We resume our series on 1 Peter, tackling one of the strangest pasasges in the whole Bible. But if we keep Jesus at the center of it, it's rather simple to understand, and really valuable for the current crisis that the world lives.

These are challenging times, but the church has survived famine (Acts 11:27-30) and persecution (Acts 9:23-25) by bonding together and keeping faith. With difficulty, there is always a chance for us to grow (James 1:2-4). So let us consider three ways we can demonstrate faith in these times, the times of the COVID-19 Coronavirus Pandemic.

During the past few weeks, we have looked at some of the prayers of the Apostle Paul for the church, and we have looked at the great prayer of Jesus for His disciples and for all those who would believe in Him as a result of their testimony about Him. We have seen that God has called us to ask great…

Join Pastor Ben for some brief announcements, a mini-meditation, and a brief time of prayer. (This is based on "From Suffering to Salvation" our Lenten Devotional for the 2020 pg. 16)

Paul gives us some pretty simple advice about how to have peace. Is it too simple? Pastor Ben explores a bit about Paul's "street cred" when it comes to facing adversity. He also looks at ways of making room for Jesus while and the importance of being socially connected to others during this time of uncertainty.

As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving this week, perhaps some of you have already set your sights on Christmas. We have a son-in-law whose Christmas decorations have been up since Nov. 1. He got a late start this year. Do you know anybody like that — someone who just can’t wait for Christmas music…

Human beings have always found themselves at times feeling like we’re drowning in a sea of confusion, grief and bad advice. Thousands of years ago, a man called Job realised that he needed a ‘someone’ — a godly go-between, a heavenly mediator — to appeal to God on his behalf. What Job is telling us is that, ultimately, Jesus is the answer. To whom will you make your appeal?

Pastor Ben takes a brief look at the Jesus calming the storm both past and present.

Thanks be to thee, our Lord Jesus Christ, for all the benefits which thou hast given us, for all the pains and insults which thou hast borne for us. O most merciful Redeemer, Friend, and Brother, may we know thee more clearly, love thee more dearly, and follow thee more nearly. Amen. Some of you may…

An explanation of the Coronavirus and how we should respond.

Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit; do not despise prophetic utterances. But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil. Now may the God of peace…

(*) Virtual Service for the First Baptist Church of Kewanee, Illinois (*) Music: Jim Blucker (Bass), Brock Tumbleson (Piano), Steve Martin (Guitar), and Chris Cinnamon (Drums) (*) Additional Singers: Susan Vincent, Rebecca Carrasca (*) Sermon: Pastor Jon Vincent begins around the 23:51 mark (*) Service video available on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/4GpMlHvqb1s

Palm Sunday Worship during the COVID-19 Pandemic. We look at Mark 14:3-9 where a costly ointment is poured on Jesus and people object. Pulling together Jesus' teaching about taxes, and the teaching about loving one another, we ask ourselves how we show kindness and love to each other in the midst of this pandemic -- and the need for our government to support everyone (even if it means raised taxes later.)

Our second pre-recorded worship during the COVID-19 pandemic. This week's readings focussed on love. Love of God, love of neighbour, and how we can show love by staying away yet still in contact with one another in this time.

With COVID-19 orders to "shelter in place" being issued over so many areas, how should Christians respond? Does the gospel shelter in place? Should we, as the church, not be actively sharing the hope and doing the business that our Master has left us to tend to? Listen to this message on The Parable of the Minas to learn more.

The first session in our time of prayer during the social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This is a pre-recorded version of the worship that will be offered on Sunday March 15, 2020 at Holy Cross. We hope that it is helpful to the people who need to stay home to properly care for themselves during this time.

We continue to gather in our separate places to pray together during this time of physical distancing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We wonder today who we can trust in the midst of this confusing time. The answer might be found in last week's reading. The greatest commandments involve love. Trust those who act in the way of love.

What should we as God's Church do during this tumultuous time? Applying the wisdom of Proverbs and other Scriptures.