Open Bible Enterprise Baptist Church

Open Bible Enterprise Baptist Church Sunday School 10:am
Sunday Evening Worship 6:00 pm
Wednesday Eve. Worship 7:00 pm
Youth Group Wednesday 7:00 pm which made us all sinners.

Mission
To see souls saved, and to nurture young Christians, so they can be disciples for Christ also. We are a spirit filled church that believes that there is only one living God. He sent his son, Jesus by virgin birth to dwell among us and to teach us the way. He gave his life on Calvary and shed His blood to cover the sin that Adam and Eve brought into our lives. Through the believing and acce

pting of this truth and living our lives as an example for him and worship Him we can live with Him when life, as we know it, ends here on earth. A wonderful promise from God's Holy Word, the BIBLE. There is JOY in serving our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

11/30/2024

Psalm 107:31 (KJV)
Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!

I'm not sure I get the meaning of "unfailing love" completely. I'm not sure I really get what it means to constantly act in a loving way, whether it involves punishment or reward, pleasure or suffering. However, I can assure you that I will always be grateful. Being grateful is simple when you have a God who is like ours.

We are grateful that the All-Powerful God revealed to us who our Abba Father is. I'm grateful that you love me so much that you give me what I need instead of what I want or deserve. I appreciate all the nice and thoughtful things you have done for me. In Jesus' precious name I pray. Amen.

Psalm 147:15 (KJV)He sendeth forth his commandment upon earth: his word runneth very swiftly.Heavenly Father, we pray th...
05/27/2024

Psalm 147:15 (KJV)
He sendeth forth his commandment upon earth: his word runneth very swiftly.

Heavenly Father, we pray that your commandments may guide us on each, helping us to walk in your ways and fulfill your purposes. Let your word run swiftly in our hearts, bringing light and clarity to our path. May we be obsessed to your will, trusting to your perfect plan for our lives. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

01/04/2024

Mark 1:40 (KJV)
And there came a l***r to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.

Be Clean!
Douglas MacLeod

In Jesus' day people believed that disease and sin were connected. Leprosy, a horrible disease that was often contagious and caused deformity, was thought to be evidence of some horrible sin. There was no cure, and l***rs were declared 'unclean' unless somehow they recovered and could be called 'clean' again (see Levititicus 13:1-8, 45-46). They were generally banished from the community because of some concerns about spreading spiritual impurity and death. When the man with leprosy in this story came to Jesus asking to be made clean, it wasn't just a request to be cured. The man wanted his life back. Lepers were thought of as the walking dead, and he was asking, in effect, to be raised from death! Jesus, seeming to risk being defiled, does the unthinkable in reaching out his hand and touching the man. And then the unthinkable happened. The contagion of sin and death does not spread to Jesus, instead, the cleansing of heaven spreads to the man! This 'dead man walking' is brought back to life by the touch and word of Jesus. We expect the corrosive effect of sin and disease to spread, but the healing power of Jesus prevails against it. Jesus came in power to take away what is killing us and what we are helpless to get rid of. What is it in your life that you are unable to cleanse yourself of? Jesus can make you clean!

Gracious God, cleanse me of my sin and make me whole again. Restore to me the joy of salvation! Thank you for touching me with your holy power. Amen.

01/03/2024

Mark 1:17 (KJV)
And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.

Follow Me!
Douglas MacLeod

I wonder why Jesus specifically called these first four disciples. It seems rather random, but maybe Jesus already knew them and was guided by the Spirit of God to single them out. We also aren't sure why they dropped everything and followed him immediately. It could be, as some have said, that the opportunity to follow a great teacher was prizedas the opportunity of a lifetime. But what we are told is simply this: Jesus calls, and they follow. God speaks, and it happens, as in the creation story in Genesis. God said, "Let there be light," and there was light (Genesis 1:3). That's pretty impressive. In the churches I have served there would often be sign-up sheets and calls for volunteers to serve in one way or another. But Jesus isn't looking for short-term volunteers to be disciples. He calls us to full, life-changing commitment, and his choosing makes it happen. But he does not require us to know everything about faith or to have all the answers about the deep questions of life. He knows that in following him we will grow to understand and know him as the Lord of our lives. Even so, we won't always follow him perfectly or even particularly well. We will not always be great examples of faith, but he will keep shaping us to be examples of what it means to follow Jesus!

Lord Jesus, help me to follow you with my whole life and being. And when I don't do very well, teach me and help me to grow and be faithful. In Your Holy name I pray. Amen.

01/01/2024

Mark 1:1 (KJV)
The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God;

The Beginning
Douglas MacLeod

In today's consumer market, books need a bold title, an eye-catching cover, clever content, and slick graphics. Two thousand years ago books were not published, marketed, and purchased like they are today. They were written on scrolls, and most people didn't have access to them, unless they were read aloud in public. The book of Mark does not have a flashy cover or title, but it certainly has compelling content. It's the "good news about Jesus...the Son of God" - and it opens with a phrase that reminds people of the very first words in Scripture: "In the beginning..."(Genesis 1:1). Genesis tells about the beginning of creation, and Mark is about "the beginning of the good news about Jesus." What's more, we find that the gospel ("good news") of Mark is the beginning of a story that goes far beyond the few years of Jesus' work and ministry on earth in fact, this is the beginning of the world's greatest story that extends all the way to 2024 - and beyond. And in reading this gospel we are challenged to find how and when this story changes everything for us today. It is here that the story begins, and it is here that our lives begin to have meaning. Today we are beginning a new year, and in Mark we discover the beginning of the groundwork for new life in Christ Jesus.

Dear God, thank you for sending Jesus Christ and for telling us about him. May we all discover some fresh, new ways in which we can honor and live for you in 2024. In your holy name, the Alpha and Omega. Amen.

12/30/2023

2 Corinthians 12:8-9 (KJV)
8) For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Will We Remain In God's Grace?
Arthur J Schoonveld

Several years ago someone in our community gave me a book titled In The Grip Of Grace by Max Lucado. A couple of tragic events had brought this person and her family back to the Lord and to the church. When she handed me the book, she said, "We found our way back because we were in the grip of God's grace." She had learned that we are all in the grip of God's grace - all of the time. Without that, none of us would stand a chance. God's grace is what you and I need more than anything else. Without it we are nothing, but because of God's grace we can face whatever comes our way. That's what the Lord himself tells the apostle Paul. Paul lived with what he called 'a thorn in his flesh' a messenger of Satan,' that was tormenting him. He kept asking the Lord to remove that thorn. God's answer was no, saying that his grace would be enough. No matter what, God would keep Paul in the grip of his grace, and Paul would be able to carry out the work God had in mind for him. That's our assurance for the coming year too: Come what may, God will hold on to us and keep us in the grip of his grace. All we need to do is to turn to Jesus to receive his grace.

Father in heaven, we thank you for your promise to hold on to us always. Please keep us in the grip of your grace. In Jesus' name. Amen.

12/29/2023

Matthew 25:40 (KJV)
And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

What Will It Take To Be Successful?
Arthur J Schoonveld

The coming of a new year is a time to look ahead and ask ourselves, "What are we hoping for in the coming year? What are our dreams and aspirations? What will we do with our lives? Will we make a difference in this world? Will we be successful?" Some are hoping to graduate this year. Others are looking for a promotion. Still others are hoping for healing. Many are hoping to make a new start in life. And all of us are hoping for a good year ahead. Whatever our hopes or resolutions may be for the new year, let's take a few moments to ask ourselves, "What will we do for people who are down and out? How do we plan to imitate our Lord in reaching out to people who are outcasts, who need help, encouragement, and a new start? Will we take the words of our Savior seriously as he tells us that anything we do for people such as these, we are doing for him? Some people I know bring a warm meal to long term residents in a rundown motel. Others are active in prison ministry. Others pray daily for people who are alone and in need, and still others generously share their resources. A bookmark in my Bible says, "Success has nothing to do with what you gain in life or accomplish for yourself. It's what you do for others!" And that is what Jesus teaches.

Lord Jesus, fill us with compassion for people who are least in the eyes of this world. Open our eyes to the needs of the people around us. Amen.

12/28/2023

Galatians 5:16-18 (KJV)
16) This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
17)For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
18)But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.

How Can We Live By The Spirit?
Arthur J Schoonveld

According to the apostle Paul, each of us has a battle going on inside us. The Living Bible puts it this way, "Two forces within us are constantly fighting each other to win control over us, and our wishes are never free from their pressures." Which force is going to win? What will it take for us in the coming year to live by the Spirit? Paul helps to answer these questions. If we are to live by the Spirit, we have to stop acting as if we are in control of our lives. We have to let ourselves be led by the Spirit of God. We must "obey only the Spirit's instructions." We need to stay in step with the Holy Spirit. Only the Holy Spirit can help us become and and be what the Lord wants us to be in the coming year. We have to listen to what the Spirit tells us by turning to the book of the Spirit, the Bible. We have to pray each day to be filled by the Spirit. And Jesus himself assures us that God, who dearly loves us, will "give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him!" (Luke 11:13).

O Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me, melt me, mold me, fill me, use me. Spirit of the living God, move among us all and make us one in love, humble, caring, selfless, sharing. Fill us, we pray, with all your fulness. In Jesus' name. Amen.

12/27/2023

Philippians 3:13-14 (KJV)
13) Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Are We Ready To Let Go?
Arthur J Schoonveld

In one of his books, Max Lucado tells a story about the late champion Muhammad Ali taking someone to his barn where he stored his trophies and awards. Standing in the doorway, he pointed to his many trophies and said, "It ain't nothing." He had come to the conclusion that when all is said and done, his accomplishments meant very little. Centuries earlier, the apostle Paul looked back on his life and on all the things he had been proud of, and he said, "Whatever was to my profit I now consider loss. I consider them rubbish." Paul said this not because he had a debilitating disease like Muhammad Ali but because he had met the Lord Jesus. He was ready to let go of whatever was behind him so that he could serve the Lord and live by the power of the risen Savior. As we are about to enter into a new year, are we ready to let go of all the things that at one time seemed all important? Ask the Lord today for the grace to toss out everything that stands in the way of serving him.

Lord, help us to be willing to let go of the things that stand in the way and that keep us from experiencing the power of our risen Savior. In your name I pray. Amen.

12/24/2023

Matthew 1:24 (KJV)
Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:

What If God Were To Disrupt Your Life?
Arthur J Schoonveld

Somethings in life can take us completely by surprise. Sometimes things happen that seem to turn our world upside down. That happened to a man named Joseph, a builder living in the town of Nazareth in Galilee about 2,000 years ago. Engaged to be married to a young woman named Mary, he was looking forward to when they would become husband and wife, have children, and make a home together, surrounded by their extended family. But then Joseph learned that Mary, his future wife, was expecting a child. To Joseph, that meant that Mary had been unfaithful. To keep her from being publicly disgraced, he intended 'divorce her quietly' and then send her away. But that same night, an angel came to Joseph in a dream, telling him that the child to be born was conceived by the Holy Spirit. The angel told Joseph to believe the unbelievable and to take Mary as his wife. God himself stepped into his life and disrupted many of Joseph's plans. His life would never be the same. But when Joseph woke up, he did what the angel commanded him. Perhaps God has disrupted your life. Perhaps he turned your life upside down. Are you ready to accept God's will for your life? Are you ready to surrender to him and serve him?

Father in heaven, help us to accept your will for our lives, even when it turns our world upside down. Help us always to acknowledge Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Amen.

12/22/2023

John 1:14 (KJV)
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

Is Jesus Coming To Your House?
Arthur J Schoonveld

A story is told about a group of animals that were living together in a stable. There were all kinds of animals: mice, sheep, some chickens, some cows, a donkey, a horse, and even a rat. They lived together as a family, and the stable was their home. Then one day a little mouse heard a rumor. He heard that someone was coming to their house. In his excitement he jumped on top of the horse and shouted, "Someone is coming to our house." And then he whispered, as if it were a secret, "Joseph and Mary are coming to our house, and Mary is going to have a baby." That story prompts me to ask, 'Is Jesus coming to your house?' As you are about to celebrate the birth of Jesus, ask yourself this question. As we have our parties and exchange gifts, do we pay attention to what we are celebrating? Will the birth of Jesus be at the center of our celebration? On the first Christmas, the Lord Jesus 'moved into the neighborhood' (John 1:14). That's Christmas in a nutshell: the Lord Jesus has come into our world and into our lives. Will we invite him into our hearts? That's the important question each of us must answer.

Lord Jesus, help us concentrate on what Christmas is all about. Help us to worship you, our Savior, and help us to make room for you in our lives. Amen.

12/21/2023

Luke 1:43 (KJV)
And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

Why Should This Happen To Me?
Arthur J Schoonveld

Elizabeth was utterly amazed. She could hardly believe what was happening to her. Not only was she expecting a child in her old age, but she also had the awesome privilege of meeting the mother of the Lord Jesus. Filled with the Holy Spirit, she exclaimed, "Why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?" Why me? I'm sure some of us have asked this question at one time or another for a variety of reasons. Something unexpected happened in our lives, and we could not help asking, 'Why me?' We tend to ask this question especially when things go wrong. Maybe we have lost someone we have loved. Perhaps we have had to deal with a physical disability, or we have been diagnosed with a terrible illness. We may have lost our job, or our business may have failed, and the question was right there: Why me? But there is a more important question in this Advent season: why should we have the privilege of getting to know the Savior? Why should we be so privileged that the Lord should come to earth for people like us, who did nothing to deserve his coming? As we approach the celebration of the birth of the Savior, we do well to ask, 'Why should we be so favored? Let us stand amazed that God should love us so much that he sent his only Son to to bring us back to himself and give us eternal life.

Lord, our God, as we prepare to celebrate the birth of the Savior, we ask that through your Holy Spirit we can feel something of the awe of Elizabeth. For Jesus' sake I pray. Amen.

Address

1525 Bellefontaine Avenue
Marion, OH
43302

Opening Hours

Wednesday 7pm - 9pm
Sunday 10am - 12pm
6pm - 8pm

Telephone

(740) 360-5092

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