First Baptist Church, South Haven
Worship Gathering: 4/12/20
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. You can view the sermon video that correlates with today's notes on our YouTube page. 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
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 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.
Worship Video 4/12/2020
You can view the sermon video that correlates with today's notes on our YouTube page by clicking here.
https://youtu.be/QfznLltx3wIMissing Easter
1 Corinthians 15:12-20
Pastor Jerry Koller
1 Corinthians 15:12-20
Pastor Jerry Koller
The resurrection was at the center of the Apostle Paul’s message.
What would the implications be if we skipped Easter?
· What if there was no such thing as the resurrection?
· What if there was no such thing as the resurrection?
There are many people who do not really understand the importance of the Resurrection even within our churches.
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the most crucial event in human history.
· Without this event, we have no faith.
· Christianity would be nothing but a farce.
· Those who support it would be nothing but fools.
· Without this event, we have no faith.
· Christianity would be nothing but a farce.
· Those who support it would be nothing but fools.
For some (even within the Church), there is a lack of recognition, understanding, and belief in the importance of the resurrection.
The resurrection of Jesus is one of the keystones of our faith.
There is a prevalent worldview that believes there is nothing after this life. We live. We die. That is it. There is no afterlife.
· As believers in Christ, the resurrection gives us hope in an afterlife.
· As believers in Christ, the resurrection gives us hope in an afterlife.
Paul presents his argument for the resurrection of Christ by stating the obvious (vs. 13).
If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. (1 Cor. 15:13)
If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. (1 Cor. 15:13)
5 Difficulties that Arise if There Is No Resurrection
1. Our Preaching is Useless
...If Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless… (1 Cor. 15:14).
Paul preached a Gospel that included Christ crucified, buried, and risen from the dead.
· This resurrection was not done in secret.
...If Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless… (1 Cor. 15:14).
Paul preached a Gospel that included Christ crucified, buried, and risen from the dead.
· This resurrection was not done in secret.
Skeptics quickly point out that apart from the Bible, there is no real proof that Jesus rose from the dead.
· There is no reason to disregard the witness given in the Bible of those who saw Jesus after He was put to death simply because the Bible is a religious book.
· No other book, document, or writing has been studied and scrutinized as the Bible.
· You cannot disregard the eye-witness accounts of those who had actually witnessed a resurrected Christ simply because their witness is found in the Bible.
· There is no reason to disregard the witness given in the Bible of those who saw Jesus after He was put to death simply because the Bible is a religious book.
· No other book, document, or writing has been studied and scrutinized as the Bible.
· You cannot disregard the eye-witness accounts of those who had actually witnessed a resurrected Christ simply because their witness is found in the Bible.
Do not falsely assume that the Bible is the only documentation there is that Jesus lived, died, and rose from the grave.
· There are a number of Greek and Roman historians that substantiate this event as well, such as Josephus, Pliny the Younger, Suetonius, Tactitus, Thallus, and others.
· There is abundant historical information on Jesus and the resurrection that one can find if they choose to.
· The burden should not be placed on our shoulders to prove the resurrection happened.
· The burden should be placed on those who said it never happened to prove their claim.
· There are a number of Greek and Roman historians that substantiate this event as well, such as Josephus, Pliny the Younger, Suetonius, Tactitus, Thallus, and others.
· There is abundant historical information on Jesus and the resurrection that one can find if they choose to.
· The burden should not be placed on our shoulders to prove the resurrection happened.
· The burden should be placed on those who said it never happened to prove their claim.
2. Our Faith is Useless
...if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. (1 Cor. 15:14)
Faith is a process that hears truth, acknowledges it as such, and allows the truth to change and influence lives.
...if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. (1 Cor. 15:14)
Faith is a process that hears truth, acknowledges it as such, and allows the truth to change and influence lives.
3. Our Testimony is False
In verse 15, we find the third difficulty. If Christ has not been raised: We are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead...(1 Cor. 15:15)
In verse 15, we find the third difficulty. If Christ has not been raised: We are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead...(1 Cor. 15:15)
4. Our Sins Are Not Forgiven
...And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. (1 Cor. 15:17)
...And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. (1 Cor. 15:17)
No forgiveness of sin—how horrible! I understand that there is no cure for the corona virus. You can treat some of the symptoms, but you cannot treat the virus itself—at least not at this point.
For many people who contract the virus, they eventually recover. For some, it carries a death sentence. The point is, not everyone dies.
· Scripture tells us that the wages of sin is death.
· No one recovers.
· No one is cured.
· No one builds up an immunity.
· The only solution is to be born again.
· Scripture tells us that the wages of sin is death.
· No one recovers.
· No one is cured.
· No one builds up an immunity.
· The only solution is to be born again.
5. Our Lives Should Be Pitied
If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men. (1 Cor. 15:19)
If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men. (1 Cor. 15:19)
...Christ has indeed been raised from the dead… (1 Cor. 15:20)
· Our preaching is not in vain.
· Our faith is not in vain.
· Our testimony is true.
· Our sins are forgiven.
· We do not need to be pitied.
· We do not need to be comforted.
· We have hope—blessed hope.
· Our preaching is not in vain.
· Our faith is not in vain.
· Our testimony is true.
· Our sins are forgiven.
· We do not need to be pitied.
· We do not need to be comforted.
· We have hope—blessed hope.
We are here for you!
We realize that this can be a difficult and stressful time for many of our church members. As this stay-at-home order continues to be in effect and many of you are unable to work, financial hardships can be an issue. Concerns and worry about the virus, financial issues, being stuck at home, etc. can be creating emotional and psychological stress. Your spiritual wellness many be struggling as we are unable to worship together and connect with church family on a regular basis.
We are here for you!! 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! You can submit a confidential request through our website (southhavenfbc.com) or by emailing either Pastor Jerry or Kim directly. In addition, we have persons willing to shop for those who cannot go to the store themselves or help in other ways too.
While we do not have unlimited financial resources, we do have some funds available. 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.
We are all in this together! If you have suggestions or ideas about how we can support one another, please let us know.
We are here for you!! 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! You can submit a confidential request through our website (southhavenfbc.com) or by emailing either Pastor Jerry or Kim directly. In addition, we have persons willing to shop for those who cannot go to the store themselves or help in other ways too.
While we do not have unlimited financial resources, we do have some funds available. 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.
We are all in this together! If you have suggestions or ideas about how we can support one another, please let us know.
COVID-19/ Coronavirus Status
· Current Status: In addition to all FBC activities being cancelled until further notice, we are prohibiting access to the building to everyone unless specific permission has been granted by Pastor Jerry. If you need to come to the church, please contact Pastor Jerry in advance.
· Communication is Important! The key to getting through this is to communicate and continue to support each other however we can. Kim Collins will be working from home as much as possible. Please do not hesitate to contact her via church email, or by calling/texting her cell at 269-767-2226 if you have any questions or need assistance (grocery delivery, meals, etc.)during this time. We have church members ready and willing to help.
· 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 if you cannot gather with us, 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.
· Communication is Important! The key to getting through this is to communicate and continue to support each other however we can. Kim Collins will be working from home as much as possible. Please do not hesitate to contact her via church email, or by calling/texting her cell at 269-767-2226 if you have any questions or need assistance (grocery delivery, meals, etc.)during this time. We have church members ready and willing to help.
· 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 if you cannot gather with us, 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!
· Tracy Marshall (4/14)
· Debbie Owens (4/15)
· Janette Hendrix (4/19)
· Debbie Owens (4/15)
· Janette Hendrix (4/19)
Happy Anniversary!
· Jim & Teanna McIntosh (4/18, 33 years)
We Care Food Pantry Collection
We will continue our Food Pantry collection for We Care which is needed now more than ever! Please bring your non-perishable items directly to the First Congregational Church on Phoenix Street. We suggest calling ahead (637-3804) to make sure someone is there to receive your items. Suggested items are:
· Cereal
· Dry Pasta
· Canned Vegetables
· Canned Fruit
· Tuna
· Spaghetti Sauce
· Crackers
· Rice-A-Roni
· Pork & Beans
· Canned Soup
· Peanut Butter
· Oatmeal
For questions, contact the church office. Thank you for helping those in our community who are in need.
· Cereal
· Dry Pasta
· Canned Vegetables
· Canned Fruit
· Tuna
· Spaghetti Sauce
· Crackers
· Rice-A-Roni
· Pork & Beans
· Canned Soup
· Peanut Butter
· Oatmeal
For questions, contact the church office. Thank you for helping those in our community who are in need.
Summer Camp: Register by 4/15
Contact the church office to register by 4/15 and save $25 off your registration fee! All camps are $350 for the week.
· 7-8th Grade: July 5-11
· 9-12th Grade: June 21-27
Camp participants will have opportunities to earn funds for camp through participation in fundraisers. Contact the church office if you’re planning to attend and watch for more details coming soon.
· 7-8th Grade: July 5-11
· 9-12th Grade: June 21-27
Camp participants will have opportunities to earn funds for camp through participation in fundraisers. Contact the church office if you’re planning to attend and watch for more details coming soon.
Mark Your Calendar: Bridal Shower 7/19
Molly Blaney’s bridal shower has been postponed until July 19. Mark your calendars and more info will be available closer to the date.
New Theology Class: Are You Interested?
The Theology 1 course is being offered via Zoom video conference starting April 19. If you’re interested contact the church office or Rob Zantello.
Weekly Prayer List
· Jason Wilburn (son of Bill & Tina Wilburn) is hospitalized in Kalamazoo for a lung condition he’s had for several months; waiting for test results to determine treatment options.
· Janie Kempski and her family upon the unexpected death of Janie's husband, Mike, who passed away in his sleep on 4/6 . Janie is a former FBC member and an in-law to Curt & Patty Bales.
· Elijah Truer (nephew of Doug & Julie Zantello) is recovering 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 (Tracy Marshall’s brother-in-law’s sister) is diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. Pray for successful treatment options.
· Dave & Linda Ferrell and their family upon the death of Dave's brother, Don Ferrell, who passed away on 3/29.
· Nancy Crowner (friend of Jean Robinson) who is recovering from breast cancer surgery.
· Rylan Jenks (son of Matt & Kristy Jenks, grandson of Don and Deb Jenks) is recovering from surgery for a broken arm. Pray for a quick healing and minimal pain as he recovers.
· Frank Buchert has returned home and is slowly improving; doing well.
· The Family of Lois Jury (sister-in-law of Steve Follman) who passed away on 4/1.
· Mike Underwood (Rocky & Sandi Starland’s son-in-law’s father) is recovering from heart surgery.
· Allen Quinn (34 year-old nephew of Jim & Marialice Quinn) is recovering from a massive brain stem stroke. He continues therapy in Chicago and is slowly improving.
· Lynn Rarick continues to heal from spinal surgery.
· Edna Frugé is staying with her daughter in Ohio. Her health has improved and she is currently stable. Cards can be sent to Edna Frugé, c/o Monica Holland, 5493 Bermuda Bay Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43235.
Stop by the Welcome Center and pick up a prayer card or look on-line at southhavenfbc.com under “Bulletins” for a list of those with on-going needs.
· Janie Kempski and her family upon the unexpected death of Janie's husband, Mike, who passed away in his sleep on 4/6 . Janie is a former FBC member and an in-law to Curt & Patty Bales.
· Elijah Truer (nephew of Doug & Julie Zantello) is recovering 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 (Tracy Marshall’s brother-in-law’s sister) is diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. Pray for successful treatment options.
· Dave & Linda Ferrell and their family upon the death of Dave's brother, Don Ferrell, who passed away on 3/29.
· Nancy Crowner (friend of Jean Robinson) who is recovering from breast cancer surgery.
· Rylan Jenks (son of Matt & Kristy Jenks, grandson of Don and Deb Jenks) is recovering from surgery for a broken arm. Pray for a quick healing and minimal pain as he recovers.
· Frank Buchert has returned home and is slowly improving; doing well.
· The Family of Lois Jury (sister-in-law of Steve Follman) who passed away on 4/1.
· Mike Underwood (Rocky & Sandi Starland’s son-in-law’s father) is recovering from heart surgery.
· Allen Quinn (34 year-old nephew of Jim & Marialice Quinn) is recovering from a massive brain stem stroke. He continues therapy in Chicago and is slowly improving.
· Lynn Rarick continues to heal from spinal surgery.
· Edna Frugé is staying with her daughter in Ohio. Her health has improved and she is currently stable. Cards can be sent to Edna Frugé, c/o Monica Holland, 5493 Bermuda Bay Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43235.
Stop by the Welcome Center and pick up a prayer card or look on-line at southhavenfbc.com under “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