03/28/2026
Grace and peace be with all of you who are here with me today.
I greet you with joy and gratitude as we reflect on our journey through our church initiative, “Reading Through the Bible in One Year.”
At the beginning of this year, many of you committed yourselves to a self-paced, powerful spiritual discipline—reading God’s Word daily. Each participant received a kit and a syllabus outlining our reading strategy, designed to guide us step by step through the Scriptures. We honor the life of Mother Carrie Teemer. She often stated how she read her Bible daily. Mother Mary Roger helps us remember how God carried his people in biblical times; we depend on the same guidance today and always. Deacon Willie Hope says he has read through the Bible many times, and each time he has learned more about God and His plan of salvation.
The purpose of this journey is profound. As we read the Word of God together, we are monumentalizing the history and legacy of the Holy Scriptures. Many refer to the Bible as “basic instructions before leaving earth” (B.I.B.L.E.). Its sacred teachings reveal God’s intentions, promises, and overarching plan for humankind.
In January, we began with the Book of Genesis, the book of beginnings. Genesis reveals God’s creative power and the brilliance of divine structure—the formation of the heavens and the earth, the ordering of life, and the unfolding of God’s purpose.
In many ways, that same divine pattern can be seen in the life of Oak Grove Church of the Apostolic Faith. Just as creation began with a foundation carefully formed by God, our church also began with humble beginnings. Over time, through faith, obedience, and God’s sustaining grace, the structure of this ministry has grown into what it stands as today—serving the city of New Smyrna Beach and the surrounding communities.
Now, as we reach March, our reading has brought us to the Book of Job. Job teaches us powerful lessons about faith, endurance, and relationships. It reminds us that life often includes differing opinions, challenges, and trials—both from those near to us and those afar.
Job’s story encourages us to remain steadfast in our fellowship with God, even when others question how we worship or why we trust the Creator. Through Job’s testimony, we are reminded to trust the Creator and not the creature.
Moreover, in the midst of every trial, we hold on to the promise that God is faithful. Just as He restored Job, we believe that God will repay double for our trouble.
So today we pause in reflection, grateful for what the Lord has already revealed to us through His Word. Moreover, we declare together:
“Blessed be the name of the Lord.”
As we look ahead, I want to encourage every participant and every viewer who may be joining us today—do not lose momentum. In April, we will resume our reading journey together as we continue through the Scriptures.
Let us remain diligent, prayerful, and committed to the Word of God. Because when we read the Bible, we are not simply reading history—we are allowing God to shape our present and guide our future.
Thank you for walking this journey with us.
May God bless you, may His Word continue to illuminate your path, and we look forward to continuing “Reading Through the Bible in One Year.”
Grace and peace to you all. ~~ Dr. Linda Teemer-Baker
