Welcome!

Pastor’s Q&A

These are some frequently asked questions. I’ve included a scripture passage to help understand the answers, but there are many more. If you have questions, please email me at bethany21811@gmail.com. God bless you.

How do I become a Christian?

Becoming a Christian is as simple as acknowledging your need for a Savior and placing your faith in Jesus Christ. Recognize that you cannot earn salvation through your efforts and that it is a gift from God. Trust that Jesus’ death on the cross paid the penalty for your sins, and His resurrection offers you new life. Surrender your life to Him and commit to following His teachings. As you do this, you become a part of God’s family, forgiven and loved by Him.

Romans 10:9 – If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

Does God love me?

Yes, absolutely! God loves you unconditionally. The Bible repeatedly emphasizes God’s love for every individual. His love is not based on our merits or accomplishments but flows from His very nature as a loving and compassionate Creator. No matter what you have done or where you are in life, God’s love is constant and unchanging.

Jeremiah 31:3 – I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness .

Can God forgive me?

Yes, God can and will forgive you. One of the most beautiful aspects of God’s nature is His readiness to forgive those who genuinely seek His forgiveness. No matter what you may have done, God’s grace is available to all who come to Him with a repentant heart. When we genuinely repent and turn away from our sins, seeking God’s forgiveness through Jesus Christ, He willingly and lovingly forgives us. His forgiveness is complete, and He removes our sins from us, offering us a fresh start and a renewed relationship with Him.

1 John 1:9 – If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

What is the Bible, and why is it important?

The Bible is the sacred book of Christianity. It is God’s written word, inspired by the Holy Spirit, and contains the revelation of God’s character, His plan for humanity, and His deep love for us. Through the Scriptures, we learn about God’s faithfulness, grace, and the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Reading and studying the Bible are essential for our spiritual growth and understanding of God’s will for our lives.

2 Timothy 3:16-17  All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

How do I read the Bible?

The Bible is the record of God’s movement through human history. It is full of wisdom and through scripture, we see the love and character of God. It is a guide for how God wants us to live and love other people and ourselves. Scripture is food for the soul. It nourishes us, helps us understand our faith, and gives us hope and courage.

Psalm 119:11 – I treasure your word above all else; it keeps me from sinning against you.

How can I pray?

Prayer is a direct line of communication with God, allowing us to share our joys, concerns, and needs with Him. There is no right or wrong way to pray; it is simply talking to God from our hearts. We can pray at anytime, anywhere, about anything that weighs on our minds and hearts. Whether it’s a simple “thank you” or a cry for help, God hears our prayers and responds with love and understanding.

Philippians 4:6  Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

How can I know I am saved?

It is essential to remember that salvation is not based on feelings or emotions but on God’s promise and faithfulness. If you have genuinely placed your faith in Jesus Christ, you can rest assured that you are saved. If you ever experience doubts or struggles, don’t hesitate to seek guidance from a fellow believer who can provide support and encouragement on your spiritual journey. You can find plenty of fellow believers willing to share with you here at Bethany!

John 6:37  All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.

Do I have to attend church to be a Christian?

While church attendance isn’t required to be a Christian, fellowship amongst believers is vital for our spiritual growth and well-being. Gathering with fellow believers in a church community provides support, encouragement, and accountability. It is a place where we can worship God together, study His Word, and participate in the sacraments of baptism and communion. Being an active part of a church also gives us opportunities to serve and love others, fulfilling Christ’s command to love our neighbors as ourselves.

Hebrews 10:25  Some people have gotten out of the habit of meeting for worship, but we must not do that. We should keep on encouraging each other, especially since you know that the day of the Lord’s coming is getting closer.

How can I find hope during difficult times?

Finding hope during difficult times comes from placing our trust in God’s promises and the assurance of His presence. He is our source of strength, comfort, and hope. We can find solace in knowing that our trials are temporary, and God is working all things together for our good. Remember, everyone’s journey is unique, and seeking God’s guidance through prayer and His Word will be a source of strength and wisdom. If you have further questions or need support, feel free to reach out.

Romans 15:13  May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.comThe “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™ 

Scripture quotations marked (CEV) are from the Contemporary English Version Copyright © 1991, 1992, 1995 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.