The Power of Promise

“My friend is married to a woman with Alzheimer’s. She doesn’t even recognize him anymore. And as a result, he has decided to start seeing another woman on the side. I’m not sure what to tell him. Do you have an advice?”

That was the question asked a few months ago to well-known televangelist on his TV program. He replied, “That is a hard thing and I know it sounds cruel, but if he’s going to do something, he should divorce her and start all over again. Just make sure someone is still looking after her.”

A little shocked at his response, his co-host replied, “Isn’t the vow we take when we marry ‘for better of for worse, till death do us part’?” To which the televangelist said, “well, Alzheimer’s is ‘a kind of death.” She is, after all, “not there anymore.”

Now think for a moment what’s behind that answer (besides a horrifying misrepresentation of the gospel of Jesus Christ). He is, in essence, saying, if you find yourself in a situation were someone doesn’t benefit you anymore; it’s to your advantage to get out, if you find yourself in a situation that is difficult the right thing to do to start all over.

To be fair, most of us want that kind of advice; the kind of advice that encourages the easy road. Most of us have been faced with a situation that was difficult, one were you thought, “It’s too hard. I can’t do this.” It may have been struggling with a particular addiction, dealing with a hard marriage, caring for someone with an illness, working your way through school, but it seems to be more than you can handle. Is the best advice “get out and start over” or is there a better promise than that?

Israel, the Corinthians, and enduring trials

In 1 Cor 10:12-13, we find one of the greatest promises in all of Scripture. It is a promise that no matter what happens to you, you can hold on to. It instructs us on how we are to think and act during times of temptation, trials and difficulty.

The Context: Paul is writing to a group of Christians who, like all Christians, had experienced great spiritual blessings (salvation, Spirit, LS). However, they had given in to the pressures around them (philosophy, sexual immorality, fighting, etc.). So, in the first 11 verses Paul refers them back to the nation of Israel in order to show them they’re not unlike others before them.

Israel also had received great spiritual blessings; cloudy by day, passed through the sea, baptized into Moses, etc. [10:1-5]. But past blessings didn’t guarantee future obedience (vs. 5)! For as soon as they faced a trial in the wilderness they gave in, gave up, and wanted to go home, forsaking the promises of God! As a result, Israel fell into great sin: idolatry (vs. 7), sexual immorality (vs. 8), putting the Lord to the test (vs. 9), and grumbling (vs. 10). These “just so happen to be the same things the Corinthians were doing, which is why Israel served as an example for them to heed (vs. 6 & 11). Therefore, the issue for the Corinthians, as it was for Israel, was forsaking the promise of God during times of difficulty, which led to serious sin.

We are no different! (1) We have been blessed with so much. (2) The Bible commands sacrificial giving and promises to bless. (3) The economy is hard and times are difficult. (4) The easy thing is to forsake the promise and live in disobedience.

Or…(1) God has blessed us with a relationship with Him. (2) The Bible calls us to pray and promises to bless us when we do. (3) Our schedules are way too busy this week, we’ve got to much to do. (4) The easy thing is to forsake prayer and live in disobedience.

With that as a background, we know come to verses 12-14. Paul, here, addresses how we/they are to respond when faced with temptations and trials. How, unlike Israel, who forgot God’s promises when difficulty came, we can remain faithful.

A Perspective to Have

1. Don’t overestimate your abilities (10:12)

When faced with temptation or difficulty, one of the lies we believe is that we can handle it. “I’ve been a Christian for 20 years, taken a Christian Theology class, been in church all my life, graduated from school of hard knocks.” Our past victories/blessings make us feel safe. The Corinthians felt safe (we’re a sprit-filled church). Israel felt safe (we’re the people of God). And yet the same group that walked across dry land, walked around in a dry dessert for 40 years because of their rebellion. Self-confidence in the Christian life will result in carelessness in the Christian life!

I remember at youth camp hearing about a girl named Amy. Amy was college girl who had committed to sexual purity. Amy decided to go to Cancun on spring break with her friends. She heard stories about what happened in Cancun, but figured she’d never do stuff like that. While she was there she met a guy on the beach. They hung out all week and on the last night he invited her back to his place and they slept together. He took her to the airport the next day, told her how much he loved her and couldn’t wait to see her again, handed her a letter telling her not to read it until she got on the plane. As she was flying home, she opened the letter to read 6 words, “Welcome to the world of AIDS.”

You are not as strong as you think! And past victories do not guarantee future obedience! Some of you think, "I would never cheat on my taxes, engage in unethical practices, stop coming to church, do this or that.” Paul says, take heed lest you fall! The danger for most of us is not religious persecution or falling into heresy, it’s slipping into laziness, mediocrity, and self-confidence whereby we become foolish enough to think it could never happen to me. When the Bible describes Satan as a “roaring lion seeking whom he may devour” it’s not trying to be cute.

2. Don’t overstate your situation (10:13)

Read 10:13. Paul says, “you’re not facing anything unique.” At first this sounds insensitive. Like, “get over it sissy, it’s just cancer.” But this is not meant to belittle anyone’s situation, after all people are dying in this church because of their sin. Paul is making sure, by referring to Israel, that the Corinthians do not justify their behavior by saying “our situation is different.”

“If you understood how big those giants were, you’d understand why we wanted to go back to Egypt.” “If you had to live in Corinth, were married to my husband, had to face the loneliness I face, knew the addiction I’m dealing with, you’d understand.” The more unique you think your situation is the more likely you are to rationalize it. When it comes to struggle, you’re not special but you’re also not alone. You’re hurt is real, but it is not uncommon to man! This should give you hope that others have gone through it too.

3. Don’t underestimate God (10:13)

God is faithful. This was the problem with Israel, the Corinthians, and us. Theological we know God is big; practically we live as though our situation is bigger! Israel, God parted a sea! Don’t you think he can kill giants? Corinthians, God saved you from your sin! Don’t you think he can save you from your culture?

Their formula was: Easy life = Faithful God. But, if you want to see the faithfulness of God, look at the cross and the last word I would use for the cross is comfortable! The longer the enemy can convince you that God is weak or that He really isn’t for you (garden of Eden) the more likely you are to rationalize your failure.

A Promise to Hold

1. God permits the extent of your situation (10:13)

How many of you have seen load-limit signs on a bridge or elevator? The sign is there because engineers have determined the amount of stress it can handle. Paul promises that God is faithful and He will not allow you to be tested or tempted beyond what you are able. Now some of you would say, as Mother Theresa did, “I know God won’t give me more than I can handle. I just wish he didn’t trust me so much.” We know this is true from the book of Job. God told Satan, “you can have his health, but you can’t kill him.” God controls the limits.

Remember, also, this promise comes under the context of “God is faithful” meaning no trial/temptation is stronger than our spiritual resources. So if you have ever though, “I can’t handle this on my own” you’re exactly right but God’s grace is sufficient.

2. God provides the escape of your situation (10:13)

The GK word is the idea is of an army surrounded and then suddenly seeing an escape route to safety. Now, escape doesn’t always mean physically removed, it might be that God provides peace in your heart while still physically in the situation. In some cases, when not violating Scripture, it will mean leaving the situation.

The issue is never is there a way of escape, but do we like the way of escape? Example: “My boss said if I didn’t lie he would fire me. I had to do it.” No. God provided a way of escape to not work in that kind of situation; you simply wanted your job more than the escape. The Bible doesn’t promise to provide a way of escape you will like, or won’t be costly, or will come immediately, but a way that you no doubt need!

3. God promises the endurance of your situation (10:13)

"Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." (Matt 6:34)

"The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness (Lam 3)

Notice the correspondence between “Each day” in Matt 6 and “every morning” in Lam 3. Meaning, there is a relationship between what you will face in a given day and the amount of mercy you will be given for that day. Don’t fight tomorrow’s troubles with today’s portion of mercy because there is not enough. You have to trust that when the day gets here, abundant mercy will come with it.

A Pattern to Heed

Read 10:14. God will provide a way of escape; will you take it? God has promised power to endure, will you use it? The responsibility for sin is never on God, He controlled the extent, provided the escape, and gave the power. He has been faithful, will you be?

Conclusion

Who knows what challenges we will have to face in 2012? There may be times when you will say “I can’t handle this” or “I can’t get through this.” You may be like the man married to the woman with Alzheimers thinking, “it would be a lot easier to walk away.”

When that happens, I hope you’ll remember another man who is married to a woman with Alzheimers. A woman who, one night in a garden when soldiers gathered around…ran away. One night in a courtyard when a peasant girl started asking too many questions, tried to play dumb. One day in the city of Corinth, fell in love with the surrounding culture. One day in the city of Decatur, lived a life thinking it will never happen to me.

She’s a woman who has on many occasions acted like she didn’t even know who He was. But He has not left her side; He’s never even wanted to. And for the joy set before Him endured a cross, so no matter what she faces, He promises to be right beside her every step of the way.

Pastor Wes

Won't you be my neighbor?

How many of you remember watching Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood? Regardless of how silly you might think it was, Mr. Roger’s neighborhood was a television successful. It aired for 33 years, made 895 episodes, and next to Sesame Street, was one of the longest running shows in PBS history.

If you’ve seen an episode you might wonder why. There’s no state of the art technology (used hand puppets) or colorful animation. But what made Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood so successful was that it struck a chord with audiences about the importance of being a good neighbor, of caring for others. In fact, the driving question behind the show was, “Would you be mine, could you be mine, won’t you be my neighbor?” Now we laugh, but I submit to you that it is a deeply theological question. It’s a question God wants us to ponder. And it just so happens to be the central question of Luke 12 in the parable of the Good Samaritan.

The parable of the Good Samaritan is probably one of the best known parables in the entire Bible. The very title “Good Samaritan” is synonymous with someone who does good deeds. But I believe most have missed what the parable is about. It’s not a lighthearted story inviting you to be a better person, but a call to be transformed by the Gospel.

A public discussion (Luke 10:25-29)

Jesus is having a conversation with a lawyer. He is a theologian, an expert in the Law of Moses. And he comes to Jesus with a question…“What must I do to inherit eternal life?” Now that’s a great question, one everyone should be asking, namely how can I be right with God? But the way he asks the question reveals what’s wrong with his heart.

i. Wrong Motivation: Luke tells us he wants to trap Jesus. He wants a theological debate; square off against this up and coming Rabbi, he’s not really seeking the right answer. You ever meet people who want the theological proofs; they have these great questions, want to debate all the time. They will never truly believe until they come with right heart.

ii. Wrong Mindset: What can I DO to inherit? He wants a checklist; like the rich young ruler he wants to feel good about himself. Jesus has been receiving people by faith alone and this drives the religious rule-keeper crazy. You see, the point is you can’t DO anything to inherit eternal life.

iii. Jesus turns it back on him, “what is written in the law?” The man answers according to Deut 6 (27) and Jesus (I love this), “Right, now go and do that and you will be right with God.” In other words, you want to do this on your own, go ahead. If you want morality then go live a perfect life and you’ll be fine!!

Rather than repenting, he pushes the issue further, “Well, who is my neighbor?” He wants to know, not who do I have to love, but who do I not have to love. This context is crucial to getting this parable right. The context is morality, clearly defined parameters, etc.

A practical description (Luke 10:30-35)

Jesus tells of a man (Jewish), who was going “down from Jerusalem to Jericho”. Jericho is, after all, 3200 feet below Jerusalem and the road (17 miles) is winding and full of rocks where thieves can hide. The man is beaten and left bleeding and almost dead.

Along comes a priest, who would have been returning from temple worship. Surely he will stop? After all, if you were stranded on the side of the road, who would you rather see, your pastor or a gang member? But he doesn’t stop. People have said it’s because he was scared, but the truth is he couldn’t stop. According to the religious law, he can’t. He’s not allowed to touch a dead body or he would become unclean, have to go back to Jerusalem, through all the cleansing rituals, tell the other priests, and then come back (a 7 day turnaround). It would cost his time, reputation, family, and most of all his religious duty.

Along comes a Levi, whose job was to assist the priests. It is likely since the priest didn’t stop, why should he? Or maybe it’s because he had no resources as they didn’t have a lot of money. Regardless, both men see the suffering man and refuse to get involved and no doubt had good, justifiable reasons why they couldn’t.

Up to this point, while a little shocking, those listening would have been following. But then, Jesus drops a bomb. Three little words, “But a Samaritan.” A Samaritan? You mean our enemies, those half-breed Jews who intermarried with foreign woman, the ones who reject the Torah, the ones who established their own religion, that Samaritan?

"He that eats the bread of the Samaritans is like to one that eats the flesh of swine" (Mishna 8:10).

“How is it that You, being a Jew, ask me for a drink since I am a Samaritan woman?” For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans." (John 4:9)

You see, the phrase “Good Samaritan” to those listening was an oxymoron. Like saying passive aggressive, clearly misunderstood, jumbo shrimp, or Microsoft works! Call them whatever you want, but a Samaritan is anything but good. Yet, the Samaritan sees the man and is “moved with compassion.” Meaning he wasn’t acting out of law, or duty, or increasing his moral status, but his heart! And he puts his life on the line, gets bloody, tears his cloths for bandages, poured out his wine for medicine, and takes the man to a place of rest and pays his medical bills. And all of this for his enemy!

A penetrating discovery (Luke 10:36-37)

Now what happens in verse 36 is remarkable! Jesus has turned the situation upside down. Notice the man’s response. Who came to Jesus? A Jewish man. Who is on the road? A Jewish man. What was the man dealing with? Religious law. What kept the first two travelers from stopping? Religious law. How does this man view Jesus? His enemy. Who comes to help the man on the road? His enemy. In other words, a lawyer comes to Jesus asking about rules and morality and Jesus says I want you to imagine a man bleeding to death, beaten by robbers and left for dead. Imagine a religious man doing his duty walks by but unable to help. Imagine that a man, who he despised, is the only hope for his own rescue and healing. Do you see the man in the road, bloody, helpless, dying? Now imagine he’s you! This story is about a Jewish man in need of life and yet he can’t see that religion/morality can’t save Him and yet the very one he opposes can!

You think you’re supposed to be the Good Samaritan, but you not. You’ll never be the Good Samaritan until you become the man on the road! If you approach this text like the lawyer, “tell me what I supposed to do?” Baking cookies? Give money? You will end up a moralistic dead man! And that’s the very problem with the lawyer has. However, if you see yourself first as the man on the road, dead in sin, can’t get up, and if you see Jesus, though you were his enemy, going beyond the law because He was moved with compassion, let the one who had beaten you, crucify Him, tore his flesh and poured out his blood to forgive you, and took you to a place of rest and paid the full price for your healing! And when that happens, you won’t debate “who is my neighbor” you just go and do likewise!

A personal application

Not “who” but “what”: our neighbor is not a geographic, ethnic category, but what situation God has brought into your life right now whose need you can meet.

Not “why should I” but “how could I not”: the issue is not why should I do this, but how can I not do this. We will never be the church God has called us to be if we depend upon church programs and guilt-ridden sermons to get us to serve.

Not “what does it cost” but “whatever it costs”: Love our enemies, people who are not like us (homosexual community, addictions, etc. We will rally behind the unborn and the elderly because who doesn’t love a baby, but will we rally to show love to the homosexual community, the Islamic communities etc.). Sacrifice time and money (disciples who want convenience will always walk on by), placing yourself in danger (missions), etc.

Not “do” but “receive”: Those who inherit eternal life are those who come to realize God’s love can only be received by faith not earned by works.

Conclusion

Only when we are radically loved will we radically love. Only when you have been transformed by the Good Shepherd can you be a Good Samaritan. Have you? If not, look to the one who gave up everything for your healing and turn from your sin. And if so, then I ask you, would you be, could you be, how can you not be…a neighbor.

The Real Left Behind Series: preparing for the coming King

Read Matthew 24-25 (emphasis on 25:1-13)

He stood there at the door knocking, but no one answered. After a few more tries, the door opened to an 89 year-old man. When the San Francisco Chronicle reporter asked him for a comment he replied, “I don’t understand why. I don’t understand why nothing has happened.” Those words were spoken on May 22nd of this year. They were the words of Harold Camping, the radio evangelist who predicted the return of Christ would occur the day before.

He wasn’t the only one shocked and disappointed. Robert Fitzpatrick, a retired MTA worker spent his life savings in preparation for the event. Adrienne Martinez, 27 and pregnant, dropped out of medical school, spent all of her savings, 1 month before her baby was born. Others sold their homes, quit their jobs, and gave up everything in expectation of Christ’s return.

Harold’s prediction was just the latest in a series of predictions gone wrong. After all, the 2nd Coming was to occur in 1948 when Israel became a state, 1967 when Israeli troops captured Jerusalem, 1973 when a comet was to crash into the earth, in 1978 a group of pastors predicted he would come in 1981, then changed it to 1982. Then it became 1988 (40 years after the founding of Israel), then it was Y2K, they were all wrong!

Let’s face it; we are a people consumed with the end times. In Matthew 24:3, we find the disciples asking the same question. Jesus has been telling his disciples about the destruction of the temple. Such a thought was so astonishing to the disciples; they immediately ask starting playing the REM song on their ipod’s because it’s the end of the world as we know it!

Jesus, sensing their fascination, tells them to go read the Left Behind Series (kidding!). Actually He gives them the Real “Left Behind” Series, namely a series of 4 parables that deal with His future return. (Faithful Servant, 10 Virgins, Talents, Sheep/Goast). I want us to focus on one, namely the parable of the Ten Virgins.

The Explanation of the Parable

A Wedding in those days happened in three stages:

Engagement: a contract was determined between the husband and bride’s father. Once they had agreed, a ceremony would follow in order to seal the contract. The bride and groom would exchange vows and the groom would give a blessing to his bride. The blessing was, “In my father’s house there are many rooms, I go to prepare a place for you and when I do I will come and take you to myself that where I am, you may also be.” [Sound familiar? This is what Jesus quotes identifying Himself as the true bridegroom.] At this point, they are legally bound.

Betrothal: The bride and groom would be a part for up to 12 months, he is preparing a place for her while she is remaining pure, waiting for his return.

Wedding Ceremony: At the end of the 12 months there was a wedding feast. This was the greatest of celebrations. The groom and his family/friends, on an unscheduled night, would make their way to the bride’s house to consummate the marriage in a wedding ceremony that would last up to 2 weeks.

The Groom: the main focus of the wedding. Unlike our weddings today (sorry ladies), the focus of the wedding was on the groom.

The Bridesmaids: main focus of the wedding party in this text. The bride picked out bridesmaids, unmarried virgins. Their job was simple, as the time was drawing near they were to be prepared on the night the groom came, they would take their lamps (torches), go out to meet him, and enter into the wedding processional. In this parable, 5 of them are wise and ready, 5 are foolish are have no oil.

The Intention of the Parable

The point of the parable is how true disciples live in between His first and second coming. These 10 virgins represent the visible church or “professing Christians”. In this parable, 5 virgins are considered wise and enter into the wedding feast and 5 are foolish and do not (vs. 10-11). So that’s the point, namely how do true disciples live during the time waiting for His return.

The Application of the Parable

True disciples are ready anytime!

Go to 24:36-39. Jesus is teaching the disciples that no man knows when He is going to come. Like in the days of Noah, everyone is eating and drinking, normal business until the flood. Just as the flood took the world by surprise, so will the coming of Christ. Though they knew the groom was coming, but they didn’t know when until it was announced (vs. 13). And at the moment it was announced, what separated the wise from the foolish was their readiness. Everything else looked the same; all are waiting, dressed, had lamps, gathered in the same place. If you looked at the 10 you could tell no difference! Yet one group was ready, one was not! You see, you can have the appearance of a Christian and not be ready.

Illustration: A few years ago there was a news story about a photographer who liked to skydive. He jumped from a plane with other skydivers to film the group. On one particular trip, when he reached for his ripcord he realized he was without his parachute. He was so caught up in what he was doing that he was unprepared for the jump to the loss of his own life.

“Heaven will be filled with people who believed in Jesus. Hell will be filled with people who meant to.” (Spurgeon)

True disciples live as though Jesus could return at any time! Does that mean sell everything, hide in a cave, and wait? No, notice that all of the virgins slept (vs. 5). Meaning, they went about their normal daily routine, but 1 group wakes up mindful that today could be the day.

Personal Preparation: when the announcement came they first tried to borrow their way in, but the other virgins only had enough oil from themselves. Listen, God does not have any grandchildren, he only has children. When Jesus comes it won’t matter that you wife or parents believed, it will only matter if you are ready.

Can’t be bought: They then tried to buy their way in, frantically trying to find a market open at night thinking the entire time “better late than never” and yet the failed to realize that when it comes to the return of the groom, late = never! True disciples are ready now!

True disciples are prepared to wait a long time!

The disciples are thinking this is going to happen now, but Jesus (given his soon death) wants to teach his disciples how to be faithful during the delay? So he tells a parable about a faithful servant (45-51), master and tenants (25:19), and the ten virgins (25:5). What do all of these have in common…delay! In other words, JESUS MAY TAKE LONGER THAN YOU THINK. And the difference between the wise and foolish are those who stayed faithful.

4 They will say, "Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation."…8 But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. (2 Pt 3:4, 8)

“But I think He’s coming soon. I see all these signs coming together. There are wars and earthquakes.”

That may be true, but you are missing the point! (24:4-14) When Jesus speaks of wars and famines, He’s not giving his disciples an end-of-the-world timeline, He’s preparing them to be persecuted. When Jesus speaks of tribulation, He is not talking about some future tribulation period; he’s talking about the tribulation his disciples will face very soon. When Jesus compares this to a woman giving child-birth, He’s is training a group men some of who would be crucified upside down, some boiled to death, don’t lose heart, something new and glorious is coming! This isn’t meant for prophecy debates or to give TV evangelists with ungodly hairpieces something to talk about. It’s meant to prepare the kind of disciple who though the bridegroom tarries, endures to the end!

If your response to an earthquake is to put another check on your prophecy list rather than prayer, if you are spending more time trying to figure out who the anti-Christ will be rather than trying to defeat the spirit of anti-Christ in your own life, if all your hope is thinking you will one day be removed from tribulation rather than putting all your hope in the One who will resurrect those killed for His name sake, if you are more concerned about the timing of His return than loving with all your heart the One who will one day split the sky, I don’t care how many Left Behind books you’ve read, you may already be!

What the disciples want to know is “what are the signs?” What Jesus wants to know is, “are you the kind of disciple who grows tired and weary?” Because true disciples live as though the return of Christ could happen right now, but keep on serving when he doesn’t!

True disciples will be rewarded with a great time!

Jesus is compares heaven and his return to a wedding ceremony and he is doing that intentionally. This is the imagery in many other places in Scripture. John writes, And the angel said to me, "Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb."(Rev 19:9)

The wedding was the largest celebration you could have. In our day, this is like a wedding, Superbowl party, 50-yr anniversary all in one. It was a time of great joy. And when that day comes Jesus says it will be immediate, it will be intimate, “they went in with Him” and it will be eternal!

Are you ready? Not just believe in God or belong to a church, but have you made personal preparation to see Jesus? The Bible is clear in how we can be prepared. Repent of sin. Believe who Jesus is. Surrender to Him. Live for Him. Do not say, “Someday I’ll come to Christ.” Come now. Do not say, “I’ll repent later.” Such were the words of 5 foolish virgins!

Are you awake? Have you grown weary, sluggish, unfocused? Consumed in politics, relationships, deadlines at work, than the things of God? Wake up! Distracted or disinterested disciples will not be sufficient on that Day!

Are you watching/preparing? Worldliness is adultery for we are awaiting a wedding!

If not, you will find yourself like that San Francisco Chronicle reporter some day, standing behind a closed door…knocking, and knocking. Only this time the door never opens and you’re left wondering “I don’t understand.”

Watching for His Return,
Pastor Wes

An article from the Herald and Review about TBC Missions

Dentist, Tabernacle Baptist Church members serve those in need of surgery, shelter

By JIM VOREL - H&R Staff Writer Posted: Friday, May 27, 2011 8:00 pm

DECATUR - When dentist and former soldier Dr. Kelly Clark last visited Juarez, Mexico, in 2010 as part of Tabernacle Baptist Church's mission trip program, he decided to offer a little free dental work, unsure of what kind of response he would have. Two days later, Clark and his aching back had served more than 70 patients, who came to have painful, infected teeth pulled after hearing of the American missionary performing dentistry at no charge. Now, Clark and the Tabernacle Baptist group are going back again, and he's bringing his dental tools with him.

"My back will feel better, I'm just happy to help," said Clark, a father of two and owner of Decatur Dental Care. "There is a great need in some of these impoverished towns for assistance of all kind, especially in housing, which is the real reason for the trip."

This will actually be Clark's third time making the trip with Tabernacle Baptist, which has spent five days each year in a small town outside the city of Juarez, each time constructing small, simple homes for needy families. Although the size of these completed dwellings are only "what people here would think of as a garage," in Clark's words, the important thing is to offer any shelter to those who have none.

"We go into areas where a home consists of just some wooden pallets on the ground," he said. "In one place, we met a family of six that was living out of their van. With the building we create, we're able to put a roof over their heads and give them electricity."

The dentistry Clark also offers was simply a natural addition; a way to spend his evenings in Juarez helping people after construction work has halted for the night. The sophistication of his setup in the small town is extremely simple: a tiny room with a single folding chair for the patient, a table to hold dental instruments, and a head-mounted light for Clark to see by. But still, the residents are thankful for any dental attention.

"We numb up three people at a time to pull teeth, so we can do as many as possible in one night," Clark said. "All we're able to offer is extractions of teeth, but most of the time when the tooth goes, the infection goes with it. These people are thankful because some of them are living every day in pain."

This isn't Clark's first time performing dental work far from home. He also did the same duties in Iraq, during his service in the military from 2000-03. The army paid for his final two years of dental school, in exchange for Clark's service in the field, performing basic dental work for soldiers on the front lines, operating out of a small tent.

"I was assigned to a field unit far from base, using portable dental equipment," he said. "I had access to things like X-ray, pretty much everything I needed, except air conditioning."

That tent, however, looks like a fully stocked dental office compared to the scarcity of equipment and services available in the outskirts of Juarez. In his time there, Clark said he's never seen another practicing dentist, and that he believes most tooth problems are never addressed due to a lack of professionals or lack of funds. Couple that with the plethora of challenges facing those without a structure to call home in the area, and you have a community in desperate need of help.

"Anyone who feels the need to help should make this trip," Clark said. "You don't need to have any construction experience at all to help build a home for these people. You just need to be there and be ready to help and listen to instructions."

The number of members attending Tabernacle Baptist's trip to Juarez has slowly increased, from 11 in Clark's first year, to 14 the second, and 17 this year. The dentist has even brought along his two children, ages 8 and 10, in an experience he believes has helped open their eyes and broaden their worldview to the struggles experienced by the less fortunate around the globe.

"They were humbled by it, I think," he said. "They didn't speak the language at all, but by the end of our time there, they had befriended all the other children and we're hanging out, playing soccer. I think it's been a really valuable experience for all of us."

Substitutionary Baptism? Paul's teaching on the "baptism of the dead."

In our Sunday evening class we’ve been studying the views of Mormonism. One of the practices of Mormonism is baptism for the sake of the dead, were Mormons are baptized in the place of non-Mormon’s who have died with the belief that in the afterlife the “newly” baptized person (i.e. the deceased non-Mormon) will be able to enter into a higher level of Mormon heaven.

Quotes from Mormon leaders concerning the “baptism of the dead”

"The greatest responsibility in this world that God has laid upon us is to seek after our dead...Those saints who neglect it in behalf of their deceased relatives, do it at peril of their own salvation" (Joseph Smith, in Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p.356, 196).

"These are the principles in relation to the dead and the living...their salvation is necessary and essential to our salvation...they without us cannot be made perfect---neither can we without our dead be made perfect...there is a welding link of some kind or other between the fathers and the children...it is baptism for the dead. For we without them cannot be made perfect" (Doctrine and Covenants 128:15,18).

Biblical Basis?

Mormons also believe that this is what Paul is teaching in 1 Corinthians 15:29 where Paul writes, “Otherwise, what do people mean by being baptized on behalf of the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized on their behalf? Is this what Paul is speaking of? Can one represent another in baptism? [It should be pointed out here that Mormons also believe water baptism saves so therefore being baptized, an act of salvation, for someone else can be the means of another’s salvation.]

What is Paul actually teaching in 1 Corinthians 15?

To conclude the Mormon teaching of “baptism of the dead” from 1 Corinthians 15:29 is to complete ignore context and faithful exegesis. Let’s take a look at Paul’s teaching in the larger context of this passage.

1. Paul, in the first 19 verses of chapter 15, has focused specifically on the resurrection of Christ as a historical fact. There were some within the Corinthian church who had started doubting this reality, therefore Paul deals with the proofs of the resurrection. In addition, Paul gives the theological implications if Jesus is not resurrected, namely we are still dead in our sins (15:12-19)

2. Next, in verses 20-23, Paul speaks of the order of the resurrection [Christ first, then those who are united with Him will be resurrected when He returns]. From there, Paul deals with the reign of Christ and the final destruction of death.

3. From this Paul questions, “what will those do who are not baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why then are they baptized for them?”

Historical Context

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth. Corinth was surrounded by a variety of pagan religions. One group in particular was located in a city named Eleusis, just north of Corinth. This group practiced baptism in the sea as a guarantee for a good afterlife and anticipation of a future resurrection (see Homer in “Hymn to Demeter” pg 478-79).

The Corinthian church had demonstrated on multiple occasions to have been influenced by the beliefs around them, thus Paul’s writing to “set the straight.” An example of this can be found in 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 where Paul quotes the false teachers (“Food is for the stomach and the stomach for food”) but goes on to teach the Corinthians that the “body is for the Lord and the Lord is for the body (6:13). {There are more examples of this kind of referencing in 1 Corinthians as well and in Acts 17 where Paul quotes their own philosophers as a means of leading them to Christ.]

Meaning of 1 Corinthians 15:29

So going back to 1 Corinthians 15:29, what does Paul mean then by the “baptism of the dead?” Paul, knowing of the practice and teaching of this pagan religion, uses them as an example. Since Paul’s primary point has been “if there is no resurrection, we are dead in our sin and our preaching is in vain (12-13)”, he uses the example of these pagans (those who were trying to be baptized for the dead) as an example to show than even the pagans see the importance of the resurrection otherwise they would not practice “baptism for the dead.”

One of the key phrases in the text is “otherwise what do people”. Therefore, Paul is NOT encouraging the practice and the Corinthians are NOT practicing such a ritual. Rather, Paul is trying to show believers the importance of the resurrection by showing them that if the pagans around them place such a great importance on the resurrection, how much more those who put their faith in the resurrected Christ.

Now some will respond that the above is not correct because the word “they” is not in the Greek text, namely “they are baptized on their behalf” rather than “you (the Corinthians) are baptized on their behalf.” However, the Greek word “baptizontia” is a present, passive, indicative, in the 3rd person, plural, meaning that “they” (3rd plural, the pagans not the Corinthians) are “being baptized” (present passive).

Therefore, Paul is simply using an example practiced by the pagans to illustrate how important even the pagans view the resurrection. How much more should we who have find our identity in the true resurrection…Jesus of Nazareth, the ONLY ONE who was baptized (the cross) on behalf of others!!!

Pastor Wes

A Christian response to the death of Osama Bin Laden

One of the questions Christians are forced to deal with is, "How should a Christian respond to the death of Bin Laden?" Some will argue that we should rejoice because justice has been served, while others will defend that the death of someone (regardless of how evil) should be grieved. So how should Christians respond to this event?


I personlly think a Christian should have mixed emotions.

On one hand, a Christian should grieve the death of Bin Laden. They should grieve the death of anyone created in the image of God, they should grieve because hell is real and those without Christ will face the eternal judgment of God, and they should grieve because it remins us of the sinfulness of mankind is a present reality. I understand why many will be quick to "rejoice" in this event (and will argue below the way in which one should), but we check our emotions in light of the gospel. Death is tragic, sin has consequences, hell is real, and Jesus is the only hope! Therefore, death, regardless of who, is to be grieved.

On the other hand, I believe a Christian can and should rejoice in the justice of Bin Laden's death. Notice the difference! There is a difference in rejoicing in the death of someone (small lens) and rejoicing in what the death represents (larger lens). Bin Laden was an evil man, who was responsible for the death of hundreds thus requiring his own life as a just consequence (Genesis 9:6). In addition, God has ordained government in the yielding of the sword to carry out such justice (Romans 13). In this, we can rejoice. Therefore, when asked the question, "Should a Christian rejoice in the death of Bin Laden or grieve over it?" My answer is "yes." Biblically we must do both.

Below are a few links that provide more perspective on this issue. I think you will find them helpful in thinking through this issue.

http://www.albertmohler.com/2011/05/02/the-trial-that-still-must-come-the-death-of-osama-bin-ladin-and-the-limits-of-human-justice/

http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/is-god-glad-osama-bin-ladens-dead

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/article_print.html?id=91717

Pastor Wes

The Relationship between Church Membership, Baptism, and the Lord’s Supper: a position paper for Tabernacle Baptist Church.

By Dr. Wes Feltner (with help from Pastor Brandt Waggoner)

Over the past few years I have noticed that many in the church have struggled with issues related to church membership, baptism, and the Lord’s Supper. I have often been asked to explain why we emphasize the necessity of church membership, why we do not recognizes “infant baptism” as biblical baptism, or why we only biblically baptized believers should partake of Communion. My hope is that this article will help you think through these issues, regardless of what position you hold, as well as give an explanation as to how we believe these issues work in relationship to one another.

Let me first give an overview of each element.

Does the New Testament teach Church Membership?

The simple answer to this question is “Yes.” Now if one is looking for the term “membership” one will not find such a word used in Scripture (although it does commonly use “members” of one another as in Romans 12 and other places). However, just because the word “membership” is not used does not mean the activity is not practiced. For instance, words like “Trinity” and “rapture” are not used either and yet such doctrines are taught in Scripture.

A biblical overview of church membership…

1. Broader Model: While not specifically addressing “church membership,” there is a broader model in Scripture of recording names who are identified with a specific people (i.e. Israel, believers in heaven, etc.). See Exodus 32:32-33, Daniel 12:1, Philippians 4:3, and Revelation 13:8, 20:12, 15. Again, this does not prove church membership, but shows a larger model recorded keeping identification.

2. Acts 2: In the early church, after individuals believed in the gospel and were baptized, they were “added” into the life of the church (2:41). Regardless of how one interprets this, there was clearly some distinguishing mark, after baptism, whereby baptized believers were identified as being a part of the community of faith.

3. Church Discipline: In 1 Corinthians 5 Paul is rebuking the church for not expelling a man who is a part of the church but is living in serious immorality.

a. Paul writes: “But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral, or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat. What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. ‘Expel the wicked man from among you.’ (1 Corinthians 5:11-13)

b. Paul clarifies that he is not calling members of the church to avoid associating with those outside the church who are living a sinful lifestyle because they are expected to act in such a way. His concern is that these Christians not associate with people who call themselves Christians and are in the church, but go on living a sinful lifestyle. These people are to be expelled from the church. Now, if Paul differentiates between those who are inside the Corinthian church and those who are outside, clearly there is a way to determine who is in and who is out. In addition, how do you remove someone from the congregation if they are not a member of it? In other words, it is impossible to exercise discipline without having some way of identifying who is and who is not a part of the local church. Those inside the church were members who had made a formal commitment to the church and as a result the church leadership had counted them among their number.

4. Inside/Outsider Language: (1 Corinthians 14:23)

a. Paul writes: “If, therefore, the whole church comes together and all speak in tongues, and outsiders or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are out of your minds?”

b. Similarly to the previous passage, Paul speaks of the “whole church” which is clearly not the universal church but all those who are members of that local congregation. He goes on to say that “outsiders” or “unbelievers” may enter. How would the Corinthian church know the difference if there was not some way of identifying who belonged to the “whole church” and who was an “outsider”?

5. “One Body” and “Membership” Language (1 Corinthians 12:12-16)

a. Paul writes: “For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many…As it is, there are many parts, yet one body.” (12:12-16)

b. This picture of a church as a body pictures individual Christians as the members of a human body. At the core of what it means to be a member of a local church is a commitment to the rest of the “body parts” (members). In order to have unity, a believer must know exactly what people they are committed to living alongside as a unified body, and make a whole-hearted commitment to seeking the good of this group as a whole. Membership is a requirement in order to know who the other “body members” are that we are committing to, in order to live the life that Christ, as the head, intends for His church.

6. Church Leadership: In passages like Hebrews 13:7, 17-18; 1 Thessalonians 5:11-14; 1 Peter 5:2; and others, elders/pastors are exhorted to “watch over the flock” entrusted to them. How are pastors to care for the flock without having some way of knowing who is and who is not a part of that local congregation?

What does the New Testament teach about Baptism?

1. The Meaning of Baptism: Union with Christ

a. The public identification of union with Christ, symbolizing the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Colossians 2:12).

b. The public identification of new life in Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 6:4)

2. The Subject of Baptism: Believers Only

a. EVERY New Testament baptism was someone who had repented of their sin and exercised faith in Jesus Christ (Acts 2:41, Acts 8:12-13, and others). Therefore, baptism is only for believers. Therefore, baptism is not baptism if the person is not a genuine believer in Jesus Christ. This would, of course, rule out people who have not exercised faith prior to their baptism or were unable to (as in infants) at the time of their “baptism.”

b. Note: It should be noted that baptism does NOT make you a Christian – it is meant to show that you are one. Baptism does not "save" you, only faith in Christ does (Eph 2:8-9). Examples of salvation preceding baptism can be found in Acts 10:44-48 and 1 Cor 1:14-17. However, given the importance and command of baptism, refusal to be baptized would cause concern about the genuineness of ones salvation.

3. The Mode of Baptism: Immersion

a. Jesus was baptized by immersion (Matthew 3:16)
b. Every New Testament baptism was immersion (Acts 8:38-39)
c. The very meaning of the word “baptizo” means “to immerse or dip under water.”
d. Conclusion: we believe strongly that the Bible teaches that baptism is only by immersion. This would, of course, eliminate sprinkling or pouring as legitimate forms of baptism.

4. The Importance of Baptism: Obedience

a. Following the example of Christ (Matthew 3)
b. Following the commands of Christ (Matthew 28)
c. Following the pattern of the New Testament church (Acts 2; and others)

5. The Timing of baptism: Post-conversion

a. Every New Testament baptism occurred after the individual exercised faith in Christ and was the visible sign in the early church of ones union with Christ (Acts 22:16, Romans 6:3-4; Col 2:11-12). Therefore, baptism is the first sign of obedience and testimony in the believer’s life. Though the believer is not necessarily baptized within seconds of exercising faith, it should be done sooner rather than later.

What does the Bible teach about the Lord’s Supper?

1. The Subject of the Lord’s Supper

a. Those who participated in the Lord’s Supper were individuals who were already believers in Christ and were in fellowship with other believers (1 Corinthians 10:16-17).

2. The Mode of the Lord’s Supper

a. The Lord’s Supper has two specific elements involved, namely bread and wine (or the fruit of the vine). This is represented in the Passover feast, faithful to Jesus’ instruction with his disciples in the Upper Room (Luke 22), and Paul’s instruction to New Testament churches (1 Corinthians 10).

3. The Timing of the Lord’s Supper

a. Unlike baptism, which happens one time for the believer, the Lord’s Supper is repeated in the life of the church as the ongoing act of remembering the accomplished work of Christ and the future kingdom of God.

4. Different views on the Lord’s Supper

a. Transubstantiation: The Roman Catholic teaching that the bread and wine actually become the literal flesh and blood of Jesus due to an over-literal reading of Matthew 26:28, Mark 14:24, Luke 22:20, and John 6:54-56.

b. Consubstantiation: The Lutheran and Anglican teaching that the bread and wine co-exists with the flesh and blood of Jesus.

c. Remembrance: The Baptist (and other Protestants) view that the bread and wine commemorates and symbolizes the flesh and blood of Christ. It points back to the work of Christ on the cross and forward to His future return, just as the Passover feast pointed back to Israel’s redemption from Egypt and forward to the promises of God. I will not take time to list all the reasons but simply note that we reject both transubstantiation and consubstantiation as biblical views of the Lord’s Supper.

The Relationship between Church Membership, Baptism, and the Lord’s Supper

Before I discuss the relationship between these three, let’s look at a few key passages of Scripture.

1. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). After the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Jesus charges his disciples (representing the building of His Church) with what is known as the “Great Commission.” Notice the order…

a. All authority is given to Jesus (through his finished work on the cross)
b. His disciples are to go into all nations (a call to preach the gospel)
c. They are to “baptize” in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Baptism was seen as the public identification of conversion/salvation).
d. Then they were to “teach them to observe all that I have commanded you.”

2. The Early Church Pattern (Acts 2:41-42). The pattern in the New Testament was exactly the pattern that occurred in the early church.

a. Peter preaches the gospel (“Go to all nations”)
b. His hearers “believed” and were “baptized” (Conversion)
c. After their faith/baptism they were joined the fellowship of believers.
d. Then, as a part of the union with other believers, they “devoted themselves to the Apostles teaching, prayers, and breaking of bread (communion).” [“teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”]

3. Conclusion: The order of the Great Commission and the practice of the early church was the…
a. Preaching of the gospel
b. Followed by faith/baptism
c. Followed by joining the fellowship of believers
d. Followed by participation in the life of the church (discipleship, prayers, communion, etc.). It should be noted that there is no biblical evidence of their being any different pattern than this in the Newt Testament church.

The Relationship between Baptism and Church Membership

The follow reasons outline why we believe baptism should lead to church membership and why baptism is required before church membership.

1. The Great Commission does not separate baptism and discipleship

a. 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.

2. The pattern of the early church

a. As seen in Acts 2, after they “believed” and were “baptized” the joined the fellowship of believers. Therefore, those who joined the fellowship of believers had already participated in believer’s baptism. Therefore, one should not be allowed into the membership of the church without first identifying with Christ through baptism.

3. Baptism symbolizes union with Christ and His body

a. 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). This is also why we should see baptism as a “church ordinance” and not simply an “individual ordinance.”

4. It is spiritual dangerous to baptize someone without their participation in the local church

a. In Matthew 28 and Acts 2, the Great Commission is not fulfilled without discipleship. Therefore, new believers need the teaching, accountability, and discipline of the local church. To allow individuals to be baptized and not be under the watch-care of the church is to undermine the Great Commission and is spiritually dangerous for the new believer.

The Relationship between Baptism and the Lord’s Supper

1. The teaching of Matthew 28 and Acts 2

a. In both of these passages the Lord’s Supper falls after baptism. In Matthew 28, the Lord’s Supper would only qualify as being under the “teaching them all that I have commanded you” clause and consequently would not come until after baptism. In Acts 2, they did not “break bread” with one another until after they had participated in baptism.

b. In the New Testament, the Lord’s Supper is always second in order of observance to baptism. There is no record of any person in the New Testament ever partaking of the Lord’s Supper without having first been baptized.
2. The Logical order

a. In addition, such order only makes logical sense. After all, since baptism is the initial sign of identity with Christ and His body, then a believer would NOT join with believers in partaking of the Lord’s Supper until they had first been identified with Christ in baptism.

3. Baptist Confession (TBC’s statement of faith)

a. Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is an act of obedience symbolizing the believer's faith in a crucified, buried, and risen Savior, the believer's death to sin, the burial of the old life, and the resurrection to walk in newness of life in Christ Jesus. It is a testimony to his faith in the final resurrection of the dead. Being a church ordinance, it is prerequisite to the privileges of church membership and to the Lord's Supper. [The Baptist Faith & Message, 2000]

The Relationship between Church Membership and the Lord’s Supper

1. The teaching of Matthew 28 and Acts 2

a. As I noted above, the pattern in the early church was to join the fellowship of other believers before “breaking bread together.”

2. 1 Corinthians 10:16-17: “The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread.”

a. Paul states here that the “bread we break” is “participation in the body of Christ.” Now some will try to argue that this means the universal body of all believers. If such is the case, then one would need to answer the following:

i. When does the universal church gather the Lord’s Supper? It doesn’t! Because there is no such thing as the gathering of the universal church. The universal church is only expressed through local churches.

ii. To whom is Paul writing? A local church geographically located in Corinth. Paul is writing about “their communion” and “their participation” with one another. While there is no doubt there are implications for the universal church, Paul has in mind the local gathering of believers in Corinth.

b. Therefore, Paul’s teaching recognizes that “participation in the body” and “participation in the Lord’s Supper” are in relation to one another. This is why we believe that all those who come to the Lord’s Table should be active participants (members) and under the accountability of a local congregation.

3. The Logical placement of Church Membership and Lord’s Supper

a. In addition to the biblical evidence, it makes logical sense that membership within a local congregation would be a prerequisite before partaking of the Lord’s Supper given that the Lord’s Supper is a “church ordinance” and not nowhere in Scripture an individual act. Both the Passover meal and the Last Supper imply a specific group identity. It is very problematic for someone to argue that he or she can come to the Lord’s Table if they have refused to participate with the body of Christ.

4. Differing views on how the Lord’s Super relates to Church Membership

a. Open: anyone who is saved may partake.
b. Close: all baptized believers who are members of local congregations of like-faith may partake (this is TBC’s practice).
c. Closed: all baptized believers who are members of a SPECIFIC congregation may partake.

Common Objections/Questions

1. Should a church prevent someone from the Lord’s Supper over something as small as disagreeing on the “mode of baptism?”

a. This question assumes Scripture isn’t clear on the right mode of baptism or that baptism can be something other that what the Bible teaches. As a result, one would be asking a church to compromise the witness of Scripture for the sake of inclusion.

2. Isn’t the Lord’s Supper is a Christian ordinance given to the church universal?

a. The Lord’s Supper is not something that we do on our own as individuals, but as Christ said only as often as we commune or “gather together.” We celebrate the Supper as a church family, coming together to one table where we share in this meal as brothers and sisters. Christ has brought us all together into one family, and His presence is among us as we unite to celebrate Him. We “participate in the body of Christ” by sharing one loaf and one cup. Only Christians are invited to this fellowship, because only Christians are part of this family that will one day sit down at a table with Christ himself.

3. Jesus never mentioned baptism or church membership at the Last Supper?

a. One must keep in mind that Jesus is transitioning between the Passover feast of Israel to the New Testament act of Communion. There is no church membership mentioned because there is no church. Therefore, one must look to the instruction of the New Testament to conclude how these issues relate to one another.

4. What about the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8? He wasn’t a part of a local church.

a. First, it is likely that there was no church in Ethiopia at the time because the gospel was starting to spread.
b. Second, we are not given enough follow-up information concerning this situation as to discern what happened after his baptism.
c. Third, 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.

5. Won’t such “rules” seem unfriendly or unloving to visitors?

a. First, we do not view these as “rules” but as biblical guidelines.
b. While we will make every effort to be friendly and loving to visitors, being a friendly and loving church should not be equated to compromising biblical conviction. A local church cannot, even with good intentions, fail to maintain the proper administration of the church.

For His Glory,
Dr. Wes Feltner
Senior Pastor TBC