We Believe the Bible

At Believers Fellowship we are committed to the Bible as the inspired, inerrant, and authoritative Word of God. In other words, we believe the Scripture comes from God.

One way we express our commitment to the Word of God is through expository preaching. By expository preaching we mean that in our preaching we want to give an accurate interpretation of exactly what God says in the Scripture.

Lately we have been preaching through the book of James in our Sunday morning services and the book of Judges in our evening services. We have been going verse by verse, chapter by chapter through these books. We want to know exactly what God says in these books and we are finding them to be incredibly relevant for living in our day. We are also finding God’s Word to be powerful in changing our hearts.

If you are looking for a place where you can count on hearing from God’s Word, feel free to join us. All our information is online at believers-fellowship.org.

Reasons to Rejoice

Jesus tells His followers that when we are persecuted we should, “Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Rejoice when you are persecuted? How can that be?

One reason to rejoice when you are persecuted for Christ’s sake is because it confirms that you are a real Christian. We can be happy that the world sees us as belonging to Christ.

Another reason to rejoice is because the persecution confirms that we are on our way to heaven. Jesus said that ours is the kingdom of heaven. The important thing is not that we are persecuted on earth but that we are going to heaven.

And in heaven we will be rewarded by our Savior. In fact we’re told that our reward in heaven will be great. It’s not what we’re losing here that matters but what we are gaining there. Amen.

Join us Sunday. All our information is online at believers-fellowship.org.

Reward In Heaven

Jesus said, “Blessed are you when men cast insults at you, and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, on account of Me.” In other words, followers of Christ can expect some flack from a world that rejects Christ.

“Insults” refers to verbal attacks done to our face. It is the idea of being reviled.

“Persecution” refers to physical suffering that a believer might face. The word speaks of being chased, driven away or pursued.

“Saying all kinds of evil against you falsely” refers to slander spread behind your back. Being slandered behind your back can often be more painful than being insulted to your face.

Following Christ can be costly. It can cost you a friendship, a family relationship, your reputation, your job, even your life.

But while there may be a worldly persecution, there is a heavenly prize, a reward in heaven that is great. That makes it worth it.

Join us Sunday. All our information is online at believers-fellowship.org.

Be Like Christ

Jesus said, “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness.” What does that mean? It means blessed are those who are persecuted for being like Him.

How do I know that? I read the next verse. Jesus said, “Blessed are you when men cast insults at you, and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, on account of Me.”

It’s easy to be persecuted for being obnoxious, or doing something wrong, or for being political. But it’s a whole different standard when we say that the blessing is for those who are persecuted for being like Jesus.

We need to realize, though, that opposition is normal for those who follow Christ. Jesus was rejected and crucified by the world. His followers can expect that they too will be rejected.

Genuine righteousness is offensive to a Christ-rejecting world.

But Christ blesses His followers.

Join us in following Christ. All our information is online at believers-fellowship.org.

Persecuted for the Right Reason

Jesus said, “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness.” Christians need to think carefully about what this does say and what it does not say.

It does not say blessed are the objectionable and difficult. It does not say blessed are those who are unwise and are really being persecuted for being foolish.

We can create difficulties for ourselves that are really unnecessary just be being foolish, or self-righteous, or unnecessarily offensive. Often times Christians get a hard time from others because we have acted unwisely.

Also, please take note that Jesus does not say blessed are those who are persecuted for political reasons. We need to be careful that Christianity does not become associated with some political organization rather than being known for the gospel. Christianity is not a political interest group.

Political activism often closes the door to the gospel. Let’s be sure we get flack for the right reason.

Join us Sunday. All our information is online at believers-fellowship.org.

Blessed Persecution?

Jesus said, “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness.” This is an amazing statement. Jesus is assuring His followers that they will be persecuted.

In America we typically think of persecution is something that believers suffer in some other country. That is not true. Believers here in America are persecuted in a number of ways and we can expect the persecution to increase. We live in a culture that is rejecting any kind of absolutes and Christianity is the ultimate absolute. You must repent of sin and follow Christ or you will not go to heaven. People today don’t like those kinds of statements and the reaction against them is becoming stronger.

We need not worry about this nor do we need to change our message. Jesus said that even though the world may reject us, He blesses us. That is good enough.

Join us this Sunday in worshipping Christ or contact us anytime. All our information is online at believers-fellowship.org.

The Joy of Baptism

This Sunday night at Believers Fellowship we will have a baptism service.

In the Great Commission, Jesus told us to make disciples and baptize them. What a joy it is to do just that. We’re looking forward to a very special time.

Those who are getting baptized will be doing so out of obedience to Christ’s command. And while obedience is always significant, there is much more of significance going on during a baptism.

The one being baptized is expressing their faith in Christ with the act of baptism being the outward expression of the inner reality of faith. Also, they are publically identifying with Christ by being baptized in His Name. And, the act of baptism beautifully pictures the believer’s union with Christ in His death and resurrection.

While baptism does not save anybody, the baptism of a believer truly is a special event. You are welcome to join us this Sunday for the baptism service or anytime. All our information is online at believers-felowship.org.

Sons of God

Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” To be a peacemaker is to be like Christ Himself. The Bible refers to Jesus as the Prince of peace.

Also, the Bible refers to God as the God of peace. And Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God.” To be called a son of God is a designation of high honor and dignity. Think about this, God owns peacemakers as His children.

Those who come to the God of peace through Jesus Christ the Prince of peace, are known as sons of God. And God’s children matter greatly to Him. He knows they live in a world of conflict. He knows that being a peacemaker is not easy.

But those who trust in Christ, those committed to spreading the message of peace through the gospel, those who take the initiative to resolve conflict, they have the comfort of their heavenly Father to help them.

Join us Sunday. All our information is online at believers-fellowship.org.

Peacemaking at Home

You are probably familiar with Jesus’ words, “Blessed are the peacemakers.”

A peacemaker is someone who, first of all, knows peace with God through faith in Jesus Christ. Secondly, the peacemaker declares the gospel, telling others how they too may know peace with God.

But also, a peacemaker seeks to be at peace with others. In fact, a peacemaker is one who takes the initiative in resolving conflict and bringing peace. If you know peace with God, let me urge you to be a real peacemaker, especially in your own home.

Conflict at home between spouses, parents and children, or siblings, can be very painful. Our homes need people who know the Lord and are committed to making peace. Will you be that person? What do you do when conflict arise in your home? Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers.”

Today my wife and I celebrate 31 years of marriage and I thank God that my wife is a committed peacemaker.

Join us Sunday. All our information is online at believers-fellowship.org.

The Year of the Gospel

Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers.”

To be a peacemaker, first you must be at peace with God. You must know peace yourself before you can be a peacemaker. And only those who have put their faith in Christ know peace with God.

If you are at peace with God, then one thing you want to do is help others know that same peace. This is part of being a peacemaker – you help people reconcile with God.

Therefore, to be a peacemaker you must be evangelistic. You must be eager and ready to share the gospel with those who do not know Christ as Lord and Savior. How could someone claim to be at peace with God and not care if anyone else is?

At Believers Fellowship we have decided to place an emphasis on the gospel this year. We want to learn it. We want to live it. We want to declare it to those around us.

Join us in learning the gospel. All our information is online at believers-fellowship.org.

Peacemaking 101

Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”

Our world doesn’t know much about peace. In fact, someone has said “Peace is that glorious moment in history when everyone stops to reload.”

Not only is our world not very peaceful, but personally people are often lacking in any kind of true peace. We live in a world of economic, religious, racial, social, and relational conflict.

In a world of peace-breaking, the words of Jesus show what a relevant, vital, and dynamic force Christianity really is. You can see why Jesus pronounces a blessing on those who are peacemakers.

How can a person be a peacemaker? First they have to have peace with God. Only the person who is at peace with God can know personal peace and then help others to find peace.

And peace with God can only come through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Do you have peace with God?

Join us this Sunday. All our information is online at believers-fellowship.org.

Do You See God?

Do you have a pure heart? Jesus pronounced a blessing on the pure of heart in His Sermon on the Mount. Was He talking about you?

Everyone of is born with a heart darkened by sin. Left to ourselves we could never make our hearts pure. Something must be done for us. Through the new birth, Christ gives a new heart to all those who trust in Him.

And Jesus says that the pure in heart shall see God. That is an amazing promise. Those who know Christ can see God. If you really understand this then your life can’t help but be revolutionized. I can’t even get to see the President of our country, but I can see God? Yes. Not only that, but I will spend eternity with Him enjoying His glory.

That is amazing. If you come to Christ, He will give you a pure heart by which you can see God.

Join us in worshipping Christ. All our information is online at believers-fellowship.org.

A Pure Heart

Jesus said, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” This is one of the beatitudes Jesus gave as a part of His Sermon on the Mount recorded in Matthew 5.

When Jesus spoke about the heart, what did He mean? In the Bible the heart speaks of feelings, emotions, desires, and passions. But most frequently heart refers to the reasoning, the thinking, and the will of man.

The heart represents the innermost part of man. It is the center of the inner life. You could say that the heart is the Mission Control Center of man.

And that is the problem because on its own, the heart of man is not pure. The Bible teaches that the heart is wicked, evil, sinful, and deceitful. So how do you get a pure heart?

A pure heart is a clean heart. And only the Lord Jesus can cleanse a sinful heart.

Feel free to join us this Sunday. All our information is online at believers-fellowship.org.

Are You Merciful? Jesus Is!

In Matthew 5 we read a list of beatitudes that Jesus gave as a part of His Sermon on the Mount. A beatitude speaks of a state of happiness or bliss.

One of those beatitudes says, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” So, would you consider yourself merciful? What did Jesus mean when we said, “Blessed are the merciful?”

When Jesus spoke of mercy He referred to a compassion that takes action towards one who is in need. It is giving help to the helpless. It is rescuing the afflicted. It is to have pity on the suffering. Jesus demonstrated mercy to multitudes during His earthly ministry.

The ones who are merciful are the ones who see themselves as servants. They seek to be like their Savior, Who came not to be served, but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many. The merciful have died to self.

Join us Sunday or contact us. Our information is online at believers-fellowship.org.

Junk Food?

Everybody wants satisfaction. Jesus says He gives satisfaction to those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. Do you hunger and thirst for righteousness?

If you’re not currently hungering and thirsting it must be because you are doing something to spoil your appetite. You’re satisfying yourself with the junk food of this world.

If you’re not hungering and thirsting for righteousness it is because you have set your desire on other things. They may not be bad things. They may be things like hobbies, recreations, and amusements but in pursuing these things you have dulled your appetite for God. Your time has become consumed with these things and you have no time for pursuing the things of God.

These other things may provide some passing pleasure, but they cannot give you the satisfaction that Jesus offers. His satisfaction is only given to those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. So let me ask you again. Do you hunger and thirst for righteousness?

Join us Sunday. All our information is online at believers-fellowship.org.

Soul Satisfaction

Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” To hunger and thirst means to be desperate, to be starving, to feel like your life is slipping away; to realize your urgent need for help.

Have you ever experienced this in a spiritual sense? Have you ever been so shook up over your sinfulness that you felt desperate for a solution – that you hungered and thirsted for a solution?
Have you ever sensed the greatness and the depth of your need for a righteousness that you know you don’t have in yourself?

Have you ever longed to be free from the guilt of sin? Do you passionately desire to be free from the captivating power of sin? Do you long for a day when you can be in a place where there is no sin?

Good news! Jesus says that hungering and thirsting souls will be satisfied in Him.

Join us in worshipping Christ. All our information is online at believers-fellowship.org.

Hungry? Thirsty?

One of the beatitudes Jesus gave in His Sermon on the Mount is, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” What does it mean to hunger and thirst for righteousness?

We would have to admit that most of us don’t really know what it means to hunger and thirst.

To hunger and thirst speaks of a strong desire, of a driving pursuit, of a passionate force. It is a vivid picture of desire. A starving person has a single, all consuming passion for food and water. Nothing else has the slightest attraction or appeal. Nothing else can even get their attention. The starving person is in a life-threatening condition.

That’s a perfect description of a person coming to Christ. They realize the desperation of their condition and they are consumed with the desire for a righteousness they don’t have. Do you hunger and thirst for righteousness? You’ll only find it in Christ.

Join us Sunday. All our information is online at believers-fellowship.org.

Broken

Jesus said, “Blessed are the gentle or the meek.” Our world considers this idiotic. Our world says, “Blessed are the strong and powerful.” Meekness is seen as weakness in our world.

But the meekness that Jesus talks about is not a weakness at all. This word gentleness or meekness speaks of power under control. The word was used to describe a wild horse who had been broken by a trainer so that they could do useful work.

So this speaks of a person who has been broken of their pride and self-righteousness. This person has died to self and turned to Christ to follow and serve Him.

This is the person who is blessed. This is the person who experiences spiritual happiness. And it is not the rich and powerful who will inherit the earth. Listen again to what Jesus says, “Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth. “

Join us this Sunday. All our information is online at believers-fellowship.org.

Blessed Are The Mourners? Yes!

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus pronounced a series of beatitudes. One of them is, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”

This statement sounds upside down to our world. How can you be blessed if you mourn? Does that sound strange to you? What does Jesus mean when He says, “Blessed are those who mourn?”

To mourn speaks of a deep, heart-felt grief. It’s a grief that takes possession of your whole being. And Jesus here is talking about a spiritual mourning. It is a mourning that comes from an accurate realization of my sinful condition. It is to come to an understanding that I have rebelled against my creator.

This mourning is good, though, because it leads to repentance and faith in Christ. In Christ I find forgiveness of my sin and reconciliation with God. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Join us as we rest in the comfort of Christ. All our information is online at believers-fellowship.org.

Are You In The Kingdom?

The first beatitude in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, says, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” What does it mean to be poor in spirit?

To be poor, as Jesus uses the word, means to be destitute. So the poor in spirit are those who recognize their spiritual poverty.

To be poor in spirit means to realize that apart from Christ I am lost, helpless, and hopeless. We are spiritually destitute no matter what our education, or wealth, or social status, or accomplishments, or even religious knowledge or activity.

This person recognizes that they have no spiritual merit. Their pride and self-assurance is gone and they stand empty-handed before God.

The poor in spirit know that they cannot save themselves and they can only cry out to Christ for grace and mercy. Have you done that?

If you have, then Christ says you are in the kingdom of heaven.

Feel free to contact us. All our information is on line at believers-fellowship.org.

Happy with Heaven

Blessed are the poor in spirit – those familiar words begin Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount and a part of that sermon that we call the Beatitudes. Do you know what the word Beatitude means? It is derived from a Latin word referring to a state of happiness or bliss.

So in these Beatitudes Jesus is describing the person who enjoys a sense of spiritual happiness, blessedness, and bliss. But, as you can tell, Jesus’ view of happiness is very different from the world’s because Jesus says, “Blessed are the poor in spirit.” That’s certainly not how the world would look at it.

The world says, “Happy are the rich, and famous, and the beautiful.” But what Christ gives is of infinitely greater value than anything this world has to offer. That’s what this first beatitude says. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Christ offers heaven.

Feel free to join us or contact us. All our information is on line at believers-fellowship.org.