Faith Bible Baptist Church, 150 Curry Street, Turtle Creek, PA (2026)

09/08/2026

FBBC Devotional for September 8, 2026: "Evil breeding"

And all the people of the land went into the house of Baal, and brake it down; his altars and his images brake they in pieces thoroughly, and slew Mattan the priest of Baal before the altars. And the priest appointed officers over the house of the LORD.

II Kings 11:18

To read this verse by itself without context, we might expect that the people of the land here would be those of the northern kingdom of Israel. However, searching the context reveals that the house of Baal described here actually existed in the southern kingdom of Judah, where Solomon’s temple stood in Jerusalem for the exclusive worship of the LORD Jehovah. So how did this evil worship migrate to Judah?

It was the presence of the temple in Judah that had previously caused Jeroboam to introduce his golden calves in the northern kingdom of Israel, to prevent his subjects from returning to the rival kingdom to worship the LORD. But as the northern kingdom grew worse with each ensuing king and subsequent dynasty, the worship of the idol of Baal was introduced into northern Israel by Ahab’s marriage to the Zidonian Jezebel (I Kings 16:31). Even though the prophet Elijah had removed many of the prophets of Baal from Israel in the north, Jezebel’s evil influence continued there.

In tracing the path of evil, we discover that a link between the kingdoms was established by Jehoshaphat king of Judah, who is considered to be a good king, yet displayed quite a degree of naivete. He made league with Ahab and even agreed to go to battle with him, as well as continuing relationships with Ahab’s sons Ahaziah and Jehoram after his death (I Kings 22; II Kings 3). This eventually led to Jehoshaphat’s son Jehoram marrying Athaliah the daughter of Ahab (II Kings 8:16-18; 25-26), who bore to him a son Ahaziah. When the LORD, through Elisha’s direction, commissioned Jehu to destroy the seed of Ahab, in fulfillment of Elijah’s previous prophecy against Ahab and Jezebel, Jehu killed not only Jezebel and Ahab’s son king Jehoram, but also Ahaziah of Judah, who had begun to reign (II Kings 10). Thus, Athaliah the daughter of Ahab took over the reign of Judah in place of her slain son Ahaziah (II Kings 11:1-3). So, although Baal worship had been eradicated in Israel, it didn’t take Athaliah long to introduce it in Judah. It wasn’t until young Joash was carefully installed by Jehoiada the priest to be king of Judah at age seven that Athaliah’s imported Baal-worship was eliminated there.

We see here an example of the New Testament warning, which echoes the ancient principle of the LORD’s warnings to Israel, Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? II Corinthians 6:14. Although a king that generally walked in the way of the LORD, Jehoshaphat’s unwise alliance with the family of Ahab resulted eventually in the demise of his own and of the spiritual health of the kingdom of Judah. We do well to observe the example and to strive to implement the principle.

09/08/2026

FBBC Devotional for Monday, September 7, 2026: "With Us and For Us"

Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude: for the battle is not yours, but God’s

2Chronicles 20:15

Life is a struggle. It has been since Adam’s transgression, and it will continue to be until Jesus returns. Though we may be born-again children of God, even Christians are not exempt from the multitude of struggles that will occur this side of eternity. At times our difficulties may feel to us as assaults from a formidable foe. Fortunately, believers have Someone Who is always with them and for them- the Living Lord of Heaven and Earth.

Throughout its pages the Bible records many conflicts that God’s people have faced. Though varied, each conflict has the common factor of God’s presence and assistance. In Exodus 14, when the Israelites were trapped between the Red Sea and Pharaoh’s army, they were told to stand still and see the salvation of the LORD. The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace. In the book of Deuteronomy prior to the Israelites entering the Promised Land, Moses reminds the people that the LORD your God is He that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you. In today’s verse the Lord encouraged king Jehoshaphat when he was being threatened by the Moabites and Ammonites by saying: Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s. There are many other instances that clearly show how the Lord supports and fights for His children. Joshua, David, Elijah, and Daniel are just a few examples of recipients of His divine assistance and presence.

All of the Bible’s historical records of God’s children have spiritual lessons offering believers encouragement to embolden their faith in times of conflict. Though times of trouble could be physical, mental, or emotional, they are all spiritual in nature. Our arch-enemy, the devil, can use stressful situations to distract us from focusing on the Lord and trusting Him through stormy trials. Losing sight of God’s presence and promises opens the door for entertaining fearful thoughts. When fear overtakes it robs us of our peace and casts a cloud of impending doom. Physical afflictions, relational conflicts, financial problems, and the difficulties of life in general can make us feel spiritually weakened. When this occurs, it is important to remember that the battle we are fighting is the Lord’s battle. He will fight for us and He will always be with us.

J. Ekis

09/04/2026

FBBC Devotional for Sept. 4, 2026 "Be Careful What You Wish For!"

Psalms 106:15: And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul.

In the Greek fable, King Midas pined for the power to convert whatsoever he touched to gold. Dionysus granted the power but the expected satisfaction was never realized for Midas could not eat, drink, lay his head down, or embrace his children without the cursed touch destroying the simple pleasures of life.

The children of Israel lusted for meat. The heavenly supplied manna no longer satisfied their palate and they longed for the diet of the Egyptians. Their complaint reached the ear of the Almighty and He gave them what they wished for but before too long the petitioned quail became loathsome to them as well.

How many times believers fall into this syndrome. We wish for temporal success and prosperity, some “must have” desire only to find it bringing leanness to the soul. “Oh Lord” we pray, “this job, this man, this woman, this house, this car, this inheritance, this ability, this degree, this gift, this thing that I must have to satisfy my desire”. In 1Samual 8 the elders of Israel longed for a king: “make us a king to judge us like all the nations.” The prophet warned them that this request would bring leanness to their soul:” ye shall cry out in that day because of your king which ye shall have chosen you; and the LORD will not hear you in that day.”In the fatuous desire to emulate their heathen neighbors they forfeited the unique favor of Divine superintendence.

In the gratification of their desires, in great temporal success and prosperity, individuals, churches, nations, often forget their dependence on God; lose their sense of the value of spiritual privileges and blessings: are satisfied with their condition; become self-confident and proud, and forfeit the favor of God. May the Lord make us blissfully satisfied with His daily provision being assured that He will provide what is most needful for our spiritual maturity.

Have a blessed day,

Pastor

09/03/2026

FBBC Devotional for Thursday, September 3, 2026: "All Things (Conclusion)"

But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. – 1 Corinthians 2:10

In our last two studies, we saw Man’s intended purpose in the created order as above all things, and Christ as the last Adam, the quintessential Man, as possessing and upholding all things at the right hand of God. While we could elaborate to several other studies, we will conclude by exploring how “all things” relate to each of us individually as believers, i.e., the inheritance we possess here and now as redeemed sons and daughters of the living God.

In Deuteronomy 1:18, we are told that God’s law commands us in all things we should do. The New Testament expansionary promise in 2 Peter 1:3 assures us that the Word of God provides us with all things that pertain to life and godliness. Think about it. The Bible is sufficient for every Christian for all time in all places to guide our steps and light our way. Jesus Himself told us that all things He heard from His Father He has made known to us (John 15:15), and He exhorts us to observe all things whatsoever He commanded us (Matthew 28:20). How good to know that the Word of God IS indeed a book of do’s and don’ts! We know what is good and right and true versus what is sinful and evil and wrong precisely because God has intentionally told us so in His Word. We are not left here to surmise and guess, but to confidently consume His statues and judgements and use them daily in making our way to the Celestial City. It is no wonder the psalmist penned, “Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way” (Psalm 119:128).

But that is not all. In addition to the all-sufficient Word of the Living God in all things pertaining to life and godliness, we have manifold promises that the Holy Spirit’s indwelling presence provides us with wisdom, power, and discernment in all things that come our way. He has made all grace abound toward us, that we, having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work (2 Corinthians 9:8).

The way we see the world and our circumstances as believers is also God-enabled. We possess an unction from the Holy One, and we understand all things (1 John 2:20). This is because He dwells within us and His anointing teaches all things, and is the truth, and is no lie. (1 John 2:27). Because we are spiritual, we judge [understand] all things, yet we are judged [properly understood] of no man (1 Corinthians 2:15; Proverbs 28:5).

When we pray, the Lord our God is in all things that we call upon him for (Deuteronomy 4:7). Jesus reiterated that all things, whatsoever we ask in prayer, believing, we shall receive (Matthew 21:22). Indeed, there is nothing we can’t take to our Father, because he has invited us to cast all our cares upon Him (1 Peter 5:7), and we are confident that with God, all things are possible (Matthew 19:26).

And we know that whatever comes our way – the trials, the deprivations, the temptations, the challenges, the victories, the blessings – it cannot deter us from our upward path nor cause us to falter in our pilgrimage if we keep our eyes upon the Lord. With Paul we can boldly assert, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).

What bountiful blessings and assurance from our loving Lord! What is holding us back from living victoriously for Him today? He has supplied us with all things necessary. Let us live every moment for His glory. – D Murcek

09/01/2026

FBBC Devotional for September 1, 2026: "Remnant reminder"

Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.
I Kings 19:18

Solomon had inherited a united kingdom from David, who had also re-established centralized worship of Jehovah in Jerusalem by bringing the ark of the covenant there, with apparently whatever was remaining of the tabernacle from Shiloh. In accordance with the Lord’s pronouncement of His covenant with David through Nathan the prophet, Solomon erected the temple to house the ark of the covenant, along with numerous additional instruments for worship, according to David’s instruction and provision. With the permanent temple structure in Jerusalem, the kingdom was further centered on the worship of Jehovah. However, after Solomon’s spiritual decline, instigated by his multiple foreign wives, the seed of confusion began to creep back into the nation.

After the northern tribes of Israel separated under Jeroboam during the initial reign of Solomon’s son Rehoboam, they rapidly departed from the spiritual heritage that king David had reinstituted under his reign. Jeroboam quickly determined to destroy any spiritual unity with the southern kingdom of Judah remaining under Rehoboam, by formally introducing idolatry among the northern tribes, to further alienate them from the temple worship in Jerusalem and any related political unity. After Jeroboam’s golden calves in Dan and Bethel, along with re-establishment of worship in the high places, the northern kingdom fell further into political as well as spiritual anarchy. By the end of I Kings chapter 16, the reigning king Ahab in the north had added to these the Baal worship of his Zidonian wife Jezebel.

Into this quagmire the Lord sent the prophet Elijah to the northern kingdom of Israel. After experiencing a number of personal miraculous provisions from the Lord during the three-year famine that he had predicted, Elijah demonstrated, through the contest with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, that the Lord (Jehovah) is the true God, through a miraculous answer to prayer. But after having slain the prophets of Baal, and being threatened with death by Jezebel, Elijah fled in despair for his life, then requested for the Lord to take his life. In his encounters with the Lord through this experience, in our text the Lord reminds Elijah that, even in the northern idolatrous kingdom, there were 7000 others who remained a faithful remnant of Jehovah-worshipers. Beyond Elijah, the prophets to Judah would also point to a faithful remnant of Israel that would follow the Lord, in spite of mass unbelief among their countrymen (e.g., Isaiah 10:20-22; 11:11; Jeremiah 23:3; Ezekiel 14:22; Joel 2:32; Micah 7:18-20).

Therefore, let us who live in the midst of perilous times of unbelief, idolatrous covetousness, pride, self-love, and other manifestations of human depravity (II Timothy 3:1-5), remember the declaration of the Lord to Elijah. When we may be tempted to despair and count ourselves alone amidst the culture, we can be certain that the Lord has reserved to Himself a remnant who know and call upon His name.

08/31/2026

FBBC Devotional for Monday, August 31, 2026: "Always Speaking and Teaching"

If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man...

Ephesians 4:21,22a

In chapter 3 of the Gospel of John when Nicodemus comes to inquire of Jesus, he calls him Rabbi to acknowledge that he was a teacher come from God. However, in today’s verse Paul tells the Ephesians that they have heard and been taught by Jesus although they probably have never personally heard nor seen him. Though Jesus ascended to heaven about thirty years prior to Paul’s epistle, Jesus continues to teach people through the power of his life and teachings recorded in the scriptures. Jesus is the Living Word of God. Therefore, through the record of all that he did and taught contained in the Gospels, and later through the inspired words of the Apostles, all the necessary information to enlighten darkened souls to find eternal life, and to fulfill God’s purpose is still impacting hearts and lives. The same God, the same Word, and the same message has penetrated through every culture throughout history, and it is the same Lord who speaks to us today. When we read or listen to a Bible message, we are hearing from the Lord. The God that spoke to the prophets of the Old Testament and later spoke through His only begotten Son in the New Testament, is still willing to speak to us today if we give Him our ears.

The message that the Lord is speaking from today’s text is telling us to put off our old nature which has corrupted us through deceitful lust. We can then be renewed in the spirit of our minds and put on the new man which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. The things that were displeasing to God and detrimental to our lives are to be put away by the power of the Holy Spirit. If we try to establish self- righteousness and fabricate our own holiness, we only deceive ourselves, and any change we brought about will be short-lived. Hearing the Lord speak daily through His Word will strengthen and edify our soul so that we may be energized by the Holy Spirit to do His work. As His mercies are new every morning, so is the power of the truth He wants to teach us for the day. When we place ourselves before the Lord’s lessons, we are allowing Him to then open our spiritual eyes that we might see wondrous things out of His law.

Every day people open the internet to find some needed information to meet their needs or desires. Believers have something far superior; we can open our ears and hearts to the Lord who is always speaking. Hear Him today!

J. Ekis

08/28/2026

FBBC Devotional for August 14, 2026: "Receive Him"

John 1:12: But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

No amount of man's effort can satisfy the demands of a holy God. It is Christ's substitutional death and imputation of his righteousness to the account of the sinner that justifies him at the judgement bar (Romans 3:23-28) But that salvation must be appropriated by the faith of the penitent sinner who recognizes his jeopardized condition.

The sinner's mind is blinded to the penalty awaiting him at death. The preaching of repentance awakens the conscience and alerts the man to seek a remedy for his perilous condition. So we might employ these various expressions: "surrender, or give up their sin, or call out to God and really mean it, or that you need to (fill in the blank) to get under Christ’s blood, or that you need to ask Jesus into your heart, or make him your Lord and Savior" all of which are designed to stimulate the sinner to come to Christ. If there is nothing for the sinner "to do" then we are either left with universalism or the Calvinistic notion of unconditional election.

Why did John preach "repent ye, and believe the gospel Mark 1:15" unless the people needed to do do something in preparation to receive the gospel? Peter at Pentecost preached a message of condemnation and conviction and elicited a response: Acts 2:37: "Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." The sinful people were culpable of the death of Christ and were made to feel the guilt of their rejection. Peter instructs them that the forgiveness had been purchased and that it remained their choice to appropriate it or reject it. He urges them to "Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls." In this specimen of gospel preaching we find all the needed elements to effect the saving of souls:
1. preaching that convicted the heart
2. sinners seeking a remedy for their sin3. the gospel of the death and resurrection presented
4. the minister of the word urging the sinner to repent and believe the finished work
5. some, not all, choosing to receive that good news. This paradigm is repeated throughout the book of Acts.

No, salvation is not effected by the will or the works of man but by the finished work of Christ. Man has nothing to do with the payment of our salvation that is what John 1:12-13 is pointing to: "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." We must receive Christ which means exercising our free will to believe the gospel. The power to "born" us into His family was not by the will of man but by Christ surrendering His will to die in our place and God's will to accept that as a satisfaction for His demands. John 6:29: "Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent." So believing or rejecting is our choice which is an act of our free will. We are not compelled to believe. The gospel, which was not at all accomplished by the will of man, must be appropriated to be effectual.

There are many "whosoever will" passages that would militate against the notion that man's will plays no part in our appropriating God's salvation. Revelation 22:17: And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. These urgings to willfully come must be considered to be genuine offers lest we accuse God of proffering an invitation that is impossible to obtain.

Admittedly, there are some mysteries involved in reconciling the sovereignty of God and the free will of man. John 6:37: All that the Father giveth me shall come to me(sovereignty); and him that cometh to me( free will) I will in no wise cast out. All those who have studied the Word in depth have encountered this conundrum. Suffice us to say the the secret things belong unto God whose thoughts are not our thoughts. Some seemingly contradictory matters will most certainly find their resolution in that place prepared where Christ shall be our eternal teacher
Have a blessed day,
Pastor

08/27/2026

FBBC Devotional for Thursday, August 27, 2026: "All Things (Part II)"

For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. – Hebrews 2:10

Last time we explored God’s intent for Mankind in His created order as well as His overwhelming generosity in the richness of His grace and mercies toward His redeemed people. He shows such overflowing benevolence to believers on the basis of His only begotten Son. Yes, lest we be puffed up by the knowledge and reception of God’ munificent blessings, let us remind ourselves that it is only because of Jesus that we enjoy such privilege! In so doing, we will adore our Christ more and more…

In Mark 7:37, after witnessing first-hand the miracle working power of the Son of God, they were “beyond measure astonished”, and wisely declared, “He hath done all things well.” There is not a single thing that we can look at in the life and ministry of our Savior and want or wish for more. Everything He did and does to this day is perfect, complete, and good. He does all things well.

Luke 24:44 records our Lord attesting to the fact that all things written in the Old Testament regarding Messiah were about Him and that He fulfills them all. How can unbelievers not see the uniqueness of Christ in human history!

In John 3:35, the Master confidently asserts that His Father loves Him and has given all things into His hand. Not even the first Adam could say such a thing with such confidence. Only a Man Who is equal with God could make this claim.

Colossians 1:16-20 is a comprehensive text on the inheritance of our Savior as the Son of God and Man. Here it is revealed that all things in the universe, visible and invisible, were created by Him and for Him. He preceded them all, and it is He Who sustains them all at His pleasure. He is thus preeminent in the realm of His church as well as the entire created order. His sacrifice at Calvary reconciled all things to Himself. How overwhelming to consider that the creation in general and we in particular were created for His pleasure, and that even sin and the curse could not restrain Him from purchasing us back as His rightful and beloved possession and making all things new within our hearts (1 Cor. 5:17). Oh, the depths to which He condescended so that He could raise us to unfathomable heights with Him!

In Hebrews 1:3, Christ is said to be upholding all things by the word of His power. He created all things, He sustains all things, and He has the power to disarticulate all things. He willfully holds the creation together – for now. But there is coming a day when His grace and mercy will defer to His righteous indignation and wrath, and He will destroy this order, that He might re-create a new and perfect one – new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. That new creation will be a restitution of all things (Acts 3:21) and the subduing of all things unto Himself (Php. 3:21). How intriguing that one Man in the universe possesses all this authority.

There is no other conclusion to be drawn but that He is the Eternal One Himself, Jehovah Jesus, our Lord and our God. May we walk confidently in our Christ today. – D Murcek

08/25/2026

FBBC Devotional for August 25, 2026: "Look inward"

Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
Romans 12:9

In contemplating the application of these very practical exhortations that enumerate different aspects of how a transformed life, with a renewed mind, should administer the gifts that God has dealt to each by faith, we do well to apply them personally. While we may hear general explanations and examples of dissimulation, or hypocrisy, do we examine the emphasis of the text before us? It warns specifically of the danger of loving hypocritically. For example, when exercising the gift of ministry (v. 7), while we “wait on our ministering,” do we examine our inner motive, lest our outward act of love be borne of a selfish spirit that desires accolades from the recipient rather than the glory of God? Or how do we view those Pharisees whom Jesus condemned in Matthew 23? Do we imagine ourselves standing on Jesus’ side, also condemning them who had not the Spirit, or do we look instead into our own hearts and identify similar hypocrisies that need the remedy of transformation? Can we actually understand the unhypocritical love of His excoriation, through the truth that they so desperately needed, desiring not their condemnation, but their repentance? We only need to read a bit further to see the spirit with which He delivered the message, as He lamented over the unrepentant leaders of the unrepentant city (Matthew 23:37).

Moving to the next admonition, as we abhor that which is evil, do we apply that first to the evil that we find still within our own hearts, which still can be tempted to sin? Can we cry out with the apostle, “who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” Or do we take pride only in abhorring the evil in others, especially the famous or those who would stand against us? We can easily find in this present world plenty of examples of sin that we can and should hate, as we love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. But will we exhibit the same hatred for our own attitudes that will not be broken over the lost state of those trapped by the world system? Are we generally known as Christians for only what we hate, or are we rather known for how and whom we love? Are we so thankful to God for the good that He has graciously provided to which we can cleave, so that it spills out of us to others? Beloved, this chapter is addressed to us, the brethren. Let us take it very personally, and allow it to renew our minds to the glory of our Father in heaven.

08/24/2026

FBBC Devotional for Monday, August 24, 2026: "The Force of Change"

Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:

2Thessalonians 3:1

After Jesus’ ascension, his disciples went into all the world preaching the gospel. As the message swept over the Mediterranean World it took root in many of the cities. Churches were established where once idolatry ruled. The Apostle Paul’s two epistles to the Thessalonians are a vivid example of the powerful effects of God’s word. The new believers there had turned from idols to serve the living and true God. Paul commends them for their work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in the Lord Jesus Christ. The force behind the drastic change was God’s word.

When Jesus the Living Word of God entered the world, His words sent an enlightening shockwave throughout the land. His words brought sight to blind eyes, cast demons out a maniac, cleansed lepers, strengthened crippled legs, and even raised the dead back to life. His teachings penetrated hearts bringing conviction, hope, love and purpose to people from every walk of life. The testimony of His life, death, and resurrection reverberated from Jerusalem into Judaea, Samaria, and to the uttermost parts of the world. The force of that Word dynamically impacted the course of history. Today, people from vastly different backgrounds and circumstances who have come to true faith in Christ are a testimony to the continuing power of the Word.

The Bible is such an important part of the Christian life; its message is what first brought us into the family of God and it contains the instructions necessary to follow God’s plan for our life. We acquire knowledge, wisdom, and faith from the contents of its pages. It can convict, convert, comfort, encourage, and inspire the readers. Even when the Bible is read many times over, it continues reveal new messages to the soul.

What changed the lives of so many for so long has not diminished in its power to bring people out of spiritual darkness into light. It delivered the Thessalonians from the bo***ge of idolatry, and it continues to have the power to deliver those who are bound by modern idolatry. If we read our Bible daily with confidence that our Lord Jesus Christ who is the Living Word of God is able to speak to us through its pages, He can meet the needs of our soul in ways that no other person can. ~ J. Ekis

Faith Bible Baptist Church

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