Life Against Darkness: Sealed
Letters from a Roman emperor were sealed in wax. We are sealed by the Holy Spirit. A special family service devoted to Ephesians 4.25-32.
Upcoming Events at Chesterton House
Genesis Li, Campus Engagement Coordinator, genesisli@chestertonhouse.org
Life Against Darkness: Renewed
Like a butterfly, each believer is changing from one kind of creature into another. A study of Ephesians 4.17-24.
Engage with Delight
During the discipleship mini-series, we were challenged with the idea that discipleship flows through delight—that we are what we love. If we are shaped by what we love, what are some ways that we can engage with children that are delightful to them? On Saturday March 23, from 10am-12pm we will host a community Egg […]
Life Against Darkness: Mature
Many believers are carried around by every wave of teaching. What does it really take to become mature? A study of Ephesians 4.13-16.
BG’s New Community Coordinator, Katie Winkler
As we grow, it will be increasingly important to integrate new attenders into the life of BG. We are grateful to the Lord for every person he brings to us, and we want to take good care of each one. The elders decided to open a new staff position to ensure that we are building […]
Life Against Darkness: Equipped
Jesus Christ equips us to build his Kingdom. Everything we need comes from him but he equips us through his Word and other people. A study of Ephesians 4.11-12.
The Virtue of Faith is Social
This is the conclusion we reached at Christ, Coffee, and Conversation last Sunday. Since September, college students and young adults have been gathering at the ministry center at 8:30 each Sunday morning. Over a delectable breakfast and some good coffee (courtesy of Copper Horse), we talk about spiritual formation with Pastor Matt. Specifically, we have […]
Life Against Darkness: Victorious
In Ephesians 4.7-10, Paul describes Christ’s victory parade using Psalm 68. To understand Paul’s message, we begin in Numbers 10.35.
Women Discipling Women
No one would dispute that we need to learn from one another’s stories to grow in our faith. Similarly, the process of telling our stories bears witness of God’s work of grace while solidifying our faith further still. To learn someone’s story, it helps to begin with a question—sometimes lots of questions, addressing the littlest […]
Life Against Darkness: Worthy
Every Christian is called to a high purpose. What does it mean to be worthy of that calling? A study of Ephesians 4.1-6.
The Sanctity of Human Life in 2024
Since the Dobbs decision in June 2022, in which the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, there have been at least seven state ballot initiatives on abortion. The initiatives mostly sought to establish a right to abortion or ban the practice at the state level. One initiative sought to require medical care for babies […]
Are You Scrolling Your Faith?
The discipleship agenda for Bethel Grove from Ephesians 4.1.
On The Edge of 2024
Dear Friends,Standing on the edge of 2024 invokes many questions and emotions. International conflicts and economic uncertainties, as well as individual challenges, often tempt us to retreat into perceived “safe places.” What’s true personally also can be true of any global outreach ministry. In many ways, walking into a new year requires us to look […]
BG’s New Art Team
For our study of angels during Advent, BG relaunched its arts team, a group of painters, writers, and musicians conspiring to enliven our worship. We started in August looking at how the Bible describes angels and allowing their strangeness to challenge us. At first, we were a little worried. We might succeed in showing the […]
New Year, Old Grievances
Jesus’s parable of the unmerciful servant highlights forgiveness. But what exactly is forgiveness? Why should Christians extend it to others? A study of Matthew 18.23-35.
Angels on Guard
The last time the glory of God appears in the Old Testament, it is leaving the temple. Will it ever return? Where and when?
Laying Up Our Treasures
It’s been said that where we place our treasure indicates the real priority of our hearts. Treasure can be much more than money—our time, energy, education, skills, or reputation. No preaching from me here, as God’s Word can speak it best (Matthew 6.19-20). Just something to keep in the forefront of our minds. Speaking as […]
Little Blue Pantry by Jessica Romero
Perhaps, you have seen the unassuming Little Blue Pantry off the parking lot of the Family Center andwondered what this small cabinet is doing in what seems an unlikely spot? While you won’t find the wayto Narnia, if you open its doors, you will find cereal, oatmeal, pasta, granola bars, raisins, ramen anddiapers… enough to […]
Angels on Fire
There is a world beyond what we can see. In Isaiah 6.1-7, the prophet sees beyond the earthly temple into the heavenly places, where fiery angels fly around the throne of God.
Angels in Command
A priest on duty in the temple, surrounded by symbols of angels, suddenly encounters a real one. A study of Luke 1.18-20.
Willow Glen’s Exciting Start
Willow Glen Christian School finished its first quarter just before Thanksgiving with 100 students—both full time and hybrid homeschoolers. The new Parent Teacher Fellowship has decorated the Lower school for Christmas. Leaders are planning fundraising. Curriculum teams are meeting, while budgeting and staffing plans for next year have already begun. A new website is in […]
While They’re Here With Is
Three Ithaca College seniors have served at BG since the spring of 2021. Discover more about them and how to support them in prayer as they complete their degrees. Megan Burghdorf is a Trumpet Performance Major from Middletown, PA, who also has remarkable vocal skills. She is active on BG’s worship team and leads worship […]
Angels on the Veil
Angels are everywhere when Jesus is born. They visit an elderly priest, a young woman, and a carpenter. They surprise shepherds in the middle of the night. What are these beings and why are they so prominent when Messiah appears? To get started finding answers, we look at the veil in Israel’s tabernacle (Exodus 26.31).
Operation Christmas Child 2023
by Barb Masser Drop-Off Center Coordinator A big “thank you” goes out to Bethel Grove for all of your support with Operation Christmas Child. We had a great National Collection Week at the Drop Off Center located on our church campus in the Family Center (white building). 737 shoeboxes were collected! Bethel Grove was responsible […]
Your Faith – the Fruit of Someone’s Prayers
Today, I’d like to coin a new acronym – FOMP – Fear of Missing Prayer. Sound silly? I maintain that believers in Jesus Christ should want to seize opportunities to pray together. In other words, we should fear missing out on such a precious privilege. I personally do not like the word should. But brothers […]
Life Against Darkness: Adore
Paul gives one of the Bible’s great benedictions in Ephesians 3.20-21, adoring the Father for his power. This blessing is especially important to meditate on when you don’t feel blessed.
Life Is Worth Fighting For
Imagine entering a banquet room with twinkling lights and hearing the chatter of almost 300 people sitting at round tables. All share one common purpose: partnering with Finger Lakes Pregnancy Care (FLPC) “to apply the Gospel of Jesus Christ by providing emotional, spiritual and practical help to those facing crisis pregnancy or post-abortion trauma and […]
Life Against Darkness: Comprehend
We comprehend the love of Christ together, like a band learns music. We explore Paul’s prayer for the Church in Ephesians 3.14-19.
Expanding Roles for Director of Student Ministries
BG is focused on developing people for ministry. Last August, the elders appointed Teddy Yesudasan as Director of Student Ministries (DSM). The elders do not usually ask members to vote on non-pastoral positions. In our quarterly meeting today, however, we are asking members to approve a new concept. Teddy has felt called to pastoral ministry […]
Paying Attention to the Word
A small group of children, huddling together, crept slowly through the woods. Theycommunicated only through small chirps, sneaking past a teen who ominously glowered at themlike a menacing owl. The pretended threat of danger was still thrilling, heightening their sensesas they scoured the leaf-litter for a package of hidden snacks. Chirping alarms as another teen […]
Life Against Darkness: Reveal
Paul’s life was full of personal suffering but he always pointed to the revelation of God’s plan. Each one of us has a role in revealing God’s hidden wisdom. A study of Ephesians 3.7-13.
Life Against Darkness: Read
Paul does something revolutionary in the ancient world. He writes open letters so that all believers will know the secrets of Christ. Normally, religions thrive on secrets. But not Christianity. Paul’s faith in Jesus thrives on openness.
BG’s Legacy of Missions Continues
The Traveling Team documents that Americans spend more on Halloween costumes for their pets than they give to missions. That’s scary! But it’s not the case at BG. A major portion of our budget goes to missions both locally and globally, surpassing the national average at about 20%. BG has a missions legacy. Joseph Grimes, […]
Life Against Darkness: Understand
Paul calls himself a “prisoner of Christ.” In Ephesians 3, he wants us to understand why he thinks of himself that way. Paul’s authority as an apostle is crucial to his teaching about why Jesus died on the cross and rose again.
Partnership In The Gospel
The New Testament letters to churches all share one revolutionary feature. They are addressed to the whole assembly of believers. They were read out to the entire church and explained by the mailman—sometimes Timothy, sometimes Titus. In Ephesians, the mailman was a little-known member of Paul’s team named Tychicus (Ephesians 6.21-22). The letters were not […]
Life Against Darkness: Unite
Like stones in a wall, Christ unites different people together. The day after terrorists invaded Israel, BG studied one of the most important passages in the Bible on peace, Ephesians 2.11-22.
BG Women to Study with Beth Moore
Do you want to experience Scripture coming alive and to see its relevance to your life? You can also have the opportunity to spend casual time with BG women and enjoy a variety of delicious soups and pies. Saturdays are precious but so is this opportunity! Scripture can inspire, heal, and change hearts and minds. […]
Life Against Darkness: Walk
You can learn a lot from someone’s shoes. In this study of Ephesians 2.1-10, we trace humanity’s radical problem to how we walk. Christ, our radical solution, recreates us to walk in good works. (6th in the series.)
With Dirt and Fire
Through the Bible, we read stories of Jesus’ life and the parables that he uses to teach his followers—back then and today! During BG Nature Camp and our new school break Nature Days, we will create games, activities, and crafts that point back to the stories Jesus lived and told. Jesus’ parable of the sower […]
Lunching with God’s Holy People
Lunching With God’s Holy People On the morning of September 7th I woke up grumpy. I sat in the garden, Bible open, reading from 1 Peter. The end of verse 1:8 leapt out: “you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory.” I recorded the whole verse in my notebook and wrote, “Lord, help […]
Life Against Darkness: See
Selections from BG’s Fall Family Service studying Ephesians 1.19-23. How can we see the power of God with our hearts? (5th in the series.)
Life Against Darkness: Pray
Ancient Ephesians believed that the theater, with its masked actors, chants, and music, was an access point to the power of Dionysus. In Ephesians 1.15-18, the apostle Paul teaches that Christ offers access to God directly to each individual. (4th in the series.)
Fall Kickoff 2023 – Fellowship, Food, & Fun
You might remember last year’s ministry fair and its shoutout to all things football. Information highlighting each BG ministry was passed between “players” on the four E teams of Equip, Evangelize, Exalt, and Encourage in an attempt to recruit new team members. Fall Kickoff is back but the 2023 version has a new twist. What […]
Life Against Darkness: Believe
What does it mean to believe in Jesus? Is it personal, or is faith in Christ larger than just our own experience? When the Ephesians believed in Christ, they intended something more radical than we do. (3rd in the series.)
Creating Stories with BG Youth
In August, about twenty high schoolers and volunteers camped at Roger’s Rock in Lake George, NY. Paddle boarding, hiking, swimming, tie-dyeing, and cooking were some of the activities we enjoyed at DAKS (short for Adirondacks). Tie-dyeing and fried Oreos were highlights for most kids. In the evenings, we gathered for teaching on Jonah by Cameron […]
Life Against Darkness: Bless
The Roman Pantheon was a temple to all the gods and goddesses of the empire. Peace was secure because no god claimed superiority. But Paul in Ephesians preaches that Christ is the head over all things–a message as radical today as it was then. (2nd in the series.)
One Hour in February
Dean Shea and The Destroyer!
Life Against Darkness: Stand
What has Jesus Christ accomplished in the heavenly places? He has enabled us to stand against darkness. In this introduction to the book of Ephesians, we study Ephesians 6.10-12.
Corporate Prayer
New Director of Student Ministries Teddy Yesudasan joins Matt to talk about corporate prayer and the meaning of community. This final study in the series looks at Psalm 115.
Solitary Prayer
Returning Bethel Grove elder John Sanderson joins Matt to discuss an example of solitary prayer in Jeremiah 32. (6th in the series.)
The Goal of Prayer
Aaron Hicks and his family have been connected with Bethel Grove since 1990. They serve as church planters in Spain. Aaron joins Matt to talk about John 16.16-24. (5th in the series.)
Jesus’s Model Prayer
Longtime Bethel Grove member Ruth Walker joins Matt for a study of the famous model prayer in Matthew 6.9-15. (4th in the series.)
Jesus on Prayer
Bethel Grove elder Gabe Carpenter joins Matt to discuss Jesus’s teaching about hypocrisy in prayer (Mt 6.5-8). This recording has been edited to remove sections with very poor audio. You will still hear a faint echo in some portions. We apologize. (3rd in the series.)
An Example of Prayer
Bethel Grove elder Brian Richards talks with Matt about Colossians 1.9-14. This passage is an example of how Paul prayed for his fellow believers.
The Call to Pray
Bethel Grove elder Teddy Yesudasan joins Matt to discuss Colossians 4.2-4, Paul’s command to pray. (1st in the series.)
A Key to the Whole Bible: Faith
In this final sermon of the series, we see how Abraham’s faith grew throughout his life. A study of Hebrews 11.8-19.
A Key to the Whole Bible: Blessing
Abraham became a nation, just as God promised. But there was animosity between Abraham’s nation and the Gentiles. In this study of Romans 4, we learn how God made a bridge to all nations through Abraham. (8th sermon in the series.)
A Key to the Whole Bible: Jesus
People often treat Jesus as an inkblot test–as a projection of whatever they think he is. But when Jesus speaks for himself, like he does in John 8, he talks about his direct connection with Abraham. (7th in the series.)
A Key to the Whole Bible: Repentance
Does Abraham matter in the New Testament? He certainly matters to a priest named Zechariah and his son John, who calls Israel to show the fruit of repentance. A study of Luke 1 and 3. (6th in the series.)
A Key to the Whole Bible: Name
God’s covenant with Abraham shows up in some unexpected places, like Psalm 47. In this family service, we study the name “God Most High.” (5th sermon in the series.)
A Key to the Whole Bible: Kingdom
How does God’s covenant with Abraham relate to the other covenants in the Bible? (4th sermon in the series.)
A Key to the Whole Bible: Fidelity
What can save Israel when it commits idolatry at Mt. Sinai? We find out that Moses knows the answer in this study of Exodus 32.1-14. (3rd sermon in the series.)
A Key to the Whole Bible: Struggle
God promised Abram that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars. But Abram struggled to believe God’s covenant, and so did every generation after him. A study in Genesis 15.1-6 and other passages. (2nd sermon in the series.)
A Key to the Whole Bible: Abram
How can we turn away from fabricated gods to the Living God? By knowing the ways God revealed himself in the Bible. This first sermon in a new study introduces a key to understanding the whole Bible–God’s covenant with Abraham.
Jesus Focuses Peter’s Camera
How does the resurrected Jesus relate to people? For Easter Sunday, a look at John 21.
The Camera Angles on Jesus
Why did so many 1st century people miss the power of Jesus’s death and resurrection? In this Palm Sunday sermon, we study John 12.1-26.
The Redeemer and Ruth: Plan
At the end of the Ruth, we learn that Boaz starts a royal line. God’s plan for redeeming the world becomes amazingly clear. (Final sermon in the series.)
The Redeemer and Ruth: Redemption
Boaz goes to the city gate to redeem Ruth. A study of Ruth 4.1-12. (8th in the series.)
The Redeemer and Ruth: Wings
This was a special service involving all ages that told the story of Ruth and Boaz. This video contains selections from the service, bloopers and all. (7th in the series.)
The Redeemer and Ruth: Recognition
Boaz reveals why he is showing such favor to Ruth the Moabite. A study of Ruth 2.8-23. (6th in the series.)
The Redeemer and Ruth: Field
Ruth the Moabite ventures out into the fields of Bethlehem to glean. Will she be welcome? A study of Ruth 2.1-7. (5th in the series.)
The Redeemer and Ruth: Return
Two widows enter Bethlehem, one an Israelite, the other a Moabite. How will Ruth the Moabite be received? A study of Ruth 1.19-22. (4th in the series.)
The Redeemer and Ruth: Conversion
Three widows stand at the border of Moab. Should they go to Israel? A study of Ruth 1.6-18. (3rd in the series.)
The Redeemer and Ruth: Moab
Second sermon in the series “The Redeemer and Ruth.” Why is the story of Ruth under such a shadow of doom? The answer takes us to the nation of Moab. (In the final 10 minutes, the audio and video lose their sync. Apologies!)
The Redeemer and Ruth: Famine
The first sermon in a series on Ruth examining the background of Ruth 1.1-5.
Trails: BG and Families
Amid the chaos of contemporary life, the top priority of Bethel Grove in the coming years is raising up godly decision-makers.
How to Start a New Season
In 1 Corinthians, Paul teaches us how to cross chasms that appear impossible. Matt gives personal reflections on building well at the beginning of ministry at Bethel Grove.
Safe House: Glory
On Christmas Day, we consider what Caesar Augustus knew and when he knew it. (Last in the series “Safe House”).
Safe House: Love
The angel Gabriel leaves Jerusalem for Nazareth, a town where nothing ever happens. He speaks to a young woman named Mary. (4th in the series “Safe House.”)
Safe House: Joy
A bitter priest discovers God’s grace after serving in the temple. (3rd in the series “Safe House.”)
Safe House: Peace
Solomon dedicates the temple (1 Kings 8) and teaches Israel about the real safe house God is building. (2nd in the series “Safe House.”)
Safe House: Hope
Many people feel vulnerable this year. Inflation. Disease. Crime. The Bible speaks to our anxieties, telling a Christmas story that is often forgotten. God built a safe house for us in Jesus Christ. It’s a story of hope when your home is threatened, peace when your home is troubled, joy when it is blessed, and […]