Here are some photos of our new sign, and of our 90th Anniversary banner.
Posted on August 9th, 2007 by admin
Filed under: Photos
90th Anniversary Grounds Photos
What Kind of Baptist (Church) Are We?
Several months ago I produced one these periodic postulations and began to answer the question, “What kind of Baptist are we?” In looking at that very valid query, it was decided that we were, at the very core, both biblical Baptists and purposeful Baptists; that is, we are Baptist for reasons that are important to us and our purpose as a church. Read more…
Posted on August 9th, 2007 by Pastor Larry
Filed under: Pastor's Occasional Papers
Why Do We Do What We Do?
Elim Baptist Church exists to make disciples of Jesus Christ wherever God grants us influence, by the teaching of the Word of God in the power of the Holy Spirit. This is our statement of purpose, and it helps direct the functions and decisions of our congregation.
But how do we let such a statement of purpose inform our actions and decisions? In what ways do we let these words translate into that which is tangible and practical? How are our leaders to put this statement into practice as they lead us under the Savior?
Because we are a church that believes in the authority of the Scriptures (and we want to live what we believe!) it is mandatory that we seek to understand our purpose in ways that are thoroughly biblical. In other words, if we are to be faithful stewards of the ministry God has granted us, we must work diligently to develop a God-honoring philosophy of ministry. Read more…
Posted on August 8th, 2007 by Pastor Larry
Filed under: Pastor's Occasional Papers
What Kind of Pastor Do We Want?
Perhaps depending on how you feel about things in your church right now, the above title either turns the corners of your mouth up in a smile or your eyebrows up because of a frown! However, neither response really fits the situation because, as far as I know, this church will not be looking for a pastor in the near future.
But the topic does stem from a real need. Over the past year many dear friends of Elim Baptist Church have moved to new locations where they have needed to find a church home. In almost every case these dear ones have called or e-mailed or written asking for help in finding a new place to worship and fellowship. And, in each case, they have asked for help in discerning the role of the pastor as it relates to them, the church, and what God’s Word teaches. Read more…
Posted on August 8th, 2007 by Pastor Larry
Filed under: Pastor's Occasional Papers
How Should the Church Be Run?
Actually, as a Bible-believing church, the title question should really be asked this way: “What does Scripture say about the polity, or organization, of the local church?” After all, right-thinking Christians know that Scripture is sufficient for their preaching and discipling, their spirituality and joy in following Christ, and their understanding of church growth and evangelism (2 Timothy 3:16-17). But is Scripture even meant to tell us how we are to organize our lives together as Christians in the church, or are we left simply to our own investigation of best practices? Read more…
Posted on August 8th, 2007 by Pastor Larry
Filed under: Pastor's Occasional Papers
Does Membership Matter?
When most Christians today are asked to define what it means to “go to church,” rarely are they able to give a biblical answer. Much of what is offered as a reply revolves around programs or activities that occur within the church building. Even more alarming is that pews are often filled once a week for “services as usual” where the passive gaze at the committed. However, a real, vibrant, biblical church should never be a place where its members sit in isolation allowing the deeds of the few to serve the needs of the many. Rather, the true church is an assembly of believers called out from the world around them so that they might be educated in the things of God and united for service.
Of course, belonging to a church is not related to salvation, for nowhere does the Scripture teach that church membership makes any contribution to one’s own personal redemption. Salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone, without any mention of church attendance or membership.
So why “go to church” or seek to belong to a local congregation? Read more…
Posted on August 8th, 2007 by Pastor Larry
Filed under: Pastor's Occasional Papers
How Old is the Earth?
In the past couple of months I have been asked very pointed questions by believers—some who have been believers for decades. So I feel the need to answer those questions directly and in writing. The question goes something like, “So, according to the Bible, how old is the Earth?” Read more…
Posted on August 8th, 2007 by Dallas
Filed under: Commenting on Creation
The Truth War
This book is a doctrinal study of postmodernism and other erosions into the integrity of the churches in America. (Editor’s note: a working definition of postmodernism could be this: “Post-modern Christianity is just as difficult to lock down in a concise definition as post-modernism itself. What started in the 1950’s in architecture as a reaction to modernist thought and style was soon adopted by the art and literary world in the 1970’s and 1980’s. The Church didn’t really feel this effect until the 1990’s. Read more…
Posted on August 8th, 2007 by Scott
Filed under: From the Church Library
Our Relationship to the World
On more than one occasion I have mentioned in this space how “interesting” God’s sense of timing and provision are, even in regards to something as small as this newsletter. I am frequently amazed at how the subjects selected correspond directly with something happening at the moment that I sit down to write. And that amazement is my experience again this month. Read more…
Posted on August 8th, 2007 by Pastor Larry
Filed under: From the Pastor’s Pen
