently take these truths to heart. Think on these things, beloved, and come to know real freedom. God bless.

Love to you all,

Pastor Charles Covington

John 3:16-21

16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. 17 "For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. 18 "He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 "This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil. 20 "For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. 21 "But he who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God."

John 16:13

When He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.

John 17:17

"Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.

John 18:37-38

For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice." 38 Pilate said to Him, "What is truth?"

John 14:6

Jesus said… "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.

Jesus is truth. The Word of God is truth. The Holy Spirit is truth. We who practice truth are giving glory to God through obedience to the truth!

You must not only know the truth… even Satan and his demons do and shudder, you must respond to the truth in righteousness and devotion to the One who is truth! Let us tenaciously pursue the intimate relationship God has always desired with us!

Pastor Dale