The Attributes of God and the Trinity

As we begin studying the attributes of God, there is important ground-work to lay before we get to God's specific attributes. Last week we defined what an attribute is and how we learn of God's attributes. This week we will briefly look at the attributes of God as they relate to the Trinity. I’m not sure there is enough room to get this done in one week.

The Trinity is a deep and essential doctrine of our faith; to deny this is to deny the one true God and His Word. The word “Trinity” is not explicitly stated in the Bible, however, the doctrine of the Trinity—in one eternal God, there exists three persons—is clearly revealed throughout the Bible. Jesus clearly identifies the three persons of the Trinity when He calls His followers  to baptize new believers in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Mathew 28:19). Ephesians 4:4-6 calls Christians to unity by reminding us that, “There is one Spirit…one Lord…one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”

The Trinity is visible across the pages of Scripture. From creation (Genesis 1:1-2, John 1:1-3), to the baptism of Jesus (Matthew 3:13-17, Luke 3:21-22), and most definitely in bringing about the salvation of man (Titus 3:4-7, 1 Peter 1:2).

This basic beginning of biblical understanding as regards the Trinity is necessary for this reason: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are all equally God and the attributes of God are all equally owned by each person of the Trinity.

A. W. Tozer wrote, “The doctrine of the Trinity…is truth for the heart. The fact that it cannot be satisfactorily explained, instead of being against it, is in its favor. Such a truth had to be revealed; no one could have imagined it.”

Go Deeper:

• Read John 14 and John 15, note when Jesus, the Son, references the Father, and the Holy Spirit.

Grace & Peace,
John
(You can reach Pastor John at jwhite@thevillagemi.com)

What is an attribute?

Hello Village Church family and friends,

As I said last week, I’m devoting the "From the Pastor" spot in the weekly Village News to a study on the attributes of God. It is my prayer that by looking deeper into God’s Word at His revealed character, we will grow together in our understanding and knowledge—our theology—of the One, True God, with whom no one and nothing else compares (Exodus 15:11).

Let’s begin with this question: What is an attribute? Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary defines an attribute as, “A quality, character, or characteristic ascribed to someone or something.” This is not a new or difficult word to understand. We describe people by their attributes often. Sometimes attributes are positive, “That lady is so generous." Sometimes they are negative, “That guy is always irritable.” Some people are known by multiple attributes; “Mr. Smith is such a patient and dedicated teacher.” Attributes are those characteristics that define us and make up who we are. Therefore, it should come as no surprise, that since we have attributes, the one in whose image we are made (Genesis 1:27) is marked by a variety of attributes. God has revealed many of these attributes across His written Word, as we will see. 

We learn of God’s attributes through creation and His Word. Romans 1:20 says that God’s attributes, though invisible, are clearly seen through what has been made. Furthermore, we learn about the attributes of God because God has spoken to us about Himself through His Word—the Bible. 2 Timothy 3:16 says that, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching.” Whether in creation or His Word, it is from God that we receive any knowledge and understanding of His attributes. He has the first and final word on His character. He informs and instructs our theology.

Go Deeper:

• Can you name any of God’s attributes?

• Do you know any Scripture verses that speak of God’s attributes?

• Read Exodus 34:6-7 and see how many attributes of God you can find.

Lord willing, I'll see you Sunday!
 
Grace & Peace,
John
(You can reach Pastor John at jwhite@thevillagemi.com)

The Attributes of God

Hello Village Church family and friends,

For quite some time, there has been a topic that keeps coming back around to me. It comes up in my Bible reading, my sermon study and preparation, and in conversations with friends. That topic is the attributes of God. Some of you just read that and thought, “Oh yeah! I was part of a poll and here come the results!” Sorry to disappoint! Thank you to those of you who took part in my rather unscientific polling this past week, but I’m not publishing the results. The purpose of the poll was to see what response the request to “Name an attribute of God” would generate, and I was quite encouraged by the responses.

Over the coming weeks, and more likely months, I’m going to use this “From the Pastor” space to write about the attributes of God. Each week, I will endeavor to name an attribute, give biblical reference(s) for it, and how that specific attribute affects us. Above all, I pray that learning about these attributes will drive us deeper into worship of God and bring Him the glory and honor that He alone is due. I will be drawing from the list of attributes in A. W. Tozer’s book, “The Knowledge of the Holy.” In the preface, Tozer says, “The words ‘Be still and know that I am God,’ (Psalms 46:10) mean next to nothing to the self-confident, bustling worshiper…” That is where the inspiration for spending time on this comes from.

I want to see and know God as He is; as He has revealed Himself in His word to us. I want to help those Christians, whose souls God has called me to watch over, to view God in this way as well. At times, I am guilty of too small a view of God; yet He is a God whose glory fills the earth (Isaiah 6:3). It is my hope that these weekly writings will encourage you into the Bible to learn more about the attributes of God. Also, that you will begin talking about them in your homes or in your small group of Christian friends, or with the unbelievers God has placed in your life, that you may testify to Him.

Lord willing, I'll see you Sunday!
 
Grace & Peace,
John
(You can reach Pastor John at jwhite@thevillagemi.com)

Read the Bible and other books too.

Hello Village Church family and friends,

I am always encouraging Christians to read the Bible and to read the whole Bible, but not the Bible only. First, read the Bible! A good reading plan, like the one listed here in The Village News, helps you to focus and push you beyond your favorite topics or passages, and into the entire Bible. Christians should strive to read and know as much of God's Word as possible, but there is also great encouragement to be found in reading books outside of the Bible. However, reading books that are not the Bible, even books by or about Christians, comes with a warning! Reading “Christian” books must be treated similar to listening to any “Christian” speaker, “Christian” talk radio, or “Christian” music. You should be asking, “Is this biblically sound? Is the message based in and upon Scripture?” We must always bring everything back to God's Word. This is precisely, first and foremost, why we must read the Bible! “What kind of books do you read, pastor?” Well, I read a lot of Bible and church commentary and this year, I’m working to read more biographical writings about Christian preachers and missionaries from long ago. I'm so encouraged by these Christian ancestors; their stories, the times they lived in, the challenges they faced, and how the Spirit of God used them in their day. They were all imperfect, but as Christians, they are as much a part of our Christian heritage as my grandmother’s cranberry relish recipe is a part of our family’s Thanksgiving dinner! An untold number of Christians have lived since the time of Christ until now, and there are many writings by and about them that can be greatly encouraging to us in our time. I know this to be true for me, and I’m thankful.

I hope you will join us this Sunday! I'm looking forward to singing, praying, and opening God's Word together!

Grace & Peace,
John
(You can reach Pastor John at jwhite@thevillagemi.com)

The Shepherd and Overseer

Hello Village Church family and friends,

While doing a quick study through 1 and 2 Peter this week, I was greatly encouraged by the following verse: "For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls." 1 Peter 2:25. My mind immediately went to John 10, where Jesus talks about being the Good Shepherd, and to Matthew 18:12, where Jesus talks about the shepherd who had 100 sheep and realized one of them was missing and went after it. The verse in 1 Peter 2 says "you were straying." This is a reference to the sin condition we have all inherited and are guilty of. The Bible says in this condition we are weak and dead (Romans 5:6, Ephesians 2:1). You may be asking at this point, "What exactly encouraged you?" The Shepherd! He came to bring us back into the sheepfold, to reconcile us to God (Romans 5:10). He didn't leave us straying. (Romans 5:8). This was simply a great encouragement to me to think about the love my Savior has for me. It reminded me of the words to a very simple song (The Gospel Song):

"Holy God in love became
Perfect man to bear my blame
On the cross he took my sin
By his death I live again"

I pray that these verses, thoughts, and words encourage and bless you! Lord willing, I'll see you Sunday!

Grace & Peace,
John
(You can reach Pastor John at jwhite@thevillagemi.com)

How I Pray for You

Hello Village Church family and friends,

"I am praying for you." I say those words all the time. Although well intentioned, they are pretty generic and perhaps sometimes insensitive. Every time someone says, "I'm praying you," to me, I think, "Thank you? But what are you praying for me?"  Instead of saying, "I'm praying for you," I have been working to ask whoever I'm talking to, "How can I pray for you?" This helps to move your prayer from generic and perhaps insensitive to specific and informed. Church, I don't pray for you generically. When I'm informed by you of what's going on in your life, I pray for those things. When I'm not informed about what's going on in your life, I pray the Word over you.

I want to show you what I mean here and perhaps help you pray for others. We are to pray for Christians at all times (Ephesians 6:18). When I am uninformed about your life, I pray for salvation (Romans 10:1), that God would open your eyes so that you may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that you may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in Jesus Christ (Acts 26:18). I pray that the Lord, in His mercy and grace, would lead you not into temptation but deliver you from evil (Matthew 6:13). I pray that the Lord would meet your basic needs; He knows you need them (Matthew 6:32). I pray that the spiritual soul is being fed by His Word (Matthew 4:4). I pray that as the Lord holds all things together by the power of His Word (Hebrews 1:3) that according to the riches of his glory he would grant that you be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith (Ephesians 3:16-17). I pray that you would be rooted and grounded in love and that you would have strength to comprehend and know the love of Christ and that you may be filled with all the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:18-19). 

Grace & Peace,
John
(You can reach Pastor John at jwhite@thevillagemi.com)

January Members Meeting Review

Hello Village Church family and friends,

Last Sunday night, we took a healthy step forward in our life together as a church. The members of the church came together to recognize the commitment they have made to one another in the covenant of church membership, by signing the membership covenant. It wasn't a ceremonious experience, but it was certainly a beautiful moment. It was so encouraging to see people commit themselves to the work of the Lord and to one another. Other church business was handled as well. The 2021 budget was unanimously approved by the membership in attendance, 37 in all.

Following the example of the early church, in Acts 1:21-26, and Acts 6:1-5, I asked the members who were present to recommend the names of any men who, through a season of prayer, had been laid on their hearts as able and biblically qualified to serve as elders in the church. These recommendations produced the names of 10 men from among our church family! Praise God! Please continue praying for our church, as we now have proactive steps to take toward seeing the Lord re-establish a plurality of elders at The Village Church. Please pray for me, as I seek to lead this process in a way that is productive, biblical, and God-honoring.

Members meetings aren't business meetings; business is discussed and handled, but it’s so much more than that. It's where we live and handle life together as a church. Members meetings will be a time for us to look back with thanksgiving on what God has done, to look inside with care at what God is doing, and to look ahead with anticipation of what God will do. I'm excited to be with you all this Sunday! Hearing your voices sing out God's praise was an incredible blessing last week! I can't wait to sing, to pray, to hear from the Word, and to have fellowship with one another again this week! Lord willing I'll see you then!

Grace & Peace,
John
(You can reach Pastor John at jwhite@thevillagemi.com)

A New Piece of Life Together!!

Church, I am excited to begin a new chapter of our life together as a church this Sunday: members meetings! They’ve been a long time coming. It is my hope and prayer that these times together will glorify God and be fruitful for the gospel and for our church!

I am excited to come together in the close-knit community that God has built for us. To some extent we do this every Sunday, but that is the more broad, universal gathering of Christians together for worship. I'm referring to the more specific, committed family of God within the gathered church—the membership—those committed to one another because of and through their mutual faith in Jesus Christ.

I wish I had more space to detail what these meetings will be like, but here's the deal: if you are a member, join us this Sunday night at 6pm and we'll learn together. If you're not a member, what are you waiting for? Church is not something we do; it’s a family we belong to.

I'm excited to be with you all this Sunday! I love singing, praying, and hearing from God’s Word together! Lord willing, I'll see you Sunday!

Grace & Peace,
John
(You can reach Pastor John at jwhite@thevillagemi.com)

The Stabilizing Power of God

Hello Village Church family and friends,

I've had quite a few conversations this week about the times in which we live, specifically in our own country; the uncertainty, the instability. This week, I want to urge you, Christians, to set your eyes on Jesus Christ! When my children get hurt, when they are scared, when they are in trouble, when they are crying and seemingly unconsolable, in the calmest voice possible I will gently say their name, trying to settle them down, and say to them, "Lift up your head, look at my face. Look at me."

Christian, today, lift up your face. Look to your Savior. If you are hurt, if you are scared, if you are in trouble, if you are seemingly unconsolable, I want to remind you of the power and control of your Savior King. Colossians 1:16 says that, "by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him." And Colossians 1:17 says that, "he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."

Christian, don't be shaken by what's going on in the world. Find stability in the One who not only created it but created it for himself and who holds it all together! All glory be to Christ!

I've prayed for you this week. I've prayed for us as a church. I've prayed for our nation. Thank you for praying for me. I hope you will be able to join us this Sunday! Lord willing, I'll see you then!

Grace & Peace,
John
(You can reach Pastor John at jwhite@thevillagemi.com)

"I'm a Christian?" Are you sure?

Hello Village Church family and friends,

"I am a Christian." I write this short piece each week assuming that the majority of recipients would say this, while at the same time not assuming that everyone who says this actually is. Understanding the difference is essential.

A Christian is one who has been saved by the grace of God alone through faith in Jesus Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8). A Christian believes in the completed work of Jesus Christ and says so publicly (Romans 10:9-10). A Christian lives life denying the flesh (Romans 13:14), repenting from sin (1 John 1:9), and obeying God's Word (1 John 2:3). A Christian is one who encourages other Christians to live this way (Hebrews 10:24) and calls sinners to this new life (Acts 3:19-20).

"I'm a Christian." You may say it, but are you? This is certainly not a full and comprehensive look at what a Christian is, but if reading this has produced questions for you, please contact me! I’d love to talk with you more about being or becoming a Christian!

I'm looking forward to gathering with the church this Sunday! I hope you're planning to join us! We will sing, we will pray, we will hear God's Word, and we will preach the Good News of Jesus Christ! Lord willing, I'll see you then!

Grace & Peace,
John
(You can reach Pastor John at jwhite@thevillagemi.com)

God is Sovereign!

Hello Village Church family and friends,

I'm tired this week. I'm grieved. I hurt for for the turmoil our country is in. I'm saddened by the division and hatred that I see. I'm in anguish over the fact that when our country needs the Church--the pillar and ground of the truth (1 Timothy 3:15)--she's been indistinguishable from the world. I've spent a lot of time in prayer. I've spent a lot of time repenting from my own thoughts and wicked heart, and for the actions of our nation and a people void of God.

Amidst all of this, I rejoice. I rejoice because God is Sovereign. I rejoice because my King will return for His people. I rejoice because my hope is not tied to kings and lands, but to the King of Kings Jesus Christ.

I rejoice because, "He makes nations great, and he destroys them; he enlarges nations, and leads them away," (Job 12:23). "He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding," (Daniel 2:21). I rejoice because he has proclaimed good news to the poor, liberty to captives, recovery of sight of to the blind, and has set at liberty those who are oppressed (Luke 4:18).

If you have been struggling to process or understand all that has been and is going on in the world, I would love to talk with you! Please feel free to contact me! I'd love to open the Bible with you, pray with you, and together grow in a Godly, Biblical perspective of the world in which we live.

I'm tired this week. But I'm rejoicing in the Lord! I'm excited to be with you this Sunday to sing, to pray, to hear from the Word, and to have fellowship! Lord willing, I'll see you Sunday!

Grace & Peace,
John
(You can reach Pastor John at jwhite@thevillagemi.com)

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year, Village Church family and friends!

New. What a great word! Think about all of the good and exciting things associated with the word new: new year, new car, new house, new shoes, new toy, new movie. Man, that's good stuff! Check out these few Bible verses associated with the word new:

"We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life." Romans 6:4

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." 2 Corinthians 5:17

"And have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator." Colossians 3:10

"And he who was seated on the throne said, 'Behold, I am making all things new.' Also he said, 'Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.'" Revelation 21:5

Remember those feel good words above that bring excitement to us when attached to the word new? Do you ever look at your life and get a similar excitement? Christian, do you ever think about what you were and what you are now because of God's work in your life? Friends, Almighty God is in the business of new! I'm so thankful for the grace of God, the redemptive work of Christ, and the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit that makes me new. As we walk forward into a new year, let's not think so much about the passing of an old one, but the new life that is ours through faith in Christ. If you're reading this and you have any questions about new life in Christ please contact us today! We'd love to talk with you!

Friends, you are loved! I'm excited about a new year! I'm excited about the 2021 reading plan, I hope you're along for the journey! I'm excited about new things the Lord is doing in the Village Church! I'm excited about our new lives and the hope we have because of Christ! Lord willing, I'll see you Sunday!

Grace & Peace,
John
(You can reach Pastor John at jwhite@thevillagemi.com)

Merry Christmas!

"For unto you is born...a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." Luke 1:11

The news that those angels heralded on the day of our Savior's birth two thousand plus years ago is as true for you and I today as it was for them then!

Titus 2:11 tells us that the grace of God has appeared bringing salvation for all people! Do you know this great salvation? You may ask, "Salvation from what? I'm a good person. I'm not in need of saving." I would like to agree with you. I'd like to tell you about how good of a person I am. But I can't. And I'd imagine that on this Christmas morning, if you were still and very honest with yourself you would recognize the same problem. You can't talk about how good you are.

This, however, my dear friend, is the beauty of those words that you just read. Unto you, a Savior is born, who is Christ the Lord! Unlike us, in whom there is no good, in him there was no sin. He bore, in his body, the penalty due to us. God, satisfied with Christ's sacrifice for our sin poured out all of the wrath that we deserve. The Bible says that, "For our sake [God] made [Christ] to be sin who knew no sin, so that in [Christ] we might become the righteousness of God." 2 Corinthians 5:21. This is the Good News! If you are anything like me you recognize the weight and burden of sin in your life and your complete inability to do anything about it. Good News, because Jesus, in his death on the cross, makes us right with God!

You may ask, "John, I do recognize this, but what do I do to be saved?" And friend, you could ask no greater question this blessed morn. Jesus says, "Repent and believe the gospel." Mark 1:15. Acts 3:19 says to "Repent, therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out," and verse 20 goes on to say, "that times of refreshing may come from the Lord."

Friend, you don't know refreshing like the overwhelming peace of God that floods your soul, when through faith in Christ you are saved by the grace of God and forgiven of sins! Romans 10:9, says, "if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."

It is my deepest prayer that this Christmas you will come into relationship with the Savior, Jesus Christ. If you have read this and have any questions, please reach out and contact me! I would love to talk more with you about this amazing God who reached into such depths to save my soul, and who offers the same to you!

You're welcome to join us this Sunday at 10am in the gym at Byron Baptist Church. You would be most welcome! I'd love to say hello to you!

To my Village Church family: I love you and hope you have a very Merry Christmas! Lord willing, I'll see you Sunday!

Grace & Peace,
John
(You can reach Pastor John at jwhite@thevillagemi.com)

2021 Bible Reading Plan

Hello Village Family and Friends!

I can't believe we are staring down the end of 2020! While most people are probably thinking, "Good riddance," I am thanking the Lord for the year 2020 has been! One of the blessings of 2020 that I am thanking the Lord for has been the privilege to read through the entire Bible this year. As of today I am only 13 days away from completing the M'Cheyne One Year Reading plan. It's pronounced McShane, named after Robert Murray M'Cheyne, a Scottish Pastor. He was saved in 1831 and served as minister in the Church of Christ in Scotland at St. Peter's Church Dundee from 1836-1843. He passed away on March 25th, 1843, at 30 years old.

I found this plan in late December 2019. I liked that over the course of a year I would read the entire Old Testament once through, and Psalms and the Entire New Testament twice! Most days the average reading is 4 chapters from four books; two from two Old Testament books, and two from two New Testament books. I use the app on my phone and open my physical bible. You can listen to it. You can read on your smartphone or tablet, or even on your desktop computer. I have done all of these. But, for me, nothing beats using a physical Bible, which is my typical rule each day.

In 14 days I will be starting this plan all over again. I've invited quite a few people to join me in this reading plan. It is good and necessary for Christians to read the Bible. Moreover, it is good and necessary for Christians to read the entire Bible. I have learned so much this past year and I know that next year i will learn more new things! God's Word will speak to me in new ways. Something I didn't catch this past June will jump out this next June. I want to invite you on this journey with me! Download the YouVersion Bible app for Android or iPhone or visit my.bible.com and create a free account. Then come back to this email and click this link for the M'Cheyne One Year Reading Plan. Then, on January 1st, we'll start a year long journey that will provide more opportunities for growth, learning, and conversation than you can imagine. If technology is not your thing but you want to commit and join this reading plan, I can provide you with a paper copy of the plan!

I hope you will join me! I have greatly benefited from focused, daily time, reading through all of God's Word this year. And, since the Lord says that his word will not return back to him without accomplishing the purpose for which he sent it (Isaiah 55:11) I have a feeling you will benefit from it in your life as well! Lord willing, I'll see you Sunday!

Grace & Peace,
John
(You can reach Pastor John at jwhite@thevillagemi.com)

Help from God's people

Hello Village Family and Friends!

2020 has been an unprecedented year of hardship and struggle, and for some, it only seems to be getting more difficult with each week that passes. As Christians, we have hope beyond our momentary troubles and affliction because of our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ! As we learned in Titus last Sunday, the grace of God has appeared bringing salvation for all people, training us to live godly lives in this present age, "waiting for the blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ" (Titus 2:13). This gives us great hope amidst these difficult and trying times.

This doesn't mean we have it all figured out, that everything is alright, or that we don't face hardship. In fact, we are told we will face many trials in this life (John 16:33, 1 Peter 4:12, James 1:2-3. Being aware that this year has been especially challenging for some in our church family, many have stepped up to help those who may need it. This is one of the great values of belonging to the body of Christ in this life! This is why we give financially. This is also how we share in carrying one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2). If you find yourself struggling during this season and are in need of help in any way, please reach out and let us know.

On the other hand, perhaps you don't find yourself struggling during this season. Perhaps the Lord has you in a position to of help those who are? I would encourage you to be praying about and looking for ways that you can help your brothers and sisters in Christ. Maybe it's a run to the grocery store, or picking up a prescription. Maybe it's shoveling a sidewalk, plowing a driveway, or delivering firewood.

We must keep in mind that at the core of the gospel message is our desperate need for help and the loving, giving, merciful action of the only One who could help! This same Savior Lord calls us to love others as ourselves (Mark 12:31) and to freely give having freely received (Matthew 10:8). May our love, our giving, and our help, be a mirror of Christ's love to us, as well as a demonstration of the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16)! I hope to see you this Sunday as we worship the Lord together!

Grace & Peace,
John
(You can reach Pastor John at jwhite@thevillagemi.com)

Operation Appreciation

Hello Village Family and Friends!

Just over a year ago I entered into fellowship with a group of local pastors from Genesee County. The purpose and the intent was simple: to pray for one another, our churches, and our communities. Along wit praying, we were going to keep our eyes open for ways that we and our churches could partner together for the Gospel. I have made some friendships over the last year that the Lord has used to minister in an extremely deep way. I'm so thankful for these men.

About a week ago, one of the pastors in the group, whose wife works is deep in the nursing world was sharing us some of the thoughts and feelings that she and other nurses he knew had expressed to him. This was reverberated by other pastors connected to the nursing world as well. 2020 and he COVID challenge has presented a great number of difficulties and stresses, but perhaps none so great as on our local hospital nursing staffs. Not only did they never have to, they weren't given the opportunity to ask, "Am I essential?" They simply went to work and persevered through hardship and heartache, despite the risk to themselves and their families. Stories of coming home and being quarantined from family in their own homes became commonplace. In March and April, even in to May the outpouring from local communities was immense! Gift cards, meals, snacks, thank you cards, yard signs; you couldn't go anywhere without seeing the appreciation people had for these local heroes.

But then, as humanity has always done, the job went on and the thanks began to diminish. Feelings of loneliness and of being forgotten began to crowd in and this at a time when numbers from the passed 10 weeks are nearly triple what they were during the first 10 weeks, thankfully with less death. Praise God!

Re-enter the Genesee Valley Pastors Fellowship, and these men for who I am so thankful. The Spirit started stirring us, "If the world is slowly forgetting these local heroes, surely the church had better not! What can we do? Moreover, how can we thank them and how can we share Christ with them?" And in a whirlwind of thought and planning Operation Appreciation was birthed. Over the next two weeks, churches from across the region will be gathering donations of non-perishable snacks (e.g. granola bars, packages of crackers or trail-mix, jerky, etc.) and cards of thanks that will be delivered on or around December 19th to the local hospitals. Along with the cards and snacks will be a link to a website (this website) sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ and contact information for the churches involved. It is our hope and prayer that, through the demonstration of Christ's Church coming together, the recipients of such care and thanks would be drawn to salvation through faith in Christ.

This entire operation may seem remove from us, but we have nurses in our church family and we have several who have benefited recently from the selfless care of these healthcare workers! Let's show them our thanks and pray that God saves many through our efforts to glorify his name this Christmas Season! Please contact me if you have any questions!

Grace & Peace,
John
(You can reach Pastor John at jwhite@thevillagemi.com)

Seven Year End Prayers for The Village Church in 2020

Thank you for taking time to read this week's News, Village family and friends. I pray that you are looking for ways to increase your Christian fellowship and growth in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Since the beginning of The Village Church, prayer has been at our core. This is because, Biblically speaking, prayer should be at the core of every believer and every gathering of believers. Recently, the pastoral fellowship that I am a part of wrote down a list of things we were committing to pray for through the end of 2020. I liked this idea very much and so I brought it up at last week's midweek prayer meeting (which if you do not come to, you totally should!). Since then I have been praying for our church, reflecting on God's Word for our church, and paying careful attention to interactions within our church. Here is the list, not necessarily in order of importance, that has come out of that prayer, that time in the Word, and those interactions:

Seven Year End Prayers for The Village Church in 2020

1. Lord, we pray that you would increase devotion to your word, to prayer, to fellowship, and to unity within our church family (Acts 2:42).

2. Lord, we pray that you would bring spiritual growth and flourishing in each member of our church family (Ephesians 3:14-19).

3. Lord, we pray that you would bring true gospel-regeneration to the lost souls among us, especially our children (Romans 10:1).

4. Lord, we pray that you would help our gospel-witness to be faithful and effective in the community of Byron and beyond (1 Thessalonians 1:8).

5. Lord, we pray that you would help us to properly steward your provision for us (Romans 12:6-8).

6. Lord, we pray that you would cause us to have a greater concern for your glory and the gospel of Christ than for worldly comfort and satisfaction (Philippians 3:7-11).

7. Lord, we pray that you would raise up qualified, capable men to be elders within our church (Acts 1:24-25).

So there it is! I'm asking that we commit to pray over this list through the end of the year. I'm asking that we pray daily, weekly, publicly, privately, in small, or in large groups. I'm asking that we, as Philippians 4:6 instructs, "by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let [our] requests be made known to God." You may notice that every item has a Scripture reference with it. This is to help us pray with the right motives, not grounded in the will of man or human opinion, but grounded in God's Word so that God's desire for his people may be carried out in us, and that he may be glorified in our praying. I would encourage you to familiarize yourself with the Scriptures attached to these items and let the Word help you pray.

Along with this church-wide call to prayer, I would encourage you, as individuals and/or as families, to sit down and come up with a list of things to pray for in your own life/lives. I would encourage you to find examples in Scripture of where the things you are praying for are prayed for and/or encouraged by God's Word. Allow God's Word to support your prayers before him.

Grace & Peace,
John
(You can reach Pastor John at jwhite@thevillagemi.com)

An Exciting and Incredible Moment

Hello church family and friends! If you weren't able to join us last Sunday, August 2nd, or catch the video on Facebook you may have missed the news. We were very thankful, after the COVID lockdown season, to be offered the opportunity to gather in the gym at Byron Baptist Church for our weekly worship service. Meeting at 6pm, though difficult for some to get used to, seems to have been a very good transition time out of the lockdown season and back into gathering regularly. However, we knew that meeting at 6pm was only for a season. We didn't know how long that season would last but we were thankful for it and we have hoped, Lord willing, that we would be able to return to a Sunday morning gathering. Well, Church, the gracious hand of the Lord has made that hope a reality. Starting in early September The Village Church will again be meeting at 10am on Sunday morning.

For the past two years we have labored together in youth ministry with our friends at Byron Baptist, providing opportunity for the youth of both churches and our community. We are not entirely sure what youth ministry will look like this year, but with the desire to continue laboring together for the sake of the gospel among the youth of our community and needing the gym space on Sunday evenings, the church body at Byron Baptist has given their approval for The Village Church to meet at 10am on Sunday mornings, still in the gym. We give glory to God for the grace and favor with which he has blessed the relationship that we have with the saints at Byron Baptist.

What an exciting and incredible moment for the Gospel in the community of Byron and in the churches! What other testimony can be given for the reason that two churches would meet in one location at the same time other than the power and working of the Lord Jesus Christ within and between the two churches? It's exciting also, in that this will open doors for more people to serve the church in new ways. So, keep your eyes and ears open for more details. When we have an exact transition date, when we know the specific opportunities to serve, we'll be sure to pass the information along! Be encouraged church! God is doing wonderful things in our midst! Lord willing, I'll see you Sunday!

Grace & Peace,
John
(You can reach Pastor John at jwhite@thevillagemi.com)

I have some announcements.

Hello reader! I don't typically want to use this writing spot as an announcement, but this week, I kind of feel compelled to. So, I have three announcements for you! 

1. Ladies, I hope you will take the opportunity to join with other Village Women on Saturday, August 1st, at 10am at the Byron Sesquicentennial Park, for fellowship, prayer and time in the word! Husbands, I hope that you will do all within your power to see to it that your wife is ministered to by other women! This is necessary! So, whatever you have to do try and make it possible for your wife to join the other women on Saturday!
    

2. On Wednesday, July 29th, the governor of the State of Michigan issued yet another executive order limiting again the number of people who can gather inside to 10 and the number of those who can gather outside to 100. We have received a few calls and questions regarding how this will affect our church gathering. Simply, it won't. Please note, that per the governor's executive order, places of worship, and those attending a place of worship for a religious service are exempt from these restrictions. We still have hand sanitizer available and it is still perfectly accept for you to wear a mask or maintain safe social distance from people if you prefer too. Please join us if you can!
    

3. This Sunday's sermon is called There is One Baptism and, you guessed it, we will be talking about baptism. This COVID season has presented many challenges to ministry, one great challenge to me has been baptism. "If someone comes to faith in Jesus Christ and is saved and desires to get baptized, how will we do that?" I wish I had the answer to that question, but I'm not sure that I do just yet. However, if the Lord has been nudging your or prompting you in the area of obedience to Christ through baptism, or if you have any questions on baptism, I want to encourage you to join us Sunday night, listen to the sermon online, or contact me. I want to talk with you and help you take steps of obedience to the Lord.

Lastly, this Sunday I will be sharing special news about our Sunday gathering. I have shared the last two weeks that I have been in a season of encouragement, and the news that we have share this Sunday is equally encouraging! If you can, join us! If the internet connection cooperates with us, we'll be live on Facebook at 6pm! Church, I'm praying for us. We are loved. Lord willing, I'll see you Sunday

Grace & Peace,
John
(You can reach Pastor John at jwhite@thevillagemi.com)

More Encouragement!

Church, I'm in a season of great encouragement right now! I keep seeing the Lord's hand at work in different ways and it's exciting! I continue sharing these things in order that we may give glory to God together for the good things he has done, and so we can join together in praying for some future opportunities!

On Wednesday afternoon, Jacqueline and I received a call from a lady in the church who is involved in a food distribution program in Chesaning. There was a surplus of food after the distribution was complete and eight different homes, seven of them from The Village, were blessed by this surplus. Please pray for wisdom, as there opportunity for us to bring this program to our own community!

On Wednesday evening we gathered with others from the church for Prayer in the Park. Ok, listen, if you're not coming to Wednesday Prayer you better have a really good reason! This time of prayer and fellowship is so encouraging! To not only hear about how I can be praying for others, but to hear others pray and plead with the Lord for one another, for our church, and for our community is deeply encouraging. Not only is the gathering to pray and the praying encouraging, we are seeing the Lord answer prayers! Praise His Name!

I'm encouraged to meet with the men this Saturday morning and that the women are meeting next Saturday! Please join in praying together for wisdom for our small group, in home ministry, Village Homes. We have no idea how we should move forward with that in this COVID age, so please pray for wisdom, as these small moments of discipleship and growth are so vital to our lives as Christians.

I am excited to see excitement and a hunger for God's Word! If there is one thing we see in Scripture, it's that when people live inspired by and according to God's Word, God works and moves and changes lives! Pray that God would continue to change and transform lives by the truth and power of His Word in our church and community. Church, I'm excited! So many things to be a part of, and so many things to pray for! Don't just read about it, join us and be a part of it! Lord willing, I'll see you Sunday!

Grace & Peace,
John
(You can reach Pastor John at jwhite@thevillagemi.com)