Notes from the Preacher during the Covid Epidemic

Trusting and Praying

August 2, 2020

God wants His children to pray unto Him and He desires to answer their prayers. Sometimes prayers are not answered because of the way that one is living. Those who ignore His word and do not reverence Him are not heard. We read in Proverbs 28:9, "He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination." David said, "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me" (Psalm 66:18). When a faithful Christian prays, the prayers are always answered. We need to remember that we are to pray, "Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10). Sometimes God answers our prayers far into the future. Let us never grow weary of praying, and let us trust in God regardless of what might happen in this life. Let us never forget that we are just passing through this world for a very short while. Let us be faithful!

 

A Good Sermon

July 26, 2020

It is so important int his short life to set a good example. There are many who do not hear sermons on the first day of the week, but they hear sermons throughout the week when Christians live like God wants them to live. Our precious Savior said, "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 5:14-16). The humble apostle Paul said, "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ." (1 Corinthians 11:1). Christ is our perfect example. Everything He did was done perfectly. As Christians, we strive to imitate the Savior. Let us always remember, souls are watching, souls are listening, and we are preaching sermons every singly day. Let it be a good one.

 

Peace

July 19, 2020

Most people see peace as a good thing. Who does not want peace in the world, peace in the nation, and peace in our families? Jesus is called the "Prince of Peace." "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this" (Isaiah 9:6-7). He came to bring peace between sinful lost humanity and the Holy God of heaven. "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" (John 14:27).Let us always keep our faith in Christ. Let our faith be strong, for it is then that we have the greatest peace. "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7).

 

Our Many  Blessings

July 12,2020

I'm not sure that we are able to count our many blessings as we sing in the song. Oh, there is no doubt that we recognize that God has blessed us, but surely we often fail to really meditate upon how blessed we really are. Most of us have air conditioners and we are able to adjust the temperature of our homes. If we are too hot we can turn the thermostat down. If we are too cold we can turn the thermostat up or turn on the heat. We have greater blessings than kings and queens in former times. For just a few dollars we can by fresh milk that is safe to drink. We don't have to get up in the morning at four or four-thirty to milk the cows. We don't have to feed them the fodder and provide for their thirst and at times their medical needs. We just go to the store and take the milk out of the cooler, purchase it, and go home and drink it. No, we are so blessed that we can't count all of our blessings, but let us try to do so in our hearts, and in our prayers. Let us especially count the spiritual blessings that we have in Christ.

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ" (Ephesians 3:1)

 

Thoughts of God

July 5, 2020

In times of trial and difficulties it is comforting to have good thoughts about God. Some are depressed and melancholic to the point of being disabled. It isn't always easy to have good thoughts, but looking at things from the sunny side of life is always helpful. We have exceedingly and great precious promises from our God. "Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust" (II Peter 1:4). Our God also blesses us with hope. We trust that God will help us when going through great trials. It is easy to become discouraged in this short life. That is when we need to have a strong faith in the Rock of Ages. God is our shield, our shelter from the storm, and our refuge. Let us learn to have "good thoughts" about our God. He is not only powerful, He is loving and full of merciful kindness.

 

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah." (Psalms 46:1-3).

 

"Do not err, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." (James 1:16-17).

 

"Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved." (Psalms 55:22)

 

Tempted and Tried

June 28, 2020

We wonder why we have so many trials and burdens in life. So many have challenges with their health and physical well-being. Medical procedures are often painful and very stressful. The truth is that we live in a temporary world with temporary trials. The world has been cursed as a result of sin, and we all share in the difficulties and temptations as a result of sin entering the world. Christians are exhorted to be strong and steadfast. "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not" (Galatians 6:9). "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord" (1 Corinthians 15:58). Paul relied upon strength from the Lord Jesus. Let us all do the same. "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" (Philippians 4:13).

 

Honoring Fathers

June 21, 2020

Today has been set aside in a special way to honor fathers. A father has a great deal of responsibility. He is to provide for his family, bring his children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, and set a good example before others. Obviously, all fathers are different. Some are Christians, some are not. Some are good providers, some are not. Some are very wise, and some are not. If you have been blessed with at good father, take the time to thank him and to thank the Lord in heaven. Children should honor, love, and obey their fathers. We have the following admonition in the book of Proverbs (1:7-9): "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck."

 

A GOOD SOLDIER OF JESUS CHRIST

June 14, 2020

The apostle Paul wrote a letter to Timothy shortly before his death. Timothy had already received an earlier letter from the inspired apostle. In both of the epistles, Paul encourages and instructs Timothy to faithfully preach the word and faithfully live the Christian life. Paul commands and encourages the young Timothy, " Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ" (2 Timothy 2:3). Every Christian is a soldier of Jesus Christ. We are in a spiritual war with Satan and his angels. This life of a soldier can be very trying and very difficult. All soldiers need encouragement. Our trials come to us in many ways. We are tempted at times to give up. So many face difficulties with their health and the trials are often painful and vexing. Don't give up! Fight the good fight of faith! Endure the hardness and continue to be a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

 

The Path of Peace and Eternal Life

June 7, 2020

For the past two weeks, we've been the work of Satan defiling the human race. His snares are catching millions and even billions of lost souls. Our nation is suffering more from sin than from anything else! The greatest threat, the greatest invisible enemy is not a virus. It is Satan! Satan is the god of this world. "In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them" (2 Corinthians 4:4). He is headed for hell and wants to take you with him. Forsake the path of sin and strife for the path of peace and eternal life. "And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein" (Isaiah 35:8).

 

GOD BLESS OUR YOUTH

May 31, 2020

At this time of year young people are graduating at different levels from schools everywhere. We are so proud of our young people, especially for their firm faith in God. The nation is much stronger when our young believe in God and follow the moral standards of His Word. Let us all pray that our young people, our children, and our graduates will always maintain a firm belief in God. God will bless and sustain those who truly believe and love Him with all of their hearts. "...Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind" (Matthew 22:37).

 

The Resurrection of Christ

May 24, 2020

"From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day." (Matthew 16:21).

 

Jesus was very clear about his death and his resurrection.  It is hard for us to grasp why the  apostles and other disciples did not understand the clear, simple, and plain statements that Christ mad about His resurrection. The Lord was clear, the scriptures were clear,  but the Jews at the time of Christ were looking for an earthly king. They pictured the Messiah as a great general king like David. There are some great lessons here for all students of the word of God. 1) The simplest explanation is usually right. 2) God is able to plainly  teach us His will  in His word. 3) With unbiased minds, we are able to understand the scripture.

 

When Jesus died on the cross, the disciples were dazed, stupefied, and without hope. They were sad, confused, and disoriented. But when He arose from the dead, and when they handled the Son of God, their hope and joy was unspeakable. Peter would later write, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you" (I Peter 1:3,4).

 

The resurrection assures us of our hope of heaven and eternal life. Thank God for sending His Son to die upon the cross for our sins. Thank God for the resurrection of our Savior, and thank God for the "lively" or "living" hope that we have in Jesus Christ our Lord. The empty tomb brings us justification, joy and hope. To God be glory both now and forever. Amen.

Acknowledge God And The Truth

May 17, 2020

The first and most important duty of man is to acknowledge the existence of his Creator. In Hebrews 11:6 we read, "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." The evidence fir the existence of God is inexhaustible. The entire creation displays the power, wisdom and knowledge of God. We read again in Hebrew 3:4, "For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God."  God is the Great Architect of the universe. The space shuttle did not make itself, neither did the owl. Satan portrays those who believe in God as fools and unscientific. However, it is just the opposite. Those who deny their Creator are fools and unscientific. However, it is just the opposite. Those who deny their Creator are fools and unscientific. It should not surprise us that Satan and his followers slander the children of God and deny the truth of God's Word. False prophets are especially good at preaching error while calling it the truth. We read about this in Isaiah's day. "Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!" (Isaiah 5:20,21). Let us always seek the truth, proclaim the truth and live the truth. And let us never be ashamed to stand up against Satan, error and false teachers. "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them." (Matthew 7:15-20). "Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints." (Jude 3).

Mother's Day

May 9, 2020

Each and every year a day is set aside to honor mothers. Yes, we know that we are to love and honor our mother always, but a special day draws attention to the love and sacrifices of a good mother. This year in 2020 Mother's Day falls on the tenth. Ironically, this is the day twelve years ago that my mother departed from the scenes of this world. Mothers may depart from this life, but they live forever in our hearts. Let us thank God for our mother and honor her always. Even after death we honor the memory of a dear mother. Take some time to thank your mother and to hug her if she is still living down hear on this earth. If your mother has departed from the scenes of this life, spend some time thinking about the precious memories with which you have been blessed.

Let us continue to pray for one another,

The Most Important Things In Life

May 2, 2020

In the midst of trials and difficulties like the current pandemic, there is an opportunity to reflect upon the most important things in life. Yes, it is important to protect ourselves and others from the virus as much as is reasonably possible. And yes, it is very important to provide for the physical needs of our families, but there are spiritual things that rank even higher on the scale. Jesus said, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33). Our God and His will are to be first. We read in Matthew 22:35-40, "Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." As it is important to love God with all the heart, it is also important to love our fellow man. Let us follow these guiding stars each and every day. May God help us to always think about the most important things in life.

With Continued Prayers,

Dan

 

"Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil." (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14)

 

We Depend Upon Thee

 

We depend upon Thee for everything.

Therefore we praise Thee, therefore we sing.

As the sparrows are fed by Thy grace every day,

So we live by Thy mercies and love in the way. 

Like rain from heaven that replenishes the land,

Our souls are refreshed, being blessed by Thy hand.

Sometimes we sin and fail Thee indeed,

'Tis mercy and grace, forgiveness we need.

 

Thou fountain of love, and life evermore,

Save us and lead us, to heaven's bright shore.

Even there we'll depend on Thy mercies and care,

And praise Thee and thank Thee, for bringing us there.

Dan C Bailey

April 19, 2020

  

"But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren," (Hebrews 2:9-11)

Staying Connected

April 24, 2020

Dear Brethren,

 

May "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen" (Revelation 22:21). This virus or plague that we are confronting is invisible to the eye. We know that it is real, for people to die. Why can't people see that Satan and sin are real as well? Why can't they see that there is a hell? As we read in the concluding book of the Bible, "If any man have an ear, let him hear" (Revelation 13:9).

God has spoken to us in His Word, but Satan has deceived the whole world (revelation 12:9). Without faith in God and His Word the invisible enemy is unseen. Sin is far more deadly than any disease, plague, or physical ailment. Let us speak with love to our friends and neighbors about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He has defeated Satan and sin. And when He comes back, death will be "...is swallowed up in victory" (I Corinthians 15:54). He is a wonderful Savior, a compassionate Savior, and a powerful Savior. He is the only way of salvation. In Him is eternal life.

With Continued Prayers,

 

Dan

 

 

 

"And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness. And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life." (I John 19-20)

"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)

"Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him." (Hebrews 5:8-9)

 

 

 

 

 

HE IS

He is my strength, with Him I'm strong.

 

He is my joy. He is my song.

 

He is my Lord, He is my King.

 

He is my hope, my everything.

 

 

 

He is the way, the truth, the life,

 

He is my peace when there is strife.

 

He is the Sun that lights my way.

 

With beams of gladness every day.

 

 

 

He is the Savior of my soul,

 

He shed His blood to make me whole.

 

He wants to save you from your sin,

 

Its up to you to let Him in.

 

Dan C Bailey

 

April 21, 2020

 

 

Staying Connected

April 19, 2020

Dear Brethren,

 

It is neither wrong nor foolish to consider what we may or may not do tomorrow. There is no doubt but that Jesus thought about the future and about tomorrow. But the Word of God is very clear that we do not know what is going to happen tomorrow, or even if there will be a tomorrow. We read in Proverbs 27:1, "Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth." When we think about tomorrow it should never include "boasting" about what we may or may not do. James teaches us that the Lord is in charge of what will happen today or tomorrow. "13 Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: 14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. 15 For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that. 16 But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil" (James 4:13-16).

A Christian lives one day at a time and trusts in the Lord to help him through the day and tomorrow as well. Certainly, James teaches us that we are not to be anxious nor to worry about tomorrow. We read about a rich man who decided in his own heart what he was going to do in the future. He did not rely upon God nor plan with God. So we read: "16 ...The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: 17 And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? 18 And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. 20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? 21 So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God." (Luke 12:16-21).

The plague of the coronavirus illustrates everything that we have said. Our gospel meeting at State Street was cancelled. Our ladies' day was cancelled. The gospel meeting that I was scheduled to preach at Centerview was cancelled. The ladies' day at Mountain City was cancelled. The lectureship at Stoney Creek was cancelled. The summer sessions at High Rock Bible camp were cancelled. We've not been able to safely assemble as we have done in the past. The whole world has had to change scheduled events. Truly, Solomon knew by the wisdom of God: "Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth."

With Continued Prayers,

 

Dan

 

Staying Connected

April 12, 2020

"... for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me." Hebrews 13:5-6

 

Dear brethren,

 

We are never alone on the sea of life. The captain of our ship is Jesus Christ, the Son of God. He is as real as the troubles and trials that we face each and every day. Diseases, great storms, famines, accidents, wars, and evil doers have been around for a long, long time. We live in a sin-cursed world, but as Christians we have the hope and promise of a better world.

 

There are many things to do during this unusual time period. Let us consider the following:

1) It is a time to pray. Every Christian prays every day, but some will have even more opportunity to spend time in prayer. So many are sick and desire our prayers. We need God's blessings and we should never hesitate to ask for them. "Ask,   and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened." (Matthew 7:7-8)

 

2) It is a time to call and look into the welfare of others. We are so blessed with phones, iPads, computers, and other technology. Let us use all of our resources for the benefit of our brethren and fellowman. "As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith" (Galatians 6:10)

 

3) It is a time to study and meditate on the Word of God. Yes, this should always be done on a regular basis, but many are spending more much more time at home due to the corona virus. Spend some of that time with the Word of God. " Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law." (Psalm 119:18)

 

4) It is a time to extend sympathy to those who have lost loved ones, and show our concern to those who are shut in or struggling with health issues. Send a card and/or call those who need an encouraging word. "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2)

 

As you can se, there is much to do in the work for the Lord. May God bless all who attend State Street and may God continue to bless America. Let us always remember that we are never alone. "Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee." (Deuteronomy 31:6)

 

Praying that you all have a good week,

Dan

 

Staying Connected

April 4, 2020

"I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears." Psalm 34:4

Dear Brethren,
We hope and pray that everyone is trusting in the Lord to bless our nation and to help us during this period. Let us continue to seek God's blessings in prayer for our president, and the various rulers who are making important decisions at this time. Let us especially remember to pray for our doctors, nurses, health care workers, first responders, military and all others who are often in great danger. We have so many in the congregation who are struggling with serious health problems. Some of our members are taking, or will begin taking, cancer treatments. Some have very painful afflictions. We will try to make you aware of updates on our prayer list each week. Please pray for each one as well as for our elders and deacons as they continue to work at the building and other projects, especially the security system. Praying for each of you as you face each day, Dan.

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