Anchor of Truth - Spring 2016

The A n c h o r of INSIDE THIS ISSUE:TRUTH What Really Needs to be Included in the Gospel Message? . . . . . . . . . . . 2 SPRING 2016 Hardening the Ground with Religious Talk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 We Want to Make Much of Him . . . 4 The Roll Up Yonder vs. The Roll Down Here . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Children & Their Relationship to the Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 GRBC Family Doubly Blessed with New Arrivals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Making A Difference . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 LIVING INCULTURAL CHRISTIANITYIn this issue ofAnchorofTruth, we look at the environment But ourarea still identifies predominantlyas “christian” andin which we at Gray Road Baptist Church are living. the lowercase is intended. Because the “christian” identitytheyNo, I’m not talking about global warming orthe rain forest, express is so often not one of the Biblical Gospel message, but abut ourcultural and religious environment. Here in somewhat more benign collective persona having to do with some moralsuburban Indianapolis, we are actually enmeshed in a very teaching, some church-related slogans, political leanings and aculturally, Christian environment. Do I mean everyone around vague set ofideas, along with a previous conversion experienceus is a Christian, thus negating the biblical imperative to share that trumps all other evidence in each proponent’s life thatthe Gospel message with those around us? Far from it. In contradicts the Biblical idea of being a follower of Christ.fact, more and more people will be identifying themselves In this issue we discuss some of the challenges we faceas something other than Christian, including followers of individuallyandcollectivelyfromlivinginsuchanenvironment.other religious faiths or the more nebulous “Not a Christian” -Rob Ziegleridentification. -1-

WhatREALLYNeeds to be Hardening the GroundIncluded inthe Gospel with Religious Talk by Steven Smith Message In his Gospel, Matthew records an This is a humbling, confrontational incident in which Jesus confronts once statement from our Lord, that should by John Tierney again the religious hypocrisy of the give us a pause. These men, claiming to Pharisees. be godly, were forsaking His Word and “At once all the prison doors flew open, obeying the words of men instead. Jesusand everyone’s chains came loose. The jailer The Pharisees have forsaken the recognizes what is happening and calls itwoke up, and when he saw the prison doors commandment of God in favorof following out directly. You say all the right things;open, he drew his sword and was about to the traditions of men (they are worldly) you wear the right clothes; you pray at thekill himself because he thought the prisoners and Jesus is appalled. God has made it right times; you offer your sacrifices; youhad escaped. But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm very clear in His Word that the people are sing your songs, you bring your offering;yourself! We are all here!” The jailer called for to “Honor their father and mother.” Yet, but your heart is not mine. This is thelights, rushed in and fell trembling before the religious elite had begun to tell the height of hypocrisy. These were culturalPaul and Silas. He then brought them out and people that what they would have given Israelites.asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” in provision for their parents should be given to God. For them, this was a source Cultural Israelites fail to display the That question is still being asked today, of pride. Jesus has a scathing response to glory of God. In fact, religious hypocrisysome two thousand years later. In the case of their disobedience. has the exact opposite effect. “You whothe Philippian jailer, Paul and Silas were quick boast in the law dishonor God by breakingto respond. “”Believe in the Lord, Jesus Christ,” “So for the sake of your tradition you the law. For as it is written, “The namethey said, “and you will be saved – you and have made void the word of God. You of God is blasphemed among the Gentilesyour household”. hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy of because of you.” - Romans 2:23-24 The you, when he said: “This people honors Gentile world could see right through Believe. me with their lips, but their hearts are from the Israelite hypocrisy. The Israelites Much of the New Testament is spent me; in vain do they worship me, teaching claimed to love God and claimed to liveexpounding upon and developing the full as doctrines the commandments of men.” for His glory, but the reality of their livesweight of the word, so it would seem a good - Matthew 15:7-9thing to stop and make sure we understandit. After all, if a person’s eternal destiny The first and perhaps most important does that really mean? If you’ve got it right, ithinges on believing in the Lord, Jesus Christ, element to believing in the Lord, Jesus means that, by God’s grace, you know in yourcommon sense seems to dictate that you’d Christ is to acknowledge that Jesus is God. heart that, spiritually speaking, you are totallybetter have the same definition of “believe” In John 10:30, Jesus told the Pharisees, “I and bankrupt before God, unable to do anythingthat the Bible does, which means the focal the Father are one.” And in John 14:9, Jesus in your own strength that could (or would)point of that belief is Jesus Christ. Recently, laments that Philip doesn’t recognize that fact: please Him. And that the reason you cannotafter a friend and I had concluded a discussion “Have I been with you so long, and you still please God on your own is because of the sinwith a Christian woman, he said to me, “For a do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen that has been a part of you since your birth.minute there, I thought she was just believing me has seen the Father.” It means you acknowledge, therefore, thatin believing (for salvation).” Indeed, there are when Jesus went to the cross, He carried withmany people who claim to be Christians, Perhaps the next thing to know is that Him your sin. And that the Father’s wrath wasbut who don’t know the first thing about the believing, in many ways, is the same as poured out on Jesus instead of you, and thatobject of our faith: “The Lord, Jesus Christ.” “faith,” because believing in Jesus is the same when He died on that cross, He died a death That sort of error is beyond tragic, but as having faith in Him. Hebrews says that, that was rightfully yours; it was the penaltyit does happen. With that in mind, what “without faith it is impossible to please him, that you should have received, but because ofexactly does one have to believe—about for whoever would draw near to God must His great love for you, He suffered and diedJesus Christ—in order to be saved? The rest of believe that he exists and that he rewards in your place.this article will seek to answer that question, those who seek him.”acknowledging, however, that some will say Saying you have faith in Jesus means thatthat there are too many points, while others But, if I say I have faith in Jesus, whatwill want more. -2-

was condemning. They were living for but when the sun rose they were scorched. believers who say one thing with theirthemselves and putting a God stamp on And since they had no root, they withered mouths while they do another thing withit. The result was catastrophic, the Gentile away. Other seeds fell among the thorns, their lives, the name of God is diminished,world blaspheming God because of them. and the thorns grew up and choked them. and hearts are further hardened. Our lives Other seeds fell on good soil and produced must shout from the rooftops, “There is Here’s the sobering reality, there are grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, something better! There is something muchmany people just like these Pharisees sitting some thirty.” - Matthew 13:3-9 more glorious, more deeply satisfying,in the pews of churches all around the more joyous, than big houses, nice cars andworld. The cultural Christian goes to church, Let’s consider the thorny soil for a extravagant vacations.” The church mustloves their family, prays before supper… moment. Jesus explains what he means be a group of born again people who aresometimes, maybe goes to Bible study every later, “As for the what was sown among compelled by the things that bring glory toonce in awhile, sings the songs, listens to the thorns, this is the one who hears the God and point the world to the only Savior,the sermons. However, their heart is far word, but the cares of this world and the Jesus Christ.from God—professing Christians, who love deceitfulness of riches choke the word, andwhat God hates and ignore what God loves, it proves unfruitful.” This individual hears Let’s ask a few personal questions ofconsumed with personal entertainment, the word of the kingdom and receives it ourselves. What is driving and motivatingpersonal pleasure, personal fortune and with much joy. He has become a Christian, me every day? What is my why? What isself, all the while, ignoring evangelism, right? He joins a church, starts giving some most important to me? Am I consciouslyserving the brothers, caring for orphans money, singing in the choir and greeting working to die to myself and to live untoand widows and feeding the hungry. The people at the door. But something is God each day? Do my goals for the comingGlory of God and the supremacy of Christ wrong. He is enthralled with this world. years (work, play, money, retirement, etc…)doesn’t seem to intersect with daily life His vision is earthly. He is distracted. At reflect God’s priorities for my life? Am Ianywhere. Friends, this is hypocrisy. The the end of the day, he has been deceived passionate about what God is passionatechurch cannot be full of people who are by worldly riches and blinded by worldly about? How would my children answermesmerized by the world and bored with concerns. As a result, he fails to bear any these questions concerning me?Jesus and his cross. Jesus tells us in this text fruit for the kingdom. The treasures of thisthat those who worship like this, worship temporary world have blinded him to the The answer to these questions does notin vain. more glorious treasures of heaven. This is impact you alone but also the people living the cultural Christian. all around us. Read what Christ says in the parable ofthe sower: “A sower went out to sow. And Cultural Christianity is a spiritual disease May God give Gray Road Baptist Churchas he sowed, some seeds fell along the and unless the church is diligent to snuff it grace to be full of people who live lives inpath, and the birds devoured them. Other out, the church will succumb. The result a such a way that our children, our familyseeds fell on rocky ground, where they did of cultural Christianity is disastrous. As a members, our neighbors will “give glory tonot have much soil, and immediately they watching and dying world, as an up-and- our Father in heaven.”sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, coming generation, looks upon professing God, help us to honorYOU with our LIPS and our LIVES.you believe God raised this same Jesus from that of a believer being credited with the we call Him, “Father.”the grave as an indication that He (the Father) righteousness of Christ, is called “imputation.” The last truth to be mentioned is theaccepted Jesus’ death as a substitution for You will hear theologians discussing “theyou. And it means this, as well: that you are imputed righteousness of Christ,” and it’s indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the life of theaware that at the very moment you believed something that should cause us to rejoice. believer. It’s a part of believing, because Jesusthese things, your “account” with God was told his disciples that, “the Helper, the Holysuddenly credited with the righteousness of Isn’t it interesting that salvation begins Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name,Jesus Christ. So that when God looks at you, with an acknowledgement on our part that he will teach you all things and bring to yourwhat He sees is the righteousness of his own, we are completely lost? When Isaiah saw a remembrance all that I have said to you.”perfect Son. 2 Corinthians 5:12 says, “For our vision of Jesus Christ, his first words were,sake he made him [Jesus] to be sin who knew “Woe is me! For I am lost;” And that’s where we What does it mean to believe in the Lord,no sin, so that in him we might become the all find ourselves, when God makes Himself Jesus Christ? It means that all these truths, allrighteousness of God”. known to us. But that’s also where God comes these blessings, should result in a desire to to meet us. “I dwell in the high and holy give honor and glory and praise to the Most There’s one more thing—one more truth— place,” He says, “and also with him who is of High. It means that we should have a heartthat should be included in this list, but before a contrite and lowly spirit.” for the hungry and the hurting, and also forwe get to it, we need to pause and reflect on the wicked and the unrighteous. It meansall that we have discussed. The doctrinal God takes us from being hopelessly lost we should desire his Word and His guidancedefinition for the point we just covered— sinners facing His eternal wrath, to possessors every day of our lives, and His presence for of His perfect righteousness, to a place where all eternity. -3-

We Want to - “Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, trials,” she said. “He promises He will walk knowing that suffering produces endurance.” through them with us.” MAKE MUCH He explains a little later in the letter that Along with building the afflicted person’s context, or recognizing the big picture, is a big faith and being a testimony to others, Debbie’s OF HIM part of understanding this idea: trial has also provided an opportunity for believers to show love in tangible ways, and by Rob Ziegler “For I consider that the sufferings of this present they have. time are not worth comparing with the glory that The idea the Lord’s half-brother James led is to be revealed to us.” – Romans 8:18 “Over and over he affirms His love for usoff his epistle with, is particularly counter- through all the cards, encouragement, acts ofintuitive to our modern, Western mind set. Debbie is not impervious to normal, human love and prayers,” Debbie said of the people of reactions to bad news. Upon learning of her GrayRoad. “I feel the powerof people lifting me “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet cancer diagnosis in January, she felt fear, she up. This just overwhelms us. What a comforttrials of various kinds, for you know that the admitted. that is. The people (at GRBC) are every bit astesting of your faith produces steadfastness. And let much our family as our real family. They havesteadfastness have its full effect, that you may be But fear was quickly overtaken by other been His hands and feet. I’ve got a whole basketperfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” – James feelings and understanding. brimming full of cards, I get one almost every1:2-4 day—plus texts and just about everything “The Lord was so near. I haven’t questioned imaginable.” It’s a familiar passage to people who have Him at all through any of this,” Debbie said.been in a Bible-teaching church, but it may “God is sovereign and there is reason for the “God has definitely been loving us throughseem just as odd, or a powerless cliché in the things He allows in ourlives.There is a purpose His people,” Willie added. “It’s not imaginary.”hearts of those who hear it from inside the behind this. I don’t question Him.”church as to those on the outside. “Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, Why not? comfort one another, agree with one another, live Think of it. The response to adversity “We’re Christ-followers. He suffered farmore in peace; and the God of love and peace will be withand crises such as financial loss, broken than this for me,” she continued. “If this is what you.” - 2 Corinthians 13:11relationship, loss of status or even potentially He uses to bring others to Christ orto bring ourlife-threatening sickness is supposed to be… family closer to the Lord, it’s His choice. There’s This comfort has also come in the form ofjoy? Surely this is some kind of symbolism or no anger or doubt.” meals when she is going through chemotherapy,play on words. Scripture supports the comment. “But we which often brings with it excessive fatigue. see him who for a little while was made lower than But there it is, right in the Scripture. The the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and Debbie is glad to report while originallyresponse forGod’s people to these hardships is honor because of the suffering of death, so that by another set of treatments was required, hersupposed to be joy, an inner contentment and the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.” final chemo sessions was scheduled for Maysatisfaction steeled against all circumstances. – Hebrews 2:9 12, with her tumor having shrunk and lymph Debbie and Willie’s response should serve nodes looking normal. Surgery is scheduled The passage goes on to say why we should as an inspiration to people who trust in Christ. for June 3.count it as joy, and that’s where our article It’s also being noticed by people outside of thesubject comes in. body. Debbie and Willie have hosted a number The passages in Scripture are also numerous of students from the Middle East in recent years, and clear about God’s ability to heal. Debbie and Willie Jones were not sure who have been able toabout having an article written about their see their grace under “And he went throughout all Galilee, teachingsituation. Debbie (if you’re reading this you fire from up close, just in their synagogues andprobablyknow herand alreadyknow this) was as they did under less proclaiming the gospel ofdiagnosed with cancer, has been undergoing trying circumstances the kingdom and healingchemotherapy and is scheduled for surgery on before. every disease and everyJune 3. People in the health affliction among the care community have people.” – Matthew 4:23 Their concern about the article wasn’t that also had a good bit Debbie believesthey want their situation to be secret, but that of exposure to this as this just as she believestheywould be the centerof attention somehow, Debbie goes through God can and doesrather than God. her treatment. She use suffering for His shared that an assigned purposes. She knew this “We want much to be made of Him,” is how “navigator” expressed teaching before she wasWillie put it. her happiness that the diagnosed, but now has family continues to had the chance to truly Well that is mygoal too, I assured them, and speak of Jesus while live it.so as I affirm that I like these two and admire going through illness. “You never knowtheir faith, I also want to make clear I know “Keep your conduct among the Gentiles how you will handleit is due to God’s gracious provision that they honorable, so that when they speak against you as it when it comes, but Ican respond this way, just as the above verse evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorifymentions. God on the day of visitation.” - 1 Peter 2:12 always hoped myresponse would be pleasing,” Debbie is clear that the idea of embracing she said. “That by His strength I could be Paul put it in a similar way in Romans 5:3 trial is not contradictory to the heart of the genuinely thankful. God in His sovereignty Gospel itself. has said yes to this. People look at me like, “He doesn’t promise we won’t go through ‘You are thankful for cancer?’ But He says be thankful for all things. He said ‘yes’ to cancer in -4- his sovereignty, and I trust Him.”

The Roll up Yonder vs. The Roll Down here by Curt Tyra The old hymn that my grandparents sang began with, “When the saved of earth shall gather over on the other shore, And the roll is called upyonder, I’ll be there.” The roll call imagined in this song would be from a perfect listing of the true followers of Christ. Contrast this roll with the membership roll of any local church, and you will find yourself confronted with some harsh realities. While themembership of a given church may be made up of many true believers, the reality of our experience and the testimony of Scripture is thatunbelievers can slip into our fellowship unnoticed. Scripture is filled with warnings about this. These words from our Lord are one chilling example: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty worksin your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’” - Matthew 7:21-23 How can this happen? • There will be deep and abiding confusion about what the churchProbably in more ways than we would expect. Here are a few ways should be doing. Being a Christian is not primarily about doingthat unbelievers can mistakenly be counted as believers and accepted great ministry, or doing great miracles, or having a great country.into our fellowship: It is about knowing Jesus. (See again Matthew 7: 21-23.) For those• W e tend to give the benefit of the doubt to those who “grew up in who know Him truly, this is crystal clear. Those who don’t knowthe program.” If theirparents are long-time members, theygrew up Him can seek first many things that should be secondary (at best).in the church, they attend regularly and they say Christian things, As these secondarythings become primary, the emphasis on Christwe tend to assume that they are Christians. This is not always the and His Gospel can be lost.truth, yet these people can be welcomed into membership with Unity…truth…the Gospel…nothing less than these are at stake.few questions asked. What can we do?• Sometimes people come to our Church and state that they are“Christians,” but what they really mean is that they have some • First of all, we should each take a look in the mirror. Paul wouldpast affiliation with a church. While these individuals might be say it like this: “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in thewell-churched, and they may “speak the language,” they may not faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves,truly know the Lord. that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the• Sometimes people make a profession of faith in Christ for reasons test!” - 2 Corinthians 13:5other than brokenness over sin and a realization of their need for • S econd, we should keep “preaching to the choir.” You maya Savior. Sometimes they profess faith in Christ because they are sometimes wonder why the Gospel is preached from our pulpithoping for a sense of belonging to a group, or out of a desire to on Sundays when “there is no one here but us.” But the reality isserve and help others, or even because they wish to date or marry that some of us need to meet the Savior, and that can only happensomeone who will only date or marry a Christian. None of these when the Gospel is presented.motivations truly involve calling upon the name of the Lord to • We should also be deeply involved in one another’s lives. Why?be saved. They are in reality calling on the name of the Lord as a Because it is difficult to discern the fruit of the Spirit in one anothermeans to some other end. if our only interaction is shaking hands and smiling on SundayThis list is by no means exhaustive, and it doesn’t even address morning. But deep involvement in one another’s lives can lead tothe true wolves in sheep’s clothing who come in with the intention to edification, encouragement…and maybe even salvation.deceive and do harm. But these examples do highlight some common • W e should be welcoming, loving, and intentional with thosepitfalls that can lead to unbelieving people being accepted into our seeking membership. As I write those words, I am compelledfellowship as believers. to ask you to pray for all who are involved in the membership What is the big deal? process…both the potential member, and the leaders who are speaking with them. Everyone involved needs discernment,To be clear, attendance by unbelievers is good, wonderful, and humility, and hearts led by God. When we welcome someone intoshould be a regular part of our gathering together. membership, there is a real sense in which we are saying, “WeHowever, membership by unbelievers is dangerous. Why? Because accept this person as a fellow Christian, and we believe that theyif unbelievers are in the membership… are earnestly following after the Lord.” That’s saying a lot! While• There will be deep and abiding disunity in the fellowship. a person’s heart is known only to the Lord, we want to be carefulGalatians 5 draws a stark contrast between those who are walking to be sure that those who join our fellowship truly understand thein the Spirit and those who are walking in the flesh. Those walking Gospel, that theytrulyknow the Lord, and that they are committedin radically different directions cannot walk together! to following Him.• There will be deep and abiding battle for the truth. John 16:13 Pray that all who gather here will come to truly know Jesus…whetherdeclares that the Spirit of truth will guide us into all the truth. they have been here for years, or just walked through the door for theThose who do not have the Spirit cannot compensate without Him first time. And pray that the roll down here will more and more lookor find another qualified guide. They will wander from the truth. like the roll up there! -5-

CHILDREN with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in& THEIR RELATIONSHIP Christ Jesus.” - 2 Tim. 3:14–15 TO THE CHURCH We are not told the age ofTimothy when he was regenerated, but we are told that he was by Chad McFadden taught doctrine while he was still a child. As an adult, he faithfully served as an elder because“Yes, I’m saved. When I was seven years professions of faith and true discipleship. God’s Word had trained him in righteousness and equipped him for every good work. - 2old, my teacher told us to repeat this prayer Therefore, we must make certain that we are Tim. 3:16–17if we wanted to go to heaven when we die. approaching the evangelism of children more Jesus commanded His disciples to preach the gospel to all nations and to baptize andI knew I was a sinner and deserving of hell. intentionally and carefully. disciple those who responded to the gospel. The challenge in baptizing children, or addingI believed that Jesus died for my sins, and I Throughout Scripture, we are instructed a child to church membership, is not in the child’s ability to respond to the gospel butasked Jesus to come into my heart, and then to teach children God’s redemptive work. in discerning the reality of that profession. Children are immature (1 Cor. 13:11; 14:20),I was baptized by my Moses instructed naïve (Pro. 1:4), foolish (Pro. 22:15), inconsistent and fickle (Mat. 11:16-17), and easily deceivedpastor… No, I don’t go to parents to discuss (Eph. 4:14). Christ taught that not all who make a profession of faith are truly born againchurch. No, I don’t read “ In reality, a child who is God’s ways in (Mat. 7:21-23). Then, He taught that the onemy Bible, but I know I’m everyfacet of their who is truly a child of God will respond to Hissaved because I prayed raised in a Christian home daily lives (Deut. Word with obedience and repentance (Mat.that prayer and was and Bible teaching church 6:6-7). He also 7:24-27).baptized.” where the gospel is constantly taught that God’s Word was to be In reality, a child who is raised in a Christian Barna Research read publicly in home and Bible teaching church where theGroup reports that three gospel is constantly preached will most often give assent to gospel truths, but beingout of every five of our preached will most often give the children’s converted requires a step of independentteens will walk away assent to gospel truths, but presence (Deut. devotion to Christ. This can be difficult tofrom the church after 31:12), and we discern in a child who is still largely dependent upon his parents, especially when the childage 15. While many being converted requires a see this taking knows the parents’ desire for him is to be areasons are given for step of independent devotion place under child of God.this, the Bible clearly Joshua (Josh. Baptism and church membership are forteaches that one who is to Christ. This can be difficult 8:35), King Josiah those who have made a discernible professiontruly a child of God will to discern in a child who is (2 Ki. 23:2), and of faith. Therefore, when the profession ofbe evidenced by these Ezra (Neh. 8:2). faith of a child, or an adult, is not clearly discerned, the path forward includes furtherthings: still largely dependent upon Jesus rebuked teaching, reproof, correction, and training • Desire to know and his parents, especially when His disciples in righteousness (2 Tim. 3:16–17), and in live the truth of for removing our evangelism of children, we must not discourage a child from following Christ, nor God’s Word (John the child knows the parents’ children from His should we oversimplify the gospel to a recited 4:6; 8:31-38) presence (Mark prayer.• Love the fellowship ”desire for him is to be a child 9:13-16), and of believers (1 John Paul instructed As Spurgeon wrote, “Be not content to sow 3:14) of God. parents to bring principles in their minds which may possibly• Bears the fruit of the up their children develop in after years, but be working for Spirit in increasing in the discipline immediate conversion. Expect fruit in your children while they are children. Pray formeasure (2 Peter 1:5-7) and instruction of the Lord (Eph. 6:4). them that they may not run in to the world and fall in to the evils of outward sin, and then• Remains faithful to God in persecution The fact that our youth are walking away come back with broken bones to the Good Shepherd; but that they may by God’s rich(Matthew 10:22) does not mean that we stop evangelizing grace be kept from the paths of the destroyer, and grow up in the fold of Christ, first as lambs• F ollows the Spirit’s leading (Romans 8:14- them. Instead, it means that we need to teach of His flock, and then as sheep of His hand.”16) the gospel with more clarity and intentionalityJohn wrote, “They went out from us, but that they may know what it truly means to bethey were not of us; for if they had been of us, a child of God. Charles Spurgeon wrote, “Letthey would have continued with us. But they ourteaching be more and more Scriptural! Fretwent out, that it might become plain that they not if our classes forget what we say, but prayall are not of us.” - 1 John 2:19 them to remember what the Lord says...”Many of these kids who are walking away Paul told Timothy to “continue in whatfrom church not onlymade a profession offaith you have learned and have firmly believed,at a young age but were also baptized. There knowing from whom you learned it and howhas been a disconnect between childhood from childhood you have been acquainted -6-

GRBC Family Doubly Blessedwith New Arrivals by Rob Ziegler It was five years ago when Susan Johnson “We will go hold them,” Liz recalls provided a great opportunity for the Grayand Liz Tyra were talking as they sat by the answering. “We’ll pray about the other.” Road family to show love to the Tyras andpool at Kevin and Polly Shingleton’s home. their new babies.The discussion turned to the subject of Truth is, they had no real chance to sayadoption, and Susan said something that no. Once the family went to the hospital, the The boys have an issue with theirsurprised Liz. bonding was immediate. By the next day, esophagus and throat that made it everyone was on board with bringing the impossible to swallow liquid without fluid “I still remember her saying, ‘You would twins, Aiden and Benjamin, into the family. entering the lungs, similar to a conditionmake good adoptive family,’” Liz recalls Tyler has just gotten over. As a result,now. “At the time. We were dealing with As many thoughts raced through his feeding tubes were required, making mealstwo, and I kind of gave her a look to say ‘Do head at the time, Curt recalls one especially a much more complicated affair.not go there.’ strong message going through his brain. A whole crew of women from the church, “I had no idea what was coming.” “I just couldn’t imagine someday looking working in multiple shifts a day, every day, She really didn’t. Neither did her husband at Tyler and saying ‘We had a chance to take have been making the trek to the Tyra homeCurt. your brothers, but walked away,’” he said. to hold and feed babies and allow Liz to First, God led the Tyras to become carry on the rest of her duties as well asfoster parents, and, after being approved While various technicalities have to just give her an occasional break. Othersby the state, they almost immediately were be covered in administrative channels, a provided meals, prompting Liz to estimateintroduced to Tyler, their now three-year relatively fast track appears to be clear for she went a solid two months without havingold son. the adoptions to become official, with no to cook. Curt and Liz, along with their sons Jordan challenges pending to the move.and Zach, experienced the joy of adding The family had given away a lot of theira new family member, the challenge of Jordan Tyra pointed his arm straight baby things but report God is providinghelping him deal with some physical issues, downward to describe the speed with which everything they have needed, sometimesand the beautiful reminder of the status events unfolded and how rapid the family’s without the need being expressed.believers in Jesus Christ have as adopted life was again changing. This all began nearsons of their heavenly Father. Liz and Curt’s 25th wedding anniversary. Continued on page 8 Tyler has become a part of the GrayRoad landscape and a recipient of more “Some people go on cruises for theirlove and affection than most children anniversary, we have twins,” Liz said.could ever dream of. It would have beena great beginning, middle and ending of a The quick developments have alsoheartwarming story. But God is writing this story, for His The Tyra Family, minus the two new arrivals, whom we can’t print a picture of, yet.glory. -7- The Tyras began praying to The Lordfor another child to bring into their home.Then a few days after Christmas of last year,a call came to the house. Liz’s brother andsister-in-law had been contacted by ChildServices about newborn twins at a northside hospital. The couple had adopteda brother and sister before the Tyras hadadopted Tyler, something which had helpedget Curt and Liz thinking more seriouslyabout adoption. Now they were being askedabout possibly caring for these twins andshared the opportunity with Curt and Liz. The babies had been born prematurely,to the same birth parents who had Tyler. Butnobody was staying with them or visitingthem in the hospital. Could the Tyras comeand at least hold them? And by the way,could this be a possible placement into theirhome?

INTERNATIONAL OUTREACH Continued from page 7. IN HER OWN BACKYARD Curt and Liz give Zach and Jordanby Rob Ziegler credit for chipping in big time, noting Jordan has been spending extra time As the city continues to diversify in terms a Muslim couple whom she helped as with little brotherTyler, and Zach gave upof residents from around the world, one Gray they were going through a pregnancy. The his bedroom while he’s away at the U.S.Road member is a good model for us in how pregnancy was difficult, and in fact, the child Naval Academy, so there were nurserywe can shine a light for Christ among the died just a day after being born, but Norma accommodations for the twins.nations without even leaving our home. witnessed the care the parents gave the malformed newborn. As she left the hospital, “God really has blessed us more Norma Andrews will be mortified at any the husband even gave Normal a hug, very than we could imagine,” Curt said. “Ourreference to her being a good example of unusual by cultural standards for his home neighbors have noticed it too. They’vea Christ-follower, but there’s no question country. said we must have amazing friends.”about it. Her giving of time, effort and loveto internationals through her ministry of Norma remains welcome in the couple’s Liz noted that outpouring of love hasteaching English as a Second Language, is home to this day, a privilege she enjoys with reminded her something about the Graya true outreach for the sake of the Gospel. the many of the people she has taught over Road family. the past few years. Norma was a nurse for many years, most “Our church doesn’t just say they carerecently at Wishard Hospital. When she Along with the ESL and bible study about the orphan, they live it,” she said.retired in 2011, she and her husband Greg took ministries, Norma volunteers with remedial “That’s something Pastor Toby and Susana course in teaching ESL over three weekends reading lessons at a school and is an have really encouraged in our church.”at Wheaton College in Illinois. In her nursing industrious soul when it comes to comingjob she used to visit internationals in their alongside ailing friends. She also is a stalwart Ah, that Susan Johnson lady. Pressedhomes to help with pregnancies. She began on the GRBC Missions Committee, helping for details about that fateful conversation,to develop an affection and a burden for with hospitality and other ministries to those the mother of five from TennesseeMuslims in particular; so the ESL idea seemed who serve Christ overseas. explained why she made the statementa perfect fit for her once her career ended. She stresses that there is no hidden “I think her boys were in junior high Norma also received some training with agenda when she teaches English, and school then, but she just had such athe Crescent Project in how to minister opportunities to share the Gospel come up mother’s heart. And I could sense howto people of Muslim background, but she as God allows, especially as relationships she loved children and loved Jesus,”was already getting opportunities to build form. She was able to read through a book Susan said. “Because of that, it struckrelationships, often being invited into the on the birth of Christ in both Spanish and me that she would be really good forhomes of Muslim families all over the city. English with some students, and on another adoption. But I also sensed that when IShe has taught English at various levels to occasion used a flannel board to go through mentioned it, my sweet new friend waspeople, some who were college-educated the biblical narrative from creation to the not all that fond of (what she had said),and at least one who was only semi-literate crucifixion. As is generally the case with so I left it alone. Although we did prayin her own tongue of Arabic. people of Muslim background, the process for them a few more times, as we do for is very slow. other people. I think once people see Norma now teaches ESL to three Spanish- adoption in person, the Lord uses thatspeaking people as part of the church’s The Beech Grove Village group meets to make people tender toward it.Beech Grove Village ministry, where she also twice a week, and on Fridays the grouphelps Kathleen Tennant with the bible study. might be found at Kathleen’s house, play- “When I heard they had decided (toKathleen credits Norma with making a major acting and doing other fun activities to aid adopt) I about came out of my skin.”difference, in part due to the sheer force of in the learning of English.her personality. The lady just loves people. Curt has learned a lot through the “My philosophy is, if we’re going to learn, family’s experience about the need for “It’s easy to be Norma’s friend. She we might as well have fun doing it,” Norma parents to foster and adopt. He explaineddoesn’t give you a choice,” Kathleen said. said. that the ongoing heroin epidemic is“When she walks into the room, she just a major factor in the overwhelmingnaturally jokes and laughs with whoever Norma said the opportunity is there shortfall of parents ready to take inis in there--irrespective of who it is. That, for others to get involved in ESL, but only orphaned and abandoned children.coupled with a genuine curiosity in and care if they truly want to do it. In terms of herfor people, makes her a potent force for the own outreach at Beech Grove Village, she He notes that while the emphasisgospel. She’s not scared to share her beliefs, could use some help beginning in August on the biblical message of adoption isbut her openness and care open the ears from someone who would keep the small relatively recent in evangelical churchof her listeners. She also won’t sacrifice her but energetic children of the adult students circles, it’s not some kind of fad torelationships for some other agenda, which occupied. be followed by all or without a trueactually gives her more opportunities to commitment.talk about Christianity than someone with It may seem like a small thing, but “little”ulterior motives. “ efforts like these can be used by a great God “The biblical picture is clear, but God for His glory. Our friend Norma is a very does not call everyone to do this,” he Norma shared a touching story about good example of this at Gray Road. said. “But maybe some should consider it.” -8- Maybe we should.