July 12

Sunday School

Everyone was in the sanctuary for Sunday school, which was set up for the purpose of giving each of us – especially the children – a feel of having been to Bible School since it had to be cancelled due to the virus.

We sang lots of fun and meaningful Bible School songs and watched a funny skit about a young boy who lived in a village where his father “The Hat Maker” made special hats for people – to match their personalities.

However, before his father could create his special “personality” hat, everyone tried to turn him into what they thought he should be – giving him all kinds of hats.

By the end of the skit he was confused and had so many hats that he couldn’t even carry them. Finally his father noticed and made him the correct hat. The skit was a play on how we try to please everyone instead of being what God created us to be.

Opening Devotions before the sermon – Jon Cassel

Count Your Blessings.

Times of trouble have happened in most generations.

Remember to count your blessings.

Sermon – John 18 – by Ron Copenhaver

Notice the battle between Satan and God in this chapter.

This week while walking through our barn the barn swallows began dive-bombing me.

As I watched them with a bit of amusement, I thought, “What are you thinking? I own this barn and have the power to destroy each one of you and all of you nests.”

Isn’t that what mankind does in their feeble attempts to “dive-bomb” and fight God? Do you think He watches with a bit of amusement and maybe frustration, thinking like I did, “What are you thinking? I own this world and have the power to destroy each one of you and all of your possessions.”

Why are people so at war with God?

Why do they rage against Him?

Because we are of “the flesh.”

Sin is present and we want to think we are in control.

Flesh makes the heathen rage.

Friendship with the World

What does that look like?

It means our values are determined by the world system instead of by God

Carnality

You cannot be a “carnal Christian.”

Carnal is of the world.

Christianity is of God.

Why do Christians want to be part of the world system instead of God’s system?

But – There is Another World – The Love of God

Jesus volunteered to die for us.

He could have taken his disciples and run to another place or another country.

Jesus did not use His power to resist those who came to capture him for crucifixion.

Instead he said, “Take me.”

Jesus even healed the ear of one who was there to arrest him – after Peter cut it off.

Jesus let them bind Him.

He volunteered for you and me.

Mankind is in a real “pickle” without God, yet we think we have power to make it on our own.

You might as well be honest with God and allow him deal with your heart.

God is going to win this battle.