Bethel Baptist Church, Searcy, Arkansas
About 2000 years ago, God fulfilled His promise to the first family when He sent His only begotten Son to come to this earth and take on the form of a man, "to seek and to save that which was lost." (Luke 19:10). What a wonderful story and figure of God's grace!
It is important for everyone to live up to their God-given potential. There are limitless ways to serve the Lord at Bethel. Everyone has a talent. Maybe you have talents and skills you never considered useful in a church. Make a decision to search your heart and consider the direction your life is going.
- We invite you to join us for worship in our next service
- We invite you to contact us
- We pray you find the devotional thoughts valuable for your life
About — Bethel, Searcy, Arkansas
2504 W. Beebe-Capps
Searcy, Arkansas 72143
Our Philosophy
About 2000 years ago, God fulfilled His promise to the first family when He sent His only begotten Son to come to this earth and take on the form of a man, "to seek and to save that which was lost." (Luke 19:10). What a wonderful story and figure of God's grace! Because of God's love "whosever" can taste this love and live with Him eternally. But the story does not stop here. God gave His Son the high honor of building His church. That is Bethel's history, and the future is even brighter. One day, Jesus will come back for His bride when He comes in the clouds.
It is important for everyone to live up to their God-given potential. There are limitless ways to serve the Lord at Bethel. Everyone has a talent. Maybe you have talents and skills you never considered useful in a church. Make a decision to search your heart and consider the direction your life is going. Do you feel like something is missing in your life? Have you ever felt empty? You may find temporary satisfaction in many things on this earth, but you will never be completely satisfied and filled until you start living your life the way God intended. Jesus said, "For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required:" (Luke 12:48). Don't waste your life, and forfeit the many blessings you could receive by living for Him.
What to Expect When You Visit
At Bethel we don't waste our lives thinking up new rules for people to try to live by. We know this does not edify the body, or create an environment of personal growth. Our prayer is that people will respond to the calling of the Holy Spirit and come to know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. This has been God's plan since the beginning of time. He knows you. He knows what you are thinking right now. Will you answer the call?
When you come for a visit, don't expect to be judged. You might find that at other places, but not at Bethel. We believe Jesus gave His churches specific instructions to tell people about the good news. The good news is God has provided a substitute for our sin. We believe this act of God's grace was intended for everyone. Who are we to decide who should be allowed to hear the gospel? Before Jesus ascended into heaven He told His church to "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations," (Matthew 28:19). Come, receive Him, worship, and receive the blessings that accompany sharing the good news of a Savior who died for the world. God bless you!
Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.
— John 12:24
Pastor / John J. Bagby, Sr.
After surrendering to God's call to the ministry, Pastor Bagby earned a Bachelor of Theology from the Missionary Baptist Seminary in Little Rock, Arkansas. He has been active in civic affairs; currently a member of the Kiwanis, and as a father to three children he has been involved in public school activities and has served as a community little league coach. With the support and encouragement from his wife Sherri he has consistly pastored for twenty–five years. His expository style preaching and dynamic delivery offers a balanced diet from the Word of God.
And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.
— 2 Timothy 2:2
Worship Leader / John J. Bagby, II
John graduated from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville with a bachelors degree in Business Administration, and a masters degree in Secondary Education from the University of Arkansas–Little Rock. He has served in Baptist churches since his profession of faith as a child, and has served as a worship leader as well as a teacher for about the last ten years. John came to Bethel in 2008 and has filled both of these roles. Brother John is a high school social studies teacher at Bald Knob High School and he spends his free time pursuing his doctorate degree in administration, preparing for worship services at Bethel, and spending time with friends and family. His favorite topics of conversation include theology, music, and helping people.
Administrative / Shirley King
Well known and deeply respected in Searcy's business community, Shirley uses her knowledge and expertise in her Christian service. Together with her husband Jimmy, she fills countless needs in the administrative duties for Bethel.
Sunday Morning
Sunday School — 9:45 AM
Morning Worship — 10:45 AM
In the morning worship service, our Pastor is currently preaching a series of messages entitled "MEET THE MASTER". We invite you to join us for this series.
Sunday Evening
Evening Worship — 5:00 PM
Wednesday Evening
Informal Bible Study — 7:00 PM
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Worship — Bethel, Searcy, Arkansas
Opportunities for Worship at Bethel
It is important for everyone to live up to their God-given potential. Make a decision to search your heart and consider the direction your life is going. Do you feel like something is missing in your life? Have you ever felt empty? You may find temporary satisfaction in many things on this earth, but you will never be completely satisfied and filled until you start living your life the way God intended.
Jesus said, "For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required:" (Luke 12:48). Don't waste your life, and forfeit the many blessings you could receive by living for Him.
Our Faith
Whoever builds their life centered on the Word of God has built their life on the only reliable foundation. It is impossible to imagine anything more secure or certain. God promises to save all who believe on Christ. The conclusion in inevitable: the believer is eternally secure and has hope beyond the realm of human imagination.
In the storms and trials of life this hope serves as an anchor of the soul. A life built on the Word of God is a life that is kept from drifting on the wild waves of doubt and despair. Our hope is not a maybe so hope; it is a rock solid unshakable conclusion. This hope becomes our anchor and this anchor is embedded in heaven. The anchor is not cast in the shifting sands of this world, but is secured in the presence of God.
"...come thou with us, and we will do thee good:..."
— Numbers 10:29
Devotional Thoughts — Bethel, Searcy, Arkansas
...do not sound a trumpet before thee
"...do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward."
— Matthew 6:2
Christ constantly warned his disciples to be aware of hypocrisy in all acts of worship and service in the name of God. Hypocrisy is playing a part or wearing a mask on a stage. It is the leaven of the Pharisees and if it reigns in us, it will ruin us. Hypocrisy is a religion of mere works, words, and show, and a religion void of grace, heart, and spirit.
In Matthew 6 our Lord specifically identifies three areas of religious activity which are easily turned into mere acts of hypocrisy: the giving of alms, the matter of prayer, and the practice of fasting. These were prominent religious activities among the Jews of our Lord's Day and even today, all religions encourage them to some degree and lost mankind associates these things with piousness.
The Giving of Alms (verses 1-4) — These verses may be applied to all Christian giving; but the specific subject is charity giving and giving to the poor. This giving is prescribed by the law of God written upon the hearts of all men by nature and by the grace of God. As you exercise generosity for the glory of Christ, you will never impoverish yourself by generosity. Let each give according to his own means, as God hath prospered him. Words of advice: Do not be stingy and do not do anything as a public show.
The Matter of Public Prayer (verses 5-15) — All who are saved are taught of God to pray. In these verses, our Lord does not teach His people to pray; but He gives us a model in prayer. Jesus speaks to us that we pray not to be seen of men, or use a specific posture in prayer which calls attention to ourselves. As much as possible, let your prayers be unobserved by men and refrain from the use of memorized prayers, voice tones, and religious jargon. Prayer is not informing God, but it is acknowledging, thanking, and praising God. With our prayer the Holy Spirit teaches what needs we lay at the throne of God. Prayer is simply uttering the desires of our heart.
The Practice of Fasting (verses 16-18) — Fasting is an occasional abstinence from food and carnal pleasures. It is the desires of the body being yielded to the burden of the heart; prompted by the Spirit of God. We read of many in the Bible who fasted in prayer when greatly concerned about a specific matter: David, when his child was dying; the Lord Jesus, before he was tempted; and the church at Antioch, when they ordained Paul and Barnabas to preach the gospel. There is no direct command given in the Word of God requiring anyone to fast. There are poor people in this world who never have enough to eat; so it would be cruel to require them to fast. Sickly people, whose body must be sustained by a very strict diet, would be foolish if they fasted. The only thing the Lord says about fasting is do not appear unto men to fast. Our Lord requires that no one, but you and the Lord, knows whether you fast or do not fast.
A Simple Application: Do nothing in the worship and service of God merely to be applauded by men. It has been said, the hypocrite is an actor on the stage of life who lets his light shine so bright that others cannot see what is going on backstage. God does not measure us by the amount of money we give, how long we pray, or whether we fast or not. In the words of the LORD to Samuel ...for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.
— Pastor, John J. Bagby, Sr.
Links — Bethel, Searcy, Arkansas
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Online Resources
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- Cyber Hymnal
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- CIA — The World Factbook
- American Baptist Association
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