The Baptist Testimony – Volume 59 Number 3 Third Quarter 2013

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From The Baptist Testimony – Volume 59 Number 3 Third Quarter 2013 — Also see: News & Notes and Ken’s Road Report 

“Together”
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Togetherness is a regularly developed concept in the New Testament regarding the church. Often the New Testament describes the relationship between believers and churches through words such as “one accord” (Acts 1:14; 2:1, 46; 4:24; 5:12; 8:6; 15:25; Philippians 2:2), “partnership” (Philippians 1:5), and “together” (Acts 4:31; 14:27; Romans 1:12; 8:17; 15:32; 1 Corinthians 1:10; 5:4; Ephesians 2:21-22; 4:16; Philippians 1:27; Colossians 2:2, 19; Hebrews 10:25). The actions involved in these depictions include prayer, fellowship, unity in purpose, and gospel endeavors.

​One particular passage that incorporates several of these principles is found in the letter to the Philippians. The Apostle Paul challenges them to be unified as a church for the purpose of glorifying God through their singular commitment to the Gospel. “Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God.” Philippians 1:26-28
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This issue of the Baptist Testimony focuses upon several recent and upcoming opportunities for the churches in association with the MARBC to partner together to glorify God through the propagation of the glorious gospel of His grace (cf. Acts 20:24).

Togetherness is a hallmark of the Michigan Association of Regular Baptist Churches. This association is characterized by the partnering of independent local Baptist churches for mutually agreed upon ministry endeavors. Two such endeavors are scheduled to take place this fall. We invite the participation of the entire MARBC family in both.

I trust that you will take time to thank God for the wonderful testimonies shared in this issue and take advantage of opportunities to join others in meaningful ministry.

God is pleased when His churches unite together to bring Him glory.

You have His Word on it! (KEF)