Service Times
Worship Service
Sun. 9:30am – 10:30am
Sunday School
Sun. 10:45am – 11:20am
Prayer Meeting & Bible Study
Wed. 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Crusaders Club (Seasonal)
Thurs. 3:00pm – 5:30pm
Crusaders Teens (Seasonal)
Thurs. 6:00pm – 8:00pm
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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 49:11 — 41.8MB) Subscribe: Romans 8:28-30
We invite you to join us for worship each Sunday morning at 9:30. You can download our service on iTunes or tune in for “The Good Word” each day on AM 1230 WSAL or on Hoosier Country 103.7 FM just after 8am. I want to do today is introduced you to the doctrines that are involved in a person’s “salvation event!” So the question is: what happens when a person gets saved? This “order of salvation” as it is affectionately referred to when we systematically study the doctrines of Scripture is for the purpose of helping us grasp the sheer magnitude of God’s amazing grace and mercy in offering redemption to a fallen and doomed race.
The first doctrine that comes into play where salvation is concerned is the doctrine of election. Frankly, this is a hard doctrine to understand. However, once we have an understanding of this view from inside God’s heart as He reveals it in His Word, it causes us to fall to our knees in humble gratefulness that we have experienced it.
The second doctrine is that of the gospel call. A person who is not called cannot be saved. Another way to say that is this – the only way the lost and dying learn that their only hope of avoiding eternity in hell is found in salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ– is from the Scriptures, and from those of us who have been redeemed.
The third doctrine is that of regeneration. As the name implies this doctrine teaches us that it is God who “restarts” or begins anew the spiritual life that was taken away in Eden when Adam and Eve committed the original sin.
The fourth doctrine is the doctrine of conversion. To me this doctrine reveals the infinite generosity of God towards those He calls to salvation.
The fifth doctrine of salvation is the doctrine of justification. By the fact that God sees us as justified or legally qualified to stand before Him in a right relationship, we can begin to understand the great burden that was lifted from us because Christ stood condemned in our place.
The sixth doctrine of salvation is the doctrine of adoption. This doctrine teaches us that God does not redeem us then leave us alone and unprotected in the world from which He saved us. God changes us from being His enemy by re-creating us to be His children in the image of His own Son.
The seventh doctrine of salvation is the doctrine of sanctification. This is another doctrine that God designed to prove to us salvation is real.
The eighth doctrine we’ll study is the doctrine of perseverance. Part of this doctrine teaches us about our eternal security in Christ; and part of it teaches us why true Christians have the desire to become as much like Christ in this life as is humanly possible.
The ninth doctrine of salvation is the doctrine of death! Someone might say wait a minute –salvation has to do with life—not death! Our response to that person is then you better check your Bible again! Physical death is the way we are ushered into the presence of our Savior. But we also learn about the death of our old self.
The tenth doctrine of salvation is the doctrine of glorification. Receiving our resurrection body is only part of the glorification that God has in store for us. Try as you will – you cannot begin to imagine how glorious heaven and everything about the eternal life after this one will be!
If we can help you answer questions concerning spiritual life, or the Scriptures, please call us at 574- 643-9419.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 59:17 — 46.4MB) Subscribe: We invite you to join us for worship each Sunday morning at 9:30. You can download our service on iTunes or tune in for “The Good Word” each day on AM 1230 WSAL or on Hoosier Country 103.7 FM just after 8am. This week, we invite Bill Brittain of Baptist Children’s Home to share with us at our annual Casual Sunday and Church Picnic.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 50:40 — 40.5MB) Subscribe: 1 Peter 5:6-11
We invite you to join us for worship each Sunday morning at 9:30. You can download our service on iTunes or tune in for “The Good Word” each day on AM 1230 WSAL or on Hoosier Country 103.7 FM just after 8am. Last week we focused on the truth that the only way to lasting exultation, recognition, and reward is by the way of humility. We also learned that proper Biblical humility places us under the mighty hand of God and He protects us from all that would destroy us. One important truth that you must understand is that if you do not learn to live in v. 6 neither will you experience any/much of the recognition or reward God has planned for you both in this life and the next. Now that statement might cause someone to think, “okay, so how do I learn to live in v. 6?” I’m glad you ask, and I know Peter is because he gives us the answer. Notice
- OUR DAILY PRACTICE! V. 7 The NIV presents “cast all your anxiety on Him…” as a command or imperative. Peter did not write it as a command– he wrote it as a participle or casting all your anxiety on Him…” The point of the statement is not to get rid of your anxiety but rather to be humble. The reason Peter wrote casting is because in order to read main humble and under God’s protection, a Christian must constantly keep on every day casting their anxieties or worries to God. One of the biggest mistakes Christians make is thinking that the true Christian life is made up of a lot of onetime events – rather than ongoing processes. Think about that and consider
- OUR DAILY PERCEPTION! V. 8 The perception Peter wants us to have concerning the devil is this: the true man or woman of God is to be so focused on being a proper representative for God and his kingdom, that the Christians every motive, thought, word, and action is to be executed with such care and concern that it does not bring shame to the name of Christ or His kingdom. Now, you get that idea or concept, right? The idea of being vigilant and sober minded is that we are so keenly aware of our Christian responsibility that our fear of causing disgrace or dishonor to Christ, His name, His kingdom, or anything else concerning our salvation relationship – drives us further, deeper into God, His Word, and prayer to keep from being consumed in sin.
- OUR DAILY PROCESS. So Peter is telling us to be vigilant, to be alert to watch always for the destructive work of the devil toward us. So how do we be vigilant and alert? Peter tells us, “resist him/the devil.” One reason many Christians fall victim so easily to the wiles of the devil is that they do nothing to actively resist his advances! So now the question is: what do we do to actively resist the devil? Well verse 9 says, “resist him/the devil, standing firm in the faith.” Finally let’s consider
- OUR DIVINE PROVISION! V. 10-11. First notice in v. 10 it is God Himself who will restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. We might say it all begins and ends with God. You’ll notice also that Peter tells us that it is God who has called us to His eternal glory in Christ. As he closes this letter he reminds his readers that everything about this world is only for “a little while.” But the glory we will share and experience in Christ is eternal! And beloved, if that doesn’t cure your anxiety – nothing will!
If we can help you answer your spiritual questions, call us at (574) 643-9419.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 45:49 — 36.9MB) Subscribe: 1 Peter 5:6-11
We invite you to join us for worship each Sunday morning at 9:30. You can download our service on iTunes or tune in for “The Good Word” each day on AM 1230 WSAL or on Hoosier Country 103.7 FM just after 8am. Peter’s final exhortation to his readers again points them upward to God, and outward to others. He reminds them that humility is the foundation upon which both favor and blessing from God are established. In this paragraph Peter deals with two of the Christians most besetting nemeses, namely humility and anxiety. Do you know humility is actually a characteristic of God? Do you also know that anxiety is in fact, condemned by God? A person cannot embrace humility and anxiety together! Why? Because they contradict and counteract one another.
- OUR DECISION! V. 6 Look carefully at how Peter begins. He says “humble yourself.” Here is a truth you must learn humility is not something we do – it is what we become! True Biblical or Godly humility begins deep within the human heart. Humility is what happens when a spiritually dead heart realizes that The One and Only God has extended to it an invitation to redemption and adoption into God’s family. True Godly humility begins to develop its self in our heart when we say in our heart God, and all things God, must be the starting point of my life. The interesting thing is humility cannot be taught it can only be imparted by The Holy Spirit! If anyone says “let me show you how to be humble,” – they are no longer humble! Lewis Sperry Chafer says, “to become conscious of humility is its utter ruin.” Get it? Now consider
- OUR PROTECTION IN HUMILITY! V. 6 In the context of our current passage “under” means something, or in this case, Someone over, above, higher than, with greater authority! And in this case the something is the mighty hand, and the Someone is God Himself! The prerequisite to God’s protection is humility. And the divine humility we receive from God; 1st is 100% free of self determination, self desire, or self exultation: and 2nd is totally consumed with, and concerned for the other person at the highest possible level. Now notice that Peter teaches us that our decision to allow God to protect us under His mighty hand provides for us:
- OUR REWARD! As I study the Scriptures I find it interesting that in most cases God desires to provide for His adopted children all those things people pursue in this life! The only way to lasting exultation, recognition, and reward is by the way of humility.
- OUR PATIENCE IN HUMILITY! V. 6 Patience is one of those Christian virtues true Christians want; and most of the time they are so excited about getting it they wanted right away! Unfortunately it doesn’t work that way. Here’s the simplest way I know to keep all this in its proper perspective. You focus only on what God asks you to do as he His adopted child – and let Him take care of everything else! Isn’t that deep and profound? With all of your heart you must want God to be the only sovereign ruler in your life. When that becomes the only desire of your heart, God then, gives you all the other desires you need so He can exalt you. Try it – you’ll see!
If we can help you answer your spiritual questions, call us at (574) 643-9419.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 58:05 — 46.2MB) Subscribe: 1 Peter 5:1-5
We invite you to join us for worship each Sunday morning at 9:30. You can download our service on iTunes or tune in for “The Good Word” each day on AM 1230 WSAL or on Hoosier Country 103.7 FM just after 8am. There is an old saying, “as the leadership goes, so goes the organization.” For the most part that’s true! However, we must remember that when we come to the matter of the local church as presented in the NT, the ultimate leader is perfect; because the ultimate leader is the Lord Jesus Christ, God in the flesh. Unfortunately, the organization has not yet reached the perfection of its Leader. We will someday but haven’t yet. Let’s consider first Peter’s exhortation to the elders. Notice Peter’s exhortation was first:
- PERSONAL! Peter refers to himself in 3 ways. He is a “fellow elder. Peter was well known and established as an Apostle. It is interesting to note here Peter does not refer to himself as an apostle, but rather as a co-elder. Peter also identified himself as a witness to the sufferings of Christ. Third, Peter identified himself as a partaker in the glory that is to be revealed. Peter is speaking of a time future – the glory that is going to be revealed. Throughout this entire letter Peter has talked about future glory that will follow current suffering. An exciting truth is that you and I will all get to share in that future glory Peter is addressing here. As the songwriter has correctly said, “oh what a day of rejoicing that will be!” Now notice that Peter’s exhortation is:
- POIGNANT! V. 2, 3 Peter does not mince his words nor does he pull his punches when addressing the elders concerning their leadership responsibilities. He tells them they are to shepherd God’s people. If a person had never in his or her life read the Bible, and read these verses they would immediately understand the congregation of the true NT local church does not belong to the elders – it belongs to God. Two very familiar verses that teach exactly that are found in 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20. Also read 1 Cor. 3:17; Psalm 119:73; Ephesians 2:10; and Colossians 1:18. Beloved, here is something we don’t often think about. Just to be saved is a high and holy privilege that originates in the heart of God, and solely by His mercy and grace God calls us to be His adopted children. The Holy Spirit inspired Peter to teach us that those who lead do so as shepherds and overseers. Now notice Peter’s exhortation was:
- PROMISING! V. 4. Peter has taught that the shepherds who have oversight of God’s flock are there because God calls them there to be about His business, which is guiding the church to spiritual maturity.The promise is to those leaders who have been faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ and His way of ministry, will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. Just exactly what the crown of glory is will remain a mystery until Jesus Christ reveals it. Finally, notice that Peter’s exhortation is:
- PROTECTIVE! V. 5Here is another place where God’s divine wisdom in creation is being brought to the forefront. This is also another place where a library of information has been written on the word “younger.” The word “younger” in this, and many other passages, has a twofold meaning. First, Peter is addressing all those who are younger in chronological age. Second, “younger” refers to those who are less experienced and knowledgeable in their spiritual understanding. No matter what your position or title in your family or your church family– Peter has told you, you are you are ultimately responsible and accountable to God for properly administering God’s grace to you in all its various forms.
If we can help you answer your spiritual questions, call us at (574) 643-9419.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 45:19 — 35.6MB) Subscribe: Proverbs 11:30
We invite you to join us for worship each Sunday morning at 9:30. You can download our service on iTunes or tune in for “The Good Word” each day on AM 1230 WSAL or on Hoosier Country 103.7 FM just after 8am. Last week we learned that everything about the true Christians life is represented as fruit/or the product that originates within the Christian’s heart. When that “fruit” is good it is what God uses to draw other people to Him. When the fruit is bad it repulses the ungodly and unsaved pushing them away from Christ. The concept reminds us of Jesus teaching recorded by Luke in his Gospel, chapter 6:43-46. Our focus this week is on the second half of the verse found in Proverbs 11:30 – “he who wins souls is wise.” Let’s consider how these two principles: 1. fruit providing life, and 2. the wisdom of winning souls fit together. Let’s start with:
- WISDOM! Baker’s Encyclopedia of the Bible defines wisdom as a capacity of the mind; wisdom is a special capacity necessary for full human living. Wisdom can be acquired through education and the application of the mind. Even while we are sinful human beings, we have been given the mental capacity to understand our hopeless and helpless situation, and our need for a Savior. We also have the mental capacity to reason that God has offered us hope in His redemptive plan for the human race. Wisdom also means that every person who accepts God’s gracious gift of salvation is for the rest of their earthly life responsible to the God who saved them for learning to live a life in harmony with His laws. Let’s take this one step further. The wisdom we have is one of God’s communicable attributes. That means wisdom is one of God’s characteristics that he has shared with us, as created in His likeness and image. God’s wisdom means – God always chooses the best goals and the best means to those goals. A true Christian has learned by personal experience, and understands from within their heart that God’s way is always the best way to the best outcome. Now, here is an interesting byproduct of the wisdom of God. We actually begin to understand the wisdom of:
- CAPTURING SOULS! Solomon uses an interesting Hebrew word here that is translated “wins” in the NIV; and is translated “captures” in the ESV. In this context the word Solomon used means to *“gain or win it especially through effort; to captivate and hold the interest of; to take according to the rules.” You will notice that none of these 3 definitions suggests winning is an event. Each is a process that requires continual effort, continual focus, and a clear understanding of the rules that must be followed. Beloved, every person who calls themselves a Christian ought to desire from their heart to be a tree of life. The fruit we produce on a daily basis from our daily lives ought to be that which captivates and captures all the souls around us whether they be walking with the Lord and encouraged to do so in perseverance because of our example. Or whether they be ungodly or unsaved, and convicted and convinced that repentance is both their key to redemption and a life of blessing. May our prayer be that of David’s recorded in Psalm 86: 11 – “teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.”
If we can help you answer your spiritual questions, call us at (574) 643-9419.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 43:15 — 35.3MB) Subscribe: Proverbs 11:30
We invite you to join us for worship each Sunday morning at 9:30. You can download our service on iTunes or tune in for “The Good Word” each day on AM 1230 WSAL or on Hoosier Country 103.7 FM just after 8am. There is an old adage among Christians that says you should share Christ with someone around you every day. The first thing that comes to mind is trying to lead someone to the Lord – which for some reason makes most people uncomfortable. So the question is are you sharing the Christ of the Bible with them in such a way as to cause them to want to know Him as their Savior – or does your life and lifestyle give them more reasons to avoid a personal relationship with Christ as Savior? Let’s consider first:
I. THE FRUIT OF THE RIGHTEOUS! Solomon says the fruit of the righteous is a tree of life. When you read a statement like that in your own quiet time – what does it mean to you? What do you think of? Understanding such a statement will cause you to grow spiritually, because it will draw you deeper into the Word of God, and at the same time draw you closer and deeper into the God of The Word!
So what is the fruit of the righteous? In the OT fruit can mean produce as used in Gen. 1:11; Fruit can also mean crops or what is harvested as in Dt. 7:13; Sometimes fruit means the young of a successive generation as in Dt. 28:4, Fruit also means results as used in Isa. 3:10; Finally, fruit can be translated deed or the natural or logical result of what has been done as in Prov. 1:31. Now here’s the interesting thing about all of this, all of these words are used in some form or other throughout the NT to describe character traits or qualities that identify true Christians. Galatians 5:22 tells us that we are to produce the fruits of the spirit; Gal. 6:7 = what we sow, we reap; Eph. 6:4 = don’t provoke your children, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord; Rev. 22:12= I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done; Rom. 12:19— vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.
II. THE FRUIT OF THE RIGHTEOUS! What is righteousness from—God’s viewpoint? Righteousness is one of God’s communicable attributes, which means it is part of His character that He shares with those who are redeemed. Grudem defines God’s righteousness as God always acting in accordance with what is right and is Himself the final standard of what is right. Because God is God, He is always righteous! So the question becomes when is a person righteous? From a human perspective righteousness is fulfillment of the expectations in any relationship, whether with God or other people.
I like the way one author connects the righteousness of God to the life of a righteous person when he says that which the righteous man says and does, is the result of his moral integrity. OR what the person really is in their heart. The truth is that both you and the Lord know what/who rules your heart! Now let’s consider:
III. A TREE OF LIFE! A student of the word might ask the question – how is the fruit of the righteous a tree of life? Look at it this way: fruit = tree. It is the fruit of the righteous that Solomon says is the tree of life. It is the fruit that propagates the tree.
If we can help you answer your spiritual questions, call us at (574) 643-9419.
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