The plight of refugees dominates global headlines. The utter chaos within certain corners of the world has forced men and women and boys and girls by the millions to flee, sometimes for their very lives. Of course, while there are refugees on the move all across Earth, the circumstances of those from the Middle East—places READ MORE
Love
Anger Regarding Umpqua
I’m angry. Angry that nine more lives were lost because some deranged man was infatuated with death. Angry that many of these lives were snuffed out because they were believers in Jesus. Angry that too many of the voices of influence in the public square do not seem to care whatsoever about that detail. I cannot READ MORE
The Mark of a Christian
In the little book, The Mark of a Christian, by the inestimable Francis Schaeffer, we are reminded that for centuries Christians have sought to put forward symbols testifying to their relationship with Jesus Christ. Specifically, he writes: Through the centuries men have displayed many different symbols to show that they are Christians. They have worn READ MORE
Loved By God
[fblike] * * * * * * * * * * “Write This Down” is a summary of select teaching moments offered by Pastor Matthew. The preceding material is from the message “Loved By God,” part two of the sermon series entitled, “Follow Me,” a study on being a disciple who makes disciples, presented READ MORE
A King, A Fisherman, and an Old Woman
Bethel Church is a disciple-making community helping the spiritually hungry experience and proclaim the life-changing power of Jesus Christ. This is what drives everything that we are about as a church family. But what does it mean to be a “disciple-making community,” especially in a world in which the word “disciple” seems so utterly cliché? READ MORE
“With You I Am Well Pleased”
When was the last time you really, truly felt loved and appreciated? Like you were special? That someone, anyone, really delighted in . . . well . . . you? The ancient Israelites wrestled with these questions. They felt forgotten. Abandoned. Lost and desperate. Isaiah 63:19 gives a hint of this, at which place their READ MORE