First Baptist Church

First Baptist Church Pastor: Rex Shope
Deacons: Neal Gracey, Alan Peterson, Jeff Shope, Deane Park(honorary)

First Baptist Church of Three Springs PA
Our history dates back to the early 1850s when a Baptist Sunday School was started in Scottsdale (present day Three Springs). An outgrowth of revival meetings at the Shirleysburg Baptist Church, we were formally organized as a church on November 3, 1859. Our church has from its beginning been affiliated with the Centre Baptist Association and the American Baptist Churches of Pennsylvania and Delaware.

05/26/2026

Happy “Community” Weekend, Everyone! May 31, 2026
Matthew 28:18-20; Hebrews 10:22-25.
“Let us holdfast the profession of our faith without wavering (for He is faithful that promised)” --- Hebrews 10:23.

Hello, hope everybody had a blessed Memorial Day Weekend. In this week’s devotional and in Sunday School we learn that Jesus doesn’t send you out alone or underpowered. He sends you out with His authority, with His presence, and with a mission that grows you as you obey it.

I have learned that before Jesus gives a command, He gives a foundation. He doesn’t say, “Try your best.” He says, “All authority… is Mine.” Jesus roots the Great Commission in His sovereignty, not our skill. And this authority means Jesus is not merely requesting obedience, He is empowering it.

Friends, there are too many times that we try to do things in our own power and fail, wondering …“where is Jesus?” You don’t step into ministry or anything spiritual with your résumé. You step in under the banner of the risen King. When you teach, encourage, pray, serve, or witness, you do so reinforced by the One who conquered death. That’s why even small acts of obedience carry eternal weight. Remember friends, the Great Commission is not a task to complete, it is a life to be lived!

Soooooooooooooooooooooo, in our Hebrews section of scripture the writer doesn’t say “Try harder.” He says, “draw near.” Not to a faraway God. Not to a God who is disappointed in you. But to a God who, because of Christ, welcomes you with a cleansed conscience and a washed heart.

The Bible “calls” us to Hold Fast. To What? To the Confession of Hope! Why? Because He Who promised is faithful. Thinking back to my old job I can truly say that, “My grip may slip but His promise does not. When we read “Let us consider one another,” I think this is the most countercultural part of the verses because the world says, “Look out for yourself.” Scripture says: “Look out for one another.” The phrase “stir-up” literally means to provoke or to nudge, inspire, or awaken love and good works in others.

What does that mean for me and you? It means, …Someone in your church needs your encouragement. Someone in your family needs your presence. Someone in your circle of friends needs your faithfulness.

You and I don’t gather because we are perfect. We gather because we are in progress, and so is everyone else. Many “Christians” assemble because of God, many “Almost Christians” don’t assemble because of themselves.

See you Sunday as Pete leads us through this lesson.
Deacon Neal

05/20/2026

Happy “Rhythms” Weekend, Everyone!
Mark 2:18-28
“The Sabbath was made for man and not man for the Sabbath”

What a blessing this lesson will be in Sunday School. In it we find that Jesus teaches that His presence changes everything—our fasting, our rhythms, our rest, and our understanding of what God truly desires. He is not an addition to the old life; He is the Bridegroom, the New Wine, and the Lord of the Sabbath.

The disciples of John and the Pharisees were fasting, but Jesus’ disciples were feasting. This bothered the religious crowd. They wanted to know why Jesus didn’t fit their mold.

Jesus answers with a picture: “Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them?”

I believe that Jesus is saying, “You don’t fast at a wedding—you celebrate.” I also think that Jesus is declaring Himself the Centerpiece of Joy, the One Israel has been waiting for.

There are times for fasting, but the Christian life is not defined by gloom. It is defined by the presence of Christ. When He is near, joy is appropriate. When He seems distant, aching is appropriate. Both are worship.

Jesus is not an “add-on” to our old ways of thinking, living, or performing. He brings a new covenant, a new heart, a new Spirit, and a new way of relating to God. We cannot pour the life of Christ into old habits, old pride, old self-sufficiency, or old religious performance. He reshapes us from the inside out. He makes us new creations, or as the Bible states, New Creatures!

Soooooooooooooooooooooooo, let me bring this devotional home before class by saying that Jesus brings joy where religion brings pressure.

If your walk with God feels heavy, ask: “Am I walking with the Bridegroom, or am I trying to impress the Pharisees, meaning myself or others for attention?” Jesus brings newness where we cling to the old. Where is He asking you to let go of an old wineskin, an old habit, an old fear, an old way of thinking? Jesus brings rest where the world brings exhaustion.

The Sabbath is not a rule to keep; it is a gift to receive. Are you ready to get your life back into rhythm?

See you in Sunday School, the best class you’ll ever attend.
Deacon RNGracey

05/13/2026

Happy “Justice” Weekend, Everyone!
Deuteronomy 24:14-21; Ephesians 6:5-9; 1 Timothy 6:17-19
Paraphrase: “Help the poor, the fatherless, the stranger, and the widow: that the Lord thy God may bless thee in all thy work of thine hands.”

Biblical justice is not merely about fairness, it is the active, compassionate use of power, position, and possessions to protect, uplift, and dignify others.

This theme runs like a golden thread through Moses, Paul, and the early church. I learned a long time ago that just because people have the same job in the field, no matter what the occupation, they do not necessarily have the same bank accounts. There are poor and not so poor people working together all the time. I’ve also learned that the poorer laborer is not a “resource” he is a brother or sister made in God’s image.

The Bible teaches these lessons all through scripture by explaining the reason for leaving crops at the edges of the fields for gleaning. In that culture, a day’s wage meant that day’s food and God hears the cries of the oppressed. Justice is not optional; it is covenantal. It’s about choosing not to squeeze every drop of profit so someone else can live.

The Apostle Paul addresses the ancient household system, not by endorsing it, but by transforming it from the inside out. Friends, the workplace is a small mission field where the aroma of Christ should be unmistakable. Does your work ethic include loving others, and assisting a co-worker where its needed? We must treat employees, coworkers, and volunteers as we want to be treated, not as instruments.

Sooooooooooooooooooooooooooo, in 1Timothy, Paul now speaks to the wealthy, not to shame them, but to redirect them. We must remember that wealth is not condemned; arrogance and misplaced hope are. Generosity is not charity; it is participation in God’s character. “Storing up treasure” reframes giving as an eternal investment. I am so glad that my wife and I have learned that generosity is the Christian’s retirement plan in the kingdom economy. That we need to hold our possessions with an open hand. We must practice “ready generosity” not reactive, but pre-decided giving while at the same time asking: Does my giving reflect gratitude or guilt?

I remember that my grandma used to give so much to charity and she never had much to give. When asked why because she didn’t really know where all the money went, said, “God knows where the money goes and He knows who gave it and why they gave.” She taught me a great lesson!

Friends, justice is not merely legal, it is moral, relational, and compassionate. Whether you have wealth, authority, or influence, God expects you to use it for good. It is the outward expression of inward righteousness.

So I will finish my devotional with these few questions for you to ponder before class:
Where are you tempted to “harvest to the edges” of your life, or not?
How does your workplace reveal your view of Christ?
What does generosity reveal about your trust in God?
Who in your life is “crying out” for justice or compassion?
Friends, let this lesson reveal that justice is love with “work boots on.” Amen.
Deacon Neal

1st John 2:19. “They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would...
05/05/2026

1st John 2:19. “They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their going showed that none of them belonged to us.” -

John is saying: Their departure revealed their true nature. They didn’t “lose” salvation—they never possessed it. Their leaving exposed that their connection to the church was external, not internal.

“Continuance is the signature of genuine faith. Departure is the revelation of counterfeit faith.”

In this context, Paul’s description of running the race until the end is so much clearer!

When people leave the faith, it doesn’t ruin them, perse’ …it reveals them.

First Baptist Church of Three Springs PAKIDS CLUBIf you’re looking for a fun evening for and/or with your Kids, Join In ...
05/04/2026

First Baptist Church of Three Springs PA
KIDS CLUB
If you’re looking for a fun evening for and/or with your Kids, Join In on the fun!

Games, crafts, Bible stories and more!
The more the merrier! Ask Pastor Rex or Valerie Shope for information!!!

05/03/2026

Happy “Working” Weekend, Everyone!
Gen 2:15; Exo 20:9; Jn 5:17; Jn 9:4; Acts 20:33-35; 2 Thess 3:6-12.
Acts 20:35b – “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

Well now, what does working have to do with giving and receiving? Everything, and I am privileged to teach this lesson on Sunday about “Work as a Christian Duty.” All these verses have something to do with work. And I am even going to introduce you all to a delightful chart called the Psychology of Laziness. Believe me when I say that it is very interesting!

First, let me say the “Work” is not punishment. Actually, God created work before sin entered the Garden of Eden through Adam and Eve by the Serpent. Did you ever realize that? Yep, before sin ever entered the world, God placed Adam in the garden “to work it and to keep it.” You see, work is not merely about productivity; it is about having a partnership with God.

God Himself works. When Jesus said, “My Father is working until now, and I am working,” He revealed something profound: God is not idle. He sustains creation, redeems sinners, and advances His purposes. I would say, “God is always on the job.” When you work with diligence and integrity, you imitate your Father in Heaven. When you rest in trust, you imitate Him too. Christian work is not about busyness; it is about faithfulness.

Work is also a witness. Paul teaches us that work is part of Christian character and community life. The Thessalonian church had some who refused to work, expecting others to carry the load. Paul responds firmly: believers should not be idle or disorderly. He reminds them of his own example of working “night and day” so as not to burden anyone. He even reminds us that he himself wants to earn his way as he traveled by working. Paul’s instruction is not harsh, it is pastoral. This is just another way for him to be an example to the church, by shaping a community that reflects Christ.

Soooooooooooooooooooooooo, whether you are employed, retired, or serving in the home or church, your diligence speaks loudly. Your work ethic becomes part of your witness. Friends, work is a Christian duty because God designed us for Meaningful labor and He, Himself works with purpose and compassion. Believe me when I say that the church is strengthened when “Believers” work faithfully.

To come around full circle for this devotional let me just say that working is like tending a garden. God plants the seed, we cultivate the soil, He brings the growth. Wow, this resembles ministry! We plant the seed, God cultivates the soil called the person’s heart, and we help bring them along as they grow. Therefore, God’s labor nor our labor is never wasted when it is done in His name.

As we are studying for our lesson this coming Sunday, let me leave you with a few things to ponder. Why do you think Paul connects idleness with disorder in the church? What does “working quietly” look like in our country, community, church, and home in today’s world? How can our work, paid or unpaid, become an act of worship?

What do you mean when work becomes worship? Friends, work becomes worship when the hands are faithful and the heart is grateful. Amen.

See ya’ Sunday @ 9:00 am, right?

Deacon, R. Neal Gracey.

PS. HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!
No matter if you have many children or none, everyone can be a mother, whether natural, adoptive, foster, acting, or just caring for someone’s child.

God bless every kind of mother!

04/27/2026

Happy “Expectation” Weekend, Everyone!
Jonah 3:1-5; 4: 6-11.

I think I’ll start my devotional for this week’s Sunday School lesson with a comment; “God’s mercy is not only for the lost, it is also for the stubborn believer.”

If you’ve ever read the story of Jonah you will soon see that Jonah needed saving just as much as Nineveh did, and he was a Prophet.
In this lesson God’s mercy pursues the rebellious prophet and the wicked city alike, exposing our small hearts and inviting us into His big compassion. We see that “The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time.”

I’d call this one of the most hopeful phrases in Scripture: God gives His servants another chance. It’s such a major blessing when we mess up to get a second chance, right? Just remember, some sins can kill. Second chances are precious!

Jonah obeys this second time, not joyfully, but obediently. I like to think that Jonah’s feet obeyed, but his heart lagged behind. I believe we all have a moment like that once or twice. The Ninevites respond with repentance that puts Israel to shame, that’s for sure. It seems that the pagan sailors and pagan Ninevites respond better to God than God’s own prophet. Hmmm. Keep in mind though… God can use a reluctant messenger to spark a genuine revival. The power is in the message, not the messenger.

Soooooooooooooooooooooooooo, there just comes a time when God has to teach us a lesson on Grace, so He uses a plant to do it. Jonah is angry that God forgave Nineveh. Jonah wanted grace for himself and justice for everyone else. Have you ever felt that way?
God picks a plant, a worm, and a scorching wind and develops three small “sermons” in nature. Jonah grieves at the plant more than the people. It’s very ironic that Jonah has compassion for a plant he didn’t grow but none for 120,000 people God created, in His own image! God’s final question exposes Jonah’s heart: “Should I not have compassion…?”

Friends, Jonah’s problem wasn’t theological, it was emotional. His heart was out of sync with God’s heart. And that’s where the Holy Spirit comes in for you and me. Thank you Jesus that you gave us a Spiritual Pace-Maker to keep our hearts in sync!

Don’t you want God to be compassionate with you? Don’t you want His mercy and His grace? What “plant” or “thing” are you grieving more than people? Comforts, routines, preferences, traditions, things, getting your own way, power? God gently asks: “Do you care more about your comfort than about “My” mission?”

What does Jonah’s reaction to Nineveh’s repentance reveal about his heart? I think he had a few misplaced priorities. Where might God be exposing misplaced priorities in your life? Join us in Sunday School where we discover where God is giving you a “second time.” A calling you resisted, a relationship you avoided, a ministry you delayed, a spiritual discipline you neglected, where you put yourself in front of others.

Who is your “Nineveh”? Someone you find difficult to love, a coworker, a family member, a political opposite, a person who hurt you, someone in church?

God’s compassion reaches them too.

Deacon Neal

04/20/2026

Happy “Distinct” Weekend, Everyone!
Deuteronomy 6:3-9; Matthew 19:3-9.
These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. (Deut. 6:7-8)

God calls His people to be a distinct family—shaped by love for Him, obedience to His Word, and covenant faithfulness. Deuteronomy 6 shows how a godly family is formed; Matthew 19 shows how a godly family is protected. Doesn’t every family want to be protected by their Heavenly Father? I want God to protect my family!

Israel’s identity as God’s people begins in the home. The family becomes the first “seminary,” the first “sanctuary,” and the first “school of obedience.” Or at least it should be that. Israel’s obedience was meant to be a witness to the nations, showing the beauty of God’s ways. As well, Christian families need to be a good witness to others in our communities, knowing that we are giving off the impression of the Precious Lord that we follow, and are the example of Him. Friends, you can’t light your child’s candle if your own match is never struck. Meaning two things; first, you can’t pass on what you yourself do not possess. Secondly, “The Word” must be in your heart before you can share it.

In the teaching of Matthew 19:3-9, Jesus roots marriage not in culture, but in creation. He protects the family by restoring God’s original design. Our Christian families are protected by “Covenant Faithfulness.” In the matter of marriage and divorce, Moses permitted divorce because of hard hearts, not because God desired it. But Jesus reveals the deeper issue: the heart determines the health of the home. Marriage is not a consumer agreement; it is a covenant under God. Marriage is not a rental agreement—it’s a lifelong stewardship entrusted by God.

Sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo, if you are wondering how these two passages go together, Deuteronomy 6 shows the formation of the family as God shapes our homes with Love, Obedience, and Discipleship. While Matthew 19 shows God’s protection of the family as Jesus guards our homes through covenant faithfulness, returning to those things designed by God, and addressing the issues of the heart.

For Parents and Grandparents be sure to let scripture be the soundtrack and anchor of the home. Teach naturally while driving, fishing, cleaning, working, hanging out, and resting. For married couples, guard your hearts from bitterness and pride. No silent treatment with each other because silence is like termites in your home. It chews away and eventually the foundation of your marriage is shot! For the church, we disciple families by discipling hearts. We uphold marriages by upholding Scripture. And we become a community where children see faith lived, not just taught, a powerful message I shared from last week’s lesson.

Friends, please remember that a godly family is formed by loving God deeply and teaching His Word diligently in everyday life. Jesus reinforces that the family is protected when marriage follows God’s original design and covenant faithfulness. Together, these passages show that God’s people are called to be distinct and obedient, shaping homes that reflect His truth and His heart. Do you want your marriage to last, your children to grow up knowing the Lord, and a home that is loving and content and protected? Give your life to Christ, train your children up in the ways of the Lord, and come often to His house where we learn His heart, and other believers communicate the blessings of our God.
See ya’ Sunday (9:00 am) as Deacon, Jeff Shope leads this lesson for us.
Until then, Deacon Neal

04/17/2026

Talking about Jesus and Inviting someone to Church is easy for a Child. They are just telling You about something ...They Love.

04/13/2026

Happy “Child-like” Weekend, Everyone!
Mark 9:36–37, 42; Mark 10:13–16
“Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” (Mark 10:15)

When I saw the lesson I would be teaching in Sunday School this coming Sunday, I thought to myself, “oh man, how am I going to approach this with adults?” But as I started to study, I soon developed a Holy Spirit hunger that sent me deeper and deeper into the scriptures.

Friends, that is how God’s Word is supposed to work for those who love Him. After all, He is the Bread of Life, and if you eat the bread that He offers, we will never get hungry again! God’s Word is food for our souls, for sure.

The Key verse this week is Mark 10:15 so I will begin with that and expand my devotional from there. Mark 10:15 is not a sentimental verse. It is a warning wrapped in tenderness. Jesus is not saying, “Children are cute—be like them.” He is saying, “Unless you come to Me the way they do, you will miss the kingdom entirely.” This is not about childishness. It is about childlikeness. The difference is everything.

When Jesus says to be “Like a Little Child” He is not idealizing children. He is highlighting their posture. A child: knows they cannot provide for themselves, knows they need someone stronger, knows they are not in control, knows they are loved. This is the posture of saving faith and exactly what God wants from us, His followers.

Then there is this,… “Will Never Enter It!” Yikes! This is the sharp edge of the verse. Jesus is not offering a suggestion. He is drawing a line. If we insist on: self-reliance, self-importance, self-protection, self-righteousness…we will stand outside the kingdom doors.
The kingdom is not for the competent. It is for the dependent, and we all depend on God, or we should.

Soooooooooooooooooooo, this devotional is just a small part of what I am privileged to teach on Sunday as we dig into these scriptures. We would love to see you there at 9:00am. We invite you just as Jesus invites all of us to “unclench” our fists, take some cleansing breaths, and hear from our Savior, Jesus, and come to Him the way a child comes—with empty hands, open heart, and simple trust.

Remember friends, the kingdom is not earned, it’s received by child-like faith. Amen.

Deacon Neal

04/07/2026

Happy “Belonging” Weekend, Everyone!
Mark 12:17; Romans 13:1, 6-8; 1 Peter 2:13-17.
And Jesus answering said unto them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.” And they marveled at him. MK 12:17

I hope everyone had a fantastic Easter holiday! So, across these three passages for Sunday School, Scripture teaches that Christians honor God by honoring legitimate earthly authority, not because earthly rulers are perfect, but because God is sovereign.

Jesus, Paul, and Peter each show that our civic responsibilities flow from a deeper spiritual allegiance. We render what is due to human authorities, but our ultimate loyalty belongs to God alone. And the defining mark of our public life is love. How often we forget that God has a hand in the entrance and exit of government leaders.
I have always believed that God installs leaders at times to “slow” things down, or to “speed” things up. I must admit though that at times it’s hard to tell which way we are going, faster to the end for Christ’s return or slower to the end so more can be saved.

In Mark 12:17 Jesus is not dividing life into “sacred” and “secular.” He is declaring that even when we participate in civic life, our identity and allegiance remain rooted in God’s ownership of us. My question is, can people tell you are a follower of Christ when you’re out and about?

Then in Romans, Paul writes to believers living under the Roman Empire, an imperfect, often unjust government. Yet he teaches that authority exists under God’s sovereignty, civic responsibilities (like taxes) and are part of Christian witness. But the highest obligation is love, which fulfills the law. Paul is not saying every ruler is righteous. He is saying God is never dethroned. Even flawed governments serve a purpose in restraining evil and maintaining order. But Christians are not passive subjects, we are active representatives of love, which is the true currency of God’s kingdom. We must make a stand for what is right in God’s kingdom and also nationally.

Then Peter gets in our face with his proclamation with the fact that our freedom is not a license for disrespect or rebellion; it is the power to live differently, humbly, honorably, and courageously. I must admit, there are so many opinions and facets of belief about government and the way it should be run that nobody feels the same about anything these days.

Sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo, I guess to sum things up before class starts, I’ll will share what I think the application to us may be, then we will be ready to share as Pete Peterson leads us on Sunday.

Our Public Life Reflects Our Spiritual Life
How we speak about leaders, policies, and civic responsibilities reveals whether we trust God’s sovereignty or fear human power.

We Honor Authority Without Worshiping It
Christians can disagree, vote differently, and advocate for justice—yet still show respect, humility, and integrity.

Love Is Our Permanent Obligation
Taxes come once a year. Elections come every few years.
But love is due every day—to neighbors, coworkers, strangers, and even those we disagree with.

Our Freedom Is for Doing Good
Christian freedom is not about getting our way.
It’s about showing God’s way, through kindness, patience, and honorable conduct.

We Bear God’s Image
Caesar’s image was on the coin.
God’s image is on us.
So we give our whole selves, our decisions, our attitudes, our witness—to Him. Amen

See you in class. FYI we are open the Sunday after Easter 😊
Deacon Neal

Address

8655 Hudson Street
Three Springs, PA
17264

Telephone

+18144483768

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