Explaning Why Baptism is Requried for Church Membership

Go therefore 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 I have commanded you. Matthew 28:19-20

Why must someone be baptized as a believer in order to join a local church, such as Crestview? Because church membership is a public affirmation of someone’s public profession of faith in Christ. Jesus has appointed baptism as the way his followers publicly profess their faith in him. A church cannot affirm the profession of someone who has not yet made that profession. No doubt, there are many important and legitimate ways believers should be public with their faith, but baptism tops the list.  Baptism is where faith goes public.

Baptism is how you publicly identify yourself with Jesus and with his people (Acts 2:38-41). It is how you visibly signify that you are united to Christ in his death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:2-4) It is how you become identified before the church and the world as one who belongs to the Triune God (Matthew 28:19). It is a command of Jesus, and therefore, a matter of obedience that expresses submission to Christ’s Lordship (Matthew 28:19-20).

Baptism is how a new believer shows up on the church’s radar screen as a Christian. Baptism is like a jersey that shows you are now playing for Jesus’s team. Because of this purpose which Jesus has assigned to baptism, a church may publicly identify itself only with those who have publicly identified with Jesus in baptism.

Baptism is a wordless vow, a symbolic promise to follow Christ in the fellowship of his church. The Lord’s Supper is another wordless vow, in which you repeatedly own Christ as your Savior and his people as your people. On one level church membership is ongoing admission to the Lord’s Supper. No one can renew his vow to Christ who has not first made that vow in the form appointed by Christ. No one can be identified with the body of Christ who has not first identified with Christ and his body. Baptism necessarily precedes the Lord’s Supper like entering the front door necessarily precedes sitting down at the family meal.

What about infant baptism, or for that matter, any baptism that might have taken place prior to being converted? If baptism is where the faith of a disciple of Jesus goes public, then any baptism that took place prior to conversion, regardless of the person’s age, is not baptism. Those who have been “baptized” prior to their salvation need to be baptized – for the first time – as believers. The first baptism was not baptism at all, and a believer who has not yet been baptized needs to obey Christ’s first command in order to enter his church.

We saw a wonderful example this past Sunday. I cannot help but wonder if there may be others in a similar situation? Obedience to Christ is never wrong. It may be humbling, but it is never wrong. I also wonder if there are new believers, who have been saved recently, who need to go public with their faith? The water is in the pool. Contact me if you need to be baptized (thomas@crestviewbaptist.org).

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas

(Article adapted from Going Public: Why Baptism is Required for Church Membership, Bobby Jamieson, B&H Publishing group, 227)

The Meek

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS OF BELIEVERS

This is the third in an occasional series of articles reflecting on the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:3-12. What kind of people are we to be? What attitudes should mark those who have been truly born again? Jesus calls each of the beatitudes “blessed.”  To be blessed like this is to be in a state of joyful well-being with God.

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5

 THE MEEK

Believers are to be meek.  They are to be characterized by gentleness, humility, and consideration toward others. Jesus possessed this attribute: “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle (or meek; same Greek word as Matthew 5:5) and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Mat. 11:29). Possessing meekness does not equate to weakness or lack of resolve. Meekness toward others comes from an awareness of God, living with a deep trust in Him, and willingness to put others before oneself. Peter urges believing wives to model meekness in their homes: “Let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle (or meek) and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious” (1 Pe. 3:4).  Meekness is to be a distinguishing fruit in the lives of disciples of Jesus.

SHALL INHERIT THE EARTH

This is true in at least two ways. First, only those who are meek will be content in the Lord’s providence and provision. Human sinful nature is drawn to consumerism, materialism, and personal power. Christ sets us free from these misplaced aspirations. Therefore, Paul could describe the Christian life as “having nothing, yet possessing everything” (2 Cor. 6:10).  Second, this promise will be fulfilled in a way we can barely imagine. After the return of Jesus, God’s people will dwell with him forever in the new earth (Isa. 65, Rev. 21). When we receive the inheritance of the newly recreated earth, we will rejoice that we did not squander this life trying to gain the whole world and forfeit our souls (Mk. 8:36).

HOW ABOUT YOU?

Is meekness a characteristic of your life? What would you family and friends say? Are you fertilizing your soul with contentment in God?  Like the prodigal son are you demanding your inheritance now, or are you meek while waiting for that which is exponentially better?

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas

We Confess the Supremacy of Jesus Christ

Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.
1 Timothy 3:16

WE CONFESS THE SUPREMACY OF JESUS CHRIST

What an uplifting gathering we enjoyed yesterday! My soul was warmed as we read 1 Timothy 3:16 as I considered the straightforward confession of the deity, supremacy, and glory of the Lord. Jesus is the true expression of godliness.  We who believe upon Jesus confess these very same truths about him and follow in his footsteps. May this confession be upon our lips this week.  Consider setting this verse to memory and reflecting upon it throughout this week.  

MEMBERS MEETING: SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27

The elders have called a Members Meeting for Sunday, September 27, following gathered worship. Two items of business will be taken up.  First, we will review a tentative plan to return to a regular Sunday/Wednesday ministry schedule.  Second, we will consider membership for any who have completed the membership process and are desiring to join. Expect the conference to last 30 minutes (or less). We will meet in the worship center. No lunch will be served.

Throughout the summer we have been gathering on Sundays for gathered worship and for community groups. Due to the COVID pandemic we have not offered on campus Equipping Courses, Nursery, Kids Ministry, or Wednesday evening discipleship. During this meeting on September 27 we will review a careful, flexible, responsible strategy developed by staff, elders, deacons, and kids leaders to restart these portions of our ministry during the month of October.  The plan considers social distancing requirements, guidelines for the safety of children and nursery workers, and cleaning protocols.

Candidly, the most challenging aspect of the plan may be the re-assembly of a team of members who are able and willing to joyfully minister to children. I am confident some are excited to make gospel-centered, God-glorifying investments in the next generation. Please pray that the Spirit will stir within our church those who have gifts, desire, and time to devote to serving children and their families.  Please be prayerfully considering whether you might be ready to join a 6-week rotation in the nursery or ready to make a 6-month commitment to be a teacher in our kids ministry on Sundays or Wednesdays.

The Lord gifts his body for ministry. I am looking forward to seeing how this all materializes!

 For His Glory,

 Pastor Thomas

How To Listen To A Sermon

I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth. 1 Timothy 3:14-15

BEHAVE AS GOD’S HOUSEHOLD: NEW SERIES IN 1 TIMOTHY

This Sunday we begin the study of a new book on Sunday mornings – 1 Timothy. I will be preaching verse-by-verse through this first letter of the Pastoral Epistles. Under the inspiration of the Spirit, Paul penned a practical letter reminding Timothy and the church in Ephesus about how the church was to behave. As God’s Word, the letter is filled with truth that is pertinent for us today. Please pray for our church as we plunge into this new series and come as Spirit-filled listeners this Sunday.

HOW TO LISTEN TO A SERMON

A lot is at stake every Sunday when God’s word is read and explained. God uses the preaching of his Word to bring the dead to life and cause immature believers to grow toward maturity.  Still, let us admit, there are times it can be challenging to listen.  Here are 5 ways you can be prepared to listen this Sunday:

1.     Be prepared to listen. Arrive on Sunday with prayerful excitement about what the Lord will do. During the preceding days pray regularly for your pastor as he studies.  Pray for your church, for non-believers, and for yourself. Bring your Bible so you can track along with the passage. Many are helped by taking notes, so you may want to bring a pen and journal. Get a good night’s sleep and eat a good breakfast, no one can listen if you are tired and hungry.

2.     Listen actively. During the sermon put your phone away and focus on the preacher and on your Bible. I recommend using a physical Bible, rather than an app on your phone. A paper Bible has no distracting notifications, the screen does not time out, and it requires no battery. Throughout the entire sermon keep your Bible open and follow along with the development of the message. Encourage the preacher with a friendly facial expression and eye contact. Nod in agreement and encourage him with “That’s right” and “Amen.”

3.     Listen with affections. The sermon is the high point of the gathered worship of the church. Your mind and heart must participate if worship is to be in “spirit and in truth”. As the sermon points you to the Lord, allow your affections to soar with awe, thanksgiving, and wonder.  When emotions of lament, conviction, and brokenness arise do not ignore them. They are God’s gift to you.

4.     Listen critically. Pay attention to the content of the sermon to verity it is rooted in the Bible and rightly setting forth sound doctrine (like the Bereans in Acts 17:11). Query the text. Is the sermon on point with the Scripture?  If it is, then such sermons may not be safely ignored. Accept faithful preaching as a message from the Lord.

5.     Listen to apply. Pay attention to ways the Holy Spirit use the sermon to pinpoint aspects of your life that need attention. The preacher may bring some helpful points of suggested application, but ultimately each person is responsible for listening and applying to their unique circumstances. Be doers of the word, and not hearers only (James 1:22).

In his second letter to his younger ministry partner, Paul charged Timothy with the immense importance of preaching the Word of God. May we approach the sermon this, and every, Sunday as Spirit-filled listeners:

Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. 2 Timothy 4:2-4

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas

Local Churches, Cooperating Together

I hope to see you in passing as I go to Spain, and to be helped on my journey there by you, once I have enjoyed your company for a while. At present, however, I am going to Jerusalem bringing aid to the saints. For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem. Romans 15:24-26

LOCAL CHURCHES, COOPERATING TOGETHER

God reveals in Scripture many examples of churches partnering together for the sake of the gospel. One case is cited above from Romans.  Paul had collected an offering from churches around the Mediterranean region for the relief of believers in Jerusalem.  Also, he was preparing the church at Rome to support him in his travel to take the gospel to Spain. There are many other examples of such cooperation across the New Testament. It glorifies the Lord and honors his universal church when we appreciate ministry beyond what is happening in our own backyard. Partnering with other churches (and networks of churches) widens and extends our gospel-eyesight. We become aware of what God is doing in other regions and needs that we can work together to meet. This past Sunday we were reminded of our own partnership with Jason Lee and Clarkston International Bible Church. We are working in cooperation to spread the gospel among the nations living in Atlanta! Consider going to Clarkson on Saturday, October 3, to take part in Serve Day (email cole@crestviebaptist.org for more info and to register).

THE FLINT RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION

Another avenue of cooperation for Crestview is our local association of like-minded churches called the Flint River Baptist Association (FRBA).  The FRBA is composed of about 50 churches in the greater Spalding County region. It exists “to facilitate and connect churches to partner and serving and fulfilling the Great Commission.” Over the last year, Dr. Frank Nuckolls, association mission strategist, has been leading the FRBA through a renewal of its vision and reorganization its mission focus. I am enthusiastic about the direction things are going.

There are a couple of ways for you to keep up with the FRBA. One way is to visit the WEBSITE and read the monthly newsletter, THE FORECASTER.  Another way is to attend the annual meeting.

ANNUAL MEETING: SEPTEMBER 27

This year’s annual meeting of the Association is Sunday, September 27, at 6:00 PM, in the worship center of Oak Hill Baptist Church in Williamson. You will hear about our cooperative ministry, vision, goals, and updates on what our mission dollars are accomplishing. We will enjoy worship in song by Oak Hill’s worship team, hear an encouraging address by Dr. Nuckolls, and a missions sermon from Ken Adams, pastor of Crossroads Church in Newnan. I want to encourage you to mark your calendar and plan to attend. Every so often someone will ask me, “Why don’t our churches ever get together for a large worship service?” The answer is: We do!  This is it - you are invited.   

GIVING UPDATE

Last week I wrote asking you to generously supply the church ministry budget in the hope of creating a surplus of $11,000 by September 30. This will allow the breezeway project to begin. In only one week you are already responding! Giving to the budget this past week totaled $8,278, which should generate several thousand dollars of surplus as we close the books on August. Additionally, we had special gifts to the campus renovation fund totaling $5,500!  This is an exciting start, and we still have one month to go! Continue to pray and give as the Lord enables. If we have generous hearts, perhaps the Lord will provide what is needed for the breezeway and more!

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas

Campus Renovations

Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7

CAMPUS RENOVATIONS

The Lord has blessed Crestview with a large, highly visible church campus. It is a tool that aids us in accomplishing the mission of our Lord. One of the realities of having a church campus is that buildings must be maintained and occasionally updated to remain clean, safe, modern ministry tools. This past Sunday, I spoke briefly about campus renovations that we are hoping to make soon. I want to recap things here and encourage your generosity.

THE BREEZEWAY PROJECT

Our next project is the breezeway that connects the main building to the education building. It will be replaced with an open air, covered walkway. The new wider walkway will provide protection from rain as well as easy, safe access to the playground. The facility planning team has been meeting with contractors and receiving bids. The current balance in the Campus Renovation Fund is $46,000.  Another $8,000-$10,000 is needed to start this project. We are ready to start as soon as funds are in hand.

FUTURE PROJECTS

The next project will be a remodel of the worship center. We are considering the development of a large new entry foyer and a covered car drop-off on the south side of the main building. This will be followed by a remodel of nurseries and the balance of the first floor of the main building.

FUNDING PLAN

In 2019 the church approved the Campus Renovations Funding Plan featured in the graphic below. This plan focuses upon debt-free funding that does not divert giving away from the regular ministry budget of the church. Generous giving to the church ministry budget will supply our day-to-day ministry needs and result in a surplus that will go toward campus renovation and additional missions. Our church does not have a separate “building program” to fund campus renovations.  Surplus from giving to the church ministry budget is our “building program.”

THE GOAL: $11,000 SURPLUS BY SEPTEMBER 30

The end of September marks the next opportunity to evaluate the surplus. Our elders, facilities team, and finance team are asking you to prayerfully consider generous gifts to the church ministry budget through the end of September. A surplus of $11,000 would provide what is needed for the breezeway and an additional $1,000 for missions.  If we have generous hearts, perhaps the Lord will provide what is needed for the breezeway and more!

If you are already supporting the church ministry budget and want to make a special gift directly to the campus renovation, designated gifts are welcome. Contact Gayle Kelley in the church office if you have any questions.

Let us pray, give, and anticipate what the Lord will do!

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas

Preview of the Coming Weeks

I want to make you aware of exciting things happening over the next several weeks. Please begin planning now to be present and praying that all will glorify the Lord:

 SUNDAY, AUGUST 23

Jesus has promised that the church he builds is invincible. Despite this promise, in some hearts, the pandemic may have dampened enthusiasm for making disciples. At a minimum, COVID has upended familiar schedules, locations, and programs for evangelism and discipleship. This Sunday, I hope to bring a reassuring message from Matthew 16:13-20 reminding us that Jesus is always faithful to build his church. You will have the opportunity to witness the reality of this promise as Amanda Barnes publicly professes her faith through believer’s baptism. After the service, there will be a brief information and training meeting for all who serve on our Hospitality Team.  This team oversees greeting, set-up, and clean-up each time our church gathers. Any members interested in helping should attend.

 SUNDAY, AUGUST 30

Jason Lee will be with us preaching and updating us about our mission partnership serving the refugee community in Clarkston, Georgia. He is an elder with Clarkston International Bible Church and the director of The Acts 17 Initiative.   

 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6

Annually, toward the end of summer, I preach a biographical sermon applying Hebrews 13:7, “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.” Past messages have featured Adoniram Judson, Lottie Moon, George Liele, John Newton, and others (listen to past messages here). This year I have chosen to focus upon the 18th-century missionary to the American Indians, David Brainerd. He was only active in mission work a handful of years before dying at the relatively young age of 29. Though his life was brief, his influence upon word missions was not. If you are finding it hard to make disciples amid hard times, you will discover Brainerd to be an inspiration.  

 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13

With the arrival of autumn, and hopefully some cooler weather, we will begin a new expositional sermon series, “Behave as God’s Household.” We will study verse-by-verse through the New Testament book of 1 Timothy. We will see how the gospel leads to practical, visible changes in the lives of those who believe it.

For His Glory,
Pastor Thomas

Those Who Mourn

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Matthew 5:4

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS OF BELIEVERS

This is the second in a new series of articles reflecting on the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:3-12. What kind of people are we to be? What attitudes should mark those who have been truly born again? Jesus calls each of the beatitudes “blessed.”  To be blessed like this is to be in a state of well-being with God.

THOSE WHO MOURN

We do not gravitate to mourning. Our world places a high value on laughter, comedy, entertainment, and above all – fun. Mourning is not fun. The mourning Jesus has in mind is possessing grief over our personal sins and that of the world around us. As individual believers we recognize that our sins are wicked and shameful. Like Isaiah, when we appreciate the glory and holiness of the Lord, we confess our uncleanness (Isa. 6:1-5). We mourn now as we anticipate being fully and finally conformed to the image of God the Son (Rom. 8:29). Beyond our personal sins, we are also grieved by the sins of our church, our community, and all humanity. When we hear reports, or experience firsthand, sins like cruelty, murder, theft, prejudice, unbelief, injustice, immorality, blasphemy, or pride - we mourn.

SHALL BE COMFORTED

Those in Christ who carry this burden of grief for sin have this hope – they shall be comforted! One day the weeping will come to an end. This comfort begins with the certain promise that Jesus’s death fully satisfies God’s wrath toward the sins of all who receive him by faith. This truth germinates our comfort and joy as we hope in God.  In Christ we are given the power to wage war against the very sins over which we grieve. Without mourning our sin and believing that Christ has paid for it, we will never resist any sin. We are comforted as we see the fruit of the Spirit growing in us as we make progress in the pursuit of holiness. Then the day will come when all mourning will end in the new heaven and earth: “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away" (Rev. 21:4).

HOW ABOUT YOU?

Is mourning a characteristic element of your life?  In the last few hours or days, what sin, in your life or in the world around you, has caused you to grieve? A regular part of our weekly worship gathering is a time of recognizing sin in our own lives and in the world around us. This steady regimen of lament should not be limited to Sundays but should infiltrate our days. Mourning weans us from the titillation of the world and cultivates a hunger for the true comfort promised by our Lord.

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas

Poor in Spirit

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3  

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS OF BELIEVERS
This is the first in a new series of articles reflecting on the Beatitudes found in Matthew 5:3-12. The Lord opens his most famous sermon, The Sermon on the Mount, with a listing of characteristics that are to distinguish his disciples. All of us will do well to carefully reflect on this list and give attention to our own lives.  What kind of people are we to be? What attitudes should mark those who have been truly born again? In stark contrast to worldly reasoning, Jesus calls each of these marks “blessed.”  To be blessed like this is to be in a state of well-being with God that belongs to those who respond in faith to Jesus.   

POOR IN SPIRIT
Being poor in spirit is the first of these characteristics. Just as the fuel gauge in a car helps the driver to recognize a deficiency in fuel, so God’s word helps us to see our need of God. The phrase means to have personal knowledge of spiritual emptiness. To be poor in spirit is to be humble and acutely aware the need for God. This attitude is displayed through repentance of sin.  Truly knowing God by receiving his grace in the gospel produces a disciple who is poor in spirit. Jesus says the kingdom of heaven belongs to the poor in spirit. The citizens of God’s eternal heavenly kingdom will not be those who are arrogant, independent, and unrepentant. Those who lived this life with no real need for God will never see God’s kingdom. Heaven will be only populated with those who are poor in spirit.  

HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you poor in spirit? Do you think you will enter heaven? On what basis? Jesus wants us to know that, in ourselves, no one has the spiritual resources nor expertise to live a life that is pleasing to God. One of the most insidious, dangerous qualities of human sinful nature is pride.  Personal pride is found at the core of an unbelieving mind and hardened heart. Only when God graciously and miraculously redeems a human soul is anyone able to walk with genuine poverty of spirit. This transformation produces the humble repentance that marks true believers. Only with this poverty of spirit can anyone truly anticipate entering the joy of heaven.

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas

Do Not Be Quickly Shaken

We ask you, brothers, not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed… 2 Thessalonians 2:2
 
2020 ANXIETIES
Anytime people experience wars, recessions, famines, shifts in governmental power or natural disasters there are invariably anxieties about the end times. The current pandemic is no different. I want to remind you of two things the Lord announces in his Scripture related to these kinds of tribulations:
 
DO NOT BE SURPRISED
First, the Lord announces that his people will experience tribulations and persecutions in this world. Such will increase leading up to the second coming of Christ (Read Mt. 24; Mk. 13; Lk. 21; 1 Thes. 4-5; 2 Thes. 2; and Revelation). Christ return may be soon or it may be far away – only the Father knows. We pray it will be soon, yet we wait in faithful, enduring anticipation. This we know:  Jesus is coming back and there will be tribulations. No Bible-believing, Jesus follower should be surprised at this.

DO NOT BE QUICKLY SHAKEN
Second, when Lord announces these tribulations he also provides comforting instruction about the sovereignty of God, the sure victory of Jesus Christ, and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. Consider these “quick takes” of comfort from the very passages that announce coming tribulations and persecutions:
 

• Don’t be lead astray (Mt. 24:4)

• Stay awake (Mt. 24:42)

• Be ready (Mt. 24:44)  

• Do not be alarmed (Mk. 13:7)

• Do not be anxious (Mk. 13:11)

• Do not be terrified (Lk 21:9)

• Watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down (Lk 21:34)

• Encourage one another and build one another up (1 Thes. 5:11)

• Do not be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed (2 Thes. 2:2)

• Let no one deceive you in any way (2 Thes. 2:3)

• Stand firm (2 Thes. 2:15)

• To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God (Rev 2:7)

• Here is the call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus (Rev. 14:12)

• The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son (Rev 21:7)

Brothers and sisters, do not allow all that is happening in 2020 cause your heart to fear. Do not be anxious about tomorrow. Be wise about what you feed your mind and feel in your heart.  Don’t be lead astray. Feast on the Lord. Study his Word and talk to him in prayer.  Continue to delight in the One who gave us this very promise: “Behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Mt. 28:20).
 
For His Glory,
Pastor Thomas