We believe the Bible, consisting of the Old and New Testaments, to be the only inspired, inerrant, infallible, authoritative Word of God written.

We believe that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

We believe in the deity of Christ, in his virgin birth, in his sinless life, in his miracles, in his vicarious and atoning death through his shed blood, in his bodily resurrection, in his Ascension to the right hand of the Father, and his personal return in power and glory.

We believe that for salvation of lost and sinful man regeneration by the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential.

We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by Whose indwelling power and fullness the Christian is enabled to live a godly life in the present evil world.

We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost; they that are saved unto the resurrection of life and they that are lost unto the resurrection of damnation.

We believe in the spiritual unity of all believers in Christ.

“And they were continually devoting themselves to the Apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”

 Acts 2:42

At First Congregational Church, we want to be “continually devoted” to the same activities that the New Testament Church has been practicing from the beginning.

If you are looking for a church home where you can grow spiritually in the teachings of Jesus and His Apostles, worship in Spirit and Truth, enjoy the loving fellowship of other committed Christians, and express your God-given gifts, please consider First Congregational Church of Cresco.

Wherever God leads you, we invite you to join us whenever you can.

Church

Radio

• Sunday Worship Service begins at 10:30 am. – everyone is welcome!
• Sunday School classes for all ages will resume in September.
• Follow us on Facebook, and watch the message live around 11am if you can’t meet with us on Sunday Morning.

Dear Friends,

The Primacy of Personal Holiness

As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”                   1 Peter 1:14-16

Are you holy? Do you want to be? Should you be? Should you want to be? Does God want you to be?

Let’s define our terms. To be ‘Holy’ is to be separated from the world and sin and dedicated to God. By ‘primacy’ we mean “Foundational, of first importance.” I think it’s safe to say that the idea that Christians can, should and must be holy is generally misunderstood and all but ignored in our religious culture.

In our limited space I’m going to argue that the text above teaches the title above.

1. God Wills it.

He inspired His Apostle to pen the words above.

2. God Commands it – explicitly in the words above and throughout Scripture.
3. Jesus Prayed for it (John 17:17)
4. The Apostle Paul Prayed for it (1 Thess. 5:23)

Given the above, our only honest and reasonable response is:

1. We Must Want it.
2. We Must Pray for it. (If we pray according to the will of God the Father and His Son Jesus – He will certainly answer us!)
3. We Must Work for it.

. . . work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. Philippians 2:12b-13

Friends, the evil one wants us to water-down or ignore this fundamental attribute of God and teaching of His Word. Satan wants us to think that all God requires is for us to be a little better than the world around us. Please re-read the passage above, pray to God for wisdom, and respond to Him appropriately. If I can be of service, let me know.

Now, May God bless you richly,

As you follow Jesus closely,

Pastor Tim Sir

From Rochester, Minnesota, go south on Highway 63 until you get to Highway 9. Turn east (left) on Highway 9 to Cresco.

From Waterloo, Iowa, go north on Highway 63 until you get to Highway 9 turn east (right) on Highway 9 to Cresco.

From Decorah, Iowa, follow Highway 9 west until you enter Cresco.

Entering Cresco, Iowa on Highway 9, turn north on Elm Street. This will be the first stop light if you are entering Cresco from the east (right turn) or the second stop light if you’re entering Cresco from the west (left turn).

Proceed north on Elm Street through the business district four blocks. At the stop sign, turn east (right turn) on third avenue. The church is located at the end of that block on the north side (left side) of the street.