I invite you to turn in your Bibles with me to Exodus, chapter 27. Exodus is the second book in the Bible - Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy. Exodus 27, beginning in verse 1. This winter, we are looking at the shape of worship and mission by taking a long look at the tabernacle God... Continue Reading →
Sermon: The Courtyard of the Tabernacle
Note: This sermon was originally preached after 4 days in bed with influenza, so it is not in fully manuscript form. Introduction I love the mission statement: Sharing Christ in Community I also love the vision of how God is calling us to live this out: worship, special events, small groups (what we are calling... Continue Reading →
Sermon: Growing in Christ Together
Lord, help us to hear you. Quiet our hearts, open our ears, and move in us by your Spirit to trust you and walk in your ways. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Welcome on this first Sunday of Christmas. If you are new to Bethel, we are really glad you are here. I invite you all... Continue Reading →
Sermon: Upside Down for the Good
The story of Christ is a shocking story. A couple weeks ago I was in a discussion with a couple friends about the conception and birth of Jesus. We were looking at what the Bible said and what we had been hearing, when one of my friends commented on just how stunning this story is.... Continue Reading →
Sermon: Move Toward the Darkness
We have just heard the beautiful, amazing, and true story of Christmas. How God sent his son to be born in a humble manger for us. This evening, after hearing that story, we are going to set that story alongside another story of God’s coming to us. It is a story that shares surprising similarities.... Continue Reading →
Sermon: Don’t Get Caught With Your Pants Down
Father, keep our ears sharp and our feet ready for you to come. Speak your word to us and cause us to listen. Give us the feet we need to walk in your ways. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Please turn with me to 1 Thessalonians, chapter 4. Thessalonians is in the New Testament. If you... Continue Reading →
Sermon: Responding to Opposition
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, open our ears to your word, dig them out that we might hear and receive your word. In doing so, increase love in us and strengthen our hearts to walk in your ways as your people. In Jesus’ name, Amen. We are in the season of Advent. It is that... Continue Reading →
Sermon: Not You, but Y’all
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, as we hear your word this morning, may we receive it as what it really is, not a human word, but God’s word. As we do, may it work in us and not return empty, but bear fruit for your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Christians are always in Advent.... Continue Reading →
Sermon: Wake Up!
It is always Advent season. I know that Advent does not technically start until next Sunday. I will be in the States celebrating American Thanksgiving and you will have the joy and privilege of hearing Jason Pluim sharing God’s Word. But while Advent is a season in the church, the four Sundays leading up to... Continue Reading →
Sermon: Coveting v Contentment
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, speak to us by your word, draw us to yourself, and lead us from desiring the lives of others, to desiring you above all. In Jesus’ name, Amen. We have reached the end of the Ten Commandments. If you have been with us this fall, we have been making the... Continue Reading →
Etz Pri 