BeFree Church: Barrington
Weekly Worship: March 17, 2024
Locations & Times
BeFree Barrington
118 Church St, Barrington, NH 03825, USA
Sunday 10:00 AM
Welcome! (tap to expand)
Welcome! If you’re visiting in person, watching online, or are new to BeFree, we're glad you're here! Please visit https://befree.church/barrington-card to let us know you joined us.
Students ages 5 through 4th grade are excused during our greeting time to attend DIG on the lower level. If your student isn't registered for DIG, please fill out our online form: https://befree.church/barrington-digform.
For parents of kids ages birth through four, our childcare center is available to you. Our service streams live on the quiet room television for parents who need to be with their kids.
Students ages 5 through 4th grade are excused during our greeting time to attend DIG on the lower level. If your student isn't registered for DIG, please fill out our online form: https://befree.church/barrington-digform.
For parents of kids ages birth through four, our childcare center is available to you. Our service streams live on the quiet room television for parents who need to be with their kids.
Communication E-Card (tap to expand)
Are you new to our in-person gatherings or livestream? Do you have a prayer request? Do you want to get connected with a small group? Fill out our electronic communication card at https://befree.church/barrington-card with as much or as little information as you'd like. The form is automatically delivered to our office inbox where someone will connect with you.
Find Us Online (tap to expand)
Follow us:
• Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/BeFreeBarrington)
• Twitter (https://twitter.com/befreechurch)
• Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/befreebarrington)
• YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/c/BeFreeChurch)
Visit http://barrington.befree.church for sermon audio and video, news, resources, and more!
• Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/BeFreeBarrington)
• Twitter (https://twitter.com/befreechurch)
• Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/befreebarrington)
• YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/c/BeFreeChurch)
Visit http://barrington.befree.church for sermon audio and video, news, resources, and more!
Giving (tap to expand)
We’ve established several ways you can give to BeFree wherever you are and whenever it works for you.
• At the Church: If you're at our building and you came prepared to give, please use one of the wall-mounted offering boxes.
• On your Phone or Tablet: Download the PushPay app from your device’s app store. Search for BeFree Community Church, and add it to your favorites list.
• Online: Visit http://give.befree.church to be redirected to our online giving site.
• By Mail: Mail a check to PO Box 618, Barrington, NH 03825.
• At the Church: If you're at our building and you came prepared to give, please use one of the wall-mounted offering boxes.
• On your Phone or Tablet: Download the PushPay app from your device’s app store. Search for BeFree Community Church, and add it to your favorites list.
• Online: Visit http://give.befree.church to be redirected to our online giving site.
• By Mail: Mail a check to PO Box 618, Barrington, NH 03825.
Having the End in Sight Part 4
Quick Note on Hermeneutics (how to study/interpret/apply Scripture)
“The Bible is at the same time both divine and human, it is the Word of God given in human words in history…it speaks to all humankind, in every age and culture so we must listen and obey. But because God chose to speak His word through human words in history, every book in the Bible also has historical particularity; each document is conditioned by the language, time, and culture in which it was originally written.” Fee and Stuart, How to Read the Bible for All its Worth
“The aim of good interpretation is simple: to get at the ‘plain meaning of the text’ = the author’s intended meaning…However, we invariably bring to the text all that we are, with all our experiences, culture, and prior understandings of words and ideas. Sometimes what we bring to the text leads us astray, or else causes us to read all kinds of foreign ideas into the text.” How to Read Bible for All its Worth
"None of us interprets the biblical text in a vacuum. Those who say they interpret the Bible without bringing any (pre-conceived assumptions) to the text are mistaken; they are simply unaware of the views they hold. We are challenged to examine the Scriptures to see what is really so (Acts 17:11). We want to be faithful to understand and proclaim the whole plan of God (Acts 20:27) and grappling with the different views will sharpen us all to be more faithful." Schreiner quoted Beale, NT Biblical Theology
“The Bible is at the same time both divine and human, it is the Word of God given in human words in history…it speaks to all humankind, in every age and culture so we must listen and obey. But because God chose to speak His word through human words in history, every book in the Bible also has historical particularity; each document is conditioned by the language, time, and culture in which it was originally written.” Fee and Stuart, How to Read the Bible for All its Worth
“The aim of good interpretation is simple: to get at the ‘plain meaning of the text’ = the author’s intended meaning…However, we invariably bring to the text all that we are, with all our experiences, culture, and prior understandings of words and ideas. Sometimes what we bring to the text leads us astray, or else causes us to read all kinds of foreign ideas into the text.” How to Read Bible for All its Worth
"None of us interprets the biblical text in a vacuum. Those who say they interpret the Bible without bringing any (pre-conceived assumptions) to the text are mistaken; they are simply unaware of the views they hold. We are challenged to examine the Scriptures to see what is really so (Acts 17:11). We want to be faithful to understand and proclaim the whole plan of God (Acts 20:27) and grappling with the different views will sharpen us all to be more faithful." Schreiner quoted Beale, NT Biblical Theology
Christian Belief
“In essentials, unity. In non-essentials, charity. In all things, Jesus Christ.”
we can confidently know the core essentials of our faith:
-God is eternal loving Creator: all-powerful, knowing, present, good triune being
-Bible is God’s Word: inspired, inerrant, authoritative
-Humanity is God’s image male and female now in sinful rebellion
-Jesus Christ is God incarnate, crucified Savior, risen-returning Lord
-Salvation is by Faith alone in Christ from God’s Judgment i.e. penalty, power, presence of sin
we can amicably agree to disagree on non-essentials of doctrine:
Creation views
divine sovereignty and human responsibility
modes of baptism
spiritual gifts, role of women
church governance, worship styles
end times views
“In essentials, unity. In non-essentials, charity. In all things, Jesus Christ.”
we can confidently know the core essentials of our faith:
-God is eternal loving Creator: all-powerful, knowing, present, good triune being
-Bible is God’s Word: inspired, inerrant, authoritative
-Humanity is God’s image male and female now in sinful rebellion
-Jesus Christ is God incarnate, crucified Savior, risen-returning Lord
-Salvation is by Faith alone in Christ from God’s Judgment i.e. penalty, power, presence of sin
we can amicably agree to disagree on non-essentials of doctrine:
Creation views
divine sovereignty and human responsibility
modes of baptism
spiritual gifts, role of women
church governance, worship styles
end times views
Three Reading Lenses for Eschatology:
American Dispensationalism: The Prescription Lens Popularized
- God has two distinct people/programs: national Israel/ spiritual Church
- A literalist interpretation of OT prophecy and Revelation
- Church is raptured before a literal 7-year Tribulation
- God uses the Tribulation to bring Israel to faith in Jesus as Messiah
- Jesus returns at end of 7 years to destroy Antichrist and establish 1000-year reign
- During the literal 1000-year rule, God fulfills OT prophecy to Israel
- At end of 1000 year reign, Satan loosed for final rebellion
- God’s great white throne Judgement and then a new heavens and earth
History: A New Kid in Town (1800’s)
Critique: why Dispensationalism got Left Behind:
- Old Covenant Israel as priority over the New Covenant Church
- The Return of Christ and Believers Rapture is Same Event
American Dispensationalism: The Prescription Lens Popularized
- God has two distinct people/programs: national Israel/ spiritual Church
- A literalist interpretation of OT prophecy and Revelation
- Church is raptured before a literal 7-year Tribulation
- God uses the Tribulation to bring Israel to faith in Jesus as Messiah
- Jesus returns at end of 7 years to destroy Antichrist and establish 1000-year reign
- During the literal 1000-year rule, God fulfills OT prophecy to Israel
- At end of 1000 year reign, Satan loosed for final rebellion
- God’s great white throne Judgement and then a new heavens and earth
History: A New Kid in Town (1800’s)
Critique: why Dispensationalism got Left Behind:
- Old Covenant Israel as priority over the New Covenant Church
- The Return of Christ and Believers Rapture is Same Event
Does Scripture support the view that God has two covenant people: Israel and the Church, and that He has promises to fulfill for national Israel apart from the spiritual Church?
Does Scripture support the view that Jesus has two returns: a secret return to rapture Christians just prior to a 7-year tribulation and then a glorious public return as King after those 7 years? How would His return then be unexpected?
Historic Premillennialism: The Earliest Lens the Church Used
- Jesus Christ and His New Covenant People/Church fulfill OT prophecy to Israel (Acts 2-4)
- The return of Jesus and rapture of believers are same event
- Great Tribulation and Antichrist is period of time prior to Christ’s return
- The Church goes through Tribulation, God turns Jewish hearts to Christ
- Jesus returns to establish the Kingdom of God on earth literal or figurative 1000 years
- God judges the living and the dead, casts Satan, all who rejected Jesus into fire lake/hell
- God creates a new heaven and earth
History
The Didache: 125 AD
Shepherd of Hermas: 150 AD
Justin Martyr: 150 AD
Irenaeus: 170 AD
Critique: What about Jesus' teaching on His return:
- all people will face the one final Judgment
- an immediate Judgment foreternal reward or punishment
- Jesus Christ and His New Covenant People/Church fulfill OT prophecy to Israel (Acts 2-4)
- The return of Jesus and rapture of believers are same event
- Great Tribulation and Antichrist is period of time prior to Christ’s return
- The Church goes through Tribulation, God turns Jewish hearts to Christ
- Jesus returns to establish the Kingdom of God on earth literal or figurative 1000 years
- God judges the living and the dead, casts Satan, all who rejected Jesus into fire lake/hell
- God creates a new heaven and earth
History
The Didache: 125 AD
Shepherd of Hermas: 150 AD
Justin Martyr: 150 AD
Irenaeus: 170 AD
Critique: What about Jesus' teaching on His return:
- all people will face the one final Judgment
- an immediate Judgment foreternal reward or punishment
Amillennialism: The Primary Lens of Biblical Scholarship
- The NT has interpretive priority over the OT (NT explains OT)
No future 1000-year earthly reign, Christ now reigns on earth in Church
- The Church age between Resurrection and Return of Jesus is Kingdom of God
- Revelation 20 is a symbolic description of the church age not futuristic
- The Church is the new Israel, OT promises and blessings are fulfilled in Christ (Acts 2)
- The Church age is in the end times tribulation with many antichrists until a final one
- Christ’s return will simultaneously accomplish many things mentioned in Scripture:
• The Church meets Jesus in the air,
• Jesus vanquishes the evil forces antichrist, Satan, death,
• the resurrection of all unbelievers to final judgment
• the creation of new heaven and earth for God’s people
All End Times Events are Bundled @ The Return of Christ
History
Critique: Does the amil view rightly interpret the difficult passages of Scripture regarding the return of Christ as in Revelation 20?
So What?
- The NT has interpretive priority over the OT (NT explains OT)
No future 1000-year earthly reign, Christ now reigns on earth in Church
- The Church age between Resurrection and Return of Jesus is Kingdom of God
- Revelation 20 is a symbolic description of the church age not futuristic
- The Church is the new Israel, OT promises and blessings are fulfilled in Christ (Acts 2)
- The Church age is in the end times tribulation with many antichrists until a final one
- Christ’s return will simultaneously accomplish many things mentioned in Scripture:
• The Church meets Jesus in the air,
• Jesus vanquishes the evil forces antichrist, Satan, death,
• the resurrection of all unbelievers to final judgment
• the creation of new heaven and earth for God’s people
All End Times Events are Bundled @ The Return of Christ
History
Critique: Does the amil view rightly interpret the difficult passages of Scripture regarding the return of Christ as in Revelation 20?
So What?
*ANNOUNCEMENTS*
Tap to expand each item below to learn more about what's happening at BeFree.
Tap to expand each item below to learn more about what's happening at BeFree.
BeFree Softball Season is Coming!
Are you interested in playing softball with our church league this year? Please see Steve Garvin or Paul Stewart after the service or message them on Facebook for more information!
Senior Breakfast: March 21
Our Senior Ministry is planning a breakfast on March 21, 2024 from 9:00-11:30am at the church. We hope you will plan to come to a morning of food, fun, information, and inspiration. RSVP to let us know you're coming by emailing befreeseniors@gmail.com.
BeFree 101 Membership Intro: March 23
Have you been attending BeFree for a while or recently? Consider becoming a member! We will be holding a membership class on Saturday, March 23. If you're interested, email Chris Clinch <chris@befreechurch.net>.
Good Friday: March 29 @ BeFree Dover
Join with our whole BeFree family for Good Friday worship on Friday, March 29 at 6:30pm at BeFree Dover.
BeFree Dover is located in the Washington Street Mill, 1 Washington Street, Suite 108, Dover. Where Central Avenue curves to the left, continue straight on Washington Street. Park along the street or in the parking lot across the street on the left. Enter the building at the far right-hand door.
BeFree Dover is located in the Washington Street Mill, 1 Washington Street, Suite 108, Dover. Where Central Avenue curves to the left, continue straight on Washington Street. Park along the street or in the parking lot across the street on the left. Enter the building at the far right-hand door.
Easter Breakfast and Worship: March 31
Join us on Sunday, March 31 to celebrate our Risen Savior!
A continental breakfast will be served beginning at 9am before our 10am worship gathering. RSVP and sign up to help via our online RSVP form: http://befree.church/easter-breakfast.
A continental breakfast will be served beginning at 9am before our 10am worship gathering. RSVP and sign up to help via our online RSVP form: http://befree.church/easter-breakfast.
Feed My Starving Children Mobile Pack: April 5-6
Save the date! Barrington's Feed My Starving Children Mobile Pack Event will be happening the weekend of April 5-6. There will be four two-hour packing shifts where you can go to the host site (Turbocam, 38 Redemption Road) and volunteer for one or more shifts. Shifts are Friday, April 5th at 3:30pm, and Saturday, April 6th at 9:00am, 12:00pm, and 2:30pm.
Sign up at: https://give.fmsc.org/campaign/2404-033mi-barrington-nh-new-hampshire-turbo-pack/c495806
https://www.facebook.com/events/1062949298478351/
Sign up at: https://give.fmsc.org/campaign/2404-033mi-barrington-nh-new-hampshire-turbo-pack/c495806
https://www.facebook.com/events/1062949298478351/
Gospel Conversations Workshop: April 13
The most practical, normal, usable, simple, doable, relevant Gospel witness training you will ever receive.
Email chris@befreechurch.net for more information and to sign up.
Email chris@befreechurch.net for more information and to sign up.
Help BeFree MOPS Expand its Ministry!
BeFree MOPS has a waiting list of moms looking to be welcomed in, but we need more women to join us in children’s ministry to make this ministry happen. MOPS meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month from 9-11am at BeFree Barrington.
MOPS is also looking for "Mentor Moms" who are willing to provide support and encouragement to the moms during our meetings.
Come be part of the team: email the MOPS Coordinators <befreemops@gmail.com> for more info!
MOPS is also looking for "Mentor Moms" who are willing to provide support and encouragement to the moms during our meetings.
Come be part of the team: email the MOPS Coordinators <befreemops@gmail.com> for more info!
Seeking New Musicians
Do you play an instrument? Our Worship Team is looking for a few more musicians! Email Amberle Bennett <amberleb.20@gmail.com> for info.
Tech Team Volunteers Needed
Are you tech savvy? Want to make an immediate impact at church? Our tech team is looking for a few more people interested in learning the ropes for running sound, video, or slides. Contact Peter Poole <ppoole118@gmail.com> for more information!