Bethany Baptist Church exists to glorify God by proclaiming Jesus Christ as Lord and preparing His people to worship Him now and forever.
Broadcaster The Antidote for Antinomianism “What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means!” (Romans 6:15 ESV) “For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.” (Jude 1:4 ESV) In our study of Romans on Sunday mornings, we are learning of two dangers that threaten to derail the believer’s growth in practical holiness. Both of these threats deface or destroy the Spirit’s fruit of love, righteousness, joy and holy awe in the hearts of believers and in churches. These two hazards often are referenced by the titles “legalism” and “antinomianism.” Since we do not use these two terms in daily life much, it may be helpful to define each.
Dr. Ritch Boerckel
Legalism is defined as any improper use of the Law. It is improper to use God’s Law as the means to attain God’s salvation. It is improper to use God’s law as the means to maintain God’s salvation. Antinomianism is defined as any improper neglect of the Law. It is improper to neglect God’s law as a guide to instruct in God’s righteous standards for His people. It is improper to neglect God’s law as having no important role in our growth in practical holiness. Many view the dangers of legalism and antinomianism as opposing forces that need to be counterbalanced by the other. The problem is illustrated by describing two ditches . . . one on the right side and the other on the left side of the road. In this view, legalism is overcome by veering a bit toward the antinomian ditch Continued on page 2.
In This Issue Page 3
August Calendar Highlights Youth Events in August
Page 4
Membership Class Coffee with the Elders PrimeTime Fellowship Women’s Ministries First Prayer Awana Pre-Registration Christmas Choir/Orchestra
Page 5
Worship Ministry
Page 6
Fall Festival Small Groups
Page 7
The Gospel Institute
Page 8
Elder Ordination Service