Tag: isaiah-6

News, Sermon Audio

A Taste of Sabbath

janagillham

Several Sabbaths have passed since the last update, but wonderful things have taken place at Pataskala Seventh Day Baptist Church – here are links to the services and a few photos too.

Saturday May 9
Link to the service https://www.facebook.com/pataskalasdb/videos/1322409343090834

Becky gave an encouraging message about the blessing on Obed Edom and how it impacted his family for generations. I Chronicles 26: 4-8.  Who is Obed Edom? Someone who wanted more and more and more of God.  When the Ark of the Covenant came to his house for a few months it blessed his family so much they packed up and moved with it to Jerusalem when King David gave the orders to bring it home. Obed Edom invigorated his kids and grandkids to have a hunger for God, what a legacy.

Saturday May 16: Link:  https://www.facebook.com/pataskalasdb/videos/3139835306405801

Brother Chuck shared patterns of scripture from the book of Daniel—how God planned the end from the beginning, for example, the 490 years between the restoration of Israel and the ministry of Jesus were prophesied by Daniel. There are no surprises to God. God restores what we break, and puts things back in order. God clarifies things.

Saturday May 23: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1D5ouhJqgy/

Dan shared about the hedge of protection we form around us by the ways we seek the Lord on a daily basis in worship, prayer and Bible Study and keeping Sabbath.

Saturday May 30:  https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1DHro3Wksk/

Marissa shared the symbolism in pretzels with the kids (!) Originated by the Pennsylvania Dutch, these treats were often shared after bedtime prayers with children. The familiar knot represents arms crossed– an approach to prayer taught by that community to their youngsters.

Brother Chuck reminded us of Biblical characters who made excuses… but God used them anyway. Moses said he was not eloquent enough. God appointed his brother Aaron to help him communicate.  Gideon called himself the least among the smallest tribe of Israel.  God pared his volunteer army down to 300 and used them to conquer Assyria, one of the greatest powers in the world at that time.  Jeremiah said, “I am only a youth.” God said, “I have put my words in your mouth.” Human limitations do not limit God. We all have a calling. Those the Lord calls, he equips.

Saturday, June 6, https://www.facebook.com/pataskalasdb/videos/999783272903755

Dave reminded us that June 6, 1944 is the anniversary of D-Day, something Becky prayed we would not squander as we continue to ask the Lord for repentance and revival across our nation and the world.

Brother Chuck shared the power of memory, and the importance of setting up memorials. When Joshua led the children of Israel into the promised land (finally!) Just as the Red Sea parted for Moses, the Jordan river parted before the Ark of the Covenant and they all walked through on dry land. He instructed a man from each tribe to go to the middle of the river and pick up a stone—to create a memorial so they would never forget God’s work on their behalf.   I will never leave you or forsake you. Choose you this day whom you will serve. Be strong and courageous! The stones from the middle of the river helped them communicate God’s promises to future generations. “Why are these here?” What a story to tell.

You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you. Isaiah 26:3

Join us in person every Saturday for Sabbath School, and Worship, or if you’re far away, join us for Worship online via Facebook.

News, Sermon Audio

A Taste of Sabbath

janagillham

Saturday, May 2, 2026

Mark opened with prayer, then announced upcoming events including a youth retreat, women’s retreat and an Association meeting. The mission offering this quarter is going to the Heartbeats of Lincoln County, a pregnancy care center.

Prayers and praises were led by Becky. We are grateful that her neighbor is 99% improved and coming home from the hospital. A family lost a loved one to colon cancer. A church member had a heart procedure and anticipates more treatment. A young woman requested prayer for her family, and Seventh Day Baptist teams are preparing to hold Vacation Bible School in Guyana. More than 500 children and adults attended last year’s event.

Susie led us in a responsive reading based on the Sermon on the Mount “A New Way of Life. Love your enemies. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

Davis helped the kids understand that unlike card-guessing games, you never have to guess when it comes to God. He knows everything.

And we sang praises to God. Thank you Chuck and Jessica!

Brother Chuck continued his series on the seven churches in Revelation 2 and 3, with the message to the Laodiceans from “the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation.” Rev. 3:14b.

The Laodiceans were wealthy. Aqueducts provided running water from mineral-laden hot springs valued for their healing properties. Others brought cold, pure water that refreshed.

The Ruler of God’s creation says, “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one of the other! So because you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I am about to spit you out of my mouth.”  Rev. 3: 15-16. With neither hot nor cold properties, the water was useless.

The Laodiceans raised glossy black goats whose long silky hair was highly prized for expensive clothing. The city was also famous for salve developed by local phycisians to treat eye ailments. But the church of Laodicea was told, “You say I am rich, I have acquired wealth, and do not need a thing. But you do not realize that you are wretched, poor, blind and naked.” Rev. 3:17

Today, all of the wealth of Laodicea is gone.

But. Not even death itself limits the King of the Universe. Nothing is hidden from His sight. There are no secrets. The lies we’ve believed about ourselves “I’m not good enough, I’m too far gone, — the God of making things happen, who holds the Key of David… the ruler of creation—Jesus, was at God’s side at Creation – everything was made though him, He is Truth itself, and utterly trustworthy. He heals us. He breaks the power of lies.

“I’ve been teaching high school ethics. Our culture is in the midst of a “my truth/your truth” crisis. It’s all over the media. We try to redefine God’s truth. We need to be careful—watchful. Christ Jesus is truth itself. “In the beginning was the Word. And the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.  Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.  In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.” John 1: 1-5

The message to Laodicea is the most severe of the seven messages to the seven churches. Brother Chuck reminded that we were all put on the earth for the glory of God. We are here on purpose for a purpose. You were not an accident, you were not a surprise to God. He is calling every one of us for a purpose.

The American church has a lot in common with Laodicea. Wealth has become an idol. Do we know “how blind, how pitiful and how wretched we really are?” Did those thoughts cross the mind of Jesus when he talked with the rich young ruler (Luke 18-20)? 

As individuals we need to pray, “Lord help me take my eyes off the things that take my eyes off of You.  Take away what distracts my commitment to you.”

Even with the best eye salve, you’re blind. Even with the fanciest clothes, you’re naked. Why serve what is turning to dust? It’s not about tithe, the board meeting—only Jesus.  “Buy gold from me refined by fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes so you can see. Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock.  If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him and he with me. To him who overcomes, I will give the rights to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”  Rev. 3:18b-22

The Laodiceans had lost track of what is truly important. We must walk in humility and repentance. Jesus died for us. He says, “I need YOU in my kingdom – I stand at the door and knock…” All we have do is say, Jesus, come in. Let all the wealth be for you and your glory.”

“Anyone who hears my voice and opens the door—I WILL come in and eat with him.

Lord, Help us see. Break us of our pride. Take away what stands between us and you. We repent of any lies we believe. We want to give you the glory. And more glory.

Amen.

Join us in person every Saturday for Sabbath School, and Worship, or if you’re far away, join us for Worship online via Facebook.

News, Sermon Audio

A Taste of Sabbath

janagillham

Saturday, April 25, 2026

We gathered in a joyful celebration of worship.

Marissa shared maple candy with the kids as a reminder of the free gift of God’s grace to us.

Christ’s message to the church at Philadelphia is also a message to us.

With references to GenZ speak, like “Sigma King,” (super good) Brother Chuck continued his series on the messages to the seven churches in the book of Revelation. From Chapter 3: 7-13: The One who is holy and true, who holds the Key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open, writes to the church in Philadelphia.

Similar scriptures were given to the prophet Isaiah (Chapter 22) when Jerusalem was facing a devastating siege. The people needed to repent, but preferred to hang onto their sin. They did not have to be lost, and neither do we. Don’t listen to the lie that says you’re too far gone for Jesus to save you. We hear bad news all the time, but there is always hope.

The church at Philadelphia was not critiqued for any weakness. Those believers in Jesus were encouraged to hang on. Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world, to test those who live on the ear. I am coming soon! (Rev. 3: 10-11a).

Hold on. It is hard to be a Christian sometimes. But God is faithful. The time is coming when every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord. He is with you. His name will be written on you, and He is coming soon. Amen.

Join us in person every Saturday for Sabbath School, and Worship, or if you’re far away, join us for Worship online via Facebook.

News, Sermon Audio

A Taste of Sabbath

janagillham

Saturday, April 18, 2026

Testimony of a Truck Driver

When we went to prayer, Becky Van Horn told about hearing from a truck driver who requested prayer for his wife who was in Stage 4 Cancer a year ago. He passed through Sister Tracy’s prayer station last week, and said his wife was doing great, keep praying! Praise God!

Praise God! Prayers for healing
are being answered!

We sang, read scripture, and Jake shared with the kids about how the only way we can produce fruit as believers is to remain attached to Jesus, the true Vine.

Then Brother Chuck shared from Rev. 3: 1-6 Learning Things the Hard Way

To the church at Sardis  – from the one who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars: “I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead.”

Nothing limits God. We are the ones who must repent of our lack of connection to the Holy Spirit and do some deep self-examination.

Ignore spiritual reputation. What matters is what is happening INSIDE you. Is your life committed to Christ? We must each face actual reality. Am I filled with the Holy Spirit to the point that Jesus spills out of me into others?

Personal repentance is not a one-time event, it is a perpetual way of living.

Death is NOT the end of the story, ever. In the end, death itself will be defeated. Death is fatal, but not final.

Thank God for those who remain faithful! Rev. 3:4 “Yet you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes. They will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy. He who overcomes, will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels. Rev. 3: 4-5.

Jesus earned our place in the book of life.

    Amen.

    Join us in person every Saturday for Sabbath School, and Worship, or if you’re far away, join us for Worship online via Facebook.

    News, Sermon Audio

    A Taste of Sabbath

    janagillham

    Saturday, April 11, 2026

    Influenced or influencing?

    Brother Chuck challenged us to consider what and who we are listening to as he shared from Revelation 2, and the message to the church of Thyatira from the One “…whose eyes are like blazing fire.”

    Church members of Thyatira were tolerating a “prophetess” who led many astray into idol worship and sexual immorality. Our God is a jealous God who does not tolerate evil. Nothing we do is hidden from Him. But by God’s grace, nothing can separate us from His love. He knows our best and our worst, and loves us. He even gave the “prophetess” time to repent –but she did not.

    People who you allow to influence you can drag you down. You need to know scripture for yourself so you can know truth. And you need to be willing to be corrected when you’re wrong. The “prophetess” ended up on a sickbed. God was trying to get her attention–and ours. All who follow her will suffer intensely.

    Our hope is in Jesus. Don’t believe the lie that your sins are too bad for Him to forgive. That is what He came to do.

    God grant us the courage to pray. To repent, and to stand for you. Amen.

    Join us in person every Saturday for Sabbath School, and Worship, or if you’re far away, join us for Worship online via Facebook.

    News, Sermon Audio

    A Taste of Sabbath

    janagillham

    Saturday, April 5, 2026

    He Lives!

    We celebrated our beautiful risen Savior Jesus with song, prayer and communion.

    And a poem by Owen:

    Join us in person every Saturday for Sabbath School, and Worship, or if you’re far away, join us for Worship online via Facebook.

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    A Taste of Sabbath

    janagillham

    Saturday, March 8, 2026

    Light wins. Every time.

    Susie brought a box to the children’s message. It was taped up tight. She wanted them to look inside so they could see the darkness she had captured. But when they peeked through a tiny slit–the darkness was gone.

    Susie reminded us all of some scriptures about light:

    My God turns my darkness to light – Psalm 18: 28b

    Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light.  Micah 7:8b

    The Light shines in the darkness but the darkness has not understood it. Or overcome it. John 1: 5

    Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”  John 8: 12b

    God is light. In Him there is no darkness at all.  I John 1:5

    We sang, we praised God, we prayed. Then Pastor Chuck challenged us to think about our priorities.

    What do you love most?
    Who do you say Jesus is?
    What can we learn from the church at Ephesus in Revelation 2:1-9?

    Click here to watch the full message.

    Join us in person every Saturday for Sabbath School, and Worship, or if you’re far away, join us for Worship online via Facebook.

    Sermon Audio

    A Taste of Sabbath

    janagillham

    Saturday, February 28, 2026

    God is looking for Devotion not Perfection

    Pastor Chuck spoke from Matthew 13 and Isaiah 6 with the hopes that we will all “turn and be healed.”

    The Lord Jesus taught a crowd many parables from a boat. He knew that many in his audience had been described centuries earlier by the prophet Isaiah:  “though seeing, they do not see; though hearing they do not hear or understand.” Jesus said, “He who has ears let him hear.”

    Ears tuned into God WILL hear.  God is looking for hearts that are softened toward Him. He knows we will never be perfect this side of glory—which is why He seeks DEVOTION not perfection. 

    Know anyone who says, “I can’t go to church (or go back to church) because I’ve messed up too much. I’m not perfect.”  

    Pay attention! God is at work. No matter what wrong you have done, It is not the end of the story. Call upon Jesus. Only in Him is the hope that you will be OK. And you will be OK. God is looking for Devotion not Perfection

    Click here to watch the full message.

    Thank you Mark, Becky, Susie, Jessica, Christopher, and Pastor Chuck for leading us in worship! Thanks to all those whose work we don’t see on camera!

    Join us in person every Saturday for Sabbath School, and Worship, or if you’re far away, join us for Worship online via Facebook.