What do we believe at Bethany?
The problem with many Christian organisations is that most people have become confused with not knowing what each one stands for. Why do we have so many if we are all about the same objective? From the time when Jesus left His disciples and ascended into heaven, and told them to keep watch because he would return to them soon, to the present day men and women have been trying to understand what the gospel writers and others meant when they wrote what we know as the New Testament.
We believe at Bethany that Jesus is God's Son - Who God sent to this earth, born of a virgin (Yes it does say virgin - What a way to start your life with a miracle!!) some 2,000 years ago. As Jesus grew up and lived the perfect life, it soon became clear to those close to Him that he was someone very unique. His first miracle was turning water into wine, then after casting out a few demons, raising some people from the dead, healing a group of lepers, giving sight to the blind and feeding a group of some 5,000 listeners it was time for Him to be crucified. He told His disciples a few weeks previously that this was going to happen so this was no great surprise when the soliders came to take Him away.Jesus was crucified and after lying in a grave for 3 days He came back to life and was seen by many people. After a period of 40 days He ascended into Heaven and told the disciples that He would come back one day (Acts 1:3) So why did such a great leader have to die?
For Jesus was the only person ever whose whole purpose for living was to die so that others might live!! - We can have a knowledge of all this because it is a historical fact, but this is not enough, we need to accept Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, how do we do this?
1. Agreeing with God that we are to blame for turning our back on Him
2. Trusting God to forgive us completely because Jesus has paid the price for our sin
3. Turning away from our old lifestyle and life a life for Jesus
After you have done this the Bible teaches us that you will receive the 'Gift of the Holy Spirit' - Acts 2:38(which will help you to live as a Christian, He will give you strength in times of weakness)
Also it is important to show people that know you family, friends etc... that you have changed from what you were to what God is making you into and the Bible teaches that the next step is to be Baptised.
This is not the end but is just the beginning of a new life as a Christian, like a child you will grow and develop as a Christian as you deepen your love and faith for and in Jesus.
