God's Call for Troop Withdrawal 1Peter2:9-17

“These colors don't run!” That used to be the attitude of most of the citizens of the USA. We like to think we can take on anyone or anything. However, one of the directives in the section of scripture we will consider today is, “Don't fight, withdraw,” in regard to fleshly lusts. God has drawn us (believers) out from single citizenship of the world. He calls us to withdraw from the lifestyle of the world. And yet, He commands us to engage in submitting to ruling civil authorities. And these things are addressed to believers who are harassed by the society in which they live.

To make the riches of His glory known (Romans 9:23), ²³ And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,
²⁴ Even us, whom he hath called,

God calls believers to:

SEPARATION

• A Chosen People (16 out of 23 times the Greek word for "chosen" is translated "elect") v.9; Deuteronomy 7:6-9 ⁶ For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth.
  ⁷ The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people:
  ⁸ But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the LORD brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.
  ⁹ Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations; God did the choosing by/because of His sovereign grace.

It is totally a God thing and therefore:

• Disallows pride John 1:12-13; Ephesians 2:8-9 John1 ¹² But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
  ¹³ Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

^{Ephesians 2: 8} For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
⁹ Not of works, lest any man should boast.
¹⁰ For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Some are want to say,”I come from a long line of Christians/ preachers/ Baptists/ etc. Actually our only heritage is a long line of men and women lost, dead in sin, without merit whom, in spite of all that, God loved.

• Exalts God Romans9:23(intro); 2Thessalonians 2:13 ¹³ But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:

• Promotes holiness (consumes with gratitude)Romans 6:17 ¹⁷ But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.

• Gives strength (since it is irreversible) Colossians 1:19-20 ¹⁹ For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;
  ²⁰ And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

• Produces joy (a sure hope in the midst of a sinful world) 1:21; Colossians 1:5 ⁵ For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;

• A Royal Priesthood v.9: Exodus 19:6 ⁶ And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.

o Royal – kin of King Jesus Romans 8:16-17(heirs and joint heirs with Christ); Isaiah 9:7; Revelation 20:6 Isaiah9:⁷ Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

Rev.20:6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

o Priests – Exodus 19:6; ministers Isaiah 61:6 Exodus19: ⁶ And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.

Isaiah61:⁶ But ye shall be named the Priests of the LORD: men shall call you the

Ministers of our God: ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves.

o Ruling with Jesus 1Corinthians 6:1-4 ¹ Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints? (cont)
² Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?
³ Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?
⁴ If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church.

• Holy Nation – set apart to have a relationship with God through Jesus. Positionally (vs practically) Sanctified Acts 26:18 (the Apostle Paul's commission)¹⁸ To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. This is what happened/can happen to you.

• Possessed (Purchased) People – Romans 3:25-26 ²⁵ (Jesus)Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation (a payment that not only settles the debt, but restores the relationship) through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
  ²⁶ To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

ILLUMINATION

• Publishers – of His excellencies Acts 1:8 ⁸ But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me

; 2:11 ¹¹ Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. ; Revelation 15:3 ³ And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. We are light, shining, reflecting Jesus

• Practitioners – Living in the light. Colossians 1:13 ¹³ Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

By His grace, we receive the light of God's truth and the righteous desire to obey it.

WITHDRAW FROM THE BATTLE vv.11-12 from fleshly lusts (1John 2:16 – lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, pride of life)

• Don't go there. “Abstain” Hold yourself off
• Run away. 1Corinthians 6:18 ¹⁸ Flee fornication. ; 2Timothy 2:22; ²² Flee also youthful lusts: 1Corinthians 10:14; ¹⁴ Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry. 1Timothy 6:11… O man of God, flee these things (the love of money and the sorrows accompanying)…

u AVOID (from John Piper 1987) Some specifics to avoid

o Falling in love with the present world 2Timothy 4:10 ¹⁰For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica;

o Losing the horror of offending God's holiness 2Samuel 12:7-10 ⁷And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man…. ⁹Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the LORD, to do evil in his sight?… ¹⁰Now therefore the sword shall never depart from thine house; because thou hast despised me, The accusation was not of David violating the sanctity of marriage or the sanctity of life, but of despising God, the Holy One.

o Compartmentalizing life 1Timothy 3:2,4-5 ² A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; ⁴ One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity…; We say, “But he is a good, super talented, worker, or a good attender, or a good business man.. these are things we need…” MOSTLY we need (we need to be) godly men…godly in all areas to lead and keep us accountable.

o Disregarding the biblical mystery of marriage Ephesians 5:23 -The Mystery - verse 32 ³²This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.

o Giving in to self-pity This was written to persecuted Christians. Here is how Paul avoided it. 2Timothy 4:16-17 ¹⁶ At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. forgiveness
¹⁷Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. faithfulness

DEMONSTRATION OF DISCIPLINE v.12-17

NOTE: The Holy Spirit seems to have impressed upon Peter that

the distinct lifestyle of believers can be used to draw people to

Christ(here and 1Peter3:1-2). Jesus taught likewise (Matthew5:16)

This is NOT to say that we have no need to be ready to give a verbal testimony of our Hope in Jesus alone by faith alone(1Peter 3:15); but when the words are spoken, the demonstration will be used of God to bring people to Himself

(1Corinthians 14:24-25). ²⁴But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged (convicted) of all:
²⁵And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth. Convinced and convicted – not only by what is said in church but by how what is said lines up with what he has seen on the street.

• Deportment(outward) should demonstrate your discipline(inward). We will have to live lives that are more than just good. People here can out “good” you. Out action must be motivated by the blood of Jesus, God's love, and His calling

• Citizens of heaven – heavenly authority
• Sojourners on earth – authorities here are (as with everything) heaven-appointed . vv.13-14 Romans 13:1-7 ¹Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God…
• Submit yourself v.13 to show-off Jesus Submission is missing from most goodness, especially worldly goodness.

• Free – made so by the Son of God John 8:32,36 ³²And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. ³⁶ If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

• Willing servants of God v.16 Colossians 3:24; Ephesians 6:6 (from the heart – the new one given you when you received Jesus as Savior) Colossians3:²⁴ Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. Ephesians6:⁶ Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;

• Honor all

• Love the brotherhood

• Fear God

• Honor the king/ruler

Our freedom and authority in Christ is not all about confrontation and casting out... It is also the freedom to back off, to shut up and just behave as a demonstration of our confidence in God who has fought and continues to fight our battles.

Can you trust Him to do that?

Growing Churches and Living Stones 1Peter2:1-8

You citizens of Heaven, naturalized by the ransom paid which freed you from your sin debt, the death of Jesus Christ in your place, since God has known you and chosen you and has, by the Holy Spirit, begun to make you holy like He is and has provided the power for obedience here (in this life) and a title to an inheritance in the “here-after;” since you now have the ability and the command to love one another; since this good news has been proclaimed (gospelled) to you, do not just pretend to be good. Use the word of God to be built up ... into workmanship that increasingly displays the image and glory of God ... into ministers who more and more perfectly depend on Jesus and therefore progressively conform to His plan for you and those you encounter ... and into a family of families who becoming famous by making God, their Father famous.

GROWING CHURCHES

To whom the letter is written: chapter 1 verse 1; chapter 5 verse 1 - churches as well as individual believers must desire to grow.

• Purified lives. Without:

  • malice (1Corinthian5:1-8) Be intolerant of sin. 1Cor 5 There is fornication among you...

  • deceitfulness (2Corinthians12:16-17) Don't just court the rich or talented. 2Cor 12 Paul says feciously, I caught you with guile.. but I did not make a profit off of you.

  • hypocrisy Don't be fake.

  • envy (Job5:2) Wrath kills the foolish but envy slays the silly one Don't try to stay ahead of the folks down the street.

  • Backbiting/evil speaking (Romans1:28-32) among list of evils – backbiting When you grumble, you grumble against God.

• Pure nourishment.

  • Unadulterated/sincere – without mixture of untruth

  Like a baby – When you get hungry, eat. Carry food. Redeeming time Eph 5:15-16 dont walk like fools – Redeem the time. Don't let a Mexican Doctor or Plumber or gardener take your opportunities captive.

• Piquant grace. (Psalm34:8) O Taste and see that the lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him The Lord's grace given to you is good and good to you and good for you.
  
  

LIVING STONES

• Jesus, the Stone – lithos – a carved/shaped/building stone who is the foundation and who sets the angles for all building. Ephesians 2:20-21 20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; 21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: 22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

  • Living – quality of life and character of Jesus

    • living for ever and giving life

  • Rejected by men

    • Refuse to accept His standard/angles – 10 Commandments instead disobey and call it “normal”

    • Refuse to acknowledge His value – instead take credit to yourself

    • Refuse to build upon Jesus – instead plan to approach God in your own righteousness

    • Refuse to rest on Him rather than yourself (believer)

  • Choice and precious in the sight of God (Matthew3:17) This is my beloved Son (Isaiah28:16=1Peter2:6)

    • Peter preached the perfection of Jesus - Acts2:22; 2:32; 4:10-12

• Believers become living stones

  • Coming to Jesus in faith to share His life. Colossians3:3 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

  • United with Jesus as stones in His house. Ephesians2:19-22 see above

  • The household of God, which is the church of the living God 1Timothy 3:15 (house, family, home, household) know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth

HOLY PRIESTS A Family of Families

• God-chosen 1Peter2:9 Some who God did not choose but decided on their own to carry out priestly role - Numbers 16:1-40 = Korah; 1Samuel 13:8-14 = King Saul; 2Chronicles 26:16-21 King Uzziah
  

• God-cleansed Leviticus 8:6-36 / Titus 2:14; 3:5 2:15 Jesus redeems us from all iniquity and purifies us 3:5 Not by works of righteousness, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.
  

• God-clothed Exodus 28:40-43 / Romans 13:14 Put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh to fulfill it lusts

• God-commissioned to offer sacrifices Exodus 29:10-19 / v.5

  • Yourself Romans12:1-2 Present your bodies a living sacrifice

  • Praise/worship Hebrews 13:15 By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

  • Doing good and sharing Hebrews 13:16 But to do good and to communicate(KJV = share) forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

  • Sinners reconciled to God Romans 15:15-16 ...the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable...

  • Love for one another Ephesians 5;1-2 be followers of God, as dear children; and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savor.

  • Prayer Revelation 8:3-4 Read it

Have you accepted or rejected the Living Stone?

Are you intent on growing?

Are you being built into a spiritual dwelling of God?

Do you live as a priest who can dwell in the house of the Lord forever... who feasts at a table spread for you in the presence of Holy God through the sacrificial death of Jesus which atones for your sin?

The Qualification of Your Salvation 1Peter 1:18-25

18knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold,

19but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.

20He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you

21 who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.

22Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart,

23 since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God;

24for

"All flesh is like grass
and all its glory like the flower of grass.
The grass withers,
and the flower falls,
25 but the word of the Lord remains forever." (ESV)

And this word is the good news that was preached to you.

Read the complete first chapter of Peter.

First Peter, as a whole, and certainly the first chapter is written to believer who are going through trial in this land which is not our home. It reminds us that there is cause for rejoicing since you who believe have been chosen my God, you have an inheritance that is sure. You are living the salvation that prophets dreamed of and prophesied.

So get your minds set on hope, holiness, and honoring God. Praise God! You have been, are being, will be saved...by the death of Jesus in your place, by God's choice, by your faith, which can be trusted because it comes from God as well.

How did it happen? How does it happen? What qualifies someone for salvation?

First, a few soteriological terms:

>> Redeemed/Ransomed = release paid for. Titus 2:13b-14

>> Futile ways/aimless conduct/vain conversation = religious acts or other human accomplishments and ways Ephesians4:17,22; Acts14:15(vanities KJV)

>>Perishable things = such as money re. Exodus30:11-16(2Samuel 24); Isaiah52:3

>> Blood of Christ = sacrificial / redemptive death of Jesus; not body fluid (Though is was truly shed, losing blood without giving His life would not have provided for the salvation of those who trust in Him.)

SALVATION – begotten (v.3); calling God Father (v.17); redeemed (v.18) – IS ALL ACCORDING TO:

GOD'S PLAN verse 20

• Decided before the foundation of the world – not a reaction to Adam's sin or the failure of Israel.
  

• Demonstrated in the incarnation, sinless life, death, resurrection, and glory Philippians 2:6-11

• Dated - “last times” = between the birth of Christ and His second coming. I.e. today

GOD'S PURPOSE verse 21

• Jesus died so that you, the redeemed could / would believe in God. Faith= present enjoyment of redemption. Hope= anticipation of future redemption of the body from all effects of sin

• "Through Him" (Jesus Christ alone) = must acknowledge:

  • death and resurrection (“raised Him from the dead”) and

  • lordship (“gave Him glory”)

GOD'S PREREQUISITE verse 21 through Jesus

• The only way to know God

• The power to know God

GOD'S PROOF verse 22

• Supernatural love by means of a purified soul (= past action with continuing results) purify-1John 3:3; love-Romans 5:5

• Saving faith – described- obeying the truth >> not human initiated (“through the Spirit”) - Ephesians 2:8.

• Spiritual target – the brethren / one another

  • without hypocrisy Romans 12:9

  • beyond earthly limitations 1John3:14, 23-24; Romans5:5

• Stretching the limits (fervently/deeply/earnestly) physiological term = stretch to the limit of a muscles capacity

  • intentional – agapaō

  • extensive – 1Peter4:8 covers others' sin not parades them

  • internal – not legalistic requirement – from pure heart = Holy Spirit compulsion – Galatians 5:22-25

• Seed incorruptible (verse 23) which produces an eternal crop

  • born again (occurred in the past with ongoing results in the present) Paul's description – Romans6:3-4

  • like the Word of God – "lives" (breathes / enjoys life) and "abides" (stays /does not perish) for ever

  • by/through the Word of God (verse 25)– (rhema = specific statements preached or “gospelled”)

Qualifications for Salvation

>> Trust only in the God-planned substitutionary death of Jesus for present salvation/relationship to God and future complete delivery from the effects of sin You can be born again.

>> Faith demonstrated by obedience to the Word of God True faith results in a life different from the world.

>> New life desires and enabling, by God the Holy Spirit, to love on purpose. Being born of the seed of God is a God action and results in being a new creation.

How members are to be received into fellowship of the church. (proposed / drawn from examples including Marshill Church. Seattle; Capital Hill Baptist, Washington DC; Reformed Baptist, Pheonix; a Methodist congregation in Texas; and others)

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:

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 immersion 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).

• 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; restoration in line with Matthew 18 and the redemptive purpose of the body of Christ being the first choice.

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