Five Words Rather than Ten Thousand

Spiritual Emphasis Month 2020 Verse of the week: 1 John 4:20 If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. Jan 1 Read Psalm 1-3; Proverbs 1 Download a free audio Bible at https://www.faithcomesbyhearing.com/audio-bibles/download/eng/engesvn2da Also available as an app for your smartphone (listen to it while you get ready in the mornings) Show your love by only saying positive things to your family and friends today. Pray: Give thanks for a new year. Thank Him for new opportunities. Jan 2 Read Psalm 4-6; Proverbs 2 Tell the person that you are closest to that you love them and do something that expresses your love. Pray: Tell God “thank you” for the freedoms we enjoy. Pray for our political leaders to have wisdom. Jan 3 Read Psalms 7-9; Proverbs 3 Call someone you love and pray for them over the phone. Pray: Ask God to help you this week to love othe...

Thanks for the Present

Our Gift

1. Our Gift Luke 2:1-20 2. 2 Corinthians 9:15 Please stand and let’s read Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! 3. Our Gift What was the best Christmas gift ever for you? 4. A moment in time Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city. 5. A good marker Quirinius-a trouble shooter for Augustus Census taker-12 BC to 16 AD Served twice as Governor of Syria Jesus’ DOB probably 6 BC 6. Familiar passage Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. 7. Why Bethlehem? This was a small Judean village of probably 300 inhabitants was about six miles southw...

Parents First Christmas

1. Parents’ First Christmas Stand for the reading of God’s word 2. Key concept Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 3. Parenting It’s not just a job, it’s an adventure 4. The right parents are crucial Mary and Joseph 5. Think God chose both 6. For all of us * Children are a gift from God * Kids, your parents have a God given responsibility for you. * Grandparents those grandbabies are God’s reward for not killing your kids during their teenage years 7. Historically first Christmas parents The first Christmas parents 8. Right names Yowceph Miriam 9. Home sweet home Nazareth 120-150 inhabitants Most were related Related to royalty 10. Economics Peasant class As an artisan Joseph made less than farmers Mary would have worked 10-12-hour days 11. Family life 12. Courtship Arranged marriage 13. Right Lineage Both from the line of King David Mary through David’...

Surprise Gift Luke 1:5-25; 57-79

1. Surprise Gift Please stand and let’s read a scripture together 2. Key Concept The things which are impossible with men are possible with God. 3. Surprise Gift Ever get a surprise gift? Birth of John the Baptist 4. The proud parents to be Zacharias- “remembered by YHWH,” priest, old man Elizabeth- “God fully satisfies,” wife of Zacharias, advanced in years Childless couple 5. How God saw them They were both righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and requirements of the Lord. 6. A special day He was performing his priestly service before God …he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. And the whole multitude of the people were in prayer outside at the hour of the incense offering 7. Something different happened And an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the altar of incense. 8. The angel Gabriel has a message Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your petition has been heard, a...

A Promised Gift

The Promised Gift Isaiah 8:19–9:7 WWI December 24, 1914 5 months of war German and English troops are locked in trench warfare The mud in the trenches has frozen A stalemate has occurred Video Why Setting Kingdom of Judah Kingdom of Israel Judah Ahaz was twenty years old when he became king, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem; and he did not do what was right in the sight of the Lord his God, as his father David had done. Not a very merry scripture! King is Ahaz Open rebellion to God War with the northern kingdom of Israel Syria and Israel would lay siege on Jerusalem Meanwhile up north In the twelfth year of Ahaz king of Judah, Hoshea the son of Elah became king over Israel in Samaria and reigned nine years. He did evil in the sight of the Lord… Hoshea Ascended by assignation Form alliances Rebelled against Assyria He would be captured, and his subjects deported God’s View Isaiah 8:19-22 Not Good When they say to you, “Consult the mediums...

The fugitive; Philemon

1. The Fugitive Philemon 2. 2 Corinthians 5:17-19 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. 3. 2 Corinthians 5:17-19 Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, that God 4. 2 Corinthians 5:17-19 was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation. 5. The fugitive series 6. Salutation Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved brother and fellow worker, and to Apphia our sister, and to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house: 7. Salutation (continued) Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 8. Another personal letter Paul-imprisoned apostle, the aged one Philemon-wealthy Christian believer Apphia-Christian wife of Philemon Archipp...

A House Divided John 3

Spiritual Emphasis Month 2020 Verse of the week: 1 John 4:20 If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. Jan 1 Read Psalm 1-3; Proverbs 1 Download a free audio Bible at https://www.faithcomesbyhearing.com/audio-bibles/download/eng/engesvn2da (Also available as an app for your smartphone) Show your love by only saying positive things to your family and friends today. Jan 2 Read Psalm 4-6; Proverbs 2 Tell the person that you are closest to that you love them and do something that expresses your love Jan 3 Read Psalms 7-9; Proverbs 3 Call someone you love and pray for them over the phone. Jan 4 Read Psalm 10-12; Proverbs 4 Give a donation of $5 to the Salvation Army or a ministry you like. Verse of the week: Hebrews 13:15 Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His na...

1. A House Divided 3 John 2. 1 John 2 John 3 John Universal Epistle Directed Epistle Personal Epistle 3. Cast of Characters John-the elder (Apostle) Gaius-a godly man (Bishop) Diotrephes-a troublemaker (unknown status) Demetrius-a good example (Itinerate minister) 4. The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth 5. Some controversy Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers. 6. First Not a proof text for prosperity gospel Common greeting 7. KJV Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. 8. Personal touch For I was very glad when brethren came and testified to your truth, that is, how you are walking in truth. I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth. 9. Truth matters Walking in the truth Who Jesus is Obeying the commandments Abi...

We are planning for next year. Just 6 months so far! Please feel free to suggest items for next year. Please note the calendar has not been finalized yet. 2020 calendar planning Photo by Plush Design Studio from Pexels Spiritual emphasis month January 90-day financial faithfulness challenge Feb-Ap 90-day Invitation Challenge May-July Facebook Live Prayer 1st 3rd and 5th Tuesdays Dinner with the pastors’ house 4th Tuesdays Visitors Lunch Jan 26 Pastors’ cruise Jan 12-19 SE Leadership Tour Jan 30 Annual Business meeting-Feb 9 Valentine’s Day Marriage Enrichment Feb 14 Daylight Saving Mar 8 Breakfast at Bethel Spring Cleaning Ap 11 Easter Ap 12 NMMN Conference Ap 21-23 Mother’s Day May 10 National Day of Prayer May 20 Craig Wommack May 31 PM service Draggin on Main June 13-20 Spring Break Mar 23-27 Last day of school May 20 Memorial Day May 25 Father’s Day Jun 21

Beware the wolves 2 John

1. Beware of the Wolves 2 John 2. Guiding Principle Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits… 3. Beware of the Wolves Talking about false prophets and teachers this am. 4. A little humor Tough topic need comic relief 5. Next Epistle The elder to the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in truth; and not only I, but also all who know the truth, for the sake of the truth which abides in us and will be with us forever: Grace, mercy and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love. 6. This is to a church that John was very familiar with  Saved under John’s ministry  Read the Gospel of John  Read I John  Emphasizing certain points 7. What are these points? Truth Love Abiding Jesus is the Son of God 8. Get ready to answer I was very glad to find some of your children walking in truth, just as we have re...

Power Prayer 1 John 5:13-21

1. Power Prayer 1 John 5:13-21 2. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life. This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 3. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him. 4. If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask and God will for him give life to those who commit sin not leading to death. There is a sin leading to death; I do not say that he should make request for this. 5. All unrighteousness is sin, and there is a sin not leading to death. We know that no one who is born of God sins; but 6. He who was born of God keeps him, and the evil one does not touch him. We know that we are of God, and that the whole world lies in the power of the evil one. And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding ...

1. Undisputed Champ 1 John 5:1-12 2. 1 John 5:1–12 Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and whoever loves the Father loves the child born of Him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and observe His commandments. 3. Restatement Belief needed to be born again Jesus is the Son of God A love explosion Observe His commandments 4. This is important For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome. 5. Runs counter This is the way God made me It’s about relationship not commands God loves me just the way I am 6. Love is action oriented Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. 7. Think The relationship is on God’s terms 8. Do you want a promise to claim? For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the wor...

1. A Father’s Love 1 John 4:7–21 Story of my dad 2. Fathers are important Poverty 4x GREATER RISK OF POVERTY BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS MORE LIKELY TO HAVE BEHAVOR PROBLEMS 3. Fathers needed CHILD HEALTH 2X GREATER RISK OF INFANT MORTALITY INCARCERATION MORE LIKELY TO GO TO PRISON 4. Loving fathers needed CRIME MORE LIKELY TO COMMIT CRIME TEEN PREGNANCY 7X MORE LIKELY TO BECOME PREGNANT AS TEEN 5. Fathers are role models CHILD ABUSE MORE LIKELY TO FACE ABUSE AND NEGLECT SUBSTANCE ABUSE MORE LIKELY TO ABUSE DRUGS AND ALCOHOL 6. We all need a father’s love CHILDHOOD OBESITY 2X MORE LIKELYTO SUFFER OBESITY EDUCATION 2X MORE LIKELY TO DROP OUT OF HIGH SCHOOL 7. Think  God designed us to need a father  God chose to revel Himself as the Father  The world is trying to negate the role of father 8. 1 John 4:7–21 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. The one who does not love does not know God, fo...

Brotherly love 1 John 3

1. Brotherly Love 1 John 3:10–24 2. PLEASE STAND IN REVERANCE FOR GOD’S WORD Read aloud what is underlined 3. 1-1 By this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious: anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor the one who does not love his brother. For this is the message which you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another; 4. 2-7 not as Cain, who was of the evil one and slew his brother. For what reason did he slay him? Because his deeds were evil, and his brother’s were righteous. Don’t be surprised, brethren, if the world hates you. Know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love abides in death. 5. 3-7 Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer; and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 6. 4-7 Whoever has the world’s goods, and see...

Whose kid are you? 1 John 3:1-10

1. Whose Kid Are You? 1 John 3:1–10 2. 1 John 3:1–10 1 See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. 2 Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. 3. V3-7 3 And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. 4 Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness. 5 You know that He appeared in order to take away sins; and in Him there is no sin. 6 No one who abides in Him sins; no one who sins has seen Him or knows Him. 7 Little children, make sure no one deceives you; 4. V8-9 the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous; 8 the one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning. The Son of God appe...

Please join us for Christmas this year. Below is a listing of all our events for December. Here are our sermons to celebrate the season! Dec. 1 A Promised Gift Dec. 8 Surprise Gift Dec. 15 Parents' First Christmas Dec. 22 Our Gift Dec. 29 Thanks For The Present Dec 1-3 Special services with Deke Silverman. He will present "A Messianic View of Christmas" on Dec. 3, 6PM. Dec. 15 Come Celebrate Christmas with Saxophonist Greg Winn 6PM Dec. 18 & 22 Kids Special Dec. 20 Caroling 6PM Dec. 24 Candlelight Communion 6PM Advent candles will be lit each Sunday morning and Christmas Eve to celebrate the Advent season. Special Christmas music will be part of each service. Bethel Asssembly of God 1521 N. Norris Street Clovis NM 88101 (575) 762-4100 www.Clovisbethel.org www.christmasinclovis.com