Sunday, March 17, 2013

The New Testament Baptist Church of Butler, Pennsylvania

What Do the Writings of Saint Patrick Say About Him?

To most of us, Patrick is a mythical being, vaguely associated with a serpent exodus from the Emerald Isle. Other misconceptions are that he was Irish, that he was an ambassador of the Pope, and that his name was Patrick. All these are false. He was not Irish, he was in his grave 175 years before his name was even mentioned in Catholic writings, and his real name was Sucat, which means "war-like" in modern Welsh. For the sake of simplicity, throughout this article we will refer to him as Patrick. The libraries of the world contain many biographies of Patrick which contain traditions and myths that should not be accepted as valid. There are two documents by Patrick which are recognized by all parties as being genuine: his "Confession" or "Epistle to the Irish," and his epistle to the Christians under the cruel king, Coroticus. Patrick, in his own "Confession" tells us that he was a Briton, not an Irishman. He was born in England (c. AD 385). His father, Calphurnius, was a Christian deacon, and his grandfather was a clergyman in the ancient church of Britain, which had never come under the yoke of Rome. Patrick was not raised with a strong emphasis on religion. Education was not particularly stressed during his childhood either. At sixteen years of age, he was captured by a band of Scottish slave-dealing pirates who sold him to the Druid chieftain, Milcho, who reigned in the north of Ireland. For six years, Patrick herded the cattle of this ruthless pagan chieftain. In his "Confession," he tells us: "When I was a youth, I was taken captive before I knew what I should desire or seek, or what I ought to shun." It was during this time of servitude in northern Ireland that Patrick turned from his frivolous ways, and came into a knowledge of Christ as his own personal Saviour. He relates how, after six years, he managed to escape from his master, and after a tortuous journey over sea and land, returned to his people in Britain. Like the apostle Paul, he received a clear and personal "Macedonian call" from the Lord to preach the Gospel in the land of his former captivity. Patrick's call to go to Ireland as a missionary was from God Himself, and not from Pope Celestine. Dr. J. Lewis Smith, in his treatise, "Patrick of Ireland Not A Romanist," says, "We have in hand now 140 letters of Pope Leo the Great, and we have not found a line written by him, or any other Pope or any other man, rejoicing over the wonderful additions to the Roman Church by Patrick and his disciples." It is apparent from his own writings, that Patrick was not a Roman Catholic in doctrine or practice, but rather a missionary following in the footsteps of the Apostles. He knew nothing of priestly confession and priestly forgiveness. He strictly forbade the worship of images. In all of his writings, there is no mention at all of purgatory, of indulgences, of praying to anyone, but God Himself. Patrick believed in the substitutionary atonement of Christ. He did not believe that salvation comes through communion, confession or christening. All of the records of his baptisms tell of converts being baptized by immersion, after a salvation experience.

Soul Winning On Saturdays 10:30 AM

Starting on Saturday, April 6, our church family will start our Saturday outreach program. Its an opportunity to share the good news of Jesus Christ publicly. We also visit absentees, sick, and shut-ins. We meet for a short organizational meeting before dismissing for our visits. Soul winning and visitation is finished around Noon.

Help us Throw Out the Lifeline

724.282.2494 437 North Duffy Road, Butler, Pennsylvania 16001 www.VisitNTBC.com

Thank you for choosing to worship at the New Testament Baptist Church of Butler. Our prayer is that your heart will be stirred for the eternal as we sing songs & hymns that direct your heart toward Christ and challenge you through the preaching of Gods Word. There are friendly people at our Welcome Center in the lobby who will gladly assist you with any questions you may have during your visit. Allow us to make you feel at home during your visit. First-time adult visitors and families are asked to visit our Welcome Center to receive a hospitality bag with a gift card to Chick-fil-A.

First Time Visitors

Teen Camp in Lancaster, Kentucky Monday - Friday, July 8-12

This year our teenagers will be attending the Circle C Baptist Camp in Kentucky. Drew & Cary Hogan will be taking our young people (going into the 7th grade in the Fall through the 12th grade). Cost is $150/teen. Enjoy skating with your family, our church members, and Christians from other Baptist churches at the Skate Castle on New Castle Road in Butler. Skating is from 79 PM, with a devotion at 8 PM. There is a minimal charge for admission and skating.

Butler Farm Show Monday - Saturday, August 5-10

The New Testament Baptist Church booth at the Farm Show requires many volunteers. Please arrange your schedule so you can help us this year.

Out of respect for your loved ones and those in attendance, we ask parents to use our clean & well-equipped nursery. This free service is available for newborns and infants (birth through 24 months). Your cooperation is needed and appreciated. Assistance is available at the Welcome Center.

Parents with Infants and Young Children

Weekly Service Schedule

Sunday: 10:00 AM Adult & Childrens Bible Study Classes 11:00 AM Morning Preaching 6:00 PM Choir Practice 7:00 PM Evening Preaching Patch the Pirate Childrens Choral Club
GlorifyRadio.com operates as a ministry of New Testament Baptist Church. It is an internet radio station that can be easily accessed by your iPod, tablet, smartphone or home computer.
Your digital home for traditional songs & hymns

Wednesday: 7:00 PM Midweek Bible Study & Prayer Saturday: 10:30 AM Bus Visitation

Youre invited to listen to our internet radio station, GlorifyRadio.com, on your computer, smartphone, or iPod/iPad.