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
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Membership Class Coffee with the Elders PrimeTime Fellowship Women’s Ministries First Prayer Awana Pre-Registration Christmas Choir/Orchestra
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Worship Ministry
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Fall Festival Small Groups
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The Gospel Institute
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Elder Ordination Service
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and antinomianism is overcome by veering a bit toward the legalism ditch. It is thought that the one danger can find its solution by allowing itself to be influenced more by the other danger. The believer is encouraged to find the “middle ground” between the two. However, God’s Word makes it clear that neither legalism nor antinomianism will act as medicine to cure the other. Both are poisons that find their source in the same spring. They both spring from man’s natural independence from God. It is self-reliant pride in our hearts that encourages legalism in the one and antinomianism in another. In pride, the legalist says, “I can fulfill all of God’s demands. And I can make you fulfill them too!” With this same pride, the antinomian says, “I can live free of God’s demands. And I can help you live free of them too!” These two dangers are twin sisters born of a common mother. They form a two-headed poisonous snake united by one body. We do not kill this snake by feeding one of the heads more food. The body of this snake must be slain by the sword of God’s grace in Christ. When the grace of Jesus is applied against our sinful independence, both heads will die.
“We do not kill this snake by feeding one of the heads more food. The body of this snake must be slain by the sword of God’s grace in Christ.”
In last month’s Broadcaster, I noted the subtlety of a legalistic spirit and suggested six checks to help us discern it in our hearts. Antinomianism is also often subtle. It often cloaks itself in “gracedyed” clothes. It appears as grace, when really it is an excuse for sin. What are some practical checks for antinomianism? Check #1: A casual attitude toward sin. The antinomian has little zeal for practical holiness. Little focus or concern for personal purity. No heartfelt confession. No daily fight against the flesh. The antinomian is far more excited about sinful pleasures than about a righteous life. Check #2: A rejection of biblical correction or rebuke. The immediate response to biblical correction is to misuse Jesus’ statement, “Judge not lest you be judged!” Such a one says, “I will not be shamed into changing my life’s choices. I will not be dictated to by others’ perceptions!” Check #3: A presumption upon God’s forgiveness. The antinomian prepares to sin and thinks, “God will forgive me for the sin I am about to commit.” In this way, God’s grace is treated with contempt.
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Check #4: An eagerness to push the moral and doctrinal boundaries. Moral and doctrinal convictions are quickly compromised. The accepted moral standards and doctrinal assertions of the past are often hastily discarded if they do not make immediate sense to one’s own personal musings. Ethical and doctrinal questions are not bathed in the Word and prayer, but are evaluated mostly by feeling and by community agreement. Check #5: A pious hatred of legalists. The antinomian does not simply hate legalism . . . which is a healthy hatred. The antinomian hates legalists. He justifies this hatred by pointing out Jesus’ harsh words for the Pharisees or His turning over of the moneychangers tables. Check #6: A carelessness for the sanctification of others. The antinomian rarely considers whether his freedom will negatively impact the progress that others are making in their faith. The antinomian is focused upon self-expression instead of love for God and others. Check #7: A disdain for those with higher standards of behavior. This disdain often shows itself through disrespect for older saints and their perspectives. It is not true that older people are always right about moral issues. Every generation has blind spots. But it is true that disrespect for godly, older saints is a foolish, ungodly thing. Do any symptoms of antinomianism appear in your life? If so, run to Christ Jesus in faith. He alone can purify hearts and help us to have a passion for personal holiness. Be encouraged! The answer to the problem of persistent sin is not a return to the Law, but a return to the Lord. “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.” (Titus 2:11–14 ESV)
August Calendar Highlights August 7
Worship Service, 8:15am and 11:00am Sunday School and ABCs, 9:45am Coffee with the Elders, 9:45am
August 14
Worship Service, 8:15am and 11:00am Sunday School and ABCs, 9:45am Discovering Church Membership, 9:45am
August 15
PrimeTime Fellowship, 11:00am
August 16
Hats of Hope, 6:00pm
August 21
Worship Service, 8:15am and 11:00am Sunday School and ABCs, 9:45am Discovering Church Membership, 9:45am
August 24
Awana Pre-Registration, 5:45-7:30pm Youth-Parent Kickoff, 6:15pm
August 27
A Community Christmas Kickoff, 9:00am
August 28
Worship Service, 8:15am and 11:00am Sunday School and ABCs, 9:45am Discovering Church Membership, 9:45am Hotdogs at the Lake, 5:00pm Elder Ordination Service, 6:00pm Baptism, Singing, S’mores at the Lake, 7:00pm
August 31
Awana New Leader Training, 6:15pm Find the Complete Calendar online at www.bethanycentral.org. The Birthday & Anniversary List is available at Welcome Center.
Youth Events in August August 3
SummerFest (Lumber Jack Night) at the Unsicker's (7214 Grange Hall Rd, Dunlap), 6:15-9:00pm
August 4
Bike Trail, 9am-12pm
August 10
SummerFest (Clue Night) at Bethany Baptist, 6:15-9:00pm
August 14
Sr. High Lake Hangout, 6:00pm
August 17
No Youth Group
August 24
Youth-Parent Kickoff, 6:15-8:00pm
August 31
Youth Group, 6:15-8:00pm
For information on youth events contact josh@bethanycentral.org or aaron@bethanycentral.org.
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Discovering Church Membership Sundays at 9:45 August 14, 21 & 28 in the Conference Room If you are interested in joining the church or learning more about Bethany, plan to attend this class. Sign up by calling the office at 692-1755 or emailing Jennifer at jennifer@bethanycentral.org.
Coffee with the Elders Sunday, August 7 at 9:45am A regularly scheduled opportunity to speak with the Elders. The first Sunday of even months in the Library area by the fireplace.
Women’s Ministry Work Nights Women Helping Women Monday, August 15 at 7pm Join us as we prepare products and kits for keepsake boxes that will help parents through the difficulty of losing a child. Sewing skills are not required. Contact: Nicole Pepper, 683-1181
Hats of Hope Tuesday, August 16 at 6pm Use your gifts and talents in sewing and knitting, or simply cut fabric and make fabric flowers for hats for cancer patients. Yarn and materials are supplied for you if you desire to make hats at home. Contact: Holly Miller, 648-1693
PrimeTime Fellowship Monday, August 15 11:00am in the Sr. High Room All those age 55 and up are invited to join us for lunch and a presentation on the Guatemala GO-trip. To sign up, call the church office at 692-1755.
AWANA Pre-registration Wednesday, August 24 Drop in anytime between 5:45-7:00pm to sign your child(ren) up and pick up their materials. This will reduce waiting and chaos on the first night of Club. Children do not need to attend. AWANA starts Wednesday, September 7 and is for children from 3 years old (starting Kindergarten in two years and potty trained) up through the 6th grade. AWANA meets at 6:15pm and ends at 8pm (7:50pm for Cubbies).
Saturday, August 27 at 9:00am "A Community Christmas" will be presented on December 3-4, 2016 at Bethany Baptist and Living Hope.
ON THE ROAD
Learn more about the Lord's work through PACM, meet some of the PACM staff, and then prayer walk around Bradley’s campus. It will be a great opportunity for the church to show our love and support for our missionaries and in turn be encouraged by seeing the Lord at work in our city! 4
RESOLVEDto & the College ministry invite all adults for outdoor co-ed soccer. Players of all abilities are encouraged to come play!
A Community Christmas Kickoff
PACM Open House and Prayer Walk Sunday, August 14 at 4pm At the PACM office (Next door to Bacci Pizza on W. Bradley Avenue)
Adult Soccer Tuesday, August 2, 9 & 16 6-9pm
All those interested in joining the choir or playing in the orchestra are invited to join us for a kickoff to preview the music. Clear your calendar and make plans to attend this morning of Christmas Music! Contact Pastor Fred (fred@bethanycentral.org) or Kari Rabenhorst (kari@bethanycentral.org) for more information. For questions about orchestra, contact Peter or Kelli Rummel at pete.kelli.rummel@gmail.com.
MAKE SURE YOU READ THIS BECAUSE IT’S IMPORTANT! “We should consider it the great end of our existence to be found numbered among the worshipers of God.” - John Calvin Over 450 years ago, the great theologian and reformer John Calvin penned these words and I am confident that this truth still beats deeply in the heart of God’s children. In my personal life, I do not know of many times that bring me as much joy as when I am with a group of passionate believers and we have gathered to worship our gracious God. Each and every Sunday, I am ready and excited for our church family to gather and join as one in worship to Him and I am thankful that the call of God to us is simply to come and worship Him in “spirit and truth.” That means He calls us to worship Him with our whole heart and life and that the zeal which fuels our worship is his truth as revealed in the Bible. It is with great joy and enthusiasm that we offer several avenues for almost every age group to grow in their understanding and participation of what it means to be a worshiper. I would like to share with you some opportunities for you and for your family to continue your growth in being a worshiper of God. My desire and vision for our church is greater than we can probably ever achieve … but oh how I want to see us rise up and use our gifts and talents with great joy and to adhere to the admonition of the Scripture to “Bless the Lord, Oh my soul, and all that is within me bless His holy Name.” Yes … Biblical worship is more than music but music is a primary way that believers express their worship and the lost world should look in and marvel at the extreme joy and bold expressions of worship that we would offer to our Great God. So let’s explore some of those opportunities. If you would like more information concerning any of these groups, you can call the church office and talk to me or to Kari or you can just stop me as we are out and about and I will be glad to share even more of my greater vision for Bethany to be a vibrant Worshiping Church! “Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord, O my soul! While I live I will praise the Lord; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.” Psalm 146:1-2 O Lord, May we live in light of this!
Walking in His grace,
Fred
Opportunities to Serve in the Worship Ministry The Worship Band and Worship Team These are the smaller group of musicians – both vocal and instrumental – that lead us regularly on Sunday morning. Being part of this group does require a bit more skill than being part of the large group. But the most important is having the heart of a vibrant worshiper! Applications can be picked up in the choir room or church office and are due by September 1. The Celebration Choir This group purposes to lift up the praise of our God in such a way that our church would rise up and celebrate His glory and His goodness. I pray each and every week that God would continue to bring singers to this group. My heart yearns with a holy yearning to see 50, 75, or 100 or more people singing together in praise to our God the most awesome songs of praise and worship. It would be so awesome to have at least 50 service specific singers for each Sunday morning and then join everyone together for the bigger events. We practice through the school year for about an hour and fifteen minutes to an hour and a half each week. But for such a small investment of time, there is not another ministry that has the ability to impact the whole body of Christ in worship as this group does. The Celebration Orchestra This is a group of talented and committed instrumentalist who worship God with magnificent offerings of praise. They often accompany the Celebration choir and bless the church with glorious praise to our God. A Community Christmas Each year we have the opportunity to reach thousands of people in our community with a beautiful presentation of the Gospel. And for some folks who just do not have the time for regular involvement in the worship ministry, this has been a great avenue to stay connected and use their talents and gifts. This year, we will only be presenting A Community Christmas here at Bethany Baptist Church and then at Living Hope Community Church. It’s a little lesser commitment than in years past. I dream of the year that we see 125-150 singers join in at Christmas for this spectacular celebration of the incarnation of Christ. Join us for the Christmas Kick Off on August 27 at 9:00am! The Children’s Choir Ministry We are currently in the process of re-designing our Children’s Choir Ministry. I am so excited about the things that are in the works. We desire to musically educate your children and see them raised up in the church to become the worship leaders of the future generations. We want to offer fun and exciting opportunities to learn the basics of music and then put that knowledge into practice and let them join us in worship to lead us in exalting our Savior. Bethany Handbell Ministry This is delightful group of folks that are learning how to be a quality musician and use that gift to glorify the Lord with beautiful music. You don’t already have to be a great musician to play handbells! If you can count and keep a steady beat, you can probably learn to play handbells! Consider exploring this ministry in the upcoming year!
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Bethany Baptist Church 7422 N. Heinz Lane Edwards, IL 61528
NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE P A I D PEORIA, ILLINOIS PERMIT NO. 917 Address Service Requested