First Baptist Church of New Philadelphia

Why Does Jesus Still Bear the Wounds?

Exodus 12:1-14 & Revelation 5 This message from Pastor Lee Ridings of Greater Hope Baptist Church explores the central role of the Lamb throughout the Bible, tracing the theme of redemption from the opening scene of the Exodus to the throne room of heaven. We examine how God’s plan for safety has always centered on a substitute rather than human effort. Many believers struggle with the tension of whether their own sincerity, good deeds, or religious background are enough to secure their standing before God. There is a common misconception that we can rely on our own efforts or location, like the Israelites in Goshen, rather than trusting solely in the blood. The sermon clarifies that in Exodus 12, the antidote to judgment was not human performance, but the application of the lamb’s blood. This same Lamb is revealed in Revelation 5 as the one who was slain, bearing the wounds that prove the price for our redemption was paid in full. Recognizing that the cross is sufficient transforms our faith, moving us from a place of uncertainty to a firm reliance on the finished work of Christ. This understanding provides the true basis for our worship and peace, regardless of the challenges we face in life or ministry. We invite you to check out the full message to gain a deeper understanding of why the Lamb of God is the only sufficient sacrifice for the sin of the world.

The Value of Continual Pursuit

The new Albanian Bible translation, "Kristoforidhi i Dytë" was successfully launched in May 2026 through a series of events across Albania, spearheaded by translators Erion and Jonida Vogli. Pastor Jeff provides an update on his month-long trip before he shares an encouraging message from Joshua 14-15. Many believers ponder the concept of "retirement" from active service, especially as they age. This message looks into whether there truly is a time to cease working for the Lord, or if our commitment to Him endures throughout life. The world often suggests a period of rest and cessation from labor, but this can lead to a misconception that spiritual service also has an endpoint. This tension arises when personal comfort and perceived limitations begin to overshadow God's continuous call to purpose. Drawing from the unwavering faith of Caleb, particularly in Joshua 14, this sermon challenges the notion that fear should ever outweigh faith, leading to a cessation of spiritual work. It clarifies that our spiritual strength should remain robust, regardless of physical age, and presents two practical points from Caleb's life: first, the importance of seeking the proper reward, which is intimate fellowship with God, symbolized by Hebron; and second, the necessity of actively subduing spiritual rivals—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. The message provides biblical strategies for conquering these "giants" through surrendering to the Spirit, cultivating contentment, and embracing humility. This teaching offers profound insight for believers of all ages, emphasizing that continuous spiritual growth and active participation in God's work are lifelong callings, and reminding us that we are not meant to face these spiritual battles in isolation. Check out the full message to gain a deeper understanding of enduring faith and purpose in your walk with God.

What Time Is It?

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 This message looks into the profound biblical concept of time, asking the crucial question: "What Time Is It?" Drawing from Ecclesiastes 3, we explore how God designs and purposes every season and moment in our lives. Often, our natural understanding of time is broken, leading to confusion about when to act, when to rest, or how to navigate life's opposing moments like "a time to love and a time to hate." This misreading can result in spiritual "shipwreck" as we do the right thing at the wrong time. The sermon clarifies that Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 provides a complete picture of life's diverse moments, each with divine purpose. It highlights Jesus as the perfect model for biblical time management, demonstrating how to make decisions based on God's timing, not worldly clocks. By understanding God's clock, we learn to discern seasons and prepare for moments of crisis. This teaching offers practical wisdom for parenting, making faith-based decisions, and preparing spiritually for life's challenges, emphasizing the importance of working before the moment arrives to find peace during trials. Check out the full message to gain a deeper understanding of God's timing and how to live wisely in every season.

Understanding the Resource of Time

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 What does it really mean to understand time from God’s perspective? In Ecclesiastes 3, Solomon begins to move from confusion “under the sun” toward true biblical wisdom, and Pastor Troy lays a foundation for what he calls the doctrine of time. This message looks at how God designed time, how we experience it, and why that matters for life and ministry. Many believers feel like prisoners of the clock—pressed by schedules, limited by lifespans, and frustrated by seasons they can’t control or predict. We tend to see time as a straight line and ourselves as victims riding it out, trying to manage or extend it with better habits, planning, and effort. This sermon turns our attention to Ecclesiastes3:1–2 and shows that time is a created entity, designed by God “in seasons” and “with purpose under heaven.” Pastor Troy contrasts our linear view with God’s eternal perspective outside of time, explains how Scripture ties “times and seasons” together, and unpacks how our days are described as a “shadow” meant to point us to the Light, not imprison us in the darkness. Practically, this teaching calls us to recognize the seasons we are in, seek God’s purpose in each moment, stop obsessing over the duration of our life, and instead “redeem the time” by pouring eternal value into the moments God gives us. Check out the full message to better understand how God uses time, seasons, and moments to work out His purpose in your life.

Solomon's Initial Conclusion of Life Under the Sun

Ecclesiastes 2:12-26 This sermon explores Solomon's initial conclusions about life's meaning in Ecclesiastes, particularly when viewed "under the sun." It looks into the profound questions of purpose, satisfaction, and the inevitability of death that arise from a purely observational perspective. Many Christians, like Solomon, can find themselves trapped in a cycle of despair, feeling the futility of earthly pursuits, the fear of death, and the loss of control over their legacy and possessions, especially when relying solely on observation rather than divine revelation. Drawing from Ecclesiastes 2:12-26, the message clarifies that while wisdom excels folly, both ultimately lead to vanity without God's perspective. Solomon's initial conclusions—the assurance of death and the awareness of defeat regarding legacy, possessions, and peace—are presented. However, the sermon highlights a crucial turning point: Solomon's acknowledgment of God's deity and His active role in giving wisdom, knowledge, and joy. It emphasizes that true peace and purpose come from living "above the sun" through God's revelation, contrasting Solomon's despair with God's promise of joy and contentment. This teaching is practically relevant for believers seeking to navigate life's challenges, understand the true nature of joy and peace, and invest in what truly lasts. It encourages refusing despair, embracing God's definition of "good," and finding security in His remembrance and forgiveness, rather than being consumed by worldly anxieties or the fear of death. Check out the full message to gain a deeper understanding of how to live a life anchored in God's eternal perspective.