People usually don't have a problem with me being Baptist. It's when they hear I'm Independent Fundamental Baptist that they raise their eyebrow. "Oh, y'all don't believe in having fun, do you?" Yeah, I've heard that before. lol Anyway, I know that when most people read this they will take it personally and may be offended. Just remember...Psalm 119:165 "Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them."
Please don't take this the wrong way, but I could really care less what kind of Baptist you are. Or even if you are something other than Baptist. Salvation is not based on what denomination you are, but whether or not you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Saviour. If you have accepted Christ and been saved through His precious blood you're on your way to Heaven. If you have never done this, you're on your way to Hell. And this is the only thing about "you" that concerns me in reference to spiritual eternity! Don't let another moment pass without Jesus.
There are a lot of Baptist churches out there. Southern Baptist, Free Will Baptist, Primitive Baptist, Missionary Baptist, Independent Fundamental, etc, etc... Dr. Curtis Hutson once preached a message titled Things That Are Different Are Not The Same. This is true with Baptist churches.
Some Baptist churches added the words Independent and Fundamental to their name because a lot of Baptist churches today are not following God's Word. Therefore, the names, Independent Fundamental were given to set them apart from these churches. The IFB are holding on, or at least trying to hold on, to what historical Baptist churches were founded on. Some Baptist churches today are compromising the Word of God and some are even teaching false doctrine. The names Independent and Fundamental were added to Baptist so that it was known they were set apart from unsound groups.
We are Independent because we are not members of conventions, councils or hierarchy outside our local congregation. Each church governs itself. Independent Baptist churches pattern themselves after the NT example and stay under Scriptural authority.
We have two authorities in our church. Christ, who is the head of the church. And our Pastor (chief shepherd as mentioned in I Peter 5:4). Pastor Goodman is my Pastor and the overseer of our church congregation. (Heb 13:17, Acts 20:28, Eph 4:11) He does not answer to anyone for the direction he leads our church except our congregation and GOD. Each member of an Independent Baptist church has the right to vote on all matters that concern the church. We do not have committees!!
IFB churches fellowship with each other. We don't bring other preachers and evangelists in to stand behind our pulpits and teach their false doctrines. We do, however, have some WONDERFUL preachers that share each other's pulpits, evangelizing and sharing the gospel. But we don't bring in men from other denominations who are going to teach something opposite of what we believe. Even if it's on "just that one issue." We do not hold meetings with Protestants, Catholics, or church groups that are not sound in their doctrine. We practice Biblical separation as taught in "Ephesians 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them."
The word Fundamental means we use the NT guidelines of the church as our authority in doctrine and practice. We should not be confused with churches and tv preachers that claim to be fundamentalist who do not hold to the NT teachings of doctrine and practice. Fundamental Baptists use the name in its strictest sense as meaning to hold soundly the fundamentals of the New Testament teachings without error.
OK, so that's why I am what I am. I am not challenging anyone to discuss or argue this particular post. However, if you disagree and would like to politely offer your comment, please feel free to do so and remember that scripture speaks louder to me than your opinion. As my Pastor often says, I would much rather hear one "..saith the Lord" than a thousand "In my opinions."
Showing posts with label Baptist. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Baptist. Show all posts
Friday, February 6, 2009
Thursday, February 5, 2009
I Am What I Am And Here's Why part II
I've been enjoying this. When I was in school, History was always my favorite subject. Studying the battles and dates were my least favorite, but I enjoyed learning what led up to the battles and what happened after them. LOL This has been great for me and I'm enjoying reading and learning more about my Baptist heritage.
OK, now that you know what set Baptists apart from the Roman Catholic and Protestant churches, let's move on to something else about us.
I posted that we did not come from the Roman Catholic church, nor did were we protest, making us Protestant. So what are we? WE'RE BAPTIST! lol
I believe it was David Benedict, a Baptist historian, who claimed that in the early 1800's a man name Cornell established a former Protestant church on Baptist principles. Apparently he did this after returning from an extended trip away from his church. When he came back, they had found them a new Pastor teaching the more Protestant doctrine. So he and some of the people there in that church that did not agree with infant baptism left that church and he started a Baptist church there in Rhode Island. I don't know if the original was in Rhode Island or not. Does anyone else know? Well, anyway!
The Roman Catholic churches, and the Protestant churches, were baptising people into the church, without them ever having been saved or becoming true believers. But this wasn't the only difference and need for separation from these churches. As a matter of fact, a lot of people were leaving their Protestant churches and finding or establishing Baptist churches to make it perfectly clear that they were following the New Testament in faith and worship.
There have always been Christians not associated with the Roman Catholic church and were never part of the Christianizing of the Roman Empire. The Roman Catholic church has so many pagan and idolatrous beliefs because the "church" hired pagan priests as their "ministers" during the time of the Christianization.
It was some years later that Martin Luther rebelled against the church, which as you know, led to the Protestant Reformation. Even though the Reformation was a good idea, pulling away from the Catholic church, there is still no Protestant church today that fully accepts the teachings of the New Testament in their doctrinal belief and are holding on to some of the pagan practices and beliefs of the Roman Catholic church.
The Roman Catholic church teaches that the bread and wine used for their sacrament, literally turns into the actual body and blood of Christ. This is what they call transubstantiation (the transformation of the substance.) Protestants only slightly changed this false teaching. Although some Protestants disagree with transubstantiation, they still believe that the sacrament has some kind of saving power and/or spiritual benefit.
The taking of bread and wine (fruit juice) Of New Testament believers, is simply a memorial to the local church. A time to ponder and reflect on what Christ suffered for us at Calvary, until His return.
Both the Roman Catholic church and Protestant churches persecuted people that believed the Baptist principles. Baptists never persecuted anyone, but they were fair game to unscriptual churches.
OK, now that you know what set Baptists apart from the Roman Catholic and Protestant churches, let's move on to something else about us.
I posted that we did not come from the Roman Catholic church, nor did were we protest, making us Protestant. So what are we? WE'RE BAPTIST! lol
I believe it was David Benedict, a Baptist historian, who claimed that in the early 1800's a man name Cornell established a former Protestant church on Baptist principles. Apparently he did this after returning from an extended trip away from his church. When he came back, they had found them a new Pastor teaching the more Protestant doctrine. So he and some of the people there in that church that did not agree with infant baptism left that church and he started a Baptist church there in Rhode Island. I don't know if the original was in Rhode Island or not. Does anyone else know? Well, anyway!
The Roman Catholic churches, and the Protestant churches, were baptising people into the church, without them ever having been saved or becoming true believers. But this wasn't the only difference and need for separation from these churches. As a matter of fact, a lot of people were leaving their Protestant churches and finding or establishing Baptist churches to make it perfectly clear that they were following the New Testament in faith and worship.
There have always been Christians not associated with the Roman Catholic church and were never part of the Christianizing of the Roman Empire. The Roman Catholic church has so many pagan and idolatrous beliefs because the "church" hired pagan priests as their "ministers" during the time of the Christianization.
It was some years later that Martin Luther rebelled against the church, which as you know, led to the Protestant Reformation. Even though the Reformation was a good idea, pulling away from the Catholic church, there is still no Protestant church today that fully accepts the teachings of the New Testament in their doctrinal belief and are holding on to some of the pagan practices and beliefs of the Roman Catholic church.
The Roman Catholic church teaches that the bread and wine used for their sacrament, literally turns into the actual body and blood of Christ. This is what they call transubstantiation (the transformation of the substance.) Protestants only slightly changed this false teaching. Although some Protestants disagree with transubstantiation, they still believe that the sacrament has some kind of saving power and/or spiritual benefit.
The taking of bread and wine (fruit juice) Of New Testament believers, is simply a memorial to the local church. A time to ponder and reflect on what Christ suffered for us at Calvary, until His return.
Both the Roman Catholic church and Protestant churches persecuted people that believed the Baptist principles. Baptists never persecuted anyone, but they were fair game to unscriptual churches.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
I Am What I Am And Here's Why part 1
Being Baptist sets us apart from other denominations because we are not out of the Catholic church and we are not out of the Protestant movement. Here are some things that set us apart from everyone else. Some of these are accepted by some denominations, but only Baptist will accept all of them.
These were actually compiled by a Pastor in Utah. I whole heartily agree with what he says so this outline is a good start to these posts.
EDITED: Thank you, Garth, for your input. I apprecited that.
1. We accept only the BIBLE as our authority in all matters of faith and practice.
In other words, Baptists don't accept any authority except the Holy Scriptures. Christ is head of the Church, and the church is His bride. We believe the Word of God, in its entirety is complete and ". . . Is given of by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." 2 Timothy 3:16-17. Baptists reject that God is giving supposed "new" Revelation, believing that God forbids any adding to or taking away of the canon of Scriptures. Rev. 22:18-19 We don't accept any authority over the New Testament Church, but Christ Himself, including popes, modern day prophets, or councils of churches.
2. We believe the church is to be made up of saved, baptized believers.
Baptists don't believe in the baptism of infants, (Pedobaptism)! The church is made up of only Baptized believers. Acts 2:41-42 A baby is not capable of believing, and is protected by the Grace of God until the age of accountability. Only those who have believed and trusted in Jesus Christ as their Savior are a member of the body of Christ. Only the saved who have publicly professed salvation can be a member of a local New Testament Baptist church. Acts 2:41
3. We believe in strict separation of church and state.
Jesus said to ""render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's and unto God the things that are God's." Mark 12:17 "What fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness?" 2 Cor. 6:14 No power on earth is higher than God's Word, and a church should not be in any way yoked or controlled by the state or civil authority in religious matters. Although we believe there is no higher power including state and civil authority, we also believe that we are to support civil authority and that we are to pray for them! 2 Peter 2:13-15 Even if we didn't vote them!!
4. We believe in priesthood of the believer.
The Bible teaches that every believer can go, "boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace in the time of need" without needing or asking permission from anyone, such as priests and churchmen. The Bible says in Hebrews 10:19, "Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus." The believer doesn't need a priest or a church to intercede on our behalf to God. The believer can boldly and instantly be in contact with God by prayer, and can bring our petitions or requests for forgiveness of sins directly to God himself. 1 John 1:9 No church has the authority to forgive sins or grant intercession to God.
5. We believe in the autonomy of the local church.
The Bible gives no higher authority than the local congregation of born again, baptized believers. We believe the local church is to be governed by the Word of God. We believe we are under the authority of God and responsible only to Him for our (the church) conduct.
One other characteristic is necessary for an assembly to call its self a true New Testament church. This distinctive is based on the truth that God will not, nor can He bless or be a party to doctrinal error. A true New Testament church will believe and follow the correct and proper instructions of God's Word. There are many churches that believe and practice false doctrines, do not practice biblical separation from worldliness, and hold to other unbiblical views. A true New Testament church's doctrine and practice will correctly follow the word of God. The New Testament stresses purity in faith and practice as Revelation 2-3 teaches. To five of the seven churches of Asia Jesus said He has things against them. He warned them...STRONGLY... to correct their failures or He would take action against them. A true church that has the blessings of the Lord will diligently seek purity in faith and practice. Those refusing to repent of their errors will not have the approval or the blessings of God.
These were actually compiled by a Pastor in Utah. I whole heartily agree with what he says so this outline is a good start to these posts.
EDITED: Thank you, Garth, for your input. I apprecited that.
1. We accept only the BIBLE as our authority in all matters of faith and practice.
In other words, Baptists don't accept any authority except the Holy Scriptures. Christ is head of the Church, and the church is His bride. We believe the Word of God, in its entirety is complete and ". . . Is given of by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." 2 Timothy 3:16-17. Baptists reject that God is giving supposed "new" Revelation, believing that God forbids any adding to or taking away of the canon of Scriptures. Rev. 22:18-19 We don't accept any authority over the New Testament Church, but Christ Himself, including popes, modern day prophets, or councils of churches.
2. We believe the church is to be made up of saved, baptized believers.
Baptists don't believe in the baptism of infants, (Pedobaptism)! The church is made up of only Baptized believers. Acts 2:41-42 A baby is not capable of believing, and is protected by the Grace of God until the age of accountability. Only those who have believed and trusted in Jesus Christ as their Savior are a member of the body of Christ. Only the saved who have publicly professed salvation can be a member of a local New Testament Baptist church. Acts 2:41
3. We believe in strict separation of church and state.
Jesus said to ""render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's and unto God the things that are God's." Mark 12:17 "What fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness?" 2 Cor. 6:14 No power on earth is higher than God's Word, and a church should not be in any way yoked or controlled by the state or civil authority in religious matters. Although we believe there is no higher power including state and civil authority, we also believe that we are to support civil authority and that we are to pray for them! 2 Peter 2:13-15 Even if we didn't vote them!!
4. We believe in priesthood of the believer.
The Bible teaches that every believer can go, "boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace in the time of need" without needing or asking permission from anyone, such as priests and churchmen. The Bible says in Hebrews 10:19, "Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus." The believer doesn't need a priest or a church to intercede on our behalf to God. The believer can boldly and instantly be in contact with God by prayer, and can bring our petitions or requests for forgiveness of sins directly to God himself. 1 John 1:9 No church has the authority to forgive sins or grant intercession to God.
5. We believe in the autonomy of the local church.
The Bible gives no higher authority than the local congregation of born again, baptized believers. We believe the local church is to be governed by the Word of God. We believe we are under the authority of God and responsible only to Him for our (the church) conduct.
One other characteristic is necessary for an assembly to call its self a true New Testament church. This distinctive is based on the truth that God will not, nor can He bless or be a party to doctrinal error. A true New Testament church will believe and follow the correct and proper instructions of God's Word. There are many churches that believe and practice false doctrines, do not practice biblical separation from worldliness, and hold to other unbiblical views. A true New Testament church's doctrine and practice will correctly follow the word of God. The New Testament stresses purity in faith and practice as Revelation 2-3 teaches. To five of the seven churches of Asia Jesus said He has things against them. He warned them...STRONGLY... to correct their failures or He would take action against them. A true church that has the blessings of the Lord will diligently seek purity in faith and practice. Those refusing to repent of their errors will not have the approval or the blessings of God.
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