I hope you were blessed as we heard God’s Word preached from two men who have served Bethel well and still love us deeply. What a gift it was for these timely messages from Pastors Tom Hopewell and Don Whipple considering the days and challenges we face in as the church in America. The messages were similar but complementary – which I do not think is an accident. I would encourage us to reflect on them further and consider how they could challenge us to respond in faith in our great God. The following is my attempt to summarize the messages as well as present a few follow-up questions to stimulate thoughts and responses that would bring glory to God.

Pastor Tom’s message from Psalm 121 was a call to lift-up our eyes to God – where our help comes from. This was an admonishment to keep eternity in perspective. Jesus is coming again and will make all things new. Christians will live with him for all eternity. This glorious hope should inform how we engage in this world.

Pastor Don’s message from Psalm 46 gives us a “song” to sing and truths to tell – “The LORD of hosts is with us the God of Jacob is our fortress” (vv 7, 11). This anthem declares who God is – and this is exactly what we need to be putting our hope in.

Questions for consideration:

1. What is it that "shakes you up" today?
2. What is your go-to truth to build up your confidence in God (think of a specific Bible text)?
3. How can we as a church help one another build our confidence in God in the midst of a shaking world?

Let’s keep lifting our eyes and hoping in God together Bethel. – Pastor Matt