North Bay Fellowship

09/07/2026

Provisioned Through Prayer

Hello North Bay Fellowship.

Last Wednesday evening we concluded the Armor of God series with a final strategic command! Pray at all times! Last time we talked about the Sword of the Spirit, which is God’s Word, and we have already covered our spiritual body in armor from head to toe.

BUT, we need supplies, we need support, we need a battle plan! Let’s read one more time the entire scripture for this series:

Ephesians 6:10-18 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,

For it to have full effect, the clear instruction in Scripture is to put on the WHOLE armor of God. This passage contains a key to proper application. Notice, verse 18 starts with the word “praying.” It doesn’t start a new thought, it’s connected to what we just read. Put on the full armor, take up the Sword of the Spirit, while praying at all times in the Spirit! With prayer and supplication.

Prayer is communicating with God. It’s quite literally approaching the Throne of Grace. Look at this from Hebrews chapter 4:

Hebrews 4:14-16 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

We can come before him, not with fear of judgment or condemnation, but with confidence! Why? Because of the blood of Jesus that makes us righteous in the eyes of the Father! Never forget that prayer is a privilege! It’s a personal kind of communication. Between you, and the God of the Universe. It’s intimate and solemn. It involves thanksgiving, praise, and expressing our love and submission to our Lord.

Supplication is a form of prayer. It is when our prayer involves asking. It’s humbling yourself and admitting that you are dependent on God; that you can’t do it on your own without His provision. It’s commanded in the Bible that we live like this:

Philippians 4:6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Matthew 7:7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.

We’re supposed to ask God for what we need! He obviously doesn’t give us everything we want, but he always gives us what He knows we need to be obedient to His commands and purposes. He knows our needs before we ask, but asking is part of the solution God has given us to be victorious in the spiritual battles we face! We remind ourselves of where our blessings come from. Give thanks and praise to God, and let your requests be made known to Him! Prayer to God makes a great difference in a believer’s life, and our ability to withstand spiritual attack!

However, it’s important to remember that it’s kind of like a conversation. God doesn’t just sit there silently and listen, then quietly dismiss you when you say amen! He won’t usually speak to you in an audible voice, and he certainly doesn’t always immediately answer you in a way that you can immediately understand or comprehend. But He speaks to us! He leads us where we need to go if we can learn to listen and respond to His spiritual urgings!

Remember, it’s vitally important to test whatever it is you discern that God is trying to speak to you personally to ensure it lines up with God’s word! The deceiver’s lies are always out there! However, as you read more scripture, meditate on His Word, follow His calling and learn to listen and obey when he speaks it becomes easier to recognize His voice! Prayer and supplication creates an expectant spirit in us. We are awaiting God’s “answer” in whatever form He wants to give it to us. We’re listening for Him and looking for Him to move.

God’s voice always leads you in the paths of righteousness. God whispers spiritual words of comfort, grace, and love to your troubled heart. His sheep know His voice! God has a plan for you and He gives you calling and direction for today. He reassures you that you belong to Him!

He has given you His written Word! Pray and read! When you come up against obstacles in your way, pray that God gives you what you need to overcome them! Also, pray and ask for God’s guidance and blessing on behalf of your brothers and sisters in Christ! We’re stronger when we’re in one accord

He also tells us to keep alert! Keep watch over your own life and the lives of your brothers and sisters around you. Remember, Satan is like a roaring lion and is seeking to devour all of us!

James 5:16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

Prayer is powerful, not just in our lives, but in the lives of those we pray for!

Fasten the belt of truth firmly around your waist, and pray that God’s truth defeats all the lies that Satan tries to get you and the Church to believe!

Put on the breastplate of God’s righteousness, praying that you will never depend on your own imperfect version of righteousness.

As shoes for your feet, put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace, pray that you will always trust in the firm foundation of the gospel so you can stand firm and push back against darkness.

Pick up the shield of faith, Trust in God for everything in your life! Satan’s attacks are brutal, but trusting in the unbreakable power of God will always lead to ultimate spiritual victory and protection!

Put on the helmet of God’s salvation, praying that God will fill you with the certainty of salvation, and live in the complete victory over sin that Jesus won for us on the cross!

And, don’t forget your offense! Pick up the sword of the Spirit, so you can successfully combat the enemy’s attacks and lies! Pray that God will reveal Himself more and more to you as you read!

We were raised from the death of sin to walk in the victory of the cross of Christ!

Hebrews 10:38-39 but my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back,
my soul has no pleasure in him.” But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.

2 Corinthians 4:8-9 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;

Remember, it won’t be easy. Following Jesus is the narrow path. It’s not for the weak of heart. The cost of being a disciple of Jesus is great. Satan is brutal, and he hates you and your God. So, be ready for some serious pushback from the powers of darkness when you begin to live for Jesus! But it’s what you were created to do! God saved you for a reason! He has a job for you to do!

And if you’re not a believer it’s time to join the fight! Be on the winning team! Repent of your sins and turn your life over to the living God of the universe! He loves you and wants to save you from Hell! He sent Jesus to die for you, to take the punishment for your sins, and then He rose from the dead so that you also could live eternally! However, you must repent of your sins and believe His promises! Call out to Him for salvation! Make Him your Lord today!

You and your whole family are more than welcome to come worship with us at North Bay Fellowship! We have Sunday morning Bible studies for all ages at 9:00 and children’s church during our worship service at 10:00, a Tuesday evening small-group Bible study “Tuesday Tabernacle” at 6:30, midweek Bible studies for adults and children on Wednesday evenings at 7:00, and a ladies’ Bible study on Thursday evenings at 6.

Families with disabilities are always welcome! We have trained, caring volunteers and a new sensory room available on Sundays. We also have a nursery provided on Sundays and Wednesdays. We hope to see you soon!

09/07/2026

https://www.youtube.com/live/v_440rlFda0?is=M27Zli1SunM-j_Jx

Morning Worship 09-06-2026 Pastor Jeremy Eden

09/06/2026

https://youtube.com/live/cVWYG_5urCw?feature=share
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Morning Worship 09-06-2026 Pastor Jeremy Eden

09/06/2026

https://youtube.com/live/cVWYG_5urCw?feature=share
Click on Link Below

09/02/2026

Here they are! In case you missed the series of posts, I have combined all of them into one big post. This is what our church believes. In case you're looking for a church home, or were just curious! To read the entirety of our official doctrinal statement please visit https://bfm.sbc.net/bfm2000/

08/31/2026

Fight Back!

Hello North Bay Fellowship.

Last Wednesday evening we continued in the Armor of God series. We continued with the next piece Paul talked about, the Sword of the Spirit. Let’s read our scripture again.

Ephesians 6:10-18 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,

The clear instruction in Scripture is to put on the WHOLE armor of God. So after we have all the defensive armor of God, we still have another piece to talk about. It has defensive capabilities, and is our only offense! The sword of the Spirit, the Word of God!

A Roman soldier’s sword at the time would have been a short, straight, double-edged iron blade, usually around 20 inches long. The sharp point was used for thrusting attacks, and the two cutting edges gave the ability to slash and lacerate. It was definitely a formidable and dangerous weapon!

And here, Paul is likening the word of God to this impressive, and violently useful piece of hardware! Let’s look at why he may have thought this way. I would like to point out, this is not the only place we see this comparison in the Bible:

Hebrews 4:12-13 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

What is the author of Hebrews telling us about the power of the word of God? He says it’s living and active! It’s alive! God is alive. We can read the words of dead men and gather interesting insights and principles, but the wise words of men who are alive today carry with them the immediate context of the present. They have a current relevance. God’s word will never grow dusty or out-of-touch with our reality. It’s living, and holds active power in our lives and over our hearts!

The author continues that it’s sharper than any two-edged sword! There is nothing outside of its reach. It penetrates even to the very innermost parts of men. Our innermost thoughts and intentions! He also says that nothing that has ever been created is hidden from Him. There’s nowhere to run, nowhere to hide. Every created being is exposed to God’s eyes, and that includes the rulers, authorities, cosmic powers over this present darkness, and the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. And it's to Him, and Him alone, we all must give account! God’s word is not a pocket knife, let’s put it that way! And He has freely given it to us as our undefeatable weapon against the enemy!

This will come as no surprise to you, but it’s very effective against even the highest spiritual authorities and dark principalities! When Jesus was in the wilderness, praying and fasting for forty days before he began His earthly ministry, the devil came to Him and began to try to tempt Him to sin. He tried to get him to give in to His hunger and break his fast by turning the rocks around Him into loaves of bread. But Jesus “pulled out his sword” and quoted Deuteronomy chapter 8:

Deuteronomy 8:3b … man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.

Then, because Satan is a deceiver, he tried to use Jesus’ own weapon against Him. The devil quoted Psalm 91:11-12, in a deceptive way of course. Take note that merely quoting Scripture is not wielding the Sword of the Spirit correctly! When it’s twisted and taken out of context, even the Bible can be used to confuse and encourage disobedience!

Satan said “IF you are the Son of God”, throw yourself down and let God protect you! Satan was citing Jesus’ own claims, and attempting to entice Jesus to use His Sonship presumptuously. Jesus again answered with Scripture from Deuteronomy 6 and shut Satan’s argument down. God’s protection is not for Satan’s entertainment. It’s not a magic show!

Finally the devil took Jesus to the top of a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world. He then offered to just give them to Jesus! Without any suffering on His part! The Bible reveals to us, in 2 Corinthians 4:4 that Satan is the god of this world. Satan’s at least plausible claim is that they were really his to give!

That was a real temptation because the nations were genuinely promised to Jesus in Scripture, and Satan was offering a shortcut to the allegiance of, and dominion over the whole world. And to sweeten the deal, Satan would give them without a fight. Jesus wouldn’t have to suffer to get it! The devil offered all of this to Jesus, without suffering, without rejection, if He would simply fall down and worship him.

Let’s read Jesus’ reply to this forked-tongue offer:

Matthew 4:10-11 Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’” Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him.

Game, set, match. The word of God is undefeatable. If that’s how Jesus, who was the fullness of God in human form, fought against the enemy, then it would make sense for us to do the same! It’s a powerful weapon in the hands of those who know how to use it!

Read and study daily! Immerse yourself in His truth and His instructions! Read, believe, and build your life upon His promises! Learn how to wield the Sword! To wield the Sword correctly, we must know what Scripture says, pray to understand what it means, trust that it is true, and obey what God has spoken!

Jesus trusted God’s word, not his own human desires. He knew God’s word. He knew God’s path for Him, and that path involved suffering! Remember what He said to Peter when he tried to convince Jesus that he didn’t have to suffer? Jesus had just told the disciples that He was going to be killed:

Matthew 16:22-23 And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.” But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.”

Jesus recognized the same lie. There would be no redemption without the shedding of blood! That’s what God’s word, the Sword of the Spirit, said, and that means it was and always will be the truth! His suffering was for you, on account of your sins. Have you repented and called out to Him in faith to save you?

You and your whole family are more than welcome to come worship with us at North Bay Fellowship! We have Sunday morning Bible studies for all ages at 9:00 and children’s church during our worship service at 10:00, a Tuesday evening small-group Bible study “Tuesday Tabernacle” at 6:30, midweek Bible studies for adults and children on Wednesday evenings at 7:00, and a ladies’ Bible study on Thursday evenings at 6.

Families with disabilities are always welcome! We have trained, caring volunteers and a new sensory room available on Sundays. We also have a nursery provided on Sundays and Wednesdays. We hope to see you soon!

08/30/2026

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Morning Worship 8-30-2026 Pastor Jeremy Eden

08/24/2026

Are Christians Good People?

Hello North Bay Fellowship.

Last Wednesday evening we enjoyed a great time of fellowship at our “Finger-Food Fellowship” so we did not have regular Bible study services. I want to encourage you all to come and be a part of these! It’s a great time to get to know people who you may not otherwise get a chance to have a conversation with!

John 13:35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.

I have some thoughts I would like to share today about how important it is that we live out our faith authentically, and in a way that truly reflects the love of Christ. It’s a difficult admission, but if I’m being honest, I can’t really argue with someone when they say, “Christians aren’t loving! They’re some of the rudest, most selfish people I have ever met!”

I hope that doesn’t shock you! I want to be crystal clear, I’ve met hundreds of wonderful, kind, generous, and servant-hearted Christian people in my lifetime, but I have had run-ins with the other kind as well. As a matter of fact, I’m ashamed to say that I’ve been that rude, selfish Christian at times! It’s not a good look, and especially not for one who claims to be a Christ-follower!

What does it mean to be a follower of Christ? What changes about your identity? Let’s look at what Paul wrote to the Galatian church.

Galatians 4:4-7 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.

Through the sacrifice of Christ, and the love and mercy of God, those who repent and place their faith in Christ have literally received adoption as sons and daughters of God! Empowered by the Spirit, we can legitimately call God our Father! We’ve been set free from the slavery of sin, and are now heirs to the kingdom of Heaven. We were forgiven because of mercy, we were chosen because of love, we were set free by the power of the only One who was more powerful than our sin! We’re not deserving, we’re redeemed.

So, how does that fact coincide with this sad experience? When I was a young man in college I was a server at a steakhouse in Springfield, MO. Occasionally I had to work the lunch shift on a Sunday. It was the absolute worst shift! The church people would come to eat in their Sunday best and far too many of them would proceed to treat me like a dog. The tips were small or non-existent. Sometimes instead of money they would leave me a gospel tract. They would look down their nose at me and order me around like I was a slave.

I want to be honest. I would occasionally have customers like that on any given day. However, the high concentration of well-dressed customers on a Sunday afternoon who treated me like that was definitely noticeable. I was a fellow believer, but I felt ashamed at how they treated me and my co-workers.

What’s worse, I’ve personally spoken to several others in the food-service industry and nearly all have the same experience! What’s going on?! How can an unbelieving world look at just this one example and want anything to do with it? It’s a monumental problem. It’s a disgusting symptom of a much larger spiritual problem. And sadly, it’s a huge hindrance to our evangelism efforts and our task of fulfilling the Great Commission.

Well, the first step to solving a problem is admitting you have a problem! Are Christians good people? No. We’re not. None is good but God. God is the sole source of the only goodness that will ever be found in me! Consider these verses…

Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

1 John 1:8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

Our sinful nature and desires tend to rule over us when we are not fully submitted to the Holy Spirit’s leading in our lives! However, our heartfelt goal should be to become more and more like Jesus (Ephesians 4:13).

Don’t demand to be served. Don’t hold yourself above others. What do you have to boast about? That you were forgiven? All that means is that you, like me, like everyone else, are a dirty, rotten, selfish sinner, hopelessly lost without God’s amazing grace. That’s why you had to be forgiven in the first place. It’s not a flex. It should lead you to deep, humble thanksgiving! Your salvation was a gift from God, not something you somehow earned. You deserve no credit for what God has done in your life. Praise Him alone!

Mark 10:45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

Philippians 2:3-5 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,

Church, this is not a “Them” problem. This is an “Us” problem! Christ must increase in our lives and our sinful natures and attitudes must decrease! Don’t fall into the temptation of pointing fingers at those other Christians and how they behave, when you are just like them! We are all sinful! Look into yourself and your own actions first, and then encourage others to follow suit.

Matthew 7:5 You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.

Once we see our own heart honestly and clearly, we should own up to what we’ve done, repent of it, and resolve to be more obedient to the leading of Christ in our lives.

Christians are called to love their neighbors, not condemn them! Not even Jesus came to condemn the world, but to save the world (John 3:17)! You don’t have to celebrate or approve someone’s sin to show them genuine love and kindness. Learn to look at unbelievers through the eyes of God! They are all precious human beings, spiritually deceived, aimless like sheep without a shepherd. Each one has an eternal soul that Jesus suffered for and died to save from eternal Hell. He’s asked us to go gather them, not to judge them or be superior to them!

The fact is, if someone doesn’t have Jesus they can have 10,000 other problems in their lives, but they really only have one problem that matters! They need Jesus! If we tell the world that God loves them, but show the world that not even God’s people love them, why would we expect them to believe that?

Love them genuinely with the love of God. Love them enough to tell them the truth. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God! You, them, me, everyone! We are all in the same boat. We all need the same forgiveness! Tell them that Jesus was guilty of nothing, yet willingly took on the guilt for all of the sin of mankind, and faced God’s just wrath for it in our place! His love for sinners is truly indescribable. Now He is calling all men to salvation. The forgiveness they need is bought and paid for. However, they must choose to turn away from sin and follow Jesus! They must trust Him with their lives, and even their eternal existence; trust Him enough to call Him their Lord and Master!

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Do you need to be forgiven today? Will you call out to Him for salvation and give Him your life?

You and your whole family are more than welcome to come worship with us at North Bay Fellowship! We have Sunday morning Bible studies for all ages at 9:00 and children’s church during our worship service at 10:00, a Tuesday evening small-group Bible study “Tuesday Tabernacle” at 6:30, midweek Bible studies for adults and children on Wednesday evenings at 7:00, and a ladies’ Bible study on Thursday evenings at 6.

Families with disabilities are always welcome! We have trained, caring volunteers and a new sensory room available on Sundays. We also have a nursery provided on Sundays and Wednesdays. We hope to see you soon!

08/23/2026

https://youtube.com/live/Q91LCgMGwco?feature=share
Pastor Jeremy Eden
08-23-2026

Morning Worship 8-23-2027

08/19/2026

Finger-food fellowship tonight @6:30! Bring your favorite finger-food and fellowship with us!