Bethany Bullet - May 5, 2015

On Sunday, from John’s Gospel the 15^th chapter we heard Jesus say, “I am the vine and you are the branches.”  This is not potential status, this is not a possible outcome, this is not a hopeful but uncertain future depending on a host of variables; this is a statement of fact!  This is a relationship that is!  It speaks of His identity and ours.  He is the (vine) and we are the (branches).  Of course the exchange between vine and branch can be covered in middle school science text books quite easily.  For our case it is both important to note that this relationship is NOT of our doing any more than a branch is the cause of the vine; it flows the other direction.  Jesus said so Himself with the words that follow our text in John 15:16, “You did not chose me but I chose you!” 

It is equally important to note that though Jesus brought this status about by His grace and work, we ourselves are called to action: “Remain in me!” 

To be rooted in Christ is what we are called to – not to become mind you; but to remain. 

One way we remain rooted in Him is by coming to Him in prayer.  Tomorrow night we will do that at Bethany through our annual observance of the National Day of Prayer.

-Pastor Kevin Kritzer

Bethany's 20th National Day of Prayer

Join us on Wednesday, May 6 from 7:00-8:30PM in the Sanctuary.

We thank and honor Veterans and First Responders.

The event is different this year: a powerful testimony will be heard by Chad Williams, former US Navy SEAL and author of "Seal of God" (Chad has been on FOX News and CNN News).  The evening also includes patriotic songs (come early for this), prayers for our nation (".....if we humble ourselves, pray, seek His face...ask forgiveness....then will I hear from heaven and will forgive....and heal their land." - II Chron. 7:14 highlighted).  Child care provided, but older children will enjoy the messages.

- Randa Pearson for Community Impact Committee