Forest Grove Baptist Church

02/01/2026

"REFLECTIONS ON AN ICY SABBATH"
"Have you entered the storehouses of snow or seen the vaults full of hail?" (Job 38:22)
Perhaps you or I may think we have--given the blankets of snow where April and I are, or the hard shell of ice where you are!
This morning, in lieu of a sermon, I want to give you some of the Bible's food for thought....
In Chapter 38, Job discovers the God who knows everything, contrasted with mortal man who, if pressed with questions impossible for him to answer, seems to know nothing.
What do you think is the point of the barrage of rhetorical questions God piles on to mortify Job?
Here's one scholar's interpretation (and plenty more of mine added):
The imagery of storehouses of snow and halls of hail overwhelms Job with the power and the possibilities of the One True God who surprises us--and could overwhelm us--yet relents. Does God use nature to give us a wake-up call? To slow us down or stop us in our tracks? "...man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps," Proverbs 16:9 asserts. Had you something you thought better to do when God intervened with this storm?
God has "absolute control" over the natural world, but how much control does He have over YOU? By creating you in His own image, He has given you a mind that can know (and choose) right from wrong, good from bad, life or death. With so much mortal power in your hands and a God who has left you to your own devices, what decisions will you make? Are you out of control, or are you controlled by Him?
Even life's most perplexing questions can yield if we put them to God in prayer, if we listen for Him and wait for Him to answer! You say, "But, I have been waiting SO long!" And I say, "Wait a little longer." (Ps. 27:14) God is not so slow as some would want you to believe.
Could it be that, before this storm, you were feeling a little "uppity," like you alone are "the master of your own destiny?"
It's cold outside today. Church is closed. Why not make yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate or tea and cozy up on the couch with that Bible you finally have the time to open? Turn to Job 38. Read it! God has some questions He wants you to consider. Amen?
Until next Sunday, I am,
In Christ,
Pastor Jon

01/30/2026

Forest Grove will be closed this coming Sunday, February 1, 2026, due to heating concerns. We hope you will be able to find time to read and study your Bible, or listen to a Christian program on radio or TV. It's a good time to check in on your neighbors, too, some who are isolated in this wintry weather.

01/24/2026

Forest Grove Baptist Church has cancelled worship services this Sunday, January 25, 2026. Terry Dixon will be speaking on Feb. 1, and Pastor Jon will return on Feb. 8. Stay safe and warm!
"Like the coolness of snow at harvest time is a trustworthy messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the spirit of his masters." Proverbs 25:13.
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01/22/2026

12/28/2025

It's almost the New Year! Put this in that brand new calendar and come out on January 17th! We have an IMB (Baptist International Mission Board) guest who serves in Peru sharing with us that day, and a video presentation about Christian hospitality! Plus, sharing of Community Missions in our area. Please share this with your church and plan on attending! It will be held at 3749 Sperryville Pike.

12/25/2025

Merry Christmas! We had a beautiful Candlelight Service at Forest Grove Baptist Church, and it's been maybe 10 years since the last one there! What a blessing!

12/23/2025

Beautiful job by the youth of Forest Grove in their pageant! Next is Christmas Eve candlelight service on December 24 at 4:00 pm.Come join us for this special candle-warm celebration of Christmas.