Category: Announcements

Special events, services or happenings

SRC “Live Stream” Worship Service (9:25AM, Sunday, April 26)

by

April 24, 2020

3:42 pm

Comments Off on SRC “Live Stream” Worship Service (9:25AM, Sunday, April 26)

Announcements

The April 26th Sunday sermon entitled “One of the Hardest Hard Providences” will be “live streamed” at our normal worship service time of 9:30AM Sunday. However, we encourage you to login at 9:25AM to get settled in and enjoy the piano prelude music. Once again, you are invited to view or listen to our Sunday morning sermon in one of 4 ways.

1) Watch live on the church Facebook page at 9:30AM, SUNDAY by going to: facebook.com/srcmarion Please “like” our Facebook page for future notifications.

2) Watch the same recording later on Facebook at a time more convenient for you: facebook.com/srcmarion

3) Watch the same recording later on our newly created YouTube channel. Just type in “Second Reformed Church of Marion” when you go to: youtube.com

4) Listen to the audio recording and see sermon outline on our church website: sermons.srcmarion.org

 

Title: One of the Hardest Hard Providences

Theme: The Lord is God of all comfort.

Text: Psalm 46

I. No matter HOW He answers our prayers, God is still our present & future _________________ & _________________.

A. Psalm 46 confesses a fresh demonstration of that truth.

B. Though our perception be otherwise, our reality is we’re not alone.

II. Faith’s _____________ in us.

A. One preacher believes sermons should end with amen, but therefore.

B. Another implied therefore, v. 10.

 

Questions for Study

II Kings 19; Isaiah 37-38 give the back story to Psalm 46.

When children are frightened or hurting, what comfort do they most want?  Are we any different?  What does loving parental presence signify for a fearful or hurting child?  How then might one use Psalm 46 to comfort grieving people?

How does our Lord’s incarnation, His becoming Emmanuel, particularly fulfill Psalm 46:1?

How is Jerusalem’s complete inability to rescue herself from an overwhelming enemy a picture of our human condition?

Beyond an underground conduit bringing water within Jerusalem’s walls that Hezekiah had dug, to what might the river whose streams make glad the city of God point?  Hint, John 7:37-39.  This “Stream” comes up again in Revelation 22.

How does Revelation 21 relate to Psalm 46, especially its central truth as found in 46:1?

Dave and Kim Field’s News – April 2020

by

April 24, 2020

9:51 am

Comments Off on Dave and Kim Field’s News – April 2020

Announcements, Missions

How has April been for you?

Adjustments?

Dave studies from our home office. He is taking a heavy class online at Trinity this semester, and just finished a very big paper! It is really awesome having him right here at home and I love it!

Reece studies from our living room. He listens to his Bible school classes which are live, on-line. He has a routine down that looks as close as possible to his Bible school morning schedule. 3 more weeks till virtual graduation!

Clark studies 11th grade online classes from his room. Clark has always had virtual online school, so he hasn’t had any school changes. He sure misses his youth group friends and activities, but loves having his brother around!

This month Clark turned 17 and Reece turned 21 !!! We are so thrilled with how they are bringing their thoughts and struggles to the Lord through this Covid time. Like most everyone, they each have lost some irreplaceable things.  Reece has lost a lot of his Senior semester, which he can’t have back. Clark has lost a missions trip, but both of them are walking close to the Lord and trusting Him in the middle of it all.

I have SO enjoyed having us four together, enjoying family meals, family church, Easter, evening fire pit, great conversations, laughter, and knowing this is such a sweet time we get to be together that God carved out for us! I’ve been cherishing each day and soaking it all in! Who knew the 4 of us would get to live together again??

We join you in trusting the Lord in the middle of this time, and look forward to seeing how He will make everything turn out for good and His glory!

We send our love!
Dave, Kim, Reece & Clark Field

Timely Billy Graham Sermon Clip Goes Viral

by

April 19, 2020

7:54 am

Comments Off on Timely Billy Graham Sermon Clip Goes Viral

Announcements

Timely Billy Graham Sermon Clip Goes Viral

By Aaron Earls

As uncertainty becomes the new normal, many people are finding comfort in the familiar. One such place is a Billy Graham sermon.

While Graham died just over two years ago, his words from this classic sermon still bring comfort and reassurance to the Christian today.

Hundreds have shared this short clip from Billy Graham on social media.

Video Player

In the sermon excerpt, Graham says:

Habakkuk said, “Lord please tell me what you’re doing.” And God said, “No, I’m not going to tell you, Habakkuk. Because if I told you what I was doing you wouldn’t believe it.”

If God today told us what He’s doing in the world, we wouldn’t believe it.

Don’t you think God’s given up, and God’s abdicated, and God’s left the throne. He hasn’t.

He’s still on the throne. And those of us that know Him put our trust in Him and Him alone.

I don’t put my trust in Washington. I don’t put my trust in the United Nations. I don’t put my trust in myself. I don’t put trust in my money.

I put my trust in the Lord Jesus Christ.

When all the rest of it fails and crumbles and shatters, He’ll be there.

SRC “Live Stream” Worship Service (9:25AM, Sunday, April 19)

by

April 17, 2020

3:12 pm

Comments Off on SRC “Live Stream” Worship Service (9:25AM, Sunday, April 19)

Announcements

The April 19th Sunday sermon will be “live streamed” at our normal worship service time of 9:30AM Sunday. However, we encourage you to login at 9:25AM to get settled in and enjoy the piano prelude music. Once again, you are invited to view or listen to our Sunday morning sermon in one of 4 ways.

1) Watch live on the church Facebook page at 9:30AM, SUNDAY by going to: facebook.com/srcmarion  Please “like” our Facebook page for future notifications.

2) Watch the same recording later on Facebook at a time more convenient for you: facebook.com/srcmarion

3) Watch the same recording later on our newly created YouTube channel. Just type in “Second Reformed Church of Marion” when you go to: youtube.com

4) Listen to the audio recording and see sermon outline on our church website: sermons.srcmarion.org

 

Title: Resurrection Repercussions

Text: Psalm 2

Theme: Jesus, Eternal God & our Elder Brother remains enthroned and reigning.

I. Mankind in ______________.

A. The powerful set themselves…against the Lord & against His anointed

B. The rebellion is in our blood; it continues today.

II. The Lord in ______________.

A. Vv. 4-7 declare what God did despite all attempts to stop Him.

B. An exhortation to drive home the Psalm’s central comfort.

 

Questions for Study

How do we know that Psalm 2 is talking about Jesus’ exaltation (His resurrection, ascension & Heavenly session at the Father’s right hand)?

Scripture interprets Scripture: see Acts 4:24-28;13:32-33; Hebrews 1:3-5; 5:5; Romans 1:1-4 .

How are you personally reminded that our Lord rules all things?

How is your thinking about our troubled society different because of this truth?

How are your personal values affected by this truth?

How does the fact that our Lord rules all things help you cope with hardships?

Here are some texts related to Psalm 2’s event that bring comfort when read & reflected upon:  Daniel 7:13-14; Revelation 1:4-6; 5:1ff.

The Bible League – April 2020

by

April 10, 2020

11:36 am

Comments Off on The Bible League – April 2020

Announcements, Missions
Special Edition: In the Midst of Crisis, God is there.
The worldwide impact of COVID-19 presents uncharted territory for all of us. For a global ministry like Bible League, the pandemic touches nearly every aspect of our ministry: partners, donors, staff, and ministry recipients.

Amid this chaos, ministry is still happening. Bibles are still being delivered. Believers are still being trained. The Gospel is still spreading. Our ministry is affected, but it’s not stopping.

Throughout the Bible, we see stories of people surviving tragedy and chaos. We see God working miracles in midst of storms. And in this issue of your eNews, you’ll read the stories of three children who are fully trusting in God, despite their circumstances—and God is showing Himself faithful over and over. These young people can be an inspiration to us in times like these.

As the news changes every day, we encourage you to stay focused on the One who is in control. None of this surprises the Lord, and we as Christians can have peace as we reflect on His promises.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV

 

Latest News

Rejected by Everyone but God

April 1, 2020

Nanthini is an 18-year-old from Sri Lanka

Nanthini is an 18-year-old from Sri Lanka. She was raised by her grandparents alongside her two sisters and two younger cousins. While her grandparents did their best to raise five children while working in the tea gardens, Nanthini and the other children were often left alone, feeling neglected. “There were times where we yearned for parental love and protection that no one could provide,” she remembers.

But that wasn’t the end of Nanthini’s struggles. She was unable to walk, stand, or speak on her own for nearly eight years. Her mental development was not on track with others her age. Her reproductive organs were not developing, and doctors said she would never experience puberty. Friends and family ridiculed and rejected her. “I would overhear people say really mean things, like ‘she is a curse to the family, nothing good will come from her’ and ‘she will never be a woman, she will not live long,’” Nanthini remembers sadly.

She was often left home alone when her grandparents and family would go out. She quit school at 15. She was discouraged and sad.

One day, a pastor and Bible League-trained church planter visited Nanthini. He introduced her to the Bible, telling her about the healing power of Jesus. “I said to myself, ‘I’m going to trust Jesus, the miraculous healer,’” she remembers. “I started with the Gospel of Mark, trusting Jesus word by word. I felt hopeful after reading the Bible and placed my whole trust in Jesus.”

The next month, Nanthini went to the hospital for her monthly checkup. Doctors were amazed to find healthy development throughout her body. Everything was improving. Nanthini knew it was because of God. “I was very interested and hungry to learn more of the Word of God,” she says.

She began praying for her father who struggled with alcoholism and showed no signs of repentance. For weeks she prayed, knowing the power of God. Her father became ill and gave up drinking for good.

The more she saw God work, the stronger Nanthini’s faith became. Her father has since come back into her life and her mother has promised to do the same. “I am thrilled and grateful for the ministry of Bible League International,” she says. “I was disabled, rejected, and cursed, but now the love of God has changed my life and blessed my heart. Thank you.”

 

Crisis Brings Boys to Jesus

April 1, 2020

Abel, 11, and Yoangel, 14, are two of the millions of people affected by the Venezuelan refugee crisis.

Abel, 11, and Yoangel, 14, are two of the millions of people affected by the Venezuelan refugee crisis. Their families, both from Venezuela, were forced to join households and live together because of the economic crisis in their country. But even the new living arrangements didn’t help the families enough, and they decided to emigrate to Colombia.

After weeks of travel, the families finally landed in Bogotá, Colombia. They found a place to stay, but sadly, the long travel had been too hard for Yoangel’s mother. She was suffering with lung issues and the trip made those worse. She passed away in Bogotá. Devastated, the two families decided to move again to escape the sad memories.

Heading south towards Ecuador, they stopped in Santander de Quilichao, a violent city in southern Colombia. But despite the violence, the families felt welcome. A local pastor showed them support and love, so much that they decided to stay. They found a place to live—and they found Jesus!

Yoangel

Yoangel says God’s Word has changed his life and brought comfort to his family. “Becoming part of the church has been very good for my family and me. Before bed, I read my new Bible and take it to every Bible study,” he says. “I know today that Jesus Christ is my Savior!”

Abel

Abel has found comfort and peace in Jesus. “I found God’s help through His Word here,” he says. “Jesus gave His life for us, and He gives us love and strength to continue our lives.” Currently, both boys are studying the Word through a Project Philip Bible study in their church.

At such young ages, these boys have suffered more than many adults, but their mature faith has brought them peace and comfort. Please pray for them.

Are you in need of a daily dose of positive?

Bible League is starting a new initiative called Be Encouraged: Good News Never Stops. We’ll deliver devotions from global staff and stories of God’s faithfulness right to your inbox.

Sign up for our Verse of the Day email and you’ll start seeing these encouraging stories in the next few days. We can all stay positive during this time knowing that God is in control!

Online Shopping During Social Distancing?

Share the Good News When You Shop Online with Amazon Smile!

Each time you place an order on Amazon, you can engage someone in the Word of God! Here’s how:

1. Start your shopping at smile.amazon.com. This is the same Amazon you know, just with the option to give back.

2. When prompted, designate Bible League International as your charitable organization.

3. Go shop!

That’s it! Each time you make a purchase, Amazon will donate 0.5% back to Bible League International, providing Bibles and Bible study tools to believers around the world. Thank you for your support by providing God’s Word!

 

» Join Us in Prayer This Month: Download the April Prayer Calendar

Additional Prayer Requests

Around the world, we see God using this scary pandemic as an awakening. In Albania, a Muslim-dominated country, Bible studies are starting because people are looking for hope. Pray that God would continue to soften hearts to the Gospel and use this time of uncertainty to bring people to Him.

We’re seeing leaders start new initiatives to continue their ministry. Praise God that He’s provided many non-traditional opportunities for believers to worship, pray, and share the Gospel together. Pray that ministry leaders around the globe would stay encouraged and continue to serve.

 
Thank you for your prayers and financial support. Your gifts to Bible League International make it possible for our ministry to provide God’s Word to a world in need.
This email was sent by: Bible League International
3801 Eagle Nest Drive
Crete, IL, 60417, US.
Update Profile | Manage Subscriptions
 
 

Grace Covenant Ministries – April 2020

by

April 10, 2020

11:16 am

Comments Off on Grace Covenant Ministries – April 2020

Announcements, Missions

Grace Covenant Ministries/Annville Institute

April 8, 2020

Dear Prayer Warrior,

The world seems to have stopped, but still moving on.  The pace sure has changed.  Covid – 19 has curtailed our activities.  Most of the events on campus have been cancelled and our trade stores have been closed to abide by suggestions from our elected officials.  Staffing has been reduced and utilities shut off in buildings that are temporarily closed.  We ask for your prayers for the boys in the Barnabas Home and the women in Lincoln Oaks (the addiction recovery center on campus) which are still operating on our campus.  Needs continue and we do look for opportunities to offer a helping hand within our limited resources.  The opportunities included distributing some surplus food to local churches to give to needy families.  We also were able to help an elderly woman as she had to relocate to a different residence.  Our staff is also aiding local congregations with setting up some virtual worship services.

We are still preparing for what we hope will be a busy summer season.  There are a lot of unknowns as we do our planning, but we do have the confidence in knowing who controls our tomorrows.   Our office is open, and we are available to answer any questions or address any concerns.  We are praying that you and your families will stay healthy.  It is our desire that all of us will be able to rejoice in knowing that we serve a risen Savior and that He controls our destiny.

We are also very grateful for the financial gifts and the donations of used clothing and household items that are coming in during these uncertain times. We also want to thank you for your prayer support.  You are helping us to make a difference in our community.  Thank you for partnering with us!  We hope you will have a joyous Easter celebration.  The church buildings may be empty in America, but we can also rejoice in the fact that the tomb is empty!

Your partner in missions,

Jake Moss

Director of Development

Annville Institute/Grace Covenant Ministries

Easter Sunday “Live Stream” (9:25AM, Sunday, April 12)

by

April 9, 2020

4:08 pm

Comments Off on Easter Sunday “Live Stream” (9:25AM, Sunday, April 12)

Announcements

The EASTER Sunday April 12th sermon will be “live streamed” at our normal worship service time of 9:30AM Sunday. However, we encourage you to login at 9:25AM to get settled in and enjoy the piano prelude music. Due to coronavirus restrictions our Maundy Thursday Supper, Good Friday Gatherings, Sunrise Service in the Park, and Easter Service in the church have been cancelled. Once again, you are invited to view or listen to our Sunday morning sermon in one of 4 ways.

1) Watch live on the church Facebook page at 9:30AM, SUNDAY by going to: facebook.com/srcmarion  Please “like” our Facebook page for future notifications.

2) Watch the same recording later on Facebook at a time more convenient for you: facebook.com/srcmarion

3) Watch the same recording later on our newly created YouTube channel. Just type in “Second Reformed Church of Marion” when you go to: youtube.com

4) Listen to the audio recording and see sermon outline on our church website: sermons.srcmarion.org

“He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying.” (Matthew 28:6)

Title: Executed by Man, Exalted by God

Text: Psalm 118:19-24

Theme: God exalted Jesus to supreme preeminence; He is Lord of all.

I. The __________ that the builders rejected.

A. See how this plays out in the NT, which repeatedly references our text

B. People still prejudice themselves against Him, His Word & works.

II. This ___________ has become head of the corner.

A. In raising Jesus from the dead, God exalted Him as LORD (Owner & Ruler of all) as well as the One in Whom all things hold together.

B. God tells us this is His doing, vv. 23-24.

For study & reflection: Here are a few Scriptures related to and which comment upon our Psalm 118:22-24 text: Matthew 21:42; Mark 11:9-10; Luke 20:17; Acts 2:22-36; 3:13-16; 4:11; 13:26-41; I Peter 2:7; Philippians 2:5-11; Ephesians 1:15-23

Sermon Discussion Questions

“Builders” refers to OT Church leaders (prophets, Levites, priests, elders of the people), which prior to the Jews’ captivity in Babylon included the kings of Judah (Deuteronomy 17:14-20).  What were they building?  How were they building?  Hint: Deuteronomy 6:1-9; Ezra 7:1-10; Malachi 2:4-7; I Corinthians 3:5-15.  Who are the “builders” today?

Besides being its first Citizen, in what way is Jesus the Cornerstone of the New Heavens & Earth?

Genuine Christians, true believers are in Christ, grafted into Him, the True Vine, forever joined to Him legally/federally & spiritually.  When God exalted Him to the highest place, to glory, honor & power, how does that affect the daily life of those joined to Him?  See Romans 8:28-39; Colossians 3:1ff; I Peter 1:3-9; 2:4-10.

We lament what we’re hindered from doing presently.  Still, when God closes a door or doors, He opens others.  How do corona virus challenges offer unique opportunities to honor & exalt our Lord?  What are some of them?

Palm Sunday “Live Stream” with Prelude (9:25AM, Sunday, April 5)

by

April 3, 2020

12:41 pm

Comments Off on Palm Sunday “Live Stream” with Prelude (9:25AM, Sunday, April 5)

Announcements

The Palm Sunday April 5th sermon will be “live streamed” at our normal worship service time of 9:30AM Sunday. However, we encourage you to login at 9:25AM to get settled in and enjoy the piano prelude music we are adding this week. Due to coronavirus restrictions are regular Palm Sunday worship service in the church has been cancelled, as well as Maundy Thursday Supper, Good Friday Gatherings, Sunrise Service in the Park, and Easter Service in the church. Once again, you are invited to view or listen to our Sunday morning sermon in one of 4 ways. 

1) Watch live on the church Facebook page at 9:30AM, SUNDAY by going to: facebook.com/srcmarion

2) Watch the same recording later on Facebook at a time more convenient for you: facebook.com/srcmarion

3) Watch the same recording later on our newly created YouTube channel. Just type in “Second Reformed Church of Marion” when you go to: youtube.com

4) Listen to the audio recording and see sermon outline on our church website: sermons.srcmarion.org

Please “like” our Facebook page for future notifications. We purchased another microphone this week that should help improve sound quality. We will be adding a Prelude and Benediction. Thank you to our Live Steam Ministry Crew (Pastor Don, Preacher; Dave & Denise Skidmore, Facebook Live Stream & YouTube; Shawn Burditt, Website Audio Recording; Judy White, Pianist). We hope that this virtual sermon will encourage you to walk closely with the Lord Jesus and stay connected with your church family during these challenging days.

Sermon Title: The Shout of Victory

Text: John 19:23-30

Theme: Jesus pronounced His people’s redemption accomplished.

I. He speaks as God’s Chief ____________ & __________________.

A. His Word, It is finished speaks on God’s behalf.

B. It is finished declares all that was written was as good as accomplished.

II. He speaks as our God-appointed ___________ __________ _________.

A. It is finished testifies He accomplished His incarnation’s goal.

B. God confirmed it by signs on Good Friday, Easter, Pentecost & our 2nd birthday.

III. He speaks as all-conquering _____________ _____ _______________.

A. Our Lord & Law-Giver’s declaration means He fulfilled all righteousness.

B. Our King has crushed the Serpent’s head, broken Satan’s power.

Questions for Study

How might those hearing Jesus’ declaration It is finished have interpreted what He was saying?  Might some such as His enemies have ironically heard it as lamenting a failed mission or frustrated life plan?

At the time, did His friends understand what He meant?  See:  Luke 24:21; John 2:18-22; 12:16.

What is His 6th Word’s effect on God’s many promises to forgive believers’ sins, properly bury our regrets over our sinful pasts?   How can we use His Word It is finished when we or one we’re encouraging is plagued with false guilt or regret over their past?  How does His Word tie in with Micah 7:18-20?

Succeeding generations can be quite adept at destroying the noble work of previous generations, witness generations-long attempts to overthrow our constitutional republic & discredit historic figure long revered for their work.  Can Jesus’ work on the Cross ever be undone?  See Hebrews 7:27; 9:12, 26; 10:10, 12.

How does John 17:1ff reflect on Jesus’ 6th Word?

How is Jesus’ finished work of redemption reflected in the change of Memorial Meal/Sacrament, from Passover to the Lord’s Supper?

Hautle Happenings – March 2020

by

March 31, 2020

7:36 am

Comments Off on Hautle Happenings – March 2020

Announcements, Missions

Dear praying friend,

What a roller coaster of a month we’ve all had. It’s good to know COVID-19 hasn’t taken the Lord by surprise.
Please find our latest newsletter attached. A few up-to-date developments:
  1. We were asked to create a special devotional book specifically for the CEF Coronavirus page (https://www.cefonline.com/covid19/) It should go up within the next few days.
  2. As COVID-19 has hit Europe hard, we’re also busy with emergency materials there. Please pray we can provide these items quickly in many languages.
Thank you so much for standing with us.
Blessings,
-Brent, Jen, Amy and Christopher