Beyond Sunday

What Is True Repentance?

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 20:28:49 GMT

How do I know if my repentance is real? That is an important question because feeling bad about something is not necessarily repentance. Sometimes we feel bad because we got caught. Sometimes we regret the consequences. Sometimes we are embarrassed by what other people now know about us. The distinction here is important - regret and repentance are not the same.

Repentance Begins With Honesty

True repentance begins when we stop defending our sin and agree with God about it. We are good at making excuses. We blame our circumstances, our stress, our past, or the actions of somebody else. We may even admit that we made a mistake without admitting that we sinned. But repentance does not say, “I’m sorry this caused a problem.” Repentance says, “What I did was wrong. It was sin, and I have no excuse for it.”

King David gives us a powerful example of both the danger of hiding sin and the honesty of true repentance. After committing adultery with Bathsheba, David tried to cover it up and eventually arranged for her husband to be killed. He did not confess until the prophet Nathan confronted him. Then David stopped hiding and admitted, “I have sinned against the Lord” - 2 Samuel 12:13.

In Psalm 51, David prayed: “For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.” — Psalm 51:3

David’s repentance was not immediate, but when his sin was exposed, he finally owned what he had done and brought it honestly before God.

Repentance Is More Than Feeling Sorry

The Bible describes two different kinds of sorrow: “For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.” — 2 Corinthians 7:10 (ESV)

There is a worldly sorrow that focuses mainly on what our sin has cost us. We may be sorry about the damaged relationship, the embarrassment, or the consequences we now have to face. But Godly sorrow is different. It recognizes that our sin is first and foremost against God. That sorrow moves us toward Him instead of causing us to hide from Him.

Real repentance produces a change in direction. It does not mean we will never struggle with that sin again, but it does mean we can no longer make peace with it. We stop excusing it and begin turning away from it.

Repentance Does Not Earn Forgiveness

We need to be clear about this: repentance is not a payment for forgiveness. We are not forgiven because we felt sorry enough, prayed long enough, or promised to do better. Forgiveness is possible only because Jesus died for our sins and rose again.

For someone who has never trusted Christ, the call is to repent and believe the gospel today. Turn from your sin and place your faith in Jesus Christ. We are saved by grace through faith—not by our ability to clean ourselves up. Repentance and faith belong together. Repentance turns from sin, and faith turns to Christ.

Why Do Believers Still Repent?

But what about someone who is already a believer? If Christ has forgiven us, why do we still need to confess our sins? Aren't we already forgiven? We do not confess our sins to get saved again. Christ’s sacrifice was sufficient, and our relationship with God is secure in Him. But sin still disrupts our fellowship with God and affects how we walk with Him.

First John was written to believers, and it says: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” — 1 John 1:9. Confession means that we agree with God about our sin. We bring it into the light instead of covering it up. We turn from it and continue walking with Christ.

A genuine believer will still stumble, but he cannot remain comfortable in sin. The Holy Spirit convicts us and draws us back to God.

What Does Real Repentance Look Like?

Real repentance is not measured by how emotional we become. Some people cry easily, and others do not. Tears may accompany repentance, but tears are not proof of it.

Instead, ask:

Am I being honest about my sin?
Have I stopped making excuses for it?
Am I willing to turn from it?
Am I trusting Christ rather than my own efforts?
Is there evidence of a changed direction in my life?

Repentance does not mean instant perfection. It means we are no longer defending the direction in which we were going. By God’s grace, we turn around and begin walking with Christ.

Don’t Settle for Regret

Regret looks backward and says, “I wish that had not happened.” Repentance looks to Christ and says, “Lord, what I did was wrong. Help me turn from it and walk with You.”

If you have never trusted Christ, repent and believe the gospel. If you are already a believer, do not hide your sin or excuse it. Confess it, turn from it, and keep walking with Christ. Don’t just feel sorry. Turn from your sin and trust Christ.

The Widow’s Mite: Was Jesus Really Teaching Sacrificial Giving?

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 15:05:43 GMT

Reading Luke 21:1–4 in the context of Jesus’ warning against religious exploitation

Luke 21:1–4 is commonly presented as a lesson about sacrificial giving. But when we read it alongside Jesus’ warning about religious leaders who “devour widows’ houses” and His coming judgment on the temple, a more troubling picture emerges. In this sermon, Pastor Cameron DeBrew examines whether Jesus was praising the widow’s offering—or exposing the religious system that took everything she had.

The account of the widow’s mite is one of the most familiar stories in the Bible. For generations, Christians have heard it presented as a beautiful example of sacrificial giving. The rich contributed from their abundance, while a poor widow gave everything she had. The familiar application is simple: God is more concerned with the sacrifice behind our gift than with its monetary value. But is that the lesson Jesus was actually teaching?

When we read these four verses by themselves, the traditional interpretation may seem obvious. When we read them within their surrounding context, however, a different and more troubling picture emerges.

Why Is This Story Here?

Luke 21 begins during the final week before Jesus’ crucifixion. Jesus had entered Jerusalem, cleansed the temple, taught the crowds, and confronted the religious leaders who repeatedly attempted to trap Him. Immediately before the account of the widow, Jesus issued a severe warning:

“Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love greetings in the marketplaces and the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts, who devour widows’ houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.”
—Luke 20:46–47, ESV

Two sentences later, Jesus saw a poor widow place her final two coins into the temple offering box. Immediately after observing her, Jesus foretold the destruction of the temple. He declared that the impressive structure before them would be torn down until not one stone remained upon another (Luke 21:5–6).

The widow’s story is positioned between Jesus’ condemnation of religious leaders who devoured widows’ houses and His announcement of judgment against the temple. That placement matters.

What Jesus Does—and Does Not—Say

Jesus observed wealthy people placing their gifts into the offering box. He then saw the widow contribute two small copper coins.

He explained that she had given more than the others because they gave from their abundance, while she gave “all she had to live on” (Luke 21:4). That is where Jesus’ explanation ends.

He did not explicitly praise her attitude. He did not command His disciples to imitate her. He did not say that her offering demonstrated saving faith. He did not establish a required percentage for Christian giving. Jesus simply described what happened: the wealthy retained plenty after giving, but this destitute widow surrendered her entire livelihood.

This does not prove that her heart was insincere. She may have acted from sincere devotion. The passage simply does not tell us her motivation. Its emphasis is on what the religious system took from her.

She Was Being Devoured

Jesus had just condemned religious leaders for devouring widows’ houses. The widow then became a visible example of what that condemnation meant.

God’s law repeatedly commands His people to defend widows, orphans, the poor, and others who are vulnerable. Isaiah 1:17 instructs God’s people to “bring justice to the fatherless” and “plead the widow’s cause.” Exodus 22:22 warns, “You shall not mistreat any widow or fatherless child.”

The religious leaders should have cared for this woman. Instead, the system operating under their authority accepted the last two coins she possessed. She entered the temple poor and left completely destitute. Seen within this context, the account is not primarily a celebration of a religious institution receiving a sacrificial offering. It is an indictment of a corrupt system that took everything from someone it should have protected.

False Religion Still Preys on the Vulnerable

The danger Jesus exposed did not disappear with the destruction of the Jerusalem temple. False teachers still manipulate people by promising that financial gifts will secure God’s healing, blessing, prosperity, or favor. Those who are sick, lonely, frightened, or financially desperate are often the easiest targets.

They are told to demonstrate their faith by sending money. They are promised that a “seed offering” will obligate God to return health or wealth to them. Meanwhile, religious personalities build extravagant lifestyles from the contributions of those who can least afford to give. Jesus’ warning remains urgent: beware of teachers who wrap greed in religious language and use the name of God to exploit vulnerable people.

Faithful Christians should examine every teaching—including the teaching they receive from trusted pastors—against the Word of God. Scripture, not charisma, celebrity, emotional appeal, or promises of prosperity, is our final authority.

True Religion Protects Rather Than Exploits

James describes genuine faith very differently:

“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction.”
—James 1:27, ESV

True religion does not grow wealthy by manipulating the poor. It serves them. It does not devour widows’ houses. It cares for widows in their distress. Churches should never use guilt, fear, or promises of divine favor to pressure people into giving. Christian generosity must flow from grace rather than manipulation.

Believers give generously not because we can purchase God’s blessing, but because God has already given us a gift beyond measure in Jesus Christ.

Salvation Cannot Be Purchased

The widow’s offering could not earn her salvation, and neither can our religious works. Jesus lived the perfect life we could never live and died the death our sins deserve. Through His death and resurrection, He provides salvation as a gift to everyone who repents and trusts in Him.

When we stand before God, our giving records and religious accomplishments will not make us worthy of heaven. Our only hope is the righteousness of Jesus Christ. Those who belong to Christ are clothed in His righteousness. We do not obey, serve, love, or give in an attempt to purchase salvation. We do these things because salvation has already been freely given to us through Christ. We love because we have received extraordinary love. We give because God has given generously to us. We serve those in need because Christ showed mercy to us when we were spiritually helpless.

That is the difference between the gospel and false religion. False religion demands payment while promising blessing. The gospel announces that Christ has paid the price and offers salvation by grace.

Questions for Reflection

Have you generally understood the widow’s offering as an example of sacrificial giving? How does its surrounding context affect your understanding?
Why is Jesus’ warning that the scribes “devour widows’ houses” important to interpreting Luke 21:1–4?
What are some ways religious teachers still manipulate vulnerable or desperate people?
How can Christians evaluate whether a teacher’s message is faithful to Scripture?
What practical steps can our churches take to protect and care for widows, orphans, the poor, and others who are vulnerable?
Is your relationship with God based on your religious performance or on the righteousness of Jesus Christ?

Go Beyond Sunday

Read Luke 20:45–21:6 as one continuous passage. Notice what Jesus says about the religious leaders, what happens to the widow, and what He predicts concerning the temple.

Ask God to help you recognize teaching that uses fear, guilt, or promises of prosperity to manipulate people. Consider one practical way you can help protect or care for someone who may be vulnerable.

Watch the complete sermon above.

Plan your visit:
https://www.beulahbaptist.com/new

Watch more sermons:
https://www.beulahbaptist.com/sermons

When Good Intentions Aren't Enough

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 16:20:47 GMT

What Uzzah’s death teaches us about God’s holiness, obedience, and grace

In 2 Samuel 6:1–9, David and the people of Israel wanted to bring the Ark of God to Jerusalem. Their desire appeared honorable, and their celebration appeared worshipful. Yet they disregarded God’s commands and approached His holiness on their own terms. This post is based on Pastor Ken’s sermon, “Good Intentions Don’t Excuse Disobedience.” Watch the full sermon below.

The account of Uzzah is a tough passage, but it is a necessary one. David wanted the Ark of the Covenant—the visible sign of God’s presence—back in Jerusalem among God’s people. God was their King. David needed His guidance and presence, and he wanted the people to recognize that. That was a good desire. The problem was how they carried it out.

They placed the Ark on a new cart pulled by oxen instead of transporting it as God had commanded. When the oxen stumbled, Uzzah reached out and took hold of the Ark. The anger of the Lord was kindled against him, and God struck him dead beside it (2 Samuel 6:6–7).

The passage confronts us with the holiness of God, the seriousness of sin, and the danger of assuming that good intentions can excuse disobedience.

This Was No Ordinary Box

The Ark of the Covenant was one of the holiest objects in the tabernacle. It was a chest made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold. Inside it were the tablets of the law, and on top was the atonement cover, or mercy seat. Two golden cherubim overshadowed it with their wings (Exodus 25:10–22). The Ark was more than a religious object. It was where God manifested His visible presence between the cherubim on the mercy seat. It represented the throne and visible presence of the holy God among His people. Second Samuel 6:2 describes the Lord of hosts as the One “who sits enthroned on the cherubim.” This was His Ark. It was His throne. It was to be treated according to His commands.

God gave clear instructions for transporting it. Aaron and his sons were to cover the Ark, and the sons of Kohath were to carry it using poles inserted through rings on its sides. They were not to touch the holy things, lest they die (Numbers 4:1–6, 15). Other Levites received wagons and oxen for their service, but the Kohathites did not. The holy things entrusted to them had to be carried on their shoulders (Numbers 7:6–9).

God’s instructions communicated His great holiness. He is separate from us. He is other than us. He is holy, holy, holy—worthy of reverence, respect, fear, and humility.

Good Intentions Can Be Irreverent Disobedience

Instead of carrying the Ark as God commanded, the Israelites placed it on a new ox cart. We are not told why. Perhaps they wanted to move it more quickly or make the task less strenuous. First Samuel 6 may give us a clue: when the pagan Philistines returned the Ark to Israel, they transported it on a new cart.

Were God’s people mimicking the ways of the world at the expense of God’s commands? Had the way they treated the holy God been influenced by the pagan world around them?

They may have believed that using a new cart demonstrated honor. They could have said, “God, this cart is only for You. We made it just for You.” But the Philistines had also used a new cart. Their intentions may have been good, but their good intentions were really irreverent disobedience to the holy God and His holy command. They were treating God as they thought He should be treated instead of obeying how He said He must be treated.

We face the same danger.

We may think, “I am doing this for God,” but are we doing it disobediently? Are our actions toward God shaped by His Word, or are they influenced by tradition, the world, and what we have decided is logical, reasonable, or comfortable? Have we made God a figment of our thinking rather than seeing Him as He has revealed Himself and responding to Him as He instructs?

We do not worship God in our own way. We do not treat Him as we deem right, acceptable, comfortable, or reasonable—no matter how good our intentions may appear. We regard Him and His Word as holy. We yield to Him and obey Him even when His commands confront our thoughts and preferences.

Celebrating God While Disobeying God

David and all Israel celebrated before the Lord with songs and instruments (2 Samuel 6:5). The visible sign of God’s presence was returning to Jerusalem, and that was worth celebrating. Yet they were tragically oblivious. They were celebrating the Lord while disobeying Him.

That danger still exists.

Many people disregard God’s holiness and His holy Word so they can live as they please, all while celebrating Him and presenting themselves as spiritual people. There is no humility, conviction, or sense of woe over their disregard for His holiness.

God, spare us from such oblivious irreverence and disobedience. Celebrating God is good, but it must come from a heart of holy reverence—one that yields its will to His and obeys Him His way. God deserves more than empty words. He deserves our lives.

Uzzah Assumed His Hands Were Cleaner Than the Dirt

When the oxen stumbled, Uzzah reached out and took hold of the Ark. His impulse was to keep it from falling, but his response revealed the position of his heart toward the holiness of God. God had already warned that anyone who touched the holy things would die (Numbers 4:15). The threat of death was intended to produce an awareness of God’s holiness. Sinners do not approach His presence haphazardly or touch His holy throne with polluted hands. Uzzah acted as though the dirt would defile the Ark more than his own sinful hand. R.C. Sproul: "The presumptuous sin of Uzzah was this: He assumed that his hands were less polluted than the dirt."

Perhaps the years the Ark had spent at his family’s house had made him too familiar with it. He may no longer have appreciated the reverence due to the holy God whose presence it represented. Are we too familiar with God? Has familiarity caused us to lose sight of His holiness? Has it produced an irreverence that is comfortable with presumptuous disobedience and sin? Have we made God so casual that our sin no longer makes us uncomfortable in His presence? Our perspective of God’s holiness determines how we respond to Him.

Good Intentions Never Justify a Bad Action

After Uzzah died, David became angry and afraid. He asked, “How can the ark of the Lord come to me?” (2 Samuel 6:8–9). Isaiah was afraid in the presence of God (Isaiah 6:1-8). Peter was afraid when he realized who was in his boat (Luke 5:1-11). Now King David was afraid of the Lord.

The fear of the Lord is a reverent fear that holds Him in awe and high esteem. It recognizes that God would be just to strike us dead in our sin. For those who are forgiven in Christ, that fear is not terror of eternal judgment but reverence, respect, and awe.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Psalm 111:10)."

Some look at Uzzah’s death and say the punishment was too extreme. His intentions were good. He was serving God and trying to keep the Ark from touching the ground. But good intentions are never an excuse for minimizing God’s holiness and disobeying His commands. Matthew Henry: "God would hereby teach us that a good intention will not justify a bad action."

We often assume that we can circumvent God’s commands if we mean well. We act as if God will set aside His righteous demands because our sinful, self-centered hearts had good intentions. That is arrogance. It minimizes God’s holiness, diminishes His Word, and exalts our judgment over His.

God Cannot Be Unjust

God’s punishment of Uzzah was not unjust because God cannot be unjust. “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne (Psalm 89:14)." All His ways are justice. He is faithful, without iniquity, just, and upright (Deuteronomy 32:3–4). God is holy in His justice. He does no wrong. Whatever He judges is right.

That truth may confront our sinful, self-centered understanding of justice. But if our definition of justice differs from God’s, His definition wins. To accuse God of injustice is to assume that we understand justice better than He does.

The account of Uzzah is not the only place in Scripture where God immediately judged someone who dismissed His holiness. Nadab and Abihu offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, and fire consumed them (Leviticus 10:1–3). Ananias and Sapphira lied to God and died (Acts 5:1–11). Achan disobeyed God’s command and came under judgment (Joshua 6-7). Some in Corinth became sick and died because they treated the Lord’s Supper unworthily (1 Corinthians 11:27–32).

These events are few and far between when we consider the whole counsel of Scripture, but they are there. God is serious about being regarded as holy. He is holy, and His holiness matters.

The Story of Uzzah Teaches Us About Ourselves

Uzzah’s story teaches us about the holiness of God, but it also teaches us about the sinfulness of man. When we understand God’s transcendent holiness, we recognize that His judgment of Uzzah was just. If we believe the punishment was too severe, we do not understand how holy God is or how sinful we are. God is so holy that sinful man could not touch His throne. We are so sinful that we cannot come into His presence or enjoy fellowship with Him on our own.

Christian, what you will enjoy in the presence of God forever is not something you deserve. Our sin separates us from God. It makes us worthy of death and judgment. Any rebellion against the infinitely holy and righteous God who created us and has authority over us is worthy of death.

R.C. Sproul: "Sin is cosmic treason...Even the slightest sin says to our Creator, 'Your law is not good. My judgment is better than Yours. Your authority does not apply to me. I am above and beyond your jurisdiction. I have the right to do what I want to do, not what You command me to do.'" Sin is rebellion against the authority of the holy God, and it is worthy of death. Romans 5:12: "Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned." Romans 6:23: “The wages of sin is death."

Grace Must Never Be Assumed

We lose sight of what our sin deserves because God’s predominant disposition in all of Scripture (and even now) toward sinners has been patience, longsuffering, and forbearance. God warned Adam and Eve that if they ate from the forbidden tree, "in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die (Genesis 2:17)." They rebelled, yet God was patient with them. They didn't immediately die. He covered their shame with animal skins, foreshadowing the cross.

The occasions when God immediately judged someone for violating His holiness are rare compared with all the times He has not done so. Because of His patience, we begin to presume upon His grace. We expect God to forgive us. We assume we can live as we please because grace will always be available. We begin to think we deserve His patience when we actually deserve physical and spiritual death.

Grace must never be assumed.

God’s patience is not evidence that our sin is small. His kindness is intended to lead us to repentance (Romans 2:4). Though we deserve immediate judgment, He has given us time to repent. That is not something we deserve. It is grace.

Look at the Cross

If we want to understand how serious our sin is, we must look at the cross. All people are under sin. None is righteous—not one. No one does good, and the whole world is accountable to God (Romans 3:9–12, 19). We will remain accountable for our sin unless Christ has taken its punishment in our place. Every sin is an affront to God’s holiness.

You want to know how serious your sin is against God? Look at the cross. Look at what had to happen so your sin could be forgiven. Look at the bloody cross. Look at the agony, the terror, and the horror of the cross. That is what our sin deserves. The holy Son of God bore our sin and received its punishment. Our ugly, wretched, serious sin had to be dealt with through the death of the Son of God.

Jesus died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins, and He rose victoriously on the third day. The price was paid. The righteousness of God is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. All have sinned and fall short of God’s glory, yet sinners can be justified by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. God put Christ forward as a propitiation by His blood so that He might be both just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus (Romans 3:21–26). Jesus took the death we deserve.

When we see God in His holiness and recognize the ugliness of our sin, we must look to what Christ has done and say, “I can rely only on the work of Christ. I turn from my sin. I trust in Christ alone.” In Him, sinners can be forgiven and made right with God. The unrighteous can be declared righteous. Those who could not touch His holy throne can draw near and reign with Him forever. Praise His holy, glorious, gracious name.

Gospel Connection

Our sin deserves death—full stop. But Jesus took the just punishment of death in our place.

God’s justice toward everyone who trusts in Christ was carried out at the cross. Because Christ became our propitiation, we receive mercy rather than the eternal judgment we deserve.

God’s patience gives sinners time to repent. If you are not forgiven and right with God, do not presume upon that patience. Repent and trust in Christ.

Believers are unworthy to approach God’s holy throne, yet in Christ, God has declared us worthy. He has made us His holy people (1 Peter 2:9) and given us the righteousness of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21). One day, He will present us blameless before the glory of His presence (Jude 24-25).

May we never lose sight of the holiness of the One into whose fellowship we have been called forever. May we see our sin for what it is—a great offense to our holy God—and flee from it in holy fear and reverence.

May we not become accustomed to our sin. May we become accustomed to God’s holiness.

We who deserve immediate death have been given eternal grace. May our gratitude for Christ overflow in increasing measure now and forever.

Key Takeaways

The Ark represented the throne and visible presence of the holy God.
God gave clear instructions for how the Ark was to be carried.
Good intentions never excuse disobedience to God’s commands.
We must not allow the world, tradition, or personal preference to determine how we approach God.
Celebrating God does not excuse living in disobedience to Him.
Familiarity with God must never produce casualness toward His holiness.
God cannot be unjust; righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne.
Sin is rebellion against the authority of the holy God and is worthy of death.
God’s patience and grace must never be presumed upon.
The cross reveals both the seriousness of our sin and the greatness of God’s grace.
Jesus took the death sinners deserve so that all who trust in Him can be forgiven and declared righteous.
God’s holy people should flee sin and live with reverence, gratitude, and devoted obedience.

Questions for Reflection

Are your beliefs about God shaped by His Word or by what seems reasonable and comfortable to you?
Have you ever used good intentions to excuse something God calls disobedience?
Are you celebrating God outwardly while disregarding His commands in some area of your life?
Has familiarity with God caused you to treat Him or His holiness casually?
Do you recognize God’s patience as grace, or have you begun to presume upon it?
How does the cross help you understand the seriousness of your sin?
Have you turned from your sin and trusted only in the work of Christ?
Where is God calling you to respond with devoted obedience?
Are you becoming accustomed to your sin or increasingly aware of God’s holiness?

Watch the Full Sermon

We invite you to watch the full worship service above and hear Pastor Ken’s complete message, “Good Intentions Don’t Excuse Disobedience,” from 2 Samuel 6:1–9.

As you listen, ask God to remind you of His holiness, the justice your sin deserves, and the mercy provided through the cross of Christ. May we not trample upon His holiness or presume upon His grace. May we respond as the holy people Christ died to make us.

God In His Boat

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 19:34:02 GMT

What Peter’s encounter with Jesus teaches us about holiness,
sin, grace, and following Christ

Sermon Reflection: In Luke 5:1–11, Peter realizes that the One in his boat is no ordinary man, but the holy Christ. His encounter reveals the seriousness of our sin, the grace of Jesus who draws sinners near, and the call to leave everything and follow Him. This post is based on Pastor Ken’s sermon, “When Peter Realized God Was in His Boat.” Watch the full sermon below.

Peter had experienced the greatest catch of fish of his life. His nets were breaking. Both boats were filling. Yet when Peter realized what had happened, the fish no longer mattered.

He fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord” (Luke 5:8).

In that moment, Peter realized that someone greater than a man was in his boat. In the presence of Jesus, he was in the presence of the holy God.

Pressing to Hear the Word of God

Luke 5 opens with a crowd pressing in on Jesus by the Lake of Gennesaret to hear the Word of God. Jesus had been preaching with authority, healing the sick, casting out demons, and declaring that He was the promised Messiah. When Jesus spoke, He was not merely explaining God’s Word as a preacher does. He was speaking the very words of God. His words carried divine authority.

This should cause us to ask a simple question: Are we pressing to hear the Word of God?

It is good to gather with God’s people on Sunday. But are we making room for His Word throughout the week? Are we pushing other things aside to press for time with God in His Word, or are we allowing the pressures of life to push His Word away from us?

Obeying Christ When We Do Not Understand

Jesus got into Simon Peter’s boat and taught the crowd from the water. Afterward, He told Peter, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch” (Luke 5:4). Peter had already fished all night. He knew fishing. He knew the best time to fish and where to fish. He had caught nothing. Now Jesus, likely a carpenter, was telling this experienced fisherman to go back out into deep water in the heat of the day.

Peter could have dismissed Jesus’ command. Instead, he said, “At your word, I will let down the nets” (Luke 5:5). Peter did not obey because the command made sense to him. He obeyed because he recognized Jesus as Master.

There are times when Christ’s Word challenges our experience, our preferences, and what we think is best. Faithful obedience means trusting Him anyway. Peter’s faith overcame his instincts as a fisherman.

The Creator in Control of Creation

When Peter and his partners obeyed, they caught such a great number of fish that their nets began to break. They called for help from the other boat, and both boats were filled to the point of sinking.

This was no ordinary catch.

It happened at the least ideal time and place. Peter knew that. He understood that nothing in his experience could explain what had happened. Jesus had shown His omniscience (knowing all things) and omnipotence (all-powerful) over the fish, the lake, and all creation.

Jesus is more than a carpenter. He is the eternal Son of God, the One through whom all things were made (John 1:1–3). He made the Sea of Galilee. He made the fish in it. He could command them to do exactly what He desired. And He did.

This was a miracle.

The holy, preincarnate Christ that Isaiah saw seated on the throne (Isaiah 6:1-8) is the holy, incarnate Christ in Peter’s boat.

When Peter Realized God Was in His Boat

Peter had already seen Jesus heal his mother-in-law. He had seen His power. But this miracle happened in Peter’s own area of expertise. It made everything clear.

Peter was overwhelmed at first by the enormous catch of fish. But then the fish did not matter anymore. He was overwhelmed by the presence of the holy God.

There were likely fish flopping all around him, but Peter fell at Jesus’ knees. His attention was no longer on the catch. It was on the Holy One before him. Peter did not call Jesus “Master” now. He called Him “Lord.”

In the light of Christ’s holiness, Peter saw himself clearly. He saw his sinfulness, guilt, and unworthiness. John MacArthur notes that Peter understood that if Jesus could see the depths of the lake, then Jesus could also see the depths of Peter’s heart.

That is what the holiness of God does. It exposes us. It reveals our sin.

Holy Fear Before a Holy Christ

Jesus is God, and His presence brings a holy fear (Matthew 17:1-8, Mark 4:35-41, Revelation 1:9-18).

Like Isaiah before him, Peter was undone in the presence of the holy God. Isaiah cried, “Woe is me!” Peter said, “Depart from me.” Both men recognized the same truth: sinful people cannot casually stand before a holy God.

We often want a view of God that is comfortable with our sin—a God who adjusts His standards to fit our desires and approves whatever we want. But the God revealed in Scripture is holy, righteous, and completely unlike us.

His holiness should make us uncomfortable with our sin. We should not be casual, flippant, or presumptuous about it. When we see Christ rightly, we begin to see our sin rightly. We recognize who He is and who we are. We feel the weight of the deserved separation and judgment we deserve. This is holy fear.

Jesus Did Not Depart From Peter

Peter’s fear was appropriate. Yet Jesus responded with grace: “Do not be afraid. From now on you will be catching men” (Luke 5:10). This actually means "Stop being fearful."

Jesus did not depart from Peter in judgment. He drew Peter near.

Peter did not need Jesus to leave him alone. He needed Jesus to save him from his sin. Though Peter was unworthy and fearful, Jesus called him to follow and gave him a new purpose.

This is the gospel.

We deserve separation from God because of our sin. We deserve His righteous judgment. But Jesus did not depart from us. The holy, preincarnate Christ that Isaiah saw came to us (John 1:14-15). While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Through His death, He reconciles us to God (Romans 5:6–11). He is our Mediator, our Righteousness, and the One who satisfies God’s wrath against our sin.

JC Ryle reminds us that out of Christ, God is a consuming fire; but in Christ, He is a reconciled Father. Through repentance and faith in Jesus, sinners who deserve judgment can draw near to God with confidence and peace. Through Jesus, God does not depart from us, but reconciles us to Himself.

From Holy Fear to Holy Peace

Peter’s fear did not have the final word. Jesus told him to stop being afraid. The same is true for everyone reconciled to God through Christ. We should have a holy fear because of our sin, but we can also have holy peace because of what Christ has done.

God is high and holy, yet He dwells with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit (Isaiah 57:15). He does not despise a broken and repentant heart (Psalm 51:17).

The right response to God’s holiness is not pretending that our sin is small. It is coming before Him honestly, broken over our sin in confession and repentance, and resting in the mercy Christ has provided.

Leaving Everything to Follow Jesus

Luke tells us that when Peter, James, and John brought their boats to land, “they left everything and followed him” (Luke 5:11). Peter left behind the greatest catch of his life because he had found Someone more valuable than two boatloads of fish. Jesus realigned Peter’s priorities. Nothing earthly compared to knowing and following the holy Christ.

The same Christ who forgives sinners also sends them. Both Isaiah and Peter had a woeful experience in the presence of the holy God, yet were drawn near and sent to minister. Peter would no longer catch fish; he would help bring people into the kingdom of God. Those whom God reconciles to Himself through Christ are sent to point others toward reconciliation through Christ (2 Corinthians 5:18–21).

Jesus is more valuable than anything we hold dear. He is worthy of our trust, our obedience, our worship, and our lives.

Gospel Connection

Peter deserved for Jesus to depart from him. Instead, Jesus called him near. We deserve separation from God because of our sin. But Jesus came to us. He lived the righteous life we could not live, died the death our sins deserve, and rose again in victory. Through Him, guilty sinners can be forgiven, reconciled to God, and sent out with a new purpose. The holy Christ is also the merciful Savior.

Key Takeaways

Christ’s words carry divine authority and are worthy of our obedience.
Faith obeys Jesus even when His command challenges our experience.
Jesus is the Creator and Lord over all creation.
Seeing Christ’s holiness helps us see our sin clearly.
God’s holiness should make us uncomfortable with sin, leading us to repentance.
Jesus does not depart from repentant sinners; He draws them near.
In Christ, holy fear gives way to holy peace.
Jesus is more valuable than anything we might leave behind to follow Him.
Those reconciled to God are sent to help reconcile others to Him.

Questions for Reflection

Are you pressing to hear the Word of God, or allowing other things to push it away?
Where is Christ calling you to obey even when His Word challenges your experience or preferences?
How does Peter’s response help you understand the holiness of Jesus?
Are you taking your sin seriously before a holy God in a spirit of passionate repentance?
Have you trusted Christ as the One who reconciles sinners to God?
What might you be holding onto that keeps you from following Jesus wholeheartedly?
Who is God calling you to point toward Christ this week?

Watch the Full Service

We invite you to watch the full worship service above and hear Pastor Ken’s complete message, “When Peter Realized God Was in His Boat,” from Luke 5:1–11.

As you listen, ask God to help you see Christ in His holiness, take sin seriously, repent, rest in His reconciling grace, and follow Him above everything else

From Woe to Worship

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 16:32:02 GMT

What Isaiah’s vision of God
teaches us about holiness,
sin, grace, and surrender

Sermon Reflection: Isaiah’s vision in Isaiah 6:1–8 reveals the breathtaking holiness of God, the depth of our sin, and the cleansing grace found only through Christ. This post is based on Pastor Ken’s sermon, “Encountering the Holy God.” Watch the full sermon below.

Seeing God as He Really Is

Our view of God is often shaped more by our feelings, experiences, and culture than by Scripture. We can easily imagine a God who fits our expectations—a God who overlooks sin, adjusts His standards, or exists primarily to affirm us. Isaiah's vision confronts those assumptions.

In the year King Uzziah died, Isaiah saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and lifted up. Earthly kings come and go, but the Sovereign King reigns forever (Psalm 146). His throne stands above every earthly throne, and His glory fills His temple. Even the train of His robe declares His unmatched majesty and dignity.

This is the God Scripture reveals—the eternal King who rules over all.

The Holiness That Changes Everything

Around God's throne stand the seraphim, covering their faces and feet in His holy presence, while continually crying, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory."

God's holiness means far more than moral purity. To be holy is to be separate (set apart, sanctified), not the highest of a kind, but a whole other kind. God is high above creature and creation, in a category all His own. He is transcendent. His wisdom, power, righteousness, love, and glory belong to an entirely different category than ours. There is no one like Him.

The seraphim's threefold description of God as "Holy, Holy, Holy" communicates the completeness of God's holiness. His absolute holiness, unmatched by any other. Their worship teaches us something profound. Even sinless heavenly beings acknowledge God's infinite holiness. They do not casually approach Him. They worship with reverence, humility, and awe.

When Isaiah sees God as He truly is, everything else changes.

Seeing Ourselves Clearly

Isaiah's first response is not celebration but conviction of sin. "Woe is me!" "Woe" is a prophetic pronouncement of judgment, cursing, and doom. Standing before the holiness of God exposes the reality of his own sinful heart. Isaiah no longer compares himself to other people. He compares himself to the Holy One.

He confesses that he is a man of unclean lips living among a people of unclean lips (James 3:6-10, Matthew 15:18). God's holiness reveals Isaiah's sinfulness, his guilt, and his complete inability to stand before the Lord on his own. He deserves judgment from the holy God. The same is true for us.

The closer we come to seeing God rightly, the more seriously we take our own sin. Rather than minimizing it or excusing it, we begin to understand the weight of offending a perfectly holy God.

Grace from God's Altar

The story does not end with Isaiah's confession.

One of the seraphim brings a burning coal from God's altar and touches Isaiah's lips. "Your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for." The God whose holiness exposes sin is also the God who graciously provides cleansing. Isaiah deserved judgment, but instead received atoning mercy.

That cleansing ultimately points us to Jesus Christ. The sacrifice of Christ is the true altar where our sins are atoned for once and for all. Through His death and resurrection, those who repent and believe are forgiven, declared righteous, and made holy before God (Hebrews 10:10-14).

Before the holy God, we are unclean sinners, worthy of judgment and woe. Atonement for our sin can only come from God's altar, and that altar was the cross of Christ. His sacrificial death is the live coal that atones for our sin and removes our guilt. Glory to God.

We oftentimes want a comfortable God who affirms our sin instead of the holy God who convicts us of sin. But we need to feel the weight of our sin before the holy God and our desperate need for atonement from Him that comes only in Christ. Seeing ourselves in the light of His holiness and feeling deep conviction for our sin leads to a reliance upon His atoning grace that meets our most desperate need.

From Woe to Worship

Only after Isaiah has been cleansed is he ready to answer God's call. "Here I am! Send me." Grace produces willing obedience.

Isaiah does not volunteer because he is worthy. He volunteers because God is worthy and has done for him what he could never do for himself.

The same gospel that forgives us also sends us.

Those who have encountered the holiness of God and experienced His cleansing grace cannot help but worship Him and make Him known.

God has truly turned our woe into worship.

Gospel Connection

Isaiah's vision points directly to Jesus Christ.

Our greatest need is not simply encouragement or self-improvement. Our greatest need is atonement before a holy God.

Jesus, the Holy One, bore God's judgment in our place. Through His perfect sacrifice on the cross and victorious resurrection, He removes our guilt, forgives our sin, and declares all who trust in Him righteous before the holy God.

Only through Christ can sinners stand in the presence of a holy God with confidence instead of condemnation.

Key Takeaways

God is infinitely holy and completely unlike His creation.
Seeing God rightly helps us see ourselves honestly.
Sin cannot be minimized before a holy God.
God graciously provides atonement for sinners.
Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of the cleansing pictured in Isaiah's vision.
God's grace transforms fearful sinners into joyful servants.
True worship begins with a right view of God's holiness.

Questions for Reflection

How has your view of God been shaped by culture or personal experience rather than by Scripture?
What does Isaiah's response teach you about the seriousness of sin?
Why is it important to understand God's holiness before fully appreciating His grace?
How does Christ's atoning work give you confidence to approach God?
In what area of your life is God calling you to respond with, "Here I am. Send me"?

Watch the Full Service

We invite you to watch the full worship service above and hear Pastor Ken’s complete message, “Encountering the Holy God,” from Isaiah 6:1–8.

As you listen, ask God to help you see Him more clearly, recognize the seriousness of sin, and rest in the cleansing grace found in Jesus Christ.

Pastor Ken also recommended R.C. Sproul’s book, The Holiness of God , as a helpful resource for anyone who wants to think more deeply about God’s holiness. Reading it alongside this sermon series can help you continue reflecting on the greatness, purity, and majesty of the God revealed in Scripture.

The Hope That Holds You

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 17:59:02 GMT

Knowing the Hope, Inheritance, and Power that are Yours in Christ

Sermon Reflection: Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 1:15–23 reminds believers to live from the hope, inheritance, and power that are theirs in Christ. This post is based on Pastor Ken’s sermon, “No Power Outages.” Watch the full sermon below.

In Ephesians 1:15–23, Paul prays for the church in Ephesus. But his prayer may not be what we expect. He does not simply pray that their problems would go away. He prays that they would know what is already theirs in Christ. He wants them to truly grasp that the realities of Ephesians 1:3-14 are true of them. He prays that the eyes of their hearts would be enlightened so they would understand the hope, inheritance, and power God has given to His people. That is a prayer we still need.

Faith and Love Are Evidence of God’s Grace

Paul thanks God because he has heard of the Ephesians’ faith in the Lord Jesus and their love for all the saints. Their faith and love showed that God’s grace was truly at work in them.

Faith in Christ is an essential mark of a true believer. We are saved through faith in Jesus (Ephesians 2:8-9), and we continue to live by faith in Him. But Paul also points to love for other believers. A person who belongs to Christ should love the people of Christ (1 John 3:14-18).

That love is not merely a feeling. It is action. It is sacrifice. It is caring for brothers and sisters in Christ in deed and truth.

We Need God to Open Our Eyes

Paul prays that God would give the Ephesians wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him. They already had the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9, 11), but they still needed God to help them know Him more deeply.

We can know many things, but the greatest knowledge we can have is the knowledge of God. C.H. Spurgeon says: "The highest science, the loftiest speculation, the mightiest philosophy which can ever engage the attention of a child of God, is the name, the nature, the person, the work, the doings, and the existence of the great God whom he calls his Father." A.W. Tozer says: "What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us." What we believe about God shapes our thoughts, desires, worship, obedience, and hope.

So Paul prays that God would open the eyes of their hearts. We cannot see spiritual truth by our own ability. We need the Holy Spirit to help us know God, understand His Word, and live in light of what is true (1 Corinthians 2:9-16, 2 Corinthians 4:1-6).

The Hope That Holds Us

Paul wants believers to know “the hope to which he has called you.” Christian hope is not wishful thinking. It is not the same as saying, “I hope everything works out.” The hope God gives His people is certain because it rests on what He has promised in Christ.

We may hope for health, freedom, financial stability, or relief from suffering. Those things matter, but they are not ultimate. If they are taken away, our hope is still in Christ.

Believers have the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27). We will be made like Christ (1 John 3:1-3). We will be with Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). We will be presented as His guiltless and spotless Bride (Ephesians 1:4, 5:25-27; Jude 24; Colossians 1:22; 1 Corinthians 1:8), unable to sin again. We will be revealed as sons of God in great glory (Romans 8:18-19), given our eternal inheritance (Ephesians 1:11-14; 1 Peter 1:3-5), and reign with Him (1 Timothy 2:12; Revelation 20:4, 6), enjoying eternity in our resurrected existence with God in the new heavens and new earth (1 Corinthians 15, Revelation 21). Our hope is sure because God has given it to us by His grace in Christ.

The Inheritance That Is Ours in Christ

Paul also prays that believers would know “the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints.” This reminds us that we have an inheritance in Christ. We have eternal life, forgiveness, joy, peace, strength, and the promise of forever with God.

But it also reminds us of something amazing: God’s people are His inheritance (Deuteronomy 32:8-9, Titus 2:14; 1 Peter 2:9). Christ redeemed us and made us His own. Unworthy sinners are called God’s people, not because we earned it, but because Christ gave Himself for us, forgave our sin, and clothed us in His righteousness, all through our repentance of sin and faith in Christ. That truth should give us security and joy. We belong to Him.

The Power Already Working for Us

Paul then prays that believers would know “the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe.”

This is the same power God worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him above every rule, authority, power, and dominion. Paul does not pray that the Ephesians would receive this power as though they did not already have it. He prays that they would know the power already working toward them in Christ.

Our power runs out. God’s power does not.

His resurrection power saves us (Colossians 2:12-14), strengthens us, gives us victory over worry, doubt, and temptation, helps us fight sin and live in newness of life (Romans 6:4), gives us boldness to serve, and keeps us faithful to the end. The power that raised and exalted Jesus will bring God’s people safely home, raised and exalted to be like Jesus, glorifying us in His presence forever. Glory to God!

Living from Victory, Not Defeat

Because Christ has been raised and exalted, believers do not have to live from a place of defeat. Sin, fear, temptation, worry, and suffering may still come, but they do not get the final word.

Christ is Head over all things, and He has been given to the church. We are His body, His people. We are inseparably joined to Him. Because He has conquered death and has been exalted, by the power that so accomplished that for Him, we will share in His resurrection and glorification. He who fills all in all, who has been given all dominion/authority forever over all things, will exercise His controlling power to care for us, conquer anything that opposes us, exalt us to reign with Him forever, and carry out His eternal plan for us. We are His inheritance, and though we suffer now, He will lovingly care for us by His immeasurably great power and brought safely to Him forever.

So do not live as though your struggles are stronger than His grace. Do not live as though your fear is stronger than His power. Live from the hope, inheritance, and power that are already yours in Christ.

Key Takeaways

Paul prayed that believers would know what was already theirs in Christ.
Faith in Jesus and love for other believers are marks of true salvation.
Christian hope is certain because it rests on God’s promise in Christ.
Believers have an eternal inheritance, and they belong to God.
The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is working toward those who believe.
Because Christ has won the victory, believers can live from victory rather than defeat.

Gospel Connection

The hope that holds us is not based on our strength, goodness, or ability to remain faithful on our own. We were sinners who deserved God’s judgment. But God sent His Son to redeem His chosen people through His blood. The glorious realities of Ephesians 1:3-14 are true of every believer.

Jesus died for our sins and rose from the dead so that all who repent and believe in Him can be forgiven, declared righteous, adopted into God’s family, and sealed with the Holy Spirit.

Our hope is sure because Christ has accomplished our salvation. Our inheritance is secure because Christ purchased us. Our future is certain because the power that raised Jesus from the dead will also bring us safely home.

Questions for Reflection

What temporary hopes are you most tempted to build your life around?
Do you desire to know God more deeply, even when His truth challenges you?
Are you living from a place of defeat, or from the victory Christ has already won?

Watch the Full Sermon

This post is based on Pastor Ken’s sermon, “No Power Outages,” from Ephesians 1:15–23 . Watch the full sermon above, or join us this Sunday at Beulah Baptist Church as we continue to grow in God’s Word together.

Your Pain Has a Purpose

Sun, 05 Jul 2026 21:03:31 GMT

Your story is not over

In Genesis 32 , Jacob wrestled with God until daybreak. He walked away with a limp, but also with a new name: Israel, one who had struggled with God and prevailed. That night did not leave Jacob the same. His pain became part of the story God was writing in his life.

In Genesis 37 , Joseph was betrayed by his own brothers and sold into slavery. Later, he was falsely accused and thrown into prison. For years, Joseph’s life looked like one loss after another. But God was not absent in Joseph’s suffering.

By Genesis 50 , Joseph could look back and say to his brothers, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.” God used Joseph’s pain to preserve life, including the lives of the very people who had wounded him.

We see this kind of testimony in more recent examples too. Joni Eareckson Tada was paralyzed after a diving accident as a teenager. Her suffering did not end quickly. In fact, she has lived for decades with physical limitations. Yet God has used her life and testimony to encourage countless people to hope in Christ. She has said that when she gets to heaven, she wants her first steps to be toward Jesus.

That kind of hope does not pretend suffering is easy. It does not minimize abuse, trauma, rejection, illness, physical disability, being ignored, feeling unseen, or even the pain that comes from our own sin and regret. These wounds are real. Some are caused by what others have done to us. Some come from living in a broken world. Some come from choices we wish we could undo.

But no wound is beyond the reach of a compassionate God.

That does not always mean God removes the wound immediately. Sometimes He does. Sometimes healing comes in ways we can see. But sometimes, like Joni, the healing we long for will not be complete until our bodies are glorified and we stand whole before Christ.

Even then, God is not wasting the pain.

He may be shaping you, even now, for a purpose you cannot yet see. He may be teaching you to depend on Him more deeply. He may be preparing you to comfort someone else with the comfort you have received. He may be making your faith visible to nurses, doctors, caregivers, family members, friends, coworkers, or people who are watching how you suffer.

Your hospital room can become a place of testimony. Your weakness can become a place where God’s strength is seen. Your story can become a doorway for someone else to hear about hope in Christ.

This does not mean your pain is good. It means God is good. And because God is good, your pain does not get the final word.

Jacob was changed. Joseph was used to save many. Joni’s life continues to point people to Jesus. And your story is not beyond the reach of God’s mercy, compassion, and purpose.

Bring your wounds to Him. Bring your questions to Him. Bring your regret, grief, fear, and weakness to Him. The God who met Jacob in the night, sustained Joseph through years of suffering, and gives hope to His people today is still at work.

Your pain may have a purpose you cannot see yet, but God sees it. And in Christ, He is able to redeem more than you ever imagined.

The most compelling proof that God can bring purpose through pain is the cross of Jesus. What looked like defeat became the place where God brought salvation.

Your Story Is Not Over

Maybe you are walking through pain right now. Maybe you are carrying wounds no one else can see. Maybe you are trying to make sense of suffering, regret, weakness, or loss.

You do not have to carry it alone.

The hope of this post is not simply that things will get easier. The hope is that God is compassionate, near, and able to work in ways you may not see. In Jesus Christ, pain does not get the final word. Sin does not get the final word. Suffering does not get the final word. God does.

If you are hurting, we would love to pray with you, encourage you, and point you to the hope found in Jesus Christ.

Join us this Sunday at Beulah Baptist Church , or reach out to us if you would like someone to pray with you.

Your pain is real.
But your story is not over.

Prayer Is Not a Performance

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 22:08:01 GMT

You don’t have to impress God

Prayer can feel intimidating when you think you have to sound spiritual. Maybe you feel like your words are not spiritual enough. Maybe you have heard someone else pray and thought, “I could never pray like that.” Maybe you worry that you are saying the wrong thing, using the wrong words, or not praying long enough.

That pressure can make prayer feel intimidating.

But prayer is not a performance. Prayer is not about impressing God. It is not about sounding religious. It is not about proving how spiritual we are. Prayer is coming honestly before our Father through Jesus Christ.

Jesus Warned Against Performative Prayer

In Matthew 6, Jesus warned His followers about praying in order to be seen by others. He said, “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites.” They loved to pray in public places so that people would notice them. Their prayers may have sounded impressive to others, but Jesus said they had already received their reward.

Jesus also warned against “empty phrases,” as if God is more likely to listen because we use many words. That does not mean public prayer is wrong. It does not mean longer prayers are wrong. It means the heart matters.

Prayer can become performance when we are more concerned with how we sound to people than with coming honestly before God.

God Is Not Impressed by Fancy Words

Sometimes we think prayer has to sound a certain way. We may think we need formal language, long sentences, or religious phrases. But God is not impressed by polished words. He is not waiting for us to sound spiritual enough before we can come to Him.

Jesus said our Father knows what we need before we ask Him. That should encourage us. We do not have to explain everything perfectly. We do not have to impress God into caring. We come to a Father who already knows, already sees, and already invites His children to draw near.

Prayer Is Coming Honestly to the Father

Prayer is not pretending. It is not pretending to be stronger than we are. It is not pretending to be more faithful than we are. It is not pretending we have everything figured out.

Prayer is bringing our real heart before God.

That means we can come with our praise, but also our weakness. We can come with thanksgiving, but also our grief. We can come with confidence, but also our confusion. We can confess sin. We can ask for help. We can admit when we are afraid, distracted, tired, or struggling.

God is not looking for a performance. He welcomes humble hearts.

We Come Through Jesus

The reason Christians can pray is not because our prayers are perfect. We come to the Father because Jesus has made the way. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus brings sinners near to God. Our confidence in prayer is not based on how well we pray. It is based on Christ.

That is good news.

If your prayer feels weak, Jesus is not weak.
If your words feel small, Christ is enough.
If you do not know how to say everything, your Father still knows what you need.

We do not pray to earn access to God. We pray because, through Jesus, we have been given access to the Father.

A Simple Way to Begin

If prayer has felt like a performance, start simple.

You can pray:

“Father, help me come honestly to You.”
“Lord, forgive me for trying to impress others.”
“Jesus, teach me to pray with humility.”
“God, I need You today.”
“Father, help me trust You.”

Those are real prayers.

You do not have to sound like someone else. You do not have to pray with perfect words. You can come to God honestly, humbly, and dependently.

Keep Coming Back

Prayer is not a stage. It is not a speech. It is not a performance. Prayer is communion with God.

So keep coming back.

Come when your words feel strong. Come when your words feel weak. Come when you know what to say. Come when all you can say is, “Lord, help me.”

Your Father is not looking for polished words. He welcomes His children.

Want to Learn More?

You do not have to learn to pray alone.

We invite you to join us for Bible study and for
worship. Visit our website to find our location and to find opportunities to grow with us.

What Do We Do with Hard Bible Passages?

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 16:54:21 GMT

Reading difficult texts with humility, context, and hope

Some parts of the Bible are difficult to understand.

That does not mean we should pretend they are easy. It also does not mean we should ignore them. Faithfulness to God’s Word means coming to Scripture with humility, honesty, and a willingness to listen.

There are passages in the Bible that raise questions. Some are hard because they are unfamiliar to us. Some are hard because they come from a different historical setting. Some are hard because they confront our assumptions, expose our sin, or challenge the way we think about God, humanity, judgment, justice, and grace.

So what do we do when we come across a difficult passage?

Don’t Pretend Hard Passages Are Easy

Christians do not have to act like every passage is simple.

Some passages require patience, humility, and careful study. There are parts of Scripture that we may not understand immediately. We may need to slow down, read more carefully, ask better questions, and seek wisdom from faithful teachers.

Admitting that a passage is difficult is not a lack of faith. It can actually be an act of humility. We are acknowledging that God’s Word is deeper than our first impression.

Don’t Ignore Them Either

If all Scripture is God’s Word, then we do not get to skip the parts that make us uncomfortable.

It can be tempting to avoid hard passages and only read the portions of the Bible that feel familiar, encouraging, or easy to apply. But 2 Timothy 3:16 reminds us that “all Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable.”

That means even the passages that stretch us are there for a reason. God uses His Word to teach us, correct us, humble us, and point us to our need for grace.

Read in Context

One of the most important things we can do with hard passages is read them in context.

Ask simple questions:

What comes before this passage?
What comes after it?
Who was it written to?
What was happening at the time?
How does this fit into the larger story of the Bible?

A verse removed from its context can easily be misunderstood. But when we slow down and read carefully, we often begin to see more clearly what God is saying.

Let Scripture Interpret Scripture

Difficult verses should be read in light of the whole Bible.

The Bible is not a collection of disconnected sayings. It is one unified story of God creating, ruling, judging, redeeming, and restoring. So when we come to a hard passage, we should ask how it fits with the rest of Scripture.

Clearer passages can help us understand more difficult ones. The larger story of the Bible helps us interpret the smaller parts rightly.

Ask What the Passage Reveals

Even difficult passages teach us something true.

They may reveal something about the holiness of God. They may show us the seriousness of sin. They may expose the brokenness of humanity. They may remind us of our need for mercy. They may help us see the beauty of grace more clearly.

Instead of asking only, “Why is this hard?” we should also ask, “What is God showing me here?”

Remember Where Scripture Is Going

The whole Bible points us to Jesus Christ.

Jesus is the clearest revelation of who God is. He is the fulfillment of God’s promises, the Savior sinners need, and the One in whom justice and mercy meet.

When we read hard passages, we should not read them as isolated problems. We read them as part of the bigger story that leads us to Christ.

Let Hard Passages Humble Us

We do not stand over God’s Word as judges. We stand under it with humility.

That does not mean we should not ask questions. It means we ask our questions with reverence. We come to the Bible not as people trying to correct God, but as people who need God to correct us.

Hard passages remind us that we are not the final authority. God is.

Keep Coming Back to the Word

Hard passages should not drive us away from Scripture. They should drive us deeper into God’s Word.

When Scripture is hard, slow down. Pray. Study. Ask for help. Keep listening. God has spoken, and His Word is worth the time, patience, and humility it takes to understand it rightly.

Have Questions About the Bible?

You do not have to walk through them alone.

At Beulah Baptist Church, we would love to open God’s Word with you and point you to Jesus. Whether you are new to the Bible, returning to church, or wrestling with honest questions, there is a place for you here.

Join us this Sunday.

Beulah Baptist Church
beulahbaptist.com

We invite you to join us for Bible study and for worship. Visit our website to find our location and to find opportunities to grow with us.

Psalm 19 | God Is Not Silent

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 16:48:36 GMT

Hearing God’s Voice in Creation, Scripture, and Christ

We live in a very noisy world. Voices everywhere tell us what to believe, how to live, and where to find hope. With all that noise, we may wonder why God does not seem to be speaking.

But Psalm 19 reminds us of one simple truth:

God is not silent.

God has been speaking all along. The question is not, “Where is God?” The question is, “Are we listening?”

Psalm 19 shows us that God speaks through creation, through His Word, and ultimately through Jesus Christ.

God Speaks Through Creation

David begins Psalm 19 by looking up:

“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.”

Creation is not silent. Creation is preaching. Every sunrise, every sunset, every star-filled night, and every thunderstorm declares the glory of God.

David reminds us to look up. Not to escape our problems, but to see our problems in light of the God who rules over them.

The God who keeps the stars in place is fully capable of handling whatever we are facing.

Creation Reveals God, But Creation Does Not Save

Creation speaks clearly and universally. It tells us there is a Creator who is powerful, wise, orderly, beautiful, and glorious.

But creation does not save.

Creation tells us that God exists, but if we are going to know Him personally, He must speak more clearly. And He has done that through His Word.

God Speaks Through His Word

Psalm 19 says:

“The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul.”

God’s Word does what nothing else can do. It revives the soul, renews the mind, rejoices the heart, enlightens the eyes, warns us, rewards us, and transforms the whole person.

The heavens can tell us that God exists, but only Scripture tells us that God loves sinners, sent His Son, and offers forgiveness through Christ.

God’s Word Revives the Soul

There is a difference between being physically tired and being soul tired. You can sleep, rest, or take a vacation and still feel worn down on the inside.

God’s Word reaches the deepest part of who we are.

Many Christians are spiritually malnourished because we feed ourselves on everything but truth. We give hours to news, entertainment, politics, sports, and social media, then wonder why our souls are weary.

The soul was designed to feed on the truth of God.

God’s Word Renews the Mind

We live in an age of information, but not necessarily an age of wisdom.

Information is not the same as wisdom.

Wisdom is learning to see life from God’s perspective. God’s Word teaches us how to think, how to suffer, how to forgive, how to love others, and how to live wisely in a world full of lies.

God’s Word Transforms the Life

God’s Word rejoices the heart, enlightens the eyes, produces reverence for God, and establishes righteousness.

Real joy is not found in perfect circumstances. Real joy is found in knowing God and walking with Him.

God’s Word also turns on the lights. It gives truth for the path and direction when the world is dark
.

God’s Commands Are Guard Rails

David says God’s Word is more desirable than gold and sweeter than honey. He also says God’s Word warns us. Warnings from God are grace.

God’s commands are not burdens. They are protection. They are like guard rails on a dangerous road.

When God warns us, it is because He loves us and knows where sin leads.

God’s Word Exposes Hidden Sin

David prays:

“Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults.”

Sin blinds us. Pride, bitterness, and self-righteousness rarely announce themselves.

That is why God’s Word is such a gift. It works like a mirror. The Bible does not create our sin. It exposes our sin. And that is mercy.

God’s Word Protects Us From Deliberate Sin

David also prays:

“Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins. Let them not have dominion over me.”

Presumptuous sins are deliberate sins. It is the attitude that says, “I know what God says, but I’m going to do what I want.”

Sin is never content to stay small. Repeated sin eventually becomes ruling sin.

That is why we need to pray, “Lord, keep me back. Don’t let sin rule me.”

God’s Word Produces a Surrendered Life

Psalm 19 ends with this prayer:

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”

The goal of Scripture is not information. It is transformation.

David wants every part of his life to please God: his words, thoughts, motives, and heart. That should become our prayer too: “Lord, make my life pleasing to You.”

Gospel Connection: Jesus Is Our Rock and Redeemer

Psalm 19 points us beyond David.

Creation reveals God’s glory. Scripture reveals God’s truth. But both ultimately point us to Jesus.

The God who created the heavens entered His creation. The God who inspired Scripture became flesh. The God David called “my rock and my redeemer” has a name. His name is Jesus.

The bad news is that we have not listened to God as we should. We have ignored His voice, gone our own way, and sinned in our thoughts, words, and actions.

But Christ came for sinners like us. He lived the life we could never live, died for our sins, and rose again so that everyone who trusts in Him can be forgiven and made right with God.

Because of Jesus, we can pray with confidence, “O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”

Key Takeaways

God is not silent. He has been speaking all along.
Creation declares God’s glory. Every sunrise, sunset, and star-filled night is a sermon.
Creation reveals God, but creation does not save. We need God’s Word.
God’s Word revives the soul. The soul was designed to feed on God’s truth.
Information is not wisdom. Wisdom is seeing life from God’s perspective.
God’s commands are guard rails. They are protection, not burdens.
God’s Word exposes sin. The Bible is a mirror that reveals what is already there.
Scripture transforms us. The goal is not just to know more, but to become more like Christ.

Questions for Reflection

Are you listening to the God who has already spoken?
Are you feeding your soul with God’s truth?
Is there hidden sin you need God to expose?
Are there warnings from God’s Word you have started to ignore?
Are your words, thoughts, motives, and heart pleasing to the Lord?

Call to Action

This week, return to God’s Word. Not out of guilt. Not simply to check a box. Return because your soul needs it.

If you are weary, discouraged, anxious, or unsure what to do next, God has already spoken. Listen to Him. Trust His Word. Look to Christ.

Watch the full sermon, share it with someone who needs encouragement, and join us at Beulah Baptist Church as we continue seeking Christ through His Word.

God is not silent. So this week, listen.

Listen to the Full Sermon

This post is based on a sermon from Psalm 19 preached at Beulah Baptist Church. We invite you to listen to the full message at the top of this post and hear how God speaks through creation, through His Word, and ultimately through Jesus Christ.

I Don't Know How to Pray

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 16:35:09 GMT

A simple place to start when prayer feels awkward, distracted, or difficult.

Have you ever felt awkward, distracted, or unsure what to say to God?

Most Christians have. Sometimes we know we should pray, but when we actually try, we do not know where to begin. Our minds wander. Our words feel clumsy. We wonder if we are saying the right things. We may even feel guilty because prayer does not come as naturally to us as we think it should.

But prayer is not about sounding spiritual. It is not a performance. It is not about impressing God with polished words or religious language. Prayer is simply coming honestly before God.

You Don’t Need Fancy Words

You do not need fancy words to pray. You can begin right where you are. A simple prayer like, “Lord, I don’t know what to say. I need Your help,” is a real prayer.

God is not waiting for you to sound impressive. He invites His people to come to Him with honest hearts.

Tell God What’s Really Going On

One of the best places to start is by telling God what is really going on. Bring Him your worries. Bring Him your fears. Bring Him your needs. Bring Him your gratitude. Bring Him even your sin.

You do not have to clean yourself up before coming to the Lord. You come to Him because you need Him.

Prayer is not pretending everything is fine. Prayer is bringing the truth of your heart before the God who already knows you completely. He knows your weakness. He knows your burdens. He knows your confusion. And because He is gracious, you can come to Him honestly.

Pray Scripture

When you do not have the words, pray Scripture. God’s Word can guide your words.

The Psalms are a great place to start because they give language to so many parts of life: joy, sorrow, fear, repentance, praise, waiting, and trust.

Read a passage slowly and turn it into prayer. Let the words of Scripture shape the words of your heart.

Keep It Simple

You can also keep prayer simple.

Praise God for who He is. Confess sin. Thank Him for His grace and kindness. Ask Him for help. Pray for others.

You do not have to make prayer complicated. A few honest minutes with the Lord are better than avoiding prayer because you feel like you do not know how to do it.

Start Small and Keep Coming Back

Start small and keep coming back. You do not have to pray for an hour. You do not have to have everything figured out.

Begin with a few honest minutes. Tell God what is on your heart. Open His Word. Ask Him to help you pray.

God Hears His Children

And remember this: God hears His children.

Because of Jesus, you can come to the Father with confidence, not fear. Jesus has made the way for sinners to be reconciled to God.

That means prayer is not coming before a distant God who is reluctant to listen. Prayer is coming to your Father, who loves you, hears you, and invites you to depend on Him.

So when you do not know how to pray, start here:

Start small.
Be honest.
Keep coming back.
God hears His children.

You’re Invited

If prayer feels difficult for you, you are not alone. Many of us are still learning how to slow down, open God’s Word, and bring our hearts honestly before the Lord.

At Beulah Baptist Church, we want to help one another follow Jesus not only on Sunday, but throughout the week. We would love for you to join us as we worship, study Scripture, pray together, and grow in grace.

Join us this Sunday at Beulah Baptist Church.

There is a place for you here.

Thankful for Grace

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 19:56:54 GMT

Saved by Grace. Gifted by Grace. Sustained by Grace.
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:4–9

As Paul begins his first letter to the Corinthian church, he writes to a congregation filled with problems. They were struggling with division, pride, spiritual immaturity, and worldliness. Yet before addressing their failures, Paul pauses to thank God for them. His gratitude is not rooted in their performance but in the grace of God that had been given to them in Christ Jesus.

This passage reminds us that the Christian life begins, continues, and ends with grace. The same grace that saves believers through faith in Christ also equips them for service and sustains them until the day they stand before God guiltless through the righteousness of Jesus Christ.

Gospel Connection

The good news of the gospel is that our hope rests entirely in the grace of God through Jesus Christ. Like the Corinthians, we are sinners who cannot earn God's favor through our own righteousness, wisdom, or effort. Yet God, in His grace, sent His Son to live the life we could never live and to die the death we deserved. Through His death, burial, and resurrection, Jesus made a way for sinners to be forgiven, declared righteous, and reconciled to God (1 Corinthians 15:1-4).

This passage reminds us that the same grace that saves us also sustains us. God not only calls His people to Christ but promises to keep them until the end. Because of Christ's finished work, believers can have confidence that God will keep them faithful and one day present them guiltless, blameless, and accepted in His presence forever.

Thankful for God's Grace

The Corinthian church was far from perfect. They struggled with division, pride, worldliness, and spiritual immaturity. Yet before Paul addressed their failures, he thanked God for them. His gratitude was not rooted in their behavior but in the grace of God that had been given to them in Christ Jesus, grace that had confirmed the testimony about Christ among them. Paul's perspective reminds us that God's grace is often at work even in people who still have much room to grow. Paul would extensively rebuke and correct them in this letter, but before doing so, he noted what was worthy of gratitude to God for in their lives.

Saved by Grace Through Christ

Paul reminds the Corinthians that their salvation was entirely the work of God's grace. Through the gospel, God called them to Himself, gave them faith to believe, and brought them into fellowship with Jesus Christ. Their standing before God was not earned through wisdom, righteousness, or good works. It was secured by His sovereign, electing grace (1 Corinthians 1:26-31) through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ on their behalf, grace received through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Gifted by Grace for the Church

The same grace that saves believers also equips them for service. God had enriched the Corinthians with spiritual gifts intended to strengthen and build up the church. The problem was not the gifts themselves but the prideful and immature way they were being used, thus resulting in pride, jealousy, and division. Spiritual gifts are not given for personal recognition and boasting that leads to division, but for loving service to Christ and His people that builds the church (1 Corinthians 12-14).

Sustained by Grace Until the End

Paul points the church beyond the present to the future grace that awaits every believer. As they eagerly waited for the return of Christ, they could rest in the assurance that God Himself would sustain them. Their confidence was not in their own faithfulness but in God's faithfulness. Because of Christ's righteousness, all who belong to Him will one day stand before God guiltless, blameless, and accepted in His sight (2 Corinthians 5:21, Colossians 1:20-23). Those whom the Father draws to Christ will come to Him, and He will lose none of them (John 6:37-44).

Reflecting on Grace

The Corinthian church was far from perfect, yet Paul never lost sight of the grace of God at work among them. The same is true for us today. We are saved by grace, gifted by grace, and sustained by grace. Our hope is not in our ability to remain faithful but in God's faithfulness to keep His promises. As you reflect on this passage, consider these questions and thank God for His grace in your life and rest in the assurance that He will sustain you until the end.

Am I more focused on people's failures or God's grace at work in their lives?
As I seek to rebuke and restore fellow believers as I should, do I maintain a spirit of gratitude for God's grace in their lives?
How am I using my spiritual gifts to build up Christ's church?
Do I eagerly anticipate the return of Christ (Romans 8:18-23, Philippians 3:20, Titus 2:13, 2 Timothy 4:8, Heb 9:28)?
Am I resting in God's faithfulness or my own efforts?
Who can I thank God for today because of His grace in their life?

Key Takeaways

God's grace is greater than our failures.
Salvation is entirely a work of God's grace in Christ.
Faith itself is a gift from God.
Believers are enriched through Christ with spiritual blessings and spiritual gifts.
Spiritual gifts are given to build up the church, not divide it.
Every believer has a role to play in serving the body of Christ.
Christians should eagerly anticipate the return of Jesus.
The Holy Spirit is a guarantee of our future inheritance (Ephesians 1:13-14, 2 Corinthians 1:21-22).
God will sustain His people until the end.
Our confidence before God rests in Christ's righteousness, not our own.

Watch Full Sermon

Have you trusted in the grace of God through Jesus Christ? Take time to reflect on the faithfulness of God and the hope we have in Christ. Watch the full sermon above to explore 1 Corinthians 1:4–9 in greater depth and be encouraged by the grace of God that saves, gifts, and sustains His people. If you do not have a church home, we would love to welcome you to Beulah Baptist Church this Sunday.

There Is No Other Gospel

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 14:30:57 GMT

There Is No Other Gospel: Why Grace Alone Must Be Defended
Galatians 1:6-9

Paul's opening words to the Galatians are shocking. Unlike his other letters, he skips the usual thanksgiving and encouragement and immediately confronts a serious problem. The Galatian believers were abandoning the true gospel and embracing a distorted one. False teachers had convinced them that faith in Christ was not enough. They taught that obedience to Jewish laws and religious works had to be added to salvation. Paul understood the danger immediately. This was not a minor disagreement over doctrine. To abandon the gospel of grace was to abandon God Himself.

There Is Only One True Gospel

Paul tells the Galatians that he is astonished they are so quickly deserting the One who called them by the grace of Christ and turning to a different gospel. Yet Paul quickly clarifies that there is not actually another gospel at all. The false teachers were preaching a message of faith plus works. They did not completely deny Christ. Instead, they added human effort to the finished work of Jesus. But adding to the gospel does not improve it—it destroys it.

The true gospel is that sinners are saved solely by God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Salvation is not earned through religious performance, obedience to the law, or personal merit. It is received as a gift through faith in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). Paul's warning reminds us that turning from the true gospel is turning from God. Every generation must guard against teachings that subtly replace grace with human achievement.

Christ's Work Is Completely Sufficient

At the heart of the gospel is the finished work of Jesus Christ. Paul reminds the Galatians that no one can be justified by works of the law because no one can perfectly keep God's standard (Galatians 2:15-16). The law reveals our sin, but it cannot save us from it (Galatians 3:19-29; Romans 3:20, 7:7-8).

The good news is that Christ did what we could never do. He fulfilled the law perfectly and then became a curse for sinners on the cross (Galatians 3:10-14). The judgment that we deserved was poured out on Him so that all who trust in Him might be forgiven and declared righteous before God. Salvation is not Christ plus our efforts. It is Christ alone.

As I emphasized in the sermon, "Jesus paid it all. All to Him I owe." Nothing can be added to the completed work of Christ. To try is to suggest that His sacrifice was somehow insufficient.

The Church Must Defend the Purity of the Gospel

Because the gospel is so precious, Paul speaks with unusual urgency. He warns that anyone who preaches a different gospel is to be accursed. Even if the message comes from a respected teacher or appears spiritually impressive, it must be rejected if it departs from the gospel of grace (see 2 Corinthians 11:1-15 for Paul addressing false teachers who appear righteous, but preach false doctrine). False gospels are dangerous because they often sound close to the truth. They appeal to human pride and the desire to contribute something to our salvation. Yet every works-based system ultimately minimizes God's holiness, diminishes the seriousness of sin, and replaces grace with human merit.

The church must continually proclaim, celebrate, and defend the gospel. The simple message of Christ crucified and risen for sinners can never be taught too often. It is the only message that brings salvation and the only hope for a lost world.

Final Thoughts

Paul's message to the Galatians remains just as relevant today. False gospels continue to compete for our attention, promising righteousness through human effort, religious activity, or moral achievement. But there is only one gospel. Salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.

May we stand firmly in that grace, rejoice in Christ's finished work, and contend faithfully for the gospel that has been entrusted to us.

Gospel Connection

The message of Galatians 1 points us directly to Jesus Christ. We are sinners who cannot save ourselves through works, morality, religion, or effort. Christ lived the righteous life we could never live, died the death we deserved, became a curse for us on the cross, and rose again in victory. Everyone who repents and places their faith in Christ alone is forgiven, justified, and reconciled to God by grace.

Key Takeaways

There is only one true gospel.
Salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.
Adding works to salvation destroys the gospel.
Turning from the true gospel is turning from God
The law reveals sin but cannot save sinners.
Christ became a curse for His people.
Works-based religion minimizes God's holiness.
False gospels appeal to human pride and self-righteousness.
The church must contend for the purity of the gospel.
Christ's work is completely sufficient for salvation.

Have you trusted in Christ alone for your salvation, or are you still trying to earn what God freely gives through grace? We invite you to watch the full sermon, reflect on Galatians 1:6–9, and consider the life-changing truth of the gospel. If you have questions about following Jesus, we'd love to connect with you.
Join us this Sunday at Beulah Baptist Church as we continue growing together in God's Word.

Is Your Faith Growing or Regressing?

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 17:29:07 GMT

What Trials Reveal
About Your Walk with Christ

2 Thessalonians 1:3-4

When Paul wrote to the church in Thessalonica, he wasn't writing to a perfect church. They were facing persecution, suffering, confusion, and challenges from within and outside the church. Yet when Paul looked at them, he saw something worth celebrating.

God was working to grow their faith, increase their love for one another, and to hold them steady in faithfulness through persecutions and afflictions.

As I studied this passage, I couldn't help but ask the same question I asked our church on Sunday: Is your faith growing or regressing?

That's an important question because spiritual health is not measured by comfort, success, popularity, or even how long you've been in church. Spiritual health is seen in a growing trust in God, an increasing love for His people, and a steadfast faith that endures when life becomes difficult.

A Faith That Continues to Grow

The Christian life begins through faith in Jesus Christ. We are saved when we turn from our sin and place our trust in Christ alone for forgiveness and righteousness before God (Romans 3:23-25). But faith is not merely how we begin the Christian life. Faith is how we continue the Christian life. True believers continue in the faith (Colossians 1:21-23).

The Thessalonians were facing persecution and affliction, yet their faith was not shrinking. It was growing abundantly. They continued trusting God's promises. They continued relying on Christ. They continued walking faithfully even when life became difficult.

Trials did not cause their faith to regress. God was using those trials to deepen it. The same is true for us today. Believers will face persecutions, hardships, disappointments, suffering, and uncertainty. The question is not whether trials will come. The question is whether those trials will push us away from Christ or drive us into a deeper dependence upon Him.

A Love That Looks Outward

Paul also thanked God because the love of every believer in the church was increasing.

Notice that.

Not some of them.

Not most of them.

Every one of them.

Their suffering did not make them self-centered. It did not cause them to focus only on their own problems. Instead, they looked for opportunities to care for one another, encourage one another, and meet one another's needs.

Jesus said that love for one another is one of the clearest marks of a true disciple (John 13:34-35).

When God's grace is at work in our lives, we will not simply ask, "Who is loving me?" We will ask, "How can I love others?"

A healthy church is filled with people who intentionally care for one another and look for ways to demonstrate the love of Christ in practical ways (1 John 3:14-18, 4:7-12).

A Faith That Endures

The Thessalonians were not faithful only when life was easy. They were faithful in the middle of persecution and affliction. Paul was so encouraged by their steadfastness that he used them as an example to other churches. Their endurance demonstrated the genuineness of their faith.

The same principle is true today. Trials often reveal what we truly believe. Trials prove the genuineness of our faith (1 Peter 1:3-9) and mature our faith (James 1:2-4). God uses those seasons to strengthen our faith, deepen our dependence upon Him, and prepare us for the glory that awaits His people (2 Corinthians 4:17).

For believers, suffering is never meaningless. God is always at work. Persecution, affliction, and hardship are temporary (1 Peter 5:6-11), so we can faithfully endure until that day God restores, confirms, strengthens, and establishes us. Even in our hardest moments, He is growing us, sustaining us, and reminding us that this world is not our final home.

Gospel Connection

The ultimate example of faithfulness in suffering is Jesus Christ. At the cross, Jesus endured the greatest trial imaginable. He trusted the Father's plan completely and displayed perfect love by giving His life for sinners. Because of His death and resurrection, those who turn from their sin and trust in Him are forgiven, justified, and given eternal life.

The same Savior who saves us by faith also sustains us by faith.

He is the One who grows our faith.
He is the One who teaches us to love.
He is the One who enables us to endure.
And He deserves all the glory for every evidence of grace we see in our lives.

Key Takeaways

A healthy Christian life is marked by growing faith.
Faith is not meant to stagnate or regress but to deepen as we continue trusting God's promises.
Trials are often God's tool for strengthening our faith.
Difficult seasons should drive us toward greater dependence on Christ rather than away from Him.
Genuine faith produces genuine love for other believers.
As God works in us, our love for one another should continually increase.
Faithfulness in suffering reveals the genuineness of our faith.
Steadfast endurance through trials demonstrates God's sustaining work in our lives.
God deserves the glory for every evidence of spiritual growth.
Salvation, growing faith, increasing love, and perseverance are all works of God's grace in His people.

I'd love to encourage you to watch the full message from 2 Thessalonians 1:3-4 and spend some time reflecting on this question:

Is your faith growing or regressing?

If you're looking for a church home, we'd love to have you join us at Beulah Baptist Church. Come worship with us this Sunday morning as we continue studying God's Word together and growing in faith, love, and steadfastness in Christ.

We look forward to seeing you soon.

If I Have Jesus, Why Do I Need Church?

Sat, 06 Jun 2026 22:12:15 GMT

God's Design for Spiritual Growth

Why Do I Need Church?

"Can't I just worship God at home?" It's a fair question.

After all, you can read your Bible at home. You can pray at home. You can listen to Christian podcasts, watch sermons online, and access more biblical resources than any generation in history. So why does church still matter?

Because Christianity was never intended to be a private faith lived in isolation .

Throughout Scripture, God calls believers into a spiritual family. The local church is where we gather to worship, hear God's Word preached, pray together, encourage one another, and grow in our faith.

From the very beginning of the church, believers gathered together regularly. In Acts 2:42, the early Christians "devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers." They did not simply pursue God individually; they lived out their faith in community. They learned together, worshiped together, prayed together, and cared for one another.

The church is not merely a social gathering. It is a spiritual community centered on Christ and His Word.

Week after week, faithful pastors and teachers open the Scriptures, explain God's truth, and help believers understand how it applies to everyday life. Through the preaching and teaching of God's Word, God shapes His people, strengthens their faith, and calls them to greater obedience.

The New Testament repeatedly emphasizes the importance of gathering with other believers. Hebrews 10:24–25 encourages Christians to "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." God designed the Christian life to be lived alongside other believers who can encourage us, pray for us, and help us remain faithful.

The local church is also where believers use their spiritual gifts to serve one another. In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul compares the church to a body with many parts. Every believer has a role to play, and each member contributes to the health and growth of the whole body. We need one another in ways we often do not realize.

The local church is one of God's primary means for helping believers grow spiritually.

While no church is perfect, God's plan for His people has always included gathering together around His Word, His mission, and His people. Even Jesus regularly gathered with His disciples to teach, encourage, and prepare them for ministry. Throughout the book of Acts and the letters of the New Testament, we see churches meeting, worshiping, serving, and growing together.

We don't gather because we have to.

We gather because God knows we need it.

Church provides encouragement when we are discouraged, accountability when we are struggling, wisdom when we are confused, and opportunities to serve others in Christ's name. It reminds us that we are part of something bigger than ourselves—the family of God.

Some people hesitate to return to church because they have experienced church hurt. Sadly, churches are made up of imperfect people, and sometimes believers can be wounded by the very community that is meant to encourage them. If that has been your experience, your pain is real and should not be dismissed. Yet the failures of people do not change God's design for His church. Rather than giving up on Christian community altogether, consider seeking a healthy, Bible-centered church where grace, truth, accountability, and genuine care are practiced. Healing often happens not in isolation, but in the presence of faithful believers who point us back to Christ.

So yes, you can worship God at home. But God never intended for His people to walk alone. The church is His gift to believers, a place where we grow in faith, build meaningful relationships, study His Word together, fellowship with one another, and together glorify Christ.

More Than Barbecue: Investing in Gospel Ministry Together

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 16:38:57 GMT

Community, Fellowship, and Missions: A Day to Remember

More Than Barbecue: Investing in Gospel Ministry Together

Our fourth annual Missions BBQ was a tremendous blessing, and I want to take a moment to thank everyone who helped make it possible.

While many people know the event for the barbecue, the real purpose is much bigger than the meal. Each year, this fundraiser helps support our ministry, mission, and community partners as well as our ongoing mission efforts throughout the remainder of the year. The funds raised help advance gospel ministry locally, across South Carolina, and around the world.

This year was one of our most successful events yet. We served 351 plates , received 123 completed passports, and raised a total of $18,633 , exceeding our goal of $15,000 and crushing the totals we have collected in previous years. We are grateful for the generosity of our church family and community and excited to see how God will use these resources in the months ahead.

Ministry Partners

One of the biggest changes this year was our ministry partner experience. We had 12 ministry, mission, and community partners provide display tables with information and update materials. Seven of our partners were on campus to interact with those who attended. Guests entered through the ministry fair before reaching the food line and received a passport encouraging them to visit every display. Our hope was to create meaningful conversations between attendees and our partners, and from the feedback we received, that goal was accomplished. We are grateful for each partner who took the time to participate and share about their ministry and we are are thankful for the generous donations for the passport drawing.

Friday Night at the Pit

One of my favorite parts of the weekend continues to be Friday night around the pit. Long before the first plate is served, the work begins with gathering wood, preparing the pit, and cooking through the night.

Jay Floyd and the pit crew once again did an outstanding job. Justin DeBrew and others spent time preparing and splitting wood, while Jay and his team managed the overnight cook with skill and dedication. Beyond the cooking itself, Friday night has become a special time of fellowship for our church family.

Families gathered around lawn chairs, children played baseball, guitars were played, songs were sung, and friendships were strengthened. It was a reminder that events like this do more than raise money—they strengthen the fellowship and unity of our church family.

Volunteers Throughout the Day

A tremendous number of volunteers served throughout the event in setup, serving, directing traffic, greeting guests, managing displays, and cleanup. Their willingness to serve allowed our pastoral staff to spend the day greeting guests, building relationships, and engaging with members of our community. Events like this simply do not happen without volunteers who are willing to give their time and energy for the benefit of others.

Kitchen Crew

Special thanks go to Melanie Reese, Terry and Debbie Wells, and the entire kitchen team . They worked tirelessly preparing sides, organizing meal service, managing the food line, and caring for our guests. While the barbecue often gets most of the attention, there is a tremendous amount of work that goes into preparing and serving a meal for hundreds of people. Terry's famous hash was once again a highlight of the event, and the entire team did an exceptional job helping the day run smoothly.

Greeters and Donation Collection Team

A special word of appreciation goes to Mikey Norris, Susan O'Neal, and their team. They welcomed guests as they arrived, collected donations, explained the new event layout, distributed and explained the passport cards and prize drawings, tracked attendance and plates served, and answered countless questions throughout the day.

Because several changes were introduced this year, their ability to communicate clearly and help guests navigate the event was incredibly important.

Our greeters also played a significant role in creating a positive experience. They welcomed guests, pointed people in the right direction, answered questions, and helped everyone feel comfortable. Their friendliness and hospitality reflected the heart of our church family.

Final Thoughts

The 2026 Missions BBQ demonstrated what God can do when a church family serves together, giving generously to support gospel ministry while strengthening fellowship, community engagement, and partnerships for the sake of the Kingdom.

Most importantly, every donation represents an investment in gospel ministry. The funds raised through this event will help support ministries that are sharing Christ, making disciples, meeting needs, and serving communities throughout the coming year.

As I reflect on the weekend, I am thankful to God for His provision, thankful for a church family that loves to serve, and thankful for the opportunity we have to partner together in the work of the gospel.

Thank you, Beulah family. I am grateful for you and excited to see how God will use these resources to make an eternal impact in the months ahead.

Get to Know Our Great Partners:

Set Free Alliance
Connie Maxwell Children's Ministries

A Moment of Hope
Christian Adoption Services
Tandons in South Africa

Baptist Colligate Ministries
Columbia Metro Baptist Association
Camp Cole
Hopkins Elementary
Horrell Hill Elementary
SC Baptist Convention
International Mission Board
North American Mission Board

What Does It Mean to Be Partners in the Gospel?

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 21:54:11 GMT

Partners in the Gospel

What Truly Unites
Believers in Christ?

Philippians 1:3-6

What truly unites believers together? Is it shared interests, personalities, traditions, or life experiences? In Philippians 1, Paul reminds us that the deepest fellowship Christians share is not built around preferences or common hobbies, but around the gospel of Jesus Christ. As we reflected on our Missions Barbecue and the gospel work it supports, we were reminded that God has not only saved us individually through Christ, but has also brought us together as partners in the gospel — united together to pray, serve, give, encourage one another, and advance the gospel for the glory of God.

Gospel Partnership Matters

Coming off our Missions Barbecue, I wanted us to think beyond the food, the fellowship, and even the success of the event itself. Yes, the barbecue was good. It was a blessing watching so many people serve, work together, and enjoy the day. But ultimately, the day was not about barbecue and hash. It was about the gospel. It was about partnering together so the gospel could continue going forward through the ministries and gospel partners we support.

That’s why we came to Philippians 1:3–6. Paul loved the Philippian church because they were true partners in the gospel. When he remembered them, he thanked God for them. When he prayed for them, he prayed with joy because their lives demonstrated genuine fellowship in Christ.

How God Built the Church at Philippi

We spent time walking back through Acts 16 to see how this church in Philippi even came to exist. God sovereignly directed Paul to Philippi by closing some doors and opening another. There by the riverside, God opened Lydia’s heart to believe the gospel. Later, after Paul and Silas were beaten and imprisoned, God used an earthquake to bring the Philippian jailer to salvation.

From the very beginning, this church displayed true gospel fellowship. Lydia opened her home. The jailer washed Paul’s wounds and cared for him. The Philippians continually supported Paul’s ministry through prayer, encouragement, and financial generosity. Their fellowship was not shallow or casual. It was rooted in Christ and centered on the advancement of the gospel.

Salvation Is God’s Work

One of the major truths we talked about in this message is that salvation belongs to the Lord from beginning to end. Philippians 1:6 reminds us that “he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”

We are not saved because we clean ourselves up or become righteous enough for God to accept us. We are saved through faith in Jesus Christ alone. God opens blind eyes to the gospel. God grants repentance and faith. God forgives sin through Christ. And God promises to complete the work He began in every true believer.

That gives believers confidence and assurance. If God truly began the work, He will finish it.

What True Fellowship Looks Like

Hopefully, this message challenged us to think carefully about what truly unites us as believers. Is our fellowship built mainly around personalities, hobbies, politics, preferences, or common interests? Or is the gospel our greatest shared value?

True Christian fellowship should produce thankful hearts, joyful prayer for one another, encouragement in the faith, generosity toward gospel ministry, and conversations shaped by spiritual things. The gospel should define not only our eternal position in Christ, but also the way we practically live with one another as the people of God.

My prayer is that this message encourages us to treasure the fellowship we share in Christ and to live out that gospel partnership faithfully until the day Jesus returns.

Key Takeaways

True fellowship is rooted in the gospel, not shared preferences.
God creates a people for Himself through salvation in Christ.
Salvation is God’s work from beginning to end.
God opens blind eyes to understand the gospel.
Believers share eternal fellowship with one another in Christ.
Gospel partnership should produce prayer, care, and generosity.
The church should value gospel unity above worldly commonality.
Christians should encourage one another toward faithful gospel living.
Financial giving reveals what we value most.
God will complete the work of salvation He began in believers.

Life Application

Evaluate whether your relationships with other believers are truly gospel-centered.
Pray regularly for fellow believers and gospel partners.
Support gospel ministry joyfully and sacrificially.
Let spiritual conversations become a normal part of Christian fellowship.
Rest confidently in God’s promise to complete the work He began in you..

Gospel Connection

This message reminds us that salvation is God’s work from beginning to end. We are not saved by our goodness or works, but through faith in Jesus Christ alone. Jesus lived the righteous life we could never live, died for sinners on the cross, and rose again so that all who trust in Him can be forgiven and brought into fellowship with God.

Through the gospel, God not only saves individual believers, but also brings them together as partners in the gospel for His glory.

Thank you for reading this week’s sermon recap. We invite you to watch the full message, reflect on what true gospel fellowship looks like, and consider how God is calling you to live in unity with His people. If you do not know Christ, we would love to talk with you about the hope of the gospel and what it means to follow Jesus.

How To Read the Bible and Actually Live It Out

Sat, 30 May 2026 22:43:00 GMT

Simple Steps to Help God’s Word
Shape Your Heart and Your Actions.

Have you ever thought, “I’ve been a Christian for years, but I still don’t really know how to read my Bible or apply it to my life”? If so, you’re not alone.

A lot of Christians feel overwhelmed when they open the Bible. Some don’t know where to start. Others read it faithfully but struggle to connect what they read to everyday life.

The good news is this: Bible reading does not have to be complicated. You do not need a seminary degree to begin understanding and applying God’s Word. You just need a simple, consistent approach and a willingness to let God speak through Scripture.

A great place to start is with the Gospel of John. John helps us see who Jesus is, why He came, and what it means to follow Him. Instead of trying to read huge sections at a time, slow down and focus on a few verses.

For example, if you read John 15 where Jesus says, “I am the vine; you are the branches,” stop and think about what that means. Ask questions like:

What does this teach me about Jesus?
What does this show me about my
relationship with Him?
Am I trying to live spiritually disconnected from Christ?

You may realize you’ve been relying on your own strength instead of staying close to God through prayer and His Word.

Or maybe you read Philippians 2 where Paul says, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit.” That passage moves from information to application very quickly. You can ask:

How do I treat people at work or home?
How do I respond when I don’t get my way?
Am I serving others or mostly thinking about myself?

Suddenly, the Bible is not just an ancient book—it is speaking directly into your life, your relationships, and your daily decisions.

Another helpful step is to look for one clear takeaway each time you read. Don’t try to apply everything at once. Focus on one thing.

For instance:

If you read about forgiveness, maybe your application is reaching out to someone you’ve been avoiding, or someone who you have wronged.
If you read about anxiety, maybe your application is choosing prayer instead of panic when stress rises.
If you read about generosity, maybe your application is helping someone in need this week.

Small acts of obedience matter. Spiritual growth usually happens slowly, consistently, and faithfully over time.

It’s also important to remember that application is not just about “doing more.” Sometimes the application is believing, and meditating on something more deeply. Maybe you need to believe that:

God truly forgives you,
He is still faithful in suffering,
Your identity is in Christ and not in your failures,
God is worthy of your trust even when life feels uncertain.

After you read, spend a few moments praying through what you learned. Talk to God honestly about it. Write down what you have learned in a journal so that you can see how you have grown spiritually over time.

You might pray something like this: “Lord, help me not just read this passage but live it. Show me where I need to grow. Give me wisdom, conviction, and strength to obey You today.”

Over time, you’ll begin to notice that Scripture shapes the way you think, respond, speak, and live.

And remember this: the goal of Bible reading is not simply to finish a chapter. The goal is to know God more deeply and be transformed by His truth.

So start small, read slowly, ask questions, pray through it, and look for one takeaway.

Then take one step of obedience.

One verse at a time. One day at a time.

God uses those small faithful moments to change our lives.

It is our desire that you to grow spiritually and that you cling tightly to the very Words of God found in your Bible. May God bless you and encourage you through this journey.

We invite you to join us for Bible study and for worship. Visit our website to find our location and to find opportunities to grow with us.

What if God Is Working Through Your Pain? | Genesis 50:15–21

Fri, 29 May 2026 19:52:05 GMT

How God Uses Hurt, Betrayal,
and Brokenness for Good

Sermon Reflection

Genesis 50:15–21 shows us how Joseph responded to the people who had betrayed him, sold him into slavery, and caused years of suffering. Joseph did not excuse their evil or pretend that his pain did not matter. Instead, he trusted the sovereign hand of God, refused to take revenge, and extended forgiveness and kindness to his brothers.

This post is based on Pastor Ken’s sermon, “Evil Turned for Good.” Watch the full sermon above.

What Does Genesis 50:15–21 Mean?

Joseph’s brothers had once hated him so deeply that they considered killing him. Instead, they sold him into slavery and allowed their father to believe he was dead. Joseph was carried into Egypt, falsely accused, and imprisoned. For years, his circumstances appeared to move from one tragedy to another.

But God had not abandoned Joseph.

God eventually raised Joseph to a position of authority in Egypt and used him to preserve many lives during a severe famine. That included the lives of the brothers who had betrayed him.

Years later, after their father Jacob died, Joseph’s brothers became afraid. They wondered whether Joseph had only delayed his revenge out of respect for their father. Now that Jacob was gone, they feared Joseph would finally repay them for everything they had done.

Their fear brought them before Joseph once again. His response reveals the seriousness of their sin, the sovereignty of God, and the freedom that comes from trusting God with justice.

Joseph’s Brothers Were Still Living in Fear

Joseph’s brothers had received kindness from him, but they still struggled to believe that they had truly been forgiven. When Jacob died, they said, “It may be that Joseph will hate us and pay us back for all the evil that we did to him.” Their guilt continued to shape the way they viewed Joseph.

Guilt often does that. Even after forgiveness has been offered, we may continue to live as though repayment is still coming. We may assume that others are waiting for an opportunity to use our past against us. More importantly, we may struggle to believe that God has truly forgiven us.

Joseph’s brothers sent a message asking him to forgive their transgression and sin. When Joseph heard it, he wept. Their fear grieved him because he had already shown that he intended to care for them rather than destroy them.

The gospel gives believers a stronger assurance. Everyone who trusts in Christ is forgiven—not because our sin is insignificant, but because Jesus paid its debt completely. Our confidence rests in God’s promise, not in the changing emotions of our hearts.

“Am I in the Place of God?”

When his brothers fell before him, Joseph responded, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God?” Joseph had the authority to make their lives miserable. From a human standpoint, no one would have been surprised if he had chosen revenge. His brothers had caused much of the suffering he had endured. But Joseph understood that judgment ultimately belongs to God.

By asking, “Am I in the place of God?” Joseph refused to take authority that did not belong to him. He would not make himself the final judge over his brothers. He entrusted justice to the Lord.

That does not mean sin should always go unreported or that earthly authorities should ignore wrongdoing. Scripture gives legitimate authority to families, churches, and governments. It does mean that personal vengeance does not belong to us. We are not free to repay evil with evil simply because someone has hurt us.

Trusting God with justice releases us from the burden of trying to settle every account ourselves.

“You Meant Evil Against Me”

Joseph did not minimize what his brothers had done. He said plainly, “You meant evil against me.” Their actions were not a misunderstanding, an accident, or an unfortunate mistake. They intended to harm Joseph. They acted out of hatred and jealousy and caused real suffering.

Biblical forgiveness does not require us to call evil good. It does not mean pretending that betrayal, abuse, dishonesty, or cruelty never happened. Joseph could forgive his brothers while still speaking honestly about their sin.

Sometimes people think forgiveness means we must deny the seriousness of what happened. Joseph’s words show otherwise. He named the evil for what it was.

Our hope is not that the wounds were imaginary. Our hope is that human evil is never greater than the sovereign power and good purposes of God.

“But God Meant It for Good”

Joseph continued, “But God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.” The brothers had one purpose, but God had another. They intended to destroy Joseph’s life. God used the same events to place Joseph in Egypt, prepare him for leadership, and preserve countless lives during the famine. God did not approve of the brothers’ hatred, and He did not turn their evil intentions into righteous intentions. They remained responsible for what they had done. Yet their evil could not overthrow God’s purpose.

This is one of the clearest pictures of God’s providence in Scripture. God is not merely reacting to events after they happen. He is sovereignly working through circumstances—even painful circumstances—to accomplish His purposes. That does not mean everything that happens to us is good. Betrayal is not good. Abuse is not good. Grief, injustice, and suffering are not good. Joseph did not say that his brothers’ actions were good. He said that God meant them for good.

Our confidence is not that pain is good. Our confidence is that God is good—and that He is able to work even through what others intended for evil.

God Was Preserving His Promise

God’s purpose extended beyond Joseph’s personal success. Joseph explained that God had used these events so “that many people should be kept alive.”

God was preserving Jacob’s family—the family through whom He had promised to bless the nations. Joseph’s position in Egypt provided food and protection for the people through whom God’s covenant promises would continue.

Joseph could not have seen all of that when he was thrown into a pit. He could not see it while traveling to Egypt as a slave. He could not see it when he was falsely accused or sitting in prison. But God was working even when Joseph could not understand what He was doing.

We often see only a small portion of the story. God sees the beginning, the end, and every moment in between. Faith trusts His character when His purposes remain hidden from us.

Trusting God Made Forgiveness Possible

Joseph’s forgiveness was rooted in his confidence in God. Because he trusted God’s justice, he did not have to take revenge. Because he trusted God’s providence, his brothers’ actions did not define the final meaning of his life. Joseph told them, “Do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.” Then he comforted them and spoke kindly to them. His forgiveness was more than the absence of revenge. He actively showed kindness to those who had harmed him.

Christian forgiveness is not a form of self-help or simply “letting go” so we can feel better. It flows from the gospel. Believers forgive because God has forgiven us in Christ. We show mercy because we have received mercy. Forgiveness does not always remove every earthly consequence, instantly restore trust, or eliminate the need for healthy boundaries. But it does mean surrendering personal vengeance and refusing to let bitterness rule our hearts.

Joseph’s Story Points Us to Jesus

Joseph’s life points us toward a greater act of redemption. Jesus was rejected and betrayed. He was falsely accused, condemned, and crucified. Those responsible for His death acted wickedly and remained accountable for their sin. Yet through the cross, God accomplished the greatest act of salvation the world has ever known.

What sinful men intended for evil, God used to provide salvation for His people. At the cross, Jesus paid the debt of everyone who trusts in Him. Through His death and resurrection, sinners can be forgiven, declared righteous, reconciled to God, and given eternal life. The cross assures us that God can accomplish His saving purposes through events that appear completely hopeless. If God brought salvation through the crucifixion of His Son, His people can trust Him even when we cannot yet understand what He is doing through our pain.

From Bitterness to Freedom

Pain can easily become the controlling story of our lives. We replay what happened, imagine what we would say, and long for the person who hurt us to experience the same suffering. Joseph’s story offers another way. He did not deny his pain, but he refused to be ruled by it. He did not excuse evil, but he trusted God with justice. He did not allow his brothers’ sin to have the final word over his life.

The same God who was at work in Joseph’s story is still at work in the lives of His people. We may not understand His purposes immediately. Some answers may not come in this life. But we can know that no act of evil, no season of suffering, and no human decision can place us beyond His sovereign care.

The person who hurt you does not get the final word. Your pain does not get the final word. God does.

Key Takeaways

Forgiveness does not require us to pretend that evil was not evil.
Personal vengeance belongs to God, not to us.
Human beings remain responsible for their sinful choices.
God can accomplish His good purposes even through human evil.
Trusting God’s sovereignty frees us from bitterness and revenge.
Christians forgive because God has forgiven us through Jesus Christ.
The cross is the greatest demonstration of God bringing saving good through human evil.
We can trust God’s character even when we cannot understand His purposes .

Questions for Reflection

Are you carrying guilt for something God has already forgiven through Christ?
Is there someone whose wrongdoing you need to entrust to God’s justice?
Have you confused forgiveness with pretending that the hurt was insignificant?
How does Joseph’s story help you view a painful season in your own life?
Where might God be calling you to replace bitterness with kindness?
How does the cross give you confidence when you cannot see what God is doing?

Watch the Full Sermon

Have questions about forgiveness, suffering, or trusting God through pain? Watch the full sermon and reflect on Genesis 50:15–21. If this message encouraged you, share it with someone who needs hope today.

How Genesis Points Us to Hope Beyond Death | Genesis 50:22-26

Thu, 28 May 2026 19:01:27 GMT

Genesis Ends With a Coffin - But Also Hope!

Sermon reflection on Genesis 50, Joseph’s final request, and the hope God gives beyond death. Joseph’s final words in Genesis 50 remind believers that God always keeps His promises and that this world is not our home.

Genesis ends with a coffin in Egypt, but it also ends with hope. In this final message from Genesis 50, we see Joseph standing firm in faith even at the end of his life. Though surrounded by Egypt’s power, wealth, and influence, Joseph’s hope was never rooted there. His confidence rested in the promises of God. This message challenges us to ask where our hope, identity, and future truly rest and reminds us that God’s people are still living by faith in His promises today.

Sermon Summary

As Genesis comes to a close, Joseph reminds his brothers that God will surely visit His people and bring them into the land He promised Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Even though Joseph had lived most of his life in Egypt and held great power there, he never considered Egypt his home. His final request was not for a grand Egyptian burial, but that his bones would one day be carried into Canaan when God fulfilled His covenant promises.

The sermon highlights Joseph’s unwavering faith in God’s promises despite suffering, temptation, loss, and life in a pagan culture. Joseph trusted that God would keep His word even when he could not yet see its fulfillment. His coffin became a testimony to future generations that God could be trusted and that Egypt was not their final home.

The message then points to the greater hope found in Christ. Just as Joseph’s coffin reminded Israel of God’s promises, the empty tomb of Jesus reminds believers that this world is not our home and that eternal life awaits all who trust in Christ. Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, sin, Satan, and death have been defeated.

Genesis ends with death because sin entered the world in the garden, but throughout Genesis God was unfolding His plan of redemption through Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Judah, and ultimately Jesus Christ. The message closes with the reminder that believers today live with the same kind of hope Joseph had — trusting the sure promises of God while awaiting the fulfillment of eternal life in Christ.

Key Takeaways

Joseph trusted God’s covenant promises even at the end of his life.
God’s people must never treat this world as their permanent home.
Biblical faith is confidence in the promises of God, not wishful thinking.
Trials and worldly pressures do not have to destroy faith.
The empty tomb of Jesus guarantees eternal hope for believers.
Genesis reveals God’s sovereign plan of redemption through Christ.
The legacy believers leave behind should point others toward faith in God.

Discussion & Reflection Questions

Why was it important to Joseph that his bones be carried to Canaan instead of buried permanently in Egypt?
In what ways are believers today tempted to treat this world like their permanent home?
How does the resurrection of Jesus give believers confidence in difficult seasons of life?
What kind of spiritual legacy are you leaving behind for your family and others?
How does the story of Genesis ultimately point us to Jesus and the gospel?

Gospel Connection

The message of Genesis ultimately points to Jesus Christ. From the promise in Genesis 3:15 to the covenant promises given to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, God was unfolding His plan to send a Savior who would defeat sin, Satan, and death. Jesus came as the promised offspring who lived perfectly, died for sinners, and rose again. Through faith in Him, believers receive forgiveness, righteousness, eternal life, and the hope of a restored creation. Just as Joseph trusted God’s promises about a future inheritance, believers today trust God’s promises fulfilled through Christ.

Don’t Get Comfortable Here… This World Is Not Your Home

Fri, 22 May 2026 20:19:26 GMT

Trusting God’s Promises While Living as Sojourners in This World

What do you hold on to when life feels uncertain, painful, or temporary? In Genesis 47, famine covers the land, people are desperate for survival, and Jacob nears the end of his life. Yet through hardship, God is still fulfilling His promises. This message reminds us that God provides for His people, calls us to faithful living, and points our hearts toward a greater home that is still to come.

Sermon Summary

Genesis 47 shows the severity of the famine in Egypt and Canaan as people desperately seek food in order to survive. Joseph wisely administers the resources of Egypt during the famine, gathering money, livestock, land, and eventually the service of the people in exchange for grain. Yet the passage does not portray Joseph as harsh or exploitative. Instead, he acts with wisdom, justice, and generosity. Even while serving Pharaoh’s interests, Joseph maintains righteous character and faithfully represents the character of God before the world.

The sermon emphasizes humanity’s dependence upon God for daily provision. Just as the people of Egypt depended upon grain to live, we depend completely upon God for every good thing. The message continually points listeners back to gratitude, faithful worship, and lives that match the gospel we proclaim. Joseph becomes an example of someone who blessed the world while maintaining integrity and faithfulness to God.

The focus then shifts to Jacob and the growing nation of Israel in Egypt. Though God’s promises seemed delayed, God was still at work multiplying His people in unexpected ways. Jacob’s desire to be buried in Canaan revealed his faith that Egypt was not his true home and that God would fulfill His covenant promises. Even at the end of his life, Jacob worshiped in faith and looked ahead to the promises of God.

Ultimately, the sermon points to Jesus Christ as the greater Savior. Joseph saved people from physical starvation, but Jesus saves sinners from spiritual death. Through Christ’s death and resurrection, believers receive peace with God and the promise of an eternal inheritance in the true promised land—the new heavens and new earth. Christians are called to live as faithful sojourners whose hope is not in this world, but in the eternal kingdom of Christ.

Key Takeaways

God is the ultimate provider of every daily need and blessing.
Joseph demonstrated wisdom, integrity, justice, and generosity during a national crisis.
Christians are called to bless the world while reflecting the character of God.
God’s promises may seem delayed, but He is always faithful to fulfill them.
Jacob’s desire to be buried in Canaan showed his faith that Egypt was not his true home.
Believers are citizens of a greater kingdom and should live with eternal priorities.
Jesus Christ saves sinners from spiritual death and gives eternal peace with God.

Discussion & Reflection Questions

How does the famine in Genesis 47 remind us of our dependence upon God for daily provision?
What stands out to you about Joseph’s character and leadership during a difficult season?
In what ways can Christians bless the world while still remaining faithful to God’s truth?
Why was Jacob so determined to be buried in Canaan instead of Egypt?
What does it look like to live as a “sojourner” whose true citizenship is in heaven?

Gospel Connection

Joseph saved people from physical starvation during the famine, but this passage ultimately points us to Jesus Christ, the greater Savior. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus provides salvation from sin and eternal death. Because Christ took the wrath sinners deserved, all who repent and trust in Him are forgiven, declared righteous, and given an eternal inheritance with God forever. Like Jacob, believers live looking toward a better country and a greater promised land that Christ has secured for His people.

A Thankful Journey

cameron@beulahbaptist.com (Cameron DeBrew) — Tue, 20 Jun 2023 15:49:54 GMT

Looking Back on 30 Years

I want to take this opportunity to thank you for the wonderful weekend you prepared in recognizing my 30-year anniversary at Beulah. It was such a special day for me and my family. Thank you for all the planning, the decorations, the power point, the delicious meal, the sweet fellowship, the “special guests”, and yes, even the entertainment. It was all so meaningful.

As I think about the days of late 1992 when I was finishing up my time inn seminary and looking for a church to serve, I remember very clearly the phone calls I had with J Thompson who was the pastor at aa church in Hopkins, SC. A place I had never heard of and literally a place that I could not find on a map. (Yes, we used maps in 1992). Pastor J was a voice in the wilderness for us as we sought God’s next step in our journey. We had several phone conversations with Pastor J, we spoke to the search committee a couple of times, and we arranged for personal interview. All of that went well and Beulah brought Donna and I down to Hopkins to have some more conversations, pray together, meet some of the congregation, and ultimately present me to the church for consideration as their Minister of Music and Education. Those days and conversations, and faces are crystal clear in my mind all these years later.

That congregation took a chance on me, a 28-year-old, newly graduated, inexperienced minister. They loved us, accepted us, encouraged us, and fed us. We did not know a single person in the community, but we were accepted as family. They became our parents, our grandparents, and our babysitters. They taught us about the church, the community, and the surrounding area. They taught us about life, they taught us about marriage, and they taught us about being a parent. They guided and grew me spiritually. I had the opportunity to be a part of their personal and family celebrations and I also had the opportunity to grieve with them and cry with them. All that grew me as a pastor. Many of those faces are no longer with us. All those wonderful people that invest greatly in this church and in my life. I miss them dearly and wish that they could have been present to celebrate this milestone with us.

To this congregation, you revealed a calling in my life that I did not know existed. You saw something in me that I did not know was there. Through your prayers and willingness to follow God wherever He led, you saw that God had kept Ken and I here on staff for so many years. You were willing to think outside of the box in leadership structure and present me with the opportunity to be your Lead Pastor. Those days, and those conversations were life altering for me. I am writing this article sitting in a chair that I never considered and behind a desk that I never sought after. It was NEVER in my plan to be serving in the capacity that you have called me to serve. You have been patient with me, you have been gracious, loving, and supportive. I am very grateful to you and for you. God has certainly used you to influence the path of my life.

Like the children’s story about the little train that could, here we are 30 years later pushing every day in every decision to know Jesus and make Him known, (toot-toot).

I love you all so much. Sunday was a monumental day for me, and my family and I believe it was a monumental day for our congregation. God is to be celebrated for His goodness and His grace on this congregation for so many years. I am looking forward to the coming days and years.

Spring Cleaning and Newness of Life

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 16:34:56 GMT

Your life – my life needs a spring cleaning.

Why is it around this time every year we feel an urge to clean? We seem to be hardwired to start cleaning up our yards and our homes just as the weather gets warmer and the grass gets greener. We get rid of the old and replace it with the new? New bushes, new paint, new clothes. The former things are replaced, maybe as a sign that we are longing for what is coming. We are anticipating Spring. Warmer weather, vacations, planting a garden. There is excitement and our lives are altered to prepare. There is a sense of urgency because we know that the newness of Spring is coming.

We are currently in the process of changing our Church Management Software and in order to bring our existing data into the new system, we are having to clean it up. We are having to look through every line and entry to see if it is good data or if it is outdated. We certainly do not want to bring old, out of date, inaccurate data into the new system.

If you are still reading, this is where I turn from this pleasant conversation and start meddling in your spiritual life. When is the last time you spent any time looking through your life to see what belonged and what did not belong? My guess is that it has been awhile. The things that are in our Christian lives that do not belong are kind of like the stuff cluttering your closets. We know that it is there, but we have just gotten used to it. It serves no purpose and is only taking up space.

As we celebrate the resurrection of Christ in the coming weeks, let me remind you as a believer what scripture says about the junk in your life.

2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

Romans 6:4
"We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life."

Isaiah 43:19
"Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."

1 Peter 1:3
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,”

As believers, we are raised to walk in newness of life. Newness requires space to grow, it requires full faith in the hope of Christ. When you are in Christ, you are given a new identity. You are no longer your own, you belong to Christ. Here is what God declares about you:

"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy." 1 Peter 2:9-10

Robert B. Kruschwitz gives this perspective: “Christ’s resurrection guides us into “newness of life,” which is life here and now, but with a new, eschatological dimension. We examine everything we feel, think, and do from a new perspective that takes our present bodies, our resurrectional bodies, and Christ’s body (which is the Church) ever more seriously.”

Are you walking in newness of life? Is your full identity in Christ’s death and resurrection? Are you striving to continually identify and evaluate the worldly labels and identities that you are holding on to so tightly? Your life – my life needs a spring cleaning. We are hoarding junk in our lives that is in contradiction to the new life that Christ has called us to.

Pastor Cameron

Raised to Walk in Newness of Life: Robert B. Kruschwitz; Copyright © 2014 Institute for Faith and Learning at Baylor University

Pray Like Daniel

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 17:43:42 GMT

Cry out in anguish that the truth of the gospel be revealed.

With Easter only a few weeks away, I want to encourage you to earnestly pray for our families, our community, and our world to cling to the salvation that is only available to us through the good news of Jesus! As I write this, I am also preparing for our Wednesday evening Bible study. In Daniel Chapter 9 , there is a beautiful payer of confession, petition, and praise. It is Daniel pouring out his heart to God on the behalf of the sinful, unrepentant Jewish people. Not only for the sins and rebellion of the Jewish people but also for his own sinfulness. This is a prelude to the prayer that Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane prior to His arrest and crucifixion. It was Jesus pouring out in anguish and passion a night-long prayer on behalf of not just the Jewish people, or for Himself, but for all the peoples of the world. Just listen to the language of the prayer Daniel prays starting in verse 16: “O Lord, according to all your righteous acts, let your anger and your wrath turn away from your city Jerusalem, your holy hill, because for our sins, and for the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and your people have become a byword among all who are around us. 17 Now therefore, O our God, listen to the prayer of your servant and to his pleas for mercy, and for your own sake, O Lord, make your face to shine upon your sanctuary, which is desolate. 18 O my God, incline your ear and hear. Open your eyes and see our desolations, and the city that is called by your name. For we do not present our pleas before you because of our righteousness, but because of your great mercy. 19 O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive. O Lord, pay attention and act. Delay not, for your own sake, O my God, because your city and your people are called by your name.”

Do your prayers sound like this? I must admit that mine do not. I typically find myself praying very selfish prayers that will improve my circumstances, or my health, or my financial situation. Daniel prays scripture. He says back to God the things that God has revealed about Himself and the promises that He has made with His people, Israel. This is how we should pray. We should be so consumed and familiar with God's word that it is natural for us to say back to God what He has already said. To speak the characteristics of God and the will of God for His people reminds us of the sovereignty of God.

I ask you to cry out in anguish for your families, for your neighborhoods, for your community, your state, your country, and the world that the truth of the gospel be revealed. Pray for repentance and for faithfulness. Pray that God would be patient, merciful, and gracious to His people, but with the overriding theme: Not my will, Lord, but Yours be done.

Pastor Cameron

Seek First the Kingdom

Thu, 20 Jan 2022 19:40:16 GMT

As believers, we are all called to advance the Kingdom. We are all called to “labor in the harvest.”

Seems like the older I get; the faster time passes. Is that true for you? I cannot believe that we are in the year 2022, but here we are. I am excited about the coming year for our congregation as we seek to engage our community and our world with the Good News of Jesus Christ. For the first time in 15 years, we are headed into a new year without debt! I am so encouraged that our 2022 budget reflects this congregation’s heart for evangelism, discipleship, and ministry.

Our 2022 calendar is already beginning to fill up with many ministry opportunities throughout our community, and many mission opportunities here at home and around the world. We are looking forward to continuing to come alongside of our many ministry partners and our community partner. We are also excited about the addition of several new partnerships that will begin this year.

God has poised this congregation to engage this community with the hope of the Gospel like never before. Jesus says in Matthew 9:37-38 “Then he (Jesus) said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; ³⁸ therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” We cannot approach this new year convincing ourselves that this world will not respond to the truth of the Gospel. Nor can we convince ourselves that we do not have a responsibility on the work. We do, personally and corporately. As believers, we are all called to advance the Kingdom. We are all called to “labor in the harvest.” The good news is that the harvest is not only ready, but also “plentiful”. That means that God has already gone before us changing people’s hearts so that they will respond to the saving power of the Gospel. Our work is not in vain. It will produce lasting results. This verse is saying to me that the church is not seeing the harvest God is providing because we as a church are not laboring in the fields to gather the harvest. The harvest is there, and it is ripe, and it is plentiful.

My prayer for you and for this congregation is that we continue to keep our focus and our gaze on Jesus and Jesus alone. That we “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness...” I truly believe that if we do, God will use us in ways that we cannot even imagine.

May God bless us as we enter this new year with anticipation and with obedience. I love you all and it is a great pleasure to serve alongside of you in the harvest.

Beyond Sunday

What Is True Repentance?

Repentance Begins With Honesty

Repentance Is More Than Feeling Sorry

Repentance Does Not Earn Forgiveness

Why Do Believers Still Repent?

What Does Real Repentance Look Like?

Don’t Settle for Regret

The Widow’s Mite: Was Jesus Really Teaching Sacrificial Giving?

Reading Luke 21:1–4 in the context of Jesus’ warning against religious exploitation

Why Is This Story Here?

What Jesus Does—and Does Not—Say

She Was Being Devoured

False Religion Still Preys on the Vulnerable

True Religion Protects Rather Than Exploits

Salvation Cannot Be Purchased

Questions for Reflection

Go Beyond Sunday

When Good Intentions Aren't Enough

What Uzzah’s death teaches us about God’s holiness, obedience, and grace

This Was No Ordinary Box

Good Intentions Can Be Irreverent Disobedience

Celebrating God While Disobeying God

Uzzah Assumed His Hands Were Cleaner Than the Dirt

Good Intentions Never Justify a Bad Action

God Cannot Be Unjust

The Story of Uzzah Teaches Us About Ourselves

Grace Must Never Be Assumed

Look at the Cross

Gospel Connection

Key Takeaways

Questions for Reflection

Watch the Full Sermon

God In His Boat

What Peter’s encounter with Jesus teaches us about holiness, sin, grace, and following Christ

Pressing to Hear the Word of God

Obeying Christ When We Do Not Understand

The Creator in Control of Creation

When Peter Realized God Was in His Boat

Holy Fear Before a Holy Christ

Jesus Did Not Depart From Peter

From Holy Fear to Holy Peace

Leaving Everything to Follow Jesus

Gospel Connection

Key Takeaways

Questions for Reflection

Watch the Full Service

From Woe to Worship

What Isaiah’s vision of God teaches us about holiness, sin, grace, and surrender

Seeing God as He Really Is

The Holiness That Changes Everything

Seeing Ourselves Clearly

Grace from God's Altar

From Woe to Worship

Gospel Connection

Key Takeaways

Questions for Reflection

Watch the Full Service

The Hope That Holds You

Knowing the Hope, Inheritance, and Power that are Yours in Christ

Faith and Love Are Evidence of God’s Grace

We Need God to Open Our Eyes

The Hope That Holds Us

The Inheritance That Is Ours in Christ

The Power Already Working for Us

Living from Victory, Not Defeat

Key Takeaways

Gospel Connection

Questions for Reflection

Watch the Full Sermon

Your Pain Has a Purpose

Your story is not over

Your Story Is Not Over

Prayer Is Not a Performance

You don’t have to impress God

Jesus Warned Against Performative Prayer

God Is Not Impressed by Fancy Words

Prayer Is Coming Honestly to the Father

We Come Through Jesus

A Simple Way to Begin

What Peter’s encounter with Jesus teaches us about holiness,
sin, grace, and following Christ

What Isaiah’s vision of God
teaches us about holiness,
sin, grace, and surrender

Saved by Grace. Gifted by Grace. Sustained by Grace.
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:4–9

There Is No Other Gospel: Why Grace Alone Must Be Defended
Galatians 1:6-9

What Trials Reveal
About Your Walk with Christ