3 Rivers Free Will Baptist Church

Today we worshiped at 3 Rivers Free Will Baptist Church, 20401 Route 19, Cranberry Twp., PA 16066, 724.76.7588, www.3riversfwb.org, Cody Freeman, Pastor.

Scripture – Galatians 5:16-25 KJV

This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,

Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”

Bob’s thoughts:

This is an interesting little church that I was glad we had the opportunity to revisit.

The engineered beams of the ceiling blend with the knotty pine paneling. There is a great back-lit cross behind the projection screen, and I was grateful for the air conditioning. Today would probably have been alright, but a few Sundays suffering to breathe reminded me that I need A/C.

I was taken with the harmony of the ceiling light fixtures and the lights of the ceiling fans.

I honestly don’t know how many years it has been since I was responsible for the maintenance of a church, but I had to smile when I was drawn to notice a burned-out bulb so maybe it never goes away.

I remember sitting in a church we were visiting after being long-time members in a nearby church. I noticed things like burned out bulbs and other maintenance items, then I noticed a family that seemed out of place and went to greet them as visitors. It took a while to get over that feeling of responsibility and allow myself to just worship God. Serving the church is great but I hope you won’t let it keep you from worship. May you free yourself to worship Him.

A woman brought a baby to church today and that was noted by the congregation. The timing was divine as I was thinking this church needs some youth to come alive; maybe it’s a start.

We were warmly welcomed, including by some who remembered us from our last stop there.

The lead singer has a great voice and led the congregation well. There was a bass singer whose mic was set almost painfully loud to me. Surprisingly when he spoke and prayed later from the pulpit, I could barely hear. There was mention from the pastor that maybe the mic was off.

I put my prayer request in with the offering and it was read to the congregation while we were there, which is a first. I was pleased to find a prayer list included in the bulletin.

A line from the message that struck me: “Do we listen to the flesh or the Spirit?”

Jan’s thoughts:

Having arrived with enough time for conversation before worship, we were greeted warmly. We last worshiped here in May 2017 when Amani Children’s Choir led the service, and today we got to hear the pastor preach.

We sat as far back as possible, which at times seemed a mistake because at some points I had a time trying to hear. Usually we have the opposite issue.

The piano, harpsichord, violin, and guitar provided pleasant-sounding back-up for the vocalists, whose voices blended well.

Many prayers were offered, both joys and concerns.

The untitled sermon focused on the battle between the flesh and the Spirit and concluded with an invitation to go forward for prayer.

Someone had donated some pies, and everyone was urged to take one or more home with them, which we did, with thanks.

Our prayer for this church:

Lord, we pray You will bless Your church with youthful enthusiasm, that they may live for You. Amen.

3 Rivers Free Will Baptist Church

Today we worshiped at 3 Rivers Free Will Baptist Church, 20401 Route 19, Cranberry Twp., PA 16066, 724.776.7588, www.3riversfwb.org, Cody Freeman, Pastor.

Scripture – ESV

Ephesians 3:20-21 –

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Matthew 28:9-10, 16-20 –

And behold, Jesus met them and said, "Greetings!" And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me."

Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

Revelation 2:2-5a –

"'I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name's sake, and you have not grown weary. But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first.”

Bob’s thoughts:

This church has been on our list to visit for a while, and when we saw their sign about an African choir in worship, we were hooked.

We were welcomed and engaged in conversation by members and the pastor.

There were some examples of African art on tables in the rear and an adorable young girl spoke with my wife about the items…a worthy ambassador for the church.

The projection screen was down but I noticed a large wooden cross behind it. I’m sure the moderately high wooden arched ceiling perfectly framed the cross.

Although the African choir was somewhat Americanized, the unbridled worship still came through. Their dress and vibrant colors made them look like they were moving even when standing still. The Spirit of God was certainly here for worship today.

From the visiting pastor’s message, “All authority has been given” tied with a message yesterday from Robby Dawkins: our power to rule the world was ceded to the devil in the Garden of Eden and he has been running wild with it since. It is time to re-take that God-given power.

Jan’s thoughts:

We arrived early and were greeted by the pastor before we entered the building. Inside there were tables with handmade African items for sale. Several other folks greeted us and we enjoyed extended conversations.

We chose to worship at this church because we learned an African children’s choir would participate this week. From their website:

Amani children’s Choir (amanichoir.org) is a ministry of Light Africa Ministries (lightafrica.org) and Kampala Community Church (kampalacommunitychurch.org) based in Uganda.

The children range in age from 9 to 16, and exhibited incredible energy and enthusiasm and nearly professional abilities. The congregation was reminded we were all present to worship God and this was not for entertainment.

After several songs, the visiting pastor, James, spoke. He had planned another topic but he said he felt prompted by the Spirit to speak about Jesus’ post-resurrection meeting with the disciples at Galilee. He said we should not fear people; instead we should go and encourage them. He said God has given His people authority to be used to invite people to know Jesus.

Following this word there was more music and dancing after which we had to leave. I was grateful for the worship through music, for the reminders of Africa, and for the opportunity to say farewell to James and thank him for his words.

We plan to return for a regular service and to hear the pastor preach.

Our prayer for this church:
Lord, we pray these missionaries from Africa re-kindle a fire in Your church and they go forth in the power of the Living God. Amen.