Bethel Lutheran Church

One thing have I desired of the Lord... that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life...Psalm 27:4

Filtering by Category: July 2022

Worship for July 31, 2022: Discerning your next steps in your walk with God

Today we take a pause in our journey with the Book of Acts. We’ve reached a natural break in the action so let’s take a deep breath and look at what we’ve gathered so far in the first eight chapters. Is there any wisdom for us to apply to our current time? Yes. And the key to unlocking next steps? Start small and don’t over manage the outcomes.

Place Finders: Word 10:51 Sermon 19:22 Prayers 36:09

Sermon Notes: If you hadn’t noticed, I like to listen to podcasts, and long ones that feature deep dives on philosophy and personal narrative. I try to listen to a variety of perspectives. I keep the beat on old school conservatism through Jordan Peterson’s podcast. That’s where I heard the discussion on lying.

Photo credit: Liane Metzler on Upsplash.com.

Worship for July 24, 2022: Act 8 -- Don't tell me what you are against. Tell me what you are for.

We continue our journey with Acts 8. In the wake of Steven’s death, the Spirit has broken out of Jerusalem and carries Philip into unlikely encounters. Hear Pr. Amy deep dive into these stories and challenge us to join the ongoing mission of Jesus.

Place Finders: Word 14:34 Sermon 25:26 Prayers 37:40

Sermon Notes: Discover an amazing resource for personal and group study and inspiration with Kristi McLelland’s The Gospel on the Ground. She’s the one I quote on the challenge of for and against. We will likely study her work in church this September.

Photo credit: Hello I’m Nik on Upsplash.com.

Worship for July 17, 2022: Getting more than you Bargained for with the Holy Spirit

Our journey through the book of Acts continues. Pastor Amy Beveridge takes us through the brief but remarkable life of Stephen, a disciple charged to feed widows. Instead, he sets fire to the community with his witness and martyrdom. Discover an unexpected redemption through his story.

Place Finders: Word 11:47 Sermon 20:58 Prayers 32:55

Sermon Notes: On the question of balance between hospitality and Word, read this short commentary by Niveen Sarras.

Worship for July 10, 2022: Seeing Need, Responding with Love

Our journey through the book of Acts continues. Pastor Mary Stein-Webber marvels at the surprising, spirit-infused community of the early Christian church. But suddenly, the passage takes a dark and terrifying turn. (It’s a matter of life and death.)

Place Finders: Word 10:27 Sermon 18:57 Prayers 38:05

Worship for July 3, 2022: Acts 4 -- Praying till we Tremble

Continue through our series on Acts. Pastor Amy responds to the healing at the Beautiful Gate, recounting the consequences for those disciples who so boldly acted at the gate to the Temple. The Holy Spirit stirs up trouble for all of us, then and now, insisting we confront the power of God to transcend our worn out expectations.

Place Finders: Word 14:09 Sermon 25:31 Prayers 36:54

Sermon Notes: The background for this series continues to be informed by the work of the The Bible Project. Great conversation about Christians as culture disruptors: Listen HERE.