Bethesda Christian Church Sermon of the Week

“What am I here for?” That question can be taken as existential, plumbing the depths of purpose for this life and eternity. But ask the question in a practical sense as it pertains to church, “’What am I here for?” Or ask it another way, “What am I participating in a church service for.” As you ponder the answer listen in to today’s message as it challenges you to examine your answer in the light of God’s word.

The church should be a place to join, become a member and begin to contribute. We should be conduits and not reservoirs.

The world is telling us to prepare for “a long dark winter” because “America’s darkest days lie ahead.” That’s been the recent headlines, that’s been the constant refrain of the world. We are in the dark, expect the darkness to last. That dark perspective was alluded to by the ancient prophet Isaiah regarding the city of Jerusalem when he said, “See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples.” Indeed, many are lost to the dark hopelessness offered by the world. But Isaiah went on. He foretold of a way out of darkness by the coming dawn of a bright light, which would be an everlasting light. Isaiah refereed to none other than Jesus. This Christmas Eve be renewed with a hope that endures, the everlasting light emanating from the baby Jesus.

Many have endured being away from church for months due to the pandemic. They long to join together with God’s people and worship Jesus. What would you endure to worship together with the people of God? Do you long to be in the house of the Lord praising God with others? Do you have an insatiable yearning to worship? Be inspired by the biblical account in this message of some who trekked hundreds of miles over unforgiving terrain for many weeks, arrived at the wrong destination and were confronted by a known murderous king, yet remained undaunted in their pursuit to worship Jesus. Let their persistence and faith encourage you to never take for granted the opportunity we have to assemble and worship our Lord. O come, let us adore Him!

How are you enduring? A nation was waiting four centuries for a word from God. A devout priest well along in years was praying, and when at last he heard from the Lord he did not believe it. He was made to suffer in silence for just a little longer, but his time in silence renewed him. The aged priest came out of his seclusion praising God. What might we learn from such an account of endurance from a devout old priest? Plenty that can be applied to our lives today.

We are all living differently due to the restrictions imposed because of Covid-19. You might be enduring loss, loneliness, financial stress, children unable to attend school, separation from family or more. How can we endure? A good illustration comes from the last prophet of the Old Testament. He’s called Malachi, and after him God did not speak through a prophet for over four hundred years. The people had to endure God’s silence, but Malachi’s message was infused with hope. Listen in and be lifted by the same hope brought to people who had to endure.

The Covid pandemic has affected lives since early 2020. Is God doing something? As we enter the Advent season, a time to reflect on God's timeless plan for Jesus and the salvation of the world, we wonder, is God doing something? God is indeed doing something. This morning an answer is given from the Word of God. God is working, He is doing something, and it will endure forever. Will it endure in you?

When later this week you celebrate Thanksgiving, whether you are alone or with others, take time to express to the Lord something for which you are grateful. Many families have a tradition where prior to the Thanksgiving meal each one tells of something they are grateful for from the past year. Looking back we can all find something for which we can say, "Thank you Lord." And, there are things to be grateful for in the present moment--after all this is the day the Lord has made! What about the future? Does thanks have a future? Is there anything about the future for which to be grateful? You might say, "Tomorrow is not promised." True. Yet the Word of God does give great examples of looking forward that we can take to heart and practically apply. Listen in and discover that thanks does have a future, and you just might change your Thanksgiving tradition!

Have you ever needed a second chance? We all have, and when we are not given that second chance it hurts. We wouldn’t have most of the New Testament if a man named Saul wasn’t given a second chance. His past was so bad, no one wanted to believe he changed. Almost no one. There was one who received Saul and vouched for him. Listen in to discover the name of this giver of second chances and be inspired to do the same.

Do you feel idle? You used to have a ministry at church, but since the church ministries have been restricted or gone online you've been left with nothing to do. Is there anything to do except keep on waiting? Yes there is. Take an example from the first century church which was stopped in its tracks. Their lives were at risk, they could have gone into hiding. Instead, they ministered differently than they had in the past. You can too! Listen in and be encouraged by this account from Acts chapter 8 and the life of Phillip the evangelist.