The mission of Bethel is to love God, love people, and make disciples of Jesus Christ. This mission is rooted in Matthew 22:37-40 and Matthew 28:19-20. Loving God requires wholehearted devotion, loving people flows from that love, and making disciples is our divine command. We are called to live intentionally, drawing near to God and letting His love overflow to others. This is not just our mission; it's the essence of our faith and purpose as a church.

Elder Drew reflects on attending a church leaders conference, where he learned that "you have to let Christ work in you before he works through you." This realization led to a personal transformation, likened to being "gutted" and "filleted" like a fish, as God worked to reveal the best within him. The sermon then explores the Beatitudes from the Sermon on the Mount, emphasizing that the kingdom of heaven is both a present reality and a future promise for believers.

The church is more than a building or social club; it's the beloved bride of Christ, a gathered body of believers, a vibrant community, and a witness to the world. Ephesians 5:25-27 reminds us of Christ's sacrificial love for His church, calling us to cherish and respect it. As a unified body, we are called to live in genuine community, growing through discipleship and accountability, and to shine as a beacon of hope, embodying and declaring the gospel to all.