First Baptist Church, South Haven
Worship Gathering: 7/13/2025
Join us for in-person worship in the sanctuary or live on Facebook at 10:30am. The service will also be posted to YouTube and Archive later in the week.
Locations & Times
First Baptist Church
10781 76th St, South Haven, MI 49090, USA
Sunday 10:30 AM
Website
Please use our website as a resource tool to stay informed and up to date on our most current activities. **Please Note*** Under "Resources" we have a page for "FBC Members Only" which has our latest emails and any pertinent info from Pastor Jerry. If you try to access this page, you will need the password "Know Him" to see the content.
https://www.southhavenfbc.comLive Stream
If you're unable to join us in person, you can view today's service live on our Facebook page beginning at 10:30 AM.
https://www.facebook.com/First-Baptist-Church-of-South-Haven-118136484800Online
View today's message later this week on our YouTube channel.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzQahojNwyPo2LMn-ctTG8AWeekly Bulletin
View this week's bulletin including general announcements and weekly prayer requests by clicking here.
https://www.southhavenfbc.com/weekly-bulletinsPrayer Requests
Please let us know how we can pray for you or if you are in need of specific care or encouragement.
https://southhavenfbc.shelbynextchms.com/external/form/0c9d288f-af8d-41bd-9359-4dc3cf051bc9
Pure and Undefiled Religion
James 1:26-27
Pastor Jerry Koller
James 1:26-27
Pastor Jerry Koller
The word translated “religious” and “religion” denotes strict observance of outward religious exercises or practices, whether they were performed sincerely or hypocritically.
In the civilized world at the time the New Testament was written, the idea of religion emphasized achieving an intellectual understanding of deities as well as worshiping those deities in some outward fashion. This was often done without any corresponding relationship to God or a person’s fellowman. That means a person could be religious without actually loving God and his neighbor.
“If anyone thinks himself to be religious…”
• This person continually sees himself or herself as being religious.
• This person continually sees himself or herself as being religious.
What we will soon see is how James uses the adjective “religious” to expose a disconnect between profession and practice. If anyone thinks himself to be religious, (James 1:26a) and yet …
• Notice the comparison: If anyone thinks himself to be religious and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless. (James 1:26)
• The phrase “does not keep” is an essential part of the “and yet,” because it points out the opposite of what is expected.
• Those who consider themselves to be religious should keep a tight rein on their tongues.
• Deceive means to cause someone to believe an untruth, a lie…to be dishonest with; to mislead.
• In literature outside the New Testament, the word translated “worthless” denotes the world of appearance as distinct from that of being. In other words, what you see is not necessarily true.
• Notice the comparison: If anyone thinks himself to be religious and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless. (James 1:26)
• The phrase “does not keep” is an essential part of the “and yet,” because it points out the opposite of what is expected.
• Those who consider themselves to be religious should keep a tight rein on their tongues.
• Deceive means to cause someone to believe an untruth, a lie…to be dishonest with; to mislead.
• In literature outside the New Testament, the word translated “worthless” denotes the world of appearance as distinct from that of being. In other words, what you see is not necessarily true.
“The things that come out of the mouth…” What is that? What do we call it? Speech. They are the things of the tongue. The sobering words of Jesus deal with the fact that our tongues, or speech, are a direct reflection of our heart condition.
The word pure has to do with being free of corruption. It has to do with being genuine.
• The word undefiled is similar to the word pure. It also means without defect.
• The word visit comes from the same root word which carries with it the idea of caring for someone, exercising oversight on their behalf and helping them in whatever way is needed.
• The word for orphan has to do with one who is fatherless or without parents.
• A widow if a woman who was married, but her husband has dies. In that sense, she is husbandless.
In the Law given to Moses, God made provision for orphans and widows (as well as the poor).
• The word undefiled is similar to the word pure. It also means without defect.
• The word visit comes from the same root word which carries with it the idea of caring for someone, exercising oversight on their behalf and helping them in whatever way is needed.
• The word for orphan has to do with one who is fatherless or without parents.
• A widow if a woman who was married, but her husband has dies. In that sense, she is husbandless.
In the Law given to Moses, God made provision for orphans and widows (as well as the poor).
The practice of religion that lacks mercy toward others:
This understanding of orphans and widows was carried into the New Testament. (see 1 Tim. 5:3)
• God never intended for the Church to supplant the responsibilities of families when it came to taking care of one another.
• When there is no family available to help, the Church becomes the family for orphans and widows.
• God never intended for the Church to supplant the responsibilities of families when it came to taking care of one another.
• When there is no family available to help, the Church becomes the family for orphans and widows.
...to keep oneself unstained by the world. (James 1:27c)
• Unstained means to be unspotted or spotless.
• It has to do with being morally and spiritually untainted.
• (see James 1:21)
• Unstained means to be unspotted or spotless.
• It has to do with being morally and spiritually untainted.
• (see James 1:21)
APPLICATION
As kingdom citizens, we must strive for personal holiness, for God is holy. This includes keeping an eye on the things that come out of our mouths. We must bridle our tongues.
We are to be aware of those who may be in need and have no one to help.
Extending help is an expression of mercy, compassion, or an expression of justice.
Extending help is an expression of the heart.
Happy Birthday!
• Megan Collins (7/14)
• Jamie-Christian Moreno (7/14)
• Doug Zantello (7/17)
• Eric Brower (7/18)
• Riley Marshall (7/18)
• Loretta Avery (7/20)
• Jamie-Christian Moreno (7/14)
• Doug Zantello (7/17)
• Eric Brower (7/18)
• Riley Marshall (7/18)
• Loretta Avery (7/20)
Next Week’s Servants (7/20)
• Café Bakers: Grace Low (casserole) | Vasha Ferguson (donuts)
• Café Attendant: Sarah McKamey
• Nursery: Andrea Guzman, Tina Wilburn
• Sound Tech: Bill Foskett
• Video, Streaming & Camera Techs: Linda & Julie Newell, Tracy & Riley Marshall, Max Foskett
• Café Attendant: Sarah McKamey
• Nursery: Andrea Guzman, Tina Wilburn
• Sound Tech: Bill Foskett
• Video, Streaming & Camera Techs: Linda & Julie Newell, Tracy & Riley Marshall, Max Foskett
💉🩸 Blood Drive 🩸💉
Thursday, 7/24/2025 | 1:00-6:00pm | First Baptist Church(in the main foyer, enter under the carport)
🌷Give the gift of blood this spring.
🖊 Sign-up today! It’s easy, and you'll feel great knowing you’ve made a difference!
🗓️ APPOINTMENTS PREFERRED, walk-ins welcomed.
✅ Call 866-642-5663 or sign-up online.
https://donateblood.versiti.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/11406707Golf Scramble Fundraiser: True Vine Ministries
True Vine Equestrian Center presents the third annual Scramble for the Ranch on Friday, September 12 at 9:00 AM at Olde Mill Golf Club (6101 W XY Ave., Schoolcraft). 8am registration begins; 9am shotgun start; 2pm lunch.
Sponsorship packages, ranging from $60-2500, are also available. Different levels provide increased advertising and other opportunities.
For questions or more information, call 269-501-0529 or email truevineequestriancenter@gmail.com.
Sponsorship packages, ranging from $60-2500, are also available. Different levels provide increased advertising and other opportunities.
For questions or more information, call 269-501-0529 or email truevineequestriancenter@gmail.com.
Hearing Assistance Devices Available
We have hearing assistance devices available during the morning worship service which allow the user to control the volume based on their individual needs. They are available from the Sound Booth at the rear of the sanctuary and are cleaned and sanitized after each use. For questions, see Rocky Starland.
Have You Considered?
Did you know that if your bank offers online services, you can set your tithe up as a regular ‘bill payment’ through your bank? This is a convenient option to help with continuity in giving and the ability for you to tithe even when you are on vacation or miss church. It eliminates having to wonder if you turned in your offering while you were gone! If you have questions or would like more information about how to utilize this convenient option, check with your banking institution or contact the church office.
Pop Cans = Scholarships
Don’t forget that your beverage can & bottle donations are used to fund teen scholarships for youth retreats, summer camps, special activities, etc. Please bring your recyclable items to the church anytime!
Mission Cafe
Sundays | 9:00-10:15am | Mission Cafe
The Mission Café is a great place to have a breakfast treat and coffee, enjoy lively conversation and have fun while helping support missions at First Baptist. All items are store bought and served safely. Featuring:
• Donuts
• Bagels
• English Muffins
• Snacks
• Hot & Cold Beverages
• And more!
For your convenience, we accept cash, check, debit/credit cards or Paypal, Venmo, Apple & Google Pay thru the church app!
The Mission Café is a great place to have a breakfast treat and coffee, enjoy lively conversation and have fun while helping support missions at First Baptist. All items are store bought and served safely. Featuring:
• Donuts
• Bagels
• English Muffins
• Snacks
• Hot & Cold Beverages
• And more!
For your convenience, we accept cash, check, debit/credit cards or Paypal, Venmo, Apple & Google Pay thru the church app!
Online Giving is Available!
If you would like to support our ministries by giving an online donation via debit/credit card or your bank account, you can do so by using this link:
https://www.shelbygiving.com/app/giving/southhavenfbcFBC App
You can download the app by clicking the link below from your cell phone or tablet. By using the app, you can conveniently view recorded Sunday worship services; look up addresses and phone numbers for other church members; update your personal information; register for events; tithe online; send prayer requests; and more. We're excited to bring another avenue of communication to you! If you have any questions or issues, please contact Kim.
https://shelby.ministryone.com/landing/v6VP
On the Calendar
mission café
Sundays | 9:00-10:15am | Mission Cafe
worship
Sundays | 10:30am | Sanctuary
• If you're unable to join us in-person, you can watch live on Facebook or view later in the week on Facebook or YouTube or listen to an audio only version on Archive.
children’s worship
Sundays | 10:30am | Children’s Worship Room
• Ages 5 years old through 5th grade
• Does not meet on the first Sunday of each month.
• Contact Alyssa Newell for questions or more information.
men’s bible study
Tuesdays | 7:00-8:30pm | Mission Café
• Contact Paul Fitton or Larry Dobberstein for questions or more information.
church office open
Wednesdays | 11:00am-4:00pm
theology class
Wednesdays | 7:00-8:00pm | Main Foyer
• Closed course.
bible study
Thursdays | 9:30-11:30am | Conference Room
• On break until Fall.
• Contact Tina Wilburn for questions or more information.
women’s craft group
Thursdays | 6:30pm | Craft Room
• Contact Tracy Marshall for questions or more information.
coming soon
• Blood Drive: Thursday, 7/24 | 1:00-6:00pm | FBC Main Foyer
Sundays | 9:00-10:15am | Mission Cafe
worship
Sundays | 10:30am | Sanctuary
• If you're unable to join us in-person, you can watch live on Facebook or view later in the week on Facebook or YouTube or listen to an audio only version on Archive.
children’s worship
Sundays | 10:30am | Children’s Worship Room
• Ages 5 years old through 5th grade
• Does not meet on the first Sunday of each month.
• Contact Alyssa Newell for questions or more information.
men’s bible study
Tuesdays | 7:00-8:30pm | Mission Café
• Contact Paul Fitton or Larry Dobberstein for questions or more information.
church office open
Wednesdays | 11:00am-4:00pm
theology class
Wednesdays | 7:00-8:00pm | Main Foyer
• Closed course.
bible study
Thursdays | 9:30-11:30am | Conference Room
• On break until Fall.
• Contact Tina Wilburn for questions or more information.
women’s craft group
Thursdays | 6:30pm | Craft Room
• Contact Tracy Marshall for questions or more information.
coming soon
• Blood Drive: Thursday, 7/24 | 1:00-6:00pm | FBC Main Foyer
• Roberta Newton is at home recovering from a kidney related issue.
• Pastor Jerry Koller is recovering from hip replacement surgery.
• Susan Seitz is at home recovering from a successful SI Joint fusion (Sacroiliac) surgery.
• Louann Pranger (Tracy Marshall's mom) continues to recover from a c-diff infection. Pray that her insurance will reconsider and provide coverage for the treatment needed to get her fully healed. Her spirit is very discouraged, and she is worried about permanent damage to her colon.
• Beth Bocock continues to recover from ulcerative colitis.
• Lennon McKamey (son of Kyle & Sarah) needs surgery on his shoulder. Please pray that preparing for surgery goes smoothly.
• Check out our monthly prayer card on-line at southhavenfbc.com under “Weekly Bulletins” for a list of those with on-going needs.
• Pastor Jerry Koller is recovering from hip replacement surgery.
• Susan Seitz is at home recovering from a successful SI Joint fusion (Sacroiliac) surgery.
• Louann Pranger (Tracy Marshall's mom) continues to recover from a c-diff infection. Pray that her insurance will reconsider and provide coverage for the treatment needed to get her fully healed. Her spirit is very discouraged, and she is worried about permanent damage to her colon.
• Beth Bocock continues to recover from ulcerative colitis.
• Lennon McKamey (son of Kyle & Sarah) needs surgery on his shoulder. Please pray that preparing for surgery goes smoothly.
• 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
1635 76th Street
South Haven, MI 49090
269-637-1291
southhavenfbc@gmail.com