"Learning As I Go"

Matthew 23:27 "And he said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind."

The last several weeks have been a very trying time in our family's life. In the month of July we learned our youngest son, Dylan, has a rare type of diabetes called 'diabetes insipidus.' This led to a number of test and procedures concerning his bladder and kidneys. You can read more about that here "Practicing What I Preach." Needless to say, the last two months have been overwhelming with everything from taking care of Dylan's catheter to homeschooling for the very first time. There have been A LOT of changes in the Beck family here lately.

     Yesterday during Dylan's surgery, I meditated on what God has been teaching me the past few months. By the way, if you are a Christian, God should be teaching you things about both Himself and yourself everyday. As I reflected on what God has been teaching me, I thought of areas in my life where I have grown and strengthened as a husband, father, and a pastor.

1. My family needs me more than my church. 

     Please don't misunderstand that sentence. I love the Lord's church at Pleasant Hill Baptist, but as pastors we often place the church before our families, which can be sinful.

     The Apostle Peter reminds the elders in 1 Peter 5:1-2 to "shepherd" the flock God, a flock which He has placed the elders "over," "exercising oversight..." The word "shepherd" means "to feed, tend to, take care of." Peter is exhorting the elders to give spiritual care to God's people. Paul reminds Timothy of the qualifications of an elder, overseereer, or pastor is one who "manages or rules his own household well with all dignity keeping his children in submissive" (1 Timothy 4:4). It is plain to see that an elder's first and foremost responsibility (after his relationship with God) is "managing" or "caring" for his family. 

     I have failed in this area in many ways as a husband, father, and as a pastor by placing my family on the altar of sacrifice for the church. In a recent blog on Nine Mark's website entitled Leading the Church While Leading Your Family, Bob Johnson made a profound statement which shook me to the core of my soul. He said, "Your church can get another pastor, but your kids can't get another dad." I would also add, "My wife can't get another husband." By God's grace, I have tried to be more aware of protecting my time with my family. Overseeing the temporal needs and eternal future of my wife and children can not be disconnected from what I do as an elder. Rather, it is the very work of the pastor in managing his own family well! I know of too many men who have disqualified themselves from being an elder because they have failed at giving themselves more to their families than their church.

I am learning my family needs me more than my church.

2. Christ is sweeter in my struggles. 

      Writing on his trials, Charles Spurgeon said, “It would be a very sharp and trying experience to me to think that I have an affliction which God never sent me, that the bitter cup was never filled by his hand, that my trials were never measured out by him, nor sent to me by his arrangement of their weight and quantity.” 

The greatest comfort for me as a believer in Christ is everything which I face or will ever face has passed through the sovereign hand of my God. Knowing this causes me to flee to Him. By His grace, the Lord is teaching me more of His mercy, grace, and love during this season of my life, especially during these last couple of months. The Lord is allowing me not to focus so much about MY trials or problems, but more on the God who has given this to me as a "good and perfect" gift from Him (James1:17). Knowing God has entrusted me with the season I am in now, I am to receive it with a heart of gratitude and give Him the glory for such a gift!  The sweet communion and fellowship I have enjoyed the last few months, and in particularly the last few days, have been at the feet of Christ acknowledging He was tempted and tried in every way, and yet, He was without sin (Hebrews 4:15). Knowing Christ struggled, was tempted, and is yet without sin brings me to a place of sweet communing with my Savior.

     My walk with Christ is sweeter in my struggles as I grow more in the grace and knowledge of my Savior.

3. God's gospel is enough.

     Trying to explain to my 9 year old why he is sick and has endured 3 surgical procedures in less than two months has opened the door to share the gospel with him multiple times. I have been able to explain we live "in the already, but not yet" world. We live in a fallen world as he learned from Genesis 3. He has the understanding that something is wrong with his body, but that was not the way it has always been. For in the beginning God made man "perfect and upright." Man was in a relationship with God and there was no sickness or death. Yet, because of disobedience to God's Word and rebellion of man's own heart, man choose to sin. Thus, "just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned" (Romans 5:12).

     "But God" (Eph.2:4)...(I love those two words!)... being rich in mercy and perfect in grace, God provided a way out. Instead of killing the man and woman, he substituted them for an animal and covered them in the skin. What a picture of God's "grace," "mercy," and the "penal substitutionary atonement." Where God should have killed the man and woman, He provided a way out; He provided a substitute. This was pointing to the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, Who would be provided as a "substitute" for God's elect. Christ lived a perfect, holy, sinless life, and where I should have been placed on the altar as a sacrifice, God provided "the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29).

     Now for all those who have repented and placed faith in the finished work of Christ and Him alone, we are awaiting the return of the Bridegroom for His Bride. At that time, He will make all wrongs right. There will be no more suffering, crying, surgeries, or catheters. For He will and He is making all things new for our good and for His glory! And so my prayer is, "He who testifies to these things says, 'Surely, I am coming soon.' Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!" (Rev.22:20)

God is teaching me and my family a lot in this season of our lives. 

1) My family needs me more then my church.

2) Christ is sweeter in my struggles.

3) God's gospel is enough.

         
What do you think? What is God teaching you today, right now in this season of your life?

"A Testimony of God's Saving Grace"

This is a testimony of God's saving grace sent to me via e-mail from a gentleman who has been attending PHBC since 2004 (he is currently out of the country working). The Lord has radically changed his heart and granted him 'repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.' A testimony such as this gives me reassurance God is still saving His elect through the simplicity of preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. I pray you would take the time to read and pray for this new brother in Christ. Prior to his baptism he will stand before the congregation at PHBC and read his testimony of God's saving grace. 

Wow! A testimonial before GOD, the body of his Church and my Family! Where do I begin, because this has been a journey that has encompassed not just one incident but, many. Like mini strokes, but with tears of confusion, a softening of my heart, and finally a feeling of Love, acceptance and devotion for GOD, the Almighty!

I remember sitting across from Brother Chad one morning at 109 Restaurant about 2 years ago, explaining to him how (at that time) seeing was my way of believing, and because I couldn’t see God, how could I believe in him? Wow!, what a mistake, because if it were not for GOD, I might not have gotten up that morning, let alone be sitting across from my Pastor, making statements that (I am sure) promoted a prayer for my mislead, unbelieving behalf.

This was the beginning; Thank you GOD for introducing me to my beautiful wife, Christi, bless her heart, for she loves YOU and your Church and me enough to convince me to come and hear the Gospel, without fail. Yes, here in GOD’s Church, is where I began hearing the words of GOD, out of HIS BIBLE, seeing men Pray aloud, read Scripture, Sing, have Fellowship!

Then it started; I actually began reading books that Brother Chad offered me, I began reading the Scriptures in my Bible, started enjoying the fact that Wednesday nights were like a kick start for Sunday, and then my first mini stroke of GOD’S power!

I can’t remember exactly which Sunday it was, because I wasn’t quite sure, or wasn’t quite ready to accept this phenomenon, but for GOD’S sake, this was my first indication that HE was working me, testing me, waiting for me! It was a tightening of my throat, like holding back a cry, and then came the tears, running down my cheeks while sitting in the pew! I couldn’t quite figure it out, but after hiding it the best I knew how, and after a couple of deep swallows, I had a feeling I had been touched, by a power, that I could not see.

I went home after that Sunday’s fellowship meal, keeping to myself, trying to figure out what had happened and then it came to me. I had been touched, softened maybe, and it scared me a little.

I continued to read my Bible first thing in the mornings after awakening throughout the weeks to come, more Wednesdays and Sundays went by, more Gospel, (praise the LORD), Scripture reading, Singing, Fellowship; and then it happened again!

This time I was standing, singing and out of nowhere, I begin crying, tears flowing, but this time, I am feeling relieved, happy, wanting acceptance from HIM! Wow! Can this be true? A crusty old retired Seal, who has experienced wars, seen death, caused others lives to end, hard, a sinner, not deserving of this change, but there is was, this feeling from within my heart, to just accept the HEAVENLY  FATHER, its okay!

I can’t believe that I kept that incident from Christi, but I just couldn’t tell her, not yet. I was still a gambling man, being patiently, on HIS terms, persuaded by GOD to change, but not quite there. Then reality struck (praise the LORD) and I realized that if I would just stop gambling with life, and accept JESUS CHRIST as my true father and believe that HE will Forgive me of my Sins, as long as I am honest to HIM about my sins that I have committed, and through HIS Graciousness, allow me to be one of his Saints forever!

Then it happened again! It was on the Sunday of VBS, when the youth were up front, singing and quoting Scriptures. I just broke down, my heart felt so softened, I wanted CHRIST in my life, I wanted to serve HIM, I had to sit down and take it all in. HE was SAVING me!  HUMBLING me! ACCEPTING me!

I ask myself now, why did I not believe earlier in my life that there is a power huger than any war, any explosion, and any powerful storm? GOD MADE ALL! HE IS IN CONTROL!

If there is anything that I could say to those that are struggling, or feel bashful, or just might be almost there; let HIM in, HE wants you, HE loves you, all you have to do is believe in HIM and accept HIM, and changes will come; look around you at those who can attest to being Saved; join GOD’S Love and through HIS Grace, HE will take you in. I love GOD with all my heart, and want to become a member of this, his BODY and be BAPTIZED before HIM and HIS BODY, GOD WILLING as soon as I return!

I love you all, and will miss your fellowship while I am gone, Pray for me, Praise the LORD, in JESUS’ name, AMEN.

"Practicing What I Preach"

  "Poverty and affliction take away the fuel that feeds pride." -Richard Sibbes 
The definition of God's Sovereignty is God, as the ruler of the Universe, has the right to do whatever he wants. Further, he is in complete control over everything that happens. A few verses which speaks of God's sovereignty are;

Psalm 115:3 "Our God is in heaven and does whatsoever he pleases."

Daniel 4:35 all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand  or say to him, “What have you done?”

Romans 9:20 But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?”

     Many of you who are reading this already knows our youngest son Dylan has been diagnosed with a rare type of diabetes. The name is diabetes insipidus. This type of diabetes affects the kidneys by not concentrating urine. Not only has he been diagnosed with this type of diabetes, doctors also have found that his bladder and kidneys are retaining urine and are not emptying completely. This past Friday, Dylan had exploratory surgery to see if he had any blockages in his urinary tract. The doctors found no blockages, then they proceeded to do an 'urodynamic test' on his bladder. The urodynamic test checks for the amount of pressure that is found on the bladder. What they found was Dylan's muscles, which surrounds the bladder are unable to release enough for him to empty his bladder. This has caused urine to back up into his kidneys causing damage over the past several years. 
     Dylan was supposed to go in the morning (Tuesday) back to Children's Hospital in Nashville to have a 'renal analysis' to determine the extent of the damages done to the kidneys. This morning his doctor called to tell me he wants to do a MRI first to eliminate any spinal damages, which would cause the nerves and muscles not to properly function in allowing the bladder to release. Although the MRI would detect or eliminate his concerns for a 'tethered' spinal cord, correcting the problem (if it is actually the cause) would only increase the chances for Dylan's bladder to function properly by 25%. Also, after the MRI is completed they will surgically place a catheter in Dylan's bladder in order to "empty and compress" his bladder. This will be left in for 7-10 days so the 'renal analysis' will not be skewed when the test are ran on his kidneys and the doctors can get a 'true' reading. The doctor also stated, "we should be preparing ourselves and Dylan to have a permanent catheterization in the near future, although it is not set in 'stone' yet."
     I say all of that to say this...I am struggling! I wish I could say, GOD is SOVEREIGN...have a nice day. I am struggling not because I do not like what is going on, as much as I am struggling because this is my 'little boy.' It breaks my heart as his father to see him weep over his condition. It breaks my heart to hear him cry at night when we pray together and he acknowledges to God, "You are able to fix this problem if it is Your will." It breaks my heart to see his mother weep over her sons condition and as a husband know there is nothing I can do. As a father and a husband I have tried by God's grace to teach my wife and children, through the Scriptures, God is SO much bigger than we are and "His ways are not our ways, just as His thoughts are above our thoughts (Isa.55:8)!" But, I am reminded God loves Dylan more than I ever will, for He created him. God cares for my family more than I will ever care for them, for He gave them to me, as a gift of His grace. This gives me comfort in resting in His sovereignty.
     So, it is here that I find myself as a husband, a father, a pastor who believes, preaches, and teaches in the absolute sovereignty of God, now it is time to live it, that is the hard part. I have often told the church at Pleasant Hill Baptist preaching and teaching on God's sovereignty is the easy part, the difficult part is when you have to 'practice what you preach.' I preach God's sovereignty because first of all, it is Biblical. Secondly, He is! But, how do we live out God's sovereignty in practical everyday life? I believe teaching and preaching God's sovereignty should be done, not when trials comes our way, but rather when things seem to be going well. This prepares us for the trials and tribulation that comes are way. Trial will for sure come, it is just a matter of when! God's sovereignty is like an anchor firmly placed at the bottom of the ocean floor ... hold on to it (God's sovereignty), trust in it, and as long as your grip is firm you will not be moved. 
     As I move forward as the husband and father of my family God has given me, I will lead us courageously in this journey, which God has sovereignly placed us on and I will by God's grace 'practice what I preach.' Praying every step of the way that the Beck family would bring great glory to our God who is loving, kind, gracious, and SOVEREIGN, even in the midst of health problems in our children! To God Alone Be the Glory!
Colossians 2:6-7, "Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught abounding in thanksgiving." 

"Confronting and Engaging Jehovah's Witnesses In Our Community For God's Glory"

Since I have been on 'vacation' I have had 2 very interesting encounters with Jehovah's Witnesses, 2 days in a row! Yesterday, while my family and I were at the pool I spoke with a gentleman who was from Bosnia, who moved here to spread the 'so-called good news.' After listening to him share with me his 'so-called good news,' I told him he left me totally hopeless. Without Christ being 'fully God' and 'fully man' atoning for my sins there is no way I can be made right with Jehovah God! He kept taking me to our 'inheritance' the 'new heavens and new earth' but I kept directing him back to his sins and how he is unable to know Jehovah apart from the finished work of Christ. So, after 30 minutes I left him with the gospel and prayed for God to open his eyes and heart to the 'true gospel of Jesus Christ.'
So, this morning I went to our local Dollar General Store to pick up a few items. Before making my turn into the parking lot I noticed Jehovah's Witness' speaking with a gentleman on the sidewalk in Cross Plains. So, I being the nosey person that I am pulled over and got out just to listen to what they were saying (of course I knew their spill). After a few minutes they turned to me and asked me if I was a religious person. I told the gentleman, "NO," I was not a religious person...RELIGION sends people to hell. Of course, he disagreed because Jehovah Witness' do not believe in 'eternal damnation.' I told the gentleman who they were speaking with on the sidewalk 'NOT' to listen to their 'poison,' because they were heretics which will lead him away from the true God of the Bible. In neither presentation of their 'so-called good news' did they mention "repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 20:21)." The reason why they did not mention 'repentance or faith' is because they are works based. You have to try and do good works' to earn Jehovah's favor. This to goes right against true Christianity, as Paul reminds us in Romans 3:10-18, where no man is good, no man seeks God nor does man desire to and Ephesians 2:1 says, "we were dead in our sins and trespasses and unable to seek God" Therefore, Paul tells the Ephesian's their salvation is by "grace through faith," and that even faith is a gift of God's grace.
So, if you live in the Cross Plains, TN area and profess to be a Christian, the Apostle Peter reminds us 1 Peter 3:15 "...but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect..." With that said, I allowed these men to share with me their view of who God is and then I by the leading of the Holy Spirit, by the grace of God, and love of Christ which constrains me shared the 'gospel of Jesus Christ' with both of these men. Please do not be a 'jerk for Jesus,' do not run from them, but lovingly engage them with the gospel and the Bible.  Yet, share the gospel with compassion, care, and love for their good and for the glory of God!
     This will force you as a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ is get in His Word. Instead of being afraid of these people (Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons, Muslims) we need Christians who are sold out for the gospel of Jesus, who know the Scriptures, and who will lovingly confront them with their heresy. I pray you will not run from heretics if you are a believer, but confront them, engage them with God's Word, and the gospel of Jesus Christ. Because we know "the gospel is the power of God to salvation to everyone who believes...(Romans 1:16)." May God give us all the boldness to be a 'true Jehovah's Witness' for His glory!

For more information on witnessing to Jehovah's Witnesses click here:
http://carm.org/biblical-response-to-jehovahs-witnesses

A Testimony of God's Faithfulness

     Through discouraging attacks by the "accuser of the brethren" times like tonight makes it all worth enduring. Tonight After our mid-week service I met with a gentleman who has been coming to PHBC for 3 and a half years share with me the Lord has brought him from being an atheist to graciously granting him repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. When I first met him I (3 and a half years ago) I thought I would argue or persuade him into the kingdom, but I was reminded tonight "salvation belongs to the Lord" and only He can save. I can not persuade or debate someone to be saved, rather salvation is a sovereign work of Almighty God.   
     Tonight in my time with him I rejoiced with him, as I shared how I have prayed for him over these last years. He knew as well that many in our congregation has called his name specifically to the Lord in prayer for his salvation. Listening to him speak of how God has changed his heart, given him a heart which convicts him of his sin, but also he has a desire to seek God for repentance and forgiveness of that sin. To see the joy in this man's heart and testimony for the desire to live for Christ the rest of his days was so overwhelming.
     As I sat there I could not help to contemplate, how could this really happen? So, I asked him, "what was it that help you see your need for Christ?" He said, "it was simply, through the preaching of the Word, week in and week out." Hearing statements like that brings reassurance to a young pastor who believes in the sufficiency of Scripture, that God's Word is enough!
      So, I close with some observations and encouragements to pastors:
1. Preach the Word. There will be times when people will not like you, your message, your delivery, your leadership style, what you wear, or what you do, but as long as we stick to His Word we have nothing to be ashamed of.
2. Care for the Flock. At times this is easier said than done. Sometimes the flock can be abrupt or at times rebellious. God has called us as pastors to "oversee" them and to "shepherd" them. Do this knowing one day you and I will give an account of their souls (Heb.13:17). No one else in the church will give an account for souls, only the pastor. So, take time to know them and care for them, individually.
3. Encourage those who are not yet believers. Do not give up on those who you think are "hopeless." Is there really any who are "hopless?" The answer is, "no!" Nothing is impossible with God. Take time to get to know those without Christ. Take time to find out who they are, where they come from, and where they are going? How will you know how to minister to or to encourage those without Christ if you do not stop and take time to help them. As believers we should be seeking someone out who we could invest into their lives for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
4. Rejoice in the Lord when a sinner experiences God's grace of repentance and faith. I rejoice in the face that God is working bringing sinners to Himself and for His glory through the simplicity of the preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ. So, through all the trials and sufferings as a pastor (although my suffering is nothing), I rejoice in God's goodness in gracing His people with salvation, which brings me to a place of worship of who He is!    Sola Deo Gloria!

Thank you Father for your faithfulness to your people, even when we are faithless.

     Through many dangers, toils and snares
     I have already come;
     'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
     and Grace will lead me home.
     The Lord has promised good to me.
     His word my hope secures.
    He will my shield and portion be,
    As long as life endures.

"Looking Across the Aisle at 36,000 Feet"

     I am writing this morning's post from Cagyan De Oro, Philippines. I am here on a mission trip for training pastors with Revival or Ruin ministries. I have traveled through several different time zone, have been in 3 different countries, and 4 different planes in arriving safely to the Philippines. I will be here for a little over 2 weeks, which is not very long, unless you have a wife and children you have left behind. After two weeks I will board the plane to travel 'back in time' to get back home. But, one thing will be different on my trip back home, I will travel alone. I will leave the ones (Barry and Ty Carpenter) I traveled with here in the Philippines to serve these people.
     As we were flying here from Detroit, MI to Nagyora, Japan I sat across the aisle from Barry and his son thinking to myself how could he do this? How or why would a man up and sell everything he ever owned to minister to a group of pastors, so they would be more effective in the kingdom of God. I know this is not new or uncommon when it comes to missionaries and the call on their life, but I guess what takes me aback is the fact God has told him to go and has gone! No mission board to support him, no fringe benefits, but simply living on the fact God has called him to minister to the Filipino's and trusting God to provide through other Christian.
He and his son are here now, in another country, 9,000 miles from home, in a culture which is very different from America in every way, yet they are here!
 
What I saw as I was "Gazing Across the Aisle at 36,000 Feet":
1. I saw a man after "God's own heart." Like King David (1 Sam.13:13-14), I see Barry seeking to glorify his Father by pursuing God's heart, which is His people. Our God is a missionary God, one who "seeks to save that which is lost" and I believe this is the very heart of Barry. To send the gospel to the ends of the earth for the glory of God.

2. I saw a man who loves his son (Ty). I sat there and watch Barry converse with his son, I watched the both of them sleep on the plane (which is difficult to do) and Ty lay his head on his father's shoulder. I simply saw a man who seeks after God's glory, but also a father who truly lives out Ephesians 4:4.

3. I saw a man who is "sold out for the Lord." In Luke 18:22, Jesus tells the young rich ruler to sell all his possessions and follow him. You know the story, he went away sorrowful because he had many possessions to give up and follow Christ. In other words, he loved his many possessions  more than he did Christ. Although, God has called Barry to sell everything in order to relocate in the Philippines, I appreciate what he said in his last sermon at PHBC, "God does not always call everyone to sell everything to move to the Philippines, but He does call all of us to either go down into the well (move to Philippines), or to hold the rope (support the move) either way you are going to get "rope burned."

Barry and Ty are now in the Philippines for at least two years, with perhaps a furlough sometime next year. The Lord is using Barry already and I believe is using the Philippines for means of sanctification in many ways to Barry (Barry you know what I mean).
At any rate I write this not to lift Barry up, rather to life our Savior up. I think about how God in Christ calls dead, damned, and depraved sinners to  Himself, saves them by the gospel of His grace, gives them a new life (1 Cor. 5:17) and gives them marching orders. This is exactly what God has done in each and every believers life. If you claim the name of Christ, He has saved you not just to miss hell, but rather to "die to yourself, take up your cross and follow Christ. Daily!
For those of you without Christ, do not think Barry, myself, or any other Christian as one who has it all together. For we are nothing more than fallen men who has has been called to a new life through the power of God in Christ, who are needy of God's grace everyday of our lives. Do you see your need for God's grace in salvation? Call out to him and be ye saved.

I encourage you to pray for Barry and Ty as they minster in the Philippines, for God's glory! Blessings in Christ.

(This blog post was started in the Philippines, but completed at home in the U.S.A., just so there is no confusion)!

"Reasons Why I Might Support Barry Carpenter and Revival or Ruin Ministries"

Reasons Why I Might Support Bro. Barry and Revival or Ruin Ministries 

by Garett Davidson

Garett Davidson is a police officer for Metro Nashville police department. He is married to Brittnee and they have two daughters Morgan, Everleigh with their child (Titus) due in July. Garett currently serves the church at Pleasant Hill as a deacon, where he oversees small groups and helps lead the students small groups.

My thoughts on Bro. Barry Carpenter :

1) I have heard him preach several times, and the preaching contains solid theology and doctrine, as well as a love for God evidenced in a genuine concern for men's souls. 

2) I have personally observed Bro. Barry's personal deportment and character and have not found cause for alarm, though I am often apt to do with men. His humility appears born of his convictions. 

3) I have heard and seen evidenced by others a love or affection for Bro. Barry that is both sincere and in line with my own personal observations, speaking good of his name. 

4) I have observed and seen evidence of Bro. Barry as one who earnestly contends for the faith. Bro. Barry has engaged others in open air debates, formal debates (ex. against Micah), and youtube videos. 

5) Bro. Barry has posted both facebook and other media blogs or posts which reveal both his personal conviction and where his heart and time are dedicated. Such posts, as well as the Revival or Ruin internet page, contain clear insight and absolves doubts regarding the impetus with which he is undertaking this work. 

6) Bro. Barry has set himself to the task before him—he is selling everything and making earnest preparation for the mission ahead. Barry has also laid out what his vision is. Barry has demonstrated commitment and vision. At this time he lacks significant support from other churches, some of which had committed to Barry but not yet fulfilled their commitments, but Barry has not allowed his commitment to the work to be stymied. 

7) Bro. Barry has evidenced faith to undertake the work God has placed upon his heart. Barry is selling all belongings except what he can carry over, he is taking his son, he is set to go despite the seeming obstacles before him, he understands and knows the certain risks before him yet has abandoned himself to God's graces and mercies (he appears neither a naïve fool in this nor a charlatan portraying circumstantially-inhuman attributes)---he has both acknowledged the weight and risk of the task ahead with a humble fear which one only continues to undertake having certain faith in the God in whom they have trusted. 

8) Bro. Barry has shown accountability. Previously, Barry has given a presentation and an accounting for what his work entails, requires, and expends. Barry has demonstrated an openness to scrutiny. Additional information is available online. 

9) Bro. Barry has not engaged some fantasy without means. Barry has learning, drive, faithfulness, and experience which, notwithstanding God's providence, speak well to his capability to undertake this mission. 

10) I feel confident that Bro. Barry has in proper view God's glory through the ministry work. The work of training, equipping, discipling, and evangelizing which God will use to draw a people to himself is God glorifying, and this is his mission. 

11) Barry is but a man in a fallen world—he is not perfect. With confidence though, I count him as my brother who is laboring for the sake of the Gospel.

My thoughts on Missions 

1) There will always be a need for well-equipped missionaries until the Lord returns. 

2) There is a lack of well-equipped missionaries and the Lord will return. 

3) The perception of many local churches has become that evangelism/missions is inviting others to church rather than to Christ. This is often accompanied by programs or events where loving Christians meaning well give out things other than the Gospel.

4) There is a disease amongst missionaries consisting of contextualization/syncretism of the Gospel. Missionaries become so method oriented that the Gospel is compromised and converts are nominal at best, rather than born-again, Holy-spirit filled, trophies of God's grace. (See The Sovereign Grace Messenger, Issue 35, “The Cultural Captivity of Evangelical Missions” by Trevor Johnson )

5) A popular method of funding missionaries often includes or can result in not personally knowing the missionary or being in a position to be able to hold them accountable. Money is sent through other organizations or boards. This can result also in a lack of accountability likewise of the church sending the funds. There must be a fine balance where both the church and the missionary are held accountable. The church should not feel proud just because it is giving sums of money away to nondescript missionaries lest they become like a Pharisee who does not involve their heart, use sound judgment, or work with proper motives. We need to know our funds are going to a Paul, not a Judas Iscariot. I would regret even a small sum going to one who uses it to betray the Gospel.

Concerns 

1) Holding the rope for a missionary always includes the possibility of rope-burns. 

2) God is providential. We can never fully know if Barry will succeed or fail within any measure of our own finite understanding. We can trust that God will accomplish his purpose. 

3) God is providential. Barry could succumb to illness or other calamity, or his son, so that the mission work must be abandoned. 

4) Our church could suffer some critical famine that jeopardizes our ability to continue supporting Barry, which could in turn jeopardize the mission work. God is providential. It is a hard argument to fund Barry if we do not even have faith that God will continue to provide for our church.

The questions:

Weighing the evidences, is supporting Bro. Barry Carpenter going to reflect a wise investment/stewardship of resources, through which God will be glorified?

If so: 

Do I have the ability to support Barry's ministry? 

Do I have the desire to support Barry's ministry?

For more information on Dr. Barry Carpenter,  Revival or Ruin Ministries, Bible Expositors Seminary click on link below:

http://www.revivalorruin.com/index.html