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Hi all! It’s been a while since I’ve posted messages, and I apologize for not getting them on the site in a timely manner. So, I will try to get caught up as quickly as I can. I’m going to start by posting a few of Terry’s messages. To listen to these messages, simply click play on any of the audio players below. I wasn’t able to be there to take notes for some of these, so I’ve just included links to the main verses Terry is teaching about. Praying they bless you!

June 25, 2023: The Godly & the Ungodly – a teaching on Psalm 1

July 23, 2023: The Importance of Every Day – a teaching on Luke 19:11-27

July 30, 2023: The Least Among Us – a teaching from Jeremiah 38

Alan took us back into the book of Proverbs with a lesson on how to walk in the way of wisdom from Proverbs 4. To listen to this message, simply click play on the audio player below. I’ve also included Alan’s outline, along with some notes and links to Scriptures referenced. Praying it blessed you as much as it did me!

How to Walk in the Way of Wisdom

Proverbs 4:10-27

Introduction: Walking in the way of wisdom versus walking in the way of evil is a common theme of Proverbs. It’s also a choice we have to make every day.

New Testament Equivalent: Jesus refers to Himself as the Way (John 14:6). Believers are called to walk in the light as He is in the light (1 John 1:7).

1. The Call and Command to Walk in the Way of Wisdom (Proverbs 4:10-13)
   • The call to listen and act (v. 10)
     • Wise choices lead to prolonged life
     • Unwise choices can shorten your life
     • This idea is also found in the beginning and the end of the Sermon on the Mount
   • Wisdom as a tried and true path (v. 11)
     • Galatians 1:9
   • Wisdom is both freeing and protective (v. 12)
   • Walking in wisdom demands continual perseverance (v. 13)
2. Avoiding the Addictive Ways of Evil (Proverbs 4:14-17)
   • Avoid the way of the wicked (v. 14-15)
     • The speaker uses six different ways to tell the listener to avoid evil, with each set of words intensifying the command.
   • Evil has an addictive “trap like” quality to it (v. 16-17)
     • Those who eat, sleep, and drink evil
     • Contrast with John 6:52-58 – those who eat, sleep, and drink the Word
     • What consumes our thoughts/ways
3. Blessings of Walking in Wisdom (Proverbs 4:18-19)
   • Walking in wisdom is like walking in the brightness of sunshine
   • Walking in evil is like a gloomy day
   • Evil blinds us to what is good, makes us believe what is bad is good and what is good is bad
4. Walking in Wisdom Involves the Whole of Our Person (Proverbs 4:20-27)
   • These verses tell the listener how to use their ears, eyes, heart, mouth (lips) and feet.
   • The heart is at the center of how we receive and use wisdom.
     • Psalm 51:10-11
     • Luke 6:43-45
   • As Bruce Waltke says, “Proverbs is full of straight talk about talking straight.”

Hello! Two Sundays ago, Alan continued his teaching through the Proverbs by taking us to Proverbs 13:1-25. To listen to this message, simply click play on the audio player below. I’ve also included Alan’s outline, along with some notes and links to BibleGateway for Scriptures referenced.

*Note: the audio recording was not started until about halfway through the message. Check the outline for where the audio matches up with the notes.

Proverbs on Wealth, Speech, Satisfaction, and Destinies

Proverbs 13:1-25

The Big Theme: Through morally good behavior there are gains earned.

Proverbs 13:1 – sets the stage, essentially saying that you will listen to the rest of what he has to say if you are wise; if you are foolish, however, you will ignore it.

1. Proverbs on Speech and Being Industrious – Proverbs 13:2-6
   • v. 2: There is speech that will benefit you and there is speech whose motive is violence.
     • Are our words constructive or destructive?
     • Ephesians 4:29
   • v. 3: A wise person is cautious in what they say. A fool says all kinds of things that ruin their lives and the lives of others.
     • Basically, when in doubt, don’t shout it out.
   • v. 4: A lazy person wants the good things but doesn’t get them (at least when things are operating in a normal way).
     • The Proverbs operate on the principle that diligence is good and rewarded, while laziness is evil and left wanting.
   • v. 5: Speech here is connected to practical righteousness on one hand and wickedness on the other.
     • Must be able to determine what is true & what is false; the Holy Spirit will help you discern.
     • Righteousness rejects falsehood
     • Wickedness embraces shameful things (Ephesians 5:11-12)
   • v. 6: Righteousness guards the one who lives with integrity
     • Proverbs 25:28
2. Proverbs on Wealth from an Ethical Perspective – Proverbs 13:7-11
   • Morality (the quality of what you do) vs. Ethics (how you should live) in our culture.
   • v. 7: The fraudulent use of money.
     • Here there are two ways to be a fraud:
       • “Thousand-dollar millionaires” – those who lead others to believe they are wealthier than they actually are, who live outside their means.
       • Those who pretend to have nothing – not flaunting their wealth, but also not willing to share with others, using the excuse that they can’t afford to help
   • v. 8: Two dangers with wealth:
     • The danger of finding false security in your wealth
     • The attitude of not caring because you don’t have wealth, which could (not always) be linked to lack of ambition and not saving
   • v. 9: Just as speech was connected to righteousness or wickedness, so is the use of money:
     • The righteous use money and speech in their lives in a way that lights up life
     • The wicked use their speech, money, and lives in ways that God will see to it flicker out in the end
   • v. 10: This proverb is a word on listening:
     • A person whose pride rules their view of everything will always be ready for a fight
     • A humble person will listen because of their wisdom (One can’t have godly wisdom without God! You can only have worldly wisdom, which is foolishness to God. – 1 Corinthians 1:18-25)
     • Surround yourself with wise people, not “yes” men
   • v. 11: This proverb deals with the danger of high risk, get-rich-quick schemes versus the virtue of diligent accumulation of wealth
3. Proverbs on Fulfillment (Satisfaction) or Frustration – Proverbs 13:12-19
   • v. 12: The truth is, it’s impossible to live a fulfilled life without hope.
     • You can survive almost anything if there is a ray of hope, but without it, it’s a sickness slowly killing you.
     • The believer’s hope is Christ – our Living Water & Tree of Life
     • Proverbs 29:18
   • v. 13: Two choices with two outcomes are given in life.
     • You can esteem God’s Word and be rewarded.
     • You can despise God’s Word and face the built-in penalty
     • It’s the maxim of you reap what you sow.
   • v. 14: This world is an ever-increasingly dangerous minefield. *Note: this is where the audio recording begins.
     • There are traps we cannot see without the life-giving fountain of God’s wisdom in Christ.
     • We need to be in connection with God to be able to discern traps and then avoid them.
   • v. 15: We need the moral clarity that comes from Proverbs’ instruction to shape our conduct.
     • Bad conduct is inherently destructive – it never ends well.
   • v. 16: A shrewd person is characterized as knowing not to openly play a fool’s life.
     • Know how to use self-control
   • v. 17: This proverb asks the question of us, “Are we faithful messengers of God who don’t speak on our own authority, or are we the world’s foolish messengers?”
     • We are supposed to be God’s ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20), speaking from God’s authority.
   • v. 18: If you can’t be disciplined (by self or others), you end up a poor disgrace.
     • If you can be disciplined, there is hope for you!
   • v. 19: All about the frustrated life of the fool…
     • A fool doesn’t want to give up what may well be poisonous “fun”
     • Addictions are hard to break
     • Because a fool abhors the idea of giving up evil fun, they can’t know what would be a truly sweet deal, what will truly satisfy their soul.
4. The Choices of Good or Evil – Proverbs 13:20-25
   • v. 20: The choice of wise (good) company versus foolish (evil) company is constant.
     • Be careful of the company you keep
     • Not many people are influencers; they are instead influenced
       • To deny this reality is foolish
       • The greatest influence we can have in the life of a fool is our absence – don’t put up with/encourage their foolishness
   • v. 21: The general maxim here is this: the harm you do to others will return on you
     • Conversely, the good you do to others will also return to you
   • v. 22: The ultimate redistribution of wealth
     • Matthew 6:20-21
   • v. 23: This life’s injustices to the poor will be taken care of, if not in this life, then in the next.
     • The rich man and Lazarus – Luke 16:19-31
   • v. 24: The demise of an undisciplined household
     • Discipline isn’t fun for anyone, but it is necessary.
   • v. 25: God is the satisfaction of the righteous, but the wicked will ultimately never be satisfied.

Conclusion: In the end, the wise and righteous person is satisfied, while the foolish and evil one is not.

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!

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.