Doubt is a natural part of the human experience, including our spiritual journey. Even biblical figures like John the Baptist experienced moments of doubt, as seen when he questioned if Jesus was truly the Messiah (Matthew 11:2-6).
However, doubt doesn't have to derail our faith. In fact, if approached properly, it can lead to a deeper understanding and a more robust belief in God. The key is to nurture doubt through the application of biblical ethics and the support of a faith community.

Doubt often arises in three areas that can potentially undermine our spiritual growth:

1. Calling: When we face emotional doubts rooted in pain or difficult circumstances, we must rely on foundational truths about God, the world, and our identity rather than reacting solely based on emotions.
2. Competency: Intellectual doubts arise when the teachings of Christianity seem incompatible with our understanding. In these moments, we must recognize the limitations of our finite minds and make a leap of faith, trusting in God's power and authority.
3. Character: Moral doubts tempt us to disbelieve Christianity because we don't want it to be true. To overcome this, we must cling to the trustworthiness and goodness of God's character, even when obedience is challenging.

The gift of the Church plays a crucial role in navigating doubt.
Just as John sent his disciples to Jesus, we can bring our doubts and questions to our faith community, allowing others to support us, pray with us, and point us back to Christ.
Ultimately, doubt can motivate us to pursue a deeper faith and trust in God.

As we wrestle with our doubts, express them openly, and lean into God's goodness, our doubts can be shaped into a more resolute trust, faith, and obedience. Remember, this is part of the process as long as it is leading to an outcome to reveal a deepening faith, rather than a erosion of it.
 
Keep Looking Up!

Pastor Micah

(You will) receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses… -Acts 1:7

Many of us may not realize how much of an evangelist we are. Consider the last time you ate somewhere that you loved and you had to tell people about the great meal you had. Or, how often you shared about a certain stylist or mechanic that gave you exactly or more than you were anticipating for your time and need. When we share from these types of experiences, it is because we understand that other people have the same need for a good meal or mechanic. This isn't any different when it comes sharing and testifying about Jesus, but why do we perhaps shy away from it?

I would stand to believe that the issue is less about duty or task and more about identity. As the twelve apostles traveled with Jesus in the Judaean countryside, they had been given the opportunity to not boast in the reputation of their Rabbi, but more experience the transformation as his disciple. The words of the resurrected Lord in Acts chapter one is the result of, not the obligation for those who follow and practice the way of Christ.
May you start to identify with the outcome of the Holy Spirit entering into your life to shape the moments that will come where you to will gladly identify as a follower and benefactor of such faith. May you find yourself compelled by the work of the Father to extend the good news of Jesus because you have experienced the filling of his love and transformation. May you seek to have a burden to invite others that cross your path each day to consider God's goodness as we receive more than we expect or deserve through the Grace of God.

In this month of April, we as a Church family will consider how being a witness for the Lord stems from identifying more and more as those who know Jesus and seek to bring his Kingdom here on earth.

Keep Looking Up!

Pastor Micah
 

As a child, I was fascinated by the untouchable treasures in my grandmother's cabinet, which seemed holy and sacred. This sense of reverence is akin to how we view the holiness of God—a concept that can be challenging to grasp. In our four-week series at Bethesda, we delve into understanding God's holiness and how it shapes our relationship with Him.

God's holiness sets Him apart as wholly other, unique, and separate from creation. It's a positive distinction that signifies His purity and transcendence. The story of Moses and the Burning Bush in Exodus 3:1-6 illustrates the reverence required in God's holy presence. Moses is reminded of his place before the Lord, signifying the need for humility and recognition of God's sanctity.

The Bible teaches that holiness is not passive but an active force. It's welcoming to those who conform and consuming to what offends. Psalm 24:3-4 highlights the purity and integrity needed to approach God. We celebrate a holy God who is pure and separate from sin, yet He desires a relationship with us.

Through Jesus Christ, we are given the grace to approach God with confidence. The imagery of fire throughout Exodus and Acts symbolizes God's powerful presence—self-sustaining and independent. Like Moses, we are invited to understand God more deeply and are called to be set apart for Him, not idle but active and cherished.

The holiness of God calls us to be distinct from the world and aligned with His will. 1 Peter 1:15 encourages us to be holy in all we do, forsaking worldly desires for a fulfilling relationship with God. Despite our imperfections, God's mercy and grace, embodied in Christ, offer us a path to a contrite and devoted heart.

Some may misconstrue God's unconditional love as a license to live without regard for His ways. But true love for God is reflected in honoring Him and living a life set apart. We are wanted by a holy God, and that relationship requires effort to be holy.

This week, I challenge you to ask God daily, "Does this please you?" in your decisions and actions. Seek to remove any barriers that prevent you from living a life marked by His holiness.

**Challenge:** 
Daily ask, "Does this please you, Lord?"
Let this question guide you toward a life that honors and glorifies God, setting you apart for His sacred purpose.

Pastor Micah Moreno

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Dear Church Family,

I hope this message finds you well and filled with the grace of our Lord as we journey through the beautiful season of Advent. As we light the second candle on our Advent wreath this week, we turn our hearts and minds to a profound and timeless theme: Love.

Love is at the heart of the Christmas story. It is a love that surpasses all understanding, a love that was born in a humble stable in Bethlehem over two thousand years ago. It is a love that continues to transform lives and bring hope to the world. This week, as we focus on Love during the second week of Advent, let us reflect on the significance of this divine gift and how it calls us to a deeper relationship with God and one another.

The Gospel of John beautifully encapsulates the essence of love in one of the most cherished verses of Scripture: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16, NIV). This verse reminds us that love is not merely a sentiment but a sacrificial action. God's love for us was so profound that He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, into the world to be our Savior.

During this week of Advent, let us contemplate the depth of God's love for us and how it should inspire us to love one another. As Christians, we are called to be vessels of God's love in the world. The Apostle John further reminds us, "Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God" (1 John 4:7, NIV). Our love for others is a reflection of the love we have received from our Heavenly Father.

In the spirit of this message of love, I invite you to join us for our Sunday service at 10 am, as we come together to worship, reflect, and celebrate the Love that was born on Christmas Day. During the service, we will light the second candle on our Advent wreath, symbolizing the Love that Christ brought into the world. Our worship will be filled with songs, scripture readings, and a message that explores the depth and significance of God's love.

Let us gather as a community of faith, united by the Love that binds us together. In this season of giving, let us also remember to extend our love to those in need through acts of kindness and generosity.

May the love of God shine brightly in your hearts this Advent season, and may it guide you on your journey towards the celebration of the birth of our Savior.

In Christ's Love,
Pastor Micah Moreno

Church Family,

As we enter the beautiful season of Advent, we are filled with anticipation and excitement here at Bethesda Church.  Advent is a time of reflection and preparation for the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. It is a season filled with hope, love, joy, and peace, and today, I want to share with you the significance of why we celebrate Advent.

The Meaning of Advent:
The word "Advent" comes from the Latin word "adventus," which means "coming" or "arrival." It is a season that lasts for four weeks, beginning on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, and it serves as a time of spiritual preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus. Advent is also a time when we eagerly await Christ's second coming, when He will return to establish His kingdom in all its fullness.

The Advent Wreath:
One of the most visible symbols of Advent is the Advent wreath. It consists of four candles, three purple or blue candles, and one pink candle, each representing different aspects of our faith.

1. The First Purple Candle - Hope: This candle represents the hope we have in Christ's first coming as a baby in Bethlehem and our hope in His return. It reminds us of the anticipation and longing for the Messiah.

2. The Second Purple Candle - Love: This candle signifies the love of God, which sent His Son into the world to save us from our sins. It reminds us of the profound love God has for each one of us.

3. The Pink Candle - Joy: The pink candle represents the joy that fills our hearts because of the good news of Christ's birth. It reminds us of the angels' proclamation of "good tidings of great joy" to the shepherds.

4. The Third Purple Candle - Peace: This candle symbolizes the peace that Christ brings into our lives. It reminds us that Jesus is the Prince of Peace, and through Him, we can experience true peace in our hearts.

The Advent Calendar:
Many families also use Advent calendars during this season to count down the days until Christmas. Each day, a small door is opened to reveal a Bible verse, a short reflection, or a piece of chocolate, helping us focus on the story of Jesus' birth.

The Importance of Advent:
Advent is more than just a countdown to Christmas; it is a time to deepen our relationship with God. It encourages us to reflect on the meaning of Christ's birth, to prepare our hearts to receive Him, and to renew our commitment to follow Him faithfully.

During Advent, we take a break from the busyness of the world and spend time in prayer, Scripture reading, and worship. It is a season of spiritual renewal and a reminder that Jesus is the center of our lives.

To Conclude: 
As we embark on this journey through Advent, may we focus on the hope, love, joy, and peace that Jesus brings into our lives. Let us prepare our hearts to welcome Him with open arms and share His love with others.

We invite you to join us at Bethesda in Sacramento as we celebrate this special season of Advent together. Let us come together in worship, prayer, and fellowship as we prepare our hearts to welcome the Christ Child with joy and gratitude.

May the blessings of Advent fill your homes and hearts with the peace and love of our Savior.

In Christ's love,

Pastor Micah Moreno