Sermon Notes - 2026
ABOUNDINGINTHEWORKOFTHELORD2026.pdf
“ABOUNDING IN THE WORK OF THE LORD”
1 CORINTHIANS 15:51-58
INTRO: We are currently in the middle of the LABOR DAY WEEKEND when we honor those who are a part of the work force in America. The history of LABOR DAY is rooted in the late 19th century, when labor activists pushed for a federal holiday to recognize the many contributions American workers have made to our nation’s strength, prosperity, and well-being. And truly such an honor is deserved because without the strong work ethic of the American laborer, our nation could have never become the country it is today. (NOTE OUR AREA). HAVING A GOOD WORK ETHIC IS BIBLICAL AS THE WORD OF GOD SAYS IN 2 THESSALONIANS 3:20 “IF A MAN WOULD NOT WORK, NEITHER SHOULD HE EAT.” GOOD CHRISTIANS WILL BE GOOD WORKERS.
Sermon Preached on 9/6/26 AM By Pastor Gary Dull
PRACTICALBIBLICALINSIGHTFORPERSONALGODLYLIVINGFinal.pdf
“PRACTICAL BIBLICAL INSIGHT FOR PERSONAL VICTORIOUS LIVING”
PROVERBS 3:5,6
INTRO: When I was in Bible College one of my professors, Dr. Will Miller, who taught the class on Christian Life, encouraged us all to have a life’s verse. With my excitement about being in Bible College and learning new verses, about every day I came up with a new life’s verse. For a while, every time I went home to visit my parents, or even spoke with them by phone, I would share a NEW LIFE’S VERSE with them and finally one day Dad told me, “GARY, SEEK GOD’S WILL ON A VERSE, SELECT IT AND STAY WITH IT.” With that in mind, I selected PROVERBS 3:5,6 as my life’s passage 56 years ago and have held to it since. PROVERBS 3:5,6 is very well known by Christians all around the world and sometimes it is so obvious that it is overlooked. But the concept of the text is truly very practical and applicable to our Christian living that IT SHOULD NEVER BE OVERLOOKED. So today, for a few minutes let’s look at this very familiar passage of God’s Word under the title of “PRACTICAL BIBLICAL INSIGHT FOR PERSONAL VICTORIOUS LIVING.”
Sermon Preached on 8/16/26 AM By Pastor Gary Dull
HAVINGTHETRUEKNOWLEDGEOFJESUSCHRIST.pdf
“HAVING THE TRUE KNOWLEDGE OF JESUS CHRIST”
PHILIPPIANS 3:1-15
TEXT: VERSES 10,11
INTRO: DO YOU KNOW THE LORD JESUS CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR? Now I am certain that many of you will answer YES to that question for which I rejoice. But let’s dig a bit deeper into this question by me asking, DO YOU DESIRE TO HAVE A DEEPER EXPERIENTIAL KNOWLEDGE OF JESUS CHRIST IN EVERY ASPECT OF YOUR LIFE? Now perhaps you have never thought of that before, but in reality, this is what the Apostle Paul had in mind when he wrote to the Philippians. Certainly, Paul knew Christ as Savior (Acts 9), but his desire was to have a deeper, more experiential knowledge of Christ. DO WE? So, today, let’s study for a few minutes what it means to HAVE A TRUE, DEEP, CONSTANTLY GROWING, EXPERIENTIAL KNOWLEDGE OF JESUS CHRIST THAT BEGINS AT SALVATION, BUT THEN ADVANCES MUCH BEYOND THAT, AS SEEN IN THE LIFE AND DESIRE OF THE APOSTLE PAUL.
Sermon Preached on 8/9/26 AM By Pastor Gary Dull
“LIVE PEACEABLY WITH ALL MEN”
ROMANS 12:17-21
TEXT: VERSE 18
INTRO: Without a doubt, the GREATEST OF ALL HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS is that which is experienced between TRUE BORN-AGAIN CHRISTIANS because as it says in Galatians 3:28 “WE ARE ALL ONE IN CHRIST JESUS.” That very biblical truth from the POSITIONAL PERSPECTIVE indicates that TRUE CHRISTIANS ARE ALL ONE IN CHRIST, UNITED TOGETHER IN THE BODY OF CHRIST THROUGH THE MINISTRY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT AND SHOULD LIVE PEACEABLY IN PERFECT HARMONY. CONSIDER 1 CORINTHIANS 12:13. And yet, from the PRACTICAL PERSPECTIVE, many Christians DO NOT LIVE PEACEABLY AND IN PERFECT HARMONY with each other, which in all reality is a SIN OF COMMISSION. WHAT ABOUT YOU? ARE YOU LIVING IN DISHARMONY WITH SOME OTHERS PRESENTLY? If so, you are living in sin and cannot expect the fulness of God’s blessing in your life or ministry! SUCH A SITUATION WILL BE A HINDRANCE TO THE WORKING OF THE LORD IN YOUR LIFE, YOUR FAMILY LIFE, AND YOUR CHURCH LIFE. Today for a few minutes we are going to focus on a very short but powerful verse in the Bible, Romans 12:18, that clearly tells us that AS TRUE BELIEVERS, WE ARE TO LIVE PEACEABLY WITH ALL PEOPLE, INCLUDING THE UNSAVED.
Sermon Preached on 8/2/26 AM By Pastor Gary Dull
BEINGANEWCREATIONINJESUSCHRIST.pdf
“BEING A NEW CREATION IN JESUS CHRIST”
CORINTHIANS 5:14-21
TEXT: VERSE 17
INTRO: Last Sunday morning the Lord led us to study what I have often referred to as THE MOST SOMBER AND SERIOUS TEXT IN ALL OF THE WORD OF GOD. The text is Matthew 7:21-23. I would like to read that text again as we begin this morning’s message. The point of the passage is that JESUS CHRIST HIMSELF IS TEACHING THAT AT THE GREAT WHITE THRONE JUDGMENT THERE WILL BE MANY RELIGIOUS PEOPLE STAND BEFORE HIM AND CLAIM THEY HAD DONE MANY RELIGIOUS THINGS, BUT YET THEY HAD NO REAL RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM AND THUS HE WILL SAY, “DEPART FROM ME, I NEVER KNEW YOU.” CAN YOU IMAGINE WHAT THAT WILL BE LIKE? PERSONALLY, I CANNOT. So, the question I have for you right now is ARE YOU CERTAIN THAT YOU ARE TRULY SAVED, OR ARE YOU JUST RELIGIOUS WITHOUT HAVING A TRUE RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS CHRIST? This morning, I want to follow up on last week’s message by taking a look at 2 Corinthians 5:17 that teaches us what it means to be a NEW CREATURE IN JESUS CHRIST. The fact of the matter is that when a person comes to Christ, HIS ENTIRE LIFE CHANGES, HE DOES NOT REMAIN THE SAME OLD UNREGENERATE PERSON BUT HAS NEW LIFE IN CHRIST. If you claim to be saved and yet the old way of your sinful life remains, then from the biblical perspective you are simply RELIGIOUS WITHOUT A RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST. So, let’s study 2 Corinthians 5:17 to see what the WORD OF GOD has to say about BEING A NEW CREATION IN JESUS CHRIST.
Sermon Preached on 7/19/26 AM By Pastor Gary Dull
BEINGRELIGIOUSWITHOUTHAVINGARELATIONSHIP.pdf
“BEING RELIGIOUS WITHOUT HAVING A RELATIONSHIP”
MATTHEW 7:21-23
INTRO: Today all across America and around the world, millions of people will be attending worship services at local churches. AND THAT IS A GOOD THING! But the question is: HOW MANY OF THOSE PEOPLE ARE TRULY SAVED AND ARE WORSHIPPING THE LORD IN SPIRIT AND IN TRUTH AS CHRIST TEACHES IN JOHN 4:24. No one, but God knows how many who will attend Bible-Believing Churches today are really saved. Only God knows how many who are here this morning are really saved. But down through the years it has been said that NEARLY 50% OF THOSE IN A SOLID BIBLE-BELIEVING LOCAL CHURCH ON ANY GIVEN SUNDAY MORNING ARE TRULY BORN AGAIN. (Words from my grandfather and another renown preacher = “IF THE RAPTURE WOULD HAPPEN DURING CHURCH TIME ON SUNDAY MORNING, VERY LITTLE WOULD BE NOTICED.”). Again, only God knows how many are in church on a given Sunday morning are saved. But the fact of the matter is, MANY WHO ATTEND CHURCHES ON SUNDAY MORNING ARE SIMPLY RELIGIOUS BUT DO NOT HAVE A TRUE RELATIONSHIP WITH THE LORD JESUS CHRIST. WHAT ABOUT YOU? Jesus Christ Himself addressed this issue in the text we have before us today that I would like for us to examine closely.
Sermon Preached on 7/12/26 AM By Pastor Gary Dull
“THE MAN OF GOD”
1 TIMOTHY 6:6-16; 2 TIMOTHY 3:16,17
INTRO: FATHER’S DAY is a day in our culture when we give special respect and honor to FATHERS SPECIFICALLY and MEN IN GENERAL. But from the biblical perspective, respect and honor should not be extended to all or every man, but rather to those who live according to BIBLICAL STANDARDS. According to the record of the Word of God, the phrase MAN OF GOD is used in both the Old and the New Testaments to describe men who had a unique relationship with and ministry from God, such as a called prophet, or one who was chosen by God to accomplish a certain purpose for God. In the text we have before us, the phrase MAN OF GOD is used in a unique way with an attached description as to THE EXPECTED QUALITIES OF THE MAN OF GOD FROM GOD’S PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE. So, on this FATHER’S DAY, let’s examine from the scripture who the MAN OF GOD IS and WHAT GOD EXPECTS OF SUCH A ONE. NOTE: In our context, the phrase MAN OF GOD was directed to Timothy who was a born again Christian and student of the Apostle Paul who God had called to be the pastor at the Church of Ephesus, which was founded by Paul. Paul was giving Timothy instruction on the qualities of a MAN OF GOD so that he could serve the Lord effectively, which qualities are applicable to every man who wants to be a MAN OF GOD in our time.
Sermon Preached on 6/21/26 AM By Pastor Gary Dull
“REMEMBERING JESUS”
ADDENDUM #2
ROMANS 16:17,18; 1 TIMOTHY 4:1-16; 2 JOHN 8-11
INTRO: For the last three weeks we have been focusing on a DOCTRINAL STUDY entitled “REMEMBERING JESUS.” This is a very significant study in that there are many false religious views on WHO JESUS IS based on, FALSE DOCTRINE. Some of those views teach that Jesus is: ● A religious leader, but not God.
● A good moral person, but not Divine.
● One Who died on the cross but is not the eternal Son of God.
● A prophet who taught good things but is not the Savior of the world.
● One of many ways to get to heaven.
● A false prophet.
Sermon Preached on 6/14/26 AM By Pastor Gary Dull
“REMEMBERING CHRIST” ADDENDUM
PHILIPPIANS 2:5-11 I
INTRO: Since MEMORIAL DAY we have been involved in a series of messages entitled “REMEMBERING CHRIST.” Though this is a TOPICAL SERIES, each Sunday we have prefaced each message with an exposition of a select passage of CHRISTOLOGICAL SCRIPTURE that has given us some great BIBLICAL TRUTHS about our Savior to remember. You will recall that so far, we have observed Colossians 1:13-19 and Hebrews 4:1-4. Today before we look at the final three points in the series, let’s make a quick observation of a GREAT CHRISTOLOGICAL TEXT that is found in Philippians 2:5-11 which presents to us THREE GREAT QUALITIES OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST.
Sermon Preached on 6/7/26 AM By Pastor Gary Dull
“REMEMBERING JESUS”
COLOSSIANS 1:13-19
INTRO: We are currently in the midst of the MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND here in the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA when we remember in a very special way those who have given their lives in the ARMED FORCES for our freedoms. And it is VERY APPROPRIATE THAT WE DO SO. But I think it is also appropriate for us to take some time during this weekend to FOCUS ON AND REMEMBER JESUS CHRIST WHO ALSO GAVE HIS LIFE FOR US THAT WE MIGHT HAVE THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS AND ETERNAL LIFE. IN REALITY, JESUS CHRIST GAVE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE IN DYING FOR THE SINS OF THE HUMAN RACE THAT IS APPLICABLE, NOT JUST TO ONE NATION, BUT TO THE WHOLE WORLD.
Sermon preached on 5/24/26 AM by Pastor Gary Dull
“PRAISE, CONFESSION AND PRAYER FOR AMERICA"
PROVERBS 14:34
INTRO: Numerous times since 1774, even before the official founding of our nation, a call for prayer, confession of sin and fasting by both political and spiritual leaders has gone throughout the land. And without a doubt God has answered those prayers in raising up America against all human, political, and military odds as our founders had to stand against England and other enemies down through the years. One example of the call for prayer was rendered by Thomas Jefferson on May 24, 1774 when he drafted a “RESOLUTION FOR A DAY OF FASTING, HUMILIATION AND PRAYER”
Sermon preached on 5/17/26 AM by Pastor Gary Dull
“THE PORTRAIT OF A GODLY WOMAN”
PROVERBS 31:10-31 1 TIMOTHY 5:14
INTRO: Today is MOTHER’S DAY and people, both secular and spiritual will be honoring MOTHERS. And doing so is a biblical act as the Bible says in Ephesians 6:2, “HONOR THY FATHER AND THY MOTHER, WHICH IS THE FIRST COMMANDMENT WITH PROMISE.” What is the promise? The next verse gives the answer which says, “THAT IT MAY BE WELL WITH THEE, AND THOU MAYEST LIVE LONG ON THE EARTH.” (Oliver B. Green story). The word “HONOR” in this text means to “REVERE OR HIGHLY VALUE.”
Sermon preached on 5/10/26 AM by Pastor Gary Dull
CHRISTSCOMMISSIONISOURMISSION.pdf
“CHRIST’S COMMISSION IS OUR MISSION”
ACTS 1:1-11
INTRO: During the month of April our focus here at FBC has been on WORLD-WIDE MISSIONS. It has been both a blessing and a challenge to hear from our missionary speakers as well as from our various field testimonies. Carlene Piper has done a stellar job in speaking to us on the subject “FROM THE HEART OF A MISSIONARY” on Wednesday evenings. Our theme has been “CHRIST’S COMMISSION IS OUR MISSION” and it has been my prayer that God has been speaking to our hearts about the advancement of personal and congregational missions.
Sermon preached on 5/3/26 AM by Pastor Gary Dull
THE REVELATION OF JESUS IN THE TRIUMPHAL ENTRY
“THE REVELATION OF JESUS IN THE TRIUMPHAL ENTRY”
MATTHEW 21:1-11
INTRO: Today is recognized as PALM SUNDAY by Christians around the world. It is a day that is honored by those who know the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior, and yet it is often under-appreciated. HISTORICALLY, this event is known as THE TRIUMPHAL ENTRY of Jesus into Jerusalem that took place on March 27th, 33 AD, at about 3:00 PM. At the time of THE TRIUMPHAL ENTRY, there were up to 3 million Jews in Jerusalem who had gone to the City to celebrate the PASSOVER. THE TRIUMPHAL ENTRY began the WEEK OF PASSION of Christ that includes 58 activities of our Lord culminating with HIS RESURRECTION one week later.
Sermon preached on 3/29/26 AM by Pastor Gary Dull
FOLLOWING THE PATTERN OF THE FIRST CHURCH AT JERUSALEM
“BIBLICAL REVIVAL”
FOLLOWING THE PATTERN OF THE FIRST CHURCH AT JERUSALEM
ACTS 2:37-47
INTRO: The series we are currently conducting, BIBLICAL REVIVAL, is not just for a few people, it is for all
BORN-AGAIN BELIEVERS to consider. In addition, the series is not just for our church, but it is for ALL LOCAL
CHURCHES WORLDWIDE TO CONSIDER AS WELL. But as we are gathered together here today, it behooves
each of us to study and understand the BIBLICAL CONCEPT AND PRINCIPLES OF REVIVAL and then apply
those principles as the Spirit of God works in our individual hearts. I stand before you today to announce that
THE FAITH BAPTIST CHURCH OF ALTOONA NEEDS REVIVAL, BUT THAT REVIVAL WILL ONLY HAPPEN AS
EACH MEMBER OF THE FBC CONGREGATION DESIRES, PRAYS FOR AND EXPERIENCES REVIVAL IN OUR
OWN HEARTS.
Sermon preached on 3/1/26 AM by Pastor Gary Dull
BIBLICAL REVIVAL
“BIBLICAL REVIVAL”
PSALM 85:1-13
TEXT: VERSE 6
“WILT THOU NOT REVIVE US AGAIN”
INTRO: “REVIVAL” is a term most of us are familiar with. No doubt, to most who are under the sound of my voice right now, the word “REVIVAL” speaks of a series of meetings at a local church, under the direction of an evangelist or revivalist, during which time lost people come to Christ and Christians who have been living in sin get right with God. This could be a true description of “REVIVAL,” but REVIVAL IS MUCH MORE THAT WHAT I JUST DESCRIBED. The concept of “REVIVAL,” though the word is not always mentioned, is recorded at least 14 times in the OT and at least 10 times in the NT indicating the significance of the biblical concept
Sermon preached on 2/8/26 AM by Pastor Gary Dull
TO KNOW CHRIST AND TO MAKE CHRIST KNOWN
“TO KNOW CHRIST AND TO MAKE CHRIST KNOWN”
PHILIPPIANS 3:1-14
INTRO: Thirty years ago when we were seeking God’s direction for what He wanted FAITH BAPTIST CHURCH to look like, the Lord led us to reduce our mission statement to what became our motto which is: “TO KNOW CHRIST AND TO MAKE CHRIST KNOWN.” The ORIGINAL INTENT of that statement was that our commitment as individual members of FBC as well as that which drives all of our church ministries should be TO GET TO KNOW CHRIST AND THEN TO MAKE CHRIST KNOWN TO OTHERS. It was then that we decided to hang that motto above the choir loft so that every time we come into this sanctuary, we remind ourselves why we are here.
Sermon preached on 2/1/26 AM by Pastor Gary Dull
THE SANCTITY OF HUMAN LIFE
“THE SANCTITY OF HUMAN LIFE”
PSALM 139:13-20
INTRO: Today is SANCTITY OF HUMAN LIFE SUNDAY across America and many pastors in America will be preaching
on WHY HUMAN LIFE IS SACRED. Personally I have been preaching on THE SANCTITY OF HUMAN LIFE and
supported the PRO-LIFE MOVEMENT for over 50 years and the Lord willing will continue to do so as HUMAN LIFE IS
A GIFT OF GOD AND WE WHO ARE CHRISTIANS SHOULD DO ALL WE CAN TO PROMOTE AND PRESERVE HUMAN
LIFE. Now, someone wondered why I am preaching on this subject since in 2022 THE UNITED STATES SUPREME
COURT overturned “ROE VS. WADE” that legalized abortion in America back in 1972, with the “DOBBS VS. JACKSON
CASE” which held that the UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION does not confer upon a woman the right to have an
abortion. Well, I am preaching on the subject first because it is VERY MUCH A BIBLICAL SUBJECT, and second
because “DOBBS VS. JACKSON” just referred the matter of abortion to the individual states in America and thus in
some states abortion is still legal. Currently, 41 States have abortion bans to some degree including 13 states that
have a total abortion ban, and 28 states have a limited ban on abortion.
Sermon preached on 1/18/26 AM by Pastor Gary Dull
“FORWARD IN THE FAITH BY FAITH”
HEBREWS 11:1-6
INTRO: A study of the Word of God will reveal that a WHOLESOME RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD IS BUILT ON
TRUE FAITH IN GOD AND HIS WORD. This involves having faith in Jesus Christ as one’s personal Savior as well
as having faith in God for daily direction and provision. FAITH IS VERY SIGNIFICANT AND FOUNDATIONAL TO
HAVING A DYNAMIC RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD.
Sermon preached on 1/4/26 AM by Pastor Gary Dull