Bethesda Christian Church Sermon Of The Week

In John 12:1–8, Mary pours expensive perfume on Jesus’ feet in a bold and costly act of worship, showing that true love for Jesus often looks extravagant or even foolish to the world. This story challenges us to consider whether our lives reflect sacrificial devotion or merely surface-level faith. While Judas criticizes Mary, revealing how easy it is to fake love for Jesus, she models wholehearted surrender. True worship may seem wasteful, but it’s the only fitting response to the worth of King Jesus.

In this Memorial Day message, we reflect on how scents can stir powerful memories—and how the Bible uses aroma as a spiritual metaphor. Drawing from 2 Corinthians 2, we learn that Christ leads believers in a triumphal procession, like a Roman victory parade, where we are the "pleasing aroma" of Christ to the world. As followers of Christ, we are called to walk in joyful surrender, spreading the fragrance of His love, mercy, and truth wherever we go.

We make daily decisions to invest in our health, careers, and finances—but what about our souls? Scripture reminds us that while physical training has value, godliness is essential for both this life and the life to come. Jesus offers us salvation by grace through faith, and calls us to grow in Him, reflect His character, and impact the world. Invest in the future you that lasts forever.

Mother’s Day is a time of joy for many, but it can be painful for those facing loss or unfulfilled hopes. The message, based on 1 Thessalonians 5:12–22, encourages us to support one another, live in peace, and be patient with everyone. We are called to rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances—this is God’s will for us in Christ. Though difficult, especially during hardships, a grateful heart is a sign of spiritual maturity and trust in God's plan. Living this way requires the help of the Holy Spirit and reflects our identity as Christ-followers.

Just like learning the ABC's is foundational to reading, so God's Word is foundational to living with purpose, direction, and hope. Always be a student and have that desire to learn more about Jesus.

Jesus reveals Himself to us through scripture. Faith comes by opening your heart and hearing the Word of God. Our confusion, our pain, our doubts - they find clarity when filtered through the lens of God's truth. Faith is not the absence of doubt. It's responding to doubt with an open heart, to take in the truth and believe.

Jesus is risen. The tomb is empty and the curse lifted. The crown of thorns is no longer on his head. Jesus wore the crown of thorns so you could have eternal life. He invites you to believe and receive eternal life. Do you believe?

Jesus didn't come to fulfill our worldly expectations. He came to fulfill God's eternal plan. The people wanted Jesus for all the wrong reasons. He didn't come to build our kingdom. He came to bring His. Why do you want Jesus?

A Story of Sin, Struggle, and Grace.

The curse of thorns is a tangible reminder and an illustration of sin's consequences in our lives. God does not leave us in the thorns, but rather He desires our lives to bear good fruit that demonstrates our faith. Jesus willingly took on the crown of thorns, so that we could bear fruit. The thorns we struggle with are not burdens to bear but reminders of Christ's love.

As we wrap our series on the Fruit of the Spirit, we close with self-control. Self-control is not self-effort. Self-control is self-submission to the Holy Spirit. Submitting to the Spirit brings peace, hope and victory. That is how we bear the Fruit of the Spirit.

Gentleness is the mark of a life: strengthened by God's training, governed by discipline, and in submission to His authority. Jesus, the King of Kings, described Himself as gentle and humble in heart. If the all-powerful Son of God chose to display His strength through gentleness, how much more should we?

As Christians, we are called to not only believe but to bear fruit that brings glory to God. In order to bear kingdom fruit, we must remain rooted in Christ. This isn't a one-time decision, but a lifetime commitment.

Faithfulness is a defining attribute of God, and as believers, we are called to reflect this fruit in our lives. True faithfulness isn’t just about personal willpower or determination; it’s about abiding in Christ and being empowered by the Holy Spirit. Faithfulness doesn’t mean the absence of doubt—it’s trusting God even when doubts arise.

Part of God's goodness is His intention to see us become more like Him by exemplifying His character. It is more than an abstract virtue - goodness is a reflection of God's presence in us. We are carrying the presence of God into the world. We are to share His goodness and glory wherever we go.

Kindness is not just an internal characteristic; it is love moved by compassion. In order to release kindness to others, you need to receive the kindness that God offers you. God's kindness leads to repentance. When we demonstrate kindness, we reflect the very nature of Christ.

The Lord's patience is vast while our human patience is often driven by our limited perspective. The Lord is neither slow nor hurried; rather, He stands outside of time surveying everything with purpose. Patience isn't just waiting, but believing that God is working even when we can't yet see it.

In God's kingdom, surrender is the path to peace. Jesus, the Prince of Peace, surrendered His life to bring us peace. To cultivate peace, you must first lay down yourself and your preferences. As we walk by the Spirit, we mature in faith and bear the fruit of peace.

Joy is not the absence of hardship but simply the presence of the Holy Spirit, anchoring us even in the storms of life. In order to cultivate joy in our lives, we need to actively desire more of His presence. Reflect on the joy of your salvation in Jesus.

If our source is the Spirit, the fruit will be good and life-giving. Without Him, we can do nothing. Love is not merely an emotion or an action we muster on our own. Instead, it is a divine quality that flows from our relationship with God. The source of true love lies in our dependence on Christ.