Valley First Church of the Nazarene

05/25/2026

As we prepare our hearts for Pentecost this Sunday, hear the words from Phineas Bresee's sermon “The Last Command” (based on Acts 1:4):

“It is very definitely stated here that the ‘promise of the Father’ is the baptism with the Holy Ghost... On the day of Pentecost, when Peter was defining to the multitude the meaning of the marvelous experience which had come to the disciples he said, that Jesus, having risen and ascended and ‘having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, hath sent forth this which ye now see and hear.’”

“The baptism with the Holy Ghost, accomplishing in the hearts of believers today the self-same work as at the first Pentecost when He purified their hearts by faith.”

Source: Sermons (Abridged) by Rev. P. F. Bresee, D.D. (preface and Sermon 1)

"On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: 'Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.'" - Acts 1:4-5

05/25/2026

05/19/2026

This famous insight from John Wesley in his Journal highlights the core of his theological focus: Christianity is fundamentally an interior transformation rather than a mere outward performance or intellectual adherence.
Wesley famously noted this conviction—often referenced in his Journals and writings on the Imitation of Christ—after grappling with the idea that giving all of one's energy to God profits nothing if one does not also give Him the heart.

Key aspects of this teaching include:
• Inward Transformation: True religion is the "mind that was in Christ" stamped upon the heart. It is characterized by inward righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
• Beyond Rituals: Wesley believed that religion is not seated in formalities, outward bodily mortifications, or mere orthodox opinions.
• Total Allegiance: God's law extends to all our thoughts, as well as our words and actions.

Join us this Sunday at 9:00am Eastern time for worship to reflect further on this idea.

05/18/2026

Believing in God's plan is no excuse to remove yourself from it.

There is a sophism the ancients called "logon aergon" — the lazy reason. If everything is governed by Providence, why bother? Leibniz confronts it head-on in his "Discourse on Metaphysics."

His answer is rather simple: accept the past — what has happened was part of the design, and to resent it is to resent God's judgment. But do not confuse acceptance of what was with resignation toward what will be. The past belongs to Providence. The future needs to be built by your actions.

God's design does not replace your effort — it accounts for it. Your intention, your action, your striving: these are not disruptions of the plan. They are features of it. Even when the outcome fails, the effort was expected.

The man who folds his arms is not pious. He has misunderstood the very system he claims to trust.

Join us this Sunday morning at 9am Eastern time for worship.
103 Church Street, Valley, AL

05/17/2026

Blessed Ascension Sunday. Oh, this is a wondrous day to celebrate, friends!

This is a holy and important day for us as the larger Church and in our Christian faith. It is the culmination of Christ’s earthly ministry and mission as He returned in a glorified state to sit at the right hand of The Father. Jesus ascends in full view of His disciples confirming what He has said He would do (John 14:2-3.) He promises He will send the gift of the Holy Spirit to advocate for them & help them (John 14:16-17.) And, we are reminded He will return (Philippians 3:20-21) once again in glory!

“So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?” He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him. As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!”—Acts 1:6-11

05/17/2026

Today is Ascension Sunday, which marks the moment Jesus ascended to heaven, crowning Him as King and finalizing His earthly ministry.

“So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?” He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him. As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!”
—Acts 1:6-11

Below is a prayer for this special Sunday:

05/06/2026

Beth Coppedge, Founder of Titus Women’s Ministry, had whimsical & insightful sayings that were wonderful visuals for the treasured teachings she shared with so many. We are the richer for it!

“Squeaky Clean Hearts” is a favorite one for sure. 🤍

“I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” (Ezekiel 36:25-26)

Listen to Beth’s messages and other resources at tituswomen.org

05/06/2026

The Indian Springs Ladies' Retreat messages are out on Podcast. Enjoy listing to these Jesus filled messages.
tituswomen.org/podcast