Bethel Community Church Orlando

THE EXAMPLE // WEEK 2 // NICODEMUS

Sometimes, we as Christians, take something that is so simple and make it so complex. Nicodemus was a leader and teacher in Israel; someone with religious and political power. Despite all of his knowledge, Nicodemus did not know who Jesus was or understand why Jesus said he had to be "born again." Although Nicodemus came to Jesus a confused man dead in his sins, he left a new and transformed man. 

THE EXAMPLE // WEEK 1 // THROUGH TEMPTATION

Spiritual highs are often followed by spiritual lows. Whenever God does something great in our lives, we can count on Satan to try to steal, kill, or destroy it. Even Jesus wasn't immune to Satan's temptations. At the core, Satan used these strategies to tempt Jesus, and he uses them to tempt us: to prioritize something good more than God, and to go around God to get something good. We can learn how to deal with temptation through Jesus' example.

THE PROMISE // Week 4 // WISE MEN

Unlike the three Kings that are often pictured with Nativity scenes, the wise men from the Bible were from "the East," most likely Persia; men who studied the prophecies of Daniel; and a priestly tribe called Magi. Most likely there were more than three men, and they arrived months or years after Jesus' birth. So what is the point of their story? They were Gentiles who traveled close to a thousand miles to worship the infant King. Jesus was there in Bethlehem for the Jews to meet and worship. However, God's own people were not there to praise Jesus, but these men from far away came to acknowledge Him as King.

THE PROMISE // Week 3 // MARY

The angel Gabriel tells Mary that she has found favor with God. Her cousin Elizabeth calls her blessed. Yet, when we think about an unwed, pregnant teenager trying to explain that she is carrying the Lord's child, it doesn't seem that her circumstances are full of favor and blessings. Despite all of her hardship, Mary chooses to praise the Lord. She says in Luke 1:46-47, "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior..."

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.