9:30 a.m. Morning Service

The High Cost of Discipleship, Part 1

Mark 6:7-13

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11:00 a.m. Bible Study for all ages

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6:00 p.m. Evening Service

Going Backward to Go Forward, Part 3

Genesis 44

In this New Year, each Christian faces at least two powerful adversaries: Pride and The Devil. How should we confront these enemies?

Peter — the failure who wasn’t finished — explained how to be victorious over both of them. He explains this in 1 Peter 5:5-10.

The good news is that the God of all Grace is the believer’s Ally, and He gives us His Promises of victory. Let’s learn how to make this New Year a year of spiritual victory. You can listen to the audio message by clicking here.

With this goal in mind, I would encourage you to read through this sermon by C.H. Spurgeon.

We all think that we understand what it means to “read the Bible,” but I especially appreciated Spurgeon’s remarks about the way we read:

“But, now, beloved, our point is that much apparent Bible reading is not Bible reading at all. The verses pass under the eye, and the sentences glide over the mind, but there is no true reading. An old preacher used to say, the Word has mighty free course among many nowadays, for it goes in at one of their ears and out at the other; so it seems to be with some readers—they can read a very great deal, because they do not read anything. The eye glances but the mind never rests. The soul does not light upon the truth and stay there. It flits over the landscape as a bird might do, but it builds no nest there, and finds no rest for the sole of its foot. Such reading is not reading. Understanding the metering is the essence of true reading. Reading has a kernel to it, and the mere shed is little worth. In prayer there is such a thing as praying in prayer—a praying that is in the bowels of the prayer. So in praise there is a praising in song, an inward fire of intense devotion which is the life of the hallelujah. It is so in fasting: there is a fasting which is not fasting, and there is an inward fasting, a fasting of the soul, which is the soul of fasting. It is even so with the reading of the Scriptures. There is an interior reading, a kernel reading—a true and living reading of the Word. This is the soul of reading; and, if it be not there, the reading is a mechanical exercise, and profits nothing. “

You can read Spurgeon’s entire sermon by clicking here.

They probably thought of these Psalms with the same fondness that many people would savor Christmas carols.

With this in mind, I composed a piece of poetry, based on Psalm 123, for the service last evening. Together, we sang these words to the tune of “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” to try to capture the “holiday flavor” of the text. But this is not, by any means, a “candy-coated” approach to life.

Here is a real conflict as the travelers remembered the proud scorners who held them in such contempt. How should we crowd such contempt out of our minds for the upcoming holidays? Psalm 123 holds some blessed answers as we learn to lift up our eyes to the Lord and cry for His Mercy on us. As we study this psalm today, we learn what it means to be a Christian among the contemptuous crowds.

Finding Mercy among The Masses

A poem based on Psalm 123

To You, O Lord, To You we lift our eyes,

To Him, Who sits enthroned upon the skies

Behold! my eyes attend to your Hand,

To cry for Grace and Mercy in this land.

Give Grace! Give Grace! Oh Heavenly Lord,

we wait upon your mercy in this place!

Oh Lord, we find such hatred in this land

And all around, contempt on every hand

To You, O Lord, to You we lift our eyes

Oh hear us, Heavenly Lord, oh hear our cries

Give Grace! Give Grace! Oh Heavenly Lord,

we wait upon your mercy in this place!

Until we see Your mercy from above

We serve and wait upon our God of love,

We wait among the hateful scorners here,

Until your work of mercy shall appear

Give Grace! Give Grace! Oh Heavenly Lord,

we wait upon your mercy in this place!

- Pastor Gordon Dickson

We all think we are right. But check your thoughts by God’s Word for real wisdom. Helpful hint: Ask “what’s right about this?” before you post it.

2     Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: But the LORD ponders the hearts.

Want to get rich online? If it sounds too good to be true, it is.

6 The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.

Should you assume that strangers who contact you are “probably o.k.”? Think again. Or should you give everyone the ability to post things on your personal pages?

8  The way of man is forward [crooked] and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right.

What is really happening with people who constantly criticize others?

10 The soul of the wicked desires evil: his neighbor finds no favor in his eyes.

Social networking is often used to seduce the simple: “Hey, look at this link! ” Where are you “surfing?” What happens when you wander from God’s way?

16 The man that wanders out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.

If I put these Proverbs into effect, I might lose all my “friends” online!

19 It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.

What are you really searching for online?

21 He that follows after righteousness and mercy finds life, righteousness, and honor.

Do you post whatever comes to your mind? Stop to think before you press “send!” Don’t post it unless you want to see it on a billboard with your name.

23  Whoso keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from troubles.

Maybe one of your “friends” is using another name. Is his real name here?

24 Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who deals in proud wrath.

Are you really being productive online? Or are you just entertaining yourself?

25 The desire of the slothful kills him; for his hands refuse to labor.

Some people put on a really bold front. But are they really seeking wisdom for the way?

29 A wicked man hardens [emboldens] his face: but as for the upright, he directeth his way.

Spiritual warfare is a reality. Do you go online with a “military mindset?” Unrestricted access to the internet could destroy you. Get a filter in place and be accountable. Ask the Lord for safety.

31 The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD.

– Pastor Gordon Dickson

How do you carry out the Great Commission in your own home? Jesus Christ commanded us to “make disciples” (Matthew 28:19-20) and we can help you obey Christ’s command!

If you are like most of us, you feel a bit overwhelmed with your responsibilities and the hurried pace of modern society. But the Lord enables us to carry through on His Commands, if we will trust Him to do so.

This is where the Frontline program comes in.  (click here)

You can read Escape!

the true story of how one of our members escaped from armed kidnappers.

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Find the answer to this question:

“Which sin cannot be forgiven?”

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Learn how to find “Freedom from Fear.”

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Answer The Most Important Question You Will Ever Answer

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Learn how to run “Your Personal Obstacle Course.”

Take a few moments to watch this powerful story of the American Airlines pilot
who was supposed to fly Flight 11 on that fateful morning, September 11, 2001 from Boston’s Logan International airport.

Roll Call!

I think we all agree that our nation is in a desperate and dangerous condition. Throughout its history, God-fearing believers have turned to the Lord to ask Him for deliverance.

Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their country.

Let’s turn the Congressional roll call into a call to the righteous to pray! Several votes will occur when the House and Senate are in session. During breaks and holidays, please use the rosters available on this page and pray for these representatives by name.

Will you join us in this project? Intercessory prayer will accomplish far more than your

Pray for the U.S. Senate

political indignation.

Through C-SPAN on cable and via the internet, we have a wonderful window on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. The name of each elected official is read by the clerk as his or her vote is recorded.

Rather than sit through these roll calls mindlessly, why don’t we engage our minds and hearts in the great battles before our nation? Pray for our leaders! And send them a quick email to tell them that you are praying for them.

Even if no roll call is being taken, pray for the speaker or speakers at the lectern. Their names will be flashed on the screen as they speak.

Click on the icons in this post to be directed to a House or Senate session, and pray for the people involved. Or click on these links to see a complete list of these leaders. Make a special effort to pray for the people named in each roll call. At times, international conferences are featured on these links. On these occasions, use the Scriptures to pray for international leaders as well.

Here’s the idea:

Using the Scriptures (including the suggestions below), pray for each elected official as his or her name is called. By doing so, we can begin a series of national daily prayer meetings — uniting our souls in intercession for the individuals who lead our government.

Why Should We Do This?

The Scriptures remind us that it is especially important to pray for our national leaders:

“Therefore, I exhort first of all

that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.” (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

Powerful Fuel for Faithful Prayer:

The Lord Jesus reminded us in John 15:7 that if we would abide in Him and His Words would abide in us, we should ask what we desire and it shall be done. Why not take this promise of answered prayer to heart? Use the Scriptures to pray.

Rather than merely praying, “Lord, bless them,” and “Lord, be with them” why not use the Words of the Scripture as a powerful fuel for more meaningful and more faithful prayer?

With your Bible open (see ideas below), meditate upon that verse in its context; savor it, and use it to begin a conversation with the Lord, interceding for our country. Then, unite these verses with their votes: crying out to the Lord for their souls and the spiritual state of our nation. Perhaps someone who is reading this could set up a means by which we could receive alerts when roll calls will be made.

What Should We Pray?

Verses to use to pray for our elected representatives. As each official’s name is called, use a verse to intercede with the Lord for that elected representative. Here are a few ideas:

2 Samuel 23:3 “The God of Israel said, The Rock of Israel spoke to me: ‘He who rules over men must be just, Ruling in the fear of God.’”

Proverbs 23:23 “Buy the truth, and do not sell it, Also wisdom and instruction and understanding.”

Psalm 9:20 “Put them in fear, O LORD, That the nations may know themselves to be but men. Selah”

Psalm 80:19 “Restore us, O LORD God of hosts; Cause Your face to shine, And we shall be saved!”

Psalm 85:6 “Will You not revive us again, That Your people may rejoice in You?”

1 Samuel 12:23 “Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you; but I will teach you the good and the right way.”

Ephesians 6:12 “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

To encourage your heart in the Lord, read through or sing through this Adaptation of Psalm 124, to the tune of “Now Thank We All Our God” and this Adaptation of Psalm 123 to the tune of  “O Come, O Come Emmanuel.”

Answers to Prayer

After you pray for these leaders, would you follow the news to see how the Lord is answering your prayer? Use that answered prayer as a time to rejoice over the fact that God answers prayer and thank Him for the verse that He gave you as powerful fuel for faithful prayer.

If you would like to correspond with me about this project, or receive this project by email, drop me a note at

info [at] cbcfindlay.org

Sincerely, for nationwide revival,

Pastor Gordon Dickson

To hear a message on what the Scriptures show us about the desperate state of our nation, please click here.

9/11. March 2011 earthquakes in Japan.Tsunamis. Myanmar. Virginia Tech shootings. Samson, Alabama. Binghamton, NY. Air France flight 447. Ft. Hood, Texas. And earthquakes in Haiti, Chile and China.

When these kinds of tragedies strike, what are we supposed to understand? Is there a timeless message in a terrible massacre?

These horrible, earthly miseries carry a message for all humanity — even for those who were not victimized by the recent disaster.

These earthly miseries warn us about  eternal miseries, and the Gospel message shows us how to escape from the everlasting tragedy.

The answer came from Jesus Christ and can be found in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 13.

Click the player below to listen to a message on this text.

If you would like to download a copy of this prayer sheet, complete with a map of the nations within the 10/40 Window, the names of the countries within this window and some information about each country, please click the map below. If we really “L.O.V.E.” others, we ought to pray the way the Lord taught us to pray.

In this glorious doxology (an expression of consummate praise to God), the Apostle Paul expressed the simple, yet profound premise that “God is Able!”

As I tried to demonstrate in this message, every true believer must begin with this simple, powerful concept. Click here to listen to this message.

Here is the message outline with some passages for additional study:

Praise and Exalt the God . . . Who is able.

This is the potential aspect – God’s capacity.

-         to do infinitely more

o       than we ask

o       than we think

Who is at work in us.

This is the practical aspect – God’s conducting

of His Work through us.

-         According to God’s Power

-         Presently working in us

Additional Study: Note the appeals for extravagant blessings: Philippians 1:9; 4:19, Colossians 1:9-11, 1 Thessalonians 3:11-12, 2 Thessalonians 1:3, 1 Corinthians 1:4-5

God is Able!

Matthew 10:28, Acts 20:32, Romans 4:20-22, 2 Cor. 9:8, Philippians 3:21, 2 Timothy 1:12, Hebrews 2:18; 7:25

22 radio broadcasts (about 15 minutes each) describing the Life of Peter. This interesting series reminds us that “failures aren’t finished.” Click the program (podcast) player to begin.

Twenty-two Radio Broadcasts

That is what the LOVE of Jesus Christ means for every one of us. In the audio message recorded here we will examine Ephesians 3:19. This is part of the magnificent prayer of Paul which he prayed for all of the believers at Ephesus. It can apply to every believer in every walk of life today.

The message begins with the puzzling phrase, “and to know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge. . .” How can you know something which passes knowledge? In order to understand this phrase, it will be necessary to understand what else this letter to Ephesus tells us about love. Then, the revealed expressions of God’s love (especially in Ephesians chapters 1 through 3) call us to respond in order that we may experience this love which passes knowledge.

Click the icon at left for the message to begin or click the player below.

Please register by July 9.

June 27-30

Around the World

9 a.m.-noon for children

Kids, ages 8-11, are encouraged to bring their friends with them as they jet around the globe making dishes from Latin America, Asia, India, and the Middle East. They will learn important food and kitchen safety, proper table setting, and good etiquette. Puppet plays, songs, and food-science experiments will add to the fun as they learn!

. . .

Rescue from the Restaurant Routine

6:30-9 p.m. for adults

Would you like to break away from the notorious “restaurant routine”? Come, bring your friends, and join this adult cooking camp to learn fresh food-preparation techniques; experiment with spices and herbs; make breads, main courses, and luscious desserts. Head home with tips to make your time in the kitchen very enjoyable!

visit: www.SummerCampsFindlay.com

Enjoying conflict? Fools meddle to keep strife alive.

3 It is an honor for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.

Purity in posting. What are you known for?

11 Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.

Who is reading your posts? The One who made eyes and ears.

12 The hearing ear, and the seeing eye,  the Lord hath made even both of them.

Do you know how to spot real treasure?

15 There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.

Who are you fooling? Deceit seems sweet, but the taste won’t last.

17 Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.

Can’t wait to share the latest secret? Talebearer alert! Beware of flatterers.

19 He that goes about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flatters with his lips.

Blasting your parents online? Find your future here.

20 Whoso curses his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.

Someone has hurt you and you want to pay them back? Trust the Lord to deal with them and save you – from yourself.

22 Don’t say, I will recompense evil; but wait on the Lord, and he shall save you.

It’s time to take a new look at the way you use social networking.

– Pastor Gordon Dickson

And here are a few thought from Proverbs 21 as well.

Please click here for more information…

On Sunday, November 21 at 9:30 a.m., Calvary Baptist Church will hold a special dedication service to commemorate the completion of our new church sign on Interstate 75. The church is located at 2000 Broad Ave. off exit 159 in Findlay, Ohio.

For  more information and “This Is My Story” interviews, click here

A Gospel Primer

which is available in the church bookstore.

In that book, the author expressed his profound relief at truly understanding the teaching of Romans 5.

In his message from Romans 5 during our recent special meetings, Dr. David Shumate helped us to understand why Romans chapter 5 is so important to us and how it helps us to take a stand. You can listen to that message here:

The Unsurpassed Blessing of the Gospel (5:1-21)

In that message, I referred to a previous message from Psalm 73 (“Your Glorious Reception”) located here in order to learn how to enjoy God’s Blessings, even when you feel beastly.

As part of the message on Sunday morning, I mentioned  this poem by Martha Snell Nicholson

My Advocate

I sinned, and straightway, post-haste, Satan flew
Before the presence of the Most-High God,
And made a railing accusation there.
He said, This soul, this thing of clay and sod,
Has sinned. Tis true that he has named thy Name,
But I demand his death, for Thou has said,
The soul that sinneth, it shall die. Shall not
Thy sentence be fulfilled? Is justice dead?
Send now this wretched sinner to his doom.
What other thing can righteous ruler do?
And thus he did accuse me day and night.
And every word he spoke, Oh God, was true!

Then quickly One rose up from God’s right hand,
Before whose glory angels veiled their eyes.
He spoke. Each jot and tittle of the law
Must be fulfilled The guilty sinner dies!
But wait. Suppose his guilt was all transferred
To Me and that I paid his penalty!
Behold my hands, my side, my feet! One day
I was made sin for him, and died that he,
Might be presented faultless, at Thy throne!
And Satan fled away, full well he knew
That he could not prevail against such love.
For every word my dear Lord spoke was true!

–Martha Snell Nicholson

The doctor told me that I had Multiple Myeloma, a cancer of the bone marrow.  How could this be? I was physically active, reasonably athletic and fairly strong.

Since I had seen my sister die from this very same cancer some ten years earlier, I thought that in a matter of months, I would die also. This is my story…

Read Bill’s story and listen to his interviews here.

Exit 159 on Interstate 75 in Findlay, Ohio

Schedule: Sunday, March 21, 9:30 am, 11 am, 6 pm

Monday through Friday, 7 pm

Saturday, March 27 morning sessions 8:30, 9:30, 10:30

Sunday, March 28, 9:30 am, 11 am

Here is the general conference outline for The Gospel of God in the Book of Romans

PLAN FOR THE EXPOSITION OF ROMANS IN FOURTEEN LESSONS

1.    The Gospel and the purpose of Paul: Paul’s calling and desire to minister the Gospel to the Roman Christians (1:1-16)

2.    The Gospel reveals God’s righteous judgment against sin (1:16-3:20)

3.    The Gospel reveals God’s righteous justification of sinners (3:20-4:25)

4.    The Gospel reconciles us to God (5:1-21)

5.    The Gospel frees us from the dominion of sin (6:1-23)

6.    The Gospel frees us from the dominion of the Law (7:1-25)

7.    The Gospel frees us from the condemnation of sin and death (8:1-39)

8.    The Gospel triumphs even when people reject it: Introduction to chapters 9-11 (9:1-5)

9.    The Gospel reflects divine sovereignty (9:6-31)

10.    The Gospel reflects human responsibility (9:30-10:21)

11.    The Gospel results in the fulfillment of God’s wise, benevolent purpose (11:1-36)

12.    The Gospel leads us to God-honoring service and testimony (12:1-13:14)

13.    The Gospel leads to a God-honoring harmony between believers of vastly different backgrounds and perspectives (14:1-15:13)

14.    The Gospel and the partnership in the ministry: Conclusion and commendations (15:14-16:27)

This entire series will be available soon as a free download at GlimpsesofCalvary.com

In Ephesians 5:25-30, we have just such a plan presented to us.  Just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for it, so each husband can use the “washing of the Word” to present his bride in a glorious manner.

Sir, do you think in terms of how little you could do for your wife, or how much you could do for her? Don’t miss the illustration of the son of the tribal chief who knew how to seek a wife. The message concludes with practical “he-man choices” for you to make.

To listen to this message, please click here.

Spirit-Filled Marriage, Part 6, Ephesians 5:25-30

Love your wife, in the same way that Christ loved the church.

• By making the choice to love her

• By giving yourself to meeting her needs.  It’s an act of the will.

-    In order that he may set her apart from the  world

-    In order that he may set her apart with the Word

-    In order that he may present her in a glorious manner

To listen to this message, click here.

Kayla, their oldest was diagnosed with cancer: Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (explained here).

Nathan delivered this testimony during the evening service at Calvary Baptist Church in Findlay, Ohio.

Click the player here to listen to this presentation.

If you would like to learn more about this story, Kayla’s Caring Bridge site is here.

Ephesians 5:22-27

Making a Majestic Marriage, Happy Valentine’s Day!

Which one would you want your marriage to be? Full of deep affection or destructive accusation? Genesis 2 or Genesis 3? Shepherd or serpent?

In a Spirit-filled Marriage, the wife honors God by giving respect to her husband. 22-24

She honors Christ’s authority by “arranging herself under” her husband. 22-23

She represents the church in its submission to Christ. 24

How bad can it get? Adam & Eve; Isaac & Rebekah Genesis 2:21-25; 3:12; 25:27-28

In a Spirit-filled Marriage, the husband honors God by loving his wife and giving himself for her. 25-27

He honors Christ, with a self-sacrificial desire for his wife– giving himself for her. 25

He represents Christ by using the Word to

purify problem areas and perfect holiness. 26-27

• Practical Steps

• Put God’s Word back into your garden at home & church

• Take the change challenge: put off, renew, put on

• Wife: Trust God enough to submit to your husband

• Husband: Love the Lord enough to love your wife

• Ask the Lord to turn you from misery to majesty

Additional Study: Ephesians 3:14-2; 5:18-19, 1 Peter 3:6-7, Genesis 2:21-25; 3:12; 25:27-28; 27:1-6, 41-46

Click here to listen to this message.