January 2011
Volume 6 #1
Wading River Baptist Church
P.O. Box 438, 1635 Wading River-Manorville Road, Wading River, NY 11792
(631) 929-3512; 929-6022
www.wrbc.us
Hail the new, ye lads and lasses . . . (“Deck the Halls”)
“Behold, I am making all things new” (Rev 21:5).
By the time you read this, the world will
have toasted in the New Year, complete
with their customary debauchery (called
“parties”), champagne, dancing, noise-
making, and other expressions of glee.
Why all this happiness? What’s so special
about the calendar changing from Decem-
ber 31 to January 1? Nothing, really. The
sun still rises in the east and sets in the
west; we still have to eat, sleep, go to work,
care for our families—in short, to do every-
thing we had to do before. In truth, there’s
really nothing new about the new year. As
it unfolds, we will be faced by essentially
the same responsibilities, challenges, joys,
and hardships we experienced in the year
just passed. There are variations of course,
but on the whole, life is pretty consistent,
and for many people that means consis-
tently unpleasant and unfulfilling. So why
the momentary ecstatic celebration?
The reason is not hard to explain; it
lies in the human quest for fulfillment and
meaning. As someone has observed, most
people live lives of quiet desperation.
There is a perennial longing that today will
be better than yesterday, and that the good
tomorrow brings will exceed the monotony
of today. So even if it is fleeting, New
Year’s Day is a day of hope.
Part of this longing for something bet-
ter is bound up in our desire for something
new. This, too, is a basic human desire,
built into all of creation. As our bodies age,
accompanied by all of the discomforts that
go with advancing years, we long for the
impossible dream of finding that elusive
“fountain of youth,” knowing, of course,
that we will never do so. We get tired of
office@wrbc.us
All Things New
Fast away the old year passes,
And He who sits on the throne said,
living in the same old house, especially
when we look carefully at the signs of wear
and tear, sighing within ourselves over the
work and expense we will incur in main-
taining it. A new baby is the source of ela-
tion until we have to face the stark reality
that the new child can be every bit as ob-
noxious as his/her older siblings! Driving
a new car always provides a temporary
high—until it too begins to collect its share
of nicks and scratches and small, but irri-
tating, dents, or until our neighbors buy
one even newer. The truth be told, the new
quickly becomes the old, and so the longing
for something else new rises in our souls
again, only to repeat the frustrating cycle.
The Apostle Paul reminds us that “the
whole creation groans and suffers the pains
of childbirth together until now. And not
only this, but also we ourselves, having the
first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves
groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for
our adoption as sons, the redemption of
our body” (Rom 8:22-23). The universe
itself, here personified, longs for a perma-
nent renovation; our dying bodies long to
be renewed.
Scripture informs us that in spite of
the present state of decay, there is coming
just such a day of renewal. After the di-
vinely executed holocaust that will judge
this sinful earth, the heavens will pass
away, “and the earth and its works will be
burned up” (2 Pet 3:10). And then there
will appear “a new heaven and a new earth;
for the first heaven and the first earth
passed away” (Rev 21:1). In witnessing the
splendid appearance of the New Jerusalem
in his magnificent apocalyptic vision, the
Apostle John hears the Lord himself de-
clare, “Behold, I am making all things new”
(v. 5). This time, however, “there will no
longer be any death; there will no longer be
any mourning, or crying, or pain” (v. 4).
Why? Because “the first things have
passed away.” This is reason for authentic
hope!
There is one serious caveat in all of
this, however. Not everyone will enjoy the
blessing of this new heaven and new earth
which will be perpetually and eternally
new. Outside of the New Jerusalem are
“the dogs [sexual perverts] and the mur-
derers and the idolaters, and everyone who
loves and practices lying” (Rev 22:15).
Simply stated, those who have never been
transformed by the grace of God—those
who have never believed in the Lord Jesus
Christ as Savior—will be excluded. These
have never been made new through faith in
Christ. The new heaven and new earth are
for new people. And who are they? New
people have experienced the new birth.
Again, consider God’s Word: “Therefore if
anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature;
the old things passed away; behold, new
things have come” (2 Cor 5:17).
Thus, as you begin this new year, are
you a new creation in Christ? Has the old
life passed away—are you enjoying the new
things God gives as part of His gift of eter-
nal life? Are you anticipating the eternal
glories of heaven? If not, why not call upon
the Lord today? Happy New Year!
⎯ Pastor Ron Glass
1
 Getting Acquainted with Joe Best
In the early
part of 2010,
during the
winter season,
Pastor Glass
received an
email in-
quiring about
Wading River
Baptist Church
(WRBC). It was from a couple living in St.
Louis, Missouri, who were intent on mov-
ing to Long Island as a result of a transfer
for the husband, a staff sergeant with the
U. S. Army. WRBC is a praying church,
and as a result these two believers were
added to the prayer list. Prayers began to
mount for this couple, strangers from
across the land. They needed to sell their
house in St. Louis and find one on Long
Island near their number one priority⎯a
church that preaches the truth of the Word.
They were put in touch with Anna Fiore, a
realtor who attends the church, and a bond
began to form between this couple and the
WRBC.
One by one, prayers were answered
and the house in St. Louis was sold by
June; the wife obtained a job at the Peconic
Bay Medical Center in Riverhead in July;
friends were made with George and Judy
Ehmann, who opened their hearts and
home to the couple while they were finaliz-
ing arrangements for a rental; temporary
housing was found in Ridge (also in July);
and by August, the couple had moved into
the rental. By November, the couple closed
on a house in Manorville; this enabled their
final move in mid-November through the
help of a handful of volunteers from the
church.
It has been an amazing journey that all
began on a computer, a journey that cul-
minated in the entrance of this couple
through the doors of the WRBC. This cou-
ple, Joe and Martie Best, have been attend-
ing the WRBC for perhaps five months
now. In this relatively brief period of time,
Joe and Martie have already become mem-
bers and have begun to take an active part
in the fellowship and service of the church.
Not only does this article serve as a profile,
first for Joe Best (next month: Martie
Best), but outlines God’s grace and purpose
in designing His will and direction for the
church as well as for Joe and Martie Best
specifically.
Joe Best was born on January 19 in
Hattiesburg, Mississippi, to parents Joe
Best, Sr. (best known as Mac) and Dolores
Best. His father was the owner/operator of
a family-owned
business handed
down through the
family from Joe’s
grandfather, Jo-
seph E. Best. The
store, Ben Frank-
lin Five & Dime, was located in Woodville,
the county center of Wilkinson County,
which itself is located in the southwest cor-
ner of Mississippi and about 25 miles away
from the Mississippi River. Woodville was
a small town of maybe 2,000 people about
125 miles north of New Orleans, which is
where Joe’s mom was from.
Even the county in which Joe lived in
his early years was very rural with only
about 12,000 people. With a little bit of
imagination, especially for those who have
lived a few decades more than others, a
picture fr0m the past comes to mind
straight out of Mark Twain’s writings.
His mom was first of all a mother to
three children: Ellen (Joe’s older sister),
Joe, and Susan (Joe’s younger sister). Sec-
ondly, she was employed as a clerk in the
county office of the U.S. Department of
Agriculture, from which she retired after
30 years of service.
Joe’s mother was from New Orleans, a
predominately Catholic city, and conse-
quently she was raised a Roman Catholic.
Joe, in his early years, was greatly influ-
enced by his mother’s Catholicism. Joe
did, however, attend the Episcopal church
with his father on a regular basis; both
parents agreed that it was important to
attend church regularly.
Joe attended the Christian Academy
High school where he played basketball on
the high-school team and
played the saxophone in the
high-school band. For a few
years, Joe was also a boy
scout.
Most Christmases were special in the
Best household. As a result of Joe’s father
working in the retail business, Joe can viv-
idly recall the challenge it was to work in
his store⎯especially during the Christmas
season. Both he and his sisters worked
hard and appreciated the uplifting Christ-
mas attitudes of the customers. He also
remembers his father being happier at
Christmas time compared to the rest of the
year.
His grandfather and father ran the
family business for over 50 years. Joe was
presented with an opportunity to follow in
his father’s footsteps when he expanded his
business to make room for his son. How-
ever, in accordance with God’s ultimate
plan and purposes, Joe did not continue in
the family business. His dad closed the
doors for the last time in the late 1980’s.
Before deciding to enlist for active
duty in the Army in 1985, Joe worked as a
Tom’s Snack’s delivery driver for a short
time; managed a small Seven Eleven type
store; and sold insurance for Metropolitan
Life Insurance.
It was during these years that Joe was
married and was blessed with a daughter,
Shelley (now 31); but sadly, this marriage
ended with divorce.
After entering the Army
and dealing with the di-
vorce, Joe began searching
for answers and the mean-
ing of life. It was Warrant
Officer Tannenbaum, a Jew-
ish Christian, who invited him to attend a
Baptist church. It was there that Joe
opened his heart to God and to Christ; his
inward faith was followed by a public pro-
fession. It was also at this time that Joe
was baptized at Walstone Baptist Church in
Fayetteville, NC, just outside of Fort Bragg.
It was a great day for him and in his
heart he knew that it was the most impor-
tant day of his life, when God called him to
be one of His own. Joe is still searching for
answers, but now he knows where to find
the answers⎯in God’s Word.
After being discharged from the Army
in 1992, Joe moved back to Mississippi to
serve on inactive duty until 1997. At the
same time, he at-
tended the University
of Southern Missis-
sippi, where he earned
an Associate’s Degree.
It was there that Joe
met a lady by the
name of Martie McGowen who was also
attending the University. A strong rela-
tionship grew which was centered upon
their unification in Jesus Christ and they
were married on October 15, 1995.
As Joe’s inactive duty came to an end
in 1997, he volunteered for active service
again. He has since served in Fort Knox,
KY; St. Peters, MO; and now at U.S. Army
Hospital in Shoreham, NY. Professionally,
Joe is a Senior Human Resources Non-
Commissioned Officer who holds the rank
of Sergeant First Class. Joe’s job involves
the safekeeping of personnel records and
filing paperwork on behalf of the soldiers
in the unit he serves. By the year 2012, Joe
continued on page 3
2
continued from page 2
will have accrued 27 years of military ser-
vice (20 of which were in active duty). Joe
trusts that he will be in a position to retire
soon.
Together, Joe and Martie have three
children: Shelley, 31 years old, who is mar-
ried to Cameron (this marriage has pro-
vided Joe and Martie with three wonderful
grandchildren); Rebekah, 27, who lives in
Winter Park, FL; and Nathan, 22, who re-
sides in St. Louis, MO.
As far as his free time goes (beyond
what the U. S. Army and Martie are con-
Missionaries of the Month – Samuil and Ella Likhtman
Many prayers have been answered for
Samuil and Ella Likhtman as they continue
with their faithful ministry in Petach Tik-
vah, Israel. One answered prayer was their
rehabilitation following their car accident
in August 2010. Not only are the
Likhtmans and their granddaughter, Mi-
chelle, doing well, but they have a new car
When we hear the ninth commandment,
“You shall not bear false witness against
your neighbor” (Exodus 20:16 NASB),
should we say it means we ought not lie,
and leave it at that? All right, you know my
answer because if I thought the answer to
be a simple yes, I would not have written
this article. This commandment encom-
passes others. In practical terms, I believe
this to be a difficult commandment to un-
derstand, let alone obey. I will try to ex-
plain what is required of us by the above
commandment and to give practical ways
for us not to stumble over it.
We all know the harm that can be
done if we act on something that turns out
to be false. What if the person giving us a
report is ignorant or believes he is speaking
the truth? Is he exonerated? Here is an
example. A man says, “Go ahead and dig.
There are no lines there.” It turns out he
was wrong, and the machine operator
knocks out power to a whole town! The
tinually vying for), Joe likes to relax and
“veg out” in front of the TV, allowing him
the fast track to some shut-eye. When he
does have some free time, he enjoys play-
ing games or cards; Joe entertains hopes of
someday pursuing a
game of golf or tennis.
But this we can say for
sure⎯Joe can grill a
mean steak!
Joe reflects a gentle silence but that is
just a military discipline. His heart is in
the right place knowing the Lord as he
to replace the old one that was beyond re-
pair.
Another answered prayer within their
church, Light of Life Congregation, con-
cerns the youth of the church. Football
(soccer) games are arranged between the
church’s youth and the secular Israelis.
The athletic activities are followed by an
opportunity to share freely about God’s
grace in Jesus, the Messiah of Israel.
Other outreaches include hiking trips
around the country, offering occasions for
fellowship and personal evangelism to un-
believers; the distribution of tracts in both
the Hebrew and Russian languages; the
organization of special Bible studies; and
the education of church leaders (in He-
brew) in how to build a sermon. In Janu-
ary, they will be welcoming Sam and
The Ninth Commandment
man did not attempt to deceive anyone, so
he did not lie. However, is he blameless?
An honest reading of the ninth com-
mandment should inform us that there is
more to it than lying. Presumably, the ma-
chine operator in our example is a co-
worker of the man; we are reminded that
Jesus gave a broad definition of “neighbor”
in the parable of the good Samaritan (Luke
10:30-37). Consequently, there would be
no reason not to consider co-workers as
our neighbors. What the man said was
proven to be false; thus he gave a false wit-
ness that caused harm. The operator acted
on the man's word. Does this mean that it
is sin to be wrong, so we must know every-
thing? I believe the keys to obeying this
commandment are language, wisdom, and
sense (which does not seem to be so com-
mon these days).
If we are to attempt to obey the ninth
commandment, we would do well to un-
derstand the third which reads: “You shall
not take the name of the LORD your God in
does. He believes that “If God is for us, who
can be against us?” as his favorite Bible
verse (Romans 8:31) states. He knows that
ultimately, our Father in heaven brought
them to the WRBC; he knows that a warm
welcome was felt in the early days upon
their arrival at the WRBC; and he knows
that it was the kindness shown to them that
brought them to the decision to join the
WRBC. Joe is grateful for all the prayers
and we at the WRBC are grateful for Joe.
⎯ Joan Tyska
Miriam Nadler, friends from the Word of
Messiah Ministry, as they conduct a two-
day seminar.
As we continue to pray for Israel and
specifically for Samuil and Ella Likhtman,
there are two girls, Dasha and Veronica,
from the congregation that are battling
cancer. The doctor is very encouraged by
how well the treatment is progressing.
Please keep them in prayer for God’s will in
the remission of the cancer afflicting these
two girls.
Samuil and Ella Likhtman “continue
to thank the Lord for the great privilege to
pray for each other and for the wonderful
eternal unity that He made possible in His
Son.”
⎯ Joan Tyska
vain, for the LORD will not leave him un-
punished who takes His name in vain” (Ex
20:7). There are multiple names for God
given in the Pentateuch (Genesis through
Deuteronomy⎯the five books of Moses).
Would it not make sense here to use the
name “I AM” (Ex 3:14), because it is the
name God told Moses to use when he was
about to lead God's people out of Egypt?
This would imply that we ought not use a
form of “to be” haphazardly because we
may be taking the Lord's name in vain. We
should be able to explain why the thing we
referenced is true. I would rather say “stop
using the word ‘God’ in a swear phrase”
and call it a day. Oh, if it were that easy to
satisfy what is required of us!
I remember an off-the-cuff conversa-
tion in high school with my Spanish
teacher in which the jist of it was that in
her country, they say “I saw him in the
other room;” but we say, “He is in the other
room.” I did not take much away from her
class, but at least I recognized the profound
continued on page 4
3
continued from page 3
difference here. The first statement re-
mains true, but the second statement is
likely to become false as time passes. If we
are careful to qualify our statements, we
can better honor God by refraining from
falsehoods. “I don't believe there are wires
there,” “according to the town...” and “I
don't know” are perfectly valid answers if
that is all we can attest to.
So is that it? Not quite. We have ne-
glected the word “bear.” Should we hold
on to stuff that is not true? I don't think so.
We would do well to throw up anything we
believe is false. Better yet, we should not
swallow it in the first place. This is where
the machine operator may come in. Does
he have reason not to believe what the man
told him? If the man has a record of being
incompetent, careless, or loose with the
facts, did the machine operator have a duty
to not carry the falsehood and to seek guid-
ance from others?
“The Crisis and the Process”
from Victory in Christ by Robert C. McQuilkin, Part 3
Editor’s Note: From time to time, we hope
to bring you excerpts from largely forgotten
works on the spiritual life, works from previ-
ous generations that need to be read and pon-
dered today. Robert C. McQuilkin (1886-
1952) was a popular conference speaker and
from 1923-1952, the first president of Colum-
bia Bible College (now
Columbia International
University) in Columbia,
SC. This is the first half of
the fourth chapter of a
little booklet containing
his personal testimony as
to how he found spiritual
victory in his life. Chapters 1 and 3 were pub-
lished in the November and December 2010
issues of The Beacon, respectively. We will
publish subsequent portions in the months to
come.
“A crisis, followed by a
process,” is the way the be-
loved Bible teacher, Dr. Grif-
fith Thomas, described the
life of victory. It is of vital
importance to understand
the relationship between a crisis experience
which marks a transformation of a Chris-
tian’s life, and the process that follows. I
am, therefore, adding two brief supplemen-
tary messages to my personal testimony.
First I shall try to answer the question as to
how this crisis experience in my own case
affected the Christian life and service and
growth that followed. Then, I shall try to
Paul commended the Bereans because
they did not swallow everything he said
without checking it out (Acts 17:10-12). We
have a responsibility to make sure we have
checked out things (not just Scripture) be-
fore we pass them on to others and before
we believe what others say to us. Should
we believe ourselves to be so spiritual that
when a thought crosses our minds we say it
is “a word from the lord” without checking
it out against reality? I find this attitude
infuriating and a great hurdle to overcome
when presenting the gospel! If we fre-
quently give our friends and co-workers
information that they check out and find to
be wrong, why should they believe us when
we talk about the things of God? If they
find that we are trustworthy and that pretty
much everything we say turns out to be
true, we may be able to overcome the
“fruitcake” label in some people's minds.
It is hard to bring falsehoods into con-
versations if all we believe is true and we
Classics to Contemplate
answer the question as to what is the Scrip-
tural teaching concerning an experience in
the life of a Christian, and how it is related
to the many apparently contradictory teach-
ings concerning the Spirit-filled life, the
baptism of the Spirit, perfectionism, and
sanctification.
Toward the end of that blessed mis-
sionary conference in which I met the Lord
in a new way, the chairman asked me in his
cheerful way whether I had received a bless-
ing. To say that I had received a blessing
seemed to me an entirely inadequate way of
describing what had taken place. I do not
recall my exact words, but I exclaimed
somewhat after this fashion: “A blessing?
No! I have received the blessing I have
been hungering for for years.”
The chairman had a great gift for strik-
ing illustration, and he said this: “Well, you
know, young people come to conferences
year after year. They fill up their vessels
and go back to their churches and young
people’s societies. After a few weeks or
months, the water gets low,
and their vessels are empty.
They look forward to the
summer conference and the
expected refilling. Then one
year they come to the con-
ference and something hap-
pens. They sink a well of
their own!”
do not give definitive statements about
things we do not know about. How do we
go about this? Two things come to mind.
The first thing is we ought not take part in
gossip (Prov 18:7-8; Prov 20:19; Rom 1:28-
32)! God takes gossiping seriously because
I believe it is a way we take God's name in
vain. By passing along gossip, we can un-
wittingly aid people in maliciously ruining
reputations (Ex 23:1-3). Secondly, we
should forbid ourselves from getting into
frivolous arguments (1 Tim 6:20; 2 Tim
2:16; Titus 3:9). The truth can become
secondary if egos get bruised and it be-
comes more important to win the argu-
ment. Is God glorified in this? I believe
this barely scratches the surface on this
topic. I hope I have given you some food
for thought.
⎯ Carl Chapman
He had described perfectly what hap-
pened in my case. Our Lord said: “Whoever
drinketh of the water that I shall give him
shall never thirst; but the water that I shall
give him shall become in him a well (or
spring) of water springing up unto eternal
life” (John 4:14). I realized that I had sunk
a well of my own. I knew that the experi-
ence was not something to be depended
upon. There was need of abiding in Christ.
But “the resources of the Christian life,” as
someone has said, “are just Jesus Christ.”
Those resources are exhaustless.
The secret of con-
tinuance in victory,
therefore, is to go on as
we have started. We
yielded to Christ and
trusted Him. We go on
in the Christian life, yielded, and trusting,
moment by moment. This is the normal life
attitude for every Christian. From another
viewpoint, we yield and trust for this mo-
ment. This is the only moment we have.
And in this moment we are either trusting
or we are not. A choice Christian business
man who was a blessing to all with whom
he came in contact attended Victorious Life
conferences year after year. Finally he ar-
ranged for a conference in his own home
church. At the close of the conference, I
mentioned to him that he seemed to enjoy
the conference. “Enjoy it! This has been
the most wonderful week of my life. I have
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heard this message over and over again. I
have read many books on the subject. But
never till this week did I learn the secret of
entering in. One of my favorite hymns is,
‘Moment by Moment I’m Kept by His Love!’
But it was the ‘by moment’ part that got me.
This week I suddenly faced the fact that in
this present moment I was either trusting
Christ to supply all my need or I was not
trusting Him. I was in a corner, and I made
the decision that I have delayed making for
years, and life is all changed.” Now that
first clear realization of this truth does con-
stitute a crisis. But we are to go on, mo-
ment by moment, abiding in the Lord.
The Bible had become a new book to
me. I had learned a new secret of the
prayer of faith. But all of this would avail
nothing unless prayer and Bible study be-
came a regular and a vital part of life. The
measure of blessing through the years has,
therefore, varied according to the measure
of faithfulness in Bible study and prayer. It
has varied also because of other important
things, but Bible study and prayer are es-
sential to a normal, healthy Christian
growth, and essential also to abiding in
Christ.
I do not want to give the impression
that there has been a constant feeling of joy
or exultation in Christian living. Joy is
deeper than feeling. Christ was the Man of
sorrows and acquainted with grief. On the
road to Gethsemane He gave His peace and
joy to the disciples. We are to fellowship
with His sufferings. Many times Christians
may be in heaviness through manifold
temptations. At such times we are tempted
to discouragement and to anxiety. The
question is, What do we do in that moment
of discouragement? Do we meet it in faith,
or in unbelief? Many times I have come to
the Bible and so far as feeling is concerned
have been as dry as a stick. But in the new
life I am not walking by feeling but by faith.
The Bible is the Word of God and in faith I
come expecting the needed message regard-
less of feeling.
Another thing that we were taught was
the need of instant confession of sin when
conviction came. This life is not presented
as a life of sinlessness. There was a new
sensitiveness to sin, and a consciousness of
things that displeased the Holy Spirit which
before were not recognized. There was a
new sense also of the reality of forgiveness.
When the confession was sincere, there was
the joy of entering into His cleansing and
into His sufficiency to give victory.
Again and again, when facing an op-
portunity for service or testimony, the dis-
couraging thought came that with the fail-
ures I had made, I should be careful about
witnessing to the Lord’s victorious power.
But each time the question came, What
about this present moment? Am I truly
yielded to the Lord? Is He meeting every
need? Thus the testimony was an ever fresh
and real testimony, because it was a testi-
mony to the sufficiency of Christ, not of my
own record of faithfulness.
Another secret of continuance in vic-
tory is growing in grace and in the knowl-
edge of the Lord. We do this, of course,
through prayer and Bible study and through
our Christian service and through all our
experiences. But we do it also by recogniz-
ing that the Lord has much more for us
than we have ever entered into. We should
expect that every day will show a growth in
the things of God. God’s plan is not a mere
negative conquering of failures, but a posi-
tive going on in the Lord.
Equally with prayer and Bible study as
a necessity for continuing in the victorious
grace of our Lord, is faith-filled Christian
service. Every Christian is called to witness
to others. Every Christian may be a soul-
winner. Nothing is more conducive to
Christian growth than eagerly seeking to
win others to Christ and to a life of service.
His plan is: “Be ye steadfast, unmoveable,
always abounding in the work of the Lord,
forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not
in vain in the Lord” (1 Cor. 15:58). The se-
cret of keeping on is “always abounding,”
not discouraged when we do not see imme-
diate results.
Christian fellowship, and faithfulness
in the worship of the Lord, is another
means of grace. There was no such thing as
a free-lance Christian in New Testament
times. We are joined to Christ, but we are
also joined to other Christians. We belong
to the Body of Christ, composed of all true
believers. But we should also be united
with a local company of God’s people. This
is God’s order, and the New Testament
plan. Christians need to have the fellow-
ship, and they need to worship regularly,
and they need to be under discipline in their
Christian life.
It will be seen that these suggestions
concerning the continuance in a life of vic-
tory are simply the Bible instructions which
all true Christians are to follow in their
daily living. Naturally the question arises,
What is the relation between this decision
that we have called a crisis, and the process
of living the Christian life?
There are devoted Christian leaders
who tell us that God’s true way of holiness
is no short-cut of a sudden step of faith, but
is through faithful prayer and Bible study,
Christian service, and the attending upon
all the means of grace. They agree that
many who teach a special blessing, whether
it is called sanctification, or the baptism of
the Spirit, or entering into victory, are
blessedly used of the Lord. But they main-
tain that the blessing in such lives does not
come from the supposed crisis, but from
their faithfulness in following God’s plan of
abiding in Christ.
The question of the Bible doctrine on
this matter will be taken up in the next
chapter. But here let us notice the practical
fact that there are multitudes of earnest
Christians who are carrying on to the best
of their knowledge all of these means of
grace, and yet they do not have joy and
peace, they do not have the victory in prayer
and Bible study, or in Christian service.
They need a new attitude of faith in all of
their Bible study and prayer and service.
They need a crisis in their lives. Let us note
the further fact that many great Christian
leaders, as well as thousands of little known
believers testify to a
crisis that marked a
transformation in the
life. Hudson Taylor, of
China, is one who has
witnessed most clearly
to such a crisis in his
life, as related in
“Hudson Taylor’s
Spiritual Secret.”
We have already noted that there are a
number of doctrines set forth to describe a
vital change of this sort in the life of a
Christian, such as the doctrine of entire
sanctification, of the baptism of the Spirit,
of the fullness of the Spirit. There is also a
variety in the teaching concerning the evi-
dence as to whether a Christian has entered
into the experience. However, it is signifi-
cant that all teachers agree on the condi-
tions, or shall we say, the human condi-
tions, necessary to entering into this new
life. These conditions are surrender and
faith, which may be viewed as two things, or
viewed as the two sides of one committal to
the Lord. The normal Christian attitude is
that the believer should yield himself to the
control of Christ. But there are two objec-
tions made to the teaching of a once-for-all
surrender for a new life of victory. One
objection is that no Christian is fully sur-
rendered at any time. The other objection
continued on page 6
5
continued from page 5
is that the Christian is constantly making
new surrenders after his acceptance of
Christ as his Saviour.
We must admit that from one stand-
point the Lord Jesus is the only human be-
ing that was ever surrendered in an abso-
lute way to the control of the Spirit. But
from another very practical standpoint,
there is such a thing as absolute surrender
for the Christian. That is, in this present
moment the Christian knows whether it is
Vacations, hanging of the
greens, office make-overs,
and getting reading for the
Christmas holidays kept the
church calendar active and
busy this past month.
Thanksgiving, though, was a quiet
time of expressing our gratitude to God for
the blessings He has so graciously be-
stowed upon us over the past year. Many
within our church family were away on
Thanksgiving vacations, including Pastor
and Maureen Glass who enjoyed a visit
with their children and grandchildren in
Greenville, SC.
As Pastor’s office was not being occu-
pied, the Bellards and the Chapmans took
advantage of this time to paint and give the
office a most welcomed make-over⎯a true
thanksgiving blessing.
At the same time, the church began to
take on that special Christmas look as our
ever faithful deaconesses and volunteers
decorated the church after the service on
November 28th.
Also on November 28th, Peter Albrecht
filled the pulpit for Pastor Glass while he
was on vacation and preached the sermon,
“Joyful Thanksgiving: The Prescription for
Peace” (text: Philippians 4:1-9). The ser-
mon served as an addendum to Pastor
Glass’s series on the Three-Self Christian
(self-denial, self-sacrifice, and self-control)
which concluded on November 21st.
On the Lord’s Day, December 12,
2010, the WRBC Choral Ensemble pre-
sented the musical arrangement, “Night of
the Father’s Love.” Many weeks of prepa-
ration under the patient direction and en-
couragement of George Ehmann all came
together for 35 minutes of some of the fin-
est music to glorify our Lord Jesus Christ.
Most outstanding were soprano Sarah
Chapman’s solo, “The Coming of the Lord,”
and tenor Carl Chapman’s solo, “Seeking
the King.”
his will to have the will of Christ in is life or that she is joined to her husband, and sepa-
not. Since all Christians know from experi- rated from all other men in that relation-
ence that it is possible not to be yielded to ship. So a Christian is joined to the Lord,
the Lord there is a definite step of making and he reckons himself separated from all
that full committal. It means something in that is contrary to his life in Christ. This as
present living when God commands, “Yield an attitude is an absolute thing. Yet many
yourselves unto God.” When a young Christians, for one reason or another, do
woman is married she commits herself to not have this as a steadfast attitude. They
her husband, in that relationship. It is an need a crisis, or decision.
absolute, not a relative thing. She goes on To be continued in the February 2011
living the married life reckoning on the fact issue of The Beacon.
A Month in Review
Short narrations introducing each of
the eight musical pieces were read by Chris
Hallstrom, Dennis Tyska, and Joan Tyska.
It is without saying that the fellowship
continued on into the afternoon as the
bond of love
was felt in every
corner of the
fellowship hall.
Coordinating technician Jim Perry
fine-tuned the orchestrated recording of They say one
“Night of the Father’s Love,” most neces- picture is worth
sary for such a production; all too often the a thousand
technical contribution to such a wonderful words, so let the pictures speak loudly of
musical presentation is overlooked. the love shared.
⎯ Joan Tyska
After the service, everyone was invited
downstairs to the fellowship hall for a
lunch buffet that the deaconesses had pre-
pared. It was a time of great socializing
and reaching out to guests. One particular
guest, Ray Wigdal, a dear friend of the
Perez family, serves as a missionary to
China. Ray had many stories to share of
his love for his nine adopted Chinese chil-
dren. He has taken them in, providing for
their material needs as well as nurturing
them in the Word, teaching them how to
pray, and educating them through a cur-
riculum from Bob Jones. Occasionally,
Ray pastors a local church in this foreign
land for those in need of the Lord’s love.
6
 January Bible Quiz Questions December Bible Quiz Answers
1) What was Barnabas’s given name? 1) Athaliah, mother of King Ahaziah (2 Kings 11:1-3).
2) Antioch, a city of southern Asia Minor in Phrygia, was where the 2) The Rechabites. They refused to drink the wine set
disciples were first called Christians. True or false? before them (Jeremiah 35:1-6, 12-16). This test was
3) Who was the first judge of Israel? commanded by God as an object lesson contrasting the
disobedience of Judah to His commandments.
4) What was the name of the city that was spared destruction at
Lot’s request? 3) By the Apostle Peter, on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:30).

5) Who was the wealthy tax collector who was converted to Christ? 4) “Because of your hardness of heart” (Matthew 19:8).

Bonus: The heretical teaching that Jesus did not come in the flesh, 5) The names of the 12 tribes of Israel (Exodus 28:17-21).
but only seemed to have a body and to suffer and die on the cross, Bonus: The literal meanings of Urim and Thummim are
is called _______? lights and perfections, respectively (Exodus 28:30).
― Felix Acerra

Submit the answers and Bible references to: office@wrbc.us

The Birthday Corner
January 1st – Kaitlyn Hallstrom
January 4th – Jackie Hallstrom
January 10th – Bill Mallman
January 11th – Judy Ehmann
January 19th – Joe Best
January 22nd – Leo Stein
January 25th – Alice Teufel
The Anniversary Corner

January 2011 January 10th – Pastor & Maureen Glass

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1
2 9:45 AM 3 4 5 8:00 AM Ladies Prayer 6 7 8
Sunday School – Joan Tyska (727-5998) 6:30 PM
11:00 AM Morning 7:00 PM Prayer Meeting AWANA
Worship Service and Exposition of Psalms

9 9:45 AM 10 11 12 8:00 AM 13 14 15 1:00 PM

Sunday School 7:00 PM Ladies Prayer 6:30 PM Senior Saints
11:00 AM Morning Board of 7:00 PM Prayer Meeting AWANA Luncheon –
Worship Service (brief Deacons and Exposition of Psalms “Prayer Power”
business mtg. to follow) Meeting

16 9:45 AM 17 18 19 8:00 AM 20 21 22
Sunday School Ladies Prayer 6:30 PM
11:00 AM Morning 7:00 PM Prayer Meeting AWANA
Worship Service and Exposition of Psalms
(choir resumes)

23 9:45 AM 24 25 26 8:00 AM 27 28 29
Sunday School Ladies Prayer 6:30 PM
11:00 AM Morning 7:00 PM Prayer Meeting AWANA
Worship Service and Exposition of Psalms

30 9:45 AM 31
Sunday School
11:00 AM Morning
Worship Service

7
PO Box 438
Wading River, NY 11792
Wading River Baptist Church
• For the Exaltation of God in All Things
• For the Proclamation of Faith in Christ
• For the Transformation of God’s People
Our Purpose
1. To glorify God through sharing
the good news of salvation by God’s
sovereign grace through faith in His
Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.
2. To nurture believers through a
strong program of Christian educa-
tion, youth ministries, and expository
Biblical preaching.
3. To provide an opportunity for
Biblical worship, service, and fellow-
ship.
4. To extend our ministry through-
out America and around the world
through participation in home and
foreign missions.
WRBC is affiliated with the Conserva-
tive Baptist Association of America
and the Conservative Baptist Mission
to the Northeast.