BLESSINGS TO THOSE WHO FOLLOW THE LORD
God provided His only Son to provide the ultimate example for us. Following in Jesus’ footsteps provides us a road map, a goal to provide for righteous people, a perfect and eternal Kingdom on the earth.
Acts 17:11b GNT They listened to the message with great eagerness, and every day they studied the Scriptures to see if what Paul said was really true.
John 15:7 RSV If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you.
Proverbs 23:23 KJV Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.
Redefining life as we near the end of the pandemic in 2021… GOD WILL ALWAYS PROVIDE!!
(But it probably will look different than what WE planned!)
Things still look a little different than pre-COVID (if you can even remember that!). And they might for awhile. Some things have changed for the better, but it has definitely shaped our minds to view life through a different lens.
We would be remiss to not mention the topic of mental health in relation to the pandemic. The effect of the pandemic on the mental health of the world has been staggering. It’s more important than ever to acknowledge that this IS an issue and how we can affect our mental health through our walk with God. Veronica Foster very bravely presented this message “Mental Health and Your Relationship with God and Your Church.” It’s time to talk about these topics!! Thank you, Veronica, for sharing this beautiful message!
2021 began… a bit rocky! From the tumultuous, politically charged happenings at the Capitol and political unrest in general to navigating the way through changes in how we work and worship because of COVID, to late-breaking snowstorms and other crazy weather, it’s more important than ever to be empathetic and compassionate toward one another!!!
It’s vital to continue to look at how we do things, look at how we say things and when we KNOW better, we can DO better.
There has been SO MUCH hatred, SO MUCH turmoil, SO MUCH arguing, just SO. MUCH. We thank God every day that His perfect Kingdom on the earth will eventually replace the imperfect world in which we currently live. (Matt. 6:10; John 16:33)
All of these things happening currently remind me that God does call us, His workers, to action!! We are ultimately saved by grace, but without ACTION, it's meaningless. We still all have a CHOICE and it’s an AMAZING choice to CHOOSE JESUS!
Ephesians 2:8-9 “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
James 2:20 "But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?" As always, our calling is to teach in LOVE and keep our focus on God's future, eternal KINGDOM!!
Digging into lessons on the song “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus,” I came across various accounts of the background of the song. It’s a great reminder of the religious freedoms we have in this country and that we should not take them for granted - it might not always be so! God wants us to follow the example of His only Son, and BE ON FIRE about it! NOT cold, NOT lukewarm, but be HOT!! Link to Lord’s Harvest International map of COG international churches: https://lhicog.com/index.php/countries
SERMONS
Below are some wonderful messages to digest from God’s Word. These are all geared toward our journey in “deciding to follow Jesus.” Enjoy!
Dan Foster is a life-long Bible student and preacher for decades at the Flagg Center Church of God Faith of Abraham. He and his wife, Jennifer, raised their children in the area and now enjoy teaching and spending time with their many grandchildren!
Dan comes from multiple generations of those preaching Biblical truth in the Church of God - he incorporates his humor and passion into his memorable messages!
Bernard Lee “Von” Corbaley (1940-2020) was a preacher in Cashmere, WA. Von married Shirley Barnhill, and together they ministered and their open home was a testimony to that dedication.
Von was a very giving man who was fiercely dedicated to studying and abiding by God's Word. He always had a smile to share. He had a steadfast hope for Jesus' return to usher in God's Kingdom on this earth.
G. Gordon Landry (1928-2017) born in Hammond, Louisiana the son of Gustav & Addie (Alexander) Landry. He attended college at Oregon Bible College in Oregon, IL where he met the love of his life, Barbara. They enjoyed raising 7 children.
Gordon truly lived a life of service trying to help or comfort people in their time of need. He pastored many places but spent the last 42 years at the Flagg Center Church of God near Rochelle, IL.
Gordon is now resting peacefully, awaiting the return of Jesus Christ, to reside in the earthly Kingdom of God
(I Corinthians 15:51-52; Matthew 5:5).
James “Jim” Rankin (1934-2007) served the Cashmere Church of God Abrahamic Faith as an assistant pastor and later pastor, for nearly 50 years. He traveled extensively in the Philippines for the past thirty years, in an evangelistic effort that reached many.
After his retirement, he devoted his time to his ministry in Cashmere and the Philippines.
Scott Ross has been a minister in the Church of God for over 37 years, serving churches in Ohion and Nebraska. He has served as Pastor’s Pastor to the ministers of the Church of God. He and his wife, Gayle, have truly lived their lives in God’s service.
Scott grew up in the Litchfield Church of God, attending camps and conferences with his parents who were active in the Minnesota conference.
Messages by Pastor Paul Moore and Pastor Kenny Cronin sharing different perspectives on the theme:
Additional history from the Iowa Church of God Faith of Abraham works from the pamphlets below may be found here.
