Previous Service
Welcome
As every part of our body has a special function, so each child of God has a special gift(s) from the Holy Spirit. As we obey Him we will excel in serving and bearing much fruit.
Stella
Worship
Word
“Vision and Mission” part 2
What are the essentials for a Church? Too many to mention, but for starters, Worship; Fellowship; Witness and Discipleship.
Worship
Worship God, Praise Him, Thank Him and Pray to Him.
Fellowship
Fellowship with one another – I really appreciate our time after Church were we have refreshments, but more importantly the fellowship for this leads to so many avenues. Following sharing together we know how to pray better for each other, even pray there and then for each other. We might share a Scripture, encourage one another, exchange contact details and invite new people, or encourage those in the Church who don’t come to say the Bible Studies, Prayer Meetings, Cell Groups or Bethel Bunnies to name a few.
Witness
Witness to unbelievers and this takes time and many visits because, generally speaking, people are not going to become Christians overnight. Relationships / friendships have to be formed, trust gained, whilst at the same time praying for the Holy Spirit to draw people closer and closer to Jesus, until they are ready to commit themselves to Him (for ever!).
Discipleship
Disciple everyone – as we know Jesus didn’t tell us to go and make converts but to make disciples. John shares his purpose for writing his Gospel:
But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
John 20:31
“That you may believe” refers to the initial coming to faith, so people e.g., hear someone’s testimony, or a message preached, or read in John’s Gospel about Jesus and decide to put their trust in Him and receive the gift of eternal life. However, it can also mean “That you may continue to believe” that is a maturing, a developing, an ongoing faith and trust in Jesus. Both are vital to healthy churches so that we see people regularly coming to faith, and also that people go on to a mature faith, believing to the very end, whether that is when Jesus calls us home, or when He returns.
I thank God for the way He has arranged an ongoing teaching of the word of God throughout my Christian journey. The Scripture stresses the vital importance of this, e.g.
But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.
Luke 8:15
As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow up to salvation thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
1 Peter 2:2-3
How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word.
Psalm 119:9
So central to our vision and mission must be to go and make disciples of all peoples, including those who come to us, who visit the building for one reason or another.
Quote of the week
If there is anything I have learned over the years, it is not to underestimate how often I need to rekindle the vision.
Bill Hybels
Verse of the week
Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.
Phil 4:8
Let’s Pray
Our Father in heaven, lead us by Your Spirit and make it clear what Your vision and mission is for us at Bethel Baptist Church, in Jesus Christ Name, Amen.