Bethesda Shalom

Bethesda Shalom , "House of Mercy and Peace". A small independent Bible believing Church located in Wolverhampton, England; endeavouring to hold fast to truth and stand fast in love by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

4. Doctrine – Paul M. Williams 04/28/2025

4. Doctrine – Paul M. Williams Acts 2:42 Mention the word doctrine today in the vast majority of congregations up and down the length of this nation, and you will be met with suspicion on the one hand and scorn on the other. From my observations, the appetite of so many within the professing Church towards doctrine is like that of children towards sprouts! Mom and Dad know that they’re good for their little darlings, but their little darlings have no stomach for them! Give us baked beans, fries, tomato ketchup and pizza, anything so long as it is not green!! The Apostle Paul warned some 2000 years ago that this would become the heart’s attitude of God’s people towards sound doctrine. In this fourth sermon part, we examine the place of doctrine in the Church. /episode/index/show/bethesdashalom/id/36343530

4. Doctrine – Paul M. Williams 04/28/2025

3. Unity – Paul M. Williams 04/21/2025

3. Unity – Paul M. Williams Ephesians 4:1-6 Having laid the foundation for the unity of the Church in the previous sermon, we focus in this sermon on the functional unity of the Body. Why so much division in the Body of Christ? Why so much discord? At the heart of the problem lies the root sin of pride. /episode/index/show/bethesdashalom/id/36243990

10. Common Cult Heresies - Paul M. Williams 04/19/2025

10. Common Cult Heresies - Paul M. Williams Part 10 In concluding this series on the Seventh-day Adventist Church, examination is given to some of the common heresies shared among the sister cults that emerged from the broader Adventist movement in the mid-nineteenth century, arising from the failed predictions of William Miller, including Jehovah’s Witnesses and Christadelphians. In this teaching, these common doctrinal heresies shall be explored and briefly refuted. To wrap up this series, consideration shall be given to the different positions within Adventism, namely the traditionalists vs. the progressives. Which side of the fence does the Adventist Church fall on today, and in the final analysis, is Seventh-day Adventism a cult? Download teaching notes (pdf) /episode/index/show/bethesdashalom/id/36231610

2. The Mystery of the Church – Paul M. Williams 04/14/2025

2. The Mystery of the Church – Paul M. Williams John 10:16 In this second part of the series, we explore the riches of the mystery of the Church of Jesus Christ. That Gentiles should come to the knowledge of the Saviour was foretold by the Prophets of old. But how it would be possible for Jew and Gentile to be united in one body in Messiah was a mystery hidden from ages past, but has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. Come with us as we explore this fascinating mystery! /episode/index/show/bethesdashalom/id/36136835

9. The Investigative Judgment - Paul M. Williams 04/12/2025

9. The Investigative Judgment - Paul M. Williams Part 9 It has been well said that the only distinctive doctrine of the Seventh-day Adventist Church is the doctrine of the Investigative Judgment. This doctrine lies at the heart of Adventism and is woven into the fabric of how the Adventist Church views atonement. In short, the doctrine of the Investigative Judgment teaches that in 1844, Jesus Christ began a work of judgment, examining the records of all professing believers to determine their worthiness to obtain heaven. When one asks what is the standard by which they shall be judged, the answer is returned, the law of God! According to Ellen G. White: “All who have truly repented of sin, and by faith claimed the blood of Christ as their atoning sacrifice, have had pardon entered against their names in the books of heaven; as they have become partakers of the righteousness of Christ, and their characters are found to be in harmony with the law of God, their sins will be blotted out, and they themselves will be accounted worthy of eternal life.” The doctrine of the Investigative Judgment is a damnable doctrine as it not only adds law to grace and works to faith, but it denies the finished work of the cross since it maintains that from 1844, Christ entered the second and last phase of His atoning ministry. It is a work of investigative judgment, which is part of the ultimate disposition of all sin (SDA Fundamental Belief 24). How can there be a final phase of atonement when Calvary WAS the final atonement? We shall explore this at length in this teaching, along with the infamous Sanctuary doctrine. Download teaching notes (pdf) /episode/index/show/bethesdashalom/id/36109730

1. The Church 04/07/2025

1. The Church Hebrews 10:24-25 We are living at a time in history where anything that is of long-standing tradition is being called into question. Renewed calls go forth on every hand, calling for change. Out with the old and in with the new is the resounding cry of this post-modernist generation. Whether it’s marriage, the family home, politics or education, that which once served our forefathers for eons is being re-examined in light of new-fangled philosophies offered by the so-called experts of our day. Sadly, as one looks to the Church, it follows suit, having an insatiable itch for that which is new. In an age where Church attendance in the West is in decline, and atheism, secularism, and New Age spirituality are on the rise, we are told that unless the Church becomes relevant to this youth-driven generation, then it will disappear from society and die from old age. In this first part of a series examining the Church (Ekklesia), we seek to answer the question, “What” or “Who” is the Church of Jesus Christ? /episode/index/show/bethesdashalom/id/36036760

8. What About the Dietary Laws? - Paul M. Williams 04/05/2025

8. What About the Dietary Laws? - Paul M. Williams Part 8 When asking a well-versed Christian, “Is there anything forbidden for a Christian to eat?” they will immediately answer with a resounding “no,” then follow up with a few qualifying comments, turning to key passages in the New Testament, such as Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians 8 and 10. When the same question is asked to a Seventh-day Adventist, they will respond with a resounding “yes” before turning to key passages in the Old Testament, such as Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14. Who is right? Both appeal to the Bible, yet only one can do so using the Bible as the sole authority for determining the truth. Adventists are in a very precarious position since whether they admit it or not, in one hand they hold the Old Testament and in the other, the writings of Ellen G. White. When asked what their source of authority is for determining all matters of faith and doctrine, they will respond by saying the Bible and God’s infallible interpreter, the Spirit of Prophecy. The purpose of this teaching is to examine what Seventh-day Adventists teach concerning diet and to see if it aligns with what the New Testament teaches. /episode/index/show/bethesdashalom/id/36021320

Laying Aside Every Weight – Paul M. Williams 03/31/2025

Laying Aside Every Weight – Paul M. Williams Hebrews 12:1-2 Have you ever heard of an athlete on the field with a sack of potatoes bound to his back? Why would an athlete be so foolish to do a thing like that? It’s unheard of, and yet, as I look around the stadium of Christendom, some believers are doing this very thing, and they wonder why they’re out of spiritual breath a few laps into the race! Brothers and Sisters, could it be that they’re carrying too much weight? This sermon is an exhortation to lay aside every weight and to run the race set before us!! /episode/index/show/bethesdashalom/id/35945265

Whatever He Tells You Do! – Paul M. Williams 03/24/2025

Whatever He Tells You Do! – Paul M. Williams John 2:1-11 Some say that being a Christian is complicated. However, it is we who complicate matters. Mary the mother of Jesus summed up the secret of following the Lord when in her last recorded words she said, "Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it" (Jn. 2:5) /episode/index/show/bethesdashalom/id/35839275

7. Should Christians Keep the Sabbath? - Paul M. Williams 03/22/2025

7. Should Christians Keep the Sabbath? - Paul M. Williams Part 7 As one combs the pages of the New Testament Epistles, one will find that nine of the ten commandments written on tablets of stone are also explicitly prohibited by the New Testament writers except for one, “Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy” (Ex. 20:8). Ironically, the only commandment of the ten, not brought across into the new, is the commandment which Seventh-day Adventists major on the most. To understand why the Seventh-day Adventist Church places such emphasis on the seventh day, one has to first understand the emphasis placed upon this day by its prophet, Ellen G. White. In this teaching, we shall take an in-depth look at what Mrs White and the Adventist Church teach regarding the continuing biding nature of the Sabbath and ask ourselves whether it is the same as what the Bible teaches. Download teaching notes (pdf) /episode/index/show/bethesdashalom/id/35821905

Freed to Serve – Stephen Riddell 03/17/2025

Freed to Serve – Stephen Riddell Mark 11:1-9 Brother Stephen from the Lifeboat Fellowship bears the burden of the Lord with a message of challenge, conviction and hope! Whom the Lord sets free is free indeed!! /episode/index/show/bethesdashalom/id/35722935

6. Answering Adventist Arguments for Law – Paul M. Williams 03/15/2025

6. Answering Adventist Arguments for Law – Paul M. Williams Part 6 According to the Seventh-day Adventist Church, love for Jesus Christ is manifested by one’s obedience to the Ten Commandments; without obedience to these commandments, no man shall enter the kingdom of heaven. The goal of this teaching is to establish what commandments Jesus had in mind when He said, “If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love” (Jn. 15:10). In addition to answering this question, consideration shall be given to arguments raised by Seventh-day Adventists to support their claim for the continuing binding nature of the Ten Commandments. Download teaching notes (pdf) /episode/index/show/bethesdashalom/id/35706920

Obtaining the Promises of God – Paul M. Williams 03/10/2025

Obtaining the Promises of God – Paul M. Williams Hebrews 4:14-16 So much of contemporary Christianity is built on hype, but the problem with hype is that it gets you nowhere because hype has no foundation. God has given us three-quarters of a million words of solid text upon which to base our confidence so that our faith is not found flapping in the wind. In this sermon, we consider Jesus as our High Priest and the promise that is given us to come boldly to the throne of grace to obtain mercy and find help in times of need. /episode/index/show/bethesdashalom/id/35606440

5. Is the Law Necessary for Salvation? – Paul M. Williams 03/08/2025

5. Is the Law Necessary for Salvation? – Paul M. Williams /episode/index/show/bethesdashalom/id/35586250

The Holiness of God – Paul M. Williams 03/03/2025

The Holiness of God – Paul M. Williams Exodus 15:11 If ever there was an aspect of God’s character that desperately needs to be rediscovered among the ranks of Evangelicalism in our day, it is the holiness of God!! We’ve lost the fear of God in the house of God because we’ve no comprehension of the holiness of God! We’ve grown accustomed to the familiar because we’ve lost the sense of reverence and awe in the handling of the things of God. Can I remind you that the God with whom we have to do is HOLY? He does not fall into the category of the common — He CAN’T! He’s totally and utterly removed from every created thing in the universe, including the universe itself, because He’s altogether of a different KIND!! Humans belong to the humans kind and animals, the animal kind; there is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars — there is the glory of the angelic host, and then there is the glory of God!!! Tell me, what other “kind” can we place in the category of God? HE EXISTS IN A CATEGORY ALL OF HIS OWN!!! “Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?” (Ex. 15:11). /episode/index/show/bethesdashalom/id/35509805

4. Is the Law Binding Upon Christians? – Paul M. Williams 03/01/2025

4. Is the Law Binding Upon Christians? – Paul M. Williams Part 4 Many of the misconceptions surrounding the question of this teaching arise from a failure to rightly understand the nature of a covenant. When the children of Israel said, “…All that the LORD hath said will we do, and be obedient” (Ex. 24:7), the ALL consisted of far more commandments than only ten. The children of Israel committed themselves to the keeping of some 613 commandments, all of which were binding upon them. Furthermore, as one reads the passage in Exodus 24, one very quickly realises that at Mount Sinai, the Israelites were not simply agreeing to keep a set of laws; they were entering into a covenant with Yahweh, their God, that involved the sprinkling of blood. As one reaches the end of the Book of Malachi in a Christian Bible, one passes from one covenant to another - a New Covenant not instituted with the blood of animals, but with the precious blood of Jesus Christ. By the bringing in of a new covenant, the first, by definition, has become old and has been made obsolete. Once one understands this, the answer to the question, “Is the Law Binding Upon Believers” becomes an oxymoron, and the Adventist case for the continuation of the Ten Commandments is dismissed. Download teaching notes (pdf) /episode/index/show/bethesdashalom/id/35492010

Walking Through the Valley – Paul M. Williams 02/24/2025

Walking Through the Valley – Paul M. Williams Psalm 23 There are times when God calls His people to pass through the valley. Passing through the valley of the shadow of death is never easy but can I say with absolute conviction, that Jesus hasn’t left you to walk alone!! The final words of Jesus recorded in the Gospel of Matthew are these: “… and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Mt. 28:20). It’s one thing knowing this with the head, but it’s another thing intermingling this truth with faith!! Many people have a head full of knowledge but a heart void of experience! This sermon is a challenge to the Body of Christ for vital reality in the realm of faith and to experience the fullness of the grace of God. /episode/index/show/bethesdashalom/id/35405660

3. Was Ellen G. White a Prophet – Paul M. Williams 02/22/2025

3. Was Ellen G. White a Prophet – Paul M. Williams Part 3 Ellen G. White had over 2000 visions during her lifetime and the content of those visions resulted in over 100,000 pages of writings which the Seventh-day Adventist Church consider to be inspired by the Holy Spirit and a continuing and authoritative source of truth. Ellen White claimed that her visions and writings were not simply expressions of her ideas, but originated from God. What do you call a prophet who prophesies things that don’t come to pass? What do you call someone who steals from others' works while trying to pass them off as writings inspired by God? In this teaching, further investigation is given to Mrs White’s prophecies and writings to determine whether or not she was a prophet called by God. Download teaching notes (pdf) /episode/index/show/bethesdashalom/id/35391190

2. Ellen G. White and Adventist History – Paul M. Williams 02/15/2025

2. Ellen G. White and Adventist History – Paul M. Williams Part 2 The Seventh-day Adventist Church arose out of the Great Millerite Disappointment of 1844. The nineteenth century saw a literal explosion in the number of cults and religious groups springing up in the United States. Early on in Adventist history, Ellen G. White stamped her mark as a prophet, claiming to receive visions from God which guided and shaped the movement. Without Ellen G. White, there is no Seventh-day Adventism. In this teaching we take a look at the early beginnings of Seventh-day Adventism and in particular, the nature of Mrs White’s visions and the substance of her writings. What does make of someone who teaches others one thing regarding the eating of meat, while at the same time eating meat herself? I shall allow the evidence to speak for itself. Download teaching notes (pdf) /episode/index/show/bethesdashalom/id/35294085

A Call to Christian Love – Paul M. Williams 02/10/2025

A Call to Christian Love – Paul M. Williams Philippians 2:19-24 This sermon is an urgent call to Christian love! The clip following the sermon is from a message called "Something is wrong" by itinerate preacher Richard Owen Roberts of International Awakening Ministries. /episode/index/show/bethesdashalom/id/35223050

1. An Introduction to Seventh-day Adventism - Paul M. Williams 02/08/2025

1. An Introduction to Seventh-day Adventism - Paul M. Williams Part 1 In 2023, the Seventh-day Adventist Church saw more additions to its membership than any year since its founding in 1863. In 1961 the Seventh-day Adventist Church had a global membership of about a million. Today they have a membership of more than 22.7 million, meeting in more than 100,000 Churches, spanning some 215 countries worldwide. Without question, the Seventh-day Adventist Church is one of the fastest-growing organisations in the world vastly outnumbering the global membership of Jehovah’s Witnesses. When one goes to the official website of the Seventh-day Adventist Church to look at their statement of ‘Fundamental Beliefs’; upon first glance, one finds nothing of real concern. They believe in the inspiration of the Scriptures, the doctrine of the Trinity, the deity of Jesus Christ, substitutionary atonement and salvation by faith as a gift of God’s grace. However, Seventh-day Adventists are adept at saying one thing out of one side of their mouth while taking it back out of the other. In continuing to explore what else is included in their Fundamental Beliefs, emerging cracks begin to appear, which when further investigated reveal a rupture in the foundations! In this introductory teaching, we shall discover what Seventh-day Adventists believe and why they are classified as a cult. Download teaching notes (pdf) /episode/index/show/bethesdashalom/id/35203580

Holiness to the Lord (Pt. 2) – Paul M. Williams 02/03/2025

Holiness to the Lord (Pt. 2) – Paul M. Williams 1 Peter 1:13-16 J. C. Ryle was the 1st Anglican Bishop of Liverpool. In his classic book titled, “Holiness”, he wrote the words. “He who supposes that Jesus Christ only lived and died and rose again in order to provide justification and forgiveness of sins for His people, has yet much to learn. Whether he knows it or not, he is dishonouring our blessed Lord, and making Him only a half Saviour. The Lord Jesus has undertaken everything that His people’s souls require; not only to deliver them from the guilt of their sins by His atoning death, but from the dominion of their sins, by placing in their hearts the Holy Spirit; not only to justify them, but also to sanctify them”. In this second and final sermon part, we examine the command to holiness and the means to holiness. As we move from the classroom of theory onto the field of experience, may the Lord bless you! /episode/index/show/bethesdashalom/id/35128355

Holiness to the Lord (Pt. 1) – Paul M. Williams 01/27/2025

Holiness to the Lord (Pt. 1) – Paul M. Williams Exodus 39:30-31 Whenever the topic of holiness is brought up in the company of Christians, it is guaranteed to provoke one of two responses, either uneasiness or delight! Now granted, those feelings of uneasiness may be down to the fact that a professing believer is not living as they ought; maybe they are living in secret sin and know that by preaching such a topic as holiness, they will be disturbed. Then, there are those who love Jesus dearly, but have been scarred by those who preached to them a form of holiness “so-called” which was nothing more than evangelical legalism! As we approach this sacred subject, rather than jump straight into the practical, I want to begin with the concept! So many err in their understanding of holiness because they fail to comprehend what holiness even is. Let us then first understand what holiness is. /episode/index/show/bethesdashalom/id/35028805

The Father’s Heart – Paul M. Williams 01/20/2025

The Father’s Heart – Paul M. Williams Luke 15:1-2 If one was to stop you and to ask, “What is God like?”, I wonder what answer you’d give? What attribute would come first to mind? Would it be God’s holiness or omnipotence? His omniscience or His omnipresence? You ask me, “What is God like?”. What attribute comes first to mind when thinking about His person? I return my answer at once; GOD IS LOVE! Without question, this is His crowning attribute without which we would all be damned forever. In this sermon, we look at the heart of God our heavenly Father. May the Lord bless and encourage you. /episode/index/show/bethesdashalom/id/34926115

The Leading of the Holy Spirit – Paul M. Williams 01/13/2025

The Leading of the Holy Spirit – Paul M. Williams Romans 8:14 There’s one feature of the Holy Spirit’s leading that I’ve learned from experience, one that is widely attested to in the Sacred record, and that is the spontaneity of His leading!!! When the Holy Spirit speaks to His people and desires to lead them, it will always require faith to respond!! In the moment of suddenness, we are given a window of time to obey. #1. We must recognise the voice of the Holy Spirit, #2. We must be willing to sacrifice, #3. We must step out in faith!! /episode/index/show/bethesdashalom/id/34835980

Sown in Corruption, Raised in Incorruption - Paul M. Williams 01/06/2025

Sown in Corruption, Raised in Incorruption - Paul M. Williams 1 Corinthians 15:42-44 It is the earnest desire, to lay before you the certain and definite hope of the Christian. Assurances like this cannot be found in this world due to its transient state of temporariness. Search high and low, with diligence and scrutiny, but O man, your search will be in vain. When Adam fell through willful disobedience, mankind was plunged into sin and death. God in His infinite love and mercy has sought to reverse this curse in redeeming a people back unto Himself through His beloved Son. In this sermon, we set forth the first and second installment of this most glorious work and consider what will be when Our Blessed Saviour appears in glory to change these vile bodies so as to be fashioned like unto His! /episode/index/show/bethesdashalom/id/34745325

Bread for the Famine 01/06/2025

Bread for the Famine 1 Kings 17:1-6 It’s not until you step out of a situation, that looking back, you’re able to see it really for it was! When you’re in a smoke-filled room, it’s hard to see the smoke, but exit the room and peer back in through the glass and you’ll be astonished at how you ever could have been in such an environment and not have. As I look around and survey the spiritual landscape of the nation, I have to conclude that we are living in the midst of a spiritual famine that few are even aware we’re in. Churches are closing by the week of and the British landscape is changing. Brethren, it is my conviction that unless God in His mercy sends another revival —an awakening, the likes of which this nation has not witnessed since the days of Wesley, the flickering light of present-day Christianity may soon be extinguished from these British Isles. Now I acknowledge that God will always have a remnant—7000 who have not bowed the knee to Baal, but Brother/Sister, where is the grief over the fact that the city once set on a hill has been removed, and the candle which once stood on a candlestick has been placed under a bushel! This sermon is a heart-cry, for another heaven-sent revival and a warning to those who have been placed in sound fellowships at this present time of famine, to not forsake where God has placed them, but to be grateful for the bread He has provided. /episode/index/show/bethesdashalom/id/34745180

Moving Forward – Paul M. Williams 01/06/2025

Moving Forward – Paul M. Williams Psalm 32:1-5 If we are to move forward in our walk with Jesus in the year ahead, we must learn to deal honestly with God as His Spirit comes in searching power to discover the true nature of our hearts. William Gurnall that old Puritan put it well when he said, “Sincerity is that property to which pardoning mercy is annexed. True, indeed, it is that Christ covers all our sins and failings; but it is only the sincere soul over which he will cast his skirt”. C.H. Spurgeon said, “The lesson from the whole is this: be honest. Sinner, may God make you honest. Do not deceive yourself. Make a clean breast of it before God. Have an honest religion, or have none at all. Have a religion of the heart, or else have none. Put aside the mere vestment and garment of piety, and let your soul be right within. Be honest”. This sermon calls for a frank and full confession so that we might receive full forgiveness! /episode/index/show/bethesdashalom/id/34743635

Wisdom’s Foresight – Paul M. Williams 12/30/2024

Wisdom’s Foresight – Paul M. Williams Proverbs 22:3 It’s one thing for an unsaved man to be a fool, but for a Christian to be counted as a fool? It’s a great shame and a reproach and ought never to be! He has the internal light of the Holy Spirit and the external light of the Word! This sermon is an exhortation to the acquisition of wisdom. “O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart” (Prov. 8:5). /episode/index/show/bethesdashalom/id/34657305

Bethesda Shalom

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