Trinity Fellowship

Study in the 1689 Second London Baptist Confession of Faith

The parable of the talents reminds us of the importance of hard work and fruitfulness while we wait for the return of Christ. God placed man in the garden as His viceregent to utilize, steward, and expand the elements of creation. He has likewise placed us in His kingdom for the same work, and it is fitting with His purposes that He would allocate His gifts according to how they are being managed most diligently. We are not to envy or wish we had the gifts of another, but rather, are charged with being thankful for the gifts God has given us, and use them as wisely and as diligently as we are able. As we do this, we can expect that He will continue to give us more gifts and opportunities to steward for our good and His glory.

Study in the 1689 Second London Baptist Confession of Faith

The parable of the Ten Virgins reminds us that things are not always what they seem at the beginning. Testing and time have a way of revealing the substance of a person. Those who make no preparation to meet God and those who think that they can push it off for a later day are like the foolish virgins who wake up to find that it is too late. The door of God's mercy will be closed before they expect. Those who prepare early, who have their fill of the Spirit, and who persevere through the night will be ushered in to the wedding feast to enjoy Christ forever. Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb (Rev. 19:9).

God's creation is both physical and spiritual; He is concerned about caring for both. The church as well has both physical and spiritual needs, and as the life of the church increases, it becomes necessary to appoint men to make sure that people are not falling through the cracks, and that needs are met. Because it is both a joy and a solemn duty to minister to God's people this way, Scripture gives us a picture of what kind of men we are to appoint to this office. This is a healthy step for us as a church, but one that also comes with risk. We must proceed prayerfully and biblically, but also be reminded that the deacons do not need to take care of everything. All members have a share in the health of the church, so even as we fill this office, let us all prayerfully consider how we can continue to minister to one another, even without a title, and how we can give our support and encouragement to the men whom the Lord is calling in this work.

Study in the 1689 Second London Baptist Confession of Faith

Study in the 1689 Second London Baptist Confession of Faith

Brothers and sisters, there is only one Gospel for the whole world, which bears the same fruit, and provides the same certain hope for all who have faith in Christ. This is a sweet and wonderful gospel which cannot be changed, and has no need to be improved upon. It is how you ought to evaluate your own pastor's faithfulness, and to evaluate the state of your own soul. Do not be dismayed when people encourage you to think of the work of Christ as making you a junior Christian with little to delight in and rest in. Do not be discouraged by those who call you to bear fruit which Christ never thought to call you to. And do not be fooled by those who tell you that you do not have to bear the fruit which Christ calls for in His Word. What God's Word says is sin is sin. What God's Word says is praiseworthy is praiseworthy. Those who God's Word says have access to God have full access to Him.

Study in the 1689 Second London Baptist Confession of Faith

The kingdom of God has an "already" and a "not yet fully" component to it. Already it has broken into this age with the coming of Christ, and yet we wait for its full expression at His Second Coming. That is to say, His kingdom is inaugurated but not yet consummated. While we labour in this age, we are to live ready for the age to come. We do this by working consistently with the trajectory that Christ has set in motion. Already at His Ascension He has taken all power and dominion and authority (status) and yet we see that the mop-up operation of bringing earth in conformity to heaven (condition) takes time. Our work is that of productive stewards, doing on earth that which has already been declared in heaven. Wicked servants await being taken away in judgment, but wise servants await an eternal inheritance.