Sermons from September 2020
Many are Called Few are Chosen
Matthew 20:16 “So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen.” • IntroductionOne of the teachings of Scripture is that, in addition to natural skills, the Holy Spirit gives people gifts to be used for the benefit of others. They include gifts such as healing and prophecy, and also hospitality and service. Some gifts are more fun and dramatic than others, and it can be tempting to envy people who have gifts…
Some Thoughts on Forgiveness
Scriptures: Genesis 50:15-21; Matthew 18:21-35 IntroductionI remember several visits with Mr. Jones, some years ago. He was an amazing conversationalist. I literally could step into his living room, sit down, check my watch and say, “hello, Mr. Jones, how are you?” Those would be the last words I would say for the next two hours. He was in his nineties and he had several decade’s worth of stories about the oil industry, and life in Ohio when he was just…
Taking Vengeance
Taking Vengeance2 Thessalonians 1Sunday, September 6, 2020 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Introduction: If justice is denied you, don’t stoop to vengeance (Romans 12:19 “beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for is it written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord.” [quote from Deuteronomy 32:35])One of the more difficult commands of Scripture is that if justice is denied us, we are not to stoop to vengeance. The Old Testament instruction…