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Living Water & Worship

by Laurin, posted in Sunday Message

Good afternoon! Pastor Alan continued his series on the Gospel of John this morning by taking us through the first part of John 4, where Jesus meets the Samaritan woman. To listen to this message, simply click play on the audio player below. I’ve also included his outline with links to the verses he references in his message and the quotes he shared with us. Enjoy!

Living Water & Worship

I. Everyone has a need to feel as if they belong: John 4:1-7, 16, 27

  • Nicodemus: morally upright — came at night for fear of rejection
  • Samaritan woman: not morally upright — came at noon because she was already rejected
  • Jesus was available to both
  • How open are we to everyone?

II. Everyone has a need to feel satisfied in life: John 4:9-18

  • Ecclesiastes 2
  • Everyone is thirsty and hungry for something that satisfies them.
  • Jesus is more than temporary satisfaction.
  • John 7:37-39
  • “We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.” -C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory

III. Everyone has a need to worship: John 4:19-26

  • It’s not important where, but to whom and how.
  • In Spirit — emphasis on being born again
  • In Truth — the object
  • Examine your heart: why are you coming to church?

“God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.” -John Piper

“Till sin be bitter, Christ will not be sweet.” -Thomas Watson

“My memory is nearly gone, but I remember two things: that I am a great sinner and Christ is a great Savior.” -John Newton

Praying you have a blessed Thanksgiving!

God So Loved

by Laurin, posted in Sunday Message

Good Afternoon! Pastor Alan continued his series on the Gospel of John this morning by finishing up John chapter 3. To listen to this message, simply click play on the audio player below. I’ve also included links to Scriptures that Pastor Alan references in his message (the links will take you to the verses on biblegateway.com). Enjoy!

Scripture References

The Gospel of John

by Laurin, posted in Sunday Message

Thanks be to God, He brought us a pastor to guide our little flock here at Colona. Dr. Alan Brock has joined us and has begun to lead us through the Gospel of John. I apologize for not posting these in a more timely fashion, but here are three of Pastor Alan’s messages on the first few chapters of the Gospel of John.

October 3, 2021
October 17, 2021
October 31, 2021

Christ Alive to Live in You

by Laurin, posted in Uncategorized

Yesterday, we were blessed to have Dr. Alan Brock join us to share a message from Galatians 2:20-21, which he called “Christ Alive to Live in You.” To listen to this message, simply click play on the audio player below.

Colona Church family: though this was his first time joining us at Colona, this gentleman has demonstrated an interest in the pastor’s position for our church. Your feedback is so very vital during this pastor search, and your church board would greatly appreciate any input you have. If you want to express your opinion regarding his potential as a spiritual leader for our congregation, please send me a message through the prayer request page on this website or contact our wonderful elder, Archie. Thank you!

Unexpected Gifts

by Laurin, posted in Sunday Message

Since we are not able to gather together on this Resurrection Sunday, Pastor Steve has recorded his message for us. A list of Scripture references is also included for your convenience. Please click the play button on the audio player below to hear Pastor Steve’s Easter message.

Call to Worship: Psalm 46

Psalm 46 
God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear,
Even though the earth be removed,
And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
3 Though its waters roar and be troubled,
Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah
4 There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God,
The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved;
God shall help her, just at the break of dawn.
6 The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved;
He uttered His voice, the earth melted.
7 The Lord of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah
8 Come, behold the works of the Lord,
Who has made desolations in the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two;
He burns the chariot in the fire.
10 Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!
11 The Lord of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah

James 1:17

Galatians 4:4

1 John 3:1

Ephesians 2:8

Hebrews 10:10

Titus 2:11-12

Happy Resurrection Day! God bless you today and every day.

In Times Like These

by Laurin, posted in Uncategorized

A special note from Pastor Steve:

Although we will not be holding service during this special Easter season,
due to the COVID-19 restrictions, it is my hope and prayer that all Christians
continue daily with hearts full of praise and worship, with thanksgiving for
the kindness, love, and sacrificial gifts that have been freely offered to mankind.
May we continue to pray and be concerned for one another. Even though we
are separated for a time, may we be bound together spiritually.
Even so Lord Jesus, come!

Pastor Steve’s message for today, Palm Sunday, April 5, 2020:

In Times Like These

Yes, that’s the title of a famous gospel hymn that says, “In times like these you need a Savior…Be very sure your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock…this Rock is Jesus. Yes, He’s the One…”

Matthew 14:24 (NKJV) says, “…the wind was contrary…”

The rude, blustery, and contentious winds of this past March did their best to blow us off course, and they continue to try the very core of our faith. As believers in the Lord God of Heaven and Earth, we know the trials of this world often result in bringing us closer and closer to a “Rock Solid” relationship with Jesus.

Better it is that we struggle through the valley of temptation, confusion, and anxiety that we may see more clearly the beauty of His love when He brings us to the other side.

It is that very love of Jesus that opens our hearts this time of the year. It is the same love that sustained Elijah when hiding by the brook; the ravens brought him bread and meat (1 Kings 17:1-6). That some love will carry believers through the trials of our lives.

In 1 Peter 1:3-9, the author reminds us that even though we may suffer grief and hardships of all kinds, it may result in praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus.

Hebrews 11:1 tells us faith is “…the evidence of things not seen.” We can’t see the outcome of these days, but we know the Almighty Creator knows perfectly well how things will play out.

God is never too early or too late in the working of the events of this world. Should it really be any wonder that the events of today may cause hearts to be renewed in worship and obedience to the Prince of Peace?

May we not allow the events of these days to overshadow our desire to focus on praising and worshiping the God that Ephesians 1:5 says has “…predestined us for adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will.” It was His will that the perfect, sinless Lamb of God would be the atoning sacrifice that would reconcile humanity back unto Himself.

These days should help teach us:

  • the credibility of biblical prophecy
  • the brevity of life, which should cause us to look to the care of others. As James says, your life is but “…a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.” (James 4:14)
  • to endure, as James 1:12 tells us, “Blessed is the man who endures temptation…he will receive the crown of life…”

Let us with contrite hearts praise and obey the Son that gave His life, so that many would live.

God bless.

Confidence

by Laurin, posted in Church Information, Devotion

A message from Pastor Steve:

As we endeavor to meet the challenges of these days in America, it becomes increasingly clear that our peace and confidence are found only in one place: Jesus Christ. Our success in overcoming the trials and adversity is not dependent on the ways of the world around us, but comes by focusing on our faith, our belief, and our trust in the Son who was willing to suffer more than we ever will.

Why would He ever choose to give up so much honor and glory for those that still reject His free gift of salvation? It’s because of love. A love that is so deep, strong, and powerful that, once we have it, there isn’t anything on earth or in the universe that can take it away from us (Romans 8:35-39).

As we accept the challenges of these times, it becomes especially critical to properly dress yourself each day for the spiritual battles ahead. If you put on the “belt of truth” you won’t be persuaded by the lies of this world around us. Your “shield of faith” becomes your defense against the fiery darts of Satan, which he uses to cause doubt and disobedience in your affairs. And it is your “helmet of salvation” that will remind you, in this season, that by God’s grace, through faith in the atoning sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we have nothing to fear (Ephesians 6:10-18).

Perhaps we should not be asking “why” is this happening, but “what” is it that God wants me to learn from this. “What” is in it that will cause me to grow closer to Jesus through this time?

By God’s grace and the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit, we can be confident and secure when we employ the Spiritual Armor of God.

be still

Praise Amidst the Fear

by Laurin, posted in Church Information, Devotion

From Pastor Steve Collins

Just a word of praise this Sabbath day:

These are difficult days, but just because God delays does not mean He is inactive. His timing is always perfect. I can’t help but sense He is working on the hearts of this world to come back to Him, just as He did with Israel. He sits as a refiner of silver, and the outcome will be all things working together for the good of those who loveHim.

Let us be more focused on learning the lessons He has for us in the time of trial, rather than on yearning for the hour of deliverance. Take joy in your salvation during this time, and praise Him continually for His unending Mercy.

Blessings.

 

**Note: Though we have cancelled services for this week to do our part to help stop the spread of Coronavirus and allay fears, we do plan to reopen as soon as possible. We are trusting in God and His provision, and pray you are all doing the same. He is in control!