Church guide

Pastor Joe presents three new members to the church (left to right). Janet Dickson, Mary Lee Prouty, and Pam Bice.

Great day at Dresden First Baptist Church Sunday with 3 baptisms.

Happy New Year! Now what…. Every year as we journey through the Christmas season we are reminded of the real reason for Christmas. We are taken aback to the miraculous virgin birth of Jesus Christ and that ole familiar manger scene. We try our hardest to hang on to the real “reason for the season” amidst the array of holiday hustle and bustle that so easily distracts us. And if you’re reading this today, “Praise God!” you made it through to the new year and may have even began storing your Christmas decorations away for next year. But speaking of next year, how shall we live in 2019? To receive the true spirit of Christmas, we must follow through with an understanding of the Savior that was born that day. I have some thoughts and Scripture to share with you that I hope will awaken your thoughts and meditative spirit to start 2019 focused on living a life led by God’s direction. In the Old Testament, Micah summarizes the law of Moses in three simple commands. He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? Micah 6:8 (KJV) In other words, be honest and fair in all your dealings, remain kind and faithful to others, and walk in daily submission to the One who loves you, Jesus Christ. This somewhat echoes the essence of the Law found in Deuteronomy. And now, Israel, what doth the Lord thy God require of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, To keep the commandments of the Lord, and his statutes, which I command thee this day for thy good? Deuteronomy 10:12,13 (KJV) If the Israelites were going to be Yahweh’s faithful people, their relationship with Him had to be more than just religious formality reserved for special days on the calendar. God’s Word needed to become an integral part of their everyday lives. It is no different for believers today. In the New Testament Paul tells us to “pray without ceasing,” to “set your mind on things above,” and to “let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly” (1Thes 5:17; Col 3:2, 16). Meditation in God’s Word is not just for Christmas time but should take place in our hearts throughout the entire year. So, remember, don’t leave the Spirit of Christmas behind in December, but remember the “Reason for the Season” and carry it with you daily. God wants to be a part of our daily thoughts and decisions both small and large. It’s easy to get carried away with the stresses of life. But maintaining a close, devoted relationship with God will keep our minds in tune. Jesus simplifies the priorities of life even further when talking to his anxious friend Martha. Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. Luke 10:38-42 (KJV) That one thing is complete devotion to Jesus Christ. How should we live in 2019? Make the Lord an integral part of your life every day, all day and watch what He does for you.

Music from Port City Quartet as we celebrated the 174th anniversary of First Baptist Church, Dresden, OH.

2018 VBS is in full swing.

Dean Brauning being honored on FBC Appreciation Day for his years of faithfulness to the ministry of Dresden FBC.

Full house today with Chestnut Ridge as we celebrate 173 years serving the Lord.