A Testimony To The Saving Power of Jesus Christ

Pictured here is Brother Harry Tang. 

Harry Tang is the embodiment of 2 Corinthians 5:17  " Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."

Harry was born in Viet Nam in 1951to Chinese parents. For the first half of his life he lived in Viet Nam and Taiwan, and a short time in Hong Kong.  He came to the Greater Toronto Area about 30 years ago.

Harry is typical of many of the multiplied thousands of Asians who have immigrated to our northern neighboring country of Canada.  He is polite, hard working, respectful, raising his family and "minding his own business".  He was not a deeply religious man but he lived his life by a high moral code.  A few years ago, Harry's wife passed away leaving him with two sons to raise.  He was what we would call a "good man", but yet there was something missing in his life.  He was searching for something that had eluded him for nearly six decades.

Seven months ago, Harry's life changed forever.  It was then that he had been confronted with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, through the efforts of Pastor Jolly Ampong and the members of the All Nations Baptist Church plant in North York, Ontario in the Greater Toronto Area.  North York is a large city within itself and it is heavily occupied by Asians in general, Filipinos in particular, and Orthodox Jews. 

God had brought Pastor Jolly and his wife, Mary Jane, to this place from their native island of Mindanao in the Republic of the Philippines.  Jolly had earlier planted a Southern Baptist Church in Manjuyod in the province of Negros Oriental.  It was only natural that he would feel the same calling for church planting, although he was in a very different place from his native tropical land.  In October, 2013, ANBC Toronto will celebrate their second anniversary.  I have been invited to bring the message at their anniversary service and I hope to be able to do so.

Like all church plants - anywhere - ANBC Toronto has faced challenges, as they seek to fulfill the Great Commission, and plant a vibrant Southern Baptist Church made up of folks from different people groups.  Thus far, it is primarily and ethnic Filipino community of believers, but Brother Harry is an example of how they are seeking to reach out to all of the ethnic groups in thier city.  It is a huge challenge, but Jolly and Mary Jane are people of great faith.  Their training by SBC missionaries in the Southern Baptist Seminary in Davao, Mindanao, and thier love for the Lord and for lost people, have prepared them for the task.

This past Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, along with four other members of Westmoreland Baptist Church, I was privileged to spend time with this young but growing congregation of believers.  Brother Harry Tang shared his testimony with us and I was once again moved by the simple yet profound testimony of one who had been spiritually dead, but had found abundant life in Jesus Christ.  Harry now tells of witnessing to his two grown sons, and other Chinese friends of his.  His demeanor is one of joy and love and new found grace through faith in Jesus.  In just a few weeks he will be married to the church secretary, and they will begin their lives together, as members of this young, "Purpose Driven" church, telling others of the abundant life they have found in Jesus Christ.

I am thankful to be the pastor of a church who has chosen to support the work of ANBC Toronto, through our financial giving, through prayer, and through personal participation.  We are in the beginning stages of planning a church wide mission trip to Toronto in the coming months.

The Greater Toronto Area consists of more than 6 million people.  It is the fourth largest metropolitan area in North America and has very few evangelical churches. 

I encourage all readers of this blog who know the Lord, to pray for Jolly and Mary Jane Ampong, ANBC Toronto, for Pastor and Mrs. David P. Smith and the Vine Church in Mississauga, Ontario (whom we also spent time with last week) and the work that they and other SBC church planters are doing in that great metropolis.  Toronto is a big place.  Pray big for the Lord's work there!

Repost of an Article from SBC Today

What the Average Baptist Pastor Does and Does Not Need to Hear from the SBC

By Jared Moore

Posted: 17 Jul 2013 01:48 PM PDT

Dear Friends:
I picked up this article on SBC Today.  It comes from Jared Moore, a pastor from Houstonville, KY.  The links below will take you tdirectly to his website and other social media pages.  The article hit a real note with me and was so true I felt as though I should share it with my readers.  Thank you, Brother Moore, for stating so well, what I know many of us feel as Baptist Pastors!  Here it is:

This article was originally posted at my site. Only some of my articles are posted on SBC Voices. If you would like access to all of my articles, you can follow my feed here. You can also connect with me on Twitter, Facebook, and Google+.

 

As an average Southern Baptist Pastor (maybe an overstatement) of a small Southern Baptist congregation in a small community in Lincoln County, KY, here is a list of things I do and do not need to hear from the SBC:

I do need to hear:

1. Preach the gospel even to the ends of the Earth (Matt 28:18-20).

2. Look for more opportunities to share the gospel (Paul’s example; Paul planned to share the gospel, and when his plans were interrupted, he shared the gospel where he was at; i.e. Galatia).

3. Be more faithful to Scripture (2 Tim. 3:16-17).

4. Teach your church all that Christ has commanded (Matt. 28:20).

5. Anything else that is clearly commanded in Scripture.

I do not need to hear:

1. Baptize more people.

2. Grow your church.

3. Save more people.

4. Anything else that is not commanded in Scripture.

Are we really to believe that Southern Baptist pastors do not want to reach their communities with the gospel? Maybe those pastors exist in the SBC, but I haven’t met them. I can tell you that the pastors in the Lincoln County Baptist Association want to reach their communities with the gospel. We need encouragement from the SBC, not discouragement.

 

 

We need to hear, “Keep on keeping on,” not, “Most SBC churches are either plateaued or declining” as if we can simply “flip a switch” and reverse the trend. If we could do something to change the declining trend beyond sharing the gospel, we would. The point is that our mouths must be open even when our communities’ ears are closed. Don’t put more of a burden on pastors than the Scriptures do. We must share the gospel and equip the saints for the work of the ministry, but God alone gives the increase (1 Cor. 3:6-7). I’ll rejoice with you over your harvest; rejoice with those who are planting and watering as well.

 

 

I need to hear, “Do what you can do; don’t give up,” instead of hearing, “Do what only God can do.” If you tell pastors to do things that only God can do, then you either discourage them or you encourage them to boast in their “God-like ability.” If pastors can save people, then no one who hears them share the gospel should reject it. Instead of telling pastors to do what only God can do, tell us to do what Scripture tells us to do.

Furthermore, I say to the average Baptist pastor, “Please don’t give up!” Seek to be more faithful to Scripture. If someone tells you to baptize more people, ignore them. Instead, trust Jesus to save sinners as you seek to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that Christ has commanded (Matt. 28:18-20).

 

 

No one baptized enough people last year. As long as there are lost people on Earth, we have work to do. Keep on keeping on… when sinners repent and when they don’t. Moreover, if you have seen a great harvest, then continue examining your ministry, seeing where you can be more faithful to Scripture. We must have a healthy dissatisfaction with our faithfulness while having a healthy satisfaction with God’s faithfulness in building His church (Matt. 16:18). God is faithful and will grow His church, but we have a responsibility to take the gospel to the ends of the Earth. God uses planting and watering to build His church, but He alone gives the increase (1 Cor. 3:5-10). Trust Him and His willingness to save as you share the gospel (2 Pet. 3:8-10). Be encouraged friends.

A Time To Reflect

On this, our nation's 237th birthday, I think it fitting that we take a moment to reflect on the content of our very first official founding document, signed this day on July 4, 1776.  How long has it been since you have actually read the Declaration of Independence?  Perhaps some have never really perused it.  It was powerfully crafted by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, and signed by true patriots, who pledged their lives and reputations and personal fortunes for the cause of freedom.  These men risked everything in opposition to government tyranny.  With hearts torn with the mixed emotions of a love for their homeland, Great Britain, but also with the basic human yearning to be free men.

What courage they displayed!  What boldness and graciousness in their convictions! What trust in God they exhibited!

I ask you on the anniversary of our nation's birth, to once again read this Declaration, and think about where we are today in America.  The thought is chilling to this writer.

IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776.

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--

That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.--

Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.
He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.
He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.
He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.
He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.
He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the Legislative powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.
He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.
He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers.
He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.
He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harrass our people, and eat out their substance.
He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.
He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power.
He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:
For Quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:
For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:
For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:
For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:
For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury:
For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences
For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies:
For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:
For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.
He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.
He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.
He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.
He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.
He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.

In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our Brittish brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.

We, therefore, the Representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

---

The 56 signatures on the Declaration appear in the positions indicated:
Column 1
Georgia:
   Button Gwinnett
   Lyman Hall
   George Walton
Column 2
North Carolina:
   William Hooper
   Joseph Hewes
   John Penn
South Carolina:
   Edward Rutledge
   Thomas Heyward, Jr.
   Thomas Lynch, Jr.
   Arthur Middleton
Column 3
Massachusetts:
John Hancock
Maryland:
Samuel Chase
William Paca
Thomas Stone
Charles Carroll of Carrollton
Virginia:
George Wythe
Richard Henry Lee
Thomas Jefferson
Benjamin Harrison
Thomas Nelson, Jr.
Francis Lightfoot Lee
Carter Braxton
Column 4
Pennsylvania:
   Robert Morris
   Benjamin Rush
   Benjamin Franklin
   John Morton
   George Clymer
   James Smith
   George Taylor
   James Wilson
   George Ross
Delaware:
   Caesar Rodney
   George Read
   Thomas McKean
Column 5
New York:
   William Floyd
   Philip Livingston
   Francis Lewis
   Lewis Morris
New Jersey:
   Richard Stockton
   John Witherspoon
   Francis Hopkinson
   John Hart
   Abraham Clark

Column 6
New Hampshire:
   Josiah Bartlett
   William Whipple
Massachusetts:
   Samuel Adams
   John Adams
   Robert Treat Paine
   Elbridge Gerry
Rhode Island:
   Stephen Hopkins
   William Ellery
Connecticut:
   Roger Sherman
   Samuel Huntington
   William Williams
   Oliver Wolcott
New Hampshire:
   Matthew Thornton

A Birthday Tribute To The Mountain State

In the mid 60's my maternal Grandfather, Jerry Stidham, was named West Virginia Poet Laureate by Governor Hulett Smith.  Papaw Stidham was an excellent poet.  As long as I could remember, back into the 1950's (and even before that) he wrote an original Christmas poem each year.  He would have the poem printed on shiny white cards, with borders trimmed in tinsel, holly, Christmas bells, and evergreen, and mail a couple of hundred out to his many friends, neighbors and collegues.

He had served three terms in the West Virginia House of Delegates along with some other delegates who became well known politicians in the Mountain State.  He had served with Robert Byrd, Arch Moore, A. James Manchin, and Jennings Randolph, all of whom became fixtures on the West Virginia political scene.  Papaw went from working in the mines to become an official with the United Mine Workers of America. I remember two pictures on his living room wall in Holden, WV.  UMWA President and icon, John L. Lewis, and Jesus Christ praying in the Garden of Gethsamane.  Papaw was well acquainted with the former (and worked closely with his brother, Raymond Lewis, in the District 17 office in Charleston).  Later in life he became acquainted with the latter, and he spent the final 9 years of so of his life, preaching the Good News of Jesus to many people over the radio, and in churches he pastored in Kanawha and Logan Counties.

Papaw dearly loved the Lord.  He loved his job.  He loved his family.  And he deeply loved the state of West Virginia, the state his family adopted after moving from his native Breathitt County, Kentucky when he was a child.

For West Virginia's Centennial Celebration in 1963, Papaw Stidham wrote the following poem, verbalizing his affection for the Mountain State.  I think it to be a fitting tribute to share today, 50 years later and 45 years after his death.  Every true West Virginian will be able to relate to the words.  Read on.

A Particular Place

When God made the Earth, He looked out in space,

And graciously blessed a particular place.

Some mountains He molded to begin His plan

As He knew they would be cherished by mortal man.

The valleys He shaped so deep and so wide,

And the streams so swift , never to hide 

The sparkle or ripple from man;s sharp eye,

So crystal and clear as if dropped from the sky.

The seasons He made our desire to delight;

With light of the day and darkness at night,

Overcast with stars and a silvery moon,

The Sun in the heavens every day at noon.

With seeds of Summer's green grass to grow,

Sleeping under the beauty of a winter snow,

The gorgeous Spring flowers for all to see,

And the abundant color of the autumn tree.

Game creatures for the bow and fish for the rod.

Rich fertile soil for the tiller of the sod.

Great beds of coal and timber galore,

Limestone and gas, very much in store.

So great, so fine, wonderful and rich,

A pleasant surprise in each corner and niche.

Nowhere you go will be the same,

For West Virginia is its name!

Author:  Jerry Stidham

What To Do When Facing Insurmountable Odds

One of my favorite passages of scripture is found in 2 Chronicles chapter 20.  Jehoshaphat  was king of Judah at the time.  The narrative tells us that a confederation of three nation’s armies were marching on Jehoshaphat’s capitol at Jerusalem. The Kingdom of Judah was outnumbered, out “gunned”, and basically helpless before this great army.

When the news came to the attention of the King, he naturally feared the possibilities. There were no doubt many thoughts that raced through his mind, but the Bible records that he did the right thing.  He “set himself to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah”. (v. 3)  All of Judah gathered together from all the villages and cities and held a national prayer meeting. 

The King led them in prayer (that would be a welcome action today wouldn’t it?) for God’s protection.  All of Judah, the men, women, and little ones stood with him in prayer. The King poured his heart out to God.  He acknowledged God’s Sovereignty. He acknowledged God’s power and might.  He recounted their history and how God had provided for His covenant people, the children of Israel.  Jehoshaphat came to the close of his prayer with these powerful words (v.11)

“…For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”

Oh! That each of us would remember this example when we face the worst crises imaginable.  When we are outnumbered… when we are at a loss for any human solution…we must simply fix our eyes upon the Lord… looking to Him, alone, for the answer.

The narrative continues with a Prophet standing before the king and all the people, with immediate answer to the King’s prayer. Here are his words as recorded in vs. 15-17, “Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the Lord to you, ‘Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God's….You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.’ Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the Lord will be with you.”

Wow!  Let the impact of those words speak to you for just a moment, and then look at the absolute miracle that takes place next in vs. 20-22:

“…And when they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Hear me, Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem! Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be established; believe his prophets, and you will succeed.” ²¹ And when he had taken counsel with the people, he appointed those who were to sing to the Lord and praise him in holy attire, as they went before the army, and say “Give thanks to the Lord, for his steadfast love endures forever.” ²² And when they began to sing and praise, the Lord set an ambush against the men … who had come against Judah, so that they were routed.

Friends, God gives us intellect to use, and blesses us with numerous resources.  He expects us to use each of these gifts to the best of our abilities.  But sometimes the greatest weapon we have against the enemy is simply to sing to the Lord. To trust Him completely, and to praise the beauty of holiness. Then stand still and see the salvation of the Lord – He can handle the situation without us even firing a shot!  Praise His Holy Name!

A Statement From The Calvinism Advisory Committee

I am at times amused, but also saddened by the bickering among us when it comes to certain doctrines of the church.

Now don't get me wrong on this.  There are certain cardinal doctrines to which there can be NO debate... NO question... NO compromise.

I am dogmatic on the inspiration and inerrancy of the Scriptures.  There are only two possible eternal destinations for the sould of man, Heaven or The Lake of Fire.

God has revealed Himself to us in three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Salvation is by the Grace of God, through faith in Jesus Christ alone. (Ephesians 2:8-10).  There is no other access to God except through His one and only Son (John 14:6).  Jesus Christ is the virgin born Son of God.  He lived a sinless life.  He died a vicarious death.  He was bodily resurrected from the dead.  He ascended back to the right hand of the Father in Heaven where He makes intercession for the saints.  He is coming again to receive His Bride, the Church, and His this event could be at any time!

The Holy Spirit indwells in the lives of the believer in Christ.  He is there to lead, guide and direct.  Believers are called upon to deny ourselves, take up our crosses and follow Him.  We are enjoined to take His yoke upon us and learn from Him.  The evidence of His presence in our lives is found in the fruit He produces (Galatians 5). 

I could go on, but I think you get the idea.

All true born again followers of Jesus Christ can and must agree on these essential doctrines of Truth.

However, there are are other doctrines (we might call them secondary and tertiary doctrines) in which good, God fearing Christians can, and often do, disagree.  As a result of some of our doctrinal differences different sects and denominations have arisen.  Now I'm not talking about cults that deny the Trinity or the diety of Christ, etc, but I refer to those who simply interpret some areas of scripture a little differently than some of the rest of us might.  I have come to the conclusion long ago that when we can agree on the simple primary doctrines of salvation and the Great Commission, we, as diverse believers should exhibit unity.  When there are disagreements on secondary and tertiary questions, we should exhibit charity.

But what about when we Baptists disagree among ourselves?  Oh, brother, can that get ugly!

One of the issues that at times, and certainly recently, has had the potential of ripping us apart as Baptists is that of what we often call Calvinism.  My, how this issue has had the potential to divide us.  We tend to huddle into our separate camps and label ourselves as "reformed" or "traditional".  In recent years, extremists on both sides have sought to draw battle lines and have often resorted to name calling and demeaning comments about those who may hold opposing views.  Those who may be considered "Molonists" are just caught in the cross fire.

This is nothing new.  It's an argument that has been going on for 500 YEARS.  It has been present in Baptist life for centuries, debated by some of the greatest scholars ever, and is not likely to be settled by any of us any time soon.

The Baptist Faith And Message 2000 http://www.sbc.net/bfm/multilingualbfm.asp, is a broad, general statement of the beliefs that unite us as Baptists.  It is purposely broad and silent on the issue of Calvinism, because the framers of the document realized that there is a diversity in our Convention and always has been.

Last year, Dr. Frank Page, President of the SBC Executive Committee, put together a diverse group of Baptists to come together for frank discussion on how we may cooperate for the Gospel and work in an atmosphere of mutual respect for our brethren who may differ on this issue.  Committee members come from both sides of the spectrum and all are well respected leaders in our Convention.  The Committee has released their report, just ahead of our Annual Meeting and having looked over it briefly, I am very pleased with what they have concluded on an issue that will not be settled in our lifetimes.  I invite you to read the report for yourself and draw your own conclusions. You can read the report entitled "Truth, Trust, and Testimony In A Time of Tension" here . 

Comments would be welcome - just make your comments civil and Christlike, please!

Four Simple Disciplines Each Church Member Should Practice

I have heard my friend, retired New Orleans area Pastor and Director of Missions, Joe McKeever, say,  "How can one say they love the Lord, and yet care so little about His Bride, The Church?” Joe wasn’t speaking of the church buildings or property, he was talking about the congregation – the people who make up the Faith Family – those with whom we worship, fellowship, and serve the Lord.

There is a special relationship among the true people of God. We want to be together. If we love the Father as we should, we will naturally desire that closeness with the family. Henry Blackaby has written this, "The secret to building deeper relationships in the church is not more activities; it is not more potlucks; it is not more entertainment and fun. All of these may be a part of a strong church, but koinonia (Greek word generally translated “fellowship”) is a by-product of a vibrant and living relationship with God through Jesus Christ."

 

Our love for the Lord and His Church should translate in to visible action and certain graces in the lives of the believers and members. I am not a pastor who thrives on “legalism”, takes attendance at services, checks on the amount anyone gives to the church, nor am I one who tries to force certain behaviors on the sheep of the flock. Each of our members answer to God, who grants each of us spiritual gifts as well as talents and abilities to use in His service. However, there are four general areas that I have asked each of our members to consider as certain MINIMUM responsibilities as members of Westmoreland Baptist Church.

 

I truly believe that if each member of our church would discipline themselves to regularly practice these four areas of church life, they would grow in Grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Plus they would be moving toward becoming a more mature member who could help disciple younger Christians in matters of the Word of God and Christian life.

 

I would list these simple actions like this:

 

· Regular Attendance To Worship Services

We live in a culture that is quickly forgetting that Sunday is “The Lord’s Day”. He has done so much for us, and this is the day we come together for corporate worship. It is a time for Adoration, Celebration, Contemplation, and Consecration. Don’t miss out on this important opportunity for the entire faith family to assemble for worship.There are also other great times for the entire church family on Sunday Evening Discipleship Hour and Wednesday evening Prayer and Bible Study

 

Psalm 122:1 I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go into the house of the Lord.”

 

Psalm 100: 1-4 Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands! Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before His presence with singing. Know that the Lord, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise.

· Be Part Of A Sunday School Class Or Other Small Group For Bible Study And Building Relationships

There is nothing like the informal study of God’s Word with others to help us grow and relate to our fellow members. The small group setting is such a valuable tool for spiritual growth and encouragement

 

Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

 

Matthew 11:29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

 

· Take Part In At Least One Ministry Of The Church

All are not called to preach, gifted to teach, or musically inclined, yet there is something in the many ministries of this church that everyone can participate in! There is some ministry that is just right for you. I am always open to discuss ministry possibilities with any member who has a desire to serve.

 

James 1:22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

 

Matt. 9: 37-38 Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”

 

· Give Regularly And Proportionally To Support The Mission Of The Church

If we all did this, as the scriptures instruct, we would never have to worry about if we were going to be able to meet the budget. God’s plan of financing His work is perfect!

 

Malachi 3:10-11  Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this,” Says the Lord of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it. “And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, So that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, Nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,” Says the Lord of hosts; “And all nations will call you blessed,

 

1 Corinthians 16:2a On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper

 

There are plenty of other opportunities to grow and to serve in the local church.  However, I truly believe that if every Christ Follower would simply begin and develop practicing these four disciplines, the growth of each Church member would be exciting and the growth of the Church itself would be exponential! 

 

How do you measure up in these graces?  Are you growing in the Lord?  If not, and you are not practicing all four of these disciplines, I urge you to take the challenge.

 

As the old credit card commercials use to say, "Membership has it's privileges".  That may be true, but Membership also has it's responsibilities!