Bethel Family Worship Centre Bethel Family Worship Centre

Prepare the Way for the Lord's Coming
Matthew 3:1-11
In those days John the Baptist came to the Judean wilderness and began preaching. His message was, Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near. The prophet Isaiah was speaking about John when he said, He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, Prepare the way for the Lords coming! Clear the road for him! Johns clothes were woven from coarse camel hair, and he wore a leather belt around his waist. For food he ate locusts and wild honey.People from Jerusalem and from all of Judea and all over the Jordan Valley went out to see and hear John. And when they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River. But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming to watch him baptize, he denounced them. You brood of snakes! he exclaimed. Who warned you to flee Gods coming wrath? Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. Dont just say to each other, Were safe, for we are descendants of Abraham. That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones. Even now the ax of Gods judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire. I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I amso much greater that Im not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
Introduction:
Matthew 3:2 Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.
Matthew 4:17 From then on Jesus began to preach, "Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is neaer."
Acts 2:38 Peter replied, "Each of you must repent of your sins, turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ to show that you have received forgiveness for your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."

Repent of Our Sins



Matthew 3:2 Repent of your sins.
Luke 13:3 And you will perish, too, unless you repent of your sins and turn to God.
Acts 17:30 God overlooked people's ignorance about these things in earlier times, but now he commands everyone everywhere to repent of their sins and turn to him.
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord isn't really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.




Turn to the Lord



Matthew 3:2 Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.
Acts 4:12 There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.
John 14:6 Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me."
Matthew 16:24-26 Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?"




Prove Your Repentance



Matthew 3:8 Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God.
Acts 26:20 I preached first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that all must repent of their sins and turn to God - and prove they have changed by the good things they do.
2 Peter 3:11-12 Since everything around us is going to be destroyed like this, what holy and godly lives you should live, looking forward to the day of God and hurrying it along. On that day, he will set the heavens on fire, and the elements will melt away in the flames.




Get Water Baptized



Matthew 3:6 And when they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River.
Matthew 3:11 I baptize wit

Trusting in the Lord
Psalm 121:1-8
I look up to the mountains-does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth! He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber. Indeed, he who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps. The Lord himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade. The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon at night. The Lord keeps you from all harm and watches over your life. The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.
Introduction
1 Peter 5:7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

The Lord is Our Helper



Psalm 121:2 My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth!
Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.
Psalm 40:1-3 I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord.
Hebrews 4:14-16 So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.




The Lord Watches Over Us



Psalm 121:3-5 He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber. Indeed, he who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps. The Lord himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade.
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.
1 Peter 3:12 The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ars are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.
Psalm 139:15 You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.




The Lord Stands Beside You



Psalm 121:5 The Lord himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade.
Matthew 28:20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.
Psalm 23:4 Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.




The Lord Keeps You From Harm



Psalm 121:6-7 The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon at night. The Lord keeps you from all harm and watches over your life.
Proverbs 19:23 Fear of the Lord leads to life, bringing security and protection from harm.
Psalm 91:9-11 If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home. For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go.




The Lord is With You Wherever You Go



Psalm 121:8 The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.
Psalm 139:7-10 I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me.
Romans 8:38-39 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow-not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below-inde

A Fresh Look at Compassion
Philippians 2:1-11
Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Dont be selfish; dont try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Dont look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminals death on a cross.Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

The Compassion of Jesus



Philippians 2:5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
John 8:7, 10-11 They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, "All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!"...Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, "Where are your accusers? Didn't even one of them condemn you?" "No, Lord," she said. And Jesus said, "Neither do I. Go and sin no more."
Mark 1:40-41 A man with leprosy came and knelt in front of Jesus, begging to be healed "If you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean," he said. Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out and touched him. "I am willing," he said. "Be healed!"
Luke 7:13-15 When the Lord saw her, his heart overflowed with compassion. "Don't cry!" he said. Then he walked over to the coffin and touched it, and the bearers stopped. "Young man," he said, "I tell you, get up." Then the dead boy sat up and began to talk! And Jesus gave him back to his mother.




The Examination of Our Compassion



Philippians 2:1 Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate?
Romans 12:15 Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.
Luke 19:41-42 But as they came closer to Jerusalem and Jesus saw the city ahead, he began to weep. "How I wish today that you of all people would understand the way to peace. But now it is too late, and peace is hidden from your eyes."
Joel 2:13 Don't tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead. Return to the Lord your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He is eager to relent and not punish.




Things Hindering Our Compassion



Philippians 2:3-4 Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
Ephesians 4:31-32 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Ephesians 5:10 Carefully determine what pleases the Lord.




Put on a New Attitude of Compassion



Philippians 2:5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
Colossians 3:12-15 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes fro

How to Get Out of the Dog House
1 Peter 3:8-12
Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. Dont repay evil for evil. Dont retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it. For the Scriptures say, If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.

Say You're Sorry



Luke 3:8 Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God.
2 Corinthians 7:10 For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There's no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lack repentance, results in spiritual death.




Get Back to Loving One Another



1 Peter 3:8 Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.
John 13:34-35 So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.
1 John 3:18 Dear children, let's not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions
Colossians 3:14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.
Revelation 2:4-5 But I have this complaint against you. You don't love me or each other as you did at first! Look how far you have fallen! Turn back to me and do the works you did at first.




Take Time for Self Evaluation



1 Timothy 4:12 Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.
Psalm 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me.
Psalm 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.




Get Back to Honoring One Another



Romans 12:10 Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.
Ephesians 6:2-3 Honor your father and mother. This is the first commandment with a promise: If you honor your father and mother, things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.
Hebrews 13:4 Give honor to marriage, and remain faithful to one another in marriage.




Choose to Forgive



Ephesians 4:31-32 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Colossian 3:13 Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.





Conclusion
1 Peter 3:8-9 Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. Don't repay evil for evil. Don't retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it.

The Heresies of Hell

Everyone goes to heaven because Jesus paid for everyone's sins (aka "Christian" Universalism)
Everyone goes to heaven eventually. Hellfire is purifyng not punishing (aka Ultimate Reconciliation)

Why does a loving God send people to hell for all eternity?

People aren't sent to hell, they choose to go there.
People want out of hell but not into heaven.
Heaven would be hell with evil doers.
People in hell keep sinning.
Sin is worse than we think.
Hell is torment not torture.
People's punishment in hell is proportionate to their actions on earth.
Trust in God's judgement.

Facing Spiritual Forces
Ephesians 6:10-20
A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of Gods armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of Gods armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of Gods righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain Gods mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. I am in chains now, still preaching this message as Gods ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should.
Introduction:
Ephesians 6:12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

Be Strong in the Lord



Ephesians 6:10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
Matthew 28:20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.
Psalm 91:11 For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go.
Philippians 2:9-11 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.




Be Aware of the Strategies of the Devil



Ephesians 6:11 Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.
John 10:10 The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.
1 Peter 5:8-9 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are.




Put on Your Armor



Ephesians 6:13-17 Therefore, put on every piece of Gods armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of Gods righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
James 4:7 So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.
Romans 13:12-14 The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living. Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Dont participate in the darkness of wild parties a