Calvary Baptist Church in Covington, VA

09/06/2026

Assistant Pastor Richard Mansell I Peter 1:3-4, Resurrection and Inheritance

09/06/2026

Sunday morning service of Calvary Baptist Church in Covington, VA.

09/04/2026

"Paul said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked." (Acts 14:10)

As we look at the New Testament, the calling of the disciples and Jesus' ministry on earth, then the beginning of the church in Acts, it becomes commonplace to read about miracles. After all, there were so many things Jesus did, that even John said, "...if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written." (John 21:25)

And within the early church of Acts we see those miracles continue with these "pioneer preachers." In the case of Acts 14, Paul had been preaching in Lystra, and noticed the crippled man listening intently. Paul perceived the man had great faith.

Have you ever known anyone you thought had "great faith?" Recently, someone showed me a Bible they had purchased in an antique store in Europe. The cover of course was worn, and the inside spine brittle and delicate. But the one outstanding thing about this Bible was the outside spine. Right in the middle was a significantly worn spot in the leather. It was as if the lady who owned it held it open in her hand many hours each day, her thumb wearing away at the cover over time. She, no doubt was a woman of great faith.

In today's reading, the Bible said Paul perceived the man to have great faith -- faith that he could be healed. So, Paul told him, "Stand upright on thy feet." But you just have to wonder if even Paul was surprised by what happened next.

The Bible then tells us, "And he leaped and walked." Did Paul underestimate the power of God? Was he surprised the man didn't just stand up nonchalantly and saunter off? That is just not the faith this man had! Oh, no, no, no!

This man who had been "...a cripple from his mother's womb..." (14:8) "leaped up!" The Greek word for leaped here is hallomai, and means to jump or to spring up. Can you just imagine it? He did not just stand, as Paul said. He sprung up! WOOHOO! What faith!

So again, I ask you, I ask myself, do we have GREAT FAITH? Are we believing God not just for answers to silent prayers, but are we daily claiming the promises of His Word? Are we walking joyfully through each day, knowing He is leading our way? Despite any circumstance we find ourselves, are we trusting Him to meet our every need? Do we have just a "hope so faith"...or like the crippled man of Acts 14, do we have a "know so, leap up and go faith?"

Happy Friday!

08/30/2026

Sunday Evening Service RICHARD MANSELL Speaking at Calvary Baptist Church of Covington, VA.

08/26/2026

Psalm 23

08/25/2026

08/24/2026

"Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms." (Psalm 95:2)

Have you ever stopped to listen to a bird sing? Perhaps it was just one, repeating over and over a beautiful tune. Or maybe it was a large flock, settled in a cluster of trees, all chirping and squawking at the same time.

Isn't it simply amazing how God created the birds, and really all animals with a sound that is uniquely their very own! Birds, dogs, cats, cows, chickens, snakes, even whales in the depths of the ocean have a sound like no other creature on earth.

In much the same way, we each have a unique voice. And with that voice, God bestowed each of us with particular abilities. While you may not consider yourself a singer, you may be a great orator, a wonderful cook, a great helper around the house, a great teacher, bank teller, attorney, doctor, store associate, a prayer warrior or a wonderfully patient momma of little babies.

No matter where you are in life, God has given you the gift of this moment. This moment, right now, right here where you are is a gift from God. Henry Van D**e said,
"Use what talents you
have; the woods would
be very silent if no birds
sang there except those
that sang best."

It's easy to simply step to the sidelines of life if we think we have no "talent."

But God...

God does NOT create one single soul void of talent! You may not be musical, but you have a talent. Perhaps you have a great smile and a cheerful "Welcome" that can bring joy to the heart of everyone who walks through the church doors. Did you ever stop to realize that same "Sunday morning joy" can be a bright spot in your office, your school, your home, or wherever you find yourself?
Every single soul on earth has a gift; a "voice" to give back to God!
When we choose to use those talents God has given us for His glory, we are following the mandates of Scripture. Psalm 26:7 says,

"That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving,
and tell of all thy wondrous works."

So what has God given you that you use to publish His wonderful works? Use your gift and be His light and joy right where you are today!

Happy Monday!
Shared

08/23/2026

Assistant Pastor Richard Mansell
I Peter 1:3--Blessed