Discerning the Truth

Instruction for Christian Servants

podcast@bethanybiblechurch.net (Bethany Bible Church) — Sat, 18 May 2013 19:52:53 -0400

Every genuine believer is a servant of Jesus Christ. We have been saved to serve. However, servants need to be instructed on the purpose, goals and methodology of service if our serving is to be effective for God’s glory. The disciples got caught up in their own desire for personal success. We must never forget that serving is all about Jesus Christ. Christ-likeness is the key so that our purpose is the same as Christ’s purpose and our goals must correspond to His goals. He even instructs us on the methodology. A good servant will learn from His mentor and magnify His life and ambitions to the glory of God.

Indoctrinating the Twelve Disciples

podcast@bethanybiblechurch.net (Bethany Bible Church) — Sat, 11 May 2013 20:50:59 -0400

The experience of Peter, James and John on the Mount of Transfiguration was so great and glorious and yet Mark 9 reveals four different scenarios that reveal the immaturity of the disciples indicating their need for indoctrination. Spiritual immaturity was evident in 1) Peter’s words on the mount, 2) the failure of the disciples to cast the demon out of the possessed boy, 3) the inability of the disciples to accept Christ’s passion in Jerusalem, and 4) the disciples seeking positions of status in Christ’s Kingdom

Read Your Bible, Pray Every Day

podcast@bethanybiblechurch.net (Bethany Bible Church) — Sat, 11 May 2013 20:49:14 -0400

Paul wraps up his letter to the beloved church with a challenge to pray, love one another, and read the Scriptures. In these brief remarks, we find much for us to follow in the way of Christ.

Back in the Valley

podcast@bethanybiblechurch.net (Bethany Bible Church) — Sat, 04 May 2013 22:01:45 -0400

After experiencing an incredible mountaintop experience, Jesus, Peter, James and John come back down into the valley of life and were faced immediately with a sharp contrast to what they had just experienced a young person in the grip of evil, parental anguish and nine disciples seemingly powerless to do anything about the immediate circumstances.

Paul's Benediction for the Thessalonians

podcast@bethanybiblechurch.net (Bethany Bible Church) — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 17:40:29 -0400

Paul brings the first letter to the Thessalonians to a close with his third prayer for them. It is also the benediction on their behalf. He prays that all their being, spirit, soul, and body would be totally separated to the God who brought them peace. He prays they will be kept blameless until the coming of Jesus Christ. Finally, he assures them that their spiritual health and growth is assured based upon God's faithfulness.

Instructions for Building a Young Church

podcast@bethanybiblechurch.net (Bethany Bible Church) — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 17:39:10 -0400

The apostle Paul here gives instructions to the young Thessalonian church. Paul teaches concerning the relationship of church leaders to members and also the relationship of member to member. This practical instruction comes immediately after his inspiring teaching on the Lord's second coming.

God's Timing Is Always Best

podcast@bethanybiblechurch.net (Bethany Bible Church) — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 21:23:10 -0400

In verses 8-10, Peter assures the believers that the day of the Lord will come. The false teachers were questioning if the Lord was coming back. Peter insists that he will return. But if the day of the Lord is coming, why the delay? What’s taking so long? Peter writes these words to urge us to continue to look for the Lord’s return. We as believers must continue to hope in God’s promise of salvation. We must believe that God’s timing with the day of the Lord is best. Peter gives us three reasons to remain hopeful in the promised return of Jesus Christ.

The Transfiguration of Jesus Christ

podcast@bethanybiblechurch.net (Bethany Bible Church) — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 05:52:00 -0400

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God (John 1:1). Jesus Christ, who crossed the stage of human history almost 2,000 years ago, did not commence His life in Bethlehem of Judea. He is and always will be 1) The only begotten Son of God (John 3:16), 2) The Eternal Word of God (John 1:1-18), and 3) The brightness of God’s everlasting glory (Hebrews 1:3). The Apostle John said, And we beheld His glory (John 1:14). The Apostles witnessed His glory firsthand on the Mount of Transfiguration (2 Peter 1:17, 18; 2 John 1:1-3). The transfiguration provided a picture of the coming kingdom and a visible proof that Jesus Christ is indeed the Son of the living God.

Pithy Guidelines for Christian Vitality

podcast@bethanybiblechurch.net (Bethany Bible Church) — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 05:50:48 -0400

In this lesson, we try to untangle the second table of brief bullet commands in 1 Thessalonians 5. From them, we learn to abhor sin and see the world with biblical discernment.

The Way of the Cross

podcast@bethanybiblechurch.net (Bethany Bible Church) — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 05:49:36 -0400

In the first half of the Gospel of Mark, Jesus establishes His authority over demons, disease, sin, nature and death. Mark now turns our attention to the purpose for which Christ came into our world to give His life a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). Jesus now prepares His disciples for the critical hour which is to come and turns towards the cross.