Bethesda Christian Church Sermon of the Week

After Peter denied Jesus, Jesus did not ask Peter, “Will you die for me?” He asked, “Do you love me?” Peter’s failure wasn’t erased, it was redeemed. Today Jesus offers the same to us. True love is what sustains obedience when courage wavers. Love is proven by daily faithfulness, steady obedience, and staying when it would be easier to quit. In the face of failure, Jesus offers restoration.

Change is often difficult, and we naturally cling to what feels familiar. When we stay stuck in old patterns, we can miss out on the better life God desires for us. Jesus came to bring new life, not just to improve the old but to transform it completely. Following Jesus means letting go of what no longer leads to life. Where is Jesus calling you to a better way of living?

In today's world, it is easy to get lost in the busyness, get distracted, and forget what we as believers are called to do. Jesus calls us to do what He did, and He promises to be with us. As we head into 2026, let's recenter on the mission of making disciples.

The Christmas narrative places salvation before us. The question is will we see our salvation with the eyes of our hearts. Advent reminds us that salvation is for all, but some refuse to see. So the question is not whether Jesus came for you. The question is whether you truly see Him.

God is drawing all nations to Himself, and in Matthew 2 we see three different ways people respond to Jesus. Regardless of the response, Jesus is for everyone. As Christians, we get to be part of this story, because Advent isn’t just sentimental—it’s missional. It’s a season that calls us to share the hope of Christ with the world.

This message teaches that Jesus entered the world as the true Light for all people—not just a select group. Though many fail to recognize or receive Him, His light continues to shine into humanity’s darkness with hope. All who receive Jesus are given the right to become children of God, welcomed into God’s family by grace. In the incarnation, the Word became flesh, revealing God’s glory full of both grace and truth. Let's share Jesus and the hope He offers with others.

Every believer has a story of being set free, and your story is needed right where you are. God can use your story to lead someone else to freedom. If you haven't experience the freedom that Jesus offers, know that He still sets people free and does what no one else can do.

If the gospel is for all, then reaching all requires us to be servants of all. We are called to lay down our preferences for the sake of eternity. Who is God calling you to reach? Will you become all things to all people?

In Isaiah 52, there is a vivid image of a messenger running over the mountains to bring good news—peace, salvation, and the proclamation that “Your God reigns!” The apostle Paul echoes this in Romans 10, reminding us that everyone who has been saved is also sent to share the Gospel. Like that ancient runner, we carry the hope of Jesus to a world still waiting for good news. Wherever your feet take you, carry that hope and share Jesus to a world that needs Him.

Will you set a table for your enemies? As believers, we’re called to represent Him in a world that often rejects Him. Let’s be the light and extend the invitation to a world that needs Him.