THE BEACON BEAM March 2021

TRUTH FOR LIFE’S JOURNEY

Keeping the Faith in a Faithless Age by Albert Mohler

“The greatest question of our ture, he argued, is cut off from its current state of American society. time,” historian Will Durant offered, Christian roots like a flower cut at the This age is not the first to see un- “is not communism versus individu- stem. Though the flower will hold its speakable horror and evil, but it is the alism, not Europe versus America, beauty for a time, it is destined to first to deny any consistent basis for not even East versus the West; it is wither and die. identifying evil as evil or good whether men can live without God.” When Trueblood spoke those as good. That question, it now appears, will be words more than two decades ago, The faithful church is, for the answered in our own day. the flower still had some color and most part, tolerated as one voice in For centuries, the Christian signs of life. But the blossom has the public arena, but only so long as church has been the center of West- long since lost its vitality, and it it does not attempt to exercise any ern civilization. Western culture, is time for the fallen petals to credible influence on the state of af- government, law, and society were be acknowledged. fairs. Should the church speak force- based on explicitly Christian princi- “If God does not exist,” fully to an issue of public debate, it is ples. Concern for the individual, a Fyodor Dostoevsky’s Ivan Karama- castigated as coercive and out of date. commitment to human rights, and zov argued, “everything is permit- respect for the good, the beautiful, ted.” The permissiveness of modern A NEW ROLE and the true—all of these grew out of American society can scarcely be How does the church think of itself as Christian convictions and the influ- exaggerated, but it can be traced di- it faces this new reality? During the ence of revealed religion. rectly to the fact that modern men 1980s, it was possible to think in am- All of these, we now hasten and women act as if God does not bitious terms about the church as the to add, are under serious attack. The exist or is powerless to accomplish vanguard of a moral majority. That very notion of right and wrong is now His will. confidence has been seriously shaken discarded by large sectors of Ameri- The Christian church now by the events of the past decade. can society. Where it is not discard- finds itself facing a new reality. The Little progress toward the re- ed, it is often debased. Taking a page church no longer represents the cen- establishment of a moral center of out of Alice’s Adventures in Wonder- tral core of Western culture. Though gravity can be detected. Instead, the land, modern secularists simply de- outposts of Christian influence re- culture has moved swiftly toward a clare wrong, right, and right, wrong. main, these are exceptions rather than more complete abandonment of all the rule. For the most part, the church moral conviction. A NEW LANDSCAPE has been displaced by the reign The confessing church must Quaker theologian D. Elton of secularism. now be willing to be a moral minori- Trueblood once described America as The daily newspaper brings a a “cut flower civilization.” Our cul- constant barrage that confirms the (Continued on page 2)

Sunday Beacon Baptist Church Morning Worship….9:30 AM

1622 Kirkpatrick Road Sunday School…....11:10 AM Evening Worship…..6:00 PM Burlington, NC 27215 Gregory N. Barkman, Senior Pastor (336) 226-5205 Wednesday beaconbaptist.com Michael R. Karns, Minister of Christian Education Prayer Meeting…...…7:00 PM [email protected] Robert F. LaTour, Minister of Families IMPACT Clubs...... 7:00 PM Gregory L. Phillips, Minister of Music Teen Ministry……....7:00 PM 1 (Continued from page 1) der the authority of the sovereign reveal the church to be a life-giving ty, if that is what the times demand. God of the universe will inevitably be oasis amid America’s moral desert. The church has no right to follow the at odds with a culture of unbelief. secular siren call toward moral revi- Dr. R. Albert Mohler Jr. is president and sionism and politically correct posi- AN OLD CALL Joseph Emerson Brown Professor of Christian tions on the issues of the day. The American church faces a new Theology at The Southern Baptist Theological Whatever the issue, the situation. This new context is as cur- Seminary in Louisville, Ky. He is host of The church must speak as the church— rent as the morning newspaper and as Briefing and author of many books. that is, as the community of fallen but old as those first Christian churches redeemed, who stand under divine in Corinth, Ephesus, Laodicea, and authority. The concern of the church Rome. Eternity will record whether is not to know its own mind, but to the American church is willing to know and follow the mind of God. submit only to the authority of God The church’s convictions must not or whether the church will forfeit its emerge from the ashes of our own calling in order to serve lesser gods. fallen wisdom but from the authorita- The church must awaken to tive Word of God, which reveals the its status as a moral minority and wisdom of God and His commands. hold fast to the gospel we have been The church is to be a com- entrusted to preach. In so doing, the munity of character. The character deep springs of permanent truth will produced by a people who stand un-

Help Me to Serve You

by Alistair Begg

There remains a Sabbath you have ever seen upon a land the eye undimmed, the voice unfal- rest for the people of God. where they serve God day and night, tering, the heart unwavering; and the Hebrews 4:9 and yet rest from their labors. Here immortal being is wholly absorbed in rest is but partial; there it is perfect. infinite delight. Happy day when How different will be the Here the Christian is always unset- mortality shall be swallowed up of state of the believer in heaven from tled; he feels that he has not yet at- life, and the Eternal Sabbath shall what it is here! Here he is born to toil tained. There all are at rest; they have begin! and suffer weariness, but in the land attained the summit of the mountain; of the immortal, fatigue is never they have ascended to the bosom of known. Anxious to serve his Master, their God. Higher they cannot go. Devotional material is taken from “Morning he finds his strength unequal to his Ah, toil-worn laborer, only and Evening,” written by C.H. Spurgeon, revised and updated by Alistair Begg. zeal; his constant cry is, "Help me to think of when you shall rest forever! Copyright (c) 2003, Good News Publishers serve You, O my God." If he be thor- Can you conceive it? It is a rest eter- and used by Truth For Life with written oughly active, he will have much la- nal; a rest that "remains." Here my permission. bor; not too much for his will, but best joys bear "mortal" on their brow. more than enough for his power, so My fair flowers fade; my dainty cups that he will cry out, "I am not wea- are drained to dregs; my sweetest ried of the labor, but I am wearied in birds fall before Death's arrows; my it." most pleasant days are shadowed into Ah, Christian, the hot day of nights; and the flood tides of my bliss weariness does not last forever. The subside into ebbs of sorrow. But there sun is nearing the horizon; it shall everything is immortal. The harp re- rise again with a brighter day than mains in tune, the crown unfading,

2 March 2021 THE BEACON BEAM

COVID, COVID, COVID

By Greg Barkman

Anyone not ready for this experiencing some encouraging news. and we can relate from personal expe- Covid thing to end? I can’t imagine The rate of new infections and deaths rience what others learn from news anyone who isn’t. If wishing could is steadily declining. Even when in- outlets and conversations with ac- make it happen, Covid would be gone fections were at their peak, the dam- quaintances. Covid is no picnic. yesterday. But, alas, we didn’t make age didn’t turn out to be as bad as Thankfully, neither of us had it happen, and we can’t make it go many expected from the dire warn- a severe case. Marti experienced a away. We know that the one true and ings that were issued. Most cases few mild abnormalities that resem- living God is responsible for this pan- were relatively mild, and the vast ma- bled some Covid symptoms and wise- demic, and it will continue until His jority have already recovered. Even ly decided to get tested. When the purposes have been accomplished. those in the most vulnerable catego- results were positive, I was, frankly, What are His purposes? I certainly ries have not died in great numbers. surprised. She didn’t appear to be don’t know, and I seriously doubt that Most elderly people who were infect- very sick to me, but the test did not anyone else does either. God does ed have survived and are now well, lie. This put her into the county not often disclose His purposes. He contrary to what we were led to ex- health system register, and she was does what He chooses to do. When pect initially. Many people who test- immediately contacted by a case we don’t understand what God is ed positive experienced few if any worker. Marti’s answers to their list doing, we rest in our knowledge of symptoms. Our hearts ache for those of questions turned the spotlight on Who He is. He is all wise, sinlessly whose loved ones died, but the pre- me, and I was called by a health perfect, and incapable of making a dicted level of destruction has proved worker who directed me to get tested mistake. Furthermore, He has made to be greater than the reality. People since I lived in the same house with promises to His children, and Covid, do get sick, but most recover. Even an infected person. I dutifully com- no matter how troublesome, cannot the anticipated economic disaster has plied, not expecting to be positive, but fail to bring good to those who love turned out to be less severe than an- I was surprised again when the medi- God. Guaranteed. ticipated. Some have been seriously cal clinic called the next day to say impacted, but most have remained that I, too, had tested positive. Soon COVID IN THE UNITED STATES. stable, and not a few have prospered. after, the Health Department also Much of the difficulty surrounding The alarming predictions proved to be called me, and now we were both be- this virus is the confusion and uncer- worse than the actual event. ing carefully monitored. I must com- tainty which has accompanied it. At Now, with vaccines becom- mend the Alamance County Health first we were told that it wouldn’t be- ing increasingly available, the end of Department. They were impressively come a problem in the United States. Covid is looking promising. True, we efficient in tracking our condition. And then it did. Early on, we were are told that it will never completely They called several times to check told that masks were of minimal ben- go away. Like the flu which returns our progress and to make an official efit to avoiding infection, and then every year, the Covid virus will al- determination regarding when we they became absolutely necessary. ways be lurking in the shadows. But could be released from isolation. Now, we are told to wear not one, but the disruption we have endured for With so many new cases occurring two to be properly protected. What’s months is beginning to recede, and every day, I am amazed that they going on here! Statistics are another there is now light at the end of the were able to deal with such a heavy area of disinformation and confusion. tunnel. Thank you, Lord. load, but our experience testifies to an First we hear one set of numbers, but outstanding professional perfor- before long, a different set comes COVID IN OUR FAMILY. The mance. along to contradict the first. We un- Barkmans can report, with thanksgiv- What began as a minor incon- derstand that this is a new virus and it ing to God, that none of our children venience gradually became a genuine takes time to gain accurate infor- or grandchildren contracted Covid. illness. We both began to experience mation, but with so many conflicting That is both remarkable and praise- low grade fevers for a few hours eve- pronouncements, it’s no wonder peo- worthy. However, the same cannot ry day. We also lost our appetites and ple are confused and even skeptical. be said for Marti and myself. In mid- were able to eat only sparingly. On However, we are now finally December, we both tested positive (Continued on page 4)

3 March 2021 THE BEACON BEAM (Continued from page 3) no longer accurately count those who As we know, man proposes, but God several days, I had trouble keeping tested positive. Thankfully, we have disposes. my food down and lost seven or eight had only one casualty, a precious el- I don’t know what God is pounds in a little more than a week. derly lady, Louise Day, who had been doing with the pandemic, but I hope We slept several hours a day more in a special care facility for years. He is causing people to seriously than normal, and the commonly re- The virus took her life, but everyone evaluate what is most important. Be- ported fatigue was very real for us. In else has recovered. Adding those ing forced to slow down and consider fact, that was the most difficult and who have overcome Covid to those every aspect of life should produce enduring symptom. We discovered who have received the vaccine, re- profitable reflection and helpful in- that it took many weeks, not days, to sults in a sufficiently large number sights. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if fully regain our strength. However, that we believe our congregation has Covid results in a spiritual awakening we were able to resume our regular reached a stable condition that mini- by the gracious working of God’s work schedule in little more than two mizes the probability of infection. Spirit. I’m praying to that end. Will weeks after testing positive. Though The faithfulness of the Bea- you join me? weak and easily exhausted, we were con congregation during this chal- able to return to a normal life, with lenging year has been more encourag- strength gradually returning a little ing than I can say. The three church more each day. We are greatly pastors are humbled by the commit- blessed, and can certify that there is, ment of our members to attend meet- indeed, life after Covid. ings in person and to participate in the meetings conducted via livestream. COVID AND THE CHURCH. Our Members have also faithfully con- church, like all others, was signifi- veyed their tithes and offerings in a cantly impacted by the pandemic. manner that has been more than We had to shut down all meetings for enough to meet our needs. several weeks, livestreaming services In addition to Sunday morn- over the internet instead. After two ing worship, we enjoyed a regular months, we were able to conduct Sun- “people present” Bible Conference day morning worship with proper so- last October with Dr. Jim Orrick, cial distancing, masks, fist bumps, which was well attended. We also and other precautions. Sunday Eve- scheduled a couple of special Sunday nings and Wednesday Nights contin- Evening services, and are looking ued as livestream only. We were forward to our Spring Bible Confer- blessed to have excellent technology ence in April with Mark Webb. Our already in operation, as we have been ladies have resumed their Coffee and livestreaming Sunday services for Courage weekly Bible studies, and we several years. are making plans to begin slowly add- At first, we didn’t have many ing other meetings until we have re- infections within our congregation, turned to our pre-virus schedule. This but as the months wore on, the num- will take a while, but we believe nor- ber of infections increased until I can malcy is within view. We shall see.

There is something improving to the mind in a contemplation of the Divinity. It is a subject so vast, that all our thoughts are lost in its immensity; so deep, that our pride is drowned in its infinity. Other subjects we can compass and grapple with; in them we feel a kind of self-content, and go our way with the thought, “Behold, I am wise…” No subject of contemplation will tend more to humble the mind, than thoughts of God… But while the subject humbles the mind, it also expands it. He who often thinks of God will have a larger mind than the man who simple plods around the narrow globe… Nothing will so enlarge the intellect, nothing so magnify the whole soul of man, as a devout, earnest, continued investigation of the great subject of the Deity. J. I. Packer, Knowing God

March 2021 THE BEACON BEAM 4

The Lord Is My Rock and My Fortress by Greg Phillips

Intended to be sung together have won. Your name I will proclaim by the people of God, the Psalms are to all, O saving, sovereign One.” songs which express the extremes of human emotion from the greatest heights of joy to the deepest depths of difficulty and despair. Created not from mere imagination, these in- spired songs were penned by those who experienced the struggles and pain themselves. In the case of Psalm 18, King David did not speak figura- tively of fear, distress, enemies, and war, but literally, as one who experi- enced these for himself. The preface names Psalm 18 “a Psalm of David, the servant of the Lord, who ad- dressed the words of this song to the Lord on the day when the Lord de- livered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul.” This same prayer to the Lord is also recorded (with some variations) in 2 Samuel 22. The first stanza of our met- rical setting of Psalm 18 is com- pressed from verses 1-6, but it carries the same ideas as the Psalm itself. We can confidently exclaim as David did: “I love You, Lord, my strength, my rock, my fortress and my aid.” In the second stanza the greatness and power of God are brought to the relief of the oppressed one (vv6-19). Verses 20-30 are the basis of the third stanza’s statement of the transformed life of the one who loves God, and who is safe in His care. Extolling once again the salvation of God, the final stanza of our setting ends with the proclamation of the eternal and sovereign salvation of the LORD. David’s testimony in this Psalm is of the LORD, his rock and fortress. We can join David and countless others who have found deliverance and refuge: “I love You, Lord, my strength, my rock, my fortress and my aid…. Blest be Your name, O living God, the victory You

March 2021 THE BEACON BEAM 5

On The Feminine Side Marti Barkman

This morning I was unable to at 5:45 am, and once awake, I know the center of the lane… ‘Take a answer calls on my cellphone. The not only which button, but how to break’ and a picture of a coffee cup screen required to perform this simple, touch it to turn the radio off. I’ve appears? That brings me to a ques- and obvious task had disappeared. This learned that the symbols on the clock tion: Should I turn off that fea- phone is a replacement for my com- do not mean what you believe to be ture? I’m sure that big thick instruc- fortably familiar iphone 5, whose per- their obvious message, such as the tion manual would tell me how to formance was deemed inadequate by symbol you’d think indicates turning rid myself of this irritant. But this is someone far away. I put off replacing up the volume but really means “press information I needed, though I didn’t it as long as possible, dreading the this button and you’ll have lost an know I needed it. I had no idea my thought of something new and beyond hour of your day.” Though I wasn’t driving was…must I say it…‘erratic’? I my capabilities, but dropped calls and looking for a clock to be a friend, I could turn off the signal and ignore threats of no phone service forced have grown accustomed to it’s greet- the truth of my driving habits, but the change. My fears were not un- ing me ‘Hi’ and ‘Bye’ but still find other lives are at stake. I’m not on founded. I now have a phone that is “Woah” a bit irritating when I turn the that highway alone. too big, too heavy, and far too intelli- volume up. The ring of lights that And we don’t walk through life gent for me. changes colors is, erroneously, de- alone. Others watch and follow. Have Young family members kind- signed to help us sleep, so our friend- you heard, read, thought something ly connected this new phone to a new- ly clock now wears its own sleep that troubles you? Some truth you’d to-me van. Oh my! It is the perfect mask. rather not be bothered to consider? It storm! Talk about complica- I find myself longing for days is never easy to be confronted with tions… The first time my phone rang of simple devices. Things that just truth, to be advised to do otherwise, to while I was driving I had to pull off plug in and turn on. Doorbells that be told we are wrong. The easiest the road so I could turn off the motor require no internet…they just ding thing to do is to turn off the fea- so I could complete a call! I should- when you push a button. How about ture. Close the book. Put our fingers n’t have been surprised by this, as the a ‘Baby Ben’ alarm clock? I’d be hap- in our ears and choose not to vehicle, like the phone, needs nothing py to wind it up every day. I think hear. Listen to something else. Focus from me and practically insists on fondly of the old printer I had decades on what others do or fail to do, turn- driving itself. It’s taken a month, but ago, given to me by a friend who got ing our gaze elsewhere. But when the by now I think I’ve identified all the it as a castoff from ARMC where she voice of truth speaks a warning to our surprises, and am learning to live with worked. I used it for years before hearts we must make a choice: Ignore them, all but one--the constant beep- giving it to my husband, and he still it and turn off the signal. Or heed the ing prompted by my straying from the uses it here at home. It works perfect- voice, get in our lane, and live in the center of the lane. Too many beeps ly. I’m on my third printer since giv- light of the truth we know. The way and the car asked me, please, to take a ing it away. we live our lives matters…to a lot of coffee break. Years ago the instruction people…maybe more than we know. At the end of a long day of book that came with a new household dealing with the frustrations of phone gadget was just a booklet which was and car, I look forward to a simple put in the kitchen junk drawer, just in bedtime. So when about this same case, and thrown away when you re- time a new clock radio became a ne- placed the item. With each replace- cessity I was determined to choose ment the instruction book gets a little one for simplicity’s sake. Evidently, thicker and a whole lot more compli- in this day of cellphones-for-alarms, cated. On a happy note, I’m glad to clock radios are nearly obsolete, for report that you can still purchase a Best Buy had only two models from simple coffee maker that requires no which to choose. I chose the one that more than 3 minutes of reading in- had the words ‘clock’ and ‘radio’ on structions for getting started. Think the box, one that appeared to be just a of trying to decipher the directions to radio, and a simple clock. I should a computer-run coffee maker without have known better. After two months any caffeine on board!! And speaking I have learned what not to touch so of coffee…remember that suggestion that the radio comes on automatically my car makes when I’m drifting from

6 March 2021 THE BEACON BEAM

Is Eternity an Eternity Away? by Paul David Tripp

When was the last time you ry of living with God in a fully re- cal. Simultaneously, the loss of those thought about your place in heaven? stored world, the troubles, tasks, possessions and pleasures become all For some of us, eternity might seem pleasures, and celebrations of the the more painful and seem all the like an eternity away. For others, de- here and now are light and momen- more unfair. pending on our age or any current tary. If you are God’s child, today health complications, heaven might Psalm 73:20 characterizes this is not your final destination but a feel closer and more real. present life as “a dream when one preparation for your final destination. Either way, for sinners living awakes.” In the moment, a dream can Sadly, many of us cause our in a broken world with fickle hearts, seem more real than your actual life. own trouble with eternity amnesia. getting an accurate perception of For- But when you wake up, it disappears We forget who we are and what we ever will be difficult. In one way or like steam. The dramatic moment of have been given for today—and per- another, today will appear big and the dream can’t be compared to the haps most importantly, what is prom- significant, and the hereafter distant many, many years that make up your ised tomorrow. and ethereal. real life. Don’t look at this moment as It will be a constant struggle Heaven tells us that our exist- if it is all there is and all you have. to look at our present life through the ence in the here and now will only be Heaven guarantees that all of lens of eternity and not give it more a minute part of our total existence. this is temporary. Eternity tells every weight than it actually has. Since we will live forever, when we child of God that the bulk of our ex- That’s why I love and need add our years in this broken world to istence will be lived in a place of the reminding words of the Apostle the sum total of our existence, they eternal peace, rest, and joy. Paul in 2 Corinthians 4:16–18: will only make up a microscopic Eternity not only provides us “So we do not lose heart. fraction of our lives. with future hope but with living hope Though our outer self is wasting Don’t allow your heart and in the here and now. away, our inner self is being renewed mind to be dominated by the strug- day by day. For this light momentary gles and pleasures of today because Dr. Paul David Tripp is a pastor, event speak- affliction is preparing for us an eter- Scripture reminds us that everything er, and a best-selling and award-winning au- thor. With more than 30 books and video nal weight of glory beyond all com- that makes up your physical existence series on Christian living, parison, as we look not to the things in the here and now is passing away. that are seen but to the things that are When you see things around unseen. For the things that are seen you as permanent, they take on too are transient, but the things that are much importance and increase your unseen are eternal.” (ESV) sense of loss when they are taken Notice that Paul does not away. If you mistakenly think that deny the existence or minimize the this life is only about who has the importance of today. But he does so most gigantic pile of possessions and with proper perception in light of pleasures in the here and now, then heaven. Compared to the eternal glo- your priorities will become unbibli-

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March 2021 THE BEACON BEAM 7 Beacon Highlights for March

Calendar Member Birthdays Missionary Birthdays

09 Elders/Deacons Meeting 09 Gena Boswell 01 Mike Webster 14 Daylight Saving Time 10 Amijoy Bryner 12 Cheri Giuliani Begins 14 Dru Guthrie 13 Carol Bunyan 21 Communion Service, 15 Mary Ellen Crumpton 6:00 p.m. 17 Scott Haizlip 19 Thad Boyd

Gloria Hendry

22 Nathaniel Speight 23 Lenny Braley 25 Larry Hunter 29 Walt Atkins We express our heartfelt Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Ken Delorge sympathy to the families of: our calendar is subject to change.

We encourage you to follow our Mary Hix announcements on our Beacon Janet Miller website: www.beaconbaptist.com Texie Owens Daniel Peacock John “Jack” Petry Kent Shropshire Kay Wasara

Missionary Stuart Waugh Please join us for our Ronnie Wright Spring Bible Conference with Mark Webb April 4-7

The Beacon Beam Return Service Requested PRSRT STD Beacon Baptist Church US POSTAGE PAID PO Box 159 ALAMANCE, NC PERMIT NO. 3 Alamance, NC 27201

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