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

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• Sunday Worship Service begins at 10:30 am. Feel free to wear a mask if you so choose. If you prefer to continue to worship at home, we pray that the resources we provide will be edifying and worshipful.

“This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic.” James 3:15

Dear Friends,

James, in agreement with all that is written in the rest of the Bible, asserts that there are only two kinds of wisdom. The first kind of wisdom is “that which comes down from above.” James is talking about heavenly or divine wisdom which comes from God Himself. God is the possessor of all true wisdom, and He freely and willingly gives it to everyone who asks Him for it (see 1:5 and Matthew 7:7-11).

Unfortunately, human beings rarely ask for God’s wisdom on what to think, what to do and how to do it. Created in God’s image with the (potential) ability to think rationally, we usually come up with our own ideas and proceed accordingly. Often our thoughts and decisions conflict with what God thinks and says on the subject. Far from being insignificant “differences of opinion, James calls this worldly-wisdom “earthly, natural – demonic”! Wow! “So every time my conclusions contradict God’s word – my thinking is being shaped by Satan and his demons?” Yes!

I hope you realize and feel the import of this truth. If you claim to be a Christian, you have given up your right to forming your “own” opinions, thoughts, positions, etc. Rather, you have received the right, and ability, to seek God’s perspective, receive His insight and guidance, and live accordingly in freedom and peace.

Please reject the lie that every viewpoint is equally valid. There is only one “Truth” –  Jesus (John 14;6) and one source of true wisdom – God the Father (James 1:17). Is your thinking “from above”, or does it tend to be “earthly, natural, demonic”? What do you want it to be like? What kind of wisdom do you desire?

God has made it possible for you to pursue, and perceive, His wisdom. But you must be willing to receive it from Him, through Christ. You must receive Jesus (John 1:12) and continually ask His indwelling Holy Spirit to impart His Truth to you (1 Cor. 2:10-16). Jesus invites you to “Ask, Seek & Knock . . .”, and then “you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32)

God bless and keep you in His wisdom,

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.