April 12, 2026
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Sunday Worship
Prelude: As For Me And My House
Welcome & Announcements
This Is Our God
Jesus Paid It All
Bethany Family Prayer
Ancient Of Days
Holy Holy Holy
Sermon: Gospel Rebirth
Benediction
Weekly Schedule
View our calendar HERE for the weekly schedule.
Highlights
Annual Meeting & Single Service
Sunday, April 19th
Our Annual Meeting is a time to hear ministry updates and, if you are a member, participate in voting on the annual budget and elected officers. We’ve scheduled the morning to allow more people to attend and take part in this important meeting.
We will have a single service at 9:30 AM (no Sunday School, ABC’s, or Children’s Church). Nursery will be available during both the service and the Annual Meeting. The Annual Meeting will follow the service at 11:00 AM, with lunch provided afterwards.
VBS Save the Date
June 22nd
-
26th, 2026
VBS is about 10 weeks away. We want to let you know you can start registering your children as well as let us know if you can volunteer to jump in to help us make VBS happen this year. Don’t forget to mark your calendar! Visit bethanycentral.org/vbs for more info.
Sign up for our Bulletin Email
The best way to stay up to date with everything happening here at Bethany is by signing up for our weekly digital bulletin. It’s sent out every Friday morning and includes all the events and important items we can’t cover from the stage. You can sign up at bethanycentral.org/bulletin or by scanning the QR code during announcements. And if you prefer, you can always pick up a printed copy at the welcome tables near the sanctuary entrances. We don’t want you to miss what’s going on here!
Announcements
Membership Vote Next Week
We are excited to vote on the following people for membership into our church family next Sunday. If you have any questions, please contact an elder.
- Ethan Downing
- Ashley Easley
- Brendan and Katie Streitmatter
Church Office Closed
The building will be closed on Sunday, April 13, and Wednesday, April 16, due to a scheduled solar panel hookup and power outage. Please plan accordingly, as there will be no power during these times. Thank you for your understanding!
Student Biblical Work Ethic Workshop
April 25th, 8:30am–12:00pm
Bethany families are invited to a workshop focused on developing a biblical view of work. Parents will be equipped with ways to cultivate a strong work ethic in their children, while students will learn to honor Christ in their work. The day includes a light breakfast, two sessions, fellowship, and lunch. Each family will receive a book and helpful resources. Childcare is available for 5th grade and under, and families of all ages are welcome!
Middle School Spring Retreat
May 1st – 3rd, 2026
This weekend is a great opportunity for students to build friendships, have fun, and grow in God’s Word. This year’s theme is Sharpening Your Sword: Effective Bible Study, helping students learn practical ways to understand and apply Scripture in everyday life. The retreat will be held at Faith Bible Camp in Yates City, IL. Parents are responsible for drop-off and pick-up.
Child-Dedication Class
Sunday, April 26th, 9:00 am
For those who wish to have their child dedicated but have never attended the class. We will cover what child dedication is, basic parenting principles, and give an overview of Bethany resources. Contact the church office to register. The next dedication will be held on May 10th, 2026.
Ladies Craft Night
Thursday, April 23rd, 6:00 pm
Join us for a Ladies Craft Night filled with creativity and conversation! We’ll be working with beautiful pressed flowers to create unique keepsakes—either mounting them on wooden plaques or using Mod Podge to decorate glass candle holders. No experience is needed—just come and enjoy a relaxing evening of crafting and connection!
Discussion Questions
Icebreaker: What is something you usually try to do without following the directions (IKEA furniture, recipes, new technology, etc.)?
Discussion 1: Paul addresses the concern that emphasizing grace might somehow promote sin, firmly rejecting that idea (vv.17–18). Why do you think people often assume that grace will lead to careless living? How does Paul’s response help clarify what true gospel freedom actually produces? Why is it a misunderstanding of the Gospel to think that grace gives us a license to sin?
Application 1: Where do you see the temptation to swing between legalism and license? How does trusting Christ’s work, rather than your own effort, help you walk in obedience without fear or rebellion?
Discussion 2: Paul says in verse 19, “For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God.” This is a confusing but powerful statement. What does it mean that the law itself leads to a “death to the law”? How does this change the way we understand motivation for obedience and growth?
Application 2: It is common for believers to rely on a “formula” (like a quiet time checklist or a set of moral rules) to feel connected to God. What is one religious routine you find yourself doing out of a sense of obligation rather than a genuine desire to connect with God? What would it look like to live more fully “to God” rather than trying to manage your standing before Him?
Discussion 3: Verse 20 is the climax: “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” What is the difference between your old self (“I”) and your new self (“Christ who lives in me”)? Why is describing this change as a crucifixion (a death) more accurate than describing it as a renovation or self-improvement?
Application 3: Paul says, “The life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God.” What is one area of your life (e.g., spending, parenting, professional ambition) that you have been trying to control or manage through your own effort? What would it look like to consciously hand over control of that area to the “faith of the Son of God” this week? How does the gospel redefine what you believe actually leads to life and freedom?
