Human knowledge is amazing. Reflecting our Creator, we were made with the ability to solve complex problems.

Yet even with our ingenuity, we still face impossible situations—health struggles, financial crises, broken relationships. We try everything, but nothing works, and when we reach that point, fear creeps in—an overwhelming sense that we’re in danger and must react to regain control.

But the real danger isn’t the circumstance itself. It’s when fear becomes a false god. We begin to serve it, obey it, and let it control us. It keeps us from the freedom and abundant life Jesus wants for us.

Uncompromised faith doesn’t bow to fear. It fears only the Lord—not in terror, but in reverence, recognizing His authority over our lives and the world. When we live with this fear of the Lord, every other fear shrinks in comparison, and we make room for Him to do the impossible.

Daniel’s Example of Living by Faith 

In Daniel 2, we’re given a powerful example of uncompromised faith in the face of fear.

King Nebuchadnezzar was plagued by a troubling dream. He summoned his advisors and demanded the impossible: tell him the dream and its meaning. When they failed, he ordered all the wise men executed—including Daniel and his friends.

When the captain of the guard arrived to carry out the decree, Daniel didn’t panic or scheme. Instead, he asked the king for a chance to solve the mystery, then he went home, gathered his friends, and urged them to plead for God’s mercy (Daniel 2:17–18).

Some problems are simply too big for human solutions. They require God-sized answers.

Fearing the Lord means trusting not only His power to do the impossible, but also His sovereignty over every situation. We don’t just pray for escape—we pray for endurance, believing His purposes are greater than ours.

Prayer wasn’t Daniel’s last resort; it was his first instinct. And he didn’t pray alone; he called on his friends, knowing the power of united prayer. When believers come together in desperate dependence on God, His presence is magnified and His power displayed (Matthew 18:20).

Daniel knew that some problems are simply too big for human solutions. They require God-sized answers.

Expect God to Be God 

At the heart of Daniel’s response was unshakable confidence in who God is. Prayer wouldn’t have been his first instinct if he hadn’t already built a deep, ongoing relationship with God.

Long before the crisis, Daniel cultivated intimacy with the Lord through prayer and His Word. That daily rhythm reminded him of God’s character—holy, just, merciful, faithful—and His nature—unchanging, all-knowing, all-powerful, ever-present.

So, when the crisis came, Daniel didn’t have to wonder where to turn. He knew exactly who held the answer.

Because Daniel knew God, he expected God to show up. And He did.

The same is true for us. If we want prayer to be our natural reflex in life’s hardest moments, we need to meet with God in prayer and Scripture daily, even in our less challenging moments. Each time we remember His power and faithfulness, our confidence grows that nothing is too big for Him.

Putting It into Practice 

Daniel’s story invites us to live differently when we encounter problems too big to solve. Here are some practical takeaways:

• Pray first, not last. Make prayer your reflex, not your backup plan.
• Pray together. God promises His presence when we gather in His name. Who can you call on to pray with you?
• Be bold in prayer. Daniel asked specifically for God to reveal the mystery regarding the king’s dream and trusted Him to respond.
• Expect God to be God. Daily prayer and Scripture build the confidence you’ll need in a crisis.
• When God answers, give Him praise. Daniel gave thanks when the Lord delivered (Daniel 2:19-23).

No problem you face today is bigger than the God who loves you. Like Daniel, may we learn to pray first, fear less, and expect God to move in ways only He can.

This post is inspired by the second message of our sermon series, “Uncompromised,” by Dr. Jody Ray. Dive deeper into what the first six chapters of Daniel teach about standing firm in a culture that demands compromise by ordering a copy of our book, “Uncompromised: Faith That Doesn’t Fold.”

Chelsea Kinsler has found countless ways to live out her faith at Morrison Campground in Rome, Georgia—first as a child learning, and now as a mom leading others to follow Christ.

“I’ve gone there every year of my life,” she said. “My great-grandmother did, my grandmother did, my mom, me, and now my kids do.”

Chelsea’s family is part of Morrison Campground’s 155+ year legacy of family revival, a tradition that continues to shape generations. Other than Mt. Bethel Church—where she has worshiped since third grade—no place has had a more significant or consistent impact on her faith journey.

“I accepted Christ there, and so did several of my closest friends,” Chelsea noted.

It’s where she learned—both through being discipled and by watching family and friends lead spiritually—how to align her life with God’s purpose. Now, as an adult and mom with two kids of her own, she uses her family’s yearly trip to the campground to lead her children and others closer to Jesus.

Stepping Into Her Calling 

“Morrison Campground is like a family retreat,” she explained. For ten days each summer, the families who own cabins there gather for revival, complete with church services every morning and night. She added that while a board of trustees hires the ministers for the week, most of the other roles—like song leaders, ushers, and Vacation Bible School (VBS) workers—are filled by volunteers from the families attending.

Meeting Space at Morrison Campground, Rome, Georgia.

Chelsea, an active member of Mt. Bethel’s Adult Worship Choir and leader of Mt. Bethel’s iPraise Children’s Choirs during the school year, first volunteered at the revival as a song leader. For the past three years, however, she has served by helping with children’s VBS.

This summer, she was asked to lead VBS.

“It was a full-circle moment for me,” she said. “Having grown up going to VBS and watching other people lead in that way, it really did feel like a calling.”

Chelsea Kinsler (left) with other leaders of VBS at Morrison Campground standing in front of decorations recycled from Mt. Bethel Church’s True North VBS.

With the help of friends who also grew up attending the revival, as well as some recycled decorations and borrowed curriculum from Mt. Bethel’s True North VBS in early June, she helped about 30 kids each night learn they can trust Jesus when they wonder, feel powerless, need hope, or need help.

“This was something that we could give back since we were fed into for all those years by those who came ahead of us.”

Faith That Sticks 

Rhett Kinsler, Chelsea’s son, at Morrison Campground, Summer 2025.

The week was made extra special because she was able to watch the impact it had on her own kids as they participated, especially her seven-year-old son.

“He doesn’t always engage in activities at church because he’s always here because I’m here, you know? But [during VBS at Morrison Campground], he did all the songs. He participated in everything,” Chelsea said, recalling the Friday night performance the kids from VBS did for their parents.

She credits the community at the campground for his change in attitude, noting that he was drawn in by the excitement and passion for Jesus he witnessed from everyone around him.

“I don’t know that he would’ve done that in any other setting,” she added, describing how his friends at the campground encouraged his participation. “He and the other kids really bonded over worshiping Jesus.”

But perhaps the biggest impact Chelsea sees this yearly revival making on her son is that it shows him faith in Jesus is important: “It’s a lot to pack up and clean the cabin only to go there once a year. He sees all the work we do, and I think he knows it is important to us and we make it a priority.”

Making Every Moment Count 

Chelsea recognizes that this revival camp meeting is a blessing God has given specifically to her family, but she also knows the Holy Spirit presents every believer with unique opportunities to join Him in His work. She encourages others, especially Christian parents, to embrace these moments.

“Make [faith for your family] a priority,” she emphasized, using examples like bringing kids to church or encouraging them to participate in Mt. Bethel’s iPraise choir or VBS.

“When kids see other kids worshiping Jesus, it’s really impactful. The songs [and lessons] they learn stick with them forever. And it’s a cool thing they can share with their friends.”

In a Facebook post, Chelsea called Morrison Campground “heaven on earth,” but she’ll be the first to tell you it’s not the physical land that makes her “feel closer to God.” It’s the Christ-centered community and the opportunity it presents to live on purpose for the Kingdom.

As you pursue Jesus, He’ll lead you—like He’s led Chelsea—to share that pursuit with others. Step out in faith and use the blessings He’s given you to show others they can pursue Him too.

Want to read more stories like Chelsea’s highlighting what it looks like to trade the pursuit of more for a life worth pursuing in Christ? Check out our other blogs!

As American Christians, we’re unlikely to face lion’s den or fiery furnace moments—times when our lives are physically threatened if we don’t renounce our faith.

What we do face is closer to Daniel 1:1-10: not demands to outright reject (or turn from) God, but subtle, steady pressure to conform in order to belong

Daniel was told to eat from the king’s table—an act symbolizing loyalty to Babylon’s king as provider and protector. For him, this would mean compromising his identity as one of God’s chosen people. The Hebrew diet was a daily, God-given reminder of covenant faithfulness. Every meal declared who they belonged to and who their true Provider was.

Accepting the king’s food didn’t require Daniel to publicly deny his faith, but it shifted allegiance in a way that seemed small yet was deeply significant.

We face similar pressures. Colleagues say, “Everyone does it,” “That’s just how business works,” or “You need to adapt to get ahead.” These moments don’t demand that we deny God altogether, but they slowly reshape our values until we no longer have the faith to stand in bigger tests.

Daniel chooses to stand firm by proposing to test the Hebrew diet against the king’s for a short period of time. By the end of the test, he and his friends are in better shape than their peers who ate the king’s food.

The same God who honored Daniel’s resolve over vegetables and water would later shut the mouths of lions. He still honors faithfulness in the small things today.

Here are 5 ways Daniel’s response shows us how to stand firm in a compromising world:

1. Identify Your Non-Negotiables
Daniel 1:8 says, “But Daniel resolved not to defile himself…” “Resolved” means to set firmly in your heart—to decide in advance. Don’t wait until the moment of pressure to draw the line.

2. Understand Your “Why”
Ground your convictions in God’s Word (for Daniel, the dietary laws of Leviticus 11) and your identity in Christ—not in personal opinion. A biblical foundation keeps you steady when pressure comes.

3. Approach with Respect
Uncompromising commitment doesn’t require uncompromising confrontation. Daniel didn’t protest, condemn others, or send angry messages. He made a respectful request to the proper authority.

4. Offer Alternatives
Daniel didn’t just say no – he proposed a solution (the ten-day test with vegetables and water).

5. Trust God with the Results
“Now God had caused the official to show favor and compassion to Daniel” (Daniel 1:9). Your job is obedience; God handles the outcome—opening doors, changing hearts, and providing in ways you can’t imagine.

Our Neighbors Need Us to Stand Firm 

Daniel became a trusted voice in Babylon because of the resolve he formed as a teenage exile. Strength to stand in life’s big tests is forged in small, daily decisions. You don’t have to shout to stand firm—quiet, steady faith can honor God in any culture.

And the world around you needs that witness. Just as Babylon needed Daniel’s influence, God wants to use you to show your friends and neighbors that there is a better way to live—a life worth pursuing—in Him.

The question isn’t just where you’ll draw the line, but whether you’ll decide now to stand firm  when the pressure comes.

This post is inspired by the first message of our sermon series, “Uncompromised,” by Dr. Jody Ray. Dive deeper into what the first six chapters of Daniel teach about standing firm in a culture that demands compromise by ordering a copy of our book, “Uncompromised: Faith That Doesn’t Fold.”

If the walls of Mt. Bethel Church in East Cobb County, Georgia, could talk, Virginia Day says they would echo praises of God’s faithfulness. For 185 years, those walls have witnessed the Lord’s hand at work.

“God has been so good to this church,” she remarked. This coming March, Virginia will celebrate her 90th birthday. She and her late husband, Tom, joined Mt. Bethel Church—then Mt. Bethel Methodist Church—in 1959, when the congregation met in a small chapel building on the corner of Johnson Ferry Road and Lower Roswell Road.

Mt. Bethel Methodist Church building in 1951 at the church’s original location on the corner of Johnson Ferry Road and Lower Roswell Road.

At the time, she remembered, the congregation did not have a full-time minister. “We were on charge* of five churches, so we only had preaching services once a month, but we had Sunday School every Sunday.”

Even then, she said, the people of the church were dedicated to prayer.

“The ladies met every Wednesday morning at 10 a.m., gathering for half an hour to an hour to pray,” Virginia recalled. “And in all the years since, there’s always been a prayer group meeting regularly.”

Like many other small churches during the forties, fifties, and sixties, Mt. Bethel Church was urged by the leaders of the Methodist Church to merge with another congregation. However, Virginia and the other prayerful believers of Mt. Bethel felt strongly God was leading them to remain as they were.

The Day Family. From left to right: Tom, Virginia, and their son, Dan.

“We felt Mt. Bethel was a growing church,” she explained. “And, of course, then when Indian Hills was built, there were a lot of houses and several subdivisions, so we began to grow. And that showed us the real reason that we needed a church here.”

In 1969, Virginia and Tom were one of several couples from the congregation who offered their home as collateral for the $90K loan used to purchase and renovate eight acres on Lower Roswell Road, where Mt. Bethel Church’s campus remains located today.

“When we bought the property, they told us we had to build a fence from Lower Roswell Road to the lake at the back,” Virginia said. “But we had no money! Then, two nights before the North Georgia Fair, we got a call—another church had given up their food booth. We had to decide that night to take it. That booth paid for our fence. It was a miracle from heaven.”

In 1971, the little chapel where the congregation met was moved to the new property.

In 1971, Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church members hoisted the building that is now the historic chapel onto a flatbed trailer and towed it with a tractor to the current location on Lower Roswell Rd.

“They moved the building itself, the sanctuary–which is now the chapel–down the road on the back of a truck. Then a few years later, we were able to add the dining room and the fellowship hall.”

The Lord continued to bless the congregation with physical and spiritual growth. Eventually, a new sanctuary was built, followed by the Christian Activities Center, and then the education building (currently the home of Mt. Bethel Christian Academy).

Through it all, the people of Mt. Bethel Church have remained faithful to God’s calling, according to Virginia.

“There’s always been true worship and love and reliance on God,” she stated.

Decades later, the congregation faced a different kind of pressure—this time, to compromise its commitment to God’s truth. Once again, they stood firm, following the vision and calling God had given them.

An Ebenezer Moment

July 2025 marks three years since the people of Mt. Bethel Church became an independent congregation. During the church’s anniversary celebration on August 10, 2025, senior pastor Dr. Jody Ray consecrated an “Ebenezer stone” (in reference to the stone the prophet Samuel dedicated between Mizpah and Shen in the Old Testament), to mark the Lord’s faithfulness.

“We want to honor the faithful commitment of those who’ve come before us who served God faithfully through Mt. Bethel Church,” he said during the dedication. “But we also want to look forward and be faithful to the purpose of God in our time, in this generation.”

“As we move into God’s future for us, we look back only to remember what God has done, knowing He will do it again.”

The plaque for the stone, installed at the entrance of the gardens behind the sanctuary, reads: Mt. Bethel Church. Established July 6, 2022. This Ebenezar Stone is placed here in remembrance that through trials and triumphs God has sustained us from foundation to freedom. 

“Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen.  He named it Ebenezer, saying, ‘Thus far the LORD has helped us.’” (1 Samuel 7:12)

What Virginia and the others built wasn’t just a church. It was a testimony—a declaration of God’s faithfulness. Time and again, Mt. Bethel’s people stood firm, not by strength or size, but by the Spirit of God. They trusted Him, stayed the course, and pressed forward—not for their name, but for the name of Jesus Christ.

*as in pastoral charge; reference to the United Methodist Church’s practice of grouping smaller congregations under one pastor or ministry team

In July, nearly 20 of our students and several adult leaders stepped away from their routines and into a week of ministry at Kidz2Leaders’ Camp Hope in Rutledge, Georgia.

Camp Hope provides a safe, joy-filled environment for children who have at least one parent in prison — helping break the generational cycle of incarceration by offering them belonging, mentorship, and the hope of Christ.

Camp Hope 2025 Student Volunteers with Campers

For our volunteers, this trip wasn’t just about filling roles as teen counselors, cabin leaders, or support staff. It was about living out their faith, building meaningful relationships, and letting God work in and through them in ways they didn’t expect.

Learning to Lead and Love 

Cole Carroll, 20, a Mt. Bethel student serving for the first time, quickly learned that God often works through the smallest moments.

“Although it was my first time at camp, most of my cabin had been there the year prior. After losing badly in the relay race last year, they were determined to do better,” Cole shared. “When we eventually got first place, they were overjoyed. They talked about that moment for the rest of camp — and I hope it’s a memory they’ll hold onto for life.”

But Cole’s most meaningful moment wasn’t about winning. It was about showing up for one camper who didn’t feel like joining worship.

“Instead of telling him to participate, I just sat next to him and worshiped. Since he valued me as his leader, he eventually stood up and joined in — even dancing along. Our ability to be there for these campers helped demonstrate how Christ will never leave nor forsake them.”

Cole said patience became his greatest lesson: “Having a cabin of seven 9-year-old boys was difficult and tiring. But through prayer, much-needed breaks, and leaning on the other volunteers, I was able to stay patient and serve them well. I honestly think I learned just as much during my week in Cabin 17 as the campers did.”

Faith in Action 

Devon Lochner, Mt. Bethel Student Ministry Leader, with Camp Hope camper

This kind of growth is exactly what Student Ministry Leader Devon Lochner loves to see:

“Being able to see our students, that we’ve poured into, then pour into the younger generation themselves, was nothing short of remarkable. The next generation is hungry for God, and Camp Hope was further evidence of that.”

For our student volunteers, that meant intentionally investing in their campers.

“I enjoyed building relationships with my campers,” reflected Mason Strozier, 15. “It was cool to see shy first-year campers warm up to me and have a ton of fun at camp.”

Addison Strozier (right), 18, with another student volunteer, as campers paint their faces.

“When I met my campers, I realized we were put in a cabin together for a reason. Their strong desire to learn about the Lord took my nerves away. It was truly an unforgettable week,” recalled Addison Strozier, 18, Mason’s sister.

Relationships That Last

Some of these bonds extend well beyond a single week at camp.

Marina Cesar, a Mt. Bethel Church college student, has served at Camp Hope for five years — always with the same group of girls.

“This was the last year before they move up to the next age group,” Marina said. “It was really sweet to reflect on all the years we’ve spent together and see how much they’ve grown. These girls have become such a blessing to me.”

For Marina and so many others, this isn’t just volunteering — it’s living out the mission, one relationship at a time.

Student Volunteers (right) with Camp Hope Campers

Hard but Worth It 

Camp days were long and often challenging, but as student volunteer Ellis Lee, 16, put it: “It was hard but fulfilling.”

That’s what serving looks like: showing up, staying faithful, and trusting God to work through it all. At its heart, this trip wasn’t only about what our volunteers gave — it was about how God shaped them in return.

This is what it means to trade the pursuit of more for a life worth pursuing in Jesus Christ: stepping away from comfort and into calling, finding joy and purpose in being part of His redemptive work.

For our student and adult volunteers, Camp Hope was more than just a week away — it was a living picture of what that kind of life looks like.

There’s something about returning to a place where your heart has already taken root. For Mt. Bethel Church member Amelia Mackowski, this year’s journey to Honduras wasn’t just another mission trip —it was a continuation of calling, connection, and purpose.

“Orphanage Emmanuel is a place where you can feel the spirit of the Lord, from the people who work there, to all the kids. It’s a special place to me,” Amelia shared.

Her trip this year was extra special because this time, it wasn’t just her journey. She had the joy of returning with her 11-year-old daughter, Avonlea, who had also been before and was eager to reconnect with the people and place that meant so much to her.

“It’s a blessing to be able to serve as a family,” Amelia said. “Even though you go expecting to give, you receive so much more.” Witnessing Avonlea actively participate, offer help, and deepen her faith added a special connection to the mission experience for Amelia.

Orphanage Emmanuel is a place of deep need and deep love. The children there come from difficult backgrounds, and many are without families. At Emmanuel, they are seen, and they are loved. Just being at the orphanage, no matter where their paths take them, they are part of something that can change their lives.

“The kids love you so much,” Avonlea said. “They brighten your day when you’re around them.”

“The kids at Orphanage Emmanuel are still just like the kids here,” Avonlea reflected, comparing the kids she served in Honduras to her friends in East Cobb. Her compassion was evident in her words and actions, and she made sure to serve each child with joy.

The week was packed with activities: a ballet camp and show, working to fix up the fish farm, organizing supply closets, teaching pickleball and just being present with the kids. Every day brought something new, while also having the same routine allowed them to be more present and be reminded why they were there.

“It’s a great place to go on your first international mission trip,” Amelia answered when asked what she would tell families thinking about going on Mt. Bethel Church’s annual June mission trip to Honduras. “The campus is safe, the people are friendly, and God is already working there.”

As you think about answering the call to serve, please pray. Jesus tells us to pray for the widowed and the fatherless.  Pray for family reunification and for God to send long-term volunteers and provide local staffs to not only care for them and lead them, but to also share the love Jesus Christ has for each of them.

When you answer the call to serve with someone you love, you grow in faith together.

And what you bring back with you?

Not just photos and memories of where you’ve been— You return transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit working in you and through you. And that is worth more than any gift you will ever receive.

We live in a world that’s obsessed with bodies. Our social media feeds, the entertainment we stream, and our everyday conversations are filled with references and opinions on how our bodies should look, feel, or perform.

The Apostle Paul presents a foundational truth that feels just as radical today as it did then:

“You are not your own; you were bought with a price. Therefore, honor God with your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:19–20)

This isn’t a guilt trip or restriction — it’s an invitation to freedom. Here are three truths that become your reality when you realize your body isn’t merely yours:

Truth 1: Your Value Comes From God

We often measure worth by mirrors, opinions of others, and performance reviews. God has a different standard.

You are not valuable because of what others see. You are valuable because of who made you. Not only that, He paid the ultimate price for you

God created you on purpose and for a purpose. Then, He stepped into your story as Jesus the Son to save you for that purpose: to be in relationship with Him and reflect His glory. 

Let that echo through every self-doubt and insecurity. The Master of the Universe  sent His Son to die and rise again because you are worth it.

This truth is also radical because it means your value doesn’t change. His love is unconditional and abundant. Nothing you or anyone else could say, do, or feel can change how God sees you: as His beloved child who is worth dying for.

Truth 2: Your Purpose Isn’t Merely for Your Pleasure 

“Follow your heart” sounds freeing—until it you realize it makes you a slave to cravings, culture, and comparison.

Paul reminds us our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. They aren’t tools for pleasure or self-glory—they’re holy ground.  That means what we do with them matters. Our choices, habits, and desires are all things God cares deeply about. He cares because He designed our bodies for something so much more than momentary satisfaction.

Your purpose is not about chasing what feels good. It’s about joining God in the work He is doing in the world. When you see your body as a gift He has given you to be used for His glory, you’ll find more joy and peace than the world could ever promise

Truth 3: Your Role Is Steward, Not Owner

The most peaceful part about embracing God’s ownership of your body is realizing this means you don’t have to be in control.

If He owns it all, then He’s responsible for the outcomes. The highs and lows of your life aren’t all on your shoulders. You get to walk in faithful dependence on the One who sees the whole picture.

Stewarding the gift of your body well means you don’t have to have all the answers. You can obey His commands for how to use your body with the hope and peace that He knows and wants what’s best for you.

Your Body, Like the Rest of You, Was Designed to Honor God 

You are not your own. You were bought with a price. And that is really good news.

Because it means you are loved, you are called, and you are held. Let that truth reshape how you see your body, your choices, and your purpose. Not for your glory—but for His.

This post is inspired by the final message of our “What We Believe” sermon series entitled “You Are Not Your Own” by Dr. Jody Ray. Want to explore more about what Christians believe and why it matters? Buy a copy of our book, “What We Believe: Built on the Word, Anchored in Christ.”

There are times in life when God feels distant. 

You pray, but the silence feels louder than your words. You show up to church and try to stay hopeful—but still wonder: Where is God? 

If you’ve ever felt that way, you’re not alone. And you’re not without hope. Because even when God feels far away, He has never stopped being present. 

In fact, He’s given us real, tangible ways to experience His nearness: through the sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion, through His Living Word, and through the power of the Holy Spirit. 

This isn’t just spiritual theory. It’s how God has always met His people—from the wilderness, to the cross, to right where you are today. 

God Has Always Gone Before Us 

In Deuteronomy 31, the Israelites are preparing to enter the Promised Land without Moses. They’re afraid. It’s unfamiliar territory. But Moses reminds them: 

“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:8) 

God wasn’t just leading them forward—He was going with them. 

To make that reality more tangible, God instructed the priests to carry the Ark of the Covenant ahead of the people. It was a visible sign of His invisible presence. His way of saying, “I’m right here with you.” 

We Receive His Presence Through Sacrament 

Today, we don’t have the Ark—but we do have the sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion: visible signs of God’s grace. 

Jesus knew His disciples were about to experience His arrest, death, and the confusion that would follow. During Passover—the Jewish holiday remembering how God delivered Israel from Egypt—He broke the bread and poured the wine and said, “Do this in remembrance of me.” 

It wasn’t just about remembering. It was about presence. 

Just as Passover reminded Israel that God made a way through the Red Sea, Communion reminds us that Jesus has made a way—for our salvation and through our struggles. 

In the waters of baptism, we are claimed as God’s own. In the bread and cup, we’re nourished by His nearness. Through the sacraments, we receive His presence. 

We Consume His Presence Through Scripture 

The Bible isn’t just history or instruction. It’s God’s Living Word. When we open Scripture, we don’t just learn about God—we meet Him. 

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” (Psalm 119:105) 

When we feel lost, we don’t have to stay in the dark. God’s Word lights the way and reminds us who He is and who we are. 

Even a few verses a day can quiet your soul. Let God speak. Let His presence take root. Abide in His Word. 

We Activate His Presence Through the Spirit 

Here’s the amazing part: the Spirit of God lives in you. 

“The Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you.” (Romans 8:11) 

That’s not just comforting—it’s empowering. 

The Holy Spirit enables us to live out our faith, face challenges with courage, serve others with compassion, and reflect Christ in everyday life. 

He moves us to speak the truth in love, heal the broken, contend for the faith, and entrust that faith to others—living out the purpose Jesus calls us to. 

God’s Still God. And He’s Still Present. 

No matter what you’re facing, you are not alone. Through the sacraments, through Scripture, and through the Spirit, God is with you—right here, right now. 

When you need to remember He’s near, take Communion. When you need assurance, open His Word. Pay attention to how the Spirit is moving in your life. 

God’s presence isn’t far. It’s closer than you think. 

This post is inspired by message seven of our “What We Believe” sermon series entitled “God’s Presence Among Us: Through Sacrament, Scripture, and Spirit” by Pastor Gaylyn Kelly. Want to explore more about what Christians believe and why it matters? Buy a copy of our book, “What We Believe: Built on the Word, Anchored in Christ.” 

A 2021 study by the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University revealed that 62% of self-identified Christian adults believe the Holy Spirit is not a real, living being—but merely a symbol of God’s power or presence.

That’s a startling statistic when Scripture clearly introduces us to the Holy Spirit as a person—God Himself—active from the very beginning (Genesis 1), affirmed by Jesus (Matthew 28:19), and poured out at Pentecost (Acts 2).

So why is the Holy Spirit still so misunderstood?

Why the Holy Spirit Feels So Elusive 

Unlike Jesus, who walked the earth, or God the Father, whom we often picture as a loving parent, the Holy Spirit can seem mysterious and intangible. But He’s not meant to feel distant.

Jesus described the Holy Spirit as our advocate—a helper who lives with us and in us (John 14:16–17). He’s not a force or feeling, but a person—present, powerful, and personal.

The Holy Spirit’s Work Begins Before Salvation 

Even before we decide to follow Jesus, the Holy Spirit is at work—convicting us of sin and drawing us to God. It’s His power that raised Christ from the dead and gives us victory over sin and death.

The moment we say yes to Jesus, the Holy Spirit makes His home in us. Why? Because trading the pursuit of more for a life worth pursuing in Him is impossible without the help of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is God’s personal presence in us—proof that He wants a relationship and for us to join Him in His work in the world.

That first experience is powerful, but it’s only the beginning.

The Second Work of the Holy Spirit 

The book of Acts points to something more: an obvious encounter with the Holy Spirit’s power. Sometimes called the “second work of the Holy Spirit,” this isn’t about earning more of God—it’s about surrendering more of ourselves.

At Pentecost, the Spirit came like a rushing wind, and the disciples began speaking in other tongues (Acts 2). From there:

• Philip cast out demons and healed the paralyzed (Acts 8)
• Ananias laid hands on Saul and restored his sight (Acts 9)
• Paul healed, prophesied, and even survived a poisonous snake bite (Acts 13–28)

Each of these moments happened through believers who fully surrendered to the Spirit’s leadership. They didn’t chase the miraculous; they simply made room for the Spirit to work.

They were living in true freedom—not bound by fear or control, but fully open to the Spirit’s empowering presence.

Are You Making Room? 

Think of your life as a house. The Holy Spirit may live there, but is every room open to Him? Or, have some doors been quietly shut?

Trying to live the Christian life without the Holy Spirit is like trying to drive a car without fuel. Scripture tells us we don’t even know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit intercedes for us—translating our words and aligning our hearts with God’s will (Romans 8:26–27). He’s the one who transforms our desires, helping us abide in the Word and reflect the character of Jesus in our everyday lives.

The second work of the Holy Spirit isn’t about spiritual striving. It’s about daily surrender—a posture that says, “You have access to it all, Holy Spirit. Even the parts I’ve been hesitant to give up.” That kind of openness changes everything.

How to Invite the Holy Spirit Into Your Life 

So how do you start making room?

Here are a few simple, intentional practices that can help you walk more closely with the Holy Spirit:

• Start your day with a Spirit-guided prayer: Use Scripture as a launching point—like Psalm 139:23–24 or Romans 12:1–2—and rely on the Holy Spirit to guide your thoughts, choices, and words.
• When you feel overwhelmed, tempted, or uncertain, seek the Holy Spirit’s comfort and direction.
• Listen with expectation: Through silence, journaling, or worship, create space to hear, not just talk. The Holy Spirit often speaks through peace, conviction, or a gentle nudge.

God gave us the Spirit because He wanted to empower us through our relationship with Him.

Are you willing to make room for more of Him, and less of everything else?

“The Holy Spirit isn’t a doctrine to be debated, but a person to be known.”

Dr. Jody Ray 

This post is inspired by message six of our “What We Believe” sermon series entitled “What Does it Mean to Receive the Holy Spirit?” by Dr. Jody Ray. Want to explore more about what Christians believe and why it matters? Buy a copy of our book, “What We Believe: Built on the Word, Anchored in Christ.”

Sometimes, the most powerful role on a mission trip isn’t standing on a stage or distributing essentials to those in need–though these are both important jobs, but it’s quietly sitting in the back row, head bowed, and in conversation with God. It may seem simple, but it’s a role Ginny Bennett has found to be vitally important for the mission teams she has served with through Mt. Bethel Church.

Because Ginny knows when people pray, God moves.

“It was such a blessing to pray with all these different people… and then to be prayed for. That’s the power of prayer,” she added.

Ginny has been a faithful part of prayer support teams for years, especially on trips to Estonia. When the opportunity to serve with International Leadership Institute (ILI) in Costa Rica opened, something stirred in her.

The May 2025 Mt. Bethel Church Costa Rica Team during their commissioning. Ginny Bennett is pictured to the far right.

“It was just like God spoke to me and said, okay, that’s where you need to be,” she shared.

The importance of having a team member dedicated specifically to prayer became evident before the trip began. According to Ginny, several team members, including herself, experienced spiritual warfare before the team was set to leave. She sees the minor illness she contracted just before leaving the country as both an attempt by the enemy to keep her from doing God’s work, and as a way God chose to prepare her.

“When we are weak, that’s when we have to really rely on Him for strength,” she said.

Through the prayers of friends and family here in East Cobb, Ginny arrived in Costa Rica ready to serve and feeling better.

From the moment Ginny and the others from Mt. Bethel Church landed, it was clear God had gone before them.

Their first days were filled with connections and inspiration. The team met with the Bishop of the Evangelical Methodist Church, toured a 104-year-old Methodist school where every subject taught has Jesus at the center, and visited a children’s home where a prayer shawl and handmade hats from Mt. Bethel Church’s Knitting Angels were gifted with love.

This visit and gift held a special meaning for Ginny because she leads the Knitting Angels ministry, and this trip allowed her to personally witness the delivery of the items she and other angels had prayed over and lovingly made.

“It was so fulfilling to see the hats and the shawl actually in the hands of the children and families we made them for,” she said.

A Costa Rican Pastor and His Wife gifted with a prayer shawl made by Mt. Bethel Church’s Knitting Angels

The prayer shawl, made in bright colors just for the trip, was heavier than expected, and Ginny worried it might not be suitable for the warm Costa Rican climate. But when they gave it to the pastor’s wife, tears filled her eyes.

“She’s cold-natured,” Ginny revealed with a smile. “So, the fact that it was heavier was actually perfect.”

The heart of this mission trip was training. The ILI conference is designed to equip young Christian leaders—most of the participants in this year’s Costa Rica event were between the ages of 15 and 22 years old. These students, chosen by their churches, showed a hunger for growth that deeply moved Ginny.

“They were so intent… listening, taking notes, asking questions.”

Young church leaders at the ILI Conference in Costa Rica, May 2025

Ginny Bennett praying over a speaker at the ILI Conference in Costa Rica, May 2025

Though she wasn’t teaching sessions, Ginny prayed. She prayed over the space before each day began, she prayed with speakers before they stepped up, and she prayed scripture over each one in English, trusting the Spirit to do the rest.

“There’s a certain spiritual element to prayer that transcends the language,” she reflected.

When the time came for Ginny to lead a devotional on prayer and fasting, she was surprised by her own peace. “I wasn’t nervous at all when I gave my devotional; it just flowed.”

The students engaged, listened, and took notes. Ginny knew this wasn’t about her ability. It was about God’s faithfulness.

Ginny Bennett leading a devotion during the ILI Conference in Costa Rica, May 2025

Throughout the week, she saw the Lord’s hand in every detail. From the young woman who stepped up as a translator at the last minute–to another team member praying over Ginny before her devotional, God had each moment covered.

Looking back, Ginny says the experience has only deepened her belief in the power of prayer on mission. “We want to be following where God wants us to go and doing what He wants us to do. How are we going to know that if we don’t ask Him?”

To those who feel they’re not qualified to go on a mission trip, Ginny has this encouragement: “If God really wants you to go, He’s going to provide. Ask Him how He can use you—He’s always ready to give a bountiful supply of wisdom to those who ask.”

Ginny left Costa Rica changed by what she witnessed. From the deep poverty of the communities served by the Methodist churches in Costa Rica, to the strong faith and passion of the young leaders, she held fast to her role: to cover it all in prayer.

“Prayer’s a conversation,” Ginny said. “It’s not just you talking to God, it’s you listening while He talks to you.”

Unseen warriors like Ginny, whose prayers break through barriers and welcomes the presence of God, are vitally important to missions and discipleship work. Her story is a reminder that mission work isn’t just about going and doing; it’s about trusting and listening.

To learn how you can offer prayer support on upcoming mission trips, connect with Mt. Bethel Church’s Director of Missions, John Williams (john.williams@mtbethel.org).

Saying “yes” to Jesus is the moment you stop chasing more and step into a life that finally makes sense: one grounded in truth, filled with freedom, and aligned with purpose. 

Here are four powerful things God does the moment you accept salvation:

1. God Declares You Righteous (Justification)

God doesn’t save us because we’re good—He saves us to become who He created us to be. 

Before salvation, we stand guilty before a holy God, deserving death and eternal separation. But through Jesus, God sees our sin debt as PAID IN FULL. He doesn’t pretend we never sinned—He acknowledges the cost and declares it covered by Jesus’ perfect, once-for-all sacrifice (Hebrews 7:27). 

This is the greatest love the world has ever known. He gave His life for ours—not so we could earn our way back, but so we could live free from guilt, shame, and fear and be in relationship with Him. 

We’ll never be able to repay Him, but He doesn’t expect us to. The best we can do is live in remembrance of His sacrifice and walk in the freedom He bought for us.

2. God Gives You a New Heart (Regeneration)

Salvation isn’t just a clean slate. It’s a brand-new life. The Holy Spirit gives you a new heart with new desires. 

This isn’t about trying harder. It’s about God doing what you never could—giving you a heart that wants what He wants, changing how you think, act, and see the world. 

The more time you spend abiding in His Word (John 8:31), the more clearly you’ll sense the Spirit guiding you toward choices that align with God’s best for you. When you submit to His will, you’ll find real freedom—not just the absence of guilt, but the presence of purpose and power through the Spirit (John 8:36).

3. God Empowers You to Live His Purpose (Sanctification)

Salvation is the starting point—not the finish line. The moment you say yes to Jesus, you’re fully saved. From that point on, God begins the lifelong process of sanctification: shaping you to become more like Jesus through the Holy Spirit. 

Some days, you’ll feel like you’re moving forward by miles. Other days, it’s two steps forward and one step back, but God is patient and faithful. He doesn’t expect perfection on this side of heaven—He simply invites you to keep walking with Him. 

When you fail, He is there to help you back up, remind you of His grace, and walk with you again. His mercies are new every morning; don’t let yesterday’s mistakes keep you from today’s grace. 

“For the law appoints as high priests men in all their weakness… but the word of the oath… appoints the Son, who has been made perfect forever.”
(Hebrews 7:28) 

4. God Promises to Make All Things Right (Glorification)

The hope of salvation isn’t just for today—it’s for eternity. Glorification means that God will finish what He started. One day, you will be completely free from sin and pain, living forever in His perfect presence. 

This hope is secure, sealed by Jesus’ resurrection and His role as your eternal High Priest (Hebrews 7:24–25). Until then, we contend for the faith (Jude 1:3), hold fast to His promises, and share them with those in need of healing and hope (Psalm 147:3). 

“He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6) 

Salvation Isn’t Partial. It’s Complete. 

When you accept Jesus, you receive a full, four-part gift: 

• You are justified—your record is wiped clean. 
• You are regenerated—your heart is made new. 
• You are sanctified—you’re empowered to live God’s purpose daily. 
• You will be glorified—you’ll be made perfect forever. 

Say “yes” to Jesus—and step into the life God wants for you. 

This post is inspired by message five of our “What We Believe” sermon series entitled “Salvation to the Utmost” by Dr. Jody Ray. Want to explore more about what Christians believe and why it matters? Buy a copy of our book, “What We Believe: Built on the Word, Anchored in Christ.” 

What does it mean to be a Christian?

It’s more than belief. It’s more than behavior. Salvation isn’t about saying the right words or showing up at church on Sundays. It’s a total shift in identity, power, and purpose. To be saved is to step into a new reality—one that transforms everything.

Here are four defining truths that mark the life of someone who has been saved:

Truth 1: Your Debt Has Been Paid

At the heart of salvation is this: Jesus took your place. Every lie, every failure, every selfish choice—He bore them all on the cross. Atonement means the judgment you deserved was absorbed by Him. Not because you earned it, but because He loves you.

The Apostle Peter put it this way:

“’He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.’” (1 Peter 2:24)

Jesus didn’t just feel bad for your situation. He entered into it. He bore the full weight of your sin—silently, willingly, and sacrificially. Your debt is paid. Your story is no longer defined by guilt, but by grace.

Truth 2: You’ve Been Redeemed 

Redemption means you’ve been set free. Before salvation, sin held you captive. Even when you wanted to do good, you were stuck in patterns you couldn’t break (Romans 7). Jesus didn’t just improve your life—He bought it back. Not with gold or silver, but with His own blood.

Now, your past no longer defines you. Shame doesn’t get the final word. You belong to God. You’ve been freed by the Holy Spirit to walk in step with His power and presence (John 8:36). That’s real freedom.

Truth 3: You’re Being Restored 

Salvation isn’t just about avoiding punishment; it’s about being made new. When you are saved, the Holy Spirit begins a daily work of restoration. Your desires change. You don’t just avoid what’s wrong—you begin to long for what’s right.

You live with purpose, not just survival. You find yourself aligning with Jesus’ mission, discovering that your life has meaning far beyond your own story. This is a healing work. And it’s ongoing.

Truth 4: You’ve Been Reconciled 

“You were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” (1 Peter 2:25)

This is reconciliation. Once, you weren’t just far from God; you were His enemy. Now, you’re an honored seat at His table. You are known, welcomed, and deeply loved. Not just forgiven—but brought home.

Reconciliation brings peace with God, peace with your past, and peace in your relationships. And as you’re healed, you begin to help others heal (Psalm 147:3). What once broke you now becomes your testimony.

What It Means to Be Saved 

These four realities—atonement, redemption, restoration, and reconciliation—aren’t just doctrines to believe. They’re a new way to live.

Not perfect.
Not problem-free.
But redeemed. Transformed. Alive.

This is what sets Christians apart. We’re not just people who believe in something—we’re people who’ve been changed by Someone. And we live differently because of it.

At our core, this is what it means to trade the pursuit of more for a life worth pursuing in Jesus Christ. It’s not about adding spiritual activity to a busy life. It’s about stepping into a new identity—free, restored, and full of purpose.

If you’ve experienced this, don’t take it lightly. Live it out boldly. And if you haven’t yet, know this: the door is wide open. Salvation isn’t just a spiritual idea—it’s an invitation to step into a new reality. One that’s waiting for you.

This post is inspired by message three of our “What We Believe” sermon series entitled “God’s Solution for Sin” by Dr. Jody Ray. Want to explore more about what Christians believe and why it matters? Buy a copy of our book, “What We Believe: Built on the Word, Anchored in Christ.”

If you’ve ever done something you regret and then felt the need to cover it up, distance yourself, or pretend you’re okay when you’re not—you’ve experienced exactly what the first humans did. 

In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve were created for perfect relationship with God, with each other, and with the world around them. They lived without worry, without hiding, and without burden. That changed the moment they crossed the one boundary God had set. 

When they sinned, something deep broke—not just between them and God, but within themselves. The peace of the Garden was gone. In its place came guilt, shame, and fear. 

What is Sin? 

Sin isn’t just doing something wrong. It’s choosing something less than what God intended, and it always costs more than we expect. While it promises freedom, it delivers isolation and inner torment. 

Just as we inherited sin from Adam and Eve, we also gained its companions: guilt, shame, and fear (Romans 5:12–20).

1. Guilt says, “I did something wrong.”

It’s that sinking feeling of knowing you’ve crossed a line—that something needs to be made right. 

Adam and Eve felt it immediately. They knew they’d disobeyed God’s command. Romans 3:23 says, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Guilt is universal. Our souls feel it because we were made for something better.

2. Shame says, “There’s something wrong with me.”

Shame goes deeper than guilt. It says, “I am wrong.” 

After their sin, Adam and Eve realized they were naked and suddenly felt exposed, flawed, and unacceptable. Through shame, their sin shattered the perfect image of God in which they were created. They covered themselves because they were ashamed. 

Sin still does the same to us. Shame convinces us that our mistakes define us and that we’re unworthy of love.

3. Fear says, “I need to hide.”

Once guilt and shame settle in, fear drives us to hide from rejection, exposure, or consequences. 

We isolate. We keep secrets. We avoid God and others. That’s what Adam and Eve did when they heard God in the garden. They didn’t run to Him; they ran from Him. 

But here’s the hope: God came looking—not to condemn them, but to call them back. 

How to Let Go of Guilt, Shame, and Fear 

Even after coming to Christ, we still fall (Romans 7:12-20). But Jesus gave His life so we don’t have to carry guilt, shame, or fear anymore. 

In Genesis 3, after Adam and Eve sinned, God called out to them: 

“Where are you?”
[Adam] answered, “I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.”
And God said, “Who told you that you were naked?” 

That question still matters today. When you feel the weight of sin’s lies pressing in, ask yourself what God asked Adam: Who told me this? 

Who told you that you’re too far gone?
That your mistakes define you?
That you have to hide? 

Those aren’t God’s words. 

Here’s what is true in Christ: 

• Guilt is replaced by forgiveness – “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). 
• Shame is replaced by new identity – “If anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17). 
• Fear is replaced by perfect love – “Perfect love drives out fear” (1 John 4:18). 

Let go of the lies. Run to the God who sees you, knows you, and still comes looking for you. 

You were never meant to hide. You were meant to be free. 

This post is inspired by message three of our “What We Believe” sermon series entitled “The Three Friends of Sin” by Dr. Jody Ray. Want to explore more about what Christians believe and why it matters? Buy a copy of our book, “What We Believe: Built on the Word, Anchored in Christ.” 

“A wonderful haven.”
“A reminder of Jesus’ love.”
“A place to find other women who are journeying in their role as mom with a desire to be all that God has called them to be—and to know they don’t have to do it alone.”

These are just some of the ways participants described Mt. Bethel Church’s Hearts of Moms Encouraged (HOME), a monthly support group that wrapped up its 2024–2025 year this May.

From September through May, 77 women representing 157 children met monthly to uplift one another as they raised the next generation of disciples. With an age range from 28 to 70, the group reflected the full spectrum of motherhood: moms-to-be, moms of teens, empty-nesters, and grandmothers. That diversity offered wisdom, fresh perspective, and shared strength.

“HOME has opened my eyes that I am not alone in motherhood,” one mom shared.

Another noted how much she valued the wisdom of the Table Leaders—often older moms who led small group discussions: “It was truly amazing to connect with women who have walked in my shoes and speak life, wisdom, and God’s truth into my heart with such grace.”

Melissa Ford, founder and leader of Hearts of Moms Encouraged (HOME) group at Mt. Bethel Church, and teacher at Mt. Bethel Church Preschool.

Melissa Ford, the founder and leader of Mt. Bethel’s HOME group, highlighted the group’s prayer support as its foundation. “There’s something deeply intimate about partnering with other moms in prayer,” she said. “HOME isn’t where you get all the answers—but it is where you find women who will listen, empathize, and cover your struggles in prayer. That kind of support builds deep, accountable relationships.”

Melissa’s passion for HOME comes from personal experience. When she first became a mom, she and her husband had just moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, and didn’t know anyone. A coworker invited her to a church-based mom group—HOME. That first meeting changed everything.

“I sat at a table with an older woman who picked up my son and said, ‘He’s going to be a leader!’ Then she opened her Bible and began speaking truth over us,” Melissa recalled. “In that moment, I knew she had something I needed.”

Melissa Ford with her son and daughter on Mother’s Day 2025

The “something” Melissa needed was to know Jesus as both her Savior and her Lord. It was through HOME, she realized she needed to trade the pursuit of more for a life worth pursuing in Jesus.

“I learned there are so many roles as a mother that I play,” Melissa revealed, “but they aren’t where my worth and identity come from. I can’t do any of them well –be a wife, a servant, an advocate, a provider, a comforter–apart from Christ.”

When she and her husband moved to Marietta in 2010 and began attending Mt. Bethel Church, she wanted to bring the support she found in HOME with her by sharing it with the women of East Cobb. Initially, HOME launched at Mt. Bethel Church in 2019.

“It was amazing. We had one precious year,” Melissa recalled.

However, like many group activities at the time, the 2020 pandemic required the church to press pause on the motherhood support group. Looking back, Melissa can see God’s hand during the group’s four-year hiatus.

“He used that time to do a work in me,” Melissa stated. “I mean, He gutted me and tore me apart. He taught me how to give up control and what it really means to ground my identity and worth in Him.”

She credits this season of her life as one where God built her into a stronger, more confident leader. By the time the group relaunched in September 2024, Melissa felt she could boldly lead women to connect with each other through the shared bond of motherhood, and help women grow each other into strong spiritual leaders in their homes.

The relaunch of HOME in 2024-2025 exceeded Melissa’s expectations and hope for the program.

“In 2019, there was a longing for connection. But this year, there was a deeper longing—for help in leading our families in Biblical truth,” she said. “These moms didn’t need parenting tips. They needed to be reminded that God has called them to pass down the faith—and they needed Christ-centered support to do it.”

As registration opens for the 2025–2026 year, Melissa and the HOME team are expectant.

“This group is all about encouraging and equipping moms to grow closer to the Lord, so they can navigate any hard season,” she said. “We’re not here to tell you what to do. We’re here to remind you: you’re not alone.”

HOME will meet on the second Monday of each month beginning September 8, 2025. The annual $45 registration fee covers speakers, materials, and supplies. Childcare is available. Learn more or register at mtbethel.org/moms. 

In a world that constantly tells us our value is tied to our success, appearance, or status, Scripture offers a radically different truth: You are created in the image of God.

“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:27) 

Every part of you—body, spirit, and soul—was intentionally crafted to reflect and represent your Creator.

1. Your Body Is Sacred

In a culture that often reduces the body to something to display or use, Scripture reminds us that our physical selves are far more than skin and bone. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 6:19–20, “Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit.”

Your body is where God’s presence dwells. Think about that: just as the ancient temple was filled with God’s glory, your life becomes a holy sanctuary. Whether you’re worshiping, working, or just breathing, your physical existence carries divine dignity. Even your brain’s complexity and your ability to cry tears of emotion are signs of intelligent, intentional design by your Creator.

2. Your Spirit Is God-Breathed

In Genesis 2:7, God breathes life into humanity. This isn’t just physical respiration; it’s spiritual animation. Unlike any other creature, humans are uniquely capable of communing with God.

Your spirit is what enables you to worship, to pray, to sense God’s presence, and to respond to His voice. As Romans 8:16 puts it, “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” Like a radio tuned to a specific frequency, your spirit is designed to connect with God—and it won’t find rest until it does.

3. Your Soul Reflects God’s Heart

Your soul is the center of your personhood—the place where body and spirit come together to form your unique identity. It’s what makes you morally conscious, creative, self-aware, and capable of deep love. It’s why you can ask questions like, “Why am I here?” and “What’s my purpose?”

Here’s the answer: Your purpose is to reflect the heart of God in the world.

That reflection isn’t perfect; sin has fractured it. Like a mirror with cracks, we still reflect God’s image, but in broken and distorted ways. That’s why we need salvation. Through the process of sanctification, God is actively restoring us—mending every crack so His image can shine through us more clearly.

What does that look like in real life? It means aligning your life with His redemptive work in the world by pursuing life with Him. The more you abide in His Word, the more He will lead you to pursue His work in the lives of others by speaking truth in love, healing the broken, contending for the faith, and passing the faith to others.

You don’t need a platform—just a willing heart. Whether you’re parenting, working, studying, mentoring, or serving, you are reflecting God’s image in the world. You carry His heart into every space you inhabit.

Why Imago Dei Matters 

Being made in God’s image means:

• You have built-in value. Your worth isn’t defined by your past, your job, or your achievements. It comes from the One who made you.
• You have a calling. Like living statues of a King, your life points to who is really in charge—God. Every act of love, integrity, and kindness reflects Him.
• You were made for relationship. Just as God exists in relationship—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—you were made to connect deeply with Him and with others, especially in Christian community.

You’re not an accident. You’re not forgotten. You are designed with purpose, dignity, and divine potential.

This post is inspired by message two of our “What We Believe” sermon series entitled “Created in the Image of God” by Dr. Jody Ray. Want to explore more about what Christians believe and why it matters? Buy a copy of our book, “What We Believe: Built on the Word, Anchored in Christ.”

The Christian belief in the Trinity—that God exists as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—isn’t merely a confusing theological fact; it’s a life-changing truth that reveals who God is and what He desires for us.

In 2 Corinthians 13:11–14, the Apostle Paul closes his letter with a powerful blessing:

“May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” 

This isn’t just a farewell—it’s a glimpse into the very nature of God. Christians believe in one God who exists eternally in three persons, and this triune identity has deep personal and spiritual implications.

1. God Is Relational at His Core

Before creation, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit existed in perfect relationship—loving, glorifying, and delighting in one another. God didn’t create us out of need, but out of an overflow of divine love.

That tells us something essential: we were made for relationship—with God and with each other. The Trinity shows us that love, connection, and community are woven into the fabric of our existence. Living in isolation or pride runs counter to the image of the God who made us.

2. God Is With Us and For Us

Each part of the Trinity plays a unique role in God’s redemptive work:

• The Father is the source of all life and love, giving us a secure identity of belonging to Him. The more we understand His love, the more we understand ourselves.
• The Son (Jesus Christ) offers grace and salvation through His death and resurrection. This salvation connects us to God through a personal relationship.
• The Holy Spirit transforms our lives through this relationship by empowering and guiding us daily to live a life of grace towards others inspired by the grace we received through Jesus’ sacrifice.

Together, they reveal a God who is not distant or indifferent but intimately involved in our story—from creation to salvation to transformation.

3. God Invites Us into His Divine Life

Here’s what makes this truth truly personal: The triune God invites us into fellowship with Himself.

Paul’s blessing in 2 Corinthians reminds us that we’re not just recipients of God’s work—we’re participants in His life. We receive the grace of Christ, are held by the love of the Father, and walk in daily communion with the Spirit.

Christianity isn’t just about believing the right things. It’s about living in relationship with a God who knows us, loves us, and is present with us.

4. The Trinity Shapes Our Mission

The love and unity within the Trinity become the model for how we live and serve. Just as the Father sent the Son, and the Son sent the Spirit, we are sent into the world to reflect that same love, unity, and purpose.

We don’t just preach about the Trinity—we embody its truth through community, service, and witness.

Living in Light of the Trinity 

Understanding that God exists in triune form changes everything:

• We are made for relationship, not isolation.
• We’re invited into a living fellowship, not just abstract belief.
• We carry a shared mission, grounded in love and unity.

The Trinity isn’t a puzzle to solve—it’s a reality to live in.

This post is inspired by message one of our “What We Believe” sermon series entitled “3 in 1: How the Trinity Transforms Us” by Dr. Jody Ray. Want to explore more about what Christians believe and why it matters? Buy a copy of our book, “What We Believe: Built on the Word, Anchored in Christ.”

When someone hurts you, prayer is probably the last thing on your mind. According to Scripture, however, it’s the first thing God wants from us. In 1 Samuel 8:4–7 and 12:19–25, the prophet Samuel models how to respond in prayer when people reject, wound, or abandon us.

1. Praying for Your Enemies Is a Sacred Obligation

Samuel’s response to Israel’s rejection is sobering: “Far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you” (1 Samuel 12:23).

Prayer isn’t optional—it’s obedience. When we withhold prayer from those who’ve hurt us, we sin not just against them, but against God.

Before we can truly intercede, we have to surrender our right to revenge. That starts by asking God to transform our hearts first.

2. Pray for Their Soul

Samuel gives us a powerful framework in 1 Samuel 12:24–25. Pray that your enemies:

• Recognize God’s sovereignty (fear the Lord)
• Serve Him faithfully
• See His goodness—past, present, and future
• Turn from evil and repent

This isn’t about excusing what they’ve done—it’s about aligning your heart with God’s desire to redeem and restore even the most broken people.

3. Keep Praying—Even When Roles Change

Just because a relationship ends doesn’t mean your spiritual responsibility does.
Samuel was no longer Israel’s judge in their eyes, but that didn’t release him from his calling. In the same way, your authority in prayer doesn’t come from how others see you—it comes from God.

Keep praying, even if the relationship is over or fractured. God can still work.

4. Anchor Your Prayers in God’s Character, Not Their Behavior

Israel had rejected God, yet He remained faithful. Your enemy may be unfaithful, unkind, or even cruel—but God’s nature doesn’t change. He desires the same thing for your enemy that He desires for you: abundant life in Christ.

It’s important to remember what’s really going on: “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual forces of evil” (Ephesians 6:12).

The very fact that someone has hurt you is a sign they’ve allowed those forces to influence them—and those same forces are now trying to conquer you through bitterness, resentment, and revenge.

Don’t let them win. The best defense is prayer—anchored not in your enemy’s actions, but in God’s unchanging goodness and mercy.

Romans 5:8 reminds us: “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” That’s our model. Praying for your enemies means partnering with God in the redemptive work He wants to do—even through your pain.

A Sample Prayer for Your Enemies 

Father, I come to You with a heavy heart. You know how I’ve been hurt, and You know how hard it is to pray for the one who hurt me. To even be praying for this person hurts so much, but I know praying for them is Your will for me. Help me, Holy Spirit, surrender my need for revenge, and to make the following words a true request in my heart even though I don’t feel like it right now.

Open my enemy’s eyes to their need for You. Break through their spiritual blindness. Help them see Your goodness and turn away from evil. May they come to know You, fear You, and serve You. Give them a true awakening—a desire for Your grace and truth.

You are good and faithful even when we are not. And I believe you can use my pain for your glory. You loved me even when I was your enemy; help me to love this person in the same way. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“How God treated us when we were His enemies is how we should treat our enemies.”

John Freeland

This post is inspired by message five of our “40 Days of Prayer” sermon series entitled, “How to Pray for Your Enemies,” by Dr. John Freeland.

We all face moments when the next step isn’t clear. Do I say yes to this job? Should we move? Is this the right school, the right relationship, the right time?

Sometimes we stall, waiting for perfect clarity before moving forward. But God doesn’t promise us a full picture—He invites us to seek His wisdom for the next step. While clarity is helpful, it’s not always guaranteed. Wisdom, on the other hand, is always available to those who ask.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.  But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” 
(James 1:5–6) 

This passage reminds us that when we don’t know what to do, our first step should be to ask the One who does. So how do we do that?

1. Admit You Need God’s Wisdom

One of the biggest barriers to wise decision-making is self-reliance. We often treat prayer as a last resort instead of a first move. But seeking God’s wisdom begins with humility—recognizing that our perspective is limited, but His is eternal.

James 1 reminds us that God gives wisdom generously and without finding fault. That means He’s not rolling His eyes at our questions. Whether we’re trying to make a major life decision or figure out what to do this week, He welcomes our requests. He doesn’t think we’re foolish for asking—He’s glad we came to Him.

2. Believe God Can and Will Lead You

James also warns us not to doubt God’s ability or desire to help us. When we pray for guidance, we must believe God is who He says He is—faithful, wise, and good. That doesn’t mean we’ll always hear an audible answer, but it does mean we can trust He’ll guide us in the right direction.

3. Keep Close Enough to Hear but Humble Enough to Adjust

Staying close to God doesn’t mean sitting still—it means staying open. Sometimes we pray, “Jesus, take the wheel,” but we forget that He can’t steer a parked car. Wisdom comes in motion. As we move, listen, and remain open to correction, God adjusts our course.

“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’”  (Isaiah 30:21)

Spending time in Scripture trains our spiritual ears. The more we study God’s Word and pray through it, the more we recognize His voice and direction. He didn’t give us a floodlight to reveal the entire path—He gave us a lamp for our feet so we could take the next step in faith.

This is how we move forward with confidence, even when every detail isn’t clear—and how we overcome “analysis paralysis” by trusting the One who sees the big picture.

Wise Decisions Start with God 

Making decisions is hard, especially when the options seem equally good—or equally unclear. But we don’t have to figure it all out on our own. God offers His wisdom freely, if we’re willing to seek it, trust Him, and walk forward in faith.

If you’re facing a big decision today, start here:
Open God’s Word.
Ask Him for wisdom.
Take the next faithful step.

He won’t leave you guessing.

This post is inspired by message five of our “40 Days of Prayer” sermon series entitled, “How to Pray for Decisions” by Pastor Gaylyn Kelly.

There is no burden heavier than watching a loved one walk away from God. Jesus captures this heartache in the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32), a story of rebellion, redemption, and a father’s relentless love. 

The Father’s Example: Trusting God in the Waiting 

In Jesus’ day, asking for an inheritance early was equivalent to wishing a parent dead. Imagine the father’s pain at this rejection! Yet, he didn’t chase after his son or shield him from consequences—he entrusted him to God. 

When the son hit rock bottom, he returned home, expecting judgment but receiving grace. His father, who had been watching and waiting, ran to him with open arms. Though not explicitly stated, it’s likely that this waiting was marked by years of earnest prayer. 

If you’re praying for a prodigal, let this parable shape your response. Here are seven powerful ways to pray: 

7 Ways to Pray for Prodigals 

1. Pray for God’s Heart – Surrender your loved one to the One who loves them even more than you do. Ask for the Holy Spirit’s help in trusting His plan. 
2. Pray for a Pigsty Moment – The son didn’t consider returning home until he reached rock bottom. Instead of praying for protection from bad choices, pray for a moment that leads them to desperation so they will call on God for help. 
3. Pray Against Spiritual Opposition – The enemy fights for their soul but God is victorious. Pray for strongholds to be broken and for God’s light to shine in their darkness. 
4. Pray Scripture Over Their Life – Claim God’s promises for them. Psalm 18:16-19 is a great place to start. 
5. Pray for Your Own Heart – The older brother’s resentment in the parable warns us against bitterness. Ask God for peace, endurance, and compassion. 
6. Pray with Stubborn Hope – Our hope in Christ is unshakable. Keep believing that God is working, even when you can’t see it. 
7. Pray for Complete Restoration – When the prodigal returned, he was fully welcomed back. Pray that your loved one’s faith becomes stronger than before. 

God is still in the business of bringing dead hearts to life. Keep praying, keep hoping, and trust that He is faithful. 

“Let your waiting be fighting, and your fighting be on your knees.”

Jody Ray 

This post is inspired by message four of our “40 Days of Prayer” sermon series entitled, “How to Pray for Prodigals” by Dr. Jody Ray. 

The Bible tells us 365 times not to fear. That’s a daily reminder from God! But does this mean He doesn’t care about what worries us? Not at all! In fact, God designed anxiety as a signal—not just to warn us of danger, but to prompt us to pray.

You Weren’t Meant to Carry Your Burdens Alone 

Prayer is simply talking to God just like you would a friend–except this friend has the power to move the mountains in our lives, and He wants too. That’s why He tells us not to be afraid so many times. Each reminder is an invitation to trust Him. Even when life feels chaotic, God knows your situation, how you got there, and how He will use it for His glory.

In Matthew 6:31-34, Jesus put it this way:

“So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’…your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” 

No worry is too big or too small for God. Whether your crisis is unexpected or self-inflicted, He wants you to bring it to Him. You were never meant to carry it alone.

A Biblical Guide to Praying Through Anxiety 

In Philippians 4:6-7, the Apostle Paul gives us a step-by-step approach to prayer when we feel anxious:

• “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation”  Paul constructs his sentence in this specific way to emphasize that there is nothing too big or too small for our God. Not only can our Heavenly Father do the impossible, He genuinely wants to hear about every little thing weighing on us.
• “by prayer and petition” Be specific in your conversations with God. Tell Him exactly what’s bothering you and what you need. He may see a better solution than what you ask for, but being honest about your situation is part of surrendering to His will.
• “with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Praise Him for how He’s shown up in your life before and assure your soul He’ll show up again.

When you pray in this way, Paul promises this:

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

The word “guard” is a military term, meaning God’s peace stands watch over your heart, protecting you from fear and anxiety. Paul wrote these words while under house arrest, facing possible execution. If he could find peace through prayer, so can we.

Your Next Step: Give Your Worries to God 

When anxiety creeps in, don’t spiral—pray. God wants to hear from you, carry your burdens, and walk with you through the storm.

This post is inspired by message three of our “40 Days of Prayer” sermon series entitled, “How to Pray in Times of Crisis” by Dr. Jody Ray.

Talking to your kids about sex, relationships, and identity can feel overwhelming. But as Barrett Johnson shares in the final part of our special Raising Faithful Kids edition of TalkItUp, these are conversations parents can’t afford to avoid.

Barrett, the author of The Talks and Disciple Them Like Jesus, emphasizes that parents—not schools, media, or even the Church—are responsible for shaping their children’s understanding of biblical sexuality.

“This is a parent’s responsibility,” he says. “Your kids need to hear truth from you before they hear lies from somewhere else.”

So where do you start? Here are three important insights he gives for having “the talk” with your kids:

1. Have the Talk Sooner Than You Think

Many parents wait too long to discuss sex with their kids, hoping to shield them from difficult topics. But in today’s media-saturated world, children are exposed to sexual content at a young age. Barrett encourages parents to start the conversation earlier than they might expect, saying, “If you don’t talk to them first, the culture will.”

2. Make It a Meaningful Milestone

Instead of treating the talk as a one-time, awkward conversation, Barrett suggests turning it into a special event. He shares how he and his wife took their children on a ten-year-old trip—a weekend getaway where they introduced age-appropriate discussions about growing up, relationships, and God’s design for sex.

3. Teach a Positive, Biblical View of Sexuality

Many Christian parents unintentionally frame sex as something bad—a topic to be avoided until marriage. But Barrett challenges this mindset: “Tell your kids sex is amazing. It’s designed by God. Just teach them the right time and place for it.”

This episode also dives into practical topics like dating, technology’s influence, and how to guard children against pornography. Barrett offers real-world advice and biblical wisdom to help parents navigate these challenges with confidence.

Stream the episode below or listen on your preferred podcast platform for more on talking about sex, relationships, and identity with your kids!

God doesn’t want distance between us and Him. It’s why He sent Jesus to pay for our sins and why He invites us to connect with Him through prayer. 

But if that’s true, why do we sometimes feel far from Him? 

Spiritual Emptiness 

If your faith feels dry right now, you’re not alone. Every believer faces desert seasons when spiritual growth seems difficult. Like plants in a drought, our faith can either wither or deepen its roots as we thirst for God. 

The psalmist captures this longing in Psalm 42: 

As the deer pants for streams of water, 
    so my soul pants for you, my God. 
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. 
    When can I go and meet with God? 

Psalm 42:1-2 

This isn’t the prayer of someone overflowing with faith; this is the prayer of someone who is empty and desperate for God’s intervention. Through the words of the Psalmists, we can draw three reasons for spiritual emptiness and find ways to engage with God through prayer. 

1. Significant Loss (v. 3)

The sons of Korah, who wrote Psalm 42, experienced grief tied to their family’s loss of God’s favor (Numbers 16). Loss — whether from death, job changes, or broken relationships — often leads to spiritual emptiness and questions about God’s presence. 

How to Pray: Reflect on God’s past goodness. Thank Him for His faithfulness, love, and provision. Gratitude reminds your soul that He hasn’t left you. 

2. Idolatry (v. 7)

The Psalmists then describe feeling overwhelmed–a sign of misplaced priorities. When we elevate other things above God, we create unnecessary distance. These “little g” gods can never satisfy like He can, leaving us anxious and exhausted. 

How to Pray: Like in verse eight, you need to remind yourself of God’s sovereignty. Ask Him to reveal idols in your life. Repent and surrender those priorities to Him, trusting His will above your own.

3. Unrepentant Sin (v. 10)

Sin separates us from God, not because He abandons us, but because shame convinces us to hide. In addition to the natural consequences of our sinful choices, the enemy uses guilt to keep us feeling unworthy of God’s presence. 

How to Pray: Confess your struggle to God and ask the Holy Spirit for strength to change. Pray His Word back to Him to remind your heart of His grace and redeeming power. 

He Wants to Hear from You 

No matter why you feel distant, remember this: God isn’t hiding from you. He’s ready to draw near and redeem your brokenness for His glory. All you have to do is seek Him. 

This post is inspired by message two of our “40 Days of Prayer” sermon series entitled, “How to Pray When You Feel Empty” by Dr. Jody Ray. 

Parenting today comes with unique challenges—especially in a world dominated by smartphones, social media, and constant connectivity. In the third part of Raising Faithful Kids–a special four-part edition of our TalkItUp podcast, Barrett Johnson, author and speaker, dives deep into the realities of raising children who not only navigate this digital age but thrive in their faith despite it. 

One of the key points Barrett emphasizes is the importance of intentionality in parenting.  

“You are responsible for your kids,” he says, urging parents to make decisions not based on societal norms but on God’s guidance. Barrett also highlights the profound influence technology has on every area of life, from relationships and self-esteem to mental health and spiritual growth. 

So how can parents help their children develop a faith that lasts? Here are three practical takeaways from the episode: 

1. Delay Smartphone Access 

Barrett recommends delaying smartphone use until at least 8th grade to give kids time to develop emotional and spiritual maturity. For younger children, consider alternatives like gab phones or flip phones, which allow communication without internet access. 

2. Create Tech-Free Habits 

Establish family rules that prioritize connection over screen time. Barrett suggests setting up a central charging station where all devices are plugged in during dinner or overnight. These habits create opportunities for deeper conversations and a break from digital distractions. 

3. Engage in Conversations About Faith and Culture 

From social media to pornography, kids are bombarded with opposing worldviews. Barrett encourages parents to talk openly about these challenges, using resources like Good Pictures, Bad Pictures to equip children to discern truth and make wise choices. 

He also gives parents an encouraging word for living counter-culturally, reminding parents that they’ve been tasked by God to protect and guide their kids. 

“This managing technology thing in our homes is of utmost importance,” he emphasizes. “Technology can dictate or define every other aspect of their lives.” 

Tune in to hear more wisdom from Barrett and walk away with practical strategies to guide your kids to a faith that lasts by streaming the episode below or listening on your favorite podcast platform! 

Prayer is simple, but not always easy. Talking to an invisible God can feel strange in a world that doubts the extraordinary — but prayer is powerful, and God invites you to draw near to Him through it. 

Why You Should Pray 

First and foremost, we should pray because God wants us to spend time with Him. 

He may be all-knowing, but He still wants to hear from you. 

The second reason to pray is because He works through prayer and wants to work in and through us. He’s given us His authority and empowered us through His Spirit. (1 Corinthians 5:20, Matthew 28:18; John 14:12). 

This authority is mountain-moving: 

“Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”

Mark 11:23-24 

How to Pray with Faith and Authority to Move Mountains 

If Jesus promises that what we ask will be given to us, why do our prayers go unanswered? It’s often because our prayers lack at least one of the following components: 

1. Humble Confidence (John 5:19)

Too often we get stuck in our understanding of prayer as a way we can make requests of God; we forget that it’s a way to spend time in His presence. The goal isn’t about what we want, but about preparing us for what He wants.  

Humble confidence understands that the power of our prayers doesn’t come from ourselves or our requests, but from the One who hears us–and God isn’t going to do what’s contrary to His character and will. 

The greatest mountain to be moved is often the resistance in our own hearts.

The greatest mountain to be moved is often the resistance in our own hearts. Many times we think we’re entitled for God to give us or do whatever we’re asking for because our request is “good.” However, “good” doesn’t always mean “right” or “right now.” God wants what’s best for us. 

This is why consistent, intentional time spent in His Word is important. If you don’t know what God desires, you can’t adopt His desires as your own. 

2. Bold Surrender (Luke 22:42) 

While we’ve been given the authority and power to move mountains, we don’t get to choose the mountains our faith moves. 

We don’t get to choose the mountains our faith moves. 

On the night Jesus is arrested, He demonstrates bold surrender by praying “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” 

He knew the betrayal He was going to face. He knew the suffering He was about to endure.  He knew it would lead to His death. He asked God the Father to take away the source of His pain before it was inflicted, but He also surrendered to God’s will for our salvation. 

Bold surrender means believing God will move mountains at our request, but trusting that if He doesn’t, it’s because His will is better than our momentary comfort. 

It also means we don’t give up praying–even if it takes a lifetime to get an answer–because we have faith that He is working even when we can’t see it. 

3. Transformed Power 

When our will becomes His will, not only will mountains in our hearts move, but the mountains in our communities and nations will move, too. When we make requests that align with His will and character, miracles will happen. 

Prayer IS Action 

Consider your prayer life. How often are you meeting with God in His Word? Think of the mountains in your life. How confident are you about God’s will in that situation?  

Mountain-moving faith is not a technique to master, but a relationship to deepen. 

This post is inspired by message one of our “40 Days of Prayer” sermon series entitled, “How to Pray with Faith and Authority” by Dr. John Freeland. 

“Parenting is discipleship… everything else falls under the headship of leading our kids to love and follow Jesus.” – Barrett Johnson, author of Disciple Them Like Jesus

A parent’s greatest responsibility, more so than their son’s future job or their daughter’s SAT scores, is to lead their child to love and follow Jesus.  In part two of a special series of TalkItUp episodes titled Raising Faithful Kids, author and INFO for Families founder Barrett Johnson stresses why this critical mission for families of faith is more important than ever.

The influence of smartphones and social media, he argues, has accelerated faith disengagement, starting as early as age 13.

“That pull away from faith is not happening at 18 or 19 anymore. It’s beginning to happen at 13 and 14.”

Barrett explains that “parenting is discipleship,” and emphasizes the importance of being intentional during the 18-20 years we have with our children.  He encourages parents to follow Jesus’ example of discipleship as they raise their children: model + relationships + opportunities.

Just like Jesus demonstrated how to pray to his followers, moms and dad can make a lasting impact on their kids by modeling their faith for their children because kids are naturally observing and learning through their behavior already.

“If I’m saying to my kids, study the Bible like I do, pray like I pray, it forces me to be the right kind of person,” he adds. It also shows your kids you really do believe what you say you value.

Parents should also prioritize relational connections with their children as well. Drawing from Malachi 4:6, he reminds parents that a strong relationship with their children opens the door to effective teaching and discipleship.

“Unless you have the hearts of your kids, you’re not going to be able to teach, lead, or guide them,” Barrett warns. “If they don’t like you, they won’t listen to you.”

The real test of spiritual leadership is when the disciple is able to apply what the teacher taught. We see this when Jesus gives His disciples the Great Commission. Likewise, Barrett concludes, parents should give their children opportunities to apply biblical truths to their lives.

One standout tip he shares is to create a weekly family night centered around a Bible verse. Together, parents and children can reflect on questions like, “What does this scripture mean? So what? Now what?” This approach not only teaches biblical truths but also helps children see how faith applies to everyday life.

He also encourages parents to engage their children in acts of service, such as preparing meals for those in need or joining a mission trip together.

To hear more of Barrett’s insights, listen to the episode below or on your favorite podcast platform!

Lent is a sacred season in the Christian calendar, observed here at Mt. Bethel Church as well as around the world as a time of reflection, repentance, and renewal.

The Basics of Lent

Lent spans 40 days (excluding Sundays), beginning on Ash Wednesday and culminating on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter. This period symbolizes the 40 days Jesus spent fasting and praying in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11), preparing for His public ministry and ultimate sacrifice on the cross.

For Christians, Lent is a time to prepare our hearts for Easter through intentional practices like prayer, fasting, almsgiving, and Scripture reading. It’s a journey of drawing closer to God by reflecting on our need for grace, turning from sin, and living more fully into Christ’s resurrection life.

Key Practices During Lent

Lent is not simply about abstaining from pleasures or following a rigid set of rules. Instead, it is about embracing God’s transforming grace as we seek to grow in holiness. It’s a season to remember that salvation is not just a one-time event but a lifelong process of sanctification.

1. Self-Examination and Repentance:
   During Lent, we examine our hearts, confess our sins, and turn back to God with renewed humility and dependence on His grace.
2. Fasting as a Means of Grace:
   Fasting is not about earning God’s favor but about creating space for God to work in our lives. By fasting from food, distractions, or unhealthy habits, we make room for God to fill us with His presence.
3. Acts of Mercy and Service:
   Lent calls us not only to focus inward but to express God’s love outward through acts of compassion and justice—serving the poor, feeding the hungry, and meeting the needs of those around us.
4. Prayer and the Word:
   Lent is a time to deepen our communion with God through prayer and meditating on Scripture. These practices help us stay connected to the source of our strength and guide us in living as faithful disciples of Christ.

The Goal of Lent

The ultimate goal of Lent is not simply self-improvement or religious obligation. It is to grow in love for God and neighbor as we prepare to celebrate the resurrection of Christ. Lent reminds us of our dependence on God’s grace and invites us to participate in His work of renewing all things.

As you prepare for Lent, consider how God might be calling you to take steps of faith. How can this season become a source of grace in your own spiritual journey?

Subscribe to Daily Lenten Devotionals written by our pastors on the Mt. Bethel Church App! (available for Apple and Android). In your app menu, scroll down to “App Settings,” tap “Notifications,” and make sure “Lent Devotional 2025” is turned on.

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a season of 40 days (excluding Sundays) leading up to Easter. For Christians, this day is a powerful time of reflection, repentance, and renewal as we prepare our hearts to journey with Christ to the cross and the empty tomb.

The Meaning of Ash Wednesday

The name “Ash Wednesday” comes from the practice of placing ashes on the foreheads of believers in the shape of a cross. This ancient ritual is a public acknowledgment of our mortality and need for repentance. The words spoken during the imposition of ashes— “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return” (Genesis 3:19)—remind us of our human frailty and dependence on God.

This moment is not about fear or despair. Instead, it is an opportunity to humble ourselves before God, acknowledging that our life, salvation, and hope rest entirely in His grace.

Ashes: A Symbol of Repentance and Renewal

Throughout Scripture, ashes symbolize repentance and humility before God. In the Old Testament, people would wear sackcloth and sit in ashes to express their sorrow for sin (e.g., Jonah 3:6, Job 42:6). On Ash Wednesday, we follow this biblical tradition, but with a hopeful twist.

We see Ash Wednesday as a time to repent—not in shame, but in the confidence that God’s grace transforms us. The ashes placed on our foreheads form the shape of a cross, pointing us to the forgiveness and new life we receive through Jesus’ death and resurrection.

Why Do We Observe Ash Wednesday?

Ash Wednesday is a powerful representation of grace. It helps us:

1. Reflect on Our Mortality:
   By confronting the reality of our finite lives, we are reminded of our need for God’s eternal love and salvation.
2. Repent of Sin:
   Ash Wednesday calls us to turn away from sin and surrender anew to Christ. Wesleyan theology highlights repentance not as a one-time act, but as a continuous journey of being made holy.
3. Renew Our Commitment to Holiness:
   This day is the doorway into Lent, a season of seeking spiritual growth. Ash Wednesday invites us to begin this journey with a heart that longs for God’s transforming power.

Ash Wednesday Practices

1. The Imposition of Ashes:
   In many churches, worshipers receive ashes on their foreheads as a visible sign of their commitment to Christ. This ancient tradition connects us to the larger body of Christ across centuries and cultures.
2. Prayer and Self-Examination:
   Ash Wednesday services often include moments of quiet reflection, confession, and prayer. This is a time to ask, “Lord, where do I need Your grace to change and grow?”
3. Fasting:
   Fasting is a way to seek God with greater focus. Ash Wednesday often includes fasting or giving up certain comforts to create space for God in our lives.

Ash Wednesday is not just about mourning our sin but rejoicing in God’s grace. While we remember that “we are dust,” we also remember that Christ has redeemed this dust and promises eternal life. This dual focus—our brokenness and God’s redemption—is at the heart of the Christian life.

As we receive the ashes, we are reminded of who we are: sinners saved by grace. And as the ashes take the shape of a cross, we are reminded of whose we are: beloved children of God, called to live lives of love, mercy, and holiness.

Moving Forward from Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday is an invitation to begin the Lenten season with humility, hope, and an open heart. It’s a call to examine where we have fallen short, lean into God’s mercy, and take intentional steps to grow in our faith.

So, as you approach Ash Wednesday, ask yourself:

• Where do I need to repent and seek God’s grace?
• How can I use this Lenten season to draw closer to Christ?

Let the ashes be a mark of renewal and hope as you begin the journey toward the cross and the empty tomb.

We invite you to join us for Ash Wednesday services at Mt. Bethel Church!

Mt. Bethel Church member, Julie Nowak, is a member of Panera’s “Sip Club,” which is a reward program for coffee and other drinks at the chain cafe. She frequents the Roswell Road location so often the employees know her by her drink order. She often goes there to study her Bible. 

Recently, as she sat down and opened God’s Word, a young man approached her. 

“Are you reading the Bible?” he asked. 

“Yes,” she answered. 

“Can I read with you?” he asked. 

Surprised, she agreed. He sat down and they began to talk and discuss the passage she was reading. She learned his name was Isau. 

Remembering our sermon series on evangelism, she prayed the Holy Spirit would give her the opportunity to invite Isau to church. Next thing she knew, he was asking if she attended church anywhere! 

“It was a total God-thing!” she remarked. 

Excitedly, she told him about Sunday services at Mt. Bethel Church, and how she served on the Welcome Team. 

“I didn’t actually think he would come,” she recalled. 

But to her surprise again, Isau walked through our church doors the following Sunday just before the 11 AM service. She greeted him and invited him to sit with her. 

Isau and Julie standing together at Mt. Bethel Church’s Wednesday Night Forward Fellowship Meal.

After the service, she took another step of faith and told him about Forward Wednesday Night Meals. Unfortunately, he responded, his job often required him to work on Wednesday nights. 

But the Lord wasn’t through using Julie’s invitation. The following Wednesday was a rainy day. Because Isau’s job requires him to work outside, he found himself available to check out our Wednesday Night meal and activities. 

Julie also helps greet people on Wednesday nights, so when she saw Isau approach the ticket table, she was shocked. 

“You’re here!” she exclaimed, before telling him she would cover the cost of his dinner. He smiled back at her, thanked her for the meal, and moved into the fellowship hall to eat. Later that night, they both attended Wednesday Night Fire featuring Bryant Wright 

Isau isn’t the first person Julie’s met and extended an invite to church from Panera. A few weeks back, she noticed when she went for her weekly drink one of the employees looked distraught. 

She took a step of faith as she picked up her coffee and asked, “Ma’am, are you okay?” 

The woman told her she was fine, but it was obvious to Julie something was on her mind.  So, before she walked away, Julie took another step of faith. 

“I’m about to sit over here and do my Bible study and I always start with prayer,” she told the woman. “Is there something I can pray for you?” 

The employee then burst into tears and explained her mother was experiencing some health trouble. Julie was able to pray for her and they began talking about church. Unfortunately, the woman worked most Sundays. 

On Thursday morning that week, Julie came to Mt. Bethel Church for a Bible study she participates in, which at the time was just beginning a new study. One of the other women in the study happened to have an extra study book and asked if anyone else needed a copy. All of the other women in the study had their own copies, so this one was counted as extra. 

In that moment, the Holy Spirit reminded Julie of the worker she met at Panera. ‘

Julie pictured here during Thursday morning Bible Study at Mt. Bethel Church.

The next time she came to pick up a drink at the cafe, she stopped to talk with the same employee. 

“I told her about my Thursday Bible Study and that if she wanted to the extra book, it was hers to use,” Julie explained. 

Amazed, the woman revealed Thursdays were her off-day from work each week. Delighted to learn of her new friend’s availability, Julie invited the woman to join her at Bible study the following week—and she came! 

She has since returned most Thursdays to study the Word with Julie and other women at Mt. Bethel Church. 

You can be intentionally invitational, too. All it takes is a willingness to ask the Holy Spirit to give you the opportunity to join Him at work. 

This is what it looks like to give God something to bless. Because Julie was willing to live out her faith and lean into the Holy Spirit’s prompting, two people who otherwise wouldn’t be connected with our church now are! 

You can be intentionally invitational, too. All it takes is a willingness to ask the Holy Spirit to give you the opportunity to join Him at work. 

“Brazil is a country that is undergoing a revival and where you can deeply connect with the Holy Spirit.”

Sarah Hensley (second from right) with other women from Mt. Bethel Church’s Brazil Discipleship-Mission Team in January 2025

This is what Sarah Hensley–Mt. Bethel Church member–says keeps her returning to the Southern Hemisphere. She recently returned from her fourth trip with Rick Bonfim Ministries. What was different about this trip from her previous ones was that this time, she traveled with nineteen others from Mt. Bethel Church.

Rick Bonfim Ministries and Mt. Bethel Church have been connected for several years, and throughout the last decade, there have been other Mt. Bethel Church members like Sarah who have gone to Brazil to serve with Rick and his team individually. In January 2025, however, Mt. Bethel Church sent a group exclusively from our congregation to Brazil for a 10-day discipleship encounter with Rick.

Donovan Sharkey, who became acquainted with Brazil and Rick Bonfim for the first time on this recent trip, agreed with Sarah’s assessment.

Donovan Sharkey (left) worshiping with other Mt. Bethel Church team members during a revival service in Juiz de Fora Brazil. Photo Credit: Rick Bonfim Ministries

“People in Brazil worship with a passion like you wouldn’t believe,” he elaborated. “People prayed for healing with a conviction you could feel. The faith they had in the Lord was visible and moving. It was like a lightning bolt to my spirit.”

“I felt connection to and clarity from the Holy Spirit unlike any time before,” he added.

Personal Revival Sparked by an Invitation

The movement of the Holy Spirit via Brazil in Sarah and Donovan’s lives started before they stepped onto the plane on January 17, 2025. It began several months before with an invitation.

Each of the twenty team members on this trip were prayerfully and personally invited by someone from Mt. Bethel Church’s prayer and discipleship ministry teams. Donovan was invited by Pastor John Freeland.

While Sarah had been to Brazil before, she recalls her first trip was also by invitation.

“I was originally introduced to Rick and his ministry through a former pastor of Mt. Bethel Church,” she explained. “My first trip completely changed the trajectory of my life. I chose to go this time to help others from Mt. Bethel experience the life change I’ve had.”

More Than a Mission Trip

Sarah, Donovan, and others agree this occasion is better described as a discipleship journey than a mission trip, especially considering the unique depth Rick Bonfim and his team bring in their approach to ministry.

Mt. Bethel Discipleship-Mission Trip team members praying over a Brazilian woman.

Mt. Bethel’s team spent their first few days in Santa Barbara, Brazil, at the mission Rick’s family built.

“The mission serves the needs of local women and children, feeding 2,800 of some of the most-in-need in Brazil every month,” Donovan stated. “Far greater than the physical and resource needs the mission is meeting in the community is the spiritual transformation they are supporting, which is awe-inspiring.”

People served by the mission are also told the truth of the gospel and invited into Bible Study. Mt. Bethel’s team spent much of their time in Santa Barbara in intense study of God’s Word and committed prayer.

“Like going scuba diving at great depths or skiing at high altitudes for the first time, a warm-up is necessary,” Donovan said in comparison to describe how the first half of the trip prepared him and the rest of the team for the second half.

Mt. Bethel Brazil Discipleship-Mission team worshiping together during Bible Study in Santa Barbara.

Donovan Sharkey being baptized in Santa Barbara by Rick Bonfim and John Freeland.

Donovan Starkey studying the Bible in Santa Barbara.

He recalls he tried to go into this trip with few expectations, but the time spent in study during those first few days revealed personal assumptions he had about the Holy Spirit and how He moves in people’s lives. “It was a time to peel back preconceptions of our relationship with the Holy Spirit to fortify us with the armor of God as we prepared to minister during the revival in Juiz de Fora.”

A multi-service revival in the city of Juiz de Fora is how Donovan, Sarah, and the others from Mt. Bethel Church spent the latter half of their time in Brazil, and where they witnessed the Holy Spirit move in extraordinary ways.

Picture of crowd during one of the revival services in Juiz de Fora. Photo Credit: Rick Bonfim Ministries

“I heard angels sing,” Sarah recollected. “In our prayer time before one of the services, I asked God to show me something heavenly. During the second song in worship, I heard what sounded like 100 beautiful singers behind me. I realized it was angels singing. Two other team members heard it as well. And when we sang the word ‘holy,’ the angels sang exponentially louder.”

“There was a ‘dancing girl’ and her family who had lost their father last year,” Donovan described of his most memorable moment of the revivals in Juiz de Fora. “You could literally see joy and faithfulness pour out of her as she danced, worshiped, and sang.”

“Believers in Brazil tend to be much freer in worship. It’s a beautiful thing to see,” Sarah explained.

Mt. Bethel Team Members during a revival service in Juiz de Fora

Donovan Starkey worshiping during revival in Juiz de Fora. Photo credit: Rick Bonfim Ministries

The Lasting Impact

Mt. Bethel’s mission team returned to the United States forever impacted by their time in Brazil.

“I have always viewed missions from a ‘service’ or ‘acts’ perspective. I still think these demonstrations of faith are important parts of ministry and testimony; however, this trip reoriented my thinking around missions to its true purpose, which is to go and make disciples for Christ. Worshiping and discipling as missions work and ministry is the core of sharing the love of Jesus and advancing His kingdom,” Donavan elaborated.

“These trips help me grow in Christ. This growth allows me to be better mother, daughter, sister, friend, and servant of Christ in however God leads me,” Sarah reflected regarding her many experiences in Brazil.

“[My experiences in Brazil] allow me to be better mother, daughter, sister, friend, and servant of Christ in however God leads me.”

– Sarah Hensley

If you’re ever given the opportunity to go on a discipleship-mission trip to Brazil, it will encourage your faith in a unique way, although Rick Bonfim will be the first to tell you that you don’t have to travel to another hemisphere to experience a great move of the Holy Spirit.

God wants to do incredible things in and through you. All He’s asking you to do is to step out in faith and join Him where He’s already at work around you.

In this series on evangelism, we’ve explored the following topics so far: 

• What the Gospel Means 
• Embracing the Gospel as Good News 
• Following Christ’s Imperative to Share the Gospel 

Today, we’ll discuss the foundation of evangelism: the power to effectively proclaim it. 

This power isn’t something we muster on our own. It’s the same power that parted the Red Sea, turned water into wine, healed the sick, and raised Jesus from the dead. It’s the power of the Holy Spirit—the driving force behind every successful act of evangelism. 

In Acts 1, just before His ascension, Jesus commands His disciples to be His witnesses “in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” But He instructs them to wait for the Holy Spirit to empower them for the task. Only after Pentecost (Acts 2), when the Holy Spirit fills the disciples, do they become the Apostles who ignite the Early Church. Through the Spirit’s power, the gospel spreads, transforming lives across the Roman Empire and beyond. 

As believers, we, too, have access to this power. The Holy Spirit enables us not only to live the Christian life but also to share the gospel effectively. Without Him, our efforts are fruitless; with Him, success is assured. Acts 2 provides us with an encouraging picture of what happens when we are filled with the Holy Spirit: 

1. Wonder (Acts 2:42-43)

A Spirit-filled life is anything but stale. The Holy Spirit reveals Himself as you worship, study the Word, and see others through His eyes—as souls in need of God’s love and grace. 

2. Miracles (Acts 2:43)

Through the Holy Spirit, miracles still happen. They may be subtle, like forgiving someone who’s hurt you deeply, or more dramatic, like physical healing. Either way, they’re evidence of His power at work. 

3. Prayer (Acts 2:42)

Prayer isn’t a precursor to action—it IS action. The Holy Spirit works through prayer to align us with God’s will, remind us of His promises, and strengthen our faith. 

4. Fellowship (Acts 2:44-46)

The Spirit draws believers together in genuine community. He fosters unity, accountability, and joy as we seek Him together. 

5. Generosity (Acts 2:45)

Spirit-filled believers are compelled to give—of their time, resources, and love. The church becomes a hub of generosity, sending people out to share the gospel and meet needs. 

6. Worship (Acts 2:47)

The Holy Spirit draws us to worship. As we experience His presence and power, our natural response is to glorify Him. 

7. Growth (Acts 2:47)

When the Holy Spirit moves, growth follows. The Early Church grew as believers proclaimed the gospel and lived it out authentically. Today, the same Spirit continues to draw people to Christ. 

If the Holy Spirit Ensures Evangelism Success, What About When Someone Rejects the Good News? 

 When the gospel goes out–when it is preached or taught or explained or illustrated–it never comes back void. It always accomplishes the very purpose for which it is intended. 

Sometimes that purpose is a life and heart changed through a profession of faith in Christ. This is an exciting, joy-filled reaction to the beginning of a new relationship with their Savior. 

 Other times that purpose is to challenge someone’s attitudes and behaviors when they’re contrary to the absolute truth of the gospel. When this happens, people often respond in anger or apathy to the message, but that doesn’t mean the Holy Spirit isn’t working.  

The truth is, when we step out to join God in the work He is doing, we can’t see what’s really going on. But through faith, we know He is using our obedience to share the Good News to bring glory to Himself. 

Lean Into the Spirit’s Power 

The power of evangelism doesn’t rest on us—it’s all about the Holy Spirit. When we surrender to His guidance, He equips us to share the gospel boldly and effectively. Let’s lean into this power and watch God work wonders, change hearts, and grow His kingdom. 

Inspired by message five of Mt. Bethel Church’s “That’s Good News” sermon series by Dr. Jody Ray. Find resources at our Invitation Stations to encourage and help you in sharing your faith by inviting others to church. 

Raising children to follow Jesus in today’s world isn’t easy. Between the influence of social media, competing cultural values, and ever-changing technology, parents may feel overwhelmed. Barrett Johnson, family ministry expert and founder of Info for Families, addresses these challenges in a special series of TalkItUp episodes titled, Raising Faithful Kids.

In the first of these episodes, Part 1: Imperfect Families and the Call to Discipleship, Barrett emphasizes that parents are their children’s primary spiritual influencers. More than youth pastors or church leaders, kids look to their parents to see if faith truly matters.

As Barrett explains, “Our responsibility is to turn our children’s hearts toward God.” He challenges parents to model a vibrant relationship with Jesus which children can emulate.

“Does my child see something in me that makes her say, ‘I want what my dad has with God?’” Barrett asks.

He also shares practical advice for fostering faith. For example:

• Use Everyday Moments: such as car rides or bedtime, for quick spiritual conversations by discussing scripture or sharing a simple prayer
• Ask Purposeful Questions: replace “what do you want to be when you grow up?” with “what does God want to do with your life?”
• Prioritize Connection: maintain a close, loving relationship with children regardless of their stage in life
• Teach through Modeling: show children how to navigate challenges with faith by being honest about struggles and growth

“No young person stumbles into a strong faith—they need parents to be intentional in guiding them.” – Barrett Johnson, author of Disciple Them Like Jesus.

Listen to the full episode on the TalkItUp podcast below or on your favorite podcast platform to gain more encouragement and insights for helping your children follow Jesus in today’s complex world.

The Good News is good news, and we’ve been commanded by God to share it. But why? 

Some experts will tell you it’s because evangelism is the only tried and true method of growing the Church, and there is truth behind this statement. As Shane Bishop puts it in the first chapter of his book, That’s Good News,“Trying to grow a church without evangelism is like trying to make water (H₂O) without hydrogen. It can’t be done.” 

But church growth isn’t the reason God has called each of us to evangelism. It’s a byproduct. 

The real reason God has invited us to join Him in His mission of making disciples is the same reason He gave us The Good News in the first place: love. 

Evangelism Is Rooted in God’s Love 

God loves us so much that He couldn’t stand how sin separated us from Him. Through Jesus’ sacrifice, He made a way for us to be reconciled. This reconciliation not only saves us from eternity in hell without Him, but makes abundant life here and now possible 

We don’t follow Christ because we fear hell. We don’t obey Him to earn His love. We share the Good News because His love transforms us, and we want others to experience it too. 

Christ’s Love Compels Us 

As we grow in faith, we become more like Him—loving who and how He loves. The Apostle Paul put it this way: 

“For Christ’s love compels us… that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.” —2 Corinthians 5:14-15 

When you truly love Jesus, you will share Him. When you love others, you’ll want them to know Him too. 

Sharing Jesus Is an Act of Love 

Imagine seeing a truck speeding toward your best friend and doing nothing. How much would you have to hate someone to stay silent about salvation? 

God has placed you where you are for a reason—to share the gospel. Your words could be the bridge between someone’s brokenness and abundant life. 

How to Start Sharing the Gospel Today 

• Listen for struggles. When someone shares a hardship, ask if you can pray for them. 
• Be generous. A small act of kindness, like giving a new neighbor a restaurant gift card with a church invite, can open doors. 
• Share how Jesus has uniquely impacted your life to show them how He can change theirs too. 
• Follow the Spirit’s prompting. He will lead you to people who need hope. 

Who in your life needs to hear the Good News today? 

Inspired by message four of Mt. Bethel Church’s “That’s Good News” sermon series by Dr. Jody Ray. Find resources at our Invitation Stations to encourage and help you in sharing your faith by inviting others to church. 

So far in this series we’ve covered that the gospel is Good News and we’ve been called to share it but sharing it is easier said than done, right? 

Why is Evangelism Intimidating? 

There are a lot of reasons believers shy away from sharing their faith: 

• We’re afraid of rejection 
• We’re afraid of “looking stupid” 
• We’re afraid of not having all the answers to the questions someone might ask us 
• We’re afraid we’ll say or do the wrong thing when sharing 

All of these are relatable, but they’re also all excuses from the enemy to keep you from doing what you’ve been called to do. 

So how can we overcome these lies? 

Two Encouraging Yet Simple Truths We Find in Scripture 

There are two stories found in the Gospel of John that can help us overcome our fear and boldly share our faith.  

The first is the story of Nicodemus from John 3:1-21. Here is the context:  

Nicodemus is a Pharisee; a keeper of the law. He’s dedicated his life to keeping the Scriptures. Knowing the Scriptures, Nicodemus sees a connection between the miracles Jesus performs and the prophecies of the Messiah. He wants to make sense of it all, so he meets with Jesus to ask how one enters the kingdom of God. 

Since he and his colleagues were dedicated to the Law of Moses, he was probably expecting Jesus to answer with something like, “Keep the 10 commandments.” 

He’s confused when Jesus tells him that the only thing necessary is to “be born again.” 

It’s in this conversation that Jesus says what’s arguably the most quoted verse from the Bible: John 3:16. The truths found in this verse are simple, but they clearly explain the message of the gospel: 

• For God so loved the world: “the world” here refers to those who stand against God. We’ve all been here at some point. Yet, even in our sin, God still loves us.  
• that he gave his one and only Son: when you love someone at the highest level, you are willing to make personal sacrifices for their good. 
• that whosoever believes in him: “To be born again,” means to trust that Jesus’ sacrifice–and only His sacrifice–makes reconciliation with God possible.  
• shall not perish but have eternal life: when we put our trust in Jesus, we receive the gift of reconciliation with our Creator for eternity, which comes with abundant life now, and cannot be taken away by sin or death. 

The second story John gives us in his gospel that can help us overcome our fear of evangelism is the story of Jesus healing the blind man in John 9. 

After Jesus rubs mud onto the blind man’s eyes, He tells the man to “Go, wash in the Pool of Siloam.” Scripture tells us Siloam means “sent.”  

When the man does this, he finds he is no longer blind. He can see!  

When people ask this man if he was truly the guy they know who had been blind since birth, he simply answers, “Jesus put mud on my eyes, told me to wash, and now I can see.”  

Each of us has a “I was blind but now I can see” testimony.

Each of us has a “I was blind but now I can see” testimony. Each of us can tell of how Jesus changed our lives. We may have been greedy, but Jesus showed us He is enough. We may have been prideful, but Jesus taught us humility. We may have been anxious, but Jesus gave us peace. We have been addicted, but Jesus showed us how to live free. 

And just like the blind man who washed in the Pool of Siloam, each of us have been saved to be sent. 

You CAN Share Your Faith 

All it takes to live out the Great Commission is an understanding of the simple, yet profound truth found in John 3:16 and your personal testimony of how Jesus changed your life as demonstrated in John 9. One explains the gospel, while the other gives a practical illustration of its impact. 

When Satan throws excuses at you for why you can’t share your faith, remind yourself of these two examples and step boldly into the calling Jesus has given you to share the Good News. 

Inspired by message three of Mt. Bethel Church’s “That’s Good News” sermon series by Matt Lake, Executive Director of NextGen Ministries.  

The gospel is often referred to as “The Good News,” and as we discussed in our last blog we’ve been called to share it. But why is it good? 

Here’s what the Apostle Paul, one of the Church’s first evangelists, had to say about the gospel in 1 Corinthians 15:3-5: 

“For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve.”

The ‘good’ of The Good News is this: 

• Jesus did for us what we cannot do for ourselves by dying on the cross for our sins. We were created by God to be in a relationship with Him, but our sin forever separates us from Him. Because of this, we are doomed to a life and eternity of brokenness. There is nothing we can do to make our relationship with Him right again, which is why He gave Himself as a perfect sacrifice to make reconciliation possible. 

• The Scriptures are an accurate testimony. We don’t have to guess what “truth” is. It’s been defined for us in God’s Word. Even better, His Word is living, meaning it speaks to us today. It never contradicts its truth, and we can align our lives with it and trust that it won’t change, even when the world and culture around us does. 

• Jesus was entombed. He was not revived or resuscitated. He was certifiably dead. His work on the cross–the atonement for our sins–was finished. That’s good news because it means the debt of our sin was paid. There’s no adding to it. It’s gone. The record states we no longer owe anything. This is the act that made reconciliation between us and our Creator possible. 

• Jesus was resurrected. He paid our debt, but He was not defeated. The Holy Spirit filled a dead human corpse, His heart began to beat, and God raised Jesus of Nazareth from the dead. We have a living hope because Jesus walked out of that grave and is still alive today! If He can conquer death, surely, He can do all things, just as the Scriptures say. 

• There were witnesses. Not only do we have the truth of Scripture to lean on, but we have witness accounts. The Apostles and others saw and spoke to Jesus after He was resurrected. Several were persecuted to the point of death for sharing this truth, but they never recanted. 

But Wait, There’s More! 

It is good that our debt has been paid, and that it was paid by God Himself when we could not pay it. It is good that death was defeated. Because of this, we don’t have to worry about hell, which is a very real and dark place from which enemies of God cannot escape. 

However, the best part of The Good News is that we don’t have to wait until we get to heaven to live in the abundance of eternal life. Jesus came, died, and rose again so we could experience that abundance now. (John 10:10) 

We live into this abundant life by embracing the forgiveness demonstrated and grace displayed through Jesus’ crucifixion. This, of course, is easier said than done, but He’s given us His Holy Spirit–the same power that raised Him from the dead–to help us. 

Don’t believe the gospel in vain by not living into its profound message of grace. Don’t let Satan rob you of the abundant life Jesus died to give you by not forgiving others or yourself.  

Inspired by message two of Mt. Bethel Church’s “That’s Good News” sermon series by Dr. Jody Ray, as well as chapter two of Shane Bishop’s book “That’s Good News: How to Overcome Your Fear and Evangelize.” 

And we’ve been called to share it!

Do you trust the testimony of the Bible?

Do you love Jesus enough to share Him with people?

Do you love people enough to share Jesus with them?

If our answer to these questions is affirmative, we have no choice but to evangelize.

What is Evangelism?

Simply put, evangelism is sharing the message of Jesus Christ under the influence of the Holy Spirit. And according to both the Bible and the state of our society, it’s not an option.

We are called by God and empowered by the Holy Spirit to be effective evangelists for Christ. Not only that, but our neighbors need us to share the Good News with them.

Because of the hostility of western culture towards orthodox Christianity, many believers have withdrawn their Christians witness from the public square altogether for fear of cultural pushback. The reality is that, by our capitulation, we allow the demonic agenda of Satan to be shoved down the throats of our family, friends, and neighbors.

Our stand for Jesus won’t cost us much, but failing to share the true faith in these times will cost an unbeliever everything.

We’ve bought into the enemy’s lie that practicing our faith privately “does no harm” and even protects us from an awkward conversation or a friend’s disagreement. But we’ve forgotten what’s at stake–people’s souls.

As believers, our stand for Jesus won’t cost us much, but failing to share the true faith in these times will cost an unbeliever everything.

The Good News About the Good News

Evangelism can be an intimidating word, but it doesn’t have to be.

The good news about the Good News is this: not only has God done for us what we cannot do for ourselves by paying the price for our sins and reconciling our relationship with Him so that we may live the abundant life He designed us for, but He wants us to be part of sharing this hope and freedom with others.

We don’t need to compromise our message of eternal salvation made possible by the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We don’t need to stop sharing our faith. The Great Commission hasn’t changed, and the Holy Spirit is still empowering witnesses on one hand and drawing unbelievers toward Jesus on the other.

To aid us in our evangelistic mission, God has given us three powerful spiritual weapons: power, love, and self-discipline.

• Power: You are capable of being an influential witness. God has called us to be witnesses in the Great Commission and empowered us to be witnesses at Pentecost. The power is readily available. A failure to share faith is a power outage.
• Love: You are capable of being an effective witness. Love is the supernatural disposition God gives His children toward the world. 1 John 4:20 says that if we love God but hate people, we deceive ourselves. Unconditional love doesn’t require unconditional approval, but it does require wanting the best for the souls of all people. A failure to share faith is a failure to love.
• Self-discipline: You are capable of being a consistent witness. Evangelism will never be intuitive to our fallen nature. Evangelism is a discipline. But just like other spiritual disciplines, it’s part of the transformation that comes from renewing our minds to reflect God’s will as described in Romans 12:2.

An Encouraging Word

At its core, evangelism is about giving God something to bless. He can bless anything, but He can’t bless what’s not there to bless.

We will talk more about what it looks like to give Him something to bless as this series continues, but for now, we’ll leave you with this encouraging word from 2 Timothy 1:6-8:

“I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord … Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.”

Inspired by message one of Mt. Bethel Church’s “That’s Good News” sermon series by Pastor Shane Bishop, as well as chapter one of his book “That’s Good News: How to Overcome Your Fear and Evangelize.”

Living as disciples of Christ means answering His call to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:18-20). At Mt. Bethel Church, we take this command seriously, partnering with 19 missions organizations worldwide—nearly half of which are international. While financial support and prayers are essential, our mission partners also need us to join them in their work. Short-term mission trips offer a unique opportunity to serve alongside these partners, living out the Great Commission in transformative ways.

But don’t just take our word for it. Hear from participants who went on mission trips in 2024 and discovered how these experiences changed their lives and strengthened their faith.

 1. It Will Change Your Life

“Don’t go if you’re not looking for it to change your life because it will,” said Walt Davis, who served with our missions partners, S.I.F.A.T., in Ecuador in July 2024.“Go on mission if you want to witness something remarkable, if you want to strengthen your faith.”

Others echoed this sentiment, highlighting how mission trips opened their eyes to God’s work in the world. “Now that I’ve seen what a difference intentional gestures to build relationships can make, I want to be more encouraging here at home,” said Hannah Hammond after serving with Deborah House in Romania in Summer 2024.

2. You’ll Grow Spiritually

Paul Cardell (second from left) teaching at an ILI History Makers conference in Romania

“Short-term missions experiences encourage our faith, challenge our cultural assumptions, and open our eyes to the joy of reaching out,” shared Paul Cardell, who has decades of experience serving in Romania, including leading a trip in July 2024. “They give us perspective on how we live and inspire us to live on mission daily.”

Greg Arnold (second from left) serving food during a Thanksgiving Community Meal in Welch, West VA.

Greg Arnold, who went on a mission trip to Welch, West Virgina. right before Thanksgiving emphasized the spiritual blessings of serving: “What I’ve experienced every time I’ve been willing to go is that God is faithful to prepare the way and show me blessings. You will be more blessed than the people you serve.”

3. You’ll Make a Difference

“There’s nothing that can replace the beauty of going and serving,” said Shelley Ray, after serving with Project 82, our missions partners in Kenya, in November “Whether locally, domestically, or internationally, God calls us to serve others. The profound effect it has on my own heart far outweighs anything I could ever do in my service.”

Sophia Allison, who served as a Camp Hope counselor this year, saw God use her to make a difference in young lives. “I got to help them have fun and not be scared to be themselves. They are beginning to see how God made them, and it’s really sweet.”

Shelley Ray serving with Project 82 in Kenya

4. You’ll Build Lifelong Relationships

“Go—and go with a servant’s heart,” urged Spencer Underwood after serving in West Virginia. “You’ll make relationships on this trip that will last a lifetime. Be flexible and let God work.”

Mission trips often create deep connections with those we serve and with fellow team members. “I loved meeting the campers, getting to know them, and watching them loosen up,” shared Olivia Cheeley after serving at Camp Hope.

5. You’ll Be Inspired to Live on Mission Daily

For many, the experience doesn’t end when the trip is over. “All of our trips have had one thing in common,” said Paul Cardell. “They inspire us to live on mission when we come back home.”

The mission team Gaylyn Kelly led to India in March 2024

Gaylyn Kelly reflected on how her trip with Kimmi Lochner and other ladies from Mt. Bethel Church to serve with our missions partners in India shaped her life. “This mission trip opened our eyes to so much need and hunger for the Lord. It’s increased our urgency to share the gospel with our friends and family back here in the States.”

Ready to Go?

Mission trips are an invitation to step out of your comfort zone and into God’s calling. Whether you go to the other side of the world or serve locally, you’ll witness how God can work through you. Will 2025 be the year you answer His call?

Contact our missions directors, John Williams (john.williams@mtbethel.org) or Brooke O’Harah (brooke.ohara@mtbethel.org), to ask about upcoming mission trips YOU can serve on!

Need more convincing? Order and read Shane Bishops “That’s Good News: How to Overcome Your Fear and Evangelize,” as well as tune in on January 12, 2025 when we begin a new sermon series based on his book.

The early church used these words to create a doxology, a short hymn of praise to God, the words “Glory to God in the highest,” known as the “Greater Doxology.” This hymn begins with the words the angels sang when the birth of Christ was announced to the shepherds. God reaches from Heaven to earth, offering a special touch to all who open their hearts to receive.

Belinda and I were missionaries in Africa, where I oversaw the continental Evangelism Explosion (EE) ministry. In Tanzania, we held a Kids EE training.

Elise, the lead teacher, walked away from the training location to pray alone during one of our breaks, “Lord, I just need a touch from You.” Suddenly, she felt the touch of the Lord through a young boy who gently held her hand. Elise opened her eyes, and the young boy asked, “I walk with you, yes?” Elise smiled. As they walked along the dusty trail, holding hands, Elise felt more than a human hand in hers; she felt the Lord’s presence. He had answered her prayer!

Today, the Scripture is Luke 2:13-14. As you thank and praise God for His perfect gift, may you celebrate the birth of Jesus, the One who came to be the Messiah, your Savior. The Heavenly Host, an army of angels, announced peace—real peace on earth. God, not man, is the One who brings peace. Peace between God and man.

Prayer

May today be that special Christmas I receive “a touch from Heaven.” In Jesus’ name. Amen.

In Luke 2:8-12, the imagery of the dark, star-lit fields contrasting with the burst of divine light serves as a powerful symbol of hope and revelation.

The choice of shepherds as the recipients of this monumental message underscores God’s intention to reach all people, regardless of their social standing or status. Shepherds, often seen as outcasts or marginalized in society, became the first to receive the news of Christ’s birth. This act demonstrates God’s inclusivity and highlights the gospel’s message that salvation is available to everyone.

Furthermore, the notion that God initiates a relationship with humanity is central to Christian belief. The shepherds’ response, both to listen to the angel’s message and to seek out the newborn Savior, illustrates the call for all believers to actively engage with the good news of Jesus Christ. 

Just as the shepherds were encouraged to investigate and spread the news of Jesus’ birth, we are also invited to respond to the grace offered to us. Our call is not only to receive the good news but also to share it in our own lives, embodying the joy and hope that Christ brings to the world.

This moment in Luke serves as a reminder to us that every Christmas, and indeed each day, offers us an opportunity to embrace our relationship with God and to share that transformative love with others. 

Prayer

Lord, thank you for sending your son, Jesus Christ! We are so thankful for the birth of Jesus and what it represents for the world. I pray that over this holiday season, we will put our focus on Good News. That we have salvation and everlasting life because God sent his only son down from heaven to earth. Lord, we love you and we thank you! Amen.

In Isaiah 60:2-3, the prophet Isaiah is speaking of a time when the darkness and despair of sin and the struggles that affect humanity will envelop the earth. Not just “darkness,” but “thick darkness.” Yet, amidst this gloom, Isaiah prophesies the light of the Lord will break through the darkness and the glory of God will bring hope to His people. The light of God will shine through a redeemed Israel for all the nations to see.

The contrast between darkness and light reminds us of the considerable challenges in our own lives. These are the moments when we feel overwhelmed by the weight of our circumstances and the darkness of the world that surrounds us. But, God. As spoken of by Isaiah, God’s light shines through even the thickest darkness. The brilliance of His presence brings us hope and clarity regardless of our circumstances. As believers, we are delivered from sin and its consequences, and we reflect His light for all to see.

Isaiah speaks of nations not only seeing the brightness of God’s glory shining over Zion, but of nations and kings being drawn to the light. There is transformative power in God’s light breaking through the darkness of the world, drawing others into a relationship with our Heavenly Father. Let us reflect the light of Christ as a testimony to His transformative power in our own lives, so others will know Him through our words and actions and be drawn to the brightness of His love. 

Prayer

Lord, as darkness covers the earth, may Your light shine through my heart, illuminating Your peace and reflecting Your glory. I pray that nations will be drawn to You, as darkness gives way to Your radiance. In this Advent season, prepare us to welcome Christ, the light of the world, into our lives now and forever. Amen.

In our faith journey, we can find ourselves in situations that are testing us for the trust we have in God. It is then that words by Ashley Hooker make much sense to the moment: “We are to trust in our God. No matter what the situation or circumstance, God has it all in His hands…Let this mindset be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” This should always be our goal—that we might imitate the heart and mind of Mary. This wisdom doesn’t keep itself confined to the Advent season but shows its relevance every day of our living. 

Probably one of the deepest examples of trust and obedience is Mary, Jesus’ mother. When the angel Gabriel came to her with the announcement of becoming the mother of the Son of God, the reply by Mary was one of humble subjecton: “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled” (Luke 1:38). She didn’t understand very well how everything was going to happen but trusted God’s plan.

It is this same trust that we are called to imitate. Life is full of uncertainties: struggles in our careers, health problems, relationships, and the normal pressures that burden us. Just as Mary trusted in God’s plan, so we also are called to have faith in Him, knowing He holds all things in His hands.

Trusting God does not always mean that we will have crystal-clear answers or that the way ahead will always be clear. It means laying our fears, doubts, and anxieties before Him, trusting that His plans for us are good even if not clear to us. It is for a heart like Mary’s, one that says, “Let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38).

As we move through each season of life, may we not forget that the call of God to trust is not seasonal. It’s the daily invitation into walking in faith, as it were, according to the example of Mary, the one whose heart and mind remained oriented toward God above all else. May we work toward her kind of trust, knowing our God is ever faithful.

Prayer

Father God, your name is holy, and you do great things. You are the source of our joy and worthy of our praise because you give grace to the humble and reject the proud. Because you fill the hungry soul with good things, we pray you will fll us with the spirit of the Advent season. Thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ, and it is in His name we pray. Amen.

In Luke 1:34-38, we witness a profound moment in biblical history where Mary, a young virgin, receives the astonishing news from the angel Gabriel that she will conceive and bear the Son of God. Mary’s initial question, “How will this be?” reflects her human wonder and curiosity. Gabriel’s response, affirming God’s miraculous power, leads to Mary’s beautiful declaration of faith and obedience. This passage not only highlights the miraculous nature of Jesus’ conception but also exemplifies Mary’s trust, surrender, and willingness to serve God’s higher purpose. Let’s explore how Mary’s faith journey can inspire and guide us in our walk with the Lord.

• Trust in God’s Sovereignty: Just as Mary trusted in Gabriel’s message, we are called to trust in the promises of God, even when they seem improbable or unconventional.
• Surrender and Obedience: Mary’s willingness to submit to God’s plan, despite potential hardship or misunderstanding, challenges us to surrender our own will and desires to God’s higher purpose for our lives.
• Faith in God’s Power: The miraculous conception of Jesus reminds us of God’s power to work beyond the natural order. It encourages us to believe that God can transform our lives and circumstances according to His divine will.
• Willingness to Serve: As we reflect on Mary’s response, let us consider how we respond to God’s call in our own lives. Are we willing to trust God’s plan even when it seems beyond our understanding? Do we surrender our own will and desires to His sovereign purpose? Are we obedient to His word, believing in His promises despite the challenges we may face?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I pray for grace like Mary had. May her faith be an example in my life, that I might emulate that kind of faith in my own journey of discipleship. Help me to say with confidence and humility, “I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” Amen.

As the weeks of Advent progress, let us step to one side for a moment and reflect on one of the most profound truths of Scripture: “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (John 1:14). Imagine! The Creator of the universe, that eternal Word, stepped down into our world, our mess, and dwelt among us. Not as some distant deity but as Emmanuel, God with us.

Now, consider this. Jesus, fully God and fully man, walked the dusty streets; he hungered, he grew tired, he laughed with friends, he wept at a tomb, and he embraced the outcast. He brought heaven to earth—not as a theory but in the tangibility of his person. He revealed to us what God is like, and our lives were forever changed by that revelation.

Now, John 1:14-18 provides more explanation concerning this mystery. Jesus, the Word, as referred to by John, is full of grace and truth. Grace that welcomes sinners and truth that rebukes their sin. Grace that heals the broken and truth that frees enslaved people. In Jesus, we see the perfect mixing of both. He never sold out truth for grace or withheld grace in the name of truth. He showed the perfection of both.

Verse 16 says, “From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.” Jesus pours out abundant, overflowing grace onto us. It is grace that forgives our sins, enables us to stand under trials, and empowers us to live for Him. It never stops because it is from the infinite fullness of Jesus.

Then there is verse 18, which tells us that Jesus reveals the Father to us, and if we want an insight into God’s heart and character and purposes, then we look to Jesus. Jesus is God—God showing His love to reach out to humankind, God showing His justice in dealing with man’s sin, God showing His mercy in providing a way for man to be reconciled to Him.

May these truths this Advent season deepen our awe and wonder in the face of the miracle of the Incarnation. The Word became flesh to bring grace and truth into our lives, to manifest the Father to us, and to offer us a relationship with Him. What an amazing gift!

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the incredible gif of Your Son, Jesus. As we reflect on the mystery of the Word became flesh, fill our hearts with awe and wonder. Help us to see Your grace and truth in every moment and to embrace the fullness of life that Jesus offers. May this Advent season draw us closer to You, deepening our relationship with You and reminding us of Your endless love. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

The prophetic message of Isaiah is indeed a profound testament to God’s faithfulness and His divine plan for humanity. When Isaiah spoke of the coming Messiah and attributed these four significant names to Him—Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace—he was providing the people of Israel with a deep sense of hope and reassurance during a time of uncertainty and turmoil.

• Wonderful Counselor: Emphasizes the wisdom and guidance that Jesus offers. As our Wonderful Counselor, He understands our struggles and concerns. His counsel leads us to truth, comfort, and wisdom, allowing us to navigate the complexities of life with confidence, knowing we can rely on His guidance.
• Mighty God: Highlights the sovereignty and power of Jesus. It assures us that He is not only a spiritual guide but also a powerful protector. There is no challenge or enemy greater than Him, and in Him, we find the strength and might to face life’s battles.
• Everlasting Father: Speaks to the everlasting relationship we have with Jesus. He is not a distant deity but a caring Father who provides love, protection, and a sense of belonging. His defeat of death ensures that we can have eternal life and communion with Him beyond this earthly existence.
• Prince of Peace: Encapsulates the mission of Jesus to bring peace to a world often filled with strife and anxiety. He offers a peace that transcends understanding, calming our hearts and minds regardless of our circumstances. Jesus fosters reconciliation—not just between us and God, but also among ourselves.

Isaiah’s message serves as a beacon of hope for the Israelites, who faced many trials, and continues to resonate with us today. It reassures us that God is always at work, weaving His plans for our lives, even when we cannot see it. The fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecies in Jesus Christ underscores the certainty of God’s promises and His unwavering commitment to His people. 

The anticipation of the Messiah shows us the importance of hope and patience in our own lives as we wait for God’s promises to unfold. Just as the people of Israel did, we can live with the assurance that God is faithful, and His plans for us are indeed greater than we can fathom. By embracing these truths, we find purpose and peace, knowing we are welcomed into His eternal family through Jesus.

Prayer

Lord, we thank you for your son, Jesus Christ, who was born in a manger to provide hope for all the world. We thank you for the Bible and how it tells Your story and Your truth about the coming of Christ, the Prince of Peace. Lord, I pray that we would lean into learning more about your character as we grow in our faith this season. Thank you for keeping your promise. Lord, we love you and we thank you. Amen. 

Throughout the year, our discipleship team and church leadership have encouraged Mt. Bethel Church members to live ON MISSION 365. Our church family has taken this call to heart, especially during this holiday season.

Here are some of the ways we’ve seen church members step out in faith to share the true reason for the season:

Christmas Bikes 

Earlier this year, we asked our local missions partners what their biggest need was and were somewhat surprised to find out it’s bikes! Bikes are a highly requested item from families our partners assist during the holiday season, as they’re a popular Christmas gift.

In July, our church family raised over $30,000 to purchase 150 bikes and helmets. Just before Thanksgiving, members of our church family from all generations showed up to assemble these bikes for our partners!

“From the response to Christmas in July [to purchase the bikes–to assembling them in November]–to the expectation for all who receive the bikes for Christmas has been a move of God and collective move of our community! THIS is living On Mission 365 looks like,” exclaimed Gaylyn Kelly, Lead Pastor of Discipleship.

Join us in praying for the recipients of these bikes. May they feel the love that moved Jesus to enter our world that first Christmas!

Groups Serving Together On Mission 

Another joy this holiday season has been seeing groups in our church spread Christmas cheer and the hope of Christ with others.

The back of Mt. Bethel Church Choir Members Steve and Mary Beth Worch’s car filled with gifts for Orphanage Emmanuel in Honduras.

Our choir members collected and donated Christmas gifts for the children in the care of our missions affiliate Orphanage Emmanuel in Honduras. Through this effort, these kids–many who have been abandoned by their families–will know their Heavenly Father loves them so much He sent His Son to save them from their sins!

During our middle schooler’s Christmas Party, our students not only brought gifts for each other, but also donated socks for our local Missions Partners, MUST Ministries, to gift to people in need. Socks are a much-needed item for those impacted by homelessness and can be used by our partners to break down barriers some might have to receiving holistic help and hearing about the hope available through Jesus.

On Opening Day of their Basketball Season, families from Mt. Bethel Church’s Recreation Ministry brought board games to donate to MUST Ministry’s annual Toy Shop, which provides struggling families with quality gifts to give their children at Christmas.

Our Love and Marriage Sunday School Class displayed spiritual leadership in their homes by involving their kids in their holiday missions efforts. Every year these young couples decorate and deliver wreaths to members of our church family and community who need a little extra cheer–whether it’s because they’re grieving a loss of a loved one, battling an illness, or facing personal hardship.

This year, they not only invited their children to deliver wreaths with them, but their kids also helped them host a Christmas party for residents of Salvation Army Atlanta’s Red Shield shelter–a transitional housing program for families and individuals in extreme poverty. The kids at Red Shield were assured of God’s great love for them through Jesus’ birth and the kids of our Love and Marriage families experienced the excitement of sharing the true meaning of Christmas with others!

“It’s a great way for us to get out and serve others with our families and take time to really remember what this season is all about,” Amanda Thomas, member of the Love and Marriage Sunday School Class, commented.

Angel Tree

Love and Marriage wasn’t the only Sunday School class to lead on mission this Christmas. Our FaithMates class stepped up to lead this year’s Angel Tree initiative.

Mt. Bethel Church has provided Christmas Gifts through its Angel Tree program for over 28 years. This year, the program was expanded to include support not only to boys and girls in the Cobb Country Foster Care system, but to other ministry partners -The Salvation Army, Kidz2Leaders, and MUST Ministries-who support families in need as well.

The expansion of this year’s Angel Tree didn’t deter members of our FaithMates class from taking the reins and encouraging Mt. Bethel Church Members to sponsor “angels.” Each Sunday for over a month, members of the FaithMates class manned a table in The Connector of our church building to answer questions people had about the project. Our church family donated over 750 gifts!

Middle Schoolers Wrapping Presents Giving through the Angel Tree initiative for Kidz2Leaders

Not only that, but FaithMates helped our middle schoolers–many of whom are children of FaithMates members–wrap 50 of these gifts for Kidz2Leaders’ Hope4Christmas Party. This event shares the true meaning of Christmas with kids from homes where at least one parent is in prison as part of our Missions Partners’ effort to stop the cycle of generational incarceration.

“We are so grateful for the FaithMates Sunday school class and their efforts leading the Angel Tree program another year!” expressed Brooke O’Hara, Mt. Bethel Church’s Associate Director of Missions. “They have a true passion for serving as a family and supporting our local community in need year-round. They are a true example of what it means to live out missional discipleship.”

Mt. Bethel Church Volunteers sorting gifts at Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Warehouse

In total, 50 volunteers from our church gave their time and talent to serve at various missions partner opportunities connected to our Angel Tree project including the Hope4Christmas party, The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Warehouse, and MUST Ministries’ Toy Shop.

“It was a joy seeing the impact our church’s Angel Tree gifts make to those on the receiving end,” stated Brooke.

Mt. Bethel Volunteers at Kidz2Leaders Hope4Christmas Party

How Will You Live on Mission This Holiday?

We shared each of these stories with you not as a “look-at-us” moment, but to give thanks for the incredible compassion displayed by members our church family this Christmas and to inspire you to follow their example.

Consider doing something this holiday season to spread the joy and hope of our Savior with someone else. It can be as simple as baking Christmas cookies for a neighbor who has experienced a hardship this year, reaching out to a friend you haven’t connected with in a while, or making a monetary donation to one of our Missions Partners in honor of a non-believing friend and then sending them a Christmas card that lets them know a gift in their honor will be making a difference.

Whatever you choose to do, there’s no better way to celebrate the holidays than by doing something to let someone else know how much Jesus loves them.

To learn about upcoming service opportunities you or your small group can be a part of, visit www.mtbethel.org/missions .

If we aren’t careful this Advent season, we can turn our traditions on autopilot, with Scripture becoming a familiar scene we pass through on our journey to Christmas. The Gospel of Matthew was written by Mathew, the disciple of Jesus and former tax collector. Some scholars believe he was the scribe of the group and, due to the nature of his previous vocation, would have been a meticulous note-taker.

Why is that important? The words Mathew chose when writing his Gospel were not chosen lightly. So as followers of Jesus, we must not treat them with anything less than reverence and full attention of our hearts during this Advent season. There’s so much to unpack in these two verses:

• “All this took place to fulfill…”: This is the first time this phrase is used to proclaim Jesus’ birth as the fulfillment of an Old Testament prophecy. (Isaiah 7:14)
• “The virgin shall conceive…”: Jesus’ conception was divine and a foundational piece of our belief system that can’t be glossed over.
• “They shall call his name Immanuel”: Immanuel means ‘God with us.’ This does not just speak to Jesus being fully God but also His nearness to man and His nearness to us.

My prayer is that whether this is the first time you’ve read these verses or the hundredth, they would resonate in a new way in your heart. Immanuel is coming, and His name is Jesus. He longs to be near you, so take the time to be near Him this Advent season.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, as we light the Advent candles, help us pause and reflect on the profound meaning of Jesus’ birth. May Your Word resonate deeply within us, reminding us of Your nearness and love. Draw us closer to You this season, filling our hearts with reverence and joy. Amen.

Ever wonder about Joseph? What type of man was he? Depending on the translation, these words come up: righteous man, faithful to the law, just a man, a good man. During this time, Joseph was well within his rights to not only divorce Mary but under God’s Law to Israel, a woman who is engaged to one man but willingly has intimate relations with another man is to be stoned to death (Deuteronomy 22:23-24).

Joseph knew Mary was a good woman and she had a fine reputation. Yet, despite what she claimed, it seemed to Joseph that she could only be pregnant by some other man. So, as a good man, a righteous man, he had in his mind to privately divorce Mary.

However, God chose Joseph too. It was not by coincidence, but a God incident that Joseph was Mary’s betrothed. God saw the confusion building in Joseph and sent an angel to him to confirm Mary’s story. Joseph did not need further confirmation. He never doubted God’s will or his role in watching over Mary and her son. Joseph would remain faithful to God and his wife. God’s plan was more important than the thoughts of men and their perceptions of what is right.

Joseph would remain vigilant in understanding God’s plan for his life. Later, he would take the infant Jesus and Mary to Egypt to escape impending danger (Mathew 2:13-15). Joseph was truly a humble man who could be counted on to follow God’s plan regardless of the cost.

Are you ready to be vigilant in understanding God’s plan for your life? Commit yourself to a daily walk with Christ in prayer and quiet time. Make a commitment to God and to your loved ones that you will stand firm in your devotion to Christ, the Word, and to them. Let the Holy Spirit guide you.

Prayer

Lord, grant us Joseph’s unwavering trust and obedience. Help us discern and follow Your plan with humility and courage. Strengthen our faith and devotion to You, Your Word, and our loved ones. Guide us by the Holy Spirit, prioritizing Your will above all. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Christmas is a season of light! You see lights on your Christmas tree, candles burning, and lights hanging all around the church. But imagine, what would the Christmas season look like without light? It might feel cold, dark, and lonely. 

This imagery reflects the spiritual condition of Israel during their exile, as shared by Isaiah. Their disobedience led them into a place of spiritual darkness without Christ. Yet, Isaiah’s prophecy is one of hope, declaring that they would not remain in darkness forever. 

Christ was born into the world and brought the light with Him. In John 8:12, Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” This is the true meaning of Christmas. Jesus is the reason we have joy and hope. Most of all, He is the light of the world, guiding us out of darkness and into His marvelous light! 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for sending us your son, Jesus Christ, to be the light of the world. We thank you for taking us out of the darkness and bringing us into your light. Lord, I pray each light we see reminds us of your most precious gift. I pray that we will follow you with obedience and trust. Lord, fll us with your spirit as we embrace this holiday season. It’s in your Holy name and the reason we celebrate. Amen.

The proclamation of good news—the long-awaited Messiah is near. Mark’s opening verses echo Isaiah’s prophetic words, emphasizing the urgency and significance of this divine announcement. We are called to be voices of proclamation in our lives, heralding the Savior’s arrival and sharing the Gospel of Jesus with others.

The gospel invites us to align our hearts and place our faith in Jesus as Savior. By His grace, we are saved and transformed by the promised Holy Spirit. This Advent, let our lives echo the proclamation that the Messiah has come, bringing hope and redemption.

John the Baptist’s call to prepare the way is not a somber command but an invitation filled with joy. Read verse 3 again. Notice this imagery conveys anticipation and expectancy—a wilderness transformed by the Lord’s advent.

The joy in this proclamation challenges us to examine our hearts. How often do we approach Advent with a sense of duty rather than joyous expectation? The preparation we are called to is not a burdensome task but a joyful anticipation of encountering the Lord’s presence.

As we prepare this season—decorating our homes, selecting gifs, and planning gatherings— let us not lose sight of the inward preparation that brings joy to our hearts. Creating straight paths means removing obstacles that hinder our time and intimacy with Christ.

The choice of the wilderness for John’s proclamation is symbolic. The wilderness represents the desolate and challenging spaces of our lives—places of uncertainty, isolation, and longing. Yet, it is precisely in these wilderness moments that the joy of the Lord can shine most brightly.

As we navigate the wilderness of our own lives, Advent becomes a season of profound hope and joy. The proclamation to prepare the way assures us that, even in the wilderness, the Lord draws near. The joy from this truth transcends circumstances and becomes a resilient foundation for our expectations and hope.

This Advent, in the spirit of John the Baptist, may our lives echo the proclamation of good news — marked by the joy and hope that come from knowing Jesus. Let our lives be a proclamation of the Good News, sharing the transformative message of Christ with others. As we prepare the way in our own wilderness, may we experience the profound joy of His presence and become a beacon of hope to those around us.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, As we journey through this Advent season, we thank You for the proclamation of Your Good News and the hope it brings. Prepare our hearts to receive Jesus anew and help us to joyfully anticipate His presence in our lives. Clear the obstacles that hinder our intimacy with You, and let our lives echo the joy and hope of the Savior’s coming. May we be voices of proclamation, sharing Your love and light with others. Transform our wilderness moments with Your grace and make us beacons of hope to a world in need. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Throughout history, God has chosen some of the most unlikely people to serve Him in pivotal ways.

A few of the many examples include Abraham, an old man who became the father of an entire nation; Moses, a stuttering murderer who challenged the most powerful ruler in the world, led God’s people out of slavery in Egypt, and recorded the Ten Commandments; David, an adulterer and murderer who was called “a man after God’s own heart”; Rahab, a prostitute who helped Joshua’s army conquer Jericho; and Mary, an unremarkable teenager living in a tiny village in the middle of nowhere who gave birth to the Son of God!

Why did God choose Mary? Why does God choose any of His unremarkable children to accomplish history-altering things for Him?

Could it be that He sees what we can’t see in another person? Could it be that He sees in you what you can’t see in yourself?

God has called you, as His child, to be part of altering history for others in His name. It’s up to Him to determine how many lives will be changed through your obedience to Him.

Will you humbly submit to His call to alter history in your world?

Prayer

God, I love you and want to love and serve you with my whole heart. Help me to be open to your call on my life to follow you in whatever way you lead. Amen.

Paul’s words in Romans 10:15 remind us that we have a mission to share the Good News. ‘Beautiful feet’ is a strange phrase, but it represents the importance of those who spread the gospel.

The feet bear our steps, even through difficult conditions. Our call, as Christans, is to be sent by God, to scatter hope, peace, joy, and love across the world.

At the birth hour of Jesus, God’s promise finds fulfillment and the final Good News emerges. The bullhorn announcement to the shepherds declared that the plan of God for salvation was on course. Jesus, our Emmanuel—God with us—has come to save us from our sins, and this is the message we spread.

During Advent, we recall that we, too, are messengers. Our feet may not tread ancient lands, but they do move through our neighborhoods, workplaces, and social circles. In every step, we have the opportunity to share God’s love and truth.

This Advent, dare we accept our mission? Let’s make our feet beautiful with the Good News. The birth of Jesus—light and hope coming into this dark world filled with uncertainty. Let us be poised with all our Christmas preparations to step out in faith.

Ofer a kind word, perform an act of service, or invite someone to learn about Jesus. But whatever it is, Know this Advent season you are part of God’s mission. After all, we are On Mission 365 days a year!

Prayer

Heavenly Father, as we journey through this Advent season, open our hearts to the incredible news of Jesus’ birth. Thank You for sending Your Son to be our Savior. Help us to embrace our role as messengers of Your love and grace. Give us the courage to share the Good News with those around us, making our feet beautiful in Your sight. May our words and actions reflect Your light in a world that so desperately needs hope. Guide us in every step we take, and let us be instruments of Your peace, joy, and love. In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.

Isaiah 11:5-9 is an amazing picture of peace and harmony on the earth! This vision goes beyond mere coexistence; it speaks of a complete transformation of nature itself, reflecting the profound impact of God’s righteousness and faithfulness.

This passage not only describes a future reality but also reveals essential truths about the character of God and His ultimate plan for creation. It speaks of His desire for reconciliation and restoration, where all forms of hostility and conflict are replaced with peace and unity. This vision echoes the promise of the coming Messiah, who brings healing and renewal to a broken world.

As we reflect on Isaiah’s words, we are reminded of God’s sovereignty and His ability to bring about transformation in the most unexpected ways. Just as He promises a future of peace and harmony in creation, He also extends an invitation to experience His peace in our lives today. Through Jesus Christ, we can enter into a relationship with God where His righteousness becomes our foundation, and His faithfulness secures our hope.

Are we agents of peace and reconciliation in our area of influence? Do we embody the righteousness and faithfulness that Isaiah describes as the hallmark of God’s kingdom?

Let us pray for a deeper understanding of God’s vision for peace, both in our hearts and in our world. May we strive to live as instruments of His peace, working towards reconciliation and eagerly anticipating the day when His kingdom of perfect harmony will be fully realized.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the promise of a future kingdom where peace reigns supreme. Help us demonstrate Your righteousness and faithfulness in our lives today, that we may be agents of reconciliation and bearers of Your peace to those around us. Strengthen our faith and fll us with Your Spirit, that we may live in anticipation of the day when Your kingdom will come in its fullness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

One of my most treasured Christmas memories as a child was our annual drive to look at Christmas lights. We would all bundle up in the family minivan and my dad would drive us around searching for the best displays of the season.

These sparkling lights bring us joy during what can often be a cold and dark time of year. But most importantly, they point us to Jesus, the true Light of the World!

In today’s scripture reading, we see how Jesus was rejected by the world. They did not recognize or receive him. It saddens me to think how many people go through the rituals and traditions of the Christmas season – putting up lights, buying gifs, decorating a tree, etc. – without taking time to reflect on its true meaning. We can be surrounded by lights, but still live in darkness if we don’t have a relationship with Christ.

We all have a choice to make. We can reject Jesus and live in darkness. Or we can accept Jesus, move from darkness to light, and embark on the abundant life He promises us. By receiving this incredible gif and surrendering our lives to follow Him, we are given the right to be His children. Let us not be like the ones who rejected Him. Let’s be reminded of His incredible gift and share it with others.

Soon, Christmas will be over, and the lights will be put away until next year. But the Good News for believers is that the light of Jesus can never be extinguished. He provides all the light we need and promises to be with us forever.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for this season of Advent. Every time we see Christmas lights, let us be reminded of you, the true light of the world. Thank you for adopting us as your children and helping us to share the gift of Jesus with others. In Jesus Name. Amen.

At Mt. Bethel Church, we want to connect believers to the unique calling God has placed on their lives by helping them realize where their passions, gifts, and experiences intersect with His work in the world.

For Shelley Ray, Mt. Bethel’s partnership with Project 82 (P82) in Kenya has become a powerful way to live out her personal calling and contribute to fulfilling the Great Commission.

“I am a nurse midwife here in the United States and I have a soft spot for mamas,” Shelley shared.

Abortion is illegal in Kenya, and while this has saved many children from being killed before their lives even begin, it doesn’t guarantee security for mothers or dignity for infants. Sadly, the reality in Kenya is that the alternative to abortion isn’t motherhood–it’s abandonment.

The reality in Kenya is that the alternative to abortion isn’t motherhood–it’s abandonment.

Project 82 “exists in response to God’s call to love and care for orphans and vulnerable children by nurturing them holistically to achieve sustainable family solutions.” Through a four-pronged, comprehensive approach, they break down barriers vulnerable Kenyan women and families face that may keep them from keeping and raising a child.

“The model of P82 has never been to institutionalize children or develop orphanages, but to give [abandoned] children the love of a family,” explained Shelley. “They have identified and vetted families within the community who serve as foster parents or guardians for the children until they can be reunified with their immediate family or adopted into a stable family if reunification is not possible.”

Answering the Call 

Shelley and her husband, Jody, have been involved with Project 82 since its inception fifteen years ago. She went on her first mission trip to serve alongside them in 2010. This November (2024), she traveled with Jody and seven others from Mt. Bethel Church to serve alongside Project 82 again.

Mt. Bethel Church’s November 2024 Kenya Mission Trip Team Members. Shelley ray is pictured third from left.

In step with P82’s mission, most of the trip activities revolved around sharing the love and hope of Christ with children and families in their care.

“In Molo [the location of P82’s House of Hope], we had the opportunity to serve the children in their Saturday program,” Shelley recalled.  “We danced, worshipped, fed them, played games, and just loved on these precious children.”

House of Hope partners with local authorities and churches to respond to the needs of vulnerable children by rescuing, stabilizing, and equipping them accordingly. Through this program, they provide for the children’s basic needs by assisting with school fees, counseling, mentorship, and more.

While in Molo, Shelley and the team also participated in home visits to encourage adults in Project 82’s guardian program, which focuses on microenterprise training to equip those caring for children with job and life skills so they can have an income and provide for their families.

The team then traveled to Nanyuki to serve with Project82’s rescue center, Neema House. This is where God used Shelley’s unique skills and gifts as a nurse midwife for His glory.

Neema House has a program called “Tulee Mwana,” meaning “Let’s Raise a Child.” The goal of this ministry is to ensure the health of both the child and family in order to prevent the abandonment of babies.

“The Tulee Mwana program’s strategy is to get ahead of abandonment by identifying moms who may be at-risk before they deliver,” Shelley explained. After identification, the staff at Neema House help these women form and implement a personal empowerment plan, which includes maternal health care, education, economic opportunity, and community support.

This program includes a monthly Q & A session where women are able to ask any question they may have about pregnancy, motherhood, and reproductive and women’s health. As a nurse midwife, Shelley was able to lead one of these sessions.

“It was maybe the most fun I’ve had in a really long time,” she reflected. “To be able to serve these women and help them understand more about this time in their lives was such a blessing to me. I’m blown away by the efforts of this ministry to love the most vulnerable!”

Be Blessed by Being a Blessing 

If you’ve never thought about going on a mission trip or are uncertain about God’s calling for your life, Shelley hopes her testimony will inspire you.

“I believe God is calling all of us to serve others. The profound effect it has on my own heart far outweighs anything I could ever do in my service,” she said. “There is nothing quite like walking the same paths, visiting homes, sharing stories and laughter, and sharing your heart with someone in need. I urge you to get out of your comfort zone and do something to help those around you. You will never regret it!”

Thank you for supporting Project82 and Mt. Bethel Church’s other Missions Partners through your tithes and offerings. To discover how your unique gifts and experiences can be used to share the love of Christ, reach out to John Williams, Mt. Bethel Church’s Director of Missions, at john.williams@mtbethel.org.

The words of Isaiah 64:1-4 are a promise of restoration. God would restore Jerusalem, not because the people cried, but because it was part of His ultimate plan. God’s plan will always prevail in His perfect timing.

These verses refer to both the first and second comings of Christ. At His first coming, He set up His reign in the hearts of believers; at His second coming, He will execute justice and righteousness throughout the whole earth. Christ is the “righteous Branch” sprouting from David, the man after God’s own heart. The Branch’s coming will fulfill God’s promise to David of an eternal kingdom.

As Christ fulfills the role of King, He also fulfills the role of Priest, maintaining constant fellowship with God and mediating for the people. Like Abraham’s descendants, the “offspring of David” will be innumerable (Genesis 15:1-6) for believers in the Messiah. They will share the Messiah’s inheritance (Romans 8:17). They will also serve as God’s priests (Exodus 19:5-6; 1 Peter 2:5, 9).

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”

Prayer

Thank you, God, that your justice is always tempered by your mercy. Thank you that with Christ as our High Priest, all believers are priests of God, and we can come before you personally. Come Lord Jesus. Amen. 

Advent comes from the Latin word “adventus,” meaning “coming.” At the start of Advent, we turn our hearts toward the practices of waiting and anticipation for the coming of Christ. Advent is a period of preparation, expectation, and hope for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas, and for the preparation of the Second Coming of Christ.

Advent emphasizes “hope.” The hope we find in Isaiah’s text is not the warm, festive, and cheery hope we might expect leading up to Christmas. Rather, we remember that what we are waiting for is the expectation of the LORD’s coming to deliver His own, as it was with Israel in exile, and as it is today on the eve of the Second Coming. 

During Advent, we prepare our homes, our churches, and our hearts for Christmas and celebrating the birth of our Savior. Advent is a time of waiting.

I’m not one to get the Christmas tree up on December 1st, but as time goes by, I find I am doing it earlier and earlier. We put up two trees: an artificial one and a real one. The real one because I still love the smell of the pine tree, and it reminds me that Jesus died on a tree for me.

We have two friends who almost race to get their trees up the earliest. They’re filled with Advent expectation, anticipation, excitement, and determined hope. Our hope begins with a baby in a manger but finds its completion in a King who will judge the whole earth, putting every broken thing back together and setting all things right: you, me, the world.  

Isaiah repeats his plea throughout the scripture, “Come, oh that you would come, come down, you came down, you come.” O Come, O Come, Immanuel. Of course, God did come down, in Christ, the incarnation of God himself. God has come down.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, You are holy, holy, holy, the LORD God Almighty, who was, who is, and who is to come. Let our deepest hope be in You, God, in Your fullest presence. Today, let us be expectant. Open our eyes, our hearts, our souls, all that we are, to all that He is. Let us expect God’s greatness to show up and follow that greatness wherever it leads. In His precious name, Amen.

Micah, whose name means “Who is like Yahweh?,” is one of twelve minor prophets. He was a native of Moresheth, a village twenty miles from Jerusalem. 

Micah has been called “the defender of the poor” because of his prophecy over Israel and Judah during a period of self-serving rulers, corrupt judges, and idolatrous people around 730 BC. Micah foretold the destruction of the armies of the Assyrians to Israel’s king.

In the backdrop of faithless and corrupt rulers, Micah peers into the future 700 years to contemplate the Bethlehem birth of Jesus, the perfect ruler and Shepherd-King. Consider the description of our Messiah King that will “shepherd his flock,” meaning to teach and to rule as a good shepherd with wisdom, care, and love. This Messianic King will accomplish this by divine power in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God while bringing peace (Shalom) to his people. 

As John Wesley wrote, “the standing position of the Shepherd speaks of the readiness, cheerfulness, and stability of Christ, His government, and kingdom. His church, made up of converted Jews and Gentles, shall continue; the gates of hell shall not prevail against them. For the church is so redeemed and established that Christ might be glorified throughout the world” (Wesley, 384). The figure of the seven shepherds and eight leaders of men denotes the significance of an all sufficient and more than adequate provision for every need.

Prayer

Everlasting Father, we are humbled when we recognize that Lord Jesus is in every book of the Old Testament, indicating that His origin is from ancient days. May our lives be marked with watchfulness, faithfulness, and joyful expectation of the “blessed hope” that awaits us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Micah 5:2 is a specific promise to us about the King being born, detailing not just who He is but also where his birth would happen. The “where” is important. Where refers to heritage. There are many “wheres” in your life. Where you grew up. Where you went to school. Where you graduated. Where your first job was. Where you got married. Where you bought your first house. You remember where you were when all big life events occurred. The “where” of our big life events are important to us. The most important “where,” however, is heaven— where we spend eternity at the end of our lives and where we get to strive for in the present.

The Lord specifically calls each of us to be His disciples and follow Him. It is not the amount of good we do for the world or the mission trip we go on to a third-world country. It is not about feeding the hungry or donating your used clothes. All these things are important, but it is about where our heart lies that ultimately gives us the biggest blessing.

When you think of this verse going into the Christmas season, think about all the places Jesus traveled in His lifetime. Where He shared the Good News, where He completed His miracles, and where all the mountains are that He moves for us. The ultimate “where” for Him was on the cross, dying for our sins. This little baby that we celebrate this holiday ends up somewhere “ugly” for us so we can all experience the special “wheres” in our life.

Think about your “wheres” today while you go about your life. Is Jesus calling you to go somewhere in your life and change directions? Or is He asking you to pause and meet someone right where they are in their life.

Prayer 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gif of Your Son, Jesus, our Immanuel. As we celebrate this Advent season, remind us of Your constant presence and unwavering love. Help us feel Your closeness in every moment and share Your message to those we meet. Fill our hearts with joy, peace, and gratitude, knowing that You are always with us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Isaiah 7:14 is a verse just brimming with hope and promise. Try to imagine the impact that such words would have had on those who first heard them, hundreds of years before Christ’s birth. Perhaps more than anything, Israel longed for a Savior, someone who would rescue them and bring them near to God. This is the light in the middle of the darkness, the promise that God Himself would come to be with His people.

Fast-forward into the New Testament, and we find the most miraculous fulfillment of this prophecy. Mary was visited by an angel who announced to her that she would conceive a son through the Holy Ghost. That child is Jesus Christ: He is Immanuel, God with us, the full content of Isaiah’s words.

But what does “God with us” mean for us today? It means that we are never alone. During the craziness of the holiday seasons, when life gets crazy-busy or downright lonely, Immanuel reminds us God is right here, walking with us through every high and low. He understands our struggles, our joys, and our sorrows because He experienced them, too.

Theologically speaking, this is deep. The gap between us and our Creator is bridged by Jesus Himself, who is fully God and fully man. But His birth testifies to the love of God for us all and His will to relate to us closely in our very lives. God is not merely an austere deity, but a loving Father who sent His Son to dwell among us, to teach us, and ultimately to save us through His death and resurrection.

Light your Advent candles as a reminder that indeed the true light has come into the world. Jesus really is the reason for this season. His being in our lives is forever the greatest gift ever given. May we embrace this truth and share the love and joy of Immanuel with those around us.

Prayer 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus, our Immanuel. As we celebrate this Advent season, remind us of Your constant presence and unwavering love. Help us feel Your closeness in every moment and share Your message to those we meet. Fill our hearts with joy, peace, and gratitude, knowing that You are always with us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

One might ask, how is Haggai 2:6-9 an appropriate devotional scripture for Advent? Haggai was one of Israel’s minor prophets who prophesied (circa 520 B.C.) to the returning exiles to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. Through Haggai, God promises to “shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land” and that “what is desired by all nations will come.”

How could anything have been more earth-shaking than the announcement of the Heavenly Host to the shepherds on that Holy Night when Christ, the light of the world, was born? Truly, the Advent of the Savior of the world (predestined before the foundation of the world) was the seminal event of God’s abundant love, mercy, and grace. This Advent was for all nations, as expressed by the old man Simeon who was promised by the Holy Spirit that he would live until the salvation of Jerusalem appeared:

“For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentles, and the glory of your people Israel.” (Luke 2:31-33)

May our hearts rejoice as we prepare for the appearing of the Christ Child.

Prayer

Father God, thank you for the earth-shaking gif of your Son, Jesus, born of a virgin and given up for all mankind, that we might experience Your abundance here and in the life to come. In the beautiful and wonderful name of Jesus, Amen.

Malachi’s prophecy launched 400 years of prophetic silence. John, the Baptizer, the last prophet under the Law, broke that silence. He fulfilled Malachi’s word as the messenger preparing the way of the Lord. How does this prophecy relate to us today? Let’s look at four points: 

• This prophecy mingles the first and second advents (arrivals) of Jesus. Jesus’ first advent was one of mercy and grace where He bore our sin and made us new creations, righteous before God. But, “…He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.” (Hebrews 9:28) Hallelujah! In John 3:18, Jesus said, “he who does not believe is condemned already.” God’s will is for ALL to be saved. We have the assignment of being ambassadors of reconciliation.
• “Who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears?” (Malachi 3:2) If you have received salvation in Christ, YOU CAN STAND! You have been given the gif of righteousness. Hallelujah again!
• Malachi spoke of cleansing and purifying. Hebrews 1:3 says, ‘He by Himself purged our sins.’ Hebrews 10:14 says, ‘by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.’ This is the truth about your reborn spirit. The Christian life is about renewing your mind to your identity in Christ. If we identify as sinners, we will sin. If we identify as the righteousness of God in Christ, we will begin to live out of this glorious truth. We are to identify with Jesus.
• “What is the offering that is pleasing to God” in Malachi 3:4? Abraham BELIEVED God. His faith pleased God. Have you believed in Jesus for salvation? Then you please God!

Finally, are you ready for this truth? In Matthew 11:11-12, Jesus said, “he who is least in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he”. He was talking about you. Believe the Good News!

Prayer

Thank you for Your wonderful plan of salvation. Help us believe the truths in Your Word about who we are In Christ. This Christmas season, may we have a fresh revelation of Christ in us, the hope of glory. In the matchless name of Jesus. Amen.

Comfort. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like comfort. Comfort has at least two meanings. As a noun, comfort is defined as a state of physical ease and freedom from pain or constraint. It is also defined as the easing or alleviation of a person’s feelings of grief or distress.

In the opening verses of Chapter 40 is Jesus’ prophecy. The message then shifts to comfort and hope. God says that in the future ALL the sins of “Jerusalem” are forgiven. Romans 11:11-17 says that believers and faithful followers of Jesus have been grafted into God’s chosen ones (the Jews). Warfare with God has ended, iniquities are pardoned, “she has received DOUBLE for all her sins.” This reference means complete cleansing of sin. 

God has always had a plan of redemption for us—sinners, descendants of Adam. It is Jesus, and we can rejoice this Advent season that Jesus came at just the right time as a helpless baby, born to poor parents, completely vulnerable to the world. Redemption took human form in Jesus. THIS is the best Christmas present EVER. Those who worship Him in spirit and truth are no longer alienated from God but have become God’s adopted children. This gift of reconciliation is Jesus, and its value is beyond measure. This calls for a BIG celebration! Amen.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your incredible gift of Jesus. As we reflect on His birth and the fulfillment of Your promises, fill our hearts with joy and gratitude. Help us to embrace Your love and redemption fully, living as Your adopted children. Guide us to share this message of hope and reconciliation with others. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

The Lord of lords and King of kings was born into this world in such a humble way. Mary and Joseph had traveled from Nazareth to Bethlehem to participate in a census. Imagine how difficult the journey must have been, especially given Mary’s pregnancy. Once in Bethlehem, it didn’t get any easier for Mary and Joseph. The town was overrun with people arriving for the census, leaving only a lowly stable available in which the Christ Child would be born. This isn’t what you’d expect for a king. 

Jesus didn’t come into this world with wealth and privilege but in a quiet and inconspicuous way. God chose for His Son to be born in humility and lowliness, identifying with the most vulnerable and marginalized. This shows us what God values and what we should value as well.

We need to be intentional, especially during the Christmas season, to quiet our lives and be open to the unexpected ways of God. This means making room for Christ in our hearts and minds during this season overrun by distractions. Let’s not miss opportunities to identify with the most vulnerable and marginalized in our community, putting aside our own expectations.

As is spoken in Micah 6:8: “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” May this be a time of recognizing that no matter how difficult the journey has been God has a place for us.

Our significance isn’t found in what the world has taught us to expect, but in our identty with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We must make room for Jesus, welcoming Him into the center of our hearts and lives.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, as I prepare my heart this Advent, I’m reminded of Your Son’s humble birth in Bethlehem. May I be strengthened by knowing You are with me on my journey. Help me open my heart to You more each day, welcoming Your peace and grace into my life, that I may humbly share Your love with a world in need. I pray this in the precious name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Advent causes my heart to be drawn to the words of John in the opening verses of his Gospel. In this passage, we are invited to ponder the eternal nature of the Word, the divine Logos, who existed from the very beginning. This truth heralds the advent of our Savior Jesus Christ. 

Advent is a time when expectation and hope increase. The anticipation of Jesus Christ’s coming permeates the very fabric of this wonderful season. And as we focus on the verses of John, we find the foundational source of our hope. 

Life and light—two words of profound meaning and significance. The life embodied in Christ is a life that conquers death, sin, and eternal hopelessness. God with us – the WORD – Jesus. The light that He is pierces through the darkness, dispelling the shadows of hopelessness. During this Advent journey, we are invited to hold fast to the radiant truth that the darkness has not, will not, and cannot overcome the light and life of Jesus Christ.

Advent is not a passive waiting but an active engagement with the promise of God fulfilled in Christ Jesus. It is a journey of the soul, a pilgrimage of the heart, where we navigate through the landscapes of expectation and hope. In the grand tapestry of God’s redemptive plan, the threads of promise fund their culminating in the birth of Jesus—the Word incarnate; Emmanuel, God with us. 

Reread John 1:1-5. What stirs your heart? For me, it’s the Word existing before time itself, now taking on human form to dwell with us. The Creator steps into creation. The Eternal One enters the temporal. This is our profound hope. It is the assurance that God is not distant or indifferent but intimately involved in our lives. 

Jesus breaks the darkness, bringing the hope of the world. He is the light that guides, heals, and restores. Christ not only illuminates our path but transforms our very being. In a world where despair often threatens to eclipse the light, we cling to the promise that the darkness has not, will not, and CANNOT overcome the light of Christ. The hope we find in Christ is not a fleeting optimism, but an unwavering certainty grounded in the character of God.

In the busyness of the holiday season, Advent invites us to redirect our expectations and priorities, and anchor our hope in the person of Jesus Christ.

As we light the first candle on the Advent wreath, symbolizing hope, remember that Christ is the fulfillment of all God’s promises. In Him, we found the hope of redemption, reconciliation, and restoration. The anticipation of His coming transcends that one single night in Bethlehem; it extends to His continual presence in our lives and the promise of His return.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, as we enter this Advent season, our hearts are drawn to Your eternal Word, Jesus Christ. We marvel at His coming, bringing life and light into our world. In this time of expectation and hope, remind us that the darkness has not, will not, and cannot overcome the light of Christ. Help us to pause, realign our priorities, and focus on Jesus, our last hope. In His name, we pray. Amen

(Especially in Difficult Times)

As you give thanks this holiday, consider reading Genesis 37-45 and reflecting on the truths Joseph’s story teaches us about experiencing God’s blessings, especially in difficult times:

Truth 1: Live with Your Hands Open 

Living with your hands open means not grasping or holding tightly to whatever control you can find, but instead being willing to receive whatever God might give, especially when your circumstances seem impossible.

We see Joseph live with his hands open when he is sold into slavery by his brothers (Gen. 37) and when he is thrown into prison (Gen. 39-40). Both times, he trusts God in his circumstances and God brings blessings through him to others around him.

Truth 2: Don’t Let Authority Change Your Faithfulness 

When Joseph is brought before Pharoah to interpret Pharoah’s dreams, he makes clear “I cannot do it, but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.” (Gen. 41:16)

When we are in a position of influence, let us not forget that every good and perfect gift comes from God. (James 1:17) In humility, we should see these moments as opportunities to bring glory to our Heavenly Father.

Truth 3: Never Compromise 

When Potiphar’s wife tries to seduce Joseph (Gen. 39), he refuses her because it would be “such a wicked thing and sin against God.”

Joseph recognized even small compromises put us at odds with our Creator. In the New Testament, the Apostle James puts it this way: “don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.” (James 4:4)

There will be so many opportunities in this life to compromise when it comes to living out our faith, but stand firm and trust God to provide a way out of temptation.

Truth 4: Choose Forgiveness 

In Genesis 42, Joseph is brought face-to-face with his brothers–the same brothers who sold him into slavery–and understandably struggles with how to respond.  In the end, he chooses forgiveness and not only experiences peace but also reconciliation with his father.

As post-resurrection believers, we should choose forgiveness because Jesus first forgave us and because it allows the Holy Spirit to do a powerful work in us and through us which is the ultimate blessing.

Truth 5: Stop Playing God 

Before ultimately choosing forgiveness, we read in Genesis 42-44 how Joseph makes things difficult for his brothers out of bitterness for what they had done to him. But Genesis 45 hints that this was stressful. Before revealing himself and choosing forgiveness, we read he “could no longer control himself” and “he wept so loudly.”

Holding onto hurt and anger when we’ve been wronged keeps us from living the full, abundant life Jesus died on the cross and rose again for us to experience. By trying to enact vengeance–which Romans 12:19 tells us belongs only to God–we keep ourselves from experiencing the blessings of the Lord.

Truth 6: Your Legacy Matters More Than You Realize 

In Genesis 45, Joseph concludes he must have gone through the hardships of slavery and prison so he could save his family from the famine. There is no way he could see so far into the future, but if he had never forgiven his brothers and invited his family to live with him in Egypt–thereby keeping the family from becoming destitute–the promise God made to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob of salvation through their line (ultimately fulfilled in Jesus) would not have been possible.

Like Joseph’s story, your story is an important part of God’s work in the world.

This Thanksgiving, as you sit around the table with your family and everyone is sharing what they’re grateful for, share the story of how God showed up during a hardship in your life. It will take the conversation deeper, and God can use your answer to bring hope and blessing to someone else’s life.

This post is inspired by part two of Mt. Bethel Church’s “Gratitude” sermon series entitled, “Source of All Blessings” by Matt Lake, Executive Director of NextGen Ministries. 

McDowell County, West Virginia, is one of the poorest counties the United States. Over 31% of residents live below the federal poverty line, the unemployment rate is more than triple the national average, and it holds the highest adult illiteracy rate in the state. 

“Most of the homes there have structural aging, causing them to fail,” shared Greg Arnold. “People live with food insecurities already, meaning they cannot spend money to fix their homes. Floors are falling in, roofs are leaking, leading to all kinds of health issues.” 

“Medical needs are great and there are only a few providers and services,” Spencer Underwood added. 

Greg and Spencer witnessed the poverty of McDowell County first-hand on their recent Thanksgiving Blessings mission trip with seven others from Mt. Bethel Church to Welch, West Virginia, seated in the heart of the county.  

For Greg, this was his seventh mission trip to Welch in the last three years. He said he keeps coming back because of the friendships he and his wife, Marla, have built with the people there. This trip was slightly different from previous trips they have taken to West Virginia in November.  

“In prior years, our church has provided funds for our team to buy, assemble, and distribute Thanksgiving meals to the families in Welch. This year was different because we worked with local churches to provide a community meal,” Greg explained. 

The community meal was hosted in the fellowship hall of a local church. Mt. Bethel Church team members decorated with placemats designed by the kids of our children’s ministry and cooked a delicious Thanksgiving meal with all the sides. Attendance included neighbors from a local government-assisted-housing apartment complex, residents of a local safe house, and members and staff of the two local churches Mt. Bethel Church partnered with for the trip. 

“The people of Welch have a lot of love and laughter to share!” Greg exclaimed, describing the fun had by all in attendance. 

Darlene, a Welch resident Greg and Marla have built a friendship with over the years on their many mission trips, also attended the community meal. 

“She asked us to pray for her diabetes and the impact it’s having on her legs,” Greg shared. “We also were able to pray she would continue to be a witness to her neighbors!” 

In addition to the community meal, Mt. Bethel Church mission team members also delivered food to residents of the local government-assisted-housing apartment complex. Spencer recalls this as being one of the most impactful moments for him on the trip. 

“One mother we delivered food to asked us to pray she and her daughter would move out of the complex…she said she didn’t want her daughter to die there!” (McDowell County has the fifth highest rate of children living in poverty in the nation, per the US Census Bureau.) 

While distributing food and praying with people, Greg was able to visit Ralph, another friend he’s made on his many trips to West Virginia. “He asked me to pray that he would continue to grow closer to God. What an awesome prayer!” 

Mt. Bethel Church’s partnership with the two local churches on this trip is important because while many members of Welch’s community claim belief in Christ, several are not affiliated with a local church and “appear to have no hope,” Spencer said. He added that many he talked and prayed with at the apartment complex shared with him about their struggles with drugs and alcohol and how they “have lost faith in recovery.” 

“I ask my Mt. Bethel family to pray for Pastor Paul of Reclamation Church in Welch, that God would give him strength and guidance as he starts this new church, and that his passion for God’s Word would continue to attract people to Christ,” Spencer pleaded. 

Another difference in this trip from previous trips, according to Greg and Marla, was the work they and other Mt. Bethel Church team members did with Zera House, a new residential facility for survivors of human trafficking. 

“The leader indicated they were the only place in the entire state of West Virginia that does what they do…provide a Christian-based home that allows vulnerable women a place to stay and find God’s purpose in their lives,” Greg disclosed. “We need to pray for their success, even though it is heartbreaking that places like this are necessary.” 

Both Greg and Spencer agree that while they went to West Virginia to be a blessing, they were also blessed by the work God is doing in the lives of the people there. 

“As I celebrate Thanksgiving this year, I will picture those faces in West Virginia and pray they find a meaningful way to celebrate,” Spencer reflected. “[This trip] reminded me of the stark contrast between abundance and struggling for basic need. It also taught me that happiness and joy are not dependent on money and material things.” 

“As I gather my family for Thanksgiving, [this experience helped change] what we see as blessings,” Greg stated. “The people of Welch have different struggles than we do. We always leave Welch feeling loved, not because we brought them a meal, but because we know who they are. They show [me a sense of] community that is sometimes lost in my subdivision of 300+ homes.” 

Thank you, Mt. Bethel Church, for supporting our missional work in Welch, West Virginia, through your tithes and offerings. 

God doesn’t call for us to be grateful because it’s polite. He calls for us to be grateful because it’s good for us, as it is a natural response to our Creator. When we practice gratitude:  

We Experience Spiritual Wholeness (Luke 17:11-19) 

In the story of the Ten Lepers Healed by Jesus, Luke uses the Greek word for “cleansing” in verse 14 to tell us all ten men were physically healed. But to describe the one man who returns to thank Jesus in verse 19, Luke uses the Greek word meaning “wholeness of body, mind & spirit.” Luke is making a distinction that while all ten men experienced physical healing from their disease, only the one who responded by worshiping Christ as Lord experienced spiritual healing. 

Acknowledging what Jesus has done for you–and how that has brought you salvation–is a simple yet profound way to worship Him. Even in the midst of tragedy in this life, it will remind you of your Savior’s great power and love for you. 

We Experience Peace (Philippians 4:4-9) 

In these comforting words written by the Apostle Paul while in prison, he urges believers to praise God through prayer and thanksgiving because that is how he is experiencing peace during his imprisonment. He was so focused on the presence and sovereignty of God, anxiety from his situation couldn’t touch him. 

Sometimes we get so caught up in the size of our problems, we forget our problems are no match for our Heavenly Father. God is often referred to as a refuge in Scripture because when we dwell in His presence, we experience peace even in the chaos of this world.  

It’s Christ’s Will for Us (1 Thessalonians 5:18) 

The Apostle Paul tells us being grateful is actually part of Christ’s plan and purpose for us. We were made to worship our Creator. Our souls find strength and peace when we engage in singing His praises.  

It Gives Us a Kingdom Perspective (Luke 17:20-21) 

Immediately following the story of the ten lepers, Luke writes about the answer Jesus gives the Pharisees when He asked about the coming of the kingdom of God. He responds by declaring “the kingdom is in your midst.”  

So many times, we think about eternity in terms of what happens after we die, but eternity begins the minute we put our faith in Jesus as our Savior. In fact, Jesus’ most famous sermon–the Sermon on the Mount–is all about living as a citizen of heaven while living your earthly life. 

By putting this conversation after the story of healing of the ten lepers, Luke is telling us that the kingdom of God is wherever the people of God are doing what God has created them to do–glorifying Him. 

Worship doesn’t only happen in a church sanctuary on Sunday mornings. It can happen in your car, in your home, at your workplace, at the gym, on vacation, with others, by yourself, etc. A beautiful advantage, for lack of a better word, of being a follower of Christ is that we can meet with Him anytime, anywhere; and Luke is telling us in this passage that we should. 

We drift towards what we focus on. Practicing gratitude will not only grow your personal relationship with your Lord and Savior, but it will also help you see how He is at work in the world around you (and how you can join Him in this work!). 

Rhythms of Gratitude 

As you give thanks for the blessings in your life this Thanksgiving holiday, consider how you can incorporate rhythms of gratitude into your daily life. This may be making a prayer of thanksgiving the first thing you do when you wake up each morning, creating a gratitude worship playlist you can listen to on your drive to work each day, or writing a list of what you’re grateful for in a gratitude journal each night before you go to bed. 

This post is inspired by message one of Mt. Bethel Church’s two-part “Gratitude” sermon series entitled, “The Power of Gratitude,” by Dr. John Freeland. 

During the holiday season at Mt. Bethel Church, we join other believers across the world in observing Advent, a season marked by anticipation, reflection, and hope. But what exactly is Advent, and why do Christians celebrate it?

Advent, which comes from the Latin word adventus meaning “coming” or “arrival,” is a season observed by many Christians as a time of expectant waiting and preparation for both the celebration of Jesus Christ’s birth at Christmas and His anticipated second coming. Advent typically begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, marking the start of the Christian liturgical year. This year, Advent begins on December 1st and runs until Christmas Eve.

The Advent season has rich symbolism, filled with themes of hope, peace, joy, and love. It’s a time to focus on God’s promise to bring light into a world often shadowed by darkness. Each of the four Sundays leading up to Christmas highlights one of these virtues, guiding believers through prayer, reflection, and often the lighting of candles on an Advent wreath.

The Advent wreath itself is a well-known tradition that features four candles-three purple (or blue) and one pink– usually arranged in a circle (representing the eternity of God and the everlasting life available through faith in Christ) around a white fifth candle. Each candle not only represents a specific advent theme, but also has a specific name that represents part of the Christmas story:

• The first purple candle is known as the Prophecy Candle. It signifies the hope of the Savior talked about by the prophets of the Old Testament.
• The second purple candle is called the Bethlehem Candle as it represents peace and readiness. It calls to mind for believers the journey Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem and the peace that Jesus’ birth offers to us.
• The third candle–the Shepherd’s Candle–is pink and celebrates the joy of Christ’s arrival, the joy proclaimed to the shepherds, and the joy we experience as we await His return.
• The fourth candle, colored purple, is known as the Angel’s Candle. It reminds us of the profound message of love declared by the angels on the night of Christ’s birth.
• The center candle is named the Christ Candle because when lit, it symbolizes Jesus, the light of the world, who has come to dwell among us.

Each week, starting with the Prophecy Candle on the fourth Sunday before Christmas and ending with the Christ Candle on Christmas Eve, one additional candle is lit, building anticipation until all four outer candles are glowing.

So, why does Advent matter? In a culture that often rushes through November and December with gift-giving and holiday parties, Advent offers a chance to slow down. It calls us to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas—God’s love, embodied in the arrival of Jesus, which brings hope to all of humanity. Through Advent, Christians are reminded to prepare their hearts, not just their homes, for the holiday season.

Observing Advent can also be a powerful way to share the story of Jesus with friends and family who may not be familiar with its significance. Inviting them to attend Advent services or simply sharing traditions, such as lighting the Advent candles together, can spark meaningful conversations about faith and hope.

This Advent season, take a moment to pause, reflect, and remember the profound love that Christmas celebrates. Advent invites us all to draw near to God and renew our anticipation of His ongoing work in the world.

Mt. Bethel Church observes Advent each Sunday in December. You’re invited to join us for services at 9:30am or 11am ET each Sunday in-person or online. Our staff and several members of our church have also put together this Advent devotional to help you reflect each day during the Advent season.

For families of faith, the holiday season is a special time of worship as we reflect on blessings from the Lord and the hope His arrival as a baby in a manger signifies. But it is also a unique opportunity to live out our calling to share that hope with others.

The Pew Research Center has found that as many as 81% of non-churched Americans celebrate Christmas. While Thanksgiving is a national holiday, the concept of gratitude is a Biblical one–yet many of our neighbors have no understanding that our human desire to give thanks stems from our natural response to praise our Creator.

Here are some ways your family can not only experience Christ this holiday season, but share your experience of Him with others:

1. Invite the Nations to Your Table

The Greater-Atlanta area is home to over forty-thousand people who were born outside the U.S. With over 55 colleges and universities, and several international organizations headquartered in our community, it’s quite possible you might know someone who has never celebrated Thanksgiving. Consider inviting them to join your family’s holiday dinner or your Friendsgiving celebration. One way we can “make disciples of all nations” is by sharing the gospel with the nations as they come here.

2. Share Your Blessings with Others by Giving Back

Singing hymns of praise isn’t the only way to express gratitude for all the Lord has done for you. Serving others in His name out of the abundance He has given you is also worship. Through Mt. Bethel Church’s Missions Partners, you can find ways to answer the call to be ON MISSION 365, including during the holidays. These opportunities include participating in MUST Ministries’ Annual “Gobble Jog” or helping with their holiday toy shop providing Christmas gifts for children in foster care and from low-income families through our Angel Tree project, serving with Kidz2Leaders Hope4Christmas, or by making a year-end donation to our Missions fund–which helps support all nineteen of our partners as well as other missions’ projects throughout the year.

3. Share Encouragement from the Advent Story

Our team has produced an Advent Devotional to help focus your heart on the true meaning of Christmas—Jesus. You can download the full digital version here or subscribe to receive a mobile notification from our app each day, starting December 1! (in the Mt. Bethel Church app on your phone, click your account, find “Notifications” under “App Settings” and make sure the box for “Advent Devotional 2024” is checked). Share what you find insightful from each day’s devotional with your friends and family on social media!

4. Walk Through Bethlehem

Invite your unchurched friends to experience the true Christmas story-come-to-life through our annual Bethlehem Walk. Complete with actors portraying the story of Jesus’ birth, a petting zoo, crafts, and hot chocolate, this event is fun for the whole family!

5. Use Christmas Gifts and Cards to Start Gospel Conversations

Whether it’s by baking cookies for your coworkers, decorating nativity themed ornaments for your friends, or writing a thoughtful Christmas message in a holiday card for a widow in your community, be intentional through acts of kindness to share the message of hope our Savior’s birth brings.

6. Celebrate with Music

Music is a significant part of worship and the holiday season, and our music ministry has produced a couple of resources to help make your holiday special. Bring your family to our Christmas Worship Celebration for a night of wonderful music that will focus your heart on the true reason for the season–Jesus. You can also add our music ministry’s worship album, “Brilliance,” featuring both classics and original songs, to your holiday playlist on Apple, Spotify or Amazon!

7. Worship with the Body of Christ on Christmas Eve

There’s something special about gathering with other believers to reflect on the hope our Savior brings. You are invited to join Mt. Bethel Church on December 24 for one of our Christmas Eve services. Make it extra special by inviting an unchurched friend or family member to join you!

In this blog series, we’ve extensively discussed that revival begins in individual believers first. But how do you know you’re experiencing revival? 

The answer is by living a Spirit-filled life. 

What is a Spirit-Filled Life? 

 A Spirit-filled life isn’t marked by emotional highs, speaking in tongues, or sinless perfection. It doesn’t give us immunity from temptation either. Rather, this life is marked by a quiet confidence, steady growth, and a heart turned fully toward Jesus. 

To live a Spirit-filled life means to pursue a love-centered relationship with Jesus so deeply that your love for Him and His love for you compels change in your attitude and actions. 

 In John 14:15, Jesus describes this journey as one founded on love: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” The word “keep” here means to treasure or hold something precious, and it shows us that true obedience flows from valuing Christ above all else. 

This love relationship with Jesus changes everything. When He lives in our hearts, our desires transform—worship is no longer a routine; it becomes a joy. Reading Scripture is less about fulfilling an obligation and more about a genuine desire to connect with our Creator. Faith in Jesus isn’t about adhering to a set of rules or striving to improve ourselves. Instead, it’s a life of abiding in Him and letting His Spirit work within us. 

In fact, Jesus continues in verses 16-17 by promising the Holy Spirit as a helper to all who love Him. We can’t live a holy life on our own merit, but we’ve been given the power—through the Spirit—to live the abundant life that God desires for us and has perfectly designed us to experience. 

When we live this way, forgiveness, love, and obedience become natural outflows of the Spirit’s work in us. Forgiveness, for example, isn’t a feeling we manufacture—it’s a gift of the Spirit moving through us, empowering us to extend grace even when it feels impossible. 

The Spirit-filled life is not a destination but the ongoing, beautiful work of God within us.

The Spirit-filled life, then, is not a destination but the ongoing, beautiful work of God within us. As we yield to Him, He revives our hearts, shaping our actions and our relationships, and gradually transforms the world around us. This is revival: the quiet, steady growth that starts within and moves outward, touching everyone we encounter. Let us be faithful to follow Jesus, holding fast to Him in love, and allowing His Spirit to make His presence known—first in us, and then through us. 

This post is inspired by the sixth and final message of Mt. Bethel Church’s “Awakening” sermon series, entitled “Living a Spirit-Filled Life,” by Dr. Jody Ray.  

In this blog series, we’ve reviewed  how revival comes when we wholeheartedly seek Jesus as Lord of our lives. Today, we’re exploring how seeking Him through His Word brings revival.

The Role of Scripture in Revival

Scripture is to our souls as kindling is to a fire.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 says “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

Just as God breathed physical life into Adam (Genesis 2), His Word breathes spiritual life into us.

Just as God breathed physical life into Adam, His Word breathes spiritual life into us.

We don’t have to wonder what God would say to us because He’s given us the Scriptures to tell us. This is not to say He doesn’t still speak to people or to discount the Holy Spirit’s promptings. But you will never hear His voice or feel His Spirit guide you towards something that is contrary to what Scripture says.

His truth–the Truth–will always lead you closer to Him and His will.

How Scripture Leads to Revival in You 

We crave revival because we look around us and recognize something needs to change. Before our families and communities can change, however, we must change first. Consider the “problem” areas of your life. Align these areas with Scripture, and you’ll see how God is guiding you to modify your actions and attitudes in these areas.

Spending consistent time in His Word is like spending time with a friend. Your relationship with Him will grow not only because of what each of you says, but because of the quality time you’re spending in His presence. The more time you spend engaging in Scripture, the more you’ll learn to recognize His voice, and the more like Him you will become.

To go back to 2 Timothy 3:16, His Word will teach you so you know what righteousness looks like. The Holy Spirit will use His Word to rebuke you, so you are convicted in areas where your life does not align with His will. Scripture will correct your actions and attitudes by showing you His way over your own. It also trains us to live out His purpose for our lives.

How Scripture Leads to Revival Around You 

In 2 Chronicles 34, when King Josiah takes the throne, the nation of Israel is a mess.

The people have abandoned their covenant with God, are worshiping false idols, and are struggling as a result.

This happened because they neglected Scripture. In verse 14, as Hilkiah the Priest is overseeing work to restore the temple at King Josiah’s request, he finds “the Book of the Law of the Lord that had been given through Moses.” In other words, the people of Israel had lost God’s Word.

When we our lives with His Word, everything changes.

When we neglect spending time in Scripture, we, too, become at-risk of forsaking the abundant life God promised to us through salvation. We start to take control of our own lives rather than surrendering to Him. We begin pursuing things we convince ourselves will bring us satisfaction, but they only leave us empty…until we come back to God and His Word.

As we align our lives with His Word, everything changes.

2 Chronicles 34 continues by telling us King Josiah and Hilkiah the Priest, having found the Book of the Law of Moses, began reading it over the people of Israel. As people heard the Word of God, they abandoned their idols and turned back to the covenant with the One True God.

The chapter ends with verse 33, which says as long as Josiah lived, the people “did not fail to follow the Lord, the God of their ancestors.”

Spend time in God’s Word. Align your life by what it says. It will lead you to lead others,  and that’s how change in your family, community, and in our nation will come.

This post is inspired by message five of our “Awakening” sermon series entitled, “Reviving God’s Word” by Dr. Jody Ray. To help you spend regular time in God’s Word, we offer weekly, pastor-led Bible studies for both men (Mondays from 7:30am-9am ET in person) and women (Wednesdays at 10am-11:30am ET in-person and streamed online) you can join at any time.

True revival—both personal and communal—begins with a surrendered heart. Galatians 2:19-21 challenges us to recognize that the first step toward change in our communities and nation is our own transformation. “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.” When we embrace Jesus not only as Savior but as Lord, we initiate a revival that can ripple out into our world. 

It’s in this surrender that we experience a personal revival—one that realigns us with God’s heart and shapes us to live out His purpose daily. When we truly grasp what it means for Jesus to be Lord of our lives, everything changes: 

• The requests we make in our prayers become less about hopeful wishes and more about depending on Him for provision not just for our physical needs but for our spiritual endurance and growth 
• Forgiveness of those who’ve hurt us becomes possible because we’ve been forgiven 
• The stress of “will I have enough” is replaced with the peace of “God is sovereign and will provide for my daily needs” 
• The love we share with others becomes deeper and wider because we’re empowered by the love our Heavenly Father lavishes on us 
• The shame and worry that comes with thoughts of “am I worth it” is replaced by the assurance of His unfailing, unending grace 
• We begin to see things and people around us the way God sees them because we’ve been given a new kingdom perspective 

When we choose the path of surrender, we find the strength to live counterculturally—prioritizing others, investing in God’s Kingdom, and making sacrifices that mirror Christ’s love. As we follow Him, we model a life that inspires change around us. 

When we allow God to transform our hearts, He will use us to bring transformation to our communities. True revival spreads outward, touching lives and inspiring others. It starts within us, one heart at a time. 

his post is inspired by message four of our “Awakening” sermon series, entitled “Surrendering to His Lordship” by Dr. Jody Ray. 

What is the greatest need in our country today? Vance Havner, evangelist and author of “The Secret of Christian Joy” once said, “The greatest need of America is an old-fashioned, heaven-born, God-sent revival.”

This kind of revival isn’t about emotional meetings or momentary inspiration. According to 2 Corinthians 3:16-18, it’s a transformative movement of the Holy Spirit that starts in the Church and spreads outward.

What is Revival? 

Revival is a dramatic increase in spiritual life among God’s people, accompanied by a deep awareness of His presence, intensified prayer, conviction of sin, and a passionate desire for holiness. True revival isn’t sparked by social change or political reform, but by the Church–individual believers–turning back to God.

How Does Revival Happen? 

In 2 Corinthians 3:16, Paul writes, “Whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.” This references the veil that Moses wore after encountering God’s glory in Exodus. Today, we all have veils—distractions and sin that keep us from seeing God clearly. Revival begins when we turn to the Lord in repentance, and He removes the veil, allowing us to experience His Spirit.

This act of turning is crucial. It’s our responsibility to shift our focus to God, and when we do, He meets us there, removing whatever is blocking our view of Him. It’s not just a momentary glance; it’s a deliberate, ongoing turning of our hearts toward Him.

The Freedom of the Spirit 

Verse 17 declares, “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” This isn’t just freedom from sin; it’s freedom to live as God intended: abundantly. (John 10:10) When the veil is lifted, we are no longer bound by fear, insecurity, or selfishness. Instead, we’re free to love more deeply, live more boldly, and reflect God’s glory by allowing Him to transform our attitudes and actions.

We Drift Towards What We Focus On 

In verse 18, Paul reminds us that as we contemplate (the Greek word here means both to ponder on and reflection of) the Lord’s glory, we are “transformed into His image.” In other words, we become what we behold. If we fix our eyes on Jesus, we begin to reflect His character and love. Like a NASCAR driver who focuses on what’s ahead, we must fix our eyes on Christ and trust the Holy Spirit—our spotter—to keep us on course. Looking left or right only leads to distraction and danger.

What America Needs 

It’s not this candidate or that candidate, it’s a gospel-centered movement. And it starts with the Church getting on their knees, turning away from the sins of our culture, seeking the Lord, and interceding on behalf of our communities.

When we focus on God’s glory, His glory shines down on us and into the lives of those around us.

America needs to know true freedom doesn’t come from a bill of rights, public policy, or the right person elected as president. It comes from dwelling in the Spirit of the Lord. But the only way our fellow countrymen and women are going to learn this is if we, as believers, are living it.

This post is inspired by message three of our “Awakening” sermon series, entitled “Lifting the Veil” by Dr. Jody Ray.

In Jeremiah 29:11-14, we find a promise from the Lord that even when it seems evil has conquered and scattered us, revival is possible. His words to the people of Israel back then give us insight into the ingredients for spiritual awakening.

The Shift: Worldly Desires to Godly Passions 

We often link revival to places or great leaders associated with previous movements of God, but the only thing revival is actually linked to is a deep, personal desire for the Lord.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Verse 11, while encouraging on its own, has a more specific meaning when placed in its original context. The people of Israel have broken their covenant with God again and again by choosing idol worship over Him, and now they must face the consequences. The Babylonians are at their borders and Israel is out of time and resources.

We often link revival to places or great leaders associated with previous movements of God, but the only thing revival is actually linked to is a deep, personal desire for the Lord. 

Even though the Lord is using the Babylonian conquest to carry out judgement for Israel’s unfaithfulness, He delivers this message of hope through the Prophet Jeremiah, beginning with reaffirming His love for and sovereignty over His people.

What verse 11 teaches us about revival is this: God’s plan for our lives is better than anything this world has to offer, and we must shift our personal desires for His purpose. 

All humans have desires, and the world feeds off of our longings. The problem is that this world is passing away and can only provide us with temporary satisfaction. Not only that, but this temporary satisfaction also often comes with consequences

But what the Lord offers us is eternal. We must trust in Him over our own plans for success, security, and survival.

The Seek: A Whole-Hearted Pursuit 

Trusting in God’s desires for us over our own means pursuing Him.

In verses 12-13, the Lord references this pursuit as Jeremiah continues delivering His message of hope about the punishment Israel is about to experience, saying:

“Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”

What the Lord is saying to the people of Israel here is: you’re being captured and scattered by the Babylonians because you desired to worship and serve other gods when you made a covenant to only worship Me. When you turn from this sin and worship and serve Me only, that’s when your situation will change.

He’s saying the same to us. In Matthew 6:33, Jesus tells us to seek God’s kingdom first and “all these things will be added unto you.”

If we want revival, we have to seek the Lord first in all areas of our lives. This means tithing the first ten percent of our income not because He’s told us to but because it demonstrates our trust in Him for provision. This means prioritizing weekly church attendance not because it’s expected by others but because it forces us to orient our weekly schedules around worshipping Him. It means consistently, intentionally meeting with Him through the study of His Word and through prayer because you care about what He has to say to you like you care about what a close friend tells you. It means obeying what He tells you to do even when it makes you uncomfortable because you trust His sovereignty over your life.

The Promise: God’s Guarantee 

When we seek the Lord with our whole hearts, He promises we will experience Him.

“I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.” Jeremiah 29:14

If you really want to experience revival in your community, it has to take place in the sanctuary of your own soul first. When that happens, it will overflow from you into others.

When we seek the Lord with our whole hearts, He promises we will experience Him.

This post is inspired by message two of our “Awakening” sermon series: “Desiring God” by Dr. Jody Ray.

Having “the talks” isn’t easy for anyone.

“You’re going to feel awkward. You’re going to be uncomfortable. Every parent who has come before you felt awkward and uncomfortable,” says Barrett Johnson, author and founder of INFO for Families.

But having “the talks’, as Barrett puts it because it should be more than a one-and-done conversation, is an important part of guiding your children as they grow into who God has planned for them to be.

Here are 7 guidelines Barrett shared with host Matt Lake on the TALKITUP podcast about having these critical conversations:

1. Get Prayed Up

“Ultimately what God wants us to do is look to Him for guidance and support,” Barrett explained. “If He had given us a checklist for parenting, we would follow the checklist and never talk to Him.”

In fact, we’ve called these 7 suggestions guidelines, but they are by no means a checklist for perfect parenting. Every child, every parent, and every situation is different. Success–as relevant as the term is–depends on God’s guidance and grace.

2. Dads Talk to Sons; Moms Talk to Daughters

This isn’t to say dads should never talk about these things with their daughters, moms should never talk about them with their sons, or single parents have their hands tied. However, because of the link between gender and sex, moms have a unique perspective relevant to their daughters while fathers have a unique perspective relevant to their sons. Therefore, the same gender parent should be the one to lead the conversation, while the opposite gender parent plays a more supportive role.

3. Create Milestone Events to Engage Conversations

“I’m not saying invite all your friends and family for a pool party,” Barrett clarified. “But something we did with our kids was when they were about ten years old, we took them for a weekend getaway in Colorado where we went hiking and white-water rafting and had critical conversations in between.”

4. Practice Before You Preach

To help you prepare, run what you plan to say to your kids by your spouse or a trusted friend before you have the conversation.

5. Keep It Age Appropriate

With the hypersexuality of our culture, the age of when parents should be initiating these types of conversations with their kids is younger than ever. However, there are still details that younger children aren’t mature enough to grasp.

6. Ask for a Response

This isn’t just to give your children an opportunity to ask for clarity, but also to help with retention.

7. Put Everything in the Right Context

As families of faith, “the right context” means “the Biblical context.” Your children not only need to know you’re a safe person to come to with questions, but that the values of your household are built on Jesus–the only Truth and Way.

They need to understand their identity, gender, and sexuality comes from God, not anything the world has to offer.

You can learn more from Barrett about having critical conversations with your kids by tuning into “Episode 4: Critical Conversations” of the TALKITUP podcast below or on your favorite podcast platform.

From October 30,2024 – November 20,2024, Barrett Johnson will be leading a Bible study for parents at Mt. Bethel Church called “Guiding Your Kids to a Faith that Lasts.” Find details and register here.

When we look around our society and culture, it’s not hard to see the need for hope. As believers, we know that hope has a name: Jesus, and we long for a move of the Holy Spirit that our neighbors would know this hope too.

That move of the Spirit we long for–a profound spiritual awakening that comes from a massive turning to God which brings about a visible transformation in individuals and communities–is called revival.

How do we bring about revival? Here are three deceptions from Satan about revival that believers often fall for, along with three truths you need to know about great spiritual awakenings:

Lie 1: The World Needs Revival, but We Don’t  

Truth: Revival Doesn’t Happen To Us, It Happens In Us

Before our communities can experience a spiritual awakening, we must first awaken to the power and will of the Holy Spirit in our own lives. Revival demands and empowers a desperate pursuit of God.

In the story of Luke 19:1-10, Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus so badly, he climbed into a Sycamore tree just to get a glimpse of Him. Jesus saw him in that tree, called Zacchaeus to Himself, then spent time with Zacchaeus at his house. Zacchaeus’ time with Jesus resulted in a character transformation in him: he sought forgiveness for his sins, gave half his possessions to the poor, and returned four-times the money he had been stealing as a tax collector to the people he stole from.

Every great move of God in the last 300 years started with prayer.

Pursuing God means spending time with Him through His Word and through Prayer, which results in our own transformation as we become more like Him.

Every great move of God in the last 300 years started with prayer:

• The Great Awakening (1730s-1740s) began after Jonathan Edwards wrote to other pastors urging them to “Be much in prayer and fasting, both in secret and with one another.”
• The Second Great Awakening (1790s-1840s) was catalyzed by prayer meetings, with many dedicating themselves to intercession for specific communities or individuals.
• The Welsh Revival (1904-1905) is credited to the “prayer battalions” who interceded passionately for God to move in the United Kingdom during this time.
• The Azusa Street Revival (1906-1915) started as a result of William J. Seymour gathering with others for extended prayer meetings.
• The Jesus Movement (1960s-70s) is believed to have been successful because it compelled individuals to gather in small groups to pray for the salvation of their peers.

What if the reason our community isn’t experiencing revival is because we’re not praying for it?

Lie 2: Revival is “Fun” 

Truth: Revival Requires Self-Denial and Comes with a Personal Cost

Great moves of God are exciting, but they require for us to get out of His way. If we’re desperately seeking God and His will, we must seek Him above everything else. This means putting Him above our desire for career success, financial wealth, personal security and comfort, our families, etc.

In Matthew 16:24-26, “Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?”

Do you align the priorities of your life by God, or are you just squeezing Him into wherever you can find space for Him? Perhaps we’re not experiencing revival because we don’t want to risk the potential discomfort of speaking about and living out Jesus’ truth in our lives in front of our neighbors.

Your pursuit of God will cost you something. But what it costs you on this earth is nothing compared to the rewards of spending eternity with Him.

Lie 3: Revival Happens in a Church Building or Geographical Location 

Truth: Revival Happens Where the Holy Spirit Moves

We’ve already established that before our communities can experience a move of the Spirit, individuals must be willing to move with the Spirit.

What are you willing to do for your community to see revival? Are you willing to join the Holy Spirit in intercession? Are you willing to join how He’s currently at work in the hearts of others by sharing your faith with them, even if it means sacrificing comfort or security?

Practical Tip: begin with committed, consistent prayer. Pick a person or community who needs the Lord and commit to praying for them at the same time every day.  Find more prayer opportunities and resources here.

This post is inspired by message one of our “Awakening” sermon series: “Seeing the Need for Revival” by Dr. John Freeland. 

My dad was not a wealthy man. In fact, he would most likely be classified as poor; but he taught me that we must care for those who are in need. He not only talked a good talk, but he put it into practice many times as I was growing up. In Matthew 6, Jesus talks about giving to the needy. He said, “So, when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.”

I can truthfully say that Mt. Bethel Church follows the Scripture when it comes to giving to those who are in need. A few months ago, one of our members became very ill and has now been in the hospital for four months. As a result, they have not been able to work.

Our Care Team knew of the problems facing this person because one of the pastors had asked the individual if there was any need. We learned there was a great need; the person had a house payment, utilities, insurance, and all the expenses that go along with being a homeowner. Word of this member’s need was shared, and several people began to contribute to the Compassion Fund to help cover the person’s expenses. Through the generosity of other members, this member was able to focus on their health without the worries of how their financial obligations would be met.

We are a great community that has been blessed economically and spiritually. God has given us a trust, a blessing from His hands. Paul reminded us in 1 Corinthians 4:2, “Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.” Our trust is in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, but it also includes our resources. Remember, we are called to give our all to Him and His purposes. It is also required we be faithful and to love others as He has loved us.

I visited the person recently, and they commented to me how blessed they feel to be part of a caring community that came to their aid at a critical time. This individual wanted some printed material from the church so they could share their community of faith with those who were ministering to them.

“For God so love the world that He gave…” This is the challenge for us as His disciples. Give yourself to those who are hurting, those who are in physical and spiritual need, and those who are alone and need a friend. May God bless us as we do His work in the community and the world.

We are indeed a community of very blessed people.

You can give to the Compassion Fund at the altar on Communion Sunday (first Sunday of the month) or by giving online here (select Compassion Fund).

A recent study from Gallup found that “8 in 10 parents of Gen Zers say they “often” or “very often” worry about at least one aspect of their child’s life, and 41% say they often worry about multiple areas… The leading sources of parents’ worry include their child’s plans for the future (42%), mental health (40%), experiences at school (40%), physical safety (40%), and experiences on social media (39%).”

It’s normal for parents to worry about their children. And in today’s ever-changing culture, where millions of choices of content are not only readily available at the touch of our fingerprints but are constantly being pushed at consumers at a rate never-before encountered, it’s reasonable for today’s parents to be concerned they aren’t equipped to prepare their children well for living on their own.

“There are so many things today’s kids have to deal with; all kinds of depression, sadness, addiction, sexual promiscuity, etc.,” commented Dr. Jody Ray, Lead Pastor of Mt. Bethel Church, on a recent episode of the “TalkItUp” podcast.

He joined Matt Lake, podcast host and Mt. Bethel Church’s Executive Director of NextGen Ministries, for a discussion on why and how parents can be the spiritual leaders in their homes.

Both men agreed the best way parents can prepare their children for facing today’s culture is by instilling in them a firm foundation of faith in Jesus Christ.

“There’s many different truths they can attach themselves to and ways they can go,” Matt noted. “But scripture is clear: Jesus is the Way and the Truth.” Unlike the ever-changing truths of the world, Jesus never changes, he added.

“If you’re not teaching them [about Jesus], they can get lost in all that culture’s throwing at them.”

“If you’re not teaching your children about Jesus, they can get lost in all that culture’s throwing at them.” 

Jody went on to use the parable of the house built on sand and the house built on rock found in Matthew 7:24-27, comparing the truth of the Bible to the strong foundation of the house built on the rock, enabling it to withstand the wind and rain.

Building a firm foundation of faith for your children requires parents to take their role seriously as the spiritual leaders in their household by establishing rhythms into their family’s routine that demonstrate for their kids what a personal relationship with the Lord looks like.

This includes activities like prioritizing going to church as a family on Sundays, taking communion as a family on Monday mornings, and engaging your children in conversations about life and faith while you build a relationship with them through doing their favorite activities with them.

“There is no greater responsibility of parents than that of being the spiritual leaders for their kids,” stated Jody.

You can learn more about being the spiritual leader in your home by tuning into episode 10 below or on your favorite podcast platform.

Spiritual Leadership: guiding and nurturing others in a way that leads them to a deeper, more intimate relationship with Jesus.  

Throughout this blog series, we’ve established that parents especially have a unique obligation to lead their children spiritually. That’s why it’s important for moms and dads to ensure their priorities of their household are aligned properly, seek God in times of trouble, and pass the faith on to their children.

But spiritual leadership isn’t just a calling for believers who have children. It’s a role all disciples of Christ are called to do.

Marching Orders 

The ultimate test of spiritual leadership is the moment when the follower becomes the leader. We find this moment for Jesus’ original twelve disciples in Matthew 28:18-20:

“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” 

This passage is called The Great Commission. After Jesus had fulfilled what He’d come to earth to do–die on the cross for our sins and rise again–He gives a final address to His disciples before ascending back to heaven: a simple command for how He wanted them to respond to their time with Him.

We’re a part of the ongoing story of God’s work in the world, so like His original call to “Follow Him” in Matthew 4:18-20 wasn’t only for the original twelve, these words are our marching orders too.

We’re a part of the ongoing story of God’s work in the world.

First, He establishes His authority. He is Lord over heaven and of earth. And as His followers, He’s Lord over us. The word “therefore” in verse 19 signals that what follows is the response to His Lordship over our lives.

Then, He tells us what to do and how to do it: make disciples. In the original Greek, the only verb in the entire Great Commission is the word for “make.” Everything else describes this command.

When and where? “Go” or as some translations put it, “as you go,” + “of all nations” implies we are to make disciples of everyone we meet. Discipleship is meant to be done through personal relationships in our daily lives.

How? By “baptizing them and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”  As we spend more time with Him through His Word, as we learn more about His character and truth, we are to share about Him with others.

And finally, He promised he would be “with them always.” His authority–from which came the power to do miracles like turning water to wine and raising people from the dead–is with us as we make disciples.

Discipleship is meant to be done through personal relationships in our daily lives. 

Not only that, but Jesus wasn’t asking them (and by extension, us) to do anything He hadn’t already done Himself. While the gospel accounts record times where He taught to crowds, most of His teaching was to the twelve men He called to personal relationship with Him. As He did life with them, He taught them how life in the kingdom of God should look through His actions and teachings.

How Will They Know if We Don’t Tell Them? 

As we continue reading the New Testament, we see these twelve men each go out and, just like Jesus had discipled them, they discipled others. Within a few years Jesus’ death, resurrection and ascension, new churches sharing His story and teachings were popping up throughout the Roman Empire. Entire communities were transformed because of these men’s discipleship.

The world outside our church and homes is spiritually lost and dying. The problems our society is facing today is because disciples aren’t doing what they’ve been charged by Jesus to do: make disciples. How can we expect our communities to honor God if we’ve not done our duty to teach them what that means and why it’s important?

Here’s another question for you: who are you discipling? With whom are you sharing what you’re learning as you grow in your faith? If you don’t have an answer to these questions, you’re not living out the call Jesus has given you.

As you live your life:

• See yourself as a disciple-maker
• Look for opportunities to disciple those around you
• Always be thinking about multiplication
• Pray for the spread of the gospel through discipleship

This post is inspired by the final message of our “God’s Design: The Family Code” sermon series entitled, “Marching Orders” by Pastor Jody Ray. You can dive deeper into spiritual leadership by using the study guide we’ve produced for this series. Submit your email here to receive a free eBook version to your inbox.

In August 2024, Mt. Bethel Church sent our Director of Digital Discipleship, Elaine Friedrich, to Costa Rica with our missions partners, International Leadership Institute (ILI). One way ILI shares the gospel with the nations is through their History Makers Conference, which they host through local churches and seminaries in various cities around the world. Below is Elaine’s account of her experience teaching at one of these conferences:

My sixth trip to Costa Rica was my best trip to Costa Rica! I was able to reconnect with individuals that I have known for 40 years as well as meet many new people to build even more connections with my Costa Rican friends.

As I landed in San Jose, I remembered the many times Mt. Bethel has sent teams to work alongside our Costa Rican friends to help them spread the gospel throughout the country. Since Mt. Bethel has been very involved in Costa Rica over the years, some of these individuals and places will be very familiar to many of you!

My first evening I was reunited with Bishop Luis Palomo from the Costa Rican Methodist Church. He and I were in seminary together and were able to catch up over dinner on what was happening in the Methodist church in Costa Rica.

Ray and Lidia Zirkel, son and daughter-in-law of my childhood pastor in Texas, joined us for dinner. Ray teaches at the Methodist Seminary and works with about 30 teams that come from the States to help them build churches, medical care facilities, and specific projects at the children’s home. Lidia started the Methodist Children’s Home in 2006.

The primary reason I went to Costa Rica was to assist our ministry partner, International Leadership Institute (ILI), in teaching sessions from their History Makers Journey, a course required for all students at the Methodist Seminary. The History Makers leadership development curriculum is about equipping leaders to spread the gospel. I was honored to lead four sessions: Servant Leadership, Goal Setting, Multiplication through Coaching, and Journaling. There were 29 people in person at the conference center and 60 people online.

Although ILI provided a translator for me, God had another plan!

Standing in line for dinner one evening, a gentleman asked a question and instead of answering in Spanish, I answered in German! (German is my go-to language when it’s not English.) Claudiu, the man who asked the question, then became my translator. He was born in Romania, spoke fluent German and English, moved to Spain when he was in high school, met his wife online, and moved to Costa Rica. Talk about an around-the-world experience! Only God!

The concept behind ILI’s History Makers course is that it be multiplied by sharing to other individuals. Claudiu, my interpreter, is working with 240 churches where he will teach the curriculum to groups. After completing the course, the idea is for the curriculum to be taught to groups wherever and whenever the opportunity presents itself.

After the four-day conference was over, I had a day free. I reconnected with many of my friends in Costa Rica and was able to visit the Methodist Children’s Home, the Methodist School, and the Methodist Seminary. It had been 10 years since I’d been to the Methodist Children’s Home, and a lot of work teams have come through the years to improve the buildings and make it a home for the 52 children that live there, included their newest resident – an 18-day-old baby!

The Methodist school provides instruction in four languages – Spanish, English, French, and Mandarin. It’s known in the country as being one of the best private schools in Costa Rica.

At the Methodist Seminary, I saw a very different seminary model than that of the States. All seminary students are also full-time pastors in churches. They meet for a few days every month to study at the seminary and spend the rest of their time in their local church. It is at this location where many of the women of Mt. Bethel have helped Bishop Palomo’s wife, Zulay, with a national women’s conference.

There were a number of young pastors under age 35 at the conference which gave me great hope for the future of the Gospel in Costa Rica! In addition, the joy I felt and heard in the voices of the Costa Rican people as they sang in worship was contagious! Without written words, it was clear the words were written on their hearts and minds. Throughout these connections was the commitment of the Costa Ricans to following Jesus.

My hope is that Mt. Bethel continues to grow in our partnership with the Methodist Church in Costa Rica to help build their ministries and encourage them as we walk alongside them in reaching men, women, and children for Christ!

You can learn more about International Leadership Institute (ILI) and their History Makers Conferences by attending Mt. Bethel Church’s annual missions dinner. 

In this series, we’ve been looking at what it means to be a spiritual leader. While so much of our focus has been on parents leading their families, this blog aims to speak to all believers, because we’ve all been called to lead those around us closer to Jesus.

You Can’t Lead Others on a Path You’re Not Walking

To be a good leader–whether in your home, at your work, to your friends, etc.–you must know where it is you’re leading others. Faith journeys are the same. Good leaders must first be committed followers.

Jesus, who calls us into spiritual leadership through the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20), never commands us to do something He Himself didn’t model for us. Which brings us to our basis for this blog: before He sent us out to be spiritual leaders, He called us to follow Him.

What We Can Learn From the Call Jesus Gives His Disciples  

In Matthew 4:18-22, we read about Jesus calling His first disciples. Here’s what we, as His disciples today, can learn about our roles as spiritual leaders from this passage:

Jesus sees our potential where we see our shortcomings.

Verse 18 tells us this scene takes place along the Sea of Galilee, a lake that both back then and today is a hub for a competitive fishing industry. Historians estimate that on any given day, there would have been up to two-hundred-and-fifty fishing boats out in the water. This means that to see Simon and Andrew, then James and John, Jesus would have been looking (from shore!) through many different ships and fishermen.

Not only did He see these men out of a sea of fishermen (pardon our pun), but we also know from history that at least Simon Peter and Andrew were a part of a successful family fishing business. With such a legacy and considering these men had little-to-no religious training, it’s fair to say these men weren’t qualified to be the leaders of the Early Church movement and even had reason to refuse Jesus’ call. Yet these are first two men He calls to be His disciples.

As we follow the gospel story and the accounts of the Early Church, we see how these men grow into incredible spiritual leaders. But this growth started with Jesus seeing them not just for who they were, but for who they would become. He sees our flaws and potential too and calls us to follow Him.

Jesus calls us to Himself first.

In verse 19, we see Jesus call Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John to first follow Him before telling them what He will be leading. Likewise, He’s called us into a relationship with Him before He’s called us to do anything for Him. Consider how many intimate moments you’re spending with Him versus doing things for Him.

Following Jesus is a process.

The words, “and I will make you” in verse 19 imply a process to endure. We become what we give our attention to. The more time we spend with Him, the more we become like Him.

This process is called sanctification. As we get to know Jesus more, His kindness convicts us to change our attitudes and behaviors to reflect His character. (Romans 2:4) Like our physical growth in life comes with growing pains, our spiritual growth isn’t without suffering. But even as we endure the pain of refinement, we can have hope because we know He is redeeming our broken pieces and turning our shortcomings into the potential He saw in us when He called us.

Committed Followers Become Good Leaders 

We see Simon Peter and Andrew in verse 20, then James and John in verse 22, drop everything and immediately follow Jesus. Then, as we continue to read the New Testament, we see their time with Jesus not only radically changed their lives, but the world as well. Likewise, your relationship with Jesus should be so impactful on a personal level, it impacts your relationship with others as well.

This post is inspired by message five of our “God’s Design: The Family Code” sermon series entitled, “Follow Me” by Pastor Gaylyn Kelly. You can dive deeper into what it looks like to lead your family well by using the study guide we’ve produced for this series. Submit your email here to receive a free eBook version to your inbox.

“Go on mission if you want to witness something remarkable.”

This is what Walt Davis had to say when he returned from a mission trip to Ecuador with 8 others from Mt. Bethel Church in July 2024.

He felt compelled to go on a mission trip while attending our Men’s Monday Morning Bible Study with Pastors Jody Ray and John Freeland.

The team of 9 from Mt. Bethel Church who traveled to Ecuador to serve with S.I.F.A.T. in July 2024. Walt Davis is the first man on the left of the back row.

“We read the gospels in Bible study and talked about going out to share our faith,” Walt explained.

It was John Williams, Mt. Bethel Church’s Director of Missions, who encouraged Walt to put what he was learning into practice by going to Ecuador to serve with Servants in Faith and Technology (S.I.F.A.T.)–one of our church’s Missions Partners.

The Center of the World 

The nation of Ecuador claims to be “the center of the world.”

“They have a sink there set up on the Equator Line where water flows straight through the drain,” explained Walt. “But when they move the same sink two feet into the northern hemisphere, the water circles counterclockwise around the drain. When they move the sink two feet into the southern hemisphere, it circles clockwise.”

But more impressive than the direction of the water, Walt said, is the need.

“The country is extremely poor, and many people are sick.” From talking with Ecuadorians, Walt learned it can take months or sometimes up to a year to see a doctor or get medication.

“We saw these majestic views of these snow-capped mountains and volcanos and at the bottom of the hills would be all these impoverished people.” Several of the homes Walt and Mt. Bethel’s team visited while praying with local families didn’t have electricity or clean water.

S.I.F.A.T. partnered Mt. Bethel’s team with a local church that focuses much of their of their ministry efforts on families because families in Ecuador are desperate to give their children a better life, Walt observed.

“All they want is for their children to be fed and have clean water and to be educated. They’re hoping to give their kids a better life than drugs and violence, but they can’t do it on their own. They don’t have the resources.”

Walt Davis teaching during VBS at a local church in Ecuador. Over 60 kids attended and heard the gospel message from Mt. Bethel Church’s mission team.

The Remarkable Work of the Holy Spirit 

The first remarkable thing Walt witnessed on his trip was the faith of local believers. Despite living in extreme poverty, Christian brothers and sisters in Ecuador have a captivating “energy and emotion and love for the Lord.”

“Unlike here in the States where we have so many distractions and it’s so easy for Jesus to take a back seat,” Walt reflected, “their whole world is survival. They don’t know where their next meal is going to come from. They don’t even know if they’ll have a next meal. But they give Him the front seat.”

However, the most remarkable thing Walt experienced was the work of the Holy Spirit.

On the last day, Mt. Bethel’s team helped the local church they were working with host a parade in their community. During this parade, Walt helped pass out over 200 gospel tracts (a brief explanation of the Gospel.)

“I don’t know any Spanish,” Walt admitted. “But they taught me to say ‘dios te ama’ which means ‘God loves you’ as I passed out the tracts. I walked into this one little shop and handed the woman working the counter a tract and said ‘dios te ama,’ and she immediately started speaking Spanish back to me.”

Walt recalls the woman’s reaction intimidated him. He ran back to the door of the shop to see if the pastor of the local church he was working with was around to speak to the lady, but she caught up to him with her daughter.

“Her daughter explained she spoke English and that her mother wanted to know what this ‘dios te amo’ business was all about. I told the daughter to hold on while I went and got the local pastor, who was a little further up the path.”

The pastor came into the shop and talked with the woman about the tract and about his church. After hearing about God, the woman wanted to know where the church was so she could bring her children to services the following Sunday.

“If her daughter hadn’t spoke English, I don’t know how it would have worked out,” Walt exclaimed. He believes this was the Holy Spirit at work.

“There is no greater feeling than having the Holy Spirit work through you.”

Walt Davis

Later that day, at the end of the parade route, Mt. Bethel’s mission team hosted an outdoor worship service where Pastor John Freeland directed a skit which explained the gospel story. Walt was asked to play the part of Jesus while Terry Frierson, another team member, played the part of Satan.

Eight people responded to the skit by professing faith in Christ.

“I’m not a great actor,” Walt stated. “I know it wasn’t me. I know it wasn’t Terry or John. I know it was the Holy Spirit working through us, and that was pretty amazing.”

The Harvest is Plentiful 

At Mt. Bethel Church, we believe living on mission is an essential part of a believer’s faith journey. S.I.F.A.T. and our other missions’ partners give our church family the opportunity to take what they’ve learned about the transformative power of God through the study of His Word and be a part of it.

“The world needs it,” Walt answered when asked why people should go on mission. “Jesus said in the Bible ‘the harvest is plentiful,” so go. There’s no greater feeling than having the Holy Spirit work through you.”

You can learn more about S.I.F.A.T. and our other Missions Partners by registering to attend our annual missions dinner 

As a parent, your job is to guide your child as they grow into the person God wants them to be. This means, more than wanting your child’s happiness or their success in life, you should value their personal faith in and relationship with Jesus Christ.

There is no way to guarantee your child will grow up and be on fire for the Lord, but as Pastor Gaylyn Kelly said on episode 8 of the TalkItUp podcast “When Proverbs 22:6 says ‘train up a should in the way they should go,’ the way they should go is a question mark for parents to decide…I can’t make my children know God, but I can certainly introduce them.”

“I can’t make my children know God, but I can certainly introduce them.” 

Gaylyn Kelly

The command to pass on the faith is echoed throughout the Bible. Notably, in Psalm 78, Asaph calls the people of God to not be a “stubborn and rebellious generation” but to be “loyal to God” and “tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, His power, and the wonders He has done” so that they would know His commandments and “in turn would tell their children.”

These verses no doubt recalled Moses’ final speech to the people of Israel before they entered the Promised Land (for he was not allowed to enter with them)–a section of Scripture practitioners of Judaism call The Shema and use in their morning and evening prayers.

This passage, found in Deuteronomy 6, gives insight into practical things parents can do to pass on their faith.

1. Make God the Foundation of Your Life and the Heart of Your Home (Deut. 6:4)

Try this: ask your son or daughter what they think the top priority in your family is.

What do they say? Their response will tell you what they see, based on how you as a parent talk about and how you spend your time and money, what they perceive you think is most important.

Something is Lord over your home. If it’s not Jesus, then your priorities are out of alignment with the character and will of God. As we touched on earlier in this series, this will only lead to chaos and brokenness.

2. Love God with Everything (Deut. 6:5)

You can’t pass on a faith you don’t have. 

If your family feels chaotic and broken right now, look inward. As the spiritual leader of the household, where is your heart? Your faith? Are you worshipping and serving the Lord only? Are you experiencing the peace that’s available through a relationship with Jesus Christ?

You can’t “fix” the next generation, you can only guide them as they make their own decisions. But you can’t guide them to follow Jesus if you’re not following Jesus first.

3. Weave Faith into the Fabric of Your Family Life (Deut. 6:6-9)

Don’t compartmentalize your faith.

The world would have us believe it’s fine for us to practice our faith privately. We can believe and do what the Bible says within the walls of our church buildings, but when we step outside, we must put it away so that it doesn’t affect others.

Except God’s Word commands us to do the opposite. Our faith is meant to impact others, especially our loved ones.

Think how your child’s answer to the question, “What is our family’s top priority?,” would change if you were to work faith activities into your family’s daily rhythms. Deuteronomy 6:6-9 gives some great suggestions for how to do this:

“These commandments that I give you today… Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up….Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.” 

Mt. Bethel Church’s lead pastor, Jody Ray, put together this liturgy for families to use to take Holy Communion together as a tangible way to put the Lord first over their week. He suggests making this part of your family routine each Monday morning. By instilling and prioritizing practices like this within the walls of your home, you are building a faith foundation and reminding yourself and your family what is most important in living as Jesus would have them live.

This post is inspired by message four of our “God’s Design: The Family Code” sermon series entitled, “Mission Critical” by Dr. Jody Ray. You can dive deeper into what it looks like to lead your family well by using the study guide we’ve produced for this series. Submit your email here to receive a free eBook version to your inbox.

Paul Cardell has flown to Romania approximately 42 times in the last 23 years for one reason: at the annual missions dinner hosted by Mt. Bethel Church he was exposed to the struggle of Romania’s “street children” and he was moved to do something about it.

“These are children who suffered greatly under the country’s transition from communism to freedom,” explained Paul. “They were abandoned in hospitals, left in vacant houses, sent out to beg for parents who could no longer sustain life in very difficult economic and social times.” Even when these children were given a place in a children’s home, they struggled to make a successful transition into adulthood when they came of age.”

While many in Romania saw these children as “undesirables,” Paul and his wife, Bette, saw them as precious, vulnerable souls loved by God and in desperate need of experiencing Jesus’ compassion.

This is how Life Academy, and Mt. Bethel Church’s partnership with them, began. Twenty years later, and it’s clear the impact has been generational.

Life Academy’s Generational Impact 

According to Bette Cardell, “Life Academy is not a building, but a conduit for training, building up, encouraging and providing a safety net for individuals and families who experience food scarcity, relational inexperience and housing deficiencies.”

The team at Life Academy, through the support of partners like Mt. Bethel Church over the years, has provided a variety of services from job training, mentoring, marriage counseling, trauma counseling, healthcare, crisis intervention, food assistance and more.

“We’ve walked with young people through domestic abuse, abandonment, depression, unemployment, human trafficking, drug abuse, and incarceration,” Paul explained.

In the last two decades, Paul and Bette have formed several relationships with young adults served by Life Academy. They’ve seen kids who were told they had no chance of making it graduate college, form their own businesses, get married and have their own children.

Many of the “first generation of street children” whose lives were changed through Life Academy over 20 years ago now give back as adults both financially and through volunteering.

“For these young adults without families to support them, Life Academy has become their family.”

“For these young adults without families to support them, Life Academy has become their family,” Bette explained.

Every time the Cardells lead a missions team from Marietta, Georgia, to serve short-term alongside Life Academy in Romania, they are blessed to see the transformation Jesus’ love has had on entire families throughout the years.

But perhaps the most significant generational impact has been on the Cardell’s family personally. Paul and Bette’s son, Jeff, and his wife Lauren, have been living and serving in Romania as missionaries for ten years now.

“God used our experiences as a family going on summer missions teams from Mt. Bethel Church to call my son and his family to ministry,” Paul said proudly.

Summer 2024 

Recently, Mt. Bethel Church sent out a team of nine, with Paul as the team leader, to serve for a week with our ministry partner, Life Academy.

While in Timisoara, Romania, the team packed and distributed food boxes to help families in need. As they delivered these boxes, they sat with these families and listened to their needs, hopes and struggles. Several of these families Paul and Bette had met and served before on previous trips, like Simona and her seven children.

Mt. Bethel Church’s Mission Team with Simona and her six children (with one on the way!) Faces have been covered for privacy reasons.

They first met Simona several years ago and have reconnected with her on recent trips since then. Last fall, she and her kids attended a “Family Day,” which the Cardells helped with.

“Last year we shared the gospel with the kids through an activity that not only taught them, but they could take home to share with their families,” Bette stated. “This year, one of the children remembered it and retold us the Bible story from last year in his own words!”

This summer, the Cardells and other members of Mt. Bethel’s missions team were disheartened to learn that Simona and her children are facing eviction from their home. Their neighbors aren’t accommodating to such a large group of kids, and inflation in Romania is making it difficult for the family to find an affordable alternative. Life Academy is currently working to help Simona and her kids find a solution.

“Pray for God to step in and provide,” asked Paul and Bette. 

The Mt. Bethel team also helped a local church host an International Leadership Institute “History Makers” discipleship conference.

“Four Romanian teachers joined two American teachers to lead the training,” Paul explained. Participants from various backgrounds attended the conference, from young professionals with advanced degrees to students from middle-class families who attended the local church.

Paul Cardell teaching during the ILI “History Makers” Conference

“One moment I palpably felt the movement of the Holy Spirit on this trip was when, during the conference, I observed a young man sitting alone,” Paul recalled.  “As a second-generation Life Academy boy, I have known him since he was a baby. Throughout school, he’s struggled with academics and with his behavior.

“But during the conference I sat next to him and asked to pray with him. He told me about a recent experience when he prayed to Jesus after a motorbike accident, and he felt Jesus come to him to heal and protect him!”

You Can Experience the Gospel Impact Too 

Through your prayers and tithes and offerings to Mt. Bethel Church, you’re supporting Life Academy and our other ministry partners as they share gospel hope with individuals and families in need all over the world.

But you can make a personal, gospel impact when you prayerfully follow God’s call to go on mission through a short-term mission trip.

“Short term missions experiences can be beautiful glimpses of what God is doing in a given place,” Paul said about his decades-long experience of going on and leading short-term trips to Romania.

“They encourage our faith, give us perspective on how we live, challenge our cultural assumptions, and open our eyes to the joy of reaching out.”

He went on to say those who participate in short-term missions will find the experience doesn’t end when the trip ends. All of Paul and Bette’s many short-term missions have had one thing in common no matter the destination or activities: inspiration and urgency to live on mission in their daily lives when they come back home.

Trouble in life is inevitable. In fact, Jesus promised His followers we would experience trouble(John 16:33). Because you are a spiritual leader, the devil will deploy every attack in his arsenal against you to keep you from advancing the kingdom of God.

God, in His Word, has given us instructions and examples to follow when we face hard seasons of life.

Step 1: Know God 

Psalm 46 was written for the people of Judah referring to the events recorded in 2 Kings 18-19.

The Assyrian army was camped outside the walls of Jerusalem, threatening to take the nation of Judah. Judah had no hope of winning against the Assyrians because they were greatly outnumbered and out resourced.

King Hezekiah turned to God for deliverance by praying earnestly and seeking the prophet Isaiah’s counsel. In response, God assured Hezekiah that Jerusalem will be spared. A miraculous event follows where an angel of the Lord struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers, forcing Sennacherib to retreat, thus saving Judah from destruction without anyone from Judah’s army having to do anything.

The powerful words of Psalm 46:10 echo the work of the Almighty God in this story:

Come and see what the Lord has done, 
    the desolations he has brought on the earth. 
He makes wars cease 
    to the ends of the earth. 
He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; 
    he burns the shields with fire. 
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; 
    I will be exalted among the nations, 
    I will be exalted in the earth.” 

Psalm 46:8-10 

 

When we face hard seasons of life, we can trust God is fighting with us. However, before we can let God fight our battles, we must know God. 

2 Kings records King Hezekiah as a man who “did what was right in the Lord’s sight” and “held fast to the Lord.” He knew of God’s victory, power, and love and trusted in it.

Post resurrection, we know God’s victory, power, and love through Jesus. (John 14:9; Col. 1:15;19) Do you know Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord? Can you claim His victory over sin and death as your own?

Step 2: Remember God is Your Refuge

The Psalmist in Psalm 46 begins by reminding the people of God that He is–not was, not will be–their refuge in times of trouble. (v. 1-3)

When we face hard seasons of life we have a choice: we can either allow the hardness of the season to paralyze us or we can run to God as our shelter. Trusting the Lord as your shelter means trusting His words and promises over your thoughts and feelings. 

Step 3: Remember the Lord is Your Supply 

Verses 4 and 5 of Psalm 46 remind us God is our supply. By storing up in times of calm through the study of His Word, we can draw from Him in times of trouble through the act of worship.

When you face a hard season, worship Him. Pray. Read the Psalms out loud. Create a playlist of worship music you can turn on and sing to remind your soul who and how great your God is.  As you worship, take notice of what He does in, through, and for you.

Step 4: Focus on the Promises of God 

As demonstrated in verses 8 and 9, focus on God’s power over your own strength and ability by speaking His promises over your life and over the lives of those around you. Here are some examples:

• Isaiah 41:10. God is with you and will uphold you.
• Romans 8:37. We are more than conquerors through Christ.
• Philippians 4:13. God gives us strength.
• Romans 8:28. He is working things for our good.
• Joshua 1:9. The Lord will guide and protect us.

When we aren’t focused on the will and character of God, hard seasons of life can leave us feeling overwhelmed and defeated. But when we know, trust and seek Him during times of trouble, we’ll find we can rest as He fights for us.

This post is inspired by message three of our “God’s Design: The Family Code” sermon series entitled, “Brace for Impact”by Dr. Jody Ray. You can dive deeper into what it looks like to lead your family well by using the study guide we’ve produced for this series. Submit your email here to receive a free eBook version to your inbox.

How Knowing Your Child’s Love Language Can Inform Your Discipline Process 

One of the hardest parts of parenting is the discipline of your kids. But as Hebrews 12:7 tells us, disciplining our earthly children is part of following God’s example as our Heavenly Father. If we love our children, we will discipline them. (page 10, “God’s Design: The Family Code”)

If we love our children, we will discipline them.

Your job as you child’s spiritual leader requires discipline because your child–like you–is a sinner. You discipline them to help them move away from sin and towards Christ. As they grow into who God has planned for them to be, your discipline will help them establish healthy boundaries in their relationships with God, themselves, and with others.

If discipline is part of loving your child, how can you discipline your child in effective ways that don’t turn them away from you or the Lord?

Dr. Gary Chapman, author of “The 5 Love Languages,” recently gave insight into this topic during episode 9 of “TalkItUp,” Mt. Bethel’s podcast for parents.

“Understanding the love language concept can help you effectively communicate unconditional love to your children,” explained Dr. Chapman, especially during difficult circumstances.

Using Your Child’s Love Language in the Discipline Process  

Specifically, regarding discipline, guest host Wendy Lake asked Dr. Chapman to explain how knowing your child’s love language can inform the discipline process.

“If you use the opposite of a child’s primary love language in the discipline process, it is the most severe punishment you can give and probably never should be done,” answered Dr. Chapman.

He even went as far as describing yelling and screaming at a child whose language of love is words of affirmation as “a dagger in the heart.”

“If their love language is physical touch, and your main method of discipline is spanking, that’s severe,” he warned.

Children whose love language is quality time probably won’t respond well to being sent to their room. If your child’s primary love language is receiving gifts but you punish them by taking away something you promised to give them, that sends the message that your love is conditional on their behavior.

“At the same time,” Chapman continued, “you can wrap discipline in your child’s love language.”

For example, if your son’s love language is words of affirmation, and he breaks the rule of “don’t throw the ball in the house,” you can use affirming words as you explain what the consequence of his action is. “Son, you’re normally so good at keeping the rules, which is why it’s so disappointing you’ve broken this one.”

If your daughter’s primary love language is physical touch, try placing a hand on her shoulder as you explain to her why her action was wrong. This will reassure her that even though you’re disappointed, you still love her.

You can also use their love language as you inform them of the rules. For example, when you want your child whose primary love language is receiving gifts to clean their room, avoid bribing them. The minute you do, you’re telling them your love must be bought.

“We never want to use a child’s love language to manipulate them,” explained Dr. Chapman. “Love is freely given…that’s why it begins with an attitude.” When you remember that love as a parent is about enriching your child’s life, it gives you a whole new perspective.

You can learn more from Dr. Chapman on how the 5 Love Languages can help you effectively communicate love to your child as you parent them in the episode below.

We apologize for the somewhat misleading title of this blog because there is no such thing as a work-life balance!

Balance implies an equality of weight on both sides. The reality is that there will be times when work needs more than fifty percent of your time and effort. There will be other times when your family needs all of your attention.

The truth is it isn’t about balance at all. It’s about priority.

C.S. Lewis put it like this: “Put first things first and second things are thrown in. Put second things first and you lose both first and second things.”

“Put first things first and second things are thrown in. Put second things first and you lose both first and second things.”

C.S. Lewis

What Lewis is echoing in this quote is the same sentiment Jesus expressed in Mark 8:36: “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?”

Jesus and Lewis are warning their audiences that the way you rank your priorities–how you spend your time, attention, and energy–has a direct effect on you.

How to Determine Priority 

If you’re feeling exhausted or stretched-thin between family and work, or between one of these and another responsibility, that’s a sign that somewhere you’ve got your priorities out of line.

What determines the order of priorities?

Following the conversation in the same passage where Jesus poses His question about gaining the world, we’ll notice things started off with a different question: who do you say Jesus is? 

If you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord, then by the very definition of “Lord,” you are claiming that He is how you determine your priorities.

If you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord, then by the very definition of “Lord,” you are claiming that He is how you determine your priorities. This changes your perspective on the main purpose of every area of your life:

• The purpose of marriage is not merely companionship or to fulfill desires, but to sacrificially love your spouse in a way that represents God’s love for the Church to the world.

• The purpose of parenting is not merely to reproduce and carry on your legacy, but to pass on love of and faith in your Heavenly Father from one generation to the next.

• The purpose of faith is not to make you a moral person or to solve your problems, but to learn the truth of God and align your life by His character and will, because only by doing this will you experience the rightness that comes with loving God supremely and your neighbor sacrificially.

•  The purpose of work is not to make money, find meaning, or achieve success. It is to advance the kingdom of God.

Take a moment to think of the areas of your life and the why behind them. Is that why connected to glorifying God? If it’s not, you need to reprioritize so that His will and purpose is what guides the order of every area.

What is a Soul Worth? 

We began this blog series by establishing that each of us, regardless of our positions in our families, are tasked with the responsibility of leading those around us closer to Jesus.

Jesus’ question in Mark 8:36 adds more weight to this fact: your priorities affect not just your eternity but the eternities of those around you. 

For parents, that’s the souls of their spouse and children. When it comes to deciding how much time to spend on work versus with your family, you must look at the specific situation and ask yourself: if I don’t choose my family in this moment, how might it affect their faith?

For others, let this be a charge to ensure that as you live your daily life, you are taking time to make Jesus known to those around you.

What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?

Mark 8:36

 

This post is inspired by message two of our “God’s Design: The Family Code” sermon series entitled, “Balancing Family and Work by Dr. Jody Ray. You can dive deeper into what it looks like to lead your family well by using the study guide we’ve produced for this series. Submit your email here to receive a free eBook version to your inbox.

When Hannah Hammond came on board as Mt. Bethel Church’s high school girl’s ministry lead last summer (2023), one of the ministry responsibilities she inherited was to lead a monthly Zoom call between our church’s high school girls and the young women living at Deborah House.

“It was good, but hard,” Hannah said about the monthly video calls prior to her recent experience serving alongside Deborah House in-person. “On top of a bad connection, there’s a language barrier.”

She explained having to speak through a translator and accommodating both groups on such tiny screens made things feel impersonal.

“It felt like we were always asking the translator questions instead of really asking the girls questions. It was always a little intimidating for our girls to start a conversation.”

Deborah House is a ministry of Missio Link International in Romania that acts as a safehouse for women who’ve survived domestic and often sexual abuse and exploitation. Mt. Bethel Church has partnered with this ministry for over twenty years, providing financial assistance, sending short-term missions teams, and in recent years, through the monthly Zoom Calls between Deborah House and our high school girls.

This summer, Hannah was blessed to form a more personal connection with the young women she normally only sees on a screen. Because of the generosity of our church family, she was part of the short-term mission team we sent to serve alongside Deborah House in July.

“It was my first international mission trip,” Hannah remarked. “So, I didn’t know what to expect.”

In fact, Hannah revealed she was struggling with discouragement about the Zoom calls before her trip. “It’s really hard to cultivate a personal relationship over Zoom.”

“I think all of us here [Mt. Bethel’s high school girls] were wondering if it really made a difference or if the girls at Deborah House felt like they were being forced to sit through a 30-minute video call.”

 God erased those doubts in Hannah’s mind through her mission trip this summer. “It was powerful when I walked in and one of the girls said, ‘Oh my gosh, it’s Hannah!’ They remembered me!”

As a safehouse and recovery center, Deborah House provides a stable, gospel-centered environment for young women who’ve experienced deep trauma, often at the hands of people who were supposed to care for them. The team at Deborah House not only provides therapy and legal help, but they also show these women what healthy family relationships are supposed to look like. Most importantly, they daily share the love, hope, and truth of Jesus with these young women.

Because of this, all the ministry activities Hannah and other team members participated in while serving with Deborah House this summer were relational. They ate meals with the residents, did crafts, sang songs, played games, etc. Most of their time was spent forming life-giving friendships with the girls so these young women would know what the love of Jesus feels like.

“It’s one thing to hear that Jesus loves you, but it’s a totally different thing to experience that love. And that’s what we were trying to share with them.” 

These positive relationships, Hannah observed, make a big impact on a survivor’s healing journey.

“It’s one thing to hear that Jesus loves you, but it’s a totally different thing to experience that love. And that’s what we were trying to share with them.”

One day while helping the residents of Deborah House during craft time, Hannah shared, they wanted to take a picture of the bracelets they had made. But when she pulled out her phone and suggested everyone hold their wrists out, one young woman was very hesitant. She pointed to several scars on her arm and shook her head.

In that moment, Hannah’s heart broke. Even though she didn’t speak Romanian, and this resident didn’t speak English, she was able to somehow communicate to this girl that she understood her shame, but that it was going to be okay.

“Now that I’ve seen what a difference intentional gestures to build relationships can make, I want to be more encouraging for our girls here when we participate in the Zoom calls. There is a purpose. It does make a difference.”

Hannah agrees this mission trip changed her life.

“I used to think of a mission trip as an experience where you go and build a house, for example, and get to check a box when it’s completed. But how do you complete a relationship?

‘And so now, I have open eyes…I want to have the same level of compassion for the girls I minister to here that God gave me for the residents at Deborah House this summer.”

Thank you, Mt. Bethel Church, for being on mission with Deborah House through your tithes and offerings.

No matter your position in your family, we all have a role to play. 

“As the family goes, so goes the nation and so goes the whole world in which we live.”

Pope John Paul II

If you turn on the news or scroll through social media, you’ll find there’s no shortage of brokenness. So many households–even the homes of people of faith– are plagued with conflict and chaos. The pressures of today’s culture and attacks from the enemy make it nearly impossible for families to experience peace. 

Here’s a powerful truth: God designed the family not to struggle, but to thrive. 

How are today’s families meant to do this? 

The Importance of Spiritual Leadership in the Home 

On one level, all Christians are called to be spiritual leaders. Spiritual leadership is guiding and nurturing others in a way that leads them to a deeper, more intimate relationship with Jesus.  

We all have a sphere of influence we can leverage to make the gospel known to those around us. Our homes are included in this sphere of influence. No matter your position in your family, you have a role to play in encouraging your loved ones on their faith journey. 

The heads of the household (moms and dads), however, have a weightier responsibility of spiritual leadership in the family, mainly because their unique position already makes them natural leaders to their children.  

The boundaries and example moms and dads set has significant influence in the lives of their kids. In fact, one study found that children with strong family connections were over 49% more likely to flourish. (Columbia University, NYC, 2022) 

Children with strong family connections are over 49% more likely to flourish.

Research also supports the conclusion that students who see their parents prioritizing practicing their faith are less likely to drop out of church than those who do not. (Lifeway Research) 

As Andrew Reilly pointed out on episode 5 of Mt. Bethel’s parenting podcast, “TalkitUp:” “If you want your child to pursue Christ in their life, you need to model what pursuing Christ looks like for them before they get to the point where they are faced with the decision to make the Christian faith their own.” 

Challenge for Spiritual Leaders: What is Your Shechem? 

In Joshua 24, Joshua gathers the Israelites at Shechem–the same place where generations before Jacob had challenged their forefathers to abandon idol worship and commit themselves to the Lord.  

Joshua issues the same challenge, reminding them of who their God is and all that He had done for them up unto that point: 

“Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness… But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve...as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

Joshua 24:14-15 

The same challenge Jacob and Joshua’s generations faced is the same challenge parents face today: putting the Lord first in all things. 

Our culture today is full of “idols” and endless ventures for people to pursue.  Financial security, physical health, mental and emotional health, academic and career success, etc., are all good things for ourselves as individuals and for parents to work towards for their children. But when we pursue these things before pursuing Christ, we’re only setting ourselves up for brokenness, failure, and unsatisfaction. 

We were made to know God, so it makes sense His design for our families is the same. When the heads of our households pursue the Lord first, everything else in the home falls into its rightful place. The home becomes a place where the family experiences the abundant life Jesus promises us when we follow Him. 

What is the thing that you’re constantly rearranging schedules for, giving a significant portion of your household income towards, and regularly discussing with your loved ones? Is it the Lord? 

If it’s not, maybe you need to have a Shechem moment. Maybe you need to get on your knees right now, lay down the idols you’ve been chasing, surrender your family to God, and commit to leading them the way Jesus leads.  

This post is inspired by message one of our “God’s Design: The Family Code” sermon series entitled, “Spiritual Leadership” by Dr. Jody Ray. You can dive deeper into what it looks like to lead your family well by using the study guide we’ve produced for this series. Submit your email here to receive a free eBook version to your inbox. 

We believe the power of the gospel can stop the cycle of generational incarceration.  That’s why we partner with Kidz2Leaders.

During the second week of July,18 volunteers from our church family–most of them students–were blessed to be a part of this mission by serving at Camp Hope, Kidz2Leaders’ summer camp for children from families with at least one incarcerated parent. Here’s what some of our students who served had to say about their experience:

“I loved seeing the joy when all the kids got off the bus and all of the counselors were there to greet them. And I loved watching everyone make new friends, learn the gospel, and worship together.”

– Sarah Walden, Mt. Bethel Student

“The best part of my week was meeting the campers, getting to know them and watching them loosen up. It’s the best feeling when they begin to trust you and you can share the gospel with them.”

– Olivia Cheeley, Mt. Bethel Student

“I saw God using me to be a bridge between my campers  and Him.  It’s cool to see them branching out and like opening up.  As a counselor I got to help them have fun and not be scared to be themselves. They are beginning to see how God made them to be and it’s really sweet.”

– Sophia Allison, Mt. Bethel Student 

One thing all of our volunteers agreed on: it was humbling and inspiring to see how gospel hope is transforming the lives of these kids and redeeming their families. Thank you, Mt. Bethel family, for supporting our partners through your tithes and offerings and for sending missionaries from our church to be a part of this effort.

Throughout our series on spiritual warfare this fact has remained central: Jesus has already won the victory over the enemy.

Because believers are crucified with Christ and now live His life, that victory is ours as well. (Galatians 2:20; 1 Corinthians 15:57; 1 John 5:5)

The enemy has not surrendered the fight but that doesn’t make our victory in Jesus any less real or powerful. Therefore, we can live in that victory despite the spiritual warfare the devil uses to attack us. Here are ways to live in that victory:

Put on the Full Armor of God 

Wearing the armor isn’t merely about being protected in the battle; it’s also about putting on the identity as one redeemed by Christ. You are no longer a slave to Satan’s kingdom of darkness, but a citizen of heaven committed to advancing the kingdom of God.

Raise a Hallelujah 

Because we have victory in Jesus, we can rejoice in that victory at any moment, regardless of our circumstances. In fact, taking intentional time to celebrate the Lord’s victory will remind your heart of who fights with and for you in the battle–and that nothing is impossible for Him who defeated death and sin.

You can rejoice by singing praises, by praying Psalms, and by listing out times the Lord has overcome in your life, starting with when His Holy Spirit awakened your soul to the hope of the gospel.

Focus on Eternity 

Human life on earth is incredibly short, leading to our short-sightedness. We often chase temporary things like financial security, material success, knowledge, and life experiences. These aren’t necessarily bad but are fleeting and lead to shallow faith (1 John 2:15-17).

“Lukewarm people think about life on earth much more often than eternity in heaven.” – Francis Chan

Evangelical Bible teacher Francis Chan said, “lukewarm people think about life on earth much more often than eternity in heaven.” The Bible teaches that our actions here impact our eternity.

We should invest in eternity by spending time with our Heavenly Father and letting Him reorient our priorities. When we submit to God first, everything else falls into place.

Live Inside-Out and Upside Down 

Jesus actually tells us in His Sermon on the Mount that to live as a citizen of the kingdom of heaven is to live paradoxically. This includes loving your enemies, praying for those who persecute you, turning the other cheek, etc. (Matthew 5-7)

He didn’t just talk about living counter-culturally, He lived by serving. He healed the sick, blessed the poor, washed the feet of His disciples and laid down His life for those who rejected Him.

Living with victory in Jesus means taking on His life–a life of compassion, service and love.

An Open Invitation

Finally, to live with victory in Jesus means to understand His victory comes with an open invitation extended to everyone. Those of us who have already received it have an obligation to share it with others.

And if we’re being honest, all other things mentioned here point to this:

• If you’re wearing the shoes of the gospel of peace–part of the armor of God–the gospel not only grounds you but motivates your movements.

• If you’re raising a hallelujah for the ways God has overcome in your life, then you understand His greatest victory is what He did for you (and for everyone else) through Jesus’s death and resurrection.

• If you’re focused on eternity, you’ll understand the urgency to share the gospel. Life on earth is short and could end at any moment. How can people make the choice to spend eternity with God if no one ever tells them the choice is there?

• If you’re living like Jesus, you should not only be moved by people’s physical needs, but their greatest spiritual need as well: a Savior.

Inspired by message six of Mt. Bethel Church’s BATTLE sermon series, entitled, “Victory in Jesus” by Matt Lake, Mt. Bethel Director of Next Gen Ministries. You can listen to the message here.You can also subscribe to get access to the study guide that accompanies this series here.

During this blog series, we’ve discussed how as believers we are constantly under attack from the enemy. We’ve defined spiritual warfare, offered practical advice for overcoming temptation and taking your thoughts captive, and studied how to wear the Armor of God.

Today, we want to offer you encouragement to help you press on and persevere in the battle.

The Apostle Paul’s Example 

In our study on spiritual warfare, we’ve often referred to passages of Scripture written by the Apostle Paul. Paul could speak on this topic well and often because he knew it well and personally:

• He was imprisoned during his ministry several times including once in Philippi (Acts 16:23-40), a few times in Jerusalem and Caesarea (Acts 21:27-36; 23:23-35; 24:1-27; 25:1-12; 26:1-32), and twice in Rome (Acts 28:16-31; 2 Timothy).

• He was stoned and left for dead by a mob in Lystra (Acts 14:19)

• He was beaten and flogged several times (Acts 16:22-23; 2 Corinthians 11:24-25)

• He was shipwrecked multiple times (Acts 27:13-44; 2 Corinthians 11:25)

• He experienced many hardships, including hunger, thirst, cold, and nakedness (2 Corinthians 11:27)

• He struggled with a weakness he called a “Thorn in the Flesh” (2 Corinthians 12:7-10)

• He escaped plots against his life (Acts 9:23-24; 18:6)

• He faced rejection and opposition from various groups, including Jews and Gentiles. (Acts 13:45; Acts 18:6)

We can be encouraged by the writings of Paul and his example. The more he shared the gospel, the more spiritual warfare he faced. And yet, he didn’t give up living out the call Jesus had on his life.

Life demands more than you can supply.

This is why we need to depend on Jesus.

From the moment he was called by God to share the gospel, Paul depended on God to sustain him in this calling. In fact, in 2 Corinthians 11 and 12, Paul boasts about his weakness and suffering because not only did God’s strength help him endure but also because his hardships resulted in God’s glory. For Paul, his faith and trust in the Lord provided what he needed to press on and persevere.

Prayer should be your first resort, not your last. 

When you’ve done all you can do, that’s when God steps in and does what’s beyond your ability and imagination.

Paul believed God was accessible through prayer, and that we should meet with God through prayer consistently. In his letter to the church at Philippi, he was able to write the words, “do not be anxious” and “rejoice always” from prison where he was awaiting execution because he was consistently meeting with the Lord through prayer. The stress of his reality couldn’t make him lose hope because he was constantly spending time with hope Itself, Jesus.

Nothing is impossible when you trust in the Lord. 

When you feel like you can’t go on in the battle, remember Paul’s words in Ephesians 3:20: “[God] is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.” 

Paul witnessed and performed miracles during his ministry, even during trials. Once while imprisoned, an earthquake broke Paul and Silas’s chains setting them free after they had spent the night praising and praying to God. (Acts 16)

You can’t win the fight on your own merit, but God has already won the war. When you trust Him to fight the battle for you, you’ll see miracles happen, too. It may not be what you expect, but it’ll be better than you could imagine.

Inspired by message five of Mt. Bethel Church’s BATTLE sermon series, entitled, “Pressing on and Persevering” by Dr. Jody Ray. You can listen to the message here. You can also subscribe to get access to the study guide that accompanies this series here.

Let’s be honest: parenting can be chaotic. 

You’re responsible for the well-being and development of another human being. There are so many factors that are beyond your control. Not only does your child have their own free will, but you can’t protect them from outside forces. You’re in charge of equipping your kid for both situations you’ve faced in life and situations they might face but you haven’t. And for every child you have, the responsibility and pressure multiplies. 

For parents of faith, there’s the added obligation of passing down that faith to their sons and daughters. How do you ensure that what they’re taught in church sticks with them? 

There’s also no guidebook or guarantee. As many parenting experts and resources you can find on Google, there’s no one piece of advice or method that’s a “silver-bullet” for raising your children perfectly.  

All of this to say, it’s understandable if you’re experiencing anxiety as a parent.

Encouragement for Parents 

Peace is possible. There will never be a time–even when your children are grown and are on their own–where you won’t feel pressure or responsibility related to their well-being. But no matter what stage of parenting you’re in, or whatever may be affecting your family, you can experience peace. 

“It’s just not true that peace is only when things are calm and without chaos,” Pastor Gaylyn Kelly recently shared on an episode of “TalkitUp,” Mt. Bethel’s monthly parenting podcast. “Peace comes from knowing and being known by God.” 

She offered more encouragement to parents during the episode adding, “You were chosen [by God] to be your child’s parent.” Finding your identity not within your abilities, your performance, or even your child, but in the Almighty God who works all things for His glory and the good of those called according to His purpose, is foundational for experiencing His peace that surpasses understanding. 

Practical Tips for Parents 

“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it.” Proverbs 22:6 

There are some practical things parents can do to cultivate peace in their family. These include: 

• Deciding what the “should” in Proverbs 22:6 looks like in your family and base your rules for your kids from it 
• Managing your anxiety and other negative emotions well so your child doesn’t feed off it and so he or she has a good example to follow 
• Praying with and for your spouse (or for single parents, another parent or friend) out loud, consistently 

You can find more encouragement and other practical tips by tuning into the episode below. 

You are a threat to the enemy’s kingdom of darkness. This means he’s going to throw everything in his arsenal at you to keep you from advancing the kingdom of God. Including temptation.

What is Temptation?  

Temptation is an incitement to disobey the Word of God.

Here are some important facts about temptation:

• We are all tempted. Even Jesus, who is both fully God and fully man, faced temptation. (Matthew 4:1-11, Hebrews 4:15)
• God does not tempt us. He may allow us to face temptation, but only so our faith can be tested so that we may grow. (1 Thessalonians 2:4)
• You will never be tempted in a way with which God is unfamiliar. (1 Corinthians 10:13; Hebrews 4:15).
• God promises to give you a way out of the temptation you face. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
• If you give into temptation, you are not unloved or unsaved. (Romans 8:1; 38-39)

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”

1 Corinthians 10:13 

How to Endure  

Scripture promises us that we are not hopeless or helpless against temptation.

Jesus shows us how to fight temptation in Matthew 4, right after He’d spent 40 days fasting in the wilderness. The first lesson we can take from this situation is that we are most vulnerable to temptation when we are hungry, exhausted and in isolation.

Jesus was in this position because He was preparing Himself for His earthly ministry, which shows us that we can be doing good things for God and face temptation. In fact, we can take some encouragement from this: we are most likely to be tempted when we are about to be used by God to do great things for His kingdom. Perhaps that is why God allows us to be tempted, so that our faith is strong enough for what is coming.

The next thing we can learn is that we can use Scripture to fight against temptation.

When Satan tempts Jesus to turn stones into bread to quench His physical hunger, Jesus answered with Deuteronomy 8: 3, “man does not live on bread alone, but on the Word of God.”

In the devil’s second attempt to tempt Jesus, we are warned Satan knows Scripture too and will use it to cause confusion. He used Psalm 91:11-12 to try to convince Jesus to throw Himself off the highest point of the Holy Temple.

Jesus shows us that we must know Scripture better than Satan does by answering him with Deuteronomy 6:16, “do not put the Lord your God to the test.”

Finally, the enemy appealed to Jesus the man’s desires, promising to give Him authority over all the kingdoms of the world–without having to endure the cross. How appealing this must have been to Jesus who knew His earthly ministry was to end with His sacrifice!

But, Jesus knew that God’s will–even if it includes suffering–is still better than whatever the devil has to offer. He used Scripture a third time to dispel Satan quoting Deuteronomy 6:13, “Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.”

ARMOR

Next time you are tempted, consider the acronym A.R.M.O.R.:

A – Acknowledge God, His power and His promises. Most importantly, acknowledge that you cannot overcome temptation without Him.

R – Rely on the Holy Spirit. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in you!

M – Meditate on God’s Word. Hide it in your heart so it may be a lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path. (Psalm 119:105)

O – ask Others for help. A trusted member of your faith family can hold you accountable against sin you know you are likely to fall too.

R – Replace lies with God’s truth. When Adam and Eve hide from God in the Garden of Eden after eating the fruit, God asks them, “who told you that you were naked and to be ashamed?” We can ask the same question in the face of temptation. If what we’re being told doesn’t align with the character and Word of God, it’s most likely a lie from the enemy.

Inspired by message four of Mt. Bethel Church’s BATTLE sermon series, entitled, “Overcoming Temptation” by Pastor Gaylyn Kelly. You can listen to the message here.You can also subscribe to get access to the study guide that accompanies this series here.

As we talk about spiritual warfare, we can’t avoid talking about how the devil brings the fight to our minds, and how we must be prepared to fight on this battlefield.  

Our minds are important. The heart may be the wellspring of life, but it works through emotion. The mind is where all the decisions are made, working on logic and reason. The heart can be persuasive, but it’s ultimately the mind that governs the actions we take which means it can be just as vulnerable as the heart. 

The enemy knows this and will use lies to trick your mind into giving up the fight. That’s why the Apostle Paul tells us to “put on the helmet of salvation” (Eph. 6:17) and to “not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of our minds. (Rom. 12:2).  

Jesus gives us some insight on how we can stand strong in the battle for our minds in Matthew 13. 

The Parable of the Sower 

The Parable of the Sower is an allegorical story Jesus used to teach His disciples about responding to the gospel. The story goes that a farmer sowed seeds and each seed, depending on where it landed, had a different fate: 

1. ️ The seeds that fall on the ground and are eaten up by birds (Matt. 13:4). In verse 19, Jesus explains these seeds represent people who heard the Word of God but resisted it. Like seeds snatched up by birds, their fate is that they are snatched up by the evil one.
2. The seeds that fall on rocky soil and have shallow roots (Matt. 13:5-6). In verses 20-21, Jesus compares these seeds to those who hear God’s Word, accept it with joy at first, but abandon it when faced with trials or persecution. Because they are not rooted in their salvation and Scripture, they are easily overtaken and wither away.
3. The seeds that fall among weeds are then choked out by the world (Matt. 13:7). These seeds “refer to someone who hears the Word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the Word, making it unfruitful”(v.22). When we put other things–even seemingly good things– before God in our lives, everything else will be thrown out of whack. The sprouts of these seeds are eventually choked out by these other priorities and pursuits, keeping them from growing into what they were meant to be.
4. The seeds that fall on good soil and produce a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. (Matt. 13:8) These seeds refer to those who accept God’s Word, root their lives in it, and align their priorities by it (Matt. 13:23). They grow into flowering and fruit-bearing plants that multiply into healthy, gospel-rooted, fruit-bearing plants.

The devil will attack your mind through lies and by appealing to your logic. He’ll tell you to pursue good and important things like financial stability or security for your child’s future more than Jesus. He’ll tell you “This will make you happy” to get you to pursue things that will leave you feeling empty. He’ll tell you “That’s unfair” to get you to doubt God’s control, love and justice in certain situations. 

It’s only by accepting God’s Word and will, rooting your life in His gospel and scriptures, and aligning your priorities with His purpose for you that you will be able to stand strong against these deceptions and therefore, against defeat in the battle of the mind. 

*inspired by message three of Mt. Bethel Church’s BATTLE sermon series, entitled, “Battle of the Mind” by Matt Lake, Mt. Bethel Executive Director of NextGen Ministries. You can listen to the message here.You can also subscribe to get access to the study guide that accompanies this series here. 

In our last post in this series, we established that spiritual warfare is real and that it affects everyone who has put his or her faith in Jesus Christ and committed to follow Him.

We also shared the secret to fighting spiritual warfare: to “be strong in the Lord.” (Eph. 6:10) But what does that mean? Paul answers that, too.

In the same passage of scripture, he goes on to say, “put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground.” (Eph. 6:13)

The armor of God is the Lord’s resource to the believer to stand his or her ground against the enemy. It will provide you with the protection and efficiency you need in battle against spiritual adversaries.

The Belt of Truth 

It starts with “the belt of truth.”

For a Roman soldier–whose uniform is no doubt the inspiration for Paul’s illustration here–the belt was essential for holding the soldier’s weapons and providing support to the core of the body. Likewise for the believer, the belt of truth serves as the foundation of our spiritual armor.

When we are wrapped in God’s truth, we are well equipped to discern the lies and deceptions of the enemy.

Putting on a belt is one of the last steps to getting dressed, but it’s the first piece of the armor Paul mentions because of its foundational importance. Wearing the belt of truth involves honesty, integrity, and commitment to God’s Word. It signifies aligning our beliefs and actions with His character and purpose for us.

The Breastplate of Righteousness 

The Roman breastplate protected the vital organs from deadly attacks. For the believer, the breastplate of righteousness is pivotal to the wisdom Solomon shared in Proverbs 4:23.

“Guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” Proverbs 4:23 

The enemy knows that if he can deceive your heart, he can inflict severe damage to not only your spiritual relationship with God, but to your physical ones with those around you as well. Your heart needs to be protected.

We guard our hearts by growing into our faith (also known as sanctification). The more we become acquainted with God’s righteous character, the more our faith in Him is assured, and the more we can’t help but become more like Him.

The Shoes of the Gospel of Peace 

Roman soldiers wore caligae, sturdy sandals that provided traction and mobility in battle.

Not only does the peace we experience through our relationship with our Heavenly Father ground us in our faith in Him like the hobnails on the soles of the soldier’s shoes, but it also motivates us to be peacemakers by both pursuing reconciliation with those who have hurt us (or with those we’ve hurt) and by sharing the message of peace with others.

We wear the shoes of peace by leaning into the peace available to us through our faith and by living in such a way that shares that peace with others.

The Shield of Faith 

The Roman scutum was a large, curved shield that provided comprehensive protection from enemy attacks, including arrows and spears. The Shield of Faith, described in Ephesians 6:16, serves to extinguish the fiery darts of doubt, fear, and temptation that the enemy hurls at believers.

When the voice of the enemy throws our shame and doubt at us, we can hold up and shield ourselves with our faith in Jesus’s victory over sin, death, and the devil. 

The Helmet of Salvation 

Similarly, the helmet of a Roman’s soldier’s armor protected him from blows to the head.

When we preach the gospel to ourselves, reminding ourselves of our assured salvation through our faith in Jesus’s death and resurrection, we can protect our minds against the devil’s attempts to convince us to doubt our God’s almighty power and unfailing love for us.

The Sword of the Spirit 

The only offensive part of the armor Paul mentions is the “Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.”

We can use the Bible to fight back against the schemes of the enemy first by using its truth to discount his lies, but also to cut away the sin in our lives. The devil might tell us “it’s no big deal” or “everyone is doing it” or “it’s all you’ve ever wanted,” but we can answer with Scripture to reason with ourselves that God’s will, design, and purpose for our lives is better than anything the world has to offer or anything we can achieve on our own.

*inspired by message two of Mt. Bethel Church’s BATTLE sermon series, entitled, “Armor Up: Battle Ready!” by Pastor Jody Ray. You can listen to the message here.You can also subscribe to get access to the study guide that accompanies this series here.

In this twenty-first century with its technological culture, it’s hard for us to comprehend the supernatural. We tend to think of things like witchcraft and demonic possession as fiction. Our society uses these elements for entertainment in novels, TV shows, and movies.

But the Bible is clear: supernatural forces of evil are real. Not only that, but they at work trying to destroy you.

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:12 

The War Has Been Won, but the Battle Rages On 

Before we were born, a war was waged for our souls. The ruler of the kingdom of darkness, the devil, captured our souls through the inherited sin of our first human ancestors, Adam and Eve, forever separating us from our Creator. But God, in His great love and mercy for us, sent His son Jesus to die so that we could have freedom.

Here’s the good news: the war has already been won.

We don’t have to do anything to add to the victory Jesus won for us by dying on the cross. It’s ours when we put our faith in Jesus as our Savior and Lord.

The problem is the battle isn’t over. Even though sin and death have been defeated, the devil hasn’t surrendered the fight. While accepting salvation means God has made peace with you, it also means the devil has made you his number ONE target! He will stop at nothing to keep you from living in the freedom of Christ and advancing God’s kingdom.

What Spiritual Warfare Looks Like 

Simply put, spiritual warfare is any attempt to keep you from following God’s plan and purpose for your life.

For our brothers and sisters in countries not open to the gospel message, this can look like physical persecution. But for those of us who live in a society that is somewhat tolerant of religious freedom, spiritual warfare is often a little less obvious than a physical threat to our earthly lives.

It can look like shame and doubt, anxiety, disappointing circumstances, or even apathy. All these things can be used by the devil’s forces to get you to take your focus off heaven and onto yourself. That’s when you’re vulnerable to sin–rejection of God–which will keep you from experiencing the freedom and peace that comes with salvation through faith in Jesus. 

How to Fight Back 

Here’s some more good news: God hasn’t left us to fight this battle on our own.

In his letter to the Church at Ephesus, the Apostle Paul tells this body of believers the secret to fighting spiritual warfare is to “be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.” (Eph. 6: 10)

We couldn’t win the victory over sin and death on our own, so it makes sense that we can’t fight the spiritual forces that attack us on our own either. We need the power of God. Thankfully, in Jesus and through His Holy Spirit, we have access to Him and His power.

The devil is going to do whatever it takes wherever he can to break you down. He’ll attack in your home, your work, your places of leisure, even (and arguably most especially) in holy places where you worship God, but every time he attacks is an opportunity to grow stronger in the Lord and in His mighty power.

When the forces of evil tempt you with the fear of missing out, you can remind yourself God has a greater desire and plan for you than what the world has to offer.

When anxiety pushes you to focus on fear, remind yourself you are loved by the Almighty, All-powerful God who works things for your good and His glory.

When you’re exhausted because you’re being stressed from seemingly every direction in your life, you can find rest and refuge in God’s presence.

Be on the Defensive Against Spiritual Warfare 

No matter what the situation, choose GOD! 

*inspired by message one of Mt. Bethel Church’s BATTLE sermon series, entitled, “Spiritual Warfare is Real” by Pastor John Freeland. You can listen to the message here. You can also subscribe to get access to the study guide that accompanies this series here. 

At Mt. Bethel, we understand the benefits playing sports provides for kids. It’s why we’re incredibly grateful for our recreation ministry which serves one thousand families from the Cobb County, GA, community by hosting seasonal sports programs for various age groups.

One of those programs, in partnership with Atlanta Kings Football, is our annual Flag Football and Pro Performance Summer Camp, led by Atlanta Kings founder and former NFL player Michael Dean.

Michael recently sat down with “TalkitUp” podcast host and Mt. Bethel Executive Director of Next Generation Ministries Matt Lake to share with parents how they can help their student athlete maximize their talent and potential. Here are three important takeaways from their conversation:

Connect Your Child to Their Foundation

“Sports is a long journey,” says Michael. He continues by explaining that this is why it’s important for parents to help their child understand their purpose early-on, and strategically act to keep him or her connected to that purpose.

He recommends sitting down with your child when he or she begins a sport and asking them to write down why they want to play, their goals for the season, and the individual steps they’re willing to commit to in order to reach their goals.

“Any time things become fragmented, you can go back to their ‘why’ and their goals,” Michael explains.

From there, you can partner with your child’s coaches to help them develop as an athlete and become their best self. It will also keep you in the moment, which leads to another important point: enjoy the moments.

Enjoy the Moments 

“I tell parents all the time to enjoy the moments,” says Michael. “Really lock into the moments you’re being able to spend with your child in the season they’re in right now.”

Sports, especially at the youngest level, teach much more than the game your child is playing. Kids who play learn life lessons like how to answer to authority, working well with others, developing work ethic, etc. But probably most importantly, all of this is feeding their self-worth.

When parents enjoy the moments, it helps their child enjoy the moments too.

“Comparison is the thief of joy,” states Michael. Your child needs to know their self-worth isn’t in the outcome or performance of a game.

Teach Your Child to Pray 

For parents who want to raise their child in the Christian faith, it’s important to help your kid understand their identity comes from Christ and not from sports or the activity they’re involved in.

Michael recalls one of the most impactful things his parents did to help him develop as an athlete and a person was teaching him how to pray.

“We prayed together. We prayed before and after games, and it gave me peace,” says Michael. “It taught me to depend on God in my darkest moments. I mean, I’d drop a ball and I’d say a prayer while running back to the huddle. And it helped me connect my purpose [in football] to God’s purpose [for me].”

He follows this up by adding, if you can help your kid understand how foundational prayer is, they’ll begin to grasp that next to faith, “everything else is trivial. It’s something your child will, like I have, carry with them throughout the rest of their life.”

Dive deeper into each of these points and more, including the practical tips Michael shares, by listening to Episode 7 | Raising Champions: Parenting Student Athletes of “TalkitUp” below or on your favorite podcast platform.

Pentecost, a liturgical holiday we observe here at Mt. Bethel Church, marks the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples of Jesus Christ, as recounted in the Book of Acts. Its relevance resonates deeply not only in the historical narrative but also in the ongoing mission of believers today to make disciples of all nations.

The story unfolds in Acts chapters 1 to 7, beginning with Jesus’ final instructions to his disciples before ascending into heaven. He urges them to wait in Jerusalem for the promised Holy Spirit. As the believers gather in unity, a sound like a mighty rushing wind fills the house, and tongues of fire rest upon each of them. They are filled with the Holy Spirit and begin speaking in other languages, enabling them to proclaim the wonders of God to people from various nations.

The timing of Pentecost holds profound significance, as it coincides with the Jewish festival of the same name. Jews from all over the world had gathered in Jerusalem to celebrate the harvest festival, unaware that they would witness the birth of the Christian church. This convergence of people from different regions symbolizes the reversal of the dispersion of the tribes of Israel, as Pentecost becomes a catalyst for the spread of the gospel message.

The impact of Pentecost reverberates beyond the immediate event. It marks the beginning of the church’s mission to proclaim the gospel to all nations. The persecution that follows, notably the stoning of Stephen, scatters the believers from Jerusalem, fulfilling Jesus’ commission to be His witnesses “in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

We commemorate Pentecost not only as a historical event but also as a reminder of their call to participate in the mission of making disciples. Just as the early disciples were empowered by the Holy Spirit to boldly proclaim the gospel, we are called to go forth and make disciples of all nations.

As we reflect on Pentecost, let us embrace our role in continuing the mission that began over two millennia ago. Let us heed the call, empowered by the same Spirit that descended on the early church, and boldly proclaim the Good News to the ends of the earth.

The Symbols of Pentecost and their Meanings

• Wind – Represents God’s first breath of love into all of creation. A “driving wind” surrounded the apostles on that first Pentecost to strengthen them in their faith. The breath of the Holy Spirit – and sometimes a gusting wind – strengthens and challenges God’s people on their faith journey.
• Fire – Represents the Holy Spirit, who filled the apostles with enthusiasm, replacing their fear with the courage to go forth and share Christ’s story. “Tongues of fire … came to rest on each one of them.”
• Red – The color of liturgical vestments on Pentecost, represents the vigor of the Holy Spirit and the zeal of those who open their hearts to the Spirit.
• Water – Represents new life and the commitment first made at our baptism and renewed throughout our faith lives.
• Dove – Symbol of peace. Represents the Holy Spirit that descended “like a dove” and hovered over Jesus when he was baptized.

Ways to Pray in Preparation for Pentecost

• For a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Body of Christ at Mt. Bethel to empower us as individuals to go out into our community and make disciples
• For unity and harmony of both the local church and the global Church around the Great Commission
• For boldness in sharing the gospel with your friends and neighbors who do not yet have a relationship with Jesus Christ

Preparing for Pentecost 

Below, you can tune into “Preparing for Pentecost,” an online worship event we’ve created to help you focus your thoughts on the story of the early church and the significance of the call to make disciples.

We started this series by examining the simple but profound fact that you can only find true peace when you’ve made peace with God, so it only makes sense that we’re ending it by answering the question, “What was I made for?”

The reason this question is the natural conclusion is because your purpose–the reason you were created–revolves around God.

Your purpose is to know God and to make Him known.

Knowing God Leads to Making Him Known.

Earlier in this series when we talked about 5 things you may be doing that are robbing you of your peace, number five on the list was “not living in the will of God for your life.”

Ultimately, what your Creator wants from you–the reason He made you–is a relationship with Him. We see this not only in the Garden of Eden before Adam and Eve sinned when they spent their days walking and talking with God the Father, but also in the extreme measure God took to reconcile our relationship with Him through Jesus, the Son’s, death and resurrection.

The natural result of intimacy with the Father is ministry: peace with God is the foundation of inner peace, because the more we know His character the more confidence we have in His sovereignty and faithfulness. Peace within, motivated by peace with God, empowers us to seek out peace with those around us.

When you truly know God’s awesome character, you can’t help but speak of His awesome character.

Nowhere is this more clear than in the story and person of John the Baptist.

Scripture tells us John lived an unusual life even by the standards of his time and culture. He lived out in the wilderness. The gospel of Mark tells us he “wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey.” (Mark 1:6) But scriptures also tell us he was filled with the Holy Spirit, heard directly from God, and everywhere He went, he preached “a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins” and told of the Messiah who was to come. (Luke 3:2)

John the Baptist’s highest concern in his life was this mission of preparing people for Jesus–a purpose that had been predicted of him before he was born by the Angel Gabriel, was acknowledged and encouraged by his father Zechariah who in obedience to God prophesied it over him at his circumcision (Luke 1:76-79), and guided by the Holy Spirit through his intimacy with the Father.

How to Live Out Your Purpose 

We can’t experience true peace until we, like John the Baptist, embrace and live out our purpose. Here’s how you can do this in your own life:

1. Spend time with God through prayer and the reading of His Word.
2. Starting with the mission field where He has planted you right now, prayerfully consider who around you needs a relationship with Him and how you might be able to share Him with them.
3. Step out in faith, leaning into the Holy Spirit’s guidance, and start a gospel conversation with this person.
4. Trust God to work through that conversation.
5. Repeat. Oftentimes people don’t make the decision to follow Jesus after the first time they hear about Him, but the more they hear about Him, see how He’s changed your life, and experience the love you have for them (which is a reflection of the love God has for them), the more the Holy Spirit will work in their heart to receive the gospel.

Live in peace by living out your purpose.

This post is inspired by the final message of our sermon series on Peace, entitled “Peace in Purpose” delivered by Pastor Gaylyn Kelly. You can watch the full message here. You can also subscribe to download the complete study guide to go along with this series here.

In our series on Peace, we’ve talked about how peace begins with God how we can accept salvation but still be doing things that keep us from experiencing God’s peace and how pursuing reconciliation brings us peace. Today, we’re going to dive a little deeper into how to experience peace during crisis.

Tribulation is inevitable. Jesus tells us this in John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

There have certainly been enough examples throughout history to debunk the idea that having wealth and possessions will keep you from experiencing trouble. Consider the numerous millionaires, celebrities, and pop-culture icons who appear to possess everything, yet grapple with addiction, self-harm, or even the tragic depths of suicide.

It doesn’t matter what your status or station is in life; trouble is guaranteed.

In that same verse, however, Jesus offers peace in the midst of trouble. How?

Remember God’s Faithfulness 

If we look at the Gospels of John and Luke together and their accounts of the night Jesus was arrested, we find Jesus’ message of how to experience peace in times of trouble.

In John’s Gospel, we see Jesus warn His disciples of what is about to happen–his arrest, his trial, his suffering, and his death. He even warns them about the trouble they will experience because they are His followers.

Paired with Luke’s account, we know Jesus is sharing these words as He and disciples observe Passover, the Jewish holiday that commemorates their escape from Egypt as recorded in Exodus.

As He breaks the bread and takes the cup, He tells them “to remember.”

Believers post-resurrection use these words when observing Holy Communion–also known as “The Last Supper” and “The Lord’s Supper”- which is the sacrament, based on this event in the gospel story, used to reflect on what Jesus did for us on the cross.

But for the original twelve disciples, these words would have been symbolic of Moses’ story. As Jesus broke the bread and drank from the cup, His followers would have been thinking of the blood of the ram on their doorposts that kept the Angel of Death from entering their homes and taking their first-born sons. Their thoughts would have been drawn them back to the banks of the Red Sea where their forefathers were almost caught by Pharoah’s army, but then the Lord parted the sea so they could walk across on dry land.

It’s as if Jesus chose this moment as they observed this ritual to show His disciples that when they face seemingly impossible situations–and in this case, His impending death–they should think of how God had a made a way through impossible situations before, and trust in His faithfulness.

Because if the Lord Almighty had shown up then, He would surely show up again.

What is Your Red Sea Moment? 

The next time you find yourself facing a seemingly impossible situation in life, remember the Red Sea Moments. Focus your attention on the times throughout your life, history, and in the Scriptures where God showed up and made a way when there seemed to be no way.

“And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” In the same way, after the supper He took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is poured out for you.”

Luke 22:19-20 

Inspired by the fourth sermon and section of Mt. Bethel’s study on Peace, entitled “Peace in Times of Crisis,” written and delivered by Dr. Jody Ray. You can view the original sermon here, as well as subscribe to download an eBook version of the study guide which provides daily devotions to help you dive deeper.

A Special Message from Dr. John Freeland, Lead Pastor of Prayer, Care, and Worship

I wanted to take a moment to let you know about something amazing that God is doing through our church for our community. For those who attend worship in the sanctuary, you know that there are Bibles placed in the seat backs of the pews. While they are there for our congregation’s use, we also encourage our visitors and guests to take one with them as we want to ensure that everyone who worships has a copy of God’s Word.

Not long ago, a member contacted one of our pastors with the following story, which shows the incredible impact this effort makes on visitors to our church:

“We recently had some extended family members come and stay with us, and they attended church with us at Mt. Bethel while they were here. One was a family member from Eastern Europe who has never owned a Bible before. When she learned she could take one of the Bibles from Mt. Bethel to keep as her own, she was so excited! She’s since been telling everyone how grateful she is for access to God’s Word.”

Last year, 400 Bibles left our church pews making their way to the homes of our guests and visitors.  That’s 400 people who likely didn’t realize they needed (or wanted) a copy of the Living Word in their homes until we extended the invitation.

Every first Sunday of the month when our church observes communion, we invite our Mt. Bethel family to give to our Compassion Fund, which is a special offering above normal tithes that our Church uses to bless families and individuals in our community who are in need. Starting this Sunday, we will use a portion of our collection to ensure the Word of God continues to get in the hands of those who are pursuing a life with Christ.

Thank you, Mt. Bethel Family, for giving above and beyond your normal tithes to ensure the message of Christ’s love is accessible to those who need it.

Last week we covered 5 Things You’re Doing That Are Robbing You of Peace. Both Numbers 3 and 5 on that list briefly discussed how living contrary to God can keep us as believers from leaning into and experiencing the peace we have access to through our faith in Jesus.

In this post, we’re going to dive a little deeper by focusing on how unforgiveness can keep us from having peace both within ourselves and with others.

Forgiveness is Central to Peace 

Forgiveness isn’t easy but it is essential to living a peaceful life.  That’s because unforgiveness is contrary to God’s love for you. You won’t be able to lean into the inner peace that comes with salvation–which at its core is built on reconciliation between you and our Heavenly Father through Jesus’s sacrifice–if you’re not living at peace with those around you.

Likewise, if you’re pursuing Jesus, then the Holy Spirit will guide you to pursue peace with others because to pursue reconciliation with others is to be like Christ.

How to Cultivate a Life of Forgiveness 

Offense is like weeds in a garden–inevitable, and if not managed, will choke out the flowering and fruit-bearing plants you want to grow. You can’t avoid being offended in life. At one point or another in every relationship, the other person is going to do something that hurts you in some way, whether they mean to or not.

But just like gardeners prune weeds to help their other plants thrive, you won’t be able to embrace the abundant life Jesus died and rose again to give you if you don’t tend to the offenses in your relationships.

The secret to living a peaceful life is not to avoid offense, but to not allow the offenses of others to take root and grow in our lives. 

The secret to living a peaceful life is not to avoid offense, but to not allow the offenses of others to take root and grow in our lives.  Here’s how:

1. First, acknowledge something has been done by someone and it offended you. (See David’s example in Psalm 22.) You’ll never be able to extend forgiveness if you never recognize whatever it was that offended you.
2. Second, make the choice to forgive. (Matthew 18:21-22) It won’t be easy, and it’ll probably be a choice you have to make every day, but if you decide what hurt you isn’t going to keep you from loving the person who hurt you the way Christ loves them, then you’ll be able to work towards a spirit of reconciliation.
3. Third, remember God’s forgiveness. (Ephesians 4:32) Remembering the gospel and the great lengths Jesus went to bring reconciliation between us and our Heavenly Father–even knowing that we might still reject Him–will humble your heart and empower you to forgive those who’ve greatly offended you.
4. Finally, bless the one who has hurt you. (Romans 12:17-21) Start by praying for them, and then, when and how the Holy Spirit moves you to, find a way to bless them through a gift or an act of service.

When you do these things, you’ll find that even if the other person never acknowledges or apologizes for the hurt they’ve caused you, you’ll eventually be able to find peace in their presence and in your thoughts about them. What you’ll find is that the Holy Spirit will help you depend on God for justice. And as the Apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 12:19, our Heavenly Father is a just God who will take vengeance against those who have hurt us.

Consider this: perhaps the Holy Spirit wants to use your efforts and attitude of reconciliation to work in the other person’s life and draw him or her closer to Him.

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone…Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:18 & 21 

 

 

This post is inspired by message 3 of our sermon series on Peace, entitled “Peace with Others” by Dr. Jody Ray. You can watch the full message here. You can also subscribe to download the complete study guide to go along with this series here.

On February 28, 2024, Dr. Gary Chapman spoke at Mt. Bethel Church on the topic of “Building Better Relationships: Understanding the 5 Love Languages.” You can read a summary of his talk here.

At the end of the event, attendees were encouraged to submit questions through a survey. Dr. Chapman graciously agreed to a follow-up interview with our team where he answered many of the questions submitted. This is the final part of a blog series dedicated to sharing Dr. Chapman’s answers to those questions.

Q: We had a widow who had a very long, good marriage before their spouse passed, but is now trying to date again. They submitted two questions: one, should they buy “The 5 Love Languages for Singles?”

Dr. Chapman: I wrote the book for singles really with younger singles in mind because I apply the concept to their parents, to their siblings, to their college roommates, to their dating partners and to their work associates. So, I don’t think they’d find that book very helpful. What was their second question?

Q: Their second question was, if they know their love language is quality time, how much time is too much time for them to be spending with their new significant other? 

Dr. Chapman: I don’t know if I have a quantitative answer for that, but I do get they’re asking what’s appropriate since it’s different than marriage. When you’re beginning another new relationship after having been married for a considerable amount of time, it is a challenge and there are good things about it. Obviously, if you like this person and they like you, then it’s good for both of you to express love in each other’s primary love language. So, I would recommend this person discuss it with the person they’re dating. Maybe both of them working through the original love languages book together would be helpful.

Q: For our final question, since you mentioned it during your talk in February, what are the five apology languages and is there any correlation between them and the five love languages? 

Dr. Chapman: We discovered the five apology languages by asking thousands of people two questions:

• When you apologize, what do you typically say or do?
• When someone’s apologizing to you, what do you want to hear them say and do?

And just like with the love languages, we found we could sort everybody’s answer into one of five categories:

1. Expressing Regret
2. Accepting Responsibility
3. Offering to Make Restitution
4. Genuinely Repenting (as in never committing the offense again)
5. Requesting Forgiveness

Now again, just like the love languages, you might speak or hear multiple of these, but there’s one or two that really click with you–and by that, I mean there’s one or two that you do naturally when you apologize or that you expect others to do when they’re truly sorry about something. We also found that, just like the love languages, your primary apology language is more than likely the way you watched your parents apologize when growing up.

And that’s why the book on the of the five apology languages can really help some couples come alive because they’ve never learned how to apologize and/or neither one of them consider the other person to be sincere when they’re apologizing. So, they have a hard time forgiving and they get all these things built up between them because they can’t process it in a positive way.

But what you’ll learn in the book is that just like the five love languages, you can learn to recognize and speak all five of the apology languages.

Thank you to all who submitted questions for Dr. Chapman! You can view more of the submitted questions, along with Dr. Chapman’s answers, by checking out parts one, two , three, four and five of this blog series. 

Are you a parent? Listen to Dr. Chapman explain how parents can use the 5 love language concept to build a stronger relationship with their children on our parenting podcast, TalkitUp!

Kimmi Lochner found her recent experience serving on a mission team from Mt. Bethel to India rich with full-circle moments.

“On the first day, all six of us were supposed to teach VBS. But we got there and they told us they could only take two of us because taking the whole team would bring too much attention to the ministry taking place,” recalled Kimmi. “And because Marla and I work with kids here at Mt. Bethel, the team nominated us to be the ones to go.”

That first day held not one, but two full circle moments for Kimmi. The first being that, as Director of Children’s Ministry for Mt. Bethel, she had challenged the kids who attended our church’s VBS last summer to each bring in five dollars to sponsor a kid to attend VBS in India.

Mt. Bethel’s children raised over $1,300– enough to cover the cost for 261 kids in India to attend VBS. And while the kids Kimmi and Marla taught in India that day weren’t necessarily the direct beneficiaries of the money Mt. Bethel’s children gave, “it was sweet to see the program we supported in action,” said Kimmi.

The second full-circle moment was a little more personal. Marla Arnold, the second team member from Mt. Bethel who had been nominated to teach VBS alongside Kimmi, had been Kimmi’s children’s minister when Kimmi was a kid.

“She’s like a second mom to me. She’s a big part of my life and has made a huge personal impact on me and my call to ministry,” Kimmi explained. “It was so sweet to teach the kids these cheesy little songs and dances Marla taught me as a child.”

Kimmi and Marla used wikki sticks to walk over 200 children through the gospel story and were amazed at how eager the kids were to not only hear about Jesus but learn about how to share Jesus with their friends and family as well.

The eagerness of the children at VBS was just a glimpse of the hunger for the gospel Kimmi, Marla, and the rest of our missions team experienced throughout the trip.

Only a little over 2% of India’s population are considered Christians.

Only a little over two percent of India’s population are considered Christians. The culture is seeped in Hinduism, the religion that 8 in 10 residents practice.

“Religion is everywhere in India,” said Kimmi. “Even in the poor villages, you’ll see an overcrowded hut where people live in extreme poverty and the next structure you’ll see is an opulent temple where people go to worship one of their three-million-or-so gods.”

“In the cities, which are incredibly crowded and loud, there are temples on every corner and market stands everywhere that sell idols and trinkets for different gods. Everyone is worshipping something. There’s a city-wide call to prayer at 5AM in the morning. Religion is such a way of life for them.”

Kimmi remarked that the religiosity of India’s culture struck her in two ways: the first, how different it is from American culture where so many are apathetic to faith, and the second, how being the minority impacts believers in India.

“Everywhere our brothers and sisters in India go, Hinduism is abundantly present. Many of them are the only believers in their families. How intimidating that must be!,” Kimmi reflected. “And yet, our partners in India are so on fire for the Lord and so in love with Jesus. And the people we taught, who were either new believers or were interested in the Christian faith, were so eager and hungry for the Word.”

Living Like a Missionary

During the trip, in addition to Kimmi and Marla teaching VBS, our short-term mission team members encouraged new believers through The Empowering Women’s Conference, trained church leaders who are planting house churches all over the country, and led worship at a prayer rally thousands of people attended.

The final full-circle moment for Kimmi on her trip was how immersed in the culture our missions partners in India encouraged our team to be and how effective these efforts were in ministry there.

“On the last day, we wore full sarees,” Kimmie explained. “I remember feeling so out of my comfort zone and self-conscious about what parts of my body could be seen. But when we got up to teach dressed like that, the women we were teaching were so encouraging. They kept telling us how beautiful we looked and how they loved how we dressed that way–it made it all worth it.”

Kimmi compared her experience to the Apostle Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 9:20-22: “To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.”

To live these words in action through their experience in India has forever impacted Kimmi and the mission team she served with from Mt. Bethel Church.

“This mission trip opened our eyes to so much need and hunger for the Lord. It’s increased our urgency to share the gospel with our friends and family back here in the States now that we’re home.” – Gaylyn Kelly, Mt. Bethel Pastor of Discipleship

Thank you, Mt. Bethel family, for your tithes and offerings which helped make not only this short-term mission trip possible, but the work of our partners in South Asia possible. Because of your support, our partners were able to train 237 pastors and reached nearly 20,000 kids through VBS in 2023.

On February 28, 2024, Dr. Gary Chapman spoke at Mt. Bethel Church on the topic of “Building Better Relationships: Understanding the 5 Love Languages.” You can read a summary of his talk here.  

 At the end of the event, attendees were encouraged to submit questions through a survey. Dr. Chapman graciously agreed to a follow-up interview with our team where he answered many of the questions submitted. Below are some of the questions submitted and Dr. Chapman’s answers. 

Q: In our last blog post, you suggested ways people can talk to their significant other about the love languages concept. And while you said it ideally takes two people working on the relationship together, you acknowledge there could be improvement if just one person was practicing expressing love in a primary language. What advice do you have for the person whose spouse isn’t on board? 

Dr. Chapman: Ultimately, it does take two to fix communication gaps in a relationship. But here’s what I suggest to people: try a six-month experiment. And I say six months because nothing happens in three weeks.

Start with prayer. Say to God, “you know how I feel about my spouse. I don’t have positive feelings about them, and they’ve hurt me in some ways, but I know you love them, and I want to love them like I should. Will you pour your love into my heart and let me be a channel for loving them for the next six months? And will you open their hearts to receive that love?”

And for the next six months, with God’s help, speak their love language. You don’t have to have positive feelings for them, but you’re expressing love in a way that’s meaningful to them. I’ve seen it happen many, many times. When one person sets out to intentionally love the other, by the end of the six months, the other person reciprocates.

Q: What would you say to the person who did the six-month experiment of intentionally loving their partner in their primary love language, but saw no change? 

Dr. Chapman:  At that point, it’s time for some tough love. I’d advise saying, “I don’t know how you feel about us, but I feel like at least for the last six months, I have just totally loved you in the best way I know how. And it appears to me that you have no interest in our relationship. So, if you want to go for counseling, I’m willing to go with you. But if you don’t, I’m going to move in with my mother, because if you don’t care, there’s no reason for me to sit here.”

Giving that ultimatum is going to be hard. But chances are, after experiencing six months of intentional expressions of love from you, they’re going to miss it. And that’ll ultimately be what motivates them to start working on the relationship.

If the tough love doesn’t work–if you leave and they don’t care or they go out and find somebody else–then don’t feel like you failed. It’s never just one’s person’s fault, but you tried to fix things. You can’t stop someone from divorcing you. At that point, you can only do what you can to find healing for yourself.

But many times, if you’ve truly loved them for the last six months, that separation will be enough to convince them to try counseling and try to work things out.

Q: How do you recommend a couple “bring the spark back into their relationship?”

Dr. Chapman: One of the things I’ve suggested for a long, long time to couples is if you want to have a growing marriage, choose a book on marriage. And each of you agree to read the first chapter and then ask each other what can we learn in that chapter that might help us? And then read the second chapter and sit down and ask the same question, What in that chapter might help us? If you do that, chances are by the time you finish that book you’re going to have a spark in your marriage because you will be making some changes along the way.

And it can be any book. I typically suggest a Christian marriage book, and obviously, several people have used mine. But honestly, it can be any book on marriage.

In fact, I challenge couples who have good marriages to share a book on marriage once a year, work through a book by chapters and ask “what can we learn from that chapter?.” If you do that once a year, you’re probably going to have a growing marriage for the next 50 years if you live that long.

Check out parts one, two , three and four of this blog series to learn more from Dr. Chapman. Click here to read the next and final installment of this series, “The Five Apology Languages,” which features the last of our audience questions and Dr. Chapman’s answers.

In our last blog post we talked about how peace can only be found in relationship with Jesus Christ. But if this is true, why do believers still experience stress and anxiety?  

The number one reason believers still experience chaotic feelings in their lives, even after professing faith in Christ, is because they pick up what they were supposed to leave buried in the grave when they rose to new life in Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:17) 

Here are five things you may be doing that are robbing you of your peace: 

1.Trusting in Yourself Instead of God’s Sovereign Providence 

When you accepted salvation, you also accepted God as the Lord of all your life.  

Never has our Heavenly Father or Jesus promised that by following Him we’ll have a trouble-free life. But what He has promised us is that He “works for the good of those who love Him,” (Romans 8:28) and that “never will I leave you or forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5). And the fact that nothing in this world can match His power should give you assurance that nothing will keep His promises from being kept.  

If you’re walking through one of life’s storms right now, hold onto the confidence that the God who commands the wind and the rain is walking with you. 

2.Trusting in Yourself Instead of God to Meet Your Daily Needs 

If we truly believe the Almighty God is Lord of our lives, then we need to trust Him to provide for us—not just in times of great need, but in all circumstances. 

Consider this: Adam and Eve were naked and unashamed in the Garden of Eden before they ate the fruit because they wholly trusted in God for their security and provision. Likewise, we as believers can trust in the Lord to provide what we need to survive. 

If you’re constantly stressed about your daily needs, perhaps you’re placing finances over Jesus in the order of your priorities.  

3.Not Having a Clear Conscience 

Many times, even though we’ve accepted salvation, we find ourselves giving into the desires of our flesh. But the problem remains the same as it was before we chose to follow Jesus: sin only leads to brokenness. 

The solution to sin is also still the same: repent and pursue Jesus.  

Putting your faith in Jesus is making the decision to trust His will over your own desires. Even when you find it hard to change your behavior, you’ll find peace in knowing His purpose for you is greater than you can imagine.  

4.Continually Trying to Change Things that are Out of Your Control 

When the actions of other people or the situation we’re facing doesn’t match our expectations, we experience stress. And human nature is to respond by trying to control.  

But Philippians 4:6-7 tells us that peace is experienced in bringing our concerns to the One who is always in control. 

Consider this: when you try to control the person or situation that’s giving you trouble, you might be working against what God is already doing in that person’s life or that situation.

When you reach for God instead of control, you’re trusting that He’s at work. And you’re clinging to the promise you made Him when you accepted salvation and asked Him be Lord of your life—that you would allow Him to work in and through you.

5.Not Living in the Will of God 

We’ve already hinted at this in other sections of this piece, but ultimately, peace is experienced by submitting to the will of God.  

We put our faith in Jesus because we recognized that our sin put us at odds with what we were created for and reconciliation with our Creator is only possible through what Jesus did for us on the cross. It’s in this relationship with God we find our purpose: to know and glorify Him. 

So if you’re wrestling with confusion about a direction your life should take, try seeking how you can know God better and how He can be glorified in that situation. When you surrender to His plan, the Holy Spirit reorients your will and desires to His. 

Your salvation has given you access to God’s peace through His grace. Lean into it. 

“Since then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.” 

Colossians 3:1-4 

This post is inspired by message 2 of our sermon series on Peace, entitled “Peace with Self” by Dr. Jody Ray. You can watch the full message here. You can also subscribe to download the complete study guide to go along with this series here. 

Adolescence is a tumultuous period not just for the teen experiencing it, but for their parents trying to love their child through it.

Rev. Susan Eaton, Author of “You’re Gonna Be Okay”

“One of both the realities and the challenges of being an adolescent is that they feel a lot of things and what they do feel, they feel really big,” says Susan Eaton, author of You’re Gonna Be Okay. “That can be an adventurous thing, but it can also become a reason to be really self-conscious.”

On top of the normal things teens are exploring during this life stage–from learning to build their own relationships to creating their own identity to discovering how they fit in the world–today’s kids are faced with the pressure of performing for likes and weighing their worth based on how their posts perform on social media.

“They have so much more access to the world than we as parents had when we were their age,” Susan adds.

It shouldn’t be surprising that anxiety and depression in adolescents are on the rise. Seven in ten teens today see both as major problems among their peers, according to the Pew Research Center.

7 in 10 teens today see both anxiety and depression as major problems among their peers. (Pew Research Center)

And because these struggles are deeply personal, students oftentimes don’t know how, or feel like, they can’t talk about their negative feelings with adults around them. Likewise, parents oftentimes assume that if there’s a problem, their child will tell them or that it might be obvious.

This is why purposefully engaging in your teen, or preteen’s, life is important.

How to Engage Purposefully

On a recent episode of “Talk It Up,” Mt. Bethel’s monthly podcast for parents, Susan shared with hosts Matt Lake and Elley Lee about her experience as a parent of a son who struggles with depression.

“Once I knew he was struggling, I started engaging purposefully,” Susan admits. “There was not a day that I didn’t come home and purposefully knock on his door. I talked about things that he liked. I spent hours playing video games and watching T.V. shows, that I had no interest in, with him because he enjoyed it.”

“What I found was that in those moments of being more present and engaging and building the relationship, naturally, things would come up that he normally would not have told me.”

To be clear, Susan’s purposeful engagement didn’t “fix” her son’s depression. In fact, one of the first things Susan and her husband did, after learning from their son’s student pastor that their child was struggling, was help their son find a licensed therapist.

What engaging purposefully did, was give Susan and her husband a pathway into learning what their son needed. It also fostered a safe, supportive environment that helped him know he wasn’t facing his struggles alone.

Engaging purposefully is something every parent can do to benefit their child’s well-being. Whether they’re struggling with normal anxiety, that comes with life, or they’re struggling with a bigger mental health issue.

You can learn more from Susan about the differences between anxiety as a feeling and anxiety disorders, signs to look for in your child, how to walk with your child through mental health issues, and more by listening to the full episode below or on your favorite podcast platform!

We live in a society that constantly tells us we need to have more, buy more, do more in order to be happy. And we willingly accept this notion. Except, there’s a few problems:

First, this notion perpetuates an idea that people, places and things have the ability to make us happy:

•  We believe having financial stability, or even wealth, will solve all our life struggles. Except, even the billionaires of the world have problems.
• If we travel enough, we’ll see all the world has to offer. Except, no matter where we go, we can’t escape humanity’s flaws.
• We think if we date or marry the right person, all our desires will be met. Except, even the people who understand you the best will inevitably let you down in some way.

Second, because the pleasure that accompanies these things is temporary, the pursuit is never-ending. Which means it’s exhausting.

And finally, the reality is that happiness isn’t really what you’re searching for–peace is.

We Were Created for Peace 

We say all we want is “to be happy,” but what we really want is to be able to handle stress with ease. We want to be okay when things around us are not okay. We want to find meaning in tragedy. We want our relationship to be less dramatic. We want our lives to be impactful on the world around us.

What we’re really craving isn’t happiness, it’s peace.

We spend our lives fueling our bodies and filling our minds with information, but we’re starving our souls.

We spend our lives fueling our bodies and filling our minds with information, but we’re starving our souls. Because peace is what we were created for.

According to Genesis, God created us to be with Him. In the Garden of Eden, He gave our first human ancestors, Adam and Eve, everything they needed not only to survive but to thrive. Their lives were essentially perfect; their days were spent enjoying the presence of the Father and of each other. They wanted for nothing.

Then they sinned. Ironically, it was the pursuit of more–the lie that the Tree of Knowledge would somehow give them what God was keeping from them–that led to that sin. What they found when they bit into the fruit wasn’t something better, it was chaos.

Because after sinning, they could no longer be in the presence of a Holy God. Suddenly they couldn’t do what they were created to do.

Your money, your job, and your significant other can’t give you what you’re searching because your soul is craving what is was made for: it’s Creator. This is why your endless pursuit of happiness always leaves you feeling exhausted and empty.

How to Receive Peace  

There is hope: peace is possible. It’s just not something you can obtain on your own.

But here’s the Good News: God loves you, and He can’t stand the separation your sin causes between you and Him. So, through Jesus’s death and resurrection, He made a way for you to be reconciled to Him. 

“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance…” – Romans 5:1-3 

When you recognize and believe this truth by aligning your life and will with Jesus’s (who is fully God and fully man), when you a pursue a relationship with Him as Lord over your life, you find everything you were chasing after:

• You can handle stress with ease and be okay when life’s not okay because you can rest in the confidence of God’s power and presence
• You’ll stop searching for meaning in tragedy because God’s purpose and plan supersedes all other priorities
• The inner peace you’ve found will overflow into your outward relationships
• The Holy Spirit can (and wants too!) work through you to bring the hope of reconciliation with God to others, changing their lives and eternities

Stop chasing happiness. Pursue Jesus and receive peace in the process. 

Inspired by the first sermon and section of Mt. Bethel’s study on Peace, entitled “Peace with God,” written and delivered by Dr. Jody Ray. You can view the original sermon here, as well as subscribe to download an eBook version of the study guide which provides daily devotions to help you dive deeper.

On February 28, 2024, Dr. Gary Chapman spoke at Mt. Bethel Church on the topic of “Building Better Relationships: Understanding the 5 Love Languages.” You can read a summary of his talk here. 

At the end of the event, attendees were encouraged to submit questions through a survey. Dr. Chapman graciously agreed to a follow-up interview with our team where he answered many of the questions submitted. Below are some of the questions submitted and Dr. Chapman’s answers. 

Q: Would you say that asking someone to speak your love language is asking them to change who they are? 

Dr. Chapman: I don’t think it’s changing who they are, but it may well be changing their attitude and their behavior. They’re still the person they are. They still have their personality, but you are asking them to start doing something they aren’t currently doing.

Now, if you just bring it up randomly and say ‘I don’t think you love me right, here’s the right way to do it’– that’s a self-centered approach on your part. That’s almost guaranteed for them to reject the request. But if you two have been talking about improving your relationship and you suggest examining each other’s love languages, but they respond by telling you ‘stop trying to change me!’, then maybe that’s a sign they’re selfish.

Q: So how do you recommend a couple having a conversation about expressions of love? Let’s say only one person has heard your talk or read the book. How can they convince their partner to start loving them in their primary language? 

Dr. Chapman: If only one person has read the book or only one person has attended the conference, I think the way to approach it is not by first asking them to speak your love language. Instead, I think the one who has read the book or been to the conference should suggest to their significant other that they read the book together. Or at the very least, tell them what you found fascinating about the book or the conference and suggest you both take the quiz. That way you’re coming from the position of expressing a desire to love them better. Once they see you’re wanting to do this because it will in some way enrich their life, they’re more likely to get on board with it.

Q: Does it always take two to, as you said in your talk and in your book, “fill the tank?” Or can a relationship improve if just one person knows about and is practicing the love language concept? 

Dr. Chapman: You’re probably going to see more obvious results if both people in the relationship know about and are practicing the concept of loving each other in each other’s primary languages. But keep in mind that love stimulates love. When you love someone well, they’ll naturally want to express love back to you.

And again, you can apply this concept to any relationship, not just a marital one. You’re probably not going to have a conversation with that coworker who gets on your nerves about ways you can both love each other better, but if you change your attitude towards them and look for ways to intentionally express love to them in their primary language, you will see some improvement.

Check out parts one, two and three of this blog series to learn more from Dr. Chapman. Click here to read the next installment of this series, “How to Fix Your Marriage,” which features more audience questions and more of Dr. Chapman’s answers!

On February 28, 2024, Dr. Gary Chapman spoke at Mt. Bethel Church on the topic of “Building Better Relationships: Understanding the 5 Love Languages.” You can read a summary of his talk here. 

At the end of the event, attendees were encouraged to submit questions through a survey. Dr. Chapman graciously agreed to a follow-up interview with our team where he answered many of the questions submitted. Below are some of the questions submitted and Dr. Chapman’s answers. 

Q: What if I’m convinced that I don’t have a love language? What if I’ve taken the quiz and it shows all 5 being of equal percentage? 

Dr. Chapman: Then you’re extremely lucky! To people who tell me this, I say don’t worry about it. Enjoy it because it means you’ve been loved well and often by people around you, so you hear and speak all five languages fluently.

Q: Is that the only reason someone might not be able to figure out their love language from the quiz? 

Dr. Chapman: Most of the time if the quiz doesn’t work for someone, it’s because they’ve been loved well. But there is another type of person that would probably get inconclusive results on the quiz and that’s somebody who has never felt loved–maybe they were abused as a child—and they don’t have an emotional concept of love.

I think if you have a relationship with this type of person, where you start is similar to how you love a child before they’ve developed a primary language. Say to them, “I understand that because of the trauma you’ve been through, you don’t know which expression of love would be most meaningful to you. So, if it’s okay with you, I’m going to focus on one of the languages one week and the next week I’m going to focus on another one.” And so you kind of work through all five of the languages over a few weeks, and you keep the conversation open with this person about how each act of love makes them feel, and what you’ll probably find eventually–or what they’ll find–is that they appreciate one more than the others.

Q: Can a person’s primary love language change? 

Dr. Chapman: Not usually, but you can learn to speak and hear other languages more fluently. In fact, if you’re being intentional about the ways you express love in all of your relationships–not just your romantic or familial relationships–then chances are you’ll pick up other languages rather quickly.

Q: Do you believe trauma can influence relationships and/or people’s ability to express love? 

Dr. Chapman: Certainly. Whenever there’s traumatic things that happen in life, obviously it affects the normal flow of expressing love to each other. Let’s say you have a healthy marriage: things are going well; you’re both speaking each other’s language. But then one of you comes down with cancer, goes through chemotherapy, and loses their hair, etc. You might still be able to speak the love language in certain ways, you know, but you’re also empathetic with each other. If you’ve had a good marriage, you’re going to be empathetic with each other during that time, and you’re not going to expect each other to be as intentional as each of you were when both of you were healthy.

And of course, there are some conditions that can alter your ability to express love. And that’s when I think you need to lean into the Lord for help and reach out to friends to help you work with that person with those disabilities. I wrote a book on that called “Keeping Love Alive as Memories Fade: The 5 Love Languages and the Alzheimer’s Journey.” I wrote it with a medical doctor whose wife had Alzheimer’s.

Click here to view last week’s installment of this series. Check out the next part in this series, “How to Talk to Your Significant Other About Loving You in Your Primary Love Language,” which features more audience questions and answers from Dr. Chapman! 

The ripple effect is a metaphor to describe how a single action or event can have a series of impacts. Like a stone dropped into water, the effects of an action can multiply and influence other actions and events in sometimes unexpected ways.

Consider this: the ripple effect of financial assistance is like dropping that pebble into a tranquil pond, creating a series of expanding circles that touch everything in its path. Let’s examine the case of Teri, a dedicated mother,  working two to three jobs to sustain her extended family. Across four generations, Teri’s income and support serve as the foundation for her family’s stability. One of Teri’s jobs is as a caregiver to a Mt. Bethel family. Teri does an excellent job supporting the care receiver and the family. Recognizing Teri’s merits and her potential need for support, the Mt. Bethel family collaborates with the Care team to explore avenues for assistance.

In speaking with Teri, the Care team discovers her recent plight of losing her rental home necessitating temporary lodging in a hotel, alongside her vehicle undergoing repairs at a local garage. Consequently, Teri’s ability to sustain her multiple jobs falters, as her transportation is unreliable. In response, the Care team extends their support by facilitating the repair of Teri’s vehicle which, in turn, provides reliable transportation to Teri’s multiple places of employment.

This act of assistance marks the beginning of the ripple effect in Teri’s life. In collaboration with one of our Missions Partners, the Care team endeavors to secure improved living conditions and a stable, affordable residence for Teri and her family.

Your donations to the Compassion Fund have made it possible to assist Teri with reliable transportation, keep her family together, and continue to work with the Mt. Bethel family for whom Teri has been providing caregiver support. In this way, the initial act of financial assistance to Teri rippled through generations, creating positive impacts far beyond the initial gift of assistance.

On February 28, 2024, Dr. Gary Chapman spoke at Mt. Bethel Church on the topic of “Building Better Relationships: Understanding the 5 Love Languages.” You can read a summary of his talk here.  

At the end of the event, attendees were encouraged to submit questions through a survey. Dr. Chapman graciously agreed to a follow-up interview with our team where he answered many of the questions submitted. Below are some of the questions submitted and Dr. Chapman’s answers.

Q: Would you say love languages are a product of nurture or nature? 

Dr. Chapman: I’m often asked that question, and I really don’t know. I do know that the primary love language of a child is observable at least by the time they’re four years old, so it’s there pretty early. And the reason I say observable is that if you just observe how that child responds to you and other people, you’ll see one or two of the love languages expressed by the child more than the others. My son’s language, for example, was physical touch and when he was that age, I would come home from work, he’d run to the door, grab my legs and climb on me. He was touching me because he wanted to be touched. Our daughter never did that. At that age, our daughter would say, ‘daddy come into my room, I want to show you something.’ She wanted quality time. It’s there very early. It’s like a lot of other personality traits of children. They’re there pretty early. You know, some children are very organized–you look at their toys, they’re all in a row–and others are not. So, I don’t know if it’s nurture or nature, or perhaps both, but it does develop early.

Q: Can someone have a different primary language that they hear versus one that they speak? 

Dr. Chapman: Yes, for about 75% of people the love language they most naturally speak is the language they want to receive. But for about 25%, the one they speak most naturally is not what they want to receive. And my explanation for that is–and I don’t know if this is totally true–but my guess is that they speak that one most naturally because they were taught to speak that language by their parents. Because the love languages their parents primarily speak is the way they were taught to love people.

Q: Can a child’s love language cause unexplainable tantrums? 

Dr. Chapman: I’m not sure that any particular love language would cause that. I do think, and this is totally different from love language, that tantrums typically continue in a child’s life if they work. If a child sees that when they pitch a tantrum and they get what they want, they’re going to continue to pitch tantrums. So, the key for parents is to not let tantrums work. Don’t give in when they’re screaming and crying. Even if they scream for 30 minutes, eventually they’ll either tire themselves out or stop. Either way, they’ll get the memo: tantrums won’t get them what they want.

I do think expressing love to a child in their primary love language might help avoid or cut down on tantrums, since love is a natural human need. Again, their primary love language is typically observable by the time they are four years old. But until then, intentionally express all five love languages to them. Eventually, you’ll see them respond overwhelmingly better to one over the others.

Check out the next installment of this blog series, “How to Respond When Trauma Influences Expressions of Love,” featuring more audience questions and Dr. Chapman’s answer by clicking here.

Holy Week—the week before Easter Sunday—commemorates the final week of Jesus’ earthly ministry. In this post is a timeline complete with Scripture references and prayer points you can use as a guide for reflection, repentance, and reverence as you join with believers in our church and worldwide in remembrance of the profound sacrifice and love demonstrated by our Savior. 

Palm Sunday (read Zechariah 9:9; Matt. 21:1-9; Mark 11:1-10; Luke:28-40; John 12:12-19)

On the Sunday before Easter, we commemorate Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem on a donkey as prophesied in the Old Testament. This event symbolizes Jesus’ kingship, but it also foreshadows the events to come. Despite the jubilant reception, Jesus knew the true purpose of His entry into Jerusalem was to fulfill God’s plan for salvation.

Prayer Points:

• Thank the Lord for keeping His promises, especially His promise made in the Garden of Eden after the fall of man to send a Savior to crush sin and reconcile our relationship with Him.
• Confess and repent of moments of distraction. Ask forgiveness for times when you’ve missed the presence and power of the Holy Spirit like the Pharisees and Sadducees missed the historic and triumphant significance of Jesus’ entry.
• Ask God to open your heart to acknowledge His presence and be in tune with His will. Pray He will give you the humility to trust His plans even when they look different from what you might envision.

Holy Monday (read Matt. 21:10-22; Mark 11:12-19; Luke 19:45-48) 

On the Monday before Easter, we reflect on Jesus’ cleansing of the temple and cursing of the fig tree. Many scholars believe these events are a metaphor for God passing judgment on those who present themselves as religious to others but have not allowed themselves to be transformed by a personal relationship with God.

Prayer Points:

• Thank the Lord for inviting you into an intimate relationship with Him. Praise Him for His desire to know you personally!
• Confess and repent of ways you’ve neglected your relationship with Him.
• Ask God to cleanse your life of things that tempt or distract you from Him. Ask Him to give you growth and allow you to bear fruit.

Holy Tuesday (read Matt. 21: 23-25:46; John 12:20-38) 

On the Tuesday before Easter, we consider Jesus’ last public address before His crucifixion. A crowd gathers and He tells several parables (stories that illustrate a specific point) that reiterate the message He preached throughout His ministry: the Kingdom of God is near—repent and believe.

Prayer Points:

• Thank the Lord for His wisdom and teaching in your life, and for His patience as you learn His will and His heart.
• Confess and repent of ways you’ve judge others instead of serving, loving, and sharing the gospel with them.
• Ask the Holy Spirit to imprint the words and lessons of Jesus’ teachings on your heart so you may be equipped and mobilized to share His message with others.

Holy Wednesday (read Matt. 26:1-16; Mark 14:1-11) 

Wednesday is the day we mark three events: the religious leaders’ scheming to arrest and kill Jesus, Jesus’ anointing, and Judas’ agreement to betray Jesus.

Prayer Points:

• Like the woman who anointed Jesus’s feet with oil, take a moment to acknowledge the reverence of God—how He is worthy of all our praise and of everything we can bring Him.
• Confess and repent of ways you’ve been like the disciples who were more focused on the cost of the oil than they were on the significance of the gift.
• Take a moment to lament Judas’ betrayal. Lament times you’ve been unfaithful—whether that be in your walk with the Lord or ways you’ve betrayed loved ones. Pray for forgiveness and for strength to follow Christ.

Maundy Thursday (read Matt. 26:17-75; Mark 14:12-72; Luke 22:7-62; John 13:1-38) 

The word “maundy” comes from the Latin word mandātum, meaning “mandate or command.” Early believers chose this word to describe the Thursday before Easter because this is the occasion on which we remember the Last Supper at which Jesus washed His disciples’ feet and said the words, “a new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”

Prayer Points:

• Praise the Lord once again for making a way for us to be reconciled in our relationship with Him. Thank Him for the sacrifice He made.
• Consider the events of that Thursday night, when Jesus predicts Judas’ betrayal and Peter’s denial. Reflect on Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane. Meditate on His words, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” Mourn the events of His arrest.
• Ask the Holy Spirit for endurance in your spiritual journey and strength to resist temptation.

Good Friday (read Matt. 27:1-62, Mark 15:1-47; Luke 22:63-23:56; John 18:28-19:37) 

Good Friday is the solemn day when we commemorate Jesus’ crucifixion and death on the cross. It is a day of deep sorrow and reflection on the immense sacrifice Jesus made for the forgiveness of sins. This is why many believers, including us here at Mt. Bethel, observe Tenebrae on this day.

Fulfilling multiple Old Testament prophecies, including Isaiah 53:5, He endured betrayal, mockery, and physical torture as He was unjustly condemned to the most shameful way a person could die according to society at the time.

After long, anguishing hours of suffering on the cross, Jesus said the words, “It is finished,” before taking His last breath. These words, which in the Greek is “tetelestai”, refers to Jesus’s mission on earth—the atonement for humanity’s sin.

Prayer Points:

• Acknowledge God’s righteousness, His holiness, and His deep love for us.
• Confess and repent of times you’ve picked back up or held on to the ways of the world instead of living in the abundant freedom Jesus’ sacrifice provides for us. Speak the words, “it is finished” to yourself as a reminder of the ways the enemy has waged for your heart that have already been won by our Savior.

Black Saturday (read Matt. 27:62-66, Mark 16:1; Luke 23:56; John 19:40) 

Sometimes also referred to as “Holy Saturday,” this day is a day of anticipation and waiting as we remember the time between Jesus’s final breath and His resurrection. For the first disciples, this was a dark day that was heavy with feelings of grief and defeat. But post-resurrection, we know we can have hope during periods of waiting.

Prayer Points:

• Praise God for His omniscience (all-knowing), His omnipresence (ever-present), and His omnipotence (all-powerful). Thank Him for the times between when He is at work, even though we might not see it.
• Confess and repent of times you’ve failed to wait or failed to trust Him in the waiting.
• Ask the Holy Spirit to give you patience and to help you trust in times of waiting.

Easter Sunday (read Matt. 28: 1-15, Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-18) 

The week ends in celebration on Resurrection Sunday! Jesus died for us to give us eternal life with God, but He rose again to give us eternal, living hope. The resurrection of Jesus validates His identity as the Son of God and the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan.

Prayer Points:

• Rejoice in our Lord’s victory over sin and death! Praise God for His redeeming love!
• Lament the souls of this lost and dying world around us who have not yet heard and accepted the truths of Easter.
• Ask the Holy Spirit to give you boldness to proclaim this story and message to those who have not yet called on Jesus as their Savior.

In this blog series, we’ve been discussing the boundaries of the Christian life. We’ve talked about the boundaries and freedom God has given us, and we’ve talked about the boundaries we can set for ourselves as we pursue Christ.  

In this post, we’re talking about how to set healthy, God-honoring boundaries with others by examining how Jesus set boundaries during His earthly ministry. 

We’ve Been Called to Step into Brokenness 

 In Mark 1:29-34, we see Jesus standing at the door of Simon’s Mother-In-Law’s house healing anyone and everyone of sickness and demon possession.  

In verse 35, however, we see Jesus quietly go off to spend solitary time with the Father. When the disciples find Him again, He tells them it’s time to go even though there is still a crowd waiting to be healed (verse 38). 

So, did Jesus not care about the people who still needed healing? 

Of course He did! According to other gospel writers, the reason Jesus used His powers to heal people was because He was moved with compassion for their struggle. (Matt. 9:36-38) 

And just like Jesus, we should be moved by compassion for the suffering of those around us. We’ve been called to step into the brokenness of others and share with them the healing love of Christ. 

It’s important when we’re loving those around us that we set healthy, God-honoring boundaries like we see Jesus setting here. 

The Importance of Boundaries 

If we don’t set boundaries, we’re at risk of allowing other people’s brokenness to keep us in bondage when we’ve been given freedom in Christ. We’re also at risk of being distracted from the purpose God has for each of us. 

How to Set Healthy, God-honoring Boundaries 

When Jesus tells His disciples it’s time to leave in verse 38, He’s drawing a boundary. Here’s what we can learn about setting boundaries from His example: 

• Seek healing for your own wounds. If you don’t heal from your own painful relationships, you’ll inevitably bring that hurt into new relationships. 

• Recognize what is beyond your ability and trust what you cannot do to the One who can. True healing can only be sought after by the individual who needs it and only be granted by our Heavenly Father. 
• Spend time in prayer and the Word so you can be reminded of His healing power and promises. If you’re not sure how to pray about a broken relationship, try using the Lord’s Prayer (Matt. 6:9-13) as an outline!  
• Surround yourself with other believers who can encourage your relationships. We need life-giving relationships in our lives for new input and teaching.1 

And finally, don’t stop short of the plan and purpose God has for your life. Healing and meeting people’s physical needs is a good thing, but Jesus drew a boundary because it wasn’t the main purpose of His earthly ministry. 

Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” – Mark 1:38 

Jesus came to tell the world a Savior had come to reconcile their relationship with God the Father. It’s a mission He has invited us, as His followers, to join in with Him. (Matt. 28:18-20) 

We can be doing good things in this life, but if these good things are keeping us from glorifying God by making disciples, we’re missing out on the plan and purpose He has for us. It’s a sign we need to draw a boundary. 

* This post is inspired by the third and final message of Mt. Bethel’s “Boundaries” Sermon Series entitled “Boundaries with Others” by Matt Lake, Executive Director of Next Gen Ministries. You can view the full message, as well as other sermons from this series, here. 

1“Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life” by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend 

The observance of Tenebrae has been a longstanding tradition here at Mt. Bethel. Here is a brief description and history of the significance of this observance:

In the Christian faith, Tenebrae is a solemn observance held on the evening of Good Friday, the day commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Its name, “Tenebrae,” is Latin for “shadows” or “darkness,” symbolizing the somber mood of the occasion.

Originating in medieval monastic communities, the service typically consists of readings from the Bible, choral music, and the gradual extinguishing of candles, symbolizing the diminishing of Christ’s light as He approached His death. The darkness represents the despair and suffering experienced during Jesus’ crucifixion and death. It often concludes a strepitous or loud noise such as the slamming shut of a book, symbolizing the earthquake that followed Jesus’ death.

Throughout history, Tenebrae services have varied in format and content across different Christian denominations. Here at Mt. Bethel, the central theme remains the same: reflecting on the sacrifice of Jesus and the significance of Good Friday in the Christian faith. Worshippers participate in this service to observe the solemnity of Christ’s passion, meditating on the profound spiritual truths of redemption and sacrifice. It serves as a powerful reminder of the gravity of Good Friday and prepares believers for the celebration of Easter Sunday, when Jesus rose from the dead, triumphing over sin and death.

In the last post for this series, we established that a life in Christ is one of boundaries. Pursuing God’s design for our lives means living within the limits He has set for us. We studied how our Heavenly Father reacts when we leave the boundaries and how He reacts when we don’t live abundantly in the freedom that can be found within the boundaries He has set. 

In this post, we’re going to explore what it means and what it takes to pursue a holy life.

What It Means: Suffering 

First of all, we need to understand: the Christian life is a life of accepting suffering. Jesus warned his disciples in John 16:33 that they would face trouble for following Him. And then, we see Him accept painful death on a cross when He’s in the Garden of Gethsemane before He’s arrested and prays to the Father, “if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” (Luke 22:42)

The Christian life is a life of accepting suffering.

To be a disciple of a teacher who had been crucified was seen as shameful by the culture in which the Early Church existed. And yet, the Apostles boasted about being servants of the crucified and risen Christ. And they all faced persecution for it.

That’s where we find the Apostle Paul in his second letter to Timothy: in a Roman prison for preaching the gospel. We know from history that Paul was beheaded shortly after he sent this letter.

And what we see in this letter is his acceptance of it. Despite being in prison, being tortured, and facing death, he’s filled with joy and peace. He’s even encouraging Timothy to contend for the faith even though it means suffering. 

“I thank God, whom I serve, with a clear conscience…Do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me His prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.” – 2 Timothy 1: 3,8

Paul trusted God as the Lord over every circumstance of his life.

If he was in prison for obeying the Father, God clearly ordained it. He believed that for whatever reason God had for not protecting his servant from prison had to be for God’s glory—and that made his suffering worth it.

What It Takes: Boundaries

How can we follow Paul’s example and experience joy and peace in the midst of suffering? Here are three boundaries we can set for ourselves:

1. Trade our will power for God’s power. In his letter to Timothy, Paul credits The Holy Spirit for giving Him the strength to keep his faith saying, ‘For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.’” (2 Timothy 1:7)

God requires a faithfulness of us that is well-beyond our ability. We were made for a holy life, but when we try to pursue it on our own we will only achieve failure. But He has given us His Spirit, so that we will have the power, love and self-discipline to not only carry out the mission of making disciples, but also to endure the suffering that comes with choosing to be His disciples.

God requires a faithfulness of us that is well-beyond our ability.

2. Decide that nothing will keep you from the love of God. “[Preaching the gospel] is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.” (2 Timothy 1:12)

Paul trusted in the teachings and promises made to us by Christ. He knew that at the heart of the gospel story was a God who loved us so much, He conquered sin and death so that we could be reconciled to a life with Him. God gave up His Son and in exchange, all He asks for is our hearts. And He protects and cherishes what is His.

3. Guard your treasure in a way that brings glory to Jesus. In verse 14, Paul encourages Timothy to “guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you.” He’s referring to the holiness and mission we receive when we pursue a life in Christ. A life of making disciples is not easy, but the freedom and joy of the gospel makes it worth it.

This post is inspired by message two of Mt. Bethel’s “Boundaries” Sermon Series entitled “Boundaries for Self” by Pastor John Freeland. You can view the full message, as well as other sermons from this series, here.

For recent high school graduates, college is exciting because of all the freedom that is possible. 

For the parents of these students, college is frightening because of all the choices their child now faces that come with that freedom.

And for Christian parents in particular, one of the most important decisions their student is faced with is whether or not to continue practicing the faith they’ve grown up in. So what can parents do to nurture their child’s faith during this transition? 

It Starts With You 

Andrew Reilly, college pastor of The Refuge and The Chapel in Baton Rouge, LA, which neighbors Louisiana State University’s campus, says the most common thing he’s observed in college students with strong faith is that they had parents who modeled for them what faith looks like. 

 “It’s not a promise. I’m not making a guarantee that if you do this your child is going to be on fire for the Lord. But it is something that, as a college pastor, I see frequently,” Andrew said on a recent episode Talk It Up, Mt. Bethel’s podcast for parents wanting to raise their children in the Christian faith. 

“If you want your child to pursue Christ in their life, you need to model what pursuing Christ looks like for them before they get to the point where they are faced with the decision to make the Christian faith their own. Show them the importance of Christian community by being involved in your small group. Show them how to serve in a local church by serving in your local church. Show them how to be vulnerable and confess sin.” 

“If you want your child to pursue Christ in their life, you need to model what pursuing Christ looks like for them before they get to the point where they are faced with the decision to make the Christian faith their own.” – Andrew Reilly

 In addition to modeling a life of faith for your child—which the earlier you start being intentional about doing, the more impact it will have—there are some other things parents can be doing to positively impact their student’s faith, including:  

• Establishing a culture of open communication. Growing in one’s faith requires asking questions. If your child knows they can say anything or ask anything about any topic without having to fear how you will react, they’re more likely to bring the questions they’re exploring regarding their faith to you. 
• Set boundaries that help them explore freedom and responsibility. Providing a good structure for your child while they’re in high school will help them build a good structure when they’re out on their own. Help them see that freedom and responsibility go hand-in-hand. 
• Pray. Pray for their friendships, pray for their faith, pray for them to make good choices. 

• Partner. With your child by establishing trust with them, with other parents by inviting their family to do life alongside your family, and with your local church by letting your student ministry leaders know how they can serve your child best. 

*For more encouragement and practical tips on this topic, listen to “Episode 05: College Bound and Spiritually Grounded” of the TalkItUp podcast, available on your favorite podcast platform 

The Christian life is one of boundaries.

We see this in the Garden of Eden when God tells Adam and Eve they are free to eat from any tree except the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. We see it when the Israelites escape from Egypt into the wilderness and God gives Moses The 10 Commandments. We see it when Jesus preaches His “Sermon on the Mount,” teaching His disciples what it looks like to live in the Kingdom of God.

In each of these examples, we not only learn the boundaries set, we’re also given insight into the God who set them.

God sets boundaries for:

• our good
• our guidance
• our protection
• our growth

Even though God has given these limits—these boundaries—He has also still given us freedom.

Even though God has given us boundaries, He has also given us freedom.

In his letters to the Early Church, the Apostle Paul makes the argument that choosing to follow Christ (and therefore living within the boundaries He has set for us) is its own type of freedom because it’s infinitely a more abundant life than a life lived without Christ.

And this is true, but God has also given us the freedom to choose to leave His boundaries. But leaving these boundaries always comes with consequences.

In Luke 15:11-32, while teaching to a crowd of “tax collectors and sinners” and “Pharisees and scribes,” Jesus tells the parable of The Prodigal Son to teach us how God reacts when we leave the boundaries He has set for us.

The story begins with a son asking his father to give him his inheritance, which he then uses to leave home and then “squandered his estate with foolish living.” (v. 13)

In verses 13-19, we see the Prodigal Son experiencing the consequences of his choice to leave the boundaries of his father’s home: he’s penniless, starving, and has been forced to sell himself as a slave.

Question to Consider: When thinking about our regrets in life, how many can be traced back to stepping outside of the boundaries our Heavenly Father has set for us?

“The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I’m no longer worthy to be called your son.’” – Luke 15:21 

While working feeding pigs (a job Jesus’ audience would have seen as one of the lowest occupations one could do), the son realizes that His father’s servants have a better life than he does. So he swallows his pride and heads back to his father’s estate.

In verses 20-24, we see the Prodigal Son humbly return to his father’s estate expecting judgment and disownment. Instead, his father runs out to greet him with compassion.

The father’s welcome teaches us that even when we’ve left God’s boundaries, He hasn’t left us. He’s earnestly waiting, calling out for us, and longing for our return—ready to welcome us back fully as His child.

God Meets Us Where We Are

But the story doesn’t end there. Jesus goes on to tell His audience, of which the most righteous of Jewish society were in attendance, that the Prodigal Son had an older brother who had never left the boundaries of his father’s estate.

When this oldest son learns of the celebration his father is throwing for the younger son who had left home and squandered all their father had given him, he’s angry.

The older brother’s jealous reaction to his brother’s return teaches us: we can be living righteously and yet be ignorant to the abundant joy and freedom that can be found within the boundaries God has set for us.

But notice in verse 28: just like the father ran out to meet the younger son who has been broken by his prodigal living, the father also goes out to meet the older son who is plagued with bitterness and he pleads with him.

Whether we are guilty of running far past the boundaries God has set for us or we’re not living the abundant life that can be found in those boundaries, our Heavenly Father will meet us where we are and invite us in.

Whether we are guilty of running far past the boundaries God has set for us or we’re not living the abundant life that can be found in those boundaries, our Heavenly Father will meet us where we are and invite us in.

So if today you find yourself far from God, know that you’re not too far gone, and that He wants to welcome you home. He sent His Son, Jesus, to pay for the consequences of your wandering so that you may be reconciled to life with Him.

And if you have already accepted life in Christ, but you’re not living in the freedom that can be found in the boundaries God has set for us—know that’s what He wants for you. Let go of the bitterness, the jealousy, or whatever else you’re holding onto; draw near to the Father, and experience true joy and the abundance that can only be found in a relationship with Him.

Find this article insightful? Share it on your favorite social media platform!

*based on the first message of Mt. Bethel’s “Boundaries” sermon series, delivered by Pastor Gaylyn Kelly. You can view the full sermon here.

Mt. Bethel Church hosted Dr. Gary Chapman for a special event on February 28, 2024, where he spoke on “The Five Love Languages” and “How to Build Better Relationships.” The event was not recorded, but the below article summarizes the main points of his talk. 

In his research, Dr. Gary Chapman found that “the average lifespan of the euphoric state known as ‘being in love with someone’ is only two years.” This means it only takes about two years of being in love with another person before the rose-colored glasses that accompany the romantic feeling start to slip. 

The newly married couple who were infatuated with each other suddenly start having marital problems, but they can’t explain what changed.

And this phenomenon doesn’t just apply to marital relationships. Parents naturally feel love towards their children, but that doesn’t keep either from experiencing frustrations with the other. Work colleagues should all be focused on achieving the same company goals, but having a united mission doesn’t mean two coworkers won’t ever “bump heads” over decisions.

If love is both a natural human emotion and a deep spiritual need, why do we have relational conflicts? 

Learning to Speak Love Clearly

In his book, “The Five Love Languages,” Dr. Chapman suggests the problem isn’t that we simply “fall out of love” after two years of marriage or that parents momentarily stop loving their children when they do something frustrating, but rather, the problem is one of communication.

According to Chapman, all of the various expressions of love can fall into one of five categories, or “languages”:

• Physical Touch
• Words of Affirmation
• Quality Time
• Acts of Service
• Receiving Gifts

We each naturally speak and hear one of these better than the other five (meaning we express and recognize love naturally in one of these ways).

But rarely do two people in a relationship both speak the same primary love language and when they do, it’s often a different dialect. For example, both a husband and wife may value “acts of service,” but he might view “acts of service” as being big improvement projects while she defines it as household chores.

This is where conflict and frustration in relationships happen.

Just like with spoken languages, saying the words “I love you” means nothing if the person you’re saying to doesn’t understand English.

When we express love to someone in their primary love language, we’re saying “I love you” in the clearest possible way they can understand.

It isn’t that the other person is ignoring the natural way we show them love, it’s that they don’t speak that specific language of love naturally. When we express love to someone in their primary love language, we’re saying “I love you” in the clearest possible way they can understand. 

The good news is, when you can recognize another person’s love language, you can learn how to show them appreciation in a way they will understand it best.

How To Discover Your Loved One’s Primary Love Language

Here are 3 questions you can ask to discover another person’s love language:

1. In what ways are they showing appreciation or care for people around them? Since we naturally speak the love language we hear the best, identifying the actions they use to show love could tell you how they want to receive love.

1. What do they complain about most often? Knowing what frustrates a person can give you insight into which love languages might be more difficult for them to understand.

1. What do they request most often? If you’re listening attentively, you might be able to tell what their love language is based on what they perceive they are lacking.

*inspired by “The 5 Love Languages” by Dr. Gary Chapman. Discover your love language by taking this quiz!

Click here to read the next installment in this blog series, “How to Discover Your Child’s Love Language and Other Wisdom from Dr. Gary Chapman.“

“Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon”. ~Isaiah 58:10

Having a safe and stable living situation is a fundamental need for individuals and families. The significance of shelter transcends mere physical protection from the elements; it encompasses emotional security, stability, and a sense of belonging. Many families facing potential loss of their home due to crises beyond their control have reached out to us since the pandemic, and just this month two families in desperate need sought our assistance to hold on to their homes. Recognizing this critical need, Mt. Bethel is committed to assisting families when catastrophe strikes.

A home is more than just bricks and mortar; it is where families forge bonds, create memories, and nurture dreams. However, when financial hardships loom large, the once-solid foundation can tremble, plunging families into uncertainty and distress. The inability to meet mortgage payments can trigger a cascade of challenges, leading to foreclosure, homelessness, and profound psychological distress. In such dire circumstances, the assurance of having a stable living situation becomes a beacon of hope.

At the heart of Mt. Bethel’s mission lies a steadfast dedication to serve and uplift those in need. We believe that extending a helping hand to families facing financial adversity is not just an act of charity, but a call to love and care for our brothers and sisters. It is a reaffirmation of our values and a demonstration of the transformative power of compassion. As we support families navigating turbulent financial needs, we reaffirm our belief in the goodness of God, and as His followers, we answer the call to share kindness with those in need and illuminate even the darkest of times our neighbors may be facing.

To contribute to The Compassion Fund, cash or check donations made be left at the altar rail following Communion or by choosing Compassion Fund on our Give page.

Recently, we had the privilege of hosting a Lunch and Learn event, focused on a topic that is a concern in our community: elder scams. Presented by the Cobb and North Georgia Elder Abuse Task Force, the event aimed to educate attendees about the various scams targeting seniors and provide valuable insights on how to avoid falling victim to them.