Bethel Church at Ridgefield

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

June 4, 2020

Though life is often difficult, right now daily events make choices more confusing. Now is a great time to begin energizing your life by finding renewed spiritual vitality. Regardless of human efforts, it is a proven fact that only the Word of God, prayer and fellowship with other believers can draw us to God, changing our life focus.

For a full and satisfying life Jesus invited us to seek Him first then all things will be given to us.  Matthew 6:33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well (for a description of “all these things” read Mathew 6.)

The formula is outlined in Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians. 1Thess 5:16-19: Rejoice always, pray continually,  give thanks in all circumstances ;  for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit.

COVID -19, riots in the streets, financial concerns, neighbors in need, personal health and a stifled life outlook dampens our spirit and focus. But look again at the Biblical command? Rejoice; pray and give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will. Literally, this is the way to address the issues of life in a winning way. Unfortunately we tend to get side tracked on the urgent but unessential issues at the exclusion of the valuable things.

Prayerful living enables us to look beyond the urgent and align the important issues of life in a meaningful arrangement. I challenge you to begin a season of rejoicing, praying and giving thanks today. It will surprise you how a heart at peace can find direction and energy.

Pentecost, 50 days after the resurrection of Jesus commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles and other followers of Jesus Christ while they were in Jerusalem celebrating the feast of weeks, as described in Acts 2:1 – 31. Effectively, this was the beginning of the Church of Jesus Christ. That promise and commission to the early church still stands, “you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth”. In light of God’s calling and promise what shall we do, where do we begin yielding our needs and desires to Jesus?

I call your attention to Franklin Graham’s Pentecost message as your prayer guide.

• Pray for peace in America and in our hearts. James 1:20 –human anger does not lroduce the righteousness God desires
• Pray for perspective, James 3:17 –wisdom from heaven is pure; peace-loving considerate…,and sincere.
• Pray for patience Romans 2:4 –realize God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance.
• Pray for an outpouring of Gods wisdom and direction. What a great day to seek a fresh visitation from God

Be Blessed! Yours and His, Pastor Dwane