Morning Bible Study: Church Splits and Our Identity

Michael Deering led the online morning Bible study on church divisions and the loss of congregational purpose. He shared a pastor’s story about a woman who rejected warnings and pushed away those who tried to care for her. He later explained that the story illustrated a congregation that had lost its purpose and would not allow the Holy Spirit to lead it.

The discussion considered how churches can become divided over differences that pull attention away from their shared calling. Michael mentioned disagreements over calendar practices as one example. With a humorous reference to Miracle Max’s “mostly dead” line, he invited the group to think about the condition of churches in the West and what it might take for them to become spiritually healthy again. Revelation 3:1–2 provided a sobering picture of a congregation that had a reputation for being alive but needed to wake up and strengthen what remained.

The study also asked what should define a congregation. Is its identity found only in its name or doctrines, or in opposition to other churches? Michael reflected that believers can become known more for condemnation and arguments than for the love Yeshua taught. John 13:34–35 calls His disciples to love one another, and 1 Corinthians 13:2, 4–5 reminds us that knowledge and faithfulness without love are empty. The discussion encouraged the congregation to consider how love, unity, and the Spirit’s leading can help restore its purpose.

Main Message: “There Is Nothing to Fear but the Fear of God”

Everett Mounts shared a message centered on Proverbs 9:10 and the fear of God as the beginning of wisdom. He explained that godly fear is not constant terror; it is reverence, humility, obedience, and trust in the One who holds our lives in His hands.

Drawing on Proverbs 29:25 and Matthew 10:28, Everett considered how fear of people can trap us into silence or compromise. The examples of Daniel and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego showed what it means to remain faithful when obedience is difficult. Isaiah 41:10 reminded the congregation that God’s presence and strength sustain His people through hardship, even when circumstances do not change right away.

The message also connected reverence for God with wisdom, repentance, and love. The fear of God should lead us away from evil and toward honest self-examination, compassion, and faithful obedience. Deuteronomy 10:12 shows that fearing God, walking in His ways, loving Him, and serving Him belong together.

Everett’s closing encouragement invited each person to ask: “Am I more afraid of what people can do to me, or more concerned with what God has called me to do?”

Prayer Wall

The congregation joined in prayer for:

• Members and loved ones facing health concerns, treatment, recovery, difficulty sleeping, or mobility challenges.
• Families experiencing personal or educational difficulties, asking for wisdom, peace, and support.
• Safe travels, guidance, and protection.
• A fellowship facing a building need and challenges within its congregation.
• Those carrying the weight of serious illness or grief.

We share these requests with care and respect for the privacy of those involved.

Praises

• Thanks for the beautiful weather.
• Celebration of a completed course of radiation treatment.
• Gratitude that an illness did not become more serious.

Announcements

No specific announcements were recorded in the service notes for this Sabbath.

Worship and Fellowship

The congregation sang “Holy Spirit Song,” “Red Letters,” “None Like You” (slow version), and “Thank You Jesus for the Blood.” Gary Hall offered the opening prayer, Elysia Melcher read Scripture, and Michael Deering closed the service in prayer. Jasmine and Devan served as the children’s class teachers.