Messiah Baptist Church, Wake Forest, NC

New web site

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Since we have finally updated our website at www.MessiahWF.org, we will no longer maintain this blog.

New Meeting Location!

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We will begin meeting at The Cotton Company beginning May 6th. We will meet in the upstairs "Reception Room" each Sunday morning beginning at 10:30 a.m., and on Sunday evenings beginning at 6:00 p.m.

Sunday, April 15, 2007

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This week when we gathered, Anthony C. taught from Titus 1:10-16. Paul warns Titus and the believers in Crete to look out for false teachers, similar to the warnings he gives to Timothy in his letters. Paul also warns of the influence of Cretan culture on the Cretan church. Believers today should be conscious of the influence of American culture on the church. Finally, as Paul speaks of the pure and the unpure, we are taught to be cautious of legalism. Anthony C. defined legalism as the "keeping of biblical regulations by our own strength in order to earn God's favor." Anthony reminded us that if we only have "teeth-gritting resolve" to not sin, we will fail. We must lean on the grace of God to fight sin.

Alan K will be teaching through Titus 2 for the next two Sundays.

Also, please remember that we will begin meeting at The Cotton Company beginning May 6th.

Sunday, April 8, 2007

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This week when we gathered, Maël D. taught from Titus 1:5-9. Maël D. pointed the body to visit his blog post in reference to his views on the distinctions between ministers, pastors/elders, and overseers/bishops. Paul points to three criteria for recognizing an elder. These criteria will help recognize a person who characterizes the list that follows, beginning in verse 7. This list, as well as the list in 1 Timothy 3:1-7, is not meant to be exhaustive, but to characterize the blamelessness of an elder. Maël D. challenged the body to examine ourselves in light of these characteristics.

Next Sunday, Anthony C. will teach from Titus 1:10-16.

It was also announced that we will begin meeting at The Cotton Company beginning May 6th.

Friday, April 6, 2007

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Our church body gathered tonight to celebrate the Lord's Supper in the home of Don and Laura B. In our gathering, we also read through the gospel of John - men, women, and children all taking turns to read aloud. We were all greatly blessed by the telling of the life, death, and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Sunday, April 1, 2007

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**Sorry that this post is late!**

This week when we gathered, Maël D. taught from Titus 1:1-4. Paul laid out the DNA of his message to Titus and all believers: that we are called to godliness and to hope in Christ, which leads us to proclaim His truth. The truth of Christ should push us toward Him. Likewise, this truth draws us together as a family through faith.

Next Sunday, Maël D. will continue our study in Titus.

Sunday, March 25, 2007

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We were joined this morning by Dr. David Black and his wife, Becky Lynn. Dr. and Mrs. Black have a continued ministry aiding the Church in Ethiopia. They shared this morning specifically what they are doing among the church families in Ethiopia and how they plan to continue coming alongside the believers there. Mrs. Black presented a slide show along with many stories of the lives of various Christians they have met. It was a very informative and motivating time for all.

We later gathered at the home of the Taylor's to share in a meal and the Lord's Supper. We followed with a time of prayer, focusing on our families, workplaces, and the possibility of a future relationship between our local body and a body of believers in Ethiopia.

For more information on the Blacks' work in Ethiopia, visit their website.

Sunday, March 18, 2007

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This week when we gathered, Tracy M. taught out of the first three chapters of Hosea. God calls Hosea to take to himself a wife of harlotry. The children she bears are given significant names - Jezreel (in reference to the violence done is Jezreel), "No Mercy", and "Not My People". We see God's judgment on the house of Israel. The end of chapter 2, however, displays God's mercy as he calls "Not My People" "You are my people". We as Gentiles have hope in this mercy of God that extends to the nations.

Tracy challenged the body to consider our interaction with God's plan for the nations, specifically how we can 1) pray, 2) give, and 3) go.

Next week Dr. and Mrs. Black will join us for our morning gathering to speak of the work of the Church in Ethiopia. We will follow with a celebration of the Lord's Supper at the Taylor's.

Please remember that as we approach Easter, we will be looking to collect offerings for Annie Armstrong - money to support missions in North America. Our goal for this year is $2,000.

Sunday, March 11, 2007

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This week when we gathered, Maël D. finished our study in 2 Timothy. 2 Timothy 4:9-22 contrasts the Fickleness of Man with the Steadfastness of God. Paul points to those who have deserted him and caused him trouble. But he comes back to the faithfulness of the Lord to rescue him. We see in Paul's final days a God-centered, gospel-focused perspective.

Tracy M. will teach out of Hosea next week when we gather.

Please remember to be in prayer for all of the families that have gone out from our body to serve the Lord through missions.

Also, as a reminder, Dr. and Mrs. Black will be with us on Sunday, March 25th. We will follow by breaking bread at the Taylors.

Sunday, March 4, 2007

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This week when we gathered, Rodney M. taught from 2 Timothy 4:1-8. Paul exhorts Timothy to guard sound doctrine. If we zoom out from this text, we see that this fits within Paul's theme in the book of 2 Timothy to Persevere in the midst of Persecution. Zooming out again, we see Paul's call to godly living. And with a final zoom, we see Paul's emphasis on righteousness that comes through faith. Rodney encouraged the body to remain mindful of the two greatest commandments: To love the Lord your God with all your heart and soul, and To love your neighbor as yourself.

We will finish our study of the book of 2 Timothy next week. It was announced that Dr. and Mrs. Black will be joining us on the morning of March 25 to share about their work in Ethiopia. We also hope to break bread with them afterward at the Taylor household.

Finally, the church will now be supporting the Pregnancy Life Care Center in Raleigh.

Sunday, February 25, 2007

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This week when we gathered, Rob M. taught from 2 Timothy 3:10-17. Here Paul continues in his theme of "Encouragement for steadfastness amidst ungodly circumstances." Verse 12 sets a principle of persecution, where "all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." Rob M. asked us to consider these two questions:

1. Do you understand what it means to live a godly life in Christ Jesus?
2. Understanding this, then, do you want to?

Verse 14 then prompts Timothy, and by extension all believers, to continue in the faith, knowing both 1) from whom he learned it and 2) from what he learned it (the Scriptures). Rob M. then challenged us to ask ourselves if we are discipling our spouse and family, and if we are in the Word daily.

Next Sunday, Rodney M. will continue our study in 2 Timothy 4:1-8.

Sunday, February 18, 2007

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This week when we gathered, Alan K. taught from 2 Timothy 3:1-9. Paul writes that "in the last days, perilous times will come" - according to both the Old and New Testament, we are now living in the last days. This passage paints a rather hopeless picture, but Alan reminded us that there is hope in Christ amidst the perilous times of the last days.

Next Sunday, Rob M. will point us to this hope in Christ when he teaches from 2 Timothy 3:10-17.

Also, on Sunday evening, the elders presented Theron Stancil and Jeff Taylor as the deacons of the church.

Sunday, November 5, 2006

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This week when we gathered, Theron S. taught from 1 Timothy 5:17-21. Paul instructs Timothy and us to honor the elders who lead well and to especially make sure we honor those who labor hard in word and teaching. We are also instructed to discipline the elders who continue in sin by showing them their fault in the presence of all.

Next Sunday, Mael D. will continue our series in the "Personal Epistles of Paul" when he teaches from 1 Timothy 5:22-25. After our meeting next week, we will gathering again at the home of Tracy and Beth M. to celebrate the Lord's Supper and for fellowship.

Sunday, October 29, 2006

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This week when we gathered together at the Stone Chapel, Ed P. taught us from 1 Timothy 5:1-16. We are to encourage each as brothers and sisters in Christ, as family. As well, the church is to honor and provide for widows who are really widow. The church is to lovingly provide for those who can not protect themselves.

Next week, Theron S. will continue teaching through "Paul's Personal Epistles" when he teaches 1 Timothy 5:17-22.

Sunday, October 15, 2006

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This week, Alan K. taught from 1 Timothy 4:6-10. A good servant of Jesus Christ both teaches others to walk in godliness, and is taught to walk in godliness through the word of faith and good teaching. The disciplines (prayer, fasting, giving, studying Scripture) may help us grow in godliness, but the disciplines are not the goal: godliness itself is the goal. Godliness is only found as we are transformed into Christ-likeness.

Next week, Alan K. will continue teaching through "Paul's Personal Epistles" when he teaches from 1 Timothy 4:11-20.

Sunday, October 1, 2006

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This Sunday, we gathered at Rolling View Campground on Falls Lake. Tracy M. taught us from 1 Timothy 3:14-16. Jesus Christ is the intersection of the Divine and Human. As we follow Him into holiness, the church will be the visible support of truth.

We also celebrated the Lord's Supper and a meal around the campfire and the lake.

Next week, we will meet at the Stone Chapel again. Anthony C. will teach from 1 Timothy 4:1-5 as we continue studying "Paul's Personal Epistles."

Sunday, September 24, 2006

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This week, when we gathered, Tracy M. taught from 1 Timothy 3:8-13. Deacons are a position of service within the church. Those who are qualified to ‘deacon’ attain for themselves a future standing and assurance in Christ Jesus.

Next Sunday, Tracy M. will continue teaching through 1 Timothy 3:14-16.

Sunday, September 17, 2006

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Last Sunday, as we gathered, Shannon S. taught us from 1 Timothy 3:1-7. The ultimate qualification of a pastor is the approval of the Holy Spirit as demonstrated in the life of the candidate in his maturity, temperance, and exercise of his gifts by serving, teaching, and shepherding—not for gain or prestige but for love of ministering to the saints. This approval is therefore evidenced by his blamelessness in his own home, before men of good conscience in the church, and even in a good reputation among the heathen.

Next week, Tracy M. continues teaching through "Paul's Personal Epistles" when he teaches from 1 Timothy 3:8-13.

Sunday, September 3, 2006

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This week when we gathered, Mael D. taught us from 1 Timothy 2:1-7. Paul now introduces practical ways believers can be good stewards of the gospel. In 1 Tim 2:1-7 we see that God calls us to pray for all men and in particular for the ones that are in authority over us. These prayers are motivated by the gospel itself, for God "desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of truth," and have as a result "a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence."

Next week, Mael D. will continue the series in "Paul's Personal Epistles" when he teaches from 1 Timothy 2:8-15.

Sunday, August 27, 2006

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Last Sunday, Alan K. taught from 1 Tim. 1:18-20. In this passage, Paul exhorts Timothy to be a good steward. But, Paul does not expect Timothy to serve God in the same way that Paul serves God. Paul recognized that God provides each believer with opporunities and abilities to serve Him that will differ from other believers. Those who are not good stewards, who misuse the Gospel, should be disciplined by the church for the purpose of restoring them to fellowship.

Next week, Mael D. continues our series by teaching 1 Tim. 2:1-7.

Sunday, August 20, 2006

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Last Sunday, Alan K. taught us from 1 Timothy 1:12-17. In this passage, Paul continues teaching Timothy (and us) about the importance of properly handling the stewardship that God gives to believers. In this case, Paul uses himself as an example. God did not give Paul a stewardship because Paul was worthy, but because God is merciful!

Next week, Alan K. will continue teaching through "Paul's Personal Epistles." He will teach 1 Timothy 1:18-20.

Sunday, August 13, 2006

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This Sunday when we gathered, Alan K. taught us from 1 Timothy 1:3-11. Paul exhorted Timothy that some teachers would not properly handle the stewardship of God, would not teach from love, and would not teach according to the gospel. Every believer has been given a stewardship by God which must be handled with love according to the gospel.

Next week, Alan K. continues our study in "Paul's Personal Epistles" when he teaches from 1 Timothy 1:12-17.

Sunday, August 6, 2006

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Last Sunday, Mael D. taught us from I Timothy 1:1-2. He began by reading the entire letter from Paul to Timothy, then explained the roles and service of both Paul and Timothy. Each believer is "his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works." God holds us responsible for the work that he has called us to do.

After our morning meeting, we met again in the afternoon at the home of Alan and Margaret K. for the Lord's Supper around a full meal. We also baptized Reid. We spent the afternoon and evening talking, praying, playing, and encouraging one another in the Lord.

Next week, Alan K. continues teaching from "Paul's Personal Letters" when he teaches from I Timothy 1:3-11.

Sunday, July 30, 2006

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This week, Rob M. completed our series in the Psalms. He taught us from Psalm 150. As a conclusion to the Psalter, Psalm 146-150, and especially Psalm 150, calls all living things to praise God because of who he is and for what he has done and is doing. Our praise should come as close as possible to match the excellent greatness of God!

Next week, Mael D. begins our study in 1 Timothy. Also, we will celebrate the Lord's Supper as part of a fellowship meal at the home of Alan and Margaret K.

Sunday, July 23, 2006

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When we gathered this Sunday morning, Shannon S. taught us from Psalm 19. God created the universe to display his glory, and the sun obediently carries out its duties. God also provided the Law so people could display his glory. However, the psalmist (David) realizes that he has not obediently displayed God's glory.

Next week, Rob M. completes our series in the Psalms when he teaches from Psalm 150.

Sunday, July 16, 2006

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Rodney M. taught us from Psalm 51 when we gathered last Sunday. In this Psalm, David models repentance and trust in God's mercy for all of us. But forgiveness does not come from our repentance. Forgiveness comes from God's grace.

Next week, Shannon S. will teach us from Psalm 19. We will only cover two more Psalms in this series, then we will begin studying "Paul's Personal Epistles" - 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon.

Sunday, July 9, 2006

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This week when we gathered, Jeff T. taught us from Psalm 53. He reminded us that God judges all people as guilty before his holiness. The repetition emphasizes that no one stands innocent before God. What's the answer? Grace! God made him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him!

Next week, Rodney M. continue our series in the Psalms when he teaches from Psalm 51.

Remember that we will begin studying "Paul's Personal Epistles" - 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon - in August.

Sunday, July 2, 2006

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When we gathered Sunday morning, Mark D. taught us from Psalm 37. We were reminded not to fret or worry because of the seeming prosperity of the wicked. Instead, we must keep our focus on God by trusting in Him, resting in Him, and waiting for Him.

Next week, Jeff T. will teach us from Psalm 53.

Sunday, June 25, 2006

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This week, Roy S. taught us from Psalm 98. In this Psalm, the psalmist instructs us to worship God who is our savior, our king, and our judge. Since worship is goal of our entire lives (not just our singing), we must determine who to "shout joyfully to the Lord" with our lives and not just our voices.

Next week, Mark D. will continue the series in Psalm when he teaches from Psalm 37.

Sunday, June 18, 2006

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When we gathered last Sunday, Eric C. taught us from Psalm 95. God calls us to worship Him, because of who He is, because of what He's done, and because there are consequences to rebelling against Him.

Next week, Roy S. will continue our series in Psalms by teaching Psalm 98.

Sunday, June 11, 2006

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When we gathered last Sunday, Ed P. taught us from Psalm 9 & 10. In these Psalms, the author cries out to God to "Arise" against the wicked and to "Have mercy" on the author and readers. In the same way, we must cry out to God to act on our behalf. God must be our "refuge in times of trouble."

Next week, Eric C. will teach from Psalm 95.

Sunday, June 4, 2006

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Last Sunday, we gathered together once again as the body of Christ. Jim H. taught us from Psalm 136 as we continued our series through the Psalms. We were reminded that God's loving-kindness lasts forever.

We continued gathering during the afternoon when we celebrated the Lord's Supper as part of a fellowship meal. We also had the joy of sending several people from our body to other parts of the world. We prayed that God would protect them, use them, speak boldly through them, and use us to partnership with them in the Gospel.

Next week when we gather, Ed P. will teach from Psalm 8 and 9.

Sunday, May 28, 2006

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As we gathered this week, Alan K. taught Psalm 2. Although people continue to rage and plot vain things against God and His Messiah, God has a solution. Those who walk in the "way of righteousness" (from Psalm 1) will serve (worship) God and the Messiah, rejoice (praise) in them, and kiss (embrace or submit to) the Messiah. Everyone who seeks refuge in the Messiah (Jesus Christ) will be blessed (eternal salvation) by God.

Next week, we continue our studies in the Psalms. Jim H. will teach us from Psalm 136.

Sunday, May 21, 2006

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When we gathered together last Sunday, Alan K. taught us from Psalm 1. This was the first in a Summer series on the Psalms. We should not view the Psalms as simply a book of Hebrew hymns. Instead, the Psalms contain both theology and prophecy. In Psalm 1, the author teaches us about two roads: the road of the righteous and the road of the ungodly. How does one get from the road of the ungodly to the road of the righteous? The answer is given in Psalm 2:12.

Several other members of the body shared encouraging words concerning what God is doing in their life.

Next week, Alan K. will continue the series in Psalms by teaching Psalm 2.

Sunday, May 14, 2006

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This Sunday, Michael M. spoke to us from 1 Corinthians 16:13-24. In his closing, Paul warns the church in Corinth (and every church!) to "watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong, and let all that you do be done with love."

We continued our meeting Sunday afternoon at Beaver Dam Park, where we celebrated the ordinances of baptism and the Lord's Supper.

Next week, we begin a short series in the Psalms. Alan K. will teach from Psalm 1.

Sunday, May 7, 2006

2006-05-08T08:40:00.000-05:00

We came together as the body of Christ on Sunday, May 7. Maël D. taught us from 1 Corinthians 16:1-12. First, we learned that we, as a body, must be concerned about other believers and have a plan to meet their needs. Second, we noticed that three times Paul encouraged the Corinthians to "send" other believers. This "sending" means "to assist someone in making a journey, send on one’s way with food, money, by arranging for companions, means of travel, etc." Our challenge, individually and as a body, is to determine who God is asking us to send, and then to send them!

Next week, Michael M. completes our study of 1 Corinthians. Also, we will partake of the Lord's Supper and share in a meal during a time of fellowship at Beaver Dam Park.

Sunday, April 30, 2006

2006-05-03T12:09:00.000-05:00

Last Sunday, we once again celebrated the resurrection of Jesus Christ by gathering as a body. Anthony C. taught us from 1 Corinthians 15:50-58. Why did Paul write such a long section concerning the resurrection? Did he want us to know that "this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality"? Did he want to remind us, "Death is swallowed up in victory"? Certainly these truths are important. But, Paul wrote this part of his letter to Corinth as an encouragement and an admonition: "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord."

Next week, Mael D. will teach us as we begin studying the final chapter of 1 Corinthians.

Sunday, April 23, 2006

2006-04-24T09:10:00.000-05:00

This Sunday, Shannon S. continued our studies in 1 Corinthians. He taught us from 1 Corinthians 15:35-49 concerning the future bodily resurrection. Remember, everyone will be raised. Some will be raised to live forever in the presence of God - eternal life. Others will be raised to live forever out of the presence of God - eternal death.

Next week, Anthony C. concludes our study of the resurrection. He will teach us from 1 Corinthians 15:50-58.

Mael D. will conclude our study of 1 Corinthians when he teaches the final chapter - 1 Corinthians 16 - over two weeks: May 7 and May 14. We will then begin a short series in the Psalms, with different men teaching one Psalm per week. Then, in August, we will begin studying "Paul's Personal Epistles" - 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon.

Sunday, April 9, 2006

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Theron S. taught us from 1 Corinthians 15:20-28. Since Christ has been raised from the dead, we have hope of our own resurrection. "For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. " (1 Cor. 15:22)

Next week, Eric C. continues this exciting series of lessons on the resurrection. He will teach us from 1 Corinthians 15:29-34. What exactly is "the baptism for the dead?"

Sunday, April 2, 2006

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What a wonderful day to gather with the body of Christ! We had the honor of hearing from Nathaniel, an indigenous missionary from Togo with New Harvest Missions. Then, Rob M. taught us from 1 Corinthians 15:12-19 concerning the necessity of the ressurection of the dead. Remember, our beliefs have consequences! We should live in a way that demonstrates our belief in the resurrection.

We then gathered at the home of Jeff and Joanne T. to celebrate the Lord's Supper with a meal, fellowship, prayer, and singing.

Next week, Theron S. continues our study from 1 Corinthians 15:20-28.

Sunday, March 26, 2006

2006-03-28T09:12:00.000-05:00

We began our study of the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15) Sunday. Tracy M. taught us from 1 Corinthians 15:1-11. At the time that Paul wrote to the church in Corinth, the eyewitnesses were living, so their testimony was verifiable! What "Scripture" do you think Paul was referring to in verses 3-4?

Next week, Rob M. will continue the study in 1 Corinthians 15 by teaching us from verses 12-19.

Also, we will celebrate the Lord's Supper at the home of Jeff and Joanne T. Don't forget Paul's instructions for the gathering at the Lord's Table in 1 Corinthians 11:17-24. Since we desire to be a body that comes together for the better and not for the worse, let us examine ourselves, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup.

Spiritual Gifts and the Meeting of the Church

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We finished studying 1 Corinthians 12-14 on Sunday, March 19, 2006. For six weeks we examined spiritual gifts and their use within the meeting of the church. Here are some of the important conclusions:

Spiritual gifts are given by the will of the Holy Spirit.
Spiritual gifts should be used to benefit others (not the one using the gift).
All believers and their gifts are important to the body of Christ.
Love must motivate the exercise of every spiritual gift.
Spiritual gifts should be exercised in the meeting of the church only if the church will be edified.
All believers should participate in the meeting of the church.

What do you expect when you gather together with the body of Christ? Do you expect to be entertained? Do you expect others to use their gifts to serve you? Do you expect God to only work through the "leaders" of the church?

Paul says that when we gather with the church, each one should expect the Holy Spirit to work through them in order to edify (build up, bring to maturity) the church.

Sunday, January 1, 2006

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How exciting it was to begin the new year with our brothers and sisters in Christ! Our meeting began with a reading of Romans chapter 8 and a reminder of who we are in Christ. Eric C. taught us from 1 Corinthians 10:23-11:1. Two verses summarize this section of 1 Corinthians: vs. 24 and vs. 31: Consider others above yourselves, and do everything to the glory of God. This also corresponds to the two great commandments in Matthew 22:37-39.

Next week, Mael D. will continue teaching through 1 Corinthians when he begins chapter 11.

Sunday, December 11, 2005

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On Sunday, December 11, 2005, it was a joy to gather again with the body of Christ. What an exciting and edifying time! Theron S. taught us from 1 Corinthians 10:14-22 in God's Word. He reminded us that an idol is anything or anyone that has such a hold on us that our peace is destroyed when it is taken from us. Paul reminded the Corinthians that when they partake of the Lord's Supper they are in fact fellowshipping with God. However, they (and WE!) cannot truly fellowship with God if we are also giving our devotion to an idol.

We continued our gathering at a local restaurant, where we shared in the Lord's Supper as part of a meal. We all encouraged one another to remove any idols that may provoke the Lord's jealousy.

Tracy M. will teach us next week from 1 Corinthians 10:23-11:1.

Thursday Family Bible Study

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The Thursday night family Bible study is studying the Gospel of Mark. We have noticed that in this Gospel, the author continually stresses the people's response to Jesus: either a response of faith, or a response of faithlessness. Jesus is shown to be the Messiah, having power over diseases, demons, death, and nature. We meet in a home off North Main Street in Wake Forest. Join us as we continue to study Mark.

Sunday, December 4, 2005

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Sunday, December 4, 2005, we gathered again as the body of Christ. Stan M. taught us from 1 Corinthians 10:1-13. In this passage, Paul reminds the Corinthians (and us!) about the experiences of the children of Israel as they wandered in the desert. In spite of experiencing the spiritual and physical blessings of God, they continued to rebel. We have also experienced the spiritual and physical blessings of God (particularly salvation). However, we can also still sin. Even though we are no longer under the penalty of sin, we continue to suffer the consequences and effects of sin.

Next week, Theron S. will teach us from 1 Corinthians 10:14-22. We will also participate in the Lord's Supper. This should be an exciting time since the Scripture passage for the day includes the phrase, "Since there is one bread, we who are many are one body" (1 Cor. 10:17).

We are indeed one body, under one Lord. So, let us come together next week in order to partake of the one bread and the one cup in a worthy manner.

But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. 1 Corinthians 11:28-29

Wednesday Family Bible Study

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In the Wednesday night home group we are currently studying the book of Hebrews. This continues to be a fruitful time in God’s Word as we discover the supremacy of Christ over all things. We have a talkative group with many different perspectives, which always makes for a good discussion. We are meeting in a home on South Main Street, near the Stone Chapel. Join us as we discover the riches of God’s Word.

Gathering with Family

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And a multitude was sitting around Jesus; and they said to Him, "Look, Your mother and Your brothers are outside seeking You." But Jesus answered them, saying, "Who is My mother, or My brothers?" And He looked around in a circle at those who sat about Him, and said, "Here are My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of God is My brother and My sister and mother." Mark 3:32-35

Last Sunday evening, as we were meeting for prayer, one of the men said, "I thank God that I was able to spend Thanksgiving with my family." After a pause, he continued, "God has given me a wonderful family in Christ, and I thank Him that I was able to spend time with all of you."

As several of us were comparing notes, we learned that various parts of our "family" met together Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday of last week. It seems that God is continuing to teach us what it means to "share in the life."

So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:46-47

Sunday, November 27, 2005

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On Sunday morning, November 27, we gathered once more as the body of Christ. Stan M. taught from 1 Cor. 9:19-27. The passage can be summarized with Galatians 5:13: For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

God has freed us through Jesus Christ, but we must always use our liberty to serve others, even giving up our own rights for others. What a strange concept! Americans are proud of their rights, but Christians gladly give up their rights.

Next Sunday, December 4, Stan will continue the series in 1 Corinthians by teaching 1 Cor. 10:1-13.

December Service Opportunities

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During the month of December, we will have several opportunities to interact with and serve our community.

Caroling
On the first three Saturdays in December, we will meet at the home of one of our members around 6:30 p.m. Then, around 7:00 p.m. we will leave from that home to sing carols to the other homes in the neighborhood. We will return to our host's home for desserts and fellowship. Please bring a dessert and drink. For more information, please contact one of the pastors, or email us.

Schedule:
December 3 in Jones Dairy Farm.
December 10 on South Main Street.
December 17 in Edgeford Park.

Special Christmas Eve Gathering
On Saturday, December 24, we will have a special gathering at 6:30 p.m. at the Stone Chapel on South Main Street in Wake Forest.

Christmas Day Gathering
We will have our normal weekly gathering on Sunday, December 25, Christmas Day, at 2:00 p.m.

Unleashing the Church

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A big Thanksgiving "Thank you!" to Bro. David Black for mentioning us on his blog.

For those interested in learning more about what it means to "be the church" instead of "going to church" or "doing church," check out Unleashing the Church on Bro. Black's web site.

Sharing in the Life!

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Back in the summer of 2004, when we first met together, Tracy M. taught us from 1 John 1:1-4. In v. 3 of this passage, the Apostle John writes that our fellowship with one another is truly fellowship with God the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.

But, what is fellowship? There are several dictionary definitions for the Greek word koinonia: fellowship, communion, participation, association, close relationship, sharing. In this context, John has been writing about the intimate, physical realities of association with Jesus Christ - an association that he says continues to the day he is writing. From this, we all agreed that "fellowship" = "sharing in the life."

Sharing in the Life! This idea encompasses far more than the word koinonia, and it is certainly more than a regular pot-luck meal. It includes the many "one another" passages in Scripture, and the instructions to do everything for the purpose of "edification" (1 Cor 14:26; Eph 4:11-16). It means we are a family. And, like a family, we live life together - but our life is empowered by the Holy Spirit, in order to bring glory to God. We are not limited by cultural, ethnic, economic, or even geographic boundaries. We share life with those who share life with God the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit.

Our first comment and link!

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A huge "Thank you!" to Matthew McDill for posting the first comment on our blog and for mentioning us on his blog. Grace and Peace to our brothers and sisters who are part of Highland Christian Fellowship in Boone, NC.

Sunday, November 20, 2005

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Sunday morning, November 20, Messiah Baptist Church gathered again at the Stone Chapel. Maël D. taught us from God's Word from 1 Corinthians 9:1-18. In this passage, Paul illustrates 1 Corinthians 8, where he teaches believers to give up their rights for the sake of others. In 1 Cor. 9:1-18, Paul reminds the Corinthians that while he had the right to receive compensation for his work among them, he did not exercise this right. Instead, he chose to work without compensation in order that he would not hinder the work of the gospel among them.

The pastors of Messiah Baptist have also elected not to exercise this right. God has provided jobs for each of our pastors, so they have asked the church not to pay them. This not only frees the church to participate in other service opportunities, but it is an example to the body: one does not have to be paid to serve God. All believers are ministers (servants), and God calls all believers to "full-time ministry."

After our morning meeting, we gathered at the home of David and Debbie F. to celebrate the Lord's Supper. We share the bread and cup at least monthly as part of a meal which is then followed by corporate prayer and further fellowship.

Our next Lord's Supper/Fellowship will be on December 11.

Next Sunday, November 27, Stan M. will be teaching us from 1 Corinthians 9:19-27.

Who is your pastor?

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One of the questions we are usually asked is, "Who is your pastor?" Just as there are two answers to the question, "Where is your church?" there are also two answers to this question.

Our Pastors:
Most of the people who ask the question, "Who is your pastor?" expect us to answer with the name of one man. The members of Messiah Baptist Church - after studying Scripture and spending much time in corporate and personal prayer - decided that Scripture models a plurality of men to be pastors or elders (we consider these terms to describe the same individuals). The members looked among themselves and recognized four men as qualified to be pastors according to Scripture (1 Tim 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9). Therefore, we currently have four pastor/elders. There is no hierarchy among the pastors.

Our Senior Pastor:
Messiah Baptist Church does have a Senior Pastor. That person is the most qualified to lead the church. He is also the most effective in making decisions for the body. He consistently teaches us Scripture by the Holy Spirit. He loves the people of the church more than anyone else. He also models perfectly what it means to be a child of God. Finally, He holds us to a higher standard than anyone else is capable of doing. His name is Jesus Christ. He is our Chief Shepherd and our Overseer (1 Pet. 2:25; 5:4).

Where is your church?

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One of the first questions we are asked is, "Where is your church?" There are two possible answers to this question: the one expected, and the one we live by.

The answer expected:
When people ask us, "Where is your church?" they usually want to know where we meet or where our building is located. We do not own a building. We currently meet at the Stone Chapel on South Main Street in Wake Forest, NC on Sunday mornings and evenings in order to hold our weekly gathering and prayer meeting respectively. [UPDATE: Beginning Sunday, May 6, 2007 we will begin meeting in the upstairs "Reception Room" of the Cotton Company, located at 306 South Main Street in downtown Wake Forest.] We also meet at the homes of members during the week for Family Bible Studies and for our Lord's Supper/Fellowship. Occasionally, we have also met at various parks and community locations for the Lord's Supper/Fellowship and baptism.

The answer we live by:
Messiah Baptist Church cannot be found in a place. Instead, the church is a group of people. Therefore, the church can be found wherever the people live, work, play, study, or gather. This is not a flippant answer. Nor is it a sarcastic answer. It is, however, a scriptural answer. We do not want to associate the church with a meeting location nor with a meeting time.

Introduction to Messiah Baptist Church

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The members of Messiah Baptist Church in Wake Forst, NC, welcome you. We are a group of believers in Jesus Christ who exist to bring glory to God, by encouraging one another to grow in maturity in Christ, through the study of the word of God, fellowship in the Spirit, and prayer.

Meeting Times and Location:

Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
Weekly gathering at the Stone Chapel on South Main Street

Sunday, 6:00 p.m.
Prayer meeting at the Stone Chapel on South Main Street

We also host Family Home Bible Studies on Wednesday and Thursday evenings.