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.
When God Tests Us
Lessons From the Life of Abraham—1
Resources
Speaker
Rodlie OrtizRodlie Ortiz is on the pastoral team of Pioneer Memorial Church on the campus of Andrews University where he oversees evangelism and Grow Groups. He recently finished his Doctor of Ministry degree in Missional Leadership from Fuller Theological Seminary. He blogs regularly on modernekklesia.com and enjoys connecting with people that don't know God. He is married to Iveth, a special education teacher, and has two boys—Jonathan and Daniel.
Offering
Saturday, March 12, 2022
More In This Series
OPENING MUSIC
“God Will Take Care of You” • Kenneth Logan
WELCOME & CALL TO WORSHIP
HYMN OF PRAISE
“How Firm a Foundation” • SDAH 509
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Woodrow Whidden, Pioneer Member
PIONEER LIFE
CHILDREN’S STORY
Story: Jonathan Burt, Pioneer Member
Prayer: Aliyanah
WORSHIP IN MUSIC
“My Peace I Give to You” • Kenneth Logan
SCRIPTURE READING
Philip Giddings, Pioneer Elder
Genesis 22:1-2 NIV
HYMN OF PREPARATION
“I Want Jesus to Walk With Me” • SDAH 624
MESSAGE
“When God Tests Us: Lessons From the Life of Abraham—1”
Rodlie Ortiz, Associate Pastor
CONNECT CARD
HYMN OF COMMITMENT
“All the Way My Savior Leads Me” • SDAH 516
BENEDICTION
CLOSING MUSIC
“How Firm a Foundation” • Janet Linker
OPENING MUSIC
“God Will Take Care of You” • Kenneth Logan
WELCOME & CALL TO WORSHIP
PRAISE
“Blessed Assurance”
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Woodrow Whidden, Pioneer Member
PIONEER LIFE
WORSHIP IN MUSIC
“My Peace I Give to You” • Kenneth Logan
CHILDREN’S STORY
Story: Jonathan Burt, Pioneer Member
Prayer: Aliyanah
PRAISE
“Won’t Stop Now”
“Gratitude”
“Wait On You”
MESSAGE
“When God Tests Us: Lessons From the Life of Abraham—1”
Rodlie Ortiz, Associate Pastor
CONNECT CARD
HYMN OF COMMITMENT
“Sufficient For Today / It Is Well”
BENEDICTION
CLOSING MUSIC
“How Firm a Foundation” • Janet Linker
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