Russels Chapel Church

Russels Chapel Church Non-denominational Church in Hardin County. Established in 1904.

06/03/2026

Birthed by God

Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
John 3:3

When describing the birth of a newborn, we never say, “The baby birthed himself at 3:00 p.m.” Likewise, when describing spiritual rebirth, Jesus said, “Unless you are born.” That is, both human birth and spiritual rebirth are passive events for the infant. Mothers give birth to physical babies; the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual babies (John 3:5-8).

Recommended Reading:
Ephesians 2:8-9

This idea is behind Paul’s words in Ephesians 2:8-9: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Our spiritual rebirth is not something we do by ourselves, by our own efforts. If it was, we would be right to boast. Since it is of God rather than ourselves, we can only boast about God and His grace (1 Corinthians 1:27-31; 2 Timothy 1:9).

If you have been born again through faith in Christ, give thanks to God that He has birthed you for a purpose. As the Spirit brought you into God’s Kingdom, so He will lead you and transform you.

“Except a man be born again,” he will wish one day he had never been born at all.

06/02/2026

Hiding the Word

Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.
Psalm 119:11

It is estimated that around three hundred direct quotations from the Old Testament appear in the New Testament. References and allusions bring that number closer to one thousand. We often take for granted how often the New Testament writers incorporate a quotation or reference from the Old Testament—especially in their conversations where they appear to be quoting from memory. And we have to remember that they had no computers or complete copies of the Old Testament to work with when writing the New Testament.

Recommended Reading:
Colossians 3:16-17

Jesus appears to quote the Old Testament around 75 times in His teachings and verbal exchanges with others. Take, for example, His exchange with the devil during His 40-day sojourn in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). Three times He refuted the devil’s temptations by quoting verses from Deuteronomy. Paul quotes or alludes to the Old Testament around 75 times just in the book of Romans. How did they do this? Memorization and in-depth familiarity with Scripture.

Consider setting a goal of memorizing one verse or passage of Scripture each week. After all, the Word of God is the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17) and the foundation of faith (Romans 10:17).

Memorization is the first step to meditation.
Jerry Bridges

06/01/2026

Spiritual Infusions

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being.
Ephesians 3:16, NIV

Infusions have become a popular way to replenish fluids or nutrients in your body. At your home or at an infusion clinic, you’re hooked to an IV that delivers vitamins, minerals, and fluids directly into your bloodstream.

Recommended Reading:
Ephesians 3:14-21

Are infusions available for us spiritually? If so, where can we find an infusion of strength for our souls? For that we turn to the clinic of God’s Word. In Ephesians 3:16, we learn a vital prayer to offer for ourselves: Lord, I ask You to grant me, according to the riches of Your glory, to be strengthened with might through Your Spirit in my inner being.

The Holy Spirit was sent to us as a Helper. He comes to strengthen us. When you feel weak, ask the Lord to impart His strength.

If you’d like another prayer along these lines, use these words from hymnist Edwin Hatch: "Breathe on me, breath of God, fill me with life anew, that I may love what Thou dost love, and do what Thou wouldst do.”

Breathe on me, breath of God until my heart is pure, until my will is one with Thine, to do and to endure.
Edwin Hatch

05/31/2026

“For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not...”
ISAIAH 41:13

Based on Isaiah 41
God doesn’t just command us not to fear—He gives us Himself. This verse is deeply personal. The God of the universe promises to hold your hand and walk with you through whatever comes. His presence is constant, His help unfailing.

He doesn’t stand at a distance—He stays close, steadying your heart and guiding your steps. When fear rises, you don’t have to face it alone. The One who holds your hand also holds all power. You are not abandoned. You are not forgotten. God is your help, and He will never let go.

ADORATION: Father, I praise You for being near and faithful. You are not distant—you are the God who holds my hand.

CONFESSION: I confess my fear often takes over. I forget that You are with me and rely on my strength.

THANKSGIVING: Thank You for the gentle ways You comfort me. Thank You for walking with me through every storm and whispering, “Fear not.”

SUPPLICATION: Lord, hold my hand today. Remind me that I’m not alone in any challenge. When fear rises, speak peace to my soul. Help me trust in Your presence and receive the help You so freely give. Let me move forward, not in fear, but in faith in You.

PRAYER
Now, Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in you.
PSALM 39:7
Good and holy God, You are eternal and reign forever. Your glory will last throughout the ages, and Your name will be proclaimed forever. But my life is a v***r - a mist that will dissipate with the sun. My mortality is before me, as is my awe and appreciation of Your salvation. You have allowed me - this finite person - to behold the beauty of eternity. You have saved me from definite calamity. I rest tonight in that certainty. I rest tonight, secure and satisfied in Your salvation. My words will slip a sweet refrain of gratitude as I gently go to sleep. I will hold my peace in You tightly and gracefully drift. I love You, Lord. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

05/30/2026

May Mothers: The Submission of Mary
MAY 30, 2026

NEW!
Listen Now
Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.”
Luke 1:38

Recommended Reading: Luke 2:51
Perhaps the most important thing we know about Mary, the mother of Jesus, comes from her own words to the angel Gabriel when she was told of God’s plan for her.

First, she referred to herself as a “maidservant of the Lord.” This word could be translated as “servant,” “bondservant,” or “slave.” It carried with it the idea of compulsion or obligation—that is, a role that Mary wasn’t free to reject. How did Mary come to view herself as a young woman obligated to serve God with her life? We don’t know. But we do know that her commitment to God resulted in Gabriel referring to her as “highly favored” in God’s sight (Luke 1:28). Second was her response to Gabriel’s announcement: “Let it be to me according to your word.” Once she received the amazing explanation of how she, a virgin, could give birth to a baby (Luke 1:35), there was no hesitation, questioning, or debate. Mary simply said “Yes” to God.

When it comes to submitting to God, the fewer words the better. Only one word is truly necessary: Yes.

The essence of sin is arrogance; the essence of salvation is submission.
Alan Redpath

05/29/2026

Be a Friend

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

Far too many churches and denominations have been founded for reasons that were less than loving. Yet Jesus told His disciples that love among Christians would be the hallmark of those who follow Him. He gave His disciples a new name—He called them friends rather than servants. And a new command: As friends, they were to love one another.

Recommended Reading:
John 15:12-15

If all followers of Jesus are His friends, that makes all followers of Jesus friends with one another. As mutual friends, love for one another is to be what separates Christians from the world. So serious was Jesus about love for one other that He said it would require laying down one’s life for one’s friends—which is what He did for His friends (John 15:13). Do you have a friend who would lay down his or her life for you? Are you the kind of friend who would lay down your life? “Friend” is a covenant term in Scripture (James 2:23). Under the old covenant, a true friend was closer than a blood brother (Proverbs 18:24).

Be the kind of friend you would like to have and show the world that you are a friend of Jesus.

In necessary things, unity; in doubtful things, liberty; in all things, [love].
Richard Baxter

05/28/2026

Christ in You

Nevertheless, I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.
John 16:7

Jesus’ preparation of His disciples for His return to the Father in heaven was disconcerting for them. For three years they had witnessed His teaching and His merciful healings—not to mention His companionship and counsel. What would they do without Him?

Recommended Reading:
Romans 8:9-11

The solution He revealed to them was new. He would send to them a Helper who they came to understand was the Holy Spirit—given to them a few weeks later at the Feast of Pentecost (Acts 2). In fact, Jesus said it would be to their advantage for Him to go away and for the Spirit to come in His place, enabling them to do even greater works than He had done (John 14:12). So the Holy Spirit was given to all believers to empower the life of Christ in each one who believes (Romans 8:11; Galatians 2:20; 5:22-23).

Never forget during difficult moments: If you belong to Christ by faith in Him, He dwells in you by His Spirit.

He who has the Holy Spirit in his heart and the Scripture in his hands has all he needs.
Alexander MacLaren

05/27/2026

Another Place

[Peter] said, “Go, tell these things to James and to the brethren.” And he departed and went to another place.
Acts 12:17

The first twelve chapters of Acts concern Peter. In Acts 12, an angel freed him from prison, and he went to the home of John Mark and spoke to the disciples. Then he left for “another place.” Starting with chapter 13, the remainder of the book of Acts concerns the apostle Paul.

Recommended Reading:
Acts 12:5-17

Where did Peter go? The Bible doesn’t tell us, but ancient traditions say John Mark led him from Jerusalem to a section of Egypt known as “Babylon” or “Old Cairo.” It was possibly the same place Joseph and Mary fled with the baby Jesus, beyond the reach of Herod. It was a place of refuge.1

We all need a place of refuge. Deuteronomy 33:27 says, “The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” When we face trouble, we can retreat to our Refuge. He is always there, easily accessible. We have only to turn to Him. When everything else fails, there is still another place—His everlasting arms.

God will our strength and refuge prove, in all distress a present aid, and though the trembling earth remove, we will not fear or be dismayed.
The Presbyterian Psalter

05/26/2026

Praise the Lord!

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!
Psalm 150:6

J. Sidlow Baxter wrote, “Our Lord is not a fair-weather companion only. When the dark hour comes, when the storm beats about us, when the grievous blow falls, He is the Friend that sticks closer than a brother…. Our Lord is not merely a distant spectator of our concerns, far removed from us in a far-off sky. He is a present help.”

Recommended Reading:
Psalm 150

When we truly grasp the nearness of God and His involvement in even the smallest concerns in life, we’re empowered to lift up our hearts and lungs in praise. We often rely on God during difficult times, but do we also remember that He’s there during the good times as well? He’s with us in the ups and downs, and we should take time during both to praise Him for that. Are things going well for you? Praise the Lord; He is a God who sends our blessings! Are things difficult right now? Praise the Lord; He is a God who bears our burdens.

Let everything on earth praise the Lord!

Most certainly is He the helper of His people and their cause considered collectively: but He is more than the God of the multitude. Each of His people may boldly say, “The Lord is my helper.”
J. Sidlow Baxter

05/25/2026

Grace for a Lifetime

Sing praise to the Lord, you saints of His, and give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name. For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.
Psalm 30:4-5

In the New Testament era, the most prominent theme is the grace of God—encompassing love, mercy, and forgiveness. But it is important to remember that God is our Father who is willing to discipline His children when the need arises (Hebrews 12:5-13).

Recommended Reading:
Lamentations 3:22-23

There are two aspects of discipline which need to be viewed differently. One is in the form of correction for sin as seen in 1 Corinthians 11:27-32—discipline in the form of punishment. The other is discipline for the purpose of training during times of hardship: “Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children” (Hebrews 12:7, NIV). For His children, God’s discipline—regardless of the reason—is temporary. But His grace is never-ending: “His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life.” As the prophet Jeremiah wrote, God’s compassions never fail—“they are new every morning” (Lamentations 3:22-23).

If God has you in training, remember: It is only temporary. His grace and compassions fail not.

Discipline is a proof of sonship.
John Blanchard

Address

Russel Chapel Lane
Savannah, TN
38372

Opening Hours

8am - 9:30am

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