Preacher Paul's Blogs

 This Sunday, we continue our summer sermon series "Favorite Childhood Bible Stories" with a powerful message titled "Standing Firm in Faith." We'll be exploring the timeless story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from Daniel 3:13-18 . This beloved tale of courage and unwavering faith in the face of adversity has much to teach us about our own walk with God in today's challenging world. As we delve into this scripture, we'll examine how these three men stood firm against the pressure to worship false idols, even when threatened with a fiery furnace. We'll draw parallels to our modern-day "furnaces" - the trials and temptations we face that test our faith. Just as God was present with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in their moment of need, we'll be reminded that God walks beside us through our own struggles, providing strength and deliverance. As you prepare your hearts for this Sunday's message, I invite you to reflect on these q...

This Sunday, we will explore the inspiring story of Esther, a Jewish woman who rose to become queen of Persia. In Esther 4:13-17 , we witness Esther's moment of crisis and her courageous decision to risk her life to save her people from extermination. Mordecai's profound message to Esther, " Who knows? Perhaps you have come to royal dignity for just such a time as this ," challenges us to recognize God's providence in our own lives. We will delve into how Esther's journey from fear to faith teaches us to trust in God's greater plan and embrace the unique purposes for which we have been placed on this earth. As we prepare for this sermon, I encourage you to reflect on the moments of crisis and divine appointments in your own life. Consider how God might be calling you to step forward in faith and courage, just as Esther did. We will also look at how God’s words to Jeremiah, " Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consec...

I will be on vacation on Sunday, July 21, 2024. The Rev. Christina Trimble will deliver the sermon. Her sermon is titled " Jesus Christ Superstar and Shepherd " and is based on 2 Samuel 7:1-14a, Psalm 23, and Mark 6:30-34, 53-56. Here is the bio of Rev. Trimble: “The Rev. Christina Trimble is a member of Providence Presbytery, currently residing in Lancaster, SC, with her brothers and parents. Rev. Trimble has served as a short-term missionary in Ethiopia, Mexico, and Arizona. She has also served churches in Pennsylvania and New York. In her free time, she enjoys reading, card making, and spending time with her dog, Danny.”

This Sunday, we'll be continuing our Summer Sermon Series on “Our Favorite Childhood Bible Stories” by diving into the familiar tale of Jonah and the big fish. But as we'll discover, this isn't just a story about a man being swallowed by a whale. It's a profound exploration of obedience, humility, and God's relentless pursuit of us. We'll follow Jonah's journey from his initial rebellion against God's call to his eventual obedience. We'll see how Jonah's attempt to flee from God's presence not only endangered his own life but also the lives of innocent sailors. Through Jonah's story, we'll be reminded that our actions often have far-reaching consequences, and that no matter how far we run, we can never truly escape God's presence or purpose for our lives.  As you prepare for Sunday, I invite you to reflect on these questions:  Where in your life might you be resisting God's direction?  Can you recall a time when, like Jonah, y...

This Sunday, we'll be exploring a powerful story from 1 Kings 17:8-16 , the encounter between the prophet Elijah and the widow of Zarephath. It's a narrative that speaks volumes about trust, faith, and God's unfailing provision, even in the most challenging circumstances. We'll look into how Elijah, in a time of severe drought, was led by God to seek help from an unlikely source - a widow in a foreign land who was down to her last meal. We'll examine the bold faith demonstrated by both Elijah and the widow as they stepped into the unknown, trusting God's promises. This story challenges us to reflect on our own faith journey and how we respond when God calls us to take leaps of faith. As you prepare for Sunday's message, I encourage you to read 1 Kings 17:8-16 and consider these questions: Can you recall a time when you had to trust God despite uncertain circumstances? How did that experience shape your faith? In what areas of your life right now might God b...