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.
2017 Summer Series
I Wonder What the Bible Says About Sex?
Resources
Speaker
José BourgetOriginally from the Dominican Republic, José Bourget grew up in a small Hispanic church in Detroit, MI. They empowered him to give all for God's Kingdom. Since then José has sought to engage others to do the same. He believes the world needs people who embrace the uniqueness that their Creator gave them to bring healing and hope.
Offering
Saturday, July 08, 2017
Program:
As We Begin
Creation • Charles Callahan
Praise
Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee • 10,000 Reasons • Cornerstone • I Will Follow
Baptisms
Lukas & Andres Evans with Tom Evans | John & Leah Bitterman with Rodlie Ortiz
Prayer
Ben Martin
Tithes & Offerings
The Lord's My Shepherd • Harold Darke
Children's Story
Richard Aguilera
Worship in Music
Arioso • Johann Sebastian Bach
Sermon
"I Wonder What the Bible Says About _________?" • José Bourget
Connect Card
O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go • 76
As We Depart
Finale from Symphony No. 4 • C.M. Widor
More In This Series
VBS at Niles Westside Church
Offering for June 28, 2025
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