Bethel Community Church Orlando

RE:SET//Re:turn (Week 2)

As we work through the book of Ezra, we are asking God to give us stirring orders and that we would obey when He stirs. God had asked King Cyrus to return and rebuild the temple. We have an opportunity as a church to return to biblical understanding, an unapologetic stance for Jesus, and a discipleship-based lifestyle. Isolation over the last year and half has caused some of us to retreat, but now is the time for us to return and rebuild. 

RE:SET//Re:stir (Week 1)

Over the next few weeks, we are going to reset our hearts and minds. The last 18 months have been difficult for many reasons. We will see many parallels with the Israelites who were in captivity during the time of the book of Ezra. Just as God stirred or awakened King Cyrus of Persia, he can do the same for us. God is stirring us into action despite our difficult circumstances!

Struggling Faith

All Christians struggle with their faith at one time or another. They may feel guilty or overwhelmed. They may feel the need to prove themselves. They may have a feeling like they should be doing more. Peter was one of Jesus' disciples. He had a close, personal relationship with Jesus, yet he still struggled with his faith. Instead of trying to perform for God, we need to put our faith in the gospel. Instead of struggling with your faith, find rest in Jesus.

Dwell

Pastor Robert shares the theme from youth camp: Dwell. He gives a synopsis of what the students learned last week through Psalm 46.

Trusting an Unknown Future to a Known God

James chapters 4 and 5 reveal what happens when we place our assurance in the earthly things that we revere more than God. We are often blinded by these things, but James will bring to light these counterfeit saviors. Then James gives us a practical way to trust God.

Working Like Christ

WWJD? What would Jesus do as he passed by a blind man? He would give God glory by healing that man of his physical and spiritual blindness. In John 9:1-4, Jesus gives us an example of how to work like our Heavenly Father intended. We may be in the last days and that should motivate us to be ready to do God's work with urgency.

God at Work

Most people view their jobs as a necessity that must be endured in order to make ends meet. The Bible has a lot to say about work starting in Genesis 2. Many Christians view worship as something done inside the church, but our work is actually a form of worship to God. Although the curse of sin has made work toilsome at times, work helps us to fulfill God's purpose in our lives and allows us to be a blessing to others. 

Freed to Love

Before the gospel, we approach relationships from a market standpoint: How can this relationship benefit me? The gospel reshapes how we approach broken and needy people. Christians move toward them, in empathy and compassion instead of with self-centered motives. Gospel people realize that Jesus came not because He needed us. He came as an act of love, and those of us who have experienced that love should love others the same way.

Freed to Reap and Sow

It’s no coincidence that Paul talks about sowing and reaping after discussing fruit (Galatians 5). You reap today what you sowed yesterday. Unfortunately, you can’t change that even if you pray about it or ask for forgiveness. God gives forgiveness immediately; however, the way He begins to work change in your life is by getting you to sow seeds of the Spirit! To see the Fruit of the Spirit in your life, it is a continual planting or preaching the gospel to yourself day after day.

Set Free: Freed to Produce Fruit

God’s desire is to change our heart so that we love Him without being commanded to do it. We find freedom in obedience and faith in the gospel. We use this freedom to grow the Fruit of Spirit in our lives and serve others. God’s goal is to produce in you a new heart that loves the right things. That love is produced—not by going through a list of what you must do, but by soaking in the truth of what Christ has done.