Flee and Run, Together

As we come to our third and final goal for this new year—for all of Christian living—let’s review the first two:

Goal #1: Flee Youthful Passions. As God’s people we are to be running away from the sinful passions and desires are contrary to God and tempt us to disobey God or wander away from God.

Goal #2: Pursue Righteousness, Faith, Love, and Peace. As we flee the sinful desires of our flesh and this world, we are to pursue, or run after, godliness.

Now we come to our third goal, which has to parts, but first, our focus text, 2 Timothy 2:22, one more time:

“So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.”

Goal #3: Flee and Run, Together. The Christian life is not meant to be lived alone. While it is an individual responsibility to flee sin and pursue godliness, we are supposed to do it “along with those” who are doing the same thing. And we should be careful to make sure that those we are with are actually doing the same thing.

How do we identify those who are doing that? Well, those who profess faith in Jesus that you go to church with is a great place to start. The people you in united together with in the setting of the local church, where you worship God, serve God, and proclaim God together, is the best place to find those pursuing godliness. Paul gives two marks of those we should pursue godliness with: those who 1) call on the Lord, 2) from a pure heart.

“Those who call on the Lord” simple means, those who pray. Prayer is a mark of a genuine Christian life; and those who are pursuing godliness will live a growing life of prayer to God. Only in calling on the Lord will we truly find godliness as we pursue it. Godliness doesn’t come from our own work. We need Christ’s help as we pursue it. And prayer (along with time in the word) is how we find Christ’s help.

“From a pure heart” means putting on no pretense of having it all together; no air of superiority. A pure heart pursuing godliness exhibits Christ to those around them, and also the humility to know they haven’t arrived yet. The pure in heart know they are imperfect, awaiting perfection when the Perfect One appears.

Are you pursuing godliness along with others who are pursuing godliness? Are you surrounding yourself with people who are calling on the Lord from a pure heart?

Prayer: Oh God of victory over sinful passions and desires; God of righteousness, faith, love, and peace. Draw us near and into unity with those who call on your name from a pure heart. Strengthen us in unity by the truth of your Word and the power of your Spirit, in worship of you and in fellowship together.

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

Flee From and Run After

Last week, I began challenging us with some goals for the new year - goals for Christian living. It is true that God saves us according to his mercy, by his grace, through faith in Jesus Christ. It is also true that all of our salvation continues, is maintained, and will be eternally achieved through nothing other than faith alone in Jesus Christ.

However, within his saving work, God calls us to obedience and to good works. Last week we looked at 2 Timothy 2:22, and it says:

“So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.”

Our first goal was to flee sinful passions and desires that are contrary to God, that keep us from obeying and glorifying God in this life. How did you do at this last week? Perhaps the Holy Spirit convinced you of more that needs to be fled as he sanctifies you to the image of Christ. What a good thing to have the impurity of the world pointed out by the purity of the Spirit that we may be more like Christ!

Goal #2: Pursue Righteousness, Faith, Love, and Peace

I won’t tackle each of these individually—but I would encourage you to do that in prayer and in the Word! For the purpose of this brief study, we will consider the word “pursue” and we will define the four things we are to pursue as godliness or holiness. Indeed righteousness, faith, love, and peace—and others!—is godliness.

The word pursue is where we find our responsibility within God’s saving work. It’s an action word meaning run to, go for, seek out, strive after. In the original language, what Paul writes to Timothy equated very nearly to “flee sinful desires; and flee to godliness.” The idea is that you have been set free from one in order to do the other. But we have to do it; we have to pursue them. God does give us these things in Christ, but he also tells us to pursue them. We’re not supposed to sit around and wait for our sanctification to happen.

Are you actively pursuing godliness? As you lay down sin, are you picking up holiness?

Prayer: Father, through Christ you have provided all that is necessary for life and godliness. Teach me to know righteousness, faithfulness, love and peace. Show me what it is to pursue godliness, holiness, a life that pleases you and lives in fellowship with you. Help me to die to the sinful passions of this world, and live to pursue you, my God and King. Amen.

Apparently there’s a big storm coming. Lord willing, I’ll see you Sunday morning as we gather to worship the Lord and pursue godliness and holiness together.

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

Happy New Year!

The new year always brings resolutions and goals. It is a time when people talk about things they will tackle in the coming year. We also know that the talk of and the setting of goals often leads to them not being met.

Did you set any goals in 2023 that you failed to meet? Did you set any that you did meet?

In From the Elders, over the next few weeks, I want to challenge us all with a some goals for the coming year, indeed for all of life. These goals come to us from God’s Word and are found in Paul’s second letter to Timothy; 2 Timothy 2:22, specifically. It says:

“So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.”

Goal #1: Flee Youthful Passions

Some may read that word youthful and think, “Oh, you’re not talking to me.” But I am. Paul, an older man of maybe 60, is writing to Timothy, a younger man of maybe 40 or even 50. We have in our mind that Timothy was a teenager or young adult, but history has him as slightly older than we think; however, he was younger than Paul. And Paul wrote this, perhaps middle aged, but younger man saying, “flee youthful passions.”

That word passions, in the Greek is the word epithymia (pronounced ep-ee-thoo-me-uh). and it carries with it the thought of lust or cravings or desire for things forbidden. To help us understand this better, we could easily say that Eve’s epithymia for the forbidden fruit was a passion that she needed to flee from.

We all know that no matter the age, there are passions and desires within us that are contrary to what God calls his people to. Passions and desires that tempt us to disobey God. Passions and desires that lead us into sin. We are called—no matter the age—to flee these desires.

What passions or desires do you need to flee?

Prayer: Oh Lord, God of all mercy and grace, forgive me of the passions and desires that I spend thought and energy on; that I give in to; that cause me to sin against you. Strengthen me, Lord, to flee these passions and desires as you have called me to in your word. Amen.

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

Advent: The Second Coming of Christ

Hello Village Family and Friends,

Well, the close of the year is upon us. 2023 will so be nothing more than history. As I get older, more specifically as my kids get older, I am more mindful than ever how fast this world of time is moving. We can do nothing to slow it down; we certainly can’t stop it. The old saying, “Time marches on” proves truer with ever ticking second.

Interestingly, the constant ticking a swiftly moving clock is precisely what lulls many into spiritual sleep and slumber; into a life lived into ignorances and rejection of God in the world he created; into a life of rebellions against him by living without reference to him. Since the moment of Christ’s ascension the message has been, “He is returning!” But just as Christ said would happen, the longer he takes, the less mindful people are of his words, the further they drift from his truth, and the greater their horror will be on the day that it happens.

I am 42 years old. All of my life I have heard that Christ is coming soon. 42 years is a long time to wait for something and not see it come to fruition; let alone 2000 years. Yet, the more I read his word and watch the world around me, the more I am convinced of his return.

Christian, are you living in the urgent tension of Christ’s pending return? He said that he will come at a day and at an hour unknown. Like an unexpected thief in he night. Like labor pains upon a pregnant woman. This word from our Savior demands that we live every moment ready for his return. We must live fully present in this world, but we must be ready at every moment for our Savior to return and take us home to glroy with him forever.

I’m excited to worship with you this Sunday and consider great truths regarding Chris’s second coming. Lord willing, I’ll see you then (unless the Lord, in fact, returns first).

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

Advent: The Person and Work of Christ's First Coming

Hello Village Family and Friend,

I pray that you are well and enjoying the Lord, despite the many struggles that this life often presents.

This Sunday is Christmas Eve! We will gather at 10am and worship the Lord in song, pray, hear his word, and encourage one another in this life together with great news of good joy which is for all people!

I pray that you are not only planing to join in worship, but I hope you have been inviting family and friends to hear the good news of Christ’s birth; moreover, the wonderful, excellent news of what the birth accomplished! The song “Because He Lives” tells of this accomplishment in it’s first verse:

God sent His son, they called Him, Jesus;
He came to love, heal and forgive;
He lived and died to buy my pardon,
An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives!

This Sunday, as we gather, it will be the person and work of Jesus Christ that we declare! The person and work of Jesus Christ culminates in the cross and the empty tomb; but everything between his birth and death is also of great importance!

By way of reminder, there is no Sunday School this week, the 24th, or next, the 31st. Simply our 10am regular worship gathering. Also, starting this Sunday, checks can be accepted made payable to Village Bible Church.

I am excited to gather and worship with you and reflect on the gospel as we proclaim the gospel! Lord willing, I’ll see you Sunday!

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

Advent: Christ's Birth

Hello Village Friends and Family,

I hope your week has gone well. I hope you are making plans to join together to worship the Lord this Sunday! I am looking forward to joining together in song, in prayer, and in learning from the Word together!

As a church, we do not have a grand plan for Christmas Eve.

Yes, we are going to gather on Christmas Eve. Yes we are going to sing songs and read Scripture and hear preaching that proclaims the birth of the Savior, “who is Christ the Lord.”

You may be thinking, as you read that, “Pastor, this sounds like every other Sunday.” To which I would say, “Exactly!” And right there is the grand, no, right there is divine plan; which makes it grand!

When we gather on Christmas Eve we will do precisely what God has desired and commanded for his people to do; from Mt. Sinai, to today, and until he returns. New City Catechism Question 10 asks: “What does God require in the fourth…commandment?” The answer, “Fourth, that on the Sabbath day we spend time in public and private worship of God, rest from routine employment, serve the Lord and others, and so anticipate the eternal Sabbath.” This is a grand plan!

I wonder; has the commercialism of Christmas in our culture caused us to think that the regular, visible, utterly beautiful means of grace, known as the gathering God’s people, has to get all dressed up at Christmas and Easter? We gather and proclaim the same message Sunday after Sunday. Why not put forth the same effort every single week?

Let us see the grand, divine plan and always desire for anyone and everyone to come and hear and be reminded of the Good News announced by the angels to the shepherds so long ago; “Unto you is born a Savior who is Christ the Lord!”

I can’t wait to worship 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

Advent: Prophecies of Christ's First Coming

Kind reader,

I pray that you are well and enjoying this unseasonably nice weather. I also hope to see you this Sunday as we worship the Lord in song, in prayer, in preaching, in reading and in our fellowship together. Each Sunday, God’s people spend specific time in worship of God. This time is sacred, and it is important. I pray that you are prioritizing gathering together with the people of God. This time lifts our eyes off of the sorrows and trials of our life and places them on an eternal hope given to us by a good and gracious Father, King, and Savior.

This Sunday, Mark and Franciska Richardson will be sharing, during the Sunday School hour, about where they are in the process of getting to Belize for gospel missionary work there. If you are unfamiliar with their story and are curious of what’s been going on with them, this will be an excellent opportunity to get the latest news! (Sunday School starts at 9am, and we do have Sunday School for all ages).

During our worship gathering, the preaching of God’s Word will look at the prophecies of Christ’s first coming and the impact those prophecies, already fulfilled at Christ’s birth, have on our lives today.

Sunday evening, Village Kids will put on their Christmas program, proclaiming the birth and Good News of Jesus in song! Come enjoy the evening with the kids and a time of fellowship afterwards.

We are still in the process of finalizing the budget. We had hoped to have this in your hands for review by this time, but the fine work of finalizing a new budget with so many new categories requires diligence than expedience. We do appreciate your patience in this area. We still hope to have this finalized and in your hands before the end of the year, with a likely vote just after he first of the year.

Church, I hope to see you this Sunday! I’m excited to sing God’s praise and worship the Almighty with you! Lord wiling, 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

Advent: A Series On The First Coming of Christ

Hello kind reader, whether Village Bible family or friend!

I pray this finds you well, resting and trusting and growing in the grace and strength of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

This Sunday, we will begin a new preaching series for the month of December; “Advent: A Series On The First Coming Of Christ.” The term Advent may be a new one to you, perhaps not, but if you are in the camp of not knowing what Advent is, keep reading.

If you do an internet search for the term Advent, you will find out that the world views it as nothing more than a fun countdown to Christmas. However, in the Christian Church Advent is a reflection on the event of Christ’s birth, over the weeks leading up to Christmas. Christians are not alone in observing Advent, the Catholic Church also observes advent. However, beyond Christianity and Catholicism, no other religion spends time on it. Of note, Christians and Catholics diverge quickly on our understanding and beliefs regarding the birth of Christ.

In this series, we will focus on various aspects of Christ’s first coming; the need for Messiah’s coming, the prophecy of his coming, and his actual coming. However, a responsible teaching on Christ’s first advent is incomplete if it stops at his birth. The phrase, “the first advent of Christ” communicates something. If we just said, “The advent of Christ,” well ok then, but “first advent” communicates that there will be a second advent. And this is absolutely true, we call it the Second Coming of Christ. But between the first and second advent of Christ, a major event took place and that is the life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ; commonly called The Gospel, or Good News, of Jesus. And so in our Advent series we will consider the need, the prophecy, the birth, the Gospel, and the return of Jesus Christ.

It is our prayer that this series will equip us as God’s people to talk about Christ in a better way through this Christmas season and in every season. That we may worship Christ the once newborn, then dead, now alive, and soon returning King, in a greater way, bringing greater glory to the name of our God!

I also want to encourage your involvement and prayer for our participation in Byron’s Christmas In The Village event this Saturday night! Pray for all of those who we will be able to share the Good News of Christ with, through the presentation of a life nativity. Pray for relationships to begin and be furthered in our town to the glory of God!

I’m excited to worship with you all those who gather this Sunday as we begin this journey! 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

Family Matters - The Children

Village Family and Friends,

I hope you are well, and that in whatever way you chose to enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday, your time was meaningful.

This Sunday we will close out this short series, Family Matters, by looking at the role of children. If you have never noticed, children are extremely important throughout the Bible; they are precious to the Lord and they are given to a husband and a wife as a great blessing and with great responsibility.

As the enemy of God and of God’s people, Satan, wages war on the biblical view of the family, we should understand that these precious, young blessings are also in view as a target. Join us as we consider, more than the children themselves, the great responsibility that we as parents, as adults, as a church have in the lives of our young people, our children.

I hope you are making plan to be involved in Christmas In The Village! What a wonderful opportunity to meet people in our community and share the truth and love of Christ with them! I’m looking forward to being with you this Sunday! To sing, pray, to hear Scripture , and to be together as a family. 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

Family Matters - The Woman

Hello Village Family and Friends,

I hope this letter finds you well. As I sit here and consider this week so far, it has been one filled with difficulty and also blessing, for many among us.

On Thursday, our church held the funeral service for George Spicer, a long standing member of Byron Baptist, who went home to be with the Lord at the age of 90. While we grieve the loss of a beloved brother, we also rejoice, knowing that George is now with his Lord and Savior, seeing by sight what he formerly saw by faith!

In the same week that we mourn the loss of a beloved brother, we as a church also had 28 middle school students walk through our doors for The Break. These students enjoyed a meal prepared by some of the women of our church, as well as a Bible study led by Pastor John. God be praised for bringing the lost and hurting to us, that we may point them to Christ!

Brothers and sisters, in all things, whether it be the passing of a senior saint into glory, or the opportunity to share Christ with a young student, may we seek to exalt the Savior, both as individual believers and also as a congregation in this community, where God has placed us.

I hope you are making plans to gather with the church this Lord’s day. We will be continuing in our “Family Matters” series. Last week, we looked at man and what the Word says; this week, we will continue, looking to God’s Word and what it says about woman.

Lord willing, we will see you Sunday!

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

Family Matters - The Man

Hello Church Family and Friends,

I hope this week has gone well for you and I hope you are making plans to gather together with the people of God to worship the Lord this Sunday!

Last week, we opened the Family Matters series by looking at the family according to God’s design. We looked at many aspects of the family and why the family is in the condition that it is in today. This Sunday, as we gather and continue in Family Matters, we will focus our time on the man; the husband and father. God’s Word doesn’t leave room for the man to be complacent in the family and this stand in stark contrast to what the culture would have us think. I hope you will join us!

It has been one month since the two churches voted to become one; and we praise God for the work he has done. However, though we are one church, it will take time for two distinct groups of people who must work, to become one body that moves and grows together. I wanted to provide three simple ways in which we can all work together to become one:

1. Show up! This might seem quite obvious and simple but the Bible literally encourages us to encourage one another to go to church! Come to Sunday School, Sunday Worship, Wednesday prayer, and any other opportunity to gather. Prioritize the people of God in your schedule.

2. Serve! All throughout the church there are ways for you to serve and be involved (especially in this season right now!). As we labor and worship together for a common goal and purpose, we will find greater unity as one body.

3. Seek out! Look for ways to connect with your brothers and sisters beyond the church gatherings, beyond opportunities of serving together. Let the regular gathering and the service opportunities be the means through which relationships form and develop in deeper, more meaningful ways.

It’s almost Sunday; will you be here? There is a potluck; will you stay? Christmas in the Village is coming soon, have you signed up to serve? I can’t wait to gather with you all, Lord willing, this Sunday! I hope to see you there!

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

A New Song and a New Series

Hello Village Family and Friends,

As I write this, it’s now November and we’ve already experienced our first accumulation of snow. How quickly this year has flown by, yet also, how much we have to look back upon and be grateful for! The Lord led has protected us and has faithfully led two congregations into a new season as one church. For that, let us praise His Holy name.

This month, we will be learning a new song together, “All My Boast is in Jesus”. The lyrics for the chorus are so simple, and yet so biblically rich:

“All my boast is in Jesus
All my hope is His love
And I will glory forever
In what the cross has done.”

As we were reminded last week in the message from Galatians 3, Christ’s righteousness, received by faith alone, is the bedrock of the Christian faith. Dear ones, ALL our boast is in Jesus! I want to encourage you to begin listening to and learning this song, as we will be singing it the next few weeks.

Also, this Sunday, we are beginning a new sermon series called “Family Matters”. This series seeks to bring biblical definition and clarity to the family--its member and their roles, and is intended to equip Christians to engage for the spiritual battle that is raging in this present day.

Please join us this Sunday, as we gather to sing, pray, and hear God’s Word preached. Lord willing, we 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

Galatians: Law and Promise

Hello Village Bible Family and Friends,

I pray that whatever your week looked like, whether full of great trials or flowing with exceeding joys, you are trusting in the rich assurance we have that our God is sovereign and in His hands, all things are sustained. Colossians 1:17 reminds us:

And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together

Beloved, what comfort we may find in the Word of our God!

This weekend, we will be returning to the book of Galatians, as we continue our study through this important epistle. I look forward to sharing this Sunday’s message with you, from Galatians 3:10-14, titled “Law and Gospel”.

I hope you will join us, as we gather together to worship the Lord, be equipped, and hear from God’s Word.

Lord willing, I will see you this Sunday.

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

Ecclesiology 101: The Church Deacon, Part 2

Hello Brothers and Sisters,

As I write this, Jacqueline and I, along with Jon and Liz Collins are just back from the annual Bridge Fellowship Conference in Muskegon. Bridge Fellowship is the association of churches that Byron Baptist Church was in longstanding fellowship with. You may recall, at the end of June, that Doug Crawford, director of Bridge, came and spoke at Byron Baptist Church during the Sunday morning service and the Sunday School hour. He invited Jon and I to come as guests to learn about the fellowship and to share about the work that God has done and is doing here in Byron. We are thankful glad for the very brief opportunity we had share about the work that is taking place here; to encourage fellow pastors and pastor’s wives from across the state. But something else happened. We were entirely overwhelmed by the amount of people who shared that they had been praying for us. People we have never met, from churches we have never heard of. We were deeply ministered to and challenged by the teaching of God’s Word. We were moved and encouraged by the sound of 150 pastors and wives singing God’s praise. We were inspired to work harder in personal and church ministry. We were humbled by the love we were shown from a community who doesn’t even know us.

And why? Because this is what happens when God’s people focus on the things that matter and unite together. There were a multitude of differences present. From “the boot people from Byron” (yes, we were called that) to the suit people of Grand Rapids (yes, I just called them that). There were some folks who drove from Iowa and Missouri and from Dollar Bay and Munising (in Michigan’s UP). There were preferences and varying theological and educational levels. But there was One Spirit, One Lord, One God and Father. One Gospel. As a pastor, I was greatly encouraged, because in this season of two churches having recently become one, we still have so many challenges ahead of us. But if we are able to focus on the things that matter and unite together, everyone of us will experience what Jacqueline and I, what Jon and Liz, and what every one in attendance at this conference experienced—the joy of belonging to the household of God.

This Sunday, we will examine together the qualifications of a deacon. I am excited to worship with you. I love being with God’s people anytime, anywhere. But I love being with the people of God I am called too and united with in this life. To lift our voices in song. To hear God’s Word read. To pray. To preach and proclaim the truth of God’s word. 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

Ecclesiology 101: The Church Deacon

Brothers and Sisters, what a week!

After a long season of great discussion and question asking, and after much prayer and seeking the Lord’s help, on October 8, 2023, Byron Baptist church and The Village Church of Byron together became Village Bible Church. I am not sure that I am able to yet put into words the thoughts and emotions that this statement produces. Church, the Lord has blessed us and our community with one, I pray, stronger and healthier church. We will never be perfect, but as we strive for holiness and live in obedience to God, I am confident that we will bring a greater glory to the name of the Lord and proclaim the gospel in a clearer way.

There are still things to situate and sort. We are now in need of learning about, understanding, and moving forward with finding deacons among us to serve the tangible needs of the church. We will talk more about that this Sunday when we gather to worship the Lord. However, even amid all of our imperfections, in Christ, in whom all of us “joined and held together by every joint with which [we are] equipped” we will grow more and more into what God has designed for his people and what Byron needs in our time.

As I have continued in prayer this week, I no longer pray for two churches. I now pray for our church. I pray for the Lord to guide us; for his love to further unify us for his glory, his purpose, and our good. On October 8, 2023, The Village Church of Byron and Byron Baptist Church together became Village Bible Church. Together, you and me became we. As we give thanks, may we always remember, this didn’t come about because of any effort of our own. We did nothing. God did everything. “To God be the glory, great things he hath done!”

I’m looking forward to worshipping with you 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

Ecclesiology 101: The Church Elder

Hello Brothers and Sisters,

As shepherds, called and charged with keeping watch over your souls (Hebrews 13:17), we as an elder body pray for you often—for both congregations that currently gather together in this season. No matter what this week has thrown your way, it is my hope and prayer that you are resting in the grace and mercy of our great God, through Christ Jesus our Lord, in whatever you face.

This weekend, in addition to gathering to worship the Lord and hear the Word preached as we continue in our Ecclesiology 101 series, members of both congregations will also be voting to determine whether Byron Baptist Church and The Village Church will merge to become one church. As we wait patiently for the Lord in this, may we find comfort in knowing that our God is sovereign in all things. Here is our great hope in everything we face; scripture is so clear:

“Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases.” Psalm 115:3

“The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.” Proverbs 16:33

To quote the late Charles Spurgeon:

“the sovereignty of God is the pillow upon which you lay your head.”

Dear ones, let this be our comfort as we head into the weekend!

Lord willing, we will see you this Sunday, as we gather to the glory of God.

In Christ,
Jon Collins

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

Ecclesiology 101

Hello Friend,

I hope and pray you are well! I also pray that you have been able to spend time in God’s Word this week and are seeing growth in your walk with Christ, as you devote yourself to His Word.

As we draw closer to the vote regarding these two churches becoming one (MEMBERS: the vote is scheduled for October 8, following the morning service); we also move from one sermon series to another. This next series won’t be exhaustive; rather, a high level glimpse at the topic of ecclesiology, specifically looking at the role of deacons in the church. By way of reminder, if you have any questions about the upcoming vote or about the two churches coming together as one, please contact us today! We welcome conversation and the opportunity to help you in this major decision making process.

Ecclesiology is the study of the nature and structure of the church; specifically, it is what the Bible says about the church; members, leaders, mission, purpose, etc.. I know many are ready and looking forward to the teaching on deacons, but before we can get to the topic of deacons, we need to understand the organization that deacons fit into and how they fit into it. So this Sunday we will look briefly at the church and elders.

It is my prayer and desire, Lord willing, that October 8th will see these two churches joining together as one church. In that event, we will be moving as quickly as we responsibly can to see deacons installed and begin serving the church. However, no matter the outcome on the eighth, God’s people always benefit from further understanding of what God’s word teaches on any given subject. It is my prayer that through this brief look at this important topic, we will gain a more robust view of the design God has for his people, and that we may follow it more closely, glorifying God in a greater way!

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

Grace & Peace,
John White, 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

One Another: Serve

Brothers and Sisters,

This Sunday, in our One Another series, we will examine the call of God on his people to serve one another. Peter says we each have received different gifts and we are to use them to “serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace” (1 Peter 4:10). As I reflect on this text, I have considering the joys and sorrows of serving God’s people as a pastor. It is such an honor and privilege to employed by the Most High as a shepherd serving you, his people. Paul wrote to Timothy (1 Timothy 3:1, ESV), “If anyone aspires to to the office of overseer, he desire a noble task.” It is a wonderful, excellent, and commendable thing to hold the role of pastor within the church. However, James wrote (James 3:1, CSB) about the hazards of the job also: “Not many of you should become teachers…because you know that we will receive a stricter judgement.” The fundamental role of any pastor is to give instruction in sound doctrine—to help other Christians learn how to do what the Bible teaches, while also doing what the Bible teaches, so that we may all grow up into Christ (Ephesians 4:12-16). This is how a pastor serves a church. Oh sure, pastors do a lot beyond this basic function, but this is the one thing that must be done!

Many often talk about turning off their work; that’s not possible for the pastor, because the pastors work is people—you. To help illustrate this, I have 6 young children, and older parents often tell me, “It doesn’t get easier when they get older; you’ll be concerned for them forever.” Paul briefly stated how, amidst the dangers and pressures of life, he had daily concern for all the churches (2 Corinthians 11:28). I feel this. And while I can’t speak for Paul, I can speak for myself. The daily concern that I have for you—your holiness, your godliness, your evangelism, your marriages, your families, your finances, your health concerns—all of this pushes me and motivates me in my service to God for you. It drives me deeper to Scripture, deeper in prayer; deeper in my own faith-walk with Christ. I’m so thankful that God has chosen to use me in this way for his purpose and glory, allowing me to care for his people—you—through this life. As we give our attention to Scripture this Sunday, may we be motivated in our service to one another and show ourselves to be good stewards of God’a varied grace.

I’m looking forward to worshiping with you this Sunday. Lord wiling, I’ll see you then.

Grace & Peace,
John White, 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

One Another: Teach and Admonish

Hello again, friend,

I pray you are well! As I write this, the week has been cooler and the feeling of fall is in the air; though the forecast still has some warm days in it. It’s the middle of September and the warm days of summer are turning to the cool days of autumn.

With the changing season, I am mindful that in a matter of weeks the membership of each church will meet for the purpose of making a decision regarding becoming one church. The decisions of each body will have long-lasting results. On October 8 we will either become unified as one church or continue as two separate churches. We have had a good long season of asking questions and interacting and observing much of what a merged church would look like. There are questions that cannot be answered in this season; the saying, “We don’t know what we don’t know” certainly applies here. But many questions do have answers, or at least vision toward a possible answer. If you still have questions that have not been answered, I and Jon Collins, are personally inviting you to contact us with your questions, in order for you to be as informed and prepared to cast your vote in this decision on October 8.

I hope you are planning to join us for Sunday school (9am) and worship (10am) this Sunday! In our One Another series, we are gong to look at a verse I have known for a long time—Colossians 3:16, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” I’m excited to unpack this verse together with you and see how God will use it among us for his glory and the further proclamation of the gospel!

If you have a Bible question, need prayer, need counsel, want to help out or just share in the fellowship we have in Christ as Christians, give us a call, send a text or an email, or stop by the church building during the day and say hello! We are honored to serve you as pastors.

Grace & Peace,
John White, 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

One Another: Encourage

Greetings Dear Friend,

This Sunday, in our One Another series we will explore God’s command for his people to encourage one another. We are all familiar with those who have the gift of encouragement. Many, if not most, or even all of us, have probably known that person who no matter where they go or what is going on around them they have a way of encouraging the people around them. Some people just have the gift of encouragement. Romans 12:8 even identifies encouragement (or exhortation) as a gift given among God’s people to be used for the for the growth of the body of Christ.

But encouragement isn’t just for the one who has the gift of encouragement. From personal interactions to the collective gathering of the church, there is no end of people who need encouraging; and our service can be a means of encouragement to them. When you think of the elderly and visit them or check in on them; when you hold a crying baby so a mother can take a deep breath for a minute; when you help a teenager with their school work; when you deliver groceries or a meal and pray for someone laid up with an injury. These are all opportunities to serve and encourage one another. Too often we view service as a chore; let us begin to view service as a way to encourage those around us, individually and collectively as church.

If you are interested in getting involved in serving within the church, there is a signup table in the lobby with various ways to get involved or you can visit the Serve page of this website and get connected with a ministry team today. Let us be a people who encourage one another through our serving.

I’m excited to worship with you this Sunday! To spend the afternoon together enjoying good food, playing game, most importantly just being together as brothers and sisters in Christ!

Grace & Peace,
John White, pastor

You can reach the elders anytime by email at:
Jon Collins, jcollins@thevillagemi.com
John White, jwhite@thevillagemi.com