SOUTHLAWN CHURCH OF GOD

From Pastor Richard

How are you feeling about the New Year? Worried? Apprehensive? Hopeful? At peace?
If you are a Christian here are TEN great truths that will bring immense comfort, joy and peace!
TEN GREAT things that will hold true this year:
   • The Word of God will still prove infallable - Psalm 119:89 “Your word, O LORD, is everlasting; it is firmly fixed in the heavens.”
   • God will be with you every step of the way - Psalm 23:4 “Even though I walk through the darkest valley I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”
   • God will still give You strength when you are weak - Isaiah 40:29 “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak”
   • God will still give you wisdom for every situation you encounter - James 1:5 “If any of you lacks wisdom you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
   • God will still supply every need you have - Philippians 4:19 “And my God will meet all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
   • God will still give you peace as you trust in Him - Philippians 4:6-7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
   • God will still give you the Holy Spirit to be with you always - John 14:15-16 “If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever.”
   • God will still answer your prayers - Luke 11:9-10 “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
   • God will still forgive you - 1 Timothy 1:15-16 “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.”
   • God will still be saving you - Philippians 1:6 " being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."

IF you are not yet a Christian your salvation is not as impossible as you might think. Just consider the predicament of those who were guilty of actually shouting for the crucifixion of Jesus, the only begotten Son of God. How could they ever be forgiven? Even Judas hanged himself when he realized his guilt. When confronted with news that God had raised Jesus from the dead they cried out "What must we do?" AMAZINGLY the response of Peter to them included God's promise to you!!
Acts 2:38-39 “Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
God wants all men to believe, repent and be saved. Nothing would please our God more than you responding in trust. If you would like more information, or would like to be baptized in accordance with the scripture promise above, please contact us!
So Happy New Year in Christ!
                                                                                                                                                                              -- Pastor Richard

We have two missions needs we are currently prioritizing. First is supporting Maksim in Russia who ministers through the internet, reaching thousands of people who visit his site. Follow up with readers has led to several baptisms, for which he has to travel all over Russia. Those converts often lead to more contacts as family and friends are interested in the Gospel. Maksim recently received a bill for $7,500 in back taxes for support money he received in the last two years from. We sent $400 this week to help with amount that needs to be raised by December 31.

The second Mission project is to support the Bretschneider Boys (Clayton, Noah, Broden, Asher and Judah) as they travel to Guatemala to participate in Paradise Bound Ministries. This is a return trip for Clayton and Noah. They will be traveling the last week of March. Checks can be sent to "Paradise Bound Ministries" with "Bretschneider 3/23-3/30" in the memo line, PO Box 80 Zeeland, MI 49464. All contributions are tax deductible and you will receive a receipt for tax purposes.

2019 Events - Looking Back!

What Child IS This?
Who is this baby in a manger? We are considering this question simply using Luke 2 as our source. Simply put, it doesn't seem to be the same baby that many profess. We see no hint whatsoever that the baby was "God Incarnate," "God in the flesh," "the God-Man," the "Second Person of the Trinity," or even as has more recently become popular among Christians -- "the Creator of the Universe!" Using Luke 2, some claim that this is exactly what Mary was contemplating in her heart: how she had given birth to the ONE who created her!! Of course, there is no hint of such a notion in the text, and it presents a question (or several!).
When the Word of God states one thing, but popular teachings (and the 'Word' presented in Christian songs) use that same text to state something different, which should we believe? Of course the only correct answer is that we should always go with the Word of God. In most instances we do not need a theologian to explain things to us. For instance, the text that says "Mary pondered these things in her heart" is in reference to the shepherds coming to her stating that angels (!) had just come and announced to them that Savior had been born, AND telling them where they could find the baby. There can be no doubt to any reader that she was pondering all the facets of this tremendously miraculous thing that had just happened, confirming (not that any confirmation was needed) the previous message of angels to her and Joseph. This was a ONCE-IN-HUMAN-HISTORY event, with a choir of angels to herald the good news.
There is no possible way to suggest that Mary could have possibly been considering that she had just given birth to God, nor to the Creator of Heaven and Earth, nor to a God-man. The angels had told her who the child would be, and that was clearly "the Son of God" (Joseph was not the Father - what was born in her was of the Holy Spirit) AND the "Christ" (Messiah). The Messiah had been identified way back in the third chapter of the Bible as "the SEED of the WOMAN." No greater definition could be given that the Messiah would be a human - not a God, and certainly not God Himself. The entire Old Testament gave the promise of a Messiah, which means "Annointed One" (One annointed to accomplish a task by the One doing the Annointing, as kings were annointed for their service.) The New Testament continually makes it clear that Jesus IS the Christ, the Son of God. This was declaration of the disciples after witnessing Jesus' earthly ministry (Matthew 16:16 "Simon Peter answered, Thou art the Christ, the Son of God."), as it was the clear description of John (John 20:31 "These things are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God."). Jesus himself stated, "This is eternal life to know YOU, the ONLY TRUE GOD, and Jesus Christ, whom YOU have sent." (Remember, "Christ" means the one sent. God sent Jesus, which is what we are celebrating at Christmas...and every day!! On the day the Church was born (Acts 2) Peter declared, "Men of Israel, you know that Jesus of Nazareth was a MAN appointed unto by God...". The Apostle Paul said "For us there is but One God, the Father..." and "There is One God, and one mediator between God and men, the MAN Christ Jesus. It's safe to say that not only did Mary not contemplate Jesus being God, nor did the disciples (His own students), nor did the early Church until deceptions came in, nor did Jesus himself! His favorite description of Himself was "Son of Man."
IF this baby was God, that would trump every claim that the Angels made about the baby! It would trump everything said in the Bible about Him. It would trump everything He said about Himself. It drastically changes the Gospel to it's very core, which is exactly what proponents of such a view proclaim when they state: "You must believe Jesus is God to be SAVED!" Not surprisingly the Gospel states otherwise: "These things are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name!" (John 20:31). It is false teaching to claim that you must believe Jesus is God to be saved when the Bible clearly states otherwise. Perhaps this clarifies things that may have confused you. When you take God's Word at face value, and accept the words at their common meaning, a lot of things will become clear.
At Southlawn, we will do everything in our power to accept and celebrate the birth of Christ simply as presented to us in scripture. We will not be contradicting the Word, nor will we be presenting a message that trumps what the Angels (messengers sent from the very throne of God!) proclaimed to Zecharias, Joseph, Mary and the Shepherds. No matter how you try, you can't improve on what is presented to us in scripture! And that is the greatest gift we can share with you and your family - the simple, life-changing truths of God's Word.
Pastor Richard

Hello everyone,
We at Pennellwood Church would like to invite you and your congregations to join us December 24 at 11:00 PM for the annual Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. All ages are welcome, in fact kids are encouraged to wear their comfiest pajamas. It is a wonderful time to relax and reflect upon the reason that we celebrate; the birth of our Savior Jesus.
We hope to see you there!
Thank you and have a blessed evening.
--
Jeffery A. Ransom. 616-970-0302
(Call for Directions or more information)

A group from Southlawn enjoyed a Christmas Luncheon at Cracker Barrel recently. We were happy to have a group of children join us. As the Psalmist said, "How good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell together in unity!"

The kids enjoyed a Christmas Party & Program Practice in preparation for the "Family Christmas" celebration on December 22 at Southlawn. The kids always do a fantastic job, and it's even more fun as they get older.

Join us on Sunday, April 14 at 10:45
as we prepare our hearts to receive the One
who came in the name of the Lord!
"I am the way, the truth,
and the life!
No one comes to the Father
except through me."
John 14:6

Easter Sunday Schedule
9:30 Easter Breakfast
10:30 Resurrection Celebration

We are excited about the opportunities for worship, learning, ministry, evangelism and serving our community in this new year! If you do not have a home church we invite you to try ours!

Make 2019 the Year you…
CONNECT with God!
CONNECT with other People
who share your goals !

Sunday Mornings
9:45 Sunday School Classes for ALL Ages!
11:00 Morning Worship Celebration

• Wednesday Morning Bible Studies
• Home Bible Studies

CHILDREN ARE PRIORITIZED!

We plan our children's ministry around whatever age children we have attending. From Sunday School Classes to Youth activities and meetings, retreats and summer camps, we seek to do everything in our power to build great relationships with children, and to teach them how to have a personal relationship with God through Jesus.

BAPTISMS

WHAT MUST WE DO TO BE SAVED? “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” (Acts 2:38-39)

CHURCH WORK PROJECTS

SUMMER CAMPGROUND MINISTRY

ANNUAL "AFFIRMATION SUNDAY" & CHURCH PICNIC

On the Second Sunday of September we affirm the officers and workers who have volunteered to serve for the coming year, and celebrate with a picnic at Woodchip Campground with lots of food and fun!

GAME NIGHTS & FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

SOUTH GODWIN NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

We partner with the South Godwin Neighborhood Association for both the National Night Out at Southlawn Park on the first Tuesday night of August, and the Community Trunk or Treat in late October. We are thankful for a great working relationship with the SGNA in making our community a safer and better place to live and raise a family!

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PROGRAM

HOLIDAY FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

THE CHURCH IS A BIG FAMILY!

We're far from perfect, but we're growing in the love of Christ and seeking to glorify God in all we do.

AN ENCOURAGING WORD - YOU'RE NEVER ALONE!

“As your days, so shall your strength be.” (Deuteronomy 33:25 - Adapted from Dr. David Jeremiah)

   Only one man is listed twice among the presidents—Grover Cleveland. He served two non-consecutive terms, so he’s listed as the twenty-second and the twenty-fourth president. Cleveland was a Presbyterian preacher’s kid who was trained in Christian truth. He faced a lot of troubles in office, but was considered honest. His dying words seem to have summed up his life: “I have tried so hard to do right.”
   Cleveland had a motto he lived by, and it hung directly over his bed where he would see it every night on retiring and every morning when awakening. He once said, “If I have any coat of arms and emblem, it is that.” It was a verse of Scripture—Deuteronomy 33:25: “As your days, so shall your strength be.”
   The point of this scripture is this: If God has given you this day to live, He will also give you all the strength you need to make it through this day. You never need fear that God will not strengthen you to face the challenges of the day!
   As we face a new year, none of us knows the challenges ahead. But if we have God, we have the passion of God’s power and strength within us. He will give us strength for each new day. In Him, you’ll always find strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow. Trust in Him!
                                                                                                                                                                                               -- Pastor Richard

Proclaiming the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ since 1927

From Pastor Richard

2019 Events - Looking Back!