Bethel Baptist Church

Ladies Bible Study -Wed. 6:45 pm

Marcia Gribbin — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:39:11 +0000

Feb. 18th Secret Pal Revealing

Marcia Gribbin — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:30:45 +0000

March 11th Fellowship Dinner

Marcia Gribbin — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:24:12 +0000

March 17th BCS Basketball Tournament

Marcia Gribbin — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:20:49 +0000

The NFL Playoffs!

rich baley — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:54:51 +0000

I don’t know about you, but every year I enjoy the NFL playoffs. My team has never made it to the Super Bowl; please forgive me, but I am a Browns fan, yet I find someone to root for. The lure for me is not the underdog or even the favorite, but character. I like to find a player or coach that is a man of genuine integrity and root for that team. So I have found myself rooting for Drew Brees, Tony Dungy, Curt Warner and their teams in the absence of the Browns the past few years.

What do you look for?

God looks for this: Micah 6:8 “And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” In 1Timothy 6, Paul admonishes young Timothy this way “But you, O man of God, flee these things (the love of money) and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.” It is my fear that if we, as adults, are not looking for and cheering for people of integrity that our children and grandchildren accept less in who they root for as well.

So come on Colt McCoy and Peyton Hillus please continue to pursue the right things! (and win a few more games along the wayJ)

“A New State of Mind”

rich baley — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:34:17 +0000

Matt Maher sings a song about the fact that after salvation he could ‘walk in a new state of mind.’ This came to my heart one day as I was in a hospital elevator headed to visit one of the members of our church. Suddenly, just before the doors closed, a very harried and upset person burst through them. They explained that this was their first time at this hospital and that they had no idea where they were going nor how to get there. I explained, almost flippantly, that I had been there far too many times and yet would love to help. The person saw my pastor’s badge and declared, “I imagine that you have been here too often; would you help?” Now the pressure was on – how much do I help? Am I “walking in a new state of mind;” the mind of Christ my Lord and Savior?

How do we develop this mindset where it is something that happens naturally because we are “in Christ” through salvation? How do we encourage others to do the same? It takes courage, boldness, growth and a willingness to be “walking in and be led by the Spirit.” How I pray that I grow in this in my own life where there are more victories, fewer and fewer missed opportunities in life. Let’s determine to “walk in a new state of mind” everywhere we go! Determined that the mind of Christ is ours and we see folks through our Savior’s eyes and minister through His power and heart.

Equip Youth – Wednesdays at 6:45pm

Jon Anderson — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 21:33:38 +0000

Meeting for Junior/Senior High students.

Awana – Wednesdays at 6:30pm.

Jon Anderson — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 20:53:28 +0000

3 years old through 6th grade. 6:30 to 7:30pm.

Enjoying God’s Faithfulness

rich baley — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 15:51:50 +0000

God shares with us in Jeremiah 29:11 & 13 these words, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for wholeness and not evil, to give you a future and a hope. You will seek me and find me. When you seek me with all your heart.” (ESV) As I read this recently, I was reminded of His faithfulness to His people Israel. Yet I know the same is true for me as well. I was reminded of this truth in Philippians 1:6 which declares, “And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (ESV emphasis mine) The key to all of this is seeking Him with our whole heart. Would you join me in making 2012 the most passionate year of your life to seek Christ with joy, commitment, passion, love and a pure heart. I know that I will fail from time to time, yet I will repent and get up and start seeking Him anew. How about you? Will you join me in this endeavor, knowing that His faithfulness is real, compassionate and never ending. Christ yearns for us to enjoy His faithfulness! He will do great and wonderful things in us and through us for His glory – He promised!

Our ever present gracious God.

rich baley — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 02:21:54 +0000

As I was reading Psalm 139 recently, I was humbled and embarrassed by the thought that there are times when I take my Lord’s presence for granted. As I thought through the number of Bible Saints that fell into the same trap and failed Spiritually a chill went through me. My hearts cry is delight myself in the presence of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ so completely throughout 2012 that others see Him vibrantly alive in my Life. I pray that the same is true for all of His children – especially those here at Bethel as we serve Him in Erie.