According to a recent Yahoo report, famous tennis star Andy Murray and his long-time girlfriend are breaking up. Now why would a pastor write a blog comment over such dramatic event? The answer….because it is the perfect example of delayed manhood.

Evidently his girlfriend decided to dump him because he spends seven hours a day playing video games. Seriously, there is something wrong in a culture when 22 year old men are spending 7 hours a day playing video games, dating a girl for four years without any marriage in sight (or at least there was no evidence of such plans in this case).

I’m seeing this issue over and over again in marital counseling. The responsibilities of early 20-year-olds such as work, pursing a family, and cultivating spiritual maturity have been replaced with living at home with parents, playing video games all night, spending their weekends out with their buddies, and delaying the responsibilities of manhood. If I may be so blunt as to say that the results are 30 year-olds with the maturity level of 16 year-olds. While this is obviously not true in every case, there has most certainly been a shift in the culture on this issue.

One of the tragic affects of delayed adulthood is the conflict it brings into marriage. The longer one lives out their independence the harder the transition to being dependent (marriage) will be. Now this doesn’t mean everyone needs to be married by 18, nor am I suggesting such an arbitrary guideline. What I am suggesting is that if you are 22 and are playing 7 hours of video games, a transition to marriage and taking on the responsibilities of a family will be very challenging.

Genesis 1 is clear that God’s design for manhood is rooted in three main tasks, namely work, marry, and have a family that you protect and provide for to the glory of God. While there are individual circumstances preventing some of these, that is God’s design for being a man and it is a glorious responsibility because it is rooted in the image of God. Maybe Andy Murray needs to work on a different kind of serve?

For His Glory,

Pastor Wes

Preaching and naming names: when is it appropriate to mention the names of other preachers?

In the manuscript below you will notice that I “call out” one of prosperity preachers by the name of Creflo Dollar. My sermon on Philippians 4 dealt with Paul’s contentment both in hunger and in abundance. I mention Creflo Dollar and his comment that you won’t have peace if you don’t have money. I believe that such teaching is a serious offense to the teaching of the Bible and contrary to the heart of the gospel.


This, however, does raise a good question, namely when is it appropriate to mention the name of other preachers in a sermon, particularly when it is a point of disagreement?

This Specific Example

In this particular example, I not only feel it is appropriate but I believe it is important to do so. The reason is that believe that prosperity gospel preachers manipulate the gospel and do serious harm to the body of Christ. The prosperity teaching, namely that God promises His children will be healthy, wealthy, and always abounding, is a serious assault on the biblical text and completely contrary to the teachings of the Bible.

Therefore, as a pastor who takes the protection of his flock very seriously, I will unapologetically continue (when appropriate) to expose those teachings and teachers in the culture who do serious manipulation to the gospel of Jesus Christ. I have, and will continue, to address serious theological error that are in the mainstream Christian culture.

The Larger Context

Given what I have stated above, one should not conclude that preaching should be a time of name calling and should only been done when the situation warrants. Here are a few questions I think are important to consider.

1. Is it a gospel issue? Is what you are addressing a minor disagreement or a major theological issue. There is a significant difference between the disagreements preachers have about minor issues as opposed to issues that are leading people away from the integrity of the gospel. If it is a serious gospel issue, then I think it is appropriate, in a Christian spirit, to address it straight on.

2. Is it a character attack or a theological attack? I certainly do not believe that it is appropriate to get into character issues. Theological issues, particularly those that are of serious nature, should be open to public criticism because the integrity of the gospel is at stake. Therefore, so long as personal attacks are avoided, theological critique is appropriate if the theological issue is significant.

3. Is it biblical or a personal agenda? Preaching should never be about personal agendas but faithfully teaching the biblical text. I do not believe that it is appropriate to merely address personal disagreements in a sermon. However, exposing another’s view (when a gospel-centered issue is at stake) in light of the biblical text is appropriate.

At the end of the day it is the pastor’s responsibility to faithful care for the flock of God. In a politically correct culture we are supposed to tolerate all beliefs and never expose error. The gospel of Jesus Christ, however, does not give us such freedom. Though not a common practice, I believe that there are occasions when the integrity of the gospel is at stake and preachers must be willing to graciously address those issues, along those who advocate them, for the protection and edification of the body of Christ.

Pastor Wes

Series: Life at Peace
Title: In all things content
Text: Phil 4:10-13, 1 Tim 6:6-10
Date: November 22, 2009

Introduction

I will never forget several years ago the first mission trip I took to Mexico to build houses. I remember going the entire week without a shower because there was no running water at any of the facilities. A restroom was a bucket and a place to hide. I remember walking inside of what the family was living in and watching a little boy, not much older than my son, as flies consumed his bowl of cereal and followed the spoon as he brought it too his mouth. I remember another little boy who had tied a string to a bug and would watch it fly around as though it was a new toy plane. And I remember the look on the families face as though were overjoyed with simple things like a bar of soap. And I remember how all week long they smiled and seemed far happier than me.

And I remember flying back home reading about a new, high-tech, $5000 toilet that was soon to be introduced in the US featuring a wireless remote to raise and lower the seat, a deodorizer, a warm-air dryer, water temperature controls, why it even had massage options. And I remember returning to a nice bed and nice long hot shower. And I remember thinking to myself… “Would God be enough?” Regardless of the conditions I lived in “Would God be enough?” Could I say, as the Psalmist said…

25 Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I
desire besides you. 26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the
strength of my heart and my portion forever. [Psalm 73]

This issue of godly contentment is at the core of living a life at peace. And we live in a culture that is very discontent.

• We are discontent with what we have so we go into debt to have more.
• We are discontent with where we are so we keep moving hoping that we’ll be happier at the next stop.
• We are discontent with our marriage so we decide to find someone else that might make us happier.

And there is a voice within us that keeps saying I think I should already be here, I should already be able to retire, I should already be having children, I should already be a supervisor, the church should already be doing this or that. And that voice of discontentment destroys the peace in our lives. And while there is nothing wrong with having those desires, sometimes those desires control our ability to be content and live a life at peace.

Illustration: U2 song, “I have climbed the highest mountains. I have run through the fields. I run, I have crawled, I have scaled city walls. But I still haven’t found what I’m looking for.”

Some of us here this morning are still looking and searching for something bigger, something better, something that we think we fulfill us.

We see here in Philippians 4 a man who had learned to be content.

Teaching

Here is a man who sets in a prison cell because of corrupt officials awaiting a possible execution over false charges. Here is a man who writes a thank you letter to a church that he loves who was dealing with some relational conflict. He wanted to be with so that he could help them work through their issues. But Paul was in prison, He couldn’t be where he wanted to be. He feels confined by the prison cell. And yet Paul was content to remain where he was, in prison, in chains.

The Peace of Contentment

• Paul says, “I have learned in whatever situation to be content.” The word content comes from a Greek word meaning “self-sufficient or independent.”

o Stoics: It was used by the Stoics in those days as a detachment of emotions or an indifference to all things. It was a chief virtue.

o But that is not how Paul is using the word. Paul doesn’t mean don’t care about anything, for Paul content was “an inner peace that comes from knowing that God is in control of his life.”

o In the book Authentic Faith, Gary Thomas says that “Contentment is nothing more than ‘soul rest.’ It is satisfaction, peace, assurance and a sense of well-being that is cultivated by pursuing the right things.

• Though Paul had desires and dreams and goals he was not controlled by them. “By now I should be set free” “by now I should be in Philippi” “by now, by now, by now.” Paul had learned to walk in peace in the present.

I) The example of Paul’s contentment (11, 14-19)

• Notice in 11, 14-19. If one didn’t know of the great relationship Paul had with these people they might think this is offensive. Paul wants to make clear that while he is deeply appreciative of their gift, he wasn’t in want. He was fully confident in God. His joy was not bound to their gifts for it was rooted in the sovereignty of God.

• Paul sets the example for us here. That our peace is not based upon what we get or what we don’t get. It we get something, we’re thankful, if we don’t we trust God.

• “But this is the Paul” “He is a super Christian”. But Paul said, “I have learned to be content.” This is not something he got at Apostle school, this wasn’t some overnight supernatural work of God, it came through continuing to walk with God through all seasons.

II) The extremes of Paul’s contentment (12)

• Notice both extremes that Paul gives.

o Abounding: Those times in my life when my goals are being met, my desires are be fulfilled…we find our we are pregnant, I get the raise, we have lots of food in the refrigerator, the tests come back positive, the surgery went well…I am at peace. And most of us would be content if this were always the case. God bless me and I’ll promise to be content.

o Lacking: Those times in my life when my desires are not being fulfilled, retirement is forced, the job is lost, the economy is failing, a friend hurts you, are you content? Paul is! Because knows that sometimes God brings you low, sometimes God gives a torn in the flesh, sometimes God brings you to a point of hunger to save your soul, He brings you to the point of little so you’ll find much in Him, sometimes God brings you low so you’ll lift Him high, and sometime God will take everything away to show you that he is everything after all!

o Paul was satisfied with little. It didn't matter that he was a prisoner, it didn't matter that he was chained to a Roman soldier, that he ate things we wouldn’t want to smell, that he stayed in a place that was greatly lacking in comfort. As Paul said in 1 Tim 6:8, “ But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.” [translation: if you have a t-shirt and a loaf of bread you have enough…and of course a cell phone, computer, and ipod right?]

• Illustration: This is why I get so angry at advocates of the prosperity gospel. As one pastor (Creflo Dollar) stated, “See there are some people that do not believe in prosperity they don‘t want to hear that God is a God who wants to put money in your hand, well you need to hear about money because you aren’t going to have no joy no peace until you have some money.”

o If you have to abound to be content your peace is not in God, it’s in His gifts!

III) The endurance of Paul’s contentment (13)

• Paul says “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” This if often one of the most misquoted verses in the Bible. We have made it mean, “with Jesus I can do anything!” “I’m going to try and bench press 400pds because…” “I’m going to dunk a basketball ball because…”

• Paul uses this verse in the context of living a life of contentment, namely how am I able to be content when I have nothing and content when I abound…the strength of Jesus Christ.

• "I can endure all things." He uses a Greek verb, ischuros that means to be strong, or to have strength. He is saying, "I am strong enough to go through anything because of Him who infuses His strength into me." Paul says, "I'm content, I've seen the power of God."

Transition: 1 Timothy 6:6-10

So we see in Paul an inner peace that he learned by walking with the Lord that grounded him both in lacking and in abundance through the power of Jesus Christ. By why should we pursue this kind of peace?

1) Godly contentment is great gain

a. You are truly able to enjoy life. You won’t be tossed around by the waves.

b. We should be content so we can invest in what really counts. Three billion people today are outside Jesus Christ. Two-thirds of those without a Christian witness. If we, like Paul, are content with the simple necessities of life, thousands of dollars at TBC and millions of dollars in the SBC and hundreds of millions of dollars in the Protestant church would be released to take the gospel around the world.

2) Godly contentment maintains a right perspective

a. Test 1: what did you have when you came into the world? What will you take with you when you leave? Everything else is bonus!

b. Test 2: If you want contentment and peace, do not compare what you have to what others have. Compare what you have to what you should have which is hell. You and I were a train wreck waiting to happen, we were hell bound because of our sin, and God intervened. God opened our eyes to see His glory and as a result we have so much more that we could ever deserve and yet so many of us remain unsatisfied.

3) Godly contentment protects from temptation
a. If we don’t learn godly contentment we will be tempted to doubt God when we are hungry and ignore God when we abound.

Five Warning Signs of Declining Church Health

The following is an article by Dr. Thom Rainer, CEO of Lifeway Resources. The article is about warning signs that a church is not as healthy as it should be. I post this not because it applies necessary but things to keep in mind as we continue to move forward to what God has for us in the future.

Pastor Wes

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December 17, 2004, should have been a day of celebration. Nellie Jo and I had been married 27 years on that date. We were in Naples, Florida, enjoying the sunshine and each other.
Then the phone call came.

We had been given a great deal of confidence that the biopsy would likely prove negative. Proceed with our anniversary celebration, we were told. In the unlikely event that the report was not good, they would let us know.

The report was not good. Nellie Jo had cancer. The next two years would prove to be some of the most challenging years of our lives and marriage.

When an Unhealthy Body Looks Healthy

Looking back, it is amazing to recall how healthy Nellie Jo looked. She showed no signs of fatigue or sickness. Had she not seen a couple of warning signs, she might have found out too late about her cancer. She might not be alive today.

I’ve seen it countless times. My team would go into a church for a consultation, and we would begin interviewing church members. We would hear from many of the congregants that their church was healthy and thriving. Then we would see the warning signs. And we would begin to fear that the apparently healthy body was not really healthy at all.

The church was sick. Some of the churches were really sick.

Five Warning Signs

What were some of the warning signs my team saw? Though the list is not exhaustive, these five issues were common. Some of the churches had a one or two on the list; some had all five.

1. The church has few outwardly focused ministries. Most of the budget dollars in the church are spent on the desires and comforts of church members. The ministry staff spends most of its time taking care of members, with little time to reach out and minister to the community the church is supposed to serve.

2. The dropout rate is increasing. Members are leaving for other churches in the community, or they are leaving the local church completely. A common exit interview theme we heard was a lack of deep biblical teaching and preaching in the church.

3. The church is experiencing conflict over issues of budgets and building. When the focus of church members becomes how the facilities and money can meet their preferences, church health is clearly on the wane.

4. Corporate prayer is minimized. If the church makes prayer a low priority, it makes God a low priority.

5. The pastor has become a chaplain. The church members view the pastor as their personal chaplain, expecting him to be on call for their needs and preferences. When he doesn’t make a visit at the expected time, or when he doesn’t show up for the Bible class fellowship, he receives criticism. In not a few cases, the pastor has lost his job at that church because he was not omnipresent for the church members.

Where Do We Go from Here?

The bad news is that few churches recover if the patterns above become normative. The church is a church in name only. It is self-gratifying rather than missional. It is more concerned about great comfort than the Great Commission and the Great Commandment.
The good news is that a few churches have moved from sickness to health. The path was not easy. It first required that the congregants be brutally honest with themselves and God. It does no good to speak glowingly of a church that is unhealthy and getting worse.
Many of the turnaround churches we consulted then moved to a time of corporate confession and repentance. They confessed to God their lack of obedience and their selfish desire for their own comfort.

And still other churches made an intentional effort to shift the ministries and the money of the church to a greater outward focus. This step can be particularly painful since a number of church members often protest with vigor that their needs are no longer being met.

To Become a Healthy Church

Indeed we could focus on the reality that the great majority of sick churches do not recover. But that focus provides little value.

We should look at the admittedly few churches that have moved from sickness to health. We should learn how they turned from an inward focus to an outward focus. We should follow their examples of moving from selfish desires to radical obedience to God.

In His power the unhealthy church can become healthy.

Heed the warning signs.

It could be the difference between life and death.

The Anointing: Spirit, Word, and our inheritance in Christ.

I remember one night at a youth summer camp I was staying up too late watching TV with some of the staff team when a TV preacher came on offering to send out “anointed” one dollar bills to anyone who would make a contribution to his ministry. His promise was that “as long as you hold on to this anointed dollar bill you will always have money.” I wondered how many people really fell for this.


This topic of “anointing” is one that has been misunderstood biblically. For some it conjures up thoughts of a sweaty preacher with a hanky, speaking in tongues, or some kind of special blessing. In 1 John 2, John tells his readers that they have been “anointed by the Holy One” (vs. 20) and the “anointing that you received from Him abides in you” and “teaches you everything” (vs. 27).

So what does John mean by anointing?

Context: It is important to remember that John is dealing with believers who are facing the false teaching of the Gnostics, those who believed in a “higher knowledge” of “spiritual things.” They were most likely using “anointing” language as a means of leading others astray in hopes of gaining some kind of enlightenment. John uses the language of the anointing in the context of exposing these false teachers, namely that they would not be deceived because they have already been anointed.

Background: The OT background of anointing surrounded the offices of prophets, priests, and kings who were anointed with oil as a ceremonial act as they entered into their office of service. Their anointing recognized them as being set apart for the work of God. David, for example, is God’s anointed king who is set apart to defeat the enemies of God. This is precisely why when he sins with Bethseba he prays, “take not your Holy Spirit [i.e. anointing] from me” (Psalm 51:11). In other words, don’t remove me from being king. The anointing he had received was his identification as Yahweh’s king.

Likewise, when Jesus comes up from the waters of baptism the Holy Spirit descends upon Him, recognizing Him as the anointed One (“the Christ”) and is marked out for his earthly ministry of prophet, priest and king only to go into the wilderness and defeat the enemy of God.

In addition, the New Testament teaches that all who are in Christ have been set aside as a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9) and are kings and priest of God (Rev 1:6) and co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17).

Meaning: The anointing, therefore, is something that is true of all believers who have identified themselves in Christ and not some special blessing or superior Christianity. In 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 Paul writes, “And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.” In other words, the “anointing” of God for believers happens as you are “in Christ” and the Holy Spirit is given as a guarantee of our eternal inheritance. The anointing of the Holy Spirit is what sets you a part as true sons of God (Romans 8:14). So to be a Christian is to receive the Spirit (“anointing”) and consequently no one can be in Christ without having the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Some believe that because of the anointing believers can have direct revelation from God apart from the Word of God. Back in the seventeenth century such a dispute took place between the Puritans and the Quakers (who came out of the Puritan movement). The Quakers viewed the work of the Spirit as more than an identification of union with Christ (i.e. the Puritans) but rather a means of direct revelation through an “inner light.” This led them to conclude that they did not need to be guided by the Word of God because they had the Spirit of God, a more “direct line.”

The Quakers, along with other “mystical” type of groups, believed that truth was something to be found inward and that all spiritual truth dwelled within. We find many of the same teachings in our culture today, namely that we all have a “personal truth” that we have within us.

But doesn’t John teach that we no longer need a teacher? John does not mean that a Christian knows everything just because they have the Spirit. In fact, why would John even write the letter if these believers had all the instruction they needed as a result of their anointing? Instead, John understands that in the OT God spoke through mediation, namely prophets and priests (Heb 1:1), but Jesus said that the Holy Spirit would come and be our teacher (John 14 and 16). Though God has appointed pastors and teachers (Eph 4:11) to faithfully proclaim the Word of God, what John means is that we don’t need a teacher for new revelation when we have the Spirit of God and the Word of God. He writes these things so that his readers would not be deceived.

What a blessing it is to know that God has not left us alone but that He has given us His Spirit as a guarantee of our inheritance in Christ, an inheritance that I am quite sure is worth more than a dollar!

Pastor Wes

Response to the Great Debate

Our first "Great Debate" has come and gone here at Tabernacle and by all accounts it turned out to be a great night of theological discussion. Our final count was 361 in attendance. I am very thankful for Dr. Gary Gilley, pastor of Southern View Chapel in Springfield, IL, and Dr. Robert Kurka, professor of Theology at Lincoln Christian College in Lincoln, IL.

Both of these men did an outstanding job presenting their perspectives and did so with an atmosphere of Christian brotherhood.

If you did not get a chance to attend you can listen to the debate at http://www.tbcdecatur.org/.

Though both of the speakers did an excellent job, I must say that my position has not changed in the slightest degree. I believe that the Scripture overwhelming demonstrates that a genuine believer is secure in Christ.
A few other things I would have added (though time only allowed an overview) to the position of security are...

1. The totality of forgiveness. The Protestant (and biblical) understanding of justification is that in Christ believers are forgiven of all their sin (past, present, and future). The writer of Hebrews is clear that Jesus would have to be offered over and over if forgiveness was temporary status. Therefore, if we are forgiven of all of our sins then how can a believer fall away when the sin he/she commits is already forgiven in Christ (see Hebrews 10).
2. The Parable of the Sower. Based on my interpretation of the parable of the Sower (or seeds) is that Jesus clearly teaches that there is a seed that produces a temporary fruit but ultimately dies off. It is only the seed that produces good fruit that is the "good soil." Therefore, Jesus teaches that there is such a thing as a temporary belief that is not truly rooted in genuine transformation. This is why I find the argument that "we all know someone who was a Christian and fell away" unconvincing. It doesn't matter who you know, or how they live, whether or not someone is a genuine believer is a matter of them and the Lord. There are many who say "Lord, Lord" but do not actually entire into the kingdom of God.
3. Biblical Warnings. I do not have the time to develop this completely but I believe that the so-called "warning-passages" in the Bible actually serve as the means through which believers will persevere. In Hebrews 6, right after the author warns them about "falling away" he writes "though we speak in this way, yet in your case, beloved, we feel sure of better things(vs. 9)". In other words, by warning them of the danger of falling away the writer is actually confident that they will not. The interpretation of the warning passages deserves it's own article. If you want a good book on this I recommend "The Race Set Before Us" by Schreiner and Caneday.

For those who have asked for our own confession I have listed it below. It is from the Baptist Faith and Message 2000.

Election is the gracious purpose of God, according to which He regenerates, justifies, sanctifies, and glorifies sinners. It is consistent with the free agency of man, and comprehends all the means in connection with the end. It is the glorious display of God's sovereign goodness, and is infinitely wise, holy, and unchangeable. It excludes boasting and promotes humility.

All true believers endure to the end. Those whom God has accepted in Christ, and sanctified by His Spirit, will never fall away from the state of grace, but shall persevere to the end. Believers may fall into sin through neglect and temptation, whereby they grieve the Spirit, impair their graces and comforts, and bring reproach on the cause of Christ and temporal judgments on themselves; yet they shall be kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.

Thanks again for all who attended. I have received many emails regarding when the next one will be. Not sure, but there will certainly be more things like this to come.

Pastor Wes

Knowing when to marry

One of the things I advise young couples to do is to not put off getting married if biblical conditions are met. Marriage is something that has been put off until "education is finished" a "career is established" or "finances are secure." The problem with these arguments is that they are man-made. Now I am not suggesting that marriage should be entered without caution or wisdom. I am, however, suggesting that marriage is becoming less of a priority in our culture in place of personal, self-centered accomplishments. This is a topic I will write on more in the future, but for now let me direct you to the link below for an article in Christianity Today that I think is worth your time to think about. I will try and post more of my thoughts in the days ahead.

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2009/august/16.22.html

Pastor Wes

Can a Christian lose thier salvation?

This coming Sunday night at Tabernacle Baptist church we have hosting our first "Great Debate." This evening is designed to study God's Word through hearing different perspectives on a theological subject. Sunday's debate will center around the topic of Eternal Security (or "once saved, always saved").

There are many Christians who believe that once a person becomes a follower of Jesus Christ they can never lose their salvation. This does not necessarily mean that one can "live however they want" and still be a Christian. Rather, a genuine Christian experiences spiritual transformation and though they will sin, they are kept secure as they are brought into conformity to Jesus Christ.

On the other hand, there are other Christians who believe that it is possible for a genuine Christian to fall away and forsake their salvation. Just as an individual can choose to become a believer, they can also choose to forsake their Christianity, therefore forfeiting their salvation.

We are thankful to have two speakers who will present both sides of this issue. It is my prayer that we will be challenged to think biblically and that the Lord will solidify what we believe in the teachings of His Word.

So make your plans to come out Sunday night. It will be fun, challenging, and thought-provoking as we seek to understand God's Word together.

Pastor Wes

Baptized into one body

Several years ago, in a different ministry context, the pastoral staff was asked if we could do a favor for one of the relatives of a church member. The sister of one of the ladies in the church had recently accepted Christ as her Savior and wanted to be baptized, but lived several hours away. Since she was coming in to visit, the request was made to the pastoral staff if she could be baptized at our church while she was in town.

What should we have done? Should churches baptize people from out of town? Should baptism occur separate from church membership? Is the church commanded to baptize a part from the ongoing process of discipleship?

We discussed this situation in great detail among our staff. Though opinions varied and disagreement was expressed, we finally agreed that we would not baptize her but would encourage her to find a local church in her area, follow the Lord in baptism, and join that fellowship for accountability and fellowship.

There are several reasons why I believe that churches should not separate baptism from church membership.

1) Baptism symbolizes union with Christ and His body.

It is true that the church exists universally (all believers) and locally (believers in a local church). However, the universal church is expressed through the local body of believers. Baptism points to union with Christ (Romans 6:1-4) and union with Christ is expressed through the participation of the local church (Romans 12, 1 Cor 10:16-17, Eph 1:22-23, 2:16; Col 1:18, 2:19, 3:15, and many others). Therefore, you cannot separate union with Christ from union with His body, expressed locally in covenantal community.

Think of it this way…
Baptism shows union with Christ—Union with Christ is shown through participation in His body—participation in His body is shown through local church membership.

2) The Great Commission does not separate baptism and discipleship.

The three participles in the Great Commission involve “going, baptizing, and teaching.” Therefore, when churches separate baptizing from the ongoing teaching and discipleship in a local congregation, they are not fulfilling the Great Commission.

3) Baptism is a “church ordinance” not an “individual expression.”

I have said often that baptism is not an individual event, it is a congregational event. In baptism, the person expressions identification with Christ, the church is affirming that profession, and the local faith community is proclaiming the gospel to one another. That is why we believe there are two ordinances…baptism and the Lord's Supper.

Just as you would not (or at least should not) participate in the Lord Supper in isolation of the local church, baptism is not to be separated from the local body either. You don’t take your wife out to eat and say, “I think we should take the Lord Supper together tonight.” Why? Because it is a church ordnance to be practiced within the local covenantal community…as does baptism. Baptism was practiced in the early church under Apostolic authority within the context of the visible church (Matt 16:16-18).

4) The teaching of Acts 2.

The clear order of Acts chapter 2 is the preaching of the gospel, the baptism of believers, and the addition into the local church. Though the phrase “the church” is not given, verse 42 speaks of life and function of the local church. Words like “Trinity” or “rapture” are not given, but we see their process and function.

5) It is spiritually dangerous to baptize someone without participation in the local church.

More than anything, new believers need the local teaching, accountability, and discipline of the local church. To allow individuals to be baptized (affirmed by that congregation) and not placed under the watch-care of the church can have dangerous consequences upon the believer.

There are other reasons why I believe that baptism and church membership should be connected. Those who disagree often point to the Ethiopian eunuch as not being baptized into the local church. There are a few problems with this example.

a) It is likely that there was no church in Ethiopia at the time because the gospel was starting to spread.
b) We are not given enough follow-up information concerning this situation as to discern what happened after his baptism.
c) One should never take one example (of which we do not have all the surrounding information) and a make a universal principle out of it when the entire rest of the New Testament demonstrates to practice of baptism into the local body.

The decisions like we made in the situation described above are not always easy. But at the end of the day we felt (and I was thankful) that the best thing for that new believer was to find a Bible-teaching congregation in her community, profess her identification with Christ to that body, and submit herself that covenantal community of faith. That, in our opinion, was the best favor we could do for her.

Pastor Wes

Jesus, say what? Why the free gift of eternal life will cost you.

Jesus was walking down the dusty path, as He did most everyday of His life on earth, only to encounter another interruption, another question, another person on their knees, another real life situation to handle, another need to meet. The question He was asked this time did not surprise Him, for He was asked this question time and time again…What must I do to have eternal life? Such is the question everyone wants to ask; yet no one wants to hear the answer because Jesus always makes it personal and it always comes at a cost.

As was the case for this man on this particular day for he was a good man, one who had not murdered, committed adultery, stolen from others, or dishonored his parents. Yet for Jesus, this wasn’t enough. It wasn’t the answer to the ultimate question. Jesus, looking at him with loving eyes, knew that because of this man’s riches, his treasure wasn’t heaven, it was his own possessions.

How disheartened this young man must have been, he had lived a good life, done well for himself, and yet it seems it was all for not. Maybe he wanted to hear, “I’m proud of you for living a good life” or “Just keep doing what you are doing and you’ll be just fine.” Whatever the case, what he heard ripped his heart out. The very idea that he had to give up everything he had worked so hard to gain was a thought he could not bear. This man heard the very thing he hoped he would not hear, namely “If you want to have eternal life…give it all away!” You see the answer to the ultimate question is ultimate sacrifice. You don’t want to hear the answer to eternal life if you are in love with this one.

I’m remind of this passage in Isaiah…

Bel has bowed down, Nebo stoops over; their images are consigned to the beasts and the cattle. The things that you carry are burdensome, a load for the weary beast. They stooped over, they have bowed down together, they could not rescue the burden, but have themselves gone into captivity.

Listen to Me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, You who have been borne by Me from birth. And have been carried from the womb; Even to your old age will be the same, And even to your graying years I will bear you! I have done it, and I will carry you; and I will bear you and I will deliver you. (Isa 46:1-4)

As in the case of the rich young ruler, we have the option of carrying our own burdens or letting the Lord carry them for us. For many of us the thought of letting go is too hard, too much sacrifice, too much of a cost. We have deceived ourselves into thinking we are okay on our own; after all we’ve come this far without help. After all, “we’ve got it all together, just leave us alone.” It is a wonder our backs don’t break with the load we carry.

We can complain about how hard life can be; yet we are unwilling to give up the weight. We keep trying to do the best we can, although our best will never be good enough. We keep wondering what it will take one day to have eternal life, even though we may not really want the answer!

Pastor Wes