Bethesda Christian Church Sermon of the Week

Tuesday there is an election. For each office on the ballot, who will you choose? Does the Word of God have anything to say about voting? Though the bible might be scarce when it comes to the topic of voting, there is no shortage of direction given in God’s Word when it comes to making a choice for who will lead a community or a nation. If the Lord is neglected in that choice, it is akin to rejecting Him. Instead of rejecting the Lord, listen in and discover how His Word can inform our conscience and direct our decisions.

None of us like to be put on hold. It is often a frustrating experience because we can’t express ourselves to the one who has put us on hold. Yet there are times when we put others on hold, or block their call, so we do not have to listen or respond to them. Have you ever put God on hold, or blocked Him? Since the Garden of Eden humankind has had the propensity to put God on hold or block him completely. The Lord years for us to have open hearts and open ears to hear and listen to Him. Today’s message gives a biblical example of those who put God on hold and offers hope for opening a clear line of communication to build a strong bond and lasting relationship with Him.

"On hold" is another way of being told to "wait." This does not need to be a negative, depressing, or even a frustrating experience when viewed through the lens of the Lord. This time we live in isn't all that there is. Our time on Earth can be viewed as God's waiting room for our lives. We should stay busy taking time to pray, study, to exercise our gifts, and learn what the Lord would have for each one of us to do. God has given us gifts and talents to use for His Kingdom while being here, but this is not our home, we are passing through to our eternal reward.

Being “on hold” while on the telephone can challenge our patience. But being “on hold” in our lives is a different matter! The Old Testament prophet Elijah had a tremendous victory in the “battle of the gods” on Mt. Carmel (1 Kings 18). But a death threat from an evil queen disrupted Elijah’s life to the point of deep hopelessness. Despite his discouragement, Elijah journeyed for 40 days and 40 nights to Horeb, the mountain of God (Mt. Sinai!). He cried out to God and God responded in a way that should be encouraging to anyone who finds themselves distressed, discouraged and feeling hopeless… as long as we REST, LISTEN and LEARN.

We all know what it’s like to be on hold, and we don’t like it. The multitude of dead-end options, the endless waiting, the never getting through. The frustration! Sometimes we might feel that God has put us on hold and that can lead us to bitterness and despair. In this message hear about someone who believed God was against her although He was always there, and His kindness had not stopped. If you feel God has put you on hold, listen in and find hope for relief before frustration turns to bitterness.

What your lips proclaim your life must represent. We must not just say our beliefs, we need to live them out. Our faith and words should represent the action we display to others. 1 John 3:18 Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by actions.

What's a squirrel got to do with contending for the cause of the gospel of Jesus Christ? That's a good question that's answered in today's message. Paul the great New Testament evangelist and apostle wrote to a church in the Roman city of Philippi about striving together as one, in your relationships having the mind of Christ, doing everything without arguing, and contending with others in the cause of the Gospel. Two in the church seemed to be at odds and the sharing of the gospel suffered. Petty offenses or serious differences distract us from the greatest cause, the gospel of Jesus. Now about those squirrels...

Think about this: Where will you be in 5 years? Will you finish school, have a bigger home, secure a better job? Your answer may be along those lines, but did your answer include the word “sacrifice?” Probably not. What does sacrifice have to do with our lives, if anything at all? Listen in as we re-center on sacrifice and how it fits into the lives of Christians.

Re-Center - to move or put something at the center again. We all have the tendency to get distracted or busy which can get our eyes off the original purpose or goal. God has called each of us to be His witness. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide and direct you into boldness and confidence to be the best "laborer" in the harvest field that is plentiful. in Matthew 9, Jesus said “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few." During this mission month as we continue to promote and support our designated missions, let us all take the charge from Jesus to become the missionary He implored us to become.

Have you ever felt lost, all alone and abandoned? There is one who knows your name who is seeking after you and calling your name. He is the Good Shepherd. He doesn’t want you to remain lost and wandering, He desires to refresh and protect you. Listen now and discover how you can be part of the flock of the Good Shepherd. He will never abandon you in this life and has an eternal pasture prepared for those who are His.