FBC E-Blast - January 13, 2025
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January 13, 2025 
Let the Spirit Guide Your Thinking - Romans 8The way we think determines how we behave. If we want to conquer our sinful tendencies, we must learn to see ourselves as God sees us - new creations no longer under the mastery of sin. Because of the presence of Christ's Spirit, we have the capacity to be "more than conquerors" (Romans 8:37).
All who trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior receive the gift of the Helper - God's Holy Spirit (John 14:26). As we place ourselves under His control, He releases divine power into our life. To be Spirit-led also requires diligence on our part, both to resist temptation and to maintain our surrendered state.
For us to become conquerors, we should regularly spend time with the Lord and focus our mind on spiritual things (Philippians 4:8). In that way, we'll learn to discern God's will so we can choose what's suitable (Matthew 5:3-11) and reject what's ungodly (Galatians 5:19-21). The longer we are led by the Spirit, the more sensitive we'll be to His warnings about temptation and the greater our ability to follow and obey Him.
Surrender to the Lord and experience the victories He gives to those who are Spirit-filled.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Current Sermon Series:
As we have learned, the beatitudes are the introduction to the greatest sermon ever preached by the greatest Preacher ever. So we will continue on through the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus was not looking for the exterior obedience only, but inward obedience as well. Remember, man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart, the true person. Join us as we look through Jesus' message called The Sermon On The Mount.
Last Sunday:
We continue our series, as we deep dive into Jesus' Sermon On The Mount. In this message we are going to finish out chapter 6 by looking into what Jesus was referring to when He told us not to worry about stuff. We are going to see 4 things that worry is from this passage: unfaithful, unnecessary, unreasonable, and unwise. In this message we learn that we need not worry about every little thing, or even the big things.
Video iTunes Next Sunday:
We will continue our series on the Sermon on the Mount by looking at how we should Stop Judging. In Matthew 7:1-6, Jesus calls us to examine our own hearts before passing judgment on others. We will explore how judgment rooted in self-righteousness and hypocrisy harms relationships and dishonors God. Instead, Jesus teaches us to approach others with humility and grace, understanding that we are all in need of His mercy. We need to discover the balance between discernment and love.
Mark Your Calendars - January 22 - Annual Business Meeting at 7 PM
- January 26 - Deacon's Meeting
- February 2 - Carry-in Fellowship Dinner following the AM Worship service
210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
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January 6, 2025
The Bible: God's Voice Today - II Timothy 3In biblical times, God spoke in many dramatic ways. Although He still speaks today, some of His methods have changed. He doesn't speak with an audible voice or send an angel every time He has something to say to us.
The primary way our Father speaks to us today is through His written Word. His Holy Spirit breathed divine truth upon the minds of certain men and inspired them perfectly to write it down (II Timothy 3:16). Not a single thing is missing.
The Bible is God's way of speaking to our pressing needs, concerns, heartaches, and worries. So often when trouble strikes, we turn to other sources, perhaps talking to a friend or counselor. All of that is well and good, and the Father does indeed speak through godly men and women. But the first resource we should consult is His Word. If you pick up the Bible only when you have a question or emergency in your life, you'll never get the big picture of what God wants to say to you.
Scripture is a treasure trove of God’s thoughts. Spend time there every day - starting today - mining it for new truths and insights.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Current Sermon Series:
As we have learned, the beatitudes are the introduction to the greatest sermon ever preached by the greatest Preacher ever. So we will continue on through the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus was not looking for the exterior obedience only, but inward obedience as well. Remember, man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart, the true person. Join us as we look through Jesus' message called The Sermon On The Mount.
Last Sunday:
As we continue our series on the Sermon on the Mount, we come to Matthew 6:19-24. God wants all of His children to keep their eyes on the right treasures, the right vision, and on the right master. Seeing that there are right versions of all of these, means that there are wrong ones as well. It takes observation, discernment and dedication to make sure that we are eyeing the right prize.
Video iTunes Next Sunday:
We will continue our series on the Sermon on the Mount by looking at how we should Overcome Worry. In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus challenges us to trust God completely, reminding us that He cares for every detail of our lives - just as He does for the birds of the air and the lilies of the field. We will see how we can release our worries and anxieties about the future and focus on seeking God's kingdom and righteousness, and embracing a life of faith, knowing that our Heavenly Father provides all we need.
Mark Your Calendars - January 7 - Deacon's Meeting at 7 PM
- January 11 - Trustee's Meeting at 9 AM
- January 22 - Annual Business Meeting at 7 PM
- February 2 - Carry-in Fellowship Dinner following the AM Worship service
210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
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December 30, 2024
Our Savior - Isaiah 53In today's reading, Isaiah prophesied that a Savior would come to atone for the sins of mankind (v. 5). But the long-awaited Messiah didn't match people's expectations about Him.
The Jews imagined a strong ruler who would lead their nation with worldly power, but Jesus was a servant who spent time with outcasts and the lowly. They hoped for a man who would end Israel's persecution; He died a criminal's death and warned His followers that they would not be accepted by the world. Jesus didn't fit what the Jewish people wanted - yet He was so much more than they understood.
One day we all will come before God to be judged. Sin's penalty is death, an agonizing eternal existence apart from Him. Yet Jesus bore our sin so that whoever trusts in Him can look forward to eternal life (John 3:16). He chose to take our punishment, voluntarily dying so we could live forever in His presence. Jesus was "the way" God could satisfy His justice and love His people (John 14:6).
Salvation is a free gift. It requires nothing on our part except acceptance and surrender. Have you accepted Christ's death on the cross as the atonement for your sin? The Redeemer's death leads to life. He doesn't guarantee an easy road, but He promises to stay with you always.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Current Sermon Series
As we have learned, the beatitudes are the introduction to the greatest sermon ever preached by the greatest Preacher ever. So we will continue on through the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus was not looking for the exterior obedience only, but inward obedience as well. Remember, man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart, the true person. Join us as we look through Jesus' message called The Sermon On The Mount.
Last Week:
As we get back to our series on the Sermon on the Mount, we come to everyone's favorite topic, fasting. Now, biblical fasting has nothing to do with losing weight, and all that intermittent fasting. It has all to do with worshipping God and seeking His will, direction, protection, etc. in our lives. This message will show us from God's Word what true fasting is all about.
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
Next Sunday, we will continue our study of the Sermon on the Mount by looking into how we are to Keep Your Eyes On The Prize..
Upcoming Events
January 1 - NO Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting
January 5 - Carry-in Fellowship Dinner following the AM Worship service
January 7 - Deacon's Meeting at 7 PM
January 22 - Annual Business Meeting at 7 PM210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
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December 16, 2024
Our Prince of Peace - Isaiah 9The Christmas rush is here. There are plans to make, gifts to buy, and parties to attend. These activities can leave us exhausted—instead of experiencing peace and joy, we may feel overwhelmed because there's too much to do. What's more, this time of year can bring sad memories and loneliness. And maybe unrealistic expectations or conflicts with loved ones leave us discouraged.
How can Jesus be our Prince of Peace when we feel everything but peace? To understand why the Lord was given this title, we must first understand what it means. Jesus did not come to do away with all conflicts - not yet, anyway. One day He will return to earth and rule as King in an environment of external harmony. But He said that in this present life, we'd have trouble (John 16:33).
When Christ came to earth, His goal was to bring us peace by reconciling us to the Father. His death on the cross paid our sin debt in full, and our relationship with God is restored. Now Jesus offers us divine peace - an inner serenity that fills our heart and mind no matter what is going on in our circumstances.
Is your life characterized by a quiet assurance that guards your thinking and emotions all day long? Try setting aside time each day to fix your eyes upon Jesus. Then let Him heal your heart and calm your spirit.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Current Sermon Series
As we have learned, the beatitudes are the introduction to the greatest sermon ever preached by the greatest Preacher ever. So we will continue on through the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus was not looking for the exterior obedience only, but inward obedience as well. Remember, man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart, the true person. Join us as we look through Jesus' message called The Sermon On The Mount.
Last Week:
Last week we learned from Jesus' message how we should not pray, now He goes into how we should pray. We will see that when we pray we should be praying for God's glory, man's needs, and God's supremacy, all while making sure that we work on forgiveness of others.
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
Next Sunday, we will be celebrating Christmas by looking into Waiting For Christmas.
Upcoming Events
December 24 - Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 5 PM
December 25 - NO Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting
January 5 - Carry-in Fellowship Dinner following the AM Worship service210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
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December 9, 2024
Victory Over Guilt - I John 1At times people are bound by guilt longer than they should be. For some, it's because they're living in sin. But others suffer from false guilt because they harbor shame that doesn't belong to them. Whatever the root cause, however, the way to triumph over guilt is the same.
Victory begins with understanding that the Savior took our shame to the cross (Hebrews 12:2). Without Jesus, the debt wouldn’t have been settled, because there's no way that we can pay for our own sin. But we do need to identify the source of our guilt and confess before God. That means we agree with His perspective on what we've done - in other words, we admit when we've committed an offense. Repentance goes a step further: We turn away from wrong and choose to do right.
Confronting guilt in this way replaces our burden of shame with peace and joy. And an amazing side effect is that we have wisdom to share. Openness about our past mistakes can reveal the Lord to those in our sphere of influence. Through our witness, God may reach others who need their chains broken.
The battle to overcome guilt is one that should not be delayed. Turn to the Lord and ask Him to help you face the source of your guilt. It's time to start walking in the joy of God’s blessings instead.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Current Sermon Series
As we have learned, the beatitudes are the introduction to the greatest sermon ever preached by the greatest Preacher ever. So we will continue on through the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus was not looking for the exterior obedience only, but inward obedience as well. Remember, man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart, the true person. Join us as we look through Jesus' message called The Sermon On The Mount.
Last Week:
As we continue through the Sermon on the Mount, we come to a portion of Scripture where Jesus teaches us how not to pray. There were those in His day (as well as some in ours) who wanted people to think of them as spiritual as they prayed, whether they used big, verbose words, or that they prayed really long prayers, or other things, their goal was not to commune with God, but to please men. God says that for those who do so, that's all the reward that they will get.
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
We continue our series on the Sermon on the Mount by looking into The Model Prayer.
Upcoming Events
December 24 - Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 5 PM
December 25 - NO Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting
January 5 - Carry-in Fellowship Dinner following the AM Worship service210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
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December 2, 2024
Victory Over Unforgiveness - Matthew 6After teaching His followers to pray, Jesus gave a warning about allowing unforgiveness to reside in the heart. He said that those who refuse to forgive others won't be forgiven by the Father. Be careful not to misunderstand Jesus' meaning here. We don't lose our salvation when we refuse to pardon others. Rather, we break fellowship with God because an unrepentant attitude interferes with regular confession and turning away from sin.
Forgiveness is an act of the will more than an act of the heart. We don’t often feel like showing mercy to someone who’s wronged us - but that's exactly what we're called to do (Matthew 5:38-40). A resentful spirit grows into a terrible burden. The Lord knows that forgiveness is best, even when it is difficult. Claim the divine mercy He offers, and ask Him to enable you to lay aside anger and resentment. As part of the decision to move forward in grace, make a habit of praying for those who hurt you. And if God so leads, seek their forgiveness for your wrong attitude or actions.
A bitter spirit doesn't fit who we are in Christ. That's why Scripture emphasizes the need to forgive. Choose to be liberated from your burden - Jesus promised to make us free when we choose to believe and obey Him (John 8:31-32).
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Current Sermon Series
As we have learned, the beatitudes are the introduction to the greatest sermon ever preached by the greatest Preacher ever. So we will continue on through the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus was not looking for the exterior obedience only, but inward obedience as well. Remember, man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart, the true person. Join us as we look through Jesus' message called The Sermon On The Mount.
Last Week:
When we do a good deed, it is not to be heralded, it is to be done on the down-low, maybe even hidden. We should not do good deeds only when others can see it and we get praise from it. It should be done for the glory of God, not for the glory of man or especially not for the glory of ourselves.
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
We continue our series on the Sermon on the Mount by looking into The Model Prayer.
Upcoming Events
December 7 - Ladies' Ornament Exchange at 12 PM at Chanin's house. Please RSVP to Chanin and contact her if you have any questions.
December 24 - Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 5 PM
December 25 - NO Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting
January 5 - Carry-in Fellowship Dinner following the AM Worship service210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
Unsubscribe me | Subscribe me FBC E-Blast - November 25, 2024
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November 25, 2024
Overcoming Failure - Romans 7Victory is God's will for the life of a believer. But sometimes we can find ourselves repeatedly falling into the same sin. If we want to do what is right, why do we continue to miss the mark?
One reason is incomplete repentance. It is possible for us to experience grief, embarrassment, and shame over sin without being truly repentant. Repentance isn't a matter of weeping or feeling guilty; rather, it's a change of mind about sin so that we no longer hold on to our own perspective but instead agree with God's viewpoint. When we do this, the heart turns in the opposite direction from persistent wrongdoing (Proverbs 28:13).
The second reason for failure is an inadequate view of our identity in the Lord. We, as children of God, have Christ living within us. When we grasp this truth, we will recognize that sin does not fit who we are, and we'll stop rationalizing our offenses. Our genuine repentance is based upon an honest and biblical understanding of our identity.
When we put these two truths together, we create a powerful tool against temptation. Our Father wants us to be victorious, and we triumph when we remember that Jesus Christ is the source of our life.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Current Sermon Series
As we have learned, the beatitudes are the introduction to the greatest sermon ever preached by the greatest Preacher ever. So we will continue on through the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus was not looking for the exterior obedience only, but inward obedience as well. Remember, man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart, the true person. Join us as we look through Jesus' message called The Sermon On The Mount.
Last Week:
We are just now finishing up the Matthew 5 in our series on The Sermon On The Mount. Today we are dealing with the last part of the law that Jesus expounded upon. The law says to love your neighbor as yourselves. The religious leaders of the day made a sin of omission by making it easier on themselves by removing the "as yourselves." Then they had a sin of addition where they added to the law that they had every right to hate your enemies. That command is found nowhere in the Bible. Then Jesus totally rocked their world of thinking by telling them that they should love their enemies. Yes, He addressed the Jews of His day, but He is addressing us as well.
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
We continue our series on the Sermon on the Mount by starting in Matthew 6 and seeing Is It Still A Good Deed If It Isn't Posted On Social Media?
Upcoming Events
November 27 - NO Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting
December 1 - Christmas Carols & Cookies at 6 PM
NO Carry-in Fellowship Dinner following the AM Worship service
Last Day for donating paper products for the McDonald Food Bank. If you have any questions, see Sheryl Fulmer.
December 7 - Ladies' Ornament Exchange at 12 PM at Chanin's house. Please RSVP to Chanin and contact her if you have any questions.
December 24 - Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 5 PM210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
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November 18, 2024
Claiming a Promise of God - II Peter 1God's promises are precious (II Peter 1:4). Not only do they remind us of His personal interest in our life, but they also provide hope and encouragement during difficult times.
Before claiming a promise, we must check ourselves in three areas: faith, obedience, and patience. First, we must trust Jesus as our personal Savior. Next, we must obey God. As discussed in last week's devotion, our obedience or action is required in order to claim conditional promises. Finally, patience is required. God operates on His timetable to accomplish His purposes according to His perfect plan.
At times it may seem as if a divine promise is not being fulfilled. When that is the case, take another look at the biblical passage to be sure it applies to you. Then verify that you have met the necessary conditions. If you are still convinced the promise applies, look a little deeper at your request. Will God be honored when this promise is fulfilled? Will it help you grow spiritually? These additional questions will assist you in claiming a promise.
The Holy Spirit will build our faith through Scripture, provide the strength necessary to obey, and develop in us the fruit of patience. These qualities are necessary and will help us as we look to God to fulfill His promises.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Current Sermon Series
As we have learned, the beatitudes are the introduction to the greatest sermon ever preached by the greatest Preacher ever. So we will continue on through the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus was not looking for the exterior obedience only, but inward obedience as well. Remember, man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart, the true person. Join us as we look through Jesus' message called The Sermon On The Mount.
Last Week:
As we are nearing the end of Matthew 5, Jesus is expounding yet another law from God's Word, that of the law of retaliation (an eye for an eye). He takes this law of retaliation and he expounds on it for us to not be so quick to take vengeance, instead to sacrifice a little bit of our right to vengeance and forgive them, even allow it to go further. That's why we see Him tell us to turn the other cheek, give them your cloak as well, go the extra mile, and to give to the one who asks. All of these teach us that as followers of Christ, we need to let God take care of our offenses.
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
We will continue our series on the Sermon on the Mount by looking at the rest of this chapter and what Jesus has to say about how we need to Love Our Enemies.
Upcoming Events
December 1 - Christmas Carols & Cookies at 6 PM
NO Carry-in Fellowship Dinner following the AM Worship service
Last Day for donating paper products for the McDonald Food Bank. If you have any questions, see Sheryl Fulmer.
December 7 - Ladies' Ornament Exchange at 12 PM at Chanin's house. Please RSVP to Chanin and contact her if you have any questions.
December 24 - Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 5 PM210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
Unsubscribe me | Subscribe me FBC E-Blast - November 11, 2024
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November 11, 2024
The Promises of God - Hebrews 10God made many promises in the Bible. But there is confusion among Christians about which verses we can claim as a definite commitment from Him. Three questions are useful in determining whether divine promises apply to our personal situation: - Is this promise limited to a specific individual or circumstance, or does it apply to all believers? For example, the pledge made to Abraham and Sarah about the birth of their child (Genesis 18:10) is restricted to them. But Hebrews 13:5 contains a guarantee to all Christians that Jesus will be with them forever.
- Are we asking the Lord to meet a need or a desire? A need is something that we must have in order for God to complete His work in our life. A desire is something we want for satisfaction.
- Before fulfilling a promise, does God require some action on our part? Proverbs 3:5-6 is a conditional promise, which pledges God's direction on the basis of our trust in Him. On the other hand, Jesus' assurance of His presence with believers is unconditional; it does not depend on anything we do (Matthew 28:20).
By evaluating Scripture on the basis of these questions, we're able to know which promises apply to our own circumstances. And remember: As II Corinthians 1:20 (NIV) says, "No matter how many promises God has made, they are 'Yes' in Christ."
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Current Sermon Series
As we have learned, the beatitudes are the introduction to the greatest sermon ever preached by the greatest Preacher ever. So we will continue on through the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus was not looking for the exterior obedience only, but inward obedience as well. Remember, man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart, the true person. Join us as we look through Jesus' message called The Sermon On The Mount.
Last Week:
As we get back to our series on the Sermon on the Mount, we come to Matthew 5:33-37. We see that Jesus brings up the law of not swearing falsely and whatever oath you make, to fulfill it. This idea does not have to do with cussing, but about being a person of your word. That is why I titled this message "Be a Person of Integrity." We need to be people who will say what we mean and mean what we say. We should be truthful enough that our word should be enough for others to believe.
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
We will continue our series on the Sermon on the Mount by looking at the next passage and what Jesus has to say about how we Don't Take Revenge.
Upcoming Events
December 1 - Christmas Carols & Cookies at 6 PM
NO Carry-in Fellowship Dinner following the AM Worship service
Last Day for donating paper products for the McDonald Food Bank. If you have any questions, see Sheryl Fulmer.
December 7 - Ladies' Ornament Exchange at 12 PM at Chanin's house. Please RSVP to Chanin and contact her if you have any questions.
December 24 - Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 5 PM210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
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October 28, 2024
The Greatness of God - Isaiah 40If you ask a group what God is like, you'll likely get different replies. Most of the time, the answers reveal more about the speakers than about God. In fact, the truth about God might surprise you.
As the Father reveals Himself in Scripture, one word that's never used in referring to Him is "it." God is a person; in every reference, He is given a name (Yahweh, Elohim, Lord) or referred to by masculine pronouns (He, Him). He has all of the attributes of personhood: intelligence to reason, emotions to feel, and the will to make decisions.
Scripture also shows God's immutability. Neither the Lord's nature nor His character ever changes; He is always Spirit, and His love remains constant. We can all expect that God's principles will hold true and that He will act exactly as He has promised. Delight, anger, and other feelings are not new traits but part of His being, and His emotions are always an appropriate fit for each situation.
God is eternal; He has no beginning or end (Psalm 90:2) and is the same yesterday, today, and forever. No one created Him; He simply is. That's hard for humans to understand, as His ways sometimes are (Romans 11:33). But we should be thankful our God is far greater than what we are able to grasp.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Current Sermon Series
What dominates the headlines doesn't have to dominate our hearts. There's only one name that can bring the world together, and you won't find it on a ballot. Are you ready to discover the hope and freedom we've been given Under God? Instead of focusing on politics, this series will ask what it really means for Christians around the world to be under God.
Last Week:
In this message we continue our series of Under God? If you will recall, we are not really going all political, but we are seeing how we, as believers, are to interact with the world and with each other in the midst of an ever increasing hostility towards God and the things of God. This message is titled Indivisible. It will speak to how we as the body of Christ need to be indivisible, set aside the attitude of division. We need each other and we will love each other as Jesus loved us.
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
Next week, we will finish up this series by looking at how Jesus came in liberty and justice, and how that should effect our lives.
Upcoming Events
November 3 - NO Carry-in Fellowship Dinner following the AM Worship service
November 10 - Thanksgiving Carry-in Fellowship Dinner following the AM Worship service
December 1 - Christmas Carols & Cookies at 6 PM
NO Carry-in Fellowship Dinner following the AM Worship service
December 24 - Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 5 PM210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
Unsubscribe me | Subscribe me FBC E-Blast - October 21, 2024
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October 21, 2024
The Problem of Laziness - Proverbs 6The book of Proverbs has much to say about individuals who are lazy. They do not think beyond today (Proverbs 20:4), wrongly consider themselves wise (Proverbs 26:16), and are on a path leading to future poverty (Proverbs 10:4).
When people develop a habit of laziness, there is a tendency to avoid tasks they don't like. This might involve offering excuses or simply failing to seek clarification when a request isn’t clear. Sadly, individuals who act this way often have trouble recognizing what they are doing wrong.
People may fool themselves and even each other, but God is not pleased by shoddy efforts. He has prepared work for us to do and expects it to be handled conscientiously. The Lord knows that the consequences of laziness are serious. At work, there is the possibility of frequent correction and even probation or termination. At home, carelessness can add tension to the atmosphere and build frustration - and in a trickle-down effect, children may start copying their parents' undesirable habits.
If you're already a disciplined worker but must interact with people who are not, continue to do your work with diligence and excellence. In addition, pray for patience, and be an example of Christ to those around you (I Timothy 4:12).
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Current Sermon Series
What dominates the headlines doesn't have to dominate our hearts. There's only one name that can bring the world together, and you won't find it on a ballot. Are you ready to discover the hope and freedom we've been given Under God? Instead of focusing on politics, this series will ask what it really means for Christians around the world to be under God.
Last Week:
We continue our series on "Under God?" as we look to see how Christians are supposed to live their lives under the headship of Christ in their lives, even in this tumultuous, political season. How can we live for the Lord and love those around us as God commands us to, if the world becomes more and more anti-God? In this message we will look at what we are under the influence of in our lives, culture or God.
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
Next week, we will continue our series Under God? by digging into what it means to be Indivisible as brothers and sisters in Christ.
Upcoming Events
October 23 - Quarterly Business Meeting at 7 PM
November 3 - NO Carry-in Fellowship Dinner following the AM Worship service
November 10 - Thanksgiving Carry-in Fellowship Dinner following the AM Worship service
December 1 - Christmas Carols & Cookies at 6 PM
NO Carry-in Fellowship Dinner following the AM Worship service210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
Unsubscribe me | Subscribe me FBC E-Blast - October 14, 2024
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October 14, 2024
The Danger of Laziness - II Thessalonians 3The Lord has appointed believers to be His ambassadors to a lost and hurting world. As His followers, we are to represent Him in our character, conduct, and conversation whenever we interact with family, friends, neighbors, or coworkers.
God expects us to be diligent in our work and faithful to complete it (Colossians 3:23). However, it's easy to get sidetracked into laziness. This sin is dangerous in a Christian's life because of the potential harm that can result - it can hurt our witness for Christ, damage our relationships, and waste the time and gifts the Lord has given us.
Laziness frequently shows up as procrastination. Surely, if a believer is known as unreliable, it harms his or her testimony. We're also a poor example if we attempt to carry out responsibilities but do so in a haphazard or incomplete way.
Irresponsible behavior doesn't fit who we are in Christ. If you realize you’ve been careless in some area of your life, take heart: Scripture promises that when we confess our wrongdoing, He is faithful to forgive us (I John 1:9). Pray, "Lord, I have not lived as I should, and I ask You for Your forgiveness. I choose to turn away from my lazy and neglectful attitudes. Please help me to follow through and become someone who is industrious for You."
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Current Sermon Series
What dominates the headlines doesn't have to dominate our hearts. There's only one name that can bring the world together, and you won't find it on a ballot. Are you ready to discover the hope and freedom we've been given Under God? Instead of focusing on politics, this series will ask what it really means for Christians around the world to be under God.
Last Week:
We take a short break from our series on the Sermon on the Mount to talk about what dominates the headlines doesn't have to dominate our hearts. There's only one name that can bring the world together, and you won't find it on a ballot. We need to discover the hope and freedom we've been given Under God. Instead of focusing on politics, this series will ask what it really means for Christians around the world to be under God.
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
Next Sunday, we will continue our series Under God? We will look at what it means to be Under God. We will look at the great biblical example of Daniel and how he chose not to be under the reign of the Babylonians and their godless ways, but to follow God. He chose to be under the authority of God.
Upcoming Events
October 19 - Trustee's Meeting at 9 AM
October 20 - Lord's Supper & Deacon's Fund Offering after AM Worship Service
October 23 - Quarterly Business Meeting at 7 PM
November 3 - NO Carry-in Fellowship Dinner following the AM Worship service
November 10 - Thanksgiving Carry-in Fellowship Dinner following the AM Worship service210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
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October 7, 2024
What Is the Church? - Colossians 1When most people hear the word church, the first thing they think of is a certain type of building. But it's so much more than that.
In Matthew 16:18, Jesus said, "I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" (KJV). He had something much greater in mind than a mere architectural structure. He was referring to the whole body of Christ, which is composed of all believers. The church began on the day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit came and anointed a group of Jesus' followers (Acts 2:1-47). And it has continued ever since then as the Lord has been adding more believers - "living stones" - to create "a spiritual house for a holy priesthood" (I Peter 2:5).
The church is not merely a place for social action or fellowship, though these are important aspects of its ministry. Rather, the church is the entire body of Christ, corporately and individually filled and enabled by the Holy Spirit to carry out the task designated by Jesus Himself. In other words, the church's purpose is to bring people to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ and to make disciples, instructing them and growing them up in the things of God (Matthew 28:19-20).
This week, spend some time asking the Lord what role you should be playing in the ministry of the church.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
(Possible) Upcoming Sermon Series
What dominates the headlines doesn't have to dominate our hearts. There's only one name that can bring the world together, and you won't find it on a ballot. Are you ready to discover the hope and freedom we've been given Under God? Instead of focusing on politics, this series will ask what it really means for Christians around the world to be under God.
Last Week:
We are back in our series on the Sermon on the Mount by Jesus in Matthew 5-7. The next law that Jesus covers is that of divorce, although it is not in the 10 Commandments. The Old Testament Law says that you must have a certificate of divorce, and Jesus expounds on that law. Is divorce a sin? What if I've already been divorced? What if I want a divorce? These questions and more will be answered in this message.
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
As pastor alluded to on Sunday, he is struggling about which sermon series he will be preaching on Sunday. He will either continue the series on the Sermon On The Mount or he will possibly start a new series about how we can be Christians Under God.
Upcoming Events
October 12 - NO Church Community Picnic. Unfortunately due to unforseen circumstances we have had to cancel this event.
October 13 - Deacon's Meeting at 8 AM
October 19 - Trustee's Meeting at 9 AM
October 20 - Lord's Supper & Deacon's Fund Offering after AM Worship Service
October 23 - Quarterly Business Meeting at 7 PM210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
Unsubscribe me | Subscribe me FBC E-Blast - September 30, 2024
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September 30, 2024
Confronting Goliaths - I Samuel 17David's short battle with Goliath was more than a fight between Israel and the Philistines. It was a defense of Jehovah's name against those who doubted Him. As David pointed out, the only way a boy with a sling could defeat a giant warrior like Goliath was by the Lord's hand. And that's exactly what happened.
In facing Goliath, David showed real courage and faith. But we see that what drove him to face the giant was righteous indignation: "For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he has dared to defy the armies of the living God?" (I Samuel 17:26). David believed that someone had to wipe away the reproach caused by Goliath's insults. Since no one else would step forward, he volunteered to defend Yahweh's name.
At one point or another, we also will find ourselves in a situation that challenges us to stand up for the Lord. At such a time, will we listen to our fears and remain silent? Or will we represent God's name in the way for which He’s called and equipped us? Our "smooth stones" (v. 40) are the truths from God's Word. Whatever the outcome appears to be, the battle is the Lord's, and He gives victory to the faithful.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Current Sermon Series
As we have learned, the beatitudes are the introduction to the greatest sermon ever preached by the greatest Preacher ever. So we will continue on through the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus was not looking for the exterior obedience only, but inward obedience as well. Remember, man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart, the true person. Join us as we look through Jesus' message called The Sermon On The Mount.
Last Week:
We had Mark Salomon share with us from God's Word.
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
We will continue our series on "The Sermon On The Mount," by looking into how Jesus expounds the command that we not get divorced.
Upcoming Events
October 6 - NO Carry-in Fellowship Dinner following the AM Worship service
October 12 - Church Community Picnic at Pavilion #1 at Cecil Park. You can start showing up anytime after 3 PM. Meal begins at 4 PM, and a short service will begin at 5 PM.
October 13 - Deacon's Meeting at 8 AM
October 19 - Trustee's Meeting at 9 AM
October 20 - Lord's Supper & Deacon's Fund Offering after AM Worship Service
October 23 - Quarterly Business Meeting at 7 PM210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
Unsubscribe me | Subscribe me FBC E-Blast - September 23, 2024
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September 23, 2024
The Purpose of Our Trials - I Peter 4Some believers like to portray their life as ideal and carefree. But in reality, being a Christian isn't easy. In fact, sometimes we'll experience trials that truly test our faith and ability to trust in God.
In today's passage, Peter refers to times of testing as a "fiery ordeal." He says we shouldn't be surprised when adversity comes. It's important to remember that God has a purpose for our difficulties and will see us through them (Romans 5:3-5). Here are some of the goals He may have for painful experiences:- At times the Lord uses hardship to cleanse us. Trials drive us to Him. And as we focus on God, we're increasingly able to see things from His perspective.
- A difficulty in our life may be the Lord's way of testing us. He could be trying our faith, endurance, or devotion to Him.
- God uses suffering to demonstrate His power to sustain us. When He brings us through challenging times, He glorifies Himself. In turn, this encourages others, because they have witnessed God’s sustaining power in our life.
Ultimately, hardships strengthen our testimony. In the midst of our struggles, we might feel overwhelmed and discouraged. But once the storm has passed, we can often look back and see the Lord’s providential hand carrying us through.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Current Sermon Series
As we have learned, the beatitudes are the introduction to the greatest sermon ever preached by the greatest Preacher ever. So we will continue on through the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus was not looking for the exterior obedience only, but inward obedience as well. Remember, man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart, the true person. Join us as we look through Jesus' message called The Sermon On The Mount.
Last Week:
We saw how Jesus expounded the law against adultery by including that we are guilty of adultery even if we only lust after someone and never physically commit the sin. Again, Jesus hit to the heart of the matter.
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
Next Sunday, Mark Salomon will be our guest speaker.
Upcoming Events
September 29 - Guest Speaker Mark Salomon will be speaking
October 6 - NO Carry-in Fellowship Dinner following the AM Worship service
October 12 - Church Community Picnic at Pavilion #1 at Cecil Park. You can start showing up anytime after 3 PM. Meal begins at 4 PM, and a short service will begin at 5 PM.
October 13 - Deacon's Meeting at 8 AM
October 19 - Trustee's Meeting at 9 AM
October 20 - Lord's Supper & Deacon's Fund Offering after AM Worship Service
October 23 - Quarterly Business Meeting at 7 PM210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
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September 16, 2024
Salvation: The Work of Our Sovereign God - Ephesians 2Salvation refers to the freedom gained when God rescues someone from bondage to sin and makes that person part of His family. It is a deliverance accomplished only through Jesus, who died in our place so we might be reconciled to the Father. This statement often evokes questions: - If I try to live in a moral way, won't God accept me? Questions like this assume that the Lord saves us on the basis of our conduct. But Romans 3:10 says, "There is no righteous person, not even one." In God's sight, even our virtuous acts, on their own, amount to nothing more than a filthy garment (Isaiah 64:6).
- Won't the Lord accept us because of His goodness? God is loving and good, but He is also just. He won't overlook sin, no matter how small we think it is.
- If we serve in our church or help others in God's name, aren't we part of His family? Good works do not solve our sin problem or reconcile us to God. Only Jesus does (Romans 5:1). Good works are an important result of salvation, not the basis for it.
Salvation is a work of God's grace rather than the product of our effort. When we respond to the Spirit's prompting, believe in Jesus, and are born again as God's children, we can be assured of our place in heaven.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Current Sermon Series
As we have learned, the beatitudes are the introduction to the greatest sermon ever preached by the greatest Preacher ever. So we will continue on through the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus was not looking for the exterior obedience only, but inward obedience as well. Remember, man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart, the true person. Join us as we look through Jesus' message called The Sermon On The Mount.
Last Week:
As we continue our series on the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus begins to expound upon the law, and the first one He begins with is "Do not murder." Seems easy enough, but then Jesus expounds on it and says that if you have anger or hatred in your heart, you are guilty of murder as well. Wow! We are all guilty of murder, right?
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
Next Sunday, we will continue our series Sermon On The Mount by looking into the next law that Jesus expounds, don't commit adultery.
Upcoming Events
September 29 - Guest Speaker Mark Salomon will be speaking
October 6 - NO Carry-in Fellowship Dinner following the AM Worship service
October 12 - Church Community Picnic at Pavilion #1 at Cecil Park. You can start showing up anytime after 3 PM. Meal begins at 4 PM, and a short service will begin at 5 PM.
October 13 - Deacon's Meeting at 8 AM
October 19 - Trustee's Meeting at 9 AM
October 20 - Lord's Supper & Deacon's Fund Offering after AM Worship Service
October 23 - Quarterly Business Meeting at 7 PM210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
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Current Sermon Series
As we have learned, the beatitudes are the introduction to the greatest sermon ever preached by the greatest Preacher ever. So we will continue on through the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus was not looking for the exterior obedience only, but inward obedience as well. Remember, man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart, the true person. Join us as we look through Jesus' message called The Sermon On The Mount.
Last Week:
We continue our series on The Sermon on the Mount, but we are getting into a mini-series within a series based on the remainder of Matthew 5, verses 17-48. Jesus goes through the process of not obliterating the law, but showing the people that He has come to fulfill all the law. Not only that, but He also expounds on the law to show that God is more concerned with our hearts and motives over our actions. He proceeds to talk about several of the 10 Commandments, as well as other things. In this message we cover Matthew 5:17-20.
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
Lord willing, we will be looking at Matthew 5:21-26 to see how Jesus expands the law of don't murder. It may be easy to never murder anyone, but when Jesus expands the law to your anger, that one is not as easy to keep.
Upcoming Events
September 29 - Guest Speaker Mark Salomon will be speaking
October 6 - NO Carry-in Fellowship Dinner following the AM Worship service
October 12 - Church Community Picnic at Pavilion #1 at Cecil Park. You can start showing up anytime after 3 PM. Meal begins at 4 PM, and a short service will begin at 5 PM.
October 13 - Deacon's Meeting at 8 AM
October 19 - Trustee's Meeting at 9 AM
October 20 - Lord's Supper & Deacon's Fund Offering after AM Worship Service
October 23 - Quarterly Business Meeting at 7 PM210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
Unsubscribe me | Subscribe me FBC E-Blast - August 26, 2024
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August 26, 2024
Avoiding Obstacles to Effective Prayer - Psalm 5Some of David's prayers are recorded in the book of Psalms. He praised the Lord, confessed sin, and cried out about his troubles. To pursue a rich prayer life like David's, we must avoid certain hindrances, such as: - Wavering faith (James 1:5-8). Doubts about God's character or dependability diminish our trust in Him. Therefore, we must not allow feelings to dictate what we believe.
- Wrong motives (James 4:3). We can't expect an affirmative answer when petitions are motivated by selfish desires. God wants us to pray for His will to be done - not ours.
- Conflict in relationships. Being resentful or argumentative with others will affect communication with the Father.
- Lack of generosity (Proverbs 21:13). God is displeased when we ignore peoples needs or give begrudgingly.
- Indifference (Proverbs 28:9). Apathy to the Scriptures is another stumbling block. God has given us the Bible so that we might know Him and serve Him wholeheartedly.
If your prayers have not been answered, consider which, if any, of the above issues may need correction. Then, try personalizing the prayers that you read in the Psalms or elsewhere in God’s Word.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Current Sermon Series
As we have learned, the beatitudes are the introduction to the greatest sermon ever preached by the greatest Preacher ever. So we will continue on through the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus was not looking for the exterior obedience only, but inward obedience as well. Remember, man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart, the true person. Join us as we look through Jesus' message called The Sermon On The Mount.
Last Week:
We continue our study in Matthew by looking into Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. We covered the beatitudes over the last several weeks, and we will continue to study the sermon. In this message we will see that those who are living the life laid out in the beatitudes are the salt and light of this world. What does that mean? How can we be salty (and I am not talking about being bitter or cantankerous) and light in this world? We will answer these questions and more in this sermon.
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
Next week we will have guest speaker Harold Rinehart sharing the Word of God with us.
Upcoming Events
September 1 - Guest Speaker Harold Rinehart will be speaking
Carry-in Fellowship Dinner following the AM Worship service
September 29 - Guest Speaker Mark Salomon will be speaking
October 12 - Church Community Picnic at Pavilion #1 at Cecil Park. Meal begins a 4 PM, and the short service will begin at 5 PM.210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
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August 5, 2024
The Blessings of Godly Friendship - John 15In all of God's creation, just one thing did not meet with His approval. He beheld Adam and said, "It is not good for the man to be alone" (Genesis 2:18). The Creator designed us for emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual closeness.
Jesus explained this to His disciples, saying they should love each other as He had loved them. In a God-honoring friendship, two people build each other up and spur one another on toward Christlikeness. Many people, however, fall far short of making and maintaining connections that sharpen their faith (Proverbs 27:17).
In fact, the walls we build to keep people at a distance are often defenses against God as well: Many don't want Him too close to their most personal business. But in learning to share freely with a brother or sister in Christ, believers will likely develop the capacity to be more honest with God as well. Then their own maturing faith can be a stimulus for the faith of others to grow.
Strong relationships begin with men and women who decide to risk their pride and comfort in order to love like Jesus. They recognize one reason we have friends is so we can motivate one another toward holiness. In a friendship of mutual trust and submission, two people will confess sin, offer gentle reproof, and share burdens. That kind of vulnerability brings rich rewards.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Current Sermon Series
Too many people in this world, including Christians believe that to be blessed means that God has given you all kinds of material wealth. They refer to being blessed as a humble brag. That is not what this Matthew 5 is about. Over the next several weeks, we will be going through what is commonly referred to as the Beatitudes. The Beatitudes are the intro to the Sermon on the Mount that was preached by Jesus in Matthew 5-7. We are calling this message #Blessed: It Doesn't Mean What You Think It Means.
Last Week:
As we continue to study the beatitudes of Matthew 5, we come to verse 9: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God." What does peace mean? What is a peacemaker? What is a threat to peace? Who makes peace? Who are the peacemakers? What is the blessing of peace? All of these questions and more will be answered in this message.
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
We will be concluding our series on the Beatitudes. We will look at what it means that we are blessed when we are persecuted.
Upcoming Events
August 10 - Trustee's Meeting at 9 AM
August 14 - Quarterly Business Meeting at 7 PM
August 18 - Lord's Supper & Deacon's Fund Offering after AM Worship Service
September 1 - Guest Speaker Harold Rinehart will be speaking
Carry-in Fellowship Dinner following the AM Worship service
September 29 - Guest Speaker Mark Salomon will be speaking210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
Unsubscribe me | Subscribe me FBC E-Blast - July 29, 2024
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July 29, 2024
The Need for Friendship - II Timothy 4Independence is a prized attribute in Western culture, but biblically speaking, it isn't a worthy aspiration. The very fact that the Lord formed the church (a community of believers) should tell us that He did not create us for self-sufficiency or isolation.
When we place our faith in Jesus, the Holy Spirit indwells us so we can have a relationship with Him and satisfying friendships with one another. In God's design, a committed biblical friendship builds both parties toward Christlikeness. Over and over in Scripture, we find evidence of believers relying upon a close friend or confidante for support. In today's passage, for example, Paul spoke about his dependence on dear companions. And he encouraged others to form godly relationships too.
The further we drift from the Lord, the more pervasive our self-sufficient attitude becomes. We're hesitant to give to others, which in turn makes us reluctant to receive. Instead, Scripture tells us we are to love one another, bear our brothers' burdens, and confess our sins to fellow believers (John 13:34; Galatians 6:2; James 5:16). In other words, we’re to give ourselves away to others and receive from them in return. That’s how church members can encourage one another to Christlikeness.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Current Sermon Series
Too many people in this world, including Christians believe that to be blessed means that God has given you all kinds of material wealth. They refer to being blessed as a humble brag. That is not what this Matthew 5 is about. Over the next several weeks, we will be going through what is commonly referred to as the Beatitudes. The Beatitudes are the intro to the Sermon on the Mount that was preached by Jesus in Matthew 5-7. We are calling this message #Blessed: It Doesn't Mean What You Think It Means.
Last Week:
We are back in our series the beatitudes that we are calling #Blessed: It Doesn't Mean What You Think It Means. Today we come to the blessing of those who are pure in heart. What does that all mean? How can we be pure in heart? Are there different kinds of purity? All these questions and more will be answered in the message.
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
Next Sunday we will be almost done with our series on the Beatitudes: #Blessed: It Doesn't Mean What You Think It Means, we have just 2 weeks left in the series. Next Sunday, the Lord willing, we will see what Jesus means when He said, "Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called the sons of God."
Upcoming Events
August 4 - Carry-in Fellowship Dinner following the AM Worship service
August 10 - Trustee's Meeting at 9 AM
August 14 - Quarterly Business Meeting at 7 PM
August 18 - Lord's Supper & Deacon's Fund Offering after AM Worship Service
September 1 - Guest Speaker Harold Rinehart will be speaking
September 29 - Guest Speaker Mark Salomon will be speaking210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
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July 22, 2024
Jesus, Our Rock - Malachi 3Christ is the foundation for our faith, and that's a comforting truth. Let's explore the Lord's actions to learn more about His nature. Jesus ... - Forgave others. The Lord showed mercy to those who recognized their sin. For example, He had compassion on the woman caught in adultery, and instead of pronouncing condemnation, He said that her sins were forgiven (John 8:1-11).
- Comforted the hurting. He visited Mary and Martha, who were mourning the loss of their brother (John 11:1-45).
- Provided for needs. After spending three days healing, He was concerned that the large crowd hadn't eaten, and He provided more than enough to satisfy their hunger (Matthew 15:30-37).
- Interceded for His disciples. Just before He was crucified, Jesus asked the Father to protect and sanctify His followers, which includes believers today (John 17:15-20).
- Strengthened believers. In Acts 1:8, the Lord sent His disciples out to share the gospel, assuring them, "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you."
Jesus still forgives, comforts, provides, intercedes, and empowers today. Praise God for the refuge He has provided in our Savior.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Current Sermon Series
Too many people in this world, including Christians believe that to be blessed means that God has given you all kinds of material wealth. They refer to being blessed as a humble brag. That is not what this Matthew 5 is about. Over the next several weeks, we will be going through what is commonly referred to as the Beatitudes. The Beatitudes are the intro to the Sermon on the Mount that was preached by Jesus in Matthew 5-7. We are calling this message #Blessed: It Doesn't Mean What You Think It Means.
Last Week:
We had Tom Boehm, our missionary to Italy, with us. He spoke to us from Philippians 2 about what it means when Christ emptied Himself.
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
Next Sunday, we will get back to our study on the Beatitudes that we have been calling Blessed by looking at what it means to be Pure In Heart.
Upcoming Events
August 4 - Carry-in Fellowship Dinner following the AM Worship service
August 18 - Lord's Supper & Deacon's Fund Offering after AM Worship Service
September 1 - Guest Speaker Harold Rinehart will be speaking
September 29 - Guest Speaker Mark Salomon will be speaking210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
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July 15, 2024
Discovering God's Path - Psalm 25Perhaps you have wondered, Does God have a specific plan for my life? And if He does, is it possible to know what the plan is? These are questions many Christians have grappled with at some point. And there's good news - the answer to both is a resounding yes! God has a plan for each believer's life. Moreover, He wants us to know and walk the path He has for us.
Sometimes we make the idea of finding the Lord's will more complicated than it needs to be. He's not playing hide and seek with His will. There are three simple things we can do to discover His best path for our life:
1. We must have a sincere desire for God's guidance, trusting that He will direct us in His perfect timing (John 16:13).
2. We should seek the Lord through His Word. After all, the Bible is one of the primary tools He uses to make His will and His ways apparent to us (II Timothy 3:16-17).
3. We are to pray continually (I Thessalonians 5:17), fully expecting that our Father has something to say to us, His beloved children.
As we seek the Lord in these ways, we'll be able to perceive His direction for our life. Then, we can live with the confident hope that we are walking in His will.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Current Sermon Series
Too many people in this world, including Christians believe that to be blessed means that God has given you all kinds of material wealth. They refer to being blessed as a humble brag. That is not what this Matthew 5 is about. Over the next several weeks, we will be going through what is commonly referred to as the Beatitudes. The Beatitudes are the intro to the Sermon on the Mount that was preached by Jesus in Matthew 5-7. We are calling this message #Blessed: It Doesn't Mean What You Think It Means.
Last Week:
We had guest speaker Jared Nolan from the Washington City Mission, preach for us about our need to stay faithful to the Lord in our race to follow Him.
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
We will have our missionary family, the Boehm's, with us.
Upcoming Events
July 21 - Special Guest Speaker Tom Boehm, our missionary to Italy will be with us
August 4 - Carry-in Fellowship Dinner following the AM Worship service210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
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June 17, 2024
A Joyful Heart - Psalm 16Are you happy? Your answer likely depends on what's happening in your life right now. If things are going well, your health is good, and you have strong relationships, you may say, "Yes, I'm content." The problem is that happiness is a fleeting emotion. When conditions change for the worse, it scurries out the door. But joy doesn't.
Even though happiness and joy are often thought of as synonymous, they are actually quite different. Happiness is temporary because it's based on our external circumstances, but joy can be a constant state - something that's present no matter what's going on in our life. That's because joy is the result of God's presence within us. It's an internal condition that is unaffected by life's difficulties.
David was able to say his heart was glad (Psalm 16:9) because he had discovered the key to walking in a constant state of joy, despite hardship. And we can do the same. By fixing our eyes on our Father (John 15:9-11), we can have peace and a glad heart no matter what. When we spend time with Him, experiencing His presence and goodness in our life, we will be able to walk through each day with His unsurpassable joy in our heart.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Current Sermon Series
Too many people in this world, including Christians believe that to be blessed means that God has given you all kinds of material wealth. They refer to being blessed as a humble brag. That is not what this Matthew 5 is about. Over the next several weeks, we will be going through what is commonly referred to as the Beatitudes. The Beatitudes are the intro to the Sermon on the Mount that was preached by Jesus in Matthew 5-7. We are calling this message #Blessed: It Doesn't Mean What You Think It Means.
Last Week:
As we continue our study of the Beatitudes, we come to the fifth verse: Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. What does it mean to be meek? What does it look like? What is the result of meekness? We will answer these questions and more today.
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
We will be continuing our series of #Blessed by looking at the next Beatitude of blessed are Those Who Desire Righteousness.
Upcoming Events
June 20 - VBS Decorating at 6:30 PM
June 23-27 - Vacation Bible School: click here to register
July 7 - Carry-in Fellowship Dinner following the AM Worship service
July 14 - Baptismal Service following the AM Worship service
July 21 - Special Guest Speaker Tom Boehm missionary to Italy will be with us210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
Unsubscribe me | Subscribe me FBC E-Blast - June 10, 2024
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June 10, 2024
Together in Comfort - I John 4What advantage is there to living in unity? Paul suggests one benefit is the "comfort from love" that we find in Christ (Philippians 2:1 ESV). Comfort, we understand - the modern world prizes it above most things. But while the world has made this desire the goal of an endless pursuit, Paul teaches that God's love provides it.
The Lord describes Himself as "merciful and compassionate" (Psalm 145:8 NLT). That's why, as the Israelites prepared to enter the Promised Land, Moses could tell them, "The Lord your God loves you" (Deuteronomy 23:5). And when those same people went into exile and captivity again, God reminded them through Jeremiah, "I have loved you with an everlasting love" (Jeremiah 31:3). Then in the New Testament, Jesus told Nicodemus that God's rescue plan is based on His love (John 3:16). In short, we experience comfort because God loved us, even before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4).
God's love consoles us and comforts us individually. But His love also makes it possible for us to care for others. "We love," John writes, "because He first loved us" (I John 4:19>). We can know the greatest unity - and the deep connection with others that we long for - when we live out of the comfort we experience in knowing the Father.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Current Sermon Series
Too many people in this world, including Christians believe that to be blessed means that God has given you all kinds of material wealth. They refer to being blessed as a humble brag. That is not what this Matthew 5 is about. Over the next several weeks, we will be going through what is commonly refered to as the Beatitudes. The Beatitudes are the intro to the Sermon on the Mount that was preached by Jesus in Matthew 5-7. We are calling this message #Blessed: It Doesn't Mean What You Think It Means.
Last Week:
We continue our series of the Beatitudes by looking at verse 4, blessed are they that mourn. We are going to take a deep dive into what mourning means, how to mourn, as well as the result of mourning.
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
We will be continuing our series of #Blessed by looking at the next Beatitude of blessed are The Meek.
Upcoming Events
June 16 - Father's Day
June 23-27 - Vacation Bible School: click here to register
July 7 - Carry-in Fellowship Dinner following the AM Worship service
July 14 - Baptismal Service following the AM Worship service
July 21 - Special Guest Speaker Tom Boehm missionary to Italy will be with us210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
Unsubscribe me | Subscribe me FBC E-Blast - June 6, 2023
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June 3, 2024
To Wait Is to Wait - Psalm 40It’s likely we've all had the difficult experience of praying for something and wondering how long God would take to respond. We express our desire, pray sincerely, and sometimes get impatient when we don't get our answer. We might even begin to create a backup plan if it seems He's taking too long to come through.
Learning how to wait patiently on the Lord is an acquired skill - and an essential one. David, who learned to do so in times of joy, exile, and conflict, wrote in Psalm 40:1 that he "waited patiently" for God. In fact, the Hebrew word qawa is repeated, which gives the verse a literal sense of "to wait, I waited on the Lord." That repetition also lets us know the writer is stating something important. David recognized that patient stillness helped his faith to grow - a truth he emphasized by writing it twice.
The psalmist was saying that he persevered in prayer and anticipated God's answer. For us as well, waiting develops perseverance. Then, as Romans 5:3-5 teaches, perseverance will lead to character, and character will bring about hope. If, while waiting, we look to God for wisdom and direction, we will begin to see His work in our life and recognize His goodness. Not only does waiting patiently express our trust in and reliance on God; it also helps us develop greater faith.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Current Sermon Series
Too many people in this world, including Christians believe that to be blessed means that God has given you all kinds of material wealth. They refer to being blessed as a humble brag. That is not what this Matthew 5 is about. Over the next several weeks, we will be going through what is commonly refered to as the Beatitudes. The Beatitudes are the intro to the Sermon on the Mount that was preached by Jesus in Matthew 5-7. We are calling this message #Blessed: It Doesn't Mean What You Think It Means.
Last Week:
We are in our second week of our series #Blessed. Last week was an introductory sermon on this series. We covered what it means to be blessed as well as the context in which the Beatitudes are located in Matthew. Today we are looking at the first attitude that is blessed, Poor in Spirit. We are going to look at what it means, why we must be that way, as well as answering the question: how do I know if I'm poor in spirit?
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
We will be continuing our series of #Blessed by looking at the next Beatitude of blessed are Those Who Mourn.
Upcoming Events
June 16 - Father's Day
June 23-27 - Vacation Bible School see Tara for more details
July 7 - Carry-in Fellowship Dinner following the AM Worship service
July 14 - Baptismal Service following the AM Worship service
July 21 - Special Guest Speaker Tom Boehm missionary to Italy will be with us210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
Unsubscribe me | Subscribe me FBC E-Blast - May 6, 2024
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May 6, 2024
Joy in the Holy Spirit - Romans 14In today's passage, the apostle Paul writes, "[Do not] put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother's or sister's way... For if because of food your brother or sister is hurt, you are no longer walking in accordance with love" (vv. 13, 15). God's kingdom isn't about what we eat or drink - or any other "rule" we think we must follow. Rather, it's about the transformative work of the Holy Spirit within us.
When we align with God's righteousness, seeking His ways and His will, joy blossoms. The Holy Spirit, our Comforter and Guide, brings it to life within us. He reminds us of God's love, assures us of our salvation, and empowers us to live in harmony with those around us. This is not some superficial or temporary happiness; it's the fruit of the Spirit dwelling in us (Galatians 5:22) and transcends our circumstances.
Take a moment to reflect on the joy that comes from knowing God and seeking Him. This profound sense of stability and strength cannot be bought or manufactured - it flows from our connection to the Source of all joy and is a taste of the eternal pleasures that await us in God's presence (Psalm 16:11).
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Current Sermon Series
We are studying Colossians 3-4, and we are titling the series Check Yourself. Each week we will be covering different areas of our lives that we need to check ourselves against God's Word to see if we are living up to His Word. As it has become a popular saying, you better check yourself before you wreck yourself. There is a lot of truth in that.
Last Week:
As we are coming down to the end of our study of Colossians 3-4, we look at how our relationships at work will be changed if we are followers of Jesus Christ. We are talking about the employee-employer relationship today. As a result of this relationship, we can see a vast difference between what we are supposed to do and what this world does. The more that we activate these principles in our job place, the more God-pleasing we will be, where He will get the glory.
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
We will be concluding our series of Check Yourself by looking at Colossians 4:2-6 and we will see the need to Check Your Talk.
Upcoming Events
May 12 - Mother's Day
May 19 - Special Guest Speaker Andy Streit, a missionary to Peru, will be with us
May 26 - Lord's Supper & Deacon's Fund Offering after AM Worship Service
May 27 - Memorial Day Community Service at 9:45 AM at the Midway Honor Roll and 10 AM at the Center Cemetery
June 2 - Carry-in Fellowship Dinner following the AM Worship service210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
Unsubscribe me | Subscribe me FBC E-Blast - April 29, 2024
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April 29, 2024
Give With Joy - II Corinthians 9The act of giving holds a special place in God's heart. Verse 7 of today's passage reminds us that God cares about the way we share what we have. He delights in cheerful givers who act with a joyful heart and willing spirit.
When we give grudgingly or out of duty, we miss the delight of aligning our heart with God’s generous nature. Sharing with others should be seen as a privilege, not a burden. It’s an opportunity to participate in God’s work and to be His hands and feet by meeting the needs of those around us.
The condition of our heart - not the size of our gift - is what determines how the Lord views what we offer. Giving cheerfully reflects gratitude for His blessings and trust in His provision. It acknowledges that everything we have belongs to God and we are merely stewards. So, allow the joy of giving to fill your heart as you partner with God in blessing others. And remember, it’s not about the dollar amount but the love behind your gift.
Take a moment now to ask God where He is inviting you to generously give to others, just as He generously gave to you. Ask Him who, and then faithfully and obediently execute the what.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Current Sermon Series
We are studying Colossians 3-4, and we are titling the series Check Yourself. Each week we will be covering different areas of our lives that we need to check ourselves against God's Word to see if we are living up to His Word. As it has become a popular saying, you better check yourself before you wreck yourself. There is a lot of truth in that.
Last Week:
We are in week 7 of our series called "Check Yourself" from Colossians 3-4. In this message we are going to see the need for us to make sure that we check our relationships at home. Paul calls out wives, husbands, children, and fathers to do something specific, if you are truly growing in the Lord. That pretty much covers every single person. Join us as we need to "Check Your Home."
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
We continue our series of Check Yourself by looking at the need to Check Your Work. We will be talking about as followers of God and as we are to be growing in the Lord it will change the way that interact with the people at our jobs.
Upcoming Events
May 5 - Carry-in Fellowship Dinner following the AM Worship service. Since it's Cinco de Mayo, let's have a mexican themed dinner!
May 12 - Mother's Day
May 19 - Special Guest Speaker Andy Streit, a missionary to Peru, will be with us
May 26 - Lord's Supper & Deacon's Fund Offering after AM Worship Service
May 27 - Memorial Day Community Service at 9:45 AM at the Midway Honor Roll and 10 AM at the Center Cemetery210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
Unsubscribe me | Subscribe me FBC E-Blast - April 22, 2024
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April 22, 2024
New Mercies Every Morning - Lamentations 3The prophet Jeremiah knew the sorrow of a dark night. He's often called the weeping prophet because of the tears he cried over the destruction of Jerusalem and the sinfulness of her people. But even in his sorrow, Jeremiah was able to hold on to hope. He remained confident that both God's people and the city of Jerusalem would be restored, thanks to the Father's faithfulness and unending mercy.
For Jeremiah, confidence stemmed from trusting in God, and the same can be true for us. No matter what difficulties arise, we have God's promise that He is faithful to care for us. That promise changes everything - trusting in God’s faithfulness and mercy allows us to cling to unwavering hope for the future.
Jesus' words in Matthew 6:30-32 underscore Jeremiah's heart cry: "Do not worry then, saying, 'What are we to eat?' or 'What are we to drink?' or 'What are we to wear for clothing?' …for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things." God is fully aware of our needs and will be faithful to meet them. His mercies are available to us every single day. Let's be deliberate about leaning into those mercies, as Jeremiah was. And we, too, can look forward to experiencing confidence and peace.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Current Sermon Series
We are studying Colossians 3-4, and we are titling the series Check Yourself. Each week we will be covering different areas of our lives that we need to check ourselves against God's Word to see if we are living up to His Word. As it has become a popular saying, you better check yourself before you wreck yourself. There is a lot of truth in that.
Last Week:
We continue our series in Colossians 3-4 called "Check Yourself." Today we are looking at verses 15-17 and we are calling it "Check Your Growth." As parents, we want to make sure our kids are growing well. We take them to check up appointments, and the doctor's office will measure them to see where they are on the growth chart. If a child isn't growing, there is great concern. Likewise, spiritually, we are to be growing as well. If not, there is an issue that needs to be dealt with. We check our growth with the standard of God's Word. How's your growth?
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
As we continue in our series Check Yourself, we will look at Colossians 3:18-21. We will learn why it is so important for us to Check Your Homelife.
Upcoming Events
May 5 - Carry-in Fellowship Dinner following the AM Worship service. Since it's Cinco de Mayo, let's have a mexican themed dinner!
May 12 - Mother's Day
May 19 - Special Guest Speaker Andy Streit, a missionary to Peru, will be with us
May 26 - Lord's Supper & Deacon's Fund Offering after AM Worship Service
May 27 - Memorial Day Community Service at 9:45 AM at the Midway Honor Roll and 10 AM at the Center Cemetery210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
Unsubscribe me | Subscribe me FBC E-Blast - April 15, 2024
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April 15, 2024
The Ministry of Reconciliation - John 13David and his son Absalom had a broken relationship, and for years neither tried to make amends. Today's passage says that Joab, who "perceived that the king's heart was drawn toward Absalom," decided to do something about it (v. 1).
According to Paul, we, too, are called to help make things right. In II Corinthians 5, he says, "God ... reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation." This doesn't mean we need to interject ourselves into others' disagreements, but as ambassadors for Christ, we should forgive and lovingly point people to Jesus, who is "reconciling the world to Himself." What wonderful news for us, because there will be times when we need to be reconciled to someone else. We should be quick to apologize, humbly admitting our part and extending grace for their mistakes. Like Jesus, we should "not [count] their wrongdoings against them, and [be] committed to ... the word of reconciliation" (II Corinthians 5:18-19).
It's hard to conceive of a love this huge: God sent His Son to die so we could have a right relationship with Him. Offering each of us welcome and forgiveness, He meets us where we are, embraces us like a father who has missed His child, and reconciles us to Himself. Won't you receive that love - and share it?
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Current Sermon Series
We are studying Colossians 3-4, and we are titling the series Check Yourself. Each week we will be covering different areas of our lives that we need to check ourselves against God's Word to see if we are living up to His Word. As it has become a popular saying, you better check yourself before you wreck yourself. There is a lot of truth in that.
Last Week:
As we continue in our study of Colossians 3 & 4 that we are calling "Check Yourself," today we are looking at a few attitudes that we need to be putting on like clothes, for the believer. We will be covering forbearing, forgiving, and loving. All three of these are so vital in the life of a believer.
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
This upcoming Sunday, we will continue our study of Colossians 3-4 by looking at how we need to Check Your Growth.
Upcoming Events
April 17 - Quarterly Business Meeting at 7 PM
May 5 - Carry-in Fellowship Dinner following the AM Worship service. Since it's Cinco de Mayo, let's have a mexican themed dinner!
May 12 - Mother's Day
May 19 - Special Guest Speaker Andy Streit, a missionary to Peru, will be with us
May 26 - Lord's Supper & Deacon's Fund Offering after AM Worship Service
May 27 - Memorial Day Community Service at 9:45 AM at the Midway Honor Roll and 10 AM at the Center Cemetery210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
Unsubscribe me | Subscribe me FBC E-Blast - April 1, 2024
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April 1, 2024
Love One Another - John 13What does it look like to love God and to follow Jesus? Hundreds of voices around us shout very different answers to such questions. Believe this! Do that! Follow me! It can be confusing, even frightening, to a genuine seeker longing to know God.
But in today’s passage, we learn how Jesus wants believers to act on their faith — during His last dinner with the disciples, He simply encouraged them to "love one another." This, Jesus says, is how the world will know we are His followers (John 13:34-35). Love will be the fruit, the sign, the proof.
What does this love look like? That’s a fair question, and Jesus has that covered, too: "Just as I have loved you, you should love each other" (John 13:34 NLT). Turning with compassion to the hungry, sick, fearful, and vulnerable, Jesus spent His life putting aside status in order to serve. He confronted the greedy and those using God's name to amass power for themselves. In a startling act of humble service, He got down on the floor to wash the feet of His followers. And soon after, He went to the cross in the most stunning display of love in history.
Our marching orders, then, are to love in the ways Jesus loved. This is how the world will know we are His. This is how the world will know Him.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Current Sermon Series
We are studying Colossians 3-4, and we are titling the series Check Yourself. Each week we will be covering different areas of our lives that we need to check ourselves against God's Word to see if we are living up to His Word. As it has become a popular saying, you better check yourself before you wreck yourself. There is a lot of truth in that.
Last Week:
He is risen! He is risen, indeed! Happy Resurrection Sunday. Today, we will look into John 20 to see the resurrection in light of the disciples.
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
This upcoming Sunday, we will continue our study of Colossians 3-4 by looking at how we need to Check Your Growth.
Upcoming Events
April 7 - Special Guest Joanne Foltz our missionary to Tanzania will be with us
There will be NO Carry-in Fellowship Dinner
April 13 - Trustee's Meeting at 9 AM
April 14 - Deacon's Meeting at 8 AM
May 5 - Carry-in Fellowship Dinner following the AM Worship service
May 26 - Lord's Supper & Deacon's Fund Offering after AM Worship Service
May 27 - Memorial Day Community Service at 9:45 AM at the Midway Honor Roll and 10 AM at the Center Cemetery210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
Unsubscribe me | Subscribe me FBC E-Blast - March 25, 2024
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March 25, 2024
A New Commandment - John 13Is there a task around the house you just can’t stand to do, yet you know it needs to be done? Maybe you find yourself looking the other way, hoping someone else will do the dirty work.
But not Jesus. On this final night with His friends, as they gathered for dinner, someone needed to clean all those filthy feet. After all, they would be sitting on the ground, their bodies close to the low table of food. Their sandals would be caked with dust and dirt and whatever else they walked through on the streets. This task was considered so disgusting and menial that it’s thought even slaves at times refused to do it.
But on this night, Jesus Himself filled a basin and began to wash His disciples' feet. Peter was appalled and cried, "Never shall You wash my feet!" (John 13:8). Yet Jesus insisted. There, in their last hours together, it was paramount that they understood exactly who Jesus was. Yes, Jesus was their Teacher, Lord, and Master. And His signs and wonders were evidence that He was God. But this God came to serve, not to demand. To die, not to kill.
What does it mean to follow such a God? That night, with His friends, Jesus demonstrated this vividly. No student can be greater than his teacher, after all. We must be the people who serve one another.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Current Sermon Series
We are studying Colossians 3-4, and we are titling the series Check Yourself. Each week we will be covering different areas of our lives that we need to check ourselves against God's Word to see if we are living up to His Word. As it has become a popular saying, you better check yourself before you wreck yourself. There is a lot of truth in that.
Last Week:
In this message, we are continuing our series of "Check Yourself," by looking into the need for us to "Check Your Identity." We are going to see three different identities that believers in Christ have. We are new creations. We are a part of the body of Christ. We are chosen by God. Join us today in worshipping the Lord!
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
This upcoming Sunday, we will be celebrating Easter and look at when Jesus said, "I Am The Resurrection and the Life."
Upcoming Events
March 30 - Easter Egg Hunt at noon at the Midway Community Park
March 31 - Easter Services at the church:
8:00 AM - Early Worship Service
9:00 AM - Carry-in Breakfast
10:00 - Easter Worship Service
There will be no 11 AM Service.
April 7 - Special Guest Joanne Foltz our missionary to Tanzania will be with us
There will be NO Carry-in Fellowship Dinner210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
Unsubscribe me | Subscribe me FBC E-Blast - March 18, 2024
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March 18, 2024
Remembering Forward - Deuteronomy 29Today we read about Moses gathering the people together so the entire nation could enter into a covenant with God. But he didn't begin the way we might expect - with details of the oath, what the people must do, what the Lord would do, or the consequences of faithfulness or unfaithfulness. Instead, Moses began by reminding the people of all that God had already done.
Oh, the things they had seen with their own eyes! The things they had touched with their hands and tasted with their lips! God had entered their lives in tangible, unmistakable ways, and because of these experiences and memories, they knew "the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law" (v. 29 NIV).
Today, it's still true that we gain confidence in God and trust for the future when we remember what He has already done in our life. But holding tightly to these memories can be harder than it sounds.
What are the stories of your faith and your family? How and when has God met you, led you, fed you? Let's find ways to tell these stories - to ourselves, our children, and our children's children.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Current Sermon Series
We are studying Colossians 3-4, and we are titling the series Check Yourself. Each week we will be covering different areas of our lives that we need to check ourselves against God's Word to see if we are living up to His Word. As it has become a popular saying, you better check yourself before you wreck yourself. There is a lot of truth in that.
Last Week:
As we continue to learn how to "Check Yourself" from Colossians 3, today we will look at the need to "Check Your Sin." If you are a child of God there are sins that in our lives that shouldn't be there. There is a group of sins that Paul says that we need to put to death, and then another group of sins that we are to put off. We will talk about how to do put to death and put off, and what these sins are about.
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
This upcoming Sunday, we continue our series Check Yourself by looking into the need to Check Your Identity.
Upcoming Events
March 24 - Easter Egg Stuffing Pizza Party at the church following the AM Worship Service
March 30 - Easter Egg Hunt at noon at the Midway Community Park
March 31 - Easter Services at the church:
8:00 AM - Early Worship Service
9:00 AM - Carry-in Breakfast
10:00 - Easter Worship Service
There will be no 11 AM Service.
April 7 - Special Guest Joanne Foltz our missionary to Tanzania will be with us
There will be NO Carry-in Fellowship Dinner210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
Unsubscribe me | Subscribe me FBC E-Blast - March 11, 2024
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March 11, 2024
Letting Go of Anxiety - I Peter 5Amidst life’s hardships, God lovingly tells us to cast our anxieties on Him (I Peter 5:7). He knows our heart and cares deeply about every aspect of our life. As we surrender our fears and worries to Him, we experience the peace that surpasses all understanding and find comfort in His unfailing love.
In a world marked by stress and anxiety, God offers an anchor for our restless souls. Many of us are beset by storms and feel as if we must navigate life’s challenges on our own. But the truth is, we have a heavenly Father who is ever-present and eager to handle our anxieties.
As believers, we’re not exempt from worry, but we are called to approach our fears with a different perspective. That is, we're invited to shift our focus from the problems surrounding us to the One who holds the universe in His hands. God's care for His children is not limited to the grandiose; it extends to the tiniest details of daily life.
Casting our anxieties upon the Lord is an act of surrender, which requires acknowledging our limitations and embracing His sovereignty. Though submitting in this way may not eliminate life’s challenges, doing so helps us face them with courage and trust.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Current Sermon Series
We are studying Colossians 3-4, and we are titling the series Check Yourself. Each week we will be covering different areas of our lives that we need to check ourselves against God's Word to see if we are living up to His Word. As it has become a popular saying, you better check yourself before you wreck yourself. There is a lot of truth in that.
Last Week:
We begin a new series from the book of Colossians. We are focusing on chapter 3, verses 1-4. We will see some background on the book, and then we will look at three spiritual things that we need to know, and as a result of knowing them, we need to act on them. Join us as we learn how to "Check Yourself."
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
This upcoming Sunday, we will see that we, individually, need to Check Your Sin.
Upcoming Events
March 16 - Barb Salomon's Memorial Service at the church at 3 PM. This Sunday is the last day to sign up.
March 24 - Easter Egg Stuffing Pizza Party at the church following the AM Worship Service
March 30 - Easter Egg Hunt at noon at the Midway Community Park
March 31 - Easter Services at the church:
8:00 AM - Early Worship Service
9:00 AM - Carry-in Breakfast
10:00 - Easter Worship Service
There will be no 11 AM Service.
April 7 - Special Guest Joanne Foltz our missionary to Tanzania will be with us210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
Unsubscribe me | Subscribe me FBC E-Blast - March 4, 2024
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March 4, 2024
The Believer’s Impact - Matthew 28The Lord has given us talents and abilities so that we can serve Him and make a difference in our circle of influence, no matter its size.
To maximize our impact, we must develop a lifestyle of prayer, because talking to God is essential for effective ministry. Conversation with Him prepares our mind for communicating to others - the simplest words can have amazing results when He directs. And the Lord has also promised to respond to our requests according to His perfect will.
Our Father wants us to use our spiritual gifts to bless others. So let's keep in mind that acts of service can speak clearly of His love and compassion. As we become salt and light, God will expand our sphere of influence beyond what we could imagine.
Pray, "Lord, I give You control over my life so You can affect others through my words and actions. Make my days count for eternity however You choose - do not let me waste them. Live Your life through me in such a way that many recognize their need for You. In Jesus' name, amen."
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Upcoming Sermon Series
I am not sure exactly where I am going, what it's called, how long it will last, but we will be studying Colossians 3.
Last Week:
In this final message of this series we will look at how we need to face the deconstructive thoughts in our lives or in the lives of others. We need to face our questions as well as why we are doing so. We also need to value the truth in love. Too many err on one side or the other, but God calls us to address the truth in love.
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
We will begin looking into Colossians 3.
Upcoming Events
March 10 - Lord's Supper & Deacon's Fund Offering after AM Worship Service
March 16 - Barb Salomon's Memorial Service at the church at 3 PM. This Sunday is the last day to sign up.
March 24 - Easter Egg Stuffing Pizza Party at the church following the AM Worship Service
March 30 - Easter Egg Hunt at noon at the Midway Community Park
March 31 - Easter Services at the church:
8:00 AM - Early Worship Service
9:00 AM - Carry-in Breakfast
10:00 - Easter Worship Service
There will be no 11 AM Service.210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
Unsubscribe me | Subscribe me FBC E-Blast - February 26, 2024
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February 26, 2024
A Beautiful Simplicity - John 12Jesus, the Light of the World, told us - His followers - to be light as well. We are to shine so that people will be drawn to the One who dwells within us.
Light shines most effectively when it's not hidden. As Christians, we should be transparent about our faith and dependence on the Lord. Who we are in private must match who we are in public. Eliminating sinful habits and practices will brighten our testimony for Jesus. Light reveals what's in the darkness as well as what is missing. The Holy Spirit will use our actions to shine truth into others' lives and reveal their need for the Savior.
Light also serves to guide and to warn. As we obey the Lord's leading, we will be able to help others understand who God is and how much He loves them. We also can function as lanterns to warn people of the dangers along their path. Finally, our interactions are to bring warmth through an encouraging attitude and servant-like actions.
In order to have a strong impact, we must reflect the light of God's Son. Growing in Christlikeness is the key. Become intentional about shining your light wherever you are - especially in your home, workplace, and community.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Current Sermon Series
In 1997, Joshua Harris wrote a book called I Kissed Dating Goodbye and seemingly overnight, he became a "Christian star." A few years after writing the books, he becomes a pastor of a large church. Then in 2019, he announced that he no longer identified as a Christian, that he had gone through something he called the deconstruction process. In this series we are going to see this is all about how to correctly handle our doubts and difficulties, as well as a few different areas that maybe we do need to not just deconstruct, but reconstruct.
Last Week:
As we continue our study of deconstruction, we deal with the common question if we are better off without religion or Christianity. Of course, our point of view would be an emphatic "NO!" We will address why we believe that by handling three separate objections many people have about religion and Christianity as a whole.
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
We will continue our series The Deconstruction Zone.
Upcoming Events
March 3 - Carry-in Fellowship Dinner following the AM Worship Service
March 10 - Lord's Supper & Deacon's Fund Offering after AM Worship Service
March 16 - Barb Salomon's Memorial Service at the church at 3 PM. This Sunday is the last day to sign up.
March 24 - Easter Egg Stuffing Pizza Party at the church following the AM Worship Service
March 30 - Easter Egg Hunt at noon at the Midway Community Park
March 31 - Easter Services at the church:
8:00 AM - Early Worship Service
9:00 AM - Carry-in Breakfast
10:00 - Easter Worship Service
There will be no 11 AM Service.210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
Unsubscribe me | Subscribe me FBC E-Blast - February 19, 2024
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February 19, 2024
The Bible: God's Love Letter to Mankind - Romans 15How amazing to consider that the Bible was compiled by 40 men writing in 3 languages on 3 continents over 1,500 years! Gather a group of people from just one generation, and you will have neither the consistency nor the unified philosophy and mission found in God's Word.
Each book of the Bible reflects its human author's personality and background. For example, Moses was the political leader of the Israelites in the desert; Daniel rose to the rank of prime minister while a captive in Babylon; and Paul, the well-educated former Pharisee, wrote his letters from prison. Yet every word remained true to God's central theme - that His love redeems those who call on His name.
In II Peter 1:21, we learn why the Bible is cohesive: God Himself spoke through each human writer. In some cases, the Holy Spirit brought to mind essential details (John 14:26), as when certain material was passed down orally for the Old Testament or the Gospels. Then, to enable the writing of prophecies, psalms, and letters, God's Spirit revealed important truths (John 16:15).
The heavenly Father loves you and wants you to spend eternity with Him. For this reason, He used men from every walk of life to record His gospel message.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Current Sermon Series
In 1997, Joshua Harris wrote a book called I Kissed Dating Goodbye and seemingly overnight, he became a "Christian star." A few years after writing the books, he becomes a pastor of a large church. Then in 2019, he announced that he no longer identified as a Christian, that he had gone through something he called the deconstruction process. In this series we are going to see this is all about how to correctly handly our doubts and difficulties, as well as a few different areas that maybe we do need to not just deconstruct, but reconstruct.
Last Week:
Today we begin a new series called, "The Deconstruction Zone." This is an introductory message into what deconstruction means in relation to God and His Word, as well as our faith in Him. This message is called "Navigating Our Beliefs." We will cover different areas of our beliefs where we need to understand, we need navigate through.
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
We will continue our series The Deconstruction Zone.
Upcoming Events
March 3 - Carry-in Fellowship Dinner following the AM Worship Service
March 10 - Lord's Supper & Deacon's Fund Offering after AM Worship Service
March 16 - Barb Salomon's Memorial Service at the church
March 30 - Easter Egg Hunt at noon at the Midway Community Park
March 31 - Easter Services at the church:
8:00 AM - Early Worship Service
9:00 AM - Carry-in Breakfast
10:00 - Easter Worship Service
There will be no 11 AM Service.210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
Unsubscribe me | Subscribe me FBC E-Blast - February 12, 2024
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February 12, 2024
Works in Progress - Isaiah 64In a studio, the potter has complete power over the clay. The same is true of God. As our Creator, He can do with us whatever He chooses. That might sound scary, but remember that God’s sovereignty cannot be separated from His other attributes.
While the Lord is sovereign, He is also loving, gracious, and thorough - and that influences how He shapes us. Just as a potter works the clay with patience, God forms our Christlike character slowly - one experience at a time. He knows that spiritual maturity can't be rushed.
And just as clay can slip from the middle of the wheel, we too might find ourselves off-center from time to time - whether due to an old wound, a new hardship, a recurring habit, or something else. However, we don't have to worry. In His grace, God always maneuvers the drifting believer back into position and begins remolding. He never discards His vessels but patiently works to mold them.
Our Father is a personal Potter. His creations reflect Him, and His Spirit is poured into each believing vessel so He can be an intimate part of our life. The result is a work of true beauty - a saint dearly loved by the Lord.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Upcoming Sermon Series
In 1997, Joshua Harris wrote a book called I Kissed Dating Goodbye and seemingly overnight, he became a "Christian star." A few years after writing the books, he becomes a pastor of a large church. Then in 2019, he announced that he no longer identified as a Christian, that he had gone through something he called the deconstruction process. In this series we are going to see this is all about how to correctly handly our doubts and difficulties, as well as a few different areas that maybe we do need to not deconstruct, but reconstruct.
Last Week:
Today, we have guest speaker, Harold Rinehart bringing the Word of God to us today. May you be challenged and encouraged. He spoke from Romans 12:1-2 about how we are to be growing in our relationship with the Lord. We can't just be doing nothing thinking that since God loves them just as they are that they don't need to progress in growing closer to Him. That's heresy. That's a false gospel. We are expected to mature as a believer.
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
As we begin the series The Deconstruction Zone, we are going to be starting by looking at how are we to be Navigating Our Beliefs.
Upcoming Events
February 17 - Soup Cook-Off & Bake Off at 6 PM at the church
February 25 - Lord's Supper & Deacon's Fund Offering after AM Worship Service
March 16 - Barb Salomon's Memorial Service at the church
March 30 - Easter Egg Hunt at noon at the Midway Community Park
March 31 - Easter Services at the church:
8:00 AM - Early Worship Service
9:00 AM - Carry-in Breakfast
10:00 - Easter Worship Service
There will be no 11 AM Service.210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
Unsubscribe me | Subscribe me FBC E-Blast - January 29, 2024
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January 29, 2024
Infinite Forgiveness - Matthew 18Some people say the most difficult part of any job is not the task itself or the challenge involved but getting along with coworkers. Are you surprised? Getting along with other humans is where things likely fall apart. So, after Jesus drives home God’s intention that not even one of His little ones should perish, the immediate takeaway He gives the disciples is conflict management advice.
Jesus says to point out transgressions privately to a brother or sister in sin. Few of us love confrontation whether we’re on the giving or receiving end. But if we find the courage to address this kind of situation correctly, we may save a relationship.
Of course, confrontation often goes sideways. As Jesus unpacks this possibility, Peter asks how many times he must forgive his brother—even seven times?
That small number represents a large amount of pain to the disciple. But Jesus doesn't hesitate: Yes, and even seventy times seven times. In Jesus' culture, the symbolic "seventy times seven" didn’t equal 490; it equaled infinity. In other words, forgiveness is something Christ followers should always practice.
Salvation is instantaneous, but discipleship is a lifelong journey. We will need each other’s encouragement—and the grace and mercy of God - as we learn to forgive the way Jesus taught us.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Current Sermon Series
What changes can you make now to become who you want to be in five years? We all have goals, plans, hopes, and dreams for our future. Things we want to start - or maybe stop - doing. But how do we get there? This five-part series explores some spiritual and practical steps you can take to become the person you want to be in five years.
Last Week:
As we continue our series about You in Five Years, today we look at when we need to start implementing the decisions we need to make in order to get where we need to get. The answer is now! But it seems that we are all too busy to do it. Today we will look at what we need to do in order to stop being so busy and start doing what we need to do in order to get where God wants us to be in five years.
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
We will conclude our series You In Five Years by looking at What if it doesn't go as planned.
Upcoming Events
February 4 - Carry-in Fellowship Dinner following the AM Worship Service
February 11 - Harold Rinehart will be speaking
February 17 - Soup Cook-Off & Bake Off at 6 PM at the church
February 25 - Lord's Supper & Deacon's Fund Offering after AM Worship Service
March 16 - Barb Salomon's Memorial Service at 3 the church210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
Unsubscribe me | Subscribe me FBC E-Blast - January 22, 2024
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January 22, 2024
When God Says "Go" - Genesis 12In verse 1 of today's passage, the English translation "go" doesn't capture the emphasis suggested by the verb in Hebrew, the original language of the Old Testament. This word is not a suggestion, a statement, or a request; it’s a command - "Go! Now! Get up and move!"
The rest of verse 1 underscores precisely what God"s "Go!" would look like for the aging Abram. The Lord was calling him to leave everything he knew - his land, his family, and his home - to head into the unknown without a map. God had a destination in mind for him and his future descendants. And He promised to show the way and let Abram know when he arrived.
Verse 4 tells us Abram went. Though it's possible he may have had second thoughts, Scripture doesn't record them. Instead, the account tells us God commanded and Abram, in faith, obeyed.
Are there things God has commanded us to do that we treat as mere suggestions, statements, or requests? We sometimes look for loopholes or choose a semi-committed "maybe" in response to something God has instructed us to do. Abram understood there was only one righteous response to God's imperative "Go!" That was a "Yes, Lord" - which he promptly demonstrated with his full obedience.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Current Sermon Series
What changes can you make now to become who you want to be in five years? We all have goals, plans, hopes, and dreams for our future. Things we want to start - or maybe stop - doing. But how do we get there? This five-part series explores some spiritual and practical steps you can take to become the person you want to be in five years.
Last Week:
We are in our 3rd week of our series, "You In Five Years." One of the best things we can do to be drastically different is make small changes that will take hold of that compound interest that we talked about in the first week. Something small that over time will lead to something amazing. You don't have to be a Billy Graham in your witness. Just start with one. You don't have to be a health guru, just start with limiting your biggest craving. One by one, they add up, to make a difference in 5 years. As the old proverb says, "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
We will continue our series You In Five Years. We will look at From Evening To Morning.
Upcoming Events
January 26 - Church Bowling at 7 PM at West Pike Bowl in Canonsburg. Cost is $6 per person
February 4 - Carry-in Fellowship Dinner following the AM Worship Service
February 11 - Harold Rinehart will be speaking
February 17 - Soup Cook-Off & Bake Off at 6 PM at the church
February 25 - Lord's Supper & Deacon's Fund Offering after AM Worship Service
March 16 - Barb Salomon's Memorial Service at 3 the church210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
Unsubscribe me | Subscribe me FBC E-Blast - January 15, 2024
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January 15, 2024
Setting Goals for Fruitful Living - II Samuel 7In the 70s, I experienced a turning point in my walk with Christ. It started with II Samuel 7, which inspired me to follow in King David's footsteps. He spent time alone with God, offering praise and thanksgiving. He would also listen as the Lord revealed truth and offered insight about the future. Because of what he learned, David was able to set goals and stay aligned with them.
Desiring that kind of solitude, I spent several days alone in a camper at Georgia's Stone Mountain. Most of the time, I was silent, listening intently for God's voice. I asked Him to speak to me regarding my future, and He answered. Using a journal, I recorded the goals He inspired. The things He communicated so impacted my choices and so greatly blessed me that I continued the discipline every couple of months.
Let's discuss how to establish aims in this manner. First, come before the throne of Almighty God with a repentant heart, praise, and thanksgiving. Then, ask Him for direction in areas such as spiritual life, career, and family. In silence, wait patiently and attentively - as you read and meditate upon God's Word, He will speak. Most often, His guidance is experienced as a prodding or conviction in the heart. When that happens, be sure to write down what you're "hearing" so you can review it later.
In order to stay on the path God intends for our lives, we should plan times to stop, ask, and listen for guidance. The world throws confusing messages at us all day long, and we need to check our course frequently. These conversations with the Lord are vital for a thriving life of godly impact.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Current Sermon Series
What changes can you make now to become who you want to be in five years? We all have goals, plans, hopes, and dreams for our future. Things we want to start - or maybe stop - doing. But how do we get there? This five-part series explores some spiritual and practical steps you can take to become the person you want to be in five years.
Last Week:
As we continue our series "You in Five Years," we look at the life of Elisha and learn how we can create opportunities to grow in our walk with the Lord. But growth requires change and most people don't like change. If you don't change you will be the same person in 5 years, and for most people that isn't a good thing. So listen how we can change when there isn't a crisis going on in our lives at that moment.
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
We will continue our series You In Five Years. We will begin by looking at what it means to be Too Small To Fail.
Upcoming Events
January 17 - Annual Business Meeting at 7 PM
January 26 - Church Bowling at 7 PM at place to be determined
February 4 - Carry-in Fellowship Dinner following the AM Worship Service
February 17 - Soup Cook-Off & Bake Off at 6 PM at the church210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
Unsubscribe me | Subscribe me FBC E-Blast - January 3, 2024
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January 3, 2024
Trusting in God's Faithfulness - I Thessalonians 5Is there something God has told you to do that seems just too difficult? You can be sure that if He has called you to carry out His will, He's going to be faithful to accomplish it through His Spirit living and working in you. So if you tell Him, "I can't do that, Lord - what if I fail?" you're really saying, "God doesn’t keep His word." And yet, our total expectation should be in Him - not in our own energy, ability, or experience.
When you doubt God's trustworthiness, that unbelief becomes a gap in your spiritual armor, and you can be sure that's exactly where Satan will attack you. You'll begin to doubt even more about God's character, such as His goodness - and that distrust will become a heavy load of baggage you'll needlessly drag through every area of your life.
You might feel that you do not have enough faith to obey, but the Lord isn't asking you to have faith in favorable circumstances. He's asking you to trust that He is who He says He is.
Do you believe that God is a liar? It's really that simple: either He is truthful or He's not. But if you believe that faithfulness is His character, then you can do anything He requires. You'll be strengthened by your dependence on Him - whether a deluge or trials or a flood of blessing comes. It's actually when life gets rough and rugged that the sweetness of God's faithfulness makes itself real in your heart. As you walk through those storms in complete reliance on His strength, your trust in His character becomes part of who you are and strengthens from within.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Upcoming Sermon Series
What changes can you make now to become who you want to be in five years? We all have goals, plans, hopes, and dreams for our future. Things we want to start - or maybe stop - doing. But how do we get there? This five-part series explores some spiritual and practical steps you can take to become the person you want to be in five years. This series will begin January 7.
Last Week:
In a world that praises self-confidence, we need to learn not to be confident in ourselves, but confident in the God who is greater than all of us. We should not be confident in ourselves because we fail so much. Instead, we should learn to trust the Lord because He never fails.
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
We will be starting our new series You In Five Years. We will begin by looking at The Life You Get Stuck With.
Upcoming Events
January 6 - Trustee's Meeting at 9 AM
January 7 - Lord's Supper & Deacon's Fund Offering after AM Worship Service
Carry-in Fellowship Dinner following the AM Worship Service
January 17 - Annual Business Meeting at 7 PM
January 26 - Church Bowling at 7 PM at place to be determined
February 17 - Soup Cook-Off & Bake Off at 6 PM at the church210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
Unsubscribe me | Subscribe me FBC E-Blast - December 18, 2023
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December 18, 2023
The Names of Christ - Philippians 2The Bible ascribes many different names to Jesus, all of which provide great insight into His character and person. Here are some from John's gospel that I find particularly revealing:
The Good Shepherd (10:11) protects his sheep at all cost from predators. They know His voice and follow Him.
The Vine (15:1-10) is the source of our spiritual life. When we stay intimately connected to Jesus, we bear fruit. If we do not remain in Him, we wither.
The Bread of Life (6:25-35) the only one who can truly satisfy our hearts. Jesus feeds our souls with sustenance that never leaves us wanting for more.
The Light of the World (9:5) shines His light through our countenance as a ministry and testimony to a dark world.
The Way (14:6) to happiness, peace, joy, and eternal life is Jesus Christ.
The Truth (14:6) of His revelation, as recorded in the New Testament, is the reason we can know as much as we do about God.
The Life (14:6) Jesus imparts to believers is powerful, effective, and fruitful, not only in eternity but here on earth as well.
In biblical times, Israelites would choose a baby's name based on the child's characteristics or a hope or prayer of the parent. The names given to Jesus tell a great deal about His ministry on earth 2,000 years ago. The scriptural names describing Him reveal who He was and is and will be for eternity.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Current Sermon Series
You're not alone. A message series designed to welcome those who are hurt and alone, this four-week sermon series teaches that God is with us in every moment. He's with us through the pain. He comforts us in the waiting. He gives us courage when we feel anxious. "God With Us" provides a reminder of the impact of Christ’s birth.
Last Week:
We continue our series of "God With Us" based of His name Emmanuel. This week we will learn that God is with us in the midst of the storm. Never allow the presence of the storm to cause you to doubt the presence of God. God will never leave us or forsake us. He is with us no matter what! What a comfort that is for the child of God.
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
We conclude our God With Us series by seeing how God is with us Always.
Upcoming Events
Please note: the Christmas Card Baskets are in the foyer. We do this so you can save some money on stamps. Just fill out your Christmas Cards and place them in the corresponding bin. Also don't forget to check for cards made out to you in the boxes.
December 24 - Christmas Eve Services: 8:00 AM Worship Service with a carry-in breakfast following. 5:00 PM Christmas Eve Candlelight Service.
NO Sunday School or 11:00 AM Worship Services.
January 6 - Trustee's Meeting at 9 AM
January 7 - Lord's Supper & Deacon's Fund Offering after AM Worship Service
Carry-in Fellowship Dinner following the AM Worship Service
January 13 - Barb Salomon's Memorial Service at 3 PM at the church.
January 17 - Annual Business Meeting at 7 PM210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
Unsubscribe me | Subscribe me FBC E-Blast - December 11, 2023
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December 11, 2023
The Uniqueness of Christ - Matthew 16When Jesus asked His disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" they replied, "Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets." But Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matthew 16:13-16).
What set Jesus apart as the Messiah?- His birth: He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born, as prophesied, in Bethlehem to a virgin. Though angels announced His arrival and He reigns over all creation, Jesus entered our world in a lowly manner so He could be identified with the meek and the poor.
- His wisdom: At age 12, He spent three days with rabbis, asking questions that showed his uncommon understanding.
- His baptism: Though He didn't need cleansing, Jesus asked John to baptize Him so He could identify with sinners and demonstrate His love to them.
- His temptation: Satan tempted Him relentlessly for 40 days, yet He did not sin.
- His ministry: He challenged man-made religious traditions. And by healing people - regardless of nationality - raising the dead, and forgiving sins, He revealed that God wants to be involved personally in our lives. Leading Pharisees wanted Him dead, but the Father protected His life until the crucifixion.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Current Sermon Series
You're not alone. A message series designed to welcome those who are hurt and alone, this four-week sermon series teaches that God is with us in every moment. He's with us through the pain. He comforts us in the waiting. He gives us courage when we feel anxious. "God With Us" provides a reminder of the impact of Christ’s birth.
Last Week:
We are in our series called, "God With Us." Today we will learn what we need to remember when we are in the wilderness. No matter what, we need to listen for the Lord, for He speaks in a still small voice. We will look at Elijah's encounter with God while he was in the wilderness.
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
We continue our God With Us series by seeing how God is with us In The Storm.
Upcoming Events
Please note: the Christmas Card Baskets are in the foyer. We do this so you can save some money on stamps. Just fill out your Christmas Cards and place them in the corresponding bin. Also don't forget to check for cards made out to you in the boxes.
December 24 - Christmas Eve Services: 8:00 AM Worship Service with a carry-in breakfast following. 5:00 PM Christmas Eve Candlelight Service.
NO Sunday School or 11:00 AM Worship Services.
January 7 - Lord's Supper & Deacon's Fund Offering after AM Worship Service
Carry-in Fellowship Dinner following the AM Worship Service210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
Unsubscribe me | Subscribe me FBC E-Blast - December 4, 2023
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December 4, 2023
The Power of a Discerning Spirit - Hebrews 5In a world filled with endless sources of information and opinions, believers need to develop a discerning spirit. Otherwise, how will we know what is true? Much of what we see and hear is based on a worldly perspective that is influenced by Satan, the Father of Lies. Deception is found even in the religious realm: cults mix lies with enough truth to make some people consider them legitimate Christian institutions.
The only way believers can guard against deception is to ground themselves in God's Word. The more time you spend filling your mind with the Lord's thoughts, the more discerning you will be. However, just knowing biblical truth isn't enough. You must put what you learn into practice so that it becomes more than head knowledge.
The goal is to let God's Word become such an integral part of your thinking that it guides all your decisions. Even if the situation you're facing isn't specifically addressed in the Bible, scriptural principles provide the needed wisdom for every choice. In addition, the Holy Spirit was given to each believer as a Helper, whose job is to guide you into all the truth (John 14:26; 16:13). However, your responsibility is to put God's Word into your mind so that He can bring it to your remembrance. If you neglect the Word, you'll lack discernment.
What are you allowing into your mind? Is Scripture high in your priorities? Unless you're careful, worldly thinking will overpower spiritual discernment. It's difficult to keep God's perspective in the forefront if you spend two or three hours in front of the television and only ten minutes in the Bible.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Current Sermon Series
You're not alone. A message series designed to welcome those who are hurt and alone, this four-week sermon series teaches that God is with us in every moment. He's with us through the pain. He comforts us in the waiting. He gives us courage when we feel anxious. "God With Us" provides a reminder of the impact of Christ’s birth.
Last Week:
Today we begin a new series and since it's close to Christmas, it's a Christmas series! Over the next 4 weeks we will be looking into the fact that Jesus was Immanuel, which means "God with us." Today we will see how that God is with us even in the valley moments of our lives.
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
We will continue our Christmas Series, God With Us by looking into how He is with us In The Wilderness.
Upcoming Events
December 24 - Christmas Eve Services: 8:00 AM Worship Service with a carry-in breakfast following. 5:00 PM Christmas Eve Candlelight Service.
NO Sunday School or 11:00 AM Worship Services.
January 7 - Lord's Supper & Deacon's Fund Offering after AM Worship Service
Carry-in Fellowship Dinner following the AM Worship Service210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
Unsubscribe me | Subscribe me FBC E-Blast - November 27, 2023
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November 27, 2023
Resisting Fleshly Appetites - Ephesians 2The Holy Spirit guides believers to make wise and righteous decisions. But when Christians fail to listen, they can make choices that appeal to the flesh instead.
After the serpent spoke to Eve, she no doubt took a long look at the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:17; 3:3). Whatever she might have thought about the tree before, she now saw it with new eyes—flesh-focused eyes. Genesis 3 tells us that the forbidden tree appealed to Eve in three ways: 1) it was good for food, 2) it was a delight to the eyes, and 3) it was desirable to make one wise.
In other words, the tree could fulfill three legitimate human appetites: the desire for tasty meals, beauty, and wisdom. There is nothing wrong with these God-given yearnings. The Lord created a variety of food and an earth packed with breathtaking sights so that people could enjoy them. He also offers the Holy Spirit as a source of His true wisdom and knowledge. In fact, it is the Spirit who teaches believers to keep fleshly appetites under control and in balance.
Meanwhile, Satan works very hard at corrupting healthy desires. He abhors seeing people's appetites satisfied. What he wants is to watch a person lusting after a good thing until he or she is controlled by the impulse to have it.
The Devil is pleased when people make themselves slaves to a desire that - in the proper context - the Lord intended to be enjoyed freely. A believer walking in the Holy Spirit rejects gluttony, preferring desires that are within God's boundaries instead. That's how we get His very best.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Upcoming Sermon Series
You're not alone. A message series designed to welcome those who are hurt and alone, this four-week sermon series teaches that God is with us in every moment. He's with us through the pain. He comforts us in the waiting. He gives us courage when we feel anxious. "God With Us" provides a reminder of the impact of Christ’s birth.
Last Week:
As we come to the close of this series on prayer, we learn what priorities we ought to be praying with. We will learn of three things that we need to pray for or pray with. We will be delving into Colossians 1 for the majority of this message.
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
We will start our Christmas series God With Us by looking at how He is with us Through The Valley.
Upcoming Events
December 2 - Ladies' Ornament Exchange at noon at the Paterni's home.
December 3 - NO Carry-in Fellowship Dinner
Make A Joyful Noise Unto The Lord Christmas Sing - at 5:30 PM. There will be singing, hot chocolate, cookies, and maybe some new friends. All are welcome, please invite friends and family to come celebrate the birth of Christ with us!
December 17 - Deacon's Meeting at 8 AM
December 24 - Christmas Eve Services: 8:00 AM Worship Service with a carry-in breakfast following. 5:00 PM Christmas Eve Candlelight Service.
NO Sunday School or 11:00 AM Worship Services.
December 31 - Lord's Supper & Deacon's Fund Offering after AM Worship Service
January 7 - Carry-in Fellowship Dinner following the AM Worship Service210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
Unsubscribe me | Subscribe me FBC E-Blast - November 20, 2023
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November 20, 2023
The Nature of Conviction - John 16Jesus assured His disciples that it was to their advantage that He go away so that the Helper could come (John 16:7) - God sends Him to convict people of their sin. Since the Holy Spirit is unlimited by time or space, He can reach out to every individual on the planet. However, His work differs with regard to believers and unbelievers.
With regard to unbelievers, God's Spirit penetrates the heart and brings awareness of wrongdoing. He reveals that according to God's holy standard, they have sinned and stand condemned by their transgression. Unbelief is the greatest sin against God, so every prick of the heart is meant to point out their need for the Savior.
As for believers, the Holy Spirit deals with them on the basis of their relationship with Jesus Christ and convicts us of disobedience to Him. In other words, He makes us aware of specific sins and the Lord's attitude about them. But He also prompts us to be accountable before Christ for our wrongdoing by confessing it and repenting.
Convicting believers of sin is an important part of the Holy Spirit's job, but He is equally delighted to make them aware of the Lord's approval. God commends righteous living, obedient actions, and loving acts done in His name.
While conviction is often uncomfortable for unbelievers and believers alike, it's a beautiful demonstration of God's love. He desires to bring us into the center of His will and keep us there for our good and His glory. The Holy Spirit's work makes that possible, if we choose to follow His promptings.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Current Sermon Series
Life's inevitable difficulties and disappointments can discourage us from praying, but our response should be to pray anyway and keep praying. Whatever we seek, God invites us to come to Him with confidence, believing that He is able to answer, and He will answer. We can pray. But are you convinced that prayer works, even when you don't get the answers you want? This Beyond Prayer series will hopefully motivate and encourage us to respond to the challenges of life with prayer, to pray without ceasing, and to pray with great expectations. Are you ready for a new level of earnest, passionate, God-size prayers? Join us for this 9-week series.
Last Week:
We will dive into Philippians 4 to see that prayer is God's answer for anxiety. Did that just spoil the ending? No, because we are going to learn 3 main things about prayer that will help you when you are in the midst of worry and anxiety.
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
We will close out our series on prayer by looking into the spiritual priorities that our prayers should have.
Upcoming Events
November 22 - Thanksgiving Service at 7 PM. We will also be taking the Lord's Supper.
November 23 - NO Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting
November 26 - Christmas Offering for Crossroads Rural Teen Missions, this is the last day for this love offering.
December 2 - Ladies' Ornament Exchange at noon at the Paterni's home.
December 3 - NO Carry-in Fellowship Dinner
Make A Joyful Noise Unto The Lord Christmas Sing - at 5:30 PM. There will be singing, hot chocolate, cookies, and maybe some new friends. All are welcome, please invite friends and family to come celebrate the birth of Christ with us!
December 17 - Deacon's Meeting at 8 AM
December 24 - Christmas Eve Services: 8:00 AM Worship Service with a carry-in breakfast following. 5:00 PM Christmas Eve Candlelight Service.
NO Sunday School or 11:00 AM Worship Services.210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
Unsubscribe me | Subscribe me FBC E-Blast - November 6, 2023
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November 6, 2023
No Condemnation - Romans 8Some believers are plagued by feelings of condemnation. Either they think they'll never live up to God's expectations for them or they're nearly drowning in guilt over past sins. These men and women cannot seem to shake the sense that God is displeased with their puny efforts at being Christlike.
The book of Romans confronts this lie head-on: "There is therefore no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romams 8:1). When the Savior went to the cross on our behalf, He lifted the blame from our shoulders and made us righteous before God. Those feelings of condemnation do not belong to us; they are from Satan. He amplifies our guilt and feelings of inadequacy and then suggests that's how the Lord feels about His "wayward child." Nothing could be further from the truth. Our sins are wiped clean, and we are chosen and loved by God.
Condemnation is reserved for those who reject the Lord (John 3:36). Sin is a death sentence (Romans 6:23). Anyone who chooses to cling to sin instead of seeking divine forgiveness must pay the penalty, which is an eternity separated from God. Two synonyms of condemn are 'denounce' and 'revile.' Those words certainly describe Jesus' statement to unbelievers in Matthew 25:41: "Depart from me, accursed ones."
There is no condemnation for those who receive Jesus Christ as their Savior. The believer's penalty for sin is paid, and he can stand blameless before God. Trust in the Lord's love and let go of Satan's lie. God's beloved children are covered by His grace and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Current Sermon Series
Life's inevitable difficulties and disappointments can discourage us from praying, but our response should be to pray anyway and keep praying. Whatever we seek, God invites us to come to Him with confidence, believing that He is able to answer, and He will answer. We can pray. But are you convinced that prayer works, even when you don't get the answers you want? This Beyond Prayer series will hopefully motivate and encourage us to respond to the challenges of life with prayer, to pray without ceasing, and to pray with great expectations. Are you ready for a new level of earnest, passionate, God-size prayers? Join us for this 9-week series.
Last Week:
In Sunday's message on prayer we saw what it may mean if God were to give us the "yes" that we are looking for. If God gives us the yes, we must be ready for it. Hezekiah prayed for more life and was given 15 more years and it was filled with pride. The Israelites prayed for a king and God warned them that they would bring struggles to them, but they still asked for it and God gave it to them. You may not be ready for God to give you your answer. So, can you handle an answered prayer?
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
We continue our series on prayer by looking at how we can have A Godly Attitude toward Material Possessions. That may seem to have nothing to do with prayer, but it does!
Upcoming Events
November 11 - Veteran's Day Service at Midway Veteran's Memorial at 11 AM. If raining, it will be held at the Center United Presbyterian Church in Midway.
November 12 - Veteran's Day & Thanksgiving Fellowship Dinner
November 22 - Thanksgiving Service at 7 PM. We will also be taking the Lord's Supper.
November 23 - NO Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting
November 26 - Christmas Offering for Crossroads Rural Teen Missions, this is the last day for this love offering.
December 2 - Ladies' Ornament Exchange at noon at the Paterni's home.
December 3 - NO Carry-in Fellowship Dinner
Make A Joyful Noise Unto The Lord Christmas Sing - at 5:30 PM. There will be singing, hot chocolate, cookies, and maybe some new friends. All are welcome, please invite friends and family to come celebrate the birth of Christ with us!
December 24 - Christmas Eve Services: 8:00 AM Worship Service with a carry-in breakfast following. 5:00 PM Christmas Eve Candlelight Service.
NO Sunday School or 11:00 AM Worship Services.210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
Unsubscribe me | Subscribe me FBC E-Blast - October 30, 2023
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October 30, 2023
Spiritually Shortsighted - Luke 16In Luke 16, Jesus told a story about a rich man who lived for himself and ignored God. After death, he experienced the consequences of his choices - eternal separation from the Lord.
Jesus described him as one who lived in luxury every day (v. 19), providing for himself the best that money could buy but giving little to the poor at his gate. It is important to realize that this man wasn’t judged harshly by God because of his wealth. The heavenly Father is not opposed to our success. Nor was the man separated from the Lord because of his lack of charity toward others. He did not deliberately harm others but, rather, overlooked those in need and focused on himself.
The rich man’s mistake was that he prepared everything for the body but nothing for the soul. Our culture practices a similar style of living. Acquiring material riches and satisfying self is the primary pursuit of many in our world. Having what one wants seems to be the goal whether it’s a struggle to make ends meet or the bank account is overflowing.
Scripture says we were created to be in a relationship with the Father through faith in His Son. The rich man ignored God and paid the ultimate price. Our eternal destiny depends on our decision about Christ.
Despite what our culture thinks, life is not about us. It’s about having a relationship with the Lord. Whoever accepts Christ’s gift of salvation will live eternally with Him in heaven. Those who reject God will suffer. If you know any spiritually shortsighted people, pray that they will trust in Jesus.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Current Sermon Series
Life's inevitable difficulties and disappointments can discourage us from praying, but our response should be to pray anyway and keep praying. Whatever we seek, God invites us to come to Him with confidence, believing that He is able to answer, and He will answer. We can pray. But are you convinced that prayer works, even when you don't get the answers you want? This Beyond Prayer series will hopefully motivate and encourage us to respond to the challenges of life with prayer, to pray without ceasing, and to pray with great expectations. Are you ready for a new level of earnest, passionate, God-size prayers? Join us for this 9-week series.
Last Week:
We continue our study of prayer by looking at what kind of prayers that God answers. Now, don't get me wrong, this is not a secret formula for God to answer all your prayers, but if your prayers contain these things, it is more likely to get answered than all the "gimme" prayers that we offer so often. If we implement these things into our prayer life, it will change the way we pray.
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
We continue our series on prayer by looking into if you Can You Handle An Answered Prayer? .
Upcoming Events
November 5 - Special Business Meeting after the Morning Worship Service
NO Carry-in Fellowship Dinner
November 11 - Veteran's Day Service at Midway Veteran's Memorial at 11 AM. If raining, it will be held at the Center United Presbyterian Church in Midway.
November 12 - Veteran's Day & Thanksgiving Fellowship Dinner
November 22 - Thanksgiving Service at 7 PM. We will also be taking the Lord's Supper.
November 23 - NO Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting
December 2 - Ladies' Ornament Exchange at noon at the Paterni's home.
December 3 - NO Carry-in Fellowship Dinner
Make A Joyful Noise Unto The Lord Christmas Sing - at 5:30 PM. There will be singing, hot chocolate, cookies, and maybe some new friends. All are welcome, please invite friends and family to come celebrate the birth of Christ with us!
December 24 - Christmas Eve Services: 8:00 AM Worship Service with a carry-in breakfast following. 5:00 PM Christmas Eve Candlelight Service.
NO Sunday School or 11:00 AM Worship Services.210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
Unsubscribe me | Subscribe me FBC E-Blast - October 23, 2023
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October 23, 2023
Prayer: Our Time Saver - Psalm 143What do you think about when you wake up? Are your thoughts instantly focused on the day ahead, or are they centered on the Lord? Although most of us have busy lives that consume much of our time and attention, the most important and time-saving part of each day is that spent in quiet solitude with God.
Yet many believers feel so rushed that they don't think there's time for the Lord. They immediately jump onto the treadmill of life and then wonder why they're so frustrated, confused, and dissatisfied. Even if their desire is to follow God, they don't know where He's going since they haven't stopped to get directions for the day. There's also a disconnect because they've ignored their relationship with Him. No one can have intimacy with Christ without daily communication.
Perhaps the problem is our own human logic. We think spending time reading the Bible and praying each morning will result in having less time and lower productivity. However, when we seek Christ's direction and wisdom for the day and invite Him to control our lives, He'll accomplish more through us than we can do by ourselves. He'll give us wisdom for good decisions, increase our strength and energy, and free us from time-wasting anxiety.
Are you too busy for the Lord? If so, you're denying yourself the blessing of an intimate relationship with Christ. When you make time for Him, He'll fill you with peace and joy, guide your decisions, grant you wisdom, empower you to obey, make you more productive, and comfort you with His love.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Current Sermon Series
Life's inevitable difficulties and disappointments can discourage us from praying, but our response should be to pray anyway and keep praying. Whatever we seek, God invites us to come to Him with confidence, believing that He is able to answer, and He will answer. We can pray. But are you convinced that prayer works, even when you don't get the answers you want? This Beyond Prayer series will hopefully motivate and encourage us to respond to the challenges of life with prayer, to pray without ceasing, and to pray with great expectations. Are you ready for a new level of earnest, passionate, God-size prayers? Join us for this 9-week series.
Last Week:
We continue our series on prayer by looking at how we should pray in light of our weakness. God said to Paul that when we are weak, then He is strong. We will look at a portion of Agur's prayer in Proverbs 30. We will see that he had 2 main prayer requests. From this we will learn 7 lessons on how we should pray.
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
We continue our series on prayer by looking into The Kind of Prayer God Answers.
Upcoming Events
October 29 - Fall Festival at Katjie Rumbaugh's house at 4 PM
November 5 - NO Carry-in Fellowship Dinner
Special Business Meeting after the Morning Worship Service
November 12 - Veteran's Day & Thanksgiving Fellowship Dinner
November 22 - Thanksgiving Service at 7 PM
November 23 - NO Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
Unsubscribe me | Subscribe me FBC E-Blast - October 16, 2023
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October 16, 2023
Prayer in Times of Inadequacy - Nehemiah 2After Nehemiah heard about the desperate condition of the Jews who had returned from exile to Jerusalem, his heart was burdened (Nehemiah 1:3-4). By getting his attention in this way, the Lord could reveal what He wanted Nehemiah to do. Scripture doesn't spell out the man's reaction on realizing that he was to be a part of the solution, but we can imagine a sense of inadequacy probably engulfed him. How could he possibly help? He wasn't even near Jerusalem, and as a servant of the king, he didn't have the freedom to pack up and leave.
But whenever God puts a burden on our hearts, He will open a door to accomplish His will. In this case, the Lord used Nehemiah's sad expression and desperate prayer to prepare a pagan king to send him on his mission.
How do you respond when you sense the Lord is calling you to a task that seems beyond your abilities? Do you list all the reasons you can't possibly do it? God already knows everything about you and the situation. He's not asking your permission to proceed; rather, He is calling you to move forward with faith and obedience. He didn't make an error in choosing you for the task, but you will make a huge mistake if you refuse to do it.
God will equip you for whatever He calls you to do. Because the Holy Spirit dwells within every believer, we have all we need to fulfill the Lord's mission. Instead of letting inadequacy hinder you from obeying, let it drive you to your knees so you can arise with renewed insight and power.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Current Sermon Series
Life's inevitable difficulties and disappointments can discourage us from praying, but our response should be to pray anyway and keep praying. Whatever we seek, God invites us to come to Him with confidence, believing that He is able to answer, and He will answer. We can pray. But are you convinced that prayer works, even when you don't get the answers you want? This Beyond Prayer series will hopefully motivate and encourage us to respond to the challenges of life with prayer, to pray without ceasing, and to pray with great expectations. Are you ready for a new level of earnest, passionate, God-size prayers? Join us for this 9-week series.
Last Week:
As we continue our series on prayer, we will look at another parable of Jesus from Luke 18, where a widow has an issue with someone else. Maybe they had taken advantage of her, maybe holding something against her. We don't know what it was, but it drove her to the local judge, who was crooked. He didn't respect people and he didn't respect God. But because of her tenacity, he gave into her just to get her away from him. God does not begrudgingly answer our prayers to get us away from Him. God is not like that crooked judge.
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
We continue our series Beyond Prayer by looking into The Wise Prayer of a Weak Man from Proverbs 30:1-9.
Upcoming Events
October 18 - Quarterly Business Meeting at 7 PM
October 29 - Fall Festival at Katjie Rumbaugh's house at 4 PM
November 5 - NO Carry-in Fellowship Dinner
November 12 - Veteran's Day & Thanksgiving Fellowship Dinner
November 22 - Thanksgiving Service at 7 PM
November 23 - NO Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
Unsubscribe me | Subscribe me FBC E-Blast - October 2, 2023
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October 2, 2023
Satan's Strategy - Luke 22All of us make tracks through the valley of failure. The question is, How are you going to respond? Plenty of people give up and exchange a vibrant kingdom-serving life for a defeated existence. But failure need not be an end. It's a chance for a new beginning living in Christ's strength.
Peter had a life-altering failure. Jesus warned that Satan had asked permission to "sift" the disciple like wheat (Luke 22:31) - vigorous shaking is required to separate wheat kernels from debris. The Enemy wanted to shake Peter's faith hard in hopes that he'd fall away from Jesus like chaff.
Peter fervently believed the promise he'd made to Jesus: "Even though all may fall away, yet I will not" (Mark 14:29). But Satan knows a few things about the power of fear. What's more, he realized that the disciple would be wounded by his own disloyalty. A man with tattered pride can't help but question his usefulness.
When Satan sifts believers, his goal is to damage our faith so much that we're useless to God. He wants us shelved far from the action of the Lord's kingdom. Therefore, he goes for our strengths—the areas where we believe ourselves to be invincible, or at least very well protected. And when the Devil succeeds, we are disappointed and demoralized. But we don't have to stay that way.
If we are willing, God can use failure to do spiritual housecleaning. Peter laid down his pride and instead put on the Holy Spirit's courage. Thereafter, he risked humiliation, persecution, and death to proclaim the gospel. Failure was the catalyst that brought forth greater faith and true servanthood.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Current Sermon Series
Life's inevitable difficulties and disappointments can discourage us from praying, but our response should be to pray anyway and keep praying. Whatever we seek, God invites us to come to Him with confidence, believing that He is able to answer, and He will answer. We can pray. But are you convinced that prayer works, even when you don't get the answers you want? This Beyond Prayer series will hopefully motivate and encourage us to respond to the challenges of life with prayer, to pray without ceasing, and to pray with great expectations. Are you ready for a new level of earnest, passionate, God-size prayers? Join us for this 9-week series.
Last Week:
We begin our new series Beyond Prayer: A Biblical Perspective On The Power Of Prayer. Today we learned that whatever you are asking God for, happens after prayer. It doesn't mean that He will do whatever we ask Him to do, but that what we need done will take place after prayer.
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
We continue our series Beyond Prayer by looking into God Is Not A Sleepy Friend.
Upcoming Events
October 18 - Quarterly Business Meeting at 7 PM
October 28 - Fall Festival at Katjie Rumbaugh's house
November 5 - NOCarry-in Fellowship Dinner
November 12 - Veteran's Day & Thanksgiving Fellowship Dinner
November 22 - Thanksgiving Service at 7 PM
November 23 - NO Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
Unsubscribe me | Subscribe me FBC E-Blast - September 25, 2023
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September 25, 2023
God's Clear Instructions - James 5Joshua needed guidance as he faced one of the most crucial moments of his life. Because the Lord had promised him success in conquering Jericho, he knew the outcome of the battle, but as the day of combat approached, he needed a specific strategy for victory. What he heard the Lord say must have made his jaw drop.
Can you imagine the soldiers' thoughts as they carried out this bizarre battle strategy? In confusing times like this, it's good to remember three requirements for benefiting from God's instructions. We need:- Faith to believe the Lord
- Courage to obey Him
- Patience to wait for His timing.
When God gives us clear instruction through His Word or His Spirit within us, our response shows how much we trust Him. If we truly believe Him and His promises, precise and complete obedience will follow. His victory in any area of struggle is available only to those who act upon His directions.
Submitting to the Lord's timing is also an essential part of obedience. What would have happened if the army decided to bypass God's plans for the first six days and skip straight to the seventh day's march around Jericho? They would have missed the victory.
How often do we beg the Lord for guidance, yet hesitate to obey when He finally gives it? Living by faith can seem like a huge risk when His instructions make no sense or require a lengthy wait. But knowing His eternal perspective and unlimited power can strengthen our resolve to obey.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Upcoming Sermon Series
Life's inevitable difficulties and disappointments can discourage us from praying, but our response should be to pray anyway and keep praying. Whatever we seek, God invites us to come to Him with confidence, believing that He is able to answer, and He will answer. We can pray. But are you convinced that prayer works, even when you don't get the answers you want? This Beyond Prayer series will hopefully motivate and encourage us to respond to the challenges of life with prayer, to pray without ceasing, and to pray with great expectations. Are you ready for a new level of earnest, passionate, God-size prayers? Join us for this 9-week series. It starts October 1st.
Last Week:
Rev. Jeff Kipp is with us today from Chosen People's Ministry. He will be sharing with us all about Jesus and the Day of Atonement. This evening begins the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) which is the holiest day on the Jewish calendar, when they fast, pray, seek forgiveness from God and their fellows, and come closer to God. It is the peak of the High Holidays.
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
We will begin a series on prayer titled Beyond Prayer.
Upcoming Events
October 1 - Carry-in Fellowship Dinner after the AM Worship Service
October 14 - Fall Festival. Location and time will be confirmed soon
October 18 - Quarterly Business Meeting at 7 PM
November 5 - NOCarry-in Fellowship Dinner
November 12 - Veteran's Day & Thanksgiving Fellowship Dinner
November 22 - Thanksgiving Service at 7 PM
November 23 - NO Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
Unsubscribe me | Subscribe me FBC E-Blast - September 18, 2023
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September 18, 2023
Praying for Change - James 5Hanging above the door in our house, my mother's favorite plaque constantly reminded us, "Prayer changes things." From an early age, I witnessed this powerful truth through her example. She'd tell me about some difficulties she was facing and then have me pray about them with her. And later, she'd always be sure to give God the glory when sharing the awesome news that He had answered those prayers.
Indeed, this is our confidence: Anything we pray for that aligns with the Father's plan will be granted. And the more time we spend with Him, the more we'll come to understand His will and how to pray for it.
Remember, prayer doesn't change God's mind, but it does transform the believer's heart. Some requests are granted immediately, simply because we asked with the realization that our Father loves to give us good gifts. Other requests may require time or certain divine preparations before they can be given. We, meanwhile, must simply be diligent to persevere in prayer.
Whatever the Lord's response or timing, we trust that He has only the very best in store for His children. That means we might not receive exactly what we're asking for, but something even better. Such is God's great pleasure, for He alone perfectly knows each heart's desire and wishes to fulfill it.
Our most powerful tool for shaping the world and lives around us is always available. Prayer lets us witness God's hand in any situation. And as we give attention, time, and perseverance to conversation with Him, we find no limit to what He can achieve in people's hearts and circumstances.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Upcoming Sermon Series
Life's inevitable difficulties and disappointments can discourage us from praying, but our response should be to pray anyway and keep praying. Whatever we seek, God invites us to come to Him with confidence, believing that He is able to answer, and He will answer. We can pray. But are you convinced that prayer works, even when you don't get the answers you want? This Beyond Prayer series will hopefully motivate and encourage us to respond to the challenges of life with prayer, to pray without ceasing, and to pray with great expectations. Are you ready for a new level of earnest, passionate, God-size prayers? Join us for this 9-week series. It starts October 1.
Last Week:
In this message we will be talking about a well known verse, well, sort of. It is most often misquoted, I Timothy 6:10. Money is not the root of all evil. The "LOVE" of money is the root of all evil.
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
We will learn about Jesus and The Day of Atonement from guest speaker, Jeff Kipp.
Upcoming Events
September 23 - Work Day at the church from 9AM-4PM. Bring a shovel, a rake, and a wheelbarrow if you have one. Lunch will be provided.
September 24 - Guest Speaker Jeff Kipp will be presenting Jesus and The Day of Atonement
October 1 - Carry-in Fellowship Dinner after the AM Worship Service
October 14 - Fall Festival. Location and time will be confirmed soon
October 18 - Quarterly Business Meeting at 7 PM
November 5 - NOCarry-in Fellowship Dinner
November 12 - Veteran's Day & Thanksgiving Fellowship Dinner210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
Unsubscribe me | Subscribe me FBC E-Blast - September 11, 2023
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Setpember 11, 2023
Sanctification: God's Grand Plan - Jeremiah 29The heavenly Father has a grand plan for the life of every person, and it can be summed up in the word sanctification. If you have never been certain of the term's meaning, you are not alone - many people are unclear about its definition. However, believers should understand it because the word defines them.
In its verb form - sanctify - the term means "to make holy" or "to separate." So when something is sanctified, it is separated from its former common usage and is dedicated for sacred purposes. The Old Testament mentions a number of things that the Lord sanctified: He made the seventh day holy, set aside the Levite tribe as priests, and even consecrated places like the Holy of Holies inside the tabernacle (Genesis 2:3; Numbers 3).
The heavenly Father still sanctifies people today. Before a person places his faith in the Savior, he is spiritually dead and, in fact, an enemy of God (Ephesians 2:1-3; Romans 5:10). But the moment someone chooses to trust in Jesus Christ, his sins are wiped away, and he is adopted into God's family. That individual is set apart as a child of God, with a sacred purpose. This means believers are not here to chase after personal gain but to serve the Lord and bring Him honor and glory.
As members of God's family who are called upon to reflect His glory, believers are referred to as "saints." We are given this moniker - which shares its root with sanctification - not because we live sinless lives, but because we live a life consistent with the One we represent.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Upcoming Sermon Series
Life's inevitable difficulties and disappointments can discourage us from praying, but our response should be to pray anyway and keep praying. Whatever we seek, God invites us to come to Him with confidence, believing that He is able to answer, and He will answer. We can pray. But are you convinced that prayer works, even when you don't get the answers you want? This Beyond Prayer series will hopefully motivate and encourage us to respond to the challenges of life with prayer, to pray without ceasing, and to pray with great expectations. Are you ready for a new level of earnest, passionate, God-size prayers? Join us for this 9-week series. It starts October 1.
Last Week:
We close our series on "Doubting God" by looking into what we should do "When You Feel Abandoned By God." Things come up in our lives and we think, "If God loves me, then this wouldn't have happened," or "If God is good, why does He allow bad things to happen?" The thoughts can go on and on, but we need to remember when we feel alone or that God has forsaken us that God is always with us. As believers we should turn our "Why, God?" questions to "What, God?" As Spurgeon states and as the old song sings, "When you can't trace His hand, trust His heart."
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website, just under the calendar, or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
We will look at a misunderstood verse about money. It is NOT the root of all evil, but the love of it is.
Upcoming Events
September 17 - Deacon's Meeting at 8 AM
September 23 - Work Day at the church from 9AM-4PM. Bring a shovel, a rake, and a wheelbarrow if you have one. Lunch will be provided.
September 24 - Guest Speaker Jeff Kipp will be presenting Jesus and The Day of Atonement
October 1 - Carry-in Fellowship Dinner after the AM Worship Service
October 18 - Quarterly Business Meeting at 7 PM210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
Unsubscribe me | Subscribe me FBC E-Blast - September 6, 2023
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September 6, 2023
Building Muscles of Faith - I Kings 18"I wish I had great faith." These are words that almost every Christian has said at one time or another. But faith is like a muscle, which must be exercised in order to become strong; just wishing cannot make it happen.
Christians are to believe God, not only for salvation but for everything. Rather than a spiritual "plateau," faith is actually a process that involves increasing degrees of trust throughout life. Little faith hopes that God will do what He says; strong faith knows that He will; and great faith believes that He has already done it.
Elijah was a man of great faith. He saw increased challenges as opportunities for God to do His work—and the prophet believed Him for the supernatural. So can you. The Lord may not do every miraculous thing you ask of Him, but He does some extraordinary work in and through each person who is obedient and willing to trust in Him.
You may be thinking, I am not good enough for the Father to use me. The Scriptures are filled with examples of weak and flawed people whom the Lord used to achieve His purposes. He is looking, not for perfection, but for individuals willing to believe Him. He not only works through people of faith; He transforms them.
Start by reading God's Word to learn what He wants you to do. Each day's situations and needs are opportunities to trust Him. Ask the Lord to bring to mind verses that apply to your circumstances. Trust Him and do what He says—your faith "muscles" will grow, and He will be glorified.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Current Sermon Series
It's easy to think of doubt as a sign of weak faith. But it's not, necessarily. God isn't afraid of our doubts, so we don't have to be either. In the series, Doubting God, we're creating a space for the questions we've been afraid to ask. Together, let's discover how doubt can actually build our faith.
Last Week:
As we continue our series about "Doubting God," we learn today that we can believe science and God at the same time. God created science. Science and the Bible do not have to be in competition with each other, they can be cooperative. St. Augustine's teaching on this basically says, "The conflict comes from either misunderstanding science or misinterpreting the Bible."
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website, just under the calendar, or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
We will conclude our series of Doubting God by what to do When You Feel Abandoned By God.
Upcoming Events
September 9 - Trustee's Meeting at 9 AM
September 17 - Deacon's Meeting at 8 AM
September 24 - Guest Speaker Jeff Kipp will be presenting Jesus and The Day of Atonement
October 1 - Carry-in Fellowship Dinner after the AM Worship Service
October 18 - Quarterly Business Meeting at 7 PM210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
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August 28, 2023
Sanctification: God's Grand Plan - Jeremiah 29The heavenly Father has a grand plan for the life of every person, and it can be summed up in the word sanctification. If you have never been certain of the term's meaning, you are not alone - many people are unclear about its definition. However, believers should understand it because the word defines them.
In its verb form - sanctify - the term means "to make holy" or "to separate." So when something is sanctified, it is separated from its former common usage and is dedicated for sacred purposes. The Old Testament mentions a number of things that the Lord sanctified: He made the seventh day holy, set aside the Levite tribe as priests, and even consecrated places like the Holy of Holies inside the tabernacle (Genesis 2:3; Numbers 3).
The heavenly Father still sanctifies people today. Before a person places his faith in the Savior, he is spiritually dead and, in fact, an enemy of God (Ephesians 2:1-3; Romans 5:10). But the moment someone chooses to trust in Jesus Christ, his sins are wiped away, and he is adopted into God's family. That individual is set apart as a child of God, with a sacred purpose. This means believers are not here to chase after personal gain but to serve the Lord and bring Him honor and glory.
As members of God's family who are called upon to reflect His glory, believers are referred to as "saints." We are given this moniker - which shares its root with sanctification - not because we live sinless lives, but because we live a life consistent with the One we represent.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Current Sermon Series
It's easy to think of doubt as a sign of weak faith. But it's not, necessarily. God isn't afraid of our doubts, so we don't have to be either. In the series, Doubting God, we're creating a space for the questions we've been afraid to ask. Together, let's discover how doubt can actually build our faith.
Last Week:
We continue our series Doubting God by looking into what to do When Christians Let You Down. Why is it that some so-called Christians get it wrong? We will answer that question today, as well as challenge us from God's Word as to not be hypocrites.
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website, just under the calendar, or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
We will continue our series of Doubting God by looking at Can I Believe in Science AND God?
Upcoming Events
September 3 - Carry-in Fellowship Dinner after the AM Worship Service
September 24 - Guest Speaker Jeff Kipp will be presenting Jesus and The Day of Atonement
October 18 - Quarterly Business Meeting at 7 PM210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
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August 21, 2023
The New Birth and Baptism - Romans 6Jesus commissioned His followers to go and make disciples, "baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19). As the early church spread the gospel message, baptism would follow a new believer's response of faith. It publicly signified that the individual was now a follower of Jesus.
Metaphors often communicate on a level that words cannot. Baptism is a powerful picture of our salvation experience. Through this act, we proclaim the good news that Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and rose again - and testify that we've welcomed His transforming power into our life.
The Greek word for "baptize" in Scripture is the same term used to describe a cloth dipped in dye--it refers to total change. So by being plunged into the water, we declare that we're choosing to die to our old way of life and are uniting with Christ. Our sin is buried with Him, and its power is conquered through His atoning death on the cross (Romans 6:14). When we're raised up out of the water, we affirm His resurrection. Baptism is a symbolic way of expressing that just as the Lord conquered death and rose again, we are spiritually resurrected from death into new life. We are "born again" and irrevocably transformed through the power of His Holy Spirit.
In the Bible, the word "believe" isn't a conceptual word describing intellectual agreement alone. It is a word of action. Our belief should never be hidden like a light placed under a bowl (Luke 11:33) - when unbelieving family and friends look at our lives, they need to see the gospel in action.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Current Sermon Series
It's easy to think of doubt as a sign of weak faith. But it's not, necessarily. God isn't afraid of our doubts, so we don't have to be either. In the series, Doubting God, we're creating a space for the questions we've been afraid to ask. Together, let's discover how doubt can actually build our faith.
Last Week:
Insecurities, we all have them about something in our lives. Usually we use them as proof of why we shouldn't be used by God for something, we just don't think that we are qualified. Insecurities, we all have them. God wants us to face them and see that in spite of our insecurities, He can use us for His glory. God specializes in using the "unqualified" for His purposes.
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website, just under the calendar, or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
We will continue our series of Doubting God by looking at what to do When Christians Let You Down.
Upcoming Events
August 27 - Lord's Supper & Deacon's Fund Offering after AM Worship Service
September 3 - Carry-in Fellowship Dinner after the AM Worship Service
Sept 24 - Guest Speaker Jeff Kipp will be presenting Jesus and The Day of Atonement210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
Unsubscribe me | Subscribe me FBC E-Blast - August 14, 2023
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August 14, 2023
The Practices of Maturity - Hebrews 5Believers are on a continual growth track that ascends higher and higher. This side of heaven none of us ever "arrive," but we each have a responsibility to press on to maturity. Though many people think those who know a lot about the Bible are the spiritually mature ones, Hebrews 5:14 adds the element of practice to the growth equation. This word means a custom or habit. Christian growth requires the discipline of godly habits carried out daily.
The most important practice to cultivate is a personal devotional time. Since God is the source of all spiritual development, you can't neglect Him and expect to become mature. Transformation begins with time in His Word and prayer.
Obedience is another essential element for advancement. When our desire to obey the Lord is stronger than our attraction to sin, we'll know we are making progress in our spiritual life.
In terms of physical development, the goal is to become more independent and self-sufficient as we age. But in the spiritual realm, the opposite is true. Those who are mature in Christ recognize their own inadequacy and rely on the Holy Spirit within them. It's His job to transform our character and empower us to accomplish everything the Lord calls us to do.
Getting older doesn't mean maturity in God's eyes. By digging into Scripture and developing righteous habits, we can use our years to grow stronger in the Lord instead of wasting time with passivity. No one accidentally becomes mature. Spiritual growth requires a diligent pursuit of God.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Current Sermon Series
It's easy to think of doubt as a sign of weak faith. But it's not, necessarily. God isn't afraid of our doubts, so we don't have to be either. In the series, Doubting God, we're creating a space for the questions we've been afraid to ask. Together, let's discover how doubt can actually build our faith.
Last Week:
We had church outside and had a wonderful time there. That service was not recorded or live-streamed.
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website, just under the calendar, or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
We continue our series on Doubting God by looking at Facing Your Insecurities.
Upcoming Events
August 27 - Lord's Supper & Deacon's Fund Offering after AM Worship Service
September 3 - Carry-in Fellowship Dinner after the AM Worship Service
Sept 24 - Guest Speaker Jeff Kipp will be presenting Jesus and The Day of Atonement210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
Unsubscribe me | Subscribe me FBC E-Blast - August 7, 2023
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August 7, 2023
Failing to Listen to God - Genesis 3Listening to God is not a onetime event. We must continually keep His Word before us, or we'll begin to listen to the wrong voices.
In Genesis 2:16-17, the Lord gave a command not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. But Eve began to listen to another voice and did not hold firmly to her Creator's words. All that Satan had to do was plant a single doubt about God's integrity and offer Eve one appealing advantage of doing things her own way - and she fell for it. He mentioned wisdom, but using her own reasoning, Eve added two more benefits to the temptation: the fruit is good for food and a delight to the eyes.
The schemes of the Enemy have not changed. He still whispers lies and twists truth to convince us that a) God cannot be trusted and b) His ways are not the best. In every temptation, there is a deception about the character and motive of God, plus an attractive promise of a better way.
The world is filled with voices that vie for our attention and influence our thoughts and actions. Throughout the day, consider the messages that are sent your way through the media and people. Consciously begin to compare them to what Scripture says about God and His ways.
Remembering what God says in the Bible is our safeguard against deception and temptation. Daily devotions won't protect us if they're quickly forgotten during the day. Follow Christ's example: be ready with truth in your mind and on your tongue whenever temptation strikes (Matthew 4:1-11).
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Current Sermon Series
It's easy to think of doubt as a sign of weak faith. But it's not, necessarily. God isn't afraid of our doubts, so we don't have to be either. In the series, Doubting God, we're creating a space for the questions we've been afraid to ask. Together, let's discover how doubt can actually build our faith.
Last Week:
In the sermon today, we will talk about how there are some people who are leaving Christianity. We will see how doubt is a temptation to leave the faith, but it also could be an opportunity to dig in a bit more into God and His Word. If you've ever doubted God, this message is for you today.
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website, just under the calendar, or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
There will be no services at the church and it will not be live-streamed, as we will be at the Caldwell's pavilion for our Church Outside service. See you there at 11 AM!
Upcoming Events
August 13 - Church Outside at 11:00 AM at the Caldwell's. NO services at the church
August 20 - Lord's Supper & Deacon's Fund Offering after AM Worship Service
September 3 - Carry-in Fellowship Dinner after the AM Worship Service
Sept 24 - Guest Speaker Jeff Kipp will be presenting Jesus and The Day of Atonement210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
Unsubscribe me | Subscribe me FBC E-Blast - July 31, 2023
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July 31, 2023
Developing Faith through Adversity - II Corinthians 11It doesn't seem fair, does it? Paul spent his life serving Christ, and yet he experienced continual suffering. Why would God let one of His most faithful servants go through so much pain? This isn't just a question about Paul; it's an issue we face today. In our minds, the Lord should protect His loyal followers from hardships, but He doesn't necessarily do so.
Maybe our reasoning is backwards. We think faithful Christians don't deserve to suffer, but from God's perspective, suffering is what produces faithful Christians. If we all had lives of ease without opposition, trials, or pain, we'd never really know God, because we'd never need Him. Like it or not, adversity teaches us more about the Lord than simply reading the Bible ever will.
I'm not saying we don't need to know Scripture; that's our foundation for faith. But if what we believe is never tested by adversity, it remains head knowledge. How will we ever know the Lord can be trusted in the midst of trouble if we've never been challenged by hardship? God gives us opportunities to apply scriptural truths to the difficulties facing us, and in the process, we find Him faithful. For example, how would Paul ever have known the strength of Christ if he had never been weakened by pain, persecution, and adversity?
Depending on your response, trials can be God's greatest means of building faith or an avenue to discouragement and self-pity. If you'll believe what Scripture says and apply its principles to your situation, your trust in God will grow, and your faith will be strengthened through adversity.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Current Sermon Series
It's easy to think of doubt as a sign of weak faith. But it's not, necessarily. God isn't afraid of our doubts, so we don't have to be either. In the series, Doubting God, we're creating a space for the questions we've been afraid to ask. Together, let's discover how doubt can actually build our faith.
Last Week:
We had a guest speaker, a missionary to a restricted access nation, where it is illegal for missionaries to go to. That service was not recorded due to our desire to keep them safe.
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website, just under the calendar, or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
We continue our series, Doubting God. We will talk about the temptation of Leaving Christianity.
Upcoming Events
August 6 - NO Carry-in Fellowship Dinner after the AM Worship Service
August 13 - Church Outside at 11:00 AM at the Caldwell's. NO services at the church
August 20 - Lord's Supper & Deacon's Fund Offering after AM Worship Service
Sept 24 - Guest Speaker Jeff Kipp will be presenting Jesus and The Day of Atonement210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
Unsubscribe me | Subscribe me FBC E-Blast - July 24, 2023
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July 24, 2023
Peace, Joy, and Contentment - Nehemiah 2Discouragement can rob peace, joy, and contentment. But I have great news if you feel disheartened: You’re not stuck!
I've known people who appeared to be in an impossible situation. A few years later, however, they were in a terrific place, either in terms of their circumstances or their emotions. The reason? They never gave up. Instead of sulking in self-pity, they chose to believe God, step out in faith, and climb out of the emotional pit.
Nehemiah is a good example. He had every reason to feel defeated, because his people were in trouble. After receiving news that the city wall had been destroyed, this man of God acknowledged profound disappointment and grieved. Though pain flooded his soul, he didn’t allow himself to stay in that low place. Instead, Nehemiah cried out to God, seeking direction.
Sadness in the presence of royalty was punishable by death. But the Lord answered Nehemiah's prayer with amazing power, prompting the king to notice his servant's sad countenance and then to ask what he could do to help. This miracle led to the rebuilding of the wall and the redemption of God's people.
The Lord can take an impossible situation - no matter what it is - and move in ways mightier than you can imagine.
Do you live in eager expectation of what the Lord will do? Or have you chosen to linger in the depths of despair? Like Nehemiah, turn your disappointment into a petition for God’s help. He can restore your hope and prevent negative emotions from gaining a stranglehold on your life.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Current Sermon Series
It's easy to think of doubt as a sign of weak faith. But it's not, necessarily. God isn't afraid of our doubts, so we don't have to be either. In the series, Doubting God, we're creating a space for the questions we've been afraid to ask. Together, let's discover how doubt can actually build our faith.
Last Week:
Today we start a new series called, "Doubting God." We begin this series by looking into why we doubt, and then we will see that doubting might not be the worst thing in the Christian life. We look at the guy nicknamed for his doubting, Thomas, as we learn to deal with our doubts.
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website, just under the calendar, or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
We will have a guest speaker, a missionary to a restricted access nation, where it is illegal for missionaries to go to. We will not be recording the service as a result.
Upcoming Events
July 30 - Guest Missionary Speaker will be with us this day that serves in a Restricted Access Nation. There will be no live streaming on this Sunday.
August 6 - NO Carry-in Fellowship Dinner after the AM Worship Service
August 13 - Church Outside at 11:00 AM at the Caldwell's. NO services at the church
August 20 - Lord's Supper & Deacon's Fund Offering after AM Worship Service
Sept 24 - Guest Speaker Jeff Kipp will be presenting Jesus and The Day of Atonement210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
Unsubscribe me | Subscribe me FBC E-Blast - July 17, 2023
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July 17, 2023
The Source of Our Adversity - Isaiah 45When we experience hardships, we usually wonder why God allows these painful situations to come our way. It just doesn't seem to fit with His role as our loving heavenly Father. We struggle to reconcile our suffering with His love for us and His power to prevent or stop it. In order to understand what's going on, we need to consider the possible sources of adversity.
A Fallen World: When sin entered the world, suffering came with it. God could have protected us from these harmful effects by making us like puppets who could not choose sin, but that would mean we'd also be unable to choose to love Him, because love must be voluntary.
Our Own Doing: Sometimes we get ourselves into trouble with our foolish or sinful choices. If the Lord stepped in and rescued us from every negative consequence, we'd never grow into mature believers.
Satanic Attack: The Devil is our enemy. To hinder anything the Lord wants to do in and through believers, Satan will never cease to harass us. His goal is to destroy our lives and our testimonies, thereby making us weak and useless for God's purposes.
God's Sovereignty: Ultimately, the Lord is in charge of all adversity that comes our way. To deny His involvement contradicts His power and sovereignty over creation.
For us to accept that God allows - or even sends - afflictions, we must see adversity from His perspective. Is your focus on the pain of your experience or on the Lord and His faithfulness? As believers, we're assured that no adversity comes our way unless He can use it to achieve His good purposes.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Upcoming Sermon Series
It's easy to think of doubt as a sign of weak faith. But it's not, necessarily. God isn't afraid of our doubts, so we don't have to be either. In the series, Doubting God, we're creating a space for the questions we've been afraid to ask. Together, let's discover how doubt can actually build our faith.
Last Week:
As we close out our series on "Pretty Ugly People," we will look at how two people responded in two different ways to the ugliness that happens in their life, Naomi and Ruth. Naomi became bitter about what happened, and Ruth didn't. We need to be like Ruth.
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website, just under the calendar, or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
Next week, we begin our new Series Doubting God. Your questions don't make you a bad Christian. We will discover how to handle your doubts.
Upcoming Events
July 19 - Quarterly Business Meeting at 7:00 PM
July 30 - Guest Missionary Speaker will be with us this day that serves in a Restricted Access Nation. There will be no live streaming on this Sunday.
August 6 - NO Carry-in Fellowship Dinner after the AM Worship Service
August 13 - Church Outside at 11:00 AM at the Caldwell's. NO services at the church
Sept 24 - Guest Speaker Jeff Kipp will be presenting Jesus and The Day of Atonement210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
Unsubscribe me | Subscribe me FBC E-Blast - June 10, 2023
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July 10, 2023
The Believer's Purpose - Galatians 5God has a purpose for your life. If that weren't true, He'd have taken you home to heaven at the moment of salvation. Do you ever wonder why He left you here?
The Lord intends to influence others through you. Our purpose is to be a vessel through which Christ overflows to others--touching those who hurt and desperately need a Savior. Once we are saved, Scripture teaches, our involvement is threefold.
First, we love others. Jesus clearly stated that this was one of the two greatest commandments (Matthew 22:38-39).
Second, we share the good news of salvation (Acts 1:8). Some travel across the world to spread the gospel, while others teach neighbors across the street. The Holy Spirit will direct us to the right people if we are willing to obey.Watch and see how God will quiet your spirit and provide confidence when you draw only from Him as your source. You'll be surprised at your own attitude: when you respond from within - rather than from the flesh - Jesus will give you the ability to respond as He would.
Third, we serve in a variety of ways, like helping those in need, sharing our resources, and lifting others in prayer. Jesus is our perfect example of all three. His entire life was marked by caring for people--both those who loved Him and those who did not. In fact, the Bible teaches that He humbled Himself and became like us, willing to give up His life for our redemption. There is no greater love; there is no greater act of service.
Scripture clearly defines the believer's purpose. Aligning ourselves with God's intentions for His children--loving others, witnessing, and serving-- bring us great satisfaction. In fact, we're still on earth not merely to hear more teaching but to act on it and share with others what we learn.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Current Sermon Series
How can we be pretty, even when life is ugly? In this series will learn how to deal with people who can be pretty ugly, and how to avoid being pretty on the outside only to end up ugly on the inside.
Last Week:
Local Missionary, Jack Merckle, was with us and brought a message regarding Abraham and Lot.
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website, just under the calendar, or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
We will conclude our sermon series by looking at God Has A Plan.
Upcoming Events
July 16 - Marilee Foltz Memorial Service at the church at 12:30 PM
July 19 - Quarterly Business Meeting at 7:00 PM
July 30 - Guest Missionary Speaker will be with us this day that serves in a Restricted Access Nation
August 6 - NO Carry-in Fellowship Dinner after the AM Worship Service
August 13 - Church Outside at 11:00 AM at the Caldwell's. NO services at the church210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
Unsubscribe me | Subscribe me FBC E-Blast - July 3, 2023
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July 3, 2023
Drawing from the Source - Jeremiah 2For us as believers, contentment should be governed by inner attitude and the decisions we make rather than by external circumstances. Because Paul had learned this secret, he was able to experience joy and peace in any kind of situation - whether he was surrounded by friends or isolated in a Roman prison; whether he had plenty or was in great need.
The apostle understood what it meant to live in Christ and to have Christ living in him (John 15:1-9; Galatians 5:22-23). He had made a simple but profound faith decision to draw his life from the Lord and, as a result, had the calm assurance that what he possessed inside could never be stolen. He was confident in his identity as a child of the Almighty, with full access to the abundant life Jesus offers.
I want to challenge you - this week, when something threatens to steal your contentment, choose to draw from God; decide to stop drawing from other sources and trying to be in control. When you find yourself becoming flustered, anxious, or angry, stop and say, "Lord, You are my source, and I draw from You the capacity to be kind. I draw from You the forgiveness I need to extend right now. I draw from You the love I need to express." This decision is a matter of simple trust.It's usually when we cannot control or change our situation that we feel discontentment. As long as our satisfaction depends on whether certain things actually work out, we'll allow circumstances to cheat us out of peace. I'm not saying there's some spiritual stage where you will never again experience anxiety or frustration. But what matters is how we respond when those feelings grip us.
Watch and see how God will quiet your spirit and provide confidence when you draw only from Him as your source. You'll be surprised at your own attitude: when you respond from within - rather than from the flesh - Jesus will give you the ability to respond as He would.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Upcoming Sermon Series
How can we be pretty, even when life is ugly? In this series will learn how to deal with people who can be pretty ugly, and how to avoid being pretty on the outside only to end up ugly on the inside.
Last Week:
As we continue our series on "Pretty Ugly People," we learn from King David how we ought to treat those who are cruel and mean to us. We will see how difficult it is to continue doing what God would want us to do while people are being nasty towards us.
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website, just under the calendar, or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
Next weeks, we will have guest speaker, Jack Merckle, missionary to teenagers in rural Michigan.
Upcoming Events
July 8 - Trustee Meeting at 9 AM
July 9 - Local Missionary Jack Merckle will be presenting his field of rural teens ministry in Michigan
July 16 - Marilee Foltz Memorial Service at the church at 12:30 PM
July 19 - Quarterly Business Meeting at 7:00 PM
August 6 - NO Carry-in Fellowship Dinner after the AM Worship Service
August 13 - Church Outside at 11:00 AM at the Caldwell's. NO services at the church210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
Unsubscribe me | Subscribe me FBC E-Blast - June 26, 2023
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June 26, 2023
The Secret of Contentment - Philippians 4In today's reading, the apostle Paul says he has learned the secret of experiencing contentment in all circumstances, good or bad. Does it surprise you that he wrote this when he was in prison, unsure of his future?
We're often discontent even when all is going well. Consequently, we wonder how it's possible to be truly content during our most difficult trials, especially when there's no end in sight. So what is genuine contentment? Paul is speaking of a freedom from worry and frustration about everything in life - even unfulfilled desires.
It's usually when we cannot control or change our situation that we feel discontentment. As long as our satisfaction depends on whether certain things actually work out, we'll allow circumstances to cheat us out of peace. I'm not saying there's some spiritual stage where you will never again experience anxiety or frustration. But what matters is how we respond when those feelings grip us.
This is something that the apostle had to learn. Paul endured amazing suffering, from shipwrecks and hunger to unjust imprisonment and beatings (II Corinthians 11:24-30). He had gone through countless situations that were uncertain, extraordinarily painful, and seemingly hopeless. But he finally discovered that contentment could not be dependent upon his circumstances.
How do you respond when circumstances are out of your control? Do you get angry? Do you try to escape? Does despair make you want to give up? Paul chose to give his anxieties to Jesus in exchange for peace that "surpasses all comprehension" (Philippians 4:7). That same peace is available to you!
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Upcoming Sermon Series
How can we be pretty, even when life is ugly? In this series will learn how to deal with people who can be pretty ugly, and how to avoid being pretty on the outside only to end up ugly on the inside.
Last Week:
Today we begin a new series called "Pretty Ugly People." We are not talking about the exterior of people, but their character. How can we follow God and deal correctly with some "Pretty Ugly People?" Stay tuned over the next few weeks to learn how God wants us to.
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website, just under the calendar, or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
We will continue our series of Pretty Ugly People, by looking at Based On A True Story.
Upcoming Events
June 25-29 - Vacation Bible School: Babylon: Daniel's Courage in Captivity. You can sign up here.
July 2 - Carry-in Fellowship Dinner after the AM Worship Service
July 8 - Trustee Meeting at 9 AM
July 9 - Local Missionary Jack Merckle will be presenting his field of rural teens ministry in Michigan
July 16 - Marilee Foltz Memorial Service at the church at 12:30 PM
July 19 - Quarterly Business Meeting at 7:00 PM210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
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June 19, 2023
Invest Your Time, Don’t Just Spend It - Ephesians 5Time is a most valuable commodity. Since it's irreversible and irreplaceable, we ought to give careful consideration to how we spend our days - and even our minutes. Time is a gift from God. That means we are not owners but stewards and will one day be held accountable for how we used what was entrusted to us. According to verse 15, there are only two possible ways to live: wisely or foolishly.
Let's first consider what is involved in using our time wisely. Those who realize that their days belong to God are careful how they live. Their goal is to understand the Lord's will and align their schedules and activities with His purposes. As they seek guidance each day through intimate fellowship with Him in the Word and prayer, their spiritual eyes are opened to discern which opportunities are from the Father and which are not a part of His plans for them.
But those who are foolish do not give adequate thought to the way they live. Some become unproductive and lazy, living for their own pleasures while missing out on God's purpose for their lives. However, others may be very busy and extremely successful by worldly standards, but if their days are occupied with activities that aren't God's will for them, they're wasting their time.
To make the most of your opportunities, begin each day with the Lord, submitting to His will and asking that He direct your activities. After all, none of us want to get to heaven and discover that even though we've been busy spending our time, we have failed to invest it for eternity.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Upcoming Sermon Series
How can we be pretty, even when life is ugly? In this series will learn how to deal with people who can be pretty ugly, and how to avoid being pretty on the outside only to end up ugly on the inside. We will start this series June 25th.
Last Week:
Today is Father's Day, so we celebrate them. We know that Father's aren't perfect, only our Heavenly Father is perfect. Today we look at what kind of legacy each Father should be leaving to their family. We will learn how a father should love his family.
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website, just under the calendar, or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
.
We begin our series of Pretty Ugly People. No, we are not talking about looks, we are talking about people whose personalities are pretty ugly. We are going to start off that series with a message titled Angels On The Inside
Upcoming Events
June 25 - Deacon's Meeting at 8 AM
June 25-29 - Vacation Bible School: Babylon: Daniel's Courage in Captivity. You can sign up here.
July 2 - Carry-in Fellowship Dinner after the AM Worship Service
July 8 - Trustee Meeting at 9 AM
July 9 - Local Missionary Jack Merckle will be presenting his field of rural teens ministry in Michigan
July 16 - Marilee Foltz Memorial Service at the church at 12:30 PM
July 19 - Quarterly Business Meeting at 7:00 PM210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
Unsubscribe me | Subscribe me FBC E-Blast - June 5, 2023
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June 5, 2023
Live Intentionally - II Timothy 4Paul was a man who lived life to the full. His goals were to know Christ, abide in His power, fellowship in His suffering, and preach the gospel (Philippians 3:10; I Corinthians 1:17). In doing so, he aligned his aspirations with the Lord's, diligently worked to fulfill his calling, and persevered through opposition, persecution, and suffering. He could face the end of his life with confidence since he'd "fought the good fight," "finished the course," and "kept the faith" (II Timothy 4:7).
We'd all like to be able to say the same at the end of our lives, but that means we have to follow Paul's example. How are you doing at setting goals for your life? Have you thought beyond the immediate and set some long-term objectives? Our culture is so fast-paced that few of us take the time to actually consider where we're going. But you don't want to finish your life and find out you were on a course other than God's, fighting the wrong fight, and struggling to keep the faith.
Why not set aside some time this week to get alone with the Lord. Then ask His help in setting goals that will take you where He wants you to go. Consider every area of your life - personal, relational, financial, and vocational - but make spiritual goals your primary emphasis. Then write them down.
If you keep doing what you're doing, you'll keep getting what you're getting. Maybe it's time to get out of your rut and find a new path. God will help you change direction and accomplish new goals that align with His will. Don't settle for the mediocrity of an unplanned life. Start living intentionally.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Current Sermon Series
Are you facing something so overwhelming that only a miracle can change it? Do you even believe in miracles? They've happened before and can happen again. Let's experience them together.
Last Week:
Are you facing something so overwhelming that only a miracle can change it? Do you even believe in miracles? They've happened before and can happen again. We begin this series with a familiar account of Lazarus being resurrected. What we need to do when we are waiting for a miracle is be patient. God works in His timing.
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website, just under the calendar, or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
We will continue looking at a couple of Jesus' Miracles and we will try to understand that The Miracle You Need Requires Movement.
Upcoming Events
June 11 - Special Guest Speaker Harold Rinehart will be speaking
June 25 - Deacon's Meeting at 8 AM
June 25-29 - Vacation Bible School: Babylon: Daniel's Courage in Captivity. You can sign up here.
July 2 - Carry-in Fellowship Dinner after the AM Worship Service
July 9 - Local Missionary Jack Merckle will be presenting his field of rural teens ministry in Michigan210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
Unsubscribe me | Subscribe me FBC E-Blast - May 22, 2023
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May 22, 2023
A Call to Godly Living - Romans 12The apostle Paul lived in an age when sensuality, the pursuit of pleasure, and rebellion against the Lord were prevalent. In response, he wrote letters urging Christians not to follow in the ways of the world. Like those early believers, we are to pursue godliness by... - Presenting our bodies to God. Our total being - mind, will, emotions, personality, and physical body - are to be turned over to our heavenly Father (James 4:7). Submitting ourselves to the Lord requires a definite decision to give Him control and a daily commitment to remain under His authority. By surrendering to Him, we will position ourselves for godly living.
- Becoming living sacrifices. The Christian life is built around the concept of sacrifice. Jesus left the perfection of heaven to dwell among a sinful people so He might reconcile us to God. He offered up His life to make payment for our sins (I John 3:16) and brought us into His family. As believers, we are to follow His example. Paul called it a living sacrifice, because it is ongoing - one that is repeated daily.
A life of godliness is characterized by a heart and mind bent toward the things of God. Although we will live imperfectly, our focus is to be on obeying His will and pleasing Him. Let's commit to becoming more like Jesus, the One who willingly gave Himself to God as a sacrifice for us.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Current Sermon Series
Are you facing something so overwhelming that only a miracle can change it? Do you even believe in miracles? They've happened before and can happen again. Let's experience them together.
Last Week:
Are you facing something so overwhelming that only a miracle can change it? Do you even believe in miracles? They've happened before and can happen again. We begin this series with a familiar account of Lazarus being resurrected. What we need to do when we are waiting for a miracle is be patient. God works in His timing.
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website, just under the calendar, or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
We will continue looking at a couple of Jesus' Miracles and we will try to understand that The Miracle You Need Requires Movement.
Upcoming Events
Please Note: No E-Blast next week due to holiday
May 28 - Lord's Supper & Deacon's Fund Offering after AM Worship Service
May 29 - Midway Community Memorial Day Festivities at the Honor Roll at 9:30 AM, and then at Center Cemetery at 10 AM
June 4 - Carry-in Fellowship Dinner after the AM Worship Service
June 11 - Special Guest Speaker Harold Rinehart will be speaking
June 25-29 - Vacation Bible School: Babylon: Daniel's Courage in Captivity
July 9 - Local Missionary Jack Merckle will be presenting his field of rural teens ministry in Michigan210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
Unsubscribe me | Subscribe me - Presenting our bodies to God. Our total being - mind, will, emotions, personality, and physical body - are to be turned over to our heavenly Father (James 4:7). Submitting ourselves to the Lord requires a definite decision to give Him control and a daily commitment to remain under His authority. By surrendering to Him, we will position ourselves for godly living.
FBC E-Blast - May 17, 2023
FBC E-Blast
May 17, 2023
Tragedy in the Church House - Matthew 5Every Sunday countless people all over the world sit in church buildings with a false sense of security. They assume that their morality, lifelong church membership, or baptism will earn them a place in heaven. While many of these folks sincerely desire to please God, they are confused about what the Christian life is all about. They think in terms of doing rather than being. So they imitate the actions of good Christians: going to a weekly service, praying, reading the Bible, and trying to be decent people.
However, salvation is not the product of good works. We come into the world with a corrupt nature, and all our wrongdoing is born of a heart turned away from the Lord. Because we are sinful people, we sin. It's that simple. The good news is that in the salvation experience, we are given a brand-new nature (II Corinthians 5:17). Our sin is wiped away because Jesus Christ sacrificed Himself for us. From the moment we trust in Him, the Holy Spirit dwells in our hearts so that we can live righteously.
The world values action, but the Father prioritizes relationship - specifically a right relationship with Him. People who scurry about flaunting religiosity are missing out on the deeply satisfying and joyous intimacy between a believer and the Lord.
We can help turn others' tragic misunderstandings into triumph by being ready to explain why we have hope (I Peter 3:15). Speak of the personal relationship with Christ that's possible when a person admits his need and trusts in the Savior. If your light shines, it reflects well on the church.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Upcoming Sermon Series
You could do what you've always done. Choose what you want now over what you want most. But there's a Greater Reward waiting for you. Discover how to let go of the status quo and stay focused on who God says you are and what He wants for your life.
Last Week:
Happy Mother's Day! There are beautiful moms out there, and today we are going to talk about a biblically beautiful mom.
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website, just under the calendar, or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
We will begin a short series, Greater Reward, by looking into the need for discipline in our lives. I don't know about you, but I know that in my life there are times when I must admit to the Lord, Help! I'm Out of Control!!
Upcoming Events
May 28 - Lord's Supper & Deacon's Fund Offering after AM Worship Service
May 29 - Midway Community Memorial Day Festivities at the Honor Roll at 9:30 AM, and then at Center Cemetery at 10 AM
June 4 - Carry-in Fellowship Dinner after the AM Worship Service
June 11 - Special Guest Speaker Harold Rinehart will be speaking
June 25-29 - Vacation Bible School: Babylon: Daniel's Courage in Captivity
July 9 - Local Missionary Jack Merkle will be presenting his field of rural teens ministry in Michigan210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
Unsubscribe me | Subscribe me FBC E-Blast - May 8, 2023
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May 8, 2023
How to Serve the Church - I Corinthians 12When I talk about serving the church with God-given talents and gifts, people oftentimes think too small. They picture the choir singer or the Sunday school teacher. But if they don't happen to be naturallly adept at singing or teaching, they give up.
It's time we stop thinking in terms of a "Sunday only" establishment. The church is not a place or a time; it is a body of believers, each one uniquely gifted by God to guide, help, challenge, and support the rest. In fact, most service to the Lord doesn't take place inside the church building. It happens out in the world, where we do all the things that Scripture commands.
Most believers are not in a position to influence a lot of people. When we act or speak, only those closest to us notice, but a chain reaction ripples outward to affect an entire community. Paul's metaphor of body parts working together harmoniously is a helpful description of how one small action can have a widespread impact. Consider the way tensing your big toe keeps your foot stable and thereby steadies your whole body. In the same way, a gentle rebuke, a listening ear, or a loving deed benefits the church by strengthening one brother or sister, who then supports another...
We are on this earth to serve the kingdom of God and His church. And we do that by ministering to each other in small ways that steady the whole body as we give extra support to one member. In talking about such service, I am challenging you to find a need that God can meet through you.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Last Week:
This week, we will complete our study in II Timothy 1 and what it means to be unashamed of Jesus Christ. In order to be unashamed, we must learn to realize what our duty is as Children of God. We must also trust our security in Him. We also must affirm our doctrine from God's Word. Then, finally, we need to choose our associates carefully, for you are who you hang out with. Join us as we come to a close on this challenging series.
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website, just under the calendar, or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
We will be celebrating Mother's Day, so please come celebrate it together with us!Upcoming Events
May 28 - Lord's Supper & Deacon's Fund Offering after AM Worship Service
May 29 - Midway Community Memorial Day Festivities at the Honor Roll at 9:30 AM, and then at Center Cemetery at 10 AM
June 4 - Carry-in Fellowship Dinner after the AM Worship Service
June 25-29 - Vacation Bible School: Babylon: Daniel's Courage in Captivity210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
Unsubscribe me | Subscribe me FBC E-Blast - May 1, 2023
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May 1, 2023
Trained to Discern - Hebrews 5In today's world, impatience is all too common a trait. We want food, help, and information fast. Just waiting for the computer to boot up or the "next avail-able agent" to answer our call can cause frustration. But the Lord specializes in slow, steady work. He's more interested in a quality outcome than a speedy process.
Nowhere is this more evident than in the realm of spiritual discernment. When we become Christians, we aren't instantly wise and knowledgeable. It takes a lifetime to grow to maturity. Some believers, however, don't seem to grow up at all. They get older, but their understanding of God's Word never goes very deep.
This lack of godly wisdom is caused by ignorance of the Scriptures, apathy and complacency about spiritual things, and a failure to apply biblical truths. Discernment requires time and effort. You can't simply move through life, thoughtlessly reacting to situations yet never learning from them. Take time to reflect on your responses and observe the consequences of your actions and choices. If you feel convicted by what you notice, let that motivate you to begin a lifelong pursuit of the Lord and His ways. Start reading the Bible regularly. And as you do, ask the Lord to open your heart and mind to understand what He's saying.
But just reading God's Word isn't enough. Without applying what you've read, all you'll have is head knowledge. Obedience trains us to discern good and evil. Through practice, we learn wisdom and develop spiritual maturity. If you'll begin today and patiently persevere, in time discernment will come.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Current Sermon Series
You hear someone bad-mouthing God and His character, or reveling in unrighteous behavior. Now's your opportunity to speak boldly for Christ. Instead, you stay silent - concerned about what others might think or say, afraid of being ridiculed or misunderstood because of your faith.
You're not alone. It can be intimidating to speak up for God. So how do you stand on your convictions and summon the courage to proclaim biblical truth when it's needed? And where does that fortitude come from?
Just before he was executed for his faith, the apostle Paul answered those questions in his final letter, addressed to his protégé Timothy - and to every believer today. Let's learn how to be Unashamed of your faith in Christ, in every circumstance. This message series will begin April 16.
Last Week:
Harold Rinehart brought the message from Matthew 5 entitled Do You Know Jesus?
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website, just under the calendar, or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
We will finish up our series on being Unashamed of Christ next Sunday.
Upcoming Events
May 7 - Carry-in Fellowship Dinner after the AM Worship Service
June 11 - Lord's Supper & Deacon's Fund Offering after AM Worship Service
June 25-29 - Vacation Bible School: Babylon: Daniel's Courage in Captivity210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
Unsubscribe me | Subscribe me FBC E-Blast - April 24, 2023
FBC E-Blast
April 24, 2023
Learning from Failure - Luke 22The disciple Peter was a man of great faith and bold action. But as readers of the New Testament know, his brash style sometimes led him to make humiliating mistakes. More than once, this disciple had to wear the label of "miserable failure" rather than that of "obedient servant."
We can all relate when it comes to falling short of expectations. Obedience to God is a learning process, and failure is a part of our development as humble servants. When we yield to temptation or rebel against God's authority, we realize that sin has few rewards, and even those are fleeting.
Failure is an excellent learning tool, as Peter could certainly attest. Through trial and error, he discovered that humility is required of believers (); that God's ways are higher than the world's ways (); and that one should never take his eyes off Jesus (). He took each of those lessons to heart and thereby grew stronger in his faith. Isn't that Romans 8:28 in action? God caused Peter's failures to be put to good use as training material because the disciple was eager to mature and serve.
God doesn't reward rebellion or wrongdoing. However, by His grace, He blesses those who choose repentance and embrace chastisement as a tool for growth.
We would probably all prefer to grow in our faith without ever making a mistake before God's eyes, but we cannot deny that missteps are instructive. Failure teaches believers that it is much wiser and more profitable to be obedient to the Lord. That's a lesson we all should take to heart.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Current Sermon Series
You hear someone bad-mouthing God and His character, or reveling in unrighteous behavior. Now's your opportunity to speak boldly for Christ. Instead, you stay silent - concerned about what others might think or say, afraid of being ridiculed or misunderstood because of your faith.
You're not alone. It can be intimidating to speak up for God. So how do you stand on your convictions and summon the courage to proclaim biblical truth when it's needed? And where does that fortitude come from?
Just before he was executed for his faith, the apostle Paul answered those questions in his final letter, addressed to his protégé Timothy - and to every believer today. Let's learn how to be Unashamed of your faith in Christ, in every circumstance. This message series will begin April 16.
Last Week:
As we continue our series, we will see multiple reasons why we should never be ashamed of Jesus or the Gospel. Paul is telling Timothy and us in II Timothy 1, that we need consider our resources. Verse 7 tells us that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but instead He has given us His Holy Spirit which comes with power, love, and discipline. We also need to accept persecution, because it will come. Then He tells us to remember God Himself and all He has done..
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website, just under the calendar, or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
We will have Harold Rinehart as a special speaker.
Upcoming Events
April 27 - Church Work Night at 6 PM
April 30 - Special Speaker Harold Rinehart will be preaching
May 7 - Carry-in Fellowship Dinner after the AM Worship Service210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
Unsubscribe me | Subscribe me FBC E-Blast - April 17, 2023
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April 17, 2023
The Greatest Act of Love - Romans 5What do you think about when you see a depiction of Christ on the cross? Most of us are overwhelmed by the physical and emotional suffering that He endured - the scourging, beating, thorns, nails, mocking, and shame. We are horrified at the cruelty of the Romans and the hard hearts of the Jewish rulers.
But during the crucifixion, far more was happening than the eye could see. God was carrying out His plan to rescue mankind, providing everything we need for salvation:- Redemption. Jesus paid the full price of the debt we owed for transgression: death. His payment set us free from bondage to sin.
- Forgiveness. God could now release us from the punishment we deserved.
- Propitiation. Christ’s payment satisfied the Father by fulfilling His demand for justice while letting Him forgive us.
- Justification. On the basis of Jesus’ sacrifice, the Lord now declares believers not guilty. Although we will still sin in this earthly life, our standing before God is one of righteousness. This is a legal declaration that can never be reversed.
- Reconciliation. The sin barrier that separated us from the Father was removed by Christ’s death on our behalf. We’re now God’s children—we have open access to Him and fellowship with Him.
The crucifixion was the only way to rescue lost humanity. If there had been any other way, the cross would have been a grotesque display of divine cruelty. But because so much was at stake, it can truly be called the greatest act of love by both the Father and the Son.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Current Sermon Series
You hear someone bad-mouthing God and His character, or reveling in unrighteous behavior. Now's your opportunity to speak boldly for Christ. Instead, you stay silent - concerned about what others might think or say, afraid of being ridiculed or misunderstood because of your faith.
You're not alone. It can be intimidating to speak up for God. So how do you stand on your convictions and summon the courage to proclaim biblical truth when it's needed? And where does that fortitude come from?
Just before he was executed for his faith, the apostle Paul answered those questions in his final letter, addressed to his protégé Timothy - and to every believer today. Let's learn how to be Unashamed of your faith in Christ, in every circumstance. This message series will begin April 16.
Last Week:
This message is an introduction to our new series, "Unashamed." We will learn what it means to be ashamed of Christ as well as the consequences of being so. Then we will begin to look at II Timothy 1 to see how we can live a life that is not ashamed.
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website, just under the calendar, or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
We will continue in our series about being Unashamed.
Upcoming Events
April 19 - Quarterly Business Meeting at 7 PM
April 20 - Church Work Night at 6 PM
April 23 - Lord's Supper & Deacon's Fund Offering after AM Worship Service
April 30 - Special Speaker Harold Rinehart will be preaching
May 7 - Carry-in Fellowship Dinner after the AM Worship Service210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
Unsubscribe me | Subscribe me FBC E-Blast - April 10, 2023
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April 10, 2023
The Necessity of the Cross - Colossians 3What does the cross mean to you? Many people in the world today view it as a symbol of Christianity, but stop and think about what it represented in Christ's day. Nobody wore a miniature cross around the neck or displayed one in a place of worship. The cross was a torturous means of execution, and the mere thought of it was repulsive.
Yet believers throughout the ages have chosen this as the sign of their faith. In fact, to remove the cross from our teaching and theology would leave nothing but an empty, powerless religion. The subjects of death, blood, and sacrifice have become unpopular in many churches because they're unpleasant and uncomfortable topics. We'd prefer to hear about the love of God, not the suffering of Jesus.
But let me ask you this: How could anyone be saved if Christ had not been crucified? Some people think all you have to do to receive God's forgiveness is ask Him for it. But a sinner's request can never be the basis for His forgiveness. He would cease to be holy and just if no penalty was imposed for sin. According to Scripture, there can be no forgiveness without the shedding of blood (Hebrews 9:22). Christ had to bear the punishment for our sin in order for God to grant us forgiveness.
Every time you see a cross, remember what it really was - an instrument of execution. Then thank Jesus that He was willing to be crucified so the Father could forgive you of sin. Though the scene of your redemption was horrendous, Christ turned the cross into a place of great triumph.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Upcoming Sermon Series
You hear someone bad-mouthing God and His character, or reveling in unrighteous behavior. Now's your opportunity to speak boldly for Christ. Instead, you stay silent - concerned about what others might think or say, afraid of being ridiculed or misunderstood because of your faith.
You're not alone. It can be intimidating to speak up for God. So how do you stand on your convictions and summon the courage to proclaim biblical truth when it's needed? And where does that fortitude come from?
Just before he was executed for his faith, the apostle Paul answered those questions in his final letter, addressed to his protégé Timothy - and to every believer today. Let's learn how to be Unashamed of your faith in Christ, in every circumstance. This message series will begin April 16.
Last Week:
We celebrated Easter, Resurrection Sunday. As we do so, we want to ask you to consider Jesus. Consider what He has done, how He impacted this world. Consider Jesus.
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website, just under the calendar, or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
We will begin our series Unashamed by starting with a sermon titled Not being Ashamed of Christ.
Upcoming Events
April 13 - Church Work Night at 6 PM
April 19 - Quarterly Business Meeting at 7 PM
April 23 - Lord's Supper & Deacon's Fund Offering after AM Worship Service
April 30 - Special Speaker Harold Rinehart will be preaching
May 7 - Carry-in Fellowship Dinner after the AM Worship Service210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
Unsubscribe me | Subscribe me FBC E-Blast - April 3, 2023
FBC E-Blast
April 24, 2023
Learning from Failure - Luke 22The disciple Peter was a man of great faith and bold action. But as readers of the New Testament know, his brash style sometimes led him to make humiliating mistakes. More than once, this disciple had to wear the label of "miserable failure" rather than that of "obedient servant."
We can all relate when it comes to falling short of expectations. Obedience to God is a learning process, and failure is a part of our development as humble servants. When we yield to temptation or rebel against God's authority, we realize that sin has few rewards, and even those are fleeting.
Failure is an excellent learning tool, as Peter could certainly attest. Through trial and error, he discovered that humility is required of believers (John 13:5-14); that God's ways are higher than the world's ways (Mark 8:33); and that one should never take his eyes off Jesus (Matthew 14:30). He took each of those lessons to heart and thereby grew stronger in his faith. Isn't that Romans 8:28 in action? God caused Peter's failures to be put to good use as training material because the disciple was eager to mature and serve.
God doesn't reward rebellion or wrongdoing. However, by His grace, He blesses those who choose repentance and embrace chastisement as a tool for growth.
We would probably all prefer to grow in our faith without ever making a mistake before God's eyes, but we cannot deny that missteps are instructive. Failure teaches believers that it is much wiser and more profitable to be obedient to the Lord. That's a lesson we all should take to heart.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Current Sermon Series
You hear someone bad-mouthing God and His character, or reveling in unrighteous behavior. Now's your opportunity to speak boldly for Christ. Instead, you stay silent - concerned about what others might think or say, afraid of being ridiculed or misunderstood because of your faith.
You're not alone. It can be intimidating to speak up for God. So how do you stand on your convictions and summon the courage to proclaim biblical truth when it's needed? And where does that fortitude come from?
Just before he was executed for his faith, the apostle Paul answered those questions in his final letter, addressed to his protégé Timothy - and to every believer today. Let's learn how to be Unashamed of your faith in Christ, in every circumstance. This message series will begin April 16.
Last Week:
As we continue our series, we will see multiple reasons why we should never be ashamed of Jesus or the Gospel. Paul is telling Timothy and us in II Timothy 1, that we need consider our resources. Verse 7 tells us that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but instead He has given us His Holy Spirit which comes with power, love, and discipline. We also need to accept persecution, because it will come. Then He tells us to remember God Himself and all He has done..
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website, just under the calendar, or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
We will have Harold Rinehart as a special speaker.
Upcoming Events
April 27 - Church Work Night at 6 PM
April 30 - Special Speaker Harold Rinehart will be preaching
May 7 - Carry-in Fellowship Dinner after the AM Worship Service210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
Unsubscribe me | Subscribe me FBC E-Blast - March 27, 2023
FBC E-Blast
March 27, 2023
God Is at Work - John 5Throughout the Bible, we observe God at work in people's lives. Sometimes He acts in dramatic fashion, as in parting the Red Sea to allow the Israelites to escape the Egyptian army. At other times it may appear as if He's not taking any action. Mary and Martha sent word to Jesus that their brother needed His help, but Christ delayed before traveling to their home (John 11:3-6).
Our Father has given us the Holy Spirit to help us recognize His presence and handiwork. The Spirit cultivates spiritual discernment in us so we can understand when and where He's at work.
In addition to spiritual discernment, we must develop patience because the Lord operates according to His timetable, not ours. After being promised numerous descendants, Abrahan had to wait until he and Sarah were beyond childbearing years before she conceived. Impatience can cause us to take matters into our own hands and make mistakes.
The Lord's efforts can bring delight, as was the case when Hannah bore a child (I Samuel 1:27-2:1). His plan can also lead through painful times, which was Joseph's experience. Before the Lord elevated him to a position of authority to help his family, Joseph was sold into slavery and unjustly imprisoned.
Jesus told the disciples that His Father was always at work and so was He. We will be encouraged and strengthened in our faith when we recognize the ways in which God is operating. These glimpses of His handiwork will motivate us to stay the course and help us maintain a godly perspective on life.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Current Sermon Series
Our thoughts are powerful. They change our perspective, impact our decisions, and influence our habits. But what do we do when we become trapped by our thoughts, unable to escape negative and unhealthy thinking? Let’s learn what it means to take our thoughts captive and win the war in our minds.
Last Week:
We continue our series on "Winning the War In Your Mind" by looking at how we are to deal with the negative thoughts in our mind. It doesn't matter how successful or decent your life may be, we can all still complain about something. Instead of focusing on the negative, we need to reframe our thinking to the way that God and His Word would have us to think. We are to think on that which is good and lovely and pure and more according to Philippians 4:8.
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website, just under the calendar, or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
We will conlude our series by looking into how God can Calm My Anxious Mind.
Upcoming Events
March 30 - Church Work Night at 6 PM
April 2 - Egg Stuffing Party following AM Worship service
April 8 - Midway Community Easter Egg Hunt at Midway Community Park at 12 PM
April 9 - Easter Services
Early Service at 8 AM
Carry-in Breakfast at 9 AM
Easter Worship Service at 10 AM.
NO Service at 11 AM
April 19 - Quarterly Business Meeting at 7 PM
April 23 - Lord's Supper & Deacon's Fund Offering after AM Worship Service
April 30 - Special Speaker Harold Rinehart will be preaching210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
Unsubscribe me | Subscribe me FBC E-Blast - March 20, 2023
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March 20, 2023
Our Awesome God - Revelation 4In our culture, God's name is oftentimes mentioned with little reverence. In fact, many people actually use it as a curse. Even among those who love Him, it is far too common to use His name casually, without taking time to ponder who He is. When you say a blessing at mealtimes, for instance, do you realize that you are talking to the almighty Creator God who rules over all things?
Our view of the Lord impacts three areas of life. First, it affects our prayers. As we come to know Him better and better, our desires will start to look like His goals for us, and our petitions will align more closely with His purposes. Furthermore, as we recognize His greatness and power, we'll become more confident that He can accomplish mighty things - and we will venture to "pray big."
Second, our understanding of His righteousness and goodness influences our behavior. If God has these attributes, surely it is in our best interest to obey gladly. We will desire righteousness and be quick to repent of sin.
Third, our faith is impacted. Grasping that Jesus is holy, good, and powerful grows our trust in Him. Knowing our awesome God and remembering His great works will further build our confidence in Him.
Do you personally know our loving and holy heavenly Father? He invites you into an intimate relationship with Him. But, as with any good friendship, time and intentionality are necessary to understand Him and learn His ways. The more you do that, the more your prayers, behavior, and faith will be impacted.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Current Sermon Series
Our thoughts are powerful. They change our perspective, impact our decisions, and influence our habits. But what do we do when we become trapped by our thoughts, unable to escape negative and unhealthy thinking? Let’s learn what it means to take our thoughts captive and win the war in our minds.
Last Week:
We continue our series on "Winning The War In Your Mind," by looking at how we need to renew our minds. Scripture explicitly states that the way to renew our minds is to think on that which is pure and holy and the like from Philippians 4:8. God's Word is all of those things, and that is what is going to renew our minds, so we can take it back from our sinful self, and win the war in our minds.
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website, just under the calendar, or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
We will continue our series by delving into how to Defeat Your Negative Thoughts
Upcoming Events
April 2 - Egg Stuffing Party following AM Worship service
April 8 - Midway Community Easter Egg Hunt at Midway Community Park at 12 PM
April 9 - Easter Services
Early Service at 8 AM
Carry-in Breakfast at 9 AM
Easter Worship Service at 10 AM.
NO Service at 11 AM
April 19 - Quarterly Business Meeting at 7 PM
April 23 - Lord's Supper & Deacon's Fund Offering after AM Worship Service
April 30 - Special Speaker Harold Rinehart will be preaching210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
Unsubscribe me | Subscribe me FBC E-Blast - March 13, 2023
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March 13, 2023
God Is Sovereign over Delays - Proverbs 16No one likes to wait, but have you ever wondered why? It's because delays show us that we are not in control. Someone or something else is calling the shots. Although we may be able to identify the immediate cause - like a traffic light or the long checkout line - ultimately the One who controls all our delays is the Lord. Since He is sovereign over everything in heaven and on earth, even our time and schedules are in His hands.
This means that in every delay, we are actually waiting for God in one way or another. You might have thought that the expression "waiting upon the Lord" applies only to seeking guidance from Him or an answer to prayer. But it can mean so much more when you remember that He controls all your day-to-day inconveniences and frustrations.
In the Christian life, learning to wait is vitally important because until you do, you'll never be able to walk in obedience to God, have an effective prayer life, or experience the peace of resting in His loving sovereignty. We must learn to trust His judgment - about not just the big events in our lives, but also the trivial ones which cause us to become irritated, impatient, or even angry. If we're sensitive to His instruction, each delay has a lesson.
The next time you face an unexpected or unwanted wait, remember that it comes as no surprise to God. He wants to teach you patience and increase your faith. He's more interested in developing godly character than He is in making sure your schedule runs according to your plans.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Current Sermon Series
Our thoughts are powerful. They change our perspective, impact our decisions, and influence our habits. But what do we do when we become trapped by our thoughts, unable to escape negative and unhealthy thinking? Let’s learn what it means to take our thoughts captive and win the war in our minds.
Last Week:
Today we start a new series on winning the war in your mind. Most of our life's battles are won or lost in the mind, so it is important for us to strengthen our mind in the Lord. It is so easy to get caught up in the worries and negativity of this world. God would have us to be peaceful and more positive, but mostly, eternal minded. This message is about how God can win the constant war in our minds.
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website, just under the calendar, or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
We continue our series on how we are to be Winning The War In Your Mind by learning to Take back Your Mind.
Upcoming Events
March 18 - Trustee's Meeting 9 AM
March 19 - Deacon's Meeting at 8 AM
April 2 - Egg Stuffing Party following AM Worship service
April 8 - Midway Community Easter Egg Hunt at Midway Community Park at 12 PM
April 9 - Easter Services
Early Service at 8 AM
Carry-in Breakfast at 9 AM
Easter Worship Service at 10 AM.
NO Service at 11 AM
April 19 - Quarterly Business Meeting at 7 PM
April 23 - Lord's Supper & Deacon's Fund Offering after AM Worship Service210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
Unsubscribe me | Subscribe me FBC E-Blast - March 6, 2023
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March 6, 2023
Sowing Spiritual Seeds - John 4Think about everything that contributed to the story of how you came to know Christ as your Lord and Savior. It's probably not possible to fully count all those spiritual seeds that God used to draw you to Him. And not all the people who sowed good seed into your life knew what the outcome would be.
We also have the opportunity and privilege - every single day - of sowing seeds into the lives of others, such as our friends, co-workers, children, grandchildren, or even strangers. God takes what you plant and adds to it. He leads others to sow further seed or "water" the ground. Little by little, truth gets cultivated in their lives. What greater thing could you do?
Conversely, you might focus on providing your kids with plenty of material security and send them to the best schools and colleges - and yet it would count nothing for eternity. But when you sow into their lives the things of God and the qualities of Jesus, you're feeding their spirits. The seeds that affect their hearts, view of God, and desire to make a difference for Him in the world are what will produce genuine, lasting fruit and a great harvest in their lives. Whether or not you ever see the results, the Lord is using you profoundly when you sow this kind of crop.
God sees all the little things you do; He's interested in more than just "big" things. The fruit of His Spirit - such as kindness, patience, and self-control - often manifests itself in quiet ways that others may never give you credit for. But such spiritual seeds accomplish powerful work in His kingdom.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Upcoming Sermon Series
Our thoughts are powerful. They change our perspective, impact our decisions, and influence our habits. But what do we do when we become trapped by our thoughts, unable to escape negative and unhealthy thinking? Let’s learn what it means to take our thoughts captive and win the war in our minds.
Last Week:
Last week we looked from several different books of the Bible on how the Bible speaks for itself and its sufficiency. We don't need anything else along with His Word to live life here on this earth. Today, we will look at God's own testimony about His Word's sufficiency.
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website, just under the calendar, or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
We will begin our series about Winning the War in Your Mind.
Upcoming Events
March 10 - Church-Wide Bowling at 6:30 PM at West Pike Bowl. $5 per person includes 2 hours of bowling, pizza and pop. There is a sign up sheet in the church foyer. Invite your friends and neighbors!
April 2 - Egg Stuffing Party following AM Worship service
April 8 - Midway Community Easter Egg Hunt at Midway Community Park at 12 PM
April 9 - Easter Services
Early Service at 8 AM
Carry-in Breakfast at 9 AM
Easter Worship Service at 10 AM.
NO Service at 11 AM
April 23 - Lord's Supper & Deacon's Fund Offering after AM Worship Service210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
Unsubscribe me | Subscribe me FBC E-Blast - February 27, 2023
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February 27, 2023
Accepting God's Gift of Love - I John 4
Many people simply can't believe that the Lord loves them. Others believe that He loves them, but only when they are pleasing Him in some way. Why is it so hard for us to accept His unconditional love?
One reason is that we have a hard time loving others without condition. We might say the words "I love you" to our spouse, children, friends, co-workers, or fellow believers but all too often are calculating in our mind whether or not they've lived up to our standard. We sometimes excuse ourselves from loving certain people because their behavior upsets or annoys us. The fact that we place restrictions on extending favor causes us to wrongly assume that the Lord does likewise.
Another reason is poor self-image. Considering ourselves unworthy, we refuse to accept God's love. You know what? None of us are worthy of the heavenly Father's goodness and mercy—so you can let go of that excuse once and for all. We're not coming to Him based on our worth. Rather, we're coming to Him based on His grace, and our position is secure in Christ. To put yourself down as "beneath His grace" is to trample on His loving, generous gift. God arranged an awesome divine way for us to be reconciled to Him, and His greatest desire is for relationship with each of us.
If you feel unloved or struggle to accept yourself, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the truth of our heavenly Father's love for you - and to sink it deep into your heart. Receive the truth that He reveals. It will be a completely different story about your value as an individual.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Current Sermon Series
If there's one thing that's true about modern man, it's that he loves technology. For every problem that comes along, there’s a new machine, app, or medicine to fix it.
But how has he done with spiritual problems - the kind software and chemicals can't reach? Have psychological counseling and man-centered techniques delivered on their promises to help people's deep spiritual needs and personal problems?
Thankfully, there is one resource that can and does deliver comfort, wisdom, and practical help every time: God’s Word. In this study, we'll learn how to trust the ability of God's Word to deal with even the most complex issues that we'll face.
Last Week:
Sufficient, when speaking of God's Word, means it is enough, it's all that we need. God has given us everything that we need to live our lives on this Earth until we go to Heaven. Our capability of living in God's plan to the max is from Him and His Word.
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website, just under the calendar, or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
Next week, we will conclude our short series on the Sufficiency of Scripture.
Upcoming Events
March 10 - Church-Wide Bowling at 6:30 PM at West Pike Bowl. $5 per person includes 2 hours of bowling, pizza and pop. There is a sign up sheet in the church foyer. Invite your friends and neighbors!
April 2 - Egg Stuffing Party following AM Worship service
April 8 - Midway Community Easter Egg Hunt at Midway Community Park at 12 PM
April 9 - Easter Services
Early Service at 8 AM
Carry-in Breakfast at 9 AM
Easter Worship Service at 10 AM.
NO Service at 11 AM
April 23 - Lord's Supper & Deacon's Fund Offering after AM Worship Service210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
Unsubscribe me | Subscribe me FBC E-Blast - February 20, 2023
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February 20, 2023
Our Heavenly Father's Unconditional Love - Romans 5
Scripture tells us that love is the very essence of who God is (I John 4:7). So if you don't believe that He loves you unconditionally, you'll never really know Him or have genuine peace about your relationship with Him.
How do you define "love"? It is Jesus unselfishly reaching out to mankind, giving Himself to us and bringing good into our life regardless of whether or not we accept Him. Romans 5:8 tells us that His care and concern are so immeasurable that He laid down His life for us while we were still His enemies. In fact, the Bible says that He first began to express His love toward us before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:3-5). That means your actions had absolutely nothing to do with His love for you!
God's commitment to us has absolutely no conditions or restrictions and isn't based on whether we love Him back. Nor does He have more love for "good" people who may strike us as more worthy. He loves us even in our sin, even when we don't repent. Does that give us license to disobey? No. It gives us power to live holy lives, walk obediently with Him, and learn to love Him the way He deserves. To follow Him is to receive the love He has been offering all along.
Every single moment, whether awake or asleep, we all live under the canopy of the Lord's wondrous, absolute love for us. But to fully experience that love, you must receive it. Say yes to this amazing gift that God wants to pour out on you. Bask in it, and let it overflow to those around you.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Upcoming Sermon Series
If there's one thing that's true about modern man, it's that he loves technology. For every problem that comes along, there’s a new machine, app, or medicine to fix it.
But how has he done with spiritual problems - the kind software and chemicals can't reach? Have psychological counseling and man-centered techniques delivered on their promises to help people's deep spiritual needs and personal problems?
Thankfully, there is one resource that can and does deliver comfort, wisdom, and practical help every time: God’s Word. In this study, we'll learn how to trust the ability of God's Word to deal with even the most complex issues that we'll face.
Last Week:
As we close our series on What Jesus Would Undo, we are going to see that He wants to undo spiritual pride in our lives. It is similar to hypocrisy but it's the attitude that we are self-sufficient, self-important, and that we participate in self-exultation. Jesus wants to undo all of that, and have us empty ourselves of us so that we can be filled up by God's grace and be used by God.
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website, just under the calendar, or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
We will Begin a short series on The Sufficiency of Scripture .
Upcoming Events
February 26 - Lord's Supper & Deacon's Fund Offering after AM Worship Service
March 10 - Church-Wide Bowling at 6:30 PM at West Pike Bowl. $5 per person includes 2 hours of bowling, pizza and pop. There is a sign up sheet in the church foyer. Invite your friends and neighbors!
April 2 - Egg Stuffing Party following AM Worship service
April 8 - Midway Community Easter Egg Hunt at Midway Community Park at 12 PM
April 9 - Easter Services
Early Service at 8 AM
Carry-in Breakfast at 9 AM
Easter Worship Service at 10 AM.
NO Service at 11 AM210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
Unsubscribe me | Subscribe me FBC E-Blast - February 6, 2023
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February 6, 2023
The Throne of Glory - I John 1
When you pray, how do you approach God? Numerous Christians visualize a holy, righteous being and approach Him with feelings of fear, unworthiness, and reluctance. On the other hand, many believers picture the Lord as a pal and talk to Him with little reverence.
Neither approach is healthy. Our finite minds cannot fully grasp that God is both loving and holy. Let’s first explore the holy, fear-provoking side of the Lord. As you read today’s passage, visualize the incredible power around heaven’s throne. It fills my heart with awe and wonder.
Before Jesus walked on earth, the temple contained an area called the Holy of Holies, where God’s presence resided. Only the priest could enter—and just on specified days, after ritual cleansing and preparation. If he did not get himself ready exactly according to scriptural rules, he would be struck dead. To be in God’s presence requires obedience. In fact, because of the Almighty’s absolute holiness and perfection, He is unable to commune with sinfulness, which is the condition of all mankind (Romans 3:9). Therefore, every one of us is guilty and deserving of condemnation. Thankfully, though, God did not leave us helpless, but out of His grace and love, sent His Son to be our Redeemer.
Every page of Scripture can deepen our understanding of God’s greatness. Are you amazed at His presence and deeds? To understand more about His character, discipline yourself to read and meditate on the Word. Then take time to praise Him, for He alone is worthy of our adoration.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Current Sermon Series
In Jesus' time on Earth, He wasn't interested in token gestures. He didn't care about outward behavior. He shook up anyone whose faith was lukewarm, and He brought hope to the broken, the lost, and those tangled in sin by showing them what true worship could be.
In this series, we'll go beyond the simple slogans of what it means to follow Christ, and open ourselves up to discover the knots in our lives that Jesus wants to undo, so that we can live an authentic faith. Your attenders will leave with an understanding of the roadblocks Jesus wants to remove from our spiritual walks as well as a renewed passion for a legitimate relationship with him.
Last Week:
Did you ever get a chocolate bunny or something like it, and come to find out, it was hollow? Something was missing. Unfortunately, many times our worship has something missing. True worship that moves God comes not from the right kind or style of music, but from a heart that desires to please God. Today, we will see what it means to have hollow worship, and what we can do to make fuller.
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website, just under the calendar, or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
We continue our series What Would Jesus Undo? by looking at why He would undo Hollow Indifference.
Upcoming Events
February 11 - Soup Cook-off & Bake-off at 6:00 PM
February 26 - Lord's Supper & Deacon's Fund Offering after AM Worship Service
March 10 - Church-Wide Bowling at 6:30 PM at West Pike Bowl. $5 per person includes 2 hours of bowling, pizza and pop. There is a sign up sheet in the church foyer. Invite your friends and neighbors!
April 8 - Midway Community Easter Egg Hunt at Midway Community Park at 12 PM
April 9 - Easter Services
Early Service at 8 AM
Carry-in Breakfast at 9 AM
Easter Worship Service at 10 AM.
NO Service at 11 AM210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
Unsubscribe me | Subscribe me FBC E-Blast - January 30, 2023
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January 30, 2023
Developing Convictions - Jeremiah 17
An acorn needs nutrients and time to grow into a tall, sturdy oak tree. Likewise, men and women of conviction develop gradually through committed Bible study and prayer. Ready to get planted firmly in biblical truth? Here’s how:
Make a list of issues for which you need to form a conviction. Here are questions to help you get started: Do you consider the Bible true and trustworthy? Do you think that believing in Jesus Christ is the only way to be saved? What is the Holy Spirit’s role in the lives of believers and unbelievers? Are we to forgive others in every situation? How should Christians approach finances? What’s your purpose in life? What is your role in the church and at work? How should you think and act regarding social issues like capital punishment, abortion, and racism?
It is my hope that these questions will open the eyes of those who haven’t contemplated how their personal philosophies have developed. It’s time to change that. Study the Bible and make God’s Word the cornerstone of your thinking. A concordance will point you to scriptures that relate to the above topics. Evaluate what the Bible says rather than looking at an issue through the lens of personal preference. Ask, What does God say? rather than What does this mean to me?
Once you know what God says, you have a choice to make: Believe Him and commit to living according to your conviction, or continue being tossed by waves of doubt and indecision (James 1:6). Root yourself in God’s Word and be called one of His oaks of righteousness (Isaiah 61:3).
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Current Sermon Series
In Jesus' time on Earth, He wasn't interested in token gestures. He didn't care about outward behavior. He shook up anyone whose faith was lukewarm, and He brought hope to the broken, the lost, and those tangled in sin by showing them what true worship could be.
In this series, we'll go beyond the simple slogans of what it means to follow Christ, and open ourselves up to discover the knots in our lives that Jesus wants to undo, so that we can live an authentic faith. Your attenders will leave with an understanding of the roadblocks Jesus wants to remove from our spiritual walks as well as a renewed passion for a legitimate relationship with him.
Last Week:
Over 100 years ago a novel was written by Charles Sheldon called "In His Steps." In it the popular question was coined, "What would Jesus do?" In this series, we are going to ask a different question, "What would Jesus undo?" There are things that are going on the lives of many Christians that would be considered them spiritually indifferent. We will talk about what causes it, what are some indicators of it, as well as one thing that will help us get out of Spiritual Indifference.
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website, just under the calendar, or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
We continue our series What Would Jesus Undo? by looking at why He would undo Hallow Indifference.
Upcoming Events
February 5 - Carry In Fellowship Dinner following the AM Worship service
February 11 - Soup Cook-off & Bake-off at 6:00 PM
February 26 - Lord's Supper & Deacon's Fund Offering after AM Worship Service
March 10 - Church-Wide Bowling at 6:30 PM at West Pike Bowl. $5 per person includes 2 hours of bowling, pizza and pop. There is a sign up sheet in the church foyer. Invite your friends and neighbors!
April 8 - Midway Community Easter Egg Hunt at Midway Community Park at 12 PM
April 9 - Easter Services
Early Service at 8 AM
Carry-in Breakfast at 9 AM
Easter Worship Service at 10 AM.
NO Service at 11 AM210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
Unsubscribe me | Subscribe me FBC E-Blast - January 23, 2023
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January 23, 2023
Developing a Vibrant Faith - Acts 9
The apostle Paul had a strong commitment to know and serve Jesus Christ. His passion and love for the Lord was obvious—Jesus was always central in his thinking, whether he was working as a tent maker, preaching to the crowd, or even sitting in chains at prison. What fueled his love for the Lord?
Paul's conversion experience on the Damascus Road was a motivating force in his life. Grateful for the gift of grace he had received at salvation, the apostle told many people about his encounter with the resurrected Christ and its impact on him. We, too, have a story to tell of God's mercy in saving us and of the new life we have in Him.
Paul's zeal also came from his firm conviction that the gospel message was true and available to everyone (John 3:16). On the cross, Jesus took all our sins - past, present, and future - upon Himself (I Peter 2:24). He suffered our punishment so that we might receive forgiveness and be brought into a right relationship with God. Through faith in Christ, we've been born again, and the indwelling Holy Spirit helps us every day (John 14:26). The more we understand what Jesus has accomplished on our behalf, the greater will be our passion to share the gospel.
Developing a vibrant faith requires time and energy plus a commitment to obey God. Regularly studying the Bible will strengthen your beliefs and give you courage to speak. Caring about the spiritual welfare of others will move you into action. Do you have a passion to serve Jesus wherever He leads?
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
Upcoming Sermon Series
In Jesus' time on Earth, He wasn't interested in token gestures. He didn't care about outward behavior. He shook up anyone whose faith was lukewarm, and He brought hope to the broken, the lost, and those tangled in sin by showing them what true worship could be.
In this series, we'll go beyond the simple slogans of what it means to follow Christ, and open ourselves up to discover the knots in our lives that Jesus wants to undo, so that we can live an authentic faith. Your attenders will leave with an understanding of the roadblocks Jesus wants to remove from our spiritual walks as well as a renewed passion for a legitimate relationship with him.
Last Week:
As we close our series on how to "Take Back Your Life," we will look at how we can do "The Right Thing, The Wrong Way." David wanted to worship God by bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, but he went about it the wrong way and someone died. It was the right thing done the wrong way. What are we doing today that is the right thing to do, but we are going about it the wrong way? David goes back later and does it right. We need to stick with it and keep working.
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our website, just under the calendar, or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
We will begin a new series, What Would Jesus Undo by looking at how He would undo Indifference.
Upcoming Events
February 5 - Carry In Fellowship Dinner following the AM Worship service
February 11 - Soup Cook-off & Bake-off at 6:00 PM
February 26 - Lord's Supper & Deacon's Fund Offering after AM Worship Service
March 10 - Church-Wide Bowling at 6:30 PM. More details to come.
April 8 - Midway Community Easter Egg Hunt at Midway Community Park at 12 PM
April 9 - Easter Services
Early Service at 8 AM
Carry-in Breakfast at 9 AM
Easter Worship Service at 10 AM.
NO Service at 11 AM210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381
Unsubscribe me | Subscribe me FBC E-Blast - January 16, 2023
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