Bethel Church Blackheath (West Midlands)

‘Let's take a wild look at how heaven works; this might be a mile from reality, but the promises that we refer to are certain, and the blessings we can receive are immense'

Jesus was despised & rejected by many, even by those from his hometown. Nathaniel thought nothing good could ever come from a place like Nazareth, but took the time to discover the real Jesus, 'Rabbi you are the Son of God, the king of Israel'. What about us? Have we discovered the real Jesus? Take the time to 'Come & see'.

Today, Howard looks at the Incarnation and Crucifixion of Jesus as the highest display of God's love moving first to send Jesus to die for sin while humankind were still sinners (Romans 5:8).

In the first part of this series, Jo challenges us to enlarge our hearts and minds to embrace God's plans for Bethel Blackheath. To see growth and all that God has in store, we are called to strengthen our stakes by becoming a praying church and inviting a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

The parable of The Good Samaritan encourages us to take action and show kindness to our neighbour, here are some thoughts on what that looks like for us. An act of kindness is never wasted (Aesop)

God's love extends to everyone and he has a unique purpose for each one of us.When we slip up or fail we have a God who restores failures. He will never leave us or forsake us.

Today Ruth encourages us to practice ‘Faith over fear' when faced with the different challenges, worries and new opportunities that come our way throughout this new year.

Colin looks at what happened after the birth of Jesus, leading up to the start of his ministry.

On this Christmas morning, Mark looks at gifts and how the gift of Jesus is the most important gift we can receive.

How the cracker can illustrate thoughts around the Christmas story.

Colin looks at how God is so great, coming down to earth as a man.

This week, we have three mini messages from Amy, Laura, and Tony.

This week, Paul, with the help of his puppet Twist explains how we can have an extraordinary Christmas with Jesus.

This week, we have three mini messages from Linda, Becki and Pam

We need to believe God so that we can face uncertain days knowing that he lives and his promises are for us

On Remembrance Sunday God calls us to remember. Remember who He is, what He has done and what He will do.

In this message, Jo explores the powerful encounter between a sinful woman and Jesus, highlighting this act of radical gratitude and adoration as an example for us all. Jo also encourages us to lay our tears, our worries and our burdens at the feet of Jesus.

Today on 'Manna House Sunday' Ruth shares some up to date news about God's faithfulness and the impact of Manna House Pantry in our local community.

Jeremiah 2:13 talks about being careful not to forsake God for our own ideas/wisdom and reminds us to stay faithful to God despite adversity.

Habakkuk new how famous his God and sought to make him known.We can know and have a personal relationship with the most famous man to live on the planet.Jesus..

In this 2nd message, Anne looks at the wonderful personal involvement of the LORD in the lives of his people. Yahweh (I AM WHO I AM).I AM will be what you need Him to be, in the days that lie ahead.

In the first of 2 messages, Anne looks at the origin, meaning & importance of God's personal name of Yahweh. God is full of mystery & yet he desires a relationship with us his children.

In a moment where the fabric of civilisation looks like it's being tested, Jonah is an interesting book to meditate on. Do we see others as God sees others, or do we see others as Jonah saw the Ninevites?

Today, Howard continues the story of Zacharias & Elizabeth, reviewing what happened after the angel Gabriel appeared to Zacharias.

Using symbols in verses from the Bible - gold, honey, mirror, torch, hammer and sword my theme was ‘The Bible- God's Word to YOU'.

God shows his glory by blessing the stranger to remind the unfaithful of his promises!

In today's podcast, Howard looks at the lives of Zacharias & Elizabeth, an elderly couple described in Luke's gospel as “righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.”

We have a powerful God who is able to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine.Let's look at his power within us and the importance of prayer.

When we have doubt in our Christian lives God can seem non existent Today let's try to put pay to doubt..

In today's podcast Ruth shares thoughts about the blessing of encouragement and challenges us to go out of our way to encourage one another.

In today's podcast Carole shares her thoughts on masks. Do we present the real me or the one we think people will want to see.

Exploring the meaning of life through the book of Ecclesiastes, when life seems meaningless how do we find meaning within the Christian gospel?

Jesus used the parable of the dishonest manager to show us we should know we rely on a relationship with him not self justification.

With previously used visual aids I reminded us of important truths Jesus taught and we all need to not just listen but do what Jesus says! Visual aids used: pencils, jenga, school crossing patrol ‘lollipop' sign, hidden treasure, precious pearl and two house builders.

Do you feel disconnected to God or find your relationship with him strained. Maybe this short meeting can open your eyes to the potential pitfalls you may be in, that ultimately lead to a dissatisfactory way of relating to God. Hopefully it also will shine a light on the beginnings of a life giving way of relating to God too!

This message explores the idea that faith is not the absence of doubt, but choosing to trust God despite uncertainty. Drawing on biblical examples like Thomas, who doubted Jesus' resurrection, it encourages believers to see doubt not as failure, but as an opportunity to grow deeper in relationship with God. The message reminds us that God's faithfulness is not dependent on our feelings, and that even in our darkest, most confusing moments, He remains constant, loving, and trustworthy.

Today Ruth shares a personal testimony relating to the loss of her father in a message titled ‘Looking at the bigger picture'.

The CROSS – What happened next? – Matt 27, Mark 15, Luke 23 & John 19 – Part_3:Take time to look some of the Symbolic Events that accompany the death of Jesus:8 Women at the cross. Last at the cross, first at the tomb.9 Joseph of Arimathea/Nicodemus. Secret followers step forward when needed.10 Sealed tomb. The power was within. Death could not hold Jesus.

Today Anne looks at the story of the Feeding of the 5000.Why did all 4 gospel writers record this story? Did it change their ideas about Jesus?Can Jesus meet your needs today?

Take time to look some of the Symbolic Events that accompany the death of Jesus:5 Tombs were broken open. Death is defeated.6 Guards/centurion/thief declare ‘Surely he was the Son of God!'. In dark times what do we see?7 Bones not broken. Jesus our spotless, Passover lamb.

Take time to look some of the Symbolic Events that accompany the death of Jesus:1 Darkness over all the land. The Son stopped shining.2 Jesus cries out & gives up his spirit. Life given, not taken.3 The temple curtain/veil torn in two. All barriers to God removed.4 There was an earthquake. Creation shaken, for its Creator.5 Tombs were broken open. Death is defeated.

This week we have mini messages from Connie, Paul & Becki

Simon shares the story of Peter, someone who messed up big time. But Jesus meets Peter and us right where we are at the point of our greatest need and even though we can't start over we can, like Peter, start again following Jesus.

Do you believe in Devine intervention. The number seven in scripture is referred to over 700 times and many believe that the number seven indicates Devine intervention Today we take a look at Devine intervention

On Easter Sunday morning Howard & Carole look at 6 further scenes from the scriptures in the post resurrection lives of Jesus & his disciples.

This Good Friday evening, Carole and Howard look at four different scenes in the life of Jesus on his journey to the cross.

In this Palm Sunday message, Jo explores a small passage in Acts 5:12-16. These verses carry profound truth about influence, faith and the legacy we leave behind. Jo examines how the Apostles, empowered by the holy spirit, drew crowds in awe - even to the point where people longed to be touched by Peter's shadow. In this message, we reflect on how we can also cast Godly shadows of significance.

Some times God asks us to do the strangest things But his ways are not ours.We just need to be obedient to whatever he asks us to do.

On Mother's Day its good to give thanks for our mothers & all they do for us. We must also remember those whose mothers are no longer with us, or who are infirmed, or distant. In the Bible there are 7 special Mothers who gave birth to 7 children of promise - all sons. They were greatly blessed by God because of their children. Yet also there was a price to pay - all suffered in different ways because of their children. These women came to know the truth of the words - He gives, he takes away, blessed be the name of the Lord.

Let's look at the twists and turns in Joseph's life. See the hidden hand of God behind the scenes, guiding and preparing Joseph for his ultimate purpose.

After the suffering of v1-21 David turns to the Covenant God who fully vindicates him. From a feeling of abandonment David finds a voice of praise. He leads us in a song of praise, faith and gratitude in which he calls the whole world to worship God.