Body of Christ Fellowship at Vaughn’s Chapel

Sabbath Report

October 31, 2026

This Sabbath brought together several connected themes: hearing Yahweh’s word, putting it into practice, serving with the gifts we have been given, and remaining faithful in our worship. In the morning Bible study, Skip Martin continued through a busy day in Jesus’ ministry, including the parable of the sower. During the service, Sarah Brower spoke about spiritual gifts and serving together in love, while Michael Deering’s Scripture Reflection invited the congregation to consider discernment and faithfulness.

Morning Bible Study

Harmonies of the Gospels, Part 25

Teacher: Skip Martin, Bible Home Fellowship

Bible study songs: “Gratitude” and “Our God Will Go Before Us”

Skip continued the study of one busy day in Jesus’ ministry, following the sequence in A. T. Robertson’s A Harmony of the Gospels for Students of the Life of Christ. The lesson began with §63, in which Jesus’ mother and brothers sought to speak with him while he was teaching. Nazareth was regarded as Jesus’ home, while Capernaum served as his Galilean headquarters.

When told that his family was waiting, Jesus pointed to his disciples and taught that those who hear the word of God and do it are his family. This does not diminish the importance of family relationships; it shows that hearing and obeying Yahweh brings people into a spiritual family shaped by faithfulness.

Skip also referred to the sign of Jonah in the surrounding account. The study then moved into §64, the first great group of parables. Teaching beside the Sea of Galilee, Jesus described different ways people receive the word through the parable of the sower. Some do not hold onto it, some receive it briefly, some are distracted by the cares of life, and others hold fast and bear fruit with patience. The image of a lamp also emphasized that what is given by God is meant to be brought into the light.

The day’s sequence continued with §65: Jesus and his disciples crossed the lake, and Jesus calmed the storm. The disciples’ fear in the storm contrasts with the trust Jesus called them to have. The account invites us to consider not only whether we have heard his teaching, but whether we continue to trust Yahweh when circumstances become difficult.

Scripture passages studied:

• Sign of Jonah: Matthew 12:38–42
• §63 — Jesus’ mother and brothers seek him: Mark 3:31–35; Matthew 12:46–50; Luke 8:19–21
• §64 — The parables: Mark 4:1–34; Matthew 13:1–53; Luke 8:4–18
• §65 — Jesus calms the storm: Mark 4:35–41; Matthew 8:18, 23–27; Luke 8:22–25

Study source: A. T. Robertson, A Harmony of the Gospels for Students of the Life of Christ, §§63–65, Project Gutenberg.

Worship in Song

The congregation sang:

• “Jesus Messiah”
• “All Hail the Power”
• “Days of Elijah”
• “Amazing Grace”

Scripture Reflection

Children’s Reflection

Children volunteered to share a Scripture Reflection. The notes for this portion include James 1:5 and James 4:7, calling attention to seeking Yahweh’s wisdom and resisting evil.

Discernment and Faithfulness — Michael Deering

Michael shared a reflection prompted by an online discussion about Christians participating in Halloween events, including celebrations described as “harvest festivals.” He spoke about his own changing perspective and encouraged the congregation to examine the customs it adopts and the meanings attached to them.

He noted that people understand Samhain and Halloween’s history in different ways, then brought the reflection back to Scripture. Deuteronomy warns Israel not to imitate the religious practices of the nations around them or turn to other gods. Michael framed the question as one of loyalty: do our choices show wholehearted devotion to Yahweh?

For Sabbath-keeping believers, this reflection also invites us to consider the positive shape of biblical worship. Scripture describes Yahweh’s appointed times as occasions for worship and remembrance. The weekly Sabbath and the biblical feasts give the congregation regular opportunities to remember Yahweh, gather before him, and teach the next generation.

Scriptures considered: Deuteronomy 18:9–12; Deuteronomy 6:14–15; Leviticus 23:1–3, 33–43; Deuteronomy 16:13–15

Main Message

Spiritual Gifts: Serving Together in Love

Speaker: Sarah Brower

Sarah invited the congregation to reflect on the mission of the church and the ministry opportunities Yahweh places before us. She began with Jesus’ commission to make disciples, teach, and bear witness. This work is not a call to solve every problem in the world by ourselves. It is a call to faithfully share God’s word and represent Christ in the relationships and moments we are given.

Sarah encouraged the congregation to think of ministry as both a daily witness and a shared responsibility. Sometimes we may have only a brief moment with someone; other times, a relationship with a neighbor or friend gives us the opportunity to build trust over time. Our witness is not limited to what we say. Our patience, integrity, compassion, and faithfulness also show others what we believe.

Sarah connected this work to the spiritual gifts Yahweh gives to the body. First Corinthians 12 describes different gifts and functions, while Ephesians 4 shows the purpose of equipping and building up the body. Not everyone has the same role, but every member matters. A congregation cannot serve well if each person works in isolation or if only a few people are expected to do everything.

Romans 12:1 places this teaching in the context of offering our lives to Yahweh. The gifts we have are not for self-promotion; they are ways to serve. Sarah emphasized that these gifts must be exercised in love. First Corinthians 13 reminds us that knowledge, faith, generosity, and service lose their proper purpose if love is absent.

Sarah used the picture of a fire to illustrate the strength of fellowship: when burning logs separate, each can lose its flame, while logs together can keep the fire going. In the same way, serving alongside others can bring encouragement, support, and different perspectives. Jesus sent his disciples out together, and the image of two or three gathered in his name points to the importance of shared faith and presence.

During the discussion, Brian noted that working in pairs can help people solve problems more quickly and consider different approaches. Devan observed that partners may also find they share similar ideas. Marcella added that having a friend alongside us can provide support in a difficult situation. Sarah described the strength that comes when people’s gifts work together in service.

The message also considered the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14–30. The servants were entrusted with different amounts, and the first two used what they had been given faithfully. The lesson encouraged active stewardship of our time, abilities, and resources rather than allowing fear to keep us from serving.

Sarah closed by returning to love: spiritual gifts are meant to build up the body and serve others. Our faith is meant to be visible in a community marked by love, mutual care, and faithful witness.

Related Sabbath passages for further study:

• Creation and the seventh day: Genesis 2:2–3
• The Sabbath commandment: Exodus 20:8–11; Deuteronomy 5:12–15
• The Sabbath as a holy gathering: Leviticus 23:1–3
• Jesus’ Sabbath practice and teaching: Luke 4:16; Mark 2:27–28
• Delighting in Yahweh’s holy day: Isaiah 58:13–14
• A Sabbath rest for Yahweh’s people: Hebrews 4:9–11

These related passages are offered for further study; they were not all read aloud during today’s service.

Praises & Prayer

From the sower’s field to the gifts entrusted to each member of the body, this Sabbath reminded us to hear Yahweh’s word, hold it fast, and put it to work with faithfulness and love. May our Sabbath worship strengthen us to walk in that word throughout the week.

Body of Christ Fellowship at Vaughn’s Chapel