On our platform to your right, you will find standing a new flag, the Baptist Standard. As we learned this past year, the modern day “Christian Flag” was designed and created by a Protestant to stand for all “Christendome.” The World Book Encyclopedia (Vol. 3, 1967, pg. 405) reads, “The Christian Flag has been the emblem of Protestant Churches since 1897.” This flag is not a Baptist flag but a Protestant flag! It is the emblem of Protestant churches, not Baptist Churches. Somewhere in the twentieth century, we came to accept the emblem of Protestant churches as fitting us. By publicly displaying the emblem, we are thereby saying what we do not believe-in essence saying, “we are Protestant.” We are not Protestant! While I do believe in the Kingdom of God, I do not agree with the definition of the Kingdom of God that a Protestant will give you. We do not believe in an universal, invisible church.
Isaiah 6:10 reads, “Go through the gates: prepare ye the way of the people; cast up, cast up the highway; gather out the stones; lift up a standard for the people.” We felt it time that we as Baptist had a standard to lift up…the Baptist Standard. For months now, my music minister Jeff Allen and I have been praying and designing this Baptist Standard. The Lord has blessed Bro. Allen with a tremendous talent, and he was used of the Lord to make this flag a reality.
You will notice first its crimson banner, for without the blood of Christ we would have no salvation. The crimson banner also is a memorial of those faithful martyrs who shed their blood to stand for the Truth in the face of evil dignitaries, persecutors, and apostates.
You then observe the Pillar and Ground of Truth, which 1 Timothy 3:15 designates as the church. It is the Lord’s churches that have been given the responsibility to uphold the truth of God’s Word.
Then there is the Triangle which represents the Holy Trinity, our Triune God: The Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. The Scripture in that Triangle reads: “Throughout all ages, world without end.” This is referring to Ephesians 3:21 which reads: “Unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end.”
You will then notice the Pillar and Ground of Truth is upholding the Word of God, for us-a KJV Bible. Above that is a globe and a cross which represents the church’s Great Commission to evangelize, baptize, and teach the world salvation and the Word of God.
Below that is what distinguishes the Lord’s churches from all others, the two ordinances which the church is to keep: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. It is these two ordinances that cost our martyrs their lives, and these two ordinances which we must keep!
Finally, there is the Flame. This flame represents the duty of the Lord’s churches to be Keepers of the Flame; to pass down the Truth from generation to generation until the Lord calls us home.
There is no pledge, this is not an idol or a symbol of arrogance; but rather a statement and a stand that this is what we believe. This flag doesn't unite all of Christendome, but separates Truth from error. I thank the Lord for the Truth of His Word and pray by His grace we will continue to stand.
5 comments:
When can we order one?
--Joel Royalty
We are looking to order as many as are requested. We are getting together a price list with different options. Obviously it is less expensive when we can order bulk and not individually. They price list and available options will be up on our church webpage as soon as possible. Thanks for checking in Pastor Royalty!
This is a great idea! I'd like to order a couple of flags when the order is ready to be placed. It reminds me a lot of the flag we fly at the Masonic Temple. As our Sovereign Grand Inspector General says "God is the source of all good, and He hath bestowed upon us the responsibility of upholding Truth, Valor, and Honor." Amen, and Amen!
-Jeff
If Christians would spend as much effort on being Christ-like as they do "being Baptist" we could change the world. I don't believe God smiles upon denominational pride and loftiness. In all honesty, denominationalism is causing the division among Christ's body. Nowhere in the New Testament does Jesus say to identify yourself that way. Bottom line - you're either a believer or you're not.
-- Mandy
Jeff and Mandy,
Thank you for your comments.
Jeff, I appreciate the kind words and will keep you updated. I would encourage you to think again about being part of the Masons. The more you get into the Masons the more you will find them to have many 'secrets' many of which are pagan and anti-Christ.
Mandy,
I don't believe God smiles on denominational pride either and if you could see my heart you would know there is no aarogance or pride in a denomination, but rather a simple stand being taken upon what is right.
To get to Heaven, all that matters is that you are a believer; but to be right with God and to do all things to glorify Him we must do things His way!
That is why we have Scriptures. 2 Tim. 3:15-17 reads, "And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works."
Yes, first we need to be a believer and the Scriptures tell us just how our salvation is possible, but the Lord then expects us to learn doctrine, reproof, correction and instruction. What are these for? That the man of God may be perfect (mature/complete) and produce good works-which by the way the Lord did say that our fruits is what would identify us.
This flag is not a boastful attempt to say "Baptist are Better," for just because a title is on the front of a church doesn't make it right. Rather, this flag simply says that we believe in these doctrines-and it is these doctrines that separate the Lord's true churches from false ones. Doctrine does matter.
I would answer your comment with this: You can't be Christ-like without taking a Biblical stand on these issues this flag represents. Christ rebuked false teachers, taught correct doctrine, loved all people, and left an example for us to alwways stand for right...to be honest, when you look at things this way; who is being more Christlike? One who humbly stands for Truth or one who 'disregards deoctrine and Scriptures and wants to push the reproof, correction, and instruction aside claiming all that matters is you believe?"
I'd argue I am being Christ like and a spirit like yours is not.
I type this response in love and humility, as I have said before, It's not a denominational title that makes you right in the eyes of God, but a true stand upon His Word. Please consider these things.
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