Portersville Bible Church

Today we worshiped at Portersville Bible Church, 156 East Portersville Road, Portersville, PA 16051, 724.368.3414, www.portersvillebible.com Michael S. Charles, Pastor.

Scripture – 1 Timothy 2:1-2 NKJV

Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.

Bob’s thoughts:

After carefully walking my wife in across the icy parking lot, I found the other side was ice free, I assume from the morning sun, so I moved the truck.

There is a nice-sized cross on the wall with back lighting giving a hot pink glow. The pews are comfortably padded and the flat ceiling reflects the indirect side lighting.

We were directed and shown the restrooms.

I was blessed to be greeted by two Marines.

I enjoyed the harmony of the small choir and was pleased to see a smile among them. There was an enjoyable guitar solo of “Here I Am to Worship,” an old favorite. And there was something special in the young man’s voice that I liked.

Being a little slow on the uptake, I wondered where the pastor was going at the beginning of the message; it started with a description and then clarification of what he was going to talk about. I was reminded of a pastor friend who said they were taught to tell what they were going to preach, then deliver the message, and then tell the congregation what you just said. I realized he is doing his best to ready this congregation with discernment in choosing a new pastor. He stressed the importance of finding a pastor who prays, something that sadly has waned in many churches. The importance of a praying pastor and a praying congregation cannot be overstressed.

It was stressed that we should never be critical of anyone’s prayer posture; where does it say that our way is right?

A line from one of the songs today stuck with me: “And from my stricken heart with tears two wonders I confess; The wonders of redeeming love and my unworthiness.” A powerful lead-in to Communion. The Scripture and explanation leading up to Communion was excellent, but I was disappointed that the elements were served silently and that no one served the pastor. I appreciated that the pastor asked elders to pray over the elements.

Jan’s thoughts:

The sanctuary is beautifully decorated facing an alcove in the chancel decorated with a painting of a brook, green meadow, and lovely hills. It was quite unique. Off to the side was a large wooden cross interestingly backlit in purple.

There was a great deal of conversation among the members and a few folks greeted us briefly.

The first song was one of my favorites, “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” Afterward the pastor described some of the spiritual warfare Martin Luther experienced. He explained the lyrics following some of the other hymns also, which I found informative.

The untitled message centered on pastoral requirements gleaned from 1 Timothy. This pastor is preparing to retire in several months and the church is in the process of seeking a new pastor, so this instructive sermon had purpose.

After an overview of Timothy’s background and life, he stated the three things required of a pastor: 1 – to teach sound doctrine – what we believe and why; 2 – proclaim the Gospel – every single week, because you never know if there is someone present who has head knowledge but not heart knowledge, and is in need of hearing exactly that; 3 – defend the faith – because, remember, we are in a war.

He proceeded to teach about prayer, the difference between prayers of supplication and prayers of intercession, and reminded that we should always pray with thanksgiving.

He acknowledged that prayer without raised hands is the norm for this congregation, but instructed them that raised hands during prayer is a biblically correct posture so not to overlook a pastor because he prays that way.

I did not want to participate in Communion without a time of confession, which there had not been up to this point. However, the pastor spoke to the importance of confession of sin prior to taking Communion and then led in an extended time dedicated for that purpose. The elements were passed efficiently and silently, and I was grateful to partake.

Our prayer for this church:

Father, we pray Your continued blessings upon this congregation and the pastor as they prepare to separate and follow Your direction for this next phase of their lives. Amen.