The Chief Shepherd's Blessing

May 1, 2022 • 11:00 am

Scripture:

Speaker: Pastor Miguel Betancourt II

Series: Zechariah: Hope in God's Unfailing Purpose

Zechariah delivers a message of hope by focusing on the coming Christ and His role as prophet, priest and king. In chapter 10 we see Christ as the benevolent, Chief Shepherd Who delights to bless His people. This encouraging message reminds us that Christ is indeed the foundation, focus and fulfillment of hope that stabilizes us in our present distress, encourages our endurance through it, and energizes us for His kingdom work as we await the day of His coming.

Part of the series:

Zechariah: Hope in God's Unfailing Purpose

A survey of the OT book of Zechariah

April 18, 2021 • 11:00 am

Perspective

Scripture:

Speaker: Pastor Miguel Betancourt II

Series: Zechariah: Hope in God's Unfailing Purpose

Synopsis: Do you enjoy working jigsaw puzzles? What is true of assembling a jigsaw puzzle is equally true of assembling our Bible knowledge. Without some grasp of "the big picture" - an idea of who fits where, what goes with what, etc., -- Bible details can seem quite puzzling and disjointed. In this introductory message in a new sermon series, it's helpful for us to get "the big picture" so we can better understand how everything fits together - the events that are happening, the people mentioned, and the significance of the message being delivered as timeless truth.

April 25, 2021 • 11:00 am

What Brings Hope

Scripture:

Speaker: Pastor Miguel Betancourt II

Series: Zechariah: Hope in God's Unfailing Purpose

Synopsis: In this second introductory message to the book of Zechariah, we look at the message and method by which he communicates God's message to His people. Do you know what the difference is between a vision and a dream? Both occur in Scripture and both were methods of divine communication. To regain hope when we are discouraged and overwhelmed by our hardships, we must redirect our focus away from ourselves and our present circumstances to what God has in store for us--His promises to us. This is the message Zechariah wanted the Jews of his day to receive and it's the message we need today.

May 2, 2021 • 11:00 am

The Prerequisite for Hope

Scripture:

Speaker: Pastor Miguel Betancourt II

Series: Zechariah: Hope in God's Unfailing Purpose

Synopsis: Zechariah's message of hope begins in a rather unexpected manner in chapter one. In fact that chapter really functions as an introduction to the book for a couple of reasons. As Zechariah sets forth the prerequisite for hope, there are timeless truths being declared that are just as important in our day as it was in his.

May 2, 2021 • 5:30 pm

The Foundation of Hope

Scripture:

Speaker: Pastor Miguel Betancourt II

Series: Zechariah: Hope in God's Unfailing Purpose

Synopsis: In this third introductory message, we look at a key theme in Zechariah's prophecy - the foundation of our hope. There are two primary evidences upon which our hope as believers rests. Find out what they are and what relationship they have to our hope.

May 9, 2021 • 5:30 pm

God Is at Work

Scripture:

Speaker: Pastor Miguel Betancourt II

Series: Zechariah: Hope in God's Unfailing Purpose

Synopsis: Tonight we consider the first of 8 visions that the prophet Zechariah received in one night, in uninterrupted fashion. What is the significance of the Man standing among the myrtle trees and what is He doing? This first message conveys a message of hope to the Jews in Zechariah's day and there is timeless encouraging truth for us in our day as well.

May 23, 2021 • 11:00 am

Power That Outlasts

Scripture:

Speaker: Pastor Miguel Betancourt II

Series: Zechariah: Hope in God's Unfailing Purpose

Synopsis: This message looks at the 2nd of 8 visions Zechariah received in one night. The timeless message of encouragement found here is just needed in our day as was in his day. The resource of God's unlimited power to accomplish His purpose and plan is the provision for hope.​

June 6, 2021 • 11:00 am

Blessing Beyond Expectation, Part 1

Scripture:

Speaker: Pastor Miguel Betancourt II

Series: Zechariah: Hope in God's Unfailing Purpose

Synopsis: What Zechariah sees in this third vision, the apostle Paul essentially says in Ephesians 3:20. In fact that could be the title placed over this chapter heading. We are truly a very blessed people! What Zechariah called his people to do in his day, is to be done in our day. May God help us to transfer our focus from what distresses us to the God Whose purpose for us is greater than our expectations--greater than the expression of our faith and the limitations of our faith.

June 13, 2021 • 11:00 am

Blessing Beyond Expectation, Part 2

Scripture:

Speaker: Pastor Miguel Betancourt II

Series: Zechariah: Hope in God's Unfailing Purpose

Synopsis: We are looking at the 3rd of 8 visions the prophet Zechariah received in one night (1:8a) and have noted that the theme of "Blessing Beyond Expectation" is developed under three categories. Today's message looks at the second of these truths: God's protection of His people inspires confidence for service. The LORD of Hosts uses a very graphic image to illustrate just how special His people are to Him!

June 13, 2021 • 5:30 pm

Blessing Beyond Expectation, Part 3

Scripture:

Speaker: Pastor Miguel Betancourt II

Series: Zechariah: Hope in God's Unfailing Purpose

Synopsis: Our text tonight gives instruction about another response we are to give that shows the impact that the fact of God's protection of us and the personable nature of the Divine Agent assigned to and committed to our protection is to have on our thinking and living. That response just might surprise you: it's not what may have first popped into your mind!

June 27, 2021 • 11:00 am

Blessing Beyond Expectation, Part 4

Scripture:

Speaker: Pastor Miguel Betancourt II

Series: Zechariah: Hope in God's Unfailing Purpose

Synopsis: This morning's message covers the third blessing mentioned in this chapter that is beyond expectation: God's presence. Oh how we need a real sense of it--especially when going through times of great distress! Our text not only declares the promise of God's presence with us but also the two consequent responses such a promise produces in us.

July 4, 2021 • 11:00 am

Accused by Satan; Acquitted & Approved by God, Part 1

Scripture:

Speaker: Pastor Miguel Betancourt II

Series: Zechariah: Hope in God's Unfailing Purpose

Synopsis: Someone once said, "A picture is worth a thousand words." Zechariah 3 is indeed a beautiful picture worth far more than a thousand words as it illustrates the Bible doctrine of justification. Most believers seem to think of salvation only in negative terms--the pardon/forgiveness of sins. But the blessed truth you will be tempted to disbelieve or deny is the positive component of our salvation. You've got to hear what that is! It will greatly bless you!!

July 11, 2021 • 11:00 am

Accused by Satan; Acquitted & Approved by God, Part 2

Scripture:

Speaker: Pastor Miguel Betancourt II

Series: Zechariah: Hope in God's Unfailing Purpose

Synopsis: On Thursday, June 24, the Champlain Towers South collapsed in Surfside, Florida. Sadly, the death toll continues to rise. Obviously, the ground upon which a building is built as well as the foundation that is laid is critical to that structure. As we think about the foundation of our hope for God's acceptance and eternity in Heaven, Zechariah 3 directs our attention to what God revealed to His prophet in this fourth vision. In today's message, we unveil the final two parts of this beautiful picture of our salvation (justification).

July 18, 2021 • 11:00 am

Behold the Branch

Scripture:

Speaker: Pastor Miguel Betancourt II

Series: Zechariah: Hope in God's Unfailing Purpose

Synopsis: In today's text there is a key term that is highly significant as the focal point of hope in Zechariah's message to his people--"the Branch." To fully appreciate this title, it would be best for us to define the term, see how it is used, and from that we will see two important truths emerge from which we can draw personal application.

July 25, 2021 • 11:00 am

Power to Prosper, Part 1

Scripture:

Speaker: Pastor Miguel Betancourt II

Series: Zechariah: Hope in God's Unfailing Purpose

Synopsis: This message begins with a look into Zechariah 4, the 5th of 8 visions the prophet received in one night. Whereas the 4th vision in chapter 3 addressed the removal of the internal obstacle to God's blessing, sin, by the work of The Branch (Christ), this 5th vision addressed the removal of the external obstacles to the advance of God's kingdom by the work of the Holy Spirit. Although the image Zechariah saw may be challenging to comprehend, the message is not as the interpreting angel shares the timeless truth that Zerubbabel, the civil leader that oversaw the rebuilding of the temple project, and Joshua the High Priest needed to hear. It's the message we desperately need to hear, accept, and personally apply today.

August 1, 2021 • 11:00 am

Power to Prosper, Part 2

Scripture:

Speaker: Pastor Miguel Betancourt II

Series: Zechariah: Hope in God's Unfailing Purpose

Synopsis: Many born-again believers have no problem believing God's power is all-encompassing and available: where the struggle lies is in the area of personal application of that power. We can be supremely confident of the fact of God's power but often doubt whether they can ever experience that power in their personal lives. So how does an individual or a church congregation experience God's power? Power to prosper? Today's passage offers great hope and encouragement and presents the key message of this fifth vision Zechariah received from God.

August 8, 2021 • 11:00 am

Power to Prosper, Part 3

Scripture:

Speaker: Pastor Miguel Betancourt II

Series: Zechariah: Hope in God's Unfailing Purpose

Synopsis: Ever go through a rough time in your life and your really needed to hear an encouraging message from the Lord and His Word and the Lord providentially worked it out so that you came to church that day and it was exactly what you needed to hear? Or may while traveling you heard a radio broadcast or you heard a podcast and experienced the same thing. It reminds us of what Solomon said in Proverbs 15:23 and 25:25! God had a timely message for Zerubbabel in Zechariah 4 that was designed to encourage him and give him hope. God's message to him is for us as well! In today's message, you find three specific points being made with applications that go far beyond Zerubbabel and what was happening in the 6th Century BC to God's people as they struggled to advance God's work.

August 15, 2021 • 11:00 am

The Day of Small Things

Scripture:

Speaker: Pastor Miguel Betancourt II

Series: Zechariah: Hope in God's Unfailing Purpose

Synopsis: This message looks at the first part of the question raised in our text--who hath despised the day of small things? The answer to this question just might surprise you because our first thought might be to just limit this question to the human element!

August 22, 2021 • 11:00 am

The Day of Small Things, Part 2

Scripture:

Speaker: Pastor Miguel Betancourt II

Series: Zechariah: Hope in God's Unfailing Purpose

Synopsis: God often takes delight in using small things to effectively accomplish His purposes. In our survey of Scripture this morning, we see that theme repeatedly expressed in a variety of arenas that yield wonderful and challenging points of application.

August 29, 2021 • 11:00 am

Power to Prosper, Part 4

Scripture:

Speaker: Pastor Miguel Betancourt II

Series: Zechariah: Hope in God's Unfailing Purpose

Synopsis: God does not expect us to accomplish His work on our own! The final section of Zechariah 4 supplies hope for the discouraged among God’s people in all ages as they engage in the work of the Lord. It also supplies the solution to the great problem of how a born-again believer, as a weak and limited instrument, can be a conveyor of the infinite power of God and can prosper in the work of God given the opposition he faces within and without. Burnout is a real problem in ministry today. But the solution to that real problem is found in God’s message of encouraging and sustaining hope: we serve in the presence of the Triune God, empowered by God and will be used by God to advance His work.

September 19, 2021 • 11:00 am

The Flying Scroll

Scripture:

Speaker: Pastor Miguel Betancourt II

Series: Zechariah: Hope in God's Unfailing Purpose

Synopsis: The two visions in Zechariah chapter five are paired just like the two visions in chapters three and four were. Together these two visions in chapter five communicate this important truth: God will triumph over evil. This message deals with the sixth vision in vv. 1-4 and addresses God's dealing with individual sinners. The timeless truth presented here contains an urgent message for each of us to receive.

September 26, 2021 • 11:00 am

The Flying Ephah

Scripture:

Speaker: Pastor Miguel Betancourt II

Series: Zechariah: Hope in God's Unfailing Purpose

Synopsis: This seventh vision (5:5-11) is paired to the previous one (5:1-4). While the sixth vision addresses how God deals with individual sinners, the seventh addresses how God deals with the principle of sin itself. The point of both is to communicate this truth: God will triumph over all evil. Sinners will be dealt with; sin and Satan do not have the final say. This challenging and sobering message is for each one of us to seriously consider as it impacts how we view life, live life and interact with others.

October 3, 2021 • 11:00 am

The Four Chariots

Scripture:

Speaker: Pastor Miguel Betancourt II

Series: Zechariah: Hope in God's Unfailing Purpose

Synopsis: This message takes a look at the 8th prophetic vision God gave to the prophet Zechariah. In this highly symbolic vision, there is wonderful, hope-filled, encouraging truth for every born again believer who battles discouragement or senses that what he or she does for the Lord seems futile and of little consequent effect. After identifying and interpreting the symbols in this vision, there are three truths every saved person needs to embrace and allow to motivate them in their service for the Lord.

October 10, 2021 • 11:00 am

The Symbolic Crowning of Joshua

Scripture:

Speaker: Pastor Miguel Betancourt II

Series: Zechariah: Hope in God's Unfailing Purpose

Synopsis: Zechariah 6:9-15 is a coronation ceremony that is not part of the 8th vision but rather an event that actually happened. What is symbolic here is not the event but what the crowning of Joshua the High Priest represents. So what's the significance of all this? Not only do we discover the answer to that question but we also extract timelessly relevant truth that is just as vital for us today as it in Zechariah's day to provide much needed hope.

October 17, 2021 • 11:00 am

The Characteristics of Genuine Worship

Scripture:

Speaker: Pastor Miguel Betancourt II

Series: Zechariah: Hope in God's Unfailing Purpose

Synopsis: Zechariah chapters 7 & 8 are linked together and form the second section of this OT prophecy. Chapter 7 begins with a question about a religious ritual that had been established and God gives four answers to the question--two in each chapter. In chapter 7 God's answers drive home the point that He wants genuine worship and that worship has two characteristics. Today's message tells us what those two characteristics are.

October 24, 2021 • 11:00 am

From Fasting to Feasting, Part 1

Scripture:

Speaker: Pastor Miguel Betancourt II

Series: Zechariah: Hope in God's Unfailing Purpose

Synopsis: Zechariah 8 presents the third and fourth answers from God to the question raised in 7:3 by Jewish envoys from Bethel. These answers present the main theme of the chapter: God delights to bless His people! This message is part 1 and deals with the expression of God's blessing. The encouragement of hope God gives in this chapter is not only for the Jews of Zechariah's day but for us in our day as well.

October 31, 2021 • 11:00 am

From Fasting to Feasting, Part 2

Scripture:

Speaker: Pastor Miguel Betancourt II

Series: Zechariah: Hope in God's Unfailing Purpose

Synopsis: In part 2 of our look into Zechariah 8, our pastor asks and answers the question, "How can we be assured that God's promises, which seem almost too good to be true, will actually come to pass?" It's almost as if God anticipated a skeptical view towards His claims with the question He posed in v. 6. The assurance of God's blessing would come in five different ways as our text reveals. Do you really believe God delights to bless you if you know Him as your personal Savior? If you are skeptical, then today's message from Zechariah 8 is for you.

November 7, 2021 • 11:00 am

From Fasting to Feasting, Part 3

Scripture:

Speaker: Pastor Miguel Betancourt II

Series: Zechariah: Hope in God's Unfailing Purpose

Synopsis: In this final exposition of Zechariah 8, we find the third component of this theme of God's blessing being developed. The question that is posed and answered from this text is this: what impact does God's promises for the future have on me today? What practical lessons can we learn and apply to our lives? Our text reveals the two-fold impact God's blessing is designed to have on us.

November 14, 2021 • 11:00 am

An Overview of Zechariah 9-14--The Coming Christ

Scripture:

Speaker: Pastor Miguel Betancourt II

Series: Zechariah: Hope in God's Unfailing Purpose

Synopsis: This message presents an overview of Zechariah chapters 9-14 and looks at the historical context, the flow of thought in its structure and the focus of its message of hope--Christ's coming. The opening verses of each of these two main sections supply us with the main life-related lesson of today's sermon.

January 30, 2022 • 11:00 am

The Character of the Coming King

Scripture:

Speaker: Pastor Miguel Betancourt II

Series: Zechariah: Hope in God's Unfailing Purpose

Synopsis: Christ's kingly character assures us there is very good reason to hope in His ability to work in our behalf and to fulfill His promises to us. So what kind of character does Christ have? This coming king has four character traits that challenge us to put our hope and trust in Him.

February 6, 2022 • 11:00 am

Your King Is Coming!

Scripture:

Speaker: Pastor Miguel Betancourt II

Series: Zechariah: Hope in God's Unfailing Purpose

Synopsis: Due to a covid exposure, this message from our pastor was pre-recorded since he was unable to deliver it in person to our church family. As Zechariah presents Messiah as a living hope, he focuses on the kingship of Christ. That kingship is given under three headings - His character, coming and conquering. This message focuses on Christ's coming from a famous text of Scripture typically considered on Palm Sunday.

February 20, 2022 • 11:00 am

Your Conquering King! Part 1

Scripture:

Speaker: Pastor Miguel Betancourt II

Series: Zechariah: Hope in God's Unfailing Purpose

Synopsis: Prophecy is history predicted and pre-recorded. In our text today, we have a prophecy concerning Christ, the Conquering King, Who will rules with universal authority and supremely. This message of hope delivered by Zechariah to the Jews in his day offers us hope in our day. Two wonderful points of application emerge from God's view of His people in today's text that will encourage your heart.

February 27, 2022 • 11:00 am

Your Conquering King! Part 2

Scripture:

Speaker: Pastor Miguel Betancourt II

Series: Zechariah: Hope in God's Unfailing Purpose

Synopsis: With this past week's unprovoked and unjustifiable Russian invasion of Ukraine, the events of chapters 12-14 come alive. For in this section the prophet Zechariah predicts a world war in which a multi-national military force invades Israel and seeks to conquer Jerusalem and annihilate the Jewish people. Today's text is a second look at the theme of Christ as the Conquering King. We look at two unique aspects of this king that offered hope for the Jews of Zechariah's day and us in our day.

March 6, 2022 • 11:00 am

"That Day: The Timing of Christ's Conquering," Part 2

Scripture:

Speaker: Pastor Miguel Betancourt II

Series: Zechariah: Hope in God's Unfailing Purpose

Synopsis: As our world is watching the unjustified and brutal invasion of Ukraine by Russia and many worry as to whether this eventually leads to WW 3, we turn our attention to Zechariah 14 which records a future world war that centers on Jerusalem. The city is captured and 2/3 of the Jews die. When it appears all is lost and complete annihilation is certain, Christ intervenes to engage the multinational military force in battle and they are completely wiped out instead. When does this Conquering King come to intervene? The answer may surprise you. This message looks at when and what happens on "The Timing of Christ's Conquering."

March 13, 2022 • 11:00 am

"That Day: The Power in Christ's Coming"

Scripture:

Speaker: Pastor Miguel Betancourt II

Series: Zechariah: Hope in God's Unfailing Purpose

Synopsis: In the previous message our pastor introduced us to the concept of "that day" and the longer version of that expression, "the day of the LORD." By mentioning this event, Zechariah introduces the climax of his message of hope to God's people--the absolute triumph of Christ and His kingdom despite what is seen by the human eye. In today's message, our pastor directs our attention to the focal point of what happens on "that day" -- Christ's coming to earth in great power and glory as King of kings. Our text reveals the three-fold powerful impact His coming has that compels us to acknowledge His right to rule us, to bow down before Him in total surrender, and to worship Him alone.

March 20, 2022 • 11:00 am

"That Day": The Mystery in Christ's Intervention

Scripture:

Speaker: Pastor Miguel Betancourt II

Series: Zechariah: Hope in God's Unfailing Purpose

Synopsis: Ever wonder why God doesn't intervene to stop atrocities like what we see happening in Ukraine with the Russian invasion? Unfortunately, there is a coming world war predicted in Zechariah 14 in which similar evil will happen. Zechariah 13:8-9 and 14:2 detail some of the horrible things that will happen. Our text today reveals the misery of the people and the mystery in Christ's intervention to deliver them. The message concludes with four truths that help encourage us regarding the sovereign supremacy of our Savior as the conquering King--despite what might be seen with the human eye as it looks at the physical circumstances that seem to indicate otherwise.

March 27, 2022 • 11:00 am

"That Day": True Worship Because of Christ's Conquering

Scripture:

Speaker: Pastor Miguel Betancourt II

Series: Zechariah: Hope in God's Unfailing Purpose

Synopsis: The scene in Zechariah 14:16-21 takes place on "that day," a shortened expression of "the day of the LORD" (14:1). The events take place at the Second Coming of Christ. There are three characteristics of the kingdom of the LORD given in vv. 9-21. In today's message we look at the third characteristic - the worship of Christ as the expression of true religion. God wants to transform our hearts so that we move from the ritual and routines of worship or from false worship to true worship. Have you personally worshiped Christ, the Conquering King today? Has He subdued you in faith by His grace? The LORD desires and deserves "the submission of all our nature to God...gathered up in adoration."

April 10, 2022 • 11:00 am

The Smitten Shepherd

Scripture:

Speaker: Pastor Miguel Betancourt II

Series: Zechariah: Hope in God's Unfailing Purpose

Synopsis: As we begin Passion Week with the celebration of Christ's triumphant entry into Jerusalem on that first Palm Sunday, we are reminded that God sent His perfect Representative to earth for each of us. He had a specific mission in mind and that is what we focus upon as we enter Passion Week. Our text today is most significant and moves us to worship Christ in humble gratitude because of what it says about Him and His work in dealing effectively with sin's penalty--His atoning (reconciling) work. There are two key thoughts in today's passage that when we reflect upon them, are designed to move our hearts towards Christ and to embrace Him and His message of hope.

April 24, 2022 • 11:00 am

Christ's Unique Prophetic Work

Scripture:

Speaker: Pastor Miguel Betancourt II

Series: Zechariah: Hope in God's Unfailing Purpose

Synopsis: Both Luke 24:13-27 and 1 Peter 1:11 declare that the OT prophets spoke of Christ, His sufferings, and His glory to come. So it should not surprise that one of the OT prophets, Zechariah, should point the people of His day (and our day) to Christ, the Hope of man. In Zechariah, 13, we see yet another portrait of Christ as that Hope--His unique saving and refining work. His work is set in stark contrast to the false prophets of his day. Despite the prevalence of false teachers and false teachings today, despite adverse circumstances, we can have hope that Christ's unique prophetic work can not be diminished nor prevented. Take comfort and hope in this today as you experience discouraging times and uncertainty about the future!

May 1, 2022 • 11:00 am

The Chief Shepherd's Blessing

Scripture:

Speaker: Pastor Miguel Betancourt II

Series: Zechariah: Hope in God's Unfailing Purpose

Synopsis: Zechariah delivers a message of hope by focusing on the coming Christ and His role as prophet, priest and king. In chapter 10 we see Christ as the benevolent, Chief Shepherd Who delights to bless His people. This encouraging message reminds us that Christ is indeed the foundation, focus and fulfillment of hope that stabilizes us in our present distress, encourages our endurance through it, and energizes us for His kingdom work as we await the day of His coming.

May 15, 2022 • 11:00 am

The Rejected Shepherd's Judgment

Scripture:

Speaker: Pastor Miguel Betancourt II

Series: Zechariah: Hope in God's Unfailing Purpose

Synopsis: Chapters 10 and 11 are linked together, each being the flip-side of the other. In chapter 10 we see the benevolence of the Shepherd while in chapter 11 we see the rejection of the Shepherd. Chapter 11 deals with this theme of rejection and judgment. The message of this chapter is just as powerfully gripping and relevant today as it was in the day it was first delivered. It's a message that calls us to make a choice in response to it today. Will we experience the Chief Shepherd's blessing or the Rejected Shepherd's Judgment?