February 16, 2025
Livestream begins at 9:25 am
Evidence
What a Friend We Have In Jesus (Converse)
“From Cold To Kind”
God's Parting Blessing:
God go before you to lead you, God go behind you to protect you,
God go beneath you to support you, God go beside you to befriend you.
Do not be afraid.
May the blessing of God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit be upon you
Do not be afraid. Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
Amen
Sunday School, 10:45 - 11:30 am
Matthew 5:43-48
43"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45th that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Love > Grow > Serve
The Nursery is staffed today. Thank you Gail Seebeck & Ellie Kmoch.
Please sign your child in.
There will be no Sunday School on March 9th due to the beginning of Spring Break.
Our annual Worship In The Park Service will be on August 17, 2025. We are looking for a singing group to join us. If anyone has a suggestion, please get in touch with Zelda.
Mid-America Reformed Seminary is excited to welcome Dr. Kevin DeYoung on Thursday, March 13, 2025, for our Spring Student Lectures. He will present on the theme of "Godly Masculinity in the World, Home, and Church." The series of lectures begins at 1:00 pm. The event is free and will be held in our new chapel auditorium (limited seating). Registration is first come, first served. A live stream will also be available on Facebook & YouTube. Register at www.midamerica.edu and secure your seat today!
Want to make our guests feel welcome? Please put on a name tag. They are available at both entrances. Thanks!
Reminder: If you are the last person leaving the church after any event or activity, Please remember to clean up; i.e. tables, chairs, and kitchen, turn off the lights, shut the windows, and lock the doors. Thank you Management
If you unhook the chairs in the sanctuary, you must hook them up again! this is a safety issue. Thank you.
Would you like access to the devotional offered by the church, please call 641-424-1369 or email the church secretary at racrcsec@msn.com.
Have you checked out Missionary Corner? There are updates from our missionaries, the Klompien's, and the Hefler's. Copies are available for reading. Please take one and see how they have been sharing Christ’s love and mission
Reminder if you borrow tables and chairs from the church, please remember to follow equipment borrowing procedures. Upon return, please make sure all items are clean and in good order.
There are activity bags available for the children, during worship service. They are located next to the coat rack in a bin.
Please pray for a fast recovery for Sue Pedelty, she had surgery on her hand and wrist on Wednesday. Please pray for those who cannot attend on Sunday, like Phyllis Lau. Pray for our Areopagus Campus Ministry at ISU, that it will minister to young adults and keep them on the right path. Pray for World Renew to continue supporting community development and disaster relief. Remember our college students, Alexis, Olivia, and Logan, pray for success in their educational experience. Pray for our missionary family the Helfers as they minister to the people of South Africa. Pray for our Elders and Deacons that they have the discernment to know how to govern our church. Pray that God’s purpose will be done. Remember Ukraine, and pray for peace.
Luke 6:17-26
I am sure that everyone has experienced the joy of blowing bubbles. (Blow bubbles at the kids.) Isn’t it funny how something so simple can make so many people happy? It isn't just for kids either! I have even seen teenagers and adults laughing and having fun blowing bubbles and trying to catch them.
There is just one problem with the happiness that comes from blowing bubbles -- it doesn't last! The minute you reach out and touch one of the bubbles, it will burst. (Blow bubbles and have kids try to touch them.) Many times we chase the bubble, but it is always just out of reach and as soon as it touches the ground, the bubble is gone.
Isn’t this true for so many people today? A lot of people are chasing after happiness, but like the bubbles, happiness is always just out of reach. Or, just when we think we have it, our bubble may burst. What are some of the things that people believe will make them happy but may fall flat? (Pause for responses.)
Money: (Hold up money.) Many people think that money will bring them happiness, but it doesn't. Once you spend it, it is gone, and you still don't have happiness.
Food: (Hold up the food.) Some people seek happiness in food. They eat because they are sad or depressed and they think that food will make them feel better. It doesn't. After they eat, they are still unhappy.
Entertainment: (Hold up video game controller.) Many people think that doing fun things is the same thing as being happy, but it isn't. Oftentimes, people who are laughing on the outside are crying on the inside.
Popularity: Some people think that being popular with other people will bring them happiness. They will do anything or say anything to make other people like them, but popularity doesn't last. It is here today and gone tomorrow. There is no lasting happiness in popularity.
Jesus knew that people often look for happiness in the wrong places. He even said we might be happier if we were poor, hungry, crying, and disliked by others. Why would Jesus suggest such a thing?
When we are poor, we can trust in God to supply everything we need instead of depending on our wealth.
When we are hungry for God and His righteousness, we realize that only He can satisfy our hunger.
When we are crying, we can trust in God to comfort us and ease our pain.
When we think we have no friends, we have a friend in Jesus. Jesus is the friend who will never leave us.
We all want to be happy, don’t we? Don't spend your time chasing bubbles. Look to your Heavenly Father. He is the source of true happiness.
Dear Father, help us to remember that we can never find happiness by seeking the things this world has to offer. True happiness can only be ours by following Jesus. In Jesus' name, Amen.