Ryan and Abigail de Roos were students at what was then, New Tribes Bible Institute in Jackson. For two years they drove here each Sunday to be a part of our church family. After graduation, Ryan was an aviation student over in Ionia, and a nursing job opened for Abigail out of a Grand Rapids hospital. It […]
Our nation is on the verge of another presidential election. Tensions are high. I have voted in 11 previous elections. Sometimes my guy won and other times he lost. Each party uses fear to motivate their base to turn out the vote. Impending doom is predicted if their opponent wins. One of my daughters just told me […]
“The present age is so flippant that if a man loves the Savior he is a fanatic and if he hates the powers of evil his is a bigot.” – Charles Haddon SpurgeonOur culture is reeling from the fallout of Antifa, Black Lives Matter, WOKE, social justice, along with matters of equality, diversity and inclusion. […]
One recent morning Susan said to me, politely I might add, “Please don’t be grouchy today.” I find myself these days being easily irritable. No, I put on a good face with others, but with those I love dearly I can be moody. I hate it. I’ve been asking God to help me with this sin – […]
You’ve heard me say it, “Shepherding with COVID is different.” Kevin DeYoung wrote on his blog about the challenges pastors face at this time. It was just what I needed. You as a congregation have been fantastic. Again, I thank you for your love and cooperation. There’s a lot on a pastor’s plate these days. Medical “experts” […]
One of the greatest blessings our family enjoyed together was the ministry of hospitality. Our children grew up expecting people to be in our home. What rich memories we share – the blessings have truly been ours. “Offer hospitality to one another,” 1 Pet 4:9. Hospitality is love in action. We open our hearts by opening our […]
September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Tragically suicide has reached historic numbers influenced by COVID. The National Alliance on Mental Illness has seen a 65% increase in calls since March No one is immune from suicidal thoughts. No one is ruling out mental illness or physical components. We are made of spirit and flesh – each interrelate and connect. Yet […]
I love small groups. I believe they are essential in our spiritual growth and development. COVID makes this complicated. We are seeking to restart this ministry in a few weeks for those wishing to participate. Small groups meet on the first full week of the month and third – basically twice a month. Our target week to reboot […]
I’ll be honest. I haven’t always appreciated Hebrews. I remember talking to friends while in college and one said it was his favorite book. I thought he was crazy. The book baffled me. Yes, there are some great verses, but its overall structure confused me. But while the book has its challenges, God’s Spirit will aid us in […]
In your bulletin today there are two inserts – one listing our missionaries so we can faithfully pray for them, and the other an insert about small groups. HBC is committed to a small group ministry. We believe small groups are a piece of the disciple-making process. What’s our mission? To develop faithful disciples of Christ […]