Well, it is my privilege to welcome you all to our constituting service of what will soon be Trinity Reformed Baptist Church. We are thankful for your willingness to join us on this significant first day in the life of our church. We would especially like to welcome the visiting pastors and elders from various sister churches. We're thankful for your willingness to support and even assist in this morning's proceedings. Additionally, we extend our appreciation to the pastors who, though unable to be here in person, sent messages and expressed their desire to be with us today. One pastor in particular wrote a letter to our congregation and asked that it be read this morning, so I will read that now. This is a letter from Pastor D. Scott Meadows, pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Exeter, New Hampshire. To Simon O'Maney and the Brethren of Trinity Reformed Baptist Church of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, Dear Brethren, Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. I greet you today by my letter with great joy and thanksgiving to God for his marvelous providence in the formal constitution of Trinity Reformed Baptist Church. Truly, this is a work of the Lord, and we stand in awe of his faithfulness in raising up a new local assembly for the advancement of his kingdom and the glory of his name. I regret that I cannot be with you in person on this momentous occasion, but please be assured that my heart and prayers are very much with you, rejoicing with you in spirit. Simon, I want to take a moment to express my appreciation for you as a faithful man of God and one well suited to the sacred calling of ministry to this new church. I have no doubt that the Lord has prepared and equipped you for such a time as this, to lead and shepherd with wisdom, grace, and a heart wholly devoted to Christ. It is a rare and precious thing to see a man so clearly called by God. It is my sincere hope and prayer that he will continue to bless you and the ministry entrusted to your care. As you all take this significant step forward, it is my fervent prayer that the Lord will strengthen and establish you in the years to come. May Trinity Reform Baptist Church glorify God in an extraordinary way as a beacon of light and truth in your community. May you be fruitful in discipling many believers helping them grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord. And may you see many souls brought to faith in Christ through your faithful proclamation of the gospel. Please be assured that our prayers at Calvary Baptist Church are with you. Know also that you are not alone, but are joined in fellowship with many like-minded churches who rejoice with you in this new chapter of your ministry. May this be the beginning of many years of faithful service to the glory of God. With love and respect and in bonds of our sacred hope in Christ, I remain yours in his service, D. Scott Meadows. We are especially thankful to the Lord who has faithfully guided us to this point. We began meeting in my living room a number of months ago, and there we carefully and patiently sought to consider whether it was in accord with the mind of Christ to constitute as a local church. And although we didn't receive a vision like the Apostle Paul's Macedonian call, through providence, God increased our number and he knit us together in Christian fellowship and in unity around the truth of our most holy faith. And now, united in love, and doctrine and purpose we desire to covenant with the Lord and with one another to form as a confessional and congregational Reformed Baptist Church. Today is both solemn and joyful. It's solemn because we recognize that covenanting with one another and to the Lord involves making serious commitments. but it is also a day of great joy for these commitments are not burdens that are imposed upon us, but rather are vows we make joyfully, freely, and willingly to the Lord and to one another. Well, in Matthew chapter 16, verses 13 to 20, we see how Christ establishes his church. He founds his church on the confession of his lordship as the Christ, the Son of the living God. We'll hear now God's word read from Matthew chapter 16, verses 13 to 20. Now, when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, who do people say that the Son of Man is? And they said, some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah, or one of the prophets. He said to them, but who do you say that I am? Simon Peter replied, you are the Christ, the son of the living God. And Jesus answered him, Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Then he strictly charged the disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ. Well, please join me in prayer. Let's pray. Our glorious triune God, how majestic is your name in all the earth. We gather here before you this morning in thankfulness for all that you have done for your people. We thank you for the saving work of your son, the Lord Jesus Christ, whose blood has purchased our redemption. and now we are united as brothers and sisters in him. We thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit, who has been given to sanctify us, to empower us to obedience, and to lead us into all truth. Help us to soberly and yet joyfully consider the vows that we are about to make this day. and help us to remain steadfast in our commitment and exercise of those vows, that we might be those who hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. We entrust this church and we entrust our lives into your hands. Be pleased, O God, therefore, to dwell among us and use us for the advancement of your gospel and for the magnification of your great name. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen. Well, at this time, please do take your Trinity hymnal and turn to hymn number 216. And we will sing together, praise to the Lord, the Almighty. And please stand if you're ready. Alleluia. Now to his temple draw near. Join in the revelation. you ♪ Slips down the lane here ♪ ♪ Tempting with love and with loving ♪ ♪ And guiding and staying here ♪ ♪ Come with me ♪ ♪ Death not in the living name ♪ ♪ Spreading his wings to my soul ♪ Please be seated. And at this time, I would welcome Pastor Ryan Davidson to the pulpit for our sermon this morning. Pastor Davidson is the pastor at Grace Baptist Chapel in Hampton, Virginia. Almost 10 years ago, I had the privilege and blessing of doing a summer internship with him, and over those 10 years, he has remained a wonderful friend and mentor and pastor. So please do come, brother, to point the word. Well, it is indeed a privilege to be with you this day, and I am encouraged by this very gathering and count it indeed a blessing and a privilege to be here with you. If you have a copy of God's Word, I invite you to turn with me to the book of Acts. Acts chapter 20. Acts chapter 20. I'll be reading beginning in verse 17. Hear now the word of the living God. From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church. And when they had come to him, he said to them, you know from the first day that I came to Asia in what manner I always lived among you, serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials, which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews, how I kept nothing back that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you and taught you publicly and from house to house, testifying to Jews and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. And see, now I go bound in the Spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. But none of these things move me, nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. And indeed, now I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, will see my face no more. Therefore, I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God. Therefore take heed to yourselves, and to all the flock among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which he purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves, men will rise up, speaking perverse things to draw away the disciples after themselves. Therefore, watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears. So now, brethren, I commend you to God. and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. I have coveted no one's silver or gold apparel. Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities and for those who are with me. I have shown you in every way by laboring like this that you must support the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus that he said, it is more blessed to give than to receive. And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. Then they all wept freely and fell on Paul's neck and kissed him, sorrowing most of all for the words which he spoke, that they would see his face no more. And they accompanied him to the ship. Thus far, the reading of God's precious word. Would you pray with me? Now, Almighty God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we pray that in this brief time of the proclamation of your word, you would strengthen and increase the faith of your people, edify us, and encourage us, particularly on this day, encourage this congregation, which is here this day established by the very mind of Christ. We ask your blessing upon the preaching of the word that it may be Christ's word to his people. In Jesus' name, amen. We find ourselves in Acts chapter 20 in Ephesus. You may recall that Paul spent quite a bit of time there in Ephesus. And now he is having a final discussion with the elders of the church at Ephesus. What do you say? to pastors that you will likely not see ever again on this side of the new heaven and the new earth. What words of encouragement do you give to these elders? These words are recorded for us here in Acts chapter 20, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. And it's a mini seminary class, so to speak, because here we have Paul's encouragement. for this church that by God's grace will continue to go on long after he departs not to see it again. Just a little bit of background for you. Paul spent about two to three years in Ephesus. We can read of the beginnings of his journey in Acts chapter 19, beginning in around verse eight. He extensively teaches And then in Acts chapter 19, verse 20, we see sort of an abrupt ending of some of his ministry there. The scripture reads this way in Acts 19, 20. So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed. This is during those two to three years. But verse 21 says, When these things were accomplished, Paul purposed in the spirit when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia to go to Jerusalem, saying, after I have been there, I must also see Rome. Shortly after this, there is a riot in Ephesus. You remember the encounter. And Paul goes to Macedonia and Greece, but eventually, He finds his way here on this last encounter with the elders of the church. And Paul's final words help us to catch a vision, to see a vision for the church. and for its leaders. I want us to consider Paul's words for just a few moments together, brothers and sisters, perhaps and see three things that both what the words of Paul says, what his words are, but also what his example is and how that might be an encouragement to us, an encouragement to you on this very special day of days. Firstly, let us see in Paul's encounter with these elders The encouragement toward sacrificial following of Christ. The sacrificial following of Christ. Look at his example. It's an important example. He says, beginning in verse 18, you know from the first day that I came to Asia in what manner I always lived among you. Paul as an apostle selected by the risen Christ is now leading by example. And what is that example? Verse 19, serving the Lord with all humility with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews. His example of sacrificial following of Christ involves tears and trials. Now each of us in this room in a variety of ways can testify by God's grace that he has brought us through tears and trials. And as we continue as his people here on this earth there will be tears and trials and it will be a situation where some of these tears and trials will cause us and call us to make sacrificial following of Christ our goal. But notice what he says. In addition to walking through tears and trials, he says, you know how I have sought to serve the Lord with all humility. Tom Schreiner commenting in a passage in the New Testament speaks to humility in the local church. Listen to what he says. He says, smooth relations in the church can be preserved if the entire congregation adorns itself with humility. When believers recognize that they are creatures and sinners, they are less apt to be offended by others. Humility is the oil that allows relationships in the church to run smoothly and lovingly Pride gets upset when another does not follow our own suggestions. Of course, Schreiner continues, but the point is well taken. Here, Paul says, I want you to look at my example, that by God's grace, I have sought to serve him with humility and humility in the midst of many tears and trials. But you know, Paul can say of his life, not simply that there were trials in the past, but he can also say that he knows that trials are coming. Notice in verse 23 what he says. He says, the Holy Spirit testifies in every city saying that chains and tribulations await me. Now in Paul's role as an apostle, There is this revelation that he has received. He understands that there are going to be more trials, chains, imprisonments, tribulations. Brothers and sisters, you this day have not been told by the Holy Spirit that there will be certain trials and tribulations, but in God's common providence to us all, it is likely that a church will experience, after it is founded, many great joys and many trials, many tribulations. For we have a great enemy, do we not? Satan does not love the Church of Jesus Christ. Our enemy is not pleased when churches of the living Christ are formed, and we too wrestle with remaining sin. It is sin which no longer rules and reigns over us, but it does remain, doesn't it? And so there will be in Christ's churches continued tribulations, and perhaps, should the Lord allow, He has in other lands, perhaps even in our day, chains for the sake of Christ. Paul is saying, by his example and through his words, we are, as Christ's people, to be sacrificial in following Christ. Notice what he says next in verse 24. Verse 24 could almost be a theme verse for the people of Christ's church. Look at verse 24. But none of these things move me, nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy. and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus to testify to the gospel of the grace of God." Now, brothers and sisters, we are not apostles, but there is a sense in which we could say, in following this example of Scripture, in following the example of the Apostle Paul, that by God's grace, our lives would be not accounted to ourselves as anything, simply that we may finish the race with joy and the ministry that he has called us to. This day is an opportunity as Christ sees that another one of his churches is established, is constituted, for us to consider from the pages of Holy Scripture the call to be sacrificial in following Christ. Those of you who will be covenanting together this day, consider it, brothers and sisters. Consider, is it your desire by God's grace to be sacrificial in following the blessed Lord Jesus Christ. It will require sacrifice. You know, brothers and sisters, the church of Jesus is beautiful. There's nothing else like it on the earth. But we are a people who still wrestle with sin. There are challenges. We still experience the results of the curse and the fall. Our bodies break down. Should the Lord allow, a hundred years from now, this church will be made up of entirely different faces. Perhaps there are boys and girls here today who may, in those periods of time, have children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, who are still a part of this church, should the Lord tarry. But things change, and it requires sacrifice of His people. And Paul says to these elders, look to my example of humble, Sacrificial following of Christ. But there's another thing that I think we see in this text, and that is that in addition to the church needing to be sacrificial in following Christ, the church secondly is supported by the word of Christ. Supported by the word of Christ. Notice in a couple of places in the text that we read, Paul highlights this in a variety of ways. Look at verse 20. He reminds them of his time with them, and he says, I remind you, quote, of how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you and taught you publicly and from house to house. Notice that Paul views the chief work of his ministry to proclaim the things which God had given to him to proclaim to the church, to proclaim the very word of God to this people. This church, Ephesus, and all of the churches that are true churches of Jesus Christ. And this church here in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, is supported by the word of Christ. It is our food. It is our foundation. And notice the focus on truth and doctrine. That's what Paul is making clear to these elders, these pastors. In this final seminary class, if you will, with the Apostle Paul, before he leaves, he says, that his example was proclaiming that which was profitable. Paul says elsewhere to another church, this one being the church at Corinth, that he wanted to know nothing else among them, but Christ and him crucified. 1 Corinthians 9, 16. Matthew Henry, the Puritan commentator, writes of this passage, quote, he, that is Paul, was a truly Christian evangelical preacher. He did not preach philosophical notions or matters of doubtful disputation, nor did he preach politics or intermeddle at all with affairs of state or the civil government, but he preached faith and repentance. the two great gospel graces, the nature and necessity of them, these he urged. Christ in him crucified, and the gifts which he gives to his people, the twin gifts, as it were, faith and repentance. But notice even Paul's example of teaching. He teaches them publicly, but he teaches them house to house. Now, I was not there, but you all, this day, those of you who were in those living room gatherings, in a sense, are a part of a longstanding tradition of Christ's church. For there have been living rooms and caves and small hidden places for the last 2,000 years where Christ's people have gathered. Yes, often in public, but sometimes house to house. Now, Paul has in view here the idea that he's not content to simply preach. but to also minister to these individuals, to be among them, to be going from house to house, place to place. But what a sweet memory for many of you to think on the gatherings, the beginnings of a church in a living room. Well, Paul continues, doesn't he? And we must quickly move on. He says that he was testifying to Jews and also to Greeks. For the gospel is for all to hear. What is he testifying? Repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. As Matthew Henry has just quoted, faith and repentance are the very proclamation. It is the called response to the gospel, that Christ is offered in the gospel, and that we are commanded to believe. to repent, and these are gifts which Christ himself gives to his elect. But notice the emphasis on teaching. I've held nothing back. I've taught you publicly. I've taught you house to house. It can swell to the point where, in verse 26, Paul can say this, Therefore, I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. Because, in verse 27, For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God." Paul can say, I'm not guilty for holding things back. I've given you the whole counsel of the word of God. Brothers and sisters, I fear that there may be many pastors, many church leaders who on the day of judgment will be ashamed in one way or another for having starved their people of the whole counsel of God's word. God has given us a precious book to mine its pages. And Christ has called his under shepherds, pastors, and elders to preach the whole counsel of the word of God, to preach law and gospel, to proclaim the truths of God's word, that his people might be fed, that they may understand the rich doctrines of his word. We live in a day sometimes where some will say, well, doctrine, it's important, but it just divides us. Paul will say, I've preached to you the whole council. You may know it, that you may confess it. And as we shall see in just a moment, that you may be on guard against those who may come into your midst church at Ephesus and bring false doctrine. You see, Paul is aware that false doctrine comes in so easily. And how is it that we recognize false doctrine? Well, we recognize it by knowing the truth, by understanding the whole counsel of God's word. Well, Paul continues, doesn't he? He tells these elders in verse 28, he gives them their marching orders. Look at verse 28. Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers to shepherd the church of God, which he purchased with his own blood. There are many beautiful descriptions of the church of Jesus Christ in the pages of the scriptures. This is one of the most beautiful pictures of Christ's church. A blood bought people. What is the church of Jesus Christ? Well, among other things, It is a blood bought people. How can we say that this church of God is purchased with his own blood? Boys and girls, God is a spirit and does not have a body like men. God doesn't have physical hands. God doesn't have eyes like we do, and ears he sees and hears, of course. But how is it that this verse says that God purchased the church with his own blood? Well, here doctrine helps us, doesn't it? We wholeheartedly profess the doctrine of the hypostatic union, the understanding that the second person of the Trinity, the eternal Son of God, assumed our flesh. And there, one person with two natures accomplished the work of redemption, to include shedding his blood for his people. Of all the things that will cross your mind today, brothers and sisters, the joys of seeing a new church established and constituted, the fellowship of the saints, the sweet smiles of those who know that they are now walking alongside you, in this covenant call together to be his people as a local church of all the things this day, do not lose sight of the fact that Christ says of each of you, that you are a blood bought person. He spilt his blood to purchase your salvation, to cover your sins, to make atonement for you. But this, of course, in addition to being a blessing, is also a weighty task. What do I mean by a weighty task? Well, at the very end of this verse, Paul says that the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. You see, the church of Jesus Christ recognizes its leaders. It votes on them. It seeks to follow the mind of Christ. But here, these elders are said to have been made overseers, made elders, made pastors by the Holy Spirit. The work of setting apart officers in Christ's church is a work of which the Holy Spirit is involved, using the congregations down through the ages. But notice the weight of eldership. This blood pot people is a people that must be watched over, elders. Elders, you must have a constant watch over this flock. You must watch yourself. You must watch over them. You must follow my example, teaching them, not holding anything back, giving them the full counsel of God's word. You see, we live in a day where authority often is pushed down in our broader society. And elders are men recognized by Christ's church, made overseers by the Holy Spirit, but they are just men. They're members of churches, but there is a sense in which they have been given through the church, from the hand of Christ, a very precious task. My brother, you will have a very weighty task for this set of marching orders is for you and for any elders who will join you. in this wonderful work of Christ. The marching orders are here to take heed to yourself, to watch over this flock, to teach them. These are your marching orders. And as one who shares them in a different church, they're weighty. And I know that you, my brother, know this. The church, this is a weighty task for the elders of any church, whether there be one, two, or many. Consider the many tear-stained nights, perhaps sermon manuscripts or prayer journals that have tear stains on them as the elders have prayed over the saints. To have sermon manuscripts written and rewritten and written again because the teaching of the word of Christ is so crucial. It's so vital for the church to be supported by the word of Christ. Imagine the weight of eldership Paul is essentially laying on these people. You are leading and watching over a people who don't belong to Rome, he says. You are leading and teaching a people who aren't just heads of households. You are leading and teaching a people who have been bought by the very blood, as he says, of God. So Paul says this supporting of the word, not holding anything back, teaching the whole council, not being guilty of the blood of these men because you have not shunned to declare the whole council of God means that one of the things that this church that is established this day needs to be is a church supported by the word of Christ. Well, in verses 33 and 34, Paul's focus is clear. He says this, I have coveted no one's silver or gold or apparel. Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities and for those who were with me. Paul's focus was the heavenly kingdom and not earthly gain. And is this not one of the qualifications for elders, for pastors in Christ's church? But perhaps As we bring this second point to a close, notice again what he says about the word in verse 32. So now brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. What do you say? to precious brothers that you have shepherded for years and brothers that you will not see again on this side of the new heaven and the new earth. What do you say to them? What do you leave them with? Of all the things that you could say in your farewell speech, what do you say to them and by implication to the church at Ephesus? Paul says, I commend you to God and to something else, to the word of his grace. You see, the church of Jesus Christ is supported by the word of Christ. It is the preaching of the word of Christ that is the ordinary and regular means of growing his people in grace. So there may come a day when other churches are talking about things that they're doing. You read on the internet of programs and all manner of things that churches have come up with. And you may even be tempted perhaps sometimes even though you have a rich confession, and even though from our Reformed background, you know the truth, and you know the value of it, you may begin to question, why do we place so much emphasis on the preaching of the word of Christ? And it's because the word itself says, that is the ordinary, the regular, that is what Christ has commissioned for his church. Paul can say to these elders, I'm never gonna see you again, I commend you to God and to the word." Now, Paul confidently gives people over to God and to his word. He says to another church, Colossians 2, 6 and 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. But notice what he says this word of his grace is able to do. It's able to build you up. The means is characterized as having the ability to build up, that through the preaching of the word of Christ, his people are built up. Paul is not the only one to say this, by the way. Peter says this as well. Listen to what Peter says in 2 Peter 1 verse 2 through 4. May grace and peace be multiplied to you. I'd love to spend some time here, but the implication that grace and peace can be multiplied to us and in our lives is a very interesting statement. May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness through knowledge of him. Put that together for a moment. We grow in our knowledge of him. It helps us to live lives of godliness, and as we do this, grace and peace are multiplied to us and in our lives. It is through the very word of Christ that we are built up. Now it's worth saying for just a moment what Paul means when he says, I commend you to God, but what does he mean when he says, to the word of his grace? Is this the entire Bible or is this simply the gospel? Does he just mean the good news that Christ has died for sinners, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day, that he offers himself to any and all who have ears to hear? Well, I think the primary focus that Paul has in mind certainly is the gospel, but it is the gospel, the good news, as it is revealed in the entirety of the word of God. This is what he commends to the saints. And notice, he says, this is a commendation that comes with the hope that it will bring something about. Notice what he says. The word of God is used by the spirit of Christ to do two things. Verse 32, to give you an inheritance, and to build you up quickly to give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. There are many things we could say. I'll at least say this one thing. The word of Christ preached is, as others have said, a means that Christ uses outwardly to convert his people. It is a converting ordinance. that as Christ's Word is preached week after week, year after year, century after century, it is met with the internal work of the Spirit and Christ gives his people through the preaching of his Word. It is a means that he uses. It gives them an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. Who can forget what Paul says in Romans chapter 10? That the preaching of the Word is necessary for people to hear. How will they hear without a preacher? Of course, in any service, it's worth mentioning that the good news of Christ, this news of which Paul speaks, is the bold declaration that we are separated from God, that we are not who we should be. We do the things that we are called not to do, and we don't do the very things that we're called to do. And our thoughts, our words, our actions, they're flooded with sin, rebellion against God. But in his love and mercy, he sent his son. who assumed our flesh and lived a perfect life and died. And there on the cross took the wrath of God, the just wrath of God for all the people who would ever trust in him down through the ages. And he took it to the grave. He died for sinners, taking the very penalty, which the first man and the first woman were told in the very beginning would occur when they sin. This Christ was raised on the third day victorious. And now through his word, the preaching of his word, all who hear it are called to faith and repentance. But notice he also says the word is able to build you up. You know, later in your Bibles, you will read a letter of Paul to the Ephesians. And among other things, he says something very interesting. He says in Ephesians chapter two, verse 17, A statement which we ought to consider when we think about preaching, preaching of the word. Paul says this in his letter to the Ephesian believers, Ephesians 2.17, and he, that is Christ, came and preached peace to you who were far off and to those who were near. Now, I'm certainly not the first person to say this. I'm borrowing on the scholarly work of others, but we ought to ask ourselves a question. The text says that Paul, I mean, that Paul says that Christ came and preached to the Ephesians. But if we think about Jesus's earthly ministry, he never went to Ephesus. So when is it that Christ actually came and preached to these Ephesians? Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, we see no instance where Christ went there. And so we understand that what Paul means is that through the preaching of the word of Christ, Christ preaches to his people, that the preaching of the word of Christ is the word of Christ. So Paul can say to the Ephesians, when you heard the word of Christ preached, Christ came and preached to you. And this is why Paul can say to these Ephesian elders, I commend to you, I commend you to God and I commend you to the word of his grace. I don't want to use the few moments that remain to speak of your new shepherd. But let me say this. I had the opportunity to spend a better part of a summer with Simon. I was the pastor of a Reformed Baptist church. Simon was a seminary student and he came to spend eight weeks or so with us. We even shared an office for a season. And there were times where we would talk about doctrine. I would learn things from Simon. Don't know if he learned much from me, but we would talk. But one of the things that gripped me is that we would arrange our day. And are we going to do visits today? Are we going to go to the hospital? Are we going to work on bulletins? Are we going to, in our case, fix toilets? What will it be? But then there were times where we would agree, I would go and do my sermon preparation, and because he had some preaching responsibilities, he would do his. And one of the things that struck me about this dear brother is that I regularly remember the amount of time and emphasis that he would put in preparation for sermons. Even then, and following him over these last years, seeing him and just listening to him talk, understanding that his regular practice was to spend a lot of time in the Word of God in order that he might preach it to the people of God. You know, we live in a day where many pastors would think it sufficient to simply throw together a sermon. And the temptation is strong. And I do not mean in any way to insinuate that this brother is, well, perfect. But I'm encouraged that I think this soon-to-be elder of this church, this soon-to-be pastor of this church, understands what Paul said to these Ephesian elders, that of all the things that he could give them, the statement which he felt to be the most important was that the word of God's grace be known among this people. And for all of this pastor's flaws, I'm fully confident that what you will not lack It's the proclamation of the word of Christ. Well, as we close, there's at least one other thing we can say. This people is called to be sacrificial and following Christ. There's a clear emphasis on being supported by the word of Christ. And finally, they are to be a people who serve the people of Christ. Look at the final few words. Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities and for those who are with me. I have shown you in every way. Again, notice the example. Follow my example, he says. By laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus that he said, it is more blessed to give than to receive. Helping the weak, serving Christ's people, that there is a greater blessing in giving than receiving. People of Christ, of all the things that you will be called to this day, one of the practical expressions of your covenant together is that should the Lord tarry, the living Christ will give you many opportunities to serve the weak among you, to serve one another. And will it be a privilege for you? Is your heart in the posture of, I am excited, even amidst the sacrifices that it will mean, that I have the opportunity to serve my savior as I serve his people? The meals that will be made. the hymnals that will be placed, the bulletins that will be printed, the bathrooms that will be cleaned, the diapers that will be changed, the sermons that will be written, the tears that will fall from eyes as you pray, the funerals that will be preached, the weddings that will happen, the births that you will experience, the sorrows and the joys. Paul can say, the example that I leave with you, pastors of Ephesus, is that you follow my example in serving the people. You will have that opportunity today as Christ's people. And as long as he gives you life and breath, and in his providence he keeps you here, you will have the opportunity to serve his people. And may that always be a blessed privilege. So Paul finishes his words and says to these elders, amidst tears, and falling on the neck and grief that he's leaving and that they will never see him again. Pastors of the church at Ephesus, be sacrificial in following Christ and lead your people to do it. Always be supported by the word of Christ. Be abounding in the word. Preach it, proclaim it, teach it. Don't hold any of it back. Thirdly, lead your people in serving the people of Christ. What a blessing it will be when we gather with the saints above on that great day. When members of local churches that have dotted this globe for thousands of years are finally together with the risen lamb. And I have to think that there will be a glorious reunion together. And isn't it sweet that the Lord Christ gives us now, every Lord's Day, a foretaste imperfect because of our weakness, though it may be a foretaste of that great day that we're privileged. You are privileged to sit in these seats with other believers that Christ has bought with his own blood and serve one another. You all, we as Christ's people are among all men, those who are the most privileged because of his blessed grace. Let's pray. Living God, I pray for this new church. that they would be a people who are sacrificial, following of Christ, that they would be supported well by the word of Christ, and that they would see fit to serve one another for the glory of Christ. Lord, we ask your blessing and your aid by the Spirit in the hearts and lives of these saints. In Jesus' name, amen. Thank you, brother. Well, at this time, please do take your hymnal once again, and we'll sing together hymn number 446. 446, be thou my vision. And please stand. We say that now the Lord has bought my day or my night. May he who sleep in peace Now in me dwell thee, now in me dwell thee. Now my soul shall turn, now my heart shall rejoice. ♪ In their hearts and smiling eyes ♪ You may be seated. Well, we come now to the point at which we will covenant together as a church, and as we do so, it's helpful, again, to remember what a church is. Well, a church, of course, is not just a building. There are many church buildings, but a church building itself is not necessarily the church. Church officers alone are not simply the church, but rather the church is the body of believers called by Christ, united together in covenant with the Lord and with one another. This is how our Confession of Faith puts it in chapter 26, paragraph six. It says this. The members of these churches are saints by calling, visibly manifesting and evidencing in and by their profession and walking, their obedience unto that call of Christ, and do willingly consent to walk together according to the appointment of Christ, giving up themselves to the Lord and to one another by the will of God in professed subjection to the ordinances of the gospel. Well, we are going to do that now, those of us who are covenanting. We are going to express our willing consent to walk together and are giving up of ourselves to the Lord and to one another. We're going to do that by first reciting our church covenant and then by signing a physical copy of our church covenant. And our assent to this covenant is an outward expression of our commitment to one another. So for those who are covenanting this morning, if you're able, please stand and please take your copy of the covenant. If for some reason you do not have a copy, maybe raise your hand. Everyone has a copy. Well, let us read this together. Having as we trust being brought by divine grace to repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and to give up ourselves to him, and having been baptized upon our profession of faith in the triune name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit, we do now, relying on his gracious aid, solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another as one body in Christ. We will submit joyfully to the authority of the Triune God, the Word of God, and the Under-Shepherds of God in this Church. We will work and pray for the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. We will walk together in brotherly love, as becomes the members of a Christian Church, exercise an affectionate care and watchfulness over each other, and faithfully admonish and entreat one another, as occasion may require. We will not forsake the assembling of ourselves together, nor neglect to pray for ourselves and others. We will endeavour to bring up such as may at any time be under our care in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, and by a pure and loving example to seek the salvation of our family and friends. We will rejoice at each other's happiness and endeavor with tenderness and sympathy to bear each other's burdens and sorrows. We will seek, by divine aid, to live carefully in the world, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, and remembering that, as we have been buried by baptism and raised again from the symbolic grave, so there is on us a special obligation now to lead a new and holy life. We will work together for the continuance of a faithful ministry in this Church as we sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrines. We will contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the Church, the relief of the poor among us, and the spread of the Gospel through all nations. We will, when we move from this place, as soon as possible, unite with some other church where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God's word. May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all. Amen. Amen. Well, Covenanting members, let us now come forward and sign our Church Covenant together. You. I have the privilege to announce that in the kind providence of the triune God, he has seen fit to establish a church in this place. The living Christ, who is the head of this church, has now guided the constitution of Trinity Reformed Baptist Church, and she is established and constituted for his glory. Now, one of the members of this newly covenanted church will bring the church into its first item of business. Well, because we are now a local church, Trinity Reformed Baptist Church, we have the authority of Christ to do everything that churches do. As our confession says in chapter 26, paragraph seven, to each of these churches thus gathered, according to the mind of Christ, declared in his word, he has given all that power and authority which is in any way needful for their carrying on that order in worship and discipline which he has instituted for them to observe. So Christ has given organized covenanted churches all the authority they need to call church officers And so now that we are a church, we are in need of church officers. So members of TRBC, we will now vote to elect our church officers. Beginning with the Office of Elder, would someone make a nomination for Elder? Daniel? I nominate Simon O'Maney for Elder of the Church. Simon O'Maney for Elder of the Church. Is there a second? A lot of hands. That's a good sign. Niall? Seconded. Seeing no discussion, all in favor say yes. Yes. All opposed, no. The motion passes with Simon O'Mahony is elected as your elder. Is there a nomination for deacon? Zach? Daniel Wulford. Daniel Wulford. Is there a second for Daniel Wulford? Chris Arnson seconds. Seeing no discussion, all in favor say yes. All opposed, no. Motion passes. Daniel Wilford has been elected to the office of deacon. Well, at this point, Pastor Davidson and several other pastors will assist in our ordination process here. Seeking the mind of Christ, this local church has selected a pastor to serve and to feed this flock. I will now ask him to publicly give testimony to his desires and willingness this day. Simon, I ask you these questions. Do you believe the scriptures as written in the Old and New Testament to be the word of God and do you accept them as the only infallible rule of faith and practice? I do. Have you personally adopted and will you cheerfully submit to and defend the Second London Baptist Confession of Faith? I have. And do you accept the office of elder readily and do you promise to perform its duties of caring for the flock of God in the fear of his name? Yes, with God's grace. I'm going to ask pastors Joel Zartman and Ed Roman to join me for the laying on of hands. Following in the pattern of scripture, we will lay our hands on Simon and each of us pray this day. Living God, we thank you for your church. We thank you for your grace and mercy to her through the blood of your son. And we thank you that you have chosen to use men called of Christ through your churches down through the ages to serve her. And we pray today for Simon O'Manny that you would give him all that he needs to serve this flock well, to watch over himself and this flock, to preach the word of Christ to her, the sacrifice of himself for this precious bride of Christ. I pray for my brother that you will empower him by your spirit, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. Oh Lord, I also pray for Simon and for this church. I thank you for what you have done here today, and I pray that you would be with him and you would keep him. That you would keep him from temptation and sin, from the world, from the flesh, from the devil. That you would keep him from certain men, because there are also those kind of enemies out there. And I pray, oh Lord, that you would be working in his life and in his heart. Be with this church, O Lord. Add to it more qualified elders, more officers. Build it up, add to its membership, and use it as a bright light and beacon for the gospel here in this community. We ask it in Jesus' name. Amen. Father, I pray for Simon. I pray for this church. I pray, Father, three things for them and especially for Simon. First of all, that you would keep him faithful to you. No matter what comes, no matter what comes out of left field, I pray that you would keep him close and dear and that he would know that. Secondly, I pray that you would keep him faithful to his family, to his wife. Right now it's easy, but the time will come when the enemy will strike and will tempt. So Father, I pray that you will keep him faithful to his family. Father, I pray that you will keep him faithful to these people that you have appointed him elder of, Father, that he would love them. And again, I know it's easy to do that, because everything's exciting. But time will come when it will get difficult, and it will be hard. I pray that above all else, you will help him to see that love that he has for them, and the love that you have for them. Help him to love them the way that you love them. So Father, I lift this church up to you. I lift Simon up to you today in the name of Jesus. Amen. It is now a privilege for me to recognize publicly that following in the pattern of Scripture, a man has been installed and ordained to The office of elder and pastor here in this place and Simon O'Maney is now publicly recognized as a pastor of Trinity Reformed Baptist Church. We have, in God's grace and goodness, been given another church officer. And so Daniel, please come forward. And I, as your pastor, will now lead in the ordination of Daniel. So Daniel, I have three questions for you. Do you believe the scriptures as written in the Old and New Testament to be the word of God? And do you accept them as the only infallible rule of faith and practice? I most certainly do. Have you personally adopted and will you cheerfully submit to and defend the Second London Baptist Confession of Faith? By God's grace, I have. Do you accept the office of deacon and do you promise to care for the poor and needy and to manage the business of this church in the fear of God? Relying upon God's grace, I do. Daniel, would you like to kneel? Let's pray together. Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you. You are the God who gives gifts, and that Christ is the one who has poured out these gifts on this church. We thank you for the gift of church officers, and now for the gift of our brother, Daniel Wilford, to this office. We thank you for Daniel. We thank you for his years and years of very faithful service as a deacon thus far, and Many of us in this room have been recipients of his mercy, his kindness, his love, his friendship, his faithfulness. And Lord, we do pray that you would help him, be with him, cause these gifts and graces for this office to continue to grow by your Holy Spirit. Use him for many days and months and years to come for service in your kingdom, even in our local church. Be with him, be with his family, be with Martha, help them. as they raise their daughters. And Lord, would you continue to strengthen our brother that he would not weary from the good work that you have called him to do in this office. So Lord, we set Daniel apart, and we rejoice that this man has been called to this office, to your service. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Amen. In just a moment, Pastor Simon will ask questions of you related to this new deacon, but it's my privilege to ask you, members of Trinity Reformed Baptist Church, just as your pastor was asked to give public declaration vowing his intent to serve as an elder, so too now I ask you to give public vows of your intent this day. So let me ask you, members of Trinity Reformed Baptist Church, would you stand? And I ask you the following questions. And if you desire please say, we will. Will you pray regularly for Simon, seeking to encourage him in every possible way, and to uphold and support him as he seeks to serve and shepherd the church? We will. Will you receive the word of truth from his mouth with meekness and love, and willingly submit to his spiritual care and oversight, endeavoring with him to live according to God's word? We will. Will you continue to provide for him while he is your pastor, that competent worldly maintenance which you have promised, and to furnish him with whatever you may see needful for the honor of religion and for his comfort among you? We will. If you would remain standing, members of TRBC, I will ask some questions with regard to our Deacon Daniel. Members of TRBC, Will you pray regularly for Daniel, seeking to encourage him in every possible way and to uphold and support him as he seeks to serve this church as a deacon? We will. Will you receive the ministry of mercy from his hand with meekness and love, endeavoring with him to live according to God's word? We will. Please be seated. Chapter 26, paragraph 8 of our Confession states that a particular church gathered and completely organized to the mind of Christ consists of officers and members. Well, we thank the Lord, we thank the Lord Jesus Christ who has now organized our church so that we have officers and members. We come now to the point at which we will adopt our Constitution. The Apostle Paul instructs the Corinthian church that all things in the church must be done decently and in order. And we recognize that a constitution helps us as a local body to do things decently and in order. As pastor and a member of TRBC, I move that we adopt our proposed constitution as the formal constitution of TRBC. Is there a second? All in favor of adopting this constitution, say yes. Yes. All opposed, no. The motion passes. The proposed constitution is now our formal adopted constitution. Well, at this time, I will invite Luke Mace to come forward and he will pray for our church. Luke is one of the pastors down at Grace in Chambersburg. Let's pray. Our God, this is a glorious day and you are a glorious God. You have made your power known in the world around us in many ways, but particularly in this way that we observe today in the calling forth of a new church into being. You have done so through the redeeming work of your son, the Lord Jesus Christ. You have made us a blood-bond people, and we see evidence of that in these dear saints this day, these brothers and sisters covenanting together to walk in obedience before our Lord. We ask for your blessing, we ask for your help, we ask for your grace, for we know that it is only that grace that keeps us and guides us as we seek to walk in obedience. I pray particularly for those in this place that have covenanted together that you would that you would bless them in these days to come, that you would be merciful to them, that you would be kind to them, that they might know an increase of love, an increase of peace, that they might grow in mutual edification as they seek to love one another in the grace that you have granted them. I pray for their officers, that you would give them wisdom and give them, that you would continue to equip them for the task that you have called them to. Lord Jesus, we praise you and we thank you that you have made your mind known. You have not left us in the dark as to how we should live before you in the life that you have called us to, but you have made it known. And we have seen evidence and bear witness to that this day. And we are glad for these things. We praise you. We praise you, Spirit, for the application of Christ's work and giving us hearts that love him. And we see witness of your kindness this day in the lives of these dear saints. We commit ourselves, as we always do to you, our triune God, and I commit in particular these saints to you, God, that you would keep them, that you would bless them, that they might be fruitful in the lives that you have called them to and the life that they share in Christ. We pray these things, believing your word and entrusting ourselves to you. In Christ's name, amen. Well, I can think of no more fitting hymn to close out our time than hymn number 404, The Church's One Foundation. So please do take your hymnal and turn to hymn number 404. 404, and we'll sing together The Church's One Foundation. Please stand. The Church's one foundation is Jesus' name. so This is your friend, our Saviour, and this is your stress. His face, dear Lord, shall be in thee, and thy peace on earth. ♪ With new age and new glory come ♪ ♪ Seekest the cross of salvation ♪ ♪ The peace of heaven come ♪ ♪ Till with new age and new glory come ♪ ♪ Praise and glory to the newborn King ♪ Please be seated for a moment. On behalf of Trinity Reformed Baptist Church, I would like to thank you all for attending this morning and for your participation in our covenanting service this day. Your presence has been a great encouragement to each one of us, and we are glad you are here. We especially want to extend thanks to those who have traveled long distances to be here with us. We want to thank Pastor Ed Roman, and Carlisle Baptist Church, especially for the very generous use of their building. Brother, we appreciate your support and your encouragement, and we do ask that you would express to your congregation our heartfelt thanks. We also ask you for your ongoing prayers for the days ahead. We have just become a church, and that is a very exciting thing, but we need your prayers. as we now begin to function as a local church, as we seek to fulfill the very commitments we have made this day by covenant. And so please be in prayer for us in the days ahead, as you can be assured we will be also for you. Well, you are all welcome back to my house after this for refreshments, for lunch, and for fellowship. My address is printed on the bulletin. Well, finally, the Lord bless you. The Lord keep you. The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. Amen. You are dismissed.