Gethsemane Baptist Church Wapak

Gethsemane Baptist Church Wapak GBC is an Independent Fundamental Baptist Church that is committed to preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ and discipling Christians to grow spiritually.

09/07/2026

Today's Growth Principle

Our circumstances do not dictate our joy or define God's goodness or care for us.

Praise in the Prison
by Dr. Paul Chappell

Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee: Thou shewest lovingkindness unto thousands, and recompensest the iniquity of the fathers into the bosom of their children after them: the Great, the Mighty God, the LORD of hosts, is his name, Great in counsel, and mighty in work: for thine eyes are open upon all the ways of the sons of men: to give every one according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings:

Jeremiah 32:17-19

One of the most beautiful declarations of God’s glory and power is found in this prayer from the prophet Jeremiah. He declares with confidence that the great Creator God is able to do anything. This powerful statement of faith has resonated for centuries. It has been the text of many sermons and these verses were turned into a song many of us sang growing up. However, it is important to note what was going on when Jeremiah offered up this prayer, because it makes these words even more dramatic and meaningful.

The evil king Zedekiah had arrested Jeremiah and placed him in prison because the prophet continually warned the people of God’s coming judgment. At the same time, the armies of Babylon had laid siege to Jerusalem and were surrounding the city. Jeremiah was not praising God and declaring His power in a time when things were going well, but rather in a time when everything was falling apart. Both his personal condition and his nation’s future were in grave jeopardy, but even in those conditions Jeremiah knew that God was in control.

The struggles and trials of our lives do not mean that God is no longer able to defend and deliver His children. They are not evidence that He has abandoned or forgotten us, or that He no longer cares about us. They are simply part of the process of purifying us to make us more like Jesus. “But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold” (Job 23:10).

09/06/2026

Today's Growth Principle

We must continually measure our beliefs and choices by the unchanging standard of His Word.

Don't Copy the World
by Dr. Paul Chappell

When thou art come into the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations. There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the Lord: and because of these abominations the Lord thy God doth drive them out from before thee.

Deuteronomy 18:9-12

When God gave instructions to the people of Israel regarding how they were to live once they reached the Promised Land, He gave them a strong warning. They would be surrounded by pagan nations whose beliefs and practices were an abomination to Him. The Israelites were not to imitate them or adopt their ways. Yet despite God’s warning, that is exactly what eventually happened. Over time, they forsook God and embraced the sinful practices of the nations around them. Their departure became so great that God said through Ezekiel, “As I live, saith the Lord GOD, S***m thy sister hath not done, she nor her daughters, as thou hast done, thou and thy daughters” (Ezekiel 16:48).

It is a sobering thing for God’s people to become indistinguishable from a culture that rejects Him. Yet that danger has existed in every generation. When the Bible warns us about the world, it is warning us against the values, desires, attitudes, and practices of a fallen world system that is opposed to God and His truth.

Our greatest concern should not simply be how sinful the culture around us becomes, but whether its thinking is beginning to shape us. Little by little, practices we once recognized as wrong can begin to seem normal, and convictions rooted in God’s Word can begin to weaken. God has called us to live by His truth rather than allowing the values of the world around us to determine what we accept.

09/05/2026

Today's Growth Principle

The best protection against spiritual drift is continued spiritual growth.

The Alternative to Growing
by Dr. Paul Chappell

Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

2 Peter 3:17-18

In October 1944, while World War II was still raging, Johnny Mercer recorded a new song that became a massive hit. “Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive” reached the top five in the country for Mercer as well as for two other recording artists in 1945. Its encouragement to focus on what was good resonated with a war-weary public, as did its warning not to settle for something in between. Interestingly, the idea for the song reportedly came from a sermon that one of Mercer’s friends had heard and later described to him.

The Christian life is not meant to be lived in a spiritual “in-between.” Peter warned believers of the danger of being “led away” and falling from their steadfastness. His answer to that danger was clear: “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” Spiritual growth is not optional for the Christian who wants to remain faithful. We need to keep learning God’s Word, deepening our walk with Christ, and becoming more like Him.

There is no point in the Christian life when we have grown enough that we no longer need to keep moving forward. Years of faithfulness do not remove our need for daily dependence on God. If we stop pursuing Christ, influences that once seemed powerless can begin to draw our hearts away from Him. Demas had once served alongside the apostle Paul, yet Paul later wrote, “For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world” (2 Timothy 4:10). His example is a sobering reminder that past faithfulness does not guarantee future steadfastness. Keep growing in grace. Keep growing in your knowledge of Christ. Keep moving forward with Him.

09/04/2026

Today's Growth Principle

We should never be apologetic about standing firmly and unwaveringly on what God has said.

As One That Had Authority
by Dr. Paul Chappell

And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught. And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes. And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.

Mark 1:21-24

There were many rabbis and teachers in Jesus’ day. When Jewish people went to the synagogue on the Sabbath, they expected to hear someone read and teach from the Old Testament. But when Jesus fulfilled that role, those who heard Him immediately recognized that there was something different about Him. Unlike the regular teachers who had covered up what God actually said with centuries of customs and traditions, Jesus was plainly declaring God’s Word and delivering the truth with authority. Charles Spurgeon said, “A sacred regard to the authority of God ought to lead us to reject an error, however old, sanctioned by whatever authority, or however generally practiced.”

While Jesus was completely God as well as completely man and thus had divine authority which we do not have, we do have the same Scripture. When we teach and preach and share the Word of God with others, we have a basis for authority—not our opinions or ideas or traditions, but what God has declared. We should speak of spiritual things not with a halting sense of uncertainty, but with clarity and authority. Anything less fails to give those who hear us what they truly need. “For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?” (1 Corinthians 14:8).

When we recognize that we speak with authority that is not our own, we do not lift up ourselves. Instead, we exalt God and His Word and declare that it is true and that it must be obeyed and followed.

09/03/2026

Today's Growth Principle

We must approach God's Word and hearing it taught and preached with full faith that it is certain and true.

The Hearers, Not Just the Message
by Dr. Paul Chappell

Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.

Hebrews 4:1-3

The response when Jonathan Edwards preached Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God in Enfield, Connecticut, in 1741 is well known. People in the audience cried out in terror, begging God to spare them from the horrors of Hell. Grown men clutched at the pews, holding on while pleading for salvation. None of that was the product of Edwards’ style or delivery. He read the sermon as was his custom, holding the manuscript close to his face. Yet God’s power was present, and historians trace the beginning of the Great Awakening to that sermon. However, that day was not the first time Edwards had preached it. Weeks before, he had delivered the exact same message in his own church in Massachusetts without any noticeable response.

There is no question about the power of the Word of God. “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). But for the Bible to have its intended impact on our lives, we must approach it with hearts of faith, willing to listen to and heed what it says. If we do not hold the Word of God highly, the lack of change in our lives does not speak to its truth or power but simply reveals our lack of faith. “And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief” (Matthew 13:58).

09/02/2026

Today's Growth Principle

Genuine repentance is willing to acknowledge wrong and take whatever steps are possible to make it right.

The Nicholson Shed
by Dr. Paul Chappell

Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.

Luke 3:7-8

In the 1920s, an evangelist named W. P. Nicholson began holding a series of revival meetings in Belfast. The Irish city was one of the world’s greatest shipbuilding centers, employing thousands of men. Many of the shipyard workers were converted during those meetings, and the results were immediate and obvious. So many employees of Harland and Wolff returned tools they had previously stolen from the company that a special building was constructed to hold them. It became known as the Nicholson Shed.

True repentance produces visible fruit. We do not make things right in order to be saved, but when we recognize that we have sinned, genuine repentance should make us willing to correct what we can. Zacchaeus demonstrated this spirit when he told Jesus, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold” (Luke 19:8).

This willingness to make things right should not be limited to the time of our salvation. It should continue throughout the Christian life. When we realize that we have wronged someone, we should be quick to acknowledge it, seek forgiveness, and do what we can to correct the wrong. Living peaceably with others sometimes requires us to humble ourselves and take responsibility for our own actions.

Not every conflict or difficulty in our relationships is someone else’s fault. Sometimes we need to look honestly at our own words, attitudes, and actions. Rather than shifting blame, we should be willing to admit when we are wrong and do what lies within our power to make things right. “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men” (Romans 12:18).

09/01/2026

Today's Growth Principle

Nothing we face in this life compares to the glory and wonder God has in store for us in Heaven.

The Coming Change
by Dr. Paul Chappell

For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

Philippians 3:20-21

As a young man, Benjamin Franklin composed an epitaph for himself that pictured the resurrection in terms familiar to him as a printer: “The Body of B. Franklin, Printer; like the Cover of an old Book, Its Contents torn out, And stripped of its Lettering and Gilding, Lies here, Food for Worms. But the Work shall not be wholly lost; For it will, as he believed, appear once more, In a new & more perfect Edition, Corrected and amended By the Author.”

Years later, Franklin developed a close friendship with George Whitefield and frequently heard him preach. Their friendship lasted for more than thirty years, and Whitefield repeatedly expressed his desire for Franklin’s salvation. Yet even near the end of his life, Franklin indicated that although he admired the teachings of Jesus, he still had not placed his faith in Christ as his personal Savior.

Franklin’s picture of resurrection was striking, but the promise of a “more perfect edition” belongs to those who have placed their faith in Christ. For every child of God, a glorious transformation awaits. Paul wrote, “So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power” (1 Corinthians 15:42–43).

Sometimes it can feel as though we are trapped in the difficulties of this life. Troubles come day after day. As we grow older, we experience the decline of our physical bodies and the loss of abilities we once enjoyed. But this world is not all there is. One day, Christ will transform our frail bodies to be like His glorious body. Nothing we endure here can compare with what God has prepared for those who belong to Him. We can face the weakness and difficulties of today with confidence because a glorious future awaits us with Christ.

08/31/2026

Today's Growth Principle

We will only follow God as we should if we make it our committed purpose to do so.

Following God Intentionally
by Dr. Paul Chappell

Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.

Acts 11:22-24

The early church endured hardship, opposition, and outright persecution on a scale that most of us have never experienced. There were plenty of reasons these believers could have given in to discouragement and plenty of excuses they could have given as to why they would not publicly identify as believers. Yet the Christians in this church remained steadfast and committed, strengthening and encouraging each other through the hard times. One of the reasons that they succeeded when it would have been easy to give up was that they were committed to God with an intense devotion.

Jonathan Edwards wrote, “On January 12, 1723, I made a solemn dedication of myself to God, and wrote it down; giving up myself, and all that I had to God; to be for the future, in no respect, my own; to act as one that had no right to be himself, in any respect. And solemnly vowed to take God for my whole portion and felicity; looking on nothing else, as any part of my happiness, nor acting as if it were; and His law for the constant rule of my obedience: engaging to fight against the world, the flesh and the devil, to the end of my life.”

No one drifts into righteous and holy living. We constantly face temptation from the world, the flesh, and the devil. We will not walk in God’s ways unless we do so intentionally. We must choose to "with purpose of heart...cleave unto the Lord" if we are to follow Him for a lifetime.

08/30/2026

Today's Growth Principle

Success in God's eyes is found in daily continuing faithfulness, not spectacular performance.

They Continued
by Dr. Paul Chappell

And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, 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. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.

Acts 2:40-43

The Bowes Museum in England is home to a unique creation known as the Silver Swan. This life-size mechanical clockwork swan was made in 1773 by John Merlin and James Cox. When it is wound, the music box bells play tunes from the eighteenth century and the swan moves. Mark Twain saw it on display in Paris in 1867 and recounted the experience in his book The Innocents Abroad, saying the swan, “had a living grace about his movement and a living intelligence in his eyes.” For years the swan was displayed daily. But when the Bowes Museum reopened after being closed during the COVID pandemic, they found that the swan no longer worked. After sitting idle for so long the gears had frozen, and a delicate restoration process was required before the nearly 250 year old creation would again work as it was designed and intended.

The Christian life may have dramatic moments, but it is in the routine, continuing, daily, repeated work of following Jesus that success and victory are found. If we decide to sit back and coast, it will not be long before we are unable to function as we should. We need constant intake of the Word of God, both personally and corporately. We need constant teaching and training in what is right. We need to be constantly using our spiritual muscles, not just on Sundays but every day so that we will be strong Christians. “But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (Hebrews 5:14).

08/29/2026

Today's Growth Principle

God works through His people so that the glory for what is accomplished belongs to Him.

Unto Him Be Glory in the Church
by Dr. Paul Chappell

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

Ephesians 3:20-21

It is easy for a church to measure success by what can be seen—attendance, buildings, programs, finances, or other visible results. But Ephesians 3 points us to a higher purpose. The God who is able to do “exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think” works through His people so that He might receive glory through His church. Whatever is accomplished through a church is not ultimately a testimony to human ability, careful planning, or gifted leadership. It is a testimony to the power and grace of God.

This means that our goal must never simply be to accomplish great things, but to glorify the great God who accomplishes His work through us. The praise of Heaven is focused on Jesus alone, for He alone is worthy. “And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation” (Revelation 5:9).

Thomas Brooks wrote, “A man’s most glorious actions will at last be found to be but glorious sins, if he hath made himself, and not the glory of God, the end of those actions.” Whether God does something large or seemingly small through us, the purpose remains the same: that He would receive the glory.

Address

708 N. Dixie Highway
Wapakoneta, OH
45895

Opening Hours

10am - 12pm
6pm - 7pm

Telephone

+14197384229

Website

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