South Haven Baptist Church

Last night's message from Galatians 2 reminded us that the grace of God is meant to work properly in our lives not to be frustrated by legalism or liberalism. Legalism leads to bondage by adding manmade standards to God's work of grace, while liberalism leads to destruction by excusing sin under the banner of "freedom." Both extremes rob believers of the liberty that comes from living by grace. We were challenged to walk the narrow path of liberty a life crucified with Christ, alive by faith in the Son of God, who loved us and gave Himself for us. When we remember His love and sacrifice, we'll be free to live a life that honors Him not out of fear, pressure, or personal indulgence, but out of gratitude. Let's strive to live a life that allows God's grace to work fully and freely.

In Matthew 9, we see four distinct groups of people who had "A Come to Jesus Meeting" with Christ. This powerful account not only shows who came to Jesus, but also why they came. It's a reminder that every encounter with the Lord is personal and purposeful. When was the last time you had a meeting with Him?

As we continued our series, "A Proven Experiment: Becoming Skilled in God's Word," we discovered the incredible value God has placed on every single word in the Bible. We also learned how much richer our understanding becomes when we take the time to look up the definitions of those words using the Strong's Concordance.

As we concluded our Summer of Scriptures series, we turned to Hebrews 7:25 and were reminded of the incredible truth that God is able to save to the uttermost all who come to Him through Jesus Christ. Our salvation is nothing short of miraculous—because only God could reach so far, love so deeply, and save so completely.

In Joshua 4, we see the Israelites crossing into the Promised Land by walking across the dry bed of the Jordan River, a miraculous display of God's power and faithfulness. At God's command, Joshua instructs one man from each tribe to take a stone from the river and carry it to their lodging place to serve as a lasting memorial. In our message, we examined these 12 stones and considered what they represent. We also explored 12 spiritual "stones" that every Christian should build their life upon, reminders of God's work and markers of a committed, growing faith.

As we continue our series, "A Proven Experiment: Becoming Skilled in God's Word," we explored the next step: A Research Experiment. Just like in any meaningful study, research plays a vital role in understanding God's Word. When we take time to dig deeper—studying the historical context, background, and surrounding details of a passage—we gain greater insight and clarity. This kind of spiritual research equips us to rightly divide the Word of truth and grow in our knowledge and walk with God.

As we continue our Summer of Scriptures series, we turn our attention to the death of Christ—a death unlike any other. In this message, we explore the miraculous nature of His sacrifice and come to this powerful conclusion: only God could die like that. Listen in as we uncover some remarkable truths and observations surrounding the death of Christ and what it reveals about His divine nature and love.

As we continue our series, A Proven Experiment: Becoming Skilled in God's Word, we examined the next part of the experiment—understanding "variables." Every experiment involves both controllable and uncontrollable variables—factors we can manage and those we cannot. In the same way, there are key disciplines in Bible study that we must control if we're going to effectively handle the things that are beyond our control.

In Ezekiel 16, we read of a helpless baby, abandoned, unloved, and left to die. This vivid picture represents Israel in the condition where God found them. Likewise, if we are to remain humble and focused in the Christian life, we must never forget where God found us.

In our latest lesson in the Summer of Scriptures series, we studied two powerful accounts of Jesus healing lepers — one in Mark 1 and the other in Luke 17. Though these stories involve different men at different times, they reveal some shared lessons we can apply to our walk with Christ. We noticed first that both had the same problem. Then, we saw that both experienced a similar encounter with Jesus. Finally, we pointed out their separate expressions after they were healed. This study reminded us that Christ still meets sinners, heals hearts, and deserves our thanks and testimony. May these lepers' stories reflect our story too — marked by His mercy and moved by His grace.

This past Sunday, we launched a new sermon series called "A Proven Experiment: Becoming Skilled in God's Word." In this first message, we focused on the difference between reading the Bible and studying the Bible. Both are essential to the Christian life, but they are not the same. We were challenged to see that while reading the Bible helps us stay connected to God's truth, studying the Bible takes us deeper and strengthens our understanding. Every believer who desires to become skilled in God's Word must make a consistent and diligent habit of reading Scripture, and not stop there. Our prayer is that this series will stir a hunger in us all to know, understand, and live out God's Word with greater purpose.

This past Sunday, we looked at the message "I Can't Be Quiet" and examined four moments in the Gospel of Mark where individuals could not help but speak about what Christ had done for them, even though He told them not to. Their lives had been so changed that staying silent was not an option. We were reminded that the Lord has done the same transforming work in our hearts, and unlike those in the Gospel accounts, we have been commanded to go and proclaim the Gospel to every creature. Yet too often, we find ourselves remaining quiet. The challenge for us is simple: if Christ has changed us, how can we keep quiet? May we be bold witnesses of His power and grace.

As we continued our Summer of Scriptures series exploring the miracles of Christ, we looked at one of the most well-known miracles in the Gospels: the feeding of the 5,000 with just five loaves and two fish. This powerful moment reminded us that when we bring what little we have to Jesus, He is more than able to multiply it beyond what we could imagine. We saw that the miracle didn't begin in the hands of the crowd but in the hands of the Savior. We walked away with this truth: God specializes in doing the miraculous when we trust Him with what we have. No matter how small or inadequate our resources may seem, God can do great things when we place them in His hands.

In Zechariah 8:18–23, we witness a powerful moment where people from many nations seek out the Jews, desiring to cling to them. Why? Because they had heard that God was with them. What a convicting question this raises for us today: Would people say the same about you? Do those around you recognize that God is with you? In this passage, we discover three essential actions that must take place if we want others to see the presence of God in our lives. These are not just religious habits, they are outward expressions of an inward reality that make our faith undeniable and our testimony magnetic.

As we conclude our study through the book of Proverbs, we arrive at its final chapter, a chapter rich with timeless wisdom. Here, we find King Lemuel recounting the wise counsel given to him by his mother. Though originally spoken to a king, the truths she shared are filled with practical wisdom that benefit all of us today. Her words remind us that godly instruction is not just for the moment, it's meant to shape our character, guide our choices, and leave a legacy of wisdom worth passing down.

In Mark 5, we meet Jairus, a synagogue ruler with a dying daughter. In desperation, he runs to Jesus, falls at His feet, and begs for healing. Jesus agrees to go, but their journey is interrupted by a woman in need of her own miracle. As Jairus waits, we see a powerful example of faith in the face of delay. Though the situation grows worse, he doesn't give up. His story reminds us that God's timing may not be ours, but it's always perfect. Jairus teaches us to trust, even when answers seem delayed and that waiting is often where our faith grows strongest.

As we continue our Summer of Scriptures series, we turn to a powerful moment found in Luke 18, the story of a man named Bartimaeus, blind and begging by the wayside. But what seemed like just another ordinary day quickly became a life-changing encounter with the Lord. When Bartimaeus heard that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by, he cried out with bold faith, and he was not ignored. This wasn't just a healing; it was a transforming moment of mercy, hope, and restored vision. This lesson reminds us that no cry of faith goes unheard, and that the same Jesus who stopped for Bartimaeus is still passing by today. Don't miss it. It's a lesson we won't soon forget.

In light of the "No Kings" protests and riots erupting across the nation, Pastor Tate pointed out a powerful truth: They're wrong! There is a King in America. From Psalm 24, we are reminded that He's The King of Glory! Listen to learn who this King really is!

As we near the end of Romans, we've seen powerful truths about the justification of believers. In chapter 15, Paul doesn't just teach, he leads by example. He shares instructions, intentions, and even part of his itinerary, giving us insight not only into what he believed, but how he lived it out. There's a lesson not just in his words, but in his walk. Let's not just learn from Paul's message… let's follow his model

In John 4, we find the powerful account of the healing of the nobleman's son, an event full of certainty. We were introduced to a certain nobleman with a desperate need, a certain Saviour with undeniable authority, and a certain miracle that proved the power of believing without seeing. These truths still speak to us today: when we bring our burdens to Christ in faith, we can trust in the certainty of who He is and what He can do.

In a world drifting from truth, Paul's warning to Timothy still echoes today, many will walk away from the faith. But we don't have to. In fact, we can be faithful, effective ministers for Jesus Christ. This message unpacked four powerful instructions straight from Scripture on how to stand firm and serve well. Don't miss what it means to be a good minister in these last days!

How should we treat fellow believers who are justified by Christ but still growing in their faith? Romans 14 gives a clear answer: receive them but not to "doubtful disputations". This week, we explored why that matters and the hidden dangers that come when we elevate opinions over unity. The stakes are higher than we think.

We kicked off our Summer of Scriptures series with a dive into the miraculous! This year, we focused on the powerful miracles of Christ during His earthly ministry, beginning with His very first, at a wedding in Cana of Galilee. It wasn't just water turned to wine; it was a moment rich with meaning. We uncovered some surprising truths and practical takeaways that spoke directly to the Christian walk. This miracle revealed more about Jesus and about us, than we expected!

Ezekiel was called by God to speak to a stubborn, rebellious nation, Israel. Through every challenge, God reminded him: it was all so the people would know a prophet had been among them. Can the same be said of us? Do those around us know there's a voice of God in their midst?

As justified believers, how should we respond to a government that is far from just or perfect? In Romans 13, Paul tackles this challenging question, offering timeless wisdom for navigating authority with a proper mindset.

In Proverbs 30, we find a fascinating list of four things that "go well" each marked by confidence, purpose, and strength. These aren't just poetic images; they're spiritual reminders for every believer. As we examine this passage, we'll ask an important question: Are we "going well" in our Christian walk? Are we living in a way that reflects faith, discipline, and direction? If our greatest desire is to one day hear the Lord say, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant," then today, we must be committed to going well in the life He's given us.

Life pulls us in a thousand directions and finding balance can feel nearly impossible. But what if God actually wants us to live with peace, purpose, and stability? In this message, we'll explore what true balance looks like in the Christian life, how to pursue it, and why it matters to God.

This week, we explore four small creatures that may not be mighty, but are described in Scripture as exceeding wise. What can we learn from them? And more importantly, do we have a desire to grow in wisdom ourselves?

This account begins with a perfect ratio. Ten lepers cry out to Jesus, and all ten are healed and cleansed as they obey His command. But only one returns to give Him thanks. Where are the other nine?

Paul has already given instructions on how believers should relate to one another. But as this chapter of Romans comes to a close, he turns his attention to the "dearly beloved," teaching them how to respond to the world around them.

As we continue our study of Proverbs chapter 30, we come to a powerful reflection from Agur, who speaks of four things that are too wonderful for him to understand. In verses 18–19, he points to mysteries that, while difficult to fully grasp, are not beyond our ability to experience, especially in the Christian life.

The Lord instructed His disciples to get into a boat and begin sailing across a certain body of water, fully aware that a storm would be waiting for them. This storm carried many things, but the greatest of these were the lessons that could only be learned within it.

Evangelist Randy Bell stopped by for our evening service and preached a wonderful message on the numbers "17" and "19" and their symbolism in the Word of God.

As we join the two disciples walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus, we take note that this journey is happening on the same day as the Lord's resurrection from the dead. The very day that death was defeated was also a day filled with uncertainty and doubt for some. Thankfully, the Lord knew exactly how to help these disciples and He can help you too!

What is the danger of accusing somebody without having all the needed information? You might be wrong, and if you are, then you will lose all credibility. Agur is about to present some accusations against a generation, and we will see that he is absolutely correct.

As we look at the Lord's triumphant entry into Jerusalem, we see some characters who are present at it. It would do us good to ask ourselves, which one of these are we?

As we begin to look at how a justified individual is supposed to act towards those within Christ and those outside of Christ, we are beseeched by Paul to get these first few verses settled in our hearts.

Who is Agur? What did Agur say? We look at these two questions to determine which one is more important.

Are you in the middle of it? Your "it" may differ from someone else's "it", but it still is difficult to be in the middle of "it". We look at three things that David did while he was in the middle of his "it".

Has God cast away Israel? This is the question that is asked and answered in Romans 11.

As we close out Proverbs 29, we look at some of the remaining miscellaneous verses, and see what they have to teach us about discernment.