Blacksburg First Church of God

06/14/2026

Sunday Service Recap

The Parable of the Fig Tree

Matthew 24:32-35

Announcements

* This Saturday, DBI will host its Summer Solstice Festival, making our church parking lot inaccessible.
* Evening Bible Study will be held in the sanctuary tonight.
* Father’s Day will be celebrated on June 21.

This week’s message explored Jesus’ Parable of the Fig Tree found in Matthew 24:32-35. While the parable itself is brief, it is packed with meaning and is given in the midst of Jesus’ teaching about future events and the signs of His return.

Jesus said that when a fig tree begins to put forth leaves, people know that summer is near. In the same way, believers are called to recognize the signs God has revealed and understand the season in which they are living.

The message began by examining why Jesus specifically chose the fig tree for this illustration. Throughout Scripture, the fig tree carries significant symbolism and appears repeatedly in important biblical events. From Adam and Eve’s fig leaves in Genesis, to the medicinal use of figs, to celebrations and prophetic passages, the fig tree is woven throughout the biblical narrative.

The Old Testament often uses the fig tree as a symbol of blessing, prosperity, peace, and God’s provision. The prophets also connected the fig tree to future promises and end-times expectations. Because of this rich biblical background, Jesus’ audience would have immediately understood the significance of the comparison.

The study also looked at some of the first notable fig tree references in the New Testament. In John 1:43-51, Nathanael was called to follow Christ after Jesus revealed that He had seen him sitting under a fig tree. This encounter demonstrated Christ’s divine knowledge and helped convince Nathanael that Jesus truly was the Son of God.

Another important passage is Matthew 21:19, where Jesus cursed the fig tree that bore no fruit. While the event involved a literal tree, it also served as a powerful lesson about spiritual fruitfulness and genuine faith.

The heart of the message focused on understanding what a parable is. A parable is a comparison placed alongside a truth to help people understand a deeper spiritual lesson. In this case, Jesus used the natural signs of a fig tree approaching summer to illustrate the importance of recognizing spiritual signs and remaining watchful.

The point of the parable is not to predict exact dates or times. Rather, it is a call for believers to pay attention, remain faithful, and recognize that God’s promises are unfolding exactly as He said they would.

Jesus concluded by reminding His followers that while heaven and earth will pass away, His words will never pass away. Everything God has promised will come to pass, and His Word remains trustworthy in every generation.

Key Takeaways

* The fig tree is one of the most significant symbols found throughout Scripture.
* Biblical references to the fig tree often point to blessing, provision, peace, and prophecy.
* Nathanael’s encounter under the fig tree (John 1:43-51) revealed Christ’s divine knowledge.
* The cursed fig tree reminds believers of the importance of spiritual fruitfulness.
* Jesus intentionally used a familiar image to teach a deeper spiritual truth.
* The Parable of the Fig Tree is about recognizing signs and remaining watchful.
* God’s timeline unfolds according to His plan, not ours.
* The words of Christ remain true and trustworthy forever.

Final Thought

Just as people recognize the changing seasons by observing the signs around them, believers are called to pay attention to God’s Word and remain spiritually alert. The Parable of the Fig Tree reminds us that God’s promises are certain, His plan is moving forward, and His people should live with faith, readiness, and confidence in His return.

“Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near.” - Matthew 24:32 (NKJV)

Blacksburg First Church of God
Growing in faith, watching for His promises, and trusting His Word together.

06/07/2026

Sunday Service Recap

Trusting God When the Path Isn’t Clear

Proverbs 3:1–8 (KJV/NKJV)

Announcements

* Pastor presented the results of last week’s congregational survey.
* No Evening Bible Study Tonight.
* Father’s Day will be observed on June 21.

This week’s message focused on one of the most practical and encouraging passages in Scripture, Proverbs 3:1–8. While many Christians know verses 5–6 by heart, the surrounding verses provide a complete picture of what it means to live a life that honors God and follows His direction.

The message began with a reminder that God’s people are called to remember and obey His teachings. God’s Word is not meant to be something we hear and then forget. It is meant to guide our decisions, shape our character, and direct our daily walk with Him.

Proverbs teaches that when we hold tightly to God’s truth and mercy, we experience peace, favor, and understanding. In a world that often encourages people to follow their own desires and wisdom, God offers a better way. His wisdom provides stability when life feels uncertain.

At the center of the message were the familiar words found in Proverbs 3:5–6:

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

Trusting God means more than simply believing in Him. It means placing our entire being in His hands. Too often we depend on our own reasoning, experience, and personal judgment. Scripture reminds us that our understanding is limited, but God’s wisdom is perfect and eternal.

The challenge for every believer is to acknowledge God in every area of life. Whether in our families, workplaces, finances, relationships, or future plans, we are called to seek His will above our own. When we do, God promises to direct our paths.

The message also emphasized the danger of becoming wise in our own eyes. Pride can lead us to trust ourselves more than we trust God. Proverbs calls believers to humility, recognizing that true wisdom comes from the Lord. Rather than relying on our own “good sense,” we are called to rely upon God’s direction and guidance.

Finally, Proverbs 3:8 reminds us that obedience to God brings blessing. Walking according to God’s wisdom produces spiritual strength, peace, and health. While believers are not promised a life free from difficulties, they are promised God’s presence and guidance through every circumstance.

Key Takeaways

* Don’t forget God’s teachings and directions.
* God’s commands bring peace and longevity.
* Hold tightly to mercy and truth.
* Mercy and truth bring favor and understanding.
* Trust God with all your heart and being.
* Don’t rely solely on your own understanding or “good sense.”
* Acknowledge God in every area of life.
* Humility is wiser than pride.
* Following God’s ways brings spiritual health and strength.

Final Thought

Life often presents situations where the path forward is unclear. In those moments, God’s Word reminds us that we do not have to figure everything out on our own. Our responsibility is to trust Him completely, acknowledge Him in all our ways, and follow where He leads. When we do, He faithfully directs our paths.

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” — Proverbs 3:5 (KJV)

Blacksburg First Church of God
Growing in faith, trusting God’s direction, and following His path together.

06/01/2026

We update our website sermon page as soon as possible. Each week the service is posted on the left side. On the right side is archives of the sermons in both video and audio only formats. Also the notes for the sermon are in .pdf. These actually fillable forms to electronically fill in the blanks or you may print them. https://blacksburg.faith/RecentSermon.html

The typical recap here is missing due to multiple illnesses. Pray for us.

Watch the recorded worship service or just watch our most recently recorded sermon.

05/24/2026

Sermon Recap – May 24 | Pentecost Sunday

Announcements:
No Evening Bible StudyTonight
May 26 – Church Council Meeting at 6:30 pm

Today’s message focused on Acts 2:1–13 and the events of Pentecost, looking deeper into what was really happening in that moment and what is often misunderstood about it.

The message began with Acts 2:2–3:

“And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.”

One of the biggest points from today’s message was how people often focus on the dramatic elements of Pentecost while overlooking the deeper meaning behind the event itself.

Many immediately focus on the “fire” or on speaking in “tongues,” but the message challenged everyone to look closer at who was actually present, who was hearing the message, and what was truly taking place.

The scene in Acts 2 is a continuation of Acts 1. The disciples were gathered together in unity and obedience, waiting exactly as Jesus had instructed them.

An important point brought out was that there was likely not literal flames resting on people, but rather something described “like” fire. Scripture was using imagery to explain a powerful spiritual moment that words alone could not fully capture.

The message also focused on the hearers present that day. These were devout Jews from many nations gathered in Jerusalem. The miracle was not confusion for the sake of spectacle, but God making His message understandable to people from different backgrounds and regions.

Another strong reminder from the message was that even well-meaning Christians can sometimes misunderstand Scripture when context is ignored or when people rely more on assumptions than on the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

One line that really stood out was:
“Spiritually, it is infectious.”

The Gospel spread rapidly because people encountered something real, powerful, and life changing.

Pentecost was not about chaos.
It was about God moving.
It was about people hearing truth clearly.
And it was about the beginning of the Gospel spreading into the world in power.
We update our website sermon page as soon as possible. Each week the service is posted on the left side. On the right side is archives of the sermons in both video and audio only formats. Also the notes for the sermon are in .pdf. These actually fillable forms to electronically fill in the blanks or you may print them. https://blacksburg.faith/RecentSermon.html See less

Watch the recorded worship service or just watch our most recently recorded sermon.

05/10/2026

Sermon Recap – May 10 | Mother’s Day

Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers, grandmothers, and women who help guide and strengthen families through faith, love, and prayer.

Announcements:
Evening Bible Study tonight and next week is cancelled.
May 17 – Spring Dinner following worship
May 26 – Church Council Meeting at 6:30 pm

Opening Scripture – Acts 1:14
“These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.”

Today’s message focused on Acts 1:1–14 and the ascension of Jesus.

One of the most interesting points was that Luke is the only Gospel writer to clearly emphasize the ascension in this way. He ended his Gospel with it and then opened Acts by returning to it again, showing how important the moment truly was.

The disciples wanted answers.
They wanted restoration.
They wanted to know if this was finally the time.

But Jesus shifted their focus.

Instead of giving dates and timelines, He pointed them toward purpose.

They were not called to sit and speculate.
They were called to prepare.

The message highlighted the difference between the Father’s authority and the power the disciples would receive through the Holy Spirit. Not power to control events, but strength to carry the Gospel forward.

That matters today just as much as it did then.

We spend a lot of time trying to predict what comes next, but Jesus continually points His followers back to faithfulness, prayer, and obedience.

Another powerful part of the message centered on Mary, the mother of Jesus.

The last image we are given of her in Scripture is not speaking to crowds or standing in prominence.

She is praying.

Quietly faithful.
Still devoted.
Still present.

On Mother’s Day, that stands out in a powerful way.

So many mothers shape lives not through recognition or applause, but through prayer, sacrifice, consistency, and faith that often goes unseen by the world.

The disciples waited together in unity.
They prayed together.
And they prepared for what God was about to do next.

That same reminder still speaks today.

Stay faithful.
Stay prayerful.
Stay ready.

Because God is still moving.

We update our website sermon page as soon as possible. Each week the service is posted on the left side. On the right side is archives of the sermons in both video and audio only formats. Also the notes for the sermon are in .pdf. These actually fillable forms to electronically fill in the blanks or you may print them. https://blacksburg.faith/RecentSermon.html

05/05/2026

05/03/2026

Sermon Recap – May 3

Announcements:
Evening Bible Study tonight at 6:00 pm
May 9 – Ladies Tea at Slussers Chapel
May 17 – Spring Dinner following worship
May 26 – Church Council Meeting at 6:30 pm

Opening Scripture – Proverbs 22:6
“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Today’s message took us somewhere a little different.

Not just what Scripture says.
But how language shapes what we think it says.

The focus was simple.

Learn the language.

We were reminded that the Bible was not originally written in English. It came through Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. That matters, because words carry meaning, and sometimes that meaning gets softened or shifted over time.

Even something as simple as the word “goodbye” opened the door.

It comes from “God be with you.”

Think about that. A common word we use without thinking still carries a spiritual meaning rooted in the past.

The same thing happens when we read Scripture.

Take the word “school.” It once meant a place of rest or leisure. Now it means work and structure. Words change, and when they do, understanding can change with them.

That is why digging deeper matters.

Psalm 22 brought this into focus.

The opening line is one of the most well-known in Scripture. Jesus Himself quoted it on the cross. When you read the rest of the chapter, it paints a vivid picture of His suffering. The beating, the walk, the crucifixion. Even details like bones being out of joint point to what happens during crucifixion.

This is not random.
It is precise.
It is powerful.

Even translation differences matter.

One version says “unicorn,” while others say “oxen.” That alone shows how careful we need to be when reading and interpreting.

Then we came back to Proverbs 22:6.

“Train up a child.”

But what does that really mean?

The message pointed out that the Hebrew idea is not just teaching. It carries the sense of dedicating or setting a path with intention.

That changes how we see it.

It is not just instruction.
It is direction.
It is purpose.

So the takeaway is clear.

If we want to truly understand Scripture, we cannot stay on the surface.

We have to go deeper.
We have to look at the words.
We have to understand the meaning behind them.

Because when we do, Scripture comes alive in a whole new way.

04/29/2026

Our latest service is now on our website! Check it out! On the left side of the page is the service video. On the right side is links to the notes, a video of just the sermon and even an audio link to the sermon.

Watch the recorded worship service or just watch our most recently recorded sermon.

04/19/2026

Sermon Recap – April 19

Announcements:
Evening Bible Study tonight at 6:00 pm.
Church Council Meeting on April 28 at 6:30 pm.

Opening Scripture – Matthew 24:14
“And this Good News about the Kingdom will be announced throughout the whole world as a witness to all the nations. It is then that the end will come.”

Today’s message asked a question right from the start.

Rumors. Really?

We looked at Matthew 24:3–14, where Jesus speaks about hearing of wars and conflict. But the focus was not just on what we hear. It was on how we respond to it.

A rumor is simple.
Something that might be true or might be made up.
Something that spreads fast.

Sound familiar?

We live in a world filled with noise. Constant updates. Constant headlines. Constant speculation.

But Jesus did not say to panic.
He said not to be troubled.

That changes everything.

The message broke down the meaning behind what we hear. The word connects to hearing, reports, news. Not everything we hear carries truth, and not everything deserves our fear.

Even when it comes to real events like wars and conflict, Jesus made it clear. These things will happen, but they are not the end.

That matters.

Because it is easy to look around and think everything is falling apart.

But the bigger picture is this.

The Gospel is still moving forward.
It will reach the nations.
It will be heard across the world.

And through all of it, we are not left without hope.

We are not left without direction.

We are not left without victory.

No matter what we walk through, with Jesus, we have victory.

So the real question becomes this.

Are we listening to the noise of the world?
Or are we holding onto the truth of what Jesus already said?

Watch the most recent service, or just the message on our website:

Watch the recorded worship service or just watch our most recently recorded sermon.

04/05/2026

Sermon Recap – April 5

Announcements:
No Evening Bible Study tonight.
It returns next Sunday.

Birthdays:
Happy Birthday to Linda Bellows this Thursday.

Opening Scripture – Matthew 21:9
“Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!”

Today’s message brought us to John 20:1–8 and one simple but powerful truth.

The tomb is empty.

All four Gospels point to the same moment. The first day of the week. The discovery that changed everything.

The women arrive first.
Peter runs.
John runs faster.

You can almost see it happen. Two men sprinting to the tomb. One outruns the other, but then pauses. Peter steps in first.

There is urgency.
There is respect.
There is something bigger going on than they fully understand.

And that is the key.

Even standing in front of an empty tomb, they still did not fully get it.

Think about that.

They saw the evidence.
They were there in the moment.
And still, understanding had not caught up yet.

That hits close to home.

How often do we try to force Scripture to match what we already think?

The message challenged us to flip that.

Do not shape Scripture around your understanding.
Let Scripture shape you.

God is not limited by our logic. Not even by time itself.

We see it in Scripture.
A day extended.
Darkness placed over Egypt.

God does not operate inside our box.

And neither does the resurrection.

So here is the question we are left with.

Are we trying to make the Bible fit us?
Or are we willing to let it change us?

Because the resurrection is not just a story.

It is proof.
It is power.
It is a turning point.

The tomb is empty.

And if that is true, everything changes.

Watch the Service Replay here: https://youtu.be/M9z8RmisHzk
Just want the sermon? Click here: https://youtu.be/I-ZnovZOGcY