If Paul was writing a letter to the Bethel Christian Church at Parma, what
would it look like?

1940: First Pentecostal Church of Cleveland
1946: Parma Assembly of God
1960: Bethel Temple
2016: Bethel Christian

A Christian is:
Merriam Webster: “one who professes belief in the teachings of Jesus
Christ.”
Google AI: “a person who follows the teachings of Jesus Christ and believes
in his life, death, and resurrection.”

Too many “Christians” in the world only “profess belief in the teachings of
Jesus Christ” without following the teachings of Jesus Christ. The following
is what sets us apart.

#1 If we want to be known by the name “Christian,” let’s make sure OUR
FAITH IS FLOURISHING

#2 If we want to be known by the name “Christian,” let’s make sure OUR
LOVE FOR ONE ANOTHER IS GROWING

#3 If we want to be known by the name “Christian,” let’s make sure OUR
ENDURANCE IS STRONG

“Do all you can, and then do a little more; and when you can do that, then
do a little more than you can. Always have something in hand that is greater
than your present capacity. Grow up to it, and when you have grown up to
it, grow more.” Charles Spurgeon

● Is there anyone in the church that you avoid? Or that you roll your
eyes when they are mentioned?

● Is there anyone that you know of who is in need...that you could
help...that you haven’t?

● When you get to church, do you only look for your friends and not
acknowledge anyone else? Or rush to your seat with your head down
hoping that nobody at all talks to you?

● Have you invited anyone to lunch after service lately?

● Is there anyone that you are angry at for something in the past that
you refuse to forgive?

● Do you introduce yourself to visitors and tell them that you are glad
they are here (and mean it)?

Do you need more faith? Ask God!
Do you need more love? Ask God!
Do you need to be steadfast in your faith as you go through hard times? Ask
God to help you endure!