Bethesda Christian Church Sermon of the Week

There are many different types of “wake up calls.” Those that awaken us to a new day, and then those that urge us - press us - to respond to our God-given calling. Rev. Barry Allen reminds us through the story of Ezekiel that despite what we have chosen for our careers, we, as followers of Christ, are all on a mission from God - that we have a calling. What is God calling you to do with your life?

Do you know? Rev. Rob Susan shares with us the importance of knowledge and knowing God. That knowledge in Him brings us light, truth, forgiveness, life, and most importantly, love. And in these subjects, we are reminded that obedience and a relationship with God are essential for the life He has called us to.

Does God understand our pain? Pastor Pat reassures us that God does know our pain - that He has experienced it - that He knows the agony and sting of rejection. God even went so far as to come to earth as Jesus, who was also rejected. It is through that pain God offers an everlasting covenant of love grace compassion forgiveness. And He is here to help you through it.

God is a hands-on God, working constantly with His people, just like the potter did with clay in Jeremiah 18:1-5. Pastor Pat reminds us that God wants us to be His - obedient, turning away from idols and abiding by His word … giving Him our whole heart. And though there will be times of resistance - questioning, God wants us to always return to Him.

In this the final week of Mission’s Month, Pastor Pat encourages us to be like Paul and his team of representatives of Christ. We are called to be Christ’s ambassadors, to implore others on Christ’s behalf with his message: Be reconciled to God. That’s the message the ambassador brings, that’s the message we bring. Each one of us is as Paul did.

We are reminded of Paul’s mission in Corinth and how his message - his plea for support - is still relevant today for the thousands of missions around the world and here locally. Pastor Pat asks us to have our “Yes” truly mean YES, and to prayerfully consider supporting our Missions this month and throughout 2019.

As we continue with Missions Month, Pastor Pat asks two important questions about our message. Who has believed our message? And an even more basic question… Who is delivering the message?

What does Heaven look like? Pastor Pat & Pastor Avdal share with us how beautiful Heaven is - an unimaginable place we have never seen and we have never heard - prepared for us by none other than Jesus Christ, and that the Gate of Heaven is open to all who seek Him.

Rev. Barry Allen reminds us that being won by One means our worth is not in what we have or what we do, but in the One who gave us breath and life.

Prophets Week 4 - 08/26/18 by The weekly podcast of Bethesda Christian Church in Sterling Heights, MI

Who Is Like God?: Based on the words of Micah, whose name means “One Who Is Like God,” Pastor Pat asks us to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.

Resurrection Power: Using the words of Hosea and Paul, Pastor Pat reminds us to stand firm in the promise and the power of the resurrection. Live in the victory that death is defeated.

Prepare to Meet Your God: The prophet Amos warned Israel their faith was misdirected. Pastor Pat asks what we’re putting our faith in, and tells us to let go of the false security we find in things like wealth, comfort, health, relationships and more.

Praise: Rev. Barry Allen shares 7 different types of praise found in the Old Testament and encourages us to praise God daily.

Life Is Good: Based on Elisha and Gehazi’s story in 2 Kings, Rev. Rob Susan explains how we can have peace and contentment even when we experience disappointment or loss.

Attention: Rev. Barry Allen challenges us to pay attention to whom we pay attention; to make sure any advice we receive or give is aligned with the Word of God.

God Is our Refuge: Pastor Julie admonishes us to go to God at the first sign of trouble, and find our refuge in Him.

What’s Your Obsession? Before his conversion, Paul was obsessed with persecuting Christians. In our culture, there are causes that obsess some people to the point of unbalance. Pastor Pat challenges us to get back in balance, stop focusing on ourselves and become obsessed with Jesus Christ.

Tell It: In Acts 21-22 Paul leveraged an opportunity to tell people about the Gospel. From this example Pastor Pat gives 4 tips we can use when we tell people about our faith: 1. Find an opening; 2. Make a connection; 3. Tell your story; 4. Be prepared for rejection.

Two No’s and a Yes: Paul was led by the Holy Spirit away from 2 closed doors, and one opportunity. Pastor Pat explains that if we don’t feel the leading of the Holy Spirit when we make decisions we can look to: God’s Word, the church, our circumstances, dreams and visions, and our spirit.

Sundays in June, Acts - 06/10/18 by The weekly podcast of Bethesda Christian Church in Sterling Heights, MI

Pastor Pat relates the story of Cornelius and reminds us that the Gospel is for everyone. God does not show favoritism, but instead forgives and saves everyone who calls upon His name.

Memorial Day - 05/27/18 by The weekly podcast of Bethesda Christian Church in Sterling Heights, MI

Family Ministry - 05/20/18 by The weekly podcast of Bethesda Christian Church in Sterling Heights, MI

Rev. Barry Allen reminds us that “this is the day the Lord has made” and challenges us to rejoice in it even if we’re experiencing problems.