Bethel Community Church Orlando

THE PROMISE // Week 2 // ZECHARIAH

There are two responses to God's promises: faith or fear. Zechariah was forced to believe the angel of God or fear what he said. Zechariah chose fear, and he was mute for Elizabeth's pregnancy. However, God's promise remained true despite Zechariah's unbelief. Throughout Elizabeth's pregnancy Zechariah's faith and joy grew. Zechariah not only found hope in the birth of his son, John, but also in Jesus' birth -- the hope of our salvation.

THE PROMISE // Week 1 // MATTHEW

The book of Matthew begins with a genealogy to help us trace the lineage of Jesus. What's interesting about this list is that Matthew includes four women, three of which had baggage that would make most Jewish people question their inclusion. Why would Matthew do this? Probably because he had spent time with Jesus and understood Jesus' purpose for coming. Matthew knew Jesus came to redeem the sinner, bring light to the darkness, and give grace to the unworthy. 

THANKSGIVING: PSALM 100

In Psalm 100 the invitation to thankfulness is given; God invites us into His presence. We have so many reasons to be thankful to God this year. What are you thankful for?

TITUS // GOD’S AMAZING GRACE

In Titus 3, Paul talks about how the gospel re-shapes how we feel about people on the outside of Christianity. People who dislike us, who misrepresent us, or even persecute us. We cannot expect unbelievers to act like believers. As believers, we must be examples of Christ so others will see the gospel of grace in our lives. 

TITUS // INSTRUCTIONS FOR EVERYDAY LIFE

In Titus chapter 2, Paul is like a coach trying to get his team to work together. He is giving instruction to the young and the old on how to follow the direction of the gospel in their everyday lives. Paul wants them to know and understand sound doctrine and apply it to every part of their lives. 

TITUS // TRUE GOSPEL

The short book of Titus was written to answer one main question: How do you live out your faith in a really difficult, immoral place. Paul wanted Titus to see that truth leads to godliness. It's not just a religion full of rituals, but a transformation of your life by the Good News of Jesus. 

THIS IS OUR GOD // FAITHFUL

In the book of Lamentations, Jeremiah cries out to God. Lamentations reminds us of the importance not only of mourning over our sin but of asking the Lord for His forgiveness when we fail Him. Despite Jeremiah's hopeless feelings at times, he is able to push God’s faithfulness to the front of his mind and remember when God demonstrated His grace and mercy. Whatever hard things we go through, we must never doubt God’s faithfulness.

THIS IS OUR GOD // SLOW TO ANGER

Many people today see God as vengeful. The Bible shows us that God felt two rightful emotions toward us: wrath and compassion. In his sovereignty, He chose to bring one emotion close and push the other far away. God is fully justified in letting us feel the wrath of our sin. However, He chose to be patient with us and bring compassion near. His anger actually grows out of His love for us — His love for goodness, purity, and holiness. God’s judgment often consists of allowing us to experience the painful consequences of our choices, but He is always near to offer forgiveness and reconciliation. This is never more evident than when God sent Jesus to die for our salvation.

THIS IS OUR GOD // LOYAL LOVE

The parable of the Prodigal Son shows us God’s steadfast love
and loyalty at work. God’s loyalty is based on His love for us, and it
endures rejection, accepts repentance, and rewards faithful service. All we have to do is accept God's love for us -- repenting of our sin and believing in Him.

THIS IS OUR GOD // SOVEREIGNTY

Throughout the life of Joseph, we see how God was at work throughout every situation Joseph faced. Whether he was being treated as the despised brother or the slandered slave, Genesis 50:20 rings true throughout his life. "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today."