First Baptist Church, South Haven
Worship Gathering: 5/31/20
Thank you for joining us for worship this morning! 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. As a reminder If you have a need for assistance during this time (grocery delivery, meals, etc.), please do not hesitate to call/text Kim Collins on her cell phone. We have church members ready and willing to help. We can get through this together. Our God is able.
Locations & Times
First Baptist Church
10781 76th St, South Haven, MI 49090, USA
Sunday 6:00 AM
Worship Video 5/31/2020
You can view the sermon video that correlates with today's notes on our YouTube page by clicking here.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzQahojNwyPo2LMn-ctTG8AWeekly Bulletin: 5/31/20
View this week's bulletin including general announcements and weekly prayer requests by clicking here.
https://www.southhavenfbc.com/weekly-bulletins
Distancing
Romans 8:35, 38-39
Pastor Jerry Koller
Romans 8:35, 38-39
Pastor Jerry Koller
We know that as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people throughout the world have died. However, not everyone who contracts the coronavirus dies. Symptoms may vary in intensity from person to person. Some show few to no signs of the infection.
Sin, however, always results in death. No one recovers. No one is cured. No one builds up an immunity. Everyone is infected, and everyone will die.
The only solution is to be born again.
During this pandemic, it has been recommended we practice physical distancing. Such a practice can remind us of the truth that if we are in Christ Jesus, there is absolutely nothing that can possibly separate us from His love.
· This promise brings peace.
· This promise brings hope.
· This promise brings security and assurance no matter what circumstances we may be facing.
· This promise brings hope.
· This promise brings security and assurance no matter what circumstances we may be facing.
Throughout Romans 8:28-39, we see how vast, how deep, how extensive, and how secure the love of God is.
· He works out His divine purposes in and through us (vs. 28).
· He works out our salvation from beginning to end (vss. 29-30).
· Nothing is greater than having God (vs. 31).
· He has given us the greatest gift of all in His Son (vs. 32).
· No one can bring a charge against those whom God justifies (vss. 33-34).
· He works out His divine purposes in and through us (vs. 28).
· He works out our salvation from beginning to end (vss. 29-30).
· Nothing is greater than having God (vs. 31).
· He has given us the greatest gift of all in His Son (vs. 32).
· No one can bring a charge against those whom God justifies (vss. 33-34).
In light of these truths, the question is asked in verse 35: Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?
Beginning in verse 35, Paul starts giving some examples of potential separators.
The first potential separator mentioned is trouble (tribulation).
· This is a translation of a word which carries the idea of being squeezed or placed under pressure due to outward difficulties.
· It also carries with it the idea of stress.
· These are common troubles that afflict everyone.
· This is a translation of a word which carries the idea of being squeezed or placed under pressure due to outward difficulties.
· It also carries with it the idea of stress.
· These are common troubles that afflict everyone.
The second potential separator mentioned is hardship (distress).
· This concept comes from a compound Greek word which is composed of the terms for narrow and space.
· It carries with it the primary idea of strict confinement; of being helplessly hemmed in, trapped, or cornered.
· This concept comes from a compound Greek word which is composed of the terms for narrow and space.
· It carries with it the primary idea of strict confinement; of being helplessly hemmed in, trapped, or cornered.
The third potential separator is persecution.
· This refers to affliction suffered for the sake of Christ.
· This refers to affliction suffered for the sake of Christ.
The fourth potential separator is famine.
· It means not having enough to eat because food is not available.
· It means not having enough to eat because food is not available.
The fifth potential separator mentioned is nakedness.
· This refer to a person who cannot adequately clothe herself or himself.
· It also suggests the idea of being vulnerable and unprotected.
· This refer to a person who cannot adequately clothe herself or himself.
· It also suggests the idea of being vulnerable and unprotected.
The sixth potential separator is danger (peril).
· It may be the result of treachery, jealousy, or hatred.
· It may result from natural disasters.
· It may even result from a viral contagion.
· It may be the result of treachery, jealousy, or hatred.
· It may result from natural disasters.
· It may even result from a viral contagion.
The seventh potential separator is the sword.
· The sword was a symbol of death.
· It suggests losing your life at the hands of someone rather than dying in military battle.
· The sword was a symbol of death.
· It suggests losing your life at the hands of someone rather than dying in military battle.
Perhaps Paul mentions these seven specific things because he himself faced such things and as such, he can address them from a place of personal experience. “For I am convinced…”
To illustrate his conviction, he presents four extremes.
1. Death or Life:
· All that may lead up to death cannot separate us.
· Nothing life can throw at us, such as trouble, hardship, persecution, famine, destitution, danger, or even the coronavirus—whatever life brings— can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.
· All that may lead up to death cannot separate us.
· Nothing life can throw at us, such as trouble, hardship, persecution, famine, destitution, danger, or even the coronavirus—whatever life brings— can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.
2. Devils (principalities) or Angels
· Nothing in the angelic realm, whether they are good angels or fallen angels, can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.
· Nothing in the angelic realm, whether they are good angels or fallen angels, can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.
3. Present or the Future
· For those in Christ who have received the love of God poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit who lives in us (Romans 5:5), nothing we can possible face in the present or the future can separate us from that love.
· For those in Christ who have received the love of God poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit who lives in us (Romans 5:5), nothing we can possible face in the present or the future can separate us from that love.
Extra: Powers
· It is very hard to determine exactly what Paul is referring to for a number of reasons.
· It does not fit the scheme.
· It could be referring to angelic authorities or rank.
· It could refer to miracles or mighty works.
· Whichever meaning is closer, it doesn’t alter the fact that whatever powers may be they cannot possible separate is from the love of God in Christ Jesus.
· It is very hard to determine exactly what Paul is referring to for a number of reasons.
· It does not fit the scheme.
· It could be referring to angelic authorities or rank.
· It could refer to miracles or mighty works.
· Whichever meaning is closer, it doesn’t alter the fact that whatever powers may be they cannot possible separate is from the love of God in Christ Jesus.
4. Height and Depth
· It may refer to the cosmos and the heavenly expanse.
· It may refer to all that is created (everything from top to bottom).
· It may refer to the cosmos and the heavenly expanse.
· It may refer to all that is created (everything from top to bottom).
The summary statement made in verse 39—nor anything else in all creation— covers the entire spectrum of all that is.
· The only One left that doesn’t fall into one of these categories in God’s created order is God Himself.
· The only One left that doesn’t fall into one of these categories in God’s created order is God Himself.
APPLICATION
1. In the days and weeks to come, each one of us will need to determine how and with whom we will practice physical distancing.
· How will you deal with it?
· What precautions do you intend to take?
· Wrong choices may be deadly.
· How will you deal with it?
· What precautions do you intend to take?
· Wrong choices may be deadly.
2. In regard to sin, what precautions do you intend to take?
· You can’t physically distance yourselves from it.
· Using personal protection equipment will not help.
· There is no vaccine and you can’t build up an immunity against it.
· You can’t physically distance yourselves from it.
· Using personal protection equipment will not help.
· There is no vaccine and you can’t build up an immunity against it.
3. Good News.
· There is a cure for sin and its effects.
· It is found in the atoning work of Jesus Christ.
· Through His death and resurrection, we can be reborn into the family of God.
· The love of God can be poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who comes to dwell within us.
· The cure is found in Christ.
· There is a cure for sin and its effects.
· It is found in the atoning work of Jesus Christ.
· Through His death and resurrection, we can be reborn into the family of God.
· The love of God can be poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who comes to dwell within us.
· The cure is found in Christ.
Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.
We are here for you!
· Communication is Important! If you need assistance in any way, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Let us know how we can pray for you. We have persons willing to shop or serve in other ways too. We also still have rolls of toilet paper available. Contact Kim Collins (southhavenfbc@gmail.com or 269-767-2226) or Pastor Jerry (revkoller@yahoo.com or 269-767-2188) if we can help in any way.
· Financial Assistance: While we do not have unlimited financial resources, we do have some benevolent funds available if you’re struggling financially. If you are in a good spot and willing/able to help others in need, perhaps you would consider a donation to our Benevolent Fund to help those who are struggling during this time.
· Current Status: Our building is closed, but several classes are meeting online and Pastor Jerry’s weekly sermon messages are available on our Facebook page and YouTube. If you need to come to the church, please contact Pastor Jerry in advance.
· Be Safe: Please be smart in safeguarding yourselves—not only for your sake, but for the sake of others. If you are sick, stay home.
· Be Faithful: Please be financially faithful. Even though we cannot gather together, please remember that we still have expenses that need to be met.
· Be Prayerful: Please be in prayer for one another and for our nation at large.
· Financial Assistance: While we do not have unlimited financial resources, we do have some benevolent funds available if you’re struggling financially. If you are in a good spot and willing/able to help others in need, perhaps you would consider a donation to our Benevolent Fund to help those who are struggling during this time.
· Current Status: Our building is closed, but several classes are meeting online and Pastor Jerry’s weekly sermon messages are available on our Facebook page and YouTube. If you need to come to the church, please contact Pastor Jerry in advance.
· Be Safe: Please be smart in safeguarding yourselves—not only for your sake, but for the sake of others. If you are sick, stay home.
· Be Faithful: Please be financially faithful. Even though we cannot gather together, please remember that we still have expenses that need to be met.
· Be Prayerful: Please be in prayer for one another and for our nation at large.
Happy Birthday!
· Wes Beck (6/4)
· Cameron Wilson (6/4)
· Cameron Wilson (6/4)
Happy Anniversary!
· Ken & Tina Dell (6/2, 19 years)
Send a Note of Encouragement
If you'd like to send a bit of encouragement to John Ellis while he is at boot camp, his address is:
PVT Ellis, Johnathon
2nd PLT Savages
Charlie Battery, 1st BN 79th FA
5970 South Boundary Road
Fort Sill, OK 73503
PVT Ellis, Johnathon
2nd PLT Savages
Charlie Battery, 1st BN 79th FA
5970 South Boundary Road
Fort Sill, OK 73503
Check Out Our Web Page
We are keeping our web page (southhavenfbc.com) updated regularly. Please use it as a tool. Under "Resources" we have a page for FBC Members only which has our latest emails and letters from Pastor Jerry. If you try to access this page, you will need the password "Know Him" to see the content.
Blood Drive: 6/4
We will host a Blood Drive on Thursday, June 4, from 1:00-6:00 PM in the gym. Blood donations are exempt from the stay at home order (if it is still in effect). Donors are asked to wear a face mask and safety procedures will be in place. If you're able and willing to donate, walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are preferred. Sign up by calling 866-MIBLOOD or at
https://donate.michigan.versiti.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/126316Attention Graduates
We know this year is way different than years past, but we want to be prepared and plan to recognize our college and high school graduates once we are able to resume worship. We want to be sure that we don’t miss anybody! If you will be graduating, please contact the church office no later than Sunday, May 31. Also, if you let us know when your graduation open house will hopefully be, we would be more than happy to help spread the word through our communications. Please email your info to southhavenfbc@gmail.com.
Flower Bed Maintenance Needed
Spring is finally here and we need help maintaining the church’s flowerbeds. If you're looking for a reason to get out of the house and yet still maintain your social distancing, feel free to stop by church at your convenience and pull weeds from whatever flowerbed catches your eye. If you contact us in advance, we can arrange for the garage to be open so you can get tools, otherwise feel free to bring your own. Once life returns to normal, we'll work on adopting flower beds as we have in the past.
Online Giving is Now Available!
We are excited to share with you that you now have the option to support our ministries by giving an online donation via debit/credit card or by donating via your bank account. If you're interested in sending a gift via this safe and secure option, you can do so by using this link:
https://secure.givelively.org/donate/first-baptist-church-south-haven-miWe Care Pantry Collections
The We Care Food and Personal Care Pantries continue to need supplies. We suggest calling ahead to make sure someone is there to receive your items. If you are able to help.
Food Pantry
First Congregational Church
651 Phoenix Street
269-637-3804
Open Mon., Wed., Fri. 10am-12pm
Suggested items are:
· Cereal
· Dry Pasta
· Canned Vegetables
· Canned Fruit
· Tuna
· Spaghetti Sauce
· Crackers
· Rice-A-Roni
· Pork & Beans
· Canned Soup
· Peanut Butter
· Oatmeal
Personal Care Pantry
First Assembly of God Church
06500 Blue Star Hwy
269-637-1286
Open Wed. 10am-1pm
Suggested items are:
· Shampoo
· Conditioner
· Body Soap
· Deodorant
· Toothbrushes
· Toothpaste
· Feminine Items
· Shaving Cream
· Razors
· Dish Soap
· Laundry Detergent
· Cleaning Supplies
· Trash Bags
· Toilet Paper
· Paper Towels
For questions, contact the church office. Thank you for helping those in our community who are in need.
Food Pantry
First Congregational Church
651 Phoenix Street
269-637-3804
Open Mon., Wed., Fri. 10am-12pm
Suggested items are:
· Cereal
· Dry Pasta
· Canned Vegetables
· Canned Fruit
· Tuna
· Spaghetti Sauce
· Crackers
· Rice-A-Roni
· Pork & Beans
· Canned Soup
· Peanut Butter
· Oatmeal
Personal Care Pantry
First Assembly of God Church
06500 Blue Star Hwy
269-637-1286
Open Wed. 10am-1pm
Suggested items are:
· Shampoo
· Conditioner
· Body Soap
· Deodorant
· Toothbrushes
· Toothpaste
· Feminine Items
· Shaving Cream
· Razors
· Dish Soap
· Laundry Detergent
· Cleaning Supplies
· Trash Bags
· Toilet Paper
· Paper Towels
For questions, contact the church office. Thank you for helping those in our community who are in need.
Opportunities Via Zoom Video Conferences
Children's Sunday School
· Children ages 5 years through 5th grade
· Sunday mornings, 9:30-10:15 AM.
· If you'd like your child to be included, please call/text Janette at 269-767-5785 or by email at janetteahendrix@gmail.com.
Women's Bible Study
· The Armor of God by Priscilla Shirer
· Tuesday evenings, 6:40-8:00 PM.
· If you're interested in joining, please call/text Brandy at 269-906-0055 or via email at branzantello@hotmail.com.
Bible Study
· Studying the book of James
· Wednesday mornings, 9:30-11:00 AM.
· If you're interested in joining, please call/text Vasha at 269-906-0083, call her home number at 269-434-8196 or via email at vashaferguson@yahoo.com.
If you would like to use the church’s Zoom account to have an unlimited time slot to connect with your family/friends (instead of the 40 minutes Zoom allows for free accounts), please contact Kim for more information.
· Children ages 5 years through 5th grade
· Sunday mornings, 9:30-10:15 AM.
· If you'd like your child to be included, please call/text Janette at 269-767-5785 or by email at janetteahendrix@gmail.com.
Women's Bible Study
· The Armor of God by Priscilla Shirer
· Tuesday evenings, 6:40-8:00 PM.
· If you're interested in joining, please call/text Brandy at 269-906-0055 or via email at branzantello@hotmail.com.
Bible Study
· Studying the book of James
· Wednesday mornings, 9:30-11:00 AM.
· If you're interested in joining, please call/text Vasha at 269-906-0083, call her home number at 269-434-8196 or via email at vashaferguson@yahoo.com.
If you would like to use the church’s Zoom account to have an unlimited time slot to connect with your family/friends (instead of the 40 minutes Zoom allows for free accounts), please contact Kim for more information.
Weekly Prayer List
· Carla McKinney (niece of Jean Robinson’s neighbor) is hospitalized in very serious condition. The doctor thought she had Covid-19, but it is not that, so they are still running tests. She has not eaten for several days. She is in her late 30's and is also severely mentally and physically disabled.
· Eric Brower is recovering at home following two procedures to have a massive blood clot removed.
· The family of Chan (former neighbor of John & Debbie Owens) who passed away in her sleep on 5/14 during recovery from Covid-19.
· Mike & Laura Underwood and their family (daughter of Rocky & Sandi Starland) upon the passing of Laura’s father-in-law, Mike Underwood, on 5/7.
· Lynn Rarick continues to deal with hip issues. Pray that a resolution can be figured out.
· Elijah Truer (nephew of Doug & Julie Zantello) continues to recover from surgery requiring 14 pins and 2 plates for a broken leg following a skateboarding accident.
· Alyssa Zantello (niece of Doug & Julie Zantello) who is a physician's assistant and has traveled to New York City to help with the corona virus outbreak there. Pray for safety and protection as well as energy and stamina as she serves in this way.
· Crystal Jennings (sister of Tracy Marshall’s brother-in-law, Louie) is diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. She has begun chemo. Pray for treatments to be successful. Also pray that Louie isn’t a genetic carrier of the breast cancer gene and that it hasn’t passed to his daughters (Tracy’s nieces).
· Nancy Crowner (friend of Jean Robinson) is recovering from breast cancer surgery.
· Allen Quinn (34 year-old nephew of Jim & Marialice Quinn) is recovering from a massive brain stem stroke that resulted in Locked-In Syndrome. He continues therapy in Grand Rapids and is slowly improving.
· Anna, Gabe, Samantha and Caroline Bocock have all been diagnosed with Lyme disease.
· Check out our monthly prayer card on-line at southhavenfbc.com under “Weekly Bulletins” for a list of those with on-going needs.
· Eric Brower is recovering at home following two procedures to have a massive blood clot removed.
· The family of Chan (former neighbor of John & Debbie Owens) who passed away in her sleep on 5/14 during recovery from Covid-19.
· Mike & Laura Underwood and their family (daughter of Rocky & Sandi Starland) upon the passing of Laura’s father-in-law, Mike Underwood, on 5/7.
· Lynn Rarick continues to deal with hip issues. Pray that a resolution can be figured out.
· Elijah Truer (nephew of Doug & Julie Zantello) continues to recover from surgery requiring 14 pins and 2 plates for a broken leg following a skateboarding accident.
· Alyssa Zantello (niece of Doug & Julie Zantello) who is a physician's assistant and has traveled to New York City to help with the corona virus outbreak there. Pray for safety and protection as well as energy and stamina as she serves in this way.
· Crystal Jennings (sister of Tracy Marshall’s brother-in-law, Louie) is diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. She has begun chemo. Pray for treatments to be successful. Also pray that Louie isn’t a genetic carrier of the breast cancer gene and that it hasn’t passed to his daughters (Tracy’s nieces).
· Nancy Crowner (friend of Jean Robinson) is recovering from breast cancer surgery.
· Allen Quinn (34 year-old nephew of Jim & Marialice Quinn) is recovering from a massive brain stem stroke that resulted in Locked-In Syndrome. He continues therapy in Grand Rapids and is slowly improving.
· Anna, Gabe, Samantha and Caroline Bocock have all been diagnosed with Lyme disease.
· 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