Bethel AME Church-Union, SC

09/05/2022

08/26/2022

Join us in-person or online on September 11th for our 1-day revival.

08/23/2022

Isaiah 43:2 NLT When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.

When water surrounds us it can be overwhelming. Especially if you can't swim or weren't prepared to get wet. One thing that's true about life is that we will get wet but don't allow the water to overwhelm you. You will not drown.
>Instead of panicking, pick peace and remain calm. When you're calm in water, you tend to reorient, float and the water becomes less resistant.
> Stand up, stand firm. Sometimes when you can't swim, you think any amount of water will drown you. You may not realize it, but if you just stand up you'll be able to see that what you're in can't overtake you. Stand up, your problems may not be as deep as you perceive. Balance yourself and stand up.
> Keep your head up. The oxygen you need isn't in the water. It's above it. If you keep your head up you'll be able to breathe and see. Keep your head up, you won't drown.

08/16/2022

Get Clear of Complaints

Psalm 55:2 Give heed to me and answer me;
I am restless in my complaint and am surely distracted

Complaining has a negative impact on the physical brain and the mind. It's bad for the soul, yet easy to do. Most times we get complaining confused with venting. But to vent is to let stuff out and pass through. When we complain we let stuff out but don't have a solution in mind which causes us to revisit the issue the same way. Complaining is venting gone wrong. Complaining is a revolving door that causes distraction for the soul and can become a prison. It makes you mis-hear, skews your perspective, and misdirect our steps. It's toxic for the soul. It indicates an unmet need, which is good, but it doesn't empower you to receive the need or resolve the issue. To continue to complain, when you have a God that loves you, sees you, and willing to respond isn't worth it. You can get more done and experience more good and more God when you resist the temptation of complaining. Don't complain, trust God.
Complaining:
- Magnifies issues and minimizes solutions
- Creates conflict in the soul
- Clogs vision and enhances distraction
- Dampens passion
- Leads to chaos and regret
- Regret leads to resentment
- Can be exaggerated and due to some realistic expectations
- Can create exhaustion and fatigue
- Creates disconnections from those you love and those who can help
- Can cause envy from within
- Promotes missed opportunities
- Empowers poverty and lack, physically and in the soul.
- Can lead to stress and sickness
Vent your complaints through prayer to change the attitude of your soul. Bear your soul to someone you trust, but not to the point you weigh them down or tear others down. Just to vent and clean up your side of the street. Intentionally don't complain for a few days and see how you feel and watch how your life improves. Guard your heart against complaint and stay clear as you can from it. God will satisfy your needs.

07/18/2022

Welcome to Bethel U
Here's the 3rd message in the "2nd Half" Series
John 4: 10-15; 23-28
"Stay Hydrated"

Salvation is a key to a hydrated life, along with the Holy Spirit. Don't allow skepticism of people to make you, or keep you, skeptical of God. The presence of His power will repair the boundaries that others broke down and help you relearn a new way of life.

Be against offense in your heart because maintaining offense is dehydrating and cuts off the flow from Heaven. Be aware of yourself and Worship from where you are so God can keep you hydrated in the 2nd Half, so you can beat the heat and not risk spiritual dehydration.

07/03/2022

07/01/2022

Hello July. Praying God's beauty be seen and experienced in the 2nd half.