Tag: seventh-day-baptists

News, Sermon Audio

A Taste of Sabbath

janagillham

Saturday, July 4, 2026

There was JOY in the House of the Lord as we celebrated God’s blessings upon the USA on her 250th birthday with a special Sabbath celebration!

Click here to watch it all on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/100067508381801/videos/2096084307954739

Many thanks to the Meathrells and Darwin who led us in music. Many thanks to those who planned a meaningful service.

Becky shared Seventh Day Baptist influences on early American history such as Samuel Ward, an SDB pastor and devoted Sabbath-keeper who was a three-time governor of Rhode Island, helped develop the Declaration of Independence, and also advocated for George Washington to be Commander in Chief. His great-grand daughter, Julia Ward Howe, composed The Battle Hymn of the Republic.

Scripture-based prayers were led on behalf of our nation: We joined in prayers of thanksgiving; for protection; for our leaders and those in authority; for strengthening and healing our families; for the restoration of love, unity and peace—that faith would re-awaken; and that our leaders would exercise wisdom; for the protection of children; for national repentance and for God’s presence to be recognized in our country. Amen.

In the children’s message, Jessie explained the symbolism of the colors of our flag: Red for courage, white for purity and blue for justice.

American flag flying at half-staff on a flagpole outdoors with trees and hills in the background
The American flag waves at half-staff against a partly cloudy sky.

After a responsive reading, Becky explained British hatred for the “Black-robed Regiment.” Not only did pastors fight on the front lines, along side their church members, they had been preaching freedom from tyranny for decades and were viewed as instigators of the American revolution. Many were hunted down and witnessed the burning of their homes, farms and churches. Many were tortured and killed.

Brother Chuck reminded us that “ it is for freedom that Christ set us free” and encouraged us to “stand firm then, and don’t submit again to a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1

The service concluded as we took communion. Thank you Jesus, that you had each one of us on your mind and in your heart as you bought us with your blood—to set us free.

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, June 22, Sabbath morning began by celebrating Fathers Day with breakfast at the church.

Afterwards, we sang and prayed and worshiped together.

Brother Chuck shared from Joshua 7  about the consequences of disobeying God.Joshua and his army followed God’s instructions and defeated Jericho. However, when a small contingent was sent to take the little town of Ai—they were routed and humiliated.

Joshua and the elders sought the Lord and learned that at Jericho someone had disobeyed God’s orders about plundering. All of Jericho’s treasures were dedicated entirely to God. A man named Achan was tempted by gold and beautiful robes and hid them below his tent. Identified by lot—he and his entire family and all their possessions were destroyed and thrown into the valley of Achor.

The Israelites learned a sobering lesson. Swaggering words, “no one can beat US,” were corrected to “no one can beat GOD.” Something we need to listen to. The strength of our own country is not in our military might—but in looking to God.

At a personal level, how often do we “charge into battle” without checking to make sure we’re prepared? We do not know better than God. Is there something we’re out of line about?

Put on the armor of God! 

God’s response to Achan’s disobedience was, “This is a cancer that must be cut out.” Just as Achan’s entire family was wiped out—sons, daughters, even animals, other people are impacted when we sin.  For example, viewing illicit material funds human trafficking and the enslavement of boys and girls. Achor—literally means the valley of trouble.

It’s a hard story—a reminder that one man Adam brought sin upon us all. Praise God that through the obedience of one man, Jesus, the many will be made righteous – Romans 5: 12-19.

No sin is too bad for the blood of Jesus. Because of His sacrifice, we are saved. He bridged the separation we made for ourselves.

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

And–Vacation Bible School is coming soon! What a timely theme: Armor up!

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.