Wayside Gospel Chapel: March 2020

Saturday, March 28, 2020

Faith Baptist Fellowship Church service online tomorrow

“Sunday service will be online only tomorrow.

Join us online at 10:20 AM

http://fbf.church/”

— Posted on the “Faith Baptist Fellowship Church” Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/faithbaptistfellowshipchurch/posts/2909185695824004 [accessed 28 MAR 2020].

Friday, March 27, 2020

Reminder: Wayside Gospel Chapel services cancelled until further notice

Reminder: Wayside Gospel Chapel services have been cancelled until further notice. We are taking this one week at a time believing that the path of prudence is to follow the guidelines put out by the Governor and the President. This is especially the case where those who are more vulnerable to the disease caused by the virus are concerned: the children, and elderly in health categories like some of our members.

Here is what Pastor Bill Schneider posted on Faith Baptist Fellowship Church’s Facebook page (17 MAR 2020):

“Due to State and Federal endeavors to try and help control the corona virus, FBFC will not meet this Lords Day, March 22, 2020 for public worship. We will be live streaming a sermon and encourage all to tune in via internet. Also Small Groups and Edifying Women are cancelled this week. For now we will take it one week at a time. Please check the Church’s Facebook page and website for future cancelations, if necessary. We will also keep communicating through the prayer chain. Please share this information with those you know who may not have access to the prayer chain and/or social media. Continue to pray !!!”

Source: https://www.facebook.com/faithbaptistfellowshipchurch/posts/2884670408275533

Until things return to normal Wayside Gospel Chapel has 7 years of audio files of 320 previous sermons that you can listen to during these days. They are uploaded to Internet Archive at https://archive.org/search.php?query=uploader%3A%22spectertm2%40aol.com%22&sort=-publicdate [accessed 20 MAR 2020]. I do not have the means to record video or audio at home.

Also, Faith Baptist Fellowship Church will have the live feed of the sermon there as mentioned above. Videos of previous sermons at FBFC are also found on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC549l7ytlW3MSUWIZtzPmCg/videos [accessed 20 MAR 2020]. This is linked on their web site at http://fbf.church/ [accessed 20 MAR 2020]. See “Past Sermons.”

You may also want to listen to the many wonderful sermons available on Grace to You at https://www.gty.org/, desiring God at https://www.desiringgod.org/messages, or Ligonier Ministries at https://www.ligonier.org/.

See for example Ligonier’s Special Online Event: “Made in the Image of God” at https://www.ligonier.org/blog/made-image-god-live/. Event Sessions Include:

Christ the Image of God by Michael Reeves

The Dignity of God’s Image Bearers by Stephen Nichols

The Depravity of God’s Image Bearers by Steven Lawson

The imago Dei, Human Dignity, and the Present Crisis by W. Robert Godfrey

The Dominion of God’s Image Bearers by H.B. Charles Jr.

Panel Discussion: Pastoral Care in Times of Crisis with Charles, Ferguson, and Parsons

The Church and the Governing Authorities by Derek Thomas

The Church as a Caring Community by Burk Parsons

The Gospel, the Church, and This Present Crisis

by John MacArthur

Ask Ligonier with Ferguson, Nichols, Parsons, and Thomas

The Hope of God’s Image Bearers by Sinclair Ferguson

Update: These sessions have been made available for streaming, and are now individually linked. See Nathan W. Bingham, "Stream for Free: Made in the Image of God" (20 MAR 2020), on Ligonier Ministries at https://www.ligonier.org/blog/stream-free-made-image-god/ [accessed 22 MAR 2020].

All of Ligonier’s Teaching Series are now free to stream during this crisis. See Nathan W. Bingham, "All Teaching Series Now Free to Stream" (17 MAR 2020), on Ligonier Ministries at https://www.ligonier.org/blog/all-teaching-series-now-free-stream/.

There are many more great resources that could be recommended. Some are linked on the right hand side of this web site.

Soli Deo Gloria,

John T. “Jack” Jeffery
Pastor, Wayside Gospel Chapel
Greentown, PA

Posted: 27 MAR 2020
Updated from initial post: 20 MAR 2020

Sunday, March 22, 2020

Links for updates on SARS-CoV-2, “COVID-19 virus,” or “coronavirus disease” pandemic

Here are some of the links for updates on the SARS-CoV-2, AKA “COVID-19 virus,” AKA “coronavirus disease” pandemic besides media resources:

“Responding to COVID-19 in Pennsylvania” on Commonwealth of Pennsylvania at https://www.pa.gov/guides/responding-to-covid-19/ [accessed 21 MAR 2020].

Pennsylvania Department of Health at https://www.health.pa.gov/Pages/default.aspx [accessed 21 MAR 2020].

Governor Tom Wolf at https://www.governor.pa.gov/ [accessed 21 MAR 2020].

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at https://www.coronavirus.gov/ [accessed 21 MAR 2020].

“Coronavirus Resource Center” on Johns Hopkins University & Medicine at https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/ [accessed 30 MAR 2020]; and “Coronavirus COVID-19 Global Cases by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University (JHU)” on Johns Hopkins University & Medicine at https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html [accessed 30 MAR 2020].

National Institutes of Health (NIH) at https://www.nih.gov/health-information/coronavirus [accessed 21 MAR 2020].

World Health Organization (WHO) at https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019 [accessed 22 MAR 2020].

Note: This is the least trustworthy resource since the publication by them of Chinese falsehoods on 14 JAN 2020:

“WHO risk assessment: To date, China has not reported any cases of infection among healthcare workers or contacts of the cases. Based on the available information there is no clear evidence of human-to-human transmission. No additional cases have been detected since 3 January 2020 in China.”

This is not to be found in their Latest News releases, but under “Disease outbreak news” in the archived Emergencies preparedness, response “Novel Coronavirus – Thailand (ex-China)” (14 JAN 2020) on World Health Organization (WHO) at https://www.who.int/csr/don/14-january-2020-novel-coronavirus-thailand-ex-china/en [accessed 22 MAR 2020].

The WHO is now complicit in the international spread of SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 in the intervening two months since this release.

“WHO advice: Health authorities should work with travel, transport and tourism sectors to provide travelers with information to reduce the general risk of acute respiratory infections via travel health clinics, travel agencies, conveyance operators and at points of entry. WHO has provided interim guidance for novel coronaviruses. WHO advises against the application of any travel or trade restrictions on Thailand based on the information currently available on this event.”

Source: Ibid.

With that huge caveat in mind, nevertheless, for information on other countries that you may be concerned about or praying for go to the daily “Situation reports” on World Health Organization at https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/situation-reports [accessed 22 MAR 2020].

Note: A better source of first resort for such purposes would be on Johns Hopkins University & Medicine. See links above. Notice the discrepancies between the WHO reports and the current data on Johns Hopkins University & Medicine.

John T. “Jack” Jeffery

Pastor, Wayside Gospel Chapel

Greentown, Pa

Updated: 30 MAR 2020

All Pennsylvanians have an important role to play in stopping the spread of COVID-19 and saving lives. Here are resources to help you do your part.

Recommended Christian resources on SARS-CoV-2, and COVID-19 or coronavirus disease

FYI: Here are some recommended Christian resources on SARS-CoV-2, and COVID-19 or coronavirus disease. The listing is in chronological order.

John Piper, “Ask Pastor John Special Episode (interview): How Do We Make Sense of the Coronavirus?” (28 FEB 2020); audio (16:05) and transcript on desiring God at https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/how-do-we-make-sense-of-the-coronavirus [accessed 14 MAR 2020].

Colin Clark, “5 Prayer Requests from Behind the Coronavirus Curtain” (31 JAN 2020), on The Gospel Coalition at https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/prayer-requests-coronavirus/ [accessed 14 MAR 2020].

Todd Wagner, “Should Christians Be Anxious About the Coronavirus” (3 MAR 2020), on The Gospel Coalition at https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/christians-anxious-coronavirus/ [accessed 14 MAR 2020].

Akos Balogh, “Dear Christian, When The Pandemic Hits, This Is Our Time” (10 MAR 2020), on The Gospel Coalition at https://au.thegospelcoalition.org/article/dear-christian-when-the-pandemic-hits-this-is-our-time/ [accessed 14 MAR 2020].

Alasdair Groves, “Anxiety, Waiting and the Coronavirus” (11 MAR 2020), on CCEF at https://www.ccef.org/anxiety-waiting-and-the-coronavirus/ [accessed 14 MAR 2020].

Miguel Núñez, “The FAQs: Coronavirus Explained by an Infectious Disease Expert and Pastor” (11 MAR 2020), on The Gospel Coalition at https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/what-we-know-coronavirus/ [accessed 14 MAR 2020].

Andy Crouch, “Love in the Time of Coronavirus: A guide for Christian leaders” (12 MAR 2020), on The Praxis Journal at https://journal.praxislabs.org/love-in-the-time-of-coronavirus-26aaeb0396e3 [accessed 14 MAR 2020].

Note: This was quoted, recommended and linked in Justin Taylor, “A Guide for Christian Leaders in the Time of Coronavirus” (12 MAR 2020), on The Gospel Coalition at https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justin-taylor/a-guide-for-local-christian-leaders-in-the-time-of-coronavirus/ [accessed 14 MAR 2020].

Wyatt Graham, “7 Personal Responses to the Coronavirus” (12 MAR 2020), on Wyatt Graham at http://wyattgraham.com/7-personal-responses-to-the-coronavirus/ [accessed 14 MAR 2020].

Jesse Johnson, “Should churches meet during Coronavirus?” (12 MAR 2020), on the Cripplegate at https://thecripplegate.com/should-churches-meet-during-coronavirus/ [accessed 22 MAR 2020].

Jay Kim, “Taking Church Online in a Coronavirus Age” (12 MAR 2020), on The Gospel Coalition at https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/church-online-coronavirus-age/ [accessed 14 MAR 2020].

Jonathan Leeman, and Mark Dever, “Quick Take: What Should Churches Do About Coronavirus?” (12 MAR 2020), audio (4:53) on 9Marks at https://www.9marks.org/pastors-talk/quick-take-what-should-churches-do-about-coronavirus/ [accessed 14 MAR 2020].

Tom Ascol, “Thinking Christianly about the Coronavirus (COVID-19)” (13 MAR 2020), on Founders Ministries at https://founders.org/2020/03/13/thinking-christianly-about-the-coronavirus-covid-19/ [accessed 14 MAR 2020].

*This is not on the coronavirus per se, but teaches an important aspect of doctrine very relevant to the times in which we live in an excerpt from a great sermon by one of my favorite theologians from days gone by.

Roger Nicole (10 DEC 1915 – 11 DEC 2010), “Superlative Optimism” (13 MAR 2020), on reformation21 at https://www.reformation21.org/blog/superlative-optimism [accessed 14 MAR 2020].

Editor's Note: This address was originally delivered at the Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology in 1974. The present form has been adapted with permission from Our Sovereign God (Baker, 1977, pp. 147–153).”

Dane C. Ortlund, “8 Reminders in the Face of the Coronavirus Pandemic” (13 MAR 2020), on Crossway at https://www.crossway.org/articles/8-reminders-in-the-face-of-the-coronavirus-pandemic/ [accessed 14 MAR 2020].

Soli Deo Gloria,

John T. “Jack” Jeffery

Pastor, Wayside Gospel Chapel

Greentown, PA

Faith Baptist Fellowship Church's sermon to be livestreamed

Faith Baptist Fellowship Church in Lake Ariel, PA will be live streaming a sermon at 10:20 am this morning. See their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/faithbaptistfellowshipchurch/, their web site at http://fbf.church, or their YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC549l7ytlW3MSUWIZtzPmCg [all accessed 22 MAR 2020].

This was posted on their Facebook page 14 hours ago:"Just a reminder - Due to State and Federal endeavors to try and help control the corona virus, FBFC will not meet this Lords Day, March 22, 2020 for public worship. We will be live streaming a sermon and encourage all to tune in via internet.You can join us online live at our website http://fbf.church on youtube , or on facebook live at 10:20We hope you will tune in."

Friday, March 20, 2020

Wayside Gospel Chapel services cancelled until further notice

Wayside Gospel Chapel services are cancelled until further notice. We will take this one week at a time. We believe that the path of prudence is to follow the guidelines put out by the Governor and the President. This is especially the case where those who are more vulnerable are concerned: the children, and elderly in health categories like some of our members.

Here is what Pastor Bill Schneider posted on Faith Baptist Fellowship Church’s Facebook page (17 MAR 2020):

Source: https://www.facebook.com/faithbaptistfellowshipchurch/posts/2884670408275533

See for example Ligonier’s Special Online Event: “Made in the Image of God” at https://www.ligonier.org/blog/made-image-god-live/. Event Sessions Include:

Christ the Image of God by Michael Reeves

The Dignity of God’s Image Bearers by Stephen Nichols

The Depravity of God’s Image Bearers by Steven Lawson

The imago Dei, Human Dignity, and the Present Crisis by W. Robert Godfrey

The Dominion of God’s Image Bearers by H.B. Charles Jr.

Panel Discussion: Pastoral Care in Times of Crisis with Charles, Ferguson, and Parsons

The Church and the Governing Authorities by Derek Thomas

The Church as a Caring Community by Burk Parsons

The Gospel, the Church, and This Present Crisis

by John MacArthur

Ask Ligonier with Ferguson, Nichols, Parsons, and Thomas

The Hope of God’s Image Bearers by Sinclair Ferguson

There are many more great resources that could be recommended. Some are linked on the right hand side of this web site.

Soli Deo Gloria,

John T. “Jack” Jeffery
Pastor, Wayside Gospel Chapel
Greentown, PA

Updated: 22 MAR 2020

Monday, March 16, 2020

Important update on the services scheduled for Debi Barrett's viewing and funeral!

Faith Baptist Fellowship Church posted the following important update one hour ago:

DUE TO THE STATE OF EMERGENCY:

DEBI BARRETT’S MEMORIAL SERVICE will be held Tuesday night 3/17/20 at First Baptist Church of Hollisterville (23 Pond Road, Moscow Pa) at 6:30pm. Visitation at 5:00pm.

There will be NO service on Wednesday 3/18/20

Sunday, March 15, 2020

All services for Debi Barrett

All services for Debi Barrett

First Baptist Church of Hollisterville

23 Pond Road, Moscow, PA 18444

3/17/20 Tuesday evening: Viewing Service 5:00pm- 7:00pm

3/18/20 Wednesday morning: Funeral Service 11:00am

Source: Posted 20 minutes ago by Faith Baptist Fellowship Church on their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/faithbaptistfellowshipchurch/posts/2880268175382423 [accessed 15 MAR 2020].

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of Debi Barrett.

"Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints."

(Psalm 116:15)

Excerpts from Charles H. Spurgeon, "Precious Deaths" (18 FEB 1872), Sermon 1036, delivered at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, U.K.; in The Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit 18 (1872), pp. 97ff.; on The Spurgeon Archive at http://www.romans45.org/spurgeon/sermons/1036.htm [accessed 14 MAR 2020].

"The text, also, corrects another estimate, namely, our own. We love the people of God, they are exceedingly precious to us, and, therefore, we are too apt to look upon their deaths as a very grievous loss. We would never let them die at all if we could help it. If it were in our power to confer immortality upon our beloved Christian brethren and sisters, we should surely do it, and to their injury we should detain them here, in this wilderness, depriving them of a speedy entrance into their inheritance on the other side the river. It would be cruel to them, but I fear we should often be guilty of it. We should hold them here a little longer, and a little longer yet, finding it hard to relinquish our grasp. The departures of the saints cause us many a pang. We fret, alas! also, we even repine and murmur. We count that we are the poorer because of the eternal enriching of those beloved ones who have gone over to the majority, and entered into their rest. Be it known that while we are sorrowing Christ is rejoicing. His prayer is, "Father, I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am," and in the advent of every one of his own people to the skies he sees an answer to that prayer, and is, therefore, glad. He beholds in every perfected one another portion of the reward for the travail of his soul, and he is satisfied in it. We are grieving here, but he is rejoicing there. Dolorous are their deaths in our sight, but precious are their deaths in his sight. We hang up the mournful escutcheon, and sit us down to mourn our full, and yet, meanwhile, the bells of heaven are ringing for "the bridal feast above," the streamers are floating joyously in every heavenly street, and the celestial world keeps holiday because another heir of heaven has entered upon his heritage. May this correct our grief. Tears are permitted to us, but they must glisten in the light of faith and hope. Jesus wept, but Jesus never repined. We, too, may weep, but not as those who are without hope, nor yet as though forgetful that there is greater cause for joy than for sorrow in the departure of our brethren."

"The last reason I shall give why the death of a saint is precious is this—because it is a precious sheep folded, a precious sheaf harvested, precious vessel which had been long at sea brought into harbour, a precious child which had been long at school to finish his training brought home to dwell in the Father's house for ever. God the Father sees the fruit of his eternal love at last ingathered: Jesus sees the purchase of his passion at last secured: the Holy Spirit sees the object of his continual workmanship at last perfected: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit rejoice that now the bloodbought ones are free from all inbred sin, and delivered from all temptation. The battle's fought, the battle's fought, and the victory is won for ever.
The commander's eagle eye, as he surveys the plain, watches joyously the shock of battle as he sees that his victory is sure; but when at the last the fight culminates in one last assault, when the brave guards advance for the last attack, when the enemy gathers up all the shattered relics of his strength to make a last defense, when the army marches with sure and steady tramp to the last onslaught, then feels the warrior's heart a stern o'erflowing joy, and as his veterans sweep their foes before them like chaff before the winnower's fan, and the adversaries melt away, even as the altar fat consumes away in smoke, I see the commander exulting with beaming eye, and hear him rejoicing in that last shock of battle, for in another moment there shall be the shout of victory, and the campaign shall be over, and the adversary shall be trampled for ever beneath his feet. King Jesus looks upon the death of his saints as the last struggle of their life-conflict; and when that is over, it shall be said on earth, and sung in heaven, "Thy warfare is accomplished, thy sin is pardoned, thou hast received of the Lord's hand double for all thy sins."
"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." Sirs, are you his saints? Preacher, thou speakest to others, hast thou been sanctified unto God? Answer this in the silence of thy soul. Officers of this church, are you saints or mere professors? Members of this church, are you truly saints, or are you hypocrites? You who sit in this congregation Sabbath after Sabbath, have you been washed in the blood of Jesus? are you made saints, or are you still in the gall of bitterness and the bonds of iniquity? Casual visitors to this house of prayer, the same question would I press on you, are you saints of God? If not, earth and hell combined, though they are both full of anguish, could not utter a shriek that should be shrill enough to set forth the woe unutterable of the death that shall surely come upon you. Oh I ere that death overtakes you, fly to Jesus. Trust Him, trust Him now! Ere this day's sun goes down cast yourself at the feet of the crucified Redeemer, and live! The Lord grant it, for his name's sake. Amen."

Verse of the Day