May 5, 2024 There are consequences for the choice we make – both good and bad. As a member of God’s family, we should be thinking about our eternal rewards. Our lives are full of constant battles: good vs evil, holy vs unholy, righteous vs unrighteous. We serve one or the other. Don’t let Satan win. Don’t take the bait; Don’t let Satan use you. God is watching all the time. How will you serve Him today?
April 28, 2024 Today would be a good day to visit our Facebook page and listen to the sermon. Pastor will get that posted for everyone.
April 21, 2024 Luke 16: 22-31 – The rich man had it all while living. Everything was at his disposal. A beggar had nothing but sat at the rich man’s gates hoping for something – anything. He was ignored by the rich man. They both die. The rich man goes to Hell – a very real place — and the beggar goes to Heaven — a very real place. In Hell, you are in agony, burning in the Lake of Fire for all eternity. The rich man begs to be allowed to have Lazarus, the beggar, come to him to give him a drop of water. It was not to be done.
Jesus was sent by God to pay for all our sins so that we could not have to face the Lake of Fire. We sin because we are sinners; we aren’t sinners because we sin. It is our nature. This is why Christ was sent to pay the price for our sins. There will be many on that final day of life that believe they are going to heaven because they know about God. It’s not knowing about God that gets you to heaven. It’s knowing God that does. Accept His free gift of salvation and enter into His family.
April 14, 2024 Acts 20: 28-31 speaks to the elders of the church. Paul the apostle was letting them know that there could be deceivers in the body of Christ ready to lead you astray. Be vigilant. Care for the sheep (us). Each of us has an intended purpose designed by God. Leaders are to “feed” the sheep the Word of God. None of us are perfect; only Jesus is perfect. God uses imperfect people — us — for His purpose. We’re going to make mistakes; that’s called being human. We are to strive not to, but it will happen. That’s why God’s word in our lives is vital. Isaiah 1: 18 says (NIV): (God speaking) “Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.” 1 John 1: 8-10 (NIV) says: “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make Him out to be a liar and His word has no place in our lives.” We sin, God provides a way for forgiveness, we become a member of His family, and He still uses us for His glory. Amen to that!
Songs “Forgiven” by Crowder https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_ZWEO36jok
“Red Letters” by Crowder https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1ohrZaZfTI
March 31, 2024 “The Power of the Resurrection” Ragged Mountain Bible church message for Sunday March 31, 2024 — https://fb.watch/raPr4mm4OV/
March 28, 2024 As Easter approaches, we encourage you to read John chapters 18 through 21. Jesus died for you on the cross and rose again on the third day according to the Scriptures. Reflect on that this Easter Sunday. Join us for worship. We’d love to have you.
March 17, 2024 We had a guest missionary today who works in nursing homes, those on the edge of eternity. Security is a common subject. Security is a promise from God to His people. Those who have accepted God’s free gift of salvation have the security of heaven. You are God’s people when you accept Jesus Christ, His Son, who died on the cross for all of your sins — past, present, and future. You, now as one of the family, need to yield to be used for His righteousness. We have inherited His peace: “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you…” (John 14 27a NIV). We are loved and nothing can separate us from that love. Even times of hardship, trouble, despair, crisis, and pain, we are still loved and secure in the Lord. The apostle Paul wrote in Romans 8: 35a-39 (NIV) says: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? … No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death no life, neither angels nor demons, nether the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Do you want this for yourself? Come to the Cross. Accept Jesus. Seek forgiveness for your sins. Live a new life in Christ. Welcome to the family.
Song “The Well” by Casting Crowns https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKioQPEW4do
March 10, 2023 A reminder today: God loves you! Another reminder, you can go to our Facebook page and see all the sermons that Pastor posted. Please feel free to do that anytime. We’d also welcome you to come worship with us on Sundays at 9:30am at the Danbury Community Center. In addition, here on this site you will also find Pastor’s Notes — Thoughts for the day. Here is one of his recent ones to check out.
Having been a calculus and physics teacher, today is a special day. It is π day. π is a very special number that reminds me both of the magnificent order of God’s creation and how His ways are past finding out. No one has, and will ever, find the exact value of π. Not even the most powerful computers of today can do it. I once memorized the value of π out to over 150 places, (it’s a long story, but God used it for His glory). However, that was just a drop in the ocean compared to what others have done. There are three key irrational numbers (numbers that cannot be expressed as the ratio of two integers for those who need a reminder) that are critical in physics. These three are “past finding out” and they remind me of what Paul said.
Rom 11:33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!
Psalm 19:6 His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it:
March 3, 2024 Jesus used parables to speak to the people. Parables are short allegorical stories. In the parable of the tenant, Luke 20: 9-19, we see God’s love for us. God is the owner of the vineyard. The tenants are the Israelites, the Jews, God’s chosen people. The owner sends His servants and the tenants treat them horribly, each one sent treated worse than the last one. The servants represent God’s prophets. Finally, the owner, God, sends His Son, Jesus, but the tenants kill Him. Sound familiar? God’s love for us knows no bounds. He continues to give us opportunities to turn to Him. He loves all, even those who are willingly walking in darkness in complete opposition to Him. His desire is for all to come to salvation, accepting His free gift. Read 2 Peter 3:9. Are you a tenant or are you a member of God’s family?
Feb. 25, 2024 Jeremiah 13: 1-11 This was a visual lesson through the prophet Jeremiah. God spoke to His people audibly. He has a purpose for all He says and does. He proved Himself many, many times to His people Israel but they still strayed, still disobeyed, still served false gods, still rejected Him, chose not to listen, and chose not to follow. Punishment came. How about you? Read Romans 1: 18-32.
Feb. 18, 2024 When trials come, trust God in the situation. Notice it doesn’t say IF trials come, but WHEN they come. Trials are part of our lives; they are how God continues to shape us into what He wants us to be. He’s very much involved in the lives of His children, actively working because we’re here with a purpose. Look at Abraham in Genesis 22: 1-19. God told Abraham to take his son and sacrifice him on the altar on a mountain God would show him. This is his son born to him in his very old age. Abraham’s descendants would be as numerous as the stars. Yet now he was to sacrifice him. Yet, Abraham obeyed. He did as God had told him, reasoning that God had a plan. In Hebrews 11 it says: “17 By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had embraced the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, 18 even though God had said to him, “It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.”[c] 19 Abraham reasoned that God could even raise the dead, and so in a manner of speaking he did receive Isaac back from death.” Our faith will never be stronger than our willingness to obey God.
Song “Even If” by MercyMe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBeC0PkWG_s
Feb. 11, 2024 Today’s message was centered around Matthew 13: 24-43, The Parable of Weeds. The words “kingdom of heaven” was only used by Jesus (except for one occasion by John the Baptist). It refers to kingdom Jesus will rule. The Israelites Jesus was speaking to would understand that. The wheat is Christians living the world. The weeds are those who don’t know Christ and those who do Satan’s work. Some may think they belong to Christ but have never taken the step to receive Him as their personal Lord and Savior. They just think by being “good” and doing “good works” they are His and will go to heaven. Sadly, many still feel this way today. When the end times come, they will be gathered first — like the weeds in the parable — and burned (go to Hell – eternal fire forever). Then those who belong to Him and are in the Book of Life (Christians) will be gathered. Which are you?
Songs “The Well” by Casting Crowns https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKioQPEW4do
Feb. 4, 2024 My Sheep hear My Voice. https://fb.watch/p-Mb2SvjQv/ This is the link to hear this message. Do you know the Shepard? Are you serving Him or yourself? Are you waiting until you feel “good enough” to accept His free gift of salvation? Hate to say it, but we humans will never be “good enough” without Him. Are you resisting because you prayed for something, and it didn’t happen? Is Jesus your Lord? The prayer that makes the difference is the prayer of acknowledgement that you are a sinner and destine for hell without Him; the prayer admitting this true from the heart with a desire to change behavior and seek His will and serve Him. This prayer asking Him to come into your heart and be your Savior. Now the knowledge of “unanswered prayers” changes because it is God’s timing that matters, not ours. It is God who will work things out for His good, in His timing, in His way, and our acceptance that He is good and in control, so we leave it in His care. His timing is always perfect. Our perfect, sovereign, holy God does not have to explain Himself to us. He sees all. We see a tiny sliver. Perspective changes everything. Come to the cross. Accept His free gift. Enter into His family. Become one of His children. Believe. It truly is that easy. Then, welcome to the family; we’re glad you’re here.
Song “Faithfully” by Toby Mac https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5ts5uFsVis
Jan. 28, 2024 Proverbs 14:34 reads: “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people.” Righteousness is morally righteous, good, just, merciful, and virtuous. These characteristics are needed to be blessed. The same goes for us personally. We need to be doing it God’s way, with these characteristics, to be blessed. If we are sinning all the time and not caring about our fellow humans, how can we honestly ask God to bless our lives? Remember: God is not a genie in a bottle. He is our holy LORD. He loves us and desires to bless our lives. Living for Him is never a mistake and will always result in blessings, one way or another.
Song “Never” by Tasha Layton https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKwTxaO2djc
Jan. 21, 2024 Remember that you can view the sermons on our Facebook page through videos. Pastor is good at getting them there as soon as possible. We also welcome you to join us in person at the Danbury Community Center in Danbury, NH, at 9:30am. This sermon was dealing with whether the version of the bible you had was “trustworthy” or not. It would be a great sermon for you to listen to as Satan can and does influence the “translations” of some bibles out there.
Jan. 14, 2023 There are wrong ways to understand the scriptures. Some people deliberately teach false doctrine. Some unknowingly teach it also because they do not know the scriptures thus do not understand. Here are seven things to do to understand what God’s word says. (To get a fuller picture of what Pastor was teaching today, go to our Facebook page and watch the video of this sermon.) 1. Pray before reading, asking God to reveal Himself to you through His word. 2. Let scripture speak for itself and remain teachable. 3. Never insert prior ideas into the text. Each book of the bible is complete in itself and able to stand alone. 4. Always take the meaning of His words and phrases in its context – what the word meant when it was written. (You cannot take ideas, definitions, values, morals, connotations, etc.. from 2024 and shove them into something written so long ago. You need to understand what the words/phrases meant when they were written to fully understand what God is teaching you through those words. Use a Bible concordance and/or study bible to help. The 1828 Merriam Webster Dictionary is a good one to have on hand.) 5. Always approach God’s word with an attitude to seek what God wants you to learn. Let God speak for Himself. 6. Always examine context: who wrote it, to whom, why? 7. Scripture is God’s way to reveal Himself to us. Remember that.
Jan. 7, 2024 We were unable to meet due to the storm, but Pastor was finally able to set this up for everyone.
A false Gospel results in a false assurance and false Christians which do much damage to the church.
Dec. 31, 2023 This is the last day of this year. When a day becomes the last day you are here on this earth, will you be meeting God as your Savior or as your Judge? Tough question? It doesn’t have to be. We all will die. We all will face God. The books will be opened. Will your name be in the Lamb’s Book of Life? If you still think that you were “good enough” in this life to get into heaven, you are wrong. There is only one way: Acceptance of Jesus Christ (God’s one and only Son) as your Savior. Our “good” is like a filthy rag to God; that is why a perfect sacrifice had to be made to cover our sins. Today’s lesson is a good one to go listen to on our Facebook page.
Dec. 24, 2023 Have you read the “Christmas Story” recently? Luke 2 tells us so much. The whole bible tells us so much. Have you read it this year? The old Testament book of Micah, a prophet, tells us exactly where Jesus was going to be born. The new Testament tells us all about Him. Jesus loves us. He died for us. He was raised again for us. He is our Savior. He is at the right hand of God now, waiting for us. His love for us is more wonderful than anything you have ever had in this life. Accept His free gift of salvation, accept His welcome into the family of God, accept His forgiveness for all your sins, and welcome to your new life.
Dec. 17, 2022 Today we had one of our missionaries come speak. Dave and Aarji are missionaries from Crescent Project, missionaries who reach out to the Islamic communities. We learned about their Fall Cultural Awareness Day in Manchester, NH, and that they are working on trying to do one in Concord, NH next year. If you want to know more about them and what they do, you can go to crescentproject.org.
Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays! Remember that Jesus is the reason for the season.
Dec. 10, 2023 1 John 3: 1-11 We need to be doers of the Word, hear and follow through or we deceive ourselves. This book is a very practical book. It doesn’t pull any punches. We need to follow through as His Word directs us and corrects us, not ignore it. When this life is over, eternity is ahead of us. Where will you spend it? Will it be heaven or hell? Jesus died for you personally, so that you might be saved and spend eternity with Him in heaven. What’s keeping you from accepting His free gift of salvation?
Song “I can only imagine” by MercyMe http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_lrrq_opng
Dec. 3, 2023 The holiday season is upon us. Remember that Jesus is the reason for the season. Our Facebook page has videos of Pastor’s sermons to watch whenever you wish. If you can’t make it to services with us, we encourage you to view the sermons. Pastor’s Notes and Thoughts for the Day are here on this website for you as well. It is there for teaching and encouragement.
Song (Who am I) To Not Worship You by MercyMe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ah7qLbD9QR8
Nov. 26, 2023 Did we deserve Jesus’ love? Nope. But He did it anyway. Thank you! Jesus calls us to pray. There are so many places within the bible that calls us to pray. Yet, it’s easy to underestimate the power of prayer. God does answer prayer. Some of those answers are yes, no, not yet, wait, soon, and in my timing. Prayer doesn’t mean an instant answer and an answer that agrees with what you want. God knows what is best and when it is best. Be a people of prayer, believe in the power of prayer, and see God’s faithfulness in a mist of your needs.
Nov. 19, 2023 We have another page here called Pastor’s Notes — Thoughts for the day. It’s a great resource. Here is an example of what Pastor sends for that page. Also, remember that you can view sermons on our Facebook page. You are welcome to join us on Sunday too. We’d love to have you. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone.
PASTOR’S NOTE: During this time when our thoughts are on Thanksgiving, I am thankful and truly blessed for the many who pray for me. It is important that we pray for one another and would be great if each of us followed the Apostle Paul’s example and could say as he did to his Ephesian brothers.
Eph 1:15-23 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, (16) Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; (17) That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: (18) The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, (19) And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power.
I pray that each of my FB friends have a blessed Thanksgiving Day.
Nov. 12, 2023 Jesus, the Son of God, left His place in heaven to come to earth as a man (a baby first who grew up just like all humans do) for us…each and every one of us. He did this willingly and knowing that He was going to die on the cross, a horrible death, for each and every one of us. Now He is alive, He rose from death on the third day according to the Scriptures, and He sits at the right hand of God interceding for us. He lived as a man and died as a man, though He was fully God at the same time. He set aside his own holiness for us. He understands our lives and temptations. He was — He is — our perfect sacrifice to pay for all our sins. ALL our sins. Think about it. He did all this for you.
Nov. 5, 2023
This is an excerpt from Ragged Mountain Bible church message yesterday “Understanding God”
God has declared plainly for us everything we need to know about Him in order that we might understand His working in this world and in the lives of His people. There are three key attributes of God which, when really understood, form the basis for really understand His word. These three attributes are: God is Love, God is Holy, and God is Just. Everything He does and says will always be consistent with those three attributes. Because He is Holy He hates wickedness, because He is Just, He must condemn and punish sin, but because He is love He provided the way for wicked sinners to be not only forgiven but be changed by a new birth into members of His family.
Rom 5:6-9 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. (8) But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (9) Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
Oct. 29, 2023 Prayer. Matthew 6. When you pray, don’t be a hypocrite. Prayer is between you and God. It is not something you do to look good to others around you or to sound good and “holy” yourself. It is God who is holy, not us. Prayer is not about impressing others. It’s personal. The focus must always be on the One we are praying to: God. It’s about our hearts talking to our God. Prayer in public can be a challenge for many, mostly because we are concerned with how we will sound in front of them. Remember: it’s about your heart, not sounding good in front of other people. It’s not about a bunch of words to sound good. It’s about God. Talk to Him. The Spirit intercedes for us and helps us, especially with our prayers.
Oct. 22, 2023 Satan’s goal is to bring as much misery and pain to humans as possible. He is very good at this, using hatred and discord to sow as many seeds of negativity that he can. Just look at our world and all that is going on! He’s very busy right now. BUT GOD… He’s already won. The victory is already His. The war is won and eternity awaits. Everything that is happening in our lives, we need to check against God’s word and do it God’s way, not the world’s way. Don’t let others stir you up with lies and suggestions. God’s way is the best way. Remember that you can go to our Facebook page to see the video of this sermon. Services are at the Danbury Community Center in Danbury, NH, at 9:30 in the morning. You are always welcome to come. This coming Sunday we’ll have a pot luck dinner after the service. You are welcome to join us.
Oct. 15, 2023 Our study today centered in the book of Hosea. The prophet Hosea was directed by God to take an adulterous for a wife. He obeyed and had children with her. When this wife strayed back to her old ways, sins, he was to redeem her, pay to get her back. This was all a lesson for Israel, who had gone astray and forgotten their God. It is a story of redemption, mending a broken relationship with God. It demonstrates the kind of love God has for His people. His love is unchanging. He still loves His people, even when they stray. He sent His One and only Son to redeem the world. If that’s not love, what is?
Song “God really loves us” by Crowder, Dante Bowe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yG-Y9bWlCw8
Oct. 8, 2023 Our bodies do not make us what we are; it is only where our soul resides. It is a temporary dwelling place. Our permanent dwelling place is either with the Lord for all eternity or Hell with eternal suffering. This is not said to scare you into salvation. It is the truth. It is clearly stated in God’s word for us to read. It is always our choice. God sent His One and only Son, Jesus Christ, to provide a way of salvation for all those who would believe and accept this free gift. As a Christian, a follower of Christ, we have responsibilities and direct expectations. We don’t get to live in sin just because we’ve accepted Christ and are forgiven and can ask for forgiveness each time we choose to sin. Yes, those are available, but sin has consequences. 2 Corinthians 5:10 says (NIV): “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” Are you living for Christ or living for yourself? (Find and listen to KLOV radio station
Songs “In a parking lot” by Cochren & Co. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfwRJd90lT0
Oct. 1, 2023 God’s word: Words of God Himself, spoken to man to write down, there for all to read, personal messages from God. Think about it. Are we listening? Are we following what it says? God’s word became flesh in Christ Jesus, who died on the cross for us—each and every one of us — so we can have the gift of eternal life in Christ. Are you reading His word? Have you accepted the free gift of salvation? If not, why? What’s stopping you? If you don’t know where to begin, start with the book of John in the New Testament. Read it. Join us on Sundays if you can. We’d love to have you and answer any questions you might have. If you can’t visit us in person, remember that videos of the sermons are placed on our Facebook page for you to view. Watch them to learn more.
Song “Thank God I do” by Lauren Daigle https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfR6XLXRNy0
Sept. 17 & 24, 2023 God’s word is very important to us every single day. It tells us how to live, what is good, what is not. In Revelation 20: 11-15 He tells us that the Books will be opened and no one will escape them. If your name is not in the Book of Life, heaven is not your forever home. All our sins will be revealed. All of them: physical, see, and unseen. The unseen sins are those committed in the hearts and minds, such as bitterness, hatred, and lust. God’s word is clear. His warnings are real. His love is for real and beyond anything any human can give us. Do you want to face God as your God or your Judge? Will you face Him in praise or in shame? Will you face Him believing or not believing? It matters which way you face Him, and you will face Him. Everyone of us will.
Songs “Praise the Lord” by Micah Tyler https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DXGozXslIg
Sept. 10, 2023 Jonah 3:1-10. It’s always best to do in our heart what God wants us to do. God will deal with His people in ways for them to know their sins and their need of repentance with the goal of returning to Him in a restored relationship. Jonah didn’t want to do what God told him to do. He fled and tried to run away from God. But God…Jonah was sent to Nineveh to proclaim God’s judgment on this sinful city. Nineveh immediately repented, with sincere hearts, and God allowed them to survive. God hears and answers prayer, sees the heart, sees the motive, knows the outcomes. The answers may not be what you want to hear, but that doesn’t mean God didn’t answer your prayer. The answer was no. Many people judge God because they don’t get what they wanted, what they prayed for, what they have decided was best. Notice all those “they”? God is perfect, fair, just, righteous, all-knowing, and holy. Who are we to judge Him based on our personal desires? Read Jonah this week.
September 3, 2023 Matthew 9: 10-13. Jesus ate with sinners and tax collectors. The Pharisees, the religious leaders of the time, wanted to know why He did that instead of eating with the righteous like they thought themselves to be. The answer was simple according to Jesus: “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick…I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” The religious leaders of the time had their own ideas, their own expectations, their own thoughts as to how things should be done. But God is God. We don’t tell Him how things should be done. He tells us. God is holy. He’s not there to agree with our plans and thoughts, but the opposite. We are to conform to His ways. He is the standard, not us. This would be a great sermon to listen to in full. You can go to our Facebook page and view the sermons there.
Song “The Voice of Truth” by Casting Crowns, with Steven Curtis Chapman https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Jagj-3SV4Q
August 27, 2023 Proverbs 4: 20-22 are commands, directions directly from our Lord on how to live. Remember: The bible is the inspired word of God. It is not some theory or ideas that some person came up with. It is men of God moved by the Holy Spirit writing what the Lord wanted for us. God inspired, God lead, God designed, God’s words. (2 Timothy 3:16) Listen to them. Read them. Follow them. Memorize them. Conform your lives to them. Are you doing that? Are you constantly looking into God’s word? Obeying it? Observing and doing what it says from your heart? Proverbs 4:20-22 (NIV) ” My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to a man’s whole body.”
Songs “Word of God speak” by MercyMe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrPKSZCnXDM
August 20, 2023 Today we went through Psalm 97:1-6. God is sovereign. Regardless of what is going on in the world and in your personal lives, God is righteous, fair, and paying attention. All will be dealt with according to His timing and His purpose and His righteousness. It is never according to our timing or our version of His righteousness. Those who do evil will pay for their actions. When? When God declares it, not us. God reigns. Even the earth declares this awesome fact. Psalm 97:6 (NIV)”The heavens proclaim His righteousness, and all the peoples see His glory.” Remember that you can go view the entire sermon on our Facebook page. On the left side you will see “videos” that you can click on and select the sermon you wish to hear in full. This is a good one to listen to today.
Song “Who am I to not worship You” MercyMe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ah7qLbD9QR8
“Give me Your eyes” by Brandon Heath https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5AkNqLuVgY
“God’s not dead” by Newsboys https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_OTz-lpDjw
August 13, 2023 Sin: It is part of our human nature. We always have to be diligent and watch our actions, thoughts, etc… to ensure they are in alignment with God’s purposes. Just because we are Christians doesn’t mean we don’t sin, and it doesn’t mean we can sin no matter what because “God will forgive us.” Though that may be true, there are consequences for the choices we make, and those consequences affect others as well. God will always deal justly with sin; He has too because He is a holy God. We cannot hide our sin either. God knows all. Our sins affect us, our families, and those around us who see us. We must also note that God can use our sins for His purposes. Look at the life of Joseph. His brothers sold him because they were jealous. They told their father he was killed by wild animals. But God…(wonderful words aren’t they) He used it for good. Joseph became second to Pharoah and saved many lives. His brothers came to him, not recognizing him, for food during the great famine. When Joseph reveals himself to his brothers, he says: (NIV Genesis 50: 20) “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” Yet their sin affected many people during all those years when Joseph’s father and younger brother thought he was dead. Our sins do the same thing. Many other people will see God through our lives. We need to pay attention to what we say and what we do, stay in God’s word, know God, and honor Him with our lives so that others may come to know Him as well.
August 6, 2023 Hebrews 11 is known as the “Hall of Faith” to many. In those verses we see the things done that were accredited to individuals as faith. Faith is your belief, but faith is also your actions. Others see your faith in God by your actions, what you say and what you do. There are many examples of those who belong to the Lord exercising their faith. One notable example is Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. They refused to worship any gods of the Babylonians, and for that they were thrown into a roaring furnace, heated seven times hotter than normal. Daniel chapter 3 records the incident. Read it and see how their faith was put into action. James 2:18 says, (NIV): “But someone will say, ‘You have faith; I have deeds.’ Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.” What are people seeing through our lives, what we say, and what we do? Are they seeing our faith in the Lord? When things are challenging, are they seeing our faith? How is your faith today?
Song “What Faith Can Do” by Kutless https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1JBSQMkQEo
July 30, 2023 The message today “The Wonder of the Word of God” centered around Psalm 119:103-105. (NIV) “How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth. I gain understanding from Your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” God uses His word, the Bible, to reveal wisdom and knowledge of Himself to us. He knows what is best for us, even when it hurts. Through His word, we understand what evil is, what sin is, and what righteousness is. As physical food nourishes our physical body, spiritual food (the word of God) nourishes our soul. Imagine what our world would be like if everyone lived according to what God says in His word!
Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. Psalm 117 is the shortest chapter in the bible. In Psalm 118, we find the exact center of the bible in verse 8: (NIV) “It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in men.”
Song “This is our God” by Phil Wickham https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPDzQyk76PQ
July 23, 2023 We need to always remember that Satan is actively trying to destroy our lives. We all have sinful natures; we’re born with it. We must remain vigilant in God’s word and strive to be examples of what’s right. We can’t pick and choose what we’ll be obedient to from God’s word. We must always be ready to give an answer for the hope we have within us. We are a walking, living testimony and for some people the only way they’ll ever “see” Christ and their need for Him. God sees you. God sees everything. Stand firm in your faith.
Song “First things first” by Consumed By Fire https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpTOcZN9JB4
July 16, 2023 Dave and Aartje Mexcur were here today. They are missionaries from the Crescent Project, a mission field reaching the Muslims. They work here in the New England area. The Islamic faith is the 2nd largest faith and has the least missionaries reaching out to them. The Mexcurs work in the area of training others to reach out. For Muslims, you need to reach out differently with personal relationships and friendships. It can take years for them to hear and discuss the gospel, but it is years well worth it, and as they talk to you, they share with their family and friends all over the world. After the update on their work, Dave taught from 1 Timothy 6:6-10, and 17-19. The take away points were to live simply, be content with what you have, don’t spend all your energy trying to “get rich,” avoid greed and self-indulgence, and be ready to give and willing to share. Things we can share more than money is our time. Teach others, no matter who they are, by your example and how you live and react to situations in your life. You can learn more about them and the work of the Crescent Project, https://www.crescentproject.org.
July 9, 2023 Please see the Pastor’s Thought for the Day entry for today.
Services for today centered around Deuteronomy 3: 1-3. So many people ask the question: If God loves me, why all the problems in my life? The answer is because He loves you. Just because you are a Christian doesn’t mean your life will be perfect without any challenges. We are humans with sinful natures. We choose to do things we shouldn’t. We wander away from God. We stop reading the Bible. We are not perfect. But God…period. God uses the challenges in our lives to continue to help us grow. He uses them for our good, to put us back on the correct path we’ve wandered from, to reveal sin in our lives that needs to be dealt with, and to help us grow in our faith just to name a few. In the desert, the Israelites wandered for 40 years, and God provided for them. He will and does the same for us. You can trust God for everything and trust that there is a reason for everything, whether it be due to our own making or allowed by God in our lives. His way is always the only right way. We can fully trust in the Lord. Do you? Why or why not?
Songs “The God who stays” by Matthew West https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPwd_TQpsHY
“Even if” by MercyMe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6fA35Ved-Y
July 2, 2023 On the Pastor’s Thought for the day page, you’ll find the next “Read through the bible” list. Join us as we read God’s word daily. Also, we have a bible study/prayer meeting Wednesday nights at the Parsonage, 12 Juniper St., Danbury. We’d love to see you there as well. Consider joining us. You can also view the video of the sermons on our Facebook page. There is a link on this website. Once on Facebook, over on the left side is a list where you’ll see “videos.” Click that and select the one you wish to watch.
Today’s teaching was from 1 Corinthians 12: 12+. We, as the body of Christ, are one. We are all of one Spirit. We all hold each other up. The body of Christ has people with different abilities and gifts: administration, encouragement, teaching, etc. Yet, we are still ONE body. We need each other. It doesn’t make a difference how strong we are or how strong our personality is; it’s all through the Spirit within us and God’s plan and we all have a part in the body of Christ.
Songs “To not worship You” by MercyMe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ah7qLbD9QR8
June 18 & 25, 2023 (Missed a week – Sorry) Sometimes, we see things happening that just don’t make sense. Look at Jesus and His arrest in the garden of Gethsemane. Why didn’t Jesus resist? He could have, but it wasn’t God’s will. God uses even the ungodly to accomplish His will. Jesus went to the cross for each one of us, according to the Scriptures. It was God’s perfect plan. The apostle Peter struck out to fight one who came to take Jesus. He was rebuked. He also denied knowing Jesus three times, just like Jesus said he would, during Jesus’ trial. God is able to turn a hopeless error/failure into a bold victory! Amen. Peter was a bold deliverer of the gospel! The takeaway for us: How can we ignore God’s word and do things our own way instead? We belong to God’s family. What we do should always honor God.
Never say, “I’m a Christian, so it means whatever I do will be forgiven, no matter what.” Then keep on living your normal life. This is not a good idea. Look at David’s life. David decided to sin by committing adultery with Bathsheba. Then, he arranged for the death of her husband to hide his sin. He took Bathsheba to be his wife and the child he had created with her. The prophet Nathan confronted David with his sin. David’s response was Psalm 51. Read it. No matter how bad we screw up (and we will screw up), God’s mercy prevails. This doesn’t mean we should keep on sinning, living according to our fleshly nature. Those who belong to God don’t want to sin. All sin is evil and against God. Sin always brings consequences. All sin begins with our thoughts. When those “bad” thoughts come into your head, deal with them immediately. Call them what they are and seek forgiveness. Focus on God. Don’t give the Devil a foothold. Remember, God already knows what you did, so just admit it, repent, seek forgiveness, and live to bring honor to God.
June 11, 2023 Often people ask: Why would God allow such things to happen? Regardless of what is happening, we must trust the nature of God and trust Him. He has everything under control. All is happening according to His plan. He sees all. He knows all. He knows what people are doing in this world right now. He knows our sinful natures. We may not see it now or ever, but God works all things together for good. We don’t need to know what it is or will be or why. We need to trust and continue to act in a manner worthy of our calling and our Lord. God doesn’t need our permission. His plan is perfect. We need to honor God regardless of the circumstances.
Songs “I will trust in You” by Lauren Daigle https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_aVFVveJNs
“The God who stays” by Matthew West https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPwd_TQpsHY
“Even if” MercyMe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBeC0PkWG_s
June 4, 2023 Those who have accepted Christ as their personal Lord and Savior have the Holy Spirit within them. Now, you need Spiritual food, daily. Read God’s word, study God’s word, memorize God’s word, pray, journal maybe, walk in the Lord daily, and continue to grow. Don’t get stagnate. Walk as a child of God. Show others Christ through your life. Don’t do things as the world does them, for you don’t belong to the world anymore. You are God’s child now. Live that way. This doesn’t mean we won’t have challenges, troubles, loses, etc… in our lives. We have a God who is bigger than those challenges. We can learn from those challenges. We trust in God to bring us through those challenges.
May 28, 2023 We were in 1 Peter 5: 5-11 today. You should really go to our Facebook page and view the video of the sermon. Here is a great take-a-way: Satan knows the right buttons to push to get us going, upset, and angry, attempting to get us to sin and react in a way that God would not be pleased. Be alert. But God…every attack has a God ordained purpose. They are God ordained opportunities to bring glory to God and for God to sift us and make us into what He would have us to be. Be alert.
Songs “Run Devil Run” by Crowder https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=US1-R-R9lYQ
May 21, 2023 Bible study and prayer meetings are resuming starting June 7. We’ll meet at 6pm at the Parsonage, 12 Juniper Road, Danbury. You are welcome to join us!
There is a difference in accepting Christ as your personal Lord and Savior and accepting a religion. Knowing about is different than knowing God. The gate to eternal life with Christ is narrow and thinking you are doing “Christian” things is going to get you through that gate and into heaven is a sad mistake. God made it possible for all to come to a saving knowledge through the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. His forgiveness is real and all encompassing. His love is true. He is who He says He is. If your heart is searching, search no more and come to the cross. His loving arms await you!
Song “Thank God I do” by Lauren Daigle https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfR6XLXRNy0
May 14, 2023
(This is an exerpt from today’s message at Ragged Mountain Bible Church)
The death of Jesus was no accident. It was planned by God from the beginning, because He knew we would fall. He knew we would need a Saviour even before we would know we needed one. He knew we would be His enemies but He loved us with a love beyond comprehension in spite of that. He even knew there would be many who would not be willing to turn to Him because of the wickedness of their sinful nature. Yet He still made that supreme sacrifice for them also. Love does what it does because it is love and it is not dependent upon whether those things will be accepted or rejected. God has provided salvation for all because of His love for all. We are all familiar with
John 3:16-18 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (17) For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. (18) He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
Belief is a choice. We either choose to believe or we choose to not believe. God has provided plenty of witnesses to the truth of the Gospel. There are plenty of historical evidences of the fact of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. There is plenty of witness in the world around us of the wickedness of man. As we consider our own thoughts and actions, they witness to us of our ownsinfulness. The problem is not a lack of proof of the truth, but a lack of willingness to surrender to it as the Apostle John continues in
John 3:19-20 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. (20) For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
No one wants to go to Hell, but many are not willing to give up their sin.
Those who reject God’s love and the provision for their salvation through Christ, do so to their own destruction. When one day, they are burning in that lake of fire, experiencing unquenchablethirst and the torment of burning flames every second of everyday and every second of every night, as they tick by day after day and night after night, for ever and ever, they will do so knowing full well that God had sent His own beloved Son to take their payment for them, yet they deliberately and knowingly refused Him.
May 7, 2023 God said it. That settles it. Doesn’t matter if you believe it. God doesn’t need your believe or agreement to exist or be right. God is. Amen. The end.
Now that that is said, here is one of the Pastor’s Note — Thought for the day from earlier this week. Remember, there are many of them here. Just open that page, read, and learn. You’re welcome to join us on Sunday. We’d love to have you.
Pastor’s Note for May 1, 2023
Each new month, new week and new day is an opportunity to do better for our Lord. Part of that is asking “Have I done my best and how might I serve my Lord better?”
Every church has specific needs and challenges. I was invited to preach as a guest preacher at the Ragged Mountain Bible Church which had five members in the small town of Danbury NH. That led to preaching there once a month and then asked if I would serve as interim pastor while search was made for a permanent pastor. I felt the Lord would have me do that and it does add an element of consistency which is needed for a church body to grow. The Lord has been blessing and we have seen growth both in attendence and I believe spiritually. However, there are significant needs with these type and location of ministries which make them especially challenging. Some possible candidates that I have contacted were not comfortable taking a ministry in which the church is not able to support a full time pastor. Special prayer is also needed for wisdom in reaching out to the community. Another challenge is that many dedicated Christians want to serve and others are looking to have their needs met through special programs. These are both limited in a small church. We have had severeal come which seemed to appreciate the preaching and teaching, but felt like their needs were not able to be met in such a small church. It does take a certain attitude in order to be comfortable serving with a small church body. An attitude which says, I am not just here to see what the church can do for me, but how can I serve to help this church grow and reach souls for Christ and be an encouraagemnt and help to my brothers and sisters. I praise and thank God for our members and those who have been attending faithfully. While I do not begrudge anyone from vacationing or visiting relatives, the smaller the church the more noticeable the absence of even a couple of families. Pray for our church and for others to come along side and help as we seek to reach souls for Christ and feed His flock in this place. This past week has been an especially trying one and I am feeling the need for renewed strength. Thank you to all who hold us up in your prayers.
Galatians 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
April 30, 2023 The prophet Jeremiah had a difficult job. God called him to deliver messages to Israel, even though they would not listen to him. Yet, Jeremiah was faithful and did as God told him to do. People tried to kill him for the message, yet he continued to serve God and obey. He knew there was nothing too hard for God to do, and if the people would just listen and repent, God would deliver them and save them from destruction. His actions speak volumes. What about us? What we do affects those who watch us, like our children. Others are influenced by what they see us do. Even more, God sees us no matter what we are doing. Is what you are doing something you would invite God to do with you? Think about it.
Songs “Father will you hold my hand” by We are Messangers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3CFsG6_jrQ
“Gratitude” by Brandon Lake https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQdfs5S6jyA
April 23, 2023 Remember that there is a section in this site for Pastor’s Notes – Thoughts. Here is one for you today. Many more are available on that page.
Praise God, there is no death for the Christian, only the exchanging of a corruptible life and body for an incorruptible life and body. The following passage has a special place in my heart today.
I Cor. 15:55) O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 56) The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. 57) But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
I received the phone call from the nursing home at 7:39 this morning that I had been expecting on any day. It was the nurse telling me that my 102 year old mother had gone home to be with her Lord. Praise God that there is no real death for the Christian because of what Jesus has done for us. Rather, it is a casting off of this flesh with all its troubles and a rising up to be with our Lord. My mom has now changed residence from Earth to Heaven. I am so thankful that she had received Jesus as her Lord and has now gone to be with Him.
April 16, 2023 Many believe that the Christian way is a good way to live. They believe because they are kind, considerate, compassionate, etc…, they are going to heaven, because heaven is for “good” people. Sadly, this is not accurate. Heaven is real. It is where the Lord is, but heaven is where those who belong to the Lord go, not just people who believe they were “good” to go. Those who accept God’s free gift of salvation, who acknowledge that they are sinners, who understand that they need a savior who has already paid the price for their personal sins, and who live a life according to the Scriptures…they are going to heaven. Is this you? Do you understand? If you are able to join us for services, we welcome you to come. Ask questions. If you are far away and cannot, read (or reread) all the posts here, open Facebook (don’t have to sign up) to watch Pastor’s videos of the services, read your Bible (start with John), or find a Bible teaching church near you. If you are searching, God has answers.
April 8, 2023 Special Note – Easter…it’s not candy and a bunny, though both are nice. The message of Easter is so much more than that. Easter – the time begins with the crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ on the cross, a horrific death created by man. We need to remember that Christ went willingly to that cross for each and every one of us. He came to earth specifically for this task, so that we would have a way for forgiveness of our sins and have eternal life in Christ. We call Friday before Easter “Good Friday.” Why is it “good” if He died that day? It’s “good” because we know the ending. It’s “good” because He did this for us, personally. It’s “good” because on Sunday He rose again according to the Scriptures, and because of this sacrifice, we have salvation, we have been redeemed, we have a Savior, and we are loved. Romans 5: 7 & 8 “Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 15:13 “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” Come to services Sunday. We welcome you. Come learn more of the love of God. This song has been added to many of the last entries, but it is worth listening to again, as are the others. May the Lord open you hearts to see Him.
Songs “God really loves us” by Crowder with Dave Bowe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yG-Y9bWlCw8
“Then Christ Came” by MercyMe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZscdUUKIqRc
“The Power of the Cross: Song Session” by Casting Crowns https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4jcHf9k0RQ
“At the Cross (Love ran red)” by Chris Tomlin https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORyXT2ZRwUE
April 2, 2023 The message centered around Romans 3:13-15. Jesus was speaking to Nicodemus, a pharisee, at night. This is a time when directing you to the Pastor’s Notes page of this website would be good. Go there and read the Pastor’s Note – dated April 6, 2023. You may also go to our Facebook page (link found on the homepage) and view the message recorded for today. You’ll find a link to videos on the left side of the page.
March 26, 2023 No matter who we are, when we’re told to do something, often our hackles go up and we wonder “Who are you to tell me what to do?” even if we start to do that very thing. Why? It’s because of our sin nature. We’re born with it. Yet we must remember that we are made in the image of God. God really loves us. He loves us so much that we have free choice, not forcing us to receive His free gift of salvation through Christ. His invitation is with love and mercy and grace, and it’s free for everyone. Those who don’t accept this gift are headed to the lake of fire – hell — forever because unrighteous spirits can’t abide in the presence of God. Heaven is real and Hell is real. What is your choice? Are you still wondering what it is all about? Are you reading this little message again or for the first time and wondering what you should do? Is God calling you and you haven’t answered yet? Here is something to help. Read through the book of John.
Song “God really loves us” by Crowder with Dave Bowe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yG-Y9bWlCw8
March 19, 2023 It’s important to remember that Satan has an objective. Satan has done a good job deceiving mankind. Just look at our world — man killing man, wars, dissention, prejudice, feelings of superiority, intolerance, and the list goes on and on. BUT GOD! That says it all! But God made a way for us, purchased our lives for us through His Son, Jesus Christ, redeemed us, offered us salvation, freed us from eternal death, and so much more. Thank You, Lord! Amen!
March 5, 2023 People think they can outsmart God. They refuse His offer of salvation, payment for sins, and eternity in heaven. They chose Satan and the sins of the world. They say they’ll take care of settling things with God when they are on their death beds or when the rapture happens (because they acknowledge it will). They forget they are dealing with a righteous God. They chose to follow false teachings because they seem “nicer” and “easier” and “more fun.” Proverbs 14:12 (NIV) says: “There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.” This is so important that it is repeated in Proverbs 16:25. In Matthew 7:21 (NIV) Jesus says: “Not everyone who says to me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from Me, you evildoers!'” Do you really want to be one of those people? Settle things with God today. Choose love. Choose life. Choose freedom from sins. Choose eternity in heaven. Choose the gift of God that He offers freely through His son Jesus Christ.
Songs “First things first” by Consumed by Fire https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9ZkmMH7Ipk
Feb. 26, 2023 Do you need a better understanding of who Christ is? Read the book of John several times. What does it mean to “receive Christ as your personal Lord and Savior – to have salvation”? Who is salvation in? It is in Christ. Understand who He is. He is God. He is Lord of all – heaven and earth — King of kings. He is our Savior, who came to save us all from our sins. Salvation is in the person of Jesus Christ. Just acknowledging that is good, but to truly receive Christ and have new life in Him, it has to be with the heart. Head knowledge of who Christ is will not save you. Many believe because they go to church or were raised by parents who went to church, that they too are going to go to heaven. Not true. It’s a heart issue, not a head issue. It’s personal, not on the coat tails of others. Your heart will desire the things of God, desire to learn more, desire to be with God’s people, desire to do His will, and desire to do what is right. Your life will be changed. Learn all you can about God, about Christ. Matthew 11: 28-30 (NIV): Christ said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
Songs “Come to the Well” by Casting Crowns https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bW5unzXXC0k
Feb. 23, 2023 Extra thoughts from notes made in a personal Bible in the book of Jude: “All are called but not all listen.” Has God been calling you, tugging at your heart? Are you listening? Responding? Why or why not? “God is able to keep you from falling into sin.” If you have answered God’s call, remember this: “Live according to the victory from sin that God has already given you.”
Song “First Things First” by Consumed by Fire https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9ZkmMH7Ipk
Feb. 19, 2023 From Pastor’s thoughts of the day Feb. 15.
Have you ever felt like a failure? I have. In fact, the truth is I am a failure. There is no possible earthly reason for God to use me at all. Satan and his servants are always ready and eager to remind us of our failings and they do a good job at it. There are at least a million other people, with no exaggeration, that could do a better job in serving God than me. This knowledge has brought me very low at times. However, God reminds me that there is also another fact; another reality that is just as true. It is God Himself who has chosen me and put me into the ministry. It is the all holy and righteous God of Heaven who has ordained me to preach His word and minister to His saints. It is God my creator who has equipped me with the ability, knowledge and wisdom to effectively study, teach and preach His word. He has not done this because I have earned it or deserve it in the least, for I do not. He has done it according to His Sovereign will. It is He Who sustains me; it is He Who equips me, it is He Who empowers me for the work He has for me. Praise God I do not serve in my own strength or in my own wisdom, or in the power of my own righteousness. While we seek with all our hearts to walk uprightly and honestly before all and especially before God, that is not the source of our strength nor our confidence. I look to my God and trust in Him to do that which is pleasing and honoring to Himself as I serve Him. The results are up to Him no matter what that may be. My responsibility is to stay true to God no matter what or who may rise up to oppose or hinder or discourage.
So please pray for me for I have a powerful and cunning enemy who has many helpers. He wants me to quit or turn aside and if not, then he wants to destroy either myself or the work God has commissioned me to do. “ For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Eph 6:12
Feb. 12, 2023 From the Pastor’s thoughts of the day Feb. 14.
Out New Testament reading today was Luke chapter 9. What Luke records in verses 51 -56 is found nowhere else in the Gospels.
Luke 9:51-53 And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem, (52) And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him. (53) And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem.
Note the reason why the disciples in this village did not receive Jesus. “because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem”. This is an example of why paying attention to the context is so important. God’s word is not just a hodgepodge of unrelated events. Rather, God has designed how and when things happen and record them for our learning and example. There are two things recorded just prior to this incident. In verses 46 – 48, the disciples were envious about each other and arguing about which one was going to be greatest. In verses 49 – 50, they were envious of others who did not join with them. In verses 51 – 56, the disciples in this village were so upset that Jesus was not going to spend time with them, but was only going to stop on His way to Jerusalem, simply because their village was on the way to Jerusalem. Their thinking seems to be “Jesus was not making the trip to see them, after all, they were just Samaritan. So they refused to make ready for Him because they were envious that He was in a hurry to go to Jerusalem rather than spend time with them.
This should remind us of the common malady that tends to be in all of us as James says in
James 4:5-6 Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? (6) But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
Have we ever become envious and upset because Jesus seems to favor or use someone else over us? Have we ever thought about or refused doing something because it seemed menial compared to how Jesus was treating or using others? This is part of our carnal nature that will be with us until we shed this flesh. However, we can have victory or these emotions by remembering as Paul said,
Rom 7:18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
Paul continued by saying
Rom 7:24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death
Jesus gives us the answer in
Mat 23:12 … whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
Feb. 5, 2023 From the Pastor’s note of Feb. 7, 2023
Gal 6:1-2 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. (2) Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
This is probably one of the most important passages in God’s word concerning Christians. Probably most of us struggle with that phrase “ye which are spiritual”. It does not mean that we are spiritually better than they. What it means is simply ye who are humbly submitting yourself and being led by the Spirit of God with a heart for that one who has been overtaken. God’s word is so beautiful and the words He has chosen to use are so perfect. The idea of being “overtaken” implies that they did not see it coming. It snuck up on them and took them unawares. This can, and probably has, happened to all of us. If we keep this in mind then we will approach them with a spirit of meekness, knowing that we are just as prone to be taken in a fault and have also been in need of being restored. I believe part of restoring them “in a spirit of meekness” also means that we approach them privately. This will help to insure we are doing it for the right reason and in the right spirit. If we council them in private, we LET THEM make the changes in their lives and those that see those changes can praise God for the way THE LORD is working in their lives. That way God gets all the credit and glory. I also believe that approaching them in private, reveals that we have a true heart towards them and lets them know that our motives are true. This can help in building trust and appreciation between them and ourselves. This is one way we do what the next verse says.
Galatians 6:2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
Jan. 29, 2023 From the Pastor’s note of Feb. 3, 2023
1Jn 5:3-4 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. (4) For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
Real victory over things such as anger, bitterness and unforgiveness because of wrongs others have done to us is greatly dependent upon realizing that God is in control of all things in our lives and is using even the “bad” things to help guide and direct us and is part of His training and will for us as individuals. Faith is such a powerful force, yet so often, even as Christians, we have a tendency to trust in ourselves and in our determination and abilities first. The problem is, even though we are seeking to be obedient to our Lord, we are really trusting in ourselves. This is why we find ourselves struggling to have a right attitude towards our offender and to really forgive for from our hearts as Jesus commands us. It is interesting that we may know what God says about trusting Him, yet we end up trusting in ourselves in so many situations. God’s word tells us plainly
(4) For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
Victory does not come by our efforts. It comes by our faith. That faith is believing Rom 8:28 “ all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” There are too many possibilities to list for why God has allowed that individual to do or say what they did, but we can have full confidence that He has a wonderful purpose for it. Our flesh and our spirit might be pained and their actions may have caused us much trouble and even hardship, but trust that God is working all things for His glory and according to His plan. Remember Joseph was betrayed by his own brothers and sold into slavery. He was then falsely accused of a wicked crime and thrown in prison. After spending years in prison, Joseph finally saw how God was working all things out for good. Every Christian is a Joseph. Every Christian will experience injustices and wrongs, but they are all a part of God’s plan for them. Our responsibility is just to be faithful to Him in all things and strive to please Him in all our words and deeds as Joseph did. Our future is not in the hands of our enemies, it is in God’s hands. He has his plan to use us in a special way and all that He brings into our lives is a part of that plan. Joseph’s brothers sought to bring harm to him, Potiphar’s wife sought to shame him to cover her own sin, but God was in control of all things. Understanding these things should help us to see the wrong in being angry or bitter against those who God is using to guide and train us. We can trust that one day we will understand like Joseph
Gen 50:19-20 And Joseph said unto them, …am I in the place of God? (20) But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day”
January 22, 2023 Remember that you can access Pastor’s sermons via our Facebook page. John 15:11-13 (NIV) (Jesus speaking) “I have told you this so that My joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”
Songs “Jesus loves me” by Chris Tomlin Chris Tomlin – Jesus Loves Me – YouTube
Jan. 15, 2023
(This is comes from today’s message at Ragged Mountain Bible Church)
Pro 15:3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.
God’s eyes are beholding everyaction that is made; every word that is spoken; every thought that enters into the mind; even every intention of the heart; God sees and knows all. There are no secrets with Him as we are told in
Heb 4:13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
Oh that every person might recognize the reality of the presence of God in all places and at all times. That lie that is spoken in secret; that unrighteous thought that is dwelt upon in the heart; God is watching; the righteous Judge is beholding; and they are all being recorded in detail in the books that will be opened at the end of this world.
Satan would have you and I believe that if we said a prayer, then we will escape the consequences of our sin. But what he leaves out is the fact that those who truly belong to God by receiving Christ as their Lord and have actually been born of His seed, will not and can not continue in their sin. They will have no peace in their heart until they have confessed and repented of their sin. Any unconfessed sin separates from peace and fellowship with God.
The fake Christian will find excuses as to why they need not confess their sin. Every sin is a sin against God, and many, if not most, are against another person. It is easy for someone to tell God they are sorry, but it is a different story completely when confessing to the person. That is when the difference of what is, or is not, in the heart will be revealed. Those who do not truly have the Spirit of Christ in them will not find the power to truly and fully confess and repent to the individual, that person, the evil they have done to or toward them. They might realize that they should and they might even have some desire to make things right with that one, but they are unable to bring themselves to do it. That is a clear evidence that their pride means more to them than being right with God. The Apostle Paul describes them as (2Ti 3:5) “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.”
Confession reveals real repentance. It is humbling to repent to someone, and our fleshly nature will refuse to do it.
Those who claim to be born of the Spirit, yet lack the power of the Spirit of God in them will be among those who Jesus described in Matthew 7 to whom He says in verse 23 “I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”
Being able and willing to follow through with confessing sin to that individual we have wronged, is the result of being a true child of God. It is an important way in which, The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: (Rom 8:16)
Does the way you have handled sin reveal that you are a real child of God? If not, real salvation and the new birth can be yours by surrendering to God’s will and receive Jesus as your true Lord.
January 8, 2023 Do you know anyone who would lay down his life for you personally? We do. It’s Jesus Christ. Jesus, the Son of God, came down from heaven willingly, knowing that He was going to die on the cross to pay for your sins. By doing this, He has made a way for you to access heaven. All you need to do is accept this free gift of salvation. Admit you are a sinner. Seek forgiveness. Ask Jesus into your heart. Enter into the family the God. Welcome.
January 2, 2023 HALLELUJIAH! WE ARE ABLE TO WORK ON THE SITE AGAIN! Please forgive the month delay. There were issues on the editing end that appear to be fixed now. A large number of Pastor’s Notes have been added. Please read them. May they refresh your soul. Services are still at the Danbury Community Center in Danbury, NH starting at 9:30am. Please join us. We’d love to have you as we worship together. Go to our Facebook page (a link is on this site) and view the sermons. Pastor loads them each week. It’s a new year. Have you been searching? Is God calling you? Have you been reading this site? Have you understood your need for a Savior? Do you still have questions? Join us. Let us help you get your answers. Christ came to earth, willingly, to be a sacrifice for you personally. Sin exacts a price. Christ paid that price. Thank you!
Nov. 27, 2022 Romans 8:28 NIV “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” Those who have accepted Christ’s saving grace on the cross for the world are children of God, heirs of God, and saved by hope. We are the dwelling place of God. His Spirit is within us. Anything we go through in life, the very worst things that happen in our lives, God uses for good. We may not see how it could possibly happen, but we can trust it will because God said it. Amen. Our job is to remain faithful and trust in the Lord.
Songs “The Devil is on the run” by Casting Crowns https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNZZv-GW0To
Nov. 20, 2022 Happy Thanksgiving. Snippets from today’s sermon: God uses what we’re going through for a purpose. It’s easy to take for granite the things God does for us, especially if it’s over and over again. Things can become old habits very quickly that we can miss what God’s doing for us. Thankfully, the Spirit intercedes for us. Be sensitive to God’s work in your life and what He’s called you to do. Recognize your dependence on the Lord. Don’t do things in your own strength. Do things in the strength of the Lord. Everything is under His control. Our successes and failures are tools He actively uses to make us who He wants us to be.
Songs “Jesus at a distance” by Casting Crowns https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJ6RsCVgXoE
Nov. 13, 2022 Hope. We have confident expectations that God will do what He says He’ll do. We put our faith and hope in Him. Faith comes from hearing, and hearing from the word of God. We show others the hope of Christ through our lives. How do we deal with hardships in our lives? With hope and faith. Hope enables the child of God to share the gospel regardless of the perceived outcomes, hoping others will accept and have faith. Where is your hope? Is it in the saving grace of God?
Songs “All my hope” by Crowder with Tauren Wells https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tElvdnId4Q
“Jesus” by Chris Tomlin https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEbQswNB6Wc
Nov. 1, 2022 Good morning. Please forgive the delay in getting information put here. Sometimes that does happen. As a reminder, you can go to our Facebook page (can reach it from the home page) to view the sermons. You don’t have to sign up. Open Facebook, go to the left side and you’ll see “videos” listed. Click this and view away. We also have a page where we put our Pastor’s Notes as he studies the Word of God and shares some of that with us.
How’s your heart today? Are you strong in the Lord or are you dampened by the world? Is your answer that you are okay under the circumstances? Why are you under there? Come out from under there. You belong to the Lord. Yes, there will be challenging times for all of us. Jesus, himself, said, “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NIV) He’s got this. Joy is Jesus in your heart. “Joy is the flag that is flown from the castle of your heart when the King is in residence.” (A schoolmaster said this to his students.) “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV) Lean on Him. Find peace.
Songs “My God is still the same” by Sanctus Real https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggPEQ_COpBA
Oct. 9, 2022 In Leviticus we learn about the scapegoat. Once a year, Aaron was to pray over a goat, symbolically putting all the sins of Israel on the goat. That goat was taken outside the area they were in by a man who was appointed, prepared in advance, to do this. The scapegoat was let go, never to return. The goat paid the price for the sins of the people. Aaron was to come out of the Holy of Holies, remove his linen garments, and leave them in the Tent of Meeting for all to see. Sin always separates us from God. If you have unconfessed sins, God won’t hear you. It’s not that He can’t; He won’t. Sin must be dealt with; it must be confessed and repented. The goat “took away” the people’s sins for that year.
Now take a look at Christ. Christ was prepared in advance, appointed, to take the sins of the world. He had the sins of the world– past, present, and future — place on Him. He was taken outside the city to Golgotha to be sacrificed, to pay the price for our sins. He was buried and on the third day, He rose from the grave, but His linen garments were left in the tomb for all to see. God’s mercy and grace for us as God made the way for us to have our sins removed and forgiven through His Son Jesus Christ. Amen.
Songs “Jesus at a distance” by Casting Crowns https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Glh7nCkqjiI
Oct. 2, 2022 Did you know that there is an unpardonable sin? Do you know what it is? It is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. You’ll find this in Matthew 12: 22-32. What does that mean? It means that you recognize God but deliberately reject Him and attribute the works of the Holy Spirit to Satan. It is irreverence and disrespect, an insult that shows contempt against God. Don’t let this be your story. If you are reading this, you are searching and acknowledging God. Take that next step and accept the free gift of salvation that Christ offers you. What are you waiting for?
Sept. 25, 2022 Sometimes the best way to say it is to simply give you the word directly from the source. Colossians 3: 5-17(NIV) “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish on another with all wisdom, and as you sing pslams, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
Sept. 18, 2022 Job. What made him notable? It was his great faith in God. The Devil knows just when and how to strike, but Job held on to his faith. Job knew that only One could meet his needs and he sought God through all the trials even though God was silent at this time in Job’s life. Job still constantly sought God. This is the heart of Job. How about you? Don’t stop seeking God when you have times of trouble and times of silence from God. There is always a reason for this. Keep the faith. God’s still there. Trust Him and take comfort in that fact. We may never know this side of heaven the reasons, but it will never change the love of God.
Songs “Trust His Heart” by Babbie Mason https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWk8DRwDYDc
Sept. 11, 2022 We belong to God. How wonderful is that? He loves us so much that He provided a way to heaven to be with Him and His Son. That way was His Son dying on the cross for us, in our place, for our sins. Jesus loves us so much He did this. Read Philippians 2: 6-11. Jesus, before His arrest and subsequent death on the Cross, prayed specifically for the disciples. (John 17:6-27) He also prayed specifically for us, for all who would believe. That’s a wonderful feeling to know He prayed for us. Accept His free gift of salvation. Admit you are a sinner in need of a Savior and ask Jesus into your heart. You will never regret it. Welcome to the family of God.
Song “I am Yours” by Lauren Daigle https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9B-81mZV5E
Sept. 4, 2022 Romans 12:1-2a (NIV) “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God –this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” To do this, it is necessary to learn how God wants us to act and think. Get your thinking right. God already purchased us, redeemed us unto Himself. We’re purchased at a price. Remember that every insult, slap, whip, mocking – every agonizing second Jesus endured up to and on the cross ws for us. Don’t get off track, though it is easy to do. Don’t let your words be displeasing to God. God sees us at all times, hears all we say, knows our thought, our every deeds. No, we aren’t perfect but do NOT use that as an excuse to sin. As Christians, we have the Spirit to help us. Have a willing heart to let the Spirit lead you. Read Philippians 4:8.
Songs “Me on Your mind” by Matthew West featuring Anne Wilson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hie9q5aOA6k
“King of Kings” by Newsboys featuring Bart Millard https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5zxpo1R2ug
August 28, 2022 The Devil knows how and when to strike us. His plan is always evil and he uses those closest to us to help destroy us and pull us away from God. He used Eve to get to Adam, Delilah to get to Samson, Absolom to get to David, and Sarah to get to Abraham to name a few. Then there is Job. Job lost all his children, all his animals, and his health, yet he still was faithful to God. His friends and his wife were no help; they basically told him to curse God and die. Yet, Job remained faithful to God. Job knew only One could meet his needs and longed for fellowship with God. Sometimes we screw up. Sometimes God uses tough times to helps us grow and teach us something. His reasons are His own and He is trustworthy. God loves us personally no matter how badly we mess things up. Do you long for sweet fellowship with God? There is no substitute for fellowship with our Lord and Savior.
Song “The Devil is on the run” by Casting Crowns https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqWcCWWF0Qw
“Run Devil Run” by Crowder https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=US1-R-R9lYQ
“Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone)” performed by Pentatonics (a capella) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Obp-9BEZe1c
August 21, 2022 God’s word is important. How do you tell who is teaching the truth of God’s word? You compare what is being taught with the word of God. What is being taught should be God’s word and nothing else. God’s word is very specific about not adding to or subtracting from God’s word. You want the word of God, not traditions of men. Read your bible and pray for understanding.
Song “Word of God Speak” by MercyMe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JK_6osCH74
August 14, 2022 Reminder: You can view Pastor’s sermons through our Facebook page. You can access that page from our Home page in this site. You don’t have to be a member or sign up, just open the page, look to the left, see “videos” on that list, click that, and choose which one you wish to listen to at that time. God loves you. He sent His Son to die on the cross for your sins. He’s waiting for you to accept His free gift of salvation. Come to the cross. He awaits you with open arms. His Son already paid for all those sins you think keeps you from God, so don’t let that be your excuse. Is He calling you? Answer Him.
Songs “God really loves us” by Crowder and Dante Bowe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yG-Y9bWlCw8
August 7, 2022 Humans blame others for their own troubles. It’s always someone else’s fault. Never their own. We look to please our own sinful nature. We compare ourselves with others that we judge to be worse than ourselves, justifying our own sinful choices. What we need to remember/know is that anytime we go against what God says, it won’t go well for us. God’s word is direct. Romans 3:23 says, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”. God sent His Son to take our place, our sins, and die on a cross for us. God has provided us with all the instructions for a godly life in His word. When we accept God’s free gift of salvation, He makes us right, forgiven, saved, a member of His family, an heir, and eternity in heaven with Him. When we compare our own choices with other’s choices, we lose sight of God’s righteousness. We often get angry or upset that others are doing well even though they ________ (fill in the blank). Always remember 2 Peter 3:9 that says, “The Lord is not slow in keeping His promises, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” God was patient with you, waiting for you. He will be with everyone. We, as God’s family, need to show others through our actions who God is. The Lord is coming back someday, according to His word. Is He coming as your Savior or your Judge?
Songs “People get ready” by Crystal Lewis https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=REc6uRQRnV0
July 31, 2022 Is God’s Spirit losing His influence? No! We are God’s light in the world if we belong to God. God’s Spirit moves through us as we share His light. There is a lot of “evil” in this world. Attitudes have changed. Where we used to be okay with other’s opinions, we now have no tolerance and choose hatred, screaming about everything. Why? Spiritual warfare is real. We need to speak truth, show love, encourage others, show them the difference by the way we live our lives. Make a difference. Don’t join the “world.” See the souls of men the way God does.
Songs “Revolutionary” by Josh Wilson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6glQdaQUZ1U
July 24, 2022 Pastor taught from Jeremiah 32 today. In this chapter, God tells His people of the punishment for their sins that is coming. God always deals with sin and He still loves you. God means what He says. God’s timing is perfect. We can trust God’s word and that everything that is said will be. Learn by reading your bible daily. Learn about what God has said, what He’s done, and what He’s promised. That’s our God. He is omniscient, omnipresent, and eternal. And He loves us. Some say if He is all that, why are there bad things happening in the world. Remember: God is still on the throne; He’s got a plan and His timing is perfect. Why should we be surprised when sinful people do sinful things? Why do we try to judge God by our standards? He’s holy; we are not. We are not privy to all the information past, present, and future. Remember who God is and who we are not.
Songs “My Jesus” by Anne Wilson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWLm6z42Gk8
“God of all my days” by Casting Crowns https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYkZE8AogDE
bJuly 17, 2022 Our guest speaker today was David Tubbs. We looked at one verse: John 11:35. This is the shortest verse in the bible: “Jesus wept.” Looking at and meditating on smaller sections of scripture can yield great truths. From this small verse we learn several things. First, it teaches us humility. We are reminded that Jesus made Himself low for us, became human for us, and identifies with us in our pains. Jesus, God, cries with us. Second, it teaches us empathy, which is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. Mary, Lazarus’ sister, was crying because Lazarus was dead, and Jesus wept with her and for her, but not because of Lazarus’ death since He was going to raise Lazarus from death, but because He loved her as He loves all of us, and He cared that she was hurting. Finally, it teaches us hope. There is hope in our deaths if we have received Christ as our personal Lord and Savior, for we will be with Him in heaven. When Christ dies on the cross for us, He conquers sin, death, and the Devil. Do you have this hope?
Songs “Egypt (The God who fights for me)” by Cory Asbury https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qIUqL07legs
July 10, 2022 The bible is not a hodgepodge of ideas. There is a reason it is the way it is. Matthew 7: 15+ talks about false prophets. They are out there. We need to beware. Test what is being said against the Scriptures. There are many people who think they are Christians, but they are fooling themselves and others along with them. Some people truly believe they are doing God’s work, but they don’t know God, are not led by the Spirit. Some are even just working to fill their own egos and pockets. Even Jesus says in Matthew 7:21-23 (NIV): “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'” Do you know Christ as your personal Lord and Savior? Invite Him in. He’s waiting for you.
Songs “One thing remains” by Kristian Stanfill https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoYgi0sdOqc
“Your love never fails” by Newsboys https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgQ6vWEhH5E
July 3, 2022 John 8:31-36 was the center of our teaching today. Nobody likes being a slave, yet we are slaves to sin without Christ in our lives. To truly be free, we need to admit we are a sinner, accept Jesus’ gift of salvation, and live for Christ. There is a difference between knowing about Jesus and knowing Jesus as our personal Lord and Savior. Once we receive Christ as our Savior, we need to continue to grow in Him daily. We’ll still mess up – sin – but Christ paid the price for our sins already on the cross, so we go to the throne of grace and confess our sins and He will forgive us (1 John 1:9). Our lives are an extention of Christ’s love. Show others Christ by what you say and what you do. He is always with you. Do not be a slave to sin.
Song “Christ in me” by Jeremy Camp https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_NcVk2tlkA
June 26, 2022 Remember that you can watch Pastor’s sermons/teachings on our Facebook page. You don’t have to join to see them. Open the page using the link from our home page here. On the left side will be a list; click on videos. Now choose which one you want to watch. Join us on Sundays at the Danbury Community Center, 9:30, for services. We’d love to worship with you. Here’s some music to brighten your day. May the words help you see who God is and how much He loves you.
Songs “Best News Ever” by MercyMe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acbcKrnnJAk
“Then Christ came” by MercyMe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euUYX-jss5Y
June 19, 2022 Happy Father’s Day! Pastor taught from 1 Samuel 17, the account of David and Goliath. David was not afraid to fight Goliath (a giant who was over 9 feet tall) because he knew God was with him, God would have the victory. Our God is our heavenly Father. He loves us dearly. He is willing and able to come to our aid. He is a forgiving God. He is interested in each one of us. He wants us to talk to Him, pray. He always has a good purpose for what He does, what He allows to happen in our lives. We might now see it on our end, but we can trust God. Is there anything too hard for God? No. Amen. David knew this. David ran toward Goliath, not away from him. David ran toward the entire Philistine army. 1 Samuel 17: 45-47 “David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. 47 All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give all of you into our hands.” David killed Goliath using a sling and a stone. That’s faith! Listen to the words of this song.
Song “Help is on the way” by TobyMac https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVgetIvEIAs
June 12, 2022 “Humble yourself before God.” Let God’s word penetrate your heart. Ask God to help you comprehend. Humble yourself in the sight of God. He knows your heart. You can’t fool Him. Your humility must be sincere. Remember we are all sinners saved by grace. Amen. The flesh always does the opposite of what the Spirit says. God’s will and desire is always restoration, not amputation. We’re all prone to sin, so stay close to God, our stronghold.
Songs “Humble thyself in the sight of the Lord” by Maranatha! Singers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxWKuaCeNiY
June 5, 2022 We were blessed to have missionaries Jim and Christine Foster with us today. We taped the service and it will be on our Facebook page. Please consider listening to it. They serve in South Africa in many areas including Christian education and church planting. Jim reminds us that God is not looking for ability. He is looking for availability. We need to be willing to listen and take up our cross and follow Christ. Whatever we do, we’re doing it for the Lord, not men. It’s easy to say what we’ll do, but harder to follow through. We need to get busy serving God. When God calls us to do something, He will take care of us. Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Songs by MercyMe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81LexOwf4Xo
Special notice for June 5, 2022
On Sunday June 5, 2022, Ragged Mountain Bible Church will have Missionary Jim Foster and wis wife Christine with us. Jim will be sharing about the ministry God has called him to in South Africa and how the Lord is blessing that work. He will also be sharing what the Lord has laid on his heart for us from God’s word. We are meeting at the Danbury Community Center from 9:30 to 10:30Am. All are welcomed to come and worship God and hear the message from His word.
May 29, 2022 Jesus loves us. Jesus was praying for his disciples the night He was arrested and taken before Chief Priests. He knew He would be on the cross and wanted the disciples to be cared for so He prayed for them and the believers. He’ll never let us go because He wants us to be one with Him. We have a common purpose: to glorify God.
songs “My Jesus” by Anne Wilson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWLm6z42Gk8
“Jesus Did” by Newsboy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pozJ2b-GEsY
May 22, 2022 Remember Pastor puts his sermons on our Facebook page. You have many to choose from and you don’t have to be a member to view them. Also remember that there is a page here called Pastor’s Thoughts for the day where Pastor sends out messages from his devotions. There are many to read, just like there are many entries here about services. Please consider joining us on Sunday mornings at the Danbury Community Center, 9:30 am. We would love to see you and worship with you.
May 15, 2022 No matter where we are, God has a purpose for each of us. His word is a guiding light. Are you reading His word daily, meditating on it, applying it to your daily life? Read a chapter a day. If that’s too much, a paragraph or just a verse. What we need is inside His book. Spend some time each day with God.
Songs Lauren Daigle 2022 best playlist https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llaeITAv464
May 8, 2022 God loves us. God is love. We show God’s love to others through our actions. We love God because He first loved us. Look at the cross. God sent His Son, Jesus, to die on that cross for each of us, for all our sins –past, present, and future. If He loves us that much, we can love others. Be imitators of God. We cannot change the past, but we can walk in the truth now. Love.
Songs “Hold on to me” by Lauren Daigle. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWua9o2KEv0
May 1, 2022 Are you protected from the wiles of the Devil? We need to stay strong in Christ. If God is on our side, we have nothing to fear. We need to know the truth of God. Keep alert and keep praying. If you’re heart is not right with God, you are not right. If you have God on your side, He’ll take care of you. Ephesians 6:10-18 gives us the armor of God, protection against the wiles of the Devil. Put on the armor of God. Stay connected to God daily. Think about this: If Jesus came today, would He be pleased with me and the way I have been living my life?
Songs “Your wings” by Lauren Daigle https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGPA5bzqOgc
April 24, 2022 Pastor sends out “Thoughts for the day” from time to time. They are posted on our website for you to read. Here is one of the last ones he sent so you can see what he writes. We encourage you to read others on that page of our website. Services are Sunday at 9:30 at the Danbury Community Center. You are welcomed to join us.
My New Testament reading recently included the passage
2Corinthians 4:3-5 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: (4) In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. (5) For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.
if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: – From a natural standpoint, there are few things scarier than being lost. This is also true in the spiritual realm, but what is even more scary is that those who are lost spiritually, usually do not even realize that they are lost. For those who know Christ, and enjoy the sweet fellowship, peace, and comfort of that personal relationship, it may be easy for us to forget that if it were not for God’s great mercy and grace, we would be just as lost and ignorant as anyone else. It is easy to focus on the sinful things that people do and the foolish attitudes and ideas that lost people have and espouse. We can and do often become extremely upset with them. However, they are us without Christ. There would be absolutely no difference between them and us if it were not for the miracle of salvation which God worked in us and on our behalf. Keeping this in mind should help us in our attitude towards them. They believe that they are going in a right direction. They believe that the path they are on is the best one for them. God’s word tells us
Proverbs 16:25 There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
They do not know what lies ahead. They have no way of knowing where that path will end. Rather than merely getting upset with them and their actions or ideas and thinking “Just wait, they will get what’s coming to them in the end.”, we ought to have compassion on them and be praying that God would do for them what He did for us. Do we have that heart of compassion? Are we seeking God’s wisdom and guidance for opportunities to be an instrument by which the Gospel might be revealed to them?
God can use many things. It may be an invitation to church, or a Gospel tract or an act of unexpected or undeserved kindness.
Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
April 17, 2022 Happy Easter! Happy Resurrection Day! Christ died on the cross to save you from all your sins. He was buried on the third day He was raised from the dead according to the Scriptures. He offers eternal life. Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23 “For God so loved the world that He sent His Only begotton Son that whosoever believeth in Him will have eternal life.” John 3:16 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 May the music fill your soul.
Songs “God’s not dead” by Newsboys https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_OTz-lpDjw
“Nobody” by Casting Crowns https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yBzIt_z8oY
“Only Jesus” by Casting Crowns https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eQd3K2Fxp4
“Chain Breaker” by Zach Williams https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGYjKR69M6U
“You say” by Lauren Daigle https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIaT8Jl2zpI
April 10, 2022 Pastor will have today’s sermon on our Facebook page. Please watch it. Always remember that God loves you. Happy Easter.
April 3, 2022 “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son that whosoever believeth in Him would not perish but have eternal life.” John 3: 16 Jesus paid the price for our sins, once for all. He died on the cross for each one of us. He was buried and raised on the third day according to the Scriptures. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your path.” Proverbs 3: 5 + 6
Songs “How He loves” by Crowder https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Plngh8SkkA4
If you can (you can find it on movie channels life PureFlix), watch “The Passion of the Christ” by Mel Gibson.
March 27, 2022 If you love the Lord, follow Him. Read His word. Praise Him from your heart. His word is for us, written for us. Read, learn, honor, praise. Love the Lord, your God, will your heart, soul, and mind.
Songs “Thou art worthy” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1GIF-Nphbs
“All my hope” by Crowder https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tElvdnId4Q
“He is” by Aaron Jeoffrey https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7Btc3g0UaU
March 20, 2022 1 Chronicles 17: 34 (NIV) “Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever.” It’s easy to get so caught up in the work of God instead of God Himself. Don’t let the work you do for Him replace Him in your heart. Think about His goodness and all He provides for you. God created you, provides for you, and sustains you. God loves you personally no matter what trials or circumstances that come into your lives. Worship Him. Live your life in a way that shows others who God is.
Songs “The Motions” by Matthew West https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUg9qE_KjLg
“Give me Your eyes” by Brandon Heath https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5AkNqLuVgY
“Good God Almighty” by Crowder https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TzECToPYIk
“Less like me” by Zach Williams https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkYL1b7MCEw
March 6, 2022 “Thus saith the LORD,” You will find this beautiful statement many times in the bible. It is direct communication from the LORD to us that He has written down for us. Don’t minimize, trivialize, or skim over this phrase. Notice that “LORD” is capitalized. In Hebrew this is God’s name and the orthodox Jew wouldn’t use His name (Yahweh) for fear of using it in vain, so “LORD” is what was said. As with the whole bible, God is speaking to us. Don’t lose the wonder and awe of God who dwells in our hearts. God’s words are unlike any other words.
Songs “Voice of truth” by Casting Crowns https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwsvqVmFV6Y
“Weary traveler” by Jordan St. Cyr https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=io8GX4zMemg
“Word of God speak” by MercyMe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BuyKMRoYKiI
Feb. 27, 2022 Have you ever felt abandoned by God? That’s a great question. God sometimes leaves us in our situations to see how we will conduct ourselves. Throughout the bible there are situations where He has done that. He hasn’t “left” us, just watched. When challenging situations arise, we often look to our own strength to solve it instead of seeking God and His instruction. God should be the first place we go. When we mess up, He is faithful and forgiving. Praise God! Turn to God. Read His word. He is our strength and our shield.
Song “East to West” by Casting Crowns https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnkkZLdjf9Y
Feb. 20, 2022 Remember that there is a section for Pastor’s Notes that he shares with us from his devotions. Here is one for you if you haven’t read any before. If you have been reading them, this one is just in a different place.
Luke 1:35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
Just as the Holy Ghost was involved in the physical birth of Christ, so He is involved in the spiritual birth of every child of God. Every one that is been born of the Holy Ghost is also a “holy thing.” Because we will still have the carnal nature within us which tempts us to sin, as long as we are in this body, we are admonished to “be ye holy for I am holy.” However, the actions of a child of God is not what makes them holy, it is the fact that they have been born of that holy seed which makes them perfectly holy and fit for the Kingdom of God. Thus God tells us in
1John 3:9-10 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
The verb “commit” that the Holy Spirit moved the Apostle John to use in verse 10 is in the form which describes a continuous behavior. While a child of God may give in to a temptation at some point, they will not, in fact God says they “cannot” continue in that sin because it goes against their spiritual nature. Thus John continues by saying in v10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.
There are many who believe that they have been saved because they said some words, but God makes it clear that those who can continue in sin have not been born of God’s seed. God tells us plainly that this is how we can know for sure if we have been born of the Spirit and are in fact a child of God. There may be someone who is lost in sin, who prayed a prayer and think that they are saved but wonder why their lives and inner desires are no different. My prayer is that by sharing this they might examine their heart and consider if they have ever recognized and repented of their sin and accepted Christ as their Lord by surrendering their heart to Him.
1John 5:12-13 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.
Feb. 13, 2022 “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not evny, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” I Corinthians 13: 1-8a
“Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” I John 4:8
“This is how God showed his love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” 1 John 4:9 & 10
Song “Love like this” Lauren Daigle https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rv6_fpU2jdc
Feb. 6, 2022 Wisdom. Wisdom comes from God. If we seek it, He will lead us. Here is a challenge for you. Read one chapter of Proverbs every day for a month. Listen to God’s word through Solomon concerning wisdom. Be willing to listen, to learn, to grow. Seek understanding. Find peace.
Song “I will rise” by Chris Tomlin https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4uTIqu8G-34
“Who am I” by Casting Crowns https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rT8Re1EIQc
Jan. 30, 2022 Today’s message dealt with the enemy within our own hearts. Jeremiah 17:9 says “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can know it?” All the sin that we do, say, or think comes out of the heart. This is because of the sin nature we all have. Christ gave us power to fight this — the Holy Spirit. We must be on our guard against our sinful nature. We need to remember what Christ has done for us and confess our sins, seek forgiveness, spend time in the word, and focus on God. We are all capable of being led astray. Judas was one of Jesus’ disciples. He was with Jesus. He knew Jesus. Yet he was betrayed by his own sinful heart and betrayed Jesus, giving him up to the authorities for money. Judas went to kiss Jesus to show he was the one to arrest and Jesus, knowing what was going on since He knows all, still called Judas “friend.” Jesus loves each of us. Seek His forgiveness. Seek knowledge by being in the word daily. Remember, God’s mercies are new every morning.
Songs “The Well” by Casting Crowns https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bW5unzXXC0k
Jan. 23, 2022 Today’s message was centered on Mark 1: 9-13 and entitled “The Big Picture: The Enemy Without.” Satan, Devil, Great Serpent, god of this world, Deceiver, etc. We can’t have a good understanding of our lives and what’s happening in the world without an understanding of Satan and his behavior. Satan tempts. Satan deceives. He trips us up. It is his business to deceive the world. He wants to be like God. He knows God’s word. He twists it up with lies and half truths. He can be very convincing. Why is he so successful? It’s because of our inherit sinfulness of our own flesh. How do we fight him and our sinful nature? Stay close to God. Be in the word. Rely on it during days of trouble. Be close to God. What God says is right. Pray. Pray. Pray. Even in the heartache, even in the trials, even in the hurt and pain, even in the joy, even in the happiness, even in every situation of your life — trust and honor and serve God. Amen.
Songs “Even if” by MercyMe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6fA35Ved-Y
“Praise You in the Storm” by Casting Crowns https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YUGwUgBvTU
“Voice of Truth” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cKm_mYVPQE
Jan. 16, 2022 Brrr. The cold has set in. Is your spirit cold too? Where are you today? Are you hunkering down in a warm house with coffee and the TV? Are you reading your bible? Is God the focus of your life or just something you do from time to time? Have you accepted His free gift of salvation — Christ’s sacrifice on the cross for your sins? If your answer is no, why not? Are you waiting for a “better time” when “you are worth it” “you’ve done better things” “you’ve fixed the bad things you did” “you feel He might accept you” ? You will never be good enough; that’s the whole reason why God sent His perfect Son to die in your place. Accept that, know that this is the very reason Christ died FOR YOU. With acceptance of Christ, we become God’s family. Heaven is real and our final destination. Eternity with Christ, praising God. Yes, please!
If you have accepted Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, praise God. Put God first in your life. Read His word daily. Meditate on it as your day unfolds. Worship Him with other Christians. Fellowship with other Christians. We would love to have you join us each week. If you are too far away, look for a bible teaching, bible preaching church to fellowship with. Be sure they believe and teach that Jesus is God’s Son, that He died on the cross for your sins according to the scriptures, that He rose again on the third day according to the scriptures, and that He is in heaven with God waiting for His appointed time to return and take you home. What a day of rejoicing that will be!
Songs “Desert Road” by Casting Crowns https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UM3aM-bN_LM
“Make Room” by Casting Crowns https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYHpJnfy2lQ
Jan. 2, 2022 Happy New Year! Today’s teaching centered on 2 Corinthians 5: 17-19. If we have an understanding of the whole picture, it helps us understand the pieces. God doesn’t want any to perish. He’s offered His Son as a sacrifice for our sins so that we can be reconciled to Him. He sees our sins, but loves us anyway. His desires to bring us together. Won’t you accept His gift of salvation and join the family of God?
Songs “In the House” by Crowder https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3lDxE-Vb88
“Forgiven” by Crowder https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUiwA1JNDig
Dec. 31, 2021 The Pastor’s Notes page is updated. Please forgive the lack of updates up to this date. Services are still being video taped and placed onto our Facebook page. We’d love to have to come to the Danbury Community Center and worship with us. We meet at 9:30am Sunday mornings. Please understand you are more than welcomed to join us. May your new year be full of love and hope. May the Lord bless you as you follow and serve Him. Open your hearts and receive His free gift of salvation. God bless.
Dec. 19, 2021 Jesus is the reason for the season. God sent His only Son for us. Christmas is the celebration of Christ’s birth. The Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, will tell you all about His coming, His ministry, His death, and His ressurection. Read the word.
Dec. 5, 2021 Remember that we have a page called Pastor’s Notes– Thoughts for the day.
Today’s message was from John 6: 53-66. Jesus is the living bread that came down from heaven for us. This bread is His flesh which He gave for the life of the world. On the cross, He gave His life and His blood as a sacrifice for us. He paid for our sins — took the punishment for us. Sometimes we aren’t sure what God means in His word, but faith is believing God even if we don’t understand what He’s talking about. When the bible talks about “eating Jesus’s flesh,” it’s all symbolic. God gave us His Son, in the flesh, to offer us salvation. Accept the gift. You’ll never regret it.
Nov. 27, 2021 The title for the message at Ragged Mountain Bible Church for Sunday was “The Reality of If Ye Forgive Not” and the text Matthew 6:6 -15 . We are meeting at the Danbury Community Center from 9:30 to 10:30Am. All are welcomed to come and worship God and hear the message from His word. You can also access the sermon via our Facebook page. If you can’t join us, you can still hear the message.
Nov. 20, 2021
During this time when our thoughts are focused on thanksgiving, I am thankful for all my brothers and sisters in Christ. I am especially thankful for all my fellow pastors who are laboring together with me in ministering the word. We must always take care not to let differences in our understanding of some things in God’s word cause us not to appreciate one another and thank God for each other. We have much in common for which we can be thankful.
We are all saved by the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ
We are all born of the Spirit of God
We all serve the same Master to the best we can and according to our understanding of what His word teaches.
We are all sons of the same Father and loved by Him with a love that is beyond comprehension
We have all been called, gifted, and anointed by God for the specific function of ministering His word and empowered by His Spirit to do so.
We also all have a common enemy who is bent on discouraging and hindering the work God has for us and through us. This enemy is powerful. He is extremely devious and relentless. We also know that he has many helpers in his efforts. Some are fully aware that they are opposing Christ but many are deceived and ignorant that they are being used as instruments of unrighteousness. They are like those who Jesus speaks of in John 16:2 who “ will think that he doeth God service.”
The Apostle Paul also warns 2Co 11:13-16 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. (14) And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. (15) Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
Thus we all should be thankful for one another and need to be praying to our God on behalf of one another.
Nov. 13, 2021 From Pastor Tower’s Notes he sends us.
In has been a while since I gave an update on the ministry in Danbury. God continues to bless in spite of all the fear, troubles and contentions that are going on in our nation. I thank God for the people He has brought together to worship and serve Him. There were 18 in the services on Sunday October 31, and a couple of new people have been attending these last couple of weeks. It is good to see younger people starting to attend. I marvel how God can use someone who is not a great pulpiteer; someone who is not flashy or charismatic or has good stage presence. I just preach the word to the best I can with the gifts God has given me, trusting wholly on the Holy Spirit to speak to hearts and do the work in them that only He can do. Please continue to pray for me and for God to continue to prosper His work. Pray also for those in our church that have been such a blessing and help in the ministry here at the Ragged Mountain Bible Church. God has brought together such a wonderful group of loving and caring saints. They are undoubtedly one of the best congregations any pastor has had the privilege to shepherd. Pray that God might continue to protect us from that wicked one who is always working to hinder God’s work. Satan never ceases to attack and try to discourage but praise God, through His power we will prevail. My earnest prayer is for the spiritual growth of our people and that the work might grow so that it might be able to support a pastor and his financial needs. I praise God that He has blessed me financially so that I am able to serve full time in the ministry. Pray also for my health as it continues to return to what it was before my heart surgery. I praise God also for the way He has protected our congregation from all the sickness that is so prevalent.
1Co 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
Nov. 6, 2021 John 8:1-11 It is a blessing to be able to read God’s word daily. It is precious to spend time with the Lord. Praise God. It is a blessing to know that God hears us. When we read/hear God’s word, we’re sitting at His feet. The word is the revealed truth of God. God’s grace and mercy is indescribable. His love for us is why He sent His Son to die in our place for our sins. Read the word.
Songs “Red Letter Day” by Newsong https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXY707qV1Jw
“Mercy Came Running” by Phillips, Craig, & Dean https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VpodVp6LH8s
Oct. 31, 2021 Several Pastor’s Notes have been added to that page. Please consider reading them. Pastor shares from his devotions and teaches through these notes. Remember that the sermons are posted on our Facebook page, and you are welcome to watch them. You don’t have to create an account to view them. Here is his last Pastor’s note.
The NT reading today included 1Thessalonians 4:6-9 That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. (7) For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. (8) He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit. (9) But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.
It is interesting that the Holy Spirit inspired the Apostle Paul to use the word defraud in this passage. In general we think of the word in relation to cheating, often through deception, someone out of something, usually money, that rightfully belongs to them. It also can mean denying someone the use of something to which they have a right as in 1 Corinthians 7:5.
Notice that God says “That no man…defraud his brother in any matter.” There are certain things that every child of God has a right to because they are a child of God. They have a right to be loved and respected, to be upheld and encouraged, to be supported and prayed for. All our actions and words to and about them should reflect these things. If not, then there is a problem, and it is not in them but in ourselves. Too often people allow their personal feelings to control them and their words and actions rather than the word of God and the Holy Spirit.
Notice also, the dire warning that is also spoken of here. “because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. “ God takes very seriously the actions and words that we speak and do to every one of His children and He says that He personally will avenge them. Those who mistreat a brother or sister for any reason will bring God’s judgment upon themselves. This often involves their family as well. Many who profess Christ bring severe hardships upon themselves and their families because of their words and actions against their brothers and sisters.
Thus the Apostle goes on to remind us what God’s will is for us towards each other.
(9) But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.
Oct. 25, 2021 Who Am I?
I am a sinner saved by grace through faith in the finished work and sacrifice of Christ on the cross.
I am a beloved child of the heavenly Father.
I am born of the Spirit of God and the Holy Spirit of God dwells within me.
I am part of the body of Christ and fulfill that function within that body for which I was specifically designed.
I am part of the bride of Christ and I am to obey and honor Him as a wife to her husband.
I am a citizen of Heaven to which I owe my highest loyalty.
I am an ambassador for Christ to represent Him and His wishes in this world.
I am a servant of the Most High and Sovereign God of All.
I am a fellow heir of the glories of Heaven.
None of these things were or are the work of my own doing. They were all accomplished, designed and ordained by God for me. If you are truly a Christian, then they are just as true about you.
When you think of me or speak about me, or do something to me, remember, my God knows your thoughts; my Father is listening; and my Master is watching.
Now consider a brother or sister in Christ with whom you may have a quarrel or be “on the outs” with, and replace “I am” with “They are” and consider that last statement with that person in mind.
Oct. 18, 2021 The title of the message was “Beware of being a nearsighted Christian.” Many of us get focused on what’s close by, the short term, instead of the long term. It’s wise to always consider what would be wise in the long run. Dr. Bob Jones Sr said, “Never sacrifice the permanent on the altar of the immediate.” Remember, where your treasure is there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21. Those things He provides for us – those blessings – are also for those who are in need. Look to the long term, as well as the immediate. Have compassion on others. Please listen to the words of this song.
Song “One Awkward Moment” by Casting Crowns https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_IBVPFvNVQ
Oct. 10, 2021 The sermon today was one of the hardest the Lord has had me to preach but it is one of the most needed. There is plenty of opportunity for the enemy to misquote or misinterpret what it says, but I must preach what the Lord gives and says in His word. It exposes why there is so much discord within churches.
https://www.facebook.com/raggedmountainbiblechurch/videos/1170200380055683
One of the pages on this site is called Pastor’s Notes — Thoughts of the day. Pastor Tower shares these short messages with us from his daily devotions and readings. Here is one from October 12, 2021. Go to that page to read more.
I was first introduced to the writings of A. W. Tozer many years ago when I was attending Trinity Baptist College. Tozer was a Missionary Alliance preacher and author of a number of excellent practical Christian living books. He died in 1963. The summary below comes from his Five Vows For Spiritual Strength. These may sound familiar to those who have known me and heard some of the sermons God has laid upon my heart.
5 VOWS FOR SPIRITUAL STRENGTH:
(1) DEAL THOROUGHLY WITH SIN. CONFESS DAILY.
Tozer: This is not to preach sinless perfection. This is to say that every known sin is to be named, identified and repudiated, and that we must trust God for deliverance from it, so that there is no more sin anywhere in our lives. It is absolutely necessary that we deal thus, because God is a holy God and sin is on the throne of the world.
(2) NEVER OWN ANYTHING.
Tozer: I do not mean by this that you cannot have things. I mean that you ought to get delivered from this sense of possessing them. This sense of possessing is what hinders us. All babies are born with their fists clenched, and it seems to me it means: “This is mine!” One of the first things is “mine” in an angry voice. That sense of “This is mine” is a very injurious thing to the spirit. If you can get rid of it so that you have no feeling of possessing anything, there will come a great sense of freedom and liberty into your life.
(3) NEVER DEFEND YOURSELF.
Tozer: We’re all born with a desire to defend ourselves. And if you insist upon defending yourself, God will let you do it. But if you turn the defense of yourself over to God, He will defend you.
(4) NEVER SPEAK BADLY OF OTHERS.
Tozer: “Love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8). The talebearer has no place in God’s favor. If you know something that would hinder or hurt the reputation of one of God’s children, bury it forever. Find a little garden out back–a little spot somewhere–and when somebody comes around with an evil story, take it out and bury it, and say, “Here lies in peace the story about my brother.” God will take care of it. “With what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged” (Matthew 7:2).
(5) NEVER ACCEPT ANY GLORY.
Tozer: God is jealous of His glory and He will not give His glory to another. He will not even share His glory with another. It is quite natural, I should say, for people to hope that maybe their Christian service will give them a chance to display their talents. True, they want to serve the Lord. But they also want other people to know they are serving the Lord. They want to have a reputation among the saints. That is very dangerous ground–seeking a reputation among the saints. It’s bad enough to seek a reputation in the world, but it’s worse to seek a reputation among the people of God. Our Lord gave up His reputation, and so must we.
Oct. 3, 2021 Satan tries to always keep people in sickness and trouble, but through Christ we can be rescued. God uses Satan at times to show people that He is God. God has purposes even when we don’t understand. Stay close to God. Keep your eyes on Jesus. Don’t ever forget that God is in control, not Satan. There is joy in Christ. There may be sadness in your circumstances, but there is always joy in Christ. Hold on to that.
Songs “Stand” by Newsboys https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQmmS7HbhkE
Sept. 26, 2021 Remember that you are able to access Pastor’s sermons via our Facebook page. Go the the home page here and hit the link. When it opens, look to the left side and hit “videos” from the list provided. You will have access to all the sermons he has posted. Please consider joining us on Sundays at the Danbury Community Center, 9:30. We’d love to have you.
Song “Voice of Truth” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YgfiaLk0kE&t=35s
If you haven’t seen the movie Facing the Giants, you should watch it. Also watch Fireproof.
Sept. 19, 2021 Pastor Tower was away today, so David Mexcur and his wife were our speakers. They are part of the Crescent Project missionaries reaching out to Muslims. They are very active, serving in this region, teaching and leading others. Much is happening in the Muslim world and leaders willing to love them and show them Christ are important. You can go to their website to learn more. Remember, we are to go out and preach the word, show Christ through what we do, show others the difference simply by how we live and what we say. Ephesians 5:1-2 (NIV) “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
Song “We believe” by Newsboys https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjZ01FcK0yk
Sept. 12, 2021 The bible is God’s Word. Treasure it. Hide His words in your heart. Use them to avoid sin. Use them to comfort. Use them to grow in your Christian walk. Meditate on them. Memorize them. Pay attention to them. Don’t let reading the bible become so routine that we don’t listen to it. Go to our Facebook page via the link on the home page here and listen to Pastor’s sermon for today. Come to worship with us on Sunday. We’d love to have you.
Songs “‘God of all my days” by Casting Crowns https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RocPcgqCDE0
Sept. 5, 2021 We have two powerful and deceiving enemies that we need to be on guard for daily. One is Satan and the other is ourselves, our sinful nature. We need to examine our own attitudes and actions and make sure they are in accordance with God’s word. We should live according to God’s word so that we don’t become a stumbling block for others. If we see another Christian in sin, we should gracefully and lovingly talk to them, remembering that we too are sinners. For those who may not know Christ, may not have even heard of Him, our actions, our words should show them that something is different with us so that we have an opportunity to introduce them to Christ, our Lord and Savior. Even if we don’t get to talk to them, our lives should show them. May our lives this week be a testimony.
Songs “Nobody” by Casting Crowns https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yBzIt_z8oY
August 28, 2021 Remember that Pastor posts the sermons on our Facebook page that you can access via our home page here. Once you open Facebook, on the left side is a list where you will find “videos” to open where all the sermons are located.
Today we were reminded what Jesus said were to two greatest commandments. Matthew 22: 37-39 (NIV) ” Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.” To love our neighbor is to help them, to show them any sins in their lives, to listen, etc. It’s not to criticize, put down, or make them feel bad. Remember we all sin. We all have issues. We need to reach out to others knowing we are no better and having a proper, Godly attitude. Show God through your actions, words, and deeds. Let others see Christ in you.
Songs “One Day” by Matt Redman https”://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGAdaGbmfFs
“10,000 Reasons” by Matt Redman https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtwIT8JjddM
August 22, 2021 James 4: 1-11: We learn that Christians have “issues” too. We all knew this though. Even Christians sin. It’s our human nature (“spirit”) that wars within us causing us to do things that are not God-honoring. This is going to happen until we are with God in heaven. The challenge is how to not do this. When we allow our human spirit to react, it causes us to be a hindrance to the work of Christ. Remember: We all have things that God is still working on. We are a work in progress. Praise God for that! Have patience with one another. Don’t fuss and gossip about something someone else did. Go to them in Christian love and speak to them directly. Don’t serve Satan and his desires. Don’t let Satan get the advantage in your lives. Serve God. Conduct yourselves according to God’s word, not your “feelings” about something. Forgive others “Just as Christ forgave you” when He died for you on the cross. Think about it.
Songs “What if I stumble” by DC Talk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kg6HedZ4xGs
“The God who stays” by Matthew West https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHMVSdIjBcg
August 15, 2021 Jesus ministers to all. Not just some: ALL. He didn’t show favoritism, partiality, concerns for race, age, gender, any form of discrimination, etc. God send His Son to the world. If we are His and we fail or wander away, He seeks us and draws us back to Him. He has great compassion on each individual person. Do we? We, as Christians, are to do the same. We are to speak what God’s word says — speak the Gospel. There is nothing more important than the gospel of Christ.
Songs “The Gospel” by Ray Stevenson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTdFEZhjiko
“Word of God Speak” by MercyMe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8cJQMU9Q-U
August 8, 2021 The Bible is not stories. It is history. It is real accounts, eyewitness accounts, written down for us through the men God chose to write it and led to write it through the power of the Holy Spirit. The Bible is what we have, ordained by God, to lead us through our daily walk with Him. Read His word. Be in His word. Recognize that God is in charge–in control. There is a divine plan for everything. If you belong to God, react to life’s situations in a way that brings honor to God. God knows our hearts. He knows we aren’t perfect. H
e knows the intent of our hearts. He knows our pain. He knows our joy. Keep your eyes on the Lord. God is watching us.
Songs “Come to the well” by Casting Crowns https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bW5unzXXC0k
August 1, 2021 God has a specific plan for each of us for His glory. Satan has a plan too. Satan’s plan is to keep us from God. Satan is a master manipulator, a master of subtleness, user of deception, twister of things, and he hasn’t changed because it still works. Don’t be led astray by Satan’s or the world’s interpretations of things happening. Go to the word of God. Focus on God. We may not understand what is being said sometimes, but we can trust the One who says it. We are often blinded to our own faults. God’s word must come first. Have confidence in His word. Follow it regardless of full understanding. Honor God.
Songs Lauren Daigle – How Can It Be (Starstruck Sessions) – YouTube
July 25, 2021 Pastor Tower taught on the power of words using Job 27: 1-11. Job lost everything: children, crops, and animals. He was a wealthy man. As he sat in sack cloth and ashes, his friends tried to console him, but all they did was decide he was guilty of sins that caused such great pain in his life. They told him to “curse God and die.” Job continued to love and honor God even though he perceived that he’d been denied justice. He maintained the integrity of his heart. His faith in God was unwavering. The words of his friends did not change that. Regardless of the physical, emotional, or spiritual trials/crisis you might be in, your words matter. It’s easy to praise God when all is going well; praise Him in the trials too. Exercise your faith in God regardless of the circumstances. Your words matter; others are listening.
Songs Fires (Official Music Video) – Jordan St. Cyr – YouTube Casting Crowns – Praise You In This Storm (Official Lyric Video) – YouTube Casting Crowns – Glorious Day (Living He Loved Me) [Official Lyric Video] – YouTube
July 18, 2021 Pastor Temple led the sermon today. He taught from 1 Samuel chapter 1 showing us the lessons Hannah learned. We all get broken hearts sometimes. What we do with it makes all the difference. Hannah lived in a time and culture where women were to have babies, especially sons, to carry on the family name. Hannah had none. The lessons we can learn from her broken heart are: 1) God can be a sovereign source of suffering. He has reasons for all of it. If suffering is what He wills for us, we are to accept it, not bellyache and complain that it isn’t fair. 2) People can be a sad source of encouragement. Never substitute God’s comfort for people’s comfort. 3) The soul can be a serious seeker of God’s grace. There is nothing wrong with getting passionate about your situation. Pour out your heart before the Lord. Give God an open and honest heart and a willingness to accept His answer. 4) Earnest prayer can be a satisfying source of stabilizing peace. 5) God will be a sure source of sanctified solutions. God’s got a plan. It’s a holy plan, not a worldly plan. Suffering is hard work. We may never understand why we had to go through whatever it is that is breaking our hearts until we reach Heaven, but God is good. Trust in that. Be an organ donor today; Give God your heart.
Songs Great Are You Lord – Casting Crowns – with Lyrics – YouTube Lauren Daigle – Hold On To Me (Official Lyric Video) – YouTube MercyMe – Even If (Official Lyric Video) – YouTube
July 11, 2021 Matthew 9:1-8 tells us about some friends who hearing that Jesus was here carried their paralyzed friend to see Jesus. Jesus told the man that his sins were forgiven. In that time period and culture, it was believed that a person’s sins or the sins of their parents were responsible for illnesses. The teachers of the law were upset and considered what Jesus, a “man,” had done as blasphemy. They didn’t speak out loud, but Jesus addressed their comments, as He is God’s Son and knew what they were thinking. He showed them that the Son of Man had authority on earth and told the paralyzed man to get up and go home. That man got up and walked home, cured. Jesus has the authority to forgive sins because He carried ALL the sins of the world on himself when He died on the cross for us. He paid the price for our sins — ALL of them. He rose again, according to the Scriptures and is at the right hand of God in heaven waiting for us. All we need to do is accept His free gift of salvation and our sins are forgiven. It doesn’t mean we won’t sin again — we’re human. But we do have a Savior who is willing to forgive us when we seek His forgiveness. Without Jesus, we are destined to burn in Hell for all eternity instead of live in peace in Heaven with our Savior. No sin is worth the penalty of the torment of Hell. Are you searching for answers? Are you searching for peace? Come to Jesus.
Songs Casting Crowns – Only Jesus (Official Lyric Video) – YouTube Casting Crowns – Scars in Heaven (Official Music Video) – YouTube Zach Williams – Good To Know (Official Lyric Video) – YouTube
July 4, 2021 Happy birthday, America! You can access Pastor’s sermons on our Facebook page any time you would like. You don’t have to be a member of our Facebook page to gain access. Go to this site’s homepage and click the Facebook link. When it opens, look at the list on the left and click “videos” to gain access. You are also welcomed to join us on Sunday mornings at the Danbury Community Center with services starting at 9:30 am.
June 27, 2021 In 1 Corinthians 5, Paul reminds us that our physical bodies are only temporary. We have a heavenly body awaiting us. When we leave this earth, we will be accountable to God for what we have done in this body, what we have said. We are forgiven of our sins; remember that. We are accepted by God when we are forgiven of those sins and accept Christ as our personal Lord and Savior. What we do and have done may not be though. Do others see God in us? Do others see God in what we do and say? Are we different from the “world”? We long to hear from God these words: “Well done my good and faithful servant.”
Songs Newsboys – God’s Not Dead – YouTube Newsboys – We Believe (Official Music Video) – YouTube Newsboys – That’s How You Change The World – YouTube Matthew West – The Motions – YouTube
June 20, 2021 Remember that you can access videos of the sermons through our Facebook page. The link is on this home page. Once on Facebook, look for the list on the left side and hit videos. All those posted will be available for you. You are also always welcomed to join us each Sunday at the Danbury Community Center. We look forward to worshipping with you.
1 John 3:1 “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!” We are God’s children. What a wonderful thought. God loves us. What kind of love takes a sinner, washes the sinner clean, and brings that sinner into His family? The love of God does. Nothing we can give, do, or pay can remove our sins. Nothing except accepting Jesus Christ. God gave His only Son for us. Jesus paid the price for our sins. He did it willingly. Love. What is love? 1 John 4:9 + 10 “This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” Jesus took our place. He then rose again and is at the right hand of the Father waiting for us. We are precious to Him. This free gift is waiting for you to accept it. Believe. Tell Jesus you believe He is the Son of God, that He died for your sins, that He rose again, all according to the Scriptures. Tell Him you are a sinner in need of a Savior. Ask Him into your heart. Now, welcome to the loving family of God!
Songs Behold What Manner of Love – The Maranatha! Singers – YouTube Casting Crowns – The Well (w/ Lyrics) – YouTube
June 13, 2021 Regardless of what is happening in your life, continue to strive to be what Christ wants you to be, not other people. Don’t fall into the temptation to fall into the same behavior as the world. Don’t worry about how others are treating you; treat them as God wants you to treat them. God is just. He will take care of it. He’ll do it better than we can ever imagine. He’ll deal with the issue in His own time — not our time. His timing is perfect. Do what is right toward those who treat you poorly; pray for them, help them, be kind toward them. Hard? Yes! But that’s where faith comes in.
Songs Healing–“I Will Not be Shaken” – YouTube A Lot Like You – YouTube
June 6, 2021 We have a choice what we’ll “put on” daily. Will it be the new nature: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience? Will it be the old nature: immorality, evil desires, lust, greed? Anger, wrath, and malice come from a reaction to what others do to us or say about us. Christians have the power through Christ to avoid sinful reactions. We have a choice whether or not we sin. Grow in your understanding of Christ by digging into His word daily. Learn, memorize, and draw on the word to help you daily. We can live triumphantly regardless of what others say or do. Focus on God’s word.
Song Steven Curtis Chapman – More Than Conquerors (Official Lyric Video) – YouTube
May 30, 2021 Memorial Day is about remembering. God will remember to keep His promises. God’s promises are a reality. It’s not something made up just to get you to think of Him. He has a reason and a purpose for everything He says and does. His word is full of His promises, fulfilled and yet to be fulfilled. In Genesis, the first book of the bible, God causes a world-wide flood to remove all He had created because their sins were so great. Yet, He kept Noah and his family, seven people, alive in an ark. He also kept two of every animal on the earth alive in that same ark. When Noah was again on dry land, God gave him a sign that was His promise to never again flood the entire earth. That was His rainbow. When we see His rainbow, we are reminded of His promise to us. Remember that the next time you see a rainbow in the sky. Remember that God loves you and is waiting for you with open arms. Remember that He will forgive your sins, all of them, and welcome you into the family and eternal life. He’s waiting for you. If you are reading this, you are searching for answers, searching for peace, searching for a place to worship, searching for hope. God is the answer. What is your answer to Him?
Song The Savior Is Waiting – YouTube Casting Crowns – Love Moved First (Official Lyric Video) – YouTube
May 23, 2021 Pastor will post the sermon on our Facebook page. Please feel free to visit and listen and learn and worship with us.
In chaotic times, remember to stay focused on Christ. We were crucified with Christ. We were buried with Christ. We were raised from the dead with Christ. Our relationship with Christ is a new life. Christ is in control of everything. Stay centered on your security in Christ. Stay centered on your destiny with Christ. Seek first the kingdom of God. Don’t get so caught up in the circumstances that you lose focus on God. Keep your heart fixed on things above. Stay centered in your identity with Christ.
Songs New Lauren Daigle Christian Worship Songs 2020 🙏 Best Worship Songs Playlist of Lauren Daigle – YouTube
May 16, 2021 It appears nothing saved last time. Our apologizes. Pastor Tower has put his sermons on our Facebook page. You can reach them by hitting our Facebook link on the home page on this site. On the left side of the page on Facebook, you will see “videos” that you can click to get to all the videos. Please listen to them at your leisure. May God bless your listening. Please consider joining us on Sundays at the Danbury Community Center, 9:30am. We are social distancing and wearing masks. We would love to worship with you. God loves you.
Song Casting Crowns – Only Jesus (Official Music Video) – YouTube
May 2, 2021 Remember that Pastor is teaching and recording the services. He places them on our Facebook page. You can reach the videos by looking at the list on the left side of the opening page. You can reach the link to our Facebook page on the our home page here. Please consider joining us for services. We would love to have you.
Why thankfulness? 1) God always treats us better than we deserve. Romans 6:23. 2) Even in suffering, it’s an amazing privilege to serve Him and do His will. 3) Everything is working out for good! We know the end of the story. Romans 8:28. 4) We give thanks to God always because He is worthy. 5) When we don’t give thanks to God, we’re missing out on the greatest thing in life: Fellowship with the Almighty Father and His precious Son.
A poem for you. Someday….
Someday…I won’t have to worry. Someday…I’ll get it right. Someday…I’ll please my Savior. Someday…I’ll be in His light. Someday…I’ll pray with conviction. Someday…I’ll no longer complain. Someday…I’ll please my Savior. Someday…I’ll let Jesus reign. Someday…I’ll have victory. Someday…I’ll faithfully stay. Someday…I’ll please my Savior. Someday…starts today.
Songs Matt Redman – 10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord) – YouTube Sidewalk Prophets – “Live Like That” – YouTube
April 24, 2021 Pastor Tower is teaching and filming the sermons again. He’s posting them on our Facebook page for you to watch and learn.
God whispers, “I have not changed. Trust in Me. Fear not. I am with you always. Let Me be your strength. I love you. Carry on.” How can we press on in the face of insurmountable circumstances? Diligence. Read 2 Peter 1. The purpose of diligence: We are all given everything we need for life and godliness found through the promises in the Word. The prerequisite of diligence: Faith. Without faith we are going nowhere. The principals of diligence: To strenuously give of yourself, to lavishly give of yourself –nothing is too hard — run the race. The priorities of diligence: Seven elements of diligence according to the Bible are faith, add to that virtue, add to that knowledge, add to that self-control, add to that perseverance, add to that godliness, add to that brotherly kindness, and add to that love. Be people known by the way we love others. Grow in your knowledge of the Lord through the study of His word. All we need for life is in that one book given to us by God. Diligently study it. Diligently live out the truths found within. Take what we’ve been given and give back to God in a life of diligence. Don’t let circumstances keep you from showing love and kindness, showing God, to others. Be His light.
Songs Word of God Speak – Mercy Me with Lyrics (High Quality) – YouTube Lauren Daigle – Come Alive (Dry Bones) – Live – YouTube
Sunday, April 18, 2021 God whispers, “Let me be your strength. I love you. I have a plan and a purpose for your life. Carry on.” How can we carry on? Choose compassion. Reach out to serve others. The essences of compassion: It is agape love. It loves for the sake of love. It is selfless. It expects nothing in return. Love like God loves us. The expression of compassion: Love one another. Others see Christ in us through our love for others. They may never hear words from us, but they watch us and see love. Example of compassion: Love as Christ loves us. Be imitators of God. Show love. Effect and exercise of compassion: We show others God. We show others Christ’s love for us. When we do this, we show kindness. When we show kindness, we lift our own spirits too. There is a world out there that needs love. We can show them that love. It doesn’t have anything to do with getting anything back. It has everything to do with following Christ. Love one another.
Songs Mandisa – Bleed The Same ft. TobyMac, Kirk Franklin – YouTube Big Daddy Weave – All Things New (Official Lyric Video) – YouTube Zach Williams – Turn It Over (Official Lyric Video) – YouTube Sidewalk Prophets – Smile (Official Music Video) – YouTube
Sunday, April 11, 2021 God whispers, “I have not changed. Trust in Me. Fear not. I love you. Stay calm and carry on.” How do we remain confident and calm when the whole world around us is chaotic? Scripture. Trouble happens. We know this. There are four things to make sure you don’t cave into the trouble. 1) Believe in Christ John 14:1 (NIV) “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in Me.” If we can trust God to save us from our sins and forgive us and give us eternal life with Him in heaven, we can trust Him for our everyday lives. 2) Believe in a place John 14: 2 (NIV) “In My Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.” 3) Believe in a promise John 14:3 (NIV) “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with Me that you also may be where I am.” Jesus is coming back to take you to heaven. He wants you to be with Him. 4) Believe in the plan John 14:6 (NIV) “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.'” Stay calm and carry on.
Songs Lauren Daigle – Rescue (Official Music Video) – YouTube Matt Redman – 10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord) – YouTube Lauren Daigle – Hold On To Me (Official Music Video) – YouTube
Sunday, April 4, 2021 Resurrection Day Matthew 11: 28-30 (NIV) “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” You are never alone when you’ve trusted Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior. Christ died for our sins, He died in our place, He conquered death, and He rose on the third day according to the Scriptures. He sits at the right hand of God waiting for us. It is our choice to receive Him, to ask Him to forgive us, to ask Him to enter our hearts and lives. It is always our choice to receive Him. What do you choose today?
Songs Zach Williams – Empty Grave (Official Lyric Video) – YouTube Chris Tomlin – Resurrection Power – YouTube I Know That My Redeemer Lives – 7-Year-Old Claire Crosby – YouTube Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone) – Chris Tomlin (with lyrics) – YouTube
Sunday, March 28, 2021 Jesus is our substitute for death. He is the perfect Son of God. God placed the whole sin of mankind on His perfect Son so that we do not have to die in our sins. Jesus Christ paid the price for us. It’s as simple as that. You either believe what the Bible says — what God says — or you don’t. When Jesus walked on the earth, He taught love, forgiveness, healing, truth, love one another, love your enemy, — all messages that were disrupting and foreign to the world at the time. It was threatening, thus the Jews called for Jesus to be crucified, a horrible, horrible death. Jesus went willingly as this was God’s plan. He died, according to the Scriptures, in our place and was raised again on the third day, according to the Scriptures, and is at the right hand of God now, waiting for us. You either believe what the Bible says — what God says — or you don’t. Acts 4:12 (NIV) says: “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” John 14:6 (NIV) says: “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.'” Romans 5: 6-8 (NIV) says: “You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved. None of us are perfect, but through the Cross, we are saved. You either believe what the Bible says — what God says — or you don’t. Don’t be ashamed of the testimony of Christ.
Songs The Crucifixion of Jesus | Worship | Above All – Michael W. Smith – YouTube (Christ died for us. He did this for us. Scenes are from the move “The Passion of the Christ.” It is hard to watch because my sins put Christ on that cross. So did yours. But He came willingly and died for us.)
Sunday, March 21, 2021 Faithfulness is important. Are you grateful for God’s faithfulness? Deuteronomy 7:9a (NIV) says: “Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; He is the faithful God…” Psalm 33:4 (NIV) says: “For the word of the LORD is right and true; He is faithful in all He does.” Psalm 119:90a (NIV) says: Your faithfulness continues through all generations;…” Lamentations 3:23 (NIV) says: “Because of the LORD’S great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” 2 Timothy 2:13 (NIV) says: “If we are faithless, He will remain faithful, for He cannot disown Himself.” God’s faithfulness says we are forgiven (1 John 1:9), limits the power of our temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13), and limits the power of Satan in our lives. When we walk in the Spirit, we are devoted to God, unwavering, steadfast, trustworthy, dependable, obedient, and faithful. Faithfulness is important.
Songs Great Is Thy Faithfulness | Maranatha! Music (Lyric Video) – YouTube Steve Green – Find Us Faithful (Live) – YouTube
Sunday, March 7 and March 14, 2021 While Pastor Tower is recovering from his surgery, he is spending his time in God’s word and writing many “thoughts for the day” messages for everyone. They are posted on the Ragged Mountain Bible Church website, and we encourage you to spend some time reading them and listening to the Word. In his absence from the pulpit, we have wonderful, godly speakers. Please join us and grow in the Lord.
The Attractive Quality of Kindness: Our salvation is an act of kindness from God. Kindness is a fruit of the Spirit and is part of our Christian walk. Kindness doesn’t mean we are a mat to walk on, for kindness is a strong, vibrant, godly trait. God’s expression of kindness towards us: 1. pardons our sins, 2. provides for our needs, 3. protection, 4. answered prayer (remember that the answer could be “no”), 5. eternal life, 6. promises He keeps, 7. His involvement in our lives, and 8. His presences with us. We extend kindness to others. Ephesians 4: 32 (NIV) says: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Remember, the cross is the most powerful, unforgettable act of kindness that we didn’t deserve. Show Christ’s kindness to others each day.
Songs: Matthew West – Do Something – YouTube Sidewalk Prophets – Come To The Table (Official Lyric Video) – YouTube Sidewalk Prophets — “You Love Me Anyway” with Lyrics – YouTube
Sunday, February 28, 2021 Fear. Fear of sudden trouble. Fear of difficulties. Fear. Hear this: Fear can be managed. It is the most often repeated command — Fear not. God is still in control. Don’t let anyone tell you that when you become a Christian things will be wonderful and perfect and everything will go right. The bible very specifically tells us that there are troubles in this world. James 1:2 (NIV) “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,”. It doesn’t say IF you face them, but WHEN you face them. 1 Peter 4:12 (NIV) ” Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.” Psalm 9:9 (NIV) “The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.” John 16:33 (NIV) “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Hard times happen. Fear of them being out of God’s control should not happen. You can have peace in the storms of life so fear does not take control. Jesus is with you in the storm.
Songs Be Strong and Courageous – Lyrics Acapella – YouTube Zach Williams – Fear Is a Liar (Official Lyric Video) – YouTube Praise you in this storm with lyrics – Casting Crowns – YouTube MercyMe – Even If (Official Lyric Video) – YouTube Lauren Daigle – Hold On To Me (Official Audio Video) – YouTube
Sunday, February 21, 2021 As Pastor recovers from his surgery, we will have a guest speaker. This means that there may not be any new videos of sermons for a little while, but keep in mind that all the old ones are still there that you can watch at any time. May they bless you. Please join us at the Danbury Community Center for worship. We’d love to have you. For today’s message, some encouragement: Isaiah 40: 28-31 (NIV) Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grown tired and weary and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
May these words encourage you and lift you up. May they bring you comfort and peace. Come to the Father. His arms are open, and He is waiting for you.
Songs The Motions music video – YouTube Fires (Official Music Video) – Jordan St. Cyr – YouTube Jeremy Camp – Out Of My Hands (Radio Version/Lyric Video) – YouTube Acappella “Create In Me” – YouTube Zach Williams – Chain Breaker (Official Lyric Video) – YouTube
Sunday, February 14, 2021 Please remember that you can hear the full sermon by going to our Facebook page, link provided on the home page of this site. On the left side you’ll see a list where you will find “videos.” Click on that and it will open you up to the videos. You don’t have to sign up to view them. Today’s teaching was from 2 Samuel 11 where King David, a man after God’s own heart, commits adultery, tries to cover up his sin, and then arranges for the death of the woman’s husband. Uriah was an honorable, faithful, dedicated man, devoted to the Lord, yet these things were allowed to happen to him. God has used this incident to teach us many things. Even good people do bad things. There is no excuse for it, and it always bring evil. We must remember that there is evil in this world: Satan. It is his desire to see us fall. We must always be on our guard. We must be careful; we must never get to a point in our lives that we think that we’re above sin or strong enough on our own. No matter how dedicated we are to God, we’re always vulnerable to commit sin. Take warnings from God’s word as you read each day. Pray daily – often – constantly. Don’t trust in yourself. And always remember: There is no sin and no sinner who is beyond God’s mercy and God’s grace. God’s forgiveness is complete. We may have consequences for our choices to sin, but God is forgiving. Trust Him today.
Songs Lauren Daigle – I Am Yours (Acoustic) – YouTube Lauren Daigle – First (Deluxe Sessions) – YouTube
Lauren Daigle – “Come Alive (Dry Bones) (Live at the CentricWorship Retreat) – YouTube
Lauren Daigle – Rescue (Starstruck Sessions) – YouTube
Sunday, February 7, 2021 We should never get to the point where we believe that we understand so much that we can substitute what we believe for what God’s word says no matter who we are. Statements that are hard to understand in the bible still must be taken on faith, believed, because God said it. Period. There are no contradictions in the bible. Our lack of understanding does not equal an error in what a perfect, holy God has said. In the same way, just being “good” in our eyes, doing “good” things, saying “good” things, etc… does not mean we get to call ourselves a Christian and go to heaven. Should we be doing good? Of course. But that alone does not get us to heaven. Trust in the Lord does. Acceptance of Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins does. Where is your heart today?
Songs Casting Crowns – ‘Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus (Acoustic) – YouTube
When We All Get to Heaven – YouTube Casting Crowns – At Calvary (Audio) – YouTube
Sunday, January 31, 2021 Pastor Tower spoke concerning the last supper and its significance. Symbolism is an important part of the Scriptures. The last supper was on the day of Unleavened bread. Unleavened bread was a symbol of no sin. The cup Jesus drank was symbolic of God’s wrath on sin. Jesus willingly chose to drink that cup fully knowing what would happen to Him. Unleavened bread was when the perfect lamb had to be sacrificed and the blood was to be spread over the door post and the sides of the door so that the angel of death would pass over those house. This was all when the Israelites were captive in Egypt. Jesus was our sacrificial lamb. Those who trust in Him are given eternal life with God. He’s already paid the price for all the sins of the world. John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosever believeth in Him would not perish but have everlasting life.” What is God saying to you today? Are you one of His family?
Songs Matthew West – Hello, My Name Is (Lyrics) – YouTube
Matthew West – Strong Enough – YouTube
Matthew West – My Own Little World (Official Video) – YouTube
Sunday, January 24, 2021 Stop doubting and believe. The disciple Thomas said he would not believe Christ had risen from the dead unless he put his hand in the wounds on His side and in His hands. Imagine what Thomas went through seeing Christ suffer at the hands of the Romans, betrayed by His own people, being hung on a cross, and dying for our sins. His faith was shaken. Jesus came to him and had him behold His side and his hands. John 20:28 (NIV) “Thomas said to Him, ‘My Lord and my God.'”
Take Jesus at His word. His word will bear out. Circumstances may say otherwise, but God…period. God is…period. Christ KNEW what He was doing, KNEW what would happen, KNEW how it would feel to take all the sins of all humanity on Himself, KNEW God the Father would have to look away because God would not look upon sin, KNEW all this and He came for you and for me anyway. How will our hearts respond to God’s truths today? Please go to our Facebook page and listen to this sermon. Please.
Song Who am I- Casting Crowns with Lyrics – YouTube
Big Daddy Weave – “My Story” (Official Music Video) – YouTube
Sunday, January 17, 2021 “Beware the Subtilty of Satan” 1Chronicles 21: 1-7 tells us how David, a man after God’s own heart, is led astray by Satan. Satan got David to count the number of his fighting men. This was not to be done. This puts faith in our own resources, instead of in God where it belongs. David admits in verse 8 that what he did was a sin, and he seeks forgiveness. It is important to remember that Satan is a master of deceit. He often uses God’s own words to trick us. He is crafty and active. He can make it seem like we are doing the right thing, even though it is wrong. His desire is to tear apart God’s people. Don’t let him. Stay strong in the faith. Stay in God’s word. Obey. Love one another. Build each other up. Forgive each other, just as Christ forgave you. Focus on what God wants. Be redeemed.
Songs Big Daddy Weave – “Redeemed” (Official Music Video) – YouTube
Sunday, January 10, 2021 Every believer has a function in the body of Christ. Satan wishes to stop that. Satan uses our sins to hinder the growth of Christ in ourselves and those we interact with. Either others won’t forgive and move forward or we ourselves hold ourselves back believing that God can’t use us. Don’t let Satan win. God say if we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us of all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9) We still mess up, but as we grow in the knowledge of our Lord, we mess us less. When we sin, it is God’s plan, His desire, to restore us, not to amputate us. We are to be Christlike and do the same.
Songs Zach Williams – Less Like Me (Official Music Video) – YouTube
Everything Changed – YouTube
Sunday, January 3, 2021 Happy New Year! Please remember that Pastor films the sermons and posts them on our Facebook page. You don’t have to become a member of the Facebook page to see the videos. On the left side is a list, one being “videos,” and you can click on that to be able to see all the sermons he’s posted. We encourage you to listen and learn with us.
Today’s lesson was “Teach us to number our days” (Psalm 90:10-12) It’s a new year, and we’re one year closer to eternity. We will all face judgement before the throne of Grace. It is important to remember that there is no “reset” button on life; we can’t go back and change anything we have or have not done. A day of reckoning is coming. Those whose names are in the book of life, who have accepted the free gift of salvation, will give an accounting of their lives before God. We’ll be rewarded accordingly. Those whose names are not in the book of life will be judged for their lives, their refusal to accept, to believe, and will face the Lake of Fire for all eternity. This is what the bible tells us. It is not God’s desire to see any face Hell for all eternity; that’s why He sent His one and only Son to die on the cross for us. The question remains: How will you stand before God?
Songs Sidewalk Prophets- Help Me Find It (Official Lyric Video) – YouTube
Sidewalk Prophets – Come To The Table (Acoustic Music Video) – YouTube
Sunday, December 27, 2020 Pastor’s message was centered on 1 John 3: 1 & 2. “Behold what manner of love the Father has given unto us.” The more we understand how wretched our sins are the more amazed we are at how God could love us. He is love. He loves us! Amen. His love did not come without great cost: Jesus on the cross. His love was sent to us through His one and only Son. It was not based on us but on God by His grace. It is a love that surpasses all understanding, and it is freely given to us. Our lives reflect that love as we express it with our every action. Don’t just go through the motions of living a Christian life. Have a heart for God. Share it with others.
Songs Behold What Manner Of Love MARANATHA SINGERS – YouTube
Matthew West – The Motions – YouTube
Sunday, December 20, 2020 Pastor message was centered on Isaiah 9. Focus on the wonder of what you are reading in God’s word. Don’t let the familiarity of the verses cause haphazard scanning instead of fully focusing on God’s word. Pay attention. The more you look into and study God’s word, the more you learn. Isaiah 9:6 (NIV) says: “For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” This was prophesized hundreds of years before the birth of Christ. It is still as relevant today as it was then. Go to our Facebook page and watch the sermon for today. May the Lord bless you as you listen to His word.
Songs The Names of Almighty God Yahweh of Israel – HE IS Jesus Christ – From Genesis to Revelation – YouTube
Sunday, December 13, 2020 Pastor Tower’s message was “God my Savior.” Mary calls Him that in Luke 1: 46 & 47. Do you? In this Christmas season, are you hearing the message of Christ? Or are you hearing the world? Christ leads to heaven. The world leads to Hell. What is Hell? Listen to the message on our Facebook page and Pastor Tower will explain it to you. Go to the home page here and Follow us on Facebook. When you open the Facebook page, on the left side is a list. Hit videos and you’ll find the teachings. May your hearts be filled with the love of Christ!
Songs “You are I am” by MercyMe MercyMe – You Are I Am (Official Lyric Video) – YouTube
“What faith can do” by Kutless Kutless – What Faith Can Do (Official Music Video) – YouTube
“Make room” by Casting Crowns Casting Crowns – Make Room (Official Music Video) ft. Matt Maher – YouTube
“The Hope of Christmas” by Matthew West Matthew West – The Hope of Christmas (Official Music Video) – YouTube
Sunday, December 6, 2020 Pastor’s message was entitled “Distributing the Cure.” We’re hearing a lot lately about a vaccine for COVID to stop the spread. What about a cure for the great plague – Hell? You can’t earn your salvation; you’ve heard that. You can’t break the bonds of sin with Satan without the intervention of God through Christ on the cross. Accept this. Now go tell others. Satan is actively blinding the minds and hearts of people. We were blinded too until God. Share your story. You have a message of hope and deliverance that others need to hear. Share it with words. Share it with actions. Others will hear and see. You may not see the final effect yourself, but that’s okay. That shouldn’t stop you. There’s nothing more powerful and precious than the Word of God. Have you accepted this? Have you made a decision for Christ? Why not? What’s holding you back? You don’t have to right all your wrongs first. You don’t have to be “good” to come to the cross. You don’t have to believe Satan’s lies that you’re too broken for God to love. Listen to this song. May the Lord bless you today.
Songs “Make Room” by Casting Crowns Make Room by Casting Crowns featuring Matt Maher (Lyric Video) | Christian Christmas Music – YouTube
Sunday, November 29, 2020 Remember that all the sermons are on our Facebook page for you to watch and listen to as you study and grow in Christ. Go to the homepage here, click on Follow us on Facebook, and on the left side of that first page is a list. Click videos and you are there. Enjoy. Today, thank God for the Spirit of Christ. Christ is a forgiving Lord. The Spirit of Christ is not vengeance and wrath. That is not what we are to do. Forgive just as Christ forgave you. God will take care of the rest.
Songs “Noel” Chris Tomlin – Noel (Live) ft. Lauren Daigle – YouTube
“Voice of truth” by Casting Crowns Casting Crowns – Voice of Truth (Official Lyric Video) – YouTube
“Only Jesus” by Casting Crowns Casting Crowns – Only Jesus (Official Lyric Video) – YouTube
Sunday, November 22, 2020 We are God’s own dear children. What joy and peace this should bring to our lives! Say this: “I am a child of God.” Amen. God has given us His word to read, learn from, memorize, etc. As we read our daily devotionals, do we say “Yea, I remember this part” and skim past it? God wrote this for us! How can we dismiss His words? The hand of God wrote the ten commandments for Moses. It’s easy to lose sight of that. In Daniel chapter 5 we see King Belshazzar freaking out because a hand appeared and wrote on the walls. He and his guests saw this! The Bible is written by God as He moved men. 2 Peter 1: 20 + 21 (NIV) says: “Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” God is the author. How can we ignore it? Read your bible with this reminder in mind. Listen to God’s words.
Song “Everything” by Lauren Daigle Lauren Daigle – Everything (Starstruck Sessions) – YouTube
Sunday, November 15, 2020 How can I know I am right with God? There are so many statements in the Bible. Which do I follow? All of them. They all go together. They don’t teach a different plan of salvation, rather salvation involves all of them. Salvation is not a magic formula. Salvation is a person. It is the Lord. Belief in the Lord Jesus Christ is salvation. It’s not a formula or a remedy or a few words. It’s belief in Christ. It’s a personal relationship with Christ. It’s repentance of your sins (everybody sins). Repentance means a change in mind and actions. Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. Knowing about Him is not salvation. Knowing what the Bible says about Him is not salvation. Many will not get saved because pride won’t let them admit they are sinners in need of salvation. Don’t let pride steal your life. Believe in the person – Christ the Lord. Humble yourselves before Him. Seek His forgiveness and accept His free give. Salvation is in the person – focus should be on Christ and a personal relationship with Him. Amen.
Songs: “Whom shall I fear (The God of Angel Armies)” by Chris Tomlin Whom Shall I Fear [The God of Angel Armies] By Chris Tomlin with Lyrics – YouTube
“We believe” by Newsboys We Believe | Newsboys | Lyrics – YouTube
Sunday, November 8, 2020 Pastor continued the message of trials in our lives. Please remember that you can view all the messages on our Facebook page. On the left side is a list where you will see “videos” and when you click on that you will be taken to the messages. Today, you are encouraged to listen to this message.
1 Peter 1:3-7 (NIV) says: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade — kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith — of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire — may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”
In the Bible, hope means “confident expectation.” Our hope is in the Lord. Our trials are a testing of our faith, a refining of our lives, a purpose from God, a demonstration of our faith. Don’t let trials discourage you from serving God. They are opportunities. You become a living witness of our Lord. Amen! Trust in the Lord. He will see you through.
Songs “Diamonds” by Hawk Nelson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yf1ARbpB0gA
“Praise You in this storm” by Casting Crowns https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YUGwUgBvTU
Sunday, November 1, 2020 The title of the sermon was “If God really loves me, why all the trials?”. Many problems we face are a result of our own making, or it is chastisement from God for a sin. God loves us and is working in us for our own good. Look at Deuteronomy 8: 1-3. The Israelites were led through the desert for a long time to the promised land. God could have created another Eden for them. He chose to bring them through the desert, and for a longer time than originally planned due to their sins, but it was for their own good. He fed them. He gave them water. Yet many complained. God doesn’t promise a perfect life, a life of ease, just because you believe in Him. Look at the Disciples’ lives and how they were treated and killed. He does promised to be with us, to never leave us, and to give us eternal life in heaven with Him. Surrender to God and live life anew.
Song “Glorious Day” by Casting Crowns https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xODpgyqGCYM
Sunday, November 1, 2020 Sometimes you just need a song. Enjoy.
“Broken Things” by Matthew West https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdUu6ZsdVfM
“He still does miracles” by Hawk Nelson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdUu6ZsdVfM
“Diamonds” by Hawk Nelson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yf1ARbpB0gA
“Trust in You” by Lauren Daigle https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_aVFVveJNs
“How can it be?” by Lauren Daigle https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wt5X91ciE6Y
Sunday, October 25, 2020 Sermon was entitled: Don’t buy the lie. The Scripture used was Exodus 3:1-18 when God called Moses to go back to Egypt and free His people, the Hebrews. How we look at ourselves, at our sins and weaknesses, influences our belief in our ability to be used by God. We see ourselves and believe God can’t use us, wouldn’t use us. Moses was in the presence of God at the burning bush and God called him to go to Egypt. Moses says, “Who am I that I should go?” Why? Some reasons might be that the Hebrews had already rejected him 40 years earlier. It might be that 40 years earlier Pharaoh was going to kill him. It might be because he was now 80. Yet, God used him in a mighty way. He can use you too! You too can serve God. Are you willing?
Songs “Who am I” by Casting Crowns https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C53GgUJ6y-Y
“You say” by Lauren Daigle https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIaT8Jl2zpI
“Fear is a liar” by Zach Williams https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIaT8Jl2zpI
Sunday, October 25, 2020 Sermon was entitled: Don’t buy the lie. The Scripture used was Exodus 3:1-18 when God called Moses to go back to Egypt and free His people, the Hebrews. How we look at ourselves, at our sins and weaknesses, influences our belief in our ability to be used by God. We see ourselves and believe God can’t use us, wouldn’t use us. Moses was in the presence of God at the burning bush and God called him to go to Egypt. Moses says, “Who am I that I should go?” Why? Some reasons might be that the Hebrews had already rejected him 40 years earlier. It might be that 40 years earlier Pharaoh was going to kill him. It might be because he was now 80. Yet, God used him in a mighty way. He can use you too! You too can serve God. Are you willing?
Songs “Who am I” by Casting Crowns https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C53GgUJ6y-Y
“You say” by Lauren Daigle https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIaT8Jl2zpI
“Fear is a liar” by Zach Williams https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIaT8Jl2zpI
Sunday, October 18, 2020 Pastor’s scripture was James 4:10-14. Pride. No one really wants to admit that they are prideful. We are all born with a sinful nature, and we all sin. We don’t want to admit we are sinners (pride again) or that we need a Savior (pride again) or accept His death on the cross for us and our sins (pride again). We want to believe that we can earn our way into heaven by being good and doing some good things in our lives (pride again). What we need is humility. That is the key to being right with God. Humility is the opposite of pride. Humility shows our hearts are tender toward God and His ways. Humility is a choice. Christ humbled Himself before God and became man, became the perfect sacrifice for our sins. He humbled himself even unto death for us. That is our example. Did pride do that? No, humility did. Christ did. Pride leads to destruction. Humility leads to love.
Songs “Unstoppable God” by Sanctus Real https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGUKwWPpoG4
“Mended” by Matthew West https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Otg-5p7qug
“Jesus loves you” by Sanctus Real https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_XeprFPleI
Sunday, October 11, 2020 Pastor Tower’s scripture was Psalm 22: 1-8. King David, a man after God’s own heart, was in anguish and cried out to God. He said “MY God” not someone else’s God. This whole Psalm is a Messianic Psalm, a foreshadowing of Christ on the cross dying for our sins. In the midst of trials and tribulations, He is still God. That we might have the faith of David! We’re soldiers in God’s army. Christ said He would build His church. We are His workers, His ambassadors. The question is: Do you know ABOUT God or do you know Him personally as your Savior? There is a difference.
Songs “Confidence” by Sanctus Real https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuZPOVFcFJ4
“Come Alive (Dry Bones)” by Lauren Daigle https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0P4YdXz3LAI
Sunday, October 4, 2020 Pastor taught from Romans 1: 16-32. Read them. What happens when the hearts of people turn away from God and go their own way? God has made Himself known to us. It’s in us to believe. The reality of God is not something that needs to be taught. Not believing in God does have to be taught. Creation speaks of Him. It takes effort to push aside and turn away from God. “I don’t believe in God.” “Yet God believes in you!” You know He is there. Accept His gift. Learn more — read the Bible. The reality is that every single one of us will face God, the God who created us and this world, who knows all our thoughts and motives. How will you face Him? Savior or Judge?
Songs “Different” by Micah Tyler https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUT4trsrBCw
“Never been a moment” by Micah Tyler https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0apupwTkof0
Sunday, September 27, 2020 Pastor Tower entitled the teaching, “Which Jesus will you see?” God’s great love for us provided a way to Him through His Son Jesus Christ. Those who accept this free gift have eternal life. Those who don’t have eternal damnation. Heaven is real. Hell is real. Is Jesus coming back to take you to heaven or are you going to face the Judgment seat of God? God is just and thus sin must be paid for. John 14: 6 Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Think about it.
Songs “Jesus is coming” Avalon https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BGXqOHuVBo
“Love broke through” Toby Mac https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44l9PRI4c2M
Sunday, September 20, 2020 Pastor Tower’s sermon was titled “The Two Jesuses.” Which Jesus will you face when you die? Will it be the loving Savior who died on the cross for your sins who you accepted as Lord and Savior? Or will it be Jesus the Judge, who will judge you according to you sins? Jesus is alive. God is not dead. Christ rose on the the third day, according to the Scriptures and is at the right hand of God waiting for you. Will you accept His free gift of salvation today? Go to our Facebook page to listen to this sermon and all the others that Pastor Tower has posted there for you. Listen, learn, accept. Welcome to the family of God! AMEN!
Songs “God’s not dead” by Newsboys https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0KTUAi3uiM
“Flawless” by MercyMe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjLlLPZderk
Sunday, September 13, 2020 Pastor Tower taught on victory over bitterness. Read Ephesian 4: 29-32. Offenses will come in all our lives. Often the result is bitterness in our hearts. It creeps into our lives very easily. We must keep watch over our hearts. It’s often just below the surface of our consciousness and until something happens to make it spring up, we don’t realize it is there. Bitterness is derived from a Greek root that means poison, and it carries the idea of hatred with it. It destroys us. Cure? Grace. Recognize the grace of God. We fail Christ, yet He has shown and continues to show us grace every day. How can we not do the same? We didn’t deserve Christ’s grace – His death for our sins — but He gave it freely. Do the same for others. Ephesians 5:1 + 2 says “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” If God wants us to do this, He will enable us to do this. Rely on Him. See the full message on our Facebook page.
Song “In Christ alone” sung by Lauren Daigle https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ch6eXkQWU8
Sunday, September 6, 2020 Pastor Tower entitled the message “God is.” Genesis 1: tells us of the creation of the world. God said it and it happened. God did this. God has it recorded in His word for us. It doesn’t require us to believe it to be true. It is truth. Read His word, meditate upon it. Allow God to speak to your heart. Find this message on our Facebook page and listen to what Pastor Tower has to teach.
Songs: “We bow down” by Twila Paris https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rjmBNKk-4w
“We believe” by Newsboys https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjZ01FcK0yk
Sunday, August 31, 2020 Pastor Tower continued with Ephesians chapter one. We are God’s workmanship. As Christians, we are all on a holy journey that God has ordained for us. We are on this journey until Jesus returns for us. Heaven is our home! What would God have us do while we are here? We belong to God. We are not an act of nature. His love for us is so strong that He sent his Son to be our sacrifice for our sins; He was the only perfect person who could do that for us. We are special to Him and need only accept that special gift He has provided for us. He didn’t treat us as our sins deserved. Thank you, Lord! This sermon is on our Facebook page. It has so much more in it than can be expressed here today. Please listen to it. Join us on Sundays through our recorded messages or in person.
Songs “Almost Home” by MercyMe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeiZZajytZw
“Even if” by MercyMe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6B8SjPxo8o
Sunday, August 23, 2020 Pastor Tower continued his teaching from last week. Everything done in our lives BEFORE we are saved counts for nothing. Matthew 16:26a Jesus says, “What good will it be for man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?” Salvation equals new birth, new life with eternal purposes. Simply put, we either serve/belong to God or we serve/belong to Satan. Christ died and rose again to make us righteous, not because we were righteous. We are sinful man. But God loves us inspite of ourselves. “While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8. We don’t need to, nor can we in any way, earn His love. He loves us. Period. We area new creation when we accept the free gift of salvation. Don’t try to earn His love. Don’t try to be “perfect” or “fix” all your mistakes before coming to Christ. You can’t do that, and it’s not the way it works. You’ll make mistakes and sin even after coming to Christ. We all do. That’s why His forgiveness is so important. Accept it. It’s worth it. Come worship with us on Sundays and learn more. Go to our Facebook page and listen to Pastor’s sermons. Open your hearts to God’s calling.
Songs “What if I stumble?” by dc Talk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbKdYgxxfRQ
“The God who stays” by Matthew West https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHMVSdIjBcg
“Even when you’re running” by Casting Crowns https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRiRdWTeJ9Y
Sunday, August 16, 2020 The title of today’s message was “We are His workmanship.” It is a two part message that will be finished next week. God meets us and speaks to us through His word. Before we accept Christ as our personal Lord and Savior, we are dead in our trespasses and sins. We inherited the sinful nature of Adam, who sinned in the Garden of Eden. Think of children. You don’t have to teach them to disobey, lie, be sneaky. They have that nature, just like us. No one is immune from the sinful nature, but God provided a way for us and instructions for us to overcome our sinful nature and seek to please God instead of self. We become new creatures in Christ. Amen! Ephesians 2: 8-10 (NIV) says: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this not from yourselves , it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” We will still be tempted to sin, but we have a way to stand up under that temptation and seek to do God’s will instead. God’s Spirit is working in us. Listen.
Song “All the evidence I need” by 4HIM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbMrxLyzy80
Sunday, August 9, 2020 Pastor Tower sent this email concerning the sermon. You can see the sermon on our Facebook page where he posts it each Sunday.
The Title of the message for Sunday August 8 is So Great Salvation. The key text is
Hebrews 9:24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:
The truths brought out in this passage are among the greatest for the Christian and a full understanding of them should bring great peace, comfort and love for our Lord.
Other text that we will be in are Exodus and Leviticus.
Song “Still Rolling Stones” by Lauren Daigle https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vr0d51uFTMc
Sunday, August 2, 2020 Pastor Tower’s teaching was about Job. Sometimes God uses hardships and trials to chastise us. It is because He loves us. Sometimes it is to teach us something. Look at Job. He was faithful. He served God well. God had great things to say about him. Job encouraged others and helped them. He did everything in a way to please God. Satan was granted permission to afflict Job. He took away his great wealth and his many children. He afflicted Job with painful boils. Yet, Job did not sin against God. He did want to know why, but he didn’t sin. What did he need to learn? Go to our Facebook page and listen to the sermon to learn the answer to this question.
Songs “Mercy came running” Phillips, Craig, & Dean https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VpodVp6LH8s
Sunday, July 26, 2020 Pastor titled the teaching “Did God create evil?” That’s an important question. Many who don’t understand, who aren’t believers, ask, “How can a good and loving God allow my family to die, my circumstances to be so awful?” They blame everything on God. God is good and righteous. He created the world and it was good. We have free will. We choose to follow God or we choose to follow the world. One leads to eternity in heaven with Christ, and the other leads to death in hell with Satan. We are all responsible for our own choices–or own actions. We choose. Today’s sermon really explains this much better than this post can ever do. Please go to our Facebook page and the videos. Listen to Pastor Tower.
Songs “Oh my soul” (you are not alone” by Casting Crowns https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DIi0DRq6ww
“Start right here” by Casting Crowns https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGvfagBOHJE
Sunday, July 19, 2020 Pastor Tower has been uploading all the messages to our Facebook page. If you go there (raggedmountainbiblechurch.com and then hit follow us on Facebook) you’ll see on the left side a list. One is videos. You’ll find many sermons there for you. We’d love to have you join us on Sunday mornings at the Danbury Community center. If you aren’t ready to go to the church directly, please consider the sermons on the Facebook page. If God is calling you, don’t ignore Him. If you are searching, listen to Him. Read the book of John in the New Testament. May the Lord bless you.
Songs “Look up” by NewSong https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkPa4DbAmts
“The Message” by 4Him https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPEoH85qM8o
“Red Letter Day” by NewSong https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYxVhC2F8Wo
“Wide Open” by NewSong https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77-lZJaK92U
Sunday, July 12, 2020 Pastor Tower’s message title was “Focus on the forest, not on the trees.” This means that sometimes we are too involved in the details of the problem to look at the situation as a whole. We all have things in our lives that demand attention all the time — family, work for example. We need to remember that all this is temporary. Our home here is temporary. We belong to Christ is we’ve accepted Him as our personal Lord and Savior, so our home is in heaven with Him. Christ is fully present in our lives every second of every day. Sometimes things happen in our lives because we bring it upon ourselves by giving in to the world and our own selfish desires, and we face the consequences for those choices. Sometimes God allows things to happen in our lives for a purpose He has for us. God has a purpose for everything and everyone we come in contact with every day. Focus on that, and not on ourselves, and we’ll see the forest, not the trees. Trust God’s character and His love for us in all situations. Go to our Facebook page and videos to hear this message. Join us on Sunday’s at the Danbury Community Center. We’d love to have you.
Songs “While I wait” by Lincoln Brewster https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NswPPVgMaPE
“Still in control” by Mack Brock https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZnRzQ3_udE
“Almost home” by MercyMe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lKdHXfpsFQ
Sunday, July 5, 2020 “Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs. Know that the LORD is God. It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the LORD is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.” Psalm 100 (NIV)
Songs “Shake” by MercyMe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJFA5Bitv7w (You’ve got to see this one. :))
Sunday, June 28, 2020 Our faith will never be stronger than our willingness to obey God. We are here to glorify God, not get what we want from Him. God is not what He does for us; God is who He is, period. Getting more stuff is not the path to happiness. No matter what is happening in your life, God is there with you. God is at work, even when we don’t see it. He doesn’t need to check things out with you first. It doesn’t matter what this world throws at us; He is bigger. He is our amazing God.
Songs “Who You are to me” by Chris Tomlin https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wms76AfllVE
“He is” by Aaron Jeoffrey https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7Btc3g0UaU
Sunday, June 21, 2020 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 (NIV) He is real. He is loving. He provided a perfect sacrifice for you through His Son, Jesus Christ. Accept this gift. Received eternal life. There is a heaven and there is a hell. Where do you want to spend eternity? This is a real question. Someday you will have to answer it. Joins us on Sundays and learn more.
Song “In the hands of the Potter” by Casting Crowns https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88X4aVTk2rA
Sunday, June 14, 2020 Praise God we are meeting again at the Danbury Community Center. We have enough room to be social distancing and would love for you to join us. Pastor Tower spoke today about God’s expectations for behavior. God’s instructions are good, simple instructions for how we can honor and please Him. Our behavior brings others to Christ. Don’t poison the minds of others against someone else. Edify. Lift others up. Do good. Ephesians 4:29-32 says (NIV), “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Straightforward instructions. Let this be your desire and objective.
Songs “Even when you’re running” by Casting Crowns https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRiRdWTeJ9Y
“Bring the rain” by MercyMe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtjxCx-7Hps
Services are still being recorded and placed on our Facebook page. Please feel free to visit and listen.
Sunday, May 31, 2020 God blesses you. Did you know that? He has blessing for you too. He is waiting for you to come to Him. He has provided the way through Christ. Coming to God doesn’t mean you will have zero challenges in your life. You will. We all will. But those challenges are easier when you have Christ with you. Blessed hope in Christ. Blessed joy.
Today’s sermon is on our Facebook page under videos, along with many others. May it bless you as you listen to it.
Song “Walking Miracles” by Matthew West https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuDL75N3qM8
“The Motions” by Matthew West https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuDL75N3qM8
Sunday, May 24, 2020 Have you ever found yourself saying, “God doesn’t want me. I’ve been selfish and haven’t done anything good enough for God to want me. He wants those good people, not people like me.”? Many have said that. Many more will say that. Satan will do anything he can to keep you from a relationship with Christ. Satan doesn’t want you to see God. He’ll tell you all kinds of lies to keep you from searching. But God… what a wonderful expression….But God loves you. God created you. God desires a relationship with you. God loved you so much He sent His Son to die for you. God loves you so much He has given you free will to receive Him or deny Him. It is really in your hands. The reality of it is where you will spend eternity. Will it be in Heaven with God or will it be in Hell with Satan. It is your choice. Choose.
Today’s sermon by Pastor Tower is on our Facebook page. Open your hearts and hear the truth of the scriptures. May you be blessed.
Song: “Keep me in the moment” by Jeremy Camp https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xb1bx3hYfzg
Sunday, May 17, 2020 Where do you get your counsel? From whom do you seek advice? If it is from the world, then it will be worldly advice full of sin and selfishness. The best advice is from the Lord. He will advise you. He will lead you. He will guide you. You need only seek and listen and follow. “I have set the LORD always before me. Becaue He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, ” Psalm 16: 8-9a (NIV)
Go to our home page here. Click on our Facebook link and go to videos. There you will find Pastor Tower’s lesson for this Sunday,”The Wisest Counsel,” as well as all the others he has posted for you. May you be blessed.
Songs “Wait” by MercyMe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxbfyt8Rraw
“Happy Dance” by MercyMe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RlGiTHImKM
“Dear Younger Me” by MercyMe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6W9P8G_HnNs
“Alright” by MercyMe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxZ3igq412c
Sunday, May 10, 2020 Happy Mother’s Day everyone. We hope you were able to connect somehow with your loved ones today.
Today’s lesson is on Facebook. You can reach our Facebook page via our homepage on this site. Once you click on Facebook and it opens, you’ll see a list on the left side where you can hit videos. Click that and it will open up to all the messages Pastor Tower has posted. May the Lord bless you as you listen.
Songs “The Basics of Life” by 4 HIM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEGp9SPdtfo
Sunday, May 3, 2020 Today’s lesson is on Facebook. You can reach our Facebook page via our homepage on this site. Once you click on Facebook and it opens, you’ll see a list on the left side where you can hit videos. Click that and it will open up to all the messages Pastor Tower has posted. May the Lord bless you as you listen.
Today’s message centers around 2 Corinthians 2. It deals with restoration of a sinner. We are all sinners; we know this. When we repent, we are forgiven. Christ teaches us this. Once forgiven, we are fully restored. As a member of the body of Christ, we should embrace the repented sinner. Forgive as Christ forgave you. God’s desire and goal is always for reconciliation.
Song “Forgiven” by David Crowder https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xP-SVCdQ2R0
“Come as your are” by David Crowder https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HELQyZNnR-g
Sunday, April 26, 2020 Today’s lesson is on Facebook. You can reach our Facebook page via our homepage on this site. Once you click Facebook and it opens, you’ll see a list on the left side where you can hit videos. Click that and it will open up to all the messages Pastor Tower has posted. May the Lord bless you as you listen.
Today’s message was from 2 Chronicles 21: 11+. God is keenly aware of all that we are doing, saying, thinking. Nothing gets passed the eyes of God. In this message, King Jehoram of Judah was Judah’s first wicked king. He did not follow the ways of the Lord, but caused Judah to do unacceptable things. The prophet Elijah, from Israel, sent a message to Jehoram. Jehoram was told that he was going to suffer from a sickness of the bowels until his bowels came out. He did not repent. He did not seek God. He just kept on doing evil. He never humbled himself before God. For 2 years he suffered. Then he died. The bible says in 2 Chronicles 21: 20 “Jehoram was thirty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eight years. He passed away, to no one’s regret, and was buried in the City of David, but not in the tombs of the kings.” While in his sin, God reached out. He warned him, He sought for repentance, but Jehoram refused. How about you? Are you refusing God? If He is calling you, answer Him. You will never ever regret it.
Song “Shout to the Lord” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gn5CMSSAx_c
“Praise You in this Storm” by Casting Crowns https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgpaULjZOl8
Sunday, April 19, 2020 “How is your heart toward God? Is He really 1st place? Is He on the throne of my heart where He should be, where He belongs?” “We’re here to glorify God, not Him to give us all we want.” “Value God because He values you. Keep Him at the center of all you do.” “God is not what He does for us. God is who He is– period.” “If you see God as a vending machine, then you will be disillusioned when your candy bar doesn’t drop.”
Today’s message was put on our Facebook page. Go to this home page and on the left side panel you will see “videos.” Click on that and it will open you up to several messages.
Songs: “You are God alone” by Philips, Craig, & Dean https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xPzTSpbYmk
Sunday, April 12, 2020 EASTER We serve a risen Savior! Amen. Luke 24: 1-8 (NIV) “On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they ddi not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddently two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down wiht their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, ‘Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here’ He is risen! Remember how He told you, while He was still wiht you in Galilee: The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again. Then they remembered His words.”
Pastor’s message can be found on our Facebook page. You will find a link to it on our home page here.
Songs: “Empty Grave” by Zach Williams https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFxmPonKXkQ
“The God who stays” by Zach Williams https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPwd_TQpsHY
“RISEN” by Shawna Edwards, with 55 children https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCQsK1t9EKY
“It’s about the Cross” by the Ball Brothers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYSJj-EHAAk
“God’s Not Dead” by Newsboys https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_OTz-lpDjw
Sunday, April 5, 2020 May the Lord bless you and keep you. Be kind. Love one another. Stay safe. Keep your distance physically, but not emotionally. Contact each other via the phone or video chat. Check on each other. Be ye kind, one to another. Ephesians 4: 32. Easter is upon us. Remember, Christ died on the cross for your sins, was buried, and on the third day arose, according to the Scriptures.
Today’s sermon can be viewed on our Facebook page. You can find a link on our home page here.
Songs “Up from the grave He arose” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oN77HjfAc8k
“Empty Grave” by Zach Williams https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oSw7bmqFwP8
Sunday, March 29 As we all continue to stay a social distance apart, we still worship; we still praise God. For He is in control, whether we “see” it or not. He still loves us and always will. 1 John 4:9 & 10 (NIV) says: “This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” Meditate on that today.
Songs: “God’s not dead” by Newsboys https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_OTz-lpDjw
“The Well” by Newsboys https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjZ01FcK0yk
YOU CAN FIND TODAY’S SERMON ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE.
Sunday, March 22 Pastor Tower recorded his message from home today as we practice social distancing. We still honor and worship our Lord Jesus Christ. We hope this message encourages you today. It is also on our Facebook page, so if you can’t open it here for some reason, go to our Facebook page and view it there. Bless you.
Message in two parts: https://www.facebook.com/raggedmountainbiblechurch/videos/515852769119124/?t=30
https://www.facebook.com/raggedmountainbiblechurch/videos/653175195483762/?t=3
Sunday, March 15 Just because we are Christians doesn’t mean we won’t have trials. It’s our response to those trials that say so much about our Lord and our faith. In the book of Daniel (chapter 3), three Hebrew slaves were tested. The King said everyone was to bow down to all the gods, but these three wouldn’t. When they were questioned about this and told they would be thrown into a blazing furnance if they didn’t bow down, they responded with these statements. “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and He will rescue us from your hand, O King. But even if He does not, we want you to know , O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up. (Verses 16-18 NIV) They were thrown into the furnace but God rescued them. They were not harmed in any way. How’s your faith today? Are there furnaces facing you? Put your hope in God. You will still have challenges, but your faith will sustain you. Jesus is always with us; God is always working in our lives. Let Him.
This service was video taped and put on our Facebook page. It is there for you to see and hear. 🙂 https://www.facebook.com/raggedmountainbiblechurch/videos/579219946273326/
RMBC 