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July Aug13 Beacon
July Aug13 Beacon
want such logical arrangements of the truth we believe? One obvious reason is the presence of heresy. Even before the close of the New Testament canon, false teaching had become a major concern, as we see from the epistles of Galatians and Colossians, the letters of Peter, John, and Jude, and those to the seven churches (Rev 2-3). The churches needed easily accessible statements of their beliefs by way of refuting the heretics. But there are other considerations. How are churches supposed to maintain any kind of order in the selection, training, and ordination of pastors if there are no normative doctrinal standards? Who (or what) will serve to mediate disputes when there are disagreements over biblical interpretation? Where are the lines in the sand beyond which members cannot go without risking discipline or excommunication? Creeds, confessions, and catechisms have generally emerged from times of doctrinal conflict such as the early Christological controversies or the Middle Ages dominated by Romanism. Most of the Protestant standards were the codification of the antiRomanist beliefs and practices of the Reformers. The development of confessions of faith was their way of handing on their theological traditions to future generations. This was the Apostle Pauls perspective. Understanding just how fragile biblical orthodoxy is, he wrote to his friends in Thessalonica, So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us (2 Thess 2:15). Traditions here is a word that derives from a Greek verb (paradidomi) literally meaning to give (or hand) over, and thus to deliver, transfer, commit, or entrust ones doctrinal convictions or religious practices to another. A tradition is one generations bequest to the next. Paul wanted the Thessalonians the hold on to their original Christian
convictions as he (Paul) had taught them to them, both personally and by way of correspondence (see also 2 Thess 3:6). In order to facilitate familiarity with and understanding of these traditions in an increasingly complex world, the church realized that they had to state their convictions in a succinct and manageable order. These statements were often recited in public worship or at baptisms (1 Timothy 3:16 is an apparent example of such a formula). Traditions can be wrong, of course, as the Lord Jesus pointed out with regard to the Jewish practice of Corban (Mk 7:9-13). He said to the Pharisees: You are experts at setting aside the commandment of God in order to keep your tradition (v. 9). Paul warned the Colossians to beware of erroneous traditions when He said, See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, . . . , rather than according to Christ (Col 2:8). The ecumenical creeds were a reaction to the errors which denied such foundational truths as the Trinity and the deity of Christ. Likewise, the various strands of Protestant Christianity were founded by the Reformers because they were convinced that the Roman Catholic traditions were wrong. To make the necessary distinctions between biblical truth rightly understood and beliefs derived from Scripture misinterpreted or from human philosophies, the churchs theologians have always had to do more than simply quote Scripture. They have had to explain its meaning much as a dictionary defines a word by using other words. Even so, it is important to realize that humanly composed creeds, confessions, and catechisms are fallible; only the Bible is infallible. Most of the historic creeds and confessions recognize this. Consequently, they have only a relative authority, and may have to be adjusted as the churchs biblical understanding matures. In practice, how-
ever, some denominations have so revered their doctrinal standards that they have refused ever to change them, thereby risking the perpetuation of a conflict between the standards and the Scriptures. Like many other similar congregations, therefore, Wading River Baptist Church recognizes the value of having a doctrinal statement. It is the declaration of the beliefs handed down to us from faithful believers in previous generations, beliefs we now affirm in common and intend to pass on to the next generation. We believe that churches who are currently abandoning doctrinal statements in the interest of promoting flexibility and diversity or out of indifference in maintaining unity and stability are not only violating the consistent practice of Christianity throughout the last two millennia, but are leaving themselves open to the corrupting influence of error. This month we celebrate Independence Day. The only reason we can still do this, 237 years after the founding of the United States of America, is because our nation has historically stood for something. Think of those opening words of the Declaration of Independence: We hold these truths to be self-evident. The Founding Fathers believed that there was truth worth believing, and for which they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor. As a symbol of their convictions, they flew the Stars and Stripes. That flag said in one glance what the founding documents so eloquently declared in writing. Should our commitment to biblical truth be any less firm? As the great 19th-century theologian, W. G. T. Shedd declared, let the banners of our belief stream in the wind for all to see! Pastor Ron Glass
ily will be starting a new church while another couple will be retiring. Please pray that God would enable the Bannons to lead the church in such a way as to continue on with the ministries in which these two families have so faithfully been involved. Surprisingly, they have had the opportunity to connect with many Kenyans and Lithuanians there in Ireland. World Venture has reported for the most part, in Ireland the Muslim numbers are increasing faster than evangelicals. There is an ethnically diverse immigrant population, poised to continue this rapid growth. Therefore, the Bannons are asking for prayer that God would give them wisdom
how to best minister and care for their new diverse church family. One of the greatest needs in any church is godly leadership, so they are delighted that several men have come forward with the desire and interest to be leaders/elders. Back in March, at a breakfast meeting, these men took the first steps toward their training. The Bannons are also praising God for the baptism of four followers of Christ and wonderful family fellowshipping celebrating the birth of a new little Irish baby among other things. The Bannons are also praising God for the birth of their grandson, Dominic Vincent Bannon. Dominic was born February 6, 2013 to their son, Nathanael, and his wife, Jessica. It is their sons firstborn. Another blessing to the Bannon family was the wedding of their youngest child, their daughter Krista. The Bannons had the joy of witnessing and performing
the wedding of Krista to Stephen, a fine young man to whom the Bannons have opened their hearts. As always with most of our missionaries, there is a concern for their monthly support. The Ireland field stated recently, as the Bannons met and discussed their upcoming home assignment in the U.S, that It is crucial that the Bannons return back to Ireland fully supported. Presently they have a support deficit of $1,262.59 a month. Continue to pray for this need, along with wisdom and guidance; for the people of their church struggling with their faith and/or depression; that God will raise up godly leaders; for training teachers and helpers; for outreach to those around them; and for their home assignment preparations. Joan Tyska
Hello to another Day Hello to my family, friends, and neighbors A phone call answered with Hello Hello, how are you? Hello to my heavenly Father. The heavens open wide and theres rejoicing up above When even the youngest child calls out for Gods love God loves us all, we are created by Him Loving brothers and sisters, no matter the color of our skin Oh! What a pleasure on the Lords Day when we gather in His home All of us together to sing, read the Bible, and pray in Gods room. Thanks for giving your life for us For your loving care, answered prayers, and forgiveness without a fuss So we say Hello in the beginning of each day We ask for your protection through Gods protective way.
Diane Pandolfini
says Mohler, is the real world. He then asserts, If the leader is not leading in the digital world, his leadership is, by definition, limited to those who also ignore or neglect that world. That population is shrinking every minute. The clock is ticking. (p. 176). The implication of this is to say that if you do not have a cell phone, if you are not on Facebook or Twitter, or if you do not regularly surf the web, you can only lead those who are similarly still living in the technological Stone Age. This seems to me grossly to overstate the case. After surveying the statistical magnitude of the digital enterprise in todays world (the digital world is huge, complicated and explosive), he acknowledges that although digital technologies connect people, they also disconnect them; the effect has been a global case of Attention Deficit Disorder (p. 177). He also agrees that much of what is on the internet is harmful. In spite of these caveats, however, Mohler insists that digital technology cannot be ignored, and is one of the most important arenas of leadership in this generation. If you are satisfied to lead from the past, stay out of the digital world. If you want to influence the future, brace yourself and get in the fast lane (p. 177). Another overstatement, or so it seems to me. Mohler contends that if a church does not have a presence on the internet, for many people it does not exist. A church leader, therefore, must see that his church not only has such a presence, but that this presence is attractively designed and effective (content is king). A stale internet site leads those who view it to assume the organization is equally stale (p. 178). Furthermore, a leader needs to have his own personal presence on the web (his is www.AlbertMohler.com). In addition, today a leaderincluding a church pastormust blog. The blog, says Mohler offers historys most cost-efficient way of communicating big ideas and solid content (p. 179). So, if youre not writing a blog, you should be. Really? Mohler puts his finger on a major problem with the blog when he acknowledges that, A blog requires constant feeding, and I have to keep it always in mind. And then, he says that we also need to learn how to use links, images, and social media to drive people to our blogs (p. 179). Social media is now the fastest way to get to know a person (or at least to know what the person wants you to know
about him or her!). Mohler finds Facebook limiting, however, because it limits the number of personal page friends to 5,000 (!); and thus, he has dived headlong into Twitter (p. 180). Then, a leader of an organization (including a church) should become a producer of video and audio content (podcasts and streaming video). Mohler does this too (pp. 180181). Now lets see if I understand this. Here are the things Al Mohler says he does in this chapter, in addition to being the president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky: (1) He writes books and articles (p. 179). (2) He speaks all over the country. (3) He makes media appearances. (4) He blogs (which requires constant feeding, which implies, thinking). (5) He is on Facebook regularly. (6) He Twitters constantly, communicating to his followers, and also using it as his primary source for news. (7) He produces a daily podcast five days a week (The Briefing, a review of the news from a Christian worldview). He uses a Macbook Air, and can produce a blog standing at a food counter in an airport terminal! (8) He produces a weekly longformat podcast (Thinking in Public, a 45minute to 1-hour interview program). Oh really? At some point even the most brilliant Christian leader has to eat and sleep! He also has a family. But heres the real problem. In the 25 chapters of The Conviction to Lead, Mohler never describes the leaders devotional life, and never says that A Leader is a Person of Prayer. What he has profiled is a person who has invested a great deal of money in technology, and an even greater amount of time. What he has described is a life which has no time for extended Bible study, meditation, or prayer. He may be a digital leader, but Mohler never says that he is a spiritual leader. I came away from this book and particularly this chapterwith the distinct sense that something was missing, something very important. Mohler also never tells us how much of his digital work is done by his assistants, aides, and associates. Throughout the book, he never refers to any help he receives in producing all this content. Take a step back and a deep breath. Every leader, and particularly the pas-
toral leader, must give considerable time to those hopelessly old-fashioned disciplines of Bible reading, Bible study, meditation, and prayer. He must prepare his preaching and teaching thoughtfully and with attention to precision and accuracy, both in interpretation and in exposition. He needs to read a variety of journals and books for his own edification and trying to speed read this literature just doesnt cut it because they demand thoughtfulness, and thoughtfulness demands time. Moreover, none of these disciplines lend themselves to digital multi-tasking.
Brace yourself and get in the fast lane? (p. 177). No, I think that most of us need to slow down. Many of us in ministry today have left our first love (Rev 2:5)not only our Lord, but the people we are to shepherd. Few of us pray enough (if at all). Al Mohler shares much of his own experiences in this book, but conspicuously missing is any reference to his devotional life. I would like to know how much time each day he devotes to prayer. I think digital = danger. It is more of a problem than it is progress. As one of the few remaining Neanderthals without a cell phone, I might be expected to say something like that, but I think it is true nonetheless. How can I justify two hours of surfing the net at the expense of Bible study or prayer? Several months ago, our home computer crashed. Frankly, I dont want to replace it, and Im not sure I will. I just hope that most of the pastors, especially the younger ones, who might be influenced by Mohlers book will not be misled by chapter 21. We need devout spiritual leaders, not cutting-edge digital disciples. Pastor Ron Glass
A Month in Review
We need to know that God is in charge as we look back at the month that it was. May ended with devastating tornadoes, flooding and fires throughout our nation while our federal government became lost in multiple scandals. And then June brought in the hurricane season with predictions about which to be concerned. But yet we know that God has a plan and as His children we are covered by His love and constant care. Senior fellowshipping was at its best on May 25, 2013, when 30 seniors gathered at the WRBC for an afternoon of devotions, dining and hymn singing. The theme, I Did Not Promise You a Rose Garden offered a backdrop of flowers for dcor; thought for the seniors of its meaning and a topic for Pastor Glass to expound upon. With Pastors special skills of opening windows of Biblical understanding, the gardens of the Bible provided a meaningful devotional and resulted in greater insights into the Garden of Eden, Solomons Garden, Garden of Gethsemane, The Crucifixion & Resurrection Garden and lastly, Heavens Garden. Without a doubt there was a sense of deep appreciation coming from the hearts of the seniors with the spiritual nourishment of the message. make you forget that they are seniors as they bring a youthful way not only in their appetites but in their attitudes. These seniors are warm and loving as they bring the good ole days kind of wisdom and sharing into the whole atmosphere of the luncheon. In spite of the luncheon falling on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, attendance remained up with some of our veterans attending. A moment of appreciation was given to these veterans as they represented most of the branches of our armed forces in their service of the past. May 26, 2013 The Lords Day of Memorial Day weekend brought moments to mention as Pastor Glass took the time to honor all veterans adding to the honored, Christian Soldiers and there are many of them so forgotten at times. And always at WRBC are musical moments to mention, sometimes so many of them with such gifted musical skills we sometimes take it for granted the abundance of talented musicians WRBC has that serve musically. But on this particular Lords Day, two of WRBCs gifted vocalists joined together in a duet for the first time; their musical worship is certainly worth of mention. The voices of Reeva Bellard and Liz Hyland were so beautifully in tune with one another as they sang He Hideth My Soul that it brought praises by many. Marie Caputo accompanied the two, rounding out the musical worship in its perfection. Patchogue with a B.A. in Elementary Education with a concentration in Special Education; Kaitlyn Hallstrom, a homeschooled graduate, graduating from A Beka Academy; Angela Vacarro graduating from Mattituck High School; Garrett Valentine graduating from Rocky Point High School ranking among the top ten students of his class; Kendal Conway graduating from the Shoreham-Wading River High School; and Sarah Ritzmann graduating from South Manor High School in Eastport, NY. Missing in the picture and at the service were Angela Vacarro and Kendal Conway to accept their congratulations both formally and later at the luncheon.
Special recognition was given to Kaitlyn Hallstrom, the 2013 recipient of the English Memorial Award, an award to honor annually one graduating senior from high school who has distinguished himself or herself for excellence in Christian character, achievement and service. Not only is this award designed to recognize excellence, it is accompanied by a financial gift as a scholarship incentive. Not to forget the supportive parents, Chris & Jackie Hallstrom, and a job well done in raising their girls, Kaitlyn the first to leave the nest. What a fine group of seniors WRBC is so blessed in having. Briana Hyland graduating Magna Cum Laude; Garrett Valentine being among the top ten scholastically; and Sarah Ritzmann that will be attending Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts, a college that Forbes Magazine for the past three years has ranked the best undergraduate institution in the U.S., ahead of every Ivy
As for the nourishment of the body, the seniors arrived at the luncheon with hearty appetites noticeable as seniors returned to the buffet table to finish off the meatloaf, rice & beans and vegetables. The appetite did not wane one bit as the buffet of desserts was offered. They
June 2, 2013 Seven high school and college graduates were honored for their achievements at the Lords Day service and at a luncheon following the service in Fellowship Hall. Honored were: Steven Heuzey graduating with honors from Cedarville University in Cedarville, Ohio with a B.A. in Information Technology Management; Briana Hyland graduating Magna Cum Laude from the Honors Program at St. Josephs College in
League University and National Liberal arts college. All seven of WRBCs graduates are among the best and WRBC can be proud of all of them for their achievements.
tie met her traveling companions and fellow students in Washington as they headed out to Tokyo for an overnight layover before arriving in Indonesia. Dont think her life will ever be the same with a month full of memories including the natural beauty of Indonesia, sharing the culture there and an opportunity to ride an elephant. July 12-20, 2013, two more of WRBCs young people, Sarah and Linea Piraino, will be heading out on a missions trip. They will be going to Arequipa, Peru assisting a medical, surgical and vision team of over 70 people at a clinic there. The team includes doctors, nurses, dentists and others who want to help out. Sarah & Linea and several other students from Bob Jones University heard about the trip from one of their science professors who is on this team that is developed through an organization called Medical Missions Outreach. The goal is to minister both to the natives physical needs as well as their spiritual needs.
Not only were the seven graduates honored at the luncheon, but it was a time to say good bye to Ruth Kerr with a moving date of June 15, 2013. Ruth, now 85 years old, has made the choice to move to Pennsylvania to be near her family. She had become a part of the church family, attending church, Bible study, Senior Saints luncheons and almost all of the fellowshipping events. Early June 15, 2013, Ruth Kerr pulled out of her Calverton driveway for the last time and headed west to Levittown, Pennsylvania (10 Patricia Lane, Levittown, PA 19057). That night she was settling into her new 2-bedroom apartment not far from two of her daughters, a few grandchildren as well as great grandchildren. She was so looking forward to holding the new baby of the family. She will be missed in her pew and as well as in our hearts. Also attending the luncheon almost going unnoticed was Pastor Ray & Judy Cowan, members of the North Syracuse Baptist church, in North Syracuse, NY. As they were visiting friends on the Island, Mars Hill Network of Syracuse had the Cowans deliver a package to WRBC, arriving in time for the luncheon and to share some good Christian fellowshipping. We found out that Pastor Ray Cowan runs the senior program at the N. Syracuse Baptist church and he shared some of their ongoing programs. A new friend was found.
June 16, 2013 was Fathers Day and the Lords Day Service acknowledged the fathers of WRBC. A special day it was for Peter Albrecht and for Alfredo Hofmann (the grandfather) as they celebrated Fathers Day for the very first time with Peters seven-month-old son, Elijah Moses. Special are the fathers of WRBC because they are not just fathers to be honored but godly fathers that are teaching their children of the love from their Father in heaven. May God bless them all? We congratulate Vic & Reeva Bellard as they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on June 15, 2013. On June 16, 2013 at the Lords Day service, Vic & Reeva were acknowledged for their golden milestone. In return, Vic Bellard had an opportunity to respond by paying a very dear tribute to his wife, his friend and companion of 50 years. These days it is certainly a most precious and treasured accomplishment.
Just when we thought we had discovered all the musical talent at WRBC, a new musician emerges to serve in the music worship on the Lords Day, June 9, 2013. 15-year-old Sarah Hart has studied violin for eight years, perfecting her skill to bring it before the Lord playing a most beautiful Jewish song of praise from Psalm 133, Hinei, Ma Tov. It is with great appreciation that she is welcomed to the repertoire of outstanding musicians of the WRBC. In lieu of the Bible Study that was discontinued for the summer, a prayer fellowship is now meeting at the parsonage a couple of times a month on Sunday evenings at 6 pm. As WRBC continues to seek ways of reaching out to the community and the unsaved, the emphasis on united prayer has become a growing passion of the church with an encouragement for others to unite in prayer. Refer to the church bulletin or the church office
Looking ahead to next month in review is the Vacation Bible School, SonWest Roundup. It is scheduled for July 8-12 from 9:30 am to 12:00 pm at the WRBC. If interested, sign up at www.wrbc.us or call 929-3512. There is always a standing invitation to Sunday School at 9:45 am on the Lords Day; worship service at 11:00 am on the Lords Day and prayer/Bible study on Wednesday evening at 7 pm. Open your heart to the Lord Jesus and your heart will be secure forever. Joan Tyska
On June 3, 2013, at 6 AM, a Monday morning, Katie Glass left for Indonesia for a month of teaching 3rd and 4th graders creative and critical writing. Ka-
Congratulations to Felix Acerra, Virginia Sylvester and Dennis Tyska for submitting all five correct answers plus the bonus to the June Bible Quiz written by Mike Pandolfini!
Virginia Sylvester
July 2013
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Our Purpose
1. To glorify God through sharing the good news of salvation by Gods sovereign grace through faith in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. 2. To nurture believers through a strong program of Christian education, youth ministries, and expository Biblical preaching. 3. To provide an opportunity for Biblical worship, service, and fellowship. 4. To extend our ministry throughout America and around the world through participation in home and foreign missions. WRBC is affiliated with the Conservative Baptist Association of America and the Conservative Baptist Mission to the Northeast.
For the Exaltation of God in All Things For the Proclamation of Faith in Christ For the Transformation of Gods People