First Baptist Church of Inverness

Sunday 4-12-2026  Guest Speaker Pastor John LillieNASBRuth 1:1-20Naomi Loses Her Husband and Sons1 In the days when the judges ruled,[a] there was a famine in the land. So a man from Bethlehem in Judah, together with his wife and two sons, went to live for a while in the country of Moab. 2 The man’s name was Elimelek, his wife’s name was Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Kilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem, Judah. And they went to Moab and lived there.3 Now Elimelek, Naomi’s husband, died, and she was left with her two sons. 4 They married Moabite women, one named Orpah and the other Ruth. After they had lived there about ten years, 5 both Mahlon and Kilion also died, and Naomi was left without her two sons and her husband.Naomi and Ruth Return to Bethlehem6 When Naomi heard in Moab that the Lord had come to the aid of his people by providing food for them, she and her daughters-in-law prepared to return home from there. 7 With her two daughters-in-law she left the place where she had been living and set out on the road that would take them back to the land of Judah.8 Then Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go back, each of you, to your mother’s home. May the Lord show you kindness, as you have shown kindness to your dead husbands and to me. 9 May the Lord grant that each of you will find rest in the home of another husband.”Then she kissed them goodbye and they wept aloud 10 and said to her, “We will go back with you to your people.”11 But Naomi said, “Return home, my daughters. Why would you come with me? Am I going to have any more sons, who could become your husbands? 12 Return home, my daughters; I am too old to have another husband. Even if I thought there was still hope for me—even if I had a husband tonight and then gave birth to sons— 13 would you wait until they grew up? Would you remain unmarried for them? No, my daughters. It is more bitter for me than for you, because the Lord’s hand has turned against me!”14 At this they wept aloud again. Then Orpah kissed her mother-in-law goodbye, but Ruth clung to her.15 “Look,” said Naomi, “your sister-in-law is going back to her people and her gods. Go back with her.”16 But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. 17 Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.” 18 When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her.19 So the two women went on until they came to Bethlehem. When they arrived in Bethlehem, the whole town was stirred because of them, and the women exclaimed, “Can this be Naomi?”20 “Don’t call me Naomi,[b]” she told them. “Call me Mara,[c] because the Almighty[d] has made my life very bitter.

Sunday 03/29/2026 Annette Sofaer from Jews for Jesus will be presenting "Christ in the Passover" on Sunday, March 29, at 10:30 am. This will be a special time of worship connecting the Jewish Passover Seder to the Last Supper and Jesus' sacrifice.

Sunday March 22, 2016NASBJesus Is Baptized21 Now when all the people were baptized, Jesus was also baptized, and while He was praying, heaven was opened, 22 and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in bodily form like a dove, and a voice came out of heaven, “You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased.”Genealogy of Jesus23 When He began His ministry, Jesus Himself was about thirty years of age, being, [a]as was supposed, the son of Joseph, [b]the son of [c]Eli, 24 the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the son of Jannai, the son of Joseph, 25 the son of Mattathias, the son of Amos, the son of Nahum, the son of [d]Hesli, the son of Naggai, 26 the son of Maath, the son of Mattathias, the son of Semein, the son of Josech, the son of Joda, 27 the son of Joanan, the son of Rhesa, the son of Zerubbabel, the son of [e]Shealtiel, the son of Neri, 28 the son of Melchi, the son of Addi, the son of Cosam, the son of Elmadam, the son of Er, 29 the son of [f]Joshua, the son of Eliezer, the son of Jorim, the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, 30 the son of Simeon, the son of [g]Judah, the son of Joseph, the son of Jonam, the son of Eliakim, 31 the son of Melea, the son of Menna, the son of Mattatha, the son of Nathan, the son of David, 32 the son of Jesse, the son of Obed, the son of Boaz, the son of [h]Salmon, the son of [i]Nahshon, 33 the son of Amminadab, the son of Admin, the son of [j]Ram, the son of Hezron, the son of Perez, the son of Judah, 34 the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham, the son of Terah, the son of Nahor, 35 the son of Serug, the son of [k]Reu, the son of Peleg, the son of [l]Heber, the son of Shelah, 36 the son of Cainan, the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem, the son of Noah, the son of Lamech, 37 the son of Methuselah, the son of Enoch, the son of Jared, the son of Mahalaleel, the son of Cainan, 38 the son of Enosh, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.

Sunday March 15, 2026 NASB 7 So he began saying to the crowds who were going out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Therefore bear fruits in keeping with repentance, and do not begin to say [a]to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham for our father,’ for I say to you that from these stones God is able to raise up children to Abraham. 9 Indeed the axe is already laid at the root of the trees; so every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”10 And the crowds were questioning him, saying, “Then what shall we do?” 11 And he would answer and say to them, “The man who has two tunics is to share with him who has none; and he who has food is to do likewise.” 12 And some tax collectors also came to be baptized, and they said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?” 13 And he said to them, “[b]Collect no more than what you have been ordered to.” 14 Some soldiers were questioning him, saying, “And what about us, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Do not take money from anyone by force, or accuse anyone falsely, and be content with your wages.”15 Now while the people were in a state of expectation and all were [c]wondering in their hearts about John, as to whether he was [d]the Christ, 16 John answered and said to them all, “As for me, I baptize you with water; but One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to untie the thong of His sandals; He will baptize you [e]with the Holy Spirit and fire. 17 His winnowing fork is in His hand to thoroughly clear His threshing floor, and to gather the wheat into His barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”18 So with many other exhortations he preached the gospel to the people. 19 But when Herod the tetrarch was reprimanded by him because of Herodias, his brother’s wife, and because of all the wicked things which Herod had done, 20 Herod also added this to them all: he locked John up in prison.

Sunday March 8, 2026NASBJohn the Baptist Preaches3 Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip was tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias was tetrarch of Abilene, 2 in the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John, the son of Zacharias, in the wilderness. 3 And he came into all the district around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins; 4 as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet,“The voice of one crying in the wilderness,‘Make ready the way of the Lord,Make His paths straight.5 ‘Every ravine will be filled,And every mountain and hill will be [a]brought low;The crooked will become straight,And the rough roads smooth;6 And all [b]flesh will see the salvation of God.’”7 So he began saying to the crowds who were going out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Therefore bear fruits in keeping with repentance, and do not begin to say [c]to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham for our father,’ for I say to you that from these stones God is able to raise up children to Abraham. 9 Indeed the axe is already laid at the root of the trees; so every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”10 And the crowds were questioning him, saying, “Then what shall we do?” 11 And he would answer and say to them, “The man who has two tunics is to share with him who has none; and he who has food is to do likewise.” 12 And some tax collectors also came to be baptized, and they said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?” 13 And he said to them, “[d]Collect no more than what you have been ordered to.” 14 Some soldiers were questioning him, saying, “And what about us, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Do not take money from anyone by force, or accuse anyone falsely, and be content with your wages.”15 Now while the people were in a state of expectation and all were [e]wondering in their hearts about John, as to whether he was [f]the Christ, 16 John answered and said to them all, “As for me, I baptize you with water; but One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to untie the thong of His sandals; He will baptize you [g]with the Holy Spirit and fire. 17 His winnowing fork is in His hand to thoroughly clear His threshing floor, and to gather the wheat into His barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”18 So with many other exhortations he preached the gospel to the people. 19 But when Herod the tetrarch was reprimanded by him because of Herodias, his brother’s wife, and because of all the wicked things which Herod had done, 20 Herod also added this to them all: he locked John up in prison.

Sunday March 1, 2026 NASB Return to Nazareth39 When they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city of Nazareth. 40 The Child continued to grow and become strong, [a]increasing in wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.Visit to Jerusalem41 Now His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. 42 And when He became twelve, they went up there according to the custom of the Feast; 43 and as they were returning, after spending the full number of days, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. But His parents were unaware of it, 44 but supposed Him to be in the caravan, and went a day’s journey; and they began looking for Him among their relatives and acquaintances. 45 When they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem looking for Him. 46 Then, after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers. 48 When they saw Him, they were astonished; and His mother said to Him, “[b]Son, why have You treated us this way? Behold, Your father and I [c]have been anxiously looking for You.” 49 And He said to them, “Why is it that you were looking for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s [d]house?” 50 But they did not understand the statement which He [e]had made to them. 51 And He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and He continued in subjection to them; and His mother treasured all these [f]things in her heart.52 And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and [g]stature, and in favor with God and men.

Sunday February 22, 2026 Guest Speaker David Coggins State Director, Florida Baptist Disaster ReliefNASB25 And a [a]lawyer stood up and put Him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 And He said to him, “What is written in the Law? [b]How does it read to you?” 27 And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” 28 And He said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this and you will live.” 29 But wishing to justify himself, he said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”The Good Samaritan30 Jesus replied and said, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among robbers, and they stripped him and [c]beat him, and went away leaving him half dead. 31 And by chance a priest was going down on that road, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 Likewise a Levite also, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.

Sunday February 15, 2026 NASBJesus’ Birth in Bethlehem2 Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all [a]the inhabited earth. 2 [b]This was the first census taken while [c]Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city. 4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, 5 in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. 6 While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a [d]manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.8 In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; 11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is [e]Christ the Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a [f]manger.” 13 And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,14 “Glory to God in the highest,And on earth peace among men [g]with whom He is pleased.”15 When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the [h]manger. 17 When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.Jesus Presented at the Temple21 And when eight days had passed, [i]before His circumcision, His name was then called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.22 And when the days for their purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the

Sunday February 15, 2026Luke 1:67-80NASBZacharias’s Prophecy67 And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying:68 “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,For He has visited us and accomplished redemption for His people,69 And has raised up a horn of salvation for usIn the house of David His servant—70 As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from of old—71 [a]Salvation from our enemies,And from the hand of all who hate us;72 To show mercy toward our fathers,And to remember His holy covenant,73 The oath which He swore to Abraham our father,74 To grant us that we, being rescued from the hand of our enemies,Might serve Him without fear,75 In holiness and righteousness before Him all our days.76 “And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;For you will go on before the Lord to prepare His ways;77 To give to His people the knowledge of salvation[b]By the forgiveness of their sins,78 Because of the tender mercy of our God,With which the Sunrise from on high will visit us,79 To shine upon those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death,To guide our feet into the way of peace.”80 And the child continued to grow and to become strong in spirit, and he lived in the deserts until the day of his public appearance to Israel.

Sunday February 1, 2026NASBMary Visits Elizabeth39 Now [a]at this time Mary arose and went in a hurry to the hill country, to a city of Judah, 40 and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 And she cried out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 And [b]how has it happened to me, that the mother of my Lord would come to me? 44 For behold, when the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy. 45 And blessed is she who [c]believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her [d]by the Lord.”The Magnificat46 And Mary said:“My soul [e]exalts the Lord,47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.48 “For He has had regard for the humble state of His [f]bondslave;For behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed.49 “For the Mighty One has done great things for me;And holy is His name.50 “And His mercy is [g]upon generation after generationToward those who fear Him.51 “He has done [h]mighty deeds with His arm;He has scattered those who were proud in the [i]thoughts of their heart.52 “He has brought down rulers from their thrones,And has exalted those who were humble.53 “He has filled the hungry with good things;And sent away the rich empty-handed.54 “He has given help to Israel His servant,[j]In remembrance of His mercy,55 As He spoke to our fathers,To Abraham and his [k]descendants forever.”

This week, Pastor Byron continues the study in the Gospel of Luke to show us the true character changes that occur when we walk with Christ. Howe the overwhelming majesty and might of God humbles us in our daily walk. Through this, we are humbled by His favor, humbled by His power and humbled by His presence. In showing us the link between this and other passages of God's will and plan being in charge at all times, we are then challenged to live humbly before Him rather than in our own understanding.1/18/26Luke 1:26-45 NASB26 Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the descendants of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And coming in, he said to her, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” 29 But she was very perplexed at this statement, and was pondering what kind of greeting this was. 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and give birth to a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; 33 and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.” 34 But Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; for that reason also the holy Child will be called the Son of God. 36 And behold, even your relative Elizabeth herself has conceived a son in her old age, and she who was called infertile is now in her sixth month. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 And Mary said, “Behold, the Lord’s bond-servant; may it be done to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.Mary Visits Elizabeth39 Now at this time Mary set out and went in a hurry to the hill country, to a city of Judah, 40 and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 And she cried out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 And how has it happened to me that the mother of my Lord would come to me? 44 For behold, when the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy. 45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the Lord.”

This week, Pastor Byron continues the study in the Gospel of Luke to show us the true nature of Christ and our understanding of Him. The story of Elizabeth and Zechariah and their encounter with the Angel shows us an example of God preparing people's hearts for His plan.Among the study into this story, Pastor Byron highlights two ways that God works to prepare us: are we a people who are willing to be prepared for repentance AND a people willing to be prepared for faith?1/11/26Luke 1:1-4 NASB5 In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah; and he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 They were both righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and requirements of the Lord. 7 And yet they had no child, because Elizabeth was infertile, and they were both advanced in years.8 Now it happened that while he was performing his priestly service before God in the appointed order of his division, 9 according to the custom of the priestly office, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10 And the whole multitude of the people were in prayer outside at the hour of the incense offering. 11 Now an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the altar of incense. 12 Zechariah was troubled when he saw the angel, and fear gripped him. 13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John.14 You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice over his birth. 15 For he will be great in the sight of the Lord; and he will drink no wine or liquor, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit while still in his mother’s womb. 16 And he will turn many of the sons of Israel back to the Lord their God. 17 And it is he who will go as a forerunner before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of fathers back to their children, and the disobedient to the attitude of the righteous, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”18 Zechariah said to the angel, “How will I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in her years.” 19 The angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. 20 And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day when these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at their proper time.”21 And meanwhile the people were waiting for Zechariah, and were wondering at his delay in the temple. 22 But when he came out, he was unable to speak to them; and they realized that he had seen a vision in the temple, and he repeatedly made signs to them, and remained speechless. 23 When the days of his priestly service were concluded, he went back home.24 Now after these days his wife Elizabeth became pregnant, and she kept herself in seclusion for five months, saying, 25 “This is the way the Lord has dealt with me in the days when He looked with favor upon me, to take away my disgrace among people.”

This week, Pastor Adam Wuthnow uses the Gospel of Luke to show us the true nature of Christ. To illustrate this, he explores the history of Luke himself, how Jesus was God AND man, and Jesus' treatment of the people considered the lowest.In this, he finds a calling to our everyday life. If Jesus was a perfect man, how do we imitate Him as men also? How He treated women, family and lepers gives us a path to understanding how we can grow in Him to be like Him in all things.1/4/26Luke 1:1-4 NASB1 Since many have undertaken to compile an account of the things accomplished among us, 2 just as they were handed down to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word, 3 it seemed fitting to me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in an orderly sequence, most excellent Theophilus; 4 so that you may know the exact truth about the things you have been taught.

In the final sermon of 2025, Pastor Byron goes back to the Christmas story to examine what it looks like for God's glory to show up on earth. How does that change us forever, what does it show us a picture of living from God's perspective? As he dives into these topics, it also paints a picture of overcoming our fears and worries to live in the peace of God that shines from His glory.12/28/25Luke 2:8-20 NASB8 In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock at night. 9 And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood near them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. 10 And so the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; 11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army of angels praising God and saying,14“Glory to God in the highest,And on earth peace among people with whom He is pleased.”15 When the angels had departed from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let’s go straight to Bethlehem, then, and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. 17 When they had seen Him, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. 18 And all who heard it were amazed about the things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.

As Christmas approaches, Pastor Byron highlights the shepherds story and how, like them, the glory of God overwhelms us and changes our entire life from within!12/21/25Matthew 1:18-25 NASB8 In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock at night. 9 And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood near them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. 10 And so the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; 11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army of angels praising God and saying,14“Glory to God in the highest,15 And on earth peace among people with whom He is pleased.”When the angels had departed from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let’s go straight to Bethlehem, then, and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. 17 When they had seen Him, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. 18 And all who heard it were amazed about the things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.

As Christmas approaches, Pastor Byron highlights the genealogy and the importance of prophecy being fulfilled for our salvation!12/14/25Matthew 1:18-25 NASB18 Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah was as follows: when His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be pregnant by the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, since he was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her, planned to send her away secretly. 20 But when he had thought this over, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a Son; and you shall name Him Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” 22 Now all this took place so that what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet would be fulfilled: 23 “Behold, the virgin will conceive and give birth to a Son, and they shall name Him Immanuel,” which translated means, “God with us.” 24 And Joseph awoke from his sleep and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took Mary as his wife, 25 but kept her a virgin until she gave birth to a Son; and he named Him Jesus.

As Christmas approaches, Pastor Byron highlights the story of the Magi and it's significance with how we approach Christ in reverence and humility. 12/07/25Luke 1:26-38 NASB26 Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the descendants of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And coming in, he said to her, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” 29 But she was very perplexed at this statement, and was pondering what kind of greeting this was. 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and give birth to a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; 33 and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.” 34 But Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; for that reason also the holy Child will be called the Son of God. 36 And behold, even your relative Elizabeth herself has conceived a son in her old age, and she who was called infertile is now in her sixth month. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 And Mary said, “Behold, the Lord’s bond-servant; may it be done to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

As Christmas approaches, Pastor Byron highlights the story of the Magi and it's significance with how we approach Christ in reverence and humility. 11/30/25Matthew 2:1-12 NASB1 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:6 “ ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;for out of you will come a rulerwho will shepherd my people Israel.’”7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

This week, as the congregation takes up communion, Pastor Byron reflects on the "Indescribable Gift". What is this great gift that we give our time to worship, that we give our lives in obedience, that we give our time and finances in deference? As we approach the Thanksgiving Holiday, who are we giving thanks to, and how can we understand everything He has done for us? This verse and the message delivered helps us remember, so that we can focus on the true meaning of our worship and our lives.11/23/252 Corinthians 9:15 NASB15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

A message from earlier this year, presented in Podcast format, Matt Pullen spends time highlighting the freedom we have in Christ. Highlighting sections from Romans 8:1-6, 2 Timothy 1:6-14 and Galatians 3: 13-14, Matt touches on the struggle of every believer, and the freedom not only of the Gospel, but the freedom God gives us in everyday living. Join us for this special episode as we all work to push closer to God and to true freedom.8/3/25

This week, Pastor Byron highlights the third part of his exploration into the God-ordained principle of giving. How does planning for the future involve our hearts and obedience to God? How does a heart of giving align us not just with offerings, but serving others as God commands? How do we make this a part of our walk with Him instead of just adding it to our "to-do-list?" Pastor Byron explores Galatians 9 and other passages to find the answers.11/9/252 Corinthians 9:6-7 NASB6  Now I say this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows generously will also reap generously. 7  Each one must do just as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

This week, Pastor Byron highlights the second part of his exploration into the God-ordained principle of giving. What is at the heart of obedience and giving to God what is His? How do we examine that within ourselves and align it with God's word and commands? 2 Corinthians 8 shows us many of the examples God instructs and helps us see his heart more clearly.11/2/252 Corinthians 8:16 - 9:5 NASB16 But thanks be to God who puts the same earnestness in your behalf in the heart of Titus.17 For he not only accepted our appeal, but being himself very earnest, he has gone to you of his own accord. 18 We have sent along with him the brother whose fame in the things of the gospel has spread through all the churches; 19 and not only that, but he has also been appointed by the churches to travel with us in this gracious work, which is being administered by us for the glory of the Lord Himself, and to show our readiness, 20 taking precaution so that no one will discredit us in our administration of this generous gift; 21 for we have regard for what is honorable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of other people. 22 We have sent with them our brother, whom we have often tested and found diligent in many things, but now even more diligent because of his great confidence in you. 23 As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker among you; as for our brothers, they are messengers of the churches, a glory to Christ. 24 Therefore, openly before the churches, show them the proof of your love and of our reason for boasting about you.1 For it is superfluous for me to write to you about this ministry to the saints; 2 for I know your willingness, of which I boast about you to the Macedonians, namely, that Achaia has been prepared since last year, and your zeal has stirred up most of them. 3 But I have sent the brothers, in order that our boasting about you may not prove empty in this case, so that, as I was saying, you will be prepared; 4 otherwise, if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we—not to mention you—would be put to shame by this confidence. 5 So I considered it necessary to urge the brothers that they go on ahead to you and arrange in advance your previously promised generous gift, that the same would be ready as a generous gift, and not as one grudgingly given due to greediness.

This week, Pastor Byron takes to the word to explore the God-ordained principle of giving. Beyond simply tithing, what does God instruct us to do? In what ways does this prompt us to be obedient not only to Him, but the people we fellowship and worship with? 2 Corinthians 2 holds the answers that Pastor explores.10/26/252 Corinthians 2:8-9 8 So I beg you to reaffirm your love for him. 9 For this is why I wrote, that I might test you and know whether you are obedient in everything. 

Join us this week as we discuss the passover celebration of redemption with Jesus in Matthew 26. Pastor Byron takes us to this passage on a Sunday morning where we remember the symbolism of Christ offering his blood and body by illustrating this message before the congregation celebrates communion. How do we refresh our minds with a process we are overly familiar with? How do we renew our passion for the purpose behind it all? Pastor Byron discusses how dwelling on the redeeming aspect of it all can bring us to humility and awe!10/19/25Matthew 26:26-3026 Now while they were eating, Jesus took some bread, and after a blessing, He broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” 27 And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; 28 for this is My blood of the covenant, which is being poured out for many for forgiveness of sins. 29 But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it with you, new, in My Father’s kingdom.”30 And after singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

Join us this week as Pastor Adam Wuthnow explores the Morning Hymn (Psalm 3) and, in more depth, the Evening Hymn (Psalm 4). What does Christ do with us in times of stress? Does God provide comfort in times or turmoil by opening our eyes to His purpose? Is it possible there is a deeper meaning? Pastor Adam works through all these questions to explore David's mindset in the Psalm and the practical applications it has for us today.10/12/25Scripture:Psalm 4To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. A Psalm of David.1 Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness!You have given me relief when I was in distress.Be gracious to me and hear my prayer!2 O men, how long shall my honor be turned into shame?How long will you love vain words and seek after lies?Selah3 But know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself;the Lord hears when I call to him.4 Be angry, and do not sin;ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent.Selah5 Offer right sacrifices,and put your trust in the Lord.6 There are many who say, “Who will show us some good?Lift up the light of your face upon us, O Lord!”7 You have put more joy in my heartthan they have when their grain and wine abound.8In peace I will both lie down and sleep;for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

Join us this week as Pastor Dallas Cerny looks at John 1:35-39 and discusses how living in surrender to Christ drives us out of our comfortable Christian life, and into a life full of meaning, suffering, and every reward that God promises us in scripture. The call? Are we ready to become a challenge church?10/05/25Scripture:John 1:35-39

Join us this week as we discuss Romans 12, Pastor Byron discusses how Paul shows us how to live in a world corrupted by evil, but respond in Christ-like Godliness. He highlights how it is impossible to do this in our fleshly strength, but requires full reliance and obedience to God. Along the explanation of the passage, he also highlights how God shows us how to do this. Pastor Byron also takes time to discuss recent world events, and how we can look at Romans 13 to seek direction in our responses. 9/28/25Scripture:Romans 12:9-21 NASB9 Love must be free of hypocrisy. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor, 11 not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, 13 contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. 17 Never repay evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all people. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all people. 19 Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written: “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 “But if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Join us this week as we discuss 1 Peter 2:4-10 and examine the living stone of Jesus, the chief Cornerstone. Have we made the choice to come to the living stone of Jesus, and how does that illustration of Him help us see more of His true character and Holiness?This podcast episode also includes a special testimony about giving9/21/25Scripture:1 Peter 2:4-10 4 And coming to Him as to a living stone which has been rejected by men, but is choice and precious in the sight of God, 5 you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For this is contained in Scripture:“Behold, I lay in Zion a choice stone, a precious corner stone,And he who believes upon Him will not be put to shame.”7 This precious value, then, is for you who believe; but for those who disbelieve,“The stone which the builders rejected,This has become the chief corner stone,”8 and,“A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.”They stumble because they are disobedient to the word, and to this stumbling they were also appointed.9 But you are a chosen family, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

Join us this week as we discuss Luke 15:22-24 and take a look at the Supper that is at the climax of the parable of the Prodigal Son. What does the attitude of the oldest son and the mercy of the father teach us about our hearts aligning with God and His plan?  9/14/25Scripture:Luke 15:22-2422 But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet, 23 and bring the fattened calf, slaughter it, and let us eat and celebrate, 24 for this son of mine was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.’ And they began to celebrate.

Study of Jonah Part 4 of 4Join us this week as we discuss Jonah 4:1-11 and take a deep dive into Jonah, what was behind his disobedience, why he ran away, and how it applies to us today!9/7/25Scripture:Jonah 4:1-111 But this was a great evil to Jonah, and he became angry. 2 And he prayed to Yahweh and said, “Ah! O Yahweh, was not this my word to myself while I was still in my own land? Therefore I went ahead to flee to Tarshish, for I knew that You are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, and one who relents concerning evil. 3 So now, O Yahweh, please take my life from me, for death is better to me than life.” 4 And Yahweh said, “Do you have good reason to be angry?”5 Then Jonah went out from the city and sat east of the city. And there he made a booth for himself and sat under it in the shade until he could see what would happen in the city. 6 So Yahweh God appointed a plant, and it came up over Jonah to be a shade over his head to deliver him from his miserable evil. And Jonah was extremely glad about the plant. 7 But God appointed a worm at the breaking of dawn the next day, and it struck the plant, and it dried up. 8 Then it happened that as the sun rose up, God appointed a scorching east wind, and the sun struck down on Jonah’s head so that he became faint and asked with all his soul to die and said, “Death is better to me than life.”9 Then God said to Jonah, “Do you have good reason to be angry about the plant?” And he said, “I have good reason to be angry, even to death.” 10 Then Yahweh said, “You had pity on the plant for which you did not work and which you did not cause to grow, which came to be overnight and perished overnight. 11 So should I not have pity on Nineveh, the great city, in which there are more than 120,000 persons who do not know the difference between their right and left hand, as well as many animals?”

Study of Jonah Part 3 of 4Join us this week as we discuss Jonah 3:1-10 and take a deep dive into Jonah, what was behind his disobedience, why he ran away, and how it applies to us today!8/31/25Scripture:Jonah 3:1-101 Now the word of Yahweh came to Jonah the second time, saying, 2 “Arise, go to Nineveh, the great city, and call out to it this very call which I am going to speak to you.” 3 So Jonah arose and went to Nineveh according to the word of Yahweh. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly great city, a three days’ walk. 4 Then Jonah began to go into the city, one day’s walk; and he called out and said, “Yet forty days and Nineveh will be overthrown.”5 And the people of Nineveh believed in God; and they called a fast and put on sackcloth, from the greatest to the least of them. 6 Then the word reached the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, laid aside his mantle from him, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat on the ashes. 7 And he cried out and said, “In Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles: Do not let man, animal, herd, or flock taste a thing. Do not let them eat, and do not let them drink water. 8 But both man and animal must be covered with sackcloth; and let men call on God with their strength that each may turn from his evil way and from the violence which is in his hands. 9 Who knows, God may turn and relent and turn away from His burning anger so that we will not perish.”10 Then God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way, so God relented concerning the evil which He had spoken He would bring upon them. And He did not bring it upon them.

Study of Jonah Part 2 of 4Join us this week as we discuss Jonah 1:17 - Jonah 2:10 and take a deep dive into Jonah, what was behind his disobedience, why he ran away, and how it applies to us today!8/24/25Scripture:Jonah 1:17 - 2:10 LSB17 And Yahweh appointed a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the stomach of the fish three days and three nights.1 Then Jonah prayed to Yahweh his God from the stomach of the fish, 2 and he said,“I called out of my distress to Yahweh,And He answered me.I cried for help from the belly of Sheol;You heard my voice.3 “For You had cast me into the deep,Into the heart of the seas,And the current surrounded me.All Your breakers and waves passed over me.4 “So I said, ‘I have been driven away from Your sight.Nevertheless I will look again toward Your holy temple.’5 “Water encompassed me to my very soul.The great deep surrounded me,Weeds were wrapped around my head.6 “I went down to the base of the mountains.The earth with its bars closed behind me forever,But You have brought up my life from the pit, O Yahweh my God.7 “While my soul was fainting within me,I remembered Yahweh,And my prayer came to You,To Your holy temple.8 “Those who regard worthless idolsForsake their lovingkindness,9 But as for me, I will sacrifice to YouWith the voice of thanksgiving.That which I have vowed I will pay.Salvation belongs to Yahweh.”10 Then Yahweh spoke to the fish, and it vomited Jonah up onto the dry land.

Study of Jonah Part 1 of 4Join us this week as we discuss Jonah 1:1-16 and take a deep dive into Jonah, what was behind his disobedience, why he ran away, and how it applies to us today!8/17/25Scripture:Jonah 1:1-16 LSB1 Now the word of Yahweh came to Jonah the son of Amittai saying, 2 “Arise, go to Nineveh, the great city, and call out against it, for their evil has come up before Me.” 3 Yet Jonah arose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of Yahweh. So he went down to Joppa, found a ship which was going to Tarshish, and paid its fare and went down into it to go with them to Tarshish from the presence of Yahweh.4 But Yahweh hurled a great wind on the sea, and there was a great storm on the sea so that the ship gave thought to breaking apart. 5 Then the sailors became fearful, and every man cried to his god, and they hurled the cargo which was in the ship into the sea to lighten it for them. But Jonah had gone down below into the innermost part of the vessel, lain down, and fallen deep asleep. 6 So the captain came near to him and said to him, “How is it that you are deeply sleeping? Arise, call on your god. Perhaps your god will be concerned about us so that we will not perish.”7 Then each man said to the other, “Come, let us have the lots fall so we may know on whose account this calamitous evil has struck us.” So they had the lots fall, and the lot fell on Jonah. 8 Then they said to him, “Tell us, now! On whose account has this calamitous evil struck us? What is your occupation? And where do you come from? What is your country? From what people are you?” 9 And he said to them, “I am a Hebrew, and I fear Yahweh, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land.”10 Then the men became greatly fearful, and they said to him, “What is this you have done?” For the men knew that he was fleeing from the presence of Yahweh because he had told them. 11 So they said to him, “What should we do to you that the sea may become quiet for us?”—for the sea was becoming increasingly stormy. 12 So he said to them, “Lift me up and hurl me into the sea. Then the sea will become quiet for you, for I know that on account of me this great storm has come upon you.” 13 However, the men rowed desperately to return to dry land, but they could not, for the sea was becoming increasingly stormy against them. 14 Then they called on Yahweh and said, “Ah! O Yahweh, we earnestly pray, do not let us perish on account of this man’s life, and do not put innocent blood on us; for You, O Yahweh, as You have pleased You have done.”15 So they lifted Jonah up and hurled him into the sea, and the sea stood still from its raging. 16 Then the men greatly feared Yahweh, and they offered a sacrifice to Yahweh and made vows.