Points from the Pastor

As the senior pastor of New Bethel Baptist, I count it an honor to serve Christ Jesus here in Hardinsburg. We are a local body of believers with deep roots and a vision of the future. Believing that God’s word is the basis for all that we are and do as Christians. Faith in Jesus is the foundation of all work with prayer in the beginning, middle, and end.

         Luke 17:1-2 Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come! It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones. <KJV>

     Another translation reads than for him to cause one of these little ones to stumble <HCSB> now the word translated here skan-dal-id'-zo means to ensnare or trap, to cause someone to sin. When we then understand that for our lives to be pleasing to God we must be obedient in that to bring Him honor we are not stumbling blocks to those around us.          We are called to bring God glory and not to bring Him scandal. As Christians  we are to live in a manor that when the world looks at us they do not see a mirrored image, instead they should see a peculiar people, ones who reflect God’s holy light into the world around them.  Or as it is written in scripture

     And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God…. “and” our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works…. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.  KJV <Romans 12:2, Matthew 5:14-15 and Titus 2:13-14>