BETHEL BIBLE CHURCH

Welcome to Bethel Bible Church where our goal is to know God and to make Him known through the preaching and teaching of the Bible.

Our emphasis is on personal relationships – God with you and you with others in Christ.

We strive to teach the whole counsel of God and rightly divide the Word of truth by studying both the Old and New Testaments.

Our ministry revolves around the two key Biblical principles of love and obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Since everyone is at a different point in their spiritual walk, we endeavor to provide a full spectrum ministry so that you feel comfortable when worshipping with us.

SUNDAY SERVICES ARE HELD EACH WEEK AT 10:15 A.M.

MESSAGES WITH SCRIPTURAL PRINCIPLES

GRADED SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES

THE ATMOSPHERE IS FRIENDLY AND THE DRESS IS INFORMAL

FEEL FREE TO JOIN US IN WORSHIP AND SONG AS WE PRAISE GOD

Previous Morning Messages

The Church accepts the Scriptures as the revealed will of God, the all-sufficient rule of faith and practice, and for the purpose of maintaining general unity, adopts these Statements of Fundamental Truths and Doctrine.

Section 1. The Scriptures Inspired – The Bible is the inspired Word of God, a revelation from God to man, the infallible rule of faith and conduct, and is superior to conscience and reason, but not contrary to reason (II Tim. 3:15-17; I Pet. 1:23-25; Heb. 4:12).

Section 2. The One True Godhead – The triune Godhead is composed of three (3) separate and distinct personalities, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, who are eternally self-existent, self-revealed and function as one entity. Jesus Christ, who is God manifested in the flesh, is the second member of the Godhead, co-equal and co-eternal with the Father and the Holy Spirit.

Section 3. Man, His Fall and Redemption – Man was created good and upright, for God said, “Let us make man in Our image, after our likeness.” But man, by voluntary transgression, fell and his only hope is in Jesus Christ, the Son of God (Genesis 1:26-31; 3:1-7; Romans 5:12-21).

Section 4. The Salvation of Man –

(a) Man’s only hope of redemption is through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. On the cross, Jesus Christ became sin and sickness providing both salvation and divine healing for all mankind (Psalm 103:3), being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is Christ Jesus. For by grace are we saved through faith (Rom. 3:24; Eph. 2:8; Rom. 10:8-10).

(b) The Evidence of Salvation. The inward evidence to the believer of his salvation is the direct witness of the Holy Spirit. The outward evidence to all men is a life of righteousness and true holiness (Rom. 8:16; I Jn. 3:23: II Pet. 3:14)

(c) Faith and Works. Salvation is by faith in Jesus Christ and not by human works; however, our works determine our rewards in eternity (Rom. 10:9-10; II Cor. 5:10)

Section 5. Baptism in Water The ordinance of baptism by immersion picturing a burial with Christ should be observed as commanded in the Scriptures by all who have really repented and in their hearts have truly believed on Christ as Savior and Lord. In doing so, they declare to the world that they have died with Jesus and that they have also been raised with Him to walk in newness of life (Matt. 28:19; Acts 10:47,48; Romans 6:4).

Section 6. The Lord’s Supper – (II Cor. 11:24-25, 28).

Section 7. The Promise of the Father – All believers are immediately “baptized” into the kingdom of God by Jesus Christ through the operation of the Holy Spirit instantaneously upon believing on Christ as their Savior (I Cor. 12:13; Acts 2:38; Acts 10:44-45; Acts 11:14-16; Acts 15:7-9).

Section 8. The Evidence of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit – The full consummation of the Baptism of believers in the Holy Spirit is evidenced of spiritual power in public testimony and service (Acts 10:44-46; 19:2,6; 1:8).

Section 9. The Church – The church is the body of Christ, the habitation of God through the Spirit, with divine appointments for the fulfillment of her great commission. Each believer, born of the Spirit, is an integral part of the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in Heaven (Eph. 1:22; 2:19-22; Heb. 12:23).

Section 10. Total Prosperity

(a) Spiritual (Jn. 3:3,11; II Cor. 5:17-21; Rom. 10: 9,10).

(b) Mental (II Tim. 1:7; Rom. 12:2; Isa. 26:3).

(c) Physical (Isa. 53:4,5; Matt. 8:17; I Pet. 2:24).

(d) Financial (III Jn. 1:2; Mal. 3:10-11; Lk. 6:38; II Cor. 9:6-10; Deut. 28:1-4).

(e) Social (Prov. 3:4).

Section 11. Blessed Hope – Jesus is coming again to gather all His saint to Heaven (I Cor. 15:51-52; I Thess. 4:16-17; II Thess. 2:1).

Section 12. The Lake of Fire – Those who have not accepted the redemptive work of Jesus Christ will suffer eternal separation from the Godhead. The devil and his angels, the beast and the false prophet, and anyone whose name was not found written in the Book of Life, shall be consigned to everlasting punishment in the lake of fire which burns with brimstone. This is the second death, the lake of fire (Rev. 19:20; 20: 10-15).

Section 13. The Second Coming of Jesus – We believe in the glorious Second Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with His saints to reign as King of kings and Lord of lords for all eternity (Mt. 24:30; Acts 1:11; Mk. 13:26; Phil. 3:20; Rev. 22:12; Titus 2:13).

Section 14. Christian Life; Scriptural Conduct –

(a) Personal Ethics – (I Cor. 6:12; Prov. 16:2; I Thess. 5:12)

(b) Obedience to Law – (Rom. 13:1,2; Rom. 13:5-8, 11).

(c) Family-Household – (Ex. 20:12; I Tim. 3:5; 3:11; Titus 1:6,7:2:2-4; Eph. 5: 22-31,33; 6:4).

(d) Control – (II Pet. 2:19; Rom. 15:2-3).

(e) Adultery; Immorality – (Ex. 20:14; II Pet. 2:14; Matt. 5:27-28; I Cor. 6:9; 5:11).

(f) Drunkenness; Drugs – (Deut. 21:20-21; Gal. 5:21; I Cor. 6:10; Eph. 5:18; Pro. 23:21).

(g) Homosexuality – (Lev. 18:22; Rom. 1:26-29; I Cor. 6:9-10).

Did you know God has a personal interest in your life?

Did you know that He desires the best for you in every realm?

Do you know why everyone doesn’t jump at this chance?

Do you want to know the truth?

Follow along as we discuss these issues.

FIRST

God is sovereign, meaning He is in complete control of all that He has created. You and I were created for His good pleasure (Isa. 46:10). What possible good pleasure could you or I bring God? We can bring glory and honor to His name by doing what He asks us to do. Before we can do that, however, we must meet God on His terms. Why? Because He designed the rules of the relationship. We call this the Creator-creature distinction.

SECOND

After creation, man was in a God-ordained plan with Him. Man, however, chose to destroy this relationship by dishonoring God through disobedience (sin). You see God gave man one rule to obey in the Garden of Eden during this time of perfect fellowship but man could not even do that. Because man disobeyed or sinned, the relationship was broken. Out of His love for man, God provided a plan (Gen. 3:15) to restore this broken relationship. You may ask why is disobedience or sin so serious in God’s eyes? Because sin is a complete affront to holy God. It is so serious, God cannot even look upon sin. So what was His plan?

THIRD

God’s plan involved the death of His son Jesus Christ. The shedding of blood is necessary for the forgiveness of sin (again God’s rules and His plan). In His infinite wisdom, the death of Jesus and the shedding of His blood covered the sins of you and me. So, what is the catch? This blood sacrifice of Jesus is a gift from God to you and me. What you say, a gift? Yes, a gift that you receive freely by asking without working for it. You see, asking is like receiving and opening a gift someone gave you on Christmas day. However, some people never open this gift from God because they do not ask or want to receive it freely on God’s terms. They think, in their own limited perspective, there must be some other way to God (Jn. 14:6), but there is not. Wow, this sounds to good to pass up. What do I need to receive this gift?

FOURTH

These are the steps to receive His gift:

a) First, you must agree with God that you are a sinner (disobedient). (Again God’s rules and plan). Romans 3 :23

b) Second, you agree with God that you, in and of yourself, cannot restore the relationship and that if left undone, you will be eternally separated from God. Romans 6:23

c) Third, you take God up on His offer of forgiveness. I John 1:9

d) Fourth, you follow God’s instructions to believe in Jesus Christ, and that He and only He can restore the relationship. Romans 10:9-10

e) Fifth, if you complete a through d, then you will be restored to God through faith in Jesus Christ. You are then in fellowship with God. This means you will be guaranteed eternal life with Him.

f) Remember, everyone will live forever or eternally. The choice comes down to where they will live, either in heaven or hell. This choice comes by their personal decision or lack of decision. Have you secured your future? The choice is yours!

WHAT DO I DO AFTER I HAVE BEEN BORN AGAIN?

1. Realize that being born again is the initial step in beginning a life-long relationship with God.

2. Next, you should begin to read the Bible on a daily basis. You may begin anywhere, but I would recommend that you obtain a daily Bible reading schedule so you can read a few chapters in the Old Testament and the New Testament. In lieu of that, read the book of John and/or the books of I, II, and III John. God reveals Himself through the Word to those who diligently seek Him. The Bible is the only place where you will get to know the character of God.

3. Understand that the reason for your earthly life is to prepare you to spend eternity with God. During this time, if you take your spiritual responsibilities to God seriously, He will begin to conform you to the image of His Son, Jesus Christ. Part of this growth will occur as God begins to apply the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal.5:22-23) to you. This fruit is God-given.

4. Start attending church regularly where the Word of God is preached and taught. The church or local body of believers is essential for your spiritual growth. It is here that you will share your challenges as a new Christian with other believers who can help you grow into Christ. Every believer, including you, has one or more spiritual gifts that God uses to build up the local body.

5. Begin to pray to God. Prayer is simply talking to God. Talk to Him about your desires, needs, and concerns. Obey your conscience through which God will speak to you by the Holy Spirit.

6. Share your faith with others as God directs you to. Do not feel inadequate because you do not believe you know enough. God will use you to share the Gospel in whatever stage you are in during your spiritual journey. Just simply tell the story of how God saved you.

7. Practice your faith daily by obeying the two greatest commandments: a) love God and b) love your neighbor as yourself.

We believe strongly in the power of prayer since it is our opportunity to approach the throne of God boldly (Heb. 4:16) and ask for all things that we need (Phil. 4:6-7).

As we consider the format of prayer, it is helpful to remember each aspect as representing a digit on your hand.

First, Adoration defined: we praise God for all His attributes like truth, self-existence, holiness, unchangeableness, etc.

Second, Confession defined: we are mindful of all of our instances of disobedience (sinfulness) involving our attitudes, actions, thoughts, words, and deeds.

Third, Thanksgiving defined: we elaborate on all things that our heavenly Father has done for us or given us.

Fourth, Supplication defined: we intercede (intercession) before God on behalf of others and petition God for our own needs.

An easy way to keep this straight is to think of the book of A C T S.

PASTOR:

Rodney L. Betts

Church Phone: 419-378-2344

Deacons:

Dan: 419-722-3224

Ed: 419-957-9018

George: 419-306-1227

Mark: 419-722-3548