Biblical Christians

The Apostle Paul gives believers several commands in Romans 12:9-21 that are characteristic of a true Christian. This passage has several themes including how a true Christian should relate to other believers. Let’s examine Paul’s instructions on how we should treat one another. “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor (v10).” “Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality (v13).” “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep (v15).” “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be conceited (v16).”

Here we have Scriptural commands from God on how to treat one another. How often do we consider the Bible when we think and act? Do we simply allow our emotions to control our thoughts? Do we choose to love and honor one another, or do we give in to our selfishness and pride? Do we contribute to the needs of others? Do we practice the ministry of hospitality? Do we really feel each other’s pain? Do we rejoice in the good fortune of our brothers and sisters, or are we jealous?

We must remember that we do not obey these commands to earn God’s favor; we obey these commands to honor the name of Christ, the one who sacrificed his place as King in heaven to be born poor, grow up doing hard labor, be rejected by his own people, and be murdered by the very people he loved. Jesus Christ died for his enemies; you and me. And now Paul gives us instructions on how to show others evidence of our trust in Christ.

We might ask, “How can I possibly live up to the demands of Scripture?” The answer is we can’t without relying on the Holy Spirit, spending time nourishing our spirits in Bible reading and prayer, and encouraging one another in fellowship.

With “brotherly affection,”

Todd Young

Church Constitutions and Covenants

OK, it's been over a month since I posted last, and I don't understand why it is so hard to be more consistent! So, our church is planning to work on a new constitution and covenant this summer and I am trying to find some good examples. Here are a few that I have come across:

• Capitol Hill Baptist Church, Washington, DC - Constitution, Covenant, Statement of Faith
• Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis, MN - Constitution (and By-Laws), Covenant, Elder Affirmation of Faith, Congregational Affirmation of Faith , Pastors' Covenant
  
• Grace Community Church, Sun Valley, CA - Doctrinal Statement, Bylaws, and Distinctives
• Grace Baptist Church, Cape Coral, FL - Constitution, Bylaws, Covenant, Articles of Faith
• Parkside Church (Not Baptist), Chagrin Falls, OH (outside Cleveland) - Constitution
• Clifton Baptist Church, Louisville, KY - Constitution, Covenant, Core Values, Statement of Faith

If you know of other Reformed Baptist churches that have exemplary church constitutions and/or covenants, etc., please post a comment with the name, location, and website.

Looking forward to this big challenge,

Todd