"Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving." Colossians 4:2
This past Wednesday night a new step was taken in furthering the health of our church body. What was that step? It was the beginning of a weekly prayer gathering. There wasn't an agenda, there was no preaching or singing. There was a group of believers gathered together to pray for one another and the burdens of our hearts. We prayed for family members and heavy burdens borne by members of our church body. We prayed for the people and businesses and leaders of our community. We prayed for neighboring churches and upcoming ministry opportunities. It was beautiful.
From the beginning, prayer has been a core value of The Village Church. This is why we take time during our weekly gathering to pray together. The Colossians verse above calls us to be steadfast and watchful in prayer. The Bible doesn't give us a pass for not being or becoming a people of prayer. I have long been a believer that the church coming together for prayer is not only important and commanded, but is also an extremely healthy thing for the church and the members of it. Prayer is how we ask God to move on our behalf. Prayer is how we grieve and lament before God. Prayer is a part of how we bear one another's burdens. I believe prayer draws us closer together and, with any understanding of the Word, we see that prayer draws us closer to the Lord. If you weren't able to join us this past Wednesday, then join us next Wednesday or the Wednesday after that! Join us as we approach the throne of grace together! I'll see you Sunday!
Grace & Peace,
John
(You can reach Pastor John at jwhite@thevillagemi.com)
New Sermon Series: Gideon
"And he said to him, Please, Lord, how can I save Israel? Behold, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house." Judges 6:15
I think if we are honest, we all have times where we feel extremely insignificant to the task placed before us. I know I do. As a pastor, with no formal education in the Bible or pastoral training, there are times that I just 100% don't know how it's possible that I could accomplish anything for the Lord. And you know what? Without the Lord, I absolutely cannot accomplish anything for Him. There are times I don't know what to do or what to say and times I have no idea what the solution to a problem may be. I only know in those times that I must turn to God and plead for Him to help me do what He has called and prepared for me to do.
It may be common to see people who seem put together, confident and quite capable. Maybe to some extent, they are. In this life as followers of Jesus Christ, the reality is that we are absolutely not able to accomplish God's purpose without God's power. However, this is precisely what many people in many churches are doing.
This Sunday, we are going to start a new series through the life of Gideon. He wasn't a perfect man, but his story is incredible. And, the side story going on around Gideon has lessons for us to learn as well. Are you feeling under equipped in life as a Christian? Are you not seeing any way for you to accomplish the work God has given you? I hope you'll join us for this series and see God work and build in you the ability to do what He has prepared you for. I'll see you Sunday!
Grace & Peace,
John
(You can reach Pastor John at jwhite@thevillagemi.com)
Communion: A Deeper Look
"Do this in remembrance of me." Luke 22:19
This Sunday, we will share in the Lord's Supper together. This is a beautiful moment of worship for the Church, any Church that bears Christ's name. It is also an act of obedience for the followers of Jesus Christ. He said, "Do this". And, that means there is action to be taken on our part in what he has told us to do. Before Jesus was handed over by betrayal and led off to be beaten and eventually die on the cross for the sin of the world, he gave his disciples a way to remember what He was doing.
And now for us, some 2000 years later, we have the exact same opportunity and method that he gave to his disciples that night to remember him by. 1 Corinthians 11:26 tells us that as often as we do this we proclaim his death until he comes.
I would invite you to join me in prayer for this Sunday's gathering. Not only are we sharing in the Lord's' Supper and honoring Christ's command, I am going to teach on some of the details in the background of this awesome act of worship the Lord gave to us. Please be in prayer for any lost souls that may join us. That our worship, the proclamation of God's Word, and our proclamation of the Lord's death until he comes, might be the testimony that stirs the sinner to repentance and salvation by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ.
Grace & Peace,
John
(You can reach Pastor John at jwhite@thevillagemi.com)
Love Them Means Know Them
"After this there as a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem." John 5:1
This Saturday, July 13th, is Byron Family Fun Day. It's kind of the unofficial observance of the towns founding. I've been talking about it for a couple weeks on Sunday morning mentioning the various things to be involved and take part in. I haven't started building my cardboard boat, but I'll have it ready by race time Saturday!
I'm passionate about things that go on in our community, things that bring people together. What is the reason why I'm passionate about this? It is because in the Bible I see Jesus passionate about being with people! He didn't miss festivals and Jewish observances. He didn't miss weddings or funerals. I have no idea if they celebrated birthdays, but if they did, I'd imagine Jesus was there too, eating cake and ice cream!
This Saturday is an opportunity to walk in the example that Jesus left for us. That's like one the truest definitions of Christianity, to be like Christ. Take some time this Saturday, check out the schedule of events or set apart the whole day, to come and hang out in and around the village and take part in this community celebration. You have no idea the door the Spirit of God may be waiting to open in someone's life simply because you made a cardboard boat and tried to float down the river, or ate some barbecue, or watched some fireworks. Join me and my family in Byron this Saturday. And, if we don't see you Saturday, we'll see you Sunday!
Grace & Peace,
John
(You can reach Pastor John at jwhite@thevillagemi.com)
Sound Doctrine: The Church
"So that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish." Ephesians 5:27
This verse captures the whole the heart of this Sound Doctrine series. The work of Jesus Christ in his death, burial, resurrection, and teaching was his love for his bride, his body - the Church. I love the church. I love to gather with the church, sing with the church, teach the church and learn from the church. I've gathered with churches in our country and in three other countries. And, the beautiful thing about each and every gathering is knowing that there is only one reason for the gathering - The Lord Jesus Christ.
This Sunday we will talk about the Church, what it is and what it isn't, where it is, who it is made up of, and who is in charge of it. We'll also talk about church membership. This is something that can be very confusing and is done in any number of ways. But we will look at what The Village Church believes about church membership and explain it for those that are or have been interested in this subject. It's going to be a great day, I hope to see you Sunday!
Grace & Peace,
John
(You can reach Pastor John at jwhite@thevillagemi.com)
Sound Doctrine: Salvation and Baptism
"Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned." Mark 16:16
Salvation and Baptism are the two topics that we will look at this Sunday as we return to Sound Doctrine. It is very hard for me to talk about these two topics separately, because Biblically, after the resurrection of Jesus Christ, they become practically synonymous. But, salvation isn't brought by baptism, and baptism isn't required for salvation.
There are a lot of questions about salvation in the world, "Why do I need to be saved? Be saved from what? How do I get saved? Who saves me?". And for everyone of these questions there is false doctrine leading people astray. Thankfully the Bible always has clear answers. And, it's the same with baptism. Scripture clearly answers who baptism is for, why we do it, what it is not.
After an incredible VBS week (Thank you again to the many who served throughout the week!), I am excited to get back to this series and open God's Word with you all! It is my hope and prayer that after this Sunday, we will have a clearer understanding of salvation and baptism. If you have had questions, write them down! If they don't get answered, please contact me! There's no way I'll cover everything in our time together. If you need to take a step of obedience in the area of baptism in your life, please come this Sunday! We are ready to help you take this step in your walk with the Lord! I'll see you Sunday!
Grace & Peace,
John
(You can reach Pastor John at jwhite@thevillagemi.com)
VBS Celebration!
"Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel." Philippians 1:27
This Sunday is a special Sunday for The Village Church. We have labored through the week at VBS, with one more night left, alongside of the family at Byron Baptist Church. So far we have cared for, taught the Bible to, played games with and shared the love of Jesus with just over 60 children each night! Many of these children don't attend either church!
This Sunday we will wrap it all up with celebration Sunday! It's the unofficial closing of VBS week, with both churches coming together to worship one Lord and give glory to His name for the good things He has done! We appreciate your prayer for all of us this past week and ask that you continue. I'm writing this on Thursday morning, and tonight is a big moment in VBS week. Tonight the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ will be introduced to the children. We don't know their heart. We don't know their home. We don't know their story, but the Lord does! I am praying for God's salvation to come to lost hearts and homes tonight. As you read this it's Friday morning, so I ask that you pray for the gospel seeds planted in the hearts of many last night!
It might be easy for us to think about Celebration Sunday as a "week off" from church without or regular gathering at the high school, but I implore you to reconsider! The fellowship and unity of the Church is of primary concern to the Lord, and that we can have a small glimpse of it right here in our own hometown is incredible! Oh what the Lord can do with churches "standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel." Continue praying and I will see you Sunday at Byron Baptist Church!
Grace & Peace,
John
(You can reach Pastor John at jwhite@thevillagemi.com)
Sound Doctrine: Heaven, Hell, and Satan
"And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life." Matthew 25:46
One song said, "Everybody wants to go to heaven but nobody wants to die." Another said, "We're on a highway to hell." Interesting thought? Both are true. Ask anyone if they want to go to heaven and they will say yes. Ask most people if they think they are going to heaven they will say yes. But, through the years, we've really messed up eternity and how to get there.
The Bible tells us that the road that leads to destruction is wide and many people are on it. Sounds like a highway to me. Add to that the fact that the Bible says we are alienated and separated from God because of sin it becomes even easier to grasp this.
And all along the way, there is the great deceiver, the father of lies, the accuser of the brethren, trying to trip us up and slow us down and keep us turned away.
This week in Sound Doctrine, we will be looking at heaven, hell, and Satan. These might sound like strange topics for a Sunday morning sermons, and the preparation has been difficult. But, the Bible says a lot about them, and there are many teachings that are also wrong. They might be strange topics, but a wrong understanding of them may also be leading to a wrong understanding of God as well. I hope to see you this Sunday!
Grace & Peace,
John
(You can reach Pastor John at jwhite@thevillagemi.com)
Sound Doctrine: God the Holy Spirit
"In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit," Ephesians 1:13
There is a lot of misunderstanding and twisted teaching surrounding the Holy Spirit these days. I suppose it's actually been a mess since the first Day of Pentecost that we see in Acts 2. The Holy Spirit came mightily upon the believers in Jerusalem and the people around supposed they were drunk. But in our day and age, we are seeing people roll around on the floor, making animal noises, laughing uncontrollably, convulsing and shaking, babbling in unintelligible words, and proclaiming things that are far from in accordance with the Word of God. And, they're doing it all in the name of God the Holy Spirit.
Now I will be the first to admit that when I read about the things that happened in the Bible, through the power of God the Holy Spirit through the apostles, they are some crazy things. But, they are God honoring things. They are things that demonstrate God's power for conviction on the sinner's life and building up the believers.
So often, when talking about the Holy Spirit, we talk about gifts and abilities. Things that are biblically true and correct, but things that cause us to miss or glance over the importance and work of the third person of the trinity. The verse above is one of, if not my favorite verse relating to the Holy Spirit, because it is the first work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer and it shows how quickly the Holy Spirit begins working in our lives.
There is much to know about the work and person of God the Holy Spirit. If we are going to walk and live in biblical sound doctrine, we must study the Word of God to know all that we can about how the Holy Spirit works. I'm looking forward to seeing you this Sunday as we talk about the purpose of God the Holy Spirit
Grace & Peace,
John
(You can reach Pastor John at jwhite@thevillagemi.com)
Sound Doctrine: God the Son
"And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, 'To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!" Revelation 5:13
The subject of this verse is the pivotal point of our entire faith: Jesus Christ, the resurrected, glorified, Son of God. This week, Sound Doctrine will focus on the Author and Perfecter of our faith, the second person of the Trinity. There are teachings and things in the world that are twisting and perverting the truth about Jesus Christ. We must know what the Bible says about Him.
Jesus is God. Jesus was born to a virgin. Jesus did not sin. Jesus did die, was buried, and did rise again three days later. Jesus did ascend into heaven victorious over sin and death. Jesus is returning again, one day, to gather His Church to Himself. Jesus will have final judgement on sin. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life and there is no other way to the Father, and no other Name by which we must be saved. These are irrefutable truths concerning sound doctrine. But the world, and many in the church, are leaving this truth. We cannot.
It's a special Sunday, and I love how it worked out this way without planning it, that we should be on the very subject of Jesus Christ, as we gather in the middle of our community among people that we want to see come to know the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. How awesome! Invite someone to join us! I'll see you there!
Grace & Peace,
John
(You can reach Pastor John at jwhite@thevillagemi.com)
Sound Doctrine: God the Father
"As I looked, thrones were placed, and the Ancient of Days took his seat..." Daniel 7:9
This is one of my favorite verses referencing God in all of Scripture. To me it illustrates the in control nature of the God that we serve. The Eternal Patriarch taking His seat before His realm. The Sovereignty of God is something that takes a long time to come to grips with, but as we do, we start to see Him in a more holy, more worthy, more glorious way!
This week, we will continue Sound Doctrine by looking at the first person of the Trinity, God the Father. This can be a difficult way to view and understand God, especially if your earthly example of a father was not great. Though even if the earthly example that you had was extraordinary, we cannot view God the Father through the lens of our human understanding. We must view Him biblically. Join us this Sunday as we add knowledge to our faith and further our understanding of God the Father.
Grace & Peace,
John
(You can reach Pastor John at jwhite@thevillagemi.com)
Sound Doctrine: The Trinity
"There is one body, and one Spirit - just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call - one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." Ephesians 4:4-6
This Sunday will be one of the most difficult sermons I've ever preached, because the topic is so hard to grasp. It's one of those topics that requires us to remember that the secret things of the Lord are His but that which is revealed is for us that we may follow His Word (Deuteronomy 29:29). The topic is the Trinity.
I love the above verses because it highlights the reality of the Trinity so well. But, you will not find the word trinity in the Bible. Man has only been using this word to define Father, Son, and Holy Spirit since around the Fourth century A.D. However, the Biblical reality of the Trinity is unavoidable, and clear evidence is found throughout the Bible. We will look at some of this evidence, to bolster our faith and knowledge in the Lord and to help us identify some false doctrines about the Trinity. Thank you for praying for me as I study through the Scriptures on this topic. I wish I could say that the more I study this topic, the more that I learn. But, I feel like the more that I learn the less I actually know. I hope your week has gone well and that you are excited to gather on Sunday! I'm looking forward to being with you!
Grace & Peace,
John
(You can reach Pastor John at jwhite@thevillagemi.com)
Sound Doctrine: The Bible
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Psalm 119:105
As Sound Doctrine continues this week, I am in awe of power of the topic for this week's message; The Bible. The Word of God is a mighty weapon in the hand of a Holy Spirit led, faith believing follower of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 10 tells us that the weapons of our warfare have Divine power for the tearing down of strongholds. The verse above tells us that God's Word illumines our life. Jesus shows us in Matthew 4 that the Written Word defeats temptation. Ephesians 6 calls the Word of God the sword of the Spirit. David wrote that only by keeping God's Word could a man keep his way pure. Jesus said if we abide in His word we are truly his disciples, and we will know the truth and the truth will set us free.
There is simply no greater work in writing that claims or holds such promise for those that adhere to its words and cling to its Author. The Bible stands alone as a literary work and as the sound doctrine of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We must hold fast to it! I'll see you Sunday!
Grace & Peace,
John
(You can reach Pastor John at jwhite@thevillagemi.com)
Sound Doctrine
"For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching..." 2 Timothy 4:3
This Sunday, we are starting a new sermon series that I am very passionate about. Sound Doctrine is not only aimed at exposing various false doctrines that exist, it is intended to either plant your feet firmly on the Biblical doctrines of our faith or help remind you of the foundation on which we stand.
Our foundation is Jesus Christ and the teachings of the Word of God, and Paul warns in First Corinthians that we are to build very carefully upon that foundation. This Sunday we will explore how to identify sound doctrine verses false doctrine and how to know if a teacher you are listening to is a false teacher or a misguided teacher. It is my prayer that, whether a new or more mature believer, Sound Doctrine will help guide you into God's Word and help you grow in your walk with Him as a disciple maker for Jesus Christ.
As we go through this series, write down your questions! Get a few people together and work through them. Contact me; I love walking through the Bible with people! It is in our deeper, personal study that the Word truly begins to come alive as God teaches us what is good!
Grace & Peace,
John
(You can reach Pastor John at jwhite@thevillagemi.com)
30 Days of Prayer: Easter
"Remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world." Ephesians 2:12
I am calling the church to begin a season of prayer. Easter is one month away and there is no greater way to approach any work, whether one-on-one discipleship or the mass proclamation of the Gospel, on Easter Sunday. The above verse is our theme for Easter this year: Hope.
There is always great talk of hope in the world, but the reality is that only true followers of the Lord Jesus Christ can offer the only true source of hope - the Lord Jesus Christ. Romans says hope in Christ does not put us to shame. Corinthians says that hope is everlasting. Colossians says that Jesus Christ is the hope of glory. Titus says the return of the Lord Jesus is our blessed hope. Hebrews says that our confidence in the work of the Lord Jesus Christ is a sure and steadfast anchor for our soul. And so on through all of God's Word.
Every Easter we proclaim the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. That's what we do. It is very important, in every context of our life as Christians, to remember why we do it. This reason is that Jesus is our hope and there are people that you and I know by name whose souls have no hope and who are without God in the world. Join me in praying for those people, those names, those souls over the next thirty days, starting tomorrow, March 23rd. I'll see you Sunday!
Grace & Peace,
John
(You can reach Pastor John at jwhite@thevillagemi.com)
He saw him and he went to him
"But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him." Luke 10:33-34
At The Village Church, we are about loving God and loving people. I say it all the time and I don't say it enough. This is the heartbeat of discipleship. One thought from the conference I attended last week simply won't leave me alone. The man said this, "When Jesus said to love your neighbor, I'm pretty sure He meant for us to know their name."
Did you see what the Samaritan did? The action he took? Look again: "But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him."
The Samaritan saw his neighbor, he had compassion for him, and he went to him. He didn't stand in his driveway and learn about him by watching him from across the street. He went to him.
As we enter into springtime, imagine the impact we could have for the Kingdom and the discipleship opportunities that might arise if we saw our neighbor, had compassion, and went to them. Go, know your neighbor. I'll see you Sunday!
Grace & Peace,
John
(You can reach Pastor John at jwhite@thevillagemi.com)
Add to Effective and Fruitful
"For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 1:8
This weekend we will wrap up our series out of Second Peter: add to. We have talked about making every effort to add to our faith. We have carefully looked at every quality that we are called to add to our faith. During, this last week of the series, we will look at why it is so important that we add these things to our faith.
My prayer has been that the Lord has used this series to grow your walk and relationship with Him. That through this series, He is building strong disciple makers for His Kingdom. That through building strong disciple makers for His Kingdom, He would use us to reach the lost of our community with the salvation He gives through faith in Jesus Christ. That through reaching the lost with the disciple makers he has built for His Kingdom, He would receive all the glory and honor and praise that He alone is worthy to receive.
I'm praying for you and I'll see you this Sunday!
Grace & Peace,
John
(You can reach Pastor John at jwhite@thevillagemi.com)
Add to Love
"Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love." 1 John 4:8
This Sunday, we will look at the last quality that we are called to add to our faith. I have to admit, it's probably the most daunting quality to address in this whole series. I've been in prayer and much study, but the topic of love is vast. The Christian life is to be a life of love. The God we serve is love. God's Word says if we claim to love God and hate man, we are still in darkness.
1 John 4:7 says, "Beloved, let us love on another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God." Are we loving one another? Are we born of God? Do we know God? If we don't have an active love for people, something is amiss in our claim of knowing God.
The Bible says that if we could speak in the tongues of men and of angels, have prophetic powers, understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and have all faith so as to move mountains, give all that we have away, and sacrifice our body but don't have love, we have and are nothing.
I believe there is a reason this is the last quality we are called to add to our faith. As odd as it may sound, this may just be the hardest one yet. I'll see you Sunday!
Grace & Peace,
John
(You can reach Pastor John at jwhite@thevillagemi.com)
Add to Brotherly Affection
"Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor." Romans 12:10
The Bible doesn't often call us to a competition with one another but I won't lie; when I read the above verse, I think about Christians going out of their way to make sure someone else feels more honored than they have felt themselves.
Let's not miss the point of the verse: "love one another." As if we didn't hear enough of it through our study of First John, not to mention the rest of the Bible, here it is again! Loving one another is one of the highest marks of a true believer and this love is to be accompanied by true humility.
This verse isn't a call for the church to have a contest to see who can honor the other person better. It is a call for the church, the body of Christ, to in all things, love one another and make sure we are honoring others to the furthest possible extent. This Sunday, we will revisit the first and second greatest commandments while exploring how we can add brotherly affection to our faith through the life of one of the greatest characters of the Old Testament.
Until then, get out there and love and show honor to one another. It's how the world knows that we are Jesus' disciples! See you Sunday!
Grace & Peace,
John
(You can reach Pastor John at jwhite@thevillagemi.com)
Add to Godliness
"...since it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy.'" 1 Peter 1:16
When giving the Jewish law to Moses on Mount Sinai, the Lord God spoke these words five times to his children. Thousands of years later, the Holy Spirit recalled these words to Peter's mind and inspired him to write them down. This message continues on in God's Word and to God's people today. It is a ridiculous notion for any person professing faith in Jesus Christ to think that we are called to anything less than godliness and holiness.
It almost seems impossible. "How can I be holy? How could I ever be a godly person?" The true answer is that you can't. If you are working to add godliness to your faith without first having by faith believed in Jesus Christ for salvation, you won't be adding godliness. The Bible teaches us that when we are saved, the Holy Spirit fills us and gives us the ability to be godly. If you are trying to add godliness without going to the Word of God to know what godliness is, what are you actually trying to add? This is precisely how man's rules and man's ways crept into Christianity.
Let's be a people known for godliness. Let's be a people known for being holy as the One who called us is holy. Let's be in His Word and know what He calls us to as His people. This is my prayer for all of us. That, "since it is written," we would be holy as He is holy. I'm praying for you, through another crazy week of snow, ice, Jand school cancellations, and looking forward to seeing you this Sunday as we worship the Lord together!
Grace & Peace,
John
(You can reach Pastor John at jwhite@thevillagemi.com)