First Baptist Church, South Haven
We are currently only having VIRTUAL WORSHIP SERVICES. In addition, all in-person activities have been cancelled. Watch our emails or check the website for how to participate virtually.
While our place of worship has changed from the usual place and time, we are grateful to know that the Body of Christ can worship anytime, anywhere. And a building is just that - a building. The Church is the people, not the place where we worship. In these troubled times, our witness for Jesus Christ can be evident to those around us as we take wise precautions, while simultaneously living out our faith with what it means to have a peace that passes all understanding. May you be blessed this week as we see God at work through these unprecedented times. We can get through this together. Our God is able.
Come to Me
Matt. 11:28
Pastor Jerry Koller
Matthew 11:28-30 NIV
“Come” is a common word found over 1600 times in the Bible.
· The word used by Matthew is found 12 times in the New Testament: 1 in Revelation, 2 in John, 3 in Mark, and 6 times in Matthew.
· Here in verse 28, it is used as a verb that gives either a command or a request.
· Given the context in which this word is found, this request is offered as a means of encouraging someone.
· Encourage means to cause someone to be courageous. It means to cause someone to be inspired or to give support.
6 examples of society’s views have been integrated into the church.
1. The definition of marriage.
2. The sanctity of marriage.
3. The permanency of marriage.
4. Human sexuality.
5. The Sanctity of life.
6. Our subjection to governing authorities.
Our salvation and hope are not grounded in our society.
Philippians 3:20 NIV
Our salvation and hope are not grounded in our government.
Our salvation and hope are not grounded in a political party.
· Faith does not come from political parties
Romans 10:17 NIV
Luke 11:17 NIV
The only way I believe we can stop divisiveness and come to a place of unity is to accept Jesus’ invitation: Come to Me.
Hebrews 11:6 NIV
Acts 4:12 NIV
Romans 10:13 NIV
Romans 10:9-10 NIV
In verse 28, that Jesus expands on this invitation. Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened
· …all who labor and are heavy laden.
Appealing to all who are weary and burdened clearly shows how accessible the Son of God is.
Weariness is a result of extremely hard work, a result of laborious work under an unbearable load.
The religious leaders placed a great burden on the shoulders of the Jews because of their teachings and traditions.
Luke 11:46 NIV
Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV
APPLICATION
For those of us in Christ, we need to refocus on these truths especially during a time when we are so divided—in our country and in our churches.
It is time we stop focusing on the things of the world for they cause us to become burdened and weary.
We must seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.
We work so hard to divide. Why not work that hard to unite?
Ephesians 4:3-6 NIV
· Hailey & Grady Watson upon the birth of their daughter, Emberly Grace, on 11/11.
· Howard Robinson (brother of Stan Robinson, father of Bruce Robinson) is recovering from a stroke followed by surgery. Howard has been struggling since his first stroke several months ago from which he has not regained speech ability.
· Mike & Linda Rooker and their family upon the loss of Linda’s mother, LaVerta Rydecki, on 10/21/20.
· Mary Ann Jones (Vasha Ferguson’s godmother) is currently hospitalized as she is recovering from a fall. She is also suffering from dementia and is undergoing testing.
· Leslie Robinson (friend of Vasha Ferguson) continues to have multiple health issues.
· Crystal Jennings (sister of Tracy Marshall’s brother-in-law, Louie) latest bone scan showed slight improvement since June and marked improvement since March. She will continue back to her previous treatment every 3 weeks (no chemo) and her bone infusions will be every 3 months now instead of every 6 weeks.
· Linda Newell is recovering from surgery for a total hysterectomy.
· Kevin & Andrea Tait as they recover from the total loss of their home due to a fire on 9/15.
· Tina Dell is having some health concerns and significant pain related to a hernia.
· Deborah Kirby (Vasha Ferguson's sister) has been moved to a rehab center following a massive stroke. Pray that medicare/medicaid insurance can be upgraded to cover needed treatment. She also has a wound that is not healing and is being tested for diabetes and cancer. Please pray for good results.
· Ginny Dorsey (Rhonda Dobberstein's mother) is receiving radiation for cancer.
· Lynn Rarick continues to deal with hip issues. Pray that a resolution can be figured out.
· Check out our monthly prayer card on-line at southhavenfbc.com under “Weekly Bulletins” for a list of those with on-going needs.
First Baptist Church
1635 76th Street
South Haven, MI 49090
269-637-1291
southhavenfbc@gmail.com