https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/bethelpresbyterian/podcasts/48770/ The newest sermons from Bethel Presbyterian Church on SermonAudio. Religion & Spirituality Bethel Presbyterian Church http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification https://vps.sermonaudio.com/resize_image/sources/podcast/1440/1440/bethelpresbyterian.jpg https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/bethelpresbyterian/podcasts/48770/ en Mon, 16 Mar 2026 20:28:52 +0000 30 Greg Thurston no The newest sermons from Bethel Presbyterian Church on SermonAudio. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/bethelpresbyterian/sermons/121121633171 The focus of this sermon is the Sabbath (Is. 58:13-14). (1) the original intent behind the Sabbath. (2) the place/purpose of the Sabbath in the Mosaic covenant (a national sign of devotion). (3) the inclination of God's people upon their return with regard to the Sabbath (and any religious activity), and (4) Isaiah's message to the nation, Is. 58:13-14 (which essentially was: don't use this or any religious activity to manipulate favor from God; use them for their purpose- to love, know, adore, and serve Christ). https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/bethelpresbyterian/sermons/121121633171 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 02 Dec 2012 12:00:00 +0000 Greg Thurston 0:55:45 no Greg Thurston - Isaiah https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/bethelpresbyterian/sermons/1124121919250 The focus is Isaiah 58:8-12 and the consequences of ceasing to manipulate God. The tendency in Christianity is to make plans, labor at building our kingdom (even if it appears we are building God's), and through it all to ask God to bless us. Then when we enter into the valley of weeping, we are thrown for a loop wondering why God is being so mean. The key word is the “then” of Isaiah 58:8. It indicates that the blessings of Isaiah 58:8-12 will be enjoyed when/if we are brought to the end of game-playing and long to know, interact, and serve Christ on His terms. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/bethelpresbyterian/sermons/1124121919250 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 25 Nov 2012 12:00:00 +0000 Greg Thurston 0:58:08 no Greg Thurston - Isaiah https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/bethelpresbyterian/sermons/1117121651578 God in His providence oft-times places us in circumstances which are less than desirable. And while as co-laborers with God we have been charged with fighting against these undesirable circumstances, nevertheless there are times when the Christian is left to live with the deformities of sin: ill-health, chronic pain, aging, the loss of a loved one, soured relationships, etc. Now clearly in Scripture we are exhorted never to settle when it comes to the bitterness of life. But there are times when the bitterness of life settles upon us, and we are left to live in its aftermath. At these times, we must not long for the good ‘ol days, but press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/bethelpresbyterian/sermons/1117121651578 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 18 Nov 2012 12:00:00 +0000 Greg Thurston 0:56:03 no Greg Thurston - Isaiah https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/bethelpresbyterian/sermons/1110121811343 The theme focuses on the reward of the Christian who ministers in the midst of failure. The Reward referenced in Isaiah 49:4 is twofold: (1) God approves of us in and through all things and (2) the more we serve in Christ's name the deeper our walk/relationship with the Lord. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/bethelpresbyterian/sermons/1110121811343 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 11 Nov 2012 12:00:00 +0000 Greg Thurston 0:53:00 no Greg Thurston - Isaiah https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/bethelpresbyterian/sermons/102712171821 Few in the body of Christ don't understand that they have been made servants of God. Yet few understand what this means. By this designation, most believe that God is on their side. In truth, we have been made to be on God's side and so servants to His will. This commission therefore must not be done according to the inclination of man, but by the word God. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/bethelpresbyterian/sermons/102712171821 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 28 Oct 2012 12:00:00 +0000 Greg Thurston 0:51:38 no Greg Thurston - Isaiah https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/bethelpresbyterian/sermons/1020121654340 These are the study notes for the sermon of October 21, 2012 Proposition: The “Servant of God” sanctifies God's People such that we are called to live as the “Israel” God intended us to be. Fallen Condition Focus: At times life brings the child of God to the end of himself such that they are tempted to give up. They believe themselves to be sinful and weak; why keep going? Yet because of the work and example of Christ, we have become the true Israel and so must never give up. Rather, we must entrust our souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right! https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/bethelpresbyterian/sermons/1020121654340 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 21 Oct 2012 12:00:00 +0000 Greg Thurston 0:52:53 no Greg Thurston - Isaiah https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/bethelpresbyterian/sermons/1014121312467 https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/bethelpresbyterian/sermons/1014121312467 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 14 Oct 2012 12:00:00 +0000 Greg Thurston 0:55:09 no Greg Thurston - Isaiah https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/bethelpresbyterian/sermons/1071213312210 There are two tasks in mind as we look at any text. The first is to handle it faithfully. And secondly our goal is to become familiar with the ongoing flow of this prophecy. That means we will have to explain the contents of Isaiah 28-39. Yet this really is not two tasks, for Isaiah 28-39 truly is the background for the glorious call of Isaiah 40:1-11! https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/bethelpresbyterian/sermons/1071213312210 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 07 Oct 2012 12:00:00 +0000 Greg Thurston 1:01:12 no Greg Thurston - Isaiah https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/bethelpresbyterian/sermons/92312135454 After being informed of the very difficult road that lay in front of him, a road which included being crucified-, Peter wondered about John, “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” John 21:21, “Peter therefore seeing him said to Jesus, ‘Lord, and what about this man?’” What is it about men that we are not content with knowing God’s will for our life? It seems as though we must know God’s will for others. Think of the laborers in the vineyard. When they were first hired, they were content to work for a denarii. But when they found out that others who worked far less received a denarii, they rebelled (Matthew 20:12). For example, let’s assume that it is year-end bonus time and you are going to receive $2,000.00. Initially you are thrilled, until you discover that a co-worker got $3,000.00 and others got $5,000.00. Amazing! And yet, God’s response to Peter essentially was, “Don’t worry about others! Worry about how you ought to follow Me!” https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/bethelpresbyterian/sermons/92312135454 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 23 Sep 2012 12:00:00 +0000 Greg Thurston 0:58:27 no Greg Thurston - Isaiah https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/bethelpresbyterian/sermons/91612133240 Hebrews 11 is one of the more beautiful passages of Scripture. It not only contains an inspiring call for each of us to rely upon Christ in and through all things, but it says it so wonderfully. Hebrews 11:32-34, “And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.” Now we read this passage and respond in our minds with a resounding “Amen! God give me such a faith!” But when it comes to where we live, I don’t think we are so convinced. Yes, I am an alien and so a sojourner in this land… but I’ve got a house to care for and a family to feed. I’m glad that through faith “the mouths of lion’s were shut” and “armies were put to flight”; yet if I don’t live among the Romans as a Roman, I’ll lose my job! https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/bethelpresbyterian/sermons/91612133240 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 16 Sep 2012 12:00:00 +0000 Greg Thurston 0:55:49 no Greg Thurston - Isaiah https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/bethelpresbyterian/sermons/99121343411 In 1992, a man by the name of Rodney King was severely beaten by four Los Angeles Police officers and it was caught on tape! The policemen were arrested and tried as criminals for their conduct. In the end, all the policemen were exonerated; declared not guilty by a mostly white jury. So many in the black community of L.A. were enraged, they literally burned down their own neighborhoods, looted their own stores, and destroyed their own lives! In all fifty-three people were killed and over 2,000 were injured. This is but one example of the folly of our sin! In the name of sinful pride, we do all sorts of stupid things which ultimately hurt ourselves. Men forfeit their jobs because their pride won’t allow them to submit to a co-worker. We ruin vacations and free time smoldering over the actions of another, ignorant of our own offenses. We remain alienated from those we love because we are too proud to say we are sorry. And perhaps the worst of all, we refuse to submit to God lest we lose control or autonomy over our lives! https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/bethelpresbyterian/sermons/99121343411 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 09 Sep 2012 12:00:00 +0000 Greg Thurston 0:56:53 no Greg Thurston - Isaiah https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/bethelpresbyterian/sermons/9212132010 The Old Testament Prophets are some of the most important words that this generation of Christians could ever hear. If you want to know God’s opinion concerning many of the controversial topics facing the church today; i.e., worship, the place and importance of doctrine in our lives, preaching, music, and many more such things, the study of the prophets addresses these, if not all of the controversies and struggles currently facing the church. Many of us think the issues we face are so new. In reality, the people of God in the Old Testament struggled with the very same things. This is the reason God sent His prophets to give a Divine commentary on each issue! Truly, we need the content of these books in our generation! The book of Isaiah was penned from 740 B.C. all the way down to 681 B.C. Yet, Isaiah addresses a much larger crowd than just his generation. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/bethelpresbyterian/sermons/9212132010 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 02 Sep 2012 12:00:00 +0000 Greg Thurston 0:54:56 no Greg Thurston - Isaiah https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/bethelpresbyterian/sermons/8261213175210 https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/bethelpresbyterian/sermons/8261213175210 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 26 Aug 2012 12:00:00 +0000 Greg Thurston 1:00:44 no Greg Thurston - Isaiah https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/bethelpresbyterian/sermons/81912132474 The Old Testament Prophets are some of the most important words that this generation of Christians could ever hear. If you want to know God’s opinion concerning many of the controversial topics facing the church today; i.e., worship, the place and importance of doctrine in our lives, preaching, music, and many more such things, the study of the prophets addresses these, if not all of the controversies and struggles currently facing the church. Many of us think the issues we face are so new. In reality, the people of God in the Old Testament struggled with the very same things. This is the reason God sent His prophets to give a Divine commentary on each issue! Truly, we need the content of these books in our generation! The book of Isaiah was penned from 740 B.C. all the way down to 681 B.C. Yet, Isaiah addresses a much larger crowd than just his generation. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/bethelpresbyterian/sermons/81912132474 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 19 Aug 2012 12:00:00 +0000 Greg Thurston 0:59:58 no Greg Thurston - Isaiah https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/bethelpresbyterian/sermons/812121330182 The world in which we live truly is a veil of tears. Christ said, “…in the world you have tribulation…” (John 16:33)- this is not a promise, but a statement of fact. In this life, there is going to be suffering. In fact, Paul said, “For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake.” (Philippians 1:29) If it wasn’t bad enough that the world in which we live is fallen, get this: one of the reasons we have been saved is that we might suffer! Now the suffering we undergo is vast and varied. Some of it will be on account of: •Our own sin, 1 Peter 2:20a. •Another’s sin, Jonah 1:10. •The state of sin and misery into which we have been born, Matthew 6:34. Yet it is God’s plan to use ALL OF IT for His glory and our good. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/bethelpresbyterian/sermons/812121330182 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 12 Aug 2012 12:00:00 +0000 Greg Thurston 0:48:51 no Greg Thurston - Isaiah https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/bethelpresbyterian/sermons/891293086 If you knew a loved one was going to have a difficult go of it, what would you tell them? This was the world which Isaiah faced. He knew that his generation was going to face severe trial and difficulty. As such he wrote this epistle to prepare them for the crucible, specifically Isaiah 6-12. In Isaiah 6-12 Isaiah introduces us to the “Immanuel Principle” specifically, out of the devastation of the sin and misery of this life, God preserves His own for He is always with them! That was the significance of: •The child born in Isaiah’s day named, “Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14). •The child born of Mary 2,000 years ago who also bore the name, “Immanuel” (Matthew 1:23). And, surprisingly, in Isaiah God deigned to append this title, “Immanuel,” to his people, two times! Isaiah 8:8, “Then it [speaking of the flood waters of Assyria] will sweep on into Judah, it will overflow and pass through, it will reach even to the neck; and the spread of its wings will fill the breadth of your land, O Immanuel.” https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/bethelpresbyterian/sermons/891293086 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 05 Aug 2012 12:00:00 +0000 Greg Thurston 0:57:56 no Greg Thurston - Isaiah https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/bethelpresbyterian/sermons/72912131995 https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/bethelpresbyterian/sermons/72912131995 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 29 Jul 2012 12:00:00 +0000 Greg Thurston 1:02:49 no Greg Thurston - Isaiah https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/bethelpresbyterian/sermons/72212136233 https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/bethelpresbyterian/sermons/72212136233 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 22 Jul 2012 12:00:00 +0000 Greg Thurston 0:55:47 no Greg Thurston - Isaiah https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/bethelpresbyterian/sermons/624121329520 In many sporting competitions, there is a thing known as the half time. It is an extended break in which the teams go into their locker room to lick their wounds, regroup, and evaluate strategy. Now invariably in almost every sport with a half time, there is the “Half Time Talk”! This is that moment, right before the team once again takes the field, where the coach gives an inspiring speech to lift the spirit of the team, throw light on a dark future, and so build up the hope and confidence of the players. It is my privilege to give the half time charge which God intends all His servants to receive Isaiah penned this chapter not only to convey the call that God placed on his life, but also to convey the call that God has placed on the lives of all His people! Thus far we have seen that the call to kingdom service involves a contradiction. On the one hand the minister laments his own weakness and inability (v. 5). On the other, he beholds the grace of God (vv. 6-7) which comforts him and so emboldens him to serve (v. 8). And so he goes from struggling with a profound sense of his insufficiency to an overwhelming desire to serve. That’s the contradiction out of which ministry arises! It also involves a commissioning (vv. 8b-9a) which as we saw is august, greatly to be desired, and yet one which will place great demands on us. Notice thirdly, the call to kingdom service involves a difficult calling. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/bethelpresbyterian/sermons/624121329520 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 24 Jun 2012 12:00:00 +0000 Greg Thurston 0:54:45 no Greg Thurston - Isaiah https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/bethelpresbyterian/sermons/617121336563 Now in our culture “being a servant” no longer is attached to a trade or profession, it is easy to take these passages as if they were an ideal. Yet in Paul’s day, the call to be a servant had concrete implications. A “servant” in Bible times referenced a profession, calling, or class. It was not simply a mindset, but something you actually became. This ought to instruct us! Truly in Christ we are not simply to cultivate a servant’s heart, but we are to view ourselves as nothing less than a bondservant of God! Isaiah understood this quite well. We have been examining that which went into the making of Isaiah into a servant of God (Isaiah 6:1-7). Isaiah 6 details Isaiah’s formal commissioning as a servant of the Lord. And yet we’ve seen that this passage contains far more than Isaiah’s commissioning. What is written here contains principles which can be said to be true of ALL servants of Christ… including you and me! https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/bethelpresbyterian/sermons/617121336563 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 17 Jun 2012 12:00:00 +0000 Greg Thurston 0:46:46 no Greg Thurston - Isaiah https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/bethelpresbyterian/sermons/610121324444 https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/bethelpresbyterian/sermons/610121324444 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 10 Jun 2012 12:00:00 +0000 Greg Thurston 0:47:38 no Greg Thurston - Isaiah https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/bethelpresbyterian/sermons/527121335218 https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/bethelpresbyterian/sermons/527121335218 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 27 May 2012 12:00:00 +0000 Greg Thurston 1:00:41 no Greg Thurston - Isaiah https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/bethelpresbyterian/sermons/520121351243 https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/bethelpresbyterian/sermons/520121351243 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 20 May 2012 12:00:00 +0000 Greg Thurston 0:56:11 no Greg Thurston - Isaiah https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/bethelpresbyterian/sermons/56121541215 https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/bethelpresbyterian/sermons/56121541215 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 06 May 2012 12:00:00 +0000 Greg Thurston 0:51:27 no Greg Thurston - Isaiah https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/bethelpresbyterian/sermons/429121725423 In Proverbs 29 we are warned against placing our confidence in man. Proverbs 29:25-26, “The fear of man brings a snare, but he who trusts in the Lord will be exalted. Many seek the ruler’s favor, but justice for man comes from the Lord.” This is an important exhortation, for our tendency is (a) to surround ourselves with men and women whom we can trust, and then (b) to lean on them for support. Yet you must see, in the words of this Proverb, this always “will bring a snare” for man at his best, at best is a sinner. Think of it; the heroes of our faith have some pretty bad character flaws: •Adam was a joke when it came to being a protector of his home. •Noah had a drinking problem. •Abraham was a liar. •Isaac a weak leader. •Jacob a deceiver. •Joseph struggled with arrogance and pride. •Moses was a murderer. •David an adulterer, liar, and murder. •Solomon was a womanizer. •Peter struggled with pride as well as cowardice. •Thomas had a critical spirit. •James and John struggled with a bad temper and so were aptly named, “the Sons of Thunder.” •Matthew was a tax-collector which meant he learned to get by on manipulation. •Paul had to be kept by God from his sinful pride. •Timothy was a weak leader. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/bethelpresbyterian/sermons/429121725423 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 29 Apr 2012 12:00:00 +0000 Greg Thurston 1:03:46 no Greg Thurston - Isaiah https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/bethelpresbyterian/sermons/422121749463 https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/bethelpresbyterian/sermons/422121749463 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 22 Apr 2012 12:00:00 +0000 Greg Thurston 1:08:28 no Greg Thurston - Isaiah https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/bethelpresbyterian/sermons/41512182417 https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/bethelpresbyterian/sermons/41512182417 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 15 Apr 2012 12:00:00 +0000 Greg Thurston 1:03:56 no Greg Thurston - Isaiah