Sunday, March 22
Sunday School (via phone & computer)
Cerwin listened on his cell phone – to have the benefit of Bluetooth through his hearing aids. I listened on the computer to free up phone lines for those without a computer.
The opening songs were beautiful, recorded music – songs that our congregation is used to singing.
Subject: An Argument Against Corruption. Micah 3:1-3, 9-12. Teacher: Joe Cassel
The Word of God has power to minimize or totally remove Satan’s damage.
We cannot afford to choose darkness. By nature – without God – we will choose darkness. Our choice – God’s way or our way?
Iniquity (sin) is doing things in my time – in my way
Choose the Road of Grace: What does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8
If we don’t follow God’s instructions we will make incorrect decisions. Look up!
The buzzard, the bat, and the bumble bee have problems looking up for a solution to fly. They cannot escape small pens or cages with open tops.
Joe enjoys and teaches prophecy and closed with these remarks: We are living in amazing times. We are getting close to the return of Christ.
Children’s story by the youth group
It was a “play” on the Matthew 22 parable of the man who prepared a wedding banquet. However, everyone turned him down. So he sent his servants out to the streets to invite anyone they could find. The banquet table was full.
Several young people read a story about animals who were told to invite their woodland friends to a dinner. They ignored those they didn’t think should be there. However, none of their friends would come. When the animal preparing the meal asked why certain animals, like the skunk, weren’t invited. They said because he will stink. The host of the meal sent them back to invite EVERYONE. The banquet table was full.
Worship Service
Listening to the song ‘Til the Storm Passes By – touched me as I thought about the frustrations, disappointments and fears that are happening because of the coronavirus.
In the dark of the midnight have I oft hid my face
While the storm howls above me, and there’s no hiding place
‘Mid the crash of the thunder, Precious Lord, hear my cry
Keep me safe till the storm passes by.
Many times Satan whispered, “There is no need to try
For there’s no end of sorrow, there’s no hope by and by”
But I know Thou art with me, and tomorrow I’ll rise
Where the storms never darken the skies.
When the long night has ended and the storms come no more
Let me stand in Thy presence on the bright peaceful shore
In that land where the tempest, never comes, Lord, may I
Dwell with Thee when the storm passes by.
Chorus:
Till the storm passes over, till the thunder sounds no more
Till the clouds roll forever from the sky
Hold me fast, let me stand in the hollow of Thy hand
Keep me safe till the storm passes by.
Opening announcements, prayer requests, and thoughts: Jon Cassel
Remember this is a time for us to be light because we are surrounded by God’s salvation. We – like Queen Esther – were born for just a time as this.
It is important to “Be strong in the Lord.” Joshua 1:9
Preacher: Dustin Martin. Scripture: Proverbs 25:21-22, Luke 6:27-35. Subject: The Second Greatest Commandment
As I stand here in an empty church building, I am aware that life has changed a lot in the past few weeks – and that the real “Church” is not empty.
As we now seem to be in a “hunker-down mentality” with people hording food, supplies and even guns, I am reminded of 1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love.
Fear and love cannot co-exist.
What are the first two commandments?
Love God. Love Your Neighbor
Jesus taught radical beliefs – radical in how we should react to our enemies and how we should react to hatred.
Loving your neighbor means loving your enemies.
Dustin told a story of a young man named Julio who was robbed in New York City. After giving the thief his wallet he also offered him his coat. When the thief stopped to ask why he gave him his coat. Julio said, “I was going to get something to eat. Do you want to go along? I can tell you why I gave you my coat.” When they finished their meal and discussion. Julio reminded the thief that he would have to pay the bill because he had his wallet. The thief ended up giving the wallet back and Julio gave him $20.00. That is loving your enemy.
When we deal with enemies we must remember that we are not part of this “world’s kingdom” but we are part of God’s Kingdom.
This does not mean we are passive – nor are we victims. We fight a very real war. A war against Satan and his kingdom.
We do not fight with knives and guns – but we are in a relentless battle against evil.
Love is the only thing that will render our enemies powerless.
Loving your enemies requires trust – trust in the true God.
Dustin closed by reading a story written and experienced by Earl Eby a minister who is familiar with our congregation.
At the time Earl experienced this, he and his family were serving in Germantown, PA (near Philadelphia). It is a fairly long story, with the early part being on how God prepared him for this moment. It happened when he was walking to church one evening – but taking a detour to take an item to someone’s house. He saw two people running toward him – one with a gun. Knowing they were probably preparing to rob him, Earl yelled, “In the name of Jesus I command you to stop.” They stopped momentarily, then continued running toward him. As one held a gun to his neck, Earl said loudly, “In the name of Jesus, you have no control over me.” The guy trying to get Earl’s wallet could not remove it from his pocket. The robbers soon ran away – frightened. Earl called after them, “If you need help, I serve at this church” – as he pointed toward the church.
Earl said, “At no point did fear enter my thoughts, but fear certainly overwhelmed my attackers. God is sovereign!”
Earl closed the story about another robbery a week or two later – in almost the same spot – when two men murdered a man for his wallet.
If only we could see what is happening in the spiritual realm – especially at times like this.
Julio and Earl’s stories aren’t the outcome for every person who serves the Lord and displays love to their enemy. However, God is sovereign no matter what He allows.
Beware of becoming like the “world” and acquiring a “hunker down” mentality in hording stuff and guns.
Trust God and love your neighbors well.