May 3, 2026
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Sunday Worship
Prelude: By Faith
Welcome & Announcements
Praise the LORD Ye Heavens
Jesus
Ministry Focus: Buddy Ministry Video
Bethany Family Prayer
All Sufficient Merit
Sermon: Gospel Promise
Rock of Ages
Communion
Benediction
Weekly Schedule
View our calendar HERE for the weekly schedule.
Highlights
Buddies Ministry – Serve with Us
This Sunday, you’ll hear how our Buddies Ministry is helping kids and students with special needs feel known, supported, and hear the gospel.
If you’d like to be part of a team and make that kind of impact, learn more and sign up at bethanycentral.org/buddies.
Summer Kick-Off Service
Sunday, May 24th, 9:30 am
Kick off summer with us at our single outdoor service (weather permitting) followed by a church-wide picnic. This is a great Sunday to connect with others from Bethany, build relationships, and enjoy time together as a church family. There will be no Sunday School, Children’s Church, or ABC’s that day.
Children's Ministry: Moooooove Up Day
Sunday, May 31st
We’re excited to move all of our kids—3’s, Pre-K, and Elementary—up to their next class on the same day!
In the past, Elementary moved up in the fall, but this year everyone promotes together. Be sure to check the banners above each classroom for your child’s new class.
Announcements
College Student Letters & Gift Cards
We will send letters to our college students in a few weeks, letting them know we are praying for them. We include gift cards to bless them. If you would like to contribute, please drop off $10 gift cards from various restaurants, coffee houses, or stores by May 10th. If you have a college student, email their address to abby@bethanycentral.org so we can include them in our list.
BEST Lunch & Learn – Midwest Food Bank
Monday, May 11th, 11:00 am
BEST (Boomers Engaged in Serving and Sharing Together) is hosting a Lunch & Learn featuring Midwest Food Bank, a ministry dedicated to sharing the love of Christ by alleviating hunger and providing disaster relief. Register on myBethany or call the church office at 309-692-1755.
Ladies Bible Studies Starting Soon!
Bethany offers ongoing and short-term Ladies’ Bible Studies with morning, afternoon, and evening options available. Join a four-week study through Ruth by David Platt. This study shows that Ruth is more than a love story—it’s a powerful picture of God’s redemption in our lives. Books are available for $5. Register through myBethany or call the church office for more information.
Baby Shower for Grace Powell
Saturday, May 9th, 10:00 am
All ladies are invited to a baby shower for Grace Powell on Saturday, May 9, at 10 AM in the lakeside room. Grace and Dalton are expecting a baby boy in June. They are registered on Amazon.
Lost & Found Items
Items will be Donated May 15th
If you have a moment this week please check the lost and found to collect any items that may be yours. In just a few weeks we will be donating or clearing out any items that are left. Thank you!
RightNow Media
Access an extensive library of faith-based videos for kids, youth, and adults, available on any device. It’s easy and free to join. Visit bethanycentral.org/rightnowmedia and click “Request an invitation.” We’ll send you an email invitation to set up your account so you can take advantage of this great resource.
We Want to Pray for You!
It is our desire to be praying for you no matter what is happening in your life. Go to bethanycentral.org/prayer or use the Bethany app to fill out a prayer request or share a praise so that our leaders, staff, prayer team, and church family can be in prayer for you personally.
Discussion Questions
Icebreaker: If you could live in a different country for a year, which country would you choose?
Discussion 1: Paul uses a familiar human example to explain his point, noting that once a covenant or agreement is confirmed, it can’t simply be changed (v.15). Why do you think Paul starts with something so practical and relatable? How does this example help clarify what he’s about to say about God’s promises?
Application 1: The promises to Abraham are unilateral (one-sided, guaranteed by God). Do you tend to view your relationship with God as a unilateral promise from Him, or as a bilateral contract where your performance is necessary to keep it valid? How does realizing the promise is secured by Christ alone change the pressure you feel to keep your end of the bargain?
Discussion 2: Paul explains that God’s promise to Abraham came before the law and was not based on obedience to the law (vv.16–17). Why is the timing so important to Paul’s argument? What does this show about the foundation of God’s plan to save and bless His people?
Application 2: Where are you tempted to think that God’s promises depend on your performance or consistency? How does this passage challenge the idea that God’s faithfulness rises and falls with your obedience? What are some modern “rules” or expectations that people sometimes mistakenly believe must be followed?
Discussion 3: Verse 18 summarizes the entire argument: “For if the inheritance comes by the law, it no longer comes by promise; but God gave it to Abraham by a promise.” The inheritance (salvation/righteousness) is either earned by keeping the Law, or it is a gift received through the promise. Why is it essential that salvation rests on promise rather than law? How does this protect the gospel from becoming something we earn rather than something we receive?
Application 3: If your relationship with God is grounded in His unchanging promise, how should that shape the way you respond to failure, waiting, or seasons of spiritual dryness? What would it look like this week to rest more fully in what God has promised rather than striving to secure it yourself?
