Bethel Christian Center

In Corinth Paul met a couple named Priscilla and Aquila. The three of them built tents together to earn a living. After about a year and a half Paul, Priscilla and Aquila traveled to the city of Ephesus together. Priscilla and Aquila stayed on in Ephesus to make tents and tell people about Jesus while Paul returned to Antioch. A great teacher came to Ephesus, Priscilla and Aquila invited him to their house and explained to him the way of God more accurately. Apollos was grateful and went on to Corinth where he continued to share the good news of Jesus.

The vision of the valley of dry bones has been variously interpreted. Some see it as (1) teaching the postexilic return of the exiles (2) as an analogy for spiritual regeneration and the birth of the church (3) and dispensational interpreters see here the resurrection and the restoration of end times national Israel. Contextually, it is designed to be a message of hope to the exiled Jews. "SFL Bible" Ezekiel is given two symbols to illustrate the restoration of Israel. These symbols refer to the whole house of Israel (v. 11). But surely there is a present-day application (1 Corinthians 10:11).

The resurrection is more than just an event that happened once in history. It's the source of the power you can experience in your own life, every day. The same resurrection power that brought Jesus from death to life is available to you, and if you tap into it, you'll see an amazing transformation in your own life, too.

Your most important enterprise as a Christian is to find and to follow the will of God. Romans 2:2 says that we are "to prove what is that good and acceptable will of God." It is one thing not to know the will of God and refuse it. The classic example in all of the Bible of a believer who knows the will of God, and yet doesn't want to do it, is found within the pages of the prophecy of Jonah.

Pastor preaches the missionary heart of God through book of Jonah, after Collin and Madison invite the church to participate in a virtual mission trip to Mali.

In this fast paced and stressed out world that we live in today people are looking for rest and relaxation in all the wrong places. There are new products and gimmicks constantly coming out and some seek spiritual rest in some new age movement. However, you will never know true rest until you find it in the one that created and to have rest in him.

Unexpected influence amidst difficult circumstances.

Knowing the difference between the things we can control and the things we can’t is very important. “Incredible change happens in your life when you decide to take control of what you do have power over instead of craving control over what you don’t.” Steve Maraboli

Daniel 10 reveals to us a cosmic struggle between the forces of good and evil. It tells of angels and demons locked in a kind of mortal combat somewhere between heaven and earth. This is like Star Wars only this isn't science fiction. It's real. God's church is advancing around the world, and dark principalities are indeed at work. Whenever the Lord makes an advance into the realm of darkness, the empire of Satan always strikes back. -Keep Believing Ministries

What effect should the holiness of God have upon the life of the believer? Isaiah’s vision of God’s holiness had a profoundly humbling effect upon him. Does it do the same for us today? How can a greater understanding of the infinite holiness of God create in our hearts a deeper reverence toward God? What impact should the holiness of God have upon our everyday lives?

The phrase “crossover” appears 48 times in the Bible. This idea is woven like a thread through the fabric of scripture. Jesus used it himself when he challenged his disciples to “crossover” to the other side of the lake. There are times in our lives that calls upon us all to be cross over people, to leave our own comfort zones, step out on faith and cross over. The New Year provides us with a crossover moment, it affords us with great opportunities. O. S. Hawkins

Jentezen Franklin in his book, “Fasting,” mentions several benefits of fasting: (1) A fresh encounter with God. (2) It releases the anointing of God. (3) It releases the favor of God. (4) Releases the blessings of God. (5) It brings one into a deeper, more intimate and powerful relationship with the Lord. (6) It is a secret source of power. (7) Your spirit becomes uncluttered by the things of this world and amazingly sensitive to the things of God. Someone said that: Prayer, “the hand of faith strengthening its hold on the invisible God.” Fasting, “the hand of flesh loosening its hold on the visible things of the world.”

Bible scholars have concluded from much research that, hundreds of years before Jesus was even born, more than 300 prophecies were recorded to tell of His coming, His life and journey to the cross, and the power of His Resurrection. These prophecies point to the exact location, circumstances, and even timing of Christ’s birth. God alone is the only One who could plan those specific details and ensure they all come to pass. How can anyone think that Jesus just “happened” to be in the right place at the right time? (Illustration: The stack of silver dollars in Texas.) The decree of the Roman Emperor helped on the fulfillment of Micah 5:2. The imperial order, Joseph traveling 90 grueling miles, all designed by God.

I remember a few years ago at DMIP during the Christmas season that Dub Karriker said something that is very true. He said that the Christmas season forces our culture and the world to deal with Jesus. They can call it Happy holidays and do their best to remove Jesus from the season but even in doing that they are confronted with who he is and his Gospel. However, if you were to ask, most today do not know the full implications of what Jesus came to earth to do. If asked, you would get broad answers like he came to save the world and man from sin but as we see from the scriptures, the mission of Jesus is very clear and specific. This morning we will look at 10 reasons why Jesus came to earth, 9 of which are directly from the Lord himself.

Special guest Mike Manuel, brings a word of encouragement to the church to remain steadfast focused on Jesus during perilous last days.

Gratitude arises from the lived perception and acceptance of all of life as grace as an undeserved and unearned gift from the Father; an acknowledgement of the giver. Research has shown that giving thanks makes people happier and more resilient, it strengthens relationships, it improves health, and it reduces stress. -An article by Psychologists Dr. Michael McCollough of Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas and Robert Emmons of the University of California.

Peter knows how important faith is and he gives us a great picture of faith, a faith that we can anchor deep with, and a faith which will hold us during the storms of life. He is writing to a people who are finding it increasingly difficult to live their faith. In the matter of faith and unbelief men may be divided into four classes.

Have you considered whether you are truly following Jesus?

The believer's mission is to introduce others to Jesus. The most productive time of introducing others to Jesus for many Christians is the first two years after they become a Christ-follower. One reason because this is the period of time in which they have the most vital connection with non-believers. After the first two years, most new believers spend more and more time with Christians. They cultivate friendships with other believers. The pool of people they associate with who don't know Christ shrinks. We can overcome this tendency by intentionally cultivating relationships with non-believers, including them in our daily/weekly activities.

Almost all men have something wherein to glory: physical strength, religion, money, family, talents, position, social status, fame, or even their knowledge.