Today we worshiped
at Living Faith Baptist Church, 1718 Route 588, Fombell, PA 16123,
724.888.5177, www.lfbaptist.org, Pastor
Mark Sentell.
Scripture
– ESV
Daniel
3:15-28 –
Now
if you are ready when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp,
bagpipe, and every kind of music, to fall down and worship the image that I
have made, well and good. But if you do not worship, you shall immediately be
cast into a burning fiery furnace. And who is the god who will deliver you out
of my hands?"
Shadrach,
Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we
have no need to answer you in this matter. If this be so, our God whom we serve
is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us
out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will
not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up."
Then
Nebuchadnezzar was filled with fury, and the expression of his face was changed
against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. He ordered the furnace heated seven
times more than it was usually heated. And he ordered some of the mighty men of
his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the
burning fiery furnace. Then these men were bound in their cloaks, their tunics,
their hats, and their other garments, and they were thrown into the burning
fiery furnace. Because the king's order was urgent and the furnace overheated,
the flame of the fire killed those men who took up Shadrach, Meshach, and
Abednego. And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell bound into
the burning fiery furnace.
Then
King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished and rose up in haste. He declared to his
counselors, "Did we not cast three men bound into the fire?" They
answered and said to the king, "True, O king." He answered and said,
"But I see four men unbound, walking in the midst of the fire, and they
are not hurt; and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods."
Then
Nebuchadnezzar came near to the door of the burning fiery furnace; he declared,
"Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out,
and come here!" Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came out from the
fire. And the satraps, the prefects, the governors, and the king's counselors
gathered together and saw that the fire had not had any power over the bodies
of those men. The hair of their heads was not singed, their cloaks were not
harmed, and no smell of fire had come upon them. Nebuchadnezzar answered and
said, "Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent
his angel and delivered his servants, who trusted in him, and set aside the
king's command, and yielded up their bodies rather than serve and worship any
god except their own God.”
Colossians
3:1-17 –
If
then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where
Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are
above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is
hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also
will appear with him in glory.
Put
to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity,
passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these
the wrath of God is coming. In these you too once walked, when you were living
in them. But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and
obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have
put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is
being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. Here there is not
Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free;
but Christ is all, and in all.
Put
on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness,
humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a
complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you,
so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds
everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in
your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let
the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in
all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in
your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the
name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Bob’s
thoughts:
I
passed this church some time ago and had been looking forward to a visit, so was
glad God led us here today. Was blessed to have a little cutie to entertain
(each other). She warmed up quickly and made me feel at home.
The
sanctuary is a low-rise arch with white walls and ceiling and clear double-hung
windows down either side. The back wall of the chancel is a modern
stained-glass window with a large wooden cross. It all works well to draw the
eyes to the cross.
We
were early and sat to the back and got to enjoy the praise team practice. Not
only did they sound great, to hear the small adjustments to get to the sound
they wanted was special. When we were coming in there were smiles and waves
from the band…talk about welcoming. The harmony was great and I really enjoyed
the violin. One frequent complaint from me is how often contemporary worship
songs repeat the same phrase over and over. This band sounded so good I never
noticed repeats.
There
were words on the projection screens but at one point early on there was no
contrast and I could not read it.
The
associate pastor delivered the message with plenty of Scripture references. The
title might have been Power of Gratitude.
We
profess our faith in God but are hesitant to turn over to Christ our fears,
doubts, and burdens. There was a time I didn’t want to bother the Creator with
my little problems, but around when our son was killed, it hit home that there are
things we can’t bear without Christ. I urge you and Christ calls you to bring
your burdens to Him.
I met
a young man soon to be off to Marine Corps boot camp. I enjoyed the conversation
with him, the pastors, and others and was glad to get a prayer request sheet to
pray over.
Jan’s
thoughts:
This
church has been on our list for several years. Today was the day God sent us
here and I was grateful He did.
We
walked through the front door and immediately a member of the praise band waved
hello to us. We were early and there was no one to chat with so we found seats.
Soon I realized the reason we were extra early was so we could be treated to
the band’s rehearsal; by the time they were finished we eagerly anticipated experiencing
the music in the context of worship. The voices blended beautifully, the volume
was excellent, and the violin added a special touch to the music.
A
couple of the pastors and others greeted us, and we were blessed watching the little
ones sitting in front of us.
An
announcement about the Angel Tree was accompanied by a video; unfortunately,
from where we were sitting in the far back, I was unable to read any of the
words. Enough was said after that – and apparently everyone else present knew
already – that I learned this Angel Tree benefits children whose parents are
incarcerated, and it’s a “highlight of the year” for this exceptionally mission-minded
congregation.
I
had no trouble reading any of the words to the songs as they were large enough
print on a black background.
The
prayers of the people were slightly different in that the members who spoke the
concerns also prayed the prayers, which were heartfelt and moving.
The
message was given by an associate pastor and was called The Power of
Gratitude. He opened with the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in
the fiery furnace and asked, “What gave them that kind of faith?” He answered
that question by stating that what mattered to these three men was that God was
glorified even if it meant their death.
He
said many people are just too blessed or too distracted to remember God, and
that a life of love is a powerful life.
His
conclusion was: gratitude gives us the power of the Holy Spirit to change our
lives, both to the ones that express gratitude and to the ones that receive it.
We
appreciated the pastors and worship leader taking time for extended conversations.
Our
prayer for this church:
Lord,
Your church has such a healthy grasp of what Your church should be that we know
You are blessing their efforts. We pray You will continue to walk with and
uphold each and every struggling person in this congregation. Help them remember
Your faithfulness. Amen.
Today we worshiped
at Good Samaritan Church of the Brethren, 7269 Franklin Road, Cranberry Twp.,
PA 16066, 724.776.5508, www.brethren.org,
Eric Longwell, Pastor.
Scripture
– Mark 5:1-20 NIV –
They
went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes. When Jesus got out of the
boat, a man with an impure spirit came from the tombs to meet him. This man
lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain.
For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and
broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. Night and
day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with
stones.
When
he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. He
shouted at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the
Most High God? In God’s name don’t torture me!” For Jesus had said to him,
“Come out of this man, you impure spirit!”
Then
Jesus asked him, “What is your name?”
“My
name is Legion,” he replied, “for we are many.” And he begged Jesus again and
again not to send them out of the area.
A
large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside. The demons begged Jesus,
“Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them.” He gave them permission,
and the impure spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about two
thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned.
Those
tending the pigs ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, and the
people went out to see what had happened. When they came to Jesus, they saw the
man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and
in his right mind; and they were afraid. Those who had seen it told the people
what had happened to the demon-possessed man—and told about the pigs as well.
Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region.
As
Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to
go with him. Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your own people and
tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.”
So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done
for him. And all the people were amazed.
Bob’s
thoughts:
We
were warmly greeted by, I think, everyone there including the widow of the
first pastor.
I met
a Marine who served in Vietnam in a medical capacity. Don’t know if he started
as Navy, but anyone who patched us up was a Brother.
We
were early and had time to enjoy the great view from this church on the hill. I
hope to get a chance to stop back and take pictures of the area.
One
of our daughters works at and worships with her family at a nearby church which
we could see from the window. We were looking forward to stopping there to wish
our grandson a happy 14th birthday. When we visit with them, we have
driven past and talked of worshiping here; we were divinely guided here today.
Even
knowing where the church is, we missed the driveway and had to circle back; I’m
glad we made the effort. We were told the normal attendance is about 10 people
but that they had a large turnout for a Thanksgiving service last week.
I am
still waiting for my hearing aids to come back from warranty service so I
missed more than a bit, but could hear the pastor. His message was part of a
personal story and God’s blessing him through it. Perfect for a small family
church.
The
window mullions of the chancel form three crosses, an ideal focus for me. There
were no instruments or canned music, but we tried a couple of hymns anyhow.
We
got to stay for a few minutes after the service and felt like we were listening
in on a family conversation. We were blessed to be able to join with the
congregation to lay hands and pray over a member and to know why He sent us
there.
Jan’s
thoughts:
This
lovely little church sits atop a hill and boasts a gorgeous view. The spacious
interior is nicely arranged and decorated.
We
arrived only slightly early but in good time for greetings and conversation. Several
people invited us to stay after worship for coffee and refreshments. Nearly
everyone there greeted us and some engaged us in extended conversation.
I
didn’t see the crosses until Bob pointed out they were incorporated in the
design of the windows behind the chancel area. It was imaginative and
beautiful.
The
worship leader was having a problem with her voice, so she switched some of the
songs with others that were within her range today. Even with her limitations,
her voice was better than mine. We each have our gifts.
The
untitled message was presented by the pastor and focused on his own experience
with brokenness. He stated that “we are who we are not because we have it all
together but because we’re broken.” He pointed out that “the only way to
conquer one spirit is by another Spirit,” which I believe is true.
When
Jesus encountered the Gerasene demoniac, the Holy Spirit drove out the demons. After
he was freed from the demons the man wanted to follow Jesus, but Jesus knew what
he would be doing was running away. Jesus told him to stay put and testify to
others about what Jesus had done for him.
That’s
what this pastor was doing: glorifying Jesus by his witness. I felt privileged
and encouraged to hear his testimony.
Our
prayer for this church:
Lord,
we pray You will bless Your house on the hill. Light the sanctuary with Your
glory and bless Your church. Amen.
Today we worshiped
at Crossroads Church, 8533 Peters Road, Cranberry Twp., PA 16066, 412.494.9999,
www.xr.church, Mike Arnold, Campus Pastor.
Scripture
– NIV
Philippians
4:6-7 –
Do
not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition,
with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which
transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ
Jesus.
2
Corinthians 6:4-10 –
Rather,
as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in
troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in
hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; in purity, understanding, patience and
kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech and in the
power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left;
through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded
as impostors; known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on;
beaten, and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making
many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.
2
Corinthians 11:27-28 –
I
have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger
and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked.
Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the
churches.
Matthew
6:27 –
Can
any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
Isaiah
43:2 –
When
you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the
rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will
not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
Isaiah
26:3 –
You
will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust
in you.
1
Peter 5:7 –
Cast
all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Bob’s
thoughts:
One
of my favorite things about worshiping here is the fine nuances of the snacks
at the coffee bar are explained to me by my grandchildren. With my dietary
restrictions, most are things I can only afford to taste, but they tell me all
about them.
The
most amazing thing I learned about this church is that they have close to 80% volunteer
participation by the members. I don’t know of any church that comes close to
this.
I was
reminded about a woman I knew years ago that was so upset with the church that
she wanted to leave. I asked her if she would check the pencils in the pew
rack. She diligently went through the pews replacing and sharpening pencils,
and in the process gained ownership in the church. She went on to find other
details that were slipping through the cracks and as far as I know she is happy
serving “her” church.
The
sermon on worry was delivered by a retired pastor. I wish we would have had the
opportunity to talk with him after the service.
I
probably have spent more time advising Christians on the uselessness of fear
and worry than any other aspect of our faith. I have been so overwhelmed by God’s
faithfulness to ever doubt Him. Situations are seldom worked out according to
my plan, thankfully, but He has never let me down.
Jan’s
thoughts:
We
had our grandtwins with us this weekend, so we took them to worship at their
church. As usual, we had the additional blessing of seeing the rest of our
family who belong here.
The
last time we were here there were piles of dirt and gravel along with earthmoving
equipment. This morning it was a lovely sight: the parking area is freshly
graded, paved, and even has lines delineating parking spaces. I look forward to
the additional changes announced.
The
current message series is Getting Off the Crazy Train and today’s entry
was presented by guest speaker David Vaughn and called Anxious For Nothing.
He advised us to let worry trigger prayer when anxiety rears its ugly head. He
named several reasons why we might hesitate to pray when we are anxious:
1
– concern it would be selfish
2
– an attitude of self-sufficiency
3
– not convinced it makes a difference
He
reminded us that if we follow the advice in Scripture and pray with
thanksgiving, we can experience irrational peace.
Our
prayer for this church:
Father,
we pray Your continued guidance for Your church. Help each person past their
fears and worries. Amen.
Today we worshiped
at Baldwin Community United Methodist Church, 5001 Baptist Road, Pittsburgh, PA
15236, 412.882.9300, www.baldwincommunityumc.com, Rev. Pamela S. Gardner, Senior Pastor.
Scripture
– Hebrews 12:25-29 NIV
See
to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they
refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away
from him who warns us from heaven? At that time his voice shook the earth, but
now he has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the
heavens.” The words “once more” indicate the removing of what can be
shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain.
Therefore,
since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and
so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming
fire.”
Bob’s
thoughts:
I
believe two people said hello and a woman came by to offer us a card about a
future event.
I
appreciated the cross on the chancel wall, backlit with a circle of light, and
noted two screens off to the sides although they were barely used. The stained
glass contained lots of rich dark blue.
I met
a Marine during the welcome time and a few thanked me for my service.
My
hearing aids had to be sent back to the manufacturer for service so I missed a
good deal of what was said. I wasn’t sure on the invitation prior to the
prayer, but I would have loved to share how God has blessed us since the loss
of our younger son. I couldn’t hear anyone singing to find my place.
I was
able to hear Phil Aley’s rendition of It is Well With My Soul, particularly
powerful for us as we still associate it with our son’s death. This church
organ needed Phil Aley; Phil is the only organist I’ve ever met who could also
play with the contemporary musicians.
I wish I would have thought to be last in line
for Communion so I could have offered to serve the pastor.
Jan’s
thoughts:
We
recently learned a dear friend is serving as the Director of Music at this
church and the timing was right to visit. It’s been a long time since we were
in this area. We arrived plenty early and had a chance to let our friend know
we were there; we appreciated the time he took to chat after worship. He and I
have both made pilgrimages to Malawi, though at different times, and it astounds
me how the Partnership between Pittsburgh Presbytery and the Synod of Blantyre
continues to provide at least part of the basis for so many relationships.
The
building was larger than anticipated, so I was thrilled to find an elevator. The
stunning intricacy of the stained-glass windows amazed me and when the sun
shone in through one window toward the front, it created a sparkly effect on
the nearby projection screen.
Several
folks welcomed us and engaged us in conversation. This is unusual in a church with
four services; people seem to assume we are regular attenders at another
service.
We
attended the early (8 AM) service which was entirely traditional except for one
of the responses, a song we learned in Malawi, Soon and Very Soon. It
made my heart smile.
The
message, God is Holy, was part of a series about the attributes of God.
I
was glad we were there to participate in Communion.
Our
prayer for this church:
Lord,
we pray Your sweet praise music brings the seekers to the doors of Your church
so Your people can invite them in. Amen.
