Bethesda Christian Church Sermon of the Week

Through the wonder of technology, we get to hear stories of how our church was founded by our second lead pastor, the late Brother Jim Beall. The constant theme throughout the message is our desperate need for the Holy Spirit in our lives. Light the oven!

As we kick off the month of June, we look back on God's faithfulness over these past 90 years in our church. Our 90 year history does not bring us to completion. God is faithfully carrying on his work here.

If we want to do the things that Jesus did, we must remain the vine. We need to draw near daily to God for a fuller, freer, and fueled life. Believers must remain in Christ in order to produce kingdom fruit.

Often times, we talk about the faithfulness of God in our lives. In today's message, Pastor Pat talks about our faithfulness to God. Many fall away and are devoted to the world. Remaining faithful to God's way leads to blessing and life.

Practical does not mean easy, it is that which is expressed in practice or action. Honoring God means putting love and mercy into practice. To move more and more toward Christ-likeness requires the ongoing practical application of His Word.

You can't be great in the kingdom unless you are connected with the kingdom. Greatness in God's kingdom is not about position and power. It's about relationship and attitude. What's one characteristic of children that could help you on your journey of faith?

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life." Culture will tell you there are many ways to get to the Father and to get to heaven. However, Jesus tell us in John 14:6 that, "No one comes to the Father except through me."

Sometimes we don't get a miracle. Sometimes God does not respond as we expect. Be a seeker, especially when a crisis comes in and rocks your faith. God does not tremble at our questions. God doesn't mind our questions when we come sincerely seeking. Your faith had a beginning, now build your faith.

Luke 20:25 He said to them, "Then give back to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's." Jesus spoke of a human government, and a higher order above human government, God's government. Jesus used a coin to remind his adversaries of a timeless principle: We've been made in the image of God. We bear God's image. The question we have to ask ourselves is: Will we give to God what is God's?

Jesus responded to the Pharisees and teachers of the law in Matthew 5 saying, "I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." Sometimes we see ourselves as the Pharisees. We believe we are righteous on our own, however, all are in need of repentance. As Christians, we share the same mission, to call sinners. Jesus sacrificed His life calling all to repentance. All, even if they're in denial, must repent.