"He Who Has Faith In The Son Has Eternal Life"
Sundays:  9:45AM CLASS .......... 10:45AM SERVICE

Quick Links:
Join us for worship:


Sunday Morning:
11:00am  Worship Assembly

Life Groups Meet on Tuesday and Wednesday Evenings.
Various studies  occur throughout the week.
See our 
calendar for topics and times.
  

960 East Oak Valley Parkway

Beaumont, California

92223

1.951.845.1404

Resources

BIBLE  TALK 

return to quick links

BIBLE - In the New Testament the Church is called:

- The Temple Of God (1 Corinthians 3:16)
- The bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:22-32)
- The body of Christ (Colossians 1:18, 24 & Ephesians 1:22-23)
- The Kingdom of God's Son (Colossians 1:13)
- The House of God (1 Timothy 3:15)
- The Church of God (1 Corinthians 1:2)
- The Church of the first Born (Hebrews 12:23)
- The Church of the Lord (Acts 20:28)
- The Churches of Christ (Romans 16:16)




BIBLE - You should know that the Church is:

- Built by Jesus Christ (Matthew 16:13-18)
- Purchased by the blood of Christ (Acts 20:28)
- Built on Jesus Christ as the only foundation (1 Corinthians 3:11)
- Not built on Peter, Paul, or any other man (1 Corinthians 1:12-13)




BIBLE - The Lord Jesus Christ:

- Loved the Church ( Ephesians 5:25 )
- Adds saved people to the Church ( Acts 2:47 )
- Is the Head of the Church ( Ephesians 1:22-23; 5:23 )
- Will save the Church ( Acts 2:47; Ephesians 5:23 )
- Is coming for those who love Him ( 1 Corinthians 16: 22-23 )




BIBLE - The Faithful Church will:

- Worship in Spirit and in Truth ( John 4: 23-24 )
- Give their bodies a living sacrifice in worship ( Romans 12: 1-2 )
- Offer to God a sacrifice of praise ( Hebrew 13: 15 )
- Meet on the first day of the week ( Acts 20: 7; Hebrews 10: 25 )
- Pray ( Acts 2: 42; 1 Timothy 2: 1 - 2; 1 Thessalonians 5: 17 )
- Sing, making melody with one's heart ( Ephesians 5: 19; Colossians 3: 16 )
- Eat the Lord's supper on the first day of the week ( Acts 20: 7; Matthew 26: 26 - 30; 1 Corinthians 11: 20 - 32 )
- Give, liberally and cheerfully ( 1 Corinthians 16: 1 - 2; 2 Corinthians 8: 1 - 5. 19: 6 - 8 )
- Walk in newness of life ( Romans 6: 3 - 6 )




BIBLE - To enter the Church, you must:

- Believe in Jesus Christ, our savior ( Hebrews 11: 6; Acts 16: 31 )
- Repent of your sins ( Luke 13: 3; Acts 2: 38; 3: 19; 17: 30 )
- Confess faith in Christ ( Matthew 10: 32; Acts 8: 37; Romans 10: 9-10 )
- Be baptized ( Matthew 28:19; Mark 16: 16; Acts 2: 38; 10: 48; 22:16 )




BIBLE - Know that Baptism requires:

- The answer of a good conscience towards God ( 1 Peter 3: 21 )
- Much water ( Acts 10: 47 )
- Going down into the water ( Acts 8: 36 - 38 )
- A burial in water ( Romans 6: 3 - 4; Colossians 2: 12 )
- A new birth ( Romans 6: 4; Colossians 2: 12 )
- A washing ( Acts 22: 16; Hebrews 10: 22 )




BIBLE - By Baptism:

- Sins are washed away by the blood of Christ ( Acts 22: 16; Hebrews 9: 22; 10: 22; 1 Peter 3:21 )
- You put on Christ and become a child of God ( Galatians 3: 26 - 27 )
- You are a new creature ( 2 Corinthians 5:17 )
- You obey Christ ( Mark 16:15 - 16; Acts 10:48; 2 Thessalonians 1:7 - 9 )




BIBLE - In the New Testament times there was:

- One family of God ( Ephesians 3:15; 1 Timothy 3:15 )
- One kingdom of Christ ( Matthew 16:18 - 19 )
- One body of Christ ( Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 1:22 - 23; 4:4 )
- One bride of Christ ( Romans 7:1 - 7; Ephesians 5:22 - 32 )
- One church of Christ ( Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 1:22 - 23; 4:4 - 6 )




BIBLE - The same Church today:

- Is guided by the same word ( 1 Peter 1:22 - 25; 2 Timothy 3:16 - 17 )
- Contends for the one Faith ( Jude 3; Ephesians 4:5 )
- Pleads for unity of all believers ( Ephesians 4:4 - 6 )
- Is not a denomination ( 1 Corinthians 1:10 - 13; Ephesians 4:1 - 6 )
- Is faithful to Christ ( Luke 6:46; Revelations 2:10; Mark 8:38 )
- Wears the name of Christ ( Romans 16:16 Acts 11:26 1 Peter 4:16 )




CALENDAR

return to quick links






WEEKLY  SERVICES

These videos are recordings of our YouTube live streaming services on Sundays. They are in order with the newest one on top.
return to quick links

Beaumont Church of Christ
return to quick links

PAULS  PONDER

Posted on March 19, 2023 


March 19, 2023

Paul’s Ponder


Southern California has been experiencing an unusual winter. We have been hit with a lot of rainy days and snow down low enough that I was able to make a snow man. You can stop praying for rain now.

Due to the excessive amount of snow, mountains communities have been snowed in. The Beaumont elders have taken the lead and have requested a truck of supplies from the Church of Christ Disaster Relief Effort in Tennessee to provide assistance.

The Church of Christ Disaster Relief Effort is an amazing organization that houses a warehouse full of supplies that are sent all over the United States. Most recently they have sent supplies to East Palestine, Ohio, and tornado devastated areas in Alabama and Georgia. Supplies are sent to local churches who then use their discretion in distributing the supplies to those in their neighborhoods that are in need of help regardless of race, color, creed or religion. Since 1990, they have distributed over $168 million in food and supplies to well over 500 disasters.

In addition to providing for the physical needs of people, they provide for the spiritual needs as well. Each box contains a hand written greeting and a Bible. The team prays for those receiving the supplies and the churches that distribute use the opportunity to pray for the community, counsel and teach about God. Visit their web site and discover a powerful effect of this good work: https://www.disasterreliefeffort.org

It is God himself who has made us what we are and given us new lives from Christ Jesus; and long ages ago he planned that we should spend these lives in helping others.
Ephesians 2:10 (Living Bible)

Just Pondering








Posted on March 12, 2023 


March 12, 2023
Paul’s Ponder

Genesis 1
14 And God said, “Let there be lights in the vault of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark sacred times, and days and years, 15 and let them be lights in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth.” And it was so.
We read in the Old Testament about many festivals and Holy Days. The Passover is the one we know best because of communion. Pentecost is well remembered because of Acts 2. There were many others including the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the Firstfruits, the Day of Atonement and Tabernacles or Booths. Each had a specific function and each occurred yearly at the time set aside for them.

Today, we have certain festivals or days that are repeated each year as holidays, festivals or days of remembrance or activity. Days like Easter, Christmas, New Years, Independence Day, Veterans Day, birthdays and on it goes. The purpose of each is to commemorate a certain event or memory. Notice Genesis 1:14 above. It says the sun and the moon mark sacred times but also days and years. Maybe part of the purpose is to remind us of our mortality and that we are getting older. We had better focus on the eternal, because our time is fast coming to an end.

This Sunday is one of those times that reminds us that the lights in the vault of the sky are bringing change again. Daylight Savings Time is this Sunday. This is not an official festival, but it once again reminds us how time is passing by quickly and how old we are getting. Especially when we have to get up an hour earlier. Agony!

Set your clocks and be on time for church!!!

Just Pondering









Posted on March 5, 2023 


Paul’s Ponder
March 5, 2023

The lid of my Snapple said that there are more chickens in the world than there are people. According to Pet Keen (https://petkeen.com/chicken-history/), there are nearly “three chickens per person”.

I was amazed that there are so many chickens. They are all over the world. In fact, everything tastes like chicken. How did the chicken survive for millennia? They have very little abilities to ward off attackers (albeit roosters are vicious fighters) and they have limited flight ability. According to the article, ancient wild chickens could fly much better than today’s domesticated chickens. Still, chickens seem to be easy prey.

It appears that a possible reason for their longevity is that they became a significant part of livestock in Southeast Asia and then in Europe during the 8th Century BC. From there, the world.

Jesus refers to chickens in Matthew 23:37 and Luke 13:34.
“Jerusalem, Jerusalem,
you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you,
how often I have longed to gather your children together,
as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings,
and you were not willing.”
Jesus uses the chicken to illustrate his compassion for His people.

As people through the ages have taken care of chickens for eggs, meat or pets, so have we been protected by the might of God. Today we hear many end of the world theories. Some involve self inflicted wounds such as wars, others are caused by an outside source such as a meteorite. But just as with the chicken, we survive not because of our great might, but because of a great benefactor.

3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory
and the exact representation of his being,
sustaining all things by his powerful word.
Hebrews 1:3

We are very dependent upon God for everything.

Just Pondering









Posted on February 26, 2023 


Paul’s Ponder;

February is the month of love emphasized by Valentine’s Day. My daughter and her husband like to celebrate on the 15th when everything is half price. This is the time when more cards, flowers and candy are purchased to show our love for others. Doing things like this builds ties and shows love for one another.

Jesus tells us 34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13)

We must love one another. But doing things, even good things for others, and love are not the same. That is the theme of I Corinthians 13. Doing things without love is worthless. Mark 12:29-31 indicates that the greatest is to love God. Springing from the love of God we love one another. First you must love God, for God is love.

Doing good is great. Everyone can do good. For Christians, it is love initiated service, not obligation or duty or even pity initiated service. It is our love for God that wells forth in acts of love for those God created.

Love God. Love one another.

Just Pondering



Beaumont Church of Christ
Princess Warriors
return to quick links




Posted on March 5, 2023 



Sweet Sisters,

My husband and I have had several conversations lately about the concept of commandments. Paul even incorporated some of his ideas into his sermon last week.

A commandment is a degree, mandate, edict or rule that must be obeyed. God gave Moses the Ten Commandments in chapters 19-24 of Exodus.

In Matthew 22:36-40, Jesus tells us what the two greatest commandments are:

36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.” 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Paul’s premise is that God never gives commandments that are easy. If they were easy, God wouldn’t have to command us to do them. My response is, then why in I John 5:3 does it say that God’s commandments are not burdensome? Burdensome means: difficult to carry out or fulfill.
I think the answer lies in perspective. The first time we see the word “commandment” in the Bible is in Genesis 26:2-6.
2 The Lord appeared to Isaac and said, “Do not go down to Egypt; live in the land where I tell you to live. 3 Stay in this land for a while, and I will be with you and will bless you. For to you and your descendants I will give all these lands and will confirm the oath I swore to your father Abraham. 4 I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and will give them all these lands, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, 5 because Abraham obeyed me and did everything I required of him, keeping my commands, my decrees and my instructions.” 6 So Isaac stayed in Gerar.
God is talking to Isaac about Abraham.
Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the book of Psalms. It has 176 verses. The word “commandment” is used in 22 verses. I want to look at a lot of these. They are short. I think they will teach us much about the heart of the Psalmist as he strove to keep God’s commandments. The first one is in verse 6.
Then I would not be put to shame
when I consider all your commands.

In verse 5 we learn we have to be steadfast.

Oh, that my ways were steadfast
in obeying your decrees!

In verse 10 the psalmist says we have to search for God. Doing His will has to be important to us.

I seek you with all my heart;
do not let me stray from your commands.

In verse 66 we learn that if we want knowledge and good judgement we must trust God’s commandments.

Teach me knowledge and good judgment,
for I trust your commands.

Sometimes we are confused about how to obey God’s commandments. In verse 73, the psalmist asks God for help. God understands the way we think.

Your hands made me and formed me;
give me understanding to learn your commands.

God’s commandments will make us wiser than our enemies. We learn this in verse 98.

Your commands are always with me
and make me wiser than my enemies.

Verse 127 is beautiful. The psalmist says that God’s commandments are priceless. They are our greatest possession.

Because I love your commands
more than gold, more than pure gold,

When life is a challenge, God’s commands are the answer. Verse 143 reflects this.

Trouble and distress have come upon me,
but your commands give me delight.

The psalmist also has learned in verse 151 that if we want God to be near to us, we must keep His commandments.

Yet you are near, Lord,
and all your commands are true.

I think verses 165-166 are my favorite.

165
Great peace have those who love your law,
and nothing can make them stumble.
166
I wait for your salvation, Lord,
and I follow your commands.

God promises peace to those who obey His commands and wait on Him. They will not stumble.

I am reminded of a verse in the New Testament that also promises that God will not let those who love Him stumble. It is found in the doxology of Jude 24 and 25 (ESV).

24 Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, 25 to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.
So Paul and I are both right. Yes, God’s commandments are not easy. Sometimes they are flat out difficult.

Our focus has to be on God in order to have any success in keeping them. Palm 37:4 tells us to delight in God. Delight is defined in Hebrew as “to be safe and tender”. We have to be pliable in His hands and have a teachable spirit.

Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.


I want to end with the words of Jesus in Matthew 11:28-30. I like how it reads in The Passion Translation.

28 “Are you weary, carrying a heavy burden? Come to me. I will refresh your life, for I am your oasis. 29 Simply join your life with mine. Learn my ways and you’ll discover that I’m gentle, humble, easy to please. You will find refreshment and rest in me. 30 For all that I require of you will be pleasant and easy to bear.”
Jesus says if we come to Him and take up His yoke that He will provide everything we need and give us rest.

Debbie







Posted on February 26, 2023 



Sweet Sisters,

Have you ever noticed how often the Bible refers to eagles? I think God especially loves eagles. For centuries people have seen eagles as a symbol of beauty, bravery, courage, honor, pride, determination, grace supremacy and sovereignty.

An adult eagle generally is 30 - 40 inches tall from head to tail. They have a 7 - 8 foot wingspan. They weigh 8 - 14 pounds. They can live forty years. They mate for life. Of all the bird species, the eagle is the most attentive parent. Their nest can be nine feet across and weigh two tons.

Eagles have tremendous eyesight and can detect prey two miles away. They can focus on their prey and lock their eyes on it while they navigate to it.

Eagles actually fly very little. They glide on the wind. If they encounter a storm, they will fly directly into it allowing the velocity of the wind to carry them above the storm.

Eagles never eat dead things

In Deuteronomy 32:9 - 12, Moses compares God to an eagle:
9
For the Lord’s portion is his people,
Jacob his allotted inheritance.
10
In a desert land he found him,
in a barren and howling waste.
He shielded him and cared for him;
he guarded him as the apple of his eye,
11
like an eagle that stirs up its nest
and hovers over its young,
that spreads its wings to catch them
and carries them aloft.
12
The Lord alone led him;
no foreign god was with him.

In Exodus 19:4, God compares Himself to an eagle:
‘You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself.
In the book of Psalms we see several passages that refer to the wings of God. They don’t use the word eagle, but based on the verses we have already read, I think the imagery of eagle wings works well. God’s wings are big enough that we an take refuge in their shadow.

Psalm 36:7
How priceless is your unfailing love, O God!
People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.

Psalms 17:8
Keep me as the apple of your eye;
hide me in the shadow of your wings

Psalm 63:7
Because you are my help,
I sing in the shadow of your wings.

Psalm 91:1-4
1
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”
3
Surely he will save you
from the fowler’s snare
and from the deadly pestilence.
4
He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

I find great comfort when I think of God as a great and powerful eagle. Eagles are strong and powerful. They focus on what they want and stayed focused until they get it. They face the storms and fly above them. They are committed to love and care for and nurture their young. They also patiently train and teach their young to soar on their own wings.

This is a perfect description of the God we serve. You don’t mess with eagles and you don’t mess with God. God also gives us the ability to soar like eagles. Remember how eagles do not flap their wings to fly very often? They glide on the power of the wind. In spiritual parlance, we call that the Holy Spirit. By the power of the Holy Spirit we can soar like eagles.

Let’s look at two more Bible passages that are very interesting.

Psalm 103:1 - 5
1
Praise the Lord, my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
2
Praise the Lord, my soul,
and forget not all his benefits—
3
who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
4
who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
5
who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

The psalmist is praising God for all the things God has done for him. Notice verse 5. God renews our youth so we are like the eagle.

We were talking about this in one of my classes recently. I don’t think the psalmist is necessarily talking about a physical renewing here as much as a spiritual renewing. I have known many 80, 90 year olds whose spirits were much younger than their ages.

In Isaiah 40:30, 31, Isaiah says pretty much the same thing.
30
Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
31
but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah adds another concept to being renewed. He says, “…but those who hope in the Lord…”. If I want to soar like an eagle, I must put my hope in the Lord. I have to completely (or to the best of my ability) trust God to supply all my needs and then joyfully wait for Him to do so.

Debbie
Like Eagles

O my soul
Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
It's been told form the beginning
The Lord your God is on your side

O my soul don't be afraid
Hope in the Lord
By His righteousness and power
He will strengthen
He will guide

And I will soar
On wings like eagles
Held by the hand of God
I will run and not grow tired
When on His name I call

For the Lord is never weary
His ways are beyond my thoughts
I will trust in Him
With all my heart

And I will rest upon His promise
Patiently I'll wait

I will trust in Him
With all my heart

And I will rest upon His promise
Patiently I'll wait


Songwriters: Kevin Dukes / Marsha Skidmore



Beaumont Church of Christ
Peter's Message
return to quick links



Posted on  February 5, 2023

Sermon: The Mixed Blessing
Scripture: James 1:2-4, Romans 5:1-5

The disciples of Jesus Christ were sailing on Lake of Galilee when they encountered unusually turbulent waves that were crashing over the sides of their boat. The men, some seasoned fishermen, began to panic. I understand their distress as I was once out-at-sea near Point Loma, San Diego, in 1995, to watch an America’s Cup yacht race—our captain and helmsman became frightened and abandoned his post ‘dashing for safety’ into the cabin. Finding no solution on their own, and in terror, began looking for Jesus and saw Him sleeping ‘on a pillow in the stern’. They called to Him saying “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” He responded, ‘Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?’ (Mark 4:38-40).

The apostle John wrote, quoting Jesus, ‘in the world you will have tribulation, but take courage, I have overcome the world’ (John 16:33). The apostle Paul, having suffered much, also quoting Jesus, said ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness” (I Corinthians 12:9). Paul made a list of twenty things that he experienced that were considered tribulations: hunger, thirst, beating, stoned, shipwrecked, robbed, false brethren, cold, naked, imprisoned, false arrest, house arrest, infirmities, reproaches, basic needs, snake bite, persecutions, and distress. He was also given a ‘thorn in the flesh’; poor eye sight and speech. Having endured these things he said, “when I am weak, I am strong” (II Corinthians 12:10).

When we face various trials, tribulations and tests of one kind or another, we may be inclined to pray to God and, not receiving an immediate answer, or the answer we want, believe that God does not care! On another occasion, Jesus told His disciples ‘there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or farms, for My sake and for the Gospel sake, but that he shall receive a hundred times as much now in the present age, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and farms, along with persecutions; and in the world to come, eternal life’ (Mark 10:29-30) - a mixed blessing.





Peter's Message
return to quick links



Posted on  February 20, 2022

Sermon: ‘Precious in the Sight of God’
Scripture: I Peter 2:1-5
Song: There is Power in the Blood, 903

You Must be Born Again

Jesus taught His followers to be born again. Nicodemus, a Jewish ruler and Pharisee, came discretely by night to compliment Jesus on His teachings, calling Him Rabbi, and for the wonderful signs He was performing. His conclusion was that no one could do these things unless God was with him. Jesus responded to Nicodemus by saying, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). Nicodemus was perplexed and said, “How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot reenter his mother’s womb a second time to be born can he?” Jesus answered Nicodemus saying, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” Jesus continued, “That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again’” (John 3:5-7).

Peter, an apostle, was first to proclaim the Gospel of Christ to those gathered in Jerusalem for Pentecost. He responded to the question, “What must we do to be saved?” (Acts 2:38), saying, “Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit”. Philip, an evangelist, proclaimed Jesus from Scripture to a court official of the Queen of Ethiopia. When they came upon some water, the man responded by saying, ‘Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?’”
Peter later wrote, “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” (I Peter 1:3). He added, “Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart, for you have been born again of imperishable seed; the living and abiding word of God” (1:22-23). Peter concluded, “like newborn babes, long for the pure milk of the word, that by it you may grow in respect to salvation” (I Peter 2:2). Recognizing God’s will, Peter wrote, “baptism now saves you—not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (I Peter 3:21).





Peter's Message
return to quick links



Posted on  February 5, 2022

Sermon: ‘Protected by the Power of God’
Scripture: I Peter 1:3-9
Song: ‘My Hope is Built on Nothing Less’ 538
Study: I Peter Chapter One; Overview

The Apostle Peter’s letter to Christians scattered abroad; living as aliens in foreign lands, and the Apostle Paul’s letter to Christians living in the Roman city and community of Colossae, reflect a Christian belief and practice in keeping with Jesus Christ, their Lord and Savior.
Early Christian converts from all nations were raised in different circumstances: Jews, for example, worshipped one God while Gentiles worshippers had many. Jews lived by a strict standard in observance of Jewish Law: the Ten Commandments, but also developed many human traditions. Gentile converts were open to many beliefs. Christianity brought about a new and better way to live as directed by God, for all people of all nations, encouraging a peaceful coexistence. The mark of Christianity was unity—people with different languages, different ages, different social standings, and others, worshipped God as one body, and one family in God’s heavenly kingdom.
Paul encouraged Christians living in Colossae ‘to set your mind on the things above and not on earth’. He explained the necessity for Christians to put aside evil desires and to act as those chosen by God to be holy and loved, and to put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience’. Peter was also concerned about Christian conduct and encouraged his readers ‘to obey Jesus Christ, as those who are born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ’. As such, Christians are ‘protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed’. Christians obtain as the outcome of their faith the salvation of their souls and, being blessed, are to ‘gird your minds, keep sober, and fix your hope on God’s grace through Jesus Christ.’ Christians are called to be holy in their behavior. Peter adds that Christian believers, under God’s protection, ‘have in obedience to the truth purified their souls, and that they have been born again by the abiding word of God’.




Peter's Message
return to quick links



Posted on  January 9, 2022

Sermon: ‘Complete in Christ’
Scripture: Colossians 1:9-14, 28
Song: 83 ‘God is So Good’.

Paul, an Apostle of Jesus Christ, wrote a heartfelt prayer for Christians in the Roman City of Colossae. He prayed for them ‘to be complete in Christ’ adding, ‘we proclaim Him, admonishing every person, and teaching every person with all wisdom.’

Paul wrote, ‘we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way; bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you might have great endurance and patience; joyfully giving thanks to the Father who qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.’

Paul wrote a timely prayer to Christians in Philippi as well saying, ‘I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.’ He then added, ‘this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you might be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God’ (Philippians 1:3-6, 9-11).



Peter's Message
return to quick links



Posted on  January 2, 2022

Sermon: ‘Complete in Christ’
Scripture: Colossians 1:9-14, 28
Song: 83 ‘God is So Good’.

Paul, an Apostle of Jesus Christ, wrote a heartfelt prayer for Christians in the Roman City of Colossae. He prayed for them ‘to be complete in Christ’ adding, ‘we proclaim Him, admonishing every person, and teaching every person with all wisdom.’

Paul wrote, ‘we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way; bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you might have great endurance and patience; joyfully giving thanks to the Father who qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.’

Paul wrote a timely prayer to Christians in Philippi as well saying, ‘I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.’ He then added, ‘this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you might be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God’ (Philippians 1:3-6, 9-11).



Peter's Message
return to quick links



Posted on  December 5, 2021
 

Sermon: Gospel Power
Scripture: Philippians 1:12-14
Song: 134 ‘The Lord’s My Shepherd’.

Philippians is one of the greatest books of the Bible; filled with encouragement. It is testimony to the power of God, and to our faith while in adversity. Paul wrote his heart-felt epistle while under house arrest in Rome where Luke, the Christian historian, says ‘he was preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all openness, unhindered’ (Acts 28:30-31). Paul’s work in Philippi is a marker for Christendom in that God may be found everywhere; in remote regions of the world and in dark and dismal prisons.

Philippi was in Macedonia; a Roman colony. Paul stayed there several days preaching and teaching. One of his noted encounters was with Lydia, a seller of purple fabrics. She was on the banks of a river praying and 'the Lord opened her heart to respond to the things spoken by Paul’ (Acts 16:14). A second encounter was with a slave girl who had a spirit of divination, making a profit for her masters with fortune telling. Paul rebuked the evil spirit and it came out of her. Her masters reported it to the authorities who arrested Paul for ‘proclaiming customs not lawful to Romans’. The crowd also rose up against Paul and Silas, beating them with rods; commanding the jailor to throw them into prison with a secure guard—they were placed in an inner cell with their feet fastened in the stocks (Acts 16:16-24).

The proclamation of the Gospel came with great tribulation for many early Christian disciples who were willing to suffer shame on behalf of Jesus Christ. When Peter and John were arrested for preaching they were commanded not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. They answered, ‘whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge; for we cannot stop speaking what we have seen and heard—they spoke the word of God with boldness’ (Acts 4:13-20, 31).

While Paul and Silas were imprisoned God was with them—Paul showed his resolve by trusting God. Luke wrote, ‘about midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the prisoners were listening to them—the jailor, being moved, asked, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’ (Acts 16:19-33). Our sincere songs and prayers are powerful!







Peter's Message
return to quick links



Posted on  November 21, 2021
 

The annual celebration of Thanksgiving is highlighted by families and friends enjoying food and fun together—many traveling great distances. Thanksgiving is not only a time to remember all one’s blessings but also to be thankful to God for His love and provision. There are many ways to express our thanks to God; daily prayers at home around the dinner table and before bed, weekly remembrance of Jesus death, burial and resurrection in communion, and more.

Here is a list of ten expressions of thanks to God:

Thank You, Holy Father, for loving us and calling us Your children.

Thank You for sending Jesus Christ, Your Son, to enrich us in this life but also the life to come.

Thank You for giving the Holy Spirit as a seal of Your promise.

Thank You for establishing the church; the body of Christ, and revealing Your will for us.

Thank You for providing our daily needs in abundance.

Thank You for hearing our prayers and for acting upon them.

Thank You for encouraging us and for the hope and peace that is in You.

Thank You for keeping our friends and family safe and the bonds we enjoy.

Thank You for blessing us and also allowing us to experience things producing compassion.

Thank You for calling us by name and giving us value and purpose.

Dear God, we are thankful for our country and for those leaders who ensure peace and safety. For life, liberty and justice, for inspiration to succeed and grow, for the wonders of the world and universe, for simple pleasures of song birds, seasonal colors and rainbows, for joy even in sorrow, for life after death, for revealing Your will—wisdom and understanding, for clean air and fresh water, for sunshine and rain; sunsets and sundowns, food and clothing, for knowing when we were born and being with us in our death—knowing all our days. Your divine providence demonstrates Your constant love—we are richly blessed. Let us now be a blessing to others.









Peter's Message
return to quick links



Posted on  November 7, 2021
 

Scripture: Ephesians 5:25-29
Sermon: ‘Washed by Water of the Word’
Song: ‘How Great Thou Art’ #76

The Bible, God’s written word, has two volumes; the Old and New Testaments, with 39 individual books. It was written by 40 writers over a period of 1,500 years. A dominant feature of the Bible is its longevity, consistency and unity.

The Oxford Dictionary, ‘the last word on words’, has 12 volumes taking 70 years from conception to completion in the 1800’s. It was compiled by a man representing a body of overseers with several assistants, who invited people from all walks of life to contribute unique words and their etymology. The author was a self proclaimed autodidactic (self taught) man, skilled in most of the western and mid eastern languages. At its completion it included 414,825 words and 1,827,306 illustrations. The most illusive word to translate was ‘art’, taking several pages to explain. Art, in all its simplicity means ‘skill’. An artisan is a ‘skillful worker’.

The main reason for the Bible; covering the beginning of time to the end of time, was to give all people knowledge of God’s will pertaining to His promises of redemption and eternal life. One of the main reasons for writing the Oxford Dictionary was to ensure an accurate translation of the newest version of the King James Bible. At the time, Great Britain had colonies throughout the world and the KJV Bible was widely used as a standard for English use.

Both the Bible and Creation are art forms; evidence of God’s unlimited capacity to demonstrate His power and creativity. He made both magnificent. The Bible and creation reveal the majesty of God. Artists, skilled in their chosen fields of expertise; writing, painting, building, designing, and more, reveal their nature and devotion. God’s divine nature, demonstrated in His art, reveals His love; a sweet smelling fragrance, filling the senses with wonder and awe. We exclaim, ‘How great You are!’ …Peter.








Peter's Message
return to quick links



Posted on  October 3, 2021
 

Sermon: Choosing to Believe
Scripture: Mark 16:1-8
Song: ‘He Lives’ (346)

He is Risen!

The disciples of Jesus, at the time of His death, knew Him as a young man, in His early thirties, full of life and without ‘spot or blemish’. Throughout their lives they had two distinct images of Jesus: as a young man speaking with authority, performing miracles changing the lives of many, and as man resurrected to eternal life changing the lives of countless millions giving them a living hope. Their last sight of Jesus was of Him returning triumphantly to heaven.

During the final period of Jesus life on earth the disciples and those who followed Him witnessed His resolve to endure great hardship, punishment and death, but also new life at His resurrection and ascension. Some, like Joseph of Arimathea ‘gathered up courage’, others, like Mary were ‘trembling with astonishment’, some were ‘weeping and mourning’ and some had a ‘hardness of heart’ refusing to believe.

Knowing ‘the end of the story’ we joyfully celebrate both the death and resurrection of Jesus. The bread we eat at communion reminds us of His body while the cup we drink reminds us of His shed blood. Each participant in the ‘Lord’s Supper’ is filled with emotion—we mourn His loss but also celebrate Jesus as ‘our risen Lord’ with an undying belief and joy of salvation.

There are several things Jesus accomplished at His death and resurrection, including the following: 1) He kept His promise to rise from death after three days, showing that He keeps all His promises. 2) He is a living, resurrected Savior at the right hand of God in heaven, 3) He has been given all authority in heaven and on earth, and 4) those who believe Him are assured that they, too, can be ‘born again’ and resurrected to new life.







Peter's Message
return to quick links



Posted on  September 26, 2021
 

Sermon: Change
Scripture: I Peter 1:3-5
Song: Hold to God’s Unchanging Hand (613)

Born Again to a Living Hope

Change comes! My witty father used to say, ‘if things don’t change, they will stay the same’. Things change, people change. King Solomon wrote of ‘a time for everything’ knowing that we change. Unexpected change is a cause for worry. A well known writer once said, ‘most of the things I worried about never happened’. Known change also brings on frustration. Keeping up ‘with the times’ means that I must adapt or fall behind. Learning to adapt is key to change.

Paul, an apostle, wrote about focusing on ‘things eternal’ (what does not change) and encouraged us ‘not to lose heart’ adding that ‘while our outer man is aging that our inner man is being renewed day by day’. He went on to say that ‘while we look for things that are seen we know that they are temporal while the things not seen are eternal’ (II Corinthians 4:16-18). In the kingdom of heaven, Paul said, ‘we will be raised imperishable—we will be changed’ (I Corinthians 15:49-51).

Hope in God makes it possible to endure every change. As Christians we believe that God understands our trials and ‘comforts us in our affliction’. Having been comforted we are able to comfort others with the comfort of Christ. The Hebrew writer stated that ‘faith (trust) is the assurance of things hoped for; the conviction of things not seen—we believe that God made the world (what is seen), and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him’ (Hebrews 11:1-6).

Peter, also an apostle, speaks of ‘being born again to a living hope’ through the resurrection of Jesus Christ to obtain an imperishable (unchangeable) inheritance that will never fade away, reserved in heaven for you who are protected by God’s power’ (I Peter 1:3-5). Knowing God means that we love Him. Even though we do not yet see Him we believe in Him because of what He has done and, because of this, we are able to ‘rejoice with a joy inexpressible’ (1:8).






Peter's Message
return to quick links



Posted on  September 12, 2021
 

Sermon: Jesus, the Christ
Scripture: Mark 14:3-9

‘Remembering Jesus’

The Lord’s Supper, also known as Communion, was instituted by Jesus during the Jewish Passover Supper, also known as the Feast of Passover. At the Passover, ‘an innocent’ lamb was prepared and served. This had been done since the time of the Exodus from Egyptian captivity. The Jewish Passover was held once a year to commemorate ‘salvation from slavery’ while the Christian Communion is held weekly to commemorate ‘salvation from sin’.

During the Exodus, a first born male lamb without blemish was killed and eaten (Exodus 12:5-8). Blood of the lamb was sprinkled on door posts as a sign for first born children to be ‘passed over’ (the last of the ten plagues upon Pharaoh and Egyptian captors). The Passover lamb was cooked and eaten hastily as the Jews were preparing to escape. Jesus is referred to as the ‘Lamb’ (Revelation 5:8) and ‘the Lamb of God’ (John 1:29, 36). Jesus and His disciples ‘ate the Passover’ (Luke 22:14) before His crucifixion. Paul said, ‘Christ is ‘our Passover’ and that the meal is eaten with ‘unleavened bread of sincerity and truth’ (I Corinthians 5:7-8).

Mark wrote, ‘when it was evening, He (Jesus) came with the twelve and they were reclining at table and eating’ (Mark 14:17-18). Jesus took bread, blessed it and broke it, and said to His disciples, ‘take it, this is My body’ (14:22). Then Jesus took a cup and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them; and they all drank from it. And He said to them, ‘this is My blood of the covenant, which is to be shed on behalf of many’ (14:23-24). Finally, Jesus said, ‘I shall never drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God’ (14:25). The Lord’s Supper is celebrated worldwide by Christians every first day of the week in remembrance of Jesus Christ who took on ‘the sins of the world’.






Peter's Message
return to quick links



Posted on  September 5, 2021
 

Sermon: ‘On the Alert’
Scripture: Mark 13:33-37

Citizens of the United Stares of America have experienced great trials at home and abroad. The War of Independence, Civil War, two Great World Wars, conflict in Asia and the Middle East have taken their toll, along with the bombing of Pearl Harbor in Hawaii and destruction of the Twin Towers in New York. Through all of these conflicts, our resolve and determination, and our belief in God has inspired us to be ‘on the alert’.
Traveling from New York to Memphis in 1971, I had a unique opportunity to see the Twin Towers from a helicopter that shuttled me from Kennedy International Airport over Queens to LaGuardia. My attention was drawn to many sights along the way including the Statue of Liberty. Thirty years later, as I lay in bed watching the morning news, I was shocked to see two civilian aircraft crash into the towers. Even now I am amazed at the extent of destruction, loss of life and ensuing battle in Afghanistan. For years many people never thought that the towers were vulnerable or a target. On that day, September 11, 2001, people went about ‘as usual’. Some continue to reflect on the purpose of the attacks with a resolve that they should be ‘on the alert’ for any future occurrence, knowing that a bombing could happen again like that at the Oklahoma Federal Building in 1995.
Jesus predicted that there would be wars and rumors of wars. Churchill wrote that ‘history is written by the victors’ but marked by war. The Old Testament prophet and king, David, wrote, ‘why do the nations rage and people devise vain things?’ (Psalms 2:1-12). Understanding the uncertainty of this life, we look forward to the coming of Christ without fear, but with a readiness, knowing that God is in control.





Peter's Message
return to quick links



Posted on  August 29, 2021
 

Sermon: The Greatest Command
Scripture: Mark 12:28-34

True Love

Love is the ultimate demonstration of God’s relationship with people. Some have defined love as being ‘tough’, ‘unconditional’ or ‘common’. The word ‘love’ is used to express our deepest thoughts. The greatest of these is to say to God or a friend ‘I love you’, and the greatest act of love is in giving oneself—‘God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son to die on the cross; that whosever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life’ (John 3:16). Jesus said, ‘Greater love has no man than this, that one lay down his life for his friends’ (John 15:13).

Love is defined in many ways throughout scripture, dictionaries and commentaries. A Biblical definition of love is to ‘seek another’s highest good’. In New Testament Greek the word AGAPE is used to speak of the highest form of love. There are three basic forms of love: brotherly affection, marital intimacy and personal sacrifice. The ultimate form of love is selfless and seen in the endless and tireless love of a parent for a child, or the willingness to give one’s life to save another. Jesus humbled Himself and gave His earthly life so that ‘His friends’ may have eternal life.

Love is the basis of God’s goodness—He created ‘out of love’. God’s love for mankind demonstrated His willingness to allow Jesus, His Son, to sacrifice His life taking on the sins of all people. God’s gift of love is freely given, expressed in the words of a popular song: ‘amazing grace that saved a wretch like me’. God accepts our love—that honors Him as Lord and Savior. Our worship of God is a demonstration of our love for Him, and our love for others is a reflection of how God loves us as His friends. Love is the greatest gift—it is limitless—it never fails—it is true.




Peter's Message
return to quick links



Posted on  August 8, 2021
 

Sermon: God Hears
Scripture: Mark 9:16-29

The story of a boy possessed by a spirit in Mark’s Gospel is also a story of a concerned father who could find no help for his son. The New American Standard Bible heading is ‘The Cure of the Epileptic Boy’. Epilepsy is a neurological disease causing seizures. Jesus called it a ‘deaf and mute spirit’. The spirit’s intentions were ‘to destroy him’ and mercilessly dashed the boy to the ground resulting in him foaming at the mouth, grinding his teeth and stiffening out. The spirit also threw him into convulsions; often into water and fire. When Jesus commanded the spirit to come out of the boy it cried out, throwing the boy into a terrible fit, resulting in the boy looking like a corpse—some saying ‘he is dead’.
Watching a child suffer is traumatic for any parent. The father had brought his son along in a crowd, and addressed Jesus as ‘Teacher’, saying, ‘I brought my son, possessed with a spirit’. He explained the boy’s condition and said ‘I told Your disciples, but they could not cast it out’. The cure to the boy’s malady, however, was within the father! Jesus healed the boy but not after saying, ‘all things are possible to him who believes’ and, ‘this kind cannot come out by anything but prayer!’
It is not uncommon for parents to go to great lengths to get help for children when they become ill. A principle learned is that people need people—children need nurturing parents, friends need close companions, and the sick need caregivers. Mark shows the child in a disturbing state from which there was no relief. The father acted calmly under the circumstances. A second principle to be learned is that Jesus, while concerned for the sick, also goes to extraordinary lengths to heal people from sin and separation from God. Jesus is presently acting on our behalf as our advocate with the Father, while the Holy Spirit is within us to assist in our prayers—John adds, ‘we know that God hears us’ (I John 2:1, 5:15, Romans 8:26). Lets draw near to God in prayer; believing.



Peter's Message
return to quick links



Posted on July 4, 2021
 

Sermon: Heart Belief
Scripture: John 20:30-31, Romans 10:9

Jesus performed miracles, signs and wonders to encourage belief in Him as the Son of God. He healed the sick, calmed the sea, raised the dead and fed the hungry. Some doubted and tested Him.

1. Mark 8:12 ‘Why does this generation seek for a sign?’

People are often hesitant to make changes or go against the norm. In order to accept something different they want to be confident and may ask for additional proof. Jesus asked the question (above) shortly after feeding a multitude of four thousand people who had not eaten for three days. He had compassion and performed a miracle using what was available: seven loaves of bread and a few small fish. After eating and being satisfied there were seven full baskets of broken pieces left over. Some, however, wanted more signs to test Him. Having received much from God, should we continue to doubt?

2. a. Mark 8:27 ‘Who do people say that I am?’

People claim to be many things; some true, others not. In reality, we are a mix of who we say we are and what others see in us. Jesus, the Son of God, God’s Anointed and God with Us (Immanuel) wanted to hear from His disciples what the multitudes thought of Him—He already knew their heart, but wanted to hear from Peter. Many thought of Jesus as a prophet; a good man, perhaps as Elijah or John the Baptist, but did not believe in Him as the Son of God. What, then, should we believe?

2. b. Mark 8:29 ‘Who do you say that I am?’

Individuals often respond differently to groups of people. As a group, people may go along with everyone else. When alone, they may feel free to speak openly about what they really believe. Peter believed that Jesus was different and said, ‘You are the Christ’ (the Messiah; God’s appointed). Matthew records Peter as saying, ‘the Son of the Living God’ (Matthew 16:16). Jesus said that this understanding was given to Peter by the Father (not the crowd). What we believe about Jesus and confess in our heart matters; with heavenly implications. We are encouraged to listen to Jesus, believe His works, and follow Him.









Peter's Message
return to quick links



Posted on May 2, 2021
 



Sermon: ‘Words to Live By’
Scripture: John 20:30-31

Jesus was brought before the Roman governor who questioned Him saying, ‘are You the king of the Jews?’ (Matthew 27:11). Pilate asked the crowd, ‘What shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?’ (27:22). Peter and John, after healing a lame man were taken before Annas, the High Priest, and asked, ‘by what power, or in what name have you done this? (Acts 4:6). Later, Paul was taken before Festus and King Agrippa, accused of ‘teaching about a certain dead man, Jesus, whom Paul asserted to be alive’. Paul demanded to be taken before Caesar, the Roman Emperor (Acts 25:21, 24-25).

In life we may be called to justify what we believe by making a public statement. Jesus responded to His accusers by saying, ‘It is as you say’. Pilate felt compelled to ask, ‘do you not hear haw many things they testify against You?’ Jesus remained silent and did not answer to a single charge (Matthew 27:13-14). Peter and John were instructed not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus (Acts 4:18). They responded, ‘whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than God, you be the judge; for we cannot stop speaking what we have seen and heard’ (19-20).

Peter and John had confessed publicly that ‘there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved’ (Acts 4:12). Those who heard, observed their confidence and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, and they were marveling and recognized them as having been with Jesus (Acts 4:13). Peter and John had been labeled as ignorant since they came from Galilee and were fishermen, however, their education was not only from life lessons but from Jesus. While many longed to sit at the feet of Gamaliel, like Paul, imagine having the Son of God as a teacher?

Jesus, the greatest teacher and judge of all, knowing the hearts of people, was able to ask questions of eternal importance: He asked Martha ‘do you believe this?’ referring to the resurrection, and asked Peter ‘do you love Me more than these?’ referring to things of this world (John 11:26, 21:15). By believing, Jesus told Martha that ‘she would see the glory of God’ and by loving, Jesus told Peter ‘to care for My sheep’. Belief and love are principles that shape our lives and frame our decisions—they are words to live by. Jesus knew that His disciples needed to be eye witnesses of His resurrection from death. He appeared to them while locked in an upper room for fear of the religious leaders—believing in Jesus was a threat to their lives and they were fearful. Having seen Jesus, and having touched the wounds on His hands and side caused them to have confidence and they ‘began to speak the word of God with boldness’ (Acts 4:31). They were ‘rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name… and kept right on teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ’ (Acts 5:41-42).







Peter's Message
return to quick links


Posted on April 4, 2021
 


Sermon: Rise!
Scripture: II Thessalonians 2:13-17

At the birth of Jesus Christ to Mary, there was a multitude of the heavenly host praising God. Joseph, Jesus’ stepfather, was with Mary. Shepherds of Israel and wise travellers from the east came to worship. They arrived with exceedingly great joy. Jesus was, soon after, presented in the temple and welcomed by a devout man named Simeon who was looking for the consolation of Israel. He took Jesus in his arms and blessed God and Jesus’ family. Anna, an eighty four year old widow and prophetess who spoke to those looking for the redemption of Jerusalem, was also there to see Jesus.

At the death of Jesus Christ He was betrayed by Judas and denied by Peter, assisted by Simon of Cyrene with His cross, followed by a great multitude, by women mourning and lamenting Him, crucified with two robbers, by soldiers and spectators and those who came to mock Him—a Roman soldier recognized Him to be ‘the Son of God’. Mary, the mother of Jesus was at the cross with John, a beloved disciple, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee. Joseph, a member of the Jewish council who was waiting for the kingdom of God and a secret disciple of Jesus, along with Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews, took Jesus from the cross, and with a hundred pounds of myrrh and aloes wrapped Him in a linen sheet placing Him in Joseph’s tomb.

At the resurrection of Jesus Christ, after arriving triumphant in Jerusalem and having been tried, crucified and buried, Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, came early on Sunday morning—the third day, to the empty tomb where Jesus was laid. Jesus presented Himself to Mary Magdalene, to His disciples, to travelers on the road to Emmaus, to five hundred others and, lastly, to Paul. Jesus’ resurrection from death assures all those who believe that He made it possible for the 1) forgiveness of sins, 2) the gift of the Holy Spirit, 3) hope of heaven with God, 4) peace that passes understanding, 5) great joy, 6) the true love of a friend, 7) confidence in knowing that sin and death are overcome, 8) the promise of all spiritual blessings in heavenly places, 9), victory as conquerors in the protection of God, and 10) confidence that He will come again.

At the second coming of Jesus Christ, He will come victorious as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Those who look for His coming will see loved ones who have died in Christ rise jubilant from their graves. They will hear His welcome call ‘Come’; each by their own name, and then, they too will ‘rise to meet Jesus in the air’ and with many others, given entrance to their eternal home praising God.







Peter's Message
return to quick links


Posted on March 14, 2021
 


Sermon: Heaven My Home – Jesus My Hope
Scripture: I Corinthians 15:12-19

People everywhere want to ‘reach for the stars’. People are explorers at heart willing to cross the seas and skies. Leaving the safety of home and venturing into the unknown is considered all part of the experience. Modern astronauts, like ancient Pharos, are attracted to the heavens and the chance ‘to go where few have been before’. At great cost and preparation, voyagers are eager for the chance to spend even a few hours above the earth. Some have been fortunate to walk on the Moon spending days in a cramped shuttle while others have volunteered to spend months traveling to Mars.
Space travel; enduring long days of boredom, does not deter many from one day leaving the safety of Earth. Earth is a blue planet in the Solar system called the ‘third rock from the Sun’. It is blue because of water—Mars is called the Red Planet. The earth has both salt water and fresh water that have remained constant over time. Water evaporates, condenses and then falls back to earth as rain. It is a liquid, vapor (clouds) and ice (snow). There are land and ocean rivers transporting water from one part of the earth to another. Water we drink today existed at creation. Hikers often take water purification kits and know the importance of filtering water, boiling it and adding chemicals (chlorine) to kill harmful bacteria. Water is a combination of hydrogen; the most abundant element in the universe, and oxygen which is the third most abundant element. It is transparent, tasteless, odorless and nearly colorless. Water is essential for survival.
Water is a symbol of life and constancy. John speaks of heaven as our eternal dwelling in the Book of Revelation, describing its many attributes. He was a fisherman and saw water as life giving and concluded his writings using water figuratively to describe how God has not overlooked anything in heaven that will make life there possible and pleasurable. God says to those seeking an eternal home, ‘I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost’. John adds, ‘and He showed me a river of the water of life, clear as crystal, coming from the throne of God, and of the Lamb, in the middle of the street, and on either side of the river was the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit, yielding fruit every month and the leaves of the tree were for healing of the nations’ (Revelation 21:6, 22:1-2). Our life in heaven will be abundant; perfect for our needs, made possible by Jesus who said, ‘the water that I shall give shall be a well of water springing up to eternal life’ (John 4:14). He encouraged His disciples saying, ‘I go to prepare a place for you, and where I am there you may be also’ (14:3). Jesus, who went before us, is our hope of heaven.






Peter's Message
return to quick links


Posted on February 7, 2021
 


Scripture: John 20:24-31
Sermon: Fixing Your Eyes and Believing in Jesus

Article:

The battle between Jesus and Satan was not fought with swords, sticks or stones. It was a battle fought over loyalty to God’s will. Jesus, ‘the Innocent’ and Satan, ‘the Deceiver,’ entered a ‘three round’ contest after Jesus had been led into the wilderness for forty days of fasting and prayer. Jesus was in a weakened state while Satan was at his peak. Satan was on the attack while Jesus was on the defense. Satan sought to trick and mislead Jesus in an attempt to entice Him away from God—perhaps to challenge Jesus to ‘be your own man’ and to ‘use scripture for your own benefit’. In His defense, Jesus honored God by accurately and confidently quoting His word.
There is a story of a farmer who hired a worker to do three specific things while he was away. On his return he found that two things were done to his satisfaction but the third was not. When he asked for an explanation the worker said that ‘his way was better’. As a result, the farmer was not pleased with any of his work—disobeying one thing is the same as disobeying them all! Jesus, in order to fulfill His mission, determined to do all things God’s way. While in the Garden of Gethsemane, contemplating the crucifixion, Jesus asked God ‘to remove this cup (burden) from Me,’ but then said, ‘not My will but Yours be done’. Satan, who came to destroy, had the upper hand in that he could lie, steal and cheat, while Jesus, who came to save, could not make a single mistake. In the final battle, when Jesus was on the cross, having been falsely accused, mocked, beaten, and then shamefully crucified, many who saw Him had no pity. They insulted Him, overlooking all the good He had done and all the comforting things He had said, demanding ‘that He come down from the cross and prove, once and for all, that He is who He claims to be’. The battle, however, was not yet over and three days later Jesus Christ rose victoriously from death to life.
The ordeal Jesus faced on the cross, experiencing excruciating physical and emotional pain, was the challenge to endure to the end, while carrying ‘a sinful world on His shoulders’. In His mission to save people from their sins, Jesus had to offer Himself as a perfect sacrifice; as an innocent lamb before slaughter that does not cry out, or lash out. Even though Jesus was alone in His final moments He demonstrated His desire to save sinners by requesting forgiveness for a thief crucified with Him, and then forgiving His tormentors saying ‘they do not know what they are doing’. In this final act, Jesus showed that His sacrifice was for all people. He is now seated at the right hand of God, victorious, having regained His rightful place, where He continues to act as our advocate, able to receive all who fix their eyes and believe in Him.





Peter's Message
return to quick links

Posted on January 31, 2021
 



Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-3
Sermon: ‘Fixing Our Eyes and Hope on Jesus’

The Hebrew writer calls on all his readers to live ‘fixing your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith’ and gives Jesus’ motivation: ‘for the joy set before Him’ (Hebrews 12:2). Jesus experienced human life, as we do, and willingly went to the cross because of what He believed the outcome to be. Peter continued the thought by adding ‘fix you hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ’ and later added ‘if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not feel ashamed, but in that name let him glorify God’ (I Peter 1:13, 4:16). Paul also gave thought to the manner of our lives. First, he said, ‘conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ and then gave the example of Jesus who ‘humbled Himself to become obedient to the point of death’ (Philippians 1:27, 2:8) - Jesus submitted to the will of God. In doing so ‘God highly exulted Him, and bestowed on Him the name above every name’ (2:9).

Luke says that Peter and John acted confidently since ‘they had been with Jesus, rejoicing that they were considered worthy to suffer shame for His name, and were obedient to God rather than men’ (Acts 4:13, 5:29, 41). Our hope is in Christ as we fix our eyes on Him. When we encounter various challenges in life our thoughts must focus on the good we have learned, seeking advice from others, observing Jesus’ example, while waiting on God’s guidance. Those who prepare beforehand are most likely to succeed. Therefore, we commit ourselves to God when times are good, anticipating that there may be rough times ahead. From life, we accept that all people experience difficulties from one time or another, and one kind and another. Listening to parents at the ballpark encouraging their children is the well-known phrase, ‘You can do it’. With a little help from friends and family we, too, can do it, and do it well. We are encouraged to try our best knowing that we may fail, also knowing that ‘striking out’ is not a failure; in fact, it is expected.
In our spiritual battle, Christians put on the ‘armor of God’ (Ephesians 6:10-19) knowing that their fight is ‘not against flesh and blood’ but against the ‘forces of darkness in heavenly places’. We focus on Jesus, study His word, show ourselves approved of God, obey Him, give Him glory, and shine brightly in the world knowing that He is in control. We are able to say, then, ‘it is well with my soul’. Christians fix their eyes and hope on Jesus ‘for the joy set before them’.




Peter's Message
return to quick links


Posted on November 15, 2020
 



Sermon: Friendship with God
Scripture: Ephesians 2:19-22 – 3:1-6.

Friendship with God is a bountiful gift; a cornucopia of spiritual blessings producing endless possibilities of wellbeing, including love, joy, hope and peace. It is a spiritual understanding of a heavenly treasure given freely to all who earnestly seek God that cannot be taken away, and a serendipity that results unexpectedly creating surprise and awe—like an unspeakable happiness that is found in its pursuit! As a young man I marveled that Pacific Islanders living in Fiji were very content with their apparent ‘meager’ surroundings.

Happiness, to them, was because of something that was of much greater importance. As the ‘illusive butterfly’ that avoids capture yet brings joy to the one running after it, so God’s friendship surprises us. We peruse happiness and find peace—we search for meaning and find contentment. The Fijian people found meaning in what they had and who they were—among the most notable were God, family and friends.

Driving down the road I see people busy with their lives. I am glad to see many meeting together to worship God. It occurs to me that those who attend small, large or mega churches are all in the pursuit of God and spiritual fulfillment, and come to Him desiring meaningful relationships. It is heartwarming to note that Jesus said where two or three are gathered together in God’s name that He is among them. The Apostles of Jesus; sent out as a small band of believers, went with the knowledge that Jesus, their friend, was with them ‘to the end’. Likewise, the God we have come to know and love we call Father and Friend. It is not surprising then, to believe that we are His Family.
Considering all the friends that we have known throughout our lives we notice that not all friends are the same. There are friends that are casual, friends that are momentary, friends that are constant, and friends that are closer than a brother. Jesus, the creator of the universe calls us His friends—we may wonder what that means and realize that His friendship is based on the highest form of love—sacrificial love; demonstrating that His love is pure and real—His life is bonded with ours. We conclude that if Jesus is our friend what kind of friend are we to be? When Jesus asked Peter ‘do you love Me?’ Peter responded, ‘Yes; as a brother’. Jesus was insistent and asked two more times. Finally, Peter responded by saying ‘with all my being’ (heart, soul, mind and strength). It is up to us to determine what kind of friend we are to Jesus knowing that friends seek each other out; they walk together, encourage each other while talking of shared hopes—friendship inspires them on. The greatest gift of friendship Jesus gives to us is Himself! He first gave Himself; the best of heaven! Friends, likewise, generously give themselves highlighted by words and acts of kindness.


_____________________________

Friendship with God, as described by Paul to the Ephesian Christians, means that we are no longer strangers and aliens, but fellow-citizens in God’s household… being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit. Paul adds that, as God’s friends, we are fellow-heirs, fellow-members, and fellow-partakers… of the promise of Christ through the Gospel, and in the unfathomable riches of Christ.
tion.

It also gives me hope. If something improves but isn’t fixed, then Jesus may be working to finish it a little later. Remain faithful.




Vacation  Bible  School

join  us

Join us for the fun....great for kids of all sizes.

Every year the Beaumont Church of Christ offers a great week of fun and learning....Vacation Bible School. We will post the information here as the time approaches. So check back often. You can also sign up to receive news from time to time, including announcements for upcoming events, in the short form below.

get directions

Be the first to know about the 'good' news


Don't worry ( matthew 6:27 ); we never give or sell any email addresses to anyone.
For more information about our privacy policy, visit here.

We would like to pass on any news related to our congregation.  Please fill in both your name and your email address.

the newsletter signup is temporarily offline