Bethany Church

As disciples, we are called to live differently from the world around us. Instead of hoarding possessions to ensure our financial security, we are to view the world through God's eyes and share from the abundance he has given to us. Jesus warns that if generosity isn't our default mode, then maybe we are confused about who we worship.

Disciples are apprentices of Jesus. And this morning, Jesus apprentices us in the school of prayer. He does so by showing us two negative models of prayer, and one that is his own. His model shows us the richness of an interior life with God that is absolutely necessary to live outwardly as the kind of citizen the larger Sermon on the Mount describes. Let's look this morning at three models of prayer.

We all have practices in our life that we do with the intention of growing deeper in our faith, but Jesus warns us that the way in which we do those practices is just as important as if we do them at all. We can look devout on the outside, but if our motivations are wrong it's actually a sign of darkness not light in our lives. When our religion is done for a true audience of one it leads to growth that only God can give.

Nowhere is the upside-down nature of Jesus' Kingdom more obvious than in these verses. Jesus asks us to uniquely love, the evil and our enemy, who are sometimes one and the same person. Nowhere is it also more obvious that obedience to these two commands can only flow from a true citizen of God's Kingdom. The true definition of spiritual maturity is spontaneously loving the evil one and our enemy.

Joy is mentioned in 3 out of the 4 resurrection accounts. On Resurrection morning, why did the women leave the tomb with Joy and how can we increase our own joy? This Easter we look at the Road to Joy that culminated in a risen Savior and an empty tomb. Let's look at three reasons for Joy from Matthew 28:1-10.

As Jesus rode into Jerusalem on that Sunday of Holy Week, he came in on an unexpected road as an unexpected King. The people were expecting a ruling political liberator, but Jesus in humility had come riding on the humble means of a donkey, to serve and give his life as a ransom for many, and rule as king in the hearts of men and women. This morning our baptisms point to both this unexpected road and unexpected King. Let's look together at both.

This morning, we look at the emotion of ANGER and how it is a seed that when fertilized gives bloom to MURDER. What will we do with our seeds of anger? Will we uproot them with the gospel, or will we fertilize them to rage? This morning let's explain ANGER from the text, and work through some IMPLICATIONS for us to see that God is slow to ANGER even if we are not.

In the rest of chapter 5, Jesus is going to endorse the moral law and give his interpretation of it. But before he does that, he wants to make sure that we understand how he views the Scripture, God's Word. Jesus wants us to know the TRUSTWORTHINESS of God's Word, the CENTRALITY of its message, and its place in our RELATIONSHIP with him. This morning it is Jesus' doctrine of Scripture.

This morning Jesus AFFIRMS us as SALT and LIGHT of the world. But what does this mean? And how should it impact us? This morning, we will explain the words of Jesus to his disciples and then look at some implications for us as a church for our LIVING and our SPEAKING. Are you lit? Let's find out.

This morning, we introduce The Sermon on the Mount by looking at 7 guiding principles that will help us understand, WHY this was written, to WHOM it was written and WHAT is its intended impact? May God give us the grace to face the Sermon on the Mount in all seriousness, honesty and prayer until we are transformed through it, living as lights in the world.

What do we do when someone wanders from the faith and fellowship? Whose responsibility is it to go after a lost sheep? This Sunday we want to explore James' call to search and rescue those who wander by looking at the OBJECT, the DOER, and the SERIOUSNESS of search and rescue. 

Charge to Pastor Jeff and congregation from Rick Parker

To live as a Christian amid suffering has been the normal state of affairs for most Christians throughout history. It is us who have lived through a unique Christian history of incredible peace and prosperity. That is why I think we need James' words more than ever. We are not sure how to be both suffering and patient. This morning, he calls us to live patient and steadfast with integrity in suffering because Jesus is coming with justice and judgement. He is at the door and the handle is turning!

In this passage, James addresses both believers and non-believers about two common temptations: our desire for autonomous control in making our plans, and our relationship to wealth. He is terribly practical and convicting in his wisdom reminding us that life is fleeting, God is sovereign, and wealth will betray us. Let's look at this passage in two sections to grow in humility and generosity the only way possible, Gospel practicality.

The Bible has a particular theme; it is a story of redemption through Jesus Christ. The themes of the Bible may seem varied and scattered at times, but – in reality – they all follow a consistent method of pointing the way to salvation for mankind. A consistent method is often described as a modus operandi (M.O.). In our passage today, we will find the elements of this M.O. become apparent.

Today we get back to our study of the NT book of James. The focus of chapter 3 is all about our tongues and how that what we say can have tremendous outcomes in our relationships with others and with God. When we visit the doctor, part of the exam is to look into our mouths and, using a tongue depressor, the doctor will see if there is anything to be concerned about there. In a way this chapter is going to look into our mouths and exam us for any cautions we need to be aware of that may be found there. So, open wide our spiritual mouths and Say Ahh!

We first learned that heaven will be a city that comes down to a New Earth. We then learned that some of the works of our hands will be there too. But what will we do all day in this New Heaven and Earth? This morning, we look at three truths about what will keep us busy in the New Heaven and Earth. Is it playing harps on clouds? I hope by now you know the answer to that.

So, if last week we saw that heaven is a place we go, is here now, and is coming to earth, what will that new heaven and earth be like? Let's look today at three truths about this new garden city that will descend to a new heaven and earth. You might just be surprised by what you find there?

We come to the most well-known and widely discussed portion of James' letter. James wants to make sure we know that genuine saving faith will always results in organic good works of obedience. He does this, not by contradicting Paul's message of justification by faith alone, but by making sure we know that real saving faith never remains alone. Even the demons have faith.

James is very blunt in his warning to not show partiality and favoritism in the church based on external markers. In fact, he calls it evil, law-breaking, and antithetical to the gospel of God and the mercy shown to us in Jesus. Let's look today at the problem of partiality and Gospel solution of mercy.

James wants us to live spiritually whole lives. He provokes this by asking us, are you just a hearer of the Word, or are you also a doer of the Word? This morning, we examine the importance of God's Word, Our Growth, and Generous Giving.

Persevering through trials brings great blessing, but trials also bring the temptation to respond in sinful ways. We need fresh reminders that temptation always comes from within, even if trials come from without, and that God is always good, giving, and gracious. He does not tempt us with evil.

While no one likes trials, James calls believers to view suffering and trials as a gift that leads us toward maturity in Christ. Rather than resenting trials we are called to turn towards God in the midst of trials, seeking his wisdom and recognizing that we are not striving for success in this world. Instead poverty, humility and even suffering can be gifts, if they send us running to the feet of Jesus.

Where is Jonah's compassion after the repentance of the Ninevites? It's what God wants to know. God shows that he is both merciful and just in the object lessons to Jonah, and asks us the same question – where is our compassion?

In God's great mercy, Jonah is given a second chance to obey. Upon his proclamation of the bad news of coming judgment, Ninevah repents displaying their belief in God's Word. And we see at the heart of God is a desire to extend mercy and a willingness to forgive those that repent.

Here again we are meant to see a compare and contrast between Jonah and the Sailors. While Jonah wants a god of his own making, the sailors just want to find the right god to appease in the storm. In the end we see Jonah just begin to emerge from his shallow spiritual identity and the sailors radical transformation into God-fearers. But what is needed for both is the beautiful pattern of love in a substitute. We all need that, so let's take two more steps together into the story of Jonah.

More than a great children's story, the book of Jonah asks us to evaluate whether we understand the heart of God. Jonah in these opening verses pridefully wants a God of his own making who will act according to Jonah's definitions of mercy and grace. And yet, God begins to teach Jonah a lesson with a merciful storm that will reshape his grasp on God's gracious heart and lead us to true humility and love for the lost.

Psalm 138 is one of my favorite and one of the most hopeful psalms. We need hopefulness as we live out the Great Commission, which this passage reminds me a little of. We will look at the ATTITUDE for discipleship, the MISSION of discipleship and the HOPE of discipleship.

This Sunday we are going to move from a diagnosis to symptoms to a cure for the tension between living in this world, while hoping for the next. Why are we so tempted to put our trust in the temporal and in people we think have power? Let's talk about that in the context of our politically charged election season and find hope in the God of CHARACTER and COVENANT in Psalm 146.

As Christians, what do we make of the presence of both sorrow and joy in our lives? What good can from our tears? Can they be wasted? We know that all sorrow will someday end with joy, but did you know that the two work to-gether, and that your tears produce joy? Psalm 126 like no other, points us to the New Testament joy and eternal joy available to us. Let's look at three principles of sorrow and joy in the Christian life.

Psalm 96 is a happy song from start to finish. But when we look at the world it describes of singing joyful trees and roaring seas of praise, we notice that our world doesn't quite compare in its brokenness. So how do we get the joy to sing God's praises and enter this joyful, happy, world to come even if it comes through judgment? Let's find out by looking at three invitations.

We often feel worry and anxiety when we look at our lives and the problems that surround us and threaten to invade. In Psalm 27 we see David combatting his anxiety by seeking a deep relational experience with the LORD that would translate into an obedient, patient faith. If we can pursue God in this way too, we will have the courage to face the problems of life. Let's seek God's face together.

Can Jesus be found everywhere in our Bibles? When Jesus spoke of the Kingdom of God and pointed the world of His time to Himself, he only had the words of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms to speak from (see Luke 24:44). Psalm 1 is a familiar Psalm to many in the church. Today as we delve into Psalm 1, let's get on the right path as we look for Jesus.

The open and empty tomb opens up everything! This Sunday we look at the open tomb, the open Scriptures, and the opening of our eyes, minds, and hearts in worship. May we be transformed to live open lives of witness as our baptism candidates are today!

The death of Jesus on a Roman cross is the dividing line for all of history. It is where the Kingdom ethics and mission of truth, justice and sacrifice come to fruition. How will we respond to this dividing line? Will we respond in self-interest like the religious leaders, or in grace, with full life committal that we see in Jesus and his followers?

This morning, we look at the rejection of Jesus by the religious leaders, his disciples and ultimately the Father. However, it is in this rejection and mockery of Jesus, that he was accomplishing the very thing he came to do. Let's examine our own hearts for mockery and find acceptance and forgiveness as Peter did, while we look at Jesus' rejection. Let's look at three types of rejection.

Even as Jesus moves toward his mock trial and ultimately the cross, his heart is set on guiding his followers. While Judas betrays him, he teaches in word and deed what it looks like to follow him. He offers his life on our behalf and calls us to lay down our own lives as we apprentice under him.

The disciples understandably want to know, according to Jesus' prophecy, when the temple in Jerusalem will be destroyed. However, Jesus' intent for them, and for us, is not about timing, but about the certainty of the end of all things, and the certainty of the signs that will precede it. Jesus wants to prepare his disciples to live ready for his certain return. So, let's prepare with three certainties.

On the heels of exercising his authority as the Son of God in the temple in Luke 19, the Jewish religious leaders come to challenge Jesus' authority. We are naturally suspicious of authority as those steeped in the autonomous individualism of our culture. Yet, we all live under multiple kinds of authority including the Supreme Authority – Jesus Christ. Let's look at Jesus' authority and how it actually gives us freedom.

Peace is something that most people want and pursue and yet it is so elusive in every generation. Jesus' triumphal entry to Jerusalem is not a declaration of war, but an offer of peace. This peace is true and lasting and yet Jesus knows, as he sees the city, that most won't see the things that make for peace. Let's see where and how we can find this peace.

In Luke chapter 19, we are challenged to see Jesus for who he is, the Seeker and Savior of the lost. We will then be encouraged to a life of investing in the Kingdom mission until he returns. We will do this by looking at two principles, one big encouragement, and one challenge to invest in the here and now.

Do you ever wonder when God's promises will be realized? When will the fullness of His Kingdom come? In Luke chapter 17, Jesus teaches that he has already inaugurated the Kingdom, and yet there is a tension because it has not yet fully arrived. In the meantime, the disciples are encouraged again to not hold too tightly to the things of this world, but press on in discipleship, as they ask for more faith. The alternative- remember Lot's wife?

Keeping in line with the theme of “stewardship” in chapter 16, Jesus challenges us to make a connection between stewarding our horizontal relationship with him, with how we vertically treat the poor, in a parable full of truths on heaven and hell and everything in between.

Pacific Northwest District Superintendent Rob Chadwick I Corinthians 1:26 & 27 For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth.  But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong;

How are we to steward the life God has given us? If God is the creator, sustainer, and ruler of all, aren't we living under his roof? This Sunday we look at multiple areas of our lives and the responsibility to be good stewards, and to the one ultimate steward.

Two Sundays ago, we looked at the parable of two brothers who are both just as lost, one through moral license, and one through moral conformity. This Sunday we look at what both brothers need to be brought into the Gospel feast, and how the Gospel feast is brought to us in different ways.

John, Peter, and Mary, saw in different ways at the empty tomb, and yet all believed. We too are called to see an empty tomb and wrestle with those implications. This morning, we not only want to see the truth of the resurrection, but also the beauty and goodness of the resurrection. Let's look together and SEE this Resurrection Sunday!

Is it possible to avoid Jesus in two different ways, one through flat out rejection, but the other being through obedience? Jesus tells a parable of two brothers who are both just as lost, one through moral license, and one through moral conformity. This Sunday we look at the two lost brothers and one loving father.