gospel light news

1500 Southern Blvd. SE Rio Rancho, NM Content and updates from our church

[gospellightbaptist-blog]

Two Offices of the Church

The Bible indicates that there are only two offices (positions) that are commanded for each church to have: the pastor and deacons. Philippians 1:1 says “Paul and Timothy, the servants of Jesus Christ...with the bishops and deacons.” 

We learned in a previous post that all Christians should be active in church work and ministry. We also know that each believer has access to Christ as a priest before Him, but these two offices are specific roles of ministry. We will now look at each role and the responsibilities and qualifications associated with each one. 

The Pastor

The Bible uses 3 different words for this role: elder, bishop, and pastor. It is the belief of this author that a look at each usage will reveal 3 different functions of the same role of pastor (some churches believe that there are 3 different positions). I Peter 5:1-5 uses the word “elder” and provides role responsibilities. The elder is supposed to:

1) feed the flock through solid bible preaching

2) take leadership in the church

3) be an example to the people    

The specific qualifications for a “bishop” are found in I Timothy 3:1-7 and in Titus 1:5-9. The qualifications are broken down into 2 basic categories- character and gifts for ministry. 

A church should pray for, provide financially for, encourage and assist the pastor. The pastor should pray for, minister and provide godly servant leadership for the people in the church. Each has opportunities and responsibilities in the Lord’s church. 

The Deacon  

The second role in a church is the role of deacons. Deacons are selected from within the church membership. The Biblical qualifications for a deacon are found in I Timothy 3:8-13, and they focus primarily on character and relationships within the church, community and family. 

The origin of deacons came from a glaring need that arose early in church history. Acts 6:1-6 records the original intent for a deacon. They are to minister to the physical needs of the members. This care will free up the pastor to focus on the spiritual needs of the congregation. Deacons can also serve as an advisory group in areas of finances and planning. Like the pastor, deacons are supposed to be servant leaders in the church. 

Deacons are usually voted on by the whole church, and whether they serve for a term or as long as they are able, varies from church to church. 

(this article was written by Jeremy Lenentine. If you would like more information about our church, please visit us at glbcrr.org)

[gospellightbaptist-blog]

4 Ways You Can Love Your Church 

I know I am biased but I believe that most of you agree with me here: I love my church! I believe it is important that I state this because we live in an age where the church is under attack. You can find a lot of angry stories, posts and books written on the problems in the church. I know that any group of people can have their problems, but in church we find real friends, great truths and a Godly community with which to connect. 

Since it is the month of February and since this Sunday is “I Love My Church” Sunday, I wanted to zero in on ways that you can love your church.

1) Be a dedicated participant.  We all know by now that church is a participation sport. At our church we have a small army of volunteers and that is the plan of Christ. God has given each of us talents and abilities that we should use for His purpose (Matthew 25:15). A dedicated participant should take their job at church seriously by showing up on time and praying for the work in which they are involved. Only heaven will truly show you how important your time and dedication were to the work of Christ. 

2) Be kind and forgiving. Too often we can be quick to judgment and anger, but slow to forgive when the Bible actually commands the opposite (Proverbs 14:29). A good question to ask yourself is: Do I give the same amount of grace to my church family as I would want to receive from them? The truth is that everyone has flaws so we all should get used to carrying around a pocket full of grace to extend to others when they need it. No one likes a judgmental church and we know that love covers a multitude of sins (I Peter 4:8). 

3) Develop strong friendships in your church. Jim Rohn said, “You are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with.” I believe this quote so it is apparent to me that we should all be intentional about building good friendships. Most people just let friendships happen. They hit it off with a personality at work or they find someone funny or charming so they want to be around them. As a Christian, we need to BUILD with purpose strong friendships with Godly people so that we are conforming more into the image of Christ. Do your closest friends push you to be more Godly?

4) Give frequently to your church. The Bible is so clear that our heart will follow where we sent our money (Luke 12:34). We all know that it takes money to turn on lights, send out missionaries, fuel up buses, and pay church workers. When we start to see the value of eternal, spiritual work then we can’t help but become cheerful givers (II Corinthians 9:7). 

Can you think of other ways that you can love your church? Please comment below and add your thoughts.

(this article was written by Jeremy Lenentine. Jeremy is the outreach pastor at GLBC.)

[gospellightbaptist-blog]

                 Saved, Baptized Church Membership

The next area of Baptist Distinctives that we will look at is the matters that pertain to church membership. Today people want to downplay the responsibility and necessity of church membership. Most would rather not commit to anything and church just happens to be another one of those pesky areas. But God commands us to be a faithful church member in Hebrews 10:25 and so we should not be dissuaded from membership. 

1. Why church membership?

When God saved us He made us a member of a body of Christ that spans from all earthly ages. This group includes people from Abraham to Moses to Paul, and we get to be a part of this group. However, most of the time when the Bible is speaking of the church, it is referring to a local assembly of believers. It is important to have a local church that you are plugged into so you can be growing and actively serving God.

2. What is required for membership?

The church in Acts had people “added” to it daily the Bible says. In Acts 2:41 we learn that those who were added to the church had 1) gladly received his word 2) were baptized. We glean from this passage that salvation and scriptural baptism is necessary for church membership. A casual response to this will produce a casual church. 

3. How can a person join?

A new believer who gets baptized becomes part of that church. Some churches may choose to have people sign a covenant or agreement, some require believers to attend a class to convey certain principles. While these may be a good idea, according to the Bible, they are not required for membership. 

It is important to do things decently and in order in a church and se we seek to follow the Biblical pattern when it comes to every policy and practice. It makes sense that you would only have members who are saved and have followed Christ in believer’s baptism. While anyone is encouraged to attend church, membership is a covenant between believers to unite for a great cause and a great work!

(this article was written by Mark Lenentine. Mark and his wife, Lacey, head up the youth department at Gospel Light. Mark is also the principal of Gospel Light Baptist Academy.)  

[gospellightbaptist-blog]

New Sunday school series for the month of February! 

If you do not have a Sunday school class that you are a part, please come this Sunday at 9:45am. We have a class that is right for your life stage. 

[gospellightbaptist-blog]

Individual Soul Liberty and Responsibility 

“For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” - Rom 14:11&12

 As we look at the Bible, some truths become abundantly clear, with very little explanation needed. One such principal is personal accountability before God. Throughout Scripture, we see God dealing with a person about their own actions (Ezekiel 18:20). Adam, Eve, and Satan were all dealt with individually, even though they pointed the finger at each other; Cain, dealt with about his poor spirit, which led to the murder of his brother, Abel; Enoch, blessed with deathless entrance into heaven, because of his own walk with God. We see this pattern played out: Moses, forbidden to enter the promise land because of a failure to follow God’s clear instructions; David, reaping a four-fold punishment because he stole a man’s wife, killing the husband in the process; Nebuchadnezzar, stricken mad for 7 years because of his boastful pride.

We see from our Scripture reference that every person born here on earth will answer to God, and God alone for themselves. This applies to our choice of salvation (Mark 16:16), and for how we live our life, regardless of salvation (Matt 10:15, Rom 14:10, 2 Cor 5:10). Every individual, whether saved or unsaved, has the liberty to choose their own course here in this life. This is the doctrine of free will. God has a supreme plan that is running its course, not affected by man whatsoever. His truth is the truth whether we believe or not, but the choice to believe and obey is truly ours alone. God does not force us one way or the other (Luke 13:34, Rev 3:20), but He does hold us accountable to the consequences of our decisions (1 Cor 3:13). No one should be subjugated to any belief against his will (Rom 14:5).

Keep in mind, this liberty does not exempt one from responsibility to the Word of God or from accountability to God Himself (Rom 6:1&2). I am free to do as I want, but if I want God to bless me, I must choose that which is best for me (1 Cor 10:23). Sin is sin, no matter what, and no amount of liberty can change that, or allow us an escape from God’s justice. Rather, this liberty allows me the freedom to worship God; free of the restrictions placed on me by anyone other than God Himself. I don’t need a man to go to God for me, except for the Man Christ Jesus (John 14:6, Heb 4:16). As a born-again believer, I have the indwelling Holy Spirit to guide me through my Christian walk (John 16:13, 1 Cor 3:16). He wrote the Bible (2 Tim 3:16, 2 Peter 1:20&21) and as It’s Author, He is the best qualified to teach it to us. And thankfully, God, in His Wisdom, knew we wouldn’t always be willing to listen, or obey Someone who we cannot see, so He placed spiritual leadership in our physical lives to help guide us (Eph 4:11&12, 1 Tim 3:15). As long as they adhere to the whole counsel of God, we can follow them (1 Cor 11:1, 1 Tim 1:16). God also designed a place for us to be encouraged in our Christian life: the church (Acts 11:26, 1 Cor 4:17).

These are a couple of the tools God has given to sustain us as we journey through this world, and we should take advantage of every opportunity to use these tools to help build up our faith, for that is how we please Him (Heb 11:6). But remember, it is up to every individual to obey His Word.

(this article was written by Donald Pooler. Donald and his wife, Erica, teach the Abundant Life adult Sunday school class. Donald is also the bus captain for route 1 serving Rio Rancho.)

[gospellightbaptist-blog]

Two Ordinances of the Church

There are many events that take place every year in various churches across the globe. The ordinances of the church are different. The word "ordinance" means an authoritative order/decree/ruling/and or directive. These ordinances are specific commands given to the church, modeled by Jesus Christ, and outlined in detail in the Scriptures. (It is important to note that these ordinances were given to the church to enact.)

Lord's Supper

When Christ sat down with His disciples and broke bread, He was setting an example for the church. This tradition is not a sacrament for the forgiveness of sins or the "big people's snack" as one of my bus kids described it. To put it in Jesus' words, this ordinance is done for the remembrance of Him. The Lord's supper is a wonderful time for God's people to remember and thank Christ for His love and sacrifice.

1. Preparation

1 Corinthians 11:27-30 states that we need to examine our own selves and confess any sin before we partake. We are commanded not to partake unworthily. "For this cause many are weak and sickly among you and many sleep." The time before we partake is just as important as what we partake.

2. Purity

The bread that is broken and the juice that is shared is only a representation of the body and blood of Jesus. Some churches believe that through a special prayer, the elements actually become the Lord's

body and blood. This is against Scripture and is cannibalistic in nature. Some churches use actual wine for the juice that is given. Misunderstanding the Bible's clear teaching against alcohol. We must be very careful to make sure the Lord's supper resembles the Scriptural account as these elements represent the pure body and sinless blood of our Savior.

3. Participation

Scripture specifies that in order to partake in the Lord's supper, one must belong to the Lord by Salvation. It is interesting that Judas, who had followed the Lord and participated at many other events, did not partake with the rest of the disciples and chose this moment as a separating time.

Baptism

We know that Jesus was baptized as an example of its importance for us and for God's approval on the beginning of His earthly ministry. Why do we baptize? Why are there so many different ways to baptize? Does it matter when or where you were baptized? Some major questions need to be answered.

1. Purpose

Baptism is the first step of obedience after salvation. It's the outward expression of an inward change. Baptism identifies you as belonging to Christ. Is baptism required for Heaven? The thief who died on the cross next to Jesus didn't have time to be scripturally baptized, yet Jesus said that He would see him in His kingdom that very day. This points out that baptism is not necessary for Heaven. However its importance is emphasized throughout the New Testament as salvation and baptism are often mentioned together and many times taking place in the same day.  

2. Picture

Romans 6 clearly points out that baptism really is a picture of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ which is why a simple sprinkling or pouring does not match the Biblical process. We were buried with Jesus in His death and just like He rose, we too are raised with Him to walk in newness of life.

3. Place

Just because you have been baptized does not mean you are saved. Baptism is not salvation. Baptism is a picture of salvation. Many people have been baptized as infants or even as adults, but before they had trusted Christ as their Savior. This is not according the Biblical pattern. The Philippian jailer first trusted Christ and then was baptized. The Ethiopian eunuch trusted Christ in a chariot and then was immediately baptized after. For example, if you bought a gift for someone for Christmas, you would need to place the gift inside the box first before you wrapped it. Salvation takes place when Jesus enters into your heart. Baptism is the wrapping or the picture on the outside that shows others what has taken place.

(this article was written by Josh Winstead. Josh and his wife, Anna, teach the Higher Ground adult Bible class. Josh also teaches the high school class at Gospel Light Baptist Academy.

[gospellightbaptist-blog]

Priesthood of the Believer

I Peter 2:9 - But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: 

The Old Testament gives us many stories of priests and their holy duties. Priests carried out a specific task for God. But the Old Testament office of a priest was very selective. You had to be born to a certain tribe in Israel and there were beard requirements and marriage and physical requirements. The list went on and on, but then something happened. Jesus happened more specifically. When Jesus died on the cross many things happened, but one was very significant to you as a Christian. When Jesus died the curtain veil in the temple was torn from top to bottom. It was a game-changer and here is why:

1. Equal Opportunity

The rent-veil showed that all believers had access to the throne of God. There is nothing stopping you from bringing all of your burdens and requests to the throne of grace. Hebrews 4:16 tells us that we should go to God boldly. You do not need another man to go to God for you. There is no need for a church priest because no one has more access or authority than you do. We are equal brothers and sisters in Christ. You have all the power and authority that you need because you have the Holy Spirit dwelling inside of you. 

2. Equal Responsibility

The Old Testament priests had important jobs and duties to fulfill and so do we as New Testament Christians. We have the duty of prayer and specifically intercessory prayer. That simply means for us to intercede (go for someone else) for those around us. We also have the responsibility to tell others about the saving message of the Gospel. We need to take these responsibilities serious if we are going to execute our office well. The Old Testament priests did not take their duty lightly and never should you! God holds you to a higher standard as His child.  

(this article was written by Jeremy Lenentine. Jeremy is the Outreach Pastor at GLBC. He is also the transportation director for our church.)

[gospellightbaptist-blog]

Autonomy of the Local Church

Before we begin I believe that the word “autonomy” needs a little bit of background. The word comes from two separate Greek words that mean “self” and “law”. Autonomy speaks of self-governing or self-directing. An autonomous church has the ability and freedom to govern itself outside of human direction or interference. A church should not be free of the rule of Christ or the Scriptures, but it should be free from the creeds or tradition of man. When we say the word “church” we are referring to the local body of believers that meet together weekly. We are not speaking of the whole collective of the saved. We believe that each Christian should be an active part of a local, independent church. To further this point, we will look at three statements that support church autonomy:

Christ is the head of the church - Ephesians 5:23 and Colossians 1:18clearly teach that Christ is the head of the church. As such we believe that there should be no mediator between Christ (the head) and the church (the body). A church should not recognize outside control of its faith and practice because all matters of faith and practice are taken directly from the Bible. We do not allow an outside convention or body to tell us how to practice our faith or worship.        

The advantages of the local level - A Baptist church selects its pastoral leadership, sets up worship, handles financial matters and directs other church-related issues without the oversight of an outside body. We believe this is the most efficient and effective way to know and meet the needs of the local church. The pastor with the assistance of a deacon board (voted on by the members) takes the oversight of the church administration. The accountability that is produced is good for the whole church body. Every Christian should have a church to keep them accountable to God, but also the church leadership should have a church body to keep them accountable in their work. Christ tells us in Hebrews 10:25, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together…”. A Christian can only be obedient in assembling if they have a church that is local for them to attend.                                      

Biblical examples support autonomy - We believe that the Bible supports church autonomy. It is important to recognize patterns that are in the Bible because there is great safety in copying New Testament patterns. Here are several proofs of church autonomy in the Bible:

In the New Testament, each congregation of Christians was autonomous. They had some fellowship in common, but no group or individual exercised authority over them.

The second and third chapter of Revelation demonstrates that the seven churches in Asia Minor were autonomous, independent churches with their own leadership and unique concerns.

In Acts we see that individual churches selected members from their own congregation for the care of other members (Acts 6:3-6), prayed and selected leaders from among their own ranks (Acts 13:1-3) and disciplined their own members (Matthew 18:15-17).  

Each member in a congregation is vital and equal in importance. Further, each church congregation is spiritually equal to another. No church or organization of churches, is superior to another church. The authority in each church should rest in Christ. A church cannot be autonomous if an outside group or person exercises control of it. Therefore, we believe in the ability that God gave to each congregation to be self-governing.  

(this article was written by Jeremy Lenentine. Jeremy is the Outreach Pastor at Gospel Light as well as the adult teacher for the Home Improvement Sunday school class.)

[gospellightbaptist-blog]

Biblical authority

As Christians, we believe the authority of the Bible is the supreme ruling factor in the lives of God’s people, His church’s purpose and polity. It is the authority for everything we do and believe.

The statement that all Bible-believing Christians should know and hold to is “we accept the Bible as our final authority in all matters of faith and practice.” This statement is not new by any means; it has been lived out by God’s people since the time of Christ.

Bible-believing Christians have been persecuted since the beginning of the church for taking a strong stand on the Bible. Our Christian forefathers firmly believed that God’s word was true despite hardships coming from the established church of their day. In many cases these Christians were hauled off to prison or the execution block because they would not recant their belief that God’s word was the final authority.  

There are many good books in the market place today, but they all have been written by man.

When we talk about biblical authority, we are saying that the Bible has the final (only) authority (say so) in all matters of faith (what we believe) and practice (how we behave as Christians.) What we are saying is that the Bible is the ruling factor in the church-house and in our own house. The reason why we can say this is because the Author of the Bible was not a man. It was given to us by inspiration of God, making God the Author of the Bible.

II Timothy 3:16 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”

Everything we do and believe should be measured up to the Bible, and if it doesn’t align properly, then we accept the Bible to be true.

In II Peter 1:16-18 God tells us that there would be some who would claim to have authority because they saw something supernatural or heard a voice from heaven. To show that those experiences do not carry the same authority as the written words of God, it specifically says we have a “more sure word of prophecy…”

II Peter 1:19 “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: “

Now what should we do with the Bible?

I think we should let the Bible answer that question: II Peter 1:19 “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed…”

We should heed, or obey, the Bible. The next time you are reading the Bible and a verse sticks out to you, or when you are sitting in your Sunday school class or a church service, you should ask yourself “how can I put this truth into practice?”

(this article was written by Joshua Harris. Joshua teaches the Overcomers Adult Sunday school class at Gospel Light. Joshua is a husband and dad to three girls.)

[gospellightbaptist-blog]

First Blog Series

Hello and welcome to the first topic we are going to cover on our new church blog. We are very excited to have this as a useful tool for everyone. We will share articles from staff and other teachers in our church as well as post some update and informational videos. 

This first series will deal with why we believe what we believe as baptists. Whether you grew up going to church or you just started this year, we strongly believe that it is important to be able to back up your convictions with clear Bible verses. The Bible tells us to be ready to give an answer if anyone should ask us about the hope that is in us. It is important to know what you believe.

We are going to look at seven clear Bible teachings that we hold as truth in our church. There is a helpful acronym to these points as well and we call them the Baptist Distinctives.

B - Biblical authority of Scripture 

A -  autonomy of the local church

P - priesthood of the believer

T - two ordinances: baptism & Lord’s supper

I - individual soul liberty

S - separation of church & state

T - two church offices: pastor & deacon

If you are already lost don’t worry there will be a brief post on each of these to explain it and help you firm up your convictions. Join us in learning more in 2017!

[gospellightbaptist-blog]

Theme for 2017

In the 28 years of pastoring GLBC,  God has always given us many families with young children. With this comes the responsibility of helping these families with their marriages and raising their children. This is a responsibility that I do not take lightly. I believe that the Bible, God’s Word, has the answers to the challenge of guiding our families in these difficult days. God has led us to have a renewed emphasis in this year on strengthening the families of our church. The theme we have selected is from Joshua 24:15 and we are calling it “Me & My House”. We are launching this new blog that will have articles from our pastoral staff that will be mainly aimed at helping to equip you to have stronger homes through the Word of God. I pray God will bless you and your family in 2017. (this article was written by Pastor Brent Lenentine. Pastor started Gospel Light over 28 years ago. He preaches all three weekly services and teaches the Starting Point adult class for incoming members to our church.)