Sermons from Fall 2009 meeting now available
Sermons from Bethany’s fall, 2009 annual meeting are now available. They are all identified with the fall 2009 tag.
Bloyd: Honor Thy Father and Mother (Fall ‘09)
Elder Steven Bloyd delivered the final message of Bethany’s 2009 Fall Meeting. In Ephesians 6 we read, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” Elder Bloyd reminds us that we can honor our parents and grandparents all of our lives, and that many blessings attend this scriptural admonition.
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Lee: The Clarity of Election (Fall ‘09)
Elder Stan Lee lays out a clear defense of the biblical doctrine of eternal election and answers some common, opposing viewpoints. God’s sovereign predestination of His elect people is a stumbling block for many today in an age of self-will, but the bible clearly teaches that God chose His children before time began. His choice was based on His love for us, and was not based on our actions–rather, He chose us despite our sinful ways.
Does election exclude sinners who desire God but were not chosen? No, the desire for God is a fruit of the Spirit that He places in our hearts. Does election put only a small number in heaven? No, God’s Spirit is far more capable than the feeble voice of man and will always reach His children: no language barrier, no oppressive government, no adherence to false religion, no failed plan of man will keep one of God’s chosen from reaching glory.
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Hall: Hidden in the Lord (Fall ‘09)
Elder Dan Hall stirs us to desire a place of refuge in the presence of the Lord, tracing that theme through the Psalms. David knew what it was to need deliverance and shelter from the strife and foolishness of men. He also knew that such sanctuary can be found in God’s presence, and he earnestly desired to enter into that presence. We can face the chaos and difficult circumstances of life with greater peace when we remember this lesson and continually seek fellowship with God.
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Hoskins: Regeneration and Conversion (Fall ‘09)
Elder Marty Hoskins presents four proofs that redemption, also called regeneration or the new birth, is the immediate, sovereign work of the Holy Spirit. This position is distinctive of the Primitive Baptist faith, and is in contrast to the more common Christian teaching that the new birth is the result of a decision by the convert, or is the result of gospel preaching. Elder Hoskins points out how immediate, Holy Spirit regeneration is the only position consistent with the total depravity of man.
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Painter: The Seal of the Spirit (Fall ‘09)
Elder Dolph Painter explores the seal of the Spirit in scripture. He examines several seals familiar to us today, all signifying a completed action: birth, marriage, adoption. Likewise in scripture, the Holy Spirit seals the child of God after the new birth.
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Bloyd: He Will Go Before Us and With Us (Fall ‘09)
Elder Steven Bloyd opens the scriptures to consider a question we are all tempted to ask in response to the challenges of this life: why? Why do God’s children suffer? Why do God’s children fall away, leaving only cemeteries and empty buildings to remind us that a church once met in that place? Why do we sometimes feel far from the Lord, when the Lord has not moved?
The scriptures tell us in Isaiah that God’s thoughts and our thoughts, His ways and our ways, are as far removed as the heavens from the earth. Even when we do not understand our circumstances, we can trust Him.
In Matthew 27, Christ on the cross also asked why: “My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken me?” That is one question we will never need ask. No matter how we feel, we have the promise that God will never leave us or forsake us, and that He will give us the strength and grace we need for our days.
Though He did not promise we would understand, He promised that He would go before us, and with us. Let us take comfort in that promise and place our trust in Him.
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Melvin: Pervasive Holiness (Fall ‘09)
Elder John Melvin of Camp Creek Church opened our Fall 2009 meeting by giving us motivation to conform ourselves to the image of Christ in every moment and in every place.
In the days of temple worship before the birth of Jesus Christ, holiness was limited to specific places and people. The temple was holy, and its various parts were ascribed different degrees of holiness. Certain offices were holy, others were not. Certain activities, foods, and items were classified as holy; others were not.
Today, God has spilled out of the temple! The veil containing the holiest of holies was rent when Christ died; the common and unclean things are cleansed if they be in Christ. This means no buildings, no people, and no places are ordinary if God is present. As His children, our mission is to share our father’s love with everyone around us–be ready at all times to recognize holiness, delight in it, and react to it.
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Annual Fall Meeting Oct 23-25
We at Bethany Church warmly invite our friends and neighbors to join us at our annual fall meeting. This year we have invited several ministers serving Atlanta area churches, and we look forward to seeing many in their congregations visit us for a good time of worship and fellowship. We are also pleased that Elder Steven Bloyd of Bel Air, Maryland has agreed to be with us for the entirety of the meeting.
The meeting will be held October 23-25 at Friendship Christian School. The school is at 3160 Old Atlanta Road in Suwanee, behind New Life Church. Our special thanks to the good folks at New Life Church, who have been very welcoming and accommodating during our time between permanent buildings. The first service will be Friday, October 23 at 7:00; we will not be serving dinner that evening. On Saturday we will have morning services at 10:30, lunch at noon, afternoon services at 2:00, dinner at 6:00, and communion service at 7:30. The meeting will conclude on Sunday with morning services at 10:30 followed by lunch.
Invited ministers:
- Steven Bloyd of Bel Air, Maryland
- Dan Hall of Dahlonega, Georgia
- Marty Hoskins of Dallas, Georgia
- Stan Lee of Forest Park, Georgia
- John Melvin of Lilburn, Georgia
- Dolph Painter of Athens, Georgia