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First Baptist Church, South Haven
Worship Gathering: Sunday, 5/31/2026
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
A Five-Fold Witness
John 5:33-40
Pastor Jerry Koller
John 5:33-40
Pastor Jerry Koller
The Witness of John
You have sent to John, and he has testified to the truth. But the testimony which I receive is not from man, but I say these things so that you may be saved. He was the lamp that was burning and was shining and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light. (John 5:33-35)
• Jesus is talking about John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus.
• He was the first human witness to testify on behalf of Jesus.
• “You have sent” (see John 1:19)
• Jesus’ claims were not contingent upon the witness of John or any other human beings.
• John’s testimony shed light on who Jesus is.
You have sent to John, and he has testified to the truth. But the testimony which I receive is not from man, but I say these things so that you may be saved. He was the lamp that was burning and was shining and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light. (John 5:33-35)
• Jesus is talking about John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus.
• He was the first human witness to testify on behalf of Jesus.
• “You have sent” (see John 1:19)
• Jesus’ claims were not contingent upon the witness of John or any other human beings.
• John’s testimony shed light on who Jesus is.
The Witness of Works
But the testimony which I have is greater than the testimony of John; for the works which the Father has given Me to accomplish—the very works that I do—testify about Me, that the Father has sent Me. (John 5:36)
• Jesus’ works reveal God the Father and His will.
• They are not works that He decided to do on His own.
• They were given to Him by the Father. (see John 5:30)
But the testimony which I have is greater than the testimony of John; for the works which the Father has given Me to accomplish—the very works that I do—testify about Me, that the Father has sent Me. (John 5:36)
• Jesus’ works reveal God the Father and His will.
• They are not works that He decided to do on His own.
• They were given to Him by the Father. (see John 5:30)
Witness of the Father
And the Father who sent Me, He has testified of Me. (John 5:37a)
• see Matt. 3:17; 17:5; John 12:28
And the Father who sent Me, He has testified of Me. (John 5:37a)
• see Matt. 3:17; 17:5; John 12:28
Witness of the Scripture
You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me; (John 5:39)
• The Scribes devoted their lives to “searching” the Scriptures or the study of Scripture.
• The word “search” here means to seek, to make inquiry; to investigate.
• However, the Scribes studied Scripture to analyze the smallest and most minor details of the law rather than searching for truth.
You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me; (John 5:39)
• The Scribes devoted their lives to “searching” the Scriptures or the study of Scripture.
• The word “search” here means to seek, to make inquiry; to investigate.
• However, the Scribes studied Scripture to analyze the smallest and most minor details of the law rather than searching for truth.
Witness of Believers (John 17)
I have manifested Your name to the men whom You gave Me out of the world; they were Yours and You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word. (John 17:6)
• Through the Witness of Jesus’ Works, we were able to come to Christ. We have obeyed His word.
I have manifested Your name to the men whom You gave Me out of the world; they were Yours and You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word. (John 17:6)
• Through the Witness of Jesus’ Works, we were able to come to Christ. We have obeyed His word.
Redemption is God’s plan from beginning to end.
Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God, the Witness of Scripture.
While Jesus’ work on earth will be complete and He will return to the Father, those who believe in Him will remain. I am no longer in the world; and yet they themselves are in the world…(John 17:11a)
• There is a plan and a purpose.
• There is a plan and a purpose.
I have given them Your word…(John 17:14a)
• We have received a divine treasure
• We are to share it with others so that they may hear and believe as well.
• We have received a divine treasure
• We are to share it with others so that they may hear and believe as well.
I do not ask You to take them out of the world…(John 17:15a)
• We have a mission.
• We have a mission.
As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. (John 17:18)
• The disciples would have known Jesus was referring to them in His prayer.
• The disciples would have known Jesus was referring to them in His prayer.
But Jesus was not just referring to them, as verse 20 points out. I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; (John 17:20)
There is a reason why there is a Witness of Believer. We testify ...so that the world may believe that You sent Me. (John 17:21c)
APPLICATION
In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said those who believe in Him are the light of the world.
We noted that John the Baptist was a light in the world. He was a light—not “the” light.
Likewise, we are a light as well. We point people to “the” Light so that they may believe in Jesus.
Let your light shine brightly.
🎂 Happy Birthday 🎂
• Cameron Wilson (6/4)
Next Week’s Servants (6/7)
• Café Attendant: Allie Wilson
• Café Food: Grace Low (casserole), Allie Wilson (donuts)
• Nursery: Abi Avery, Sandi Cagle
• Sound Tech: Don Jenks
• Video, Streaming & Camera Techs: Linda & Julie Newell, Tracy & Riley Marshall, Max Foskett
• Café Food: Grace Low (casserole), Allie Wilson (donuts)
• Nursery: Abi Avery, Sandi Cagle
• Sound Tech: Don Jenks
• Video, Streaming & Camera Techs: Linda & Julie Newell, Tracy & Riley Marshall, Max Foskett
Graduation Open House
Everyone is invited and welcomed to celebrate with Olivia Price (daughter of Jeremy & Susie Price) on Saturday, 6/6 from 2-5pm at 13113 72nd St., South Haven.
Volunteers Wanted
We have several “jobs” that need attention around the church and are looking for volunteers to do them. There are tags on the bulletin board inside the office with more specific details about each job. If you’re able to help, please contact Pastor Jerry or Kim for more information.
Clean Windows
·Job 1: Use Windex to clean the sanctuary windows (inside and outside).
·Job 2: Clean the glass in all the doors and the rear of the Sanctuary.
Weed Flower Beds
·Pick a flower bed area around the building and pull weeds. This is an ongoing job, all summer long, and any one is welcomed to stop by and help anytime.
Sweep and Mop
·Sweep and/or mop the gym floor.
·This job can be divided into sections, and one can do 1/4 of the floor at a time on a rotating basis. Or it’s a great opportunity for a family to do the whole thing together.
Clean Windows
·Job 1: Use Windex to clean the sanctuary windows (inside and outside).
·Job 2: Clean the glass in all the doors and the rear of the Sanctuary.
Weed Flower Beds
·Pick a flower bed area around the building and pull weeds. This is an ongoing job, all summer long, and any one is welcomed to stop by and help anytime.
Sweep and Mop
·Sweep and/or mop the gym floor.
·This job can be divided into sections, and one can do 1/4 of the floor at a time on a rotating basis. Or it’s a great opportunity for a family to do the whole thing together.
🔥 Let It Burn: Oktoberfest 2026 🔥
Goal: $70,100
In 2010, we began collecting an Annual Oktoberfest Offering to pay our mortgage payment for the next 12 months. We financed $850,000 to build our new addition with the purpose that it be built, not only for use by FBC, but also as a community space. As of November 1, 2026, we will have an approximate balance of $70,100 left on this mortgage. Our goal is to pay it off this year! Start planning how you can help us achieve this goal so we can celebrate this historic milestone.
In 2010, we began collecting an Annual Oktoberfest Offering to pay our mortgage payment for the next 12 months. We financed $850,000 to build our new addition with the purpose that it be built, not only for use by FBC, but also as a community space. As of November 1, 2026, we will have an approximate balance of $70,100 left on this mortgage. Our goal is to pay it off this year! Start planning how you can help us achieve this goal so we can celebrate this historic milestone.
🎆🌭4th of July: Freedom Celebration🌭🎇
Friday, July 3 | 6:00pm | Kid's Corner Park
To celebrate Independence Day, we will be giving away free hot dogs and sharing the freedom we have in Christ with our community… don’t miss our annual event which will be here in just a few short weeks!
« Help is needed to LOAD THE VAN and to load hot dogs and water bottles into coolers during the day on Thursday, July 2.
« MONETARY SUPPORT NEEDED...We are planning to give away 1000 free hot dogs at this event. If you would like to make a donation towards the purchase of hot dogs or supplies, please leave it in the jar in the foyer or note “Hot Dogs” in the memo of your check.
«HELP NEEDED @ EVENT...It takes a lot of servants to make this event successful. Please bring a friend and sign-up to help! We will need people to set-up, cook, serve, and clean-up. Sign-up online or at the Welcome Center!
«For questions or more information, contact the church office.
To celebrate Independence Day, we will be giving away free hot dogs and sharing the freedom we have in Christ with our community… don’t miss our annual event which will be here in just a few short weeks!
« Help is needed to LOAD THE VAN and to load hot dogs and water bottles into coolers during the day on Thursday, July 2.
« MONETARY SUPPORT NEEDED...We are planning to give away 1000 free hot dogs at this event. If you would like to make a donation towards the purchase of hot dogs or supplies, please leave it in the jar in the foyer or note “Hot Dogs” in the memo of your check.
«HELP NEEDED @ EVENT...It takes a lot of servants to make this event successful. Please bring a friend and sign-up to help! We will need people to set-up, cook, serve, and clean-up. Sign-up online or at the Welcome Center!
«For questions or more information, contact the church office.
Summer Camp Scholarships Needed
At this time, we have 8 kids attending Lake Ann Camp this summer. A week of camp costs $600-700. If you would like to support a summer camper, scholarships are now being accepted. Partial scholarships are fine, every dollar helps! Please be sure to mark "Summer Camp" in the memo. Thank you!
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
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 | Online
• New study starting soon; open to new participants at any time.
• 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
• Graduation Sunday: 5/31 | during worship | Sanctuary
• Celebrate Freedom Hot Dog Giveaway: 7/3 | before the fireworks | Kids' Corner Park
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 | Online
• New study starting soon; open to new participants at any time.
• 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
• Graduation Sunday: 5/31 | during worship | Sanctuary
• Celebrate Freedom Hot Dog Giveaway: 7/3 | before the fireworks | Kids' Corner Park
• Joe Collins (Kim Collins’ father-in-law) has been diagnosed with spinal and pelvic cancer, which is suspected to have originated in his pancreas; he is opting to not have additional testing or treatment.
• Miriam Bryant and her family upon the loss of her son, Vincent, on 5/10.
• John Seitz is recovering from prostate surgery.
• Debbie Foskett (Bill Foskett's mother) fell and broke her wrist—praise God that she does not need surgery; is being evaluated for her shoulder/rotator cuff which may need surgery.
• Janet (Julie Zantello & Chris Truer's sister) is recovering from a successful shoulder replacement surgery.
• Bruce Ferguson is recovering from a procedure to prepare his prostate and bladder for radiation. Pray that everything heals properly.
• Lennon McKamey is recovering from shoulder surgery.
• Check out our monthly prayer card on-line at southhavenfbc.com under “Weekly Bulletins” for a list of those with on-going needs.
• Miriam Bryant and her family upon the loss of her son, Vincent, on 5/10.
• John Seitz is recovering from prostate surgery.
• Debbie Foskett (Bill Foskett's mother) fell and broke her wrist—praise God that she does not need surgery; is being evaluated for her shoulder/rotator cuff which may need surgery.
• Janet (Julie Zantello & Chris Truer's sister) is recovering from a successful shoulder replacement surgery.
• Bruce Ferguson is recovering from a procedure to prepare his prostate and bladder for radiation. Pray that everything heals properly.
• Lennon McKamey is recovering from shoulder surgery.
• Check out our monthly prayer card on-line at southhavenfbc.com under “Weekly Bulletins” for a list of those with on-going needs.
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-ctTG8AFollow us on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/First-Baptist-Church-of-South-Haven-118136484800/Weekly 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
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