Hello friends!
My name is Joseph Beall and I have pastored Maranatha Baptist Church since 2010.
I am married to my wife Lori and have a son, Benjamin.
My God-given calling is to teach and preach the Scriptures honestly and faithfully.
It brings great joy to me to help people understand the word of God.
Now, some particulars that people always want to know about me and my ministry:
Question: Are you a Baptist?
Answer: Absolutely. I firmly believe in all the historic Baptist distinctives.
Question: Are you an Independent?
Answer: Technically all true Baptist churches are independent due to their autonomy. Some have taken the meaning a step further to indicate that their church is not part of any association, conference, or convention, and in this sense, we are an independent church.
Question: Are you fundamental?
Answer: Absolutely, in the historical sense. The definition of “fundamental” may vary depending on who is using the term. We may agree on what a fundamental doctrine is, or we may disagree about it. I let the Scriptures be the authority for faith and practice in these areas, and adjust my beliefs accordingly. There is a trend in some churches where traditions of men have been put on the same level as the Scripture- this is dangerous, and Jesus warned about this. I believe it is possible to believe in the fundamentals of Scripture without becoming legalistic, judgmental, or an extremist. The key is balance.
Question: Are you a KJV-Onlyist?
Answer: This is a very sensitive question, and many fine Christian people disagree on the Bible translation issue. Although I held and taught KJV-Onlyist views for many years, the Lord has led me away from this position in my ministry, and I now use the New King James Version for my teaching and preaching. It is a very conservative revision of the KJV, and one of the best tools for comparing translations due to the textual footnotes. It is also true to the text and easier for people to understand.
I believe that all Bible translations have merit and have their strong points and weak points, but they must be weighed against the original languages of Scripture, the Hebrew and Greek, to see if they are accurate translations of God’s words. My belief that careful revision of a translation is warranted when the language changes, or more textual evidence is discovered and evaluated, is completely in harmony with the beliefs of the King James Version translators themselves as they stated in “The Translators To The Reader” contained in the 1611 Authorized Version. I am approachable on this subject for those who wish to discuss it or have questions about the Bible translation issue. I respect each person’s right to have their own preference about these matters.
Question: Are you a Dispensationalist?
Answer: Yes. I believe there are clearly defined periods in the Scriptures when God has done something different with mankind, and mankind has had to accept or reject God as revealed in each dispensation. This system seems to be an orderly framework to work with in understanding the Scriptures.
Question: Are you a Premillenialist?
Answer: Yes. I do believe in the physical return of Christ to Earth to set up His kingdom and rule for 1,000 years.
Question: Are you a Pretribulationist?
Answer: Yes. This is another question where Christians differ on the interpretation of Scripture, and I respect those who may have a differing opinion. I attempt to be fair to all views concerning the timing of the rapture in my teaching, but my personal view is that the Church (made up of saved Jewish and Gentile believers in Jesus Christ) will be removed before the 7 year period of tribulation begins.
Although those are the main questions that I get asked about most often, here are some other things about my ministry that may be helpful for you to know:
I put an emphasis on the Covenants that God has established with mankind and with Israel in particular, especially the New Covenant, into which Gentiles are allowed to enter through Jesus Christ.
I put an emphasis on Israel in my teaching because the majority of the Bible is about Israel (and written by Jews!) and God keeping His promises to them. I do not believe that a Christian can have a properly balanced spiritual life without developing a love for God’s chosen people.
I put an emphasis on in-context, historically correct, and textually accurate teaching and preaching. I use the Scriptures to build up believers in their understanding and challenge them to grow in Christ.
I get excited about the word of God, and I teach with joy!
I hope that you will visit with us soon, and that you and I can rejoice together about the goodness of God!
God bless you!
Bro. Beall
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