Keepers of the Kingdom - Standing Strong in Today's Battle for Truth. July 14-18, from 9 - 11:45 AM at Niles Westside Adventist Church (1105 Grant St, Niles) for kids in Pre-K (age 4) - 6th grade. Please register early online at www.nileswestside.org. Email nileswestsidevbs@gmail.com or call 269-683-5998 with questions.
Sports Nation
Part 1: The Christian Athlete’s Challenge
Resources
Pastor
Shane AndersonShane Anderson has been the lead pastor of Pioneer Memorial Church on the campus of Andrews University since 2023. His passions in ministry include helping others to know Christ personally, the study and sharing of Bible prophecy, and Christian apologetics. He has written for a variety of publications both foreign and domestic (he is currently a columnist for the Adventist Review), and has written a book entitled, "How to Kill Adventist Education (and How to Give It a Fighting Chance!)." He has presented frequently throughout North, Central, and South America and the Caribbean on such topics as the Three Angels Messages of Revelation 14, Adventist Education renewal, and church planting. He and his wife Darlene have two daughters, Sierra and Ellie.
Offering
More In This Series
OPENING MUSIC
"Processional" • Martin Shaw
WELCOME & PRAYER
John Glass, Associate Pastor
CHORAL INTROIT
"Sanctus" ("Holy, Holy, Holy") • George Oldroyd
"AWAKE! STRETCH! RUN! PRESS!"—A HYMN CYCLE
"My Maker and My King" • 15, st. 1, 2 & 4
"Awake, My Soul! Stretch Every Nerve" • words 611, st. 1 & 4, mel. 229
"Run the Straight Race" • words 613, st. 2 & 4, mel. 82
"I'm Pressing on the Upward Way" • 625, st. 1 & 4
CHORAL CALL TO PRAYER
"Ubi Caritas" ("Where Charity and Love, God Is There") • Maurice Duruflé
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
John Glass, Associate Pastor
WORSHIP IN MUSIC
"Give Me Jesus" • Trevor Manor
OFFERTORY
"Christ We Shall Praise Well" • J. S. Bach
CHILDREN'S STORY
SCRIPTURE READING
II Timothy 4:5-8 NIV
Karen Korave, Pioneer Member
HYMN OF PREPARATION
"Not I, but Christ" • 570, st. 4
MESSAGE
"Sports Nation, Part 1: The Christian Athlete's Challenge"
Shane Anderson, Lead Pastor
HYMN OF COMMITMENT
"Redeemed!" • 337, st. 1, 3
CLOSING MUSIC
"God of Grace and God of Glory" • Paul Manz
OPENING MUSIC
"Processional" • Martin Shaw
WELCOME & PRAYER
John Glass, Associate Pastor
CHORAL INTROIT
"Sanctus" ("Holy, Holy, Holy") • George Oldroyd
HYMNS OF PRAISE
“My Maker and My King" • 15, st. 1, 2 & 4
"Awake, My Soul! Stretch Every Nerve" • words 611, st. 1 & 4, mel. 229
CHORAL CALL TO PRAYER
"Ubi Caritas" ("Where Charity and Love, God Is There") • Maurice Duruflé
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
John Glass, Associate Pastor
WORSHIP IN MUSIC
"Give Me Jesus" • Trevor Manor
OFFERTORY
"Christ We Shall Praise Well" • J. S. Bach
CHILDREN'S STORY
PRAISE
“Called As Partners in Christ's Service" • “Lord, Open Up Our Eyes" • “Still"
SCRIPTURE READING
II Timothy 4:5-8 NIV • Susan Zork
MESSAGE
"Sports Nation, Part 1: The Christian Athlete's Challenge"
Shane Anderson, Lead Pastor
HYMN OF COMMITMENT
"Redeemed!" • 337, st. 1, 3
CLOSING MUSIC
"God of Grace and God of Glory" • Paul Manz
Michigan Advance Partners
Author Melvin Santos Speaking: For the longest time, in my early years, I quietly disagreed with this Bible passage in Acts 20, “I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:35, NKJV).
I wondered how people can say, “I receive a blessing when I give.” On the contrary, in my younger years, I always enjoyed receiving gifts. To pay for the gift and give it to someone wouldn’t bring me joy. That would cost me time and money.
When I fell in love, got married, and had children, I finally learned that when you’re in love, there is a greater joy in giving gifts to your wife and children. I would do anything for them because I love them.
Then I understood that this is the Spirit of Christ, who sacrificed all to share His love with us. When I participate in giving, or helping someone in need who cannot reciprocate the deed or pay me back, I’m sharing the love of Jesus. Now, that’s the heart of Jesus.
Just seeing the smiles on my family’s faces was enough for me to experience this passage, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Today, let’s share our gifts with a generous heart.
—North American Division Stewardship Ministries