Category Archives: Uncategorized

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Praise be to our Sovereign God and His Son Jesus Christ – and the Holy Spirit who indwells all who believe. The transcendent God exists in the 3 persons: God the Father – God the Son – and God the Holy Spirit. They are co-equal in their essence yet “subordinate” in Their functions.

As I stated in last week’s sermon, God has created human beings in His image. This means that all human beings have equal value and worth.(Genesis 1:26 a. – 27) Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness …. 27 So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

We saw that the image of God in human beings was not lost at the “fall” (when Adam and Eve Sinned). However, the image was severely damaged in terms of moral orientation but not in terms of intrinsic worth.(James 3:9-11) With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it, we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and saltwater flow from the same spring? – Of course the answer is NO.

As God’s elect, chosen, adopted and redeemed people we have no right to mock a fellow human being created in God’s image – yet it happens all the time! “ …. Did you see the size of that guy’s ears?” “Did you see how ugly our new co-worker is?”

We have no right to make fun of a fellow human being! No one has a choice when it comes to physical appearance – i.e.our inherited physical features (not talking about the need to lose weight when necessary etc.) I’m working on that one.

So, as Christians, let us stop this behavior; let us banish it from our lives both in speech and in thought.The old saying – “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names can never hurt me”, is patently false.

(Proverbs 12:18) The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.Let’s begin putting aside this behavior today and rather look for ways to build others up in honesty – Pastor Dan

The Significance of Palm Sunday

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Tomorrow is Palm Sunday, commemorating the historical event of the Lord Jesus as he rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. This event is also referred to as The Triumphal Entry.

In the historical setting here – a great crowed had gathered in Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. When they heard that Jesus was making his way into the city, many rushed out to see and honor him. They were shouting, “Hosanna!” (The term is a transliteration of a Hebrew word that means “give salvation now).  “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” And they shouted, “Blessed is the King of Israel!” 

At this point, many people recognized that the Lord Jesus was in fact the promised Messiah who would liberate Israel and establish His Kingdom Forever. This event was prophesied centuries ago in the Old Testament (Zech. 9:9). The people here are seeing the fulfillment of this very prophecy unfold right before their very eyes.

Did you ever stop and ponder, “Why palm branches?  Why not olive branches, fig leaves, or pine needles?” Well here’s why – because palm branches were used in celebrations of great victories.

The apostle John was given a remarkable glimpse into heaven – let’s take a look.

(Re 7:9-10)  After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.”

Do you see it? They’re holding palm branches in victory because Salvation belongs to God and the Lamb. Thus, the people were laying palm branches in Messiah’s path as a sign of Reverence. Why? Because he is the King of Israel! They had the words of Isaiah the prophet ringing in their ears:

Isa 9:7 Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever…

The people saw Isaiah’s prophecy of a “Conquering King” but missed Isaiah’s prophesy of Messiah as 1st a suffering servant to die on the cross, the Lamb of God to redeem his people. Let’s take a look:

Isa 53:3-6 He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Praise God for Christ’s crucifixion, burial, and resurrection from the grave and ascension into heaven. Jesus won victory over Satan Jesus conquered death, Jesus is the Victor! As Paul writes:

1Cor. 15: 54 (b.) “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”  55 “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”  

As one Puritan writer put it, “The Death of Death in the Death of Christ.” 

Christ is coming back again. Only this time as King Of Kings and Lord or Lords” Again we look to John’s Revelation. 

(NIV) 19:11 a. I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True.

Have you invited Christ into your life to be your Savior? And are you living for Him?

New Year Encouragement

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1. Life is best lived in service to others. This doesn’t mean that we do not strive for the best for ourselves. It does mean that in all things we serve other people, including our family, co-workers and friends.

2. Consider the interest of others as important as your own. The way to leave a legacy is to also look out for others.

3. Love your neighbor even if you don’t like him. It is interesting that Jesus told us to love others, but he never tells us to like them. Liking people has to do with emotions. Loving people has to do with actions and what you will find is that when you love them and do good by them, you will more often than not begin to like them.

4. Maintain integrity at all costs. There are very few things you take to the grave with you. When people remember you, you want them to think, “She was the most honest person I knew. What integrity.” There are always going to be temptations to cut corners and break your integrity. Do not do it. Do what is right all of the time, no matter what the cost.

5. You must risk in order to gain. In just about every area of life you must risk in order to gain the reward. In love, you must risk rejection in order to ask that person out for the first time. In investing you must place your capital at risk in the market in order to receive the prize of a growing bank account. When we risk, we gain. And when we gain, we have more to leave for others.

6. You reap what you sow. In fact, you always reap more than you sow—you plant a seed and reap a bushel. What you give you get. What you put into the ground then grows out of the ground. If you give love you will receive love. If you give time, you will gain time. It is one of the truest laws of the universe. Decide what you want out of life and then begin to sow it.

7. Hard work is never a waste. No one will say, “It is too bad he was such a good, hard worker.” But if you aren’t they will surely say, “It’s too bad he was so lazy—he could have been so much more!” Hard work will leave a grand legacy. Give it your all on your trip around the earth. You will do a lot of good and leave a terrific legacy.

8. Don’t give up when you fail. Imagine what legacies would have never existed if someone had given up. How many thriving businesses would have been shut down if they quit at their first failure? Everyone fails. It is a fact of life. But those who succeed are those who do not give up when they fail. They keep going and build a successful life—and a legacy.

9. Don’t ever stop in your pursuit of a legacy. Many people have accomplished tremendous things later on in life. There is never a time to stop in your pursuit of a legacy. Sometimes older people will say, “I am 65. I’ll never change.” That won’t build a great life! There is always time to do more and achieve more, to help more and serve more, to teach more and to learn more. Keep going and growing that legacy!


These are core principles to live by if you want to become the kind of person who leaves a lasting legacy.

-Jim Rohn

What Does It Mean To Be A Fundamentalist?

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I have no problem declaring that I am a “Fundamentalist!” – and here’s why. It simply means that I embrace the fundamentals of the Christian faith – and therefore, I stand on a solid rock foundation of biblical truth. Here are just a few examples:

  1. The Bible is completely true … without error! This means I do not have to explain away the miracles recorded within – from Genesis to Revelation. For example, when reading about God parting the sea for his people to safely pass through (escaping the pursuing Egyptian army). I have no need to believe, “Well, they simply waded through a shallow part of the sea.”
  1. As a fundamentalist, I have no need to explain away a literal six-day creation (Genesis 1- 2). I reject theistic evolution’s claim that God created all that is through the process of evolution. To do so, one must believe that death occurred before the fall of Adam and Eve.
  1. As a fundamentalist, I adhere to the truth that Jesus was/ is fully God and fully man (but without sin). C.S. Lewis is right when he conveyed  the idea of Liar – Lunatic – or Lord. In other words, if Jesus claimed to be God knowing he was not, he would be a liar. On the other hand, if Jesus thought he was God but was not, he would be a lunatic. However, if Jesus is who he proclaims to be – the God Man – he is Lord!
  1. As a fundamentalist I believe that Jesus was crucified, buried, yet rose from the grave conquering sin and death and offering eternal life for all who receive him as Savior and Lord.
  1. As a fundamentalist, I believe that Jesus, after his resurrection from the grave, ascended into heaven and is now seated at the right hand of God. And, I believe, that he will one day return in the same manner he was taken up into heaven to gather his people to be with him forever.
  1. As a fundamentalist, I reject the notion of universal salvation – that is, that all of humanity will one day be saved – even if they did not repent of their sin and accept Christ as Savior and Lord.
  1. As a fundamentalist, I believe that, after the final judgment, God will create a new heaven and a new earth for all who believe. I also believe that those whose names are not written in the Lamb’s Book of Life, will be separated from the True and the Living God for all eternity.

But here’s the GOOD NEWS!

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23).

 

 

 

 

 

Worship Service

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Open Bible is a “Traditional Church with a Forward View” ~~~ “A Home Away From Home” for many College students!  Our goal is to bring honor & glory to God through both Praise & Worship Choruses along with the Hymns of the Faith.  A great mix for all ages!  Pastor Dan has started a series on I & II Thessalonions and we look forward to what we can learn from the Thessalonian Church!

Join us for “Fellowship in the Foyer” which includes homemade goodies & fresh hot coffee, hot chocolate & more!  This is a sweet time of Fellowship as so many have very busy lives & this time together gives us a moment to catch up & commit to pray for one another!  You will find a warm welcome each Sunday!

Sunday School

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Psalms 1-23!

Enjoy a fresh hot cup of coffee while we take a deeper look at the Psalms.  Our Instructor is Mr. Don Patrick who has been a member for many years.  Don is a graduate of Grand Rapids School of the Bible & Music, Church Board Member, Worship Leader & serves in many other areas of ministry where the Lord may lead.  Join us @9:30 as we open God’s Word to the Psalms & pray for one another where there is a need.

You will find a warm welcome here!

Sunday Bible Class

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Our Adult Bible Class is studying through Randy Alcorn’s book called “Heaven”.

Enjoy a fresh hot cup of coffee while we take a look at Randy’s thoughts & ideas on Heaven each Sunday at 9:30!  Very interesting & thought provoking discussions spur us on to learn more from the Scripture on where we will spend Eternity!  You will find a warm welcome here!

Monthly Challenge

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What are you passionate about? Perhaps your passion is keeping your yard and flowers gardens just as clean and neat and colorful as possible. Maybe your passion is to keep your car washed and waxed at all times. Some may be passionate about how they dress and present themselves. Others may desire financial success and go after it with an untiring passion. But what about your spiritual life? Do you set spiritual goals for yourself? Do you set out to meet those goals with a driving passion? For example: memorizing scripture passages; reading through the Bible every year; spending more time in quality prayer; building a relationship with your neighbor or co-worker with the hope of leading them to Christ.

It seems today that more and more people are becoming passionate about keeping their bodies in optimal physical condition – and that’s okay – but the apostle Paul points out that there’s something much more important than that. He writes:

1TI 4: (7) ……… train yourself to be godly. (8) For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.

Although many resolve to take better care of their bodies by eating right and getting consistent physical exercise – yet how many fail to follow through with their goals? For many professing Christians the same is true. They resolve to engage in vigorous, health-giving spiritual exercises – but never follow through with their goals.

One thing we need to remember is that life is very short. Even if we prolong it by keeping our bodies physically fit – life still is short. James says:

JAM 4:14     Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.

Now there’s nothing wrong with being passionate about one’s yard, one’s car, one’s physical fitness etc. but these things are all very temporal. In light of eternity all of these temporal things quickly fade into insignificance. That being the case, perhaps we should carefully examine our lives asking the question – what am I passionate about? Do I need to set some spiritual goals and go after them with an undying passion? If so, why not start today? Tomorrow or the next day may be too late.