Bethlehem Baptist Church: Recent Episodes
Bethlehem Baptist Church
The preaching ministry of Bethlehem Baptist Church located in East Dublin, GA. Visit us online at www.bbced.org.
Introduction: How much thought do we give to our gathering together as a people to worship God? God uses several illustrations to describe His people and one of them is a building. We are the temple of God and a spiritual house that is being built up of individual stones. This is a good illustration…
Introduction: How many of you like magic tricks? I remember as a child I got a book of magic tricks. Most of them were some form of card trick and the key to it was to get really good with slight of hand. I was nothing like the magicians that we see on TV or in the shows people go to see. Some of you…
Introduction: Suffering is a normal part of life as a Christian in this world. Jesus modeled the suffering that would come by obeying God. Many people will rise up against those who seek to follow God, and some will even think that they are doing God’s will when they persecute others. Think about some…
Introduction: This morning, we are going to look at a celebration that should happen every single week. I’m not sure what your favorite holiday is. Maybe it’s Christmas, or Thanksgiving, or your birthday! Imagine getting to celebrate your favorite holiday every single week. That is essentially what we…
Introduction: Criticism vs Indifference Hard time committing to something. Making decisions and reading reviews online. 16 “But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their playmates, 17 “ ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance;…
Introduction: Every year we seem to get a little bit older don’t we? That seems like a pretty obvious statement; one like the famous Yogi Bera might say. I remember reading a story in school about a family that had discovered a well that kept them from ever growing older. At first it seemed great, but…
Introduction: This morning, we are going to continue looking at what Jesus had to say about the Kingdom of God in His encounter with some of John the Baptist’s disciples. Remember last week that we talked about how John had his doubts. The Kingdom of God had not come as he had expected. Maybe your Christian…
Introduction: Have you ever had doubts about anything in your life? Maybe you’ve had doubts about a ride you have been strapped into, like the sling shot or a roller coaster. Maybe you had cold feet on your wedding day. You loved your spouse (and still do) but you knew what a big commitment you were…
Introduction: Over the last several weeks, we have looked at Matthew 10 . This whole chapter is about the mission that Christ sent His disciples on. They were called to represent Him and go before Him to proclaim that the kingdom of God had arrived. They were told not to take anything for their journey…
Introduction: What are some funny things dads love to say? Have you ever noticed how dads have to: Comment on the weather or become a human radar Say things like, “What’s the damage?” when the bill comes They will say, “Well, they don’t make them like they used to” when something breaks Dad’s also have…
Introduction: 34 “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. 36 And a person’s enemies will be those of…
Introduction: Question 2: What rule has God given to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy Him? Question 2: What rule has God given to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy Him? The Word of God, which is contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, is the only rule to direct us how we…
Introduction: When we cook, following recipes or instructions is important. As you become experienced, you still follow a recipe, it’s just that the recipe is in your head. Your dash of this is still equal to a measurement, but you’ve learned to eyeball it without taking out the measuring spoons and…
Introduction: What are some of the most common fears that people face? I have a fear of heights and a fear of eyeballs. Acrophobia is the term that is used to described the fear of heights and I have to say that I disagree a little with the Google machines definition of it. Google defines acrophobia…
Introduction: Question 1: What is the chief end of man? Another way to phrase this question is, “What is man’s primary purpose?” Everyone needs a purpose. We strive for a purpose. Man’s Primary Purpose is to Glorify God... All the Nations will Glorify God 9 All the nations you have made shall come and…
Introduction: 26 “So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. 27 What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. 28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.…
Introduction: As we continue to look at the interlude between Chapter 8 and 11 of Nehemiah, we see the beginnings of a great revival break out. A few weeks ago we focused on the importance of the people reading the Word of God, Understanding the Word of God, and Repenting at the preaching of the Word…
I know that we are starting to enter vacation season. Seems like these days people go on more trips than ever. I remember as a kid we would go on one to maybe two vacations a year. Most of the time these were planned out several months in advance and you could count down on your calendar until the day…
Introduction: Right now the farmers have been getting their fields ready for planting. A lot of things like wheat have already been sown in the ground and now peanuts and beans are starting to get planted. I love when they get out there in the big combines and start harvesting the wheat. They run over…
Introduction: What is faith? Why is faith important for us as Christians? Samples in stores - something to show what the full thing will be like. 18 While he was saying these things to them, behold, a ruler came in and knelt before him, saying, “My daughter has just died, but come and lay your hand on…
Introduction: Apostasy We live in an apostate generation The essence of apostasy is changing sides from that of the crucified to that of the crucifier. John Stott 1 There was a man of the hill country of Ephraim, whose name was Micah. 2 And he said to his mother, “The 1,100 pieces of silver that were…
Introduction: Fasting for a blood test Intermittent fasting Fasting for prayer Donald Whitney wrote this in his book Spiritual Disciples for the Christian Life : Quick. What do people who fast look like? What kinds of people come to your mind? Do they appear a bit strange? Are they John the Baptist types?…
Introduction: Some of you have served in our armed forces and you have been sent off to basic training to get fit and learn how to function as a military unit. You know that when you get to basic, you often find that mean drill sergeant who tries to break you down. By the end of basic training, these…
Introduction: What things do you delight in? It is spring time and the last few days have been beautiful days. It’s been wonderful to get outside and feel the breeze and smell the fresh air....unless you have allergies, and then you can strike everything I just said. Maybe you are an outdoor person and…
Introduction: Do you care? You ask, “Do I care about what?” Do you care that people are dying? “Dying of what?” Dying and going to Hell. All of us at times can be guilty of this mission buster. It’s the mission buster of apathy. We can be so happy that we and our crew are saved, that we forget about…
Introduction: It’s that time of year again when we think about a new year and new goals for our lives. We make our resolutions and sometimes we can feel bad if we don’t keep them, but then there are others who don’t even try to make any goals for themselves. We want to make spiritual goals for our lives…
Introduction: Over the next several hours, kids around the world will open up gifts and celebrate the Christmas season. We know that Christmas is not about gifts, but because God gave us the greatest gift in sending His son to be the Savior, we exchange gifts with one another as well. I would be lying…
Introduction: 8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold,…
Introduction: Christmas is a time where we love to sing the carols. They remind us of happy memories and moments of Christmas’s past. My wife and I recently started a devotion leading up to Christmas that examines the message in the Christmas carols. Did you know that most of our most beloved carols…
Introduction: We always like to see the bad guys get what’s coming to them. It seems like they always are getting away with things and sneaking around. Praise the Lord, He sees all things. Tonight as we near the end of our study in the Book of Jude, we learn of their fate and the emptiness that these…
Introduction: Analogies are helpful to let us compare things or explain things. We have all kinds of comparisons and idioms. It’s getting colder outside and some of you may have pulled out your hoodie and said something like, “I’m as snug as a bug in a rug,” to indicate you were warm and cozy. You may…
Introduction: This morning we are going to begin a study through the Book of Ruth. The story of Ruth is a story of faithfulness, second-chances, grace, dignity, but above all, it is the story of the faithfulness of God. We don’t deserve God’s faithfulness. It is in the goodness and grace of God that…
Introduction: I’m an avid coffee drinker. I have a cup in the morning, a cup when I get home in the afternoon, and a cup in the evening. I may even squeeze in a few extra cups throughout the day. However, one thing I cannot stand is cold coffee. I understand that some of you like this, but I can’t get…
Introduction: There is really nothing new under the sun. There are a lot of false gods and religions out there and a lot of heresies, but they are really the same old heresies that are repackaged over and over again. When you go fishing, if a bait is working, why change your lure. Satan just keeps deceiving…
Introduction: 7 “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: ‘The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens. 8 “ ‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know…
Introduction: 18 “And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: ‘The words of the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and whose feet are like burnished bronze. 19 “ ‘I know your works, your love and faith and service and patient endurance, and that your latter works exceed the first. 20…
Introduction Contend for the Faith Spurgeon said, The great business of the saints is to defend, if necessary with their lives, the faith once delivered to them. We are put in trust with the gospel. We are trustees of a divine deposit of invaluable truth, and we must be true to our trust at all costs.…
Introduction: The Book of Jude is probably not a book that is on anyone’s best seller list. Of all of the books of the Bible that you’ve studied, you probably don’t have very many verses memorized out of it and you probably have not heard a ton of messages preached from it. However, Jude is an incredibly…
Introduction: How many of you have trophies from your accomplishments laying around your house? Some of you may have them in a box in the attic, but you probably don’t have a trophy cabinet in your house. Think back to when you got that trophy. How did it make you feel? You probably swelled with pride…
Introduction: weather patterns and unpredictable forecasts 24 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been…
Introduction: We have been talking about for years that the end times are coming or that we are living in the end times. Well, I think we can say that we are there. Now, to be fair, we have been in the last days since Jesus ascended into heaven, but when we see what Paul had to say about the last days,…
Introduction: Introduction 13 “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. 15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you…
Introduction: 7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. 9 Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? 10…
Introduction: One of the major reasons that a lot of people don’t go to church and the gym is one and the same reason. They don’t want to be judged! I would argue that one of the most well known Bible verses today is no longer just John 3:16 (if that one is even remembered by people anymore) but also…
Introduction: Who are some of your spiritual role models? Maybe it was a preacher or Sunday school teacher. Maybe it was a parent or grandparent. One thing that I like to do is read old books by old preachers. The reason I do this is because they are often times more theologically rich in what they have…
Introduction: A Danish Philosopher by the name of Soren Kierkegaar wrote, Time goes slowly for the anxious, and for the very anxious even one moment is deadly slow, and for someone anxious unto death time finally stands still. ( EUD, 345 ) Soren Kierkegaar Are you anxious this morning about anything?…
Introduction: We’ve been looking for several weeks now at how we can know the will of God for our lives. Over the last few weeks we’ve talked about what we mean by the will of God and we’ve also looked at some of the unbiblical ways that the pagans sought to know the will of their gods. Tonight, we are…
Introduction: What is the most dangerous thing about false teachers? It’s that you may be deceived to believe what they teach and never know you were being led astray. Have you ever been driving down the road and looked out at the cows out in the fields. They look so peaceful and calm and some people…
Introduction: What things are you passionate about? Do you love to fish? Do you love golfing? Do you love going to the gym or hanging out with friends? Maybe you love gaming or hanging out with friends? Have you noticed that the things we are passionate about will always find time in our schedule and…
Introduction: People come up with a lot of crazy ways to try to find out the will of God. Tonight we are going to take a survey of several of them listen in the Bible. I want to encourage you to follow along. We are going to mention some big words tonight, so I’ve given them to you on your handouts and…
Introduction What do other gods all have in common? They are all made in the image of man or some other created thing with the characteristics of the ones that seek to worship the idol. What is different between God and the false gods? God has made man in His own image and we are told how we ought to…
Introduction: We all want to know the will of God for our lives. We are concerned that we may not be obeying God, but sometimes it can feel like God’s will is a mystery. We are going to take a look at what is meant by the will of God in order to see what God’s will is in a given situation. 1. The Decretive…
Introduction: It ought to be the business of every day to prepare for our last day. Matthew Henry Tonight, we are going to be talking about the last days. When we say “last days” we need to understand that in some regards we are living in the last days. I believe that the Bible teaches us that the earth…
Introduction: 18 Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.” 19 Now out of the ground the Lord God had formed every beast of the field and every bird of the heavens and brought them to the man to see what he would call them. And whatever…
3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, 5 because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, 6 which…
Introduction Puritan prayers Spurgeon’s Prayers Recite one of them How do you get to where your prayers are that beautiful? That’s really not the question, but it reflects a desire to connect with God on a deeper level. I can personally say that one of the greatest ways for you to learn to pray is to…
Introduction: We all love a good show! I am particularly fond of theater because I love to see how they come up with creative ways to change scenes and I feel like the characters have to really be good actors and actresses to be able to perform. There aren’t creative camera angles and edits to help them…
Introduction: 38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as…
Introduction: 38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as…
Join us as we look at the Book of Jeremiah concerning a message to pray for our nation.
Introduction: Have you ever tried to cut something for a project and you didn’t check your measurements? You know the old saying is “Measure twice, cut once.” For me, it’s probably better that I measure a couple of times or I will get myself in a mess. I was building a compost sifter the other day and…
Introduction: This morning, we have a lot to cover, so we want to jump right into the text. Look with me in your Bible to Matthew 5 . Let’s stand as we read together our text from vv. 21-26. 21 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable…
Introduction: Have you ever been on vacation and seen one of those Ripley’s Believe It or Not places? There are all kinds of oddities and weird things in them. I’ve never personally been in one, but I have the internet to tell me about them! They were created by a man named Robert Ripley who started…
Introduction It’s early this morning and I know that some of you, probably most of you, have been up since before dark. Now for some of you this is normal. The older you get it seems, the earlier you rise. But for anyone, no matter what time you get up, you will probably find that when you first open…
Introduction When is the last time you had to pull an all nighter? I have not done so in quite a while and was never really good at it. I’ve gone to bed really late and I’ve had to get up really early, but at least I got a little sleep. I just don’t do well without sleep. I’m not unusual. That’s the…
Introduction 28 and they asked him a question, saying, “Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies, having a wife but no children, the man must take the widow and raise up offspring for his brother. 29 Now there were seven brothers. The first took a wife, and died without children. 30 And…
Introduction 17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. 19 Therefore whoever relaxes…
Introduction: We live in an age of the consumer driven church model. People want to go be entertained and be served rather than following the model of Jesus to be a servant to others. They look for churches based on the programs that are offered and how many people consider the church to be the “cool”…
Introduction Introduction to the sermon 10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward…
Introduction: We’ve heard a lot of people talking about revival lately. I’ve even been talking about it a lot. We need to take advantage of the interest. It’s like the old sailors used to say, you have to take advantage of the wind. When the wind is against you or is not blowing, you just bob there in…
Introduction: I’m sure you’ve been around a group of kids that were always quarreling with each other. As parents with more than one kid, we live this out all the time. Your kids will get to fighting and arguing with each other. Sometimes you just need a little peace and you are struggling with what…
Introduction: This morning we are on the cusp of something that I hope and pray is to be a big deal. I challenged our group at Prayer Meeting this past Wednesday night to join me in praying for revival in our nation. I am asking specifically for us to pray for a movement of God that is bigger than we…
Introduction: When you hear the phrase: “humble, meek, and mild,” what image comes to your mind? Some of you would say Jesus because you’ve heard that phrase used to describe Him. But what exactly does that mean? We probably know what it means to be humble, but what does it mean to be meek or mild? Charles…
Introduction: This morning we are going to begin a study through one of Jesus’ most famous sermons called the Sermon on the Mount. The sermon is really probably a collection of longer teachings that Jesus gave over time and we have two similar versions of the sermon recorded in Matthew and Luke. There…
Introduction: This past week, I was involved in a couple of different funerals where we were celebrating the life of different people. I was talking with someone about their family member and they were sharing about the person’s military service. He was drafted into the military and it got me thinking…
Introduction Background of the passage. David’s sin with Bathsheba ( 2 Sam. 11-12 ) David was in the wrong place at the wrong time (should have been in battle) David looked an lingered David acted on his sin and then tried to cover it up David was confronted by God through Nathan the prophet and then…
Introduction: Tonight we are going to take a look under the hood of our salvation and what drives our ministry in Christ. If you have ever gone car shopping, you go to the lot and look at the car and you first notice the body of the car, the color of the paint, the price and all of that. You make a decision…
God is speaking through Solomon like a father to his son. But, God is also speaking through Solomon to you and me. So tonight, let’s listen to our Father as we gain some wisdom for us to live by. 1 My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, 2 for length of days and years…
Introduction: Tongue twisters are a fun way to see how clever you are with using your words. Most of you probably know the ones like: “Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.” These are actually great exercises for building up your enunciation. It’s also a great way to work out your brain. We often…
Introduction Have you ever had a family member embarrass you in front of your friends or people you really were trying to make an impression with? Dad’s are notorious for embarrassing their kids and being goofy. But how many of us act as if we are ashamed of Christ? The Roman historian Livy who lived…
Introduction: Well, we’ve reached the end of one year and the beginning of a new year, and I have to say that I have never been happier for a year to end than this year. There have been a lot of things happen this last year from record inflation and soaring home prices to a never ending battle with Covid…
Introduction: Map of the Babylonian Empire City Pictures Image of the City of Babylon Hanging Gardens 1 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. 2 And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with some of…
Introduction: 1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth,…
Introduction: 1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth,…
Introduction: Do you ever get the blues? We’ve been talking about this a lot lately I feel, but I don’t think we can talk about it enough. We need to be encouragers and we need to be encouraged ourselves. That’s what I love about Paul and Timothy’s relationship with each other. They both helped each…
Introduction: One of my favorite things to do around Christmas time is to look at Christmas lights. I don’t know how many of you ever got to drive out to Yonkers and see the Tripp Family Christmas lights, but it was amazing to see them. You could see the lights as you turned down the road and saw the…
Introduction: Charles Spurgeon said, Truly wise men are never above asking questions, because they are wise men. Christ’s Incarnation , Page 98 Charles Spurgeon Well, tonight we are going to look at some questions the wise men asked. God was working in their lives and drawing them to Himself. God does…
Introduction: Over the next several weeks we are going to be looking at several Christmas passages as we reflect on what Jesus came to do. Today, we are going to see that Jesus was born to save us. Purpose of Christmas Jesus birth is an awesome story and it gives us a great reason to have a holiday to…
Introduction: Do you ever feel overwhelmed with life? Maybe you feel a little terrified with the assignment God has given you. Timothy struggled some with feeling inadequate and fearful to do what God had given him to do. He was faithful, but he often got overwhelmed. Paul wrote to encourage Timothy…
Introduction: This month we are highlighting the traits that we ought to have as believers. You know, considering all that Christ has done for us, we ought to be some of the most grateful people. We ought to want to show that love to others and that’s exactly what we will be talking about this morning…
Introduction: This morning our passage comes from Galatians 6 . In the Book of Galatians, Paul writes to the churches of the region of Galatia that are being plagued by false teachers trying to get them to add works of the flesh to the gospel message of salvation by faith alone. Galatians is very much…
Introduction: The weather has turned colder and the leaves are starting to fall, pumpkins are now in the stores and decorating people’s porches. We have officially reached the time where churches are publicizing their Fall Harvest Festivals. We are full on in the Harvest season. But did you know that…
Introduction: Introduction here. 1 And a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. 2 She was pregnant and was crying out in birth pains and the agony of giving birth. 3 And another sign appeared in heaven: behold,…
Introduction: We are going to be looking at the wisdom of a father towards his son tonight as we look at what Solomon had to say in Proverbs 4 . Solomon was a unique person in the history of Scripture. God blessed him in such a way that not only did he have great wisdom, but he also had great authority…
Introduction: Where do you turn to when you need advice. Did you know that a lot of people like to look to their horoscope, or “horror-scope” I like to call it? Did you know that there are a lot of people that would be more likely to go into a psychic’s lair than to go to God in prayer? I remember once…
Introduction: 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” 1. Don’t Be Ashamed…
Introduction: 9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. 10 With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! 11 I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. 12 Blessed are you, O Lord ; teach me your statutes!…
Introduction: We all have choices in life. Two roads - Robert Frost Speaks of a traveler in the woods that comes to a fork He cannot take both roads and so he must make a choice He thinks that he may return one day to travel the other road, but realizes how unlikely that will be The path he took has…
Introduction: Waiting is one of the most difficult things that you and I can be called to do as believers. We want to know things right away. We want to have answers to our questions. We don’t want to have our faith stretched. However, God often calls us to patient obedience. Patient obedience is where…
Introduction: 1 Bless the Lord , O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! 2 Bless the Lord , O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, Westminster Catechism begins with the most fundamental question that we could ask. What is the chief and highest end of man? Man’s chief and highest…
Introduction: Nothing drives me mad like someone who doesn’t keep their word! How about you? I cannot stand it when someone says that they will meet me at a certain time and they never show up, never call, never text. I also cannot stand it when you go to a restaurant and expect a certain level of service…
Introduction: 1 “You shall not make idols for yourselves or erect an image or pillar, and you shall not set up a figured stone in your land to bow down to it, for I am the Lord your God. 2 You shall keep my Sabbaths and reverence my sanctuary: I am the Lord . 3 “If you walk in my statutes and observe…
Introduction: 6 Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were…
Introduction: Have you ever driven in a poor part of town and seen all of those title loan and financing places everywhere. They are really nothing more than legalized loan sharks. They pop up in the poor parts of town because that is where people are the most desperate. This is not a judgment on them…
Introduction: 1 Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you, 2 and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one. 4 And…
Introduction: How much is a life worth? We all know that life is priceless, but if you had to put a dollar amount on it, how would you calculate it? Well, it turns out that the Institute for Life Insurance says that it depends on how much a person stands to make in his or her lifetime. But you know,…
Introduction: I want to take a moment and welcome all of you back home to Bethlehem. We are excited to be celebrating our 201st birthday as a church and it’s always a blessing to have everyone back home. That’s what a lot of us love about holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, isn’t it? We love to…
Introduction 3 Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, 4 who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of…
Introduction: 1 Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him, we ask you, brothers, 2 not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed, either by a spirit or a spoken word, or a letter seeming to be from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. 3 Let…
Introduction: Describe the tabernacle and its furnishings. 1 The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Command the people of Israel to bring you pure oil from beaten olives for the lamp, that a light may be kept burning regularly. 3 Outside the veil of the testimony, in the tent of meeting, Aaron shall arrange…
Introduction: So often you hear the phrase “suffering for Jesus” and people are referring to someone who actually is not really suffering at all. It might be someone who is on some tropical island on a mission trip, or someone who is in a place that we would love to visit. At one point in time, did you…
Introduction: This weekend, I was blessed by my wife to get one of those griddles like a Blackstone. It’s the kind like they have in a restaurant that you cook on outside. In doing my homework to figure out which griddle I wanted, I have watched a lot of videos of people cooking on these griddles. They…
Introduction: What would life be like without family? What would life be like without church family? We need both and it is a major blessing to help us get through the difficulties of this life. {Insert Illustration} We are going to take a short journey through the Book of 2 Thessalonians as we worship…
Introduction: It doesn’t take much to be a blessing to other people. We live in a world that could certainly use more people that are seeking to be a blessing to others. We are quick to criticize, quick to judge, quick to vent our frustrations and opinions. However, we need to rethink this and begin…
Introduction: 26 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 27 “Now on the tenth day of this seventh month is the Day of Atonement. It shall be for you a time of holy convocation, and you shall afflict yourselves and present a food offering to the Lord . 28 And you shall not do any work on that very day, for…
Introduction: 23 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 24 “Speak to the people of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall observe a day of solemn rest, a memorial proclaimed with blast of trumpets, a holy convocation. 25 You shall not do any ordinary work, and you…
Introduction: 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies, 21 but test everything; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil. Pray. 1. Don’t quench the Spirit (v.19) 19 Do not quench the Spirit. The word to quench means to stifle or extinguish the Holy Spirit. How many…
Introduction: What is your favorite city, your favorite place to visit? What makes that city your favorite? Maybe it’s a vacation spot. Maybe it’s a city that holds a special place for you because of a memorable event that happened there. There is a city that should be special to all of us. The city…
Introduction: Dealing with people can be hard. We have problems. 14 And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. Paul uses a stronger word to begin v. 14 than he did in v. 12. 1. Admonish the Idle Remember from last week that the word…
Introduction: 12 We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. 1. The Pastor ’s Work (v.12-13) Labor among the flock ( 1 Tim. 4:6-16 ) Oversee Spiritual…
Introduction: 23 “Oh that my words were written! Oh that they were inscribed in a book! 24 Oh that with an iron pen and lead they were engraved in the rock forever! 25 For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth. 26 And after my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in…
Introduction: Most of us get enthralled by an epic battle scene with a conquering king riding on a white horse with his armies trailing him. We love to see the good guy win. We love to see justice prevail and evil brought to nothing. One of my favorite movie scenes of this is the scene in the Lion, the…
Introduction: 9 Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another, 10 for that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more, 11 and to…
Introduction: 1 Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. 2 For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. 3 For this is the will of God,…
Introduction: I have to be honest with you and tell you that I am one of those people that like to have my meat cooked almost well-done. I don’t like it flopping around on my plate. I don’t like it moaning and groaning. I don’t like it bleeding out right there in front of me. Some of you have seen chefs…
Introduction: Tonight we are going to be looking at some signs of the times. It seems like we are certainly getting closer to Jesus return and what is happening around us can make us a little fearful. So, let’s take a closer look tonight at what Jesus had to say. 1 Jesus left the temple and was going…
Introduction: In March of 2020, something came to our shores and the shores of many countries that would wreak havoc for several years. We had begun to hear news of this horrible virus that was going to be one of the most deadly and infectious viruses that man has dealt with in a long time. There was…
Introduction: Well, tomorrow is Valentines Day. Hopefully you remembered and have gotten your sweetheart a special gift or are doing something to show them you love them. If you don’t have a sweetheart, there’s no shame in getting yourself a little something special either. You know Valentine’s is the…
Did you know that God really loves moms and kids? He does! He loves them so much that He set certain rules and regulations to care for them and to remind them of His love for them that is ultimately demonstrated through Jesus Christ. Let’s find out more as we look at this chapter in the Book of Leviticus.
Introduction: Do you think that it really matters what we believe about the Bible? Today, the lines have been drawn between those who believe that doctrine matters and those who believe that we should just love one another. The latter group is winning the day with people because they think it is more…
Introduction: I must tell you that it is difficult to get a job done right these days. We have a shortage of labor right now in this country, but especially skilled labor. If you have a child that is looking to make some career decisions, you might want to encourage them consider skilled labor. I have…
Christmas has come and gone, but it doesn't have to be over. It shouldn't be over! We should learn to keep Christmas going. Find out how as we look at a faithful woman by the name of Anna.
Introduction: What’s the best news you’ve ever gotten? Maybe you have gotten the all-clear with a health issue you were struggling with. Some of you may have aced a test you were studying for or gotten a job or promotion you worked hard for. Some of the greatest news this country got occurred on Nov.…
Introduction: Have you ever been sent on an important errand and forgot what you were sent to do? It happens to me all of the time. I will have something from the store that I am supposed to pick up or something that I was supposed to take care of in town. It can be frustrating, especially to the one…
Introduction: Last week we began looking at the journey of the wise men. God started their journey to find the Messiah by showing them a star in the heavens that they followed all the way to Herod’s palace. Herod got news of the magi’s journey and sought to find out from them the approximate time that…
Introduction: Santa and gifts Why do people love Santa? They want to know that there is someone who is kind and jolly and who wants to bless you and give you good things. Did you know that there is a Person that actually does all of these things. God loves you and delights to give us good gifts. He has…
Introduction: One of my favorite songs at Christmastime is “How Many Kings.” I love that song. Another song we sing a lot is “We Three Kings.” Some of us think these dudes were on the Oriental Express, but regions were different. The kings we are going to be looking at today probably came from a region…
We are going to begin our Christmas series by looking at a figure in the Christmas story that is a little mysterious. We are going to look at Joseph this morning and the decision that he had to make. Now, Joseph is famous. he’s the earthly father of Jesus and he’s featured in all of our nativity sets, but we really don’t know much about him. In fact, did you know that we really don’t know for sure if he was a carpenter, though he probably was! We assume he was because Jesus was, but the text doesn’t actually say this. We only know that he was poor and of the lineage of David. He was a righteous man as we will see, but that is about all we know. However, we do know he had a tough job raising the Son of God. You talk about high pressure. He also had a tough decision to make. Some of you here may have some tough decisions going on in your life, and I hope Joseph can be an example to you this morning of how to follow God’s will for your life.
Introduction: 1 Oh come, let us sing to the Lord ; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! 2 Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! 3 For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods. 4 In his hand are the…
Two of Aaron’s sons offered strange fire before the Lord and the results were deadly. What does this encounter teach us about worship and the holiness of God? Join us as we continue our study through the Book of Leviticus and look at this strange fire.
We have a lot to be thankful for in our lives. God has blessed us in so many ways and it is important to learn to be thankful for His faithfulness to us in the past as we also look to his continued faithfulness in the future. Join us as we look at Psalm 92 to discover how we can be thankful for the past.
Introduction: When you come into the Lord’s House to worship, what goes through your mind? I was thinking about this while I was at the convention this past week. I looked around the room during the worship time and I looked at those leading worship. I watched their body language and their faces. I tried…
God has called us to serve Him. Did you know that God has called us to be a kingdom of priests that represent Him in our generation? We are also called to stand before God on behalf of our generation. Find out what it means to be ordained by God as we continue to study through the Book of Leviticus.
Are you running from God today? What is the mission that He has called you to? Join us as we study the Book of Jonah together and see how we can be faithful to do all that God has called us to.