Bethel Baptist Church

Seems like people use to face death in a better way than today. You could talk about Heaven and Hell in a somewhat normal conversation and folks would be able to tell you their views on it. We seem to want to avoid those conversations today. too uncomfortable, as if none of us will ever face death. Here, Jesus is about to die. The amazing thing about His death is found in verse 46. Take a look and see what I mean. Luke 23:44 It was now about the sixth hour (noon), and there w...as darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, 45 while the sun's light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. 46 Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, Father, into your hands I commit my spirit! And having said this he breathed his last. 47 Now when the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God, saying, Certainly this man was innocent! 48 And all the crowds that had assembled for this spectacle, when they saw what had taken place, returned home beating their breasts. 49 And all his acquaintances and the women who had followed him from Galilee stood at a distance watching these things. 50 Now there was a man named Joseph, from the Jewish town of Arimathea. He was a member of the council, a good and righteous man, 51 who had not consented to their decision and action; and he was looking for the kingdom of God. 52 This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. 53 Then he took it down and wrapped it in a linen shroud and laid him in a tomb cut in stone, where no one had ever yet been laid... 55 The women who had come with him from Galilee followed and saw the tomb and how his body was laid. 56 Then they returned and prepared spices and ointments. On the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment... Jesus, Creator of the world, is still in control, even in His own death. He determined the time. Jesus is a "life giver" as well. His life, death and resurrection gives us the certainty of eternity with Him. Trust in Him today! pma See more

A couple thoughts today. Jesus very well could have come down from that cross. But without His sacrifice we would be without hope. The blood He shed and the life He gave provides the forgiveness for your sin and mine. Trusting in Jesus' death, burial and resurrection is the only Good News this world has. But there's something else. Anyone at any time can come to faith in Christ. A criminal dying on the cross next to Jesus found forgiveness and salvation in the last hours of h...is life. Take a look. Luke 23:32 Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. 33 And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. 34 And Jesus said, Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. And they cast lots to divide his garments. 35 And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One! 36 The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine 37 and saying, If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself! 38 There was also an inscription over him, This is the King of the Jews. 39 One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us! 40 But the other rebuked him, saying, Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong. 42 And he said, Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. 43 And he said to him, Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.... This terrible event had a glorious result. This day changed the course of history. What is stopping you from this gift of salvation? For by grace (undeserved favor) we are saved through faith! pma See more

We are hours away!!! Join us at Bethel Baptist Church in Prospect today 5-8:30 and tomorrow 1-8pm. It’s a completely free event, bring your friends. Anyone ...in 7th -12th grade, this event is for you!! See you there! You don’t have to register to come but you can do it early if you’d like here. https://bbcprospect.churchcenter.com/people/forms/226649

Why do we need strong godly leaders? Here's one big reason. Because the will of the people is rarely what is best for the people. I realize that in this case these men are not voted into power. So don't go crazy on me. But regardless of how they get into power, leaders should be praying for wisdom in order to lead. Here we see Pilate caving into the will of the people. Sad. But on a more personal note, how often do we cave into the latest trend or movement even though it is... against what God's Word says? Think about that as you read this. Luke 23:13Pilate then called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, 14and said to them, You brought me this man as one who was misleading the people. And after examining him before you, behold, I did not find this man guilty of any of your charges against him. 15Neither did Herod, for he sent him back to us. Look, nothing deserving death has been done by him. 16I will therefore punish and release him. 18 But they all cried out together, Away with this man, and release to us Barabbas 19a man who had been thrown into prison for an insurrection started in the city and for murder. 20Pilate addressed them once more, desiring to release Jesus, 21but they kept shouting, Crucify, crucify him! 22A third time he said to them, Why? What evil has he done? I have found in him no guilt deserving death. I will therefore punish and release him. 23But they were urgent, demanding with loud cries that he should be crucified. And their voices prevailed. 24So Pilate decided that their demand should be granted. 25He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, for whom they asked, but he delivered Jesus over to their will... The reassuring thing is that the Lord uses our bad decisions to accomplish His greater good! He still is in ultimate control! So thankful for that! pma See more

"Politics makes strange bedfellows". Thant saying may have come from this section, or could have. Jesus once again is falsely accused by the religious leaders of the day. One thing they said was certainly true. That He stirred up the people. When Jesus came and offered the Gospel to all people it was like a drink of spring water. Along with that, His miracles to prove Himself to be Lord of Lords, well people were drawn to Him. Today people continue to accuse Jesus of not bein...g who He claimed to be. This has been going on for over 2000 years. Yet Who still remains? Take a look. Luke 23:1 Then the whole company of them arose and brought him (Jesus) before Pilate. 2 And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this man misleading our nation and forbidding us to give tribute to Caesar, and saying that he himself is Christ, a king. 3 And Pilate asked him, Are you the King of the Jews? And he answered him, You have said so. 4 Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, I find no guilt in this man. 5 But they were urgent, saying, He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee even to this place. 6 When Pilate heard this, he asked whether the man was a Galilean. 7 And when he learned that he belonged to Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him over to Herod, who was himself in Jerusalem at that time. 8 When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had long desired to see him, because he had heard about him, and he was hoping to see some sign done by him. 9 So he questioned him at some length, but he made no answer. 10 The chief priests and the scribes stood by, vehemently accusing him. 11 And Herod with his soldiers treated him with contempt and mocked him. Then, arraying him in splendid clothing, he sent him back to Pilate. 12 And Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day, for before this they had been at enmity with each other... So what side of the fence do you stand on? There is no middle road. Trust in Jesus Christ today. Or at the very least, seek to know the Truth! pma See more

Just because the Lord doesn't bring judgement upon us immediately when we go against His commands, doesn't mean that we "got away with it". Maybe He doesn't know or maybe He didn't see us doing whatever it is. It doesn't take much looking to know that there is evil all over this world, and it seems to be getting worse. God's grace and mercy ill eventually be set aside. No, He will always have those characteristics. But He is also fair, just and pure. So judgement is inevitabl...e.(vs8) So while we have the opportunity, let's: give Him our all, trust Him and give Him our thanks and praise. David did just that. Take a look. Psalms 9:1 I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. 2 I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High... 7 But the LORD sits enthroned forever; he has established his throne for justice, 8 and he judges the world with righteousness; he judges the peoples with uprightness. 9 The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. 10 And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you... Why would you run away from the One who is the only One who can save you? Instead, run to Him today! He's waiting. pma See more

How available are you on a spur of the moment notice? For most of us it all depends on what it is. If it's something that we really like to do most of us will jump at it. Here we see that the Lord approaches Samuel as a young boy. Take a look at how he responds. 1 Samuel 3:9 So Eli said to Samuel, Go back and lie down. When he calls you, say, Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening. So Samuel went back and lay down in his place. 10 Then the Lord came and stood nearby, calling as he had previously done, Samuel! Samuel! Samuel replied, Speak, for your servant is listening!... Today we get our "instructions" by reading God's Word and listening to good preaching and to the Holy Spirit's teaching! So how are you at listening? pma

If you want the whole story read al of chapter one. Here we see a real baby dedication. Hannah gives her child over to the Lord's work to serve in the temple. She keeps the promise that she made to the Lord. Sometimes following the Lord requires sacrifice. (actually it always requires sacrifice) But all too often we aren't willing. Hannah was! Take a look at her prayer. 1 Samuel 1:27 For this child I prayed, and the LORD has granted me my petition that I made to him. 28 There...fore I have lent him to the LORD. As long as he lives, he is lent to the LORD. And he worshiped the LORD there. 2:1 And Hannah prayed and said, My heart exults in the LORD; my horn is exalted in the LORD. My mouth derides my enemies, because I rejoice in your salvation. 2 There is none holy like the LORD: for there is none besides you; there is no rock like our God. 3 Talk no more so very proudly, let not arrogance come from your mouth; for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed. 4 The bows of the mighty are broken, but the feeble bind on strength... 11 Then Elkanah went home to Ramah. And the boy was ministering to the LORD in the presence of Eli the priest... I love the way she says, "There is no rock like our God"! Lord, give me that kind of confidence in You today! pma See more

It is much easier for me to share about the Lord in written form than verbally. If you know me well, you know that I don't talk much. Never really have, just ask Teri! But it doesn't mean that I don't love the Lord or that I don't want those who know me or read this to come to love Him as well. Knowing that Heaven awaits those who have trusted in Jesus Christ gives a comfort and peace that is beyond words. So in times of trouble, peace is easily found. Take a look at how yo...u can start today off. Psalms 96:1 Oh sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth! 2 Sing to the LORD, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. 3 Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! 4 For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised... So what is that new song? It can be whatever you bring to Him in praise. If you have the time today and aren't able to attend church, try the facebook live stream from Bethel Baptist church in Prospect, NY at 10am. Hopefully it's an hour that you won't regret. Or better yet, stop by in person. But one way or another, "Sing to the Lord"!! pma See more

Just a couple of thoughts today from two different places. Chasing after worthless things and lies, that seems to be what we do best. As much as we try to keep ourselves from doing it, we keep getting drawn into it. Sadly, around this time of year is when many of us do it even more than most other times. So we must start each day with what is important and true. God's Word! Psalms 4:2 How long will you people insult me? How long will you love what is worthless and go after what is false?... The second thought of the day. There is so much to be thankful for in our Lord's creation, isn't there? It's good to be reminded of this from time to time! Psalms 104:24 O LORD, how manifold are your works! In wisdom have you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures... So enjoy today in Wisdom, Truth and Love. Have a great day! pma