"Let Your Light Shine Before Others."

Village Bible family and friends,

This weekend is one of the biggest weekends in Byron all year long! We are blessed with such a great opportunity to be a part of it and to fulfill what Jesus says in Matthew 5:16,

“…let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

In order for the light of Christ to shine, Christians have to go into dark places. Now, I don’t mean that in a negative way about our community; I love our town, I love living here, I love the people. But the Bible clearly states that the hearts of man and the spiritual nature of this world is in utter darkness without the light of Christ.

By grace, through faith in Jesus Christ, the light of Christ is in us, illuminating the dark places of our own hearts and shining on the dark places of the world around us as well.

This weekend, we have the opportunity to come together, serve together, enjoy life and time together, and allow the light of Christ to shine in the dark places of our town. All of the outlets may seem silly, and simple: a parade, some popcorn or a root beer float, yard games, but the potential for Gospel-minded, Kingdom work to take place in us and among us is most important and far from silly.

If you’re not involved yet, there’s room! See this week’s Village News for the when and how. And then, on Sunday, weather permitting, bring a lawn chair as we gather in the park, at 10am, to proclaim and worship the very King who has shined his light upon our hearts that we may shine his light in the community! Lord willing, I’ll see you then!

Grace & Peace,
John White

You can reach the elders anytime by email, call, or text at:
Jon Collins, jcollins@thevillagemi.com, (810) 869-3949
John White, jwhite@thevillagemi.com, (810) 275-4267

“When Yet There Was None Of Them"

"Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when yet there was none of them." Psalm 139:16

Every single day we face the unknown. From birth to death, it's all unknown to us.

Due dates are set for the birth of a child; yet some babies arrive well before the date that has been set, and some babies arrive long after.

Every night we go to bed not knowing if we will see the next day. We wake up the next day not knowing if we will see the end of it. 

As we part ways with loved ones and friends we say, "I'll see you soon," not knowing if "soon" will ever arrive.

Every single member of Adam's starts and ends life at a time entirely unknown to them. Whether you have faith in Jesus Christ or not, this can be a bit unsettling. "When will the baby be born?" "They were gone too soon." The unsettling nature of these realities comes from a mind that is not oriented biblically.

Through his servant David, God reveals the great truth, seen in Psalm 139:16; before any person was ever born, the start, the end, and every day in between was known by God.

And so, while we may be surprised by a birth or shocked by a death, every blood-bought, redeemed child of the living God can find great comfort here in knowing that no life comes or goes unexpectedly. From the shortest moments to many multiple decades, every life and the fullness of that life's days are known by a good and Sovereign God.

Let us pray then, like Moses in Psalm 90:11, "Teach us to number our days.”

I’m looking forward to gathering with you Sunday. Lord willing, I’ll see you then.

Grace & Peace,
John White

You can reach the elders anytime by email, call, or text at:
Jon Collins, jcollins@thevillagemi.com, (810) 869-3949
John White, jwhite@thevillagemi.com, (810) 275-4267

Every Good and Perfect Gift

Hello friends and family of Village Bible Church,

By the time you read this, I, along with approximately a dozen men from Village Bible Church will be several miles deep in Huron–Manistee National Forest, on a two-day rustic, backpacking trip on the Manistee River Trail. Please join me in praying for safety and God-honoring fellowship among the men who are headed out Thursday morning.

As my eldest son Colton and I pack our bags for the trip, you can almost feel the excitement building in our home! I am reminded of that wonderful truth found in the book of James:

““Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” James 1:17 ESV”

For Colton and I this week, one of the many “good gifts" the Lord has given us is the opportunity to get outdoors and spend time together as father and son. What about you; do you regularly acknowledge the good gifts God gives you?

James 1:17 says every good gift is from the Father. This means that literally every good thing in our lives is from Him! Did you wake up this morning? That in itself is a gracious gift that should be received with joy. But that’s not all! The food we eat, the jobs we work, and the loved ones we cherish - all good gifts from His gracious hand. I hope you take time to think about and thank the Lord for His provision of good things to you.

Maybe you are reading this and would say “Pastor, I’ve had a horrible week. Everything that could go wrong, has gone wrong. I cannot think of a single good gift right now.”

Dear friend, the greatest gift God has ever given is Jesus Christ. No matter what difficulty you’re experiencing, salvation by grace, through faith, in Christ is eternal good news. There are many “good” gifts that God has given us, but there is only one “perfect” gift - Jesus Christ, who died in the place of sinners, that we might be made right before God. That is good news, no matter what this world throws your way.

Take time today to consider the good gifts He has given you, and also reflect with thanksgiving upon the perfect gift - Our Lord and King.

I look forward to gathering with you this Sunday. Lord willing, I will see you then.

In Christ,
Jon Collins, pastor

You can reach the elders anytime by email, call, or text at:
Jon Collins, jcollins@thevillagemi.com, (810) 869-3949
John White, jwhite@thevillagemi.com, (810) 275-4267

"That They May Be Saved."

Village Bible family and friends,

I pray that you are well, resting and trusting in all of the goodness of God to us through faith in Jesus.

If you have spent time this past week in prayer for the effort of VBS, merely saying “Thank you” fans short.

As I write this the kids are in their rotations on the fourth night of VBS. We have had great weather. We have had a great turnout. There has been a lot of good fellowship and getting to know one another among the workers serving. We’ve been able to have conversations with various parents dropping off and picking up their kids. There have been great questions asked by kids, as the truth of God impacts their heart and mind.

We have spent this week looking at the Seven C’s of history—Creation, Corruption, Catastrophe, Confusion, Christ, Cross, Consummation. It’s Thursday, and tonight we are focusing on Christ and Cross. The Gospel is being planted and watered among the 60 some odd kids that have been present this week.

As VBS week approaches it’s end, our prayer focus needs to shift from the week and all of the activity and work that takes place, to the continued work of the Holy Spirit as these kids go to their homes; many of them to homes that we do not know. 

Paul, lamenting for the salvation of his own people, Jewish descendants of Abraham in the 1st century, wrote, in Romans 10:1, “My heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved.”

As VBS comes to a close may it truly be our desire to see the seed of the gospel, planted and watered this week, spring forth to the fruit of salvation to the praise of God’s glory and grace.

At first thought, we may think, “Yeah! We need to pray for all those children and homes we do not know.” And we do! But I want to make sure we are not losing sight of the many children of our own church. Let us pray both for those children we do not know, who we may never see again as well as those who will be gathered with us this Sunday as we sing, and pray, and read, and preach. 

As we gather this Sunday and you see the children of our church, or any child, ask them how VBS was! Ask them what they learned! Look for ways to speak into the lives of our young people with the truth and love of Jesus Christ. Lord willing, I’ll see you Sunday!

Grace & Peace,

John White

You can reach the elders anytime by email, call, or text at:
Jon Collins, jcollins@thevillagemi.com, (810) 869-3949
John White, jwhite@thevillagemi.com, (810) 275-4267

VBS Week Is Here! Please Pray!

Village Bible family and friends,

I pray that you are well, resting and trusting in all of the goodness of God to us through faith in Jesus.

From 6-8:30pm, June 10-14, Village Bible Church will host Vacation Bible School for the children of our church and the community of Byron.

This year’s theme is “The Great Jungle Journey,” which, during the week, will walk the students from creation to the return of Christ, and everything in between!

We already have more than 50 students signed up to attend! We have a great team of over 40 volunteers of every age serving throughout the week.

As we approach this week of ministry, would you please commit to praying for us in the following ways:

• Pray for the glory of God’s name (in individual lives, at Village Bible Church, and in Byron

• Pray for the faithful planting and watering of the Gospel seed - for salvation

• Pray for the love and truth of Jesus Christ to impact every child and every home represented

• Pray for us to love and care well for the precious souls entrusted to us

• Pray for the unity, safety, and health of those serving all week

I am excited about what God will do in and through our lives and our church as we serve this next week for the cause of Christ in Byron.

This Sunday, we have a very important text of Scripture to look at in Exodus 24! Please pray for me as I prepare to walk us through God’s Word. As we gather, let us sing loudly, pray fervently, listen intently, and love genuinely to the glory of God. Lord willing, I’ll see you then!

Grace & Peace,
John White

You can reach the elders anytime by email, call, or text at:
Jon Collins, jcollins@thevillagemi.com, (810) 869-3949
John White, jwhite@thevillagemi.com, (810) 275-4267

“They Prayed And Laid Their Hands On Them”

Village Bible family and friends,

I pray that you are well, resting and trusting in all of the goodness of God to us through faith in Jesus.

Acts 6:6 says that after the church had chosen men from among them to serve the need present, they set them before the apostles and they prayed and laid their hands on them.

On April 28, 2024, 3 men were chosen out from among the body of believers here at Village Bible to serve us as deacons: Dave Buswell, Tim Dooling, and Steve Kingsley.

This Sunday, June 2, following the model that we see in Scripture, we will pray over these men as a church and commit them to the work of being a deacon among us.

This is a special moment for us as a church, and it is a great reminder. Being a deacon is not just an ordinary job filled by the best candidate with the most experience; this is a specifically called out office in the church of the Living God. It is very right, then, that we spend some time as a church family, praying for these men and also for future men who will serve us not only as deacons but as pastors too.

We must be mindful that our work is not done just because we have a plurality of elders and a handful of deacons. We should always be praying for the next elder, the next deacon, indeed even the next Sunday School teacher, children’s worker, and missionary!

On the note of service, Vacation Bible School is just a week away. Are you serving in some capacity? Have you committed to pray? Have you reached out to neighbor kids, friends kids, your own kids? And invited them to participate? Vacation Bible School is one the greatest outreach opportunities that a church had throughout the year, and with the way of the world today, it is more necessary than ever for us to be on the frontlines of proclaiming truth to the younger generations. Consider today how you may be able to be involved! 

I am thankful for everyone that I am able to serve with here at Village Bible and I pray that our service to the King brings glory to his name and proclaims his truth while demonstrating his love to the world around us—to Byron.

I’m looking forward to gathering with you this Sunday. Let us sing loudly, pray fervently, listen intently, and love genuinely to the glory of God in heaven. Lord willing, I’ll see you then!

Grace & Peace,

John

You can reach the elders anytime by email, call, or text at:
Jon Collins, jcollins@thevillagemi.com, (810) 869-3949
John White, jwhite@thevillagemi.com, (810) 275-4267

Kindness and Busyness

Hello friends and family of Village Bible Church,

As I write today, the weather is changing; spring has sprung and summer approaches! With warm weather now upon us, it seems like there is a never ending list of things to do! The garden needs weeding, the yard needs mowing, and the list of to-do’s goes on and on.

Yet it’s not just warm weather that can make our life busy. Jobs, family, and hobbies can keep us busy also. With so much to do, the temptation can often be to put our nose to the grindstone, ignore everyone around us, and get our stuff done! Well, at least that is sometimes my temptation! Yet, the bible calls us to “do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:10).

This week, I was reminded of just how important showing kindness can be. Today, I hope to encourage and challenge you, just as I was this week.

A Biblical Case for Kindness

The bible does not leave us wondering what God has to say regarding kindness. A quick search shows that variations of the word “kindness” appear more than 300 times in scripture! And what does the Bible say on this topic? Here are just a few verses that deal with how we treat others:

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 ESV

“But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.” Luke 6:35 ESV

“Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience”. Colossians 3:12 ESV

“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 ESV

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness”. Galatians 5:22 ESV

Scripture provides no wiggle room to justify being unkind to anyone, even if we think we think we’re too busy to do so. Whether to enemies, strangers, family, or fellow Christians, scripture gives us a clear call to kindness/

I was reminded of this at work this week. Many of you know that in addition to serving as an elder here at Village Bible Church, I also work full time for a public health organization, in the IT department. Sometimes work deadlines can make life hectic and busy! Yet, this week, the Lord reminded me of the importance of slowing down, displaying kindness to others, and watching how God moves:

With a work deadline looming over my head, a co-worker called me, and I was tempted to be short with them because I was “busy”, but then Lord convicted me of my wrong attitude. Instead, I showed kindness and helped my co-worker, and then was blessed to learn that my co-worker had recently started reading their bible and wanted to talk about what they were reading! A door was opened that would have otherwise remained closed if I had not been kind.

Afterwards, I was humbled to think how different that conversation would have been, if I’d been short with them because I was “busy”. Don’t let yourself ever become too busy to show kindness!

Brothers and sisters, may we consider carefully each opportunity we have to show Christ-centered kindness to those around us - a single act of kindness may open doors to share the Gospel or even disciple others in need.

Lord willing, I look forward to gathering with you this Sunday. See you then!

In Christ,
Jon Collins, pastor

You can reach the elders anytime by email, call, or text at:
Jon Collins, jcollins@thevillagemi.com, (810) 869-3949
John White, jwhite@thevillagemi.com, (810) 275-4267

"It's Good For Things To End."

Centuries before the hit song of 1965 (Turn Turn Turn by the Byrd’s), the writer of Ecclesiastes wrote:

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1

Ecclesiastes 3:2-8 goes on to give illustrations of this statement: birth and death, war and peace, weeping and laughter, mourning and dancing, silence and speaking. All things have a season, a start and a beginning. We see this even in the creation narrative of Genesis, God began his work and he completed his work:

“And God saw everything that he had made, and behold it was very good…and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done.” Genesis 1:31, 2:2

In our non-stop, always on the go way of living, I think we may have taken on an unspoken tendency to consider “stopping” a sin. But there is no 11th commandment saying, “Thou shalt not stop.” You can’t turn to First Opinions and quote a chapter and a verse that that says, “All things whatsoever you undertake shall be carried on until by death you part.” No, not one. 

A dear brother and friend of mine, through the merging process last fall, would say to me, “It’s good for things to end.” Interestingly, the author of Ecclesiastes (the inspiration, I know, for my friends words) said the same thing:

“Better is the end of a thing that its beginning.” Ecclesiastes 7:8

The idea here is that completion is a good thing. It is good for things to come to an end; to completion

With that thought in mind, we want to begin sharing information about our Sunday School schedule. Lord willing, over the next few weeks will see the completion of the 9 Marks of a Healthy Church Adult Sunday School class; the completion of the Bringing Up Boys Sunday School Class, the youth and children's classes will complete the current units of their curriculum.

For the summer months, from June 16 thru September 8 we will rest from Sunday School. While that may fall on the ears of some as a negative thing, it’s a very good and positive thing from our stand point as elders—pastors and teachers. 

We are very excited to think about and pray through and plan new classes. To consider what classes may best serve our body and our increase in the knowledge of our great and glorious God. Also, faithful Sunday School teachers that have served week in and week out will have a chance to be renewed for future teaching as they rest and worship with the church. Our Sunday worship gathering, nursery care and children’s church will continue right on at 10am each week.

The season that we are ending was a season of carryover from our merging last October; The Village Church and Byron Baptist Church both ending Sunday School classes that had started before we merged. The next season of Sunday School classes that will begin this fall, Lord willing, will be the first season of Sunday School for Village Bible Church. 

I have many thoughts on that last statement. Your pastors pray about the potential of Sunday School classes and biblical education here at Village Bible. For now let us simply pause and thank God, that by his grace we have see the end of something…and it is good.

Grace & Peace,

John White

You can reach the elders anytime by email, call, or text at:
Jon Collins, jcollins@thevillagemi.com, (810) 869-3949
John White, jwhite@thevillagemi.com, (810) 275-4267

Men From Among You

On Sunday, April 28th, the membership of Village Bible Church gathered for the purpose of deciding on three men to serve this body of believers as deacons, and on an elder-recommended capital improvement fund (for upgrading/updating various things around the church building).

With 71 out of 92 members present, and two-thirds of the membership present necessary for a passing vote (47/71), the men being voted for as deacons were overwhelmingly approved, receiving a combined total of only two “no” votes.

The recommended capital improvement fund was also approved with a 66 yes to 4 no, vote.

We accept these results as God’s continued direction and provision for our church.

On the subject of deacons, in Acts 6:2 it says “the twelve,” that is the disciples, also know as apostles, summoned together the whole number of believers to resolve an issue that had come up among them. In Acts 6:3, the disciples say to the gathered church, “[Pick] out from among you…men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty.”

We are thankful that God has allowed us to identify three men to serve our church. But they are just three men. We know that more deacons (and elders!) will be necessary for our church and so we want to keep this point out in front of you: men from among you.

It is both a wonderful and serious responsibility for the church to participate with the Lord’s work in this way. Whether an elder or a deacon, we know that the work of God in the lives of men produces those who are of good, Godly character and wisdom who can labor in the word and in prayer —elders, and in serving the tangible needs of the church—deacons.

There is, however, a warning for us in all of this excitement. Whenever a new elder or deacons is established in the church, we must be careful and guard against thinking, “They’ll get it done.” It is incumbent upon all of us to serve one another. We must guard against idleness in the church and the best guard against idleness in the church is obeying God’s Word. The Scriptures call God’s people to “serve one another” (2 Peter 2:10), not to watch the deacons serve everyone. The Bible calls God’s people to “stir one another up to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together but encouraging one another” (Hebrews 10:24-25), not to sit around and leave it to the pastor’s sermon to stir and encourage everyone. Ephesians 4:15-17 says when the body is joined and held together by Christ and is working properly, the body grows and is built up in love. Let us be that body!

Village Bible Church now has two elders and three deacons; praise the Lord! This is a good, healthy step for our church. But the work is not over. Now is the time to unite in prayer and be watchful for potential future elders and deacons, who will labor in the word and prayer and serve the needs of the church.

You may be asking, “How will I know if I am seeing a potential future elder or deacon?” Here are three things to help you. One, be very familiar with 1 Timothy 3:1-13, 1 Peter 5:1-4. Titus 1:5-9, and Acts 6:3; these are the main passages for the qualifications for pastors and deacons. Two, pray for the men of our church. Three, keep your eye open for the man who is shepherding without a title, the guy caring for and meeting the needs of others. You may be witnessing the next elder or deacon and you may get the joy of recommending that man for potential service to the church.

Grace & Peace,

John White

You can reach the elders anytime by email, call, or text at:
Jon Collins, jcollins@thevillagemi.com, (810) 869-3949
John White, jwhite@thevillagemi.com, (810) 275-4267

Guarding the Guarded Gospel

2 Timothy 1:12 says, “But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me.”

Paul had believed in Jesus Christ. His conversion from Judaism to Christianity was extreme; read about it in Acts 9. When he said, “I know whom I have believed,” he meant in a way we cannot understand. 

He said, “I am not ashamed.” If you read earlier in 2 Timothy 1, Paul mentioned being the Lord’s “prisoner” and the first part of verse 11 and 12 he mentioned suffering for preaching and teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ.

At this point in his life, Paul was literally a prisoner of Rome. In fact, it is highly agreed upon that 2 Timothy was the last letter that Paul wrote; that he died not long after writing it. In 2 Timothy 4:6 he said “the time of [his] departure [had] come.” But he managed to get this letter off before that time actually came

So when he says he is not ashamed he is saying two things at once: he is not ashamed that he is a prisoner for the gospel because he knows Jesus Christ and he is safe, secure for ever. And look how he goes on in this verse, “and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me.”

Until what day? Until the return of the Lord! Until the glorious day of the Lord’s appearing. The resurrection and the return of Jesus Christ comes out in everything that Paul writes.

What had been entrusted to Paul? The gospel. And not just the preaching of it, but the actual working of the gospel in him. Paul knew that Christ was able to guard, or protect, the truth of the gospel within him against all of Paul’s failings, against all opposition, from calamity and persecution, even from death. No one could take what Christ provided.

From 2 Timothy 1:12 through 2:2, the word entrust is use three times in two forms: entrusted, i.e. having been given, vs. 1:12, & 13; and entrust, i.e. to give to others,  2:2. Paul’s use of the word relates specifically to the gospel. He says the gospel had been entrusted to him (1:12), to Timothy (1:13), and that Timothy was to entrust the preaching and teaching of the gospel to others, to whom it has also been entrusted (2:2)!

Christ guards the gospel as it works within us, and as it goes out from us to work in others.

But then, in 1:13, Paul tells Timothy “to guard the good deposit” (that is the gospel within him) entrusted to him. So not only is Christ guarding the gospel’s work within him, Timothy himself is also supposed guard it! That is, he is to pursue sanctification (cleansing from sin by God’s Word) and holiness (separation from the world and devotion unto God).

There is, simply, both incredible news and great instruction for those with faith in Jesus Christ! Christ is guarding the gospel that God has deposited in, us through faith in Jesus, by the Holy Spirit, until the day of redemption (see Ephesians 1:13-14).  That’s irrevocable and will not be withdrawn (John 10:28-29). Yet, we are also to guard the gospel within us: make your calling and election sure (2 Peter 1:10), work out our salvation (Philippians 2:12) do not be taken captive by the emptiness of the world (Colossians 2:8),  make no provision for he flesh (Romans 13:14), bring holiness to complete in the fear of God (2 Corinthians 7:1).

May we ever trust the One standing guard over the gospel in us, who will never fail, and let us be diligently standing guard over the gospel in ourselves.

Grace & Peace,
John White

You can reach the elders anytime by email, call, or text at:
Jon Collins, jcollins@thevillagemi.com, (810) 869-3949
John White, jwhite@thevillagemi.com, (810) 275-4267

Invite Someone to Church…Every Week

This Sunday we gather to specifically remember the resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Though, as Christians, this is something that we do every week on the Lord’s Day, I am mindful that many only think about this once a year when people are constantly posting to their social media, hosting special services, and inviting people to come to church.

And I am thankful for all of those things! Post thoughts and verses about the resurrection! Host special services! Invite people to church!

But please have the right heart and mind behind your invitation! 

The Bible says that all of humanity has strayed like sheep, we have all turned to our own way (Isaiah 53:6), there is no one who fears God (Romans 3:18), we are dead in sin (Ephesians 2:1), under God’s wrath (Romans 1:18).

And we know that through life circumstances, aside from the deep and biggest problem of sin, people are hurt, alone, depressed, anxious, angry. Joy and happiness are few and far between and all the world has to offer is emptiness to fill the void. Nothing that truly meets the desperate need that we have.

When you invite someone to join us this Lord’s Day—indeed, every Lords’s day!—have in mind that they are a soul in desperate need of a Savior. 

Invite them to hear the about the holiness of God, the sinfulness of man, the only sacrifice for sin, the reconciliation, love, joy, and peace that come through faith in Jesus.

Peter wrote to Christians telling them that they were straying like sheep, “but have now”—through faith—“returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls,” who is Jesus.

The world at large is still straying and in need of returning to Shepherd’s care. This is why Christian’s gather every Lord’s Day and proclaim the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. An invitation to church is a call for sinners repent of sin and return to the Shepherd.

I hope you have been able to invite someone to join us this Sunday! I hope you are praying—please join me in praying!—for those who will simply come because it’s what they do at Christmas and Easter. Please join me in praying for those who gather with us each week and have yet to respond through faith to the Good News of Jesus.

Breakfast is at 8:30am, worship at 10am. Lord willing, I’ll see you then!

Grace & Peace,

John White

You can reach the elders anytime by email, call, or text at:
Jon Collins, jcollins@thevillagemi.com, (810) 869-3949
John White, jwhite@thevillagemi.com, (810) 275-4267

Not only sin, but also God's Wrath.

When we talk about Easter, our mind likely (and rightly) go first to the cross and the blood shed for the redemption of our sins, and second to Sunday’s empty tomb and the resurrection of life that brings us new life. Hallelujah!

But I am struck this year, thinking about the sacrifice of Christ, by an aspect of his sacrifice that we may not typically spend time thinking about, and that is this: that on the cross—in the beatings, the whippings, the unfathomable pain, the mental and emotional anguish, the blood loss—the wrath of God was poured out on Jesus for the salvation of spiritually fallen, wicked, sinful man.

Adam’s sin in the garden, and the subsequent sin of all mankind because of it (Romans 5:12) has set mankind at odds with the only holy Lord and God of all creation. Sin brought not only the necessity of man’s physical death, but the reality of spiritual death as well. Ephesians 2:1 literally says that mankind is “dead in” sin. However, not only is man dead in sin, he is the object of God’s wrath.

The Bible says that the wrath of God is coming against sin and the sons of disobedience (Ephesians 5:6, Colossians 3:6). Much of the book of Revelation reveals the reserving of God’s wrath (Revelation 15:7) that will come on wicked, sinful, unredeemed mankind (Revelation 6:16-17). Romans 1:18 says that “the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men. Romans 2:8 says, “but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth…there will be wrath and fury.” Jesus himself said, John 3:36, “whoever does not obey in the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.”

Something more than the mere forgiveness of man’s sin needed to take place. I say more than mere forgiveness because certainly nothing less than the forgiveness of sin needed to happen. But words cannot describe how much of a problem sin is; the Father’s wrath against sin needed to be satisfied. And the solution was determined in eternity past.

Isaiah 53 gives us the best glimpse of that eternal agreement between the Father and the Son and, in graphic detail, tells what happened on the cross to settle God’s wrath:

Vs. 5, “He was pierced…he was crushed…the chastisement for our peace was upon him” (NKJV)

Vs. 6, “Yahweh…laid on him the iniquity of us all” (LSB)

Vs. 10, “Yahweh was pleased to crush him, putting him to grief” (LSB)

Vs. 12, “he poured out his soul to death” (ESV)

The eternal Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ, gave his life (John 10:15, 17-18) not only as a redemptive ransom (Matthew 20:28, Mark 10:45, Ephesians 1:7) but as propitiation (Romas 3:25, 1 John 2:2, 4:10) to appease God’s wrath against sin for all who call on the name of the Lord.

New life comes freely to all who believe, to all who obey God, to all who repent of sin and call on the name of the Lord. That new life is free for you and me because it was paid for by another; it cost God his only Son, and it cost Jesus his life. And they both paid gladly. And it is that very transaction that has me bewildered this Easter season. Praise God that the Good News doesn’t end in the death of Christ and the wrath of God being poured out on him! But praise God that Christ bore the wrath of God for sinful man, that through faith we might become the righteousness of God.

Grace & Peace,

John White

You can reach the elders anytime by email, call, or text at:
Jon Collins, jcollins@thevillagemi.com, (810) 869-3949
John White, jwhite@thevillagemi.com, (810) 275-4267

For All People...All Who Are In High Position.

Christian,

In case you had’t noticed, we’ve entered an election season and as such I want to take this opportunity to remind us our biblical directive concerning politics especially concerning politicians. During the first century, after Christ’s resurrection and ascension, when “men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:21) and recorded what we call the New Testament, much of the known world was ruled by various emperors or kings. They did not have the political system that we now known in America. The directive from the apostle Paul to Timothy was as follows:

“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” 1 Timothy 2:1-2

In the United State of America, we are nearly 250 years removed from understanding the thought of having a king over us. But though we may not have a king, we certainly still have people to make “supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings” over—people in high positions. We have a president, a senate and congress, a governor, a state senate and house of representatives, a township board, and a village counsel. We have courts and judges who sit on them, entrusted by the people to rule well.

No, this is not poli-sci or gov/econ class, I’m actually done talking about political things and will not shift to the real point being made in this call to pray for those in “high positions.”

When was the last time you did that? Prayed for “all people…all who are in high positions?” I’ve been personally convicted about this lacking discipline in my own life. If our only prayer for those in high position is, “Lord, please remove them from office” or “Lord, please put them into office,” or if we only pray in election seasons, then I think we aren’t paying attention to what and why we should be praying for them.

In his commentary on 1 Timothy 2, Matthew Henry says, “supplications for the averting of evil, prayers for the obtaining of good, intercessions for others and thanksgiving for mercies already received.” 

Do you pray for the grace and mercy of Christ to meet the heart and mind of sinful men? Do you pray for wicked and sinful men to be gripped by their sin and the holiness of God, that they would be humbled to repentance and salvation through fight in Jesus Christ? Do you intercede for those Christians in high positions, that they might use their influence of try cause of Christ and the Gospel? Do you ever stop and simply thank God that we have such a free and “of the people” form of government? 

Moreover, do you pray for these things in order to live a “peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way?

I cannot help but see a link between the prayer of God’s people for the lives of their leaders and rulers, and the holiness of God’s people. Corrupt leaders give us an opportunity to blaze the holy light of Christ in the darkness. Good, even godly, or God-fearing leaders present us with the opportunity to thank God for his favor and mercy on us in this life. 

Christian, as we step into this season, may we be more mindful of how and what we are praying “for all people…and all who are in high positions.” I’m excited to worship with you all this Sunday! Lord willing, I’ll see you then!

Grace & Peace,
John White

You can reach the elders anytime by email, call, or text at:
Jon Collins, jcollins@thevillagemi.com, (810) 869-3949
John White, jwhite@thevillagemi.com, (810) 275-4267

Wake From Sleep

Hello Kind Reader,

As I have been meditating on, reading over, and praying through Exodus 20 and the application of The Ten Commandments, in my own life and in preparation to speak each Sunday, it has been my earnest desire that our time spent together in this portion of Scripture will awaken us to pursue holiness in a deeper way.

The pursuit of holiness is a beautiful picture of God’s work and man’s responsibility. I have often mentioned this—and will continue to: God makes us holy, and then calls us to be holy. 

God’s work in making us holy begins when he redeems sinful man—when he saves us, which we realize through faith in Jesus Christ. Titus 3:4-7 says:

“when the mercy and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not by works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”

As I study and prepare in Exodus each week, I am looking widely across the pages of Scripture at references to “The Commandments.” This week I encountered Romans 13:10-11, which says:

“Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.”

The part that caught my attention was this: “Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep.” Romans 13:12-14 goes on to talk about putting away the sinful acts of the flesh and the deeds of darkness. These things lull us to sleep and cause our love to grow cold to God and the things and people of God.

The saving,  washing,  and justifying work of God, that Titus 3:4-7 speaks of, makes us holy. With this work, our spiritual alarm clock begins ringing and it is time, as Romans 3:11 says, “to wake from sleep.”

Sometimes it’s hard to get out of bed. Who dislikes like being comfortable in bed? Who doesn’t hit the snooze button at least once? Who doesn’t have to grind gears some days to wake up and get going? However, just as your day won’t get going until you wake up and get out of bed; neither will you be holy until wake up from the slumber of worldliness and get on with pursuing “righteousness, faith, love and peace” (2 Timothy 2:22).

Christian, are you sleeping? Do you hear the alarm clock but keep hitting the snooze button? Are you being lulled to sleep by the distraction of the world? Through faith in Jesus god has made you holy; it’s time to wake up and arise from he comfort of the world’s bed and pursue holiness, “For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.” Christ is coming. Don’t be found asleep when he arrives.

I look forward to worshiping with you this Sunday, as Pastor Collins opens God’s Word to Galatians 3:23-29. Lord willing, I’ll see you then.

Grace & Peace,
John White

You can reach the elders anytime by email, call, or text at:
Jon Collins, jcollins@thevillagemi.com, (810) 869-3949
John White, jwhite@thevillagemi.com, (810) 275-4267

Fear the Lord: Worship

Hello Village Family and Friends,

Last week, we examined what it means to fear the Lord and obey Him. This week, we will conclude by focusing specifically on the fear of the Lord as it relates to rightly worshiping God.

Fear the Lord and Right Worship

As we look to scripture, one of the most well-known examples of “wrong” worship of God, comes from Leviticus 10:

“Then Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took their respective firepans and put fire in them. Then they placed incense on it and offered strange fire before Yahweh, which He had not commanded them. And fire came out from the presence of Yahweh and consumed them, and they died before Yahweh.” Leviticus 10:1-2 LSB

Nadab and Abihu, the two eldest sons of Aaron, offered strange or “unauthorized” (ESV) and “profane” (NKJV) fire before Yahweh, and scripture states that fire from the Lord consumed them and they died before Him. While we do not know exactly what Nadab and Abihu did wrong, we know that they violated the instruction given by Yahweh for offering incense, by attempting to draw near to God apart from the way He prescribed, and this cost them their lives. 

As we consider the example of Nadab and Abihu and what it means to fear the Lord and worship Him rightly, let us now look to the Gospel of John.

“God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” John 4:24 LSB

Those who worship God must worship Him “in spirit” - meaning with a proper heart-attitude, not just outwardly, and also “in truth” - meaning worship that is consistent with, and regulated by the truth of scripture. This doctrine is known as the “regulative principle of worship”, in that scripture regulates proper worship of God. The 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith summarizes this doctrine like this:

“Thus, he may not be worshipped according to human imagination or inventions or the suggestions of Satan, nor through any visible representations, nor in any other way that is not prescribed in the Holy Scriptures.”

What does all this mean? Simply put, scripture alone is to be our guide in worshiping God rightly. God’s Word is filled with instruction for how we are to worship Him. Here are just a few examples from scripture:

“Let all the earth fear Yahweh; Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him.” Psalm 33:8 LSB

Awe and Fear - we are called to fear Yahweh and stand in awe of Him, for He alone is righteous, holy, eternal, infinite, just, and sovereign!

“O clap your hands, all peoples; Make a loud shout to God with the sound of a shout of joy.” Psalm 47:1 LSB

Loudly - scripture is not unclear;  our worship should be loud, as we shout and exclaim the name of God with joy! 

“But all things must be done properly and in an orderly manner.” 1 Corinthians 14:40 LSB

Orderly - our worship is to be orderly. This does not mean it has to be stuffy or that it cannot be at-times spontaneous, but we are told in 1 Corinthians 14:33 that “God is not a God of confusion but of peace”. Thus, in our worship, scripture calls us to orderly, proper worship, that avoids chaos or confusion. 

“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe.” Hebrews 12:28 LSB

Reverently - as we grow in our knowledge of God’s character and attributes, our reverence for Him should also grow through this knowledge. His holiness and perfection should cause us to show reverence rather than casualness toward Him.

“Worship Yahweh in the splendor of holiness; Tremble before Him, all the earth.” Psalm 96:9 LSB

Trembling - coming full circle back to the fear of the Lord, scripture tells us to tremble before Him, at the splendor of His holiness!

This Sunday, we will gather to sing, pray, and hear God’s Word. Pastor John White will be continuing through the book of Exodus, covering the 4th commandment (Exodus 20:8-11).

Lord willing, I will see you then.

In Christ,
Jon Collins, pastor

You can reach the elders anytime by email, call, or text at:
Jon Collins, jcollins@thevillagemi.com, (810) 869-3949
John White, jwhite@thevillagemi.com, (810) 275-4267

Fear the Lord: Obey

Hello Village Bible Family,

Last week, I introduced the topic of fearing the Lord - reverently, in-awe, and with holy fear. Whatever your week looked like, I hope you were able to take time and prayerfully consider the question I asked: Do you rightly fear the Lord with reverence and awe?

This week, I want to draw upon more scripture to help us consider this topic.

Fear the Lord and Obey

If we are rightly fearing the Lord with reverence, awe, and holy fear, as scripture calls us to, then the result should be that we also desire to obey Him. Let us consider the words of Moses, to the Israelites, in Deuteronomy 10:

“So now, Israel, what does Yahweh your God ask from you, but to fear Yahweh your God, to walk in all His ways and love Him, and to serve Yahweh your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments of Yahweh and His statutes which I am commanding you today for your good?” Deuteronomy 10:12-13 LSB

Yahweh’s desire for His people is summed up in the words “to fear… to walk… to love… to serve… to keep”. Both then and now, this is God’s command for all those who are His. When we rightly fear the Lord, our desire to obediently keep His commands and serve Him will come from a deep reverence and growing love for Him. Obedience is not optional.

Perhaps you are reading this and thinking “Pastor, isn’t that kind of legalistic to say that we have to obey? I thought we were saved by grace, not works?” To that, I say we are indeed saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, and not by works, yet I would also remind you of our Lord’s words:

“If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our dwelling with him.’ John 14:23 LSB

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.” Matthew 7:21 LSB

‘But He said, “On the contrary, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it.”’ Luke 11:28 LSB

Brothers and sisters, love and obedience go together!

This week, my question for you is this: Do you fear and obey the Lord? Does your reverence for Yahweh lead you “to fear… to walk… to love… to serve… to keep”? Dear friend, if you are not growing in your desire to obey the Lord, I worry that you may not fear Him properly yet.

The author of Ecclesiastes sums it up well:

“...fear God and keep His commandments, because this is the end of the matter for all mankind.” Ecclesiastes 12:13 LSB

This Sunday, in obedience to the call to not forsake our own assembling together (Hebrews 10:25), we will gather to sing, pray, and hear God’s Word. Pastor John White will be continuing through the book of Exodus, covering the 3rd commandment (Exodus 20:7).

Lord willing, I will see you then.

In Christ,
Jon Collins, pastor

You can reach the elders anytime by email, call, or text at:
Jon Collins, jcollins@thevillagemi.com, (810) 869-3949
John White, jwhite@thevillagemi.com, (810) 275-4267

Fear the Lord: An Introduction

Hello friends and family of Village Bible Church,

As a shepherd among you, it is my hope and prayer that you are growing daily in your affection for and knowledge of our great God. If there is ever anything I can pray with you over or talk with you about, please know that I count it a privilege to serve this body of believers. Don’t hesitate to contact me. 

For the last few days, I’ve been awestruck, as I consider what it means to “fear” the Lord. Over the next few weeks, Lord willing, I will be discussing what it means to fear Him, according to scripture.

This week, simply an introduction.

Fear the Lord

As we consider what it means to fear Him, the first thing we must rightly understand is what fearing the Lord actually means. Nearly everyone has a fear of something - be it spiders, heights, or something else entirely. Yet in scripture, it says:

“The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of knowledge; Ignorant fools despise wisdom and discipline.” Proverbs 1:7 LSB

Let us understand that when God’s Word says “fear” in Proverbs 1:7, it is not talking about a fear of being bitten by a spider or falling from a ladder. When scripture says the “The fear of Yahweh”, the Hebrew word is “yirah”, and it means a fearful reverence, an awe-filled respect, a holy fear. Thus, scripture is saying that the first step in being wise, is reverencing God as holy, and trusting and obeying Him according to His Word.

In the opening lines of the book of Proverbs, we are reminded that if we would have wisdom and knowledge, the foundational building block is a right understanding and reverential awe of Yahweh. Whereas fools despise God’s wisdom and discipline, the wise person acknowledges God as the creator, sustainer, Savior, and judge of all, and thus fears Him rightly for who He is.

This week, my question to you is simply this: Do you rightly fear the Lord with reverence and awe? Yes, He is merciful and gracious, but this should not diminish our awe-filled respect and holy fear of Him! In fact, His mercy and grace should cause us to all-the-more to tremble at His greatness. Dear Christian, if you would be wise, seek to understand what can be known of our great God (revealed to us in His Word), and rightly and reverently fear the Lord. 

This coming Sunday, we will gather together to sing, pray, and hear God’s Word proclaimed. Pastor John White will be continuing through the book of Exodus, specifically covering the 2nd commandment (Exodus 20:4-6).

Lord willing, I will see you then.

In Christ,
Jon Collins, pastor

You can reach the elders anytime by email, call, or text at:
Jon Collins, jcollins@thevillagemi.com, (810) 869-3949
John White, jwhite@thevillagemi.com, (810) 275-4267

Grieving with Hope

Hello Village Family and Friends,

As I write, the sun is shining and it’s an unseasonably warm 55 degrees out. Yet even amidst this beautiful weather, we are reminded that we live in a broken world, wrecked by man’s sin. One needs to look no further than the news headlines or their social media, to see the broken state of mankind.

Even here, among our church family, among those who have been redeemed by Christ the Lord, we also feel the effect of the curse of sin. This week, as we grieve the passing of our beloved sister-in-Christ, Barb Walter, let us be reminded of God’s words to Adam, in Genesis 3:19:

”By the sweat of your face
you shall eat bread,
till you return to the ground,
for out of it you were taken;
for you are dust,
and to dust you shall return.”

This world and each of us in it are not unscathed by sin’s curse. By the grace of God and the blood of the Lamb, our sister is now with the Lord, where there is no more pain or sin, and where she will spend eternity in the presence of the King. Yet while we mourn our loss, scripture reminds us:

“But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words.” 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

For the Christian, death is a reminder that this life is not the end; rather, it is the beginning of eternity with our Lord and Savior. Though this life is at-times filled with pain, loss, and trials, we do not mourn as those who have no hope. Our hope is in Christ alone!

This Sunday, we will gather because of this hope. We will sing, pray, and hear the Word of God taught and preached, because of the hope that we have in Christ. This week, Pastor John will continue in the book of Exodus, as we examine the first commandment (Exodus 20)

Lord willing, I will see you then.

In Christ,
Jon Collins, pastor

You can reach the elders anytime by email, call, or text at:
Jon Collins, jcollins@thevillagemi.com, (810) 869-3949
John White, jwhite@thevillagemi.com, (810) 275-4267

Meeting God - A Prayer

There is a resource that I like to draw on from time to time in my devotional life. The Valley of Vision by Arthur Bennett (Banner of Truth, 1975) is a book of prayers from saints of centuries past. The Puritans, often misunderstood and as with anything, there are good and bad examples to be found among them. However, the Puritans were marked by their extreme piety—devotion to following and worshiping God—and community. They established and exercised many disciplines to maintain their walk with God, among them, the practice of writing and reciting prayers aloud—personally, with others, and in public worship gatherings. Arthur Bennet has drawn many of these existing writings and pulled them into The Valley of Vision. After last Sunday’s sermon about the people of Israel meeting God, I found a prayer by that name—Meeting God—and I wanted to share it here for your encouragement and reflection. I’m looking forward to worshiping with you this Sunday. Lord willing, I’ll see you then.

Grace & Peace,

John
You can reach the elders anytime by email, call, or text at:
Jon Collins, jcollins@thevillagemi.com, (810) 869-3949
John White, jwhite@thevillagemi.com, (810) 275-4267

MEETING GOD

GREAT GOD,
In public and private, in sanctuary and home, may my life be steeped in prayer, filled with the spirit of grace and supplication, each prayer perfumed with the incense of atoning blood.

Help me, defend me, until from praying ground I pass to the realm of unceasing praise.

Urged by my need, invited by thy promises, called by thy Spirit, I enter thy presence, worshipping thee with godly fear, awed by thy majesty, greatness, glory, but encouraged by thy love.

I am all poverty as well as all guilt, having nothing of my own with which to repay thee,

But I bring Jesus to thee in the arms of faith, pleading his righteousness to offset my iniquities, rejoicing that he will weigh down the scales for me, and satisfy thy justice.

I bless thee that great sin draws out great grace, that, although the least sin deserves infinite punishment because done against an infinite God, yet there is mercy for me, for where guilt is most terrible, there thy mercy in Christ is most free and deep.

Bless me by revealing to me more of his saving merits, by causing thy goodness to pass before me, by speaking peace to my contrite heart;

Strengthen me to give thee no rest until Christ shall reign supreme within me, in every thought, word, and deed, in a faith that purifies the heart, overcomes the world, works by love, fastens me to thee, and ever clings to the cross.

Make Disciples

Make Disciples. If we were on the game show Family Feud, there is no doubt that the survey would show these two words among the top answers given for the purpose of the church. And it is a good answer. The church has been commanded by Christ to make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20).

In the book, Discipling: How to Help Others Follow Jesus (Dever, Crossway 2016) the author, Mark Dever says, “Discipleship is the term I use to describe our own following Christ. Discipling is the subset of that, which is helping someone else follow Christ.” I like this simple, working definition as I think it conveys the work we have to do. I must follow Christ. You must follow Christ. We must help each other follow Christ.

I have shared recently that I am excited about various ways I see discipleship and the discipling of Christians taking form early in 2024 here at Village Bible and I wanted to use this outlet to talk about some new opportunities that I hope you will take advantage of!

First, every Sunday when we gather, at 10am, and the word of God is opened, as we are encouraged to obey and follow Christ, discipleship is happening. In fact, I would contend that the greatest vehicle of discipleship that we can participate in is the corporate, local gathering of the church for the purpose of worshiping God. Prioritize this time every Sunday morning!

Starting Sunday, February 4th, a new adult class will be offered; Bringing Up Boys! This new Sunday School class, for parents, will seek to provide counsel and advice, specifically for those raising boys, from a firm foundation of biblical principles. Steve and Katie Heath will be leading the class. They have a heart to see parents raising and leading their kids to the Lord, and they have experience in doing so, with four adult children all living professed lives of faith in Jesus. Engage in a Sunday School class and grow with others!

Starting Tuesday, February 6 at 7pm, I will be leading a class of men through the book “Grounded in the Fatih” a study that aims to better train Christians in biblical and doctrinal knowledge in order to know the what and why of our faith. Deepen your understanding of God and his word!

Starting Wednesday, February 7, at 6:30pm, discipling efforts will take aim at our students! We are excited to begin midweek student ministry for all ages K-12! Kids K-5 will begin learning about The Bible being God’s Word through lessons from Creation to Abraham, Isaac, and sacrifice. Our teenage students, 6th-12th grade will begin studying the Gospel of Mark, Jesus’ acts of service, and how they to can serve God and how, when they’re service involves suffering, they can look to Jesus as their hope and help. This is an excellent place for you the Christian looking to serve and disciple someone to get involved. Our young people need to be pointed to Jesus and they need help following him and making decision to follow him. Get involved and serve! 

I’m out of room, so I’ll close with this question: What does discipleship and discipling look like in your life?

Grace & Peace,
John
You can reach the elders anytime by email, call, or text at:
Jon Collins, jcollins@thevillagemi.com, (810) 869-3949
John White, jwhite@thevillagemi.com, (810) 275-4267