Life is not always fair, nor is it always the way we wish it were. Because disappointment, failure, illness, suffering and rejection will come our way. Sometimes at the most unexpected time or even in the most unexpected ways. When this happens it is natural to ask the question, ”Why, Lord? Why did you let … Read more
News at Bethel! Bethel Banner – May 2013 In this issue: 1. 2013 Summer VBS & LAMP Mission Trip 2. Union Gospel Mission 3. Feed My Starving Children
About a week ago I was talking with my wife Marcie and she shared a thought that I’d like to pass on to you. Before I get into that I’d better give you a little history. Marcie and I grew up together in Sunny San Diego. The day we got married is the day we … Read more
Have you ever met someone who is deeply inquisitive? You know, someone who is always looking for the answer to whatever question is gnawing at them? I’m one of those people. Since a young age I’ve been trying to understand people, relationships, myself and especially God. “Why are things the way they are?” I often wonder. Why would … Read more
Lately I have been studying the history of church theology, practices and how these have intertwined over time to bring us to where we currently are in America. How did we get here? Where did our ideas about God, faith and church come from? Are they all from scripture or have we added some things to … Read more
If all we do is to ask God for things we really want, then our prayers quickly become selfish. Although the thought might shock us up, most especially when we begin to think of God as little more than a glorified Santa Claus to whom we turn only when we want something. But I can … Read more
You and I cannot add anything to what Christ did for us, because He has done it all. If Christ’s death was not enough, if we needed to add our own good works to His in order to be saved, then we could never know for sure that we will go to heaven when we … Read more
Have you ever wondered why worship music at Bethel is different week to week? Walking into worship you never know if you will hear organ, piano, guitars and drums, handbells or even an African praise team! This diversity is very deliberate. It is intended to help defend us from one of our most basic desires. … Read more
News at Bethel! Bethel Banner – April 2013 In this issue: 1. Bible Bowl Results 2. Dorothy Day Update 3. Educational Assistance at Bethel
A few weeks ago I got an email from a concerned parent about how to raise their children in a culture that has rejected God’s created order and Jesus, the One sent to restore that order. I just so happened to have been teaching the last hour on the Beatitudes from Matthew 5. The answer … Read more