Bell Shoals Church

Pastor Abney uses the Japanese art of kintsugi, which repairs broken pottery with gold to make it more beautiful, as a metaphor for God's work in our lives. He explains that God takes our brokenness, from both our own sin and the actions of others, and uses it to create something more beautiful and purposeful than before.Key ScriptureGenesis 50:14-21 Topics CoveredThe Art of Kintsugi: A metaphor for finding beauty in brokenness.The Dysfunction and Consequences of SinGod's Sovereignty and Purpose in Suffering

Pastor Corey Abney focuses on Joseph's journey from profound hurt to deep healing, highlighting how God uses the difficult circumstances and brokenness around us to bring about internal healing and mature us.Key Scripture- Genesis 42-45Topics Covered- Family Dysfunction & Favoritism- Consequences of Betrayal & Guilt- God's Sovereignty & Providence- Forgiveness & Reconciliation- Spiritual Growth through Adversity- God Uses Brokenness for Healing

Scripture: Genesis 39In this message, we explore the life of Joseph and how God remained present even in the darkest seasons of his life. Though sold into slavery and falsely imprisoned, Joseph's story reminds us that God's silence is not His absence.Key Points:Family dysfunction doesn't disqualify God's purpose – Joseph's trials began with generational brokenness, yet God still had a plan.God's presence changes everything – Genesis 39:2-6 shows that the Lord was with Joseph and caused all he did to succeed, even in slavery.Favor follows faithfulness – Joseph excelled because of his integrity and diligence, not because of ideal circumstances.Temptation is relentless, but God provides a way out – Joseph resisted the advances of Potiphar's wife, modeling obedience even when it cost him.Sin undersells its consequences – Disobedience in the palace could have cost Joseph everything. Instead, he chose the hard path of righteousness.Victory begins with vigilance – Proverbs 14:16 and 22:3 remind us that wisdom avoids evil and takes refuge in God's truth.God is working even in waiting – Psalm 27:14, Psalm 130:5-6, and James 5:7-8 encourage us to trust God's timing.There are no coincidences in God's plan – What may look like setbacks were divinely orchestrated setups for Joseph's future role in saving a nation (Psalm 105:16-17).Main Truth: God is present in your prison, and His plan is unfolding—even when it feels like you're going backward.

The Story of Joseph – The Importance of the Pit | Genesis 37:3–28 | SermonWhen the pit feels like the end, it might just be God's beginning. In this message, we explore the powerful story of Joseph and how his journey through betrayal, dysfunction, and silence reveals the hidden work of God.Much like Mount St. Helens appeared stable before its eruption, Joseph's family looked blessed on the outside—but beneath the surface was resentment, favoritism, and hatred. This sermon shows how:Sin leads to dysfunction (Genesis 37:3–11)Dysfunction doesn't cancel God's purpose (Genesis 37:12–27)God works through the pit, not around it (Genesis 37:28, 37:36)Even when God seems silent, He is never absent. The suffering Joseph experienced was not wasted—it was the very path to salvation for many.Scriptures Covered:Genesis 37:3–28 — Joseph's dreams, rejection, and betrayalGenesis 27:41 — The pattern of family dysfunctionPsalm 105:16–17 — God's purpose behind famine and sufferingRomans 5:1–5 — How affliction produces endurance, character, and hopeJames 1:2–3, 12 — Endurance leads to maturity and the crown of lifeKey Points:What is hidden in our lives will eventually come out. Deal with sin before it erupts.God's silence is not His absence. He is always working behind the scenes.The pit is not a place of punishment but a place of preparation.Jesus is the greater Joseph—betrayed, sold, stripped, and rejected—who brought ultimate redemption.

Anxiety and worry are universal human struggles, but as followers of Christ, we are called to continually cast all our burdens onto Jesus. Pastor Scott Odom shares with us that instead of being mastered by our anxieties or trying to handle them alone, we are invited to surrender them to the Lord daily because He deeply cares for us.Key Scripture1 Peter 5:6–7Topics CoveredThe universal experience of anxiety and its sourcesBiblical examples of anxiety, such as Elijah's collapse after victoryWhat it means to “cast” burdens on the Lord

In a world full of differing opinions and personal convictions, Pastor Stephen Staton challenges believers to seek unity over division when it comes to their convictions. From Romans 14, he emphasizes that while Christians may hold different views on gray areas they must not judge one another but instead live out their faith in love and humility.Key Scripture -Romans 14:1–23Topics Covered -Disputable matters and Christian libertyPersonal convictions vs. biblical commandsUnity in the church amidst differing opinionsExamples of modern gray areas

Pastor Corey Abney teaches that TRUE salvation cannot be lost because it is entirely the work of God's grace - not something earned by human effort. He emphasizes that salvation is an immediate, radical, and eternal transformation initiated by God alone, and not dependent on our performance or circumstances. Key Scripture:Ephesians 2:4-9John 3Romans 12:1-2John 151 John 4:19Topics Covered:Assurance of salvationThe nature of salvation God's role vs. human effort in salvationThe role of the Holy SpiritComparison of spiritual death vs. life

Pastor Corey Abney addresses the commonly asked question of whether Christians should drink alcohol, emphasizing that the issue is not about legalism or license, but about applying Biblical wisdom. Key Scripture:1 Corinthians 6:12Topics Covered:Christian legalismBiblical stance on alcoholRisks and consequences of alcohol abuse#bellshoalschurch #faith #churchservice #alcohol

Lead pastor Dr. Corey Abney kicks off our new series asking hard questions. He explains how evil and suffering exist in the world as a result of humanity's rebellion against God, but God, in His sovereignty, uses these trials to fulfill a greater redemptive purpose. Though we may not fully understand God's ways, He is in complete control over all things, including evil and suffering, and ultimately works all things together for good for those who love Him.Key Scripture:Genesis 3:7 (The fall of man and the beginning of suffering)James 4:1-3 (The source of conflict and evil desires)Psalm 33:10-11 (The sovereignty of God's plans)Romans 8:28 (God works all things together for good)Topics Covered:The origin of evil and suffering: Humanity's rebellion against God.The consequences of sin: Broken relationships, disease, and death.The sovereignty of God: God's complete control over evil and suffering.The redemptive purpose of suffering: How God uses suffering to accomplish His will and bring about good.

This Easter service, lead pastor Dr. Corey Abney shares how when life doesn't always go according to plan, Jesus meets us right in the middle of our brokenness. Through the stories of Jairus and the bleeding woman in Luke 8, we see that Jesus responds to those who approach Him with both right belief and desperate faith. He is not afraid to engage with our mess, and He brings hope, healing, and restoration to those who truly seek Him.Key Scripture:Luke 8:40–56 — The healing of the bleeding woman and the resurrection of Jairus' daughter.Topics:Jesus' compassion for people whose lives have not gone as expectedFaith as childlike trust rather than perfection or strengthThe power of Jesus to heal, restore, and give life regardless of how broken or desperate our circumstances

What made the death of Jesus different from the thousands crucified during the Roman Empire? In this powerful Good Friday message, Dr. Corey Abney walks us through Colossians 2 to reveal why the cross wasn't just an instrument of death, but a declaration of victory.You'll discover how Jesus didn't just suffer physically, he erased our debt and canceled our guilt. Dr. Abney unpacks the reality that Christ's death wasn't a tragedy to mourn, but a triumph to proclaim.

What do you get when two theologians walk into a podcast? A lot more fun than you'd expect. Whether you're a lifelong student of Scripture or just curious about the deeper stuff, Dr. Corey Abney and Dr. Ben Skaug will challenge your thinking, strengthen your faith, and prove once and for all that Theology is Fun.Special Podcast Preview Episode: Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ was graphic, intense, and unforgettable, but did it portray the true suffering of Jesus? In this first episode, Dr. Corey Abney and Dr. Ben Skaug explore what Scripture reveals about Jesus' greatest suffering—and it wasn't physical. They dive into the weight of sin, the wrath of God, and what really happened on the cross.Watch this episode and all future episodes on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/BellShoalsChurch

What do ancient rituals, temporary coverings, and Old Testament sacrifices have to do with Jesus on the cross? In this episode, Pastor Corey Abney explores how Christ fulfills what the Bible calls “shadows” — symbolic systems that pointed toward a greater reality. Through the lens of John 19:28-30 and Hebrews 9–10, he unpacks how Jesus completed the work of redemption and replaced the shadows with something final, full, and forever.Key Points:Shadows vs. Reality: Old Testament sacrifices were temporary “shadows” that pointed forward to Christ. They could never truly remove sin (Hebrews 10:1-4).Priestly Intercession: Jesus is our great High Priest who gives us direct access to God. His intercession is permanent and personal (Hebrews 4:14-16).Sufficient Sacrifice: Unlike repeated offerings of bulls and goats, Jesus gave one perfect and sufficient sacrifice for all time (Hebrews 7:26-28; 9:11-12).Total Forgiveness: We are forgiven not through our efforts, but through Christ's atonement. Our moral debt is paid by His blood (Hebrews 10:19-22; Ephesians 1:7).Heavenly Home: Jesus entered heaven to intercede for us and prepare an eternal dwelling. He is the center of redemptive history (Hebrews 9:24-26; Revelation 7:14, 17).

Lead Pastor Corey Abney teaches that the Day of Atonement in the Old Testament points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, showing that salvation requires death for death and life for life. Our sin is deeper than we realize, but God's grace through substitutionary atonement is greater than we can imagine.Key Scriptures:Leviticus 16 Leviticus 17:11Hebrews 9:22Psalm 103:12 James 2:10 Topics Covered:The meaning and necessity of atonementThe role of blood in satisfying God's holy justiceThe Day of Atonement as a national covering for sin in IsraelThe severity of sin and our inability to earn salvationGod's grace in providing a substitute

Despite human dysfunction and sin, God's faithfulness remains steadfast. The story of Jacob, Joseph, and the Israelites in Egypt reveals a cycle of brokenness, yet God provides a means of salvation. The ultimate symbol of salvation is the blood shed of an innocent sacrifice, foreshadowing Jesus' sacrifice.Key Scripture:Exodus 12 Topics Covered:Israel's enslavement and Pharaoh's oppressionThe significance of Passover and God's judgmentThe necessity of an innocent sacrifice for atonementThe foreshadowing of Jesus as the ultimate Passover Lamb

Lead pastor Dr. Corey Abney explains how the world, like a garden, has an organizer—God. However, it is now broken because of sin, which separates humanity from God. This brokenness cannot be fixed by education, politics, or morality but requires an external, spiritual solution that God provides.Key Scripture:Genesis 3Topics Covered:The existence of an intentional CreatorThe brokenness of the world and humanity due to sinThe necessity of God's intervention to restore humanityThe consequence of sin—separation from God's presenceThe need for atonement and covering for sin

Lead pastor Dr. Corey Abney illustrates how life transitions, whether expected or unexpected, present critical moments to reaffirm faith and commitment to God. Drawing from the final words of both the Apostle Paul and Joshua, Pastor Corey emphasizes the urgency of choosing wholehearted devotion to God, rejecting lukewarm faith, and remaining steadfast in obedience.Key Scripture:Joshua 23:6-82 Timothy 4:7-8 Revelation 3:15-16Topics Covered:The importance of recognizing life's transitions and using them to affirm faithThe dangers of spiritual complacency and lukewarm faithThe necessity of sincere and passionate worship, not just going through the motions

Have you ever made an assumption that turned out to be completely wrong? Misunderstandings can destroy relationships, derail missions, and even lead to unnecessary conflict. In Joshua 22, we see how the tribes of Israel nearly went to war because of an assumption—until communication brought clarity.In this message, we unpack:Why assumption leads to accusationThe power of communication in resolving conflictHow trust is the antidote to misunderstandingLessons from Proverbs on avoiding gossip and hearsayThe importance of humility and unity in families, teams, and faith communitiesKey Takeaways:Don't assume—seek clarity before drawing conclusionsHearsay isn't admissible in a court of law, and it shouldn't be in the church eitherThe best way to handle conflict is direct, honest communicationSaying “I'm sorry” can be the most powerful step toward unityTrust is the bridge between expectation and experienceKey Scriptures: Joshua 22, Proverbs 18:17, Proverbs 26:20-21, Proverbs 17:14Don't let a misunderstanding wreck your relationships—listen now and learn how to handle conflict with wisdom and grace.Subscribe for more Biblical insights and practical teachings.#Joshua22 #BibleStudy #ChristianTeaching #ConflictResolution #Trust #Communication #Humility #Misunderstanding #Faith #ChurchLeadership #BiblicalWisdom

Apollo Beach campus Pastor Steven Staton gets into how God's promises do not expire. The story of Caleb in Joshua 14 serves as a powerful reminder that faith in God's promises leads to blessings, while unbelief has serious consequences. Caleb's unwavering trust in God from his youth to old age sets an example of perseverance and confidence in the Lord's faithfulness.Key ScriptureJoshua 14Topics CoveredThe leadership of Joshua and the division of the Promised Land among the 12 tribes of Israel.The history of the 12 tribes, including why Levi did not receive land and how Joseph's sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, were included.The backstory of Caleb as one of the two faithful spies (Numbers 13) who trusted God's promise despite the fearful report from the other spies.The contagious nature of both faith and unbelief, with Israel's fear leading to 40 years of wandering instead of a short journey into the Promised Land.The importance of standing firm in God's promises, as seen in Caleb's life.

Lead pastor Dr. Corey Abney shares how the true hero of Israel's story is not Joshua, but God, who fights for His people and provides for them according to His plan. This theme is evident in the conquest narratives of Joshua, particularly in Joshua 10, where God ensures victory for Israel, demonstrating that His provision always accompanies His purposes. Likewise, in our own lives, we are not the heroes—God is, and our confidence should rest in His presence and faithfulness.Key Scripture:Joshua 10:1-14 Topics Covered:God as the true hero of our storiesDivine provision aligning with divine plansJoshua's obedience despite past mistakesThe importance of fearing and seeking the Lord for grace and mercy

Lead pastor Dr. Corey Abney shares how impulsive decision-making can lead to serious consequences, especially when we rely on our own understanding instead of seeking God's wisdom. He highlights biblical examples including King Asa and Joshua, to emphasize the importance of seeking the Lord first, even when a decision seems obvious. Faith means putting God's guidance above our instincts and plans.Key Scripture2 Chronicles 13-16 Joshua 9 Matthew 6:33 Topics Covered:The dangers of impulsive decisionsThe importance of seeking God first in all decisionsBiblical examples of both wise and rash decision-makingThe consequences of failing to rely on God's guidance

Lead Pastor Corey Abney shares the story of Achan in Joshua 7, and highlights the seriousness of sin and its consequences. Hidden sin, no matter how small, ultimately leads to downfall, affecting not just the individual but the entire community. God calls His people to repentance and obedience, warning that unconfessed sin will always be exposed and bring judgment.Key Scripture:Joshua 7:10-13 Topics Covered:The consequences of sin and disobedienceThe deceptive nature of hidden sinCovetousness as the root of sinGod's justice and the need for repentanceThe impact of personal sin on the broader community

Pastor Steven Staton from Bell Shoals Church breaks down how faith often requires obedience, even when God's instructions don't make sense. The story of Jericho illustrates that God's ways are not like ours—He fights battles differently, requiring trust and surrender rather than human strength.Key Scripture: Joshua 6Topics Covered:Faith and obedienceTrusting God's planSpiritual battles vs. natural warfare

Pastor Bruce Roberts from Bell Shoals Church reflects on the importance of remembering God's faithfulness in every season of life. Pastor Bruce challenges us to trust God, even when the path is unclear.He shares relatable stories, like navigating conflict in marriage, and illustrates how God's Word provides guidance in uncharted territory. Through the symbolism of 12 stones in Joshua and the practice of communion, we're reminded that God's promises remain steadfast.Key Scripture: Joshua 3-4Topics Covered:Trusting God in new seasonsBuilding a community rooted in faithThe significance of remembering God's worksCommunion as a symbol of Christ's sacrifice

Lead pastor Dr. Corey Abney continues in our Joshua series.

Lead pastor Dr. Corey Abney kicks off our New Years series on the book of Joshua.

Lead pastor Dr. Corey Abney kicks off the 2025 year.

Today we hear from our student pastor Luis Ruiz on the love of Christ.

Lead pastor Dr. Corey Abney encourages us about peace this Christmas season.

Pastor Scott Odom continues in our Christmas series.

Lead pastor Dr. Corey Abney continues in our Christmas series.

Lead pastor Dr. Corey Abney continues in our Christmas series.

Executive pastor Scott Odom kicks off our Christmas series, What Child Is This?

Pastor Corey Abney continues in our series about heros of our faith who have gone before us.

Pastor Steven Staton kicks off our new series about heros of our faith who have gone before us.

In the powerful conclusion of our Difference Makers series, Dr. Corey Abney explores "A New Work in an Old Place" through the lens of Haggai 1-2 and Ezra 3. Using relatable illustrations like popular home renovation shows House Hunters and Love It or List It, Pastor Corey delves into the challenges and changes we face in life, especially within the church. Change is constant, and as society and culture evolve, churches must navigate this landscape, embracing transformation while honoring tradition.Pastor Corey brings to life the story of the exiled Israelites rebuilding the Temple. Israel faced a choice to focus on their homes or the House of God. Through powerful imagery of both celebration and mourning, Dr. Abney reminds us that God is always at work—even in old places where new beginnings are needed.Join us as we reflect on how God's steadfast love endures through every season, challenge, and transformation. There's no need to mourn the past when Jesus has secured our future!

We continue in our Difference Makers series highlighting our local missions partner, Choices.

We continue in our Difference Makers series highlighting our missions partner in Gloucester, Massachusetts.

This week we kick off our Difference Makers series highlighting our missions partners in Argentina.

Lead pastor Dr. Corey Abney talks about how we have a family redeemer.

Lead pastor Dr. Corey Abney talks about how God brings fullness out of emptiness.

Lead pastor Dr. Corey Abney highlights how God works through divine appointments, not accidents.

Lead pastor Dr. Corey Abney kicks off our new series on the book of Ruth.

Lead Pastor Dr. Corey Abney outlines the importance of being present with your family.

Lead Pastor Dr. Corey Abney outlines the importance of being present in your marriage.

Lead Pastor Dr. Corey Abney dives into the context of "Be still and know that I am God."

Lead Pastor Dr. Corey Abney kicks off our new series about present every day.

We hear from our executive pastor, Scott Odom.

Pastor Bruce Roberts encourages us based around the verse that changed his life.

Dr. Ben Skaug encourages us based around the verse that changed his life.

Pastor Steven Staton encourages us based around the verse that changed his life.