INCREASING IN KNOWLEDGE
The more we know about God and understand His Word, the closer we become to Him. His ultimate goal is to provide for His righteous people, a perfect and eternal Kingdom on the earth.
Colossians 1:10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.
[And learning about God through His son, Jesus.}
2 Peter 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
COVID-19 in 2020… GOD WILL ALWAYS PROVIDE (it just might look different than what we had in mind.)
This year has looked MUCH different than what any of us could have expected. We all had plans. Graduations. Weddings. Family get-togethers. Camps. Vacations. Ballgames. But, often, our own plans do not match those God has in mind!
From the strange weather (snowstorms in April, and even a Tropical Storm alert in Iowa in June!), to the COVID-19 pandemic, economic concerns, empty store shelves, controversy regarding law enforcement, violence, racial issues, and most recently, a derecho (essentially an inland category 2 hurricane) that has ravaged a large portion of Iowa and the Midwest... 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.
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!!
SERMONS
Below are some wonderful messages to digest from God’s Word. These are all geared toward learning about God’s everlasting Kingdom on the Earth. Each of these speakers gave messages at or were tied to the Iowa State Conference in some way! Enjoy!
Delbert Rankin (1949-2014) was very involved with the church work in the state of Iowa. He moved from Washington state to Illinois to attend Oregon Bible College. After graduating, he and his wife, Nancy, moved to Iowa to serve at the Oaklawn Church of God near Koszta. Delbert also pastored for many years in Belle Plaine, IA and served as the President of the Iowa State Conference.
He was very involved in the Iowa State Conference, in speaking, teaching, taking kids to recreation and many other activities! (Including bringing loads of kids up to Conference!) Pretty much any activity, excluding cooking!
Delbert and Nancy took many kids on the trip to Washington state to the annual summer Bible camp, and also enjoyed a mission trip to the Philippines to teach and preach. Spreading God’s Word was truly his greatest passion in life.
Kenny Cronin grew up in Washington state, but settled in Iowa as a young adult. Growing up, he was involved in the church youth activites and in later years, he grew in leadership.
He currently preaches at the Belle Plaine Church of God in Iowa and is also highly engaged in the Iowa State Conference, the Tristate Ministers’ Conference, and various family activities throughout the state.
The Puppet Show ministry has been near and dear to Kenny’s heart, as he has written countless original puppet show scripts, inserting humor into the learning process. He is the mastermind behind our mascot, Smellvin, who always makes an appearance at our church gatherings! Smellvin always has an interesting perspective & sings, pairing original lyrics with popular tunes, to aid in his teaching!
Kenny’s belief is that actions speak louder than words and he knows that living his life according to God’s Word is the most powerful form of ministry.
Pastor S.J. Lindsay hits a home run in another resounding message from the 1941 General Conference. Be encouraged to stay true to our faith in our church and in our lives as we listen to this message of Reformation." (Originally published on http://www.theupsidedownchurch.com.)
SJ Lindsay (1866-1941) was one of five members of the “Ministerial Organization,” (who were thought to be troublemakers!), dividing Church of God of the Abrahamic Faith (COGAF) and what is now the Christadelphian faith.
He preached extensively in Oregon, IL, began the works in Tempe, AZ and also taught in southern California. Lindsay served as editor of The Restitution Herald from 1911-1922.
SJ was one of the speakers at the original conference gatherings.
“The strength of Bro. Lindsay’s work lies in the simple and positive way in which he presents the fundamental truths of the gospel. He firmly believes that these truths are essential to salvation and indicates in his manner the sincerity of his convictions.”
Pastor Jim directs this study on the aspects of the coming Kingdom of God on the earth at the return of Jesus. We learn what to expect, when to expect it, and reflect upon the joy and happiness that will come when we're reunited at the resurrection day!
James Mattison (1924-2013) graduated from Oregon Bible College and he spent his life teaching others about the Gospel! He served at churches in Pumpkin Center, LA; Hammond, LA; Riviera, TX; Harlingen, TX; Springfield, LA; Fort Valley & Maurertown churches in VA; Burr Oak, IN; and Pelzer, SC. He was actively involved in mission work in Malawi, Africa and formed Malawi Africa Missions to assist in the mission work there. He was instrumental in building many churches there and making numerous trips to visit their churches and train pastors. Jim was a guest speaker at our Iowa State Conference and was the grandson of SJ Lindsay.
Jim became a close friend and mentor of hundreds of people, and constantly encouraged and corresponded with many until the very end of his life. In his obituary, it was noted.”He often talked of the resurrection and looking forward to reuniting with [loved ones} in the Kingdom.” AMEN!
Hollis Partlowe (1925 - 2015) served as a Pastor for over 30 years: 1958-1965 at the Macomb Church of God; 1965-1976 at Phoenix Bible Church of God; 1976-1988 at Oregon Church of God; and 1989-1996 at Dixon Church of God. Hollis was a guest speaker during one summer session at Conference.
“Friend, make sure that you know Jesus Christ in a personal way; make sure that you lay hold on eternal life (I Tim 6:12) before you go the way of all the earth and keep your appointment with death. Jesus, God’s only Son, is the world’s only hope, and man’s only Savious. What will be your epitaph?” -Hollis Partlowe (Excerpt from “Under Construction: Pardon the Mess : a Collection of Family-building Thoughts.”)
William (Bill) Wachtel was a professor at Oregon Bible College and served as president of the college from 1963 to 1968. Known for his clear and easy manner in teaching the Bible, Bill Wachtel has been a speaker at many conferences and has written a host of articles and papers on various biblical subjects.
Bill and his wife, Phyllis, were able to attend Iowa State Conference one year during their travels.
Having been dedicated to seeing the gospel of the kingdom of God proclaimed among all peoples, Bill Wachtel has traveled preaching the message of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ. He has particularly worked in missionary endeavors in South America. William Wachtel has an M.A. in New Testament from Wheaton College, Wheaton, Illinois. He and his wife Phyllis live in Washington State. You can find a number of Bill Wachtel’s writings and teachings on 21st Century Reformation Online.
Additional history from the Iowa Church of God Faith of Abraham works from the pamphlets below may be found here.
