Members, expectations, procedures, commitments

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How members are to be received into fellowship of the church. Early, but hopefully near complete draft of new membership expectations for Lake Chapala Baptist Church. We leaned upon Marshill Church Seattle, as well as Phoenix Reformed Baptist Church, and others for examples. We have also used the term “elders” in the document though as yet we have not changed our church polity to recognize elders as well as deacons.

Membership classes or classes in what we believe will be offered from time to time… probably once during low season and a couple of times during high season.

A simple, basic doctrinal statement will be prepared to which members, whether affiliate members or full members, will express agreement. Such as:

1 The Bible is the divinely inspired Word of God and is the revelation of God to man. It is totally true and trustworthy and is the final word, standard, and guide for all theology, polity, and practice of the church. The Holy Scripture defines and judges the church, as opposed to the church defining and adding to the scripture.

2 God is Sovereign, Eternal, Creator and Sustainer of all. He is infinite in holiness, perfection, knowledge, and power. He is one God who reveals Himself in three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit with distinct personal attributes but without division of nature, essence, or being.

God the Son, Jesus Christ is virgin-born, God in the flesh, sinless, crucified for the sins of man, buried, and raised from the dead (all according to scripture) and is returning personally, visibly and bodily to the earth; the dead will be raised and Christ will judge all men in righteousness.

God the Holy Spirit is fully divine. He inspires and illuminates men’s understanding of truth. He calls men to the Savior and effects regeneration. At the moment of regeneration, He baptizes every believer into the Body of Christ. He bestows spiritual gifts and empowers believers to serve God through the church and is the guarantee that God will bring the believer into the fullness of the stature of Christ.

3 Salvation is by faith alone in the finished work of redemption through the substitutionary death, burial and resurrection of Jesus alone. Repentance and faith are inseparable and are linked to the sovereign grace of God. Salvation is an experience, accomplished in a moment as God changes a repentant believer from death to life.

4 The local New Testament church of the Lord Jesus Christ is a theonomous (God-ruled) congregation of baptized believers associated by covenant in biblical faith and fellowship. There are two ordinances of the church commanded by our Lord, Jesus Christ -- baptism and the Lord's Supper. The scriptural offices of the church are pastors / elders and deacons. These offices are limited to those qualified by Scripture. Their purpose is to minister and equip the saints for the work of ministry which will include encouraging members to good works and Godly character and discipline. The purpose of the church is the glory of God in the ministry of the Great Commission and the Great Commandment.

Along with agreeing with the basic doctrines of Lake Chapala Baptist Church, the candidate for membership at any level must maintain the following minimum statement of faith:

Statement of faith

• I am a Christian saved from the eternal wrath of God by faith in Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior, through his death and resurrection, by which I am assured of eternal life (John 3:16-18; Rom. 3:23-26).
• I believe Jesus Christ is exactly who he claimed to be (Isa. 5:6; Matt. 26:64; Mark 14:62; Luke 22:70; John 4:25-26; 6:29; 8:58; 11:25-27; 14:6-7; 15:5).
• I have repented of my sins and have been made a new creation in Christ (1 John 1:9; 2 Cor. 5:17).

· In obedience to Scripture, I have been baptized to personally identify with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, and to publicly demonstrate my commitment as a disciple of Jesus (Col. 2:12; 1 Peter 3:21).

Lake Chapala Baptist Church is a part of the universal Body of Christ and all people may attend its worship services and participate in its programs.

There are two types of membership available to allow for extended involvement of those who agree to the basics above stated:

Affiliate membership is for those who hold different convictions concerning some of the more distinctive doctrines and commitments of full membership. While entitled to fellowship, pastoral care and oversight, and to participate and serve on teams and committees, they will be non-voting members in matters of church business and polity.

In order to maintain fellowship with the body of Christ at LCBC, Affiliate members must covenant with the other members on the following points:

My obligation as an affiliate member

• I covenant to submit to the authority of Scripture as the final arbiter on all issues (Ps. 119; 2 Tim. 3:16-17).
• I will not function in leadership or as a member in another local church family (Heb. 13:17).
• I agree, by God's grace, to walk in holiness as an act of worship to Jesus Christ, who has saved me from my sin that I could live a new life (2 Cor. 5:17); I will practice complete chastity before marriage and complete fidelity in heterosexual marriage by abstaining from practices such as cohabitation, pornography, and fornication (Job 31:1; Prov. 5; Rom. 13:12-14; 1 Cor. 6:9-7:16; Heb. 13:4); I will refrain from illegal drug use, drunkenness, and other sinful behavior as the Bible, my pastors, and my conscience dictate (1 Cor. 8:7; Gal. 5:19-21). Should I sin in such a manner, I agree to confess my sins to Christian brothers or sisters and seek help to put my sin to death (Rom. 8:13; Col. 3:5; 1 John 1:6-10).

Full membership is for those who have been baptized by emersion after having made a profession of faith in Jesus Christ and who, under the conviction of the Holy Spirit of God, are in agreement with the doctrines and practices of Lake Chapala Baptist Church and are convinced of their biblical bases and their legitimate call to mutual submission. The obligation of full members, entitling them to vote on matters of church business and polity, are:

My obligation as a member

• I have read and understood the doctrinal statement and agree to its teaching. I also understand the importance of submission to church leadership and will be diligent to preserve unity and peace (Eph. 4:1-3; Heb. 13:7, 17).
• I covenant to submit to the authority of Scripture as the final arbiter on all issues (Ps. 119; 2 Tim. 3:16-17).
• I will maintain a close relationship with the Lord Jesus through regular Bible reading, prayer, fellowship, and practice of spiritual disciplines. My relationship will be evident through my participation in weekly worship services, service, and a life that glorifies Jesus (Ps. 105:1-2; Ps. 119:97; Acts 2:42-47; Heb. 10:23-25; 2 Peter 1:3).
• I will steward the resources God has given me, including my time, talents, and treasure (Prov. 3:9-10; Rom. 12:1-2; Gal. 5:22-26; Eph. 4:1-16; 5:15-18). This includes regular financial giving, service, and participation that is sacrificial, cheerful, and voluntary (Rom. 12:1-8; 2 Cor. 8-9; 12:7-31; 1 Peter 4:10-11).
• I will not function in leadership or as a member in another local church family (Heb. 13:17). For our winter or summer only residents, we do recommend full involvement in you other home church.
• I covenant to submit to discipline by God through his Holy Spirit, to follow biblical procedures for church discipline in my relationships with brothers and sisters in Christ, to submit to righteous discipline when approached biblically by brothers and sisters in Christ, and to submit to discipline by church leadership if the need should ever arise (Ps. 141:5; Matt. 18:15-17; 1 Cor. 5:1-5; 2 Cor. 2:5-8; Gal. 6:1-5, 8; 1 Tim. 5:20; 2 Tim. 2:25; Titus 1:9; 3:10-11; Heb. 12:5-11; Rev. 2:5-7, 14-25).
• I agree, by God's grace, to walk in holiness as an act of worship to Jesus Christ, who has saved me from my sin that I could live a new life (2 Cor. 5:17); I will practice complete chastity before marriage and complete fidelity in heterosexual marriage by abstaining from practices such as cohabitation, pornography, and fornication (Job 31:1; Prov. 5; Rom. 13:12-14; 1 Cor. 6:9-7:16; Heb. 13:4); I will refrain from illegal drug use, drunkenness, and other sinful behavior, as the Bible, my pastors, and my conscience dictate (1 Cor. 8:7; Gal. 5:19-21). Should I sin in such a manner, I agree to confess my sins to Christian brothers or sisters and seek help to put my sin to death (Rom. 8:13; Col. 3:5; 1 John 1:6-10).

Agreement to these things will be confirmed in an interview with a designated church leader. Classes and personal instruction or clarification will be provided for inquirers to fit their schedule.

Obligation of Lake Chapala Baptist Church to its members

• We covenant that your elders and deacons will meet the criteria assigned to them in the Scriptures (1 Tim. 3:1-13; 5:17-22; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-4).
• We covenant to seek God's will for our church community to the best of our ability as we study the Scriptures and follow the Spirit (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1-5).
• We covenant to care for you and seek your growth as a disciple of Christ, in part by equipping you for service (Eph. 4:11-13) and praying for you regularly, particularly when you are sick (James 5:14).
• We covenant to provide teaching and counsel from the whole of Scripture (Acts 20:27-28; Gal. 6:6; 1 Tim. 5:17-18).
• We covenant to be on guard against false teachers (Acts 20:28-31).
• We covenant to exercise church discipline when necessary (Matt. 18:15-20; 1 Cor. 5; Gal. 6:1).

· We covenant to set an example and join you in fulfilling the duties of church members (1 Cor. 11:1; Phil. 3:17; 1 Tim. 4:12).

After agreeing to expectation of members and expectations of the church, members will be announced and presented to the congregation.

Conditions for changing membership status: moving membership, placing members on inactive (non voting) list, or dismissing from membership.

Moving Membership—Letters of recommendation shall be granted by the Elders to members who apply for them provided they are in good standing and not subject to or under discipline at the time of application. When such letters have been granted, the relationship to this church shall be considered terminated. Letters of recommendation shall be given only to other evangelical churches.

Placement on Non-Voting Membership Roll —If a member is habitually absent from the stated meetings of this church without just cause, he may be excluded from the voting membership at the discretion of the Elders. Reasonable attempts will be made to notify those who are being considered for change of status and whose status has been changed.

Dismissal of Membership (removal from the membership roll) —It is right and in harmony with the Scriptures for the congregation, upon recommendation of the Elders, to exclude from this fellowship any person who persists in holding false or heretical doctrine; or who obviously and persistently lives inconsistently with his Christian profession; or who lives in violation of the law or public morals; or who walks disorderly; or any person who persists in disturbing the unity and peace of this church. (See Matt. 18:15ff; I Cor. 5:1ff; II Thess. 3:6, 11-15; Rom. 16:17) Reasonable attempts will be made to notify those who are being considered for change of status and whose status has been changed.

(Membership can be restored at the request of the congregant upon approval by the Elders.)

Declaration of Salvation

The Declaration of Your Salvation 1Peter 1:10-12

The prophet Amos reported; “Surely the Lord God will do nothing but He revealeth his secret unto His servants the prophets.” Amos3:7. Although they knew what the Lord was going to do, they did not know when or with whom He would do the things revealed to them. The understanding they lacked, they searched for, knowing by the Holy Spirit that God is truthful, faithful, able, and gracious.

SCRIPTURE IS ACCURATE, TRUSTWORTHY, AND WORTHY OF STUDY 2Peter 1:21 …men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

St. Jerome said, “The Scriptures are shallow enough for a babe to come and drink without fear of drowning and deep enough for theologians to swim in without ever reaching bottom.”

Dwight L. Moody said, “This book will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from this book.”

Adrian Rogers said, “To understand the part of the Bible you don’t understand is to obey the part you do understand, and before long you’ll begin to understand what you didn’t understand. Understand?”

The Apostle Paul said, “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2Timothy 2:15)

Ø The Prophets Weren’t All Talk V.10

Weren’t all talk but men. They had souls to be saved in the same way as others. They had hearts to be sanctified by the truth; and it was needful, in order to this, that truth should be applied to their own hearts in the same way as to others. The mere fact that they were the channels or organs for imparting truth to others would not save them, any more than the fact that a man now preaches truth to others will save himself, or … —Barnes' Notes on the New Testament

o “Inquired” (NIV “searched intently”) ekzēteō = seek diligently – also used in Hebrews 11:6; 12:17

o “Searched diligently” (NIV “with greatest care”) exeraunaō = to search + prefix ex = super – w/o ex used in Romans 8:27, Revelation 2:23, 1Corinthians2:10

o Believed what they preached and what had been preached about the salvation God would bring. I.E. Genesis 3:15/Galatians 4:4;

Genesis 22:8 & Isaiah 53:7/ Acts 8:35 & Revelation 5:6

THE HOLY SPIRIT (SENT BY JESUS) HAS ALWAYS BEEN AT WORK. John 14:16,26;

Ø The Prophets Weren’t Just Talk V.11

o It was the Spirit of Christ who testified

§ They probably did not recognize it as the Spirit of the Messiah, but they knew they were moved by the Spirit of God - 1Samuel 10:10.

o They preached the Gospel in the Power of the Spirit

§ Creator God – Genesis 1 “If you can get past Genesis1:1, you will never have trouble with any of the miracles.” Adrian Rogers

§ Holy God – Isaiah 59:1-2 1 Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:
2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.

; Habakkuk 1:13 13 Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity: wherefore lookest thou upon them that deal treacherously, and holdest thy tongue when the wicked devoureth the man that is more righteous than he?

and the Sinfulness of All Men - 1Kings 8:46; 46 If they sin against thee, (for there is no man that sinneth not,) and thou be angry with them, and deliver them to the enemy, so that they carry them away captives unto the land of the enemy, far or near;

Psalm 14:3 3 They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

§ Loving God – Exodus 34:6-7 6 And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,
7 Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth generation.

§ Faithful God – Exodus 34:6-7

§ Sovereign God – Psalm 135:6 6 Whatsoever the LORD pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places.

:Daniel 4:34-35 34 And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation:
35 And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?

§ God of Salvation – Joel 2:32 32 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call.

Ezekiel 36:26-27 26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within

you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.

Jeremiah 24:7 7 And I will give them an heart to know me, that I am the LORD: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God: for they shall return unto me with their whole heart.

§ Through Jesus the Messiah –

· Of the line of Abraham, Isaac, Israel, Judah, David – Genesis 17:19; 49:10; Numbers 24:17

· Virgin born – Isaiah 7:14 Born in Bethlehem – Micah 5:2 Spending time in Egypt – Hosea 11:1

· Before 70 AD - Malachi 3:1 (temple destroyed in 70 AD)

· Performing Miracles – Isaiah 35:5-6

· Betrayed by a friend for 30 pieces of silver – Psalm 41:9; Zechariah 11:12-13

· Punished for our sin – Isaiah 53:7-12

· Crucified – Psalm 22:16 but No broken bones – Exodus 12:46; Psalm 34:20

· Resurrected – Psalm 16:10; Isaiah 53:10-11

· Ascended – Psalm 68:18 to the Right hand of The Father – Psalm 110:1

THE SCRIPTURE IS STILL REPORTING THE MESSAGE THROUGH HOLY GHOST PREACHING OF THE GOSPEL OF JESUS

1Corinthian 1:21 21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. ; Act 1:8;Matthew 10:19-20

Ø There is still a place for preaching. Evangelize (“them that have preached the gospel”)

Ø There is still a power for preaching. The Holy Spirit from Heaven

Ø There is still an interest in preaching. Those who love and serve God at His direction…the angels if no one else (stoop to look into God’s plan of salvation for mankind played out).

Read the Bible and ask: What did it mean then?

How does it apply now?

How does it apply to me personally?

It is God’s love letter to His children. If you don’t understand it, or it doesn’t interest you, it’s because you are reading someone else’s mail.

Your Destination – Salvation 1Peter1:1-9

We are beginning a new series. We will be going through First and Second Peter, verse by verse. First Peter deals with the threat to the church from suffering. Second Peter addresses the threat to the church from false teachers.

We will accept the Apostle Simon Peter as the author through an amanuensis, Silvanus (5:12). The letter was probably written about A.D. 67, a couple of years before Peter's death. Peter writes from “Babylon” which could be actual Babylon, but more likely refers to Rome which was known as Babylon when Christians were called “evil-doers” during the times of persecution beginning with Nero.

God preserved this general letter for our day so that we may know that Christians ought to expect to suffer as Christ suffered. And in the midst of suffering we can allow the grace of God to be demonstrated in our lives. We will break the first chapter of 1Peter into four parts: Salvation Destined (vv1-9), Declared (vv10-12), Demonstrated (13-19), and Explained (20-25).

SOURCE AND CIRCULATION of the Letter

Ø From Peter

 Apostle = messenger sent by Jesus Christ

Ø To Sojourners - exiles, pilgrims, strangers

 Folks not at home

 Settled but not permanent - Hebrews 11:13-16

■ Not going back - Hebrews 11:15 and John 15:19; 17:14

 Dispersed = scattered or Sown in Asia Minor (and to us)

 Elect (as opposed to the merely called – Matthew 22:14 [see vv.3, 5, 6, 12])

■ By God's sovereign choice (not by merit)

l received by faith alone

l those who reject God's offer are accountable whether by indifference (Matthew 22:5), rebellion (22:6) or self-righteousness (22:12)

■ According to God's Knowledge (foreknowledge) - He knows you can and will make it to heaven and can be used here on earth.

■ Because of The Holy Spirit's work in you - making you more and more like Jesus...more obedient to truth

■ Paid for and sealed with the Blood of Jesus Christ - and actually your blood belongs to Jesus Revelation12:11; 7:13-14,ff

Ø The Desired Effect on the Recipients

 Grace = Spiritual blessing which makes us more aware of His sufficiency

 Peace = Freedom from fear, passions, moral conflicts that distract from Jesus.

DOXOLOGY - HYMN OF PRAISE TO GOD for:

Ø Your Benefactor V.3 – God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (Jesus with His dual nature – the God-Man - God is His God and God is His Father)

 God has re-birthed you.

 Gave you a hope that is alive...proven and guaranteed by the resurrection of Jesus. If Christ is risen ... 1Corinthians 15:14, 17 (Having lived a clean life is not enough reward!)

 Dead people don't inherit anything...

Ø Your Inheritance V.4

 Incorruptible – indestructible and cannot be spent

 Undefiled – flawless and stain-proof (by evil)

 Unfading – colorfast and not effected by time

 Reserved – guarded

 For you – believer (a strong statement)

Ø Your Security V.5

 By the Power of God – above every other power Colossians 1:13

 Kept – a sentinel is posted

 Through Faith – the intermediate agency IN GOD'S POWER – the immediate agency

 Ready for Complete Deliverance - Romans 8:18; 1John3:2

Ø Your Cause for Rejoicing V.6 (You are part of the blessed Matthew 5:11-12)

 The accomplishment of trials -

■ Faith proven – to you and to the world = great value

l V.7 Gold wears away

l Faith stands the test of fire better than gold.

■ Praise, Honor, and Glory to Jesus (He is shown off)

Ø Living the Blessing of John 20:29

 Joy indescribable

 Full of glory – like the face of Moses, except better 2Corinthians 3:9-13

Ø Signed Deed V.9 accomplished by Jesus – Hebrews 12:2

To and for those chosen by God (the elect)... Make the election results conclusive ... 2Peter 1:10

2Peter 1:1 = faith in the accomplished work of Jesus

VV.5-7 = repentance

Want to know if you have been nominated? 1Corinthians1:18

The story and the message of the cross is sheer absurdity and folly to those who are perishing and on their way to perdition, but to us who are being saved it is the [manifestation of] the power of God. [Amplified Version}