FBC Coldwater MS

06/23/2026

Sometimes Jesus shows up by changing the situation.

Sometimes he shows up by CHANGING US in the middle of it.

From "On the Loose: How Disappointment Can Open the Door to Something Deeper", pages 60–61, I write about this:

“He shows up in marriages that are hanging by a thread—when words have run out and forgiveness feels impossible.

He shows up in the life that’s wrestling for a reason to keep going, breathing hope into the weary and strength into the brokenhearted.

He shows up in hospital rooms where faith feels thin and in living rooms where silence has settled like dust.

He shows up in careers that seem to be ending, reminding one that their worth was never in a title or a paycheck.

He shows up in the young, shaping dreams and planting courage, and in the old, proving that no season is wasted and no story is over.

He shows up in churches—large and small—whispering revival into hearts that have grown tired and so discouraged.

He shows up in the middle of our mistakes, our disappointments, our detours, and our deserts.

He shows up in prayers that seem unanswered, in tears that never make it past our pillows, and in the long nights when we feel forgotten.

And sometimes, he shows up not to change the situation but to change us in the middle of it.”

That is the message at the heart of "On the Loose". Disappointment may alter the life we expected, but it does not mean God has abandoned our story. Jesus is still moving, still meeting people in difficult places, and still bringing hope where we thought hope had disappeared.

"On the Loose: How Disappointment Can Open the Door to Something Deeper" includes a study guide to help you unlock this and so many more truths that resonate still today.

The book is available in paperback on Amazon for $13.99.

Jesus is still showing up.

He is still on the loose.

Paul Smith is available to speak with churches, small groups, and other gatherings about the message of "On the Loose". For scheduling information, feel free to reach out.

The cross shattered the disciples’ dreams and exposed the gap between what they wanted and what God was actually doing. They expected a conquering king, but were left staring at a broken Savior. What looked like defeat was the foundation of a greater Kingdom—one built not on power, but on sacrif...

06/22/2026

"Jesus does not simply help us survive the life we've settled into. He calls us into a life we could never have imagined without Him."

Most people don't wake up one day and decide to stop growing.

It happens slowly.

We adapt. We settle. We learn to live with things that were never meant to define us.

Fear becomes normal.

Bitterness becomes familiar.

Regret becomes part of our identity.

Disappointment lowers our expectations.

And before long, we find ourselves sitting beside our own roadside, convinced tomorrow will look exactly like today.

That was Bartimaeus.

For years he had learned how to survive. He knew his limitations. He knew his routine. He knew what life looked like from the side of the road.

Then Jesus called him.

And everything changed.

Before Bartimaeus received his sight, he left behind his coat—the symbol of the life he had always known. It was a step of faith. A decision to believe that Jesus was calling him into something more.

I wonder how many of us are still holding onto a cloak that has defined us for far too long.

A cloak of fear.

A cloak of shame.

A cloak of regret.

A cloak of bitterness.

A cloak of "this is just the way I am."

The good news of the Gospel is that Jesus does not simply help us survive the life we've settled into.

He calls us into a life we could never have imagined without Him.

God did not open Bartimaeus' eyes so he could return to the roadside.

He opened his eyes so he could follow Jesus down a new road.

Maybe the greatest miracle is not what Jesus does for us.

Maybe it's what Jesus wants to do in us.

06/22/2026

VBS this year was more than just an event.

It was a beautiful picture of what God is doing at First Baptist Church Coldwater.

Just a few years ago, some believed God might be finished with churches like ours. Discouragement, division, and negative voices had begun to carry more influence than faith, hope, and the voice of God.

But God was not finished.

Jesus is working His plan, my friends!
His church is still alive.
And First Baptist Coldwater is on the move.

Along the way, we have had to learn which voices we are going to follow. Not every influence is healthy. Not every direction is from the Lord. Sometimes, in order to move forward in unity, hope, and obedience, we must release whatever is pulling against what God is trying to build.

Jesus is leading His church, and we cannot afford to follow a different voice.

And now, we are seeing the fruit.

We are watching God breathe hope, joy, love, and new life into our church family. We are watching children laugh, families connect, volunteers serve, and a congregation begin to thrive—believing again that God still does powerful things through His people.

What’s next?

I do not know all the details, but I know the One who is leading us. Because we serve a big and good God, I believe this next chapter will be redemptive, restorative, and filled with His grace, love, and unity.

Come walk this new chapter with us. Let us pray for one another, encourage one another, and serve humbly beside one another.

First Baptist Church Coldwater
Your Community Church

06/21/2026

THIS FATHER’S DAY, WE NEED MEN OF FAITH

We are living in a time when so much around us seems to be eroding—truth is being redefined, convictions are being weakened, and kingdom values are often treated as outdated or unnecessary.

But this is not the time for godly men to become silent.

This is the time for men of faith to stand—not with arrogance or anger, but with courage, humility, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to Jesus Christ.

We need men who will stand for truth when it is unpopular.

Men who will choose character over convenience.

Men who will protect what is sacred, strengthen what is weak, encourage those who are struggling, and refuse to surrender their convictions to the pressure of the culture.

You do not have to have children to mentor someone, encourage someone, pray for someone, lead by example, or help point the next generation toward Jesus. The kingdom needs faithful fathers, but it also needs faithful brothers, uncles, mentors, teachers, coaches, pastors, neighbors, and friends.

A godly man is not defined merely by whether he has children. He is defined by whom he follows, what he stands for, and the kind of influence he leaves behind.

This Father’s Day, we honor the fathers who have faithfully led their families—but we also honor every man who has chosen to stand strong, live faithfully, and make a difference for the Kingdom of God.

Our world does not need more men who simply blend in.

It needs men of faith who will stand up.

06/19/2026

🌴🐔 TONIGHT IS THE LAST NIGHT OF VBS: RAINFOREST FALLS! 🐔🌴

We’ve had an amazing week, but the adventure isn’t over yet! Tonight is your LAST chance to join us for Rainforest Falls VBS as we learn about God’s love!

We’re also trying to reach our attendance goal... and there’s a lot riding on it!

If we hit our goal, JEREMY HAS TO KISS A CHICKEN! 😱🐔

So, invite your friends, neighbors, cousins, teammates, and anyone else who wants a fun night of games, music, Bible lessons, and rainforest adventures!

We can’t wait to see you, and your friends, at 5:30!

06/18/2026

One of the questions I have heard throughout the years is this: "Why don't we see miracles like Jesus performed in the New Testament today?"

It's an honest question.

After all, in this week's encounter, Jesus gives sight to a blind man named Bartimaeus. Who wouldn't want to witness something like that?

But the more I study the Gospels, the more I wonder if we sometimes miss the point of the miracles altogether.

What if the miracle was never meant to be the destination? What if it was meant to be the turning point?

When we read the story of Bartimaeus, it is easy to focus on the moment he received his sight. It is dramatic. It is powerful. It is unforgettable.

But Mark doesn't end the story there. After Bartimaeus receives his sight, he follows Jesus.

That's the real miracle.

Not simply that his eyes were opened. But that his life was changed.

The miracle lasted a moment. The transformation shaped the rest of his life.

Perhaps one reason we struggle with miracles is because we often define them too narrowly. We look for the spectacular while overlooking the transformational.

We celebrate the event.

Jesus focuses on the person.

We marvel at what happened.

Jesus is interested in who we become because it happened.

Maybe the greater question is not: "Why don't we see miracles?"

Maybe the better question is: "Are we recognizing the miracles of transformed lives all around us?"

Every time a marriage is restored.

Every time an addiction is broken.

Every time bitterness gives way to forgiveness.

Every time someone moves from despair to hope.

Every time a person who was spiritually blind begins to follow Christ.

A miracle has happened.

This Sunday we will meet a desperate man sitting beside a road outside Jericho.

What he wanted was his sight.

What Jesus gave him was a new direction.

Join us this Sunday at 10:45 AM as we continue our series:

Life-Changing Encounters with Jesus
Blind Bartimaeus: When Desperation Meets Mercy
Mark 10:46-52

Because sometimes the greatest miracle is not what Jesus does for us.

It's what Jesus does within us.

Let's worship together this Sunday! Love ya, Paul Smith

06/18/2026

06/18/2026

What an incredible Night 3 at Rainforest Falls VBS! Seeing the excitement, smiles, and enthusiasm each night has been such a blessing!

This week has been so much fun so far, and we’re not done yet! We can’t wait to see what God has in store as the adventure continues.

🎉 Join us tonight at 5:30 PM! 🎉
Bring a friend or two and come be part of the fun!