9.10.2023

Intro WATC

For every We Are the Church post, click HERE

As we dig even deeper into the Biblical idea of the church in general and what Trinity Baptist Church does and why, let's look at some primary reasons for doing this topic (We Are the Church) this way (in our Deacon Care Groups). 

“We Are the Church” is the Adult Christian Education everyone will be doing this fall because we must constantly be reminded of who we are and what we should be about.  In the “Theology Matters” study this summer, Zach shared this one-sentence explanation of the church.

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

As we begin this study on September 10, two ideas will be repeated throughout the entire series. 

  1. The church is a specific group of people – saved people.  
  2. This group of people is focused on the glorification of God.  Two ways we do this are through helping and equipping believers to grow in the Gospel & sharing the Gospel with those who need to be saved

In the first week of every membership class, Pastor Brett shares some incorrect ideas about the church.

The church is not a club, a voluntary organization, or a service provider
The church is not a meeting time.  There are times when the church gathers.
The church is not a building.  There may be a designated place where the church meets together.

What does the Bible say the church is?  God's word contains several different images to explain what the church is.

In Ephesians 5:22-23, the church is called a bride. 

In 1 Timothy 3:14-15 and Romans 8:15-17, 29-30, the church is a family. 

In Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:18; 1 Corinthians 12:13; and Ephesians 4:11-12, the church is a body. 


 





 

In Ephesians 2:19-22, the church is a building. 






 

In Acts 20:28-32, the church is a flock.

The church of God must live according to God’s plan in dependence upon God’s power for God’s glory.

Ephesians 4:11-16 shows us that God provided apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers for equipping the saints.  This is a familiar passage about the purpose of the church and church leaders and will be referenced in several different lessons.

Read through this passage and look for result statements.

God's plan for individual believers and his church is spiritual growth.

As you think about this week's lesson and look ahead to next week's lesson, "Meaningful Membership,"  plan to grow as an individual and as a church.

Additional Resources
https://www.challies.com/articles/whats-the-purpose-of-the-church/

DISCIPLESHIP & EVANGELISM THREAD:

The church's purpose is to glorify God, and the two main ways we do this are through helping and equipping believers to grow in the Gospel & sharing the Gospel with those who need to be saved.

Lesson Schedule

9/10        Introduction
9/17        Meaningful Membership
9/24        Intentional Relationships
10/1        Ministries of the Church
10/08      75th Celebration
10/15      Prayer & the Church
10/22      The Bible & the Church
10/29      Preaching & the Church
11/05      Leadership & the Church
11/12      Discipline & the Church
11/19      The Gathering of the Church


For every We Are the Church, click HERE


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9.03.2023

We Are the Church

For every We Are the Church - Fall Class post, 
including the most recent lesson's post,
click HERE

For Info about the Winter 2023/24 classes
click HERE


On September 10, Trinity Baptist Church will begin its Fall Adult Christian Education (ACE) class. Instead of the three or four different classes, we will have three groups doing the same study, "We are the Church."  

This continues to build on our one combined summer study, "Theology Matters."  One specific lesson was "What is the Church?"  Zac Harmon did a great job teaching that lesson. Still, as we think about the details of the community that is our church family, it is essential to understand what the church—universal—around the world and local—here at Trinity Baptist Church is.  

In our study of "We are the Church," we will explore the Biblical idea of the church in general, what Trinity Baptist Church does explicitly, and why.

Two ideas that will be emphasized throughout the study are as follows:
The church is a specific group of people - saved people.
The church's focus must be the glorification of God. Two ways we do this are through spiritual growth and sharing the Gospel.

While the main reason for this study is the importance of the church in God's plan. A secondary reason is to get to know your church family as we are reminded of the church. In the groups, people will share testimonies and pray together. The three groups are based on the deacon care groups, and each group will be taught a very similar class. The Red Group will be meeting downstairs in Room #3. The Green Group will be meeting in the Fireplace Room. The Blue and Yellow Groups will be meeting in the Chapel.  

Plan to join your Deacon Care group starting September 10.

  • The Red Group will be meeting in Room 3 downstairs.
  • The Green Group will be meeting in the Fireplace Room.
  • The Blue and Yellow Groups will be meeting in the Chapel.

Remember the purposes of this study.

  • Grow in an understanding of what the church is - universal and local (Trinity Baptist Church)
  • Grow in our love for and knowledge of people in our deacon care group
  • Remember who we are and what we do so we can focus on the main thing.

Lesson Schedule

9/10        Introduction
9/17        Meaningful Membership
9/24        Intentional Relationships
10/1        Ministries of the Church
10/08      75th Celebration
10/15      Prayer & the Church
10/22      The Bible & the Church
10/29      Preaching & the Church
11/05      Leadership & the Church
11/12      Discipline & the Church
11/19      The Gathering of the Church


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9.01.2023

2023 Fall Kickoff




Sunday morning, September 3, was our Fall Kick-Off time.
Eating donut holes, drinking some orange juice, cider, and coffee
and even more so
sharing about and praying for many exciting opportunities to learn and grow
together and personally
during this school year.
 
ACE (Adult Christian Education) Fall Class
Middle School & High School Youth Group
TBC KIDZ Fall Update
Small Groups @ TBC
AWANA Registration
To Connect with Missionaries & Ministries,
Contact Pastor Jason

Some Personal Growth Resources
School Year Bible Reading Plan
Fighter Verses Bible Memory Plan

 


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8.21.2023

What are End Things?

Eschatology - What are the end things?

Pastor Brett's sermons on this topic:

Short Statement  (TBC doctrinal statement): 

We believe that the day is imminent when the Lord Jesus Christ will descend from heaven and we who are in Christ, weather living or dead, will be caught up (“raptured”) to meet Him in the air to be with Him forever; that at His second coming He will put all of His enemies under His feet and consummate His kingdom reign on the earth for all eternity.  We believe in the bodily resurrection of the just and the unjust, the everlasting blessedness of the saved, and the everlasting conscious punishment of the lost.

Key Thoughts

  • Return of Christ is Imminent
  • Judgement is real and every knee will bow.
  • Heaven is real – New Heaven and New Earth
  • Hell is real

Why is it Vital to our Daily Lives:

  • Life is more than the here and now but what we choose here and now determines where we spend eternity.
Here are some specific thoughts from Sunday's class time.  HERE is a link to the PowerPoint
  • In the Christian life we have a PRESENT PEACE and a FUTURE HOPE.
  • Why study eschatology (end things)
    1. It is a key element of our story as Christians.
    2. Prophecy is an important part of the Bible
    3. Christians are interested in a look at future events.
    4. Christians can be motivated to godly living through eschatology.
    5. It gives us perspective in a troubled world.
    6. It's a warning to the unbeliever.
  • The word "dispensation" refers to an interpretation of Scripture that places the events of Scripture into seven dispensations, or time periods, in biblical history.
    1. innocence (Adam and Eve)
    2. conscience (Adam to flood)
    3. human government (Noah to Babel)
    4. promise (beginning with Abraham)
    5. law (Exodus through Christ's death)
    6. grace (current age of grace)
    7. kingdom (Millennial kingdom)
Chapters of Urban Legends of Theology by Michael Wittmer connected to this doctrine:  
We Will Live Forever in Heaven (Ch. 40)


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8.19.2023

Hope in God

I want the theme of my life and work to be HOPE!

Psalm 42 HOPE

I need to hope in God in every circumstance, easy or hard, good or bad.
On July 16, I was privileged to preach a sermon on Psalm 42 entitled "An Old Hope."
The preparation for the sermon was so helpful in my own life.  In preaching the sermon, I used "hope" over 70 times.  However, it is my prayer that, even more than repeating the word "hope," many times, those who hear the message are reminded and live in the hope that only Jesus Christ brings.

At the end of this sermon, I shared four prayers for the people at Trinity Baptist Church:

  • Kids and youth, I pray that your parents and others would live so that you see their hope in God and that God grows in you a more profound hope in Him.
  • Young adults, I pray that the older believers in this church live and act on Sundays and every day in such a way that they know they are loved by God and others and that you desire to ask them how to live life for God’s glory and the good of others.
  • Newer believers, I pray you will always remember the joy of your salvation and prayerfully seek opportunities to grow formally and even more so informally.
  • Older believers and long-time church members, I pray that you will remember and rejoice because the church has helped you grow in your love for God and continues to help you succeed.  While it may look a little or a lot different, pray that it will continue to focus on God and the hope he brings.

I am thankful I don't have to devise creative and innovative ways to inspire hope.

I need to be filled up with God's Word and share God's Word with others.

Romans 15:4 HOPE


When teaching and reading scripture, I need to remember that it was written to provide hope. At our Children's Ministry Leaders/Helpers Kickoff Meeting at Trinity Baptist Church, this is part of the devotional I shared in the beginning, Hope: Living Confidently In God by John Crotts.

God has provided many beautiful records of his strength and character in the Bible.  He has also provided many amazing promises that Christians can count on.  Paul wrote today's verse as he looked back at the Old Testament.  According to what Paul says in Romans, Bible stories are not just for Sunday school classes or Bible trivia games - they were written "for our instruction," so you might be encouraged.  Their goal is to refocus your hope by reminding you of the greatness of God.  
The stories in Scripture demonstrate that hope in God is solid, true, accurate, and effective.  Those who hope in God can be used by him to do impossible things.  If God was faithful to David and Moses, he would be loyal to you, too.  You have the exact same God, the God of the Bible.

If you are saved, remember, you have been saved
BY GRACE
THROUGH CHRIST
and you have 
A LIVING HOPE.

As we live our lives, talk with people, and deal with good times and challenges,
hope in God.

As I teach, I provide oversight to Trinity's ministries to children, families, and adults,
I want to proclaim our hope is in Christ and help others live in this hope.

As we go through life,
proclaim that ultimate hope is in Christ and help others do the same.

God-focused Hope is what we need.
Not the hope of this world.

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8.13.2023

Who are the angels and the demons?

Pastor Brett's Sermons on this topic:

Short Statement (from The Essential Scriptures by Kevin Zuber):  

There can be little doubt that the Bible reveals the existence of angels.  Angels serve God as messengers of judgment, give Him praise, and reveal significant developments in the progress of God's program.  

Scripture also reveals the existence of Satan and demons.  Both oppose God and deceivers.

While there is not a specific statement in Trinity Baptist Church's doctrinal statement about angelology, it is a topic in most systematic theology books and there are things that need to be clarified as it relates to what they believe and conversations they might have with others. As a community of individuals interested in religious studies, we can delve deeper into this topic together.

HERE is the link to Dan Poling's notes (student and teacher) from Sunday's notes.

Remember, Look Up and Be Humble.

From Urban Legends of Theology

Eulogies that end with "We may have lost our father and friend, but heaven got another angel" are wrong.  They are vaguely comforting, but only if we do not think too hard.

Humans never become angels.  We are an entirely different class of being. God aspires to conform us "to the image of his Son so that he would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters (Romans 8:29).  God saved us to be like Jesus.   

Chapters of Urban Legends of Theology by Michael Wittmer connected to this doctrine:   Grandpa Went to Heaven and Plays Outfield for the Angels. 
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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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