Bethesda Christian Church Sermon of the Week

James 1:19–25 urges believers to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, allowing God’s Word to take root and produce real change. Simply hearing the Word without living it out is self-deception, like forgetting your reflection in a mirror. To be transformed, we must humbly receive God’s Word, let it confront us, and actively obey it. When our hearts are fertile and obedient, God blesses us and uses us to reflect His righteousness in the world.

Pastor Noah’s message focuses on how the Gospel doesn’t just save—it radically changes lives. No one is too far gone to be transformed by Jesus. Our past doesn't disqualify us—God meets us in our brokenness and reshapes us for His purposes. Transformation is both a one-time event and an ongoing process of grace. Whether you're resisting, struggling, or growing, the Gospel is for you—right now.

This service is an example of what it means to be the active Church. Jesus gave the Church both vision (a Kingdom open to all) and mission (to call people to repentance and belief). That mission is still ours today—to know, live, and spread the Word. The cross stands as both a symbol and an invitation: to stay present, united, and committed to being the Church in both joyful and difficult moments.

Salvation in Jesus can only happen when the good news is preached. Evangelism is not a rare gift or foreign mission, but a normal, urgent part of following Jesus - wherever we go. Will you give of yourself so souls might be saved?

The Christian life is not a checklist of rules, but a life shaped by love and grace. Just as Christ gave Himself up as a fragrant offering, we are called to live sacrificially—with kindness, forgiveness, and love. True sacrifice isn’t drudgery—it’s worship that rises to God like a pleasing aroma.