Recent Sermons

Our lives are full of cycles, and often this includes the way we walk with God. Notoriously, we begin with great effort to follow the Lord and to please him in all that we do. But our fervor cools and we procrastinate and give in to indifference. We can even begin ignoring God, until the Word of God and the Spirit of God quicken our heats to repent. We then confess our sin and turn back to God with renewed promises of how much we will do for him. And the cycle begins again. In Micah 6, the speaker, representing the nation of Judah, is also in a cycle. But coming to the point when he begins to make grandiose promises to God, he receives a gentle rebuke, reminding him—and us—of the simple, uncomplicated things God requires of his children.

As Peter neared the end of his ministry to the church, he was intent not to give the Lord’s people something new, but to stir their spiritual memory, or make them recall what they already had. Likewise, as my pastoral ministry at Bethany draws to a close, I would like to remind you of several essential blessings that are yours as believers in Christ.

How does God expect Christians to act towards the world?

As Peter neared the end of his ministry to the church, he was intent not to give the Lord’s people something new, but to stir their spiritual memory, or make them recall what they already had. Likewise, as my pastoral ministry at Bethany draws to a close, I would like to remind you of several essential blessings that are yours as believers in Christ.

Who ultimately gets the blame evil and death? Who gets credit for all truly good?

As Peter neared the end of his ministry to the church, he was intent not to give the Lord’s people something new, but to stir their spiritual memory, or make them recall what they already had. Likewise, as my pastoral ministry at Bethany draws to a close, I would like to remind you of several essential blessings that are yours as believers in Christ.

Do you ever face trials? James writes to believers who are facing incredible financial trials and gives them hope. And he says that you must rejoice! How can we do such a thing? God gives incredible blessings in trials. He is perfecting your character. He promises the wisdom you need. Not only that, but He offers eternal rewards. You have cause to rejoice!

Centuries before the birth of Christ, Isaiah prophesied that a Child would be given to Israel who would reign as King. In Isaiah 9:6, the prophet proclaims the royal titles of this Child, titles which convey his character and the nature of his reign. When we understand the significance of these royal titles, they call us to worship our great Savior as we stand in awe of his majesty as well as his love and grace toward us.

Isaiah 9:2 speaks of a time when the people in Judah walked in darkness due to threats and attacks from Syria, Samaria and Assyria. In the midst of this darkness, God gave a message to Isaiah to give to King Ahaz that spoke of great hope as the result of a light that would shine upon them. Jesus Christ was that light and He walked and ministered in the area of Galilee, the place where it was the darkest in the eighth century. The prophecy related to the light that would continue to shine giving hope to all who would follow that light. Darkness is all over the world today and still Jesus Christ remains that light that can never be put out. That is what we celebrated on Christmas day. We also were at one time in darkness, but now are light in the LORD. As such, it is our responsibility to walk as children of the light (Eph. 5:18).

Centuries before the birth of Christ, Isaiah prophesied that a Child would be given to Israel who would reign as King. In Isaiah 9:6, the prophet proclaims the royal titles of this Child, titles which convey his character and the nature of his reign. When we understand the significance of these royal titles, they call us to worship our great Savior as we stand in awe of his majesty as well as his love and grace toward us.

The true meaning of Christmas centers in the virgin birth of Jesus Christ, God with us. Christ came to this earth at a time when the children of Israel walked in darkness. God's promise was that these same people would experience a great light (Isaiah 9:2). The historical context leading to the prophecy of the virgin birth is most important. The land of Judah was under the constant threat of attack from Samaria, Syria and Assyria and many thousands had already been killed. The promise from God was that a great light would be witnessed by these same people. Jesus was the answer to that prophecy Who said, I am the light of the world: He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life (John 8:12).