Bethany Church of Canby

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

Charge to Pastor Jeff and congregation from Rick Parker

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

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

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

Today we get back to our study of the NT book of James. The focus of chapter 3 is all about our tongues and how that what we say can have tremendous outcomes in our relationships with others and with God. When we visit the doctor, part of the exam is to look into our mouths and, using a tongue depressor, the doctor will see if there is anything to be concerned about there. In a way this chapter is...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here again we are meant to see a compare and contrast between Jonah and the Sailors. While Jonah wants a god of his own making, the sailors just want to find the right god to appease in the storm. In the end we see Jonah just begin to emerge from his shallow spiritual identity and the sailors radical transformation into God-fearers. But what is needed for both is the beautiful pattern of love in a...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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