Bethel Church at Ridgefield

When confronting today’s culture, without question, our religious freedom and society’s moral integrity are in serous jeopardy.  Morality as we have known it includes the sanctity of life, and the privilege of speaking against immoral behavior, transgender propagation, and single sex marriage has been protected, as all are opposed in scripture and the United States has been a Christian nation.  Until now, from the pulpit, on the streets, and in public gatherings, pastors and people were free to speak against immorality at all levels.

Not so today! American liberty is in a critical downward spiral. It is becoming law breaking to speak against any of these subjects because it is deemed insensitive, exclusion, or hate speech. The world is looking for “fun”, personal peace and lasting satisfaction, but they are looking in the wrong places, and chasing after the wrong things.  

Sunday I’m asking you to look with me at the book of Habakkuk. The prophet lived in a day similar to ours.  He did not find peace in the waywardness of the day or the judgment that was going to follow. He found peace in knowing what it means to walk with God by faith (Habakkuk 2:4b). Habakkuk addressed these issues with the nation of Israel. He explains how the people of God are to live in times of national or spiritual crisis. In these times. where do we turn for help?  He will point us to the help we need. In the United States, we are facing similar struggles.

Sunday’s theme is uncompromising truth on marriage, gender and sin.  I hope to see you this Sunday!

Pastor Dwane

OUR THEME FOR EASTER: COME TO THE TABLE Luke 24:30-31

Throughout the New Testament, the message on every page is – come to God who loves you!  No other god or regime invites its constituency to come for love, for everyday blessings and great eternal benefits.

After following Jesus closely for 3 ½ years, after hearing his teaching, seeing the miracles, receiving the blessing of healing, forgiveness and restoration, the Disciples were excited.  They believed that Jesus was the Christ, the Messiah. But then came the judgment, the beating, the cross, the burial and they wondered, was it all true?  Was it worth their time and energy to follow Jesus, or were they following a worthless pursuit?

Then three days after Jesus burial, out of respect, Mary and the other women went to the tomb to take care of Jesus’ body following the Jewish custom.  But what they found was not what they expected, and what came next was a glorious, supernatural surprise!

In John 1:38-39, two of John the Baptist’s disciples were following Jesus. Jesus turned and said to them, “What are you seeking?” And they said to him, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are you staying?” Jesus replied “Come and you will see.”

Jesus invitation to “come and see…” is for all who follow Him!       They find it’s real!

Remember what Jesus had told the disciples just days before (Luke 22: 7-8, 14-20)? They heard the words, but failed to grasp the significance of what He was saying. Even the disciples, dedicated Jews, did not get the real picture. No matter, because they would see it all played out in real life in a few hours.

Remember what He had said? In Luke 24:1-11,  Mary and the other women were just outside the opened tomb, still trying to figure out what was happening. And then, surprise! Two men stood by them in dazzling apparel, and said “Why do you seek the living among the dead?
He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.” And they remembered his words.
Remember who He says it to? On the road to Emmaus in Luke 24: 13-32, Jesus joined two discouraged disciples as they walked along. In their grief, they shared with Jesus their disillusionment, but upon hearing their sadness, Jesus comforts them by reminding them of all He had taught them. Later that day, as Jesus gave thanks and broke bread, their eyes were opened!

Remember how Jesus said that all things written about Him must be fulfilled (Luke 24:36-48)?

For us, we must always remember that the past and the future are all part of one story!

Hallelujah, HE IS RISEN!

I hope you’ll join us this Easter Sunday for an exciting interactive service including the Lord’s Supper this Easter.

Looking forward to seeing you Sunday!

Pastor Dwane

What is a “meaningful” experience? Maybe some recent event in your life could qualify. It may have been a joyful experience or one filled with sadness.  Sometimes an experience lifts your spirits and brightens your day; and then sometimes, what you experience turns out to be a life changing reset of your life.

Many people go routinely through life, not anticipating any exciting change. Others carefully look at each day as a new experience that will have value beyond the day. Some unexpected events of our life stay with us and forever change us.

In Matthew’s Gospel we find the event referred to as Palm Sunday, or the Triumphal Entry. To the Jews it was a day planned by God to change the future of His people.  Some experienced that change, while to others found themselves on the sideline, taking a “Oh well, so what?” attitude.  To them, it was a non-event. And sadly enough, they missed the “life changing experience” that would have altered their eternal destiny.

To some, Palm Sunday led to the recognition of the coming of Messiah, the King of Israel.  Others found nothing at all in the day. And then for some, such as the Jewish leadership, Jesus riding into Jerusalem was seen as a threat.

This Sunday, March 28 2021, we’ll look further at the biblical meanings, purpose and activity of the Word. John said the Word was the visible form of God [John1:4]. He went on to tell us that the Word made covenants with man [John 1:7], and later he points us to the fact that the Word revealed, and expounded on the full character of God, [John 1:18].   

Sunday’s title is “The Word Has Spoken”. The Word pointed us to the Triumphal entry, to the judgment of Jesus, the Cross, the Resurrection and of Ascension of Jesus.  Literally it is God’s summary of the work of Jesus, God preparing for us a great salvation, and the sustaining work of God in us;  “Christ in us The hope of Glory”. Please join us at 11 AM for a great time of worship and fellowship!

January 3, 2021 – Church at 11 A.M.   The title of Pastor Alan’s sermon will be “This I Do” using Philippians 3:13-14 as the text. Please join us for worship and fellowship!

Please join up for worship at 11:00 A.M.!

This Sunday we are beginning a 3 part series on Luke 15 about the “The Waiting Father”. We usually think of this passage as the story of the Prodigal son. Actually there are two prodigal sons. We’ll look at both of them. The first portrayed open rebellion, the older son shows subtle seething rebellion. The real point of the parable is that the Father never gave up waiting for them to come home, where they could enjoy the safety, security and sufficiency of home.

Sunday’s title is “Disappointment to Fulfillment” and Luke 11:15-24 will be our text.  We’ll especially look at the turning point of the younger son’s life.  What brought his change of heart? There is a lot of emotion here! Join me as we explore realistic story of our life as we look at the life of this young man.  I hope you’ll drop the other things of life and join me Sunday at Bethel for worship and fellowship.

Sincerely, because of Jesus,
Pastor Dwane

An Invitation to Worship This Sunday, August 2, at Bethel Church at Ridgefield…

During these days of limited face time, I invite you to spend a while sharing fellowship and togetherness with the saints this Sunday August 2 at Bethel Church in Ridgefield. We will worship, pray, share testimony, study the Scriptures, and let God challenge us for the week ahead.

This togetherness is a great gift we can give to one another, because it lends itself to the fulfillment of scriptures in our live, specifically Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV) “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

As we share with each other, we offer benefit that can be gained in no other way. Bethel’s reputation is easy acquaintance, warm hospitality and fellowship around the Scriptures. This Sunday  I invite you to come, meet some people, bring some people and experience a joyful, uplifting time together.  Jim and Martha Drew will be leading our Worship time.

We are making church as safe and comfortable for you as possible. Handouts are minimal, Masks are required and social distancing is marked for your convince.   If you are ill or have been exposed to the COVID virus, please take care of yourself and make plans to attend on a Sunday when you are better.   Come and enjoy!

Below is an outline of Sunday’s message “Attached to the Lifeline”. You may pick up a copy with the “white spaces filled in” at the close of the service or email me with your request and I’ll mail you a copy.

God’s best to you, Pastor Dwane

August 2,2020

Attached to the Lifeline

John 15:1-17  [Scripture Translations ESV & NLT]

Most of the time it is more “Who you know” than “what you know”. It was true with Jesus and His disciples. Jesus connection’s with the disciples led them to know more about God’s Old Testament plan than the mainstream Jewish leadership would admit.

The disciples are being instructed as part of believing Israel.  The church has not begun. That would come in Acts 2 on the day of Pentecost a few days down the road. The message was directly to disciples but further revelation shows it is relevant for us today.

Our fruitfulness will be reality while we are connected to the vine (Jesus). It is easier for us because the Holy Spirit indwells us today. He is our Advocate. John speaks of eleven “I am” revelations in this gospel. All of them have to do with salvation, security, shepherding and fruit bearing.

The connection; John 15:16
You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. John 15:16 NLT

The process of being connected

 When I am raised to life again, you will know that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. John 14:20 NLT; 316-18

The value of connection 15:2-4; 7-8

 Securing the connection John15:16
 
The benefit of connection 15:12

Being connected:

• Exercise faith in what Jesus did for us; be cleansed and forgiven.
• Experience the quality and quantity of Jesus connection.
• Experience the Holy Spirit in your daily walk.
• Grow your refuge in Jesus

What do I find in Jesus?  I find – refuge– Affirmation –Exhortation-Consolation – Exhalation – Satisfaction
Practice your faith. “Many have quarreled about religion that never practice it” Benjamin Franklin