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In our continuing study in the book of Proverbs, Alan taught about Proverbs on Righteousness a couple of weeks ago. To listen to this message, simply click on the audio player below. I’ve also included Alan’s outline and some notes with Scripture references linked to Bible Gateway or the NET Bible (which takes you to the chapter, so you’ll need to scroll down to the specific verses).

Proverbs on Righteousness

Introduction: Righteousness Defined

God sees righteousness as to be free of guilt or sin. For man, it is walking the morally straight path.

Types of Righteousness

• Self-righteousness is comparative righteousness – Romans 10:3-4
• Positional righteousness – Justified because of Christ – Romans 3:19-26 (NET Bible). We are not made righteous; Christ’s righteousness is imputed to us.
• Practical righteousness – Sanctified – Romans 6:13-14 – walk in righteousness.

Key Words about Righteousness in Proverbs

• uprightness – carries the idea of equity, being fair or impartial. Also has the sense of walking straight according to a fixed moral order.
• blameless – the word denotes completeness, wholeness, consistency. Not being double-minded, double-tongued, or double-hearted.
• goodness – in Proverbs, the emphasis on a good person is one who acts in the benefit of others, not in selfish gain.
• kindness (hesed) – much the same as goodness, but commonly paired with reliability and faithfulness.
• James 3:13-18

1. Wisdom and Righteousness are Connected – Proverbs 14:33-35
   • v. 33 – Wisdom is both a matter of the head and of the heart.
     • Fools have no wisdom in their hearts.
   • v. 34 – Righteousness affects nations.
     • From the leadership down
     • When leadership doesn’t care about righteousness, it is a disgrace
   • v. 35 – Wise leaders are to be competent enough to surround themselves with people who don’t bring shame upon them.
2. A Righteous Person Understands the Power of Words – Proverbs 15:1-4
   • v. 1 – A wise leader knows anger will more than likely bring more anger, so they restrain their response.
   • v. 2 – A wise leader knows what he’s talking about; a foolish man spews out folly (moral corruption that impacts judgment and reason).
   • v. 3 – A wise leader knows that they are being watched and are held accountable.
   • v. 4 – A wise leader speaks words of healing that don’t fracture people’s spirits.
   • Note: the context of Proverbs 14:33-15:4 is a description of a righteous leader (king), but the truths speak to anyone.

A wise leader cares about the benefit of others over themselves.

Proverbs 15:25-29

The third Sunday of April had Alan taking us back into the book of Proverbs. To listen to this message, simply click play on the audio player below. Also included are Alan’s outline and some notes with links to Scripture at either the NETBible (which Alan references) or Bible Gateway. Enjoy!

Review: The key attribute of godly wisdom is a fear of God – Proverbs 1:7 (NET Bible)

The phrase “fear of God” means to live life in respect to God for who He is and what He can do. It’s to align our attitudes, thoughts, and actions to God’s will, as stated in Scripture. An example of a “fear of God” would be Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:24-28.

1. Wisdom is a key attribute of God
   • Wisdom is seen as existing with God before creation and even orders creation itself.
   • All of creation speaks to the wisdom of God.
   • Proverbs 8:22-31
   • Job 38:4-11
2. Wisdom’s fullness is in Christ
   • John 1:1-3
   • He increased in wisdom – Luke 2:40, 47, 52
   • His wisdom astonished people – Mark 6:2
   • His wisdom was greater than Solomon’s – Luke 11:31
   • Christ as wisdom contrasted with human wisdom – 1 Corinthians 1:18-30
   • Christ has all the treasures of wisdom – Colossians 2:3
3. Wisdom Through Christ in Our Daily Living
   • Without Christ’s wisdom, we are blind and deceived. Proverbs 20:9-12
     • 1 John 1:8
     • 2 Corinthians 4:4
     • Ephesians 4:18
     • It’s only God, by the Spirit, that can open our eyes and ears to His wisdom.
   • Wisdom is seen in the plans of God that are often beyond our understanding.
     • The story of Lazarus is an example – the plan of Jesus didn’t make sense.
       • John 11
   • Wisdom keeps us from the sin of self-absorption.
     • Sin is mankind turned in upon himself.
     • Proverbs 14:2 – Who is on the throne of your life?
   • Wisdom views life through the filter of God as the center of life.
     • Proverbs 21:30
     • “Life is hard; it’s harder when you’re stupid.” -John Wayne
   • Wisdom is the way to security and life.
     • Proverbs 14:26-27
     • Psalm 62:5-8
     • To mock godly wisdom is to open oneself to the snares of this world.
   • Wisdom sees that atonement is to lead to right actions.
     • Romans 7:7
     • Proverbs 16:6
     • Work out our salvation with fear & trembling.
   • Wisdom is needed to understand trials.
     • James 1:2-8
     • “Oh, come thou Wisdom from on high, and order all things far and nigh; to us the path of knowledge show, and cause us in her ways to go.” -Henry Sloan Coffin

Good afternoon!

Dr. Alan Brock joined us again this morning to share a beautiful message about the Book of Romans, focusing on Romans 11:33-12:4. To listen to this message, simply click play on the audio player below. Enjoy!

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!

Hello all! Pastor Steve brought us a message this morning that was all about faith that works. To listen to this message, simply click play on the audio player below. I’ve also included the Call to Worship for this Palm Sunday and link to the Scripture references.

Call to Worship
Matthew 21:1-11
Jesus Comes to Jerusalem as King
21 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.”

4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:

5 “Say to Daughter Zion,
    ‘See, your king comes to you,
gentle and riding on a donkey,
    and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”

6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. 8 A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,

“Hosanna to the Son of David!”

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

10 When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?”

11 The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”

Scripture References

James 2:26 NKJV

Ephesians 2:8-9

James 2:14-25

2 Peter 1:5-11

Revelation 22:12

James 2:20-26

Ephesians 2:9-10

Titus 2:13-14

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.