Pleasant Grove Baptist Church

Author: jsan

  • Devotion for August 16, 2016

    Life is a Highway

    (John Vann)

    Life seems like you’re headed down a dead-end road? You’re going full throttle with no regards for what lies ahead. You see all the warning signs. What’s it going to take to make you realize that you’re heading toward a terrible disaster? What’s it going to take to get you to put the brakes on and turn around?

    Maybe your steering is out of alignment and you keep wandering off course. If this is you, then you need to get your life back in alignment. If you’re headed down that dead-end road, then you need to turn around because you’re going the wrong way.

    Maybe you’ve come to a crossroads in your life and you don’t know which way you should go. One direction seems smooth and easy, the road is wide, and there’s many people going that way. The other way is narrow and rough. It doesn’t appear that it has been traveled as much. But that’s the way your GPS tells you to go. GPS stands for God’s Protective Spirit. The narrow road leads you to eternal joy.

    Both roads are one-way roads, but they travel beside each other. This is so that if you see someone on the wide road that has broke down and they need your help, you can stop and help that person to find safety.

    So which way are you going to go? You can’t just stay where you’re at and keep looking back. Because if that’s where you are at, if you’re sitting at the crossroads, looking back, then one day someone is going to choose your direction for you.

    Let me try to explain it to you this way. If you are sitting on the fence and on one side is being a Christian and on the other side is being of this world, but you think that you can sit on the fence and not have to choose a side. Then one day you’ll die and the devil will come out and he will tell you that he owns the fence.

    I pray that you’ve chosen the narrow way. Steering neither to the left nor the right, nor spend all your time looking back behind you. If you grow weary, then let Jesus take the wheel. It will not always be easy traveling, and you may find detours along the way. But your insurance is that you are in good hands with Jesus. On the narrow road, even with the detours, all roads lead Home.

  • Sermon Notes 8/16/26

    Scripture reference: Isaiah 24:3-6 (KJV)

    3The land shall be utterly emptied, and utterly spoiled: for the LORD hath spoken this word. 4The earth mourneth and fadeth away, the world languisheth and fadeth away, the haughty people of the earth do languish. 5The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant. 6Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate: therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men left.

    The flock has gone astray.

    Jesus is the Good Shepherd and led his flock in righteousness, but now many false preachers are leading the flock astray. When Jesus returned to Heaven to sit at the right hand of God the Father, He left earthly shepherds to lead His flock. Many of these shepherds are leading in a worldly way and the flock is turning its back on God. Too many shepherds let the world’s influence make them greedy and selfish, and that harms the flock.

    God put man in charge of His creation and man is supposed to take care of it. Who is polluting the water, land, and air? It’s not God! God designed Earth to sustain life, but greed and selfishness have caused man to harm God’s creation. If we are smart enough to design technology, we should be smart enough to build it without destroying the land. What are we leaving to our children and grandchildren?

    We see tornados and earthquakes where they never occurred before. We suffer drought and intense heatwaves. Earth is suffering due to human sin and our rebellion against God. The flock needs to repent and turn back to God.

  • Sermon Notes 8/9/26

    Scripture reference: Nehemiah 8: 9-10 (KJV)

    9And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law. 10Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.

    The true joy of salvation is gone from this world.

    Many popular ideas and activities are making the world turn dark. The world sees evil as good and good as evil.

    Satan has been taking his time (many, many years) to remove God from the world. Satan is subtle and sneaky. He starts working on younger generations, and they in turn teach their descendants. He managed to take God and prayer out of schools, sporting events, and most of the government.

    Jesus warned of a great falling away, and it’s happening right here! For example, there was a 17 year-old girl killed in Abilene by a stray bullet fired when two men were shooting at each other, and gun play is becoming more common in Anson.

    In Nehemiah 8:9 the people were weeping because they learned they were not only living but worshipping wrongly. They were not keeping the Sabath holy and were not sharing their excess food with those who had none. In verse 10, Nehemiah reminds the people the joy of the LORD is their strength. The same is true for us today.

    Our joy is in our salvation. We can communicate God’s salvation plan without forcing it down people’s throats. If we communicate with love and share God with joy, Jesus will bless it. In Philippians 4:4 Paul said, “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” (KJV). Our authority to share Jesus with others comes from God through the Holy Spirit.

  • Devotional for August 9, 2026

    Free and easy!

    (John Vann)


    You may have seen an advertisement campaign before that said that someone was giving away something for free. Of course we know that nothing is free. There is always a catch, but let me tell you there is one thing that is free, and there is no catch. That thing is salvation through faith in Jesus Christ our savior. On top of that there are no restrictions. No age limits, no credit checks, No sign-up fees. It’s not like the first month is free then after that you have to start paying. No contracts that you have to sign. There is no small writing at the bottom of the page. No sir, it’s all right there in large letters written in red.
    Jesus Christ the son of God left the glories of Heaven, came into this world with the intentions of being born a baby. Growing into a man and dying on the cross to provide forgiveness for your sins. Then Jesus Christ rose from the grave to give proof of eternal life. Then he ascended back into heaven. But, before he left, he assured us that he was preparing for us, a place with him in Heaven. There was no other way that we could be forgiven of our sins, and there is no other way that we could be reconciled to God. There was no other way that we could escape spending eternity in Hell.


    It’s pretty simple really. The Holy Spirit calls you. You answer the call. Then you say, “I need Jesus.” It’s just that simple.


    I said earlier that it didn’t cost you anything but, you do give something for your salvation. You give Jesus your heart, your soul, your love and your life. In exchange, Jesus gives you Peace, joy, and eternal life.

    If you reject the offer, then you must live your life without God’s blessings. You will never be reconciled to God. That means you will always be God’s enemy. No matter how good of a person you are, There will never be rewards for you in Heaven. You will spend your eternity in hell. God does not sentence you to spend your eternity in hell. You have made that decision for yourself.


    Some people claim that it is a one time offer. But, I believe that Jesus never quits wanting to save us. I do not believe that Jesus would ever turn anyone away. I believe that Jesus loved us enough to die for us, and I believe that Jesus loves us enough to not want any of us to perish. So, if you do not feel like Jesus has called you to be one of his followers, Pray that God opens your eyes. Pray that God does, whatever it takes to change your heart. Jesus said it would be better to live your life, maimed or blind, than to spend your eternity in hell. Jesus is the only hope you have, and he has not left you alone. Jesus said search and you shall find, knock and the door shall be opened.

    Yes, salvation is free. That’s an offer that no one should pass up on.

  • Devotional for August 2, 2026

    Understanding Grace as God’s Foundation

    (John Sanders)

    What is Grace?

    You’ve probably heard an old statement “There but by the grace of God, go I”

    My research tells me that it was probably a 16th century Protestant martyr named John Bradford that first said this as he watched some criminals being led to execution.  He recognized that only God’s grace separated him from their fate.

    Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us:  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

    Grace is the bedrock of everything that follows.  It is the opposite of what we deserve.

    Grace Transforms Us Inwardly

    In Roman 6:14, Paul tells us “For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.”

    When we truly understand what God has done for us, it reshapes how we think and how we live.  Grace is demonstrated within us by our love, care and concern for others.

    Grace Compels The Way  We Treat Others

    Just as our LORD paid the price for our debt, we must be like that and forgive others.  Put another way:  Because God extends grace to us, we should extend grace to others.  It isn’t optional – it flows naturally from receiving grace.  

    [ Wait, what? ]

    Let me clarify that statement.  It’s not natural from us.  Extending grace flows naturally from the Spirit’s work within us.  Human nature does not have that ability, it  can only be a supernatural operation of God’s power. When we receive God’s grace, it reshapes our inner character and allows us to forgive others.

    Practical Application:  Forgiveness and Generosity

    It took me a long time to forgive others, well some of them anyway.  I don’t know about you, but if you are holding on to some of that old baggage, I want you to know from my personal experience that it is like a huge weight lifted off my shoulders.  Weight that I didn’t even realize I was carrying.  

    If you aren’t convinced, then let me suggest you pray for discernment and  read and study Matthew 18:21-35.  You may remember that it starts out with Peter asking “Lord, how often should I forgive my brother who sins against me?  Now, when he refers to brother, I think Peter is talking about fellow believers, but the principle extends further.  Jesus’s teaching on forgiveness extends beyond believers.  He explicitly commands us to love our enemies, bless those who curse us and do good to those who hate us.  


    It’s truly important for us to shine our light, show our grace and forgive others.

  • Sermon Notes 8/2/26

    Scripture reference: John 3:19-21 (KJV)

    19And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

    Why is there so much darkness in the world? Where is the light?

    God created the sun to bring physical life and exitance to the world. It provides grass, trees, and other food sources for all living things. God also gave us spiritual life through Jesus Christ, the Light of the World, who gives eternal life.

    Spiritual light exposes the darkness, the evil, in the world. Many people who call themselves Christians are still walking in darkness because “religion” is teaching that it’s okay to do whatever you want because Jesus will always forgive us. Yes, Jesus does forgive if we truly repent of our sins. But repenting means feeling such deep regret or sorrow for a wrong you have done that you make a firm choice to change your behavior for the better.

    The world has gotten away from the truth, the light; most parents don’t teach it, society doesn’t teach it. We, as Christians, need to let our spiritual lights shine to expose the darkness of the world, and to lead others into the light of the truth which is found only in God’s Word.

    Remember, God loves you whether you love Him or not!

  • Sermon Notes 7/26/26

    Scripture reference: Matthew 11:28-30 (KJV)

    28Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

    Is the world burdening your life?

    People are looking for the world to bring them joy, and the world is always searching for peace but will never find it. Peace and joy come only from God through Jesus.

    God created us to be a part of a community in order to help each other. We are commanded to love one another and we bear each other’s burdens. Hardships and burdens don’t disappear from our lives, but God helps us through them.

    God chose to love us whether we love Him or not. He loves us so much that He provided Jesus as the way for us to have eternal life with Him.

  • Devotional for Sunday, July 26, 2026

    This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine

    Today I’m going to talk about why we need to come to church. I have heard it said before that we come to church to get our battery recharged. Being filled with the Holy Spirit is sometimes referred to as letting your light shine. The Holy Spirit makes us glow, but without the church, our batteries can run low and our light get dim. Furthermore, if we don’t come to church, we are just a single little light flickering out there in the darkness because, friends, this world is a cold dark place. The prince of darkness has an ever growing army. They are out there all around us. He is surrounding you with his army of darkness. He cannot put your light out, but he wants to keep your light dim. He most certainly doesn’t want it spreading to others. We need to go to church and we need to actively seek others to bring them in out of the darkness. We don’t want to just leave them out there in the darkness all alone.

    When someone is led to the Lord, they are just like a little child. They need to grow and to become a mature Christian in a process which is called sanctification and it is done through Bible study and prayer. The church is the perfect environment for a young Christian to grow in. you would not send a young child out alone into the darkness. A young Christian needs to be in church. What happens when they go out alone, to face the world? They find trouble.

    We’re all gonna have some trouble sometime and sometimes it just weighs us down. If you are carrying your burden alone, it may be more than you can bear. But at the church, there is help.

    You can pray alone. But at the church, you’ll find that you have brothers and sisters in Christ who will pray with you. Maybe they’ll have some words of advice or comfort that will come from their own hearts or perhaps they’ll give you advice or comfort that comes from God’s own word.

    Perhaps there is somebody who is in need of you to giving them advice or comfort. Perhaps somebody needs you to pray with them. As a church, we are all bound together by love’s strong cord. We are a family. We love one another and we help one another. We are the body of Christ, and the body needs all of its parts to function properly.

    Don’t be a single light, dimly glowing in the darkness. Come to church and grow and glow! Seek out the ones who are out there alone and bring them to church.

    What if they were to announce over the radio, the television and the Internet that today God is declaring war against Satan and his army. That God is looking for volunteers. All those interested in joining God‘s army be present Sunday morning at your local church house for training. Well, friends that’s exactly how it is. We are at war with Satan and we need more soldiers in God‘s army. To battle against the sin and the evil that is escalating more every day. That is why we need to come to church.

    So come to church and let your light shine.

  • The book of Amos

    Join us Wednesday nights at 7pm. We are studying the book of Amos.

  • Sermon Notes 7/19/2026

    Scripture reference: Ephesians 4:17 – 32

    Question: Is the World Controlling Your Life?

    Paul, writing to the Church at Ephesus, reminds us to put off the old man and put on the new man. (vv. 22 – 24) We need to live for Jesus and go out and tell the world about Him.

    Paul also tells us, “grieve not the holy Spirit of God” (v. 30) and do not give the devil a way to defeat us. (v. 27). Instead we are to be kind, loving, and forgiving to others. (v. 32)

    Ways we grieve the holy Spirit: lying (v. 25), being angry (v. 26, 31), stealing (v. 28, 31), saying hurtful things (v. 29).

    Ephesians 4 (KJV)

    Living as Children of Light 17This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, 18Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: 19Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. 20But ye have not so learned Christ; 21If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. 25Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. 26Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: 27Neither give place to the devil. 28Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. 29Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. 30And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. 31Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.