8.07.2023

What is the Church?



What is the church?

In Sunday's class, Zac gave this definition of the church

The church is the assembly of believers who regularly meet worldwide, glorifying God by obeying His Word and discipling one another in the unity that comes through Christ Jesus.

Pastor Brett's Sermons on the Church:

Short Statement  (TBC doctrinal statement):   

We believe that the two ordinances of the local church are Baptism (the immersion of a believer in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit) and the Lord’s Supper (partaking of the bread and the cup to memorialize Christ’s death and anticipate his second coming); that the local church is an independent and self-governing body responsible alone to Christ who is its Savior and Lord.

The church is made up of disciples who 
GLORIFY God
GROW into the image of Christ
SHARE THE GOSPEL with others

An essential part of church life at Trinity is meaningful membership.

Why is it Vital to our Daily Lives:

  • Hebrews exhorts us to “not forsake the assembling of ourselves together.”
  • The purposes of the church are best accomplished with “one another.”
  • The example of the early church was that they were DAILY together.
  • The early church constantly (Daily) devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers.
  • Consider – terms we use for connection to the church – “joining” a church as if it’s a club – “driving down to the church” as if it’s a building – “enjoying church” as if it’s a show – what do these terms say about our assumptions about church and how do they impact our participation?
Bible Verses
Matthew 28:19-20
Acts 1:8; 2:1-3, 38-39; 10:44-45
Galatians 1:3-5

“What is the Church?”  Fall Series Information beginning September 10, 2023.

The overall goal is to help Trinity glorify God even more and to help our church family encourage and love one another.

There will be four classes based on the Deacon Care Groups.

The class times are designed with two purposes in mind: 
-  grow in an understanding of what the church is (universal and local)
-  grow in our love for and knowledge of people in our deacon care group

2.  Each week's class time will have the following elements built into them:|
-  at least 10 minutes of prayer built in to pray for your Care Group and the church.
-  two individuals sharing a testimony time for additional thoughts and discussion built into each lesson

     Chapters of Urban Legends of Theology by Michael Wittmer connected to this doctrine:

    I Don't Need Church to Have a Relationship with God (Ch. 36)


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7.28.2023

What is Salvation?

What is salvation?

Tom's more detailed notes:  https://tinyurl.com/tbcdetailedoutlinejohn

For Parents' Resources, go to tbcgrkidz.blogspot.com/2023/07/july-30.html


Pastor Brett's Sermons on this topic:


Quote from the quiz:  
"The inability to love, obey, or please God is the very essence of human depravity. And the only solution to that predicament is the recreative work of God. Jesus told Nicodemus, "You must be born again.” "Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” This is what salvation is all about  God miraculously changes the nature of those whom He redeems so that they are drawn to the same righteousness they formerly hated. This was the central promise of the New Covenant."  — John MacArthur.


Free ebook for a limited time:  Before You Share Your Faith  
Matt Smethurst shares 5 ways to be evangelism-ready.  The first point is Grasp the Gospel.  The book offers a summary of the gospel in four movements:  the Ruler (God created, sustains, and rules everything that exists), the Revolt (Sin is more relational than behavioral and more vertical than horizontal), the Rescue (On the cross God treated Christ as if he had lived a believer's sinful life so that he could treat us as if we had loved Christ's spotless life), and the Response (Turn from sin, trust Jesus Christ, and treasure Jesus).
From Tom Hill's notes on Salvation and John 3

Everything true then for Nicodemus is true now for you and me.  
The fallen condition of mankind is seen in Nicodemus.  He was blind to spiritual matters.  Even with a knowledge of the Bible and a pharisee's prestige, he could not understand or enter the kingdom of God.  
Jesus tells Nicodemus about the need for a new birth.  John 3:3 says, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."  This new birth is done by God, not man.  Just as the Israelites in Numbers 21 needed to look to God's plan for healing, the serpent lifted up, so we all need to look to Jesus lifted up on the cross for eternal life - spiritual healing.

From TBC's Introduction to Theology class

Key Thoughts

    • Necessity of Salvation – Romans 3:23
    • Repentance and Faith – Forgiveness – Acts 2:38; Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-10
    • Faith and Works – James 2:14-26; Hebrews 11
    • Election
    • Justification – Romans 3:24
    • Sanctification - Philippians 2:12-18
    • Adoption

 Why is it Vital to our Daily Lives:

    • At the cross, Jesus paid the penalty (judicial) for our sins and allowed His Righteousness to be transferred (imputation) to our account.
    • God’s forgiveness extends grace to the sinner because of Christ’s work, allowing God to be just and the justifier of all who believe and accept Jesus’ finished work on their behalf, making them adopted Children of God
Chapters of Urban Legends of Theology by Michael Wittmer connected to this doctrine: 
Any Religion Will Save You as Long as You're Sincere (Ch. 29) 
We Must "Preach the Gospel at All Times and If Necessary (Ch. 30)

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7.23.2023

Who is God the Son?

 Christology - Who is God the Son?

Theology Matters Discussion Time:  Wednesday, July 26 @ 7:00 in Room 2 at Trinity.

For Parents' Resources on Jesus, go to tbcgrkidz.blogspot.com/2023/07/july-23.html

Pastor Brett's Sermons on Jesus:

Additional Resources

Quote from the quiz: 
"This Jesus of Nazareth, without money and arms, conquered more millions than Alexander, Caesar, Mohammed, and Napoleon; without science and learning, He shed more light on things human and divine than all philosophers and scholars combined; without the eloquence of schools, He spoke such words of life as were never spoken before or since, and produced effects which lie beyond the reach of orator or poet; without writing a single line, He set more pens in motion, and furnished themes for more sermons, orations, discussions, learned vocabulary, works of art, and songs of praise than the whole army of great men of ancient and modern times."  — Philip Schaf

Short Statement  (TBC doctrinal statement): 

We believe that Jesus Christ was begotten by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, and is true God and true man.  We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ died for our sins, according to the Scriptures, as a representative and substitutionary sacrifice and that all that believe in Him are justified on the ground of His shed blood. We believe in the resurrection of the crucified body of our Lord, in His ascension into heaven, and in His present life there for us as High Priest and Advocate.

Seven Titles discussed in class:

  1. Seed of the Woman:  Genesis 3:15
  2. The True Prophet:  John 17 (specifically verses 13 and 14)
  3. TH Great High Priest:  Hebrews 4:14-16
  4. The Conquering King:  Gospels in Triumphal Entry, foretold in Zechariah 9:9
  5. The Son of Man:  Daniel 7:13-14
  6. The Suffering Servant:  Isaiah 52:13 - 53:12
  7. The Lamb on the Throne:  Revelation 5

Names/Titles

  • Christ – John 1:41; 4:25
  • Messiah – Matt 16:16
  • Jesus – Matt 1:21; Acts 4:12
  • King – I Samuel 16:13; Revelation 19:16
  • Prophet – Isaiah 61:1, Luke 24:19
  • Christ – John 1:41; 4:25
  • God – Hebrews 1:8; John 1:1
  • Messiah – Matt 16:16
  • Lord – Luke 6:46
  • Prophet – Isaiah 61:1, Luke 24:19
  • Immanuel - Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23
  • Priest – Exodus 29:1-7; Hebrews 4:14
  • Jesus of Nazareth – Acts 2:22
  • Son of God – John 5:26-27
  • The Man Christ Jesus – I Timothy 2:5
  • Son of Man – John 5:26-27

Nature

  • Human – human parent, names appearance
  • Deity – He created (Hebrews 1:1-2); forgave sin (Matthew 9:2); was worshiped and had divine names.

Confessions/Creeds

  • Apostles’ Creed
  • The Creed of Nicaea (325)
  • The Nicene Creed (381)
  • Chalcedonian Creed (451)
  • The Athanasian Creed (6th century AD)
Chapters of Urban Legends of Theology by Michael Wittmer connected to this doctrine: 
The Son of God Put on Skin (Ch. 24)
Jesus is More Loving and Compassionate THan the God of the Old Testament (Ch. 26)
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7.17.2023

What is Sin?

Hamartiology - What is sin?

Parent resources on Sin:  tbcgrkidz.blogspot.com/2023/07/july-16.html

Pastor Brett's Sermons on the topic:

 Short Statement: 

We believe that because of sin, man incurred not only physical but also spiritual death which is separation from God; that all human beings are born with a sinful nature, and in the case of those who reach moral responsibility, are sinners in thought, word, and deed.

Keys Passages related to sin our:

Genesis 3
Romans 1 - 3 (especially 3:23)
Matthew 1:20-23
Philippians 2:5-11
1 Corinthians 15:3,4
I Timothy 1:15

Some important things to remember from the Adult class notes.

"Sin is any lack of conformity to God's will in attitude, thought or action, whether committed actively or passively.  The center of all sin is autonomy, which is the replacing of God with self.  Always closely associated with sin are its products of pride, selfishness, idolatry, and lack of peace." (JMA)

What is Total Depravity?  This is a phrases that is often confused because people think of total depravity as committing the worst possible sins, or at least sins a little worse than any they have ever committed.  It actually means that man is incapable of pleasing God on his/her own (Romans 8:7-8; John 15:5).  We are not in neutral.  We are not a blank slate.  The total depravity of man demonstrates the absolute sovereignty of God.  Man can do nothing to save himself.  God must accomplish all as a gift of His sovereign grace.

The Effects of Sin are Four Fold:

  1. Relationship with God the Creator - The relationship with God is severed, and we experience his wrath, punishment, and enmity.
  2. Personal - The sinner manifests shame, guilt, fear, suffering, blame, and death.
  3. Relationship with Other People - Sin manifests in hatred, strife, anger, murder, and war.
  4. Relationship with the Rest of Creation - In sin, man abdicated his God-given rule over creation.  Creation groans because of man's sin.

The Results of Sin

  1. While sin promises enlightenment and peace, sin will ALWAYS DISAPPOINT AND NEVER SATISFY.
  2. Sin will always take you further than you think.
  3. Sin will always more faster than you image.
  4. Sin will always cost you more than you can afford.
  5. Sin will always have an impact on so many other people.
Chapters of Urban Legends of Theology by Michael Wittmer connected to this doctrine: 
Satan Is Tempting Me (Ch. 17)
You're Not Supposed to Judge (Ch. 20)
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7.10.2023

Who is Man?

Anthropology - Who is Man?

Parent resources on Man:  tbcgrkidz.blogspot.com/2023/07/july-9.html

Theology Matters Discussion Time:  Wednesday, July 26th, 7:00 pm @ Trinity Baptist Church in Room 2

Pastor Brett's Sermons on the topc:

BIG IDEA and Short Statement  (TBC doctrinal statement):   

We believe that man was created in the image of God but sinned. 

Chapters of Urban Legends of Theology by Michael Wittmer connected to this doctrine: 
This World Is Not Our Home (Ch. 71)

 

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6.26.2023

Who is the Holy Spirit?

Pneumatology - Who is the Holy Spirit? 


Parent resources on the Holy Spirit:  tbcgrkidz.blogspot.com/2023/06/may-25.html
Discussion time:  Wednesday, June 28th, 7:00 pm @ Trinity Baptist Church

Pastor Brett's Sermons on the topic:

Short Statement  (TBC doctrinal statement): 

We believe in the Holy Spirt – the third person of the Trinity – equal in all ways with God the Father and God the Son that acts in convicting men of sin, indwelling believers and teaching them all things regarding Jesus while graciously gifting believers for ministry through the Body of Christ.

The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity, not a force or thing.

The Bible contains may different names for the Holy Spirit, that describe what he does.

  • Comforter – John 14:26; 15:26
  • Guide – John 16:13
  • Intercessor – Romans 8:26-27
  • God – Acts 5:3-4
  • Lord – II Corinthians 3:18

One of the tasks of the Holy Spirit is the indwelling of believers (2 Corinthians 6:16; Ephesians 5:18-21; Acts 6:1-7). Ih a children's book called The Holy Spirit,part of the Big Theology for Little Hearts, indwelling is explained as "The Holy Spirit living within God's people, helping us to walk in a way that is worthy of God."

Another task of the Holy Spirit is our sanctification.  Second Corinthians 3:18 says, "And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."

As it relates to spiritual gifts, there are four different sermons linked above related to signs gifts, and spiritual gifts.  Ultimately, remember the use of gifts is for the edification of the body.

The use of gifts should never be seen as superseding the revealed written word of God in Scripture 

Why is it Vital to our Daily Lives:

  • Without indwelling Holy Spirit – living the Christian life is impossible.
  • We control by choosing who we allow to fill (influence) us whether we are growing more Christ-like or not.
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6.18.2023

Who is God?

Theology (Proper)

Happy Fathers' Day!  Today's lesson is on God the Father!

Question:  Who is God the Father?

Resources:

Families, for resources to talk with your children about who God is, go to tbcgrkidz.blogspot.com/2023/06/may-18.html

Short Statement  (TBC doctrinal statement): 

We believe in the one God, eternally existing in three persons:  Father, Son, and Holy Spirit 

In this week's study, we must remember the guidelines presented during the first week and on the tables each week.

This study is Biblical AND Practical.
This study is Introductory, not exhaustive.  Very Important this week.
This study is to Honor God, not impress others.
This study is for the adoration of God, not just information for man.
This study is for edification and encouragement.

Think about the many different ways a class about God could go.

The nature of God
The attributes of God
The works of God.
The hard-to-understand aspects of God.

Erwin Lutzer wrote a book entitled "10 Lies About God:  And the Truths That Shatter Deception.".

The first three chapters of Genesis could be a full 12 weeks or more study of who God is

How long would a class be to fully cover who God is?  1 class?  12 classes?  52 classes?

No number of classes could cover everything there is to know about God.  At the heart of this week's lesson, and every week's lesson, is to scratch the surface of a topic to get each of us a fundamental understanding of who God is and grow in each of us a desire to know and love him more.

Check out Knowing the Living God by Paul Washer for an in-depth Bible study on Theology Proper.  Forty-seven different chapters.  Chapter 2, "Knowing the Living God," carefully considers what Psalm 105:4-5 says.  Washer writes, "We are not to be casual or apathetic in our pursuit of the person and the will of God, but determined and active - even ambitious."  

Here are eight summary truths the book contains about the Trinity

  1. God is one.
  2. God is three.
  3. The Scriptures clearly affirm both of these essential truths.
  4. The three Persons of the Trinity are natural and distinct.
  5. The three Persons of the Trinity are perfectly equal.
  6. The three Persons of the Trinity may manifest Themselves differently and carry out different functions.
  7. The mystery of the Trinity is not grounds for its denial.
  8. Most illustrations used to explain the Trinity need to be revised.

As we continue this study of theology, let's find contentment and rest in who we know God is and a passion and desire to know Him more and more.

Some additional articles:

 Key References

  • I Timothy 2:5; John 14:26; Genesis 1;
  • Incommunicable Attributes:  Exodus 3:14; I Kings 8:27; Psalm 90:1-4; 102:25-27; 139:7-12; Malachi 3:1; John 4:24; 5:26; Acts 17:24-25; Romans 1:18-25; Ephesians 1:11; I Timothy 1:17; 6:15-16; James 1:17
  • Communicable Attributes:  Exodus 34:6-7; 2 Samuel 7:18-29; I Kings 8:22-30; I Chronicles 16:8-36; Psalm 89:1-8; 103:6-14; 139:1-6; Romans 11:33-36; Ephesians 1:11; I Timothy 1:17
Chapters of Urban Legends of Theology by Michael Wittmer connected to this doctrine: 
God Created the World Because He Was Lonely (Ch.9)
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6.17.2023

Theology of Church Announcement Time


This past Sunday (June 11), I was reminded that Sunday morning announcement time can provide a time to teach theology and priorities.  People are more important than events and activities (priorities).  God is sovereign over all creation.

Some Sunday-specific facts to help explain this lesson and this post.

  1. This Sunday was the second Sunday of Trinity's Theology Matters summer study.  The specific lesson was "What is the Bible?"
  2. The Fighter Verses for last week and this week are James 4:13 - 14 and James 4:15 - 17.
  3. On Wednesday, I asked to switch the announcement schedule to announce VBS and share a missionary update.
With these facts in mind, I was reminded of the truth found in the Bible, specifically James 4:13 - 17, as I prepared for and made the announcements.

Friday, I had my prepared list of announcements of Vacation Bible School, a ladies' get-together, a men's Bible study, and a senior luncheon.

Now get ready because the excellent list of scheduled announcements changes going forward.

Later that Friday, I was reminded I needed to announce the birth of a precious baby boy, who was born healthy but two weeks early, to the surprise of the proud, blessed parents.  What a joyful blessing to this young family and to our church.

On Saturday, a long-time member of Trinity passed away.  This family, filled with servants of the Lord, has a lot of connections with the church because this woman, her husband, their adult daughters, and their son-in-law are all part of our church family and served and serve in different ways.

Then, before the Sunday service, I was informed that another excellent servant from TBC, and a blessing to me and my family, was struggling in the ICU.  

There is no way I could read a list of events and information to our church family with such a joyful birth of a baby announcement and two difficult announcements related to these godly women.  

I know the ministry events are in the Lord's hand because I am reminded of that in James 4:13-19 and the circumstances of life.  

Arrogance is telling God what is going to happen. 
We don't know when a baby will be born.
We don't know when we will get sick.
We don't know when we will die.
We are still determining whether the planned events, such as luncheons, wedding rehearsals, or graduation parties, will go as planned.

But we know that God is sovereign, and we ought to say, "If the Lord wills..."


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6.11.2023

What is the Bible?



What is the Bible? This is the first question because the Bible is where we go for the answers to all our summer questions.

Pastor Brett's Sermon Link:

Families, for resources to talk with your children about what the Bible is, go to tbcgrkidz.blogspot.com/2023/06/may-11.html

To help us think practically about what Drew Ford taught this Sunday (06.11.12), here is a statement on Bible translations the pastors and Christian Education Committee have been developing.  It is designed to help people understand what Bible translations we use and why.

TBC’s doctrinal statement on the Bible states, “We believe in the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as verbally inspired of God, and inerrant in the original writings; and that they are of supreme and final authority in faith and life.  2 Timothy 3:16, 17.”

There are two critical phrases in this statement:

  1. “Supreme and final authority in faith and life.”
     The Bible contains what we need to know for salvation and godly living.
  2. “In the original writings”
    God inspired the authors and original writings.  However, the translations into other languages, like English, are not inspired.       

The Bible is of utmost importance. There are many different translations. This is why we, the pastors and Christian Education Committee, want to explain why Trinity uses our translation.

The New American Standard Bible (NASB) and English Standard Version (ESV) are formal equivalence translations. These sometimes sacrifice readability for word-for-word accuracy. The New International Version (NIV) is a dynamic-equivalence translation that aims to make the Bible readable by conveying idea-for-idea rendering.

During the worship service, Pastor Brett uses the NASB for preaching and recommends it for in-depth studies.  Pastor Brett prefers this translation because it uses older manuscripts and accurate word-for-word translation, which helps in sermon preparation and text explanation.

The children’s ministry and youth ministry often use ESV and NIV. These translations are used in many of the curriculums used.  Also, it is usually easier for younger children and new believers to understand. Many prefer that children and teens use either of these translations.

Storybook Bibles are suitable for family devotion time and home use, but children must become more familiar with the chapters and verses of the Bible. We recommend parents give their children a chapter/verse Bible towards the end of kindergarten. In the 1st through 5th-grade classes, they will look up verses and stories in their Bibles.

The Bible is God's Word, the supreme authority specially revealed to us through God's inspiration. Because it is from God, it is inerrant and infallible. Inerrancy means it corresponds to reality and never affirms anything contrary to fact. It is without error.

Why is it Vital to our Daily Lives:

  • If the Bible is what Jesus and the Biblical writers claimed it to be, and it is, then it demands our efforts to read, understand, and obey it, giving the Holy Spirit the opportunity to teach us through it and to run our lives as God has instructed in it.
  • Without the Bible, any “authority” is simply human and lacks congruence with reality and the consistency and accuracy of the Bible.
  • Denial of the God-breathed nature of the Word of God places humans in the judgment of God’s self-revelation – even if we “claim” to believe that the Bible is our source of authority but don’t live or act on what it says, then we are still effectively Denial.
  • Faith is more straightforward when you understand more about God, but not believing in Someone more significant than yourself is to have a tiny God.
Chapters of Urban Legends of Theology by Michael Wittmer connected to this doctrine: 
The Bible Is Our Ultimate Authority (Ch.6)
A High View of Scripture Turns the Bible Into an Idol (Ch. 7)
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5.28.2023

Theology Matters

All Intro to Theology Summer Study posts can be found HERE.

Sunday kicks off Trinity's Combined Adult Christian Education Class "Theology Matters:  Introduction to Theology."

The first class is titled "Why Theology Matters?"

This specific class has two purposes. 

  1. To why we are doing an introduction to theology class at TBC this summer - introduce theology and doctrine to our church. (Why "Theology Matters"?)
  2. To show the importance of the study of doctrine and theology for the individual and the church. (Why theology matters?)

HERE is the note sheet for the first week.

In the class, we will answer three questions.

Why NOT do a "Theology Matters" Church-Wide Study? (I know, poor grammar but it is a teaching device)

  • We don't do a study of theology with the sole purpose of learning more information.  Consider what Paul prayed for the Colossians in 1:9-14, from last week's prayer time.
  • Some would say we shouldn't do a study like this because "doctrine divides, Jesus/Love unites."
  • Others would say we can never fully know God, so why try to know him at all.
  • These are three, among many, reasons why people study or avoid the study of theology and doctrine.

Why do a "Theology Matters" Church-Wide Study?

  • Because of what a true study of doctrine/theology leads to

  • Because theology is at the foundation of every part of our lives
  • Because theology helps us to think rightly and practically

Why do a "Theology Matters" Church-Wide Study Like This?

  • To equip families with children and teens to think rightly about doctrine.  During this summer study, tbcgrkidz.org will have Theology Matters resources for families with kids
  • To think systematically about important doctrines
  • To grow in our worship as a church family
  • To help us see the unity we have in Christ.
  • During the class, we will discuss different types of theology (systematic, biblical, historical, and biographical) and why we are doing a systematic theology study now.

Why "Theology Matters"?   Because theology matters.   

Throughout the summer, various books, websites, and other resources will be shared with the church.

Here is a list of the dates, topics, and teachers.

Chapters of Urban Legends of Theology by Michael Wittmer connected to this doctrine: 
It is Important to Believe In Something, and It Does Not Matter What (Ch. 1)
Teohlogy Puts God In a Box (Ch. 2)

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3.12.2023

Prayer Week 2

In this morning's class, we looked at 1 Thessalonians 5:16 - 25.

Rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
Do not quench the Spirit.  Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good and reject every kind of evil.
May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it. 

“The Christian life is characterized by the constant, active expression of joy in the Lord—the crucified and risen Lord Jesus. This rejoicing isn’t mainly an emotional high or good feeling. Rather, it means finding our souls satisfied in knowing the one true God and enjoying experiencing His good gifts. It’s noteworthy that Paul addresses believers in Thessalonica that have experienced significant adversity.” [D. A. Carson (2014). Praying with Paul Bible - Study Guide. LifeWay Press.]

Prayer for ministries and the work of the church usually focuses on increased numbers and a smooth event.  However, the primary focus should be on spiritual growth and sanctification.

Guaranteed Prayers that will be answered: 

Prayers that focus on the glory of God and the growth of believers.

This morning's note page had 12 Reasons You Should Pray Scripture by Andrew Neselli
Here is the article that contains a more detailed explanation of each of the points -  www.thegospelcoalition.org/themelios/article/12-reasons-you-should-pray-scripture/

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3.11.2023

Church Parachurch

At the 2023 Church Ministries Conference, I had the privilege to do a workshop on the Church and Parachurch with Rochelle Visser.

The basis of the workshop information was birthed out of 9Marks April 2011 journal - "Church and Parachurch:  Friends or Foes."

Click the Image for the entire journal.

During the workshop, we wanted to share some basic information and discuss how to build partnerships with ministry leaders.  I love the growing, not perfect, relationship Trinity Baptist Church has with various parachurch organizations, so I wanted Rochelle, who actively serves at Trinity and also at Camp Michawana, Bible Club, Community Kids, and various Pro-Life Organizations.

If you want more about the practical side of the workshop, contact Rochelle or me or leave a comment on this post.

Some topics and issues discussed but still need to be solved were adoption agencies, college campus ministries, and things to consider in doctrinal statements.

Now, here are some things that were shared during the workshop.

The key word to remember concerning healthy church and parachurch relationships is PARTNERSHIP.

Here are two descriptions to consider:

  1. A healthy church is about sharing the Gospel and equipping believers for the glory of God.  
  2. "A healthy parachurch ministry knows it exists primarily to protect the church."  J. Mack Stiles.

To continue this PARTNERSHIP theme, there are three words to consider:

ESSENTIAL 

The church is essential because it is biblical.  The church is not a man-made construct.  

The church is referred to in scripture as the bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:22-27).

As the church, we are adopted (Galatians 4:4-5) into the family of God (1 John 3:1-12; Galatians 4:6-7).

You may have heard it said the church is not the building, the physical location, and the address of the church building.  However, the Bible does say, "in [Christ] you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by His Spirit." (Ephesians 2:22, see also 1 Peter 2:4-5) 

Finally, the church is a body. First Corinthians 12:12 says, "Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ."  Romans 12:4 says, "For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function."

HELPFUL 

"[Parachurch organizations] serve churches in various practical ways that allow those churches to focus on and fulfill their primary responsibilities."  (John Bloom, What is a Parachurch Ministry?)  Recent history demonstrates how parachurch organizations have helped Christ's Church with ministry to children, youth, missions, translation work, and more.  Just because something is not in the Bible doesn't mean it is un-biblical and antibiblical.  However, it does mean it should never take the place of Biblical things.  

HARMFUL

So, which of these two is harmful?  The church or the parachurch?  I pray you would not believe that God's bride and plan - the church - is not harmful.  You may want to say that the parachurch organizations are harmful.  The harm and problems come when the church or parachurch does not understand their roles.  When a church gives up its role to another organization, that is a problem.  When a parachurch organization oversteps its role, there is a problem.  Carl Trueman's 9Marks journal article, How a parachurch ministries go off the rails, is an excellent resource.

RESOURCE LIST:

9Marks

The Vine Movement: Supporting Gospel Growth Beyond Your Church,

Desiring God

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3.10.2023

Prayerful Dependence

During the first night of this year's Church Ministries Conference, I had the opportunity to lead a workshop entitled  Prayerful Dependence on God in Ministry.

Here is the description of the workshop.

Prayer is necessary for gospel ministry because it depends on God, and prayer shows our dependence on God. We can develop the best vision statement, plan to work with parents, choose the best curriculum, and develop an excellent plan. But we need to remember that, ultimately, salvation belongs to and comes from our God. Prayer shows this commitment. This workshop will include teaching on tools for and time to pray for you, your church, and other churches.

Why should we pray?  Some people ask this because prayer doesn't seem to do anything.  Others ask the question because they ask why bother if God is sovereign over all creation.  There are many ways to answer this question, but God commands us to a fundamental, direct one.  First Thessalonians 5:16-18 is one place that has this command.

Rejoice always
Pray continually
Give thanks in all circumstances
For this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

The following quote by Tony Merida addresses why prayer is hard and necessary.

Prayer is complicated because it seems like we aren't doing anything, but it's also tricky because it's a humble act. We must regularly humble ourselves before God's mighty hand and cast our cares on Him.



When we view prayer as just another church ministry program, it becomes a burden or one of many different options. 


However, when we understand that prayer for the believer is like breathing for every human, it is absolutely needed for life and not an option.
Our lives need to glorify God. Being dependent upon Him for everything is one of, if not the best, ways to do This. Prayer shows our dependence upon God. 





RESOURCES

Church Ministries Conference Pre-Conference Video - 

Zealous

9Marks
Quote Graphics at challies.com
  • "We tend to use prayer as a last resort, but God wants it to be our first line of defense. We pray when there’s nothing else we can do, but God wants us to pray before we do anything at all." (Oswald Chambers) -LINK
  • Prayer crowns God with honor and glory due to His name; God crowns prayer with assurance & comfort.  The most praying souls are the most assured.  (Thomas Brooks) - LINK
  • Prayer is not so much an act as it is an attitude of dependency, dependency upon God. (A.W. Pink) - LINK
  • "To pray rightly, you must make God your hope, stay, and all. Right prayer sees nothing substantial or worth being concerned about except God." (John Bunyan) - LINK

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3.05.2023

Prayer Week 1

Is prayer a brick or is it breathing?

The struggle many individuals and churches have with prayer is that it is viewed as an additional burden among so many other burdens.  It is an added brick among so many other bricks.
Prayer is not a brick or a burden.
To keep this illustration going, prayer is the wheelbarrow that carries our burdens and praises to the Lord.  

Prayer is like breathing.  Dependence upon God is evidence of a deep, necessary trust in God.
It needs to be constant and we are to be spiritual healthy.



In 1st Thessalonians 5:17, the Bible commands us to pray continually.  This continual prayer is a life of dependence on God.  Trusting that he saved us from our sins and continuing to call out to Him throughout our lives.    


As we think about how our lives should be marked by prayer, let us remember the 1st Adam and the 2nd Adam.

The first Adam, in Genesis 3:8, sinned and hide from God because of sin. 
Then he began the blameshifting.  "The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate." The first Adam sinned and then blamed the woman and God.

The second Adam in Mark 14:36 had no sin and humbly submitted to an undeserved death for the glory of God and good mankind. 

Our communication with God needs to be Christ-like, humbly asking and ultimately submitting to God's plan.

Friday night's post, after my Prayer workshop at the Church Ministries Conference (https://churchministriesconference.com/), will have more about the importance of corporate prayer.


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