planted in the past . . . committed to the future
Volume 53, Issue 3
March, 2015
from Pastor Johnny . . .
A few weeks ago at one of our Sunday night services, we had a discussion about eschatology (the study of the end times).
While we weren’t specifically studying end time events at that service, and the discussion was brief, it proved to be beneficial
nonetheless. There is much to be said and learned when discussing the end times—much more than can be covered in a
single article. Thousands and thousands of pages have been written through the centuries discussing such a profound
subject.
So, knowing I can’t cover every detail and answer every question you may have, I thought it would be helpful for us all to
read an article I came across pertaining to this subject. It is written by Dr. Kim Riddlebarger who is senior pastor of Christ
Reformed Church in Anaheim, California, and co-host of the popular White Horse Inn, a radio-internet talk show which first
went on the air in 1990. Dr. Riddlebarger is an amillennialist, but is very fair in presenting a brief synopsis of the different
views, showing both strengths and weaknesses for each.
Let’s start with premillennialism. As for its strengths, there seem to be two. One is the fact that Revelation 19 depicts the return of
Christ, while Revelation 20:1-10 depicts the reign of Christ on the earth. If these chapters describe consecutive events (a point with which
I would take issue) then this would place the millennial age after Christ's return. A second apparent strength is that a number of church
fathers state that this was the teaching passed on to them by the eyewitnesses to the ministry of the apostles, although this was not the
only view in the early church.
There are several serious weaknesses with premillennialism. The first weakness is that premillenniarians have to explain how it is that
people make it through the return of Christ and yet remain in natural bodies. Jesus taught that his return marks the end of the age
(Matthew 13:39) and that after his return, people no longer marry or are given in marriage (Luke 20:34-36). At Christ's return, he
judges the world, making it tough for someone to be judged and yet not eternally condemned or rewarded with eternal life (Matthew
25:31-46). This is especially problematic for premillennarians, since they claim that their view is based upon a "literal" interpretation of
prophecy. Where, then, is the one-thousand year gap between the return of Christ and the judgment (which, according to
premillennarians takes place at the end of the millennium) when Jesus teaches that judgment takes place at his return? Those who take
the Bible "literally" find themselves having to insert a gap into the biblical text which isn't there.
The other problem with premillennialism is, if it be true, there is a great apostasy on the earth after one thousand years of Christ's rule
(Revelation 20:7-10). If there cannot be people on earth in natural bodies during the thousand years (which supposedly comes after
Christ returns), then who are the people who revolt against Christ at the end of the millennium? And that after Christ's own rule? It
makes much more sense to see Revelation 20:1-10 as a description of the entire inter-advental age, since the scene takes place in heaven
where the thrones are (vv. 1-6), before shifting to the earth in verses 7-10.
As for dispensational premillennialism, both the strengths and weaknesses of premillennialism generally apply. But if we consider
dispenationalism on its own terms, its main strength is a stress upon progressive revelation (the careful consideration of how God
interacts with his people throughout the different stages of redemptive history). We can also say that one of its strengths is its emphasis
upon the imminent return of Christ.
As for weaknesses, there are many. One is that the presuppositions of dispensationalism (which, despite protests to the contrary, is a
hermeneutic) cannot be sustained. The belief that God has distinct redemptive purposes for Israel and for the Gentiles is highly
problematic in light of a text like Ephesians 2:11-22. Another serious problem with dispensationalism is the way in which the "literal
interpretation" of Scripture is worked out in practice. The dispensational stress upon "literalism" actually amounts to an Israel-centered
hermeneutic, largely taken from the Old Testament prophets which then predetermines what the New Testament authors can tell us
about Israel.
~continued on newsletter insert
from Pastor Johnny ~ continued
As I have argued elsewhere, this approach is seriously flawed. The New Testament presents a Christ-centered reading of
redemptive history and reinterprets the place of Israel in that redemptive history in light of the coming of Jesus Christ, who is the
true Israel.
As for postmillennialism, remember that both postmillennarians and amillennarians hold in common the idea that the millennial
age precedes the return of Christ and the consummation. So the structural strengths and weaknesses of each will be similar. The
essential difference between postmillennialism and amillennialism is in how we understand the nature and character of the
millennial age.
Postmillennialism's greatest strength is the rhetorical stress upon optimism regarding the kingdom of God and its ability to
transform the nations of the earth before Christ returns. Postmillennarians extend the kingdom of God beyond spiritual matters
(word and sacrament) to the transformation of culture--a point with which I would disagree. Postmillennarians generally believe
that Jesus returns to a saved earth, he does not return to save the earth (as amillennarians believe).
This means that the biggest weakness of postmillennialism is the determination of the beginning of the millennial age--"when do
the thousand years begin?" Some have seen this in the conversion of Israel, the overthrow of Antichrist (usually defined as
Romanism or Islam) and the conversion of the nations. Obviously, these things have not yet happened. Therefore, the biggest
weakness of postmillennialism is the denial of an imminent return of Christ--which explains why so many postmillennarians are
attracted to preterism, the understanding Christ returned in judgment upon Israel in A.D. 70.
As for amillennialism, it has no weaknesses whatsoever, since it is the biblical position (I'm being facetious). In all seriousness,
Amillennialism's strength is its understanding that imminent return of Christ is the consummation of all things and marks the
fullness of both the kingdom of God and the age to come. Christ will return to judge the world (Matthew 13:36-43; Matthew
25:31-46; 2
Thessalonians 1:6-9), raise the dead (1 Thessalonians 4:14-17; 1 Corinthians 15:54-57) and make all things new
(2 Peter 3:3-15). He does not return to set up a kingdom (as in premillennialism), but to usher in the eternal state and create a
new heaven and earth--the final consummation.
The biggest weakness of amillennialism is in the details--what does John mean by the binding of Satan? Can we really say Satan
is bound now? (I say "yes"). What about the first resurrection in Revelation 20? Is John referring to regeneration, or the bodily
resurrection? These things require a fair amount of explanation, especially since most American evangelicals know only the
premillennial view.
Hopefully this article has given you much to think about and perhaps will prompt you to study further into the
doctrines of the end times. For all who are interested I would recommend a book entitled The Meaning of the
Millennium (edited by Robert Clouse; published by Intervarsity Press). It is an excellent source for an in-depth study of a
subject that many desire to know more about.
By His Grace,
Pastor Johnny
Scotts Creek Baptist Church
Page 2
from Deacon Tim Hawkins . . .
In looking back at February and remembering Valentine’s
Day, I can’t help but think about the ultimate example of
love God shows us in the death, burial and resurrection
of His Son; that we know as the gospel message. I think
we would do well to remember the greatest example of
love that has ever been and apply this love to our
relationships with others. The only way that we are
capable of living this life of love God commands from us
is to live in the spirit and submit to the leading of God in
our lives. We don’t have the ability to be successful in
our own strength, but with God working in and through
us, the love of Christ for others will shine through.
Robertson McQuilkin, the author of a series of lessons
entitled The Great Om ission, says “In that mysterious,
overwhelming word of Christ on the night of His resurrection
we find people who are moved by three basic motives that cause
people to do what they do, to choose what they choose: love for
self, love for people and love for God.” If you think about this
statement it is hard to disagree with his way of thinking.
These same motives are still the driving forces in most
people’s decision-making processes today. To love and
respect one’s self is not a bad thing in and of itself. Many
people today fail to respect themselves and this lack of
respect leads to many poor decisions in life. On the other
hand, when our driving force for love is all about one’s
self, it leads to a lack of humility and care for the needs of
others. Consider the disciples in Luke 9:46-48, human
pride overshadowed their dependence on Christ and
they were so focused on themselves that they failed to
realize that Christ had just announced His impending
arrest, but Jesus reminds them that the true meaning of
humility is to consider the least of them the greatest.
So, if our motive for love in the church should not be
about self, then let us look at the second aforementioned
motive: love for people. Can we truly love others
without the love of God being lavished on us? I John 4:7
says “Beloved, let us love one another; for love is of God; and
everyone that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.” All
true love for others apart from Christ’s redeeming
presence and motivation falls short. To fully love others
more than ourselves, we have to know the love of God.
To have a love for God gives us the ability, through Him,
to love others and put others before ourselves.
McQuilkin says, “Love in the Bible is more verb than noun.
More than an emotion it is behavior. To love as God loved is to
live in behalf of others at any cost to self—indeed, to die in
behalf of others if necessary.” So, to be sure, to have true
~continued in column 2
biblical love as Christians, we must submit to the presence
of the Holy Spirit and have daily obedience to the Father.
This biblical love is best explained in I John 4:10-11:
“Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us,
and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if
God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.” So, how
does all this apply to us today? Very simply, this gives us
the exact blueprint for how we should see others and how
we should treat others. It is not a bad thing to be different
from others. Love does not exist so that every person can
look, feel, think and act the same. Diversity is strength,
and we need to remember this in dealing with others. We
have the ability to show love to the unlovable because
Christ lives in our heart. In doing so, the church
experiences unity and we glorify God as believers. Love
does not seek personal fulfillment, but seeks to glorify the
One who gave us the ability to love, God the Father.
Deacon Tim
The deacons will hold their March meeting
on Tuesday, March 10, 7:00 PM, in the
fellowship hall.
for:
Cody Mitchell and Lisa Lee
Sunday afternoon, March 1
2:30-4:30 PM
Scotts Creek Baptist Church
Cody and Lisa are registered at Bed, Bath and Beyond.
Also gift cards may be given for Lowe’s or Wal-Mart!
Cody and Lisa will be married in April.
Scotts Creek Baptist Church
Page 3
March
Fellowship
Evening . . .
and
C.A.R.E.
The March “First Wednesday” fellowship meal and C.A.R.E.
ministry evening will be Wednesday, March 4. Supper will
be served beginning at 5:30 PM followed by the C.A.R.E.
ministry teams (letter/card writing; visitation; prayer and
telephone calls). This month’s supper will be taco salad. A
sign-up sheet is available in the vestibule for you to give us
the number from your family who will be eating. The
donation bucket will be in place for this meal. All received
above the cost of the food will be placed in the youth fund.
Also, if you are willing to be a part of rotating clean-up
crews, please see Dianne Cochran or call Frankie in the
church office.
We express our Christian love and sympathy to the
families of:
~Mary Sue “Mert” Lewis (sister-in-law of Susan
Lewis)
~Clay Rigdon (nephew of James and Betty Jean
Revis)
~Irene Bryson (mother of Ray Bryson)
Daylight Saving Time 2015 will begin on Sunday, March 8.
Be sure to set your clocks and watches ahead one hour when
you go to bed on Saturday night, the 7th, so that you will be
one time for Sunday School and worship!
Please remember our commitment to pray daily for
the children and youth of our church! Spring Break
for Jackson County Schools will be March 9-13.
Also, we still need workers for Children’s Church on
Sunday mornings during the 11:00 AM worship hour.
If you can help, please call the church office.
March Business Meeting . . .
The church business meeting for March will be on
Wednesday evening, March 11, 6:30 PM.
Associational Spring Singing . . .
The annual Spring Singing of the Tuckaseigee Baptist
Association will be on Sunday evening, March 15, 6:00 PM.
Our church will be participating in the singing. The place
will be announced in the weekly bulletin as soon as we
receive the schedule.
XYZ’S March Outing . . .
The XYZ’s March lunch outing will be on Wednesday, March
18. Plans are to go to Cheddar’s in Asheville for lunch. Meet
at the church at 10:30 AM.
April 2 - Maundy Thursday Worship, 6:30 PM
April 4 - Children’s Easter Celebration, 10:00 AM12 Noon
April 5 - Easter Sunday:
7:00 AM—Sunrise Service at Old Field
Cemetery; followed by breakfast at the
church
11:00 AM - Morning Worship-Adult Choir
Cantata
Scotts Creek Baptist Church
Page 4
from the Choir Loft . . .
While I am trying to write this article, we are under a winter
storm warning. It's somewhat challenging to write an article
for the first month of spring when we are still having winter
weather. However, as I observe the little birds eating away,
preparing for the snow that is forecast, I am quickly
reminded of the wonders of God's creation and how He
knows best. How marvelous are the changes as each season
approaches.
As I thought about the change of seasons we experience, I
thought about the residents in our nursing home facilities.
They are experiencing a change of season in their lives. They
are on a journey which has many transitions involved. To
me this is a wonderful ministry for us as a church. Our
association has a yearly schedule for churches to have
services on a Sunday afternoon. Personally this is one of the
most wonderful and rewarding times we can spend as an
outreach to our community.
I would like for everyone to pray about joining our choir as
we visit the nursing homes this year. Most services begin at
2:00 PM. We have a variety of gospel music we use. Every
time we visit the residents, we receive many blessings that
enrich our lives. What a joy it is to watch a resident begin
smiling and clapping as we sing. Many of them join in
singing with us as they remember the songs they used to
sing in church. Many times after the service, residents will
have tears in their eyes and ask us to stay longer. Sometimes
they ask, "When are you coming back?"
It touches me to know that we have provided some joy in
the lives of these precious people. While the singing is great
for the residents, just as important is a friendly handshake
and a word of encouragement. I hope you will join us on
our next nursing home visit. You never know when someone has been touched by a song, the words from the reading
of God's word and the love given to them by our visit. We
never know when God may speak to someone and they say
“I want to be a Christian."
All of us are on a "journey of life." We are all at different
stages of that journey. My prayer is that we help our rest
home residents experience joy and spiritual comfort as they
continue on their journey.
BROKENNESS.
We see it all around us. Our
mission as believers is to carry the message of God’s
love,
mercy and redemption through His Son, Jesus
Christ, to a broken world. We believe the best way to
reach people is through the local church. The task is
urgent. In the last 100 years, Southern Baptists-and
evangelicals in general-have lost significant ground in
the church-to-population ratio, especially in the nonSouth regions of North American and in and around
our large cities where more than 80-percent of our
population lives. The facts:
~1 Christian church for every 430 people during WWI.
~1 Southern Baptist church for every 6,194 people in
the US in 2013.
~1 Canadian National Baptist church for every 115,040
people in Canada in 2013.
~70 percent of Southern Baptist churches are plateauing
or declining.
HOPE.
Send North America is the North American
Mission Board’s response to bring hope to an
ever-increasing population by empowering the largest
network of local churches to plant more congregations
across North America. The facts:
~45,000 Southern Baptist Convention churches
comprise the largest network of churches in the U. S.
~311 churches make up the Canadian National Baptist
Convention.
~25 percent of Christian churches planted in North
America every year are planted by Southern Baptists.
~Send North American’s goal is to see 1,500 new
churches planted each year for a total of 15,000
churches between 2012 and 2022.
Prayer guides for the Week of Prayer
American Missions and the Annie
Offering will be in bulletins on March 1.
Armstrong Offering will be received in an
on March 29. Our church goal for this
for North
Armstrong
Our Annie
aisle march
offering is:
$1,800.00!
The service times for the rest homes will be announced.
Joyce
There will be a prayer breakfast and mission study for
the ladies of our church on Saturday morning, March 7,
8:00-10:15 AM . All ladies are encouraged to attend!
Page 5
March Birthdays:
1
2
2
4
6
6
6
8
8
10
12
13
14
14
15
25
25
31
31
Cayela Young
Betty Arnold
Dana Boyer
Jamie Hilton
Audrey Ward
Kirby Ensley
Matt Rogers
Kay Desormeaux
Jayda Sellers
Roger Wiggins
Christi Young
Rodney Coggins
Marilyn Royals
Rachel Cagle
Molly Hawkins
Joey Moody
Brett Dills
Valerie Jamison
Debbie Hage
March Anniversaries:
11
18
25
31
Roger and Celeste Wiggins
Don and Louise Ashe
Joey and Tammy Moody
Joe and Donna Riddle
Mrs. Rachel Cagle will celebrate her 86th birthday on
Saturday, March 14. A basket for birthday cards for Mrs.
Rachel will be available in the vestibule. God has blessed
our church with this special prayer warrior for many
years. What a blessing Mrs. Rachel is to us all!
Scotts Creek Baptist Church
PRESCHOOL/CHILDREN’S
WORKERS FOR THE MONTH . . .
March 1:
Nursery (birth-age 2)
PreSchool (ages 3-5)
Helen Sellers; Cindy Ridley
Jay and Bridgette Sellers
March 8:
Nursery (birth-age 2)
PreSchool (ages 3-5)
Jake and Kaila Day
Gail Hensley; Debbie Hage
March 15:
Nursery (birth-age 2
PreSchool (ages 3-5)
Trish and Kayla Sloan
Mark and Tina Jones
March 22:
Nursery (birth-age 2)
PreSchool (ages 3-5)
Bethany, Morgan, Molly Hawkins
Frankie Harris; Eli Buchanan
March 29:
Nursery (birth-age 2)
PreSchool (ages 3-5)
Tracy and Lisa Lee
workers needed
March Ushers:
James Rogers
Dickie Clayton
Bryan Cooke
Jake Day
Don Kelly
Kevin Monteith
Jay Sellers
March Counters:
Kevin Monteith; Helen Sellers; Bethany Hawkins
March Deacon of the Week:
March 1
March 8
March 15
March 22
March 29
Robert Dyer
Lee English
Tim Hawkins
Don Hensley
Mark Jones
March Greeters:
Frankie Harris; Jim Hage; James Rogers
Scotts Creek Baptist Church
Page 6
SCOTTS CREEK BAPTIST CHURCH
STAFF
Rev. Johnny M. Lee
Pastor
Frankie Harris
Secretary
Joyce Dyer
Choir Director
Ellen Rogers
Accompanist
Marilyn Royals
Accompanist
Helen Sellers
Nursery Worker
Mike Brooks
Custodian
Phone: 828-586-2631;
FAX: 828-631-3323
www.scottscreek.org
SUNDAY SERVICES
Sunday School
10:00 AM
Morning Worship
11:00 AM
Evening Service; Pre-School
and Children’s Choir; Youth Group 6:00 PM
WEDNESDAY EVENINGS
Prayer Meeting /Bible Study
Pre-School and Children’s Missions
Youth Group
Adult Choir
Scotts Creek Baptist Church
P. O. Box 55
Sylva, NC 28779
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
6:30 PM
6:30 PM
6:30 PM
7:30 PM
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PAID
SYLVA, NC
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