Valley Forge Baptist Church

12/21/2024

God in Human Form
John 1:14

“So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.”
Can you imagine looking at God in human form? During the earthly ministry of Jesus, we can imagine the disciples walking along with Him and looking at Him all the time.
The apostle John wrote of Jesus, “So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son” (John 1:14 NLT).
The disciples watched Him. They heard His words. Yet interestingly, in all the Gospel accounts, not one person gave a physical description of Jesus. The Bible suggests that Jesus was ordinary in appearance, because Isaiah 53 says, “There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance, nothing to attract us to him” (verse 2 NLT).
In other words, when Jesus walked this earth, He was an ordinary-looking man. He didn’t have a striking appearance. Nor did He have a permanent halo. In fact, when Judas Iscariot was about to identify Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, he said, “You will know which one to arrest when I greet him with a kiss” (Matthew 26:48 NLT).
Why did Judas need to say that? Because they wouldn’t have been able to find Jesus in the crowd. Judas was essentially saying, “Let me point Him out to you.”
This makes it all the more extraordinary that God Almighty became an ordinary human being, a person just like us. He came to this earth. He walked among us.
John was saying, “We walked with Him. We talked with Him. And we want you to know that you can have fellowship with Him just like we had fellowship with Him.”
This isn’t a privilege only afforded to first-century believers. It’s one that is indeed available to twenty-first century believers too. We can know Jesus. Yet for some, God can seem so distant and unapproachable. But Jesus, who was God, came to show us what the Father is like.
Jesus stands apart from all other prophets, teachers, and so-called gurus. Jesus wasn’t a man who became God. Rather, He was God who became a man. And it never will happen again.
If you want to know what God is like, then take a long look at Jesus. You don’t need to look further. If you want to know how God feels about children, then look at Jesus taking the little ones into His arms, blessing them, and saying, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children” (Matthew 19:14 NLT).
And if you want to know how God feels about sinners, then look at Jesus reaching out to the down-and-outers of society and showing them love and compassion. We see Him going out of His way to make time for people that no one else wanted anything to do with.

Thus, if you want to know what God thinks about anything, then look at the story of Jesus. He is showing us what God is like.

05/19/2024

Contrast the Spiritual Anointings of David and Saul
Selected Scriptures

David was first anointed by Samuel “in the midst of his brothers” (1 Sam. 16:13). David’s first anointing was before his family/house. His second anointing would be before the assembly of his tribe, Judah; and his third anointing would be before the nation Israel. At this time, “the Spirit of the LORD came upon David.” This familiar Old Testament expression relates to empowerment for some God-given task (see 10:6, 11; 11:6; 19:20, 23; 2 Sam. 23:2; 2 Chr. 20:14; Is. 11:2; 61:1; Ezek. 11:5; 37:1). David’s anointing was an external symbol of an inward work of God. The operation of the Holy Spirit in this case was not for regeneration, but for empowerment to perform his (David’s) role in God’s program for Israel. After David sinned with Bathsheba (2 Sam. 11; 12), he prayed, “Do not take Your Holy Spirit from me” (Ps. 51:11).
When David’s ascent to the throne began, Saul’s slow and painful descent began also. “The Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul” (1 Sam. 16:14). Without God’s empowering Holy Spirit, Saul was effectively no longer king over Israel (15:28), although his physical removal from the throne, and his death, happened many years later. “And a distressing spirit from the LORD troubled him.” God, in His sovereignty, allowed an evil spirit to torment Saul (see Judg. 9:23; 1 Kin. 22:19–23; Job 1:6–12) for His purpose of establishing the throne of David.
This spirit, a messenger from Satan, is to be distinguished from a troubled emotional state brought on by indwelling sin or the harmful consequences of the sinful acts of others (e.g., spirit of jealousy, Num. 5:14). This demon spirit attacked Saul from without, for there is no evidence that the demon indwelt Saul. Saul, whose inward constitution was already prone to questionable judgment and the fear of men, began to experience God’s judgment in the form of severe bouts of depression, anger, and delusion, initiated and aggravated by the evil spirit assigned to him.

There are several New Testament occasions where God turned people over to demons or Satan for judgment (see Acts 5:1–3; 1 Cor. 5:1–7; 1 Tim. 1:18–20).

05/09/2024

Pride, That Ancient Sin, Creeps into Our Hearts Like a Serpent!
Proverbs 11:2

"When pride comes, then comes disgrace--but with humility comes wisdom!"

In the quiet chambers of every Christian's heart, a battle rages--a struggle as old as humanity itself. It is the battle . . .
• between pride, and humility,
• between the exaltation of self, and the surrender to God.
Let us peruse the Scriptures as we contemplate the dangers of pride and the virtues of humility.
Pride, that ancient sin, creeps into our hearts like a serpent--whispering lies of self-sufficiency and self-importance. It blinds us to our own faults, and leads us down the path of destruction. Pride is an ugly, mother-sin--which gives birth to a whole family of horrid sins.
Pride is the most deceitful sin! When pride reigns in the heart--it exalts the creature above the Creator, seeking its own glory rather than God's.
But oh, the beauty of genuine humility! Humility is the most lovely grace, and it is the mark of a soul surrendered to God. Humility is a sense of our own sinfulness and weakness, combined with a quiet confidence in God's sovereignty and sufficiency.
Humility is thought to be the chief virtue, for it is the gateway to wisdom and grace. With humility comes . . .
• the fear of the Lord,
• the beginning of wisdom,
• and the knowledge of the Holy One.
Consider the example of Christ, the humble King who stooped down to wash His disciples' feet. In His humility, He demonstrated the true nature of greatness--not in power or prestige, but in service and self-sacrifice. We should strive to imitate Jesus in all things, including His humbleness. He commands us: "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart." Matthew 11:29
Let us then, heed the wisdom and the counsel of Scripture. Let us crucify the prideful desires of the flesh, and clothe ourselves with humility--that we may walk in wisdom and grace.

05/09/2024

Hi Y’all!

We Got last Sunday’s sermon posted for y’all! Take a look and lemme know whatcha think!!

The Passover as a Type of Jesus Christ, the coming Messiah

https://youtu.be/2aSPcmTDe3M - Give a click…

We went on in our looking at OT pictures or “Types” of the Lord Jesus and His finished work on the Cross for His people. We saw the Biblical requirements for observing the Passover and saw how the sacrifice of Christ put them into perfect place for those who believe the Gospel!

We went on in our looking at OT pictures or “Types” of the Lord Jesus and His finished work on the Cross for His people. We saw the Biblical requirements fo...

04/22/2024

We got Sunday’s message up on YouTube for your viewing:

What does the Term “Type of Christ” Mean When Used to Describe SomeOne or Thing in the OT (P3)
https://youtu.be/6wwj96uQgWE
We continued our discussion of the various OT Pictures and Preludes to the Coming Messiah – The Lord Jesus Christ. This week we picked up with a well-known Type – The Bronze Serpent from Numbers 21. We saw that just as it was needful for Israelites bitten by the fiery serpents had to Look Up to the Bronze Serpent in order to to be saved from the terrible judgement those serpents gave by their bite so also one must “Look Up” to the Cross and the finished work of the Lord Jesus in order to be saved from the terrible judgment promised by God to fall on the Lost at the time when men stand before the Lord!

We continued our discussion of the various OT Pictures and Preludes to the Coming Messiah – The Lord Jesus Christ. This week we picked up with a well-known ...

04/19/2024

How Deep of a Commitment Does Christ Ask of His Followers?
Selected Scriptures

From the teaching we find in Luke 14:25–35, it is clear that Christ’s aim was not to gather appreciative crowds, but to make true disciples. He never adapted His message to majority preferences, but always plainly declared the high cost of discipleship. Here He made several bold demands that would, in fact, discourage the halfhearted.
“Hate” (v. 26). A similar statement in Matthew 10:37 is the key to understanding this difficult command. The “hatred” called for here is actually a lesser form of love. Jesus was calling His disciples to cultivate such a devotion to Him that their attachment to everything else - including their own lives - would seem like hatred by comparison. See 16:13; Genesis 29:30, 31 for similar usages of the word “hate.”
“Bear his cross” (v. 27). I.e., willingly. This parallels the idea of hating one’s own life in v. 26. “Count the cost” (v. 28). The multitudes were positive but uncommitted. Far from making it easy for them to respond positively, He set the cost of discipleship as high as possible and encouraged them to do a careful inventory before declaring their willingness to follow.
“Forsake all” (v. 33). Only those willing to carefully assess the cost and invest all they had in His kingdom were worthy to enter. This speaks of something far more than mere abandonment of one’s material possessions. It is an absolute, unconditional surrender. His disciples were permitted to retain no privileges and make no demands. They were to safeguard no cherished sins, treasure no earthly possessions, and cling to no secret self-indulgences. Their commitment to Him must be without reservation.

04/17/2024

Right Standing
Psalm 23:3

He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

The theme of righteousness is mentioned more than five hundred times in the Bible—more than love, grace, salvation, and other themes. Why is righteousness mentioned so frequently?

Recommended Reading:
• Proverbs 2:1, 20-21
Sometimes when a plaintiff brings a lawsuit against a person or company, the judge will dismiss the suit because the plaintiff lacks standing. That is, they have no right legally to file the lawsuit. That’s what righteousness means in Scripture: “right standing.” Mankind lost its right standing before God in the Garden of Eden due to sin. We lost our ability to stand before a holy God and enjoy fellowship with Him.
Therefore, the story of the Bible is God’s provision of a way for mankind to regain righteousness—the ability to be reconciled to God and be righteous in His sight. God leads us in paths of righteousness, but sometimes we don’t follow. Therefore, we need a way to regain right standing with Him. That’s why God sent His sinless Son into the world. He took our sins, and we received His righteousness by faith (Genesis 15:6; 2 Corinthians 5:21).

Thank God today that you can stand before God when you are clothed in the righteousness of Christ Jesus.

Faith wraps itself in the righteousness of Christ.
Thomas Brooks

04/07/2024

Nadab, Abihu and Adding to God’s Plans
Selected Passages

In Leviticus 8, Aaron and his sons, under a ritual prescribed by God, are ordained as priests. In Leviticus 9, they begin their ministry. Here in Leviticus 10, still within the seven days of their ordination rites, two of Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Abihu, put coals in their censers and add incense, apparently thinking that they will add something to the ceremonies and rituals God laid down. But “fire came out from the presence of the Lord and consumed them, and they died before the Lord” (10:2). Before Aaron can protest, Moses pronounces an oracle from God: “ ‘Among those who approach me I will show myself holy; in the sight of all the people I will be honored.’ Aaron remained silent” (10:3).
That is not all. Moses insists that Aaron and his remaining sons, Eleazar and Ithamar, must not break the sacred cycle of ordination to participate in the public mourning for Nadab and Abihu. They are not to leave the tabernacle while “the Lord’s anointing oil” is on them (10:7). First cousins once removed will look after the bodies and discharge family obligations (10:4–5).
What are we to think? A cynic might say that this is elevating ritual above people. Isn’t God a bit insensitive when he cuts down two fine sons who are simply trying to jazz up the worship service a little?
I cannot claim to know all the answers. But consider:
(1) God has repeatedly said that everything connected with the service of the tabernacle must be done exactly according to the pattern provided on the mountain. He has already shown himself to be a God who brooks no rivals, and who expects to be obeyed. At issue is whether God is God.
(2) Throughout the Bible, the closer the people are to times and situations of revelation or revival, the more immediate the divine sanction against those who defy him. Uzzah puts out his hand to steady the ark and is killed; Ananias and Sapphira are killed because of their lies. In colder, more rebellious times, God seems to let the people go to extraordinary lengths of evil before reining them in. Yet the former periods bring greater blessing: more of the immediate presence of God, more disciplined zeal among the people.
(3) In context, Nadab and Abihu almost certainly had defiant, willful motives. For when Aaron makes a different adjustment in the ritual, with the best of motives, surprising flexibility is sanctioned (10:16–20).
(4) This firm lesson prepared the priests for the other major component in their ministry: “You must distinguish between the holy and the common, between the unclean and the clean, and you must teach the Israelites all the decrees the Lord has given them through Moses” (10:10–11, italics added).

04/03/2024

Nothing Better
Colossians 3:15

“And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.”
In the Old Testament, we find the story of Gideon, a man whom God chose to lead the Israelites into battle. But Gideon was hardly a trained warrior. In fact, he was overwhelmed by the task and asked God to confirm His word.
In effect, Gideon said, “Lord, I will make You a deal. Tomorrow morning, I’ll lay a fleece on the ground. And in the morning, if this really is Your plan, there will be dew on the fleece but not on the ground. Then I will know that it’s Your will.”
The next morning, there was dew on the fleece and not on the ground, just as Gideon had asked. But he thought that it might have been a coincidence. So, he went back to God and basically said, “Tomorrow morning, I’m asking that it will be the other way around. Then I will know that it’s Your plan.” So, the next day, there was dew on the ground but not on the fleece.

God had confirmed His will to Gideon.
In the same way, you might say, “Lord, this seems to be Your will, so I’m asking You to please open the door circumstantially.” However, don’t base your entire situation on circumstances because circumstances can sometimes lead us in the wrong direction.
Colossians 3:15 tells us, “And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful” (NLT).
The Amplified Bible puts the same verse this way: “Let the peace of Christ [the inner calm of one who walks daily with Him] be the controlling factor in your hearts [deciding and settling questions that arise].”
I have learned to listen to the peace of God. I’ve been in dangerous situations and have felt God’s peace. Then there have been other times when I didn’t have God’s peace in a situation. Instead, I had turmoil in my heart. I’ve learned to listen to that, because I’ve made some mistakes by not listening to it.
If we want to know the will of God, then not only do we need to ask God to give us His peace, but we also need to ask Him to open doors through circumstances, confirming His Word. We also must remember that God will not lead us into something that is contrary to what Scripture says.
And just as important as the will of God is the timing of God. Sometimes He doesn’t do things as quickly as we want Him to. At other times He does things so quickly that we have a hard time keeping up.
But God is not a distant force with no plan or purpose for you. You are uniquely created in the image of God, and He has a custom-designed plan just for you. He wants to reveal Himself to you. And He wants you to enter into a friendship with Him. Can you imagine anything better than that?

04/03/2024

I got our Early Easter Day message posted to YouTube for Y’all - lemme know whatcha think!

The Resurrection - The Realness of Our Faith
https://youtu.be/uFmo0uiHLtE
We took a thorough look in 1st Corinthians chapter 15 considering what Paul had to say about the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. We said that Believing the Gospel changes our state of being and enables us to be what it is that God, by His Grace intends for us to be…

We took a thorough look in 1st Corinthians chapter 15 considering what Paul had to say about the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. We said that Believi...

04/01/2024

Now Friends
John 15:15

“I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me.”

Friends reveal secrets to friends. When something really good happens, what do you do? You call your friend. And when something really bad happens, you also call your friend.
If you have put your faith in Jesus Christ, then you are a friend of God. And because you are a friend of God, He wants to reveal His secrets to you. The Bible says, “The Lord is a friend to those who fear him. He teaches them his covenant” (Psalm 25:14 NLT).
God wants to reveal His purpose and plan for your life. God does not play hide-and-seek. He is concerned about revealing His will to you today.
God said of Abraham, His servant, “Should I hide my plan from Abraham?” (Genesis 18:17 NLT). When you have a relationship with God, He will reveal His plan for your life.
Jesus said, “I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me” (John 15:15 NLT).

We need to learn how to discern the will of God.

I have been a Christian since 1976. I wish I could say that after years of walking with the Lord, I have discovered a foolproof plan for knowing the will of God in every situation. However, such a plan doesn’t exist. Like any other Christian, I’ve often found myself stumbling into the will of God.
There have been times when God has spoken to my heart, I made a move, and it was what He wanted me to do. But there have been other times when I’ve simply ended up in the middle of God’s perfect plan.
I don’t know that we can always have a foolproof method of knowing God’s plan in every situation. But I do think we can take steps to prepare our hearts to know His will more effectively.
We start by presenting ourselves as living sacrifices to God. The Bible says, “And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him” (Romans 12:1 NLT).
We tend to want to know God’s will before we decide to give ourselves to it. For instance, when your friends ask if you’ll do them a favor, you probably say, “What kind of favor?” You want to know what they’re up to before you agree to help.
In the same way, God asks, “Are you willing to do My will?” And we say, “Tell me what Your will is, and then I’ll tell You whether I’m willing to do it.”
Jesus said, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27 NLT). It is not enough to just hear the voice of God. We need to do what He tells us to do.

03/31/2024

Why Did Jesus Fold the Napkin?
Selected Passages

This is one I can honestly say I have never seen circulating so; if this touches you, you may want to forward it.
Why did Jesus fold the linen burial cloth after His resurrection? I never noticed this....
The Gospel of John (20:7) tells us that the napkin, which was placed over the face of Jesus, was not just thrown aside like the grave clothes. The Bible takes an entire verse to tell us that the napkin was neatly folded, and was placed separate from the grave clothes. Early Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. She ran and found Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. She said, 'They have taken the Lord's body out of the tomb, and I don't know where they have put him!' Peter and the other disciple ran to the tomb to see.. The other disciple outran Peter and got there first. He stooped and looked in and saw the linen cloth lying there, but he didn't go in.
Then Simon Peter arrived and went inside. He also noticed the linen wrappings lying there, while the cloth that had covered Jesus' head was folded up and lying to the side.
Was that important? Absolutely!

Is it really significant? Yes!

In order to understand the significance of the folded napkin, you have to understand a little bit about Hebrew tradition of that day. The folded napkin had to do with the Master and Servant, and every Jewish boy knew this tradition.
day. The folded napkin had to do with the Master and Servant, and every Jewish boy knew this tradition.
When the servant set the dinner table for the master, he made sure that it was exactly the way the master wanted it...
The table was furnished perfectly, and then the servant would wait, just out of sight, until the master had finished eating, and the servant would not dare touch that table, until the master was finished. Now, if the master were done eating, he would rise from the table, wipe his fingers, his mouth, and clean his beard, and would wad up that napkin and toss it onto the table.
The servant would then know to clear the table. For in those days, the wadded napkin meant, 'I'm done.'
But if the master got up from the table, and folded his napkin, and laid it beside his plate, the servant would not dare touch the table, because........... The folded napkin meant, 'I'm coming back!'

He is Coming Back!