Some Thoughts on Intercession
Some Thoughts on IntercessionSunday, July 26, 2020 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, IowaRomans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.Romans 8:34 Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession…
People Are Interconnected
People Are InterconnectedMatthew 13:24-30Verse 29 But he said, “No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them.”Sunday, July 19, 2020 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa IntroductionI remember once, years ago, volunteering in a hospital for the poor in the Boston area that held a number of people suffering from AIDS, all long gone by now. During that time I had a conversation with a nurse in which I mentioned that I…
The Nation
The Nation Sunday, July 5, 2020 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Zechariah 9:9 “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, lowly and riding on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey.” Introduction: John Adams I’ve long had an interest in history, especially the American Revolution. I know such subject is not to everyone’s interest, but it has never…
With Freedom Comes Responsibility
Isaiah 5:1-7Phillipians 3:7-14Matthew 21:33-46
The Established heart
The Established Heart Sunday, June 21, 2020 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, IA 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13 “And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you, so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints.” Introduction: First Congregational Church was established in 1868. Many other organizations, businesses…
The Appointed time
The Appointed Time Sunday, June 14, 2020 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Genesis 18:14 “Is anything too heard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.” Introduction:Esther, born for such a time as this. Ephesians, to do the good work that is set forth before you. The Old Testament Book of Esther is the story of a young Jewish woman who…
Gideon
Judges 6:11-16
Some Thoughts on the great commission
Some Thoughts on the Great CommissionSunday, June 7, 2020Matthew 28:18 (NKJV)18And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Introduction: mission statements I recently read part of an article about mission statements, popular with churches and businesses alike. It turns out that some companies haven’t done a great job with their mission statements. For example, there’s McDonald’s. “McDonald’s brand mission is to be our customers’ favorite place and way…
Stand your ground
Stand Your Ground Ephesians 6:13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Introduction: Many of us, I suspect, had to read Spoon River Anthology, by Edgar Lee Masters, a classic collection of poems that chronicle life and scandal in a small midwest town. I liked the book overall, though I’m not sure if Masters ever wrote anything else to match it. …
Pray against temptation
Pray Against TemptationSunday, May 17, 2020 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Luke 22:40 “When He came to the place, He said to them, ‘Pray that you may not enter into temptation.’” Introduction: I recently found a story about a man who is part of the “While Helmets” brigade in Syria, working to help people caught in the crossfire of that terrible civil war. The story, in “buzzfeed.com” included the following description: “On July 11, 2014, a barrel…
More Than Overcomers
More Than Overcomers Sunday, May 10, 2020 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Romans 8:37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. John 16:33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. 1 Samuel 17:45-51 David and Goliath Introduction: My irrational fear of flight and the…
An hour in the garden
An Hour in the GardenSunday, May 3, 2020 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, IowaLuke 22:41-42“And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, saying, ‘Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.’” • Introduction Actually Jesus, spent more than one hour in the Garden of Gethsemane that night, but His experience tells us that even He found the choice…