Cozaddale Chronicles

Yes, This Really Happened To Me In The Ministry

2012-02-14T13:03:00.000-08:00

As I have stated before, my years working with teenagers and children were some of the most exciting. You are never out of illustrations and anecdotes.
Back in the early 80's our church owned a beautiful youth camp in Bellbrook Ohio. It was a beautiful 50 acre campus. We had so many wonderful weeks of camp where we saw many decisions for Christ and many friendships were formed that are alive today.
When children's camp time came we were always privileged to have the pastor's wife go with us for the week as a counselor for the girls. She was a great counselor and lots of fun. Her and I used to try to prank each other, one outdoing the other.
On one occasion Diana had really got me!! I decided I had to get her back. In the girls' cabins, which were very nice a-frames, the counselor slept by the door in a single wooden bunk. One day while the girls were involved in an activity or sport I entered the cabin where she slept. I had gone to the store at the bottom of the hill and purchased some limburger cheese. Now this would not be a big surprise and sure enough she smelled it immediately upon entering the cabin. She was convinced I had put it in her bunk. Well, she could not find it. She went to bed that night and needless to say never slept. The next morning while we conducted chapel she removed all her sheets and pillowcases and took them to the laundry and cleaned them. She was convinced she had solved the problem. When we saw her headed to the laundry I shared what was going on with the boys and girls. They thought it was hilarious.
That night she retired and there was that smell again! She got up and found the cook and informed him a skunk had crawled under her cabin. He went through the motions of looking for a skunk and of course, none was found.
Finally the next day I could stand it no longer. I told her I had taken the smelly cheese and rubbed it into the wood at the top of her bunk where she lay her head. She never would have thought of that!! I guess I just could not wait to tell her I had beat her in a prank. She was always a great sport and wonderful counselor.
The Bible says in Ecc. 12:1 ,"Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh,when thou shalt say , I have no pleasure in them.;" I have been in many churches that have decided it is too much trouble to work with children or attempt to deal with them. Oh my, what a tragedy. Our Lord had much to say about the importance of children. We must do our part to try to reach them for Christ and train them to serve the Lord in this dying and lost world. Our pastor is coming out with a new book concerning youth and children and parenting and it would be beneficial for all parents to get a copy for the edification of the family and the rescuing of the children.

The Pastor

2012-02-07T07:00:00.000-08:00

On July 25, 2004 at approximately 9:30 p.m., I sat in my car outside of the auditorium looking up at the large white cross that hangs on the front of it. The church had voted that evening and had extended to me the call to be their pastor. I had gone home after the service while they voted, and had now returned to be alone and make certain the will of God.
As I sat in my car in a now empty parking lot, I asked God out loud "Are You sure? Pastor?" The thought frightened me some what, and yet I knew as tears ran down my cheeks that God wanted me to do just that. I immediately, and haven't stopped yet, began to ponder and study as to what a pastor is and what God expects of him.
I am blessed to have been raised in a home of a pastor, to have watched a Godly grandfather pastor his flock, and to sit under a few other pastors who have been greatly used of God. I am privileged to have met hundreds of other pastors as a young man, and to sit, watch, listen, and learn from them.
I have also in my lifetime seen some pastors who abused their calling. I sat under pastors who spent time later in jail, and some died in disgrace.
I knew a pastor is to "heed, feed, and lead!" I knew the pastor is to be an overseer. I could pass my pastoral epistle test in college, list every qualification in Scripture for my Baptist Distinctive test, but for the first time in my life I REALLY considered, "What is a pastor?"
Summary: I've learned a lot and still have much to learn.

On this blog this year, I will write every three weeks-first on the topic of the pastor.
My father will continue writing every week after me as his health permits.
Pastor Rick Sallee will write every third week on Ohio Baptist History.

Are We Losing Our History?

2012-01-31T12:13:00.000-08:00

In our Baptist Heritage Conference here at Cozaddale Baptist Temple Bro. Henson made a statement to the effect that we need a study in Ohio Baptist History. There has been much written of our early history but as time has elapsed it seems so has our recording of it. The other day we visited the site of the First Baptist Church in Ohio, (the Columbia Baptist Church 1790) as we walked around the graveyard where many of the original members were buried we realized the importance of preserving our history for future generations. We are thankful for and encouraged by men like John Clark, Obadiah Holmes, John Gano, Stephen Gano, Shubal Stearns, Isaac McCoy and many others but we see a need to continue to keep a history of other men and churches who God chooses to use to encourage those whom come after us. We see in Deut. 6:4-12 that God teaches the importance of preserving our history from one generation to the next. The last several months we have considered that idea and have decided to look at Ohio Baptist History. This will be a work in progress and any help would be greatly appreciated.

We are going to start with our Church, the Cozaddale Baptist Temple. We will look first at our organization in 1967, then at our 45 years of history then we will begin looking back to see our Biblical heritage. Please feel free to help us as we travel back into Cozaddale and Ohio Baptist History. We were started out of the Loveland Park Baptist Church in Loveland, Ohio. At that time Bro. Clarence York was their pastor. According to the written record on file in our church office on Dec. 3, 1967 Cozaddale Baptist Temple was organized. Bro. Charles Girvin opened the service at 2:30 p.m. by introducing Bro. Roundtree who lead the choir in singing “Send the Light.” Bro. Bob Spencer then lead in prayer and asked the Lord to “let this be a soul winning church.” The choir from Loveland Park sang two other specials, “Have Faith in God” and “Speak my Lord.” A trio from Queen City Baptist sang “There’s a Rainbow of Love” and Bro. and Sister Roundtree sang “My Home Sweet Home.” The meeting was called to order by Pastor York, he read from Genesis 1 and told the mission work that this is “your beginning. You are a commencement, churches in Cozaddale are not awake, they are asleep. Let it never be said that your are asleep.” It was then decided that Bro York would moderate the meeting and that Bro. Donald Poole would be the clerk. Bro. Roundtree opened the business meeting in prayer.

Bro. York then called for a motion to “organize this group of born again believers for the body known as the Cozaddale Baptist Temple.” Bro. Ron Girvin makes the motion, seconded by Bro. Spencer and the vote was unanimous.

Bro. York read the constitution under which this body is organizing and called for the constitution to be accepted as the constitution of the Cozaddale Baptist Temple. Bro Ron Girvin made the motion, Bro. Spencer seconds; Bro. Ron Girvin made a motion to call Bro. Charles Girvin as pastor, Bro. Spencer seconds. Pastor is elected by secret ballot, 11 votes were cast, all 11 votes were yes and Bro. Girvin was acknowledged as pastor.

Bro. York presented Bro. Charles Girvin a license to preach and a minister’s manual. These were presented and received by the authority of the Loveland Park Baptist Church. Bro. Roundtree then lead in a hymn “Amazing Grace,” Bro. Girvin acknowledged Bro. York’s kindness and help in the organization.

Bro. York preached the charge out of II Chronicles 2:1 “Building a House for the Lord My God.” He then read a verse of dedication from Numbers 7:1

Bro. Roundtree lead the congregation in an invitational hymn “Only trust Him.”

Bro. Girvin thanked the congregation for the call and the confidence. Bro. Tye offered the benediction.

The charter members present that day were Charles Girvin, Rosetta Girvin, Ronald Girvin, Charles D. Girvin, Carol Girvin, Sandra Girvin, Patricia Ann Girvin, Charles Justice, Robert Spencer, Lucille Spencer, Jeffery Spencer and Gail Spencer; the charter was left open for six weeks for additional members to come in as charter members.

Witnesses to this organizational meeting were Bro. John T, Coleman, Pastor of Queen City Baptist Church in Cincinnati, Bro. Harold Tye, Pastor of Liberty Baptist Church in Cincinnati, Pastor Donald Poole, Pastor of Socialville Baptist Church in Mason, Bro. James Ball, Queen City Baptist Mission, Bro. William Anders, deacon of Loveland Park Baptist Church, Bro. Joe Curington and Bro. Francis Curington, deacons of Queen City Baptist Mission in Cincinnati. Bro. Charles Girvin, Pastor of Cozaddale Baptist Mission, and Bro. Clarence York, Pastor of Loveland Park Baptist Church.

Thoughts on the Sabbath

2012-01-17T09:29:00.000-08:00

Recently, I was preaching through Genesis 1-2 and studied how the on the seventh day the Lord rested from all His work which He had made. This led me to do some studying on the Sabbath Day. The Lord blessed my heart and taught me some things, and I just wanted to praise Him for it and share it as it may be a blessing to others as well.
I believe in the Bible there are three Sabbaths. The first is the Lord's Sabbath spoken of in Genesis 2:1-2 when He rested from from all His work. It is so important to note that He rested "from all His work..." Many misquote this passage in just saying "On the 7th Day, God Rested;" as if God was tired or worn out from all His creating. This is not the case as we read in Isaiah 40:28,

Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.

God wasn't worn out or weary, He did just what Scriptures say He did, "rested from all His work which He had made." In other words, it was all finished and he ceased creating! Gen. 2:1 reads, "Thus the heavens and the earth were finished and all the host of them."
My mind went to a cross when our Lord cried out "It is Finished!" It was not that Satan had beaten Him, He had lost the battle, or His strength was depleted! No, salvation's work was completed and He was finished with what He had come to this earth to do!
Secondly, there is the Jewish Sabbath. It is first mentioned in Ex. 16:23 before the 10 Commandments demanded it be observed. Here the Jews were to collect enough manna so that none would have to be collected on the seventh day. What was this seventh day for? Ex. 31:12-14 says clearly that is was to be a sign between God and His people-the Jews:

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
13 Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my Sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the LORD that doth sanctify you.
14 Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore; for it is holy unto you: every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death: for whosoever doeth any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people.

Further, it is stated in Deut. 5:12-15 that the Sabbath was for the Jew to remember how they were delivered from Egypt:

Keep the sabbath day to sanctify it, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee.
13 Six days thou shalt labor, and do all thy work:
14 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, nor thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thine ox, nor thine ass, nor any of thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates; that thy manservant and thy maidservant may rest as well as thou.
15 And remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, and that the LORD thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched out arm: therefore the LORD thy God commanded thee to keep the sabbath day.

Again, I think how that the Lord has brought us out of the world and delivered us with a mighty hand; but we are not the Jews and the observance of the Sabbath is not for us. When Christ came, He fulfilled the law and observing of such days is no longer mandated on the believer (Gal. 4:1-11; Col. 2:16-17).
The third Sabbath is for the New Testament saint as read of in Hebrews 4:3-11. Upon our salvation, we entered into His rest. You see, we do not rest in a day, we rest in a Person-the Lord Jesus Christ (Matt. 11:28).
There are many out there who believe that we are to observe the Jewish Sabbath. This is incorrect as the Jewish Sabbath is just that-for the Jew. It was a sign between them and God. Others try to make Sunday a Christian Sabbath, and we must be careful there.
Sunday is the Lord's Day. After the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, churches in Scripture gathered "upon the first day of the week." (John 20:19; Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 16:2). Why do we gather upon the first day of the week and not the seventh? One may quickly answer, because that is the day He arose! Amen, but there is more.
The Old Covenant (Testament), shows how the Jews did all that they did believing and looking forward to the day when Christ would provide Himself a Lamb sacrifice for all sin. The Old Testament Saints were saved just as we are saved today, by faith in the work of Calvary (Romans 4:3-"Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness." James 2:23 also). They were saved by faith in what Christ would do. Thus they lived their lives, sacrificed, and did all their works believing what Christ would do one day.
We are saved by faith as well. The only difference is that we place our faith not in what Christ will do, but what He has done! We enter into His rest and then spend our lives serving God (Eph. 2:8-10; James 2:17).
The Jews observing the Sabbath was a testimony between them and God that they were delivered because of what Christ would one day do. They did their works because of their faith in what Christ would do for them on the cross. Thus, six days of labor and then that day of observance.
We gather on the Lord's Day, the first day of the week, because we are saved by faith in what Christ has done, we are born again, a new creature, and our life then is new and spent in service to our Saviour. We entered into His rest and then present ourselves a living sacrifice. Thus, the Lord's day and then six days of labor.

Yes, This Really Happened To Me In The Ministry

2011-12-30T11:31:00.000-08:00

Psalm 126:1 says, "Then was our mouth filled with laughter,and our tongue with singing:then said they among the heathen, The Lord hath done a great thing for them." It is so very true that when you have joy in your heart it will show up in your life. Happiness depends on circumstances. However Jesus gives us joy that no man may take unless we allow it to happen. That is the reason I have been sharing humorous things that have happened to me in the 45 years of the ministry. I pray it will bring a smile to the face of those who read it and perhaps motivate someone to be a blessing to someone else. "A man that hath friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother." Prov.18:24.
For several years I traveled to North Carolina to preach for a mountain preacher that pastored in the black mountains and was a dear friend. We had many wonderful services and saw many decisions for Christ.
This pastor had 3 sons who were what a person would picture in their minds as mountain men. They loved the Lord and were active in their dad's church. It was our habit to preach at night and then travel to the top of black mountain where they had built a beautiful 2 room cabin. We would hunt and fish and enjoy wonderful fellowship. On one occasion the sons had planned to take me 'coon hunting after the service. I That night I preached and was truly exhausted. However they would not hear of me missing going 'coon hunting. Now I had been 'coon hunting many many times. However instead of letting the dogs run and then going to them when they treed, they decided we should run with the dogs. We ran and ran and ran! When we returned to the cabin I was so tired I barely made it to the bed before I collapsed. Five hours later they woke me up to take me squirrel hunting. We split up into two groups and I went with the son who was my age. We entered the woods and found a good place to sit and listen. I sat on a fallen log and Larry sat on a tree stump about 6 or 7 feet away. Being exhausted it did not take long until I fell asleep. Now I had with me a 12 gauge shotgun with a hair trigger. When I dozed off I began to fall off the log and awakened with a jerk. When I did I pulled the trigger! I shot right at the feet of Larry. He arose and said he was going back to the cabin. He was white as a ghost. All the way back to the cabin I asked him over and over if he was mad at me. Finally he looked at me and said, "Preacher, I am not mad at you but I will never hunt with you again." Though it was an accident I can say that for the rest of the revival meeting when the service ended they let me go to bed. "All things work together for the good..." Amen?!!
I pray this makes you smile and you will wear it all day and share Jesus at every opportunity.

Political Ponders

2011-12-29T08:54:00.000-08:00

The year 2012 is a very important year for our nation. This upcoming election is one of great importance. Every Christian should be participating in the upcoming and all elections. In my studying the last few years intensely on Baptist history, it became quickly evident in our nation's history that Baptist played a HUGE part in the forming and direction of our government.
It is, and always has been, a Baptists belief that no state or governmental power should use its sword to force men against their conscience. Roger Williams points out in his book "The Bloody Tennent of Persecution": "Matthew 5:44, Luke 9:54-55; He (Jesus)charges straightly, that his disciples should be so far from persecuting those that would not be of their religion, that when they were persecuted they should pray, and when they are cursed, they should bless...the civil sword, called the sword of civil justice, which being of a material, civil nature...cannot extend to spiritual and soul causes, spiritual and soul punishment...the Spirit of God never intended to direct, or warrant, the magistrate to use his power in spiritual affairs and religious worship...the Christian church does not persecute, no more than a lily scratches the thorns, or a lamb pursues and tears the wolves." This is what our nations "separation of church and state" is all about.
It was not our founding father's intention that the government have nothing to do with God and religion. One can see this by reading our founding documents. It was our founding father's intention that the state NEVER force anyone to worship against their conscience.
Having said thus, as a pastor, I cannot nor will I use my pulpit or our church as a political propagandist. Not only is such unethical, but it is illegal. But, as a citizen, I have a right to share my political opinions and views. In our nation's great history, we are truly indebted to Baptist for standing and doing such; not as a church or a religion, but as a people and citizens of this great land. Where would our nation be had not men like John Clarke had not stood and spoke truth and influenced others in the political forming of our nation? What if Baptists had not insisted upon the Freedom of worship and thus the first Amendment?
I want to challenge Baptists to get involved in speaking up for what is right. Not as a denomination, not as pastors, not as churches; but as citizens. Below, is a letter written by Mr. Josh Davenport which I believe needs to be considered by all Americans.

Dear fellow Iowan,
Very soon we will all be participating in an event that could change the course of direction for our entire nation. Of course, I am referring to the January 3rd Iowa Republican Caucuses. Along with all the fulfilling of civil responsibility that will take place that evening in regards to your precinct, choosing delegates for your county convention and submitting platform planks, every attendee from across the state will be voting for the presidential candidate that they believe is best for the GOP nomination. As a fellow Iowan, Christian and my county’s GOP co-chair, I want to spend a few moments to explain to you why I believe Dr. Ron Paul is the man for the job. I know this letter is quite lengthy, but the importance of this election is worth spending the time to read and study about the different candidates’ views. Not only can you read this letter and learn more about Ron Paul but you can also visit a new website: www.baptistsforronpaul.com. While Ron Paul is not the most popular choice among voters in our kinds of churches, such a decision to eliminate him from the options should not be made until we study the candidate ourselves – NOT just base our decision upon what someone else has told us.
For me, transparency is a very important character trait to look for in a candidate, and, without hesitation, I can say that with Ron Paul, what you see is what you get. While others have flip-flopped in the past, have skeletons in their closets, look “plastic” or have an air of superiority, Ron Paul is one of the most humble and sincere men I have ever met. They cannot make ads on Ron Paul in regards to any past positions that conflict with his current views, and there are no skeletons of immorality or questionable involvements in his past. The explanation for this is his strength of being principled. While qualities like that are often just used as bumper-sticker statements and campaign jargon, it is truly principles that have dictated the civil government actions of this man. For instance, Ron Paul only supports legislation when it is expressly authorized by the Constitution, he has never voted to raise congressional pay, has never taken a government-paid junket and does not participate in the lucrative congressional pension program. He cannot be bought by lobbyists and has voted “NO” more than any other congressman in United States history. He does not care if he is booed or patted on the back. He does not put his finger to the wind but makes decisions based only upon what our Constitution tells us what the government can do. THAT is the most important trait of a presidential candidate – THAT is what he takes an oath to uphold and protect. Although it is helpful to be a great speaker and have a likeable personality, we must reject this rock-star, popularity culture mindset and vote for a man based upon his principles. One of the largest obstacles I find in talking to people about Ron Paul is the amount of misconceptions that exist about Ron Paul and his views. I would like to talk about a few of those issues at this time.
1. Family Values – Ron Paul, who has been married to his wife Carol for over 54 years, has lived an exemplary life of family values. Together they have 5 children and 18 grandchildren. Ron Paul is a staunch pro-life OB/GYN doctor who has delivered more than 4,000 babies and has never performed a single abortion. Ron Paul’s “We the People Act” effectively repeals Roe v. Wade and would prevent activist judges from interfering with state decisions to protect life. Though Ron Paul, for years, has supported and endorsed a federal amendment to the Constitution to make abortion illegal, he has been sadly mislabeled as not being strong enough on the issue by those who don’t really understand the constitutional roles of the federal government vs. state governments. Ron Paul not only believes that Roe v. Wade resulted in the wrong decision, but, as most DON’T understand, also believes that the case was wrong for the Supreme Court to try in the first place because it dealt with a crime that the Federal Courts have no authority to rule on – murder. Ron Paul believes that life starts at conception, that abortion is murder and that abortion, like any other form of murder, should be enforced by the states. Therefore, it must be decided by each state what the penalty should be for that kind of murder in each particular state. He does not believe this way to escape having to take a stand (you know he doesn’t mind doing that!) but because he understands the Constitution. Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution does not give the federal government the authority to make such laws about murder but Ron Paul also understands that the 10th Amendment allows the individual states to decide on, and, enforce such laws. The federal government has never created or enforced federal charges or sentences on ANY kind of murder because they don’t have the authority to do so. For those who think the federal government should be able to make such a decision I would ask, have you read Articles I and III, AND has the situation on abortion improved since the Federal Supreme Court made their conclusion in Roe v. Wade? Over 30 states have amendments to their state constitutions making abortion illegal but their hands have been tied for almost 40 years because of a federal government decision. We don’t want the federal government making decisions on issues that our founders understood would be dangerous and abusive for the federal government to make.
Also, if we couldn’t get an amendment passed when the Republicans controlled the house, the senate and the white house just a few years ago, what makes us think it is going to happen now? We as pro-life citizens have much more influence in Des Moines than we do in DC and therefore these issues are a lot easier to settle on a local level. That is what our framers and founders had in mind when they wrote the Constitution and Bill of Rights the way they did. Though Ron Paul has consistently voted pro-life, because of the un-constitutional nature of Roe v. Wade, he understands there is a better and more affective way to protect life: repeal Roe v. Wade, uphold life as a government-protected right given to us by our Creator (by passing a federal law protecting life, as mentioned in our Constitution) and then allow the states to determine how that kind of murder is going to be punished and enforced in each state. It sounds great when a candidate gets up and says that he wants to pass a federal amendment making abortion illegal but it is really not a constitutional approach to taking care of the problem. Ron Paul is pro-life and Constitutional at the same time. Ron Paul’s “Sanctity of Life Act” would define life as beginning at conception thus emphasizing the protection of life that was given to us by our Creator.
Ron Paul’s “Taxpayer’s Freedom of Conscience Act” would stop the American people’s money from being used to pay for abortions and fund any so-called “family planning” programs. Ron Paul is mislabeled as weak on the abortion issue because he has voiced that a federal amendment is not the best way to deal with the problem because such an amendment would recognize the authority of an un-constitutional, Roe v. Wade court case and would wrongly suggest that the federal government has authority in the area of murder. The best way to deal with this in a post-Roe v. Wade world is to repeal Roe v. Wade with a simple majority vote and start from scratch. Paul believes abortion is a national issue because it is murder and believes one of the roles of government is to protect life. He is the most pro-life candidate in the running! I don’t know how groups like the Family Leader can conscientiously say what they have said about Ron Paul on this issue when they themselves accepted a large amount of money for their 2010 judge retention vote project from Newt Gingrich who co-sponsored the Pelosi Global Warming Bill that provided taxpayer-funded abortions overseas. Politics is politics even among “faith and family” groups. We need to quit letting such groups tell us who to vote for and we need to quit getting distracted by this hypnotizing Left/Right paradigm and focus on the solution – following our Constitution.
As a Congressman, Ron Paul supported the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and sponsored the Marriage Protection Act. (An “Act” is not an Amendment.) The misunderstanding about Ron Paul’s position on a federal marriage amendment to the Constitution is due to the lack of understanding about the role of federal government as stated in the Constitution. Again, Paul understands that under Article I, Section 8, the federal government does not have the authority to make such laws about marriage, but Paul also understands that the 10th Amendment allows the individual states to make such laws as they see fit. Paul has said, “If I were a member of the Iowa legislature, I would do all I could to oppose any attempt by rogue judges to impose a new definition of marriage on the people of my state,” and went on to say, “I will stand with the people of Iowa and will fight to protect each state’s right not to be forced to recognize a same sex marriage against the will of the people.” This is why he has been endorsed by conservative warriors in Iowa such as Kim Pearson and Glen Massie.
In regards to our children’s education, Paul has said, “I am absolutely convinced that the key to an educationally prosperous nation is not found in a federal government program, but is the right of parents to effectively utilize their moral responsibility for their children.” “No nation can remain free when the government has a greater influence over the knowledge and values given to children than the family.” “My commitment to ensuring homeschooling remains a practical alternative for American families is unmatched by any other Presidential candidate. Returning control of education to parents is the centerpiece of my education agenda.”
2. Foreign Policy – Dr. Paul believes that defending our nation is the most important responsibility of the federal government. Ronald Reagan said, “Ron Paul is one of the outstanding leaders fighting for a stronger national defense. As a former Air Force officer, he knows well the needs of our armed forces, and he always puts them first. We need to keep him fighting for our country.” Since Ron Paul’s views and message have always been the same, what does that say about what Reagan would say about Ron Paul today? After the horrific 9/11 attacks, Ron Paul voted to authorize military force to hunt down Osama bin Laden and he authored legislation to specifically target terrorist leaders and bring them to justice. The proof is there that we could have done this and didn’t but waited and used the opportunity to spread our military presence with the goal of globalism. Paul’s opposition to the current wars we are in is because they were not constitutionally declared by an act of Congress and are therefore unconstitutional and subsequently out of control with no end in sight. If anyone doubts Ron Paul’s realistic approach to foreign policy, consider this fact: Ron Paul is the military’s top tier candidate with receiving the most financial support for his campaign from active military than any of the other GOP candidates COMBINED.
Contrary to what many are saying, when it comes to Israel, there is not a more pro-Israel candidate than Ron Paul. His position on Israel has been misconstrued because he wants to cut all foreign aid but just because Paul wants to cut foreign aid to Israel does not mean that he is not pro-Israel. He doesn’t just want to cut aid to Israel but to EVERYBODY. We can’t afford it! And, foreign aid was never the philosophy of the founding fathers! To say that he is not pro-Israel because he wants to cut foreign aid to Israel is ridiculous. It’s kind of like saying conservatives hate poor people because they want to eliminate welfare. Is blessing Israel defined only by cutting them a check? Our foreign aid is actually hurting Israel because for every dollar that Israel gets, the surrounding Arab countries each get 5 to 10 dollars. Cutting foreign aid to everyone ends us being on the side of Israel and Israel’s enemies with our taxpayer dollars and “diplomacy” at the same time.
The aid we are giving to Israel is actually anti-Israel because of the strings that are attached. We bind Israel’s hands to the point where she cannot defend herself from attacks without coming to us for permission to make a strike or a peace treaty or make efforts to change her borders. That is not respecting the sovereignty of Israel and that is not being a blessing to Israel. Ron Paul is the most pro-Israel candidate because he supports Israel’s sovereignty. Ron Paul makes it clear that he would not stop, nor should America be able to stop Israel from defending her interests in any way she sees fit. When Israel attacked a nuclear reactor in Iraq in 1981, almost the entire US Congress voted to condemn Israel (Reagan agreeing). Paul was one of the very few who voted against the condemnation and in favor of Israel’s right to defend herself. Where were the Evangelicals then? Why weren’t the Republicans being called “anti-Semites”?
The main reason for his position on Israel (in respect for her sovereignty) is because of the Constitution. We don’t have the authority to do most of what we are doing around the world, including in Israel. Paul does not favor Arab/Islamic countries over Israel – the 1981 situation is an example of that. We have no authority to nose our business into Iran’s business either. That is not isolationism, it is constitutionalism – and our founding fathers believed the same! What people need to understand is the difference between isolationism and non-interventionism as taught by our founding fathers. Ron Paul has said that if Israel is attacked then we should help if they ask us to, but that we should not “intervene” unless our help is first requested.
Ron Paul has never said that we should give nuclear technology to Iran. That would be in contrast to his foreign policy and principles of non-intervention. He doesn’t want Iran to have nuclear capabilities, but what he has said is that we have no right, beyond request, to forcefully stop others from giving or selling that technology to Iran or anyone else. This line we are being fed about the serious threat of Iran is a boogieman created to make us hate Muslims everywhere and eventually wipe them off the map in the name of “spreading democracy,” “fighting terrorism” and “national security interests.” While the government makes a boogieman out of uneducated heathen, they USE that boogieman to take away our rights (TSA, FEMA, Patriot Act, and the recent Defense Authorization Act). While government is too big here in America, our same federal government is attempting to get bigger by attempting to become global. Why else do you think the Democrats AND Republicans are worried about Iraq’s and Israel’s borders just as much, if not more than, our own? Iran has been mad at us since the 1950s when we overstepped our authority, overthrew their government and installed the Shah. They don’t hate us because we are free. Yes, the Muslims in those countries hate Christianity, but they specifically hate America because of our foreign policy and world-police-like intervention. The CIA refers to this as “blowback”. Wouldn’t you hate a country that sends drones and troops into your city because your nation is seen as a global threat? Because “terrorism” is not defined by nations, we can take care of threatening terrorists covertly if we wanted to. We have the capabilities and Ron Paul was and has been at the forefront of such legislation. He understands two things: life is an important gift from our Creator and war, though sometimes necessary, is a terrible thing and should be used cautiously. This was the view of our founders. It was also the view of the Republicans until 9/11.
Israel has 200 to 300 nuclear missiles, Iran has 0, Israel has a better intelligence agency than the U.S., Iran is still using camels in their military because they don’t have the technology to make enough fuel for themselves. IF Iran could ever buy or build a nuclear weapon and IF they could figure out how to use one, Israel would stop it and would have the capability to somehow counteract in self-defense. Netanyahu recently testified before the U.S. Congress that Israel can defend herself and does not need the presence of American troops. Paul has said that we should be Israel’s “best friend” and that he would support Israel’s decision to attack Iran or any other threat. We need to realize that our foreign “aid” and military “support” to Israel is not because our corrupt government wants to bless Israel and neither is it because Israel needs or wants our help, but is because big government wants to get bigger – globally! This, of course, is the groundwork that will need to be laid for the war plans of the antichrist, but we are fools to fall for it today since we have a choice!
3. Social Issues – There is also a lot of hype floating around that portrays Ron Paul as wanting to legalize marijuana, prostitution and underage drinking. Ron Paul has said that using drugs is a terrible thing; he has never endorsed the recreational use of marijuana and he does not endorse prostitution or underage drinking. He does not, however, give the popular or standard answer on these issues publicly, he doesn’t say what the misinformed masses want him to say on these issues and we don’t hear from him what the other candidates are saying because he understands the role of the federal government. These are STATE issues that should be decided at a state level (as a national form of check and balance) as covered under the 10th Amendment and not authorized for the Federal government to make under Article I, Section 8. The purpose of the federal government is to protect the states (that’s why we are united) so that the STATES can legislate how they so please. Things are more controllable on a local level (state level) and therefore the threat of abuse of the rule of law is less. It is not the federal government’s job to protect us from ourselves by making wrong choices harder to make. Where will that line of thinking end?
Anytime the FEDERAL government gets involved in issues that should be settled by the states they mess everything up. For example, prohibition was a federal action, it didn’t work, it backfired and it was repealed. The foundational question that must be answered today is “What is the role of government?” Is it the role of government to legislate Biblical morality? Without pulling inapplicable verses out of context about the Old Testament theocracy of Israel, can you tell me where Scriptures teach, for the New Testament age of grace, conscience and human government, that the role of civil government is to legislate Biblical morality? It does not. The church is the pillar and ground of the truth and government is supposed to be a limited, compact-restricted entity designed to protect – not dictate. Before the Jewish theocracy, we see civil government ordained in Genesis 9 with the sole purpose of protection. The Bible teaches limited government. After the Old Testament dispensation was over we see civil government referred to in Romans 13 as being ordained to enforce the second table of the law only. The New Testament teaches limited government as well. Limited government is not some bumper-sticker statement used as campaign fodder. It is the way the Bible teaches that government should be!
The book of Daniel, men like Thomas Jefferson and the persecuted Baptists of Colonial America referred to government as a beast. This beast has a purpose: protection (picture a guard dog). Thomas Jefferson taught that the beast needs to be controlled by “we the people” by being chained down with the chains of the Constitution – not the other way around. When we start giving more to that beast than what it is supposed to have by handing over our authority, our liberties and creating more regulations and laws, it gets bigger and bigger (big government) to the point where it gets so big that “we the people” can no longer control it and it will eat us alive. It hurts small businesses (EPA), it violates our privacy (TSA, Patriot Act, FEMA), it attempts to silence our pulpits (IRS) and it threatens our families (DHS). For instance: the 2nd Amendment was not just given so that we could own guns but was given so that “we the people” could start militias to keep the government in check so that if the government overstepped her boundaries, then “we the people” could step in and reestablish our government (as clearly explained in the Declaration of Independence). That sounds crazy to us today, but it is true and it only sounds crazy because we are brainwashed into practicing big government, we are unscripturally being taught that civil disobedience is always wrong and have the industrial military complex mindset that law enforcement and our military can do no wrong – ever. But now with unconstitutional policies such as the Patriot Act (which should really be called the “destruction of the 4th Amendment act”) and increasing anti-gun legislation (like permits for our 2nd Amendment RIGHT) “we the people” could never do what the 2nd Amendment would allow us to do because the beast of protection is too big! Now we have the mentality that the government is there to control us instead of “we the people” controlling the government so that it can do its limited job of protection (not tell us how to live). More laws, more regulations and bigger government are not the answers to today’s problems.
While some are concerned about where and how far the liberty and freedom principles of Ron Paul would lead us I AM MORE CONCERNED ABOUT THE MENTALITY THAT WE HAVE TO RESTRICT AND POLICE PEOPLE’S LIBERTY, AND WHERE THAT WILL LEAD US! Once we start, where does it stop? I would rather have too much liberty than restricted liberty. I would rather have freedom than communism. Homosexuality, substance abuse and fornication are not GOVERNMENT issues, they are GOSPEL issues. It is true that ‘righteousness exalteth a nation’ but it’s the job of the churches to convert people so they can live righteously and it’s not the government’s job to legislate Biblical morality. The blame for these issues does not fall on government, the blame falls on our churches. Our churches have failed and therefore we have shifted the blame to our government and have tried to legislate morality to make up for our slack.
4. His Faith – While I understand that Ron Paul is not an independent Baptist, I do believe he is a born-again child of God. From his statement of faith, Ron Paul says, “I have accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Savior, and I endeavor every day to follow Him in all I do and in every position I advocate.” He then goes on to say WHY we don’t often hear about his faith. “My faith is a deeply private issue to me, and I don’t speak on it in great detail during my speeches because I want to avoid any appearance of exploiting it for political gain.” To understand this statement historically, consider John Leland, the Baptist preacher, patriot, Christian statesman and author of our First Amendment, when he said, “Guard against those men who make a great noise about religion, in choosing representatives. It is electioneering. If they knew the nature and worth of religion, they would not debauch it to such shameful purposes. If pure religion is the criterion to denominate candidates, those who make a noise about it must be rejected; for their wrangle about it, proves that they are void OF IT. Let honesty, talents and quick dispatch, characterize the men of your choice. Such men will have a sympathy with their constituents, and will be willing to come to the light, that their deeds may be examined.” In regards to the evangelical vote, it seems like any presidential hopeful with an ‘R’ in front of their name can get up and pray or say something about Jesus Christ and every Christian in America is ready to vote for that person. A relative of mine who has been a lifelong resident of Texas recently said about his governor, “Why has he waited to talk about God now?”
5. Electability – I used to think that Ron Paul was a little far out there, but I thought that because that is what I was always told. In the last presidential election I caucused for Huckabee, and how disappointing it is to see what he has now become. It is frustrating for me to hear media and paid “political analysts” say that Ron Paul is not electable. Look at the polls! What is funny is that the same people who were saying that about Ron Paul when he was in the single digits are not saying the same thing about those who have NOW sunk to the single digits. Hitler believed and practiced the idea that if you tell a lie loud enough and long enough, people will begin to believe it. The media, both left and right, have been saying that Ron Paul is not electable. They have been telling this lie long enough and loud enough that people started to believe it. Thankfully there are some who don’t depend on CNN, FOX or MSNBC for their information. FOX can say that they are “fair and balanced” all they want (remember Hitler?) but at the end of the day, Rupert Murdoch is still in the media business for the money. Our current big-government, unconstitutional foreign policy is a huge money maker for corporations, including the media, which is why Ron Paul’s views are not popular with the media – both the left and the right. Any perceived lack of electability for Ron Paul is not due to his views but is because of a nation that depends on the media for their thoughts and is out of touch with the principles that this nation was founded upon and those surrounding circumstances. The votes decide if a candidate is electable, not the media.
My final plea is this: We need a candidate that has a proven track record of respect for and adherence to our Constitution. You will never have to guess where Ron Paul will stand because he understands that the Constitution, not the personal or wavering opinion of a politician, holds the principles that our founders intended for us to govern our republic with. The best way to describe Ron Paul is culminated in three basic principles: limited government, states’ rights and the Constitution. Those are just bumper-sticker statements today used as campaign props and slogans, but Paul was serving by these principles while the others weren’t even talking about our Constitution. Paul was constitutional before being constitutional was cool. This is why he doesn’t flip-flop, why he doesn’t have liberal baggage, why he doesn’t conform to different audiences to say what they want to hear and why he is very different from all the candidates. He has a 30 year track record to prove his limited, constitutional government stand! Being a student of Baptist history, American history and their connection, I am totally convinced that our founding fathers and Baptist forefathers would vote for Ron Paul. I am excited about the fact that the principles of Ron Paul are louder than they have ever been before. The candidates are now beginning to talk about issues that the “crazy old doctor” has been preaching about for 3 decades. It’s time that Baptist people start thinking instead of letting someone else do their thinking for them. I hope that the fear of what others may think if you vote for Ron Paul will not hinder you from voting for Ron Paul on January 3rd.
Sincerely,

Joshua S. Davenport

www.baptistsforronpaul.com

Christmas

2011-12-19T10:37:00.000-08:00

I have always loved Christmas. As a child, I couldn't wait until Christmas would finally arrive. Our family tradition was to go over to my Grandpa Burke's on Christmas Eve and then our house on Christmas Day. There at my Grandpa Burke's, all of my dad's brothers and sisters would gather with their children (my cousins), and we would eat a big meal and then gather in the living room. None of us kids ever ate much at those meals, we were too excited about the gifts!
Someone would be designated as the gift 'passer-out-er,' and soon we would hear "To......Jason! From Papa and Mama." We would sit and and enjoy watching Jason open his gift, only because we knew our name was soon to come. Mama would always get her clock each year, as she loved collecting them. Papa would get a new tool, usually a hat, and something else he'd probably never use. One of my dad's siblings would get a 'gag' gift from their siblings (most of which I still will not talk about).
FINALLY, I would hear "To...Travis! From Mama and Papa." Oh the anticipation, oh the joy, oh the excitement of opening that gift! I remember getting a Fonzie Radio one year, a pool stick another, and lots of cars and trucks and such.
Eventually, the last present was opened, the last scrap of wrapping paper was picked up, and we were heading out to the car with a big black trash bag containing our gifts.
Now for our family (my parents and sisters), we were scheduled to open gifts on Christmas morning, but my dad (when it comes to Christmas) is a softy. By the time we would drive from Trotwood back to West Carrolton here in Ohio, we had him convinced to let us go ahead and "open just one present."
That one would end up being two, then three and then eventually all of the gifts. Each gift would be opened after the objection of mom. I can still hear her, "Wayne Lee, there won't be nothing left for in the morning!" And, there never was; but that was fine by us. It was perfect just like that.
Christmas morning was for playing with the new toys and enjoying the bounty! Dad would always read to us Luke chapter 2, and some how mom usually had a last present hid some where to unwrap (she knew what would happen too).
There we would sit in our PJ's listening to the Christmas story smelling mom's breakfast casserole cooking. Dad would pray, thanking God for His blessings, but especially for Jesus.
Well, here we are and now I'm the dad. On Christmas Eve we go over to Stacey's parents, and Christmas Day is spent at home. Now, I'm not a softy like dad when it comes to Christmas presents, I'm as hard nosed as they come-you will wait till Christmas morning! Dad...well, we still have to keep the presents away from him or he would be giving them out 2 weeks early.
On Christmas morning, I'm still the first one up. I love heating the living room, lighting the tree, and situating each present just perfect around the tree. Then I wait...and wait...and cough real loud...and let the dog out loudly...and amazingly the kids wake up soon after. We gather around and I read Luke 2. While I read, Stacey usually has some breakfast in the oven warming up. The kids are anxiously listening to the Scripture. We pray and thank God for His blessings, but most importantly for His Son and our salvation.
The kids then open up the gifts while Stacey and I will catch each other's eye through out it all, so thankful for our children and our family. The rest of the day will be filled with playing that new game, assembly of some sort, and laughs...lots and lots of laughs.
But, it's not over, because the day after Christmas we go to Papa Joeys (my parent's house). Remind me later to explain Papa Joey's name. We will gather at Papa Joey's around 9 or 10. Papa Joey will already be crying in gratitude for his family. The children will be counting their gifts. Rachel will figure out which gift is her make up set, I will find out which one is my chocolate peanuts, and Chrystal will be posting pictures on facebook.
After being there 11 seconds, dad will say, "Well,let's open presents!" After 30 seconds of cheers and jumping up and down by the grandkids, one of us be designated "present-passer-out-er." Papa Joey will read Luke 2 and give thanks for the blessings of the Lord and especially His Son-our Saviour. Soon you will hear "To.....Alex from Mama and Papa Joey!" The children will all watch with anticipation for their name to be next. One of the babies will cry wondering why they haven't gotten a gift yet. Mom will watch with a giant smile on her face sipping coffee. Dad, he will still be crying.
Finally, the last present will be opened, the last scrap of wrapping paper will be picked up, and after some games and the kids playing with their new toys together, everyone will load up the bounty in big black trash bags and head home.

I write all this to explain Christmas. There is no Scriptural mandate to celebrate the birth of Christ. He was not born on December 25th. I'm not worshipping a tree. We will have church-both services-when Christmas falls on a Sunday. I'm not a pagan, nor do I really think this holiday was ordained by God.
But, Prov. 10:7 says, "The memory of the just is blessed:" God wants our families to be happy, a haven from the world, and a heritage to pass down. Part of that heritage are blessed memories. I don't know how many Christmas' we will have with Papa Joey and Papa Napier. Some day, my children will have Christmas at their own house with their family. But, I can't wait to hear about how they all read Luke 2, carried out presents in big black trash bags, talked a papa into giving an early present, and...well, you get the picture.

Christmas as a holiday isn't Scriptural...neither is July 4th, neither is Memorial Day, neither is Thanksgiving Day; but they can be used to practice Biblical principals. I choose to use Christmas as an open door to witness, and a time to make blessed memories with my family. I'll be enjoying this week like few others in the year...I'll be securing the heart of my children...I'll be making memories that are blessed and to be passed down...I'll be using it as a time to teach my children about the Saviour...I'll cry in rejoicing in God's blessings. How about you?
MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Church Christmas Songs V

2011-12-19T10:16:00.000-08:00

Pastor, the Hard Nosed Preacher (Tune of Rudolph, the Red Nosed Reindeer)

There’s Rick Warren, and B. Graham,
Paul Couch and Ken Copeland,
Joyce Meyer and down south
Old Smiley Joel Olstein
But do you recall, the most
Hard nosed preacher of all….

Pastor our hard nosed preacher
He won’t let us do a thing;
And if you go and ask him
Country music you can’t sing.
Most of the other preachers
Wouldn’t dare and name a name;
Except for our hard nosed preacher
He’ll call you out-He’s not playing games.

Then one business meeting night
We began to say:
“Preacher with your nose so hard
Can we drop our high standards?”
Then how the preacher went off
And he shouted out with glee,
“We’ll never never do that
For the love of Christ Constraineth ME!”

That old preacher wouldn’t budge
He preached and held the line.
And some day when we see the Lord
We’ll rejoice we didn’t compromise!
So if you have a preacher
Who is known around for his hard nose;
Go tell him how you are thankful
But be sure…
To be….
In mo---dest----
Clothes!

Christmas Church Songs IV

2011-12-15T09:39:00.000-08:00

Let Us Go, Let Us Go, Let Us Go (To Tune of 'Let It Snow, Let It Snow')

Well, we spend our whole life at church
And we miss our favorite shows
We wish someone they would hear,
“Let us go, let us go, let us go.”

The preacher shows no signs of stopping
And the ‘amens’ they keep a popping,
The sermon drags on so slow,
Let us go, let us go, let us go!

When we finally close in prayer,
How I’ll hate driving out in the night,
If we didn’t have to sing every verse
I might would have time to eat right.

Between bus, Sunday school, and choir,
And fellowship some people’s desire,
It’s as if we have no place to go,
Let us go! Let us go! Let us Go!

Church Christmas Songs III

2011-12-14T09:20:00.000-08:00

Grandma Got Ig-nored by the Preacher (Tune of Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer)

*Grandma got ignored by the preacher,
Walking out of church one Sunday eve.
You can say there’s no such thing as Satan,
But as for me and our church, we believe.

She had woke that Sunday morning;
Drove to the church into the lot,
Just to find that a visitor
Had the nerve to park right in her spot.

After parking in the back lot
And tripping over two loose stones
She was greeted by the doorman
Who’d just passed out the last bulletin.

She huffed and loudly grumbled
As the door she went through;
Dodged three running children
Only to find that visitor in her pew!

Well the service FINALLY started
One whole minute passed eleven,
And she had to stay up standing
All four verses of “When We All-Get to Heaven.”

Well the thermostat was too cold
And the sermon way to long,
Time she got to leave Bob Evans
There was no time to go back to her home.

She endured the evening service
Back in her back pew she did sit,
With door traffic and crying babies
The sermon she couldn’t hear worth a lick.

After 100 verses of invitation
She headed out the back doors;
But the preacher was with a weeping member
And once again she’d go home all ignored!

Well the Devil he did chuckle
As she left so miserable
“All they want is my money!”
As she slammed the pedal to the floor!

*Chorus

Church Christmas Songs II

2011-12-13T14:38:00.000-08:00

Old Hard Heart is Looking Around (to the tune "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town)

Oh You better watch out,
You better not cry
Don’t praise the Lord,
I’m telling you why…
Old Hard Heart is Looking Around

He’s making a list
He’s checking it twice
Gonna label you as Charasmatic tonight
Old Hard Heart is Looking Around

He sees when you’re convicted
And hears all your “Amens”
And he can’t believe the gall you have
To dare and lift your hands!

Oh You better watch out,
You better not cry
Don’t praise the Lord,
I’m telling you why…
Old Hard Heart is Looking Around

He’s making a list
He’s checking it twice
Gonna gossip and slander
Your name tonight
Old Heart heart is looking around

He remembers when he had joy
When his eyes were on the Lord.
When serving God was His delight
But now it’s all a chore!

Oh You better watch out,
You better not cry
Don’t praise the Lord,
I’m telling you why…
Old Hard Heart is Looking Around

He’s making a list
He’s checking it twice
You’re zeal for the Lord crossed the line tonight
Old Hard Heart is Looking Around!

Don’t sing above a whisper
Or you are showing off,
Don’t testify of His love
Or He’ll be sure to scoff!

Oh You better watch out,
You better not cry
Don’t praise the Lord,
I’m telling you why…
Old Hard Heart is Looking Around

He’s making a list
He’s checking it twice
He’s praying that soon you’ll see the light
Old Hard Heart is Looking Around

My friend don’t be ashamed
To stop and praise the Lord,
And maybe old hard heart will see
What life’s worth living for!

Oh You better watch out,
You better not cry
Don’t praise the Lord,
I’m telling you why…
Old Hard Heart is Looking Around

He’s making a list
He’s checking it twice
Hopef’ly revival for him’s in sight
Old Hard Heart is Looking Around!

Christmas Church Songs

2011-12-12T10:28:00.000-08:00

On a lighter note this week: we will have some fun. I have written for our Christmas banquet some new songs which will be 'released' Friday live and in color! The songs will be sung by myself and Bro. Mullis. Here is the First one for your viewing pleasure:

Clarence The Usher (Tune Frosty the Snow Man)

Clarence the Usher
In his blue suit and red tie
Joined the ushers there on the front pew
To receive the weekly tithe.
While Rene played the music
Down the aisle they did trod
And tight wads in the soft, blue pews
Refused to give to God.

They said they had no money
just as poor as they could be,
They could not tithe their income
Because they bought a Christmas tree.
When it comes now to giving
They are as meek as little lamb
They can’t wait until the final verse
Of the song “Just As I Am.”

***Don’t Grump-e-ty Grump, Grump
Grump-e-ty Grump, grump
Watch the tithers Go.
Don’t Grumpety Grump Grump
Grumpety Grump Grump
As we give and grow!

Tithing is Scriptural
A blessed blessed thought
How Heaven’s windows open up
To give all God hath wrought.
To Receive His favor
Is the same as long ago
God’s children know if we serve him so
He’ll be Faithful to His Own.

So When Clarence and the ushers
Walk there by your pew
Don’t forget God’s promises
They are good for you.
Oh Tithing is Scriptural, as Abraham did see
And Christians say we can joyfully give
Just the same as He!
***

Black Friday 2011-It Still Hurts

2011-11-25T06:23:00.000-08:00

It's 9:30 a.m. on the Friday after Thanksgiving, and I just received a text from a young man in Wichita, Kansas that I hardly ever talk to that read, "So did you go out early this morning and catch the deals? I can imagine you had fun with your sisters? Isn't that your tradition?" My answer would have to be yes, yes, and yes!
Our annual Friday extravaganza has become quite popular amongst our small circle of acquaintances.
This past year at a home schooling convention my sister attended, she came across Dr. Jeff Voegtlin from Fairhaven Baptist. She ask him if he knew who she was, to which he responded, "Oh, I know you, you are Travis Burke's sister. I know you from his Black Friday blogs!" (of course she attended the college there as well, but her time there must not have been to memorable).
Throughout the night, I received over 100 texts or tweets asking for updates and stories from the night. It was a new adventure to integrate Twitter this year as we gallivanted across South West Ohio.
So, here I am, on Friday morning, reminiscing about the past 16 hours...here we go...
We met this year at my parent's house at 6:15 p.m. Chrystal met us there because she would have to take our sister Rachel and her son to the doctor Friday morning early, and her house is much farther away. Sadly, this early morning appointment kept Rachel from joining us this year, but for the second consecutive year, my beautiful wife joined us! (I think because she knew we wouldn't be out as late). So, with smiles on our faces, we bundled up and headed out!
Now, one may ask, why do we do this? The simple answer for us is, "Family Tradition." We weren't after any 'big ticket item.' We could care less what position we had in line. We just go to be with each other and enjoy one of the greatest, funnest nights of our year.
So, keeping with tradition, our first stop was White Castle! This again, would come back to haunt us, and those immediately behind us in line. After ordering some steamy sliders and iced teas, we headed off towards our first destination...Toys R Us.
Now this year, the stores opened up even earlier (which I was not a big fan of). Toys R Us would open at 9 p.m. We arrived around 7 p.m. Most gloriously, there was an open parking place near the front! I didn't expect such an ideal parking spot to be open and nearly passed it up. Quickly, I put the car in reverse and headed back to the spot. Unfortunately, there was an SUV backing out in my blind spot to my left. After a few screams and some quick brakes, we found ourselves unscratched. The man in the SUV exited his car and "Wished me a Merry Christmas." We then made our way to the line, which was by now half way around the building.
Soon, we found ourselves in our fist line of the night. It was cold, but not as cold as previous years. I was dressed in my jeans and a warm sweat shirt with a hood (I hate the term 'hoodie' and refuse to use it), Stacey was dressed warmly, as was Chrystal. Chrystal though, didn't wear a jacket, but instead a black cloak. Her purse was the style that could also be worn as a backpack (coincidentally, a 10 year old girl in line in front of us, Rachel, had the same purse) When Chrystal put her cloak on, her back pack made quite the 'hump' on her back. The three of us eerily resembled characters of one Victor Hugo. I would could have been archdeacon Claude Frollo, Stacey the beautiful La Esmerelda, and Chrystal the hunch back Quasimodo. I only wish there was audio I could share of Chrystal's many failed attempts to sound like Quasimodo (at least her interpretation of it). Needless to say, all around us were in tears laughing.
Chrystal then turned her back to us as the line took a few steps forward. Now between her black cloak, black sweat shirt with a hood, black skirt, and black gloves...well...let's just say Stacey said, "Chrystal, you look like a black jelly bean!" The folks around us loved it and for the remainder of our time in line, addressed Chrystal as "Jelly Bean." She then tightened the hood of her sweat shirt with a hood, which gripped tightly her head. Now with the cloak, 'hump' from the kids back pack purse, and hood, someone suggested she looked like a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle. Chrystal quickly took the name Donatello for no apparent reason and she was yet another character. She then did her best TMNT impersonation (which her being a ninja is, well, you can imagine). But her being compared to characters was not yet over.
Stacey then added a new character when she said, "Actually, with your cloak, you look more like Ursula from Little Mermaid." Now, I didn't really see this comparison (Something about the cloak's threads looking like tentacles and well, the rest...), but the funniest thing was Chrystal trying to impersonate Ursula. She sort of danced and waived her arms and head as if under water, with a scowl on her face. Oh how I wish I had a picture of that! Our feet were hurting from standing in line, but the night was so much fun!
From somewhere, Chrystal pulled out a bright green blow pop and began licking and sucking it. The little girl in front of us, Rachel, was eyeing Chrystal. Chrystal then took the salivated over sucker out of her mouth and pushed it to the face of little Rachel. She then began interviewing Rachel about Black Friday using the blow pop as a microphone. Rachel kept taking steps backwards and eventually stood behind her grandma staring wide eyed at the crazy hunchbacked lady, turtle, tentacled..."Jelly Bean" she said. "You do look like a Jelly Bean!" From that point on, Chrystal had a friend. Together they sang and joked with each other for the remainder of our time in line. However, "Rachel" was not Chrystal's last person to be interviewed with the green sucker. We stood shivering together when we noticed a man walking towards the back of the line dressed in a short sleeve shirt and bright red shorts. Chrystal commented, "Why on earth would someone wear shorts to stand in the freezing cold?" I knew exactly how to find out. I encouraged her to go ask him! With interviewing sucker/microphone in hand, she headed straight towards him. "Welcome to Toys R Us. Can I ask you a simple question? Why did you decide to wear shorts on this cold November night?" To the which he replied, "Hi! My name is Michael Taylor, and I am never cold." He quickly moved on, but to this very moment, I am certain we met at least one liar last night!
Speaking of Chrystal's new friends, we all made a new friend in the lady behind us. Her name is April (actually, it's April Angel-she loves her name). April had thoroughly enjoyed being with us in line. We had shared stories of past Black Fridays with her, she helped make fun-I mean designate Chrystal as different characters, and couldn't believe how much she laughed and how quickly time passed. She even, in line, found and added Chrystal as her 'friend' on facebook. In all seriousness, pray for April as we invited her to church and shared a witness with her. April couldn't believe how much fun you could have and "not be bad." April at times said she was about to 'wet' herself from laughing so much. Before we knew it, it was five till nine and the doors were about to open.
April stopped us and said, "Guys, I just want to thank you for giving me the best night ever." She paused, we all were silent...for an awkwardly long time...she was tearing up. We weren't sure what to say. She then ask for a group hug (which we did 'air hug' style). We entered the store and purchased a few items and while we were in line paying, here came April! She was finished making her purchases, but came and found us to again thank us for a wonderful night of laughs. We all shared one more chuckle.
Speaking of paying for our items. One item we picked up which we thought was $14.97. When it rang up, it displayed $69.99. WHOA! "Uh, we will not purchase that one" we quickly rang out. "No problem," the lady said and we finished checking out. When we got to the car, we headed towards Walmart. While we were driving, Chrystal was separating on the receipt whose was what when she yelled out "Stop the car! She didn't take off the $69.99!" It's true, she hadn't, so we went back to Toys R Us. Now you must understand, they were only letting in 100 at a time into Toys R Us, and the line was still wrapped around the building. This would be a challenge...who would handle this? Me, I'm the kinda guy that would be fine with whatever they told me and I'd come back when convenient as I didn't want to deal with the hastle of fighting to get back into the store. Chrystal, she would have asked, but taken "no" as the answer and would have returned later and dealt with it. Stacey, she is as frugal as it gets and was not leaving until she had $69.99 in her hand-and an apology. We let Stacey handle it, and within 10 minutes she was cut in line, back in store, and heading out with the money! I love that lady!
I then got a text from Bro. Webster at church. He warned me to stay clear of Walmart, and after hearing other people's stories-I'm glad I did! We then headed to target! When we arrived, the line was already formed for the midnight opening time. Stacey and Chrystal dropped me off and went to a UDF gas station to use the potty. When they got there, the line for the ladies room was longer than the line at Target. So, they walked past all the ladies and WENT INTO THE MEN'S ROOM! They had asked and it was empty, so they marched in and locked the door and ...well never mind. Upon exiting, all the other ladies in line did the same...to this very day, I don't think a man has been able to use that restroom...desecrated!
Anyways, soon they found me in line at Target! We would have an hour and a half wait. By now our feet were hurting! It had been a long day. The man behind me in line (who some how ended up in front of me-still bitter) was from Louisville, Kentucky. He and I began to chat about life and shoppers and the stupidity of being out...yet great fun of it all! When we told him about our Toys R Us stories, we also told him about Chrystal being a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle. Before we could go any further, he said, "You'd make a great Donatello!" Amazing isn't it?
It was then my sister got a text from a lady from our church. She was describing us, repeating our words, and obviously was near by! We searched and searched, but couldn't find her. Finally, Chrystal spotted her-it was Kim Byrd! We some how was able to squeeze her up in line with us (which may explain the Louisville guy's changing of positions). It was good to have another friend! Kim was after an ipod and would get it! We shared with Kim and all around us the stories from Toys R Us, Chrystal tried imitating all her characters again, and soon all those around us were laughing with us. It was getting cold and foggy. Stacey asked if it always got foggy on Black Friday. We told her "Yeah, every year. It's so odd. Haven't you heard of the Black Friday Fog?" I think she still thinks its true. Our hands were getting numb from coldness, when all of a sudden another couple from church was heading our way.
Chris and Shannon were married this last May. Chris loves 'making a buck,' and that is exactly what he was trying to do. He was selling Hot Snapz reusable hand warmers. He had given me a couple a few weeks ago, and I was using them already. They are great by the way and should you want one for $5, let me know! He was walking up and down lines and selling them to freezing people. We helped advertise for him and before you knew it he had sold many of them. They couldn't stay long as there were more lines to take advantage of.
Finally the doors opened and we were dashing into target. Police had to be called to barricade all the 'cheaters' who stayed in their cars from cutting in line. The guy from Louisville in front of me was getting angry. I did my best to get him more upset at those people and he eventually left his place in line to go yell at them. LOVED IT!
Target was packed! There was barely time to stop and talk to anyone, but Chrystal did hear a little voice call out, "Hey, look, mom! It's the big Jelly Bean!" It was our little friend Rachel from the Toys R Us line! People kept asking, "What are you after?" To which I always replied, "Memories." We picked up a few items and headed towards Kohls.
Kohls had been opened for over an hour and we really didn't need that much. We waited on a good parking spot and watched a lady waddle to her car. We were getting winded, but still laughing.On our way up to the door,I looked up and gasped. I quickly looked at Chrystal and said, "Did you just see that?" I could tell by the look on her face that she had seen what I had seen...a shooting star directly over the top of Kohl's. It confirmed what we already knew..this night was truly magical!(And that Stacey was already mostly asleep, because she missed it!) We shopped for only about 15 minutes, but waited in line over an hour just to check out. We texted Jordan Wilson while in line. He always had joined us for this adventure, but he got married this year and had to go to Michigan to see his inlaws (much sarcasm here). We forgave him upon the promise that next year he and Kristina would join us!
We got into the car and headed home. Well, honestly, we BARELY got into the car. I had to ask Chrystal if she was still back there, because she could not be seen for all the bags and boxes. Chrystal would sleep a few hours before the doctors appointment and Stacey and I would do the same before having to get up early and put the turkey in. Friday is our Burke Thanksgiving Day and this year Stacey and I are hosting.
Our feet hurt, our hands hurt, our pocket books were a little hurt...but nothing hurt like our face. We had laughed so much that our faces hurt! Now, it's Friday, and my family just walked into the house. My feet are better, my hands are better, my wallet will rebound, but my face...it still hurts! And I love it!
"The sad part guys," Chrystal said, "is it's over and we have 365 days to go until next year."

HARDECKER: Disciplines for New Believers (paperback)

2011-11-19T16:57:00.000-08:00

HARDECKER: Disciplines for New Believers (paperback): " Disciplines for New Believers " ($5.00 + s&h) is now available in the paperback format besides the Kindle format. If you would like to purchase a copy of this discipleship book, contact Pastor Hardecker at "hardecker-at-google-dot-com" please include your name, address and qty. You can click on the link above or contact me and I will give you further instructions. I have begun reading this book, and it is excellent!

"A Lot of Flavors Out There"

2011-11-14T09:22:00.000-08:00

Recently a visitor from out of town stopped in to our church. That visitor was sharing his testimony with me how that he was saved many years ago, but was not a Baptist at that time. He shared how that through studying the Bible, he realized that it is the Baptists who traditionaly have stayed closest to the Word of God. As a result, he had recently been baptized and had become a Baptist. He shared with me that while searching for a church, he quickly learned that "there are a lot of flavors out there of churches called 'Baptist.'" My response was, "Sadly, yes."
I believe the Bible teaches the autonomy of the local church. There are no examples in Scripture of a board, convention, or fellowship ruling over a local church. Our Lord even gave us the highest level of authority here on earth in His teaching on discipline. The highest level of authority found in Matthew 18 is when we "tell it to the church."
While the Bible does teach that we are to warn others of false teachers and prophets, one must never over step his bounds in doing this. While we may not agree with the faith and/or practice of another church, it still is not our business what other churches have decided for themselves. The problem is: FUNDAMENTALISM. Let me explain:
You see, it was an idea of the old Fundamentalist to start colleges to train their young men in the fundamentals. These colleges gather our nation's young men and ladies training for the ministry. Most of these colleges have already slidden into error or at least what another 'Fundamental Baptist' has decided is error. That man must now warn all the churches and families sending their young people out to be trained about the errors of these pastors/churches that are doing the training. We are left with our modern day 'Fundamentalist' colleges that are training the majority of our future pastors across this nation. Each young person now has been taught to defend 'the mother'...I mean college they attended, and 'camps' are formed (ie. Hyles, Crown, West Coast, Fairhaven, PCC, BJU, and the list goes on and on).
Should someone warn about the errors that arise when these institutions 'influencing so many people' start practicing such? Well, the problem is that this all the fruit of the problem. The problem is that we swallowed the fundamentalist way of thinking and need to get back to a more Biblical stance...that of local churches and pastors training their own. Only in the local church will there ever be true Biblical unity!
If we would just go back to a Biblical methodology in training future pastors and missionaries, well, exposing error would be as it is exampled in the Bible...done within the local church.
So what about all those flavors? Can I fellowship with them? I believe in ecclesiastical separation. There are some churches that our church cannot fellowship with. I believe there ought to be no church that I am not willing to sit down with their pastor and share what I believe, but should these differences be judged as a possible detriment to my church, I cannot fellowship with that.
That doesn't mean that other church is not a 'church.' That is all God's business. That's why the Lord 'sets the members as it pleases Him' (1 Cor. 12). There will be differences from church to church, and many of these differences should be seen as just that-differences of opinion. Examples of such are whether you want to use mission boards, microphones, special singers, or a projector. You may want to have circus day at church, I choose not to. So what?!
True fellowship is the ability to sit down with someone from that other church and discuss these things without getting angry or having to ignore 'issues' to preserve unity. BLAH!
Now there are some things that are beyond opinion and there is no give and take there. Such things as salvation by grace through faith, modern perversions of Scripture, charismatic movement and 'gifts', polygamy, etc.
So we are left with the result of a lot of flavors out there. Some Baptist have super standards, some lack them all together. Some Baptist use canned music, others do not. Some Baptist use screens and projectors, others don't. Some have 45 minutes of special singing, some have none. Some have zoo Sundays, some don't run busses. Some pray for an hour at prayer meeting, some 10 minutes. Some have all men praying aloud during prayer time, others have one person lead in prayer, while others have quiet individual prayer time.
Point is, we are spending way too much time trying to figure out and appease our false premise of 'having to fellowship' with other churches. I don't believe in isololating ourselves, as in Scripture churches helped each other and fellowshipped. But these things were natural that like minded churches will always do. Just be sure you are where God wants you-and that will only be in a place that is Biblical. Have a walk with the Lord and an ear for the Lord. Be faithful and let God bless!
Who can you fellowship with? For most, it just depends on what flavor they like.

Yes, this really happened to me in the ministry.

2011-11-07T07:33:00.000-08:00

Being in the ministry is such an adventure!! There is a new blessing around each corner. It has been my intent the last few months to share things that have happened to me that are humorous. I truly believe the Lord wants us to enjoy life and as He said, life more abundantly. In this world today we have too many christians who are discouraged, depressed and defeated. We know from the Word of God that we are already victorious. We need not fear what each day brings since He gave us not the spirit of fear.
Thirty years ago I was the associate pastor and principal of a school in Miami Florida. The church had facilities that were tremendous and covered a city block. Several years before I arrived the church experienced some financial difficulties and since we did not use all the facilities they were forced to rent out a wing of classrooms to a seventh day adventist group. Now I would never had done that myself but that is a subject for another day. One day the first week of the school year I thought I would show myself friendly and go to their school office and introduce myself. I went into the office and there was the principal and several teachers standing around talking. I introduced myself and chatted a few minutes then turned to leave. I opened what I thought was the door I came in and entered. I immediately realized I had walked into the supply closet. I opened the door,, walked back into the office and confidently stated,"Well, I see you have all the supplies you need. Let me know if you need anything." I could hear them laughing as I headed back to my office. Pride is such a terrible thing.
I wish I could say that was all that happened that day but it got worse. We were in the middle of a candy sale for the school. When the adventist classes went to recess I took a box of candy bars to the playground and sold them to their students. It was not long before their principal came to my office. I could tell he was trying to be diplomatic so I asked him what I could do for him. He then proceeded to tell me that it was a problem selling his students candy bars. I had forgotten that they do not believe in eating chocolate. I was to say the least very apologetic.
As I stated before, the ministry is an adventure! I am glad to say that even after that disatrous day I later had the opportunity to share the gospel with the principal and that religion would not get him into Heaven but only by accepting Christ as his Saviour. I may have been embarrased at our first meeting but if we will be friendly and humble the Lord may give us the privilege of telling them of the Friend that sticks closer than a brother. Stay vigilant for every opportunity!

Fellowship

2011-10-31T07:48:00.000-07:00

Knowing there are definitely two ditches on both sides, how does one draw a line on who to fellowship with? For that matter, what is fellowship? Do you have to have unity to fellowship? What are the 'fundamentals' for fellowship? Can we really have unity on this earth? What is unity? My brain is starting to hurt. One question always leads to another question. I wish I had all the answers. Let's stop and think about this.
First, what is fellowship? The dictionary describes fellowship as:

the state of sharing mutual interests, experiences, activities;

But, the same dictionary gives a second definition:

communion, as between members of the same church

.
For a Christian, those are two different definitions. The first is that we are fellowshipping when we share mutual interests, experiences, or activities. The second is if we are members of the same church. A proper Biblical understanding of the the church, suggests that we can only 'fellowship' with our own church according to these definitions. This isn't true!
What is fellowship according to the Bible? Well, its first mention in the New Testament is in Acts 2:42 when those who were saved continued in the apostles doctrine and fellowship. So fellowship here seemed to be amongst those in the same church who had been saved, Scripturally baptized, and were being taught doctrine. 1 Cor. 1:9 says we can have fellowship with Jesus Christ, but 1 John 1:6 says if we walk in darkness we do not have fellowship with Him. 1 Cor. 10:20 reads that we are not to have fellowship with devils, 2 Cor. 6:14 commands we as believers are not to have fellowship with unbelievers, and Eph. 5:11 demands we not only not fellowship with works of darkness, but reprove them. 2 Cor. 8 talks about how the churches of Macedonia fellowshipped in helping minister to the saints. Philippians 2 says if there is to be any 'fellowship of the Spirit,' there must be like-mindedness, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind, seeking the benefit of others; and in context, he is writing to a local church in Ephesus.
So let's review on what fellowship is in the Bible:
1. We can all agree that we are not to fellowship with lost people. (2 Cor. 6:14)
2. Our fellowship should be first and foremost with the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 1:9) and his sufferings (Philippians 3:10).
3. We know from Acts 2:42 and Philippians 2 that there should be fellowship in the local church.
4. II Corinthians 8 shows us that there can be fellowship among churches, and this fellowship was for the purpose of ministering to the saints.
5. Works of darkness should not be fellowshipped with, but reproved (Eph. 5:11).

Simple, right? Let's see an example of this in action! Aren't you glad the Word of God is the only source and authority we need? AMEN?!

In Galatians 2, Paul is referring to the events of Acts 15 when the church at Jerusalem was dealing with legalism. True legalism is when it is preached and held to that a keeping of some 'law' will provide salvation. In this case in Acts, there were Jewish legalists who were demanding that converts 'become a Jew' in order to be saved. This was to be displayed by being circumcised. Paul, Barnabus, and Titus (who would be exhibit A as he was a convert who was not circumcised) were sent from the church at Antioch to speak to them about this. When they arrived, they first met with the church elders (James, Cephas, and John) who "gave to them the right hands of fellowship." They recognized the truth that salvation was by grace and not of works and that Paul's ministry, though different than theirs, was of God and the Gospel was the same. This led to a fellowship amongst them. Later, Peter came up to the church at Antioch to fellowship with them. There were some men who came who were associated with James. This James obviously held to the side of the Jewish legalists. When Peter saw them, he quit fellowshipping with the Gentiles. Paul "withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed."
Here are two men, two churches, in fellowship; but error WAS NOT IGNORED. Peter's withdrawal was causing a church split (Gal. 2:13). Even Barnabus was being pulled away from Truth. A public debate began, and from the facts that Peter goes on to accomplish what the Lord allowed Him to do, Peter got right that day and the church was united and strengthened.

Today, amongst Baptist, there is a big push to 'fellowship.' Pastors know how to use Scriptures to show the need for fellowship, they endorse the benefits of fellowship, but mostly ignore the foundation for fellowship. It is the contemporary church philosophy of ignoring the 'non-essentials' that is the foundation for most Baptist fellowship today. The falsely practiced general rule for fellowship amongst Baptist today seems to be "lets just encourage one another and never speak about differences we have." There is a fear of division and axe-grinding; which is mostly due to immature pastors who don't know enough Scripture to defend their 'beliefs' or can't defend their carnal ways. We must get back to a Biblical foundation for fellowship.

A Biblical foundation for fellowship is this: We cannot fellowship with unbelievers. Evil communication will always corrupt good manners. Our error in our basis for fellowship today (in not exposing and debating error) has drifted into our soul winning as well. This is why too many do not preach an offensive Gospel that shows the lost they are sinners. Our churches become adapted to carnality and the lost feel 'right at home' in many churches. We cannot fellowship with unbelievers. The local church should be the main source of fellowship. We need the fellowship of our brothers and sisters in our local churches, and this fellowship is to be centered on the Lord Jesus Christ. Churches can/should fellowship together around the ministry of the Gospel. This brings honor to the Lord. Here is where we can support other missionaries preaching the Truth of the Gospel from other churches. We can work with other churches in reaching the lost and fellowship together for strength and teaching. This should all result in a more unified, strengthened local church. This fellowship though is based upon Truth and all works of darkness should be publicly debated, not ignored. Pastors should be able, and willing, to discuss differences according to the Bible. When there is gross doctrinal error that is not corrected after a clear presentation of Truth, there can be no fellowship. Of course, the Biblical example is that when spiritual people do things Biblically and spiritually, error is corrected and churches are strengthened.
I know this sounds radical today; but then again, are our churches being strengthened or are they weakening?
What if a pastor will not discuss these matters with another pastor? Then he is ignoring the Biblical pattern and precepts. Can we fellowship with one who walks not in the light of His Word (Ps. 119:105, 130) and therefore is walking in darkness? We may not have to agree (Paul and Barnabus with John Mark), but we do have to at least discuss it. There will never be perfect unity amongst churches, that's part of being autonomous; but there should be unity in the local church.
So, we need to fellowship, but let's fellowship Biblically!

yes, this really happened to me in the ministry

2011-10-24T06:46:00.001-07:00

We have in recent months shared some of the more humorous things that have happened to me in the last 45 years in the ministry. Sometimes however instead of happening to me they were instigated by me.
Many years ago I became acquainted with an evangelist who held major belts in martial arts.As I also held belts in martial arts we soon became friends. On one occasion I enlisted his help in a youth meeting. We scheduled the service for a Wednesday night. Too reach as many as possible I was able to schedule special assemblies regarding health and martial arts in several public schools. At the close of each assembly we would invite all the students to the special meeting on Wednesday.
After one such assembly when we finished and returned to the car to travel to the next meeting the evangelist said to me he was so thirsty. I asked if he would like something to drink. He said to me just go through McDonalds and get me an ice cream cone. I pulled in. bought an ice cream for him.
Now I always drive with my arm on the back of the seat. I looked at him eating his ice cream and asked, "How can you eat that? It smells funny." He then raised the ice cream to his nose to smell it. When he did I slapped him in the back of the head and his nose dived into his ice cream. He was so shocked he turned to me , with the cone still on his nose, and said I was the only man he ever met that was brave enough to do that! It was hysterical!
By the way, that Wednesday we had over 900 hundred teenagers at the meeting with over 80 professions of faith. Yes the ministry is exciting and can be full of funny events. However we must never forget the great commission Jesus gave to the church. Many may ask did those 80 plus really get saved? Only the Lord knows that and we will not know until we get to Heaven. That does not though relieve us of the duty to preach the gospel. We must keep in mind that the Bible says "Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God."
I appreciate our pastor's recent article on ditches. There are certainly two ditches. After being in hundreds of churches I have seen churches in both ditches. Though it is sad when churches compromise just to get a crowd it is also a tragedy of the hundreds of churches who have not a soul saved in years and years and some have even turned there baptistries into flower pots!!
Thank God for a church and pastor that preaches the whole counsel of God and has a heart for the unsaved. Next time you eat an ice cream cone, share this story and take the opportunity to share the gospel with someone.

The Thing About Ditches

2011-10-17T08:58:00.000-07:00

While traveling down most roads, you will normally find ditches on either side of that road. These ditches can be a danger to those driving by who get too close. These ditches seem to gather all the run off, and as a result usually are rather foul and nasty. These ditches are not where you want to be if you are trying to get somewhere.
Our Christian life is just a pilgrimage through this world. Matthew 7:14 reads:

Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Many use this text in the context of salvation, and it is a good application, but the reality is that the context of this verse is that of the Christian life. This verse is part of a lengthy discourse the Lord was using to teach His disciples (Matt. 5:1-2). The proper, God honoring, Christian life is one on a road that is "narrow". On this narrow road, there are ditches on either side.
The ditch on the left is one of modernism. In this ditch has run all those who embrace the 'emerging church', contemporary music, tearing down of standards, preaching of 'essentials' and 'non essentials,' anything goes religion. In this ditch we find the "Elevation Church", "Worship Center", and the like. In this ditch the Word of God is found in many 'translations' or whatever man prefers. In this ditch they have rock concerts at church, never preach against sin, but hand out water bottles to cars driving by. In this church all one has to do to get to Heaven is be a good person (by whose standards? I suppose their own). In this ditch, a little alcohol is not only accepted, but even endorsed. In this ditch, immorality is excused and the grace of God abused. This ditch has seen all the run-offs from the straight and narrow. This ditch has seen it's level grow to large numbers, but it stinks, is dangerous, and will eventually dry out.
It's easy to preach against this ditch-the ditch on the left. Matter fact, you don't normally see too many cars run off into the ditch on the left. Mostly those whose life is spinning out of control end up in that ditch. But, there is another ditch.
The ditch on the right also collects the run-off and can become just as disgusting. The straight and narrow is, well, just that-straight and narrow. It's as narrow as the Word of God. It doesn't matter who you are, you can easily find yourself there when you take your eyes off of where you are heading. Many find themselves in this ditch by 'over correcting.' Now don't get me wrong-right is always right and we need not compromise, but we also had best take heed. Strong preaching is a must, high standards are commanded in Scripture, doctrine is right, the Word of God is just that-His Word and it is found for us English speakers in the KJV-ALONE! Our Bible being King James, our men wearing ties, our ladies wearing dresses, our music being sacred, our hands off policy between boys and girls, our absence from movie theaters, our doctrine, our church polity, our preaching against alcohol; these things don't put us in the ditch on the right, but on the straight and narrow. How can I say this? Because I have Scripture for all these things.
Recently, an "Elevation Church" was started in my town of Blanchester, Ohio. They sent me a post card invitation saying "A Church for those who were dragged to church when they were young...A Church that lets you be you and not what others tell you to be...a church with a comedy hour every weekend...a church where you can dress how you want...etc." The pastor said if I had a question to email him. I did. I emailed him and asked what Scriptures he based all these ideas on? I gave him Scriptures as to why these things ought not to be, and gave him a chance to give me Scriptures defending his views. He wrote back and said he didn't need Scripture, but he was meeting the people's need through these practices. Actually, he is meeting people's lusts through these practices. There is a right and a wrong and just for taking a stand on the Bible and it's teachings doesn't put you in a ditch on the other side. So what does put you in that ditch?
The other ditch, the ditch on the right, is the ditch that where those who 'over correct' normally find themselves. There you will find those who have decided that they have a 'monopoly' on righteousness. There you will find those who won't let you in their church if you ladies don't have a skirt on. There you will find those who will not have a discussion about doctrine with anyone, because they know you 'aren't right.' There you find those who believe that their church is the only 'real church' in the entire state. There you will find those who think that the Bride of Christ is their church-and only their church. There you will find those who think only Baptists are going to Heaven. There you will find a lot of pride and very little teaching. There you will find alot of screaming, but little teaching. There you will find a lot of preaching against gossip, unless it is the 'good pastors' talking about the 'bad ones.' There, the run off is just as stinky and just as dangerous.
Again, may we find ourselves on the straight and narrow. May we have the mind of Christ! In Luke 9, we read about when the Lord and His disciples came to Samaria, but they would not receive Him:

And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem. And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?
But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.

We must not compromise! We must keep preaching against sin and teaching the truths of the Word of God; but we must never forget that if someone had wrote us off as 'evil' and never shown us the truth-where would we be? God has left us here not to destroy and condemn, but to teach, reach, and reconcile people to the Lord and His Word. This duty demands we stay on the straight and narrow, and keep watching out for ditches-on both sides!

Barnabus-An Example of Reconciliation

2011-10-10T12:32:00.000-07:00

Recently in my Sunday School class, we have been studying the life of Barnabus. What a unique man in Scripture he is. One of the greatest biographies that has ever been written was written of him in Acts 11:23-24:

Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.

What a testimony! Only Heaven will reveal how many were added unto the Lord through the ministry of this saint. The Lord used him in a mighty way-and to God be the glory!
You cannot study the life of Barnabus without realizing what ministry was heavy on his heart, that of restoration. Just think, without Barnabus, there would be no Apostle Paul. The church at Jerusalem was hesitant in accepting Paul (then Saul) because of his history of persecuting the saints. It was Barnabus, in Acts 9:27, who took him, and brought him in, and commended him to them. He was accepted on the testimony of Barnabus. What influence this man had that a church would trust his word over the many lives wrecked that testified against him. Without Barnabus, there may not have been an apostle Paul and therefore not been all the fruit of his ministry.
Then we come to the life of John Mark who had departed from Barnabus and Paul on an earlier missionary trip (Acts 15:36-29). Barnabus was determined to bring John with them on this trip, but Paul refused. The "contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from another..." Who was right, Paul or Barnabus? Well, we know Paul later said this:

Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry. 2 Tim. 4:11

John Mark was restored to the work of the ministry through Barnabus' ministry of reconciliation. We all need to be more like Barnabus. God has given to us all the ministry of reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18).
We should be involved in the ministry of reconciliation-which leads me to our next topic. Where is the line between ecclesiastical separation and teaching, warning and correcting, destroying and rebuilding?
In our 'churches' today, we have ditches on both side. Some allow anything and everything and are wrong. Some think they are one of the few people/churches that are right and whom God loves; they ostracize themselves from all other 'inferiors'. They too are wrong. We shall examine these things and how they line up with the ministry of reconciliation.

Modern Baptist Movements

2011-09-27T08:32:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately, our study of Baptists history forces us to examine conventions, associations, and fellowships started by Baptists. I say this, because the Lord never instructed or commanded there to be such organizations; but established and has taught us only independent autonomous churches. Boards, fellowships, conventions, and associations are the inventions of man, and as a result, are destined to fail. In studying such organizations, one will quickly see the repetitive theme of power, division, and splintering. It would seem man's attempt to 'improve' God's way of missions is a continued reason for the creating of such organizations. Though the motivation is respectable, the means are still wrong. One will find himself much more successful in the Lord's work by accomplishing it the Lord's way. Let us examine briefly the modern Baptist movements after the Revolutionary War, and bring our study of Baptist History to a close. By the early 1800's there were only a few small fellowships such as the Warren Association and Philadelphia Association. These soon were divided into three organizations: the American Baptist Home Mission Society, American Baptist Missionary Union, and the American Baptist Publication Society. An anti-missionary movement began around 1814. It was rooted in Calvinism and led to a withdrawal from such fellowships. This group against fellowships formed a fellowship (ironic, yet still repeated today) and became known as Hardshell Baptist or Primitive Baptist. They were, because of Calvinistic beliefs, against sending missionaries and means of evangelism. Around the same time, a missionary named Adoniram Judson and his wife set sail for Calcutta. There were already Baptist missionaries there which they did not agree doctrinally with, but their long cruise would provide them ample time to prepare to debate them on their beliefs. It was while on this trip in studying the Scriptures to debate the Baptists, that the Scriptures revealed to them that it was them who were in error. Upon arriving in Calcutta, the Judsons were baptized Scripturally and joined with the Baptists. They knew this decision would would not allow the churches supporting them to continue their support. A friend of theirs who also was Scripturally Baptized upon arrival, Luther Rice, was sent back to the states to raise support for the Judsons. This would lead to a man made 'solution' to the Judson's problem, the beginning of the "General Convention of the Baptist Denomination in the United States for Foreign Missions." The convention would become known as the Triennial Convention because it would meet every three years. It became the main convention for Baptists until the mid 1800's. Of course, around this time our nation was entering her Civil War. The issue of slavery not only was a hot topic for our nation, but amongst Baptist churches as well. An attempt to take a neutral stand on the issue would not succeed. A missionary sent out of a church in Alabama went to the Triennial Convention for 'approval' but was denied because he owned slaves. This upset the churches in the south, and in 1845, the Baptist in the southern states withdrew from the Triennial Convention and formed the Southern Baptist Convention. There were many great men who served our Lord as part of the convention, and a list displayed would be sure to leave off names of men who served our Lord faithfully. One Southern Baptist leader was J.R. Graves. J.R. Graves would serve the Lord as a pastor for nearly 50 years in Kentucky and Tennessee. Bro. Graves began to notice the growing power and influence of the convention and began sounding the alarm. J.R. Graves called for a return to doctrine and the local church and the principles of the Word of God. He taught that the convention threatened the autonomy of the local church. Bro. Graves, and men like him, called for Baptists to return to those principles, or landmarks, of the faith. Thus began the Landmark movement amongst Baptists. Upon its beginning, and true 'Landmarkers' today do not believe in a visible, traceable line of succession from church to church back to Christ, but rather a steadfastness to the principles, or landmarks, of the faith that Christ taught and gave to the church. When the Southern Baptist Convention splintered off from the Triennial Convention, the Triennial Convention changed their name to the American Baptist Missionary Union. The American Baptist, or Northern Baptists Convention, would continue to send many missionaries all across the world. Soon, as with every man made convention, fellowship, or organization, compromise and modernism was slipping in. The Conservative Baptist Association was formed in 1920 within the Northern Baptist Convention to fight this drift. There are many great revivals and men who preached truth during this time period. Contrary to 'fundamentalist' today, there were many Baptist revivals and church plants going on as well. This author would recommend literature by Pastor James Beller on the great Baptist Revivals in our early American history. Associations, conventions, and fellowships continued (and continue) to grow from divisions and splintering. Today's choice of word is not 'convention' but 'fellowship,' Yet, they are mostly the same thing, a man made organization in attempt to improve and help God and His way. They are always destined to destruction. Let us further examine the movements. After the Civil War, a growth in liberalism and modernism began in our nation. Truth was being attacked. This attack was strengthened by the philosophy of Rationalism. Men like Immanuel Kant, G.F. Hegel, and Albrecht Ritschl began tearing down the Bible and Truth. These men's influence spread from Germany to America and American Liberalism was born. A call to compromise, no Absolutes, love every one and everything, and no authorities! The work of Charles Darwin further flamed the errors. Sin became more prevalent and indulged in. Battle lines were drawn, and a new movement began. This movement is called 'Fundamentalism.' The movement was founded upon a call to return to the 'Fundamentals of the Faith:' the Virgin Birth, Innerancy of Scriptures, Christ's Substitutionary Death, Resurrection, and Return. Upon these 'fundamentals' were denominations unified to fight the modernism and liberalism. Realizing that the 'schools of higher learning' were instructing the American young people to be liberal and attack Christianity, the Fundamentalists began their own Religious Schools to combat. Schools were founded like Moody Bible and Boston Missionary Training School, and later Bob Jones University, Pensacola Christian, and many of today's 'Baptist' Colleges. Fundamentalism began to meld into one Baptists, Presbyterians, Methodists, Lutherans, Episcopalians, and such. The PROBLEM IS: 1. Scripture Forbids Fellowship with Unbelief (2 John 7-11) 2. Scripture Commands to reprove apostasy (Eph. 5:11) 3. We must purge unbelief if we can (1 Cor. 5:1-7) 4. Believers and Unbelievers are not to be yoked together (2 Cor. 6:14-18) 5. We are to separate from disobedient brothers (1 Cor. 5:11; 1 Tim. 6:3-5; 2 Thess. 3:6) 6. God's Work done man's way will lack the blessing of God (2 Sam. 15:23) 7. We cannot affiliate with churches or movements which do not practice the full Word of God (2 Chron. 19:2) (adopted from Doug Hammet-"History of Baptist" pg. 262-263) We must not, cannot compromise Truth. The Lord's churches are to be the "Pillar and Ground of Truth." (1 Tim. 3:15) This author is NOT A FUNDAMENTALIST! I cannot join hands with those who grossly walk in error. I can and do love them and desire to help them and will discuss these things with them, but the 'Fundamentalist' movement of today should be for many reasons avoided by true Baptists. Yet, most Baptist churches still proclaim to be "Independent Fundamental Baptist. I still find it on our churches productions and literature and am still in the process of purging it all. Let us conclude. The modern Baptist movement of conventions and fellowships continue today. As does the rise to power, divisions, and splintering. Thus we see the following: Conservative Baptist Association of America split from the Northern Baptist and today have approximately 300,000 members. The American Baptist Association organized in 1924 split over 'Landmarkism' and today are estimated to have over 700,000 members in mostly the South. The General Association of Regular Baptist Churches (G.A.R.B.C.) is prominent in the Northern States and is considered the successor of the Baptist Bible Union as a split from the Northern Baptist Convention. The World Baptist Fellowship began as a split from the Baptist Bible Union under J. Frank Norris and today has a membership of around 700,000. The Southwide Baptist Fellowship is prominent in the south east and began under the leadership of Dr. Lee Roberson, it also saw the organization of B.I.M.I. (Baptist International Missions Inc). It is a loose fellowship of Baptist churches heading towards modernism today (as they all eventually do). The Baptist Missionary Association began in 1950 as a split from the American Baptist Association over procedure issues. They tend to stand for a more separated life and strong church truth. The Baptist Bible Fellowship, one of the largest fundamental groups in the U.S., began as a split from the World Baptist Fellowship. There are over 2 million members in the BBF. It too has strayed from Truth and towards modernism with textual criticism and a lack of holiness and separation. There are many large colleges under the BBF influencing thousands of young people (Bible Baptist College, Pacific Coast Baptist Bible College, etc). We could continue to discuss all the boards, fellowships, conventions that exist today, but time or space does not permit. The BBF has split and begun various organizations, as they all have and their 'offspring' will split and produce even more. Why? Because they are all para-church or will end that way. They are man made. They will fail. The Lord Jesus Christ began the first church with His disciples. He gave to that church and the churches it started the doctrine of the New Testament. Those principles were passed down from church to church as they discipled and birthed other churches. It is these principles, these truths, to which the Lord's churches must hold and be faithful. May we, by God's grace, continue doing so-and doing it God's way!

Old Fashion Day

2011-09-20T09:35:00.000-07:00

You will find to your right a slide show from Old Fashion day at Cozaddale Baptist Temple. What a wonderful day the Lord gave to us. The weather was perfect, the fellowship was sweet, attendance great, preaching phenomenal (Ev. Dan Souza preached for us), and our faith promise cards collected revealed an increase in our missions giving from last year!
Praise the Lord! God is good!
God has blessed us with a tremendous church family. The spirit of love and unity in our church is so very precious. Truly our Lord has given to us hearts knit together in love. We thank the Lord for our church and lift up our voice proclaiming
TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

P.S. I know there are more pictures of my family, but that is what happens when you use the pastor's pictures to make a slide show.

America's Persevering Promoters of Our Glorious Revolution

2011-09-15T07:17:00.000-07:00

One of the reasons people left their homes in Europe in the early 1600's was to escape religious persecution. In 1620, the Mayflower sailed to the New World and established Plymouth, Massachusetts. Unfortunately, their desire to worship as they desired blinded them from granting the same freedom to others. This same scenario seemed to be repeated throughout the early New World and Colonial America.
Many religions fled to the New World, as did Baptist.
Many falsely report that the first Baptist church in America was started by Roger Williams in Rhode Island. This is NOT the case. Let us examine the man Roger Williams.
He came to America in 1631, settling in Massachusetts. He was a libertarian and was forced to separate from the Puritans. He did found the colony of Providence, Rhode Island, and was a notable figure in our nation's history. We are concerned in this writing as to Baptist history, and unfortunately, Roger Williams was not a Baptist. While Roger Williams did believe in immersion, he did not see the need for proper baptism and felt one could baptize themselves (SE-Baptism). He did start a church in Rhode Island in 1639, but it was not the first Baptist church in America. In 1897, the historical committee of the First Baptist Church of Providence voted to change their starting date to 1638 in order to be the first baptist church in America. Unfortunately for them, they cannot change the date on the church bell that still resides there that reads 1639.
The first Baptist church in America was at Newport, Rhode Island, established in 1638 by Dr. John Clarke. Clarke was a Baptist from London, England. Clarke was forbidden to preach in Boston, and took a small group of believers to Newport in 1638 and established the first Baptist church in America.
This author will not go into detail, but suggests the reader research and read the rich Baptist history in the American early colonies. Scores of books and biographies could be written about the great Baptist men in those days. Men like John Clarke, Obadiah Holmes, Isaac Backus, Thomas Dungan, Samuel Harris, Daniel Marshall, Shubael Stearns, John Waller, John Gano, and the like. To these men and the multitudes unnamed, we Baptist and all of America owe a great debt. For over 100 years, Baptist were persecuted, whipped, imprisoned, and even martyred for preaching Truth on early America's land. It was Baptist who continually cried out for liberty-the freedom to worship God as their conscience demanded. The Catholics, Episcopals, Quakers and such wanted a state to enforce that all worshipped as they did, but it was Baptist that cried for liberty and separation of church and state (what that term truly means). Their cry for religious freedom would also lead towards a cry for political freedom.
It was the heavy Baptist populated Rhode Island that was the first colony to renounce allegiance to King George III. It was Baptist who were one of the first groups to recognize the Continental Congress as a legitimate body of government. The Baptist of both early America and England supported the War for Independence.
It was a Baptist pastor in Charleston, South Carolina that was so influential in speaking out against the British. He was banned from Charleston, but his influence continued. The British general, Lord Cornwallis said of him:

I fear the prayers of that godly youth more than the armies of Sumter and Marion.

Baptist played a huge role in the War for Independence. They furthered the cause in crying out for liberty both civil and religious. Baptists have never been 'gunslingers,' (only resorting to taking up arms when necessary), but some did join the continental army and many Baptist pastors served as chaplains. George Washington said of these men:

Baptist Chaplains were among the most prominent and useful in the army.

Many of our nations 'Founding Fathers' have Baptist ties and influence. Consider the following:
Patrick Henry This man was a great friend to Baptist. In 1770, three Baptist preachers were arrested in Fredericksburg, VA for preaching the Gospel. It was Patrick Henry that rode 60 miles to volunteer to be their lawyer. By the time Henry was done speaking, the judge declared, "Sheriff, discharge these men." Religious liberty was growing! For the rest of his years, Henry was a friend of Baptist only needing to be notified of their peril, and soon he rode to defend them.
James Madison This man was greatly influenced by the Baptist. It was the Baptist that helped get him elected to House of Representatives where he would campaign for the Bill of Rights. Known as the "Father of the Bill of Rights," it is no coincident that Right number one reads

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.

Why is that the first amendment? ONLY THE BAPTIST were crying out for such liberty at that time, and we see their influence reflected immediately. What joy must have been amongst Baptists to read those words of guarantee! Madison often declared that the Baptists had been in all his time ,"the fast and firm friends of liberty."
Thomas Jefferson This man was not a Baptist and held to Unitarian beliefs. His life's actions have been much in question, yet the Baptists looked to him as a friend. Why? Thomas Jefferson lived near to a Baptist Church. Many times he would visit that church. Once, after a business meeting of the Baptist church, the pastor asked Jefferson what he thought of the democratic form of government displayed. Jefferson responded,

It interests me much. I consider it the only form of true democracy now existing in the world, and have concluded it would be the best form for the government of these American colonies.

Jefferson was hated by the New England clergy, who spread much gossip about him leaving us today to wonder where he really stood. This we know, he stood for religious freedom, soul liberty, which made him a friend of the Baptists; and possibly, much of our democratic government was influenced by his time observing the Baptists.
George Washington President Washington was also influenced by the Baptists. Washington, in a letter in 1789, wrote:

Baptists have always defended the principles of religious liberty, they have never violated them...The little Baptist state of Rhode Island was the experiment first attempted of leaving religion wholly to herself, unprotected and unsustained by the civil arm. The principles which were here first planted have taken root...and borne abundant fruit.

This Giant in American history is recognized by most for kneeling in the snow at Valley Forge speaking to our God. The records at First Baptist Church of New York City give the account of George Washington's baptism. After the war, but while still in camp at Newburg, on the Hudson River, George Washington approached the Baptist pastor John Gano. Gano, pastor at the First Baptist Church in New York, was serving as chaplain in the army. The account goes on to read that General Washington, having listened to Gano and searching the Scriptures, requested baptism as taught in the Scriptures. There in the Hudson River, with 42 witnesses, Gen. Washington surrendered to Scriptural baptism. It was George Washington that wrote to the Baptists in Virginia:

The religious society of which you are members, have been throughout America, uniformly and almost unanimously, the firm friends to civil liberty, and the persevering promoters of our glorious revolution, I cannot hesitate to believe, that they will be faithful supporters of a free, yet efficient, General Government. Under this pleasing expectation, I rejoice to assure them, that they may rely upon my best wishes and endeavors to advance their prosperity.

Jolly Old History

2011-08-29T07:25:00.000-07:00

Baptist had been active before, during, and after the Reformation throughout all of Europe and England. Time does not allow to exhaustively study great Baptist such as Franciscus Van Der Back in Italy (drowned for the faith in 1564 by Catholics), Peter Weidman in Hungary, Peter Gonesius in Poland, French Flanders in France, and Jonann Oncken in Germany. We will instead focus on the British Isles.
As previously noted, New Testament doctrine came to England during the time of the apostles. It continued on through the preaching of Baptist men such as St. Patrick in the 5th century. Around the year 1000 A.D., the Paulicians entered England, followed by a Waldensian named Walter Lollard which brought great revival in the 12th century. It was this revival and people that had a tremendous influence on Wycliffe who adopted many of their views. William Tyndale's parents were members of the Baptist church in Abergaverney, Wales.
Around the time of the Reformation, the Baptist in England were forced into hiding due to the persecution of Catholics. Kings such as Henry VIII persecuted, arrested, and martyred many Baptists for their faith. In 1533, Henry VIII ordered Baptist to leave the country within 12 days or face the stake. There were 3 different occasions that monarchs issued Acts of Pardon (1538, 1540, 1550) forgiving prisoners and convicts. Each time, Baptist were excluded from the pardon while thieves, robbers, and vagabonds went free. The death penalty was enacted for reading Baptist books. (see Hammet, "History of Baptist").
England would see the rise of men such as John Smyth. John Smyth was not the founder of English Baptist as we have so clearly seen, but he was a man who stood for religious liberty. Smyth would question what is Scriptural baptism and eventually baptized himself in hopes of obtaining it. Thomas Helwys broke away from Smyth over succession, Jesus not being God, and civil concerns. Helwys would in England in 1612 found a church in Spitalfields which he called Baptist (though he was not holding to what Baptist teach). He did teach against Calvinism and predestination, but believed men could lose their salvation. His church became known as the General Baptist Church. He would die in prison calling for religious freedom.
There was another group of Baptist that arose in that time known as the Particular Baptist. They Particular Baptist held to Calvinism that Christ had died for only particular people. The first Particular church was founded around 1635. They did see the necessity of Scriptural baptism and sent a man, Richard Blunt, all the way to Holland to get Scripturally baptized and sent back to baptize their church Scripturally. Some prominent Particular Baptist are as follows: John Milton, John Bunyan, John Gill, Andrew Fuller, William Carey, and Charles Spurgeon.
There was another group that arose called Regular Baptist who opposed both General and Particular Baptist.
Under the Weslyan revivals, the Baptist saw a great increase in England. Many of the converts from these revivals studied Scripture and were baptized as baptist. In 1800, it is estimated that there were no more than 150,000 Baptists and 708 churches in England. By 1901, there were 2,771 churches and a Baptist membership of 435,000.
In 1891, the Baptist Union began as the General and Particular Baptist joined together. This is due to the fact that the Unitarians were withdrawing from the General Baptists, and Calvinism was refuted by the Weslyan revivals and missionary work. This union brought with it a rise in the false teaching of Open Communion.
A study of Baptist history will soon change focus to a new land, America; but the contributions of the English Baptist were indeed great as they brought to the world: a call for religious liberty, a movement towards missions, Sunday Schools (not Robert Raikes, but William Fox at Prescott Street Baptist Church), Bible Society, and great hymn writers.
Our next study will focus on America's Baptist heritage, but we would be amiss to ignore the Baptist influence at this time in Australia and New Zealand. It is true that Baptist were the last of the 'denominations' to begin work in Australia, but this is primarily due to the fact that there were no Baptist convicts. The first recorded Baptist service was held in Sydney on April 24, 1831.

2011-08-23T07:47:00.001-07:00

Praise the Lord

ReThinking ReFormers

2011-08-10T07:51:00.002-07:00

As we approach the year 1500 and the close of the Dark Ages, we are confronted with a time period known as the Reformation. A time when reformers were helping "give the modern age a model of spiritual freedom....the chains of the Middle Ages snapped as Luther declared...reform in the church...inspire others to take a stand for the Word of God....set loose the true spirit of individual liberty." At least that is what we all learned in our A Beka books on world history (quotes taken from World History and Cultures 10th grade.) This same book goes onto to say that "Beginning about 1525 there arose a group of Protestants...called Anabaptists...today are called Baptist." WHAT? Then what have we been studying all along? It's no wonder our Baptist young people have no idea of their heritage as Baptists when WE are teaching them this junk! The Protestant Reformers "gave a model of spiritual freedom?" The reformers "stood on the Word of God?" The Reformers set loose the true spirit of individual liberty?" The Baptist began in 1525?
I think it is time we Re-Think the Re-Formers.
The papacy was loosing its strangle hold on Europe around this time. There was the "Babylonian Captivity" when the papacy was moved to France in the 1300's. Then the "Great Schism" of the papacy in the 1400s when there was actually 3 popes. The people were starting to see the failures and lies of the papacy, and this opened the door fresh thought. Men arose who started preaching some differences than what the Catholic church held. Then again, as we have seen, there have always been men preaching differences and holding to the Truth and suffering for it at the hands of the Catholic church. So why do we praise these Reformers? Were they standing for truth?
John WycliffeWycliffe in his early days accepted the papacy, but later saw their error and declared the pope to be Antichrist. He denied transubstantiation and insisted upon the authority of Scripture. He is referred to as the "Morning star of the Reformation." He preached against the worldliness of the clergy, auricular confession, veneration of images, and other Catholic dogmas. He is best known for his translation of the Bible into English. Problem is, he used Jerome's Latin Vulgate to translate from. The Vulgate was a corrupt text based on Origen's text. The Wycliffe Bible omits many of the same Scriptures modern corrupt texts omit. Some hold that Wycliffe's Bible was pure...I suppose the jury is still out-for some. Wycliffe unfortunately still practiced infant baptism. Wycliffe, in this author's opinion was on the right tract. There were some errors he held to, and should we have lived in that time most certainly could have found a more Biblical people to join with.
John Huss Huss was ordained a Catholic priests in 1400. He too condemned the papal authority. He still held to the Catholic teaching of an universal church comprised of all the saved. Many of his followers joined with the Waldenses. Huss did take a good stand on what were catholic errors. He was a firery preacher who stood against the papacy who he called the "successor of Judas Iscariot." The Hussites were hated by the papacy and persecuted and martyred for their faith. In 1457 many of his followers separated from their own church for "a more Biblical way and joined with the Waldenses." (Hammet "The History of Baptist")
Jerome Savonarola He is referred to as a great reformer in Italy. Unfortunately, while he did call for moral reforms, he never separated from the false teachings of the catholic church. He held to their theology, sacraments, transubstantiation, Mary worship, etc. This author can find no proof for any doctrinal praise for Savonarola.
Martin Luther Ah, Martin Luther. The 'hero' for most protestants (and A Beka books). Let us rethink this reformer as well. Luther became a Catholic priests in 1507, but by 1517 posted his 95 Theses on the doors of the church at Wittenburg. He would be excommunicated by the pope, found the Lutheran faith, and officially begin the Protestant Reformation. BUT...he believed in antinomianism (liberty of grace equals license to sin). We read in our school text books how he "came to realize that man is saved not by his own works but by faith in the finished work of Christ on the cross. At last, Martin Luther understood God's mercy, grace, and love; he found salvation." (World History and Cultures 10th grade A Beka). Did he really? The Bible teaches "Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them." Matt. 7:20. Let us examine Luther's fruits. Luther taught that a Christian is not under any moral law except that imposed by secular authority. His own life was one of obscene language, heavy drinking, and condoning of concubines and bigamy (Albert Newman "A Manual for Church History). Luther hated the 'anabaptist,' condemning them even to martyrdom. Luther said "Thou owest God nothing save to believe and confess. In all things else he gives thee absolute freedom to do as thou wilt without any peril of conscience." Luther would hold to baptismal regeneration saying "(getting saved) is not done by any law or works but by a new birth, and by renewing of the inward man, which is done in baptism." (Martin Luther "Commentary on Galatians"). So, Luther believed God's grace = a license to sin, no moral law for a man, wicked talk, drinking, lasciviousness, hated and martyred our Baptist forefathers, and held to baptismal regeneration. And we are supposed to praise him? We are supposed to think him a saved man? Luther's god is not the same God I serve (sorry David Cloud-please note I am not against David Cloud's stand on many issues, but that statement he made is wrong). Luther needed to be saved and is no hero or lover of the Word of God.
Ulrich Zwingli Switzerland's reformer who condemned purgatory, worship of saints, the papacy, transubstantiation, mass, etc; but he did not join with our forefathers, rather drowned and burnt them for our faith. Zwingli held to infant baptism despite his 'reforms'.
John Calvin The 'Reformed' reformer. A Frenchman who would lead the 'French Reformation.' He did not seek to reform the church, but rather to start a new one. He believed the church and state should be governed by Scriptures. Calvin defended infant baptism and baptismal regeneration. His theology is corrupt. He taught an invisible 'church' with a 'visible church' within made up of all believers. He was not a friend of baptist and persecuted them often. Calvinism has done great harm to the cause of Christ and doctrine. The 'reformed movement' of today is a direct result of his heresies. Calvin should not be venerated as a hero.
John Knox He also persecuted and martyred our forefathers and held to many of Calvin's heresies. He would be known as the founder of the Presbyterian church and no friend to the Baptists.
So, according to our Abeka history books, these men gave: "the modern age a model of spiritual freedom....the chains of the Middle Ages snapped as Luther declared...reform in the church...inspire others to take a stand for the Word of God....set loose the true spirit of individual liberty."
After ReThinking it, who gave a model for spiritual freedom? Most of these men murdered and persecuted those who held to the Word of God as we do. Who inspired others to take a stand for the Word of God with their infant baptism, baptismal regeneration, license to sin preaching? Who set loose the true spirit of individual liberty with their threats and forcing to adhere to their beliefs or face the drowning waters or firery stake?
I think it is time we Re-Think the Re-Formers and start studying and appreciating those who held to Truth!

2011-08-10T07:51:00.001-07:00

Now on mobile

A Reason, Request, and a Release

2011-07-19T13:48:00.000-07:00

Yes, I am still alive! I did not mean to take half the summer off from writing, but the Lord knew and is in charge. I thought I would just 'check-in' and write a few thoughts I need to share.

1. A Reason
The reason I have not written is because of an illness. Unfortunately, it is not an illness of mine own, but my wife's. She has been sick since the last week of May and we have been under a doctor's care all the while. We are not out of the woods yet, but she is getting better. I believe it to be from a physical fatigue and a spiritual attack. I want to thank my church for being so gracious throughout this time. What a blessing to part of our church. My lack of writing has been due to the time and care required of me for my wife. Nothing on this earth is of more importance to me than her, and I am trying to do what I know the Lord would have me to do.

2. A Request I would ask that all who can, to continue to pray for my wife as she recovers and strengthens. I thank all those who already have been praying, and ask you to continue doing so. Also, please pray for my children and our church that the Lord would keep His protecting arm around each. Satan would love to use these times to get his foot in the door and cause havoc. I covet your prayers.

3. A Release I want to issue a formal 'press release' to all readers. I invite you to attend our Baptist Conference this Monday-Thursday (July 25-28th). There will be many guests preachers/missionaries and families joining us. Services begin each night at 7:00 p.m. Please consider joining us. All pastors/missionaries and their families are also invited to a dinner in our fellowship hall at 5:45 each evening. Please let me know if you can attend so preparations can be made. If you cannot come, please pray for the meetings that the Lord would use them in a mighty way.

Yes, This Really Happened To Me In The Ministry

2011-07-15T07:22:00.000-07:00

The great commission was given to the church to go into all the world and preach the gospel. Of course the gospel is the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus and if you believe it you are saved. The commission was not given to the apostles only or it would have ended when the last one died. It was not given to the individual because part of the commandment is to baptize and that is the responsibility of the church.
The Bible tells us to bear fruit as a christian. We must bear fruit for the sake of the lost and also that we may be blessed and know the joy that comes from seeing a soul trust Christ as their Saviour. Dan. 12:3 says, "And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever."
Many today do not participate in soul-winning or door-to-door visitation. They omit this blessed part of the christian's life for varied reasons. Some are afraid of rejection. That happens for sure. Some are afraid they will knock on the door of a "mean" person. This too happens though not nearly as frequently as most imagine. Some even go so far as to say this is old-fashioned and ineffective. Regardless of the excuses it is still our obligation. Do not get me wrong, I do not think you ever get over the butterflies every time you approach a new door.
I miss being able to physically visit as I have for over 40 years. To me it was an adventure. While serving in Miami Fl. I remember one particular day of visitation.
We had with us at the time a family I had attended Bible college with who had surrendered to the mission field. On Saturday we divided up and went soul-winning. I took the missionary with me and the senior pastor took the bus pastor with him. Our plan was to go around the block in separate directions and meet on the other side. As we were nearing the other side I did not see the other team. We walked on a porch and knocked. A gruff voice from inside shouted "Who is it?" I identified myself and asked if we could talk with him. He said no and told us to get off his porch! I even asked if we could just leave him some material to read. Again he said no and get off his porch. I turned to the missionary and said we had tried and began to leave. Then I decided I was not going to let the devil and a grouch get the best of me. I knocked again. Again the man asked who it was. I repeated our introduction and said I was not going to leave until he at least opened the door and took the material.
All of a sudden the door opened violently and there in our faces was the barrel of a gun! I was shocked. The missionary grabbed me and pushed me to the front as a shield (what a friend!) After a moment we heard laughter coming from the inside of the house. It was the pastor and bus director. It so happened this was the home of a friend of the pastor. Needless to say we were both relieved and nervous. I still have not lived down that visit.
Do not make excuses or neglect witnessing. It is always an adventure and we are told that we "...shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him."

Yes, This Really Happened To Me In The Ministry

2011-06-27T12:46:00.000-07:00

Salvation is such a wonderful gift. We are saved by grace through faith. Faith consists of really 3 things - knowledge, belief and trust. For example, I realized I was lost and needed to be saved. I found out by the Word of God that Jesus died and shed His precious blood for me. This is knowledge. Then I realized Jesus died for my sins and the sins of the entire world. That was belief. Finally,I trusted what God said and called on His name and He saved me. Hallelujah!It is not my works but grace and only grace.

This is also true for serving the Lord. To know the joy of serving it takes knowledge - We are saved unto good works; belief - He wants every child of God to serve Him; and trust - know that it is not in my power but His.

As I have said so many times serving the Lord is a true adventure. You never know what is going to happen. Years ago in my first pastorate I experienced the most embarrassing moment of not only my ministry but my life!

My wife and I lived in the parsonage next to the church. One Sunday morning I got up early to go over to the church to finish preparing for the day. I was getting dressed and told my wife I could not find my white shirt. She told me it was in the dryer. I opened the dryer, removed my shirt and promptly finished dressing. That morning as I was preaching I became warm and removed my suit coat in the midst of preaching. Then something strange happened. Every time I would walk to the left side of the platform the right side of the congregation would laugh and giggle. Likewise, when I moved to the right side of the platform the left side of the auditorium would laugh. Finally I could not stand it any longer so I stopped and asked what was so funny. By now folks were laughing so hard they were crying! I discovered when I removed my white shirt from the dryer my wife's pantyhose had become attached to my shirt by static electricity. I was preaching with those on my back and each time I would turn my back to one side of the people the other half would see them and had to laugh. Needless to say I was embarrassed. My wife was even more embarrassed. I guess the only good thing that came from this event was I never had to retrieve my own shirt from the dryer.

It is so true that a merry heart doeth good like a medicine. Yes, this really happened to me in the ministry.

Yes, This Really Happened To Me In The Ministry

2011-06-04T07:39:00.000-07:00

The ministry is at times difficult and discouraging. It is important that we keep our eyes on the Lord and remember we do what we do for the cause of Christ. We preach so many times about Peter and how when desiring to walk on the water the Lord told him to go ahead and when he took his eyes off the Lord he began to sink. Of course it is applicable to talk of his taking his eyes off the Lord but let us remember that at least he got out of the boat. That is more than the other disciples did!
Most of the time the ministry is encouraging and quite an adventure. I remember one occasion when I was in town in Jacksonville Florida where we were serving as Dean of Students at Trinity Baptist College. Since I was in town I agreed to help with a bus promotion. I was given a gorilla suit and told that Sunday on the buses it was "Have your picture made with the Gorilla" day. We ran over 65 buses. After Jr. Church I was in the bus parking lot having my picture made with the little bus riders. All of a sudden a boy about the age of 7 or 8 began to run towards me. As he came I heard him shout "Kill King Kong!" When he got closer he reared back and threw a rock at me. It caught me straight in the forehead and knocked me out. When I awakened I saw this young man standing with one foot on my chest and shouting "I got him!" Needless to say I have not forgotten nor been able to live down the day of that event and to tell you the truth, every time I read of David and Goliath I think of my personal experience and know how Goliath must have felt. Yes, this really happened to me in the ministry!

Thank You

2011-05-27T06:48:00.000-07:00

I want to thank the two men that have emailed me to let me know that there is a web site that is scorning and mocking me, Bro. Jeff Allen, our church Cozaddale Baptist Temple, and our flag. I appreciate both of you taking the time to let me know this was going on.
Scriptures tell us that there will always be scoffers. Their comments are nothing less than scoffing. Scoffing tries to tear down and belittle Truth. They do not seek to taught truth, instead out of conviction tear down truth. I would be glad to talk to one of them-any of them should they desire to call me: 513-722-2064. But most will not.
It is scoffing because you will not find one who can take Scripture to 'disprove,' rather they will use slander and human reasoning to attack.
So please, give me a call should you desire to debate, otherwise, you may continue to scoff.
Remove from me reproach and contempt; for I have kept thy testimonies. Ps. 119:22

Three Lights Shining in the Dark

2011-05-16T11:21:00.000-07:00

As we enter the 11th century, we still are in what is referred to as "The Dark Ages." The papacy was yielding in wicked influence, and the spiritually blindness of Europe was life draining. But, as we have studied, the light of the Gospel and Truth still shone in the midst of such darkness. The beam of Truth was, at this time, centered around three groups and their leaders. These three lights shined bright in the midst of a very dark time.
These three lights were Peter De Bruys and the Petrobrussians, Henry of Lausanne and the Henricians, and Peter Waldo and the Waldenses. Due to the fact that the majority of our research can only be accomplished by reading the works of those who were opposed to these groups and saw them as 'heretics;' our knowledge of them is limited. What we find, though, is that these groups stood for truth in a very dark period of history, and they suffered for it.
The first light we will examine is Peter de Bruys. Peter de Bruys studied at the University of Paris and many agree was at first the priest of Toulouse. After his conversion, he joined with the Albigenses and soon became one of their chief preachers of Truth. The Albignses were named for their town of origin, Albi, which was 70 kilometers NE of Toulouse. Their faith was originated from the Paulicians who had sent missionaries all across western Europe. They believed in the local church, believers baptism, and sole Authority of Scriptures. Peter de Bruys began to preach in southern France. His preaching ran contrary to the church of Rome. One contemporary opponent of Peter de Bruys listed these five "heresies" of Peter de Bruys:
1. Infant Baptism was rejected and only believers were to be baptized. In addition, all who joined with them from the church of Rome were to be re-baptized.
2. Consecrated church buildings and altars were useless.
3. Idolatry and images of the cross were to be rejected.
4. Transubstantiation was error.
5. Prayers, alms, and good works for the dead were useless.
I say "AMEN" to those 'heresies!'
Peter de Bruys demanded that the sole Authority for every believer was the Word of God. All catholic doctrines that were contrary to Scripture were taught and preached to be lies. Peter continued to preach in southern France these Truths for 20 years, and for it was arrested in 1126 A.D. There, at St. Gilles, he was burnt to death. By the time of his death, Catholic historian Peter the Venerable writes:

The people are re baptized, the churches profaned, altars dug up, crosses burned, flesh eaten in public on the very day of the Lord's passion (Good Friday), and He preaches 'the Lamb of God who taketh away the sin of the world.'

Thank the Lord for his light and the light of his followers, the Petrobrussians.
The second light shining was that of Henry of Lausanne and his followers the Henricians. Henry was a successor of Peter de Bruys. He was at first a catholic by faith, even more, a Benedictine monk at near Lyons, France. From studying Scriptures, Henry came to the Truth. He began preaching and was truly gifted in doing such. He went to Lausanne, in Switzerland about the year 1116 and preached against the viles and wickedness of the Catholic clergy and laymen. Truth led him to Southern France where he joined with the Albignses.
Henry preached hard on morals and salvation's truth. Great numbers were saved. At Mans, the bishop was away at Rome, and Henry asked permission to stand in for him. Henry was granted permission and began to preach Truth to this catholic congregation. J.M. Cramp, in his book Baptist History writes:

At Mans, where, while the bishop was absent at Rome, he was permitted to occupy the cathedral, his influence over the people became so powerful that when the bishop returned, they refused to receive him, and declared that they would adhere to Henry.

Henry refused taking this 'church' rather choosing to continue preaching Truth and baptizing believers forming what he called "apostolical societies" (which we would call churches).
The church at Rome sensed the influence Henry was wielding and the Council of Pisa in 1134 condemned him. Henry was arrested and sentenced to a monastery to 'reform' him back to his days of being a monk. Soon, he was released, but no different. He preached for 10 more years near Albi and Cramp says, "astonishing results followed. Multitudes were added to the churches, and , as in the times of the apostles, 'a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.'"
The pope was notified of this 'heretic' and Cardinal Alberic was sent to handle Henry. The Cardinal and a 'Bible' scholar Bernard, was sent to preach their lies and correct Henry's influence. The followers of Henry, the Henricians, knew Scriptures too well and the Cardinal and Bernard had little success.
Henry was then arrested and placed in prison. Henry was starved to death sitting in a prison cell. Bernard would go on to say

the Albigenses were called Henricians, from this person. They boast that they are the true successors of the apostles, and the faithful preservers and followers of their doctrines: they are simple men, yet clergy, bishops, and princes condescend to favor them.

Thank the Lord for the light shone by Henry and the Henricians!
The third light was that of Peter Waldo and the Waldenses. Though Peter Waldo was a great preacher of the Waldenses (1200 A.D.), the Waldenses did not originate with him. As we have previously pointed out, the Donatists and Novatians were condemned as heretics around the year 400 and were forced to flee. They were persecuted, possessions taken, many martyred, and all forced to flee. They would settle in the valleys of Piedmont near France and Switzerland. There they would discreetly preach and live the Truth of God's Word. Because of dwelling in the valleys (Italian word 'Valdesi'; French Word 'Vaudoius'), they became known as the Valdenses-now Waldenses. For over 500 years, all those who sought a 'safe' place to worship and grow in Truth went and joined with those Bible believers in the valleys.
Around 1200, a great revival of these people took place under the leadership of Peter Waldo. Waldo was a very wealthy merchant of the Catholic faith living near Lyon. Waldo was led to Christ while living there and began to study God's Word for himself. He even hired 2 priests to translate the Bible into his tongue. Soon, Waldo, with a desire to honor the Lord and preach the Gospel and Truth, sold all his possessions and went about preaching Truth. He and his followers loved the Word of God and held it as Absolute Authority. They memorized large portions of Scripture and began to expose the lies of Catholicism. For 35 years he and his followers preached the Truth. Each of his followers carried small Bibles under their cloaks, ready to preach Truth.
The Waldenses held and preached the Scriptures as Truth in a time when the Catholic church forbade laymen to have it. They rejected the Catholic claim that they were the 'true church'. Baptism was preached as being for believers only. They rejected purgatory, preaching the Truth about salvation. They exposed the fallacies of Mary worship, indulgences, relics, and such.
One of the greatest works of the Waldenses is in their preservation of Scripture. From the very beginning, this group were used of God to preserve Scripture. Their Italic Bible was compiled in 157 A.D. translated from the pure text. They protected and translated the True Word of God into the 14th and 15th centuries. Their translations such as Olivetan Bible was used in the translation of the English Geneva Bible which was replaced by the AV1611. They translated the pure Scripture into other languages as well: Diodati in Italian; Olivetan in French; Genevan in English. It is thought that there were at least 6 Waldenses Bibles for 6 different languages. Even the Jesuits in the 15th century used Jerome's corrupt Vulgate and translated it into Latin to "shake out of the deceived peoples' hands, the false heretical translations of a sect called Waldenses." I say praise the Lord for the Waldenses!
How they suffered for their faith! 1380 Clement VII sent a monk into the valleys to root out the heretics. Over the next 13 years, hundreds were burned at the stake.
1488 Pope Innocent VIII ordered an army of 18,000 men to exterminate them. Yet, the light still shown.
It saddens me to write that after the reformation, the Waldenses would join with the Protestants and today's Waldenses are an ecumenical, modernistic, social Gospel organization. Even their own people do not know their heritage and today are far from what they were. For more information on such and to see just how far the Waldenses have fallen into apostasy, visit here:
http://www.wayoflife.org/database/waldenses.html

Though Satan sought to blind the eyes of the world to the Gospel, the Truth went on just as the Lord promised. There were men, and groups of believers, who decided they would stand in the face of error and apostasy and suffer the consequences thereof. There were those who were willing to part with all they had to see that the Gospel and Truth was preserved. There were churches who saw to it that they helped to preserve God's Word and truly served as the "Pillar and Ground of Truth." There was, as a common denominator, a reliance on an Absolute Authority-God's Holy Word. This they studied, meditated on, memorized great portions, and shared with all they could. What we need today is much the same. May we too shine in this dark world, the light of God's Truth!

A Light in the Dark....Ages (The Paulicians)

2011-05-03T18:47:00.000-07:00

The period of time from the 6th Century until around 1500 A.D. is known as the Dark Ages to most historians. We have followed the Lord's churches from the time He began the church into the 6th Century. We have noted how the Truth was upheld by the apostles, their disciples, and then groups surfacing such as the Montanists (2nd Century), the Novatians (3rd Century), the Donatists (4th and 5th Century), and Patrick and the churches in Britain (5th Century).
By the 6th Century, the world scene was shifting. Pope Gregory I (540-604) envisioned the church reigning superior over over all of Rome. The Papacy grew in power and exercised extraordinary influence both over the spiritual and government. 'Christendom' was divided between a western and eastern church. With the crowning of Charlemagne on Christmas Day 800 A.D., and Charlemagne's promotion of the papacy, the foundation for a Holy Roman Empire was laid. This period of time was marked by persecutions, murders, witch craft, perversions, the rise of Islam, religious wars, and a great spiritual darkness over most of Europe. It was during these times that the papacy introduced such lies as Mass, Mary as the Mother of God, Extreme Unction, prayer to Mary, holy water, celibacy of priests, transubstantiation, and much more. Those of the faith were persecuted and forced to flee. Many such as the Dontatists emigrated to Spain and Italy and had to eventually flee to caves and mountains to worship-thus later assigned the name Montenses. The people were in darkness as their eyes were blinded from Truth in a very wicked world. Yet, there was still light shining in these beginning stages of darkness (500-1100 A.D.)
Where was that light? Armenia.
Armenia is a very isolated and mountainous region located mainly in modern Turkey, but also extending to Iran and Russia. It was here that first century Christians planted churches. Most church historians agree that these churches were planted by the apostle Thomas. This group would be assigned the name Paulicians during the beginnings of the Dark Ages. This name is mostly due to their emphasis upon the epistles of Paul in their church polity and practice.
It seems "God's spotlight" began to shift towards them around the 7th century as most of Europe was entering the Dark Ages. As if God had kept Truth nourished and protected for such a time as this. John T. Christians in His Book A History of Baptist says

Therefore, it is quite arguable that they should be regarded as representing the survival of a most primitive type of Christianity.

A.H. Newman in his book A Manual of Church History says

The Paulician church was not the national church of a particular race, but an old form of the apostolic church, and included within itself Syrians, Greeks, Armenians, Africans, Latins, and other races. Finding refuge in Armenia, it there nursed its forces in comparative security under the protection of the Persians and Arabs, and prepared itself for a magnificent career of missionary enterprise in the Greek world.

The Paulician rise to prominence began around 660 A.D. It was then a man named Constantine was converted (not the emperor). Around 653 A.D., he sheltered a Christian deacon in his fleeing of Islam. As a way of saying 'thank you,' the deacon left Constantine with a copy of the four Gospels and the epistles of Paul after having witnessed to him repeatedly. After reading these Scriptures, Constantine was gloriously saved and soon joined with a Bible believing church in the region. Constantine decided to change his name to Silvanus after Paul's companion in 1 Thessalonians.
Constantine (Silvanus) began preaching the Gospel and seeing many saved as pastor of his church. Gibbons in his famous book The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire went on to say that

the New Testament he received became the measure of his studies and the rule of his faith. He began to bring people with whom he associated under the notice of the Eastern Catholic church.

It was then that the Eastern Emperor ordered Constantine's death. The emperor sent a man named Simeon to carry out this sentencing in 684 A.D. When he arrived, he gave to each of his church a stone and offered them the forgiveness of the church should they stone their pastor to death. One by one, each member laid down his stone at their feet as they would have no part in doing such a heinous act. It was a man named Justus who betrayed his pastor (and the man who had adopted him as a son) and stoned Constantine to death.
Simeon decided to attempt to 're-convert' these souls to the Eastern church and debated with them the Scriptures. Problem was, Simeon found their knowledge of Scripture and arguments too powerful and he was converted to the faith! Simeon would return home, but soon had to return and join this church in Armenia. He would later become pastor of this church, replacing Constantine-the very man he had ordered to die for the faith! Around 690, this same Justus had Simeon (who had taken the name Titus) arrested and burned alive with his followers. Only a few escaped, one being Genesius who would take the true faith with him to Episparis.
Genesius would preach truth and see many converts. He would disciple the next pastor, Joseph, who would train and send missionaries into all of Armenia, Mesopotamia, Asia Minor, and Syria.
By the beginning of the 9th century, the Paulicians were shining the light of Truth amidst the Darkness of the age in many regions. The most significant pastor at this time seems to be Sergius. Sergius (who took the name Tychicus) had been won to the Lord by a Paulician woman who encouraged him to study the Scriptures himself. He did, and after converted, served 34 years as a great leader for the Paulicians. He traveled the world as a missionary. He would write in a letter towards the end of his life:

I have run from East to West, and from North to South, till my knees were weary, preaching the Gospel of Christ.

The Pilgrim Church by E.H. Broadbent
It was then a wicked leader, Empress Theodora ordered his death by being cut in half (c. 840 A.D.)
The Paulicians truly were a light shining for Truth. They claimed to be able to trace their originating from the apostles of Christ. They accepted the Word of God as their Absolute authority for faith and practice. They only accepted believer's baptism, and rebaptized all who were not baptized with proper authority. They rejected the ceremonialism of the Catholics and Orthodox churches. They believed in holy living and church discipline. They held the Truth-Praise God!
They would send missionaries and the Truth throughout Macedonia, Turkey and Bulgaria. Later, around 1200 A.D., Pope Innocent III would try to eradicate them from Bosnia, accusing the "Cathari" (pure ones) of blasphemy, and launched an inquisition against them. They would flee and take the Truth throughout Europe and into France and Italy.
Persecution continued throughout the Dark Ages. Empress Theodora between 842 and 867 A.D. ordered over 100,000 Paulicians to perish through beheading, burnings, drownings, and worse. Orchard says:

Her decrees were severe...horrible beyond expression.

Yet, the Truth went on.
Our Lord promised the perpetuity of His churches(Matt. 16:18; 1 Cor. 11:26). Though the Dark Ages were beginning and a great spiritual darkness covered the majority of humanity, God saw to it that a light of the Gospel still shone and preserved Truth. Though persecuted and 1,000s martyred, the end result was great faith. Great faith that at one time over 100,000 could be slain and the Truth go on! Great faith that the Eastern Orthodox church felt threatened and 'something had to be done.' Great faith that we 1,000 years later are still talking of them as torch bearers of the Truth we uphold today.
We too live in a spiritually dark day, but now is not the time to quit, hide,or conceal Truth-We have a duty to be keepers of the flame. We must pass the torch of Truth to the next generation. There are still souls to be won, churches to build and plant, and a world living in darkness that needs the glorious light of God's Word!
In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
2 Cor. 4:4

A Definite Division

2011-04-25T20:00:00.000-07:00

The 6th Century was one of change and rapid digression concerning most things spiritual. As mentioned before, the Dark Ages officially begins in the 6th century. For the next 1,000 years (some people refer to it as the Devil's Millennium) the papacy and Catholic church would use the sword against those who did not believe in their lies. All non-conformist (especially Baptists) were forced into hiding and obscurity; but it is important to note that groups of Bible believing churches did not go into extinction as is claimed by Protestants. There were always those that held the New Testament as their sole authority for faith and order.
According to Orchard in his book on Baptist History:

All Christian communities during the first three centuries were of the Baptist denomination, in constitution and practice. In the middle of the third century, the Novatian Baptists established separate and independent societies, which continued till the end of the 6th age; when these communities were succeeded by the Paterines, which continued till the Reformation.

These 'Baptist' churches under the names Novatians and Dontatists and Waldenses continued throughout northern Africa and Europe. Though forced into obscurity, they continued on as the Lord promised they would. Why the obscurity? The Rise of the Papacy!
There were 13 different popes during the 6th century, climaxed by the 'reign' of Gregory I. It was Gregory "the Great" who organized the papal government, established the pagan observance of Ash Wednesday, advocated celibacy for all priests, but was most consumed with a 'mission project.'
As written earlier, the Brits were enjoying a pure faith and doctrinal sound churches. Though forced into Wales due to Saxon invasion, the churches remained strong and sound. Patrick took the pure faith to Ireland, and the Celtic churches were mostly sound.
In 521 A.D. a man named Columba was born. Columba began a mission work of his own trying to reach Scotland for Christ. His work not only went to Scotland, but England, Normandy, Denmark and even parts of Germany. The British Isles were being reached with the Truth; but as always, the Devil fights.
Gregory had a 'great burden' to see Britain 'converted' to Catholicism. Gregory sent a man named Augustine to 'evangelize' Britain with Catholicism. Augustine 'converted' the Saxon King, Ethelbert, and Catholicism was spreading as a result through England. Eventually Augustine arranged a meeting between he and the Welsh Baptist of Columba.
Augustine offered toleration as long as the Columba churches accepted Catholic and infant baptism and he being seen as their archbishop. The Columba churches of course refused believing in a pure baptism and congregational form of church government.
Many Christians suffered and died the next 1,000 years for not bowing the knee to the papacy and its lies, and though many of the Lord's churches had to go into hiding, they stood strong against the Pope (who they referred to as anti-Christ), they regarded the church of Rome as they mystical Babylon as found in Revelation, they insisted the true churches consisted of believers properly baptized, they pleaded for the translation of the Scriptures into modern languages, the condemned the ceremonial worship of the Roman church, they read God's Holy Word continually so that many could repeat large portions from memory, they denied the ecclesiastical hierarchy, they hated image worship, they would not pray to saints, condemned purgatory, indulgences and such, and absolutely refused any law that contradicted the New Testament. To which we say AMEN!
For nearly 300 years, there was only one type of church (though it was being attacked and was corrupting), but by the 6th century there was a definite division between the Lord's churches and Satan's church (Catholic). Praise God for those that stood for Truth.
I would challenge the reader to consider our modern day Christianity and its call for unification. This ecumenical movement is of the Devil. Purity and Corruption cannot fellowship. We cannot bow the knee to heresy and corruption for the sake of unity. Even amongst the Lord's churches today, we must continually contend for Truth. This can be done in love and a Christ-like spirit.
We should, of course, not compromise and accept the damning heresies of the Catholics and work salvation teachers, cults, and the like. Nor, should we compromise and accept and not content for Truth amongst our own ranks. I believe we see differences amongst the Novatians, Dontatists, Waldenses, and Columba's churches though we consider them Truth bearers; but then again, they were Novatians, Dontatists, Waldenses, and Columbas-they didn't compromise for the sake of unity.
There was enough Truth to love and support one another, but enough differences to distance and stand as they saw the Word of God.
There still ought to be a definite division between God's people and the world, cults, false teachers, and even brethren that are in error in some doctrines.
Amen.

Yes, This Really Happened To Me In The Ministry

2011-04-21T09:18:00.000-07:00

BAPTISM III

In the early eighties I had the privilege of serving on the staff of Dr. Gerald Fleming, now in Heaven, and the great Dayton Baptist Temple. Being one of the few ordained men it fell to me to baptize one Sunday while Dr. Fleming was out of town. Now Pastor Fleming was a tall and very slender man. I, on the other hand, was a little shorter and quite a bit more "husky." When the morning service ended we made our way up to the dressing room to prepare for the baptismal service.
The men who helped me get dressed insisted I wear the preacher's waders. I mentioned to them I was larger than the preacher but they assured me the waders would fit just fine. I put on the waders and made my way into the pool. We baptized several that morning. When finished I started up the stairs back into the dressing room. When I got to the last step I felt the waders give way and I heard a horrible ripping sound! When I removed them I noticed that the left leg had split from the waist down to the foot. I finished dressing, hung the waders up and left the church.
I forgot all about those waders until the next Sunday. The morning service ended and now it was time to baptize. I still had not remembered those ripped waders. As we sung a song the candidates entered the baptistry. As soon as the preacher entered the water I heard him gasp for air. Oh no! I remembered the waders as he felt the cold water run down his leg.
Now let me say, Bro Fleming was a good pastor and kind man. However, we had staff meeting on Monday mornings. Let me just say, I dreaded staff meeting and after a private session with the pastor I knew my memory was for ever improved! Thank the Lord for mercy and grace! Yes, this really happened to me in the ministry.

Rise of Dr. Big Shot

2011-04-19T08:24:00.001-07:00

We now come to the 5th century in our study of Baptist History. It is important to note that there were churches still holding to the Truth of God's Word and doctrine. The Novatians and Donatists had many churches thriving. Orchard in His book History of Baptists says

At the conclusion of this fourth century, the Novatiansists had three, if not four churches in Constantinople; they had also churches at Nice, Nicomedia, and Cotiveus, in Phrygia, all of them large and extensive bodies, besides which, there were very numerous in the Western empire. In the fourth Lateran council, canons were made to banish them as heretics, and these canons were supported by an edict in 413, issued by the emperors. The Novatianists and Donatists, two powerful and extensive bodies of dissidents in Italy and Africa, were consequently made to feel the weight of his influence. These combined modes of oppression led the faithful to abandon the cities, and seek retreats in the country, which they did, particularly in the valleys of Piedmont, the inhabitants of which began to be called Waldenses.

The Truth was still being preached and persecuted against, namely in the Dontatists and Novatianists, and now some called Waldensian churches.
Unfortunately, the 'state church' was becoming more powerful and more influential. The fifth century saw the rise of the papacy. "The word pope is derived from papa, meaning father, and was at first applied to the bishops of the large cities-the Metropolitan Bishops." (Hammett "History of Baptists" pg. 70)
It is at this point we first see the rise of the 'Dr. Big Shot.' The Big name pastors began to see the need to 'help out' and 'watch over' the pastors of small churches. They began to wield their heavy influence over them, and soon a power was designated to them. It was not long after (451 A.D.) that the first Pope was declared to be Leo I by the Council of Chalcedon. He was declared to be the successor of Peter, the Chief of Apostles, and the Vicar of Christ.
Today, the danger of 'Dr. Big Shot' still exists. Yes, there is still a pope in all his power and glory over the Catholic church, but this false teaching is still practiced today even amongst Independent Baptists. While I am not against a blessed by God, large church; and I praise the Lord for Biblically qualified pastors of large churches, there is never Biblical support for pastors of large churches residing over or lording over pastors of smaller churches. I am not against Bible preaching conferences, we must be weary of Dr. Big Shots teaching Pastor Peons 'how to do it right.' More harm than help is often associated with these meetings, as the flesh and lusts of the flesh are appealed to and often the weaknesses of Dr. Big Shots are learned and practiced more than the other way around. There is a reason why all the 'good ole boys' and all the 'baptist friends' share alot of the same immorality disguising and weak doctrine. I will go on.
The rise of the Dr. Big Shots not only applied to Pope, but 'church fathers. The fifth century saw men like Augustine rise up and begin teaching his heresy. Perhaps no other man is quoted amongst religious circles as Augustine of Hippo, who I agree should be called the Father of Corrupt Theology. He introduced post millennialism eschatology, universal church, that "Already the Kingdom in the form of the church is a reality. Now already Christ and the saints rule, for the Kingdom is ruled by Christ through the heads of the hierarchical Church. Resurrection is not taking place, for new life is taking place through the Gospel, now Satan is bound." He hated the Dontatist, believed all acts of the 'church' were right, that grace was channeled through the sacraments, and Mary was the Mother of God, first taught irresistible grace (beginning of Calvanism), laid a foundation for Purgatory, and the doctrine of 'original sin.' It is no surprise the Martin Luther and John Calvin used Augustinian teaching to 'prove' their beliefs.
The fifth century also saw asceticism (self denial and harming) first practiced, hermits introduced, and monks and monasteries first practiced. Mary Worship was accepted in a council at Ephesus.
Also, in 476 A.D. Rome fell which brought much doubt as to Augustinian teaching that the Kingdom of God was in place. It was the king of the Franks, Clovis, that promised God conversion if he won a crucial battle, that issued in the "Dark Ages." Upon his victory, he and his sister and 3,000 men were baptized and 'converted.' He saw to it that all people 'converted.' This Dr. Big Shot took the sword and 'preached' conversion. Thus further persecution upon the Novatians and Dontatists and now Waldenses.
There was however, a positive. Upon the fall of Rome, the Roman garrisons left England. Without this influence, England became an open mission field. A pure doctrine was preached and churches were started in England. Upon the invasion of the Saxons, many fled the country and left for Wales and Western Britain.
One man, Patrick was gloriously saved and went to Ireland as a missionary. Many were saved and baptized under his ministry. He later would be killed and the Catholics would try to 'adopt this hero of the faith;' but let it be clear-"Saint" Patrick was no Catholic Dr. Big Shot; rather, he was a humble missionary that saw many saved and baptized and the pure Truth continually taught. But in Europe, the sword and a false religion brought with it the Dark Ages!

Dontatists Didn't

2011-04-11T08:11:00.000-07:00

We now come to the Fourth Century. At the turn of the century, Diocletian was the Emperor of Rome. Diocletian's rule was one of extreme persecution directed towards Christians. I would recommend a reading of Martyr's Mirror to read of the heinous accounts of persecution ordered and allowed by Diocletian.
On February 24, 303 A.D. Diocletian began issuing edicts against the Christians. These edicts called for all Christian buildings to be pulled down, Bibles and Christian writings to be destroyed, and all civil and human rights to be taken away from Christians. Severe and indecent persecution followed.
It was about this time that a new emperor arose named Constantine. In A.D. 311 he fought a battle at the Milvian Bridge. He claims that he saw a flaming cross in the sky with the words "By this sign conquer." After winning this battle, he soon 'converted' and Christianity became the state religion. Constantine's 'conversion' was not a true conversion as he still waited until his death bed to be baptized to 'wash away all his sins.' Due to his edict of a now state religion, the churches became filled with unbelievers and sin. The 'church' became a political entity and pastors became politicians. A new 'Bible' was produced by Eusebius in Caesarea who used Origen's corrupt text. Baptisms teaching and administration was further changed. Baptismal regeneration was already being taught which led to a further digression of baptizing babies so they do not die in sin (Infant Baptism). Constantine's example also led to many delaying their baptism until right before death to wash away all their sins (Clinical Baptism). How great was the tragedy of just how far churches had corrupted and left the truth. But, while the world was corrupting, churches forsaking truth, and leaving Biblical doctrine; let it be said-the Dontatist Didn't.
We have seen that the Lord Jesus started the church with His disciples. The Apostles taught their doctrine and solid men obeyed the Lord in discipling others. The churches began to corrupt and change this doctrine, but thankfully there were churches like the Montanists and the Novations who upheld truth. Now, in this fourth century, it was the Dontatists who upheld Truth.
The Dontatists were named after a pastor Donatus in Carthage, North Africa. In the face of corruptness and the Constantine's edicts, the Donatists stood for Truth. They believed in a Scriptural Baptism. This doctrine was being attacked by the 'state' church further, yet they stood for truth. They demanded all those coming from the 'state' church (Catholic) to be re-baptized. They would only baptize believers, and it was always done by immersion (due to infant and clinical baptism-pouring was being introduced as a means of baptism). The term 'anabaptist' was used to describe the Dontatists as they rebaptized converts.
The Dontatists also stood for the separation of church and state. Despite the then 'state' church, Dontatists insisted that the state had no business forcing anyone to believe in any way. The sword was put into the hand of the 'church' and the free will of men and purity of the church was threatened. The Dontatists were even given an opportunity to plead before Constantine himself in 314 A.D. The Dontatist said to the emperor:

What has the emperor to do with the church? What have Christians to do with kings? What have bishops to do at court?

The Dontatists rejected the union of a state and church, condemned the paying of clergy with taxes, and the forcing and bribing of citizens to join the church.
The Dontatists therefore stood for the purity of the church in a time when corruption was filling it. Members of the church were expected to live visibly pure lives and those who refused were to be disciplined. Their churches could not and would not fellowship with corrupt churches as this would indeed corrupt them. Pastors were to be qualified so to protect the purity of the church.
We also note the Dontatists taught the independence of churches. There was not to be a hierarchy; and the only tie between true churches was love. The churches were to be independent of one another just as the Lord and His apostles taught.
Constantine, though 'converted', began persecuting the Dontatists and even put some to death. By the close of the century around 377, then emperor Gratian decreed that the Dontatists were to be deprived of their churches, prohibited from assembling, and suppressed. Yet, they grew and prospered. It is said of them at that time "There was scarcely a city or town in Africa in which there was not a Donatist church." The Lord promised the perpetuity of his churches and He keeps His promises.
We look at today's churches. We see New Evangelicalism, Catholics, denominations, and yes-Independent Baptists. We see churches corrupt, members immoral and wicked, a gross uneducation on the separation of church and state, unqualified men serving as pastors, immorality of church leaders rampant (go to abc.com and watch April 8's episode of 20/20), churches being corrupted by fellowshipping with corrupt churches in an ecumenical view point, a lack of church discipline, sin acceptance, fellowships and organizations destroying the autonomy of our churches...and we wonder what is wrong!
It is not easy to take a Biblical stand in the face of the world and persecution (most at this time by the 'religious' crowd-but state persecution probably to follow). It may not be the modern thing to do not to accept everyone and everything; but that does not excuse us as pastors, does not excuse our churches, does not excuse us as individuals for forsaking Truth! It doesn't matter if all the world says to compromise and forsake Truth-we shouldn't!
THE DONTATISTS DIDN'T!

Yes, This Really Happened To Me In The Ministry

2011-03-30T06:44:00.000-07:00

BAPTISM -II
"SUBMISSION OR SUBMERSION?"

The Bible teaches that the New Testament church is to have two ordinances - baptism and the Lord's Supper. For bapism to be scriptural it must have four requirements: a proper candidate (saved person), a proper method (immersion), a proper motive (to identify with the Lord's death, burial and resurrection and His church) and a proper authority (a local church).
As with every area of the ministry sometimes things happen that though they may not be funny at the time, later we can laugh at them.
Many years ago while pastoring a young man moved into the area. I visited him and after sharing the Word of God he trusted Christ as his Saviour. Before I left his home I explained to him that the next thing he should do is follow the Lord in baptism. As he was newly saved he wanted to do whatever was right for the glory of God. Now this fellow had never been in a baptist church and had never even seen a baptismal service performed. He asked me over and over "What do I do?" I patiently tried to explain each step.
On Saturday night I had walked over to the church from the parsonage and before I began to study andprepare for the next morning, I turned on the baptistry heater. Soon I became engrossed in my sermon study and after some time left my office and walked back to the house, Forgetting the heater I had turned on when I arrived.
When I returned to the office before church the next morning I could hear "blip.blip". It dawned on me the heater was still on!! I rushed to turn it off noting that the water was almost boiling!! I pondered what to do and decided by the end of the service it would cool off enough to use.
The end of the service arrived and as the congregation sang the new convert and I hurried to the dressing room. He was a nervous wreck! He began to ask me over and over "What do I do?" After he had asked me several times I told him (rather impatiently) to "Just do what I do." We dressed, I put on my waders and he his baptismal clothes. I proceeded to walk down the steps into the baptismal pool. The new convert was right behind me.
When I stepped into the water it was scalding hot! I ran through the water quickly, yelling "Ouch,ouch,ouch" the entire way and then quickly exited up the steps on the other side. I turned to tell the candidate not to come into the water but it was too late. He hit the water, quickly passed to the other side stating "Ouch,ouch,ouch) the entire way and up the stairs on the opposite side. Before I could say a word or apologize, he looked at me and said "I do not know what I was so nervous about. This baptismal thing was not so hard after all." Of course, the congregation was laughing at what they had just witnessed.
I am gad I can say the next Sunday this young man followed the Lord in baptism and served the Lord in the church as long as I was there.It really is true that a merry heart is like medicine!!

"No-Way" Novatians!

2011-03-29T12:46:00.000-07:00

As we have discussed already, the third century brought with it many changes in the Lord's churches. In only 2 centuries, doctrine and polity had slipped a Long way from the truth in many churches; but God has promised the perpetuity of the church and therefore the Truth (1 Tim. 3:15). There were still those who saw the unBiblical changes and stood against them. Of such were the Novatians.
The Novatians are named after their leader, Novatian (c. A.D. 240). Novatian was a pastor in Rome who had seen the evils that resulted from all the 'change' we have already discussed. Novatian knew the error of such apostasy and began to take a a very strong stand against such.
Novatian demanded that the Truth be preached and stood for. There were many who began to apostatize, whom Novatian encouraged his church to discipline. Already the doctrine of church discipline was being ignored or lessened. Novatian insisted that strict church discipline be administered. This met opposition.
When others sought to join with the Novatian church, he demanded they be 're baptized.' Consider his words:

If you wish to join any of our churches, you may be admitted among us by baptism; but observe, that if you fall away into idolatry or vice, we shall separate you from our communion, and on no account can you be readmitted among us...If you be a virtuous believer, and will accede to our confederacy against sin, you may be admitted among us by baptism, or if any catholic has baptized you before, by REBAPTISM. (emphasis mine)

Novatians would no longer accept the baptism of the established 'church.' They would hence, Re-baptize. It was this practice that would later lend to the Novatians being called 'Anabaptist.'
The Novatian churches spread quickly with new churches being birthed all over the Roman Empire. What distinguished these churches?
1. Purity of the Church Member. The believer must separate himself from all apostasy, impurity, and worldliness.
2. Church Discipline. The members would hold each other accountable in matters of apostasy, impurity, and worldliness.
3. Rebaptism. Baptism had to be by immersion, with church authority, and not 'Catholic.'
4. Doctrinal Purity. The Novatians held to true Biblical Doctrine. They held to the ordinances: Baptism and the Lord's Supper. Novatians saw Communion as an ordinance of which the local church was the 'secure guardian.' (History of Baptist, Orchard, pg. 54).
Praise the Lord for believers who stood for Truth! The Catholic church was being conceived, apostasy was settling in, worldliness and impure lives were becoming accepted; but not in every church.
Today, sadly, much the same. Churches, Independent Baptist, are still influenced by the Catholic-established-'church.' Our doctrine has become weak, our demand for purity and holiness in the lives of believers silenced, discipline ignored, baptisms from every denomination accepted, the Lord's Table thought to be 'open' for any...NO! It is the Lord's churches that are to guard and secure the ordinances and continue to preach Truth. We must still demand holiness in our lives as members of our churches! The Lord's Table and church discipline are tied together in Scripture (1 Cor. 5:11). If the member in sin is not be granted the great privilege of membership, that of eating the Lord's Supper, how can a view of 'open' or even 'close' communion be possible? If I were to visit any given Baptist church this Sunday, they cannot possibly know the state of my spiritual life as my local church does.
No one who practices correctly will demand people leave or embarrass visitors attending when observing; but will simply teach the conviction of the church and expect visitors to submit to such. In all my years, there has never been anyone offended while visiting our body when we observe.
It can be done! Churches can and should still stand! One will say, 'Those kind of churches will never prosper or grow;' yet, the Novatians were "prosperous, very numerous...found extensive and in a flourishing condition when Constantine came to the throne in A.D. 306" (Orchard pg. 57).
We should join with the Novatians when it comes to the apostasy, worldliness, alien baptism, an open table; and say "NO WAY!"

New Contributor

2011-03-29T12:40:00.000-07:00

I asked my father to consider contributing to the Cozaddale Chronicles. He graciously agreed to do so and will be doing so in the days ahead. Below is his first post.
I asked him to write about two different subjects.
1. "Yes This Really Happened to Me" This will include stories that really happened to my dad while in the ministry. These should be fun and entertaining to read.
2. "How to Stay Spiritually Fit" This will be a serious set of lessons teaching how to stay close to the Lord and have a healthy spiritual relationship with Him and others.

I am thankful he has agreed to do so as the years of experience he has gained and counsel he can give needs to be shared with others, available to those searching,and left for his grandchildren, family, and friends for generations to come.

Stay tuned...more is on the way!

Yes, This Really Happened To Me In The Ministry

2011-03-26T11:01:00.000-07:00

The Bible talks of joy and laughter. Proverbs 15:13 says, “A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance...” Solomon goes on to say in verse 15, “...He that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.” Then he says in chapter 17 and verse 22, “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine...” Let’s face it. It is far better to laugh and be happy than to be sad.

Having a cheerful countenance is a good testimony for the glory of God. In Psalm 126:2 we see the Isrealites laughing and singing because ot the blessings of God. So should our lives portray His goodness.

I have known so many who profess to be a child of God and yet their countenance does not show it. I have even known men to refuse to go into the ministry because of the sadness and burdens associated with full-time service.

I believe in being happy and showing the joy of the Lord. “The joy of the Lord is my strength.” The Saviour would have us to enjoy life. Here is the problem – too many confuse happiness with joy. Happiness is determined by circumstances (:happen-ness.) Whereas joy comes from the Lord. That is why even in the midst of the storms of life and the troubles we all experience it is possible, nay, expected, that we can show the joy in our hearts. After all, who has more of a reason to be joyful than the saved, born-again, blood bought, forgiven child of God!!

Now to the reason for writing. In forty-four years of serving the Lord in every capacity such as pastor, associate pastor, music and youth pastor, school principal and evangelist so many hilarious things have really happened to me. I desire to share those with readers and pray that they will be blessed and maybe laugh even in the midst of trouble and sorrow. I have divided these up into areas. May they be a blessing.

BAPTISM

“OOPS!” – While pastoring in my first church we saw many trust Christ as their Saviour. One of those gloriously saved was a rather large brother. Since we had no baptistery at that time, we did all of our baptizing in the river. One chilly day we made our way to the river to baptize this new brother in Christ. We waded out into the water until it was about chest-high. I went through the “formula” and laid him back into the water. Now we “muscular” men have a tendency to float. I could not get this man under the water. All good Baptist know you must be submerged in order to really be baptized. I was a young pastor and did not know exactly what to do. Finally I threw my leg over his body like mounting a saddled horse and he plunged under the surface. I got off of him and all the people on the bank said “Amen.” Unfortunately this is not the end of the story. No one told this brother he was supposed to stand up. I looked and here he was floating down the river like a small barge. I yelled at him to stand up!! I thought we were going to lose him to the river current. I had visions of him floating to the Ohio River, on to the Mississippi and into the Gulf of Mexico! I am glad to say he stood and we all enjoyed the event for years to come.

Third and Long

2011-03-15T12:25:00.000-07:00

In continuing our study of church history we now arrive to the third century. The early church had a powerful beginning and literally turned the world upside down (Acts 17:6). That church was attacked and persecuted; but as we have seen,the promise of God is true and the church could not be prevailed against. That second century was one of suffering and persecution and the beginnings of heresy. Thankful there were men like Montanus who held to truth.
Unfortunately, as still evidenced today, when the slide down that slippery slope begins, it is most difficult to stop. The third century saw a long sliding away from the Truth. What changes were seen?
1. Change in Church Offices It was during this time that Clergy Class was emphasized. The first teaching of 'apostolic succession' began during the 3rd century. Men like Irenaeus and Cyprian began to teach that Bishop and Elders and Presbytery were different classes of clergy. The power of the Bishop was emphasized.
2. Change in Church Government Of course the one demanded the other. It is clear in Scripture that the government in the church was one as a congregational government. Each cast their lots. A new type of church government began to be taught heavily in the 3rd century. Again, based upon Roman government, the church began to establish the clergy classes and hierarchy system. Though we believe in 'mother churches' today (a mother church is defined as a church that sent out and saw birthed a new church), the 3rd century saw a new role for the 'mother churches'. That role was one of power and dictating. There were 3 great centers of Christian influence by the 3rd century: Alexandria, Antioch, and especially Rome. Paul commented on this in Romans 1:8: "your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world."
That church at Rome was one of the largest churches, and unfortunately was led away by heresy over time. It was in the 3rd century that the 'universal church' concept was first spoken of. Men such as Cyprian began to teach that the 'church' is the same thing as the 'kingdom of God.' Cyprian would go on to say,

He can no longer have God for his Father who has not the church for his mother. There is no salvation outside of the church.

The 'established' church accepted his false teaching and soon those Christians that rejected such and held to New Testament polity were called schismatics and heretics.
The Old Testament system also found rise in the 3rd century 'established' churches as evidenced below:

O.T. Priesthood-Hierarchy
O.T. Nation-Catholic church/universal
O.T. Circumcision-Infant Baptism
O.T. Passover-Mass/Eucharist
O.T. Ritual-Liturgy

3. Changes in Church Worship The 3rd century saw the rise of a body of singers-those with special gifts that could betterworship than congregational singers. Asceticism with its set days of fasting and such was introduced. Places of worship were copied after the Roman basilica and the fancy churches were born. Symbols such as the use of the sign of the cross was used extensively in the 3rd century.
4. Changes in Church Discipline The 3rd century also saw a change away from Biblical church discipline (Matt. 18). Sinners were first 'excommunicated' in the 3rd century. The sinners were publicly humiliated and the clergy appointed the proper punishment...a long way from what the Bible teaches.
5. Changes in Baptism Up until the 3rd century, only adults were baptized. Neander (a church historian) said:

Baptism was administered at first only to adults, as men were accustomed to conceive baptism and faith as strictly connected. We have all reason for not deriving infant baptism from Apostolic institution...

It was then a Bishop of Northern Africa in the 3rd century first baptized an infant (done by immersion-no sprinkling). It was during the 3rd century that baptism was first being taught as a 'completion of salvation.' Baptism was being taught to be washing away 'original sin.' Cyprian in the 3rd century taught that baptism required 'consecrated water' and that "it might become the vehicle of the purifying energy of the Spirit." Cyprian also first taught the possible use of pouring as a mode of baptism...again a LONG way away from Biblical teaching.
6. Changes in the Lord's Supper As mentioned, the Eucharist saw rise in the 3rd century. The Eucharist was first taken to absent members after being prayed over. The unbaptized were dismissed and did not partake (the word dismiss comes from Latin missa from which the term Mass would originate).
7. Changes in the Word of God It was the 3rd century that saw the first great corruption of the Word of God. This is mostly due to the man Origen.
Origen was a genius. he attended the first 'Christian Academy' at Alexandria. It may do good to point out here that establishment of Christian Education Centers where people can 'send their children off to get an education' have hardly had a long term positive affect on this world; but eventually have all ended up down the path of compromise and heresy. Origen held many false beliefs (gnosticism, mysticism, denied Genesis account of Eden, transmigration of the soul, etc). Origen 'corrected' the Received Text and his Hexapla was the foundation for the Vaticanus, Sinaiticus, Alexandrinus texts (corrupt texts upon which modern day translations are founded upon). What a Long way the 'churches' had slipped.
There were also doctrinal heresies continually taught and established.
The bottom line of the 3rd century is thus:
*Origen began a corrupt translating of the Word of God
*Cyprian began corrupting the teaching of baptism and salvation
*And the established church though just in the THIRD century had drifted a LONG way away from the truth. But, our Lord promised the perpetuity of the church and the Truth and men were still preaching and holding to the Truth-Praise the Lord!

The Montanists of Familiarity

2011-02-24T08:35:00.000-08:00

The second century A.D., just after the apostles was one of noted changes in the Lord's churches. Some unfortunate changes were the result mostly of what would become the Catholic church. The rise of the 'clergy' class, ritualism, a lack of spirituality and a drift towards ritualism. Churches had become most pitiful places as they had left the doctrine of and practices taught in the New Testament. Churches were accepting 'any baptism.' Communion was open to anyone. The world's entertainment, arts, sciences, and education was establishing itself in churches. Divorce and remarriage were allowed without second thought. Church discipline was ignored and, as a result, holiness a thing of the past. Teaching against the Trinity was becoming more prevalent, and the true working and spiritual gifts of the Holy Spirit taught against. Some books of the Bible were being disputed (James, 2 Peter, Jude, 1-2 John...perhaps because of their teaching against a false faith and heresy?). Churches had become dead with no power of the Holy Ghost working in lives.
SOUND FAMILIAR?
There arose one around the year A.D. 150 named Montanus. Montanus was from the area of Phrygia in Asia Minor. He was, before his salvation, a priest of the pagan cult of Cybele. To the glory of God, around the year 150, he was converted to Christ. The Lord began a mighty work in his life, and soon he undertook a ministry of restoring the faith to what it once was just years ago. Montanus preached and taught the error of allowing the world into the church, and soon "Egyptian symbols, oriental customs, and philosophic notions" (History of Baptist-Hammett) were removed from that local church.
His preaching began a mighty moving of spiritual restoration. By A.D. 177, Montanism (as it was so named after Montanus) was found in Rome and France. The 'established' church began calling the Montanists "Spirituals" sarcastically due to his teachings on the work and gifts of the Holy Spirit and strict teaching on the purity of communion, proper baptism, holy life, and church discipline. Montanist said "Against a mortal sin the church should defend itself by rightly excluding him who committed it, for the holiness of the church was simply the holiness of its members." (A History of Baptist by J.T. Christian).
The church the Lord started there at Jerusalem with His disciples held proper doctrine-the apostle's doctrine (Acts 2:42). That church begat other churches that begat other churches that compiled and protected the Scriptures and served as the Pillar and Ground of Truth (1 Tim. 3:15). Unfortunately, in less than 100 years, the church had allowed itself to be corrupted with false teaching and laxity. Thankfully, there was a man named Montanus who the Lord used to again point people back to Truth. For years, "Montanists" churches would spread and continue standing for Truth. Though one can find error in some 'Montanists" churches through history (just as one can find error in 'Baptist' churches currently), the teachings of Montanus were used to protect the Truth and Baptist Faith. There was no 'denominational name' of Baptist at this point; for there was no other church but that the kind our Lord started. But as churches corrupted, men would rise up whom the Lord would use to pass the torch down of Truth and faith.
Today, such churches are true Baptist, and we will examine where this name came from in lessons ahead. One does not have to be 'Baptist' to go to Heaven (You must be saved by Repentance and Faith to go to Heaven!); but a study and knowledge of Scripture and doctrine will lead one to join a true baptist church.
In our time today, churches are become most pitiful places as they have left the doctrine and practices taught in the New Testament. Churches are accepting 'any baptism.' Communion is open to anyone. The world's entertainment, arts, sciences, and education are established in churches. Divorce and remarriage are allowed without second thought. Church discipline is ignored and, as a result, holiness is a thing of the past. Teaching against the Trinity is becoming more prevalent, and the true working and spiritual gifts of the Holy Spirit taught against. Scripture is being corrupted and disputed. Churches have become dead with no power of the Holy Ghost working in lives. We need more men like Montanus who will stand in the face of corruption and preach and stand for Truth and doctrine. There are many such men, and we pray they will keep standing; but we need more!

Importance of Discipling

2011-02-04T11:35:00.000-08:00

The Lord Jesus Christ started His church during His earthly ministry upon this earth. Upon His ascension, the disciples gathered with the church at Jerusalem and waited for the promised coming of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit did come that day of Pentecost and the "Baptism with the Holy Ghost" was administered as promised by our Lord, our God, and John the Baptist (Acts 1:4-5; Matt. 3:11). It is important to note that the Holy Spirit NEVER baptized anyone. As prophesied, the Lord did the baptizing with the Holy Ghost not many days hence from Acts 1. The baptism with the Holy Ghost took place at Pentecost. There has never been nor ever will be a 'Second Blessing' or a 'Baptism of/with the Holy Ghost' for the child of God today. We receive the Holy Ghost upon our repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ! There was one baptism and many receivings as folks believe!
Having received the Holy Ghost, the apostles and the church there at Jerusalem began their commission (Acts 1:8).
The Gospel was preached, men were baptized, and the discipling of others pursued. Praise God for the discipling of others. If the church there at Jerusalem fulfilled the Commission like the modern day church, there probably would have been salvation, and maybe baptism, but a thorough discipling of the believer left undone. We must teach converts to 'observe all things.'
The apostles did this. It would be advantageous for the believer to study the lives of those whom the apostles and early church discipled. They are of great importance to our church's history. These men seemed to have been forgotten in our time; but it was these men who learned the faith and held the truth and passed it on to generations to come.
We should stop and thank our Lord for men of the faith, most of which laid down their lives for Truth. Men such who history records "from the writers of this century, who will be allowed to have been the earliest next to the apostles, as Barnabas, Hermes, Clement of Rome, Ignatius, and Polycarp, and yet not one of these speaks of baptism administered to infants." (History of Baptist pg. 21).
These were men such as Clement (c. A.D. 100) who was pastor of the church at Rome. He is mentioned in Philippians 4:3 and was discipled by Paul, Peter, and John. Men such as Polycarp (69-156 A.D.) who was discipled by the apostle John himself. He would be pastor at the church at Smyrna. He taught against baptismal regeneration and for the independence of churches. He would disciple Irenaeus.
Men like Ignatius (37-117 A.D.) who also was a disciple of John who pastored at Antioch. He said of baptism "it ought to be accompanied with faith, love, and patience after preaching." He would write 15 epistles of the faith.
Men like Papias (c. 120 A.D.) who was also discipled and probably was the pastor at Hierapolis. Men like Hermes, Justin Martyr, Montanus, and Novatus. These men living in the mid-2nd century stood for truth. Churches were called "Montanists and Novatians" for nearly 6 centuries...stood for Truth and would be known today as Baptists. Irenaeus (130-200 A.D.) would be discipled by Polycarp and then go on to plant and pastor churches in France standing for Truth. The Gospel was being preached, converts were being baptized, and men were being discipled who in turn were planting and pastoring churches across the world. Like a drop of fresh oil spreading and penetrating the surface upon which it was administered, so the Lord's churches began to penetrate and spread across this world. This work is ours today!

Early Persecution of the Lord's Churches

2011-01-24T09:58:00.000-08:00

Holidays are over, diets have started, 'catching up' from time off ended; now we get back to routine. We left off our study of Baptist History with that of heresy. Heresy was invading the church though the Jews and their legalism, gnostics and their 'special knowledge,' and more. Of course, these heresies were battled by TRUTH. Seeing that heresy cannot defend itself against Truth, a new attack commenced from heresy's adherents-PERSECUTION!

The first persecutions we read of in Scripture is that from the Jews (Acts 4:21; 5:40; 7:58; and 8:1-3). At first they were focused upon individuals, but soon it spread to an outright persecution of our Lord's churches. As you read of the Gospel being preached throughout Israel and then into Europe, it is first the Jews that persecuted God's preachers. For the Jews, it was a stumbling block (Isaiah 8:14). While they should have seen the pictures of the Messiah in the Old Testament come to realization in Christ; instead they rejected Him and attacked those that pointed out their sin of rejecting and crucifying our Lord. There were stonings, beatings, forsaking all from the Jews towards those they designated slanderously "Christians" (Acts 11:26).
Persecution though had only begun and its beginning minuscule to what it would become. Soon came the Roman persecutions. There were two reasons why the Romans began a persecution of Christians. First was the Christian's open rebuke of idolatry and sensuality. The Roman culture was one of gross sensuality and entertainment and idolatry of man and man made gods. The Truth preached at the Lord's churches rebuked such culture and forbid the practice thereof. One must ask why the world would seek to persecute a teaching that does not persecute it. It was true then as it is now, that the world attacks because of conviction and exposure of its own faults. The world and even 'Christians' today attack the Truth not because it attacked them, but because it exposes their faults and shortcomings.
Another reason why a Roman persecution began was due to this preaching: "None but Christ!" Caesar claimed that he was a god and demanded worship. The first great persecution came under the wicked Emperor Nero (A.D. 53-68). Upon the burning of much of Rome (A.D. 64), Nero blamed the Christians and a severe persecution of Christians ensued. We read in Outline of the Church by Centuries by McSorley the following:

They were punished with cruel torments, covered with the skins of wild beasts, worried to the death by dogs, nailed to the cross, burned to serve as torches at night. He (Nero) offered his own garden for this spectacle.

This persecution continued under the reign of Domitian (A.D. 81-96). He decreed "no Christian should be exempt from punishment without renouncing his religion." It is difficult to believe, but he was more sadistic than Nero. It is not my intention to write another history book, but one can easily research and study the historic fact of the persecution of the Lord's churches. While they were not the only ones persecuted, they were indeed all over the world persecuted. Oddly enough though, the more they were persecuted, the more they increased. Persecution sent them scattering to all parts of the world. The Gospel and the Truth was taken to the world just as the Lord directed it should (Matt. 28:19-20). The book of 2 Peter was written by Peter to believers suffering under these persecutions. While Satan, no doubt, sought the destruction of the Lord's churches and the Gospel, he soon realized his efforts were in vain. Peter encouraged the churches to keep preaching Truth and despite persecution to stand strong!

For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? But and if ye suffer for righteousness; sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; but sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness an fear; Having a good conscience; that; whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.

I highly recommend the reading of the Book The Martyrs Mirror for further study of the persecution of Truth over the centuries. It can be purchased from Challenge Press Here: http://www.baptist-books.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=BHCP&Product_Code=127&Category_Code=

The Baptist Standard

2011-01-03T11:55:00.000-08:00

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.

Heresy History

2010-12-08T12:00:00.000-08:00

Heresy is one of the churches greatest enemies and has been such since the beginning of the Lord's Church. Romans 16:17 and 1 Timothy 1:10 warn churches to recognize, mark, and avoid those that preach and practice heresy. Heresy abounds today and must be recognized, marked, and avoided. Many of today's most popular preachers and pastors are those whose teaching is heresy. Who am I to make such a statement? I am no one; but God's Word is Truth and teaching/preaching that does not line up with Scripture is heresy, a contrary doctrine. We as saints must be able to tell the difference between Truth and fiction-especially spiritually. It does not matter how large a church one pastors or how many books they have written. It does not matter that "some" of what is taught is Truth-that is the most dangerous type of heresy. . We are quick to use Scripture such as 2 John vs. 10 to not allow these heretical teachers in our doorway at our homes; yet their books are on our book shelves, their radio programs are playing in our cars, and their broadcasts are on our television sets. We must beware!
Heresy is nothing new, for it, as the church, has a long history. We first find heresy in the Judaism attempting to infiltrate the early churches. In Acts 15 there was a false teaching being introduced into the church that one must be circumcised or "ye cannot be saved." The Jews were used to rituals, and many that were saved found it difficult to leave their old customs. This false teaching was immediately exposed and corrected (vs. 11) "But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they." According to Doug Hammett in The History of Baptist,"there were three groups of Jewish 'Christians' with Judaistic tendencies:
1. Nazarenes-represented by the more 'moderates.' They maintained customs but accepted Paul's ministry.
2. Ebionites-openly taught the need for strict observance of law by all Christians. They ultimately came to reject Paul and his writings and developed the doctrine of Unitarianism.
3. Elkesaites-more of a secret society, philosophic and ascetic. The denied the deity of Christ."
The early foundation for cults were being laid down: works salvation, denying of Scripture, and rejecting the deity of Christ.
The Nicolaitanes are mentioned in Rev. 2:6, 15 as believing "which thing(s) I hate." The Lord recognized, marked, and told us to avoid such. Who were the Nicolatians? Their name means 'to conquer the people.' There false teaching was that of church hierarchy which the Catholics and such ran with. (there are sadly many 'dictatorial pastors' in Baptist churches today as well). It is the Church who our Lord has given the authority to.
Another heresy early was Gnosticism. Gnosticism was addressed by Paul in the book of Colossians greatly. It had its origins in Judaism and developed into a mixture of religious philosophy. The word 'Gnostic' means "I know". Gnostics believed they had special knowledge above that of normal believers. How this abounds today-ask Joseph Smith, Mary Eddy, Mohammad, Oral Roberts followers. They will tell you about their 'special knowledge.'
The heresy of Balaamism (Rev. 2:14). Balaam's doctrine was that of corruption, mixing paganism and pure religion. This abounds today in the inter/non denominational 'any thing goes' churches; Catholicism; and worldliness centered 'churches.'
One could talk of the Traditions and philosophies that were being introduced into churches-but the bottom line is this: Heresy was infiltrating the church early. Christians were warned immediately to recognize, mark, and avoid heresy. Those in the early church were characterized by 'proving' and 'preaching' Truth. Sadly today, we step around and dumb down Truth. Our 'offend nobody' philosophy does not work well with the Biblical command to separate.
Heresy has been around the church since the church's beginning, and continues to abound today; we must know the Truths of the Word of God and stand strong!

Seeds of Church Problems

2010-11-24T09:24:00.000-08:00

We now come to the latter part of the first century churches where seeds of problems were being planted and some even reaped. One area of concern was that of "Second Generation" Christians. There was a lukewarmness about them that made our Lord sick (Rev. 2 &3). False doctrine was being allowed in and considered by churches. This did not go unnoticed as Paul wrote about these things in 2 Timothy; Peter wrote an epistle on the matter in 2 Peter; John wrote about the problems in 1 John; and Jude addressed it as well in the book of Jude.
It is a trait unfortunately seen today in second generation Christians. A complacency mixed with a lack of Truth will always equal corruption. Our churches are becoming vacant as 'second generation' Christians seek something "New, better, more exciting, refreshing"....a.k.a. doctrine contrary to the Word of God/Flesh Pleasing.
When Jerusalem fell in A.D. 70 there was a great change in the complexion of Christianity. There was prior to this a great Jewish influence upon churches (some not good), which was severed with the fall of Jerusalem.
We do mark some important traits of these first century churches. They were independent churches, they were led by pastors, they kept the ordinances, and they were remaining pure in the faith. Unfortunately this did not go unnoticed by its enemies as seeds were being planted to attack these Biblical traits.
The seeds of 'big church domination/mega church/empire church' were being planted (Acts 15:1,2) though the church at Jerusalem was careful to 'trouble not' the church at Antioch (vs. 19). In A Concise History of the Baptists by G.H. Orchard, he writes:

During the first three centuries, Christian congregations, all over the East, subsisted in separate independent bodies, unsupported by government, and consequently without any secular power over one another."

These seeds are being reaped today and seen in the church Hierarchy of Catholicism and such and amongst Baptist as well in the Big church influencing the 'little church' to do it there way (ie "Pastor's School/Baptist Friends etc). Nothing wrong with a large Scriptural church, but there aren't just many good examples around to point to these days. It seems like many of the 'large churches' have pushed aside the KJV, standards, closed communion, alien baptism, etc in order to stay a 'large church.' They keep their pews full with their colleges and their pulpits "hot" with IAN PAISLEY, RICK WARREN-ITES, and such....I must go on, but you get the picture.
Though pastors were still leading churches by example and instruction, the seeds of 'priestly' offices and 'duties' were being sown as seen in 2 John 9, "those abiding not in the doctrine of Christ." There has always only been one way to God, there is only way to God, and there will only be one way to God for all mankind-through Jesus Christ our Lord alone!
Though churches were keeping the ordinances as they should, the seeds of sacramentalism were being planted as evidenced in Acts 15:1: "Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved." This of course was heresy taught by a sect of Pharisees; still, seeds for a works salvation were being planted.
Though churches were still pure in the faith, seeds of idolatry and heresy and paganism were being sown as evidenced in Revelation 2 & 3.
I just finished preaching through the books of 1 and 2 Peter. In 1 Peter, Peter taught and comforted the church in dealing with outside persecutions by Nero and such. In 2 Peter, Peter warned against Satan's other attack by corruption from within. The persecution had begun earlier as even Saul (Paul) was doing such; but as Satan soon found out, the more the churches were persecuted the quicker they grew. So, the tool of corruption was exercised and is still being used today. That is why our churches must know Truth-the Word of God! We have accepted for too long an 'entertaining style of preaching' that teaches only issues and pet peeves that has left our churches without a knowledge of the Word of God, weak, impotent, and susceptible to heresy.
Some of that heresy began to creep into the church amongst a 'second generation' membership that was luke warm and apathetic. We shall study those heresies and how they moved in next week.

OH, and HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Brief Intermission

2010-11-19T11:00:00.000-08:00

We pause for a brief intermission in our study of the Church's Past to consider a thought. I was reared Baptist. I was reared conservative. I was reared to have standards. I was reared to stand for Truth. I praise the Lord for parents who saw to just that. I praise the Lord for His leading in my life in the Baptist Academies He saw that I attended. I thank the Lord for my four years at Fairhaven Baptist College where I grew and matured and 'sobered up' spiritually like never before. I thank the Lord for all that He taught me while serving at Cozaddale Baptist Temple as an assistant pastor. How I thank the Lord for what He has shown me while serving Him as pastor at Cozaddale Baptist Temple. What a wonderful church He has blessed me with! How I thank the Lord for a mature/maturing church, a church with high standards, strong doctrine, God-honoring music, and a spirit of learning and a love for Scripture. God is good!
I say all that to point this out. My family, my churches I have attended, the academies I have attended, the college I attended all stood for and practiced high standards! I saw and experienced ridicule and scorn for those stands. I have seen people leave Scriptural churches over areas they proclaimed were 'no big deal.' People want to make dress standards, music standards, dating standards, etc into what they proclaim 'non important issues;' yet it is those issues that lead them to leave a Scriptural church. It surely seems to me to be a 'big issue' if you must leave a church over it! Believe me, I've seen people leave over these 'non important issues.'
But now I come to my main point. I have never seen people get more belligerent over any issue as I have Baptist Doctrine. I must confess, our theme this year was "Answers to Questions" and we have looked at Baptist Doctrine and studied it from God's Word, we have had a Baptist Heritage Conference and looked at our past, and we have had a "Why I'm A Baptist" conference and studied just why we choose to be a Baptist. This has upset the apple cart far more than any standard taught and upheld!
By that I mean that yes, a few members have left due to us being 'too Baptist,' but the oddest thing is the ridicule and attack from outside our church. It has not come from the Non-Denominationalist, Charismatics, Catholics, or a cult; but 'Baptist.' Rumors, lies, scorn, and ridicule and unfortunately, not one pastor has called me to discuss anything.
Please let me answer the gossip:
1. NO, we do not believe that only Cozaddale Baptist Temple is going to be the ONLY Bride of Christ. What a foolish statement. What do we believe? Simply put, we believe that the bride of Christ are those churches that have prepared themselves by adhering to New Testament Doctrine. There must be salvation, Scriptural Baptism, and adhering to the New Testament doctrine. Now if one chooses to not agree with that statement, it really does not bother me. I have not quite grasped why someone would be so belligerent over the matter, for if they truly believe what they believe that all are part of the bride, then they and our church will both be fine. I do not believe just because 'Baptist' in on the church sign that a church is Scripturally correct, it must be practiced. Consider: The Bride "his wife hath made herself ready" (Rev. 19). There is preparation that must be accomplished for the wife to make herself ready. If one holds to a 'everyone is part of the bride' philosophy, then doesn't it constitute some 'works' to prepare yourself? This is of course not the only reason I stand as such, but to be considered.
2. Yes, we did get rid of our "Christian Flag." I have discussed this here: http://cozaddalechronicles.blogspot.com/2010/06/prove-it.html It was created by a Protestant as sign of 'unity' for the 'body' and 'kingdom' of God. I do not align with those that do not hold to true doctrine and cannot for Scripture has forbidden it:

Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. Romans 16:17

Good News Though, we have designed and produced a Baptist Flag bearing the Word of God, the Ordinances, and the church being the Pillar and Ground of Truth.
I could go on, but my point is I believe we are living in the last days and there is and will be a 'falling away' (2 Thess. 2:3). That is why this year we have studied Church Practices, Church Pretenders, and now the Church's Past-for we must know what is Truth and what to stand upon. We will continue our study next week on the church's past, but I felt it necessary to clear the air, invite questions should there be any, and refocus as to why we study such. It does matter what you believe and the church has been entrusted with the Truth! May we be that Pillar and Ground of Truth!

Paul's Part

2010-11-12T11:38:00.000-08:00

The Lord's churches were growing in number, blessings, and persecutions from without. One of the great persecutors of the early church was Saul of Tarsus. This same Saul who hated all those that called upon the name of the Lord was to be used mightily of the Almighty God. While on his way to Damascus to further persecute Christians, the Lord met him along the way (Acts 9). On that road, Saul was converted and put his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Soon after, his name was changed to Paul, his passion was changed to Christ, his purpose was changed to righteous, and his work would change the world.
The church at Antioch had become the great missionary center of the day, and it was from this church that Paul and his companions were sent out on three great missionary journeys.
The First Journey resulted in the establishment of churches in Salamis and Paphos, Antioch in Pisidia, Iconium, Lystra, Derbe, and Perga (Acts 13-14).
The Second Journey resulted in the opening up of Europe to the Gospel with churches being founded in Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, and Corinth (Acts 15-18).
The Third Journey involved the revisiting and strengthening of these churches and others (Acts 18:23-21:26).
It is important to note that Paul was sent under the authority of the church at Antioch (Acts 13). Each church established, was established therefore under the authority of the church at Antioch. These churches would send out men to evangelize other regions and more churches would be established.
Paul would be the Lord's instrument in taking the Gospel to the Gentiles (2 Tim. 1:11). Following these journeys, Paul would be taken to Rome and eventually beheaded and die a martyr's death in AD 68.
Much could be written about the ministry of Paul, but one can read of all this in Acts-Philemon in the New Testament. He was used of God to be the human author of most of the New Testament. He would be used to give to us much doctrine, teaching, and instruction for our faith and practice.
The Apostle Paul played an important role in seeing the Lord's churches multiplied. Again it is important to review that the Lord Jesus started the church, gave to it His authority, and the church at Jerusalem would start other churches. One such church was the church at Antioch which sent out the apostle Paul who started numerous churches. Each of these churches were independent and autonomous from any authority apart from the Lord and His Word.
The Apostle Paul played an integral part in the evangelism and establishment of other churches. These churches would grow and send out other evangelists of which we will continue our study.

Ecclesia Explosion

2010-10-11T11:08:00.000-07:00

When the Lord ascended into Heaven, He left behind an assembly of baptized believers ready to carry on the work of Christ (a church). He told that church when He ascended in Acts 1:8 "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." He then ascended up to Heaven as the church stood gazing. They then went to an upper room and continued with one accord in prayer and supplication with the church. Following a business meeting of the church in Acts 1, the church continued in one accord until that day of Pentecost when the church experienced something wonderful.
On that day of Pentecost and the days to follow soon after, the church there at Jerusalem grew rapidly. From that small group listed in Acts 1:14-15 which we know total there was nearly 500 (1 Cor. 15:6), to soon an estimated membership of over 25,000! Quite the explosion!
That church would meet at Solomon's Porch at the Temple (Acts 5:12), private homes (Acts 12:12-NOT THE SAME AS THE MODERN DAY HOUSE CHURCH MOVEMENT WHICH IS UNSCRIPTURAL), and was pastored by the apostles with Peter seemingly taking the leadership (Acts 1:15). That church grew so much that soon the pastors could not meet the needs of the widows and such, and so that church elected deacons (Acts 6) who served the church.
The membership of this church at this time was Jewish and consisted of three types of Jews:
1. Hebrews-Jews from Palestine that maintained a Jewish lifestyle
2. Grecians-Hellenistic Jews of the Dispersion who were Greek speaking and had adopted the world's culture
3. Proselytes-Gentiles who had embraced Judaism and received circumcision
(**Sadly even then there was the beginnings of a 'church split' amongst these different groups within the church-Acts 6-and that is why deacons were chosen).
It is true that God's plan for missions was to take the Gospel to the Jew first and then the Gentiles (Luke 24:47, Acts 1:8). Beginning at Jerusalem and then according to Acts 1:8 to Judaea, Samaria, and to the rest of the world.
The Lord would show in this pattern the authority of His church and then other churches would be started with that Authority of that Authority. Let us examine the Acts 1:8 pattern in action:
1. The receiving of power after the Holy Ghost is come upon you.
We see this take place in Acts 2 on the day of Pentecost. On that day the Holy Ghost (as promised by the Saviour) came and was received by that early church. There were many 'devout men' in Jerusalem at that time who came and visited the church and heard Peter deliver a powerful message and as a result repented, were saved, and then also received the Holy Ghost (upon salvation) and were baptized.
2.Witnesses unto me in Jerusalem. That day 3,000 in Jerusalem were saved, baptized, and added unto the church. They "continued steadfastly in the apostle's doctrine and fellowship...and the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved."
3. Witness in all Judaea In Acts 10 we see Peter with a group of believers from the church at Jerusalem going to Caesarea (the capital city of Judaea), and visiting with Cornelius. After preaching there, many were saved, received the Holy Ghost (upon salvation-it is important to note here that Peter did not have to lay his hands upon them in order to received the Holy Ghost; our Lord was teaching Peter and the Jews that the same Gospel, same God, same Holy Ghost was for the Gentiles as it was for them) and were baptized under the authority of the church at Jerusalem (Acts 10:47-48). Now the Jews and Gentiles in Jerusalem and Judeae had had received the Gospel. (Acts 11:1)
4. Witness in Samaria. In Acts 8, Philip was sent from the church at Jerusalem to Samaria (vs. 5). Here the people of Samaria heard the Truth and "believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women" under that authority there at Jerusalem. (Important to note, here Peter and John came to see the believers and laid their hands on them in order form them to receive the Holy Ghost-this is because the Samaritans had a different place of worship in Mt. Gerizim than the Jewish Temple-John 4:21-22, but as our Lord told the woman of Samaria "the hour cometh when ye shall neither in the mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem worship the Father...for salvation is of the Jews." It was not God's will that the Samaritan's have a separate worship than the Jews any longer; thus the Samaritans had to recognize the authority of the church that Jesus began by the laying on of hands by Peter and John in order to receive the Holy Ghost.) Now the Gospel was preached in Jerusalem, Judaea, and Samaria and all recognized the authority of the church Jesus started and the importance of having proper authority.
5. Witness unto the uttermost part of the earth.The Lord permitted persecution to come upon the church at Jerusalem to accomplish His purpose (Acts 8:14) and soon the Gospel was being preached unto the world through men such as Paul. In Acts 19 Paul met some disciples of John in Corinth who had obviously missed the preaching of John. Paul corrected their thinking and they too believed and were baptized Scripturally. Here Paul lays his hands upon them and they receive the Holy Ghost (again a recognition of proper authority). Now in Jerusalem, Judeae, Samaria, and the world was the Gospel being preached, souls were being saved, and people were getting baptized. The Holy Ghost from this point on will only be seen being received upon salvation-just as we received the Holy Ghost. God's purpose in that was to establish to all regions the Truth of God's Word and proper Authority.
The church had gone from the Lord and His disciples to 100's of thousands of believers across the world, just as the Lord said it would. What growth-what Ecclesia explosion! Now, with the Gospel and proper authority, churches would be established and our Lord uses a man named Paul to continue this great work.

Primoris Templum

2010-09-27T10:55:00.000-07:00

With the Word of God as our foundation, we begin a study of church history with the "first church" Primoris Templum. Contrary to even a prevalent opinion, the church did NOT start at Pentecost. For one reason, if the church began at Pentecost, it then would deny what the Lord said He would do. In Matt. 16:18, the Lord said "I will build my church." If one believes in a Pentecost Birthday of the church, then it was the Holy Spirit that built the church. We know this is not so. The reason the Pentecost birthday theory is so prevalent is because it goes hand in hand with the universal church theory.
Rather, the first church was that church which our Lord Jesus Christ began during His ministry here on earth. The very first mention of church is found in Matthew 16:18

And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

The Lord Jesus took the materials prepared by John the Baptist (baptized believers) to build His church. He trained them for the missionary work, the commission of the church-the Evangelizing, Baptizing, and Discipling of others (Matt. 28:19-20, Mark 16:15).
That first church was a visible, organized assembly of baptized believers doing the work of God-a true church. That first church had a Head (Matt. 23:8 "...for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren."), it had a Pastor (John 10:11, 14 the word pastor means shepherd), it had discipline (Matt. 18:15-20), it conducted business meetings (Acts 1:15-26), it had a treasurer (John 13:29), it was commissioned (Matt. 28:18-20), it did missionary work (Matt. 10:1-11:1), it baptized believers (John 4:1-2), it had a membership roll (Acts 1:13-15), it observed the Lord's Supper (Matt. 26:26-28), it had singing (Matt. 26:30, Heb. 2:12), it met for prayer (Luke 11:1-9, Acts 1:14), and those saved at Pentecost were "added unto" (you can not add to what does not already exist). We thus see that the church the Lord began, pre-pentecost was the first church.
That church and all churches it would eventually produce, were to continue this work until He comes again. Thus, with Christ as the Head of each church, the work of the church continues. This is why a church is referred to as "the body of Christ." The body refers to service. Many mistakenly believe that 'the body of Christ' is all believers here on earth. This is false teaching. The body of Christ is applied to every local, visible church. Each church is the body of Christ with Christ as its Head. How is this so?
Our Lord illustrated this in the instituting of the Lord's Supper in Matthew 26

"And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body."

Now which piece each disciple held was 'the body.' When our churches observe the Lord's supper, does any church use that same bread He used that evening? No, of course not. So today, every true New Testament church is the body of Christ. He is the Head of every true New Testament church.
That first body, the Lord and His disciples from whom He chose 12 as Apostles (Matthew 10:1,2; 1 Cor. 12:28) constituted the first church. That church would go on fulfilling the work the Lord trained it to do, and as a result other like churches were started which with His Authority started other like churches and thus begins our study of church history.

A Holy History

2010-09-21T12:49:00.000-07:00

Before we get into the facts and information of our Baptist history, we must lay day a foundational principle for study. Our historical study will be different than a world's philosophy of historical study. Ours is different in that our starting point of origin is the Bible! The Bible is the foundation upon which our history is built! We dare not look to the Bible to prove historical facts (which of course could be done), but we look to history to prove the facts of God's Word. It may not sound like a big deal, but in reality it makes all the difference in the world.
We start with God's Word and interpret the facts of history in light of God's Word. God's Word is Truth! "Facts" of history and science have changed over the years due to discoveries and inventions, but God's Word will always be the same,and consequently has always been right! So we must begin our study understanding that God's Word is the foundation upon which we build.
We then quickly discover that our Lord promised Perpetuity to His churches (Matt. 16:17-18). What is perpetuity? A dictionary will tell you that perpetuity is the state of being perpetual, endless; indefinite duration.Our Lord promised this throughout Scripture.

And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Matt. 16:18 If the 'gates of hell' ever prevailed, God's Word is in error.

And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. Matt. 18:17 If there were to be a time of no church, this command is impossible

For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. 1 Cor. 11:26 The observance of the Lord's Supper was to be done by the church "until He come" therefore ensuring there will be churches until that time.

So one can see through these verses and others not yet mentioned, that the Lord did promise perpetuity. So what is Biblically meant by perpetuity? In studying the Bible and interpreting the facts of history in light of God's Word, one will come to the conclusion that a Biblical perpetuity as promised to His churches is that there has never been a day since the organization of the first New Testament church by the Lord Jesus Christ and the apostles in which there was not genuine New Testament church existing on earth." (A Manual of Church Historyby J. Griffith pg. 33). By perpetuity, we do not point to an 'identifiable unbroken chain of churches,' as we have already discussed the persecution, burning, and hiding of those churches which held to the doctrine of God's Word through ages. We do not mean the name "Baptist" was promised perpetuity. Throughout ages those which held to Truth were called by many names and titles. We definitely do not mean by perpetuity an 'apostolic succession.' The Lord's churches, since He began it with His disciples, have always been in existence on this earth.
I believe a study of Revelation 2 & 3 does not teach different 'dispensations,' but rather different types of the Lord's churches that have always been in existence. Pray and study accordingly. The Lord has promised to preserve Word (Ps. 12:6-7; 1 Peter 1:23-25); all His Children (Ps. 37:28; 1 Thess. 5:23; 1 Peter 1:5); the nation of Israel (Gen. 13:15; Rom. 11:1-26; Is. 49:5-8); this world (Gen. 9:16; 2 Pt. 3:7); and His churches (Matt. 16:18; Matt. 18:17; etc). What God promises to keep, He will keep. As much as I know I cannNOT lose my salvation, I am preserved by God, I also know that there has always been true churches based upon the promise of God.
Even other historians and historical figures concede:

We have now seen that the Baptists, who were formerly called Anabaptists...were the original Waldenses, and who have long in history received the honor of that origin. Baptists may be considered as the only Christian community which has stood since the days of the apostles...which has preserved pure the doctrine of the Gospel through all ages." A. Ypeij-Dutch Reformed historian

From the apostolic age to the present time, the sentiments of Baptists have had a continued chain of advocates, and public documents of their existence in every century can be produced.Alexander Campbell (Campbellite leader

...the rise of the Anabaptist took place prior to the reformation...and there are also reasons for believing that on the continent of Europe small hidden Christian societies, who have held many of the opinions of the Anabaptists have existed from the time of the Apostles.Robert Barclay a Quaker historian

I should not readily admit that there was a Baptist church as far back as 100AD, though without doubt there were Baptists then, as all Christians were then Baptists. John Clark Ridpath

Were it not for the fact that the Anabaptists have been grievously tormented and cut off with the knife during the past 1200 years, they would swarm greater than all the Reformers.Cardinal Hosius mid 1500's

With the basis being God's Word that He promised perpetuity to His churches, and in light of history and the facts known, we shall begin a study, century by century of those who stood for the faith, passed on from generation to generation an unspotted, pure faith, and those to whom we ought give honor to.

Foundation of Church History

2010-09-14T11:59:00.000-07:00

Many view church history as the history of all denominations. Seeing how that a 'church' is considered to be anything that one claims it to be or that 'the church' is all of Christendom, a proper study of church history is hard to come by. From our studies, we have seen that a true church is not what is described above, but those churches that have authority from the Lord, hold to New Testament Doctrine, and practice New Testament polity, and identify themselves as such. A true church is made up of saved, properly baptized, believers organized together to fulfill the commission. There will be a sought out purity, a Theocratic/congregational government, soul liberty, with the Word of God being the absolute Authority and the church the executive and authority in all church matters.
It is more of a challenge to study true church history due to the fact that for centuries true churches were hated, murdered, and persecuted as heretics. Their records burnt and destroyed, their churches forced into secrecy, and their writings condemned as heresy by both Catholic and Protestant. Most 'church history' books today are or are based upon Catholic and Protestant historians and view points.
It is therefore, without shame, that I confess that my study is a study of true church history, one can say, Baptist history. It is my desire to remind our generation and the one to come of the men and ladies who gave their lives, gave up their vocations, saw family and relatives put to death for the same faith we so freely enjoy today.
We owe them! We owe them more than to keep making heroes in our Christian Schools out of Calvin and Luther who put our fore-fathers to death for OUR FAITH. We owe them more than to keep praising the Anglicans and Puritans who beat Obadiah Homes for refusing a false baptism and church. We don't even know who men like Shubal Stearns, Isaac Backus, John Clarke, and Jenkin Jones are. We think the Waldensians are people that look for a poor sighted boy that wears red and white stripes! We must learn our history!

The legacy of failure to have taught these things in generations past is evident in the readiness with which members of Baptist churches change their affiliation to heretical churches. -J.W. GriffithA Manual of Church History

We must, as Baptists, study our church history. A proper study of true church history will remind us of the promises of God. We will see our Lord's hand in protecting His churches and ensuring that perpetuity promised to them. A proper study will also revive us in the pursuit of purity. When we understand what it cost those before us in the faith to preserve for us what we liberally enjoy today, it should make us "stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord." 1 Cor. 15:8. There is a generation following us, will they find faith?

Church's Past

2010-09-12T12:25:00.000-07:00

Thus far we have spent a good deal of time studying and re-examing church practices, church pretenders, and now we will begin a study of the church's past. There are a myriad of books covering the subject of church history, and it is not my intent to exhaustivaly study the topic. I do desire to give honor to whom honor is due. I do desire to show gratitude to our Baptist fore-fathers, many of whom died a martyr's death so that we may have what we have today.
I believe it should be clear by now, but our church history starts with the church that our Lord Jesus began in His earthly ministry with that of His disciples. Our church history does not include the Catholic Church, protestant churches, or any man made denomination. Our church fore-fathers do not include men like Martin Luther, John Calvin, or Zwingli.
I believe it is imparative that we study and know our church's history. I believe most Baptist do not know their history, and the result has been a watered down doctrine and watered down separation. We have allowed our Abeka and Bob Jones curriculums to teach our children a false church history. We have glorified Luther, the Puritans, Anglicans, and Calvin and made them honorary Hebrews 11 inductees.
May we take a fresh look, allow the Lord to show us truth, and honor with a grateful heart those that took a stand for our faith.

The Mission of The Lord's Churches

2010-08-31T09:32:00.000-07:00

I feel as if we should conclude our study of church pretenders. I desire to make one thing clear, that I love the brethren. I love all those in the family of God. 1 John 3:14 reads, "We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death." This love should not be challenged by correction and truth, but rather confirmed by correcting and sharing truth.

Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. Prov. 27:26
Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. Prov. 27:17
For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. Heb. 12:6
But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: Eph. 4:15

Do I believe that all people on earth are the children of God? No, you must have put your faith in Christ to become a child of God (Gal. 3:26). Do I believe only Baptist are going to Heaven? No, we can and will go to the Father through Jesus Christ (John 14:6). Do I believe the Kingdom of God was supposed to be our Lord setting up a kingdom with the Jews when He first came? No, he told Nicodemus in John 3, "the Son of man must be lifted up, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life...for God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved." He didn't come to conquer and set up a kingdom with the Jews the first time He came, He came to die so the world could be saved.
Do I believe in an universal, invisible church? No, the church found in the New Testament is a local, visible, organized body of baptized believers. There is no universal, invisible body preached in the New Testament.
Do I believe that only Baptist will be the bride of Christ in Glory? No, just because you are a 'Baptist' in name does not make you the bride of Christ. How you follow the doctrine in God's Word does matter!
The Lord's churches have been given a mission. That mission can be summarized two fold. First, the Lord's churches are to bring Eternal Glory to God. Ephesians 3:20-21 read,

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

The most important mission of a church is to bring glory to the Name of God. This is accomplished by being obedient and carrying out God's purpose. It is the Lord's purpose that His church be without spot or wrinkle-holy and without blemish. We are living in a world of rapidly declining moral and spiritual standards. This decay is seriously affecting Christians and churches to a point that it is often difficult to tell Christians from non-Christians. The church out to be holy! The church ought to contrast the world! The church ought to contrast the world's philosophies, music, dress, and entertainment. The church ought to love not the world, neither the things that are in the world (1 John 2:15). To allow worldliness is to commit spiritual adultery (James 4:4). Paul said in 1 Cor. 5:6 that "a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump." The church must cease allowing sin in her midst! I am not referring to a sinless perfection, but an accepted worldliness that seems to be the normal today. This is foreign to God!
God's Word teaches separation (2 Cor. 6:17)! Separation from the world (1 John 2:15-16), separation from marrying unbelievers to believers (2 Cor. 6:14), separation in matters of doctrine (2 John 9-10; Rom. 16:17), and separation from unfruitful works of darkness (Eph. 5:11). It is time true churches-the Lord's churches stood up and took a stand again! The church is to bring glory to God!
It used to be that churches preached against movie houses, now they are producing movies to be shown in them. It used to be preached that rock music was evil, now it is embraced and used in 'worship.' It used to be preached that men and ladies dressed different, now it is taboo to speak of such things and even promoted to keep 'coming as you are'. It used to be preached immorality was sin, but now it is coddled and accepted as normal-sadly with both laymen and clergy. It used to be preached that alcohol was an abomination, but now it is served in the foyers. It used to be preached that saints of God did not tattoo their flesh, now they bear Scriptures as a testimony on their backs and arms. It used to be preached that you did not use corrupt communication, but now it is what brings people in.
Oh for the day that churches still preached against Hollywood instead of meeting there for fellowship. Oh for a day when churches were more concerned for their prayer meeting than for their cruise in car show. Things like this are an abomination: and should Jack Schaap be promoting it, shame on him! The ROC does not bring glory to God http://www.theroc.com/church2/ ! Satan deceived the masses when he caused churches to think they were to be patterned for the lost! The church was designed by God for the maturing of the believer. The lost are to be won out in the world, and the church is to be a refuge from it! It is time churches quit pretending to be what they are not...if you want to be an organization with a good message that still coddles sin, then be that; but quit calling yourself a church!
The second mission of the Lord's churches is to evangelize globally. Each church is to be a soul-winning church. This does not contrast my last few thoughts. We should be winning souls to Christ, but the Lord sent us out to go and evangelize. I am not against a lost soul getting saved at church, but I am against a church fashioning itself to make the lost feel comfortable. Churches need to be maturing saints to go and evangelize, to bring the lost to Jesus.
Christ is our example (Luke 19:10), the disciples evangelized (John 20:21), the early Christians evangelized, and we today should evangelize! There is an urgent need for evangelism. Obediently leading souls to Christ is a wonderful way to bring glory to God! We need to keep sending missionaries from their local church (for God gets the glory in the church) to fields where the Gospel is not preached. This is our mission! To bring glory to God and to win souls.
I don't find car shows, carnivals, festivals, bingo, or gym nights anywhere in Scripture as the church's mission.

Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? Luke 18:8

The Kingdom and The Church

2010-08-24T11:35:00.000-07:00

These past few months, we have taken a closer look at the church, our Lord's churches, and distinguished between them and 'church pretenders.' We have seen how that the Lord's churches will distinguish themselves from false churches in that they will be upholding the doctrines of the New Testament, observing the two ordinances of baptism and the Lord's Supper, will be practicing Biblical Church discipline, will be made up of members that are saved and properly baptized, will be autonomous from any other authority apart from the Word of God leading the church body through the Spirit, and will have the proper church officers fulfilling the role God has established for them.
Recently the stand taken by myself and our church has been under attack. Unfortunately, they have not come and spoken to me about the issue, but rather other pastors, friends, and family-even the college I attended. True friends have called me to let me know of their tactics, and I have spent time studying and praying about the stand and beliefs we uphold.
One area greatly under attack is in the area of the Kingdom of God and the church. From my studies, those in disagreement must have a strong Ruckmanite background (follower of Peter Ruckman). It has been stated and printed by others that the Gospel which the Lord and the disciples preached was different than that Gospel preached by Paul. It was stated and printed that the Kingdom of God, had the Jews accepted Jesus, would have been established when His ministry took place or that upon the preaching of Stephen, the Lord stood in anticipation of coming and setting up His kingdom had they accepted his preaching. Unfortunately, there is no Scripture supporting such statements. All this is said to contradict the teaching that our Lord gave to the local church His authority and commission to evangelize, baptize, and disciple; and to contradict the Biblical teaching that this is done through the local churches-visible, organized, local assemblies of baptized believers. This is to contradict the stand that not all believers are part of true churches. These beliefs lead to ecumenicalism, which is a Satanic end-time plan of the Devil.
The Bible teaches that their is the family of God (Eph. 3:14-16). The family of God is seen to be made up in this passage of all saved both in Heaven and on Earth. All those born again are part of the family of God. We are adopted (Rom. 8:15, Eph. 1:5), been made sons of God (John 1:12). We can address no one by any greater name than that of 'brother' and 'sister' in Christ.
The Bible teaches the local church, which we have studied in detail. The church is a local, visible body of baptized believers sent forth to evangelize, baptize, and disciple. The church was begun in the ministry of Jesus Christ. He started the church (not John the Baptist who made ready the material to start the church). He promised the perpetuity of the church in Matt. 16:18-19. He gave instructions for discipline in the church in Matthew 18. The word church means called out assembly. In the New Testament it is primarily found used in connection with a local church. If there was one invisible body or church made up of all believers, then how do we not 'forsake the assembling of ourselves together?' The Lord's churches are those local, visible, organized bodies fulfilling the commission under His Authority.
The Bible then teaches the Kingdom of God. What is the Kingdom of God. I have been told that the Kingdom of God is the Lord ruling on this earth. It is what the Lord wanted when He first walked in Israel with His disciples, what He would have set up had the Jews not rejected Stephen. I have been told it was the 'Gospel' that Jesus and the disciples preached-different than our Gospel. (one point of thought...then why baptism? Doesn't baptism represent the death, burial, and resurrection?). The Kingdom would, by other's definition, a physical ruling and reigning of Christ.
This is a novel idea, but one I try to practice...Let us examine God's Word-not Peter Ruckman's, not Dr. Ken Blue's, not Travis Burke's....God's Word.
When one is born again he is regenerated (given a new nature). He is Justified (given a new standing). He is sanctified (given a new character). He is adopted (given a new family). He is Translated (given a new King)!
Colossians 1:12-14 reads:

Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

You see, before anyone was saved, they were under the 'power of darkness'. They served their father-the Devil. They were under the authority of Satan, living in darkness, blinded to their spiritual state. Praise the Lord, after salvation, we now are 'partakers of the inheritance of the saints of light.' (see 1 John). We have been 'translated into the kingdom of his dear Son." God has now put us under the authority of His Son, no longer the Devil...Praise God!
So is this kingdom one of Christ ruling and reigning physically here on this earth? Well, let us look at God's Word. Romans 14:17 reads:

For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

Is it me, or did our Lord just define in His Word "the Kingdom of God?" It is not the physical, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost! Now do not get me wrong, the Bible does prophecy that one day there will be the Lord ruling and reigning here on this earth during the Millennium-1,000 years-following the seven years of tribulation (Rev. 20); but most New Testament references of the Kingdom do not refer to this future Kingdom, but to a present kingdom. How is this possible?
Let us review? The Bible teaches that the Kingdom is not a physical kingdom now, but righteousness, joy, and peace in the Holy Ghost. The Bible teaches that we, upon salvation, are translated into the kingdom of His dear Son.
Let us examine this further, how one gets into the kingdom. Jesus addressed it in John 3. In verses 1 & 2 a ruler named Nicodemus was 'buttering up' Jesus calling Him a good master. Jesus' response to him in verse 3 is:

Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

That word 'see' means to 'understand.' Example, I was teaching math today in school and one of my students who was struggling finally said, "Oh, I see it now." Jesus told Nicodemus, who had just told Jesus what a good master He was, 'You can't understand the Kingdom unless you are born again!" He went on to teach what being born again was, being born of water and Spirit. Some attempt to use this verse to say, "Baptism and Spirit Baptism." This is not the case, for the Lord explained what He meant in the next verse with "That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit." It is being born of water (natural birth when water sack breaks) and the Spirit (salvation). But in verse 5 Jesus says something interesting,

Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

So, we see a difference in verse 3 and 5. You can't understand the Kingdom unless you are saved and you can't enter into unless you are born again!
I have met many people who can't understand why I go to church every week, why I like for men to yell the Bible at me, why I look forward to praying so much, why I read my Bible every day, why I don't do certain things they do...it is foolishness to them, they can't understand because they do not understand that the Lord is the King of my life! They will never understand this until they make Him the King of their life-then, it all comes together doesn't it?
In Mark 10:13-15 we see children brought to Christ and the Lord saying "Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God." The attributes of a child is what makes up the Kingdom? Yes, an obedient, believing faith!
In Luke 16 Jesus is preaching on some money issues and the Pharisees didn't like it and they (vs. 14) 'derided him.' They began attacking Jesus in words. Jesus' response to them in verse 15-16 is:

And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.
The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.
And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail

We see here that the Lord rebukes the Pharisees for trying to justify themselves and their attempt to rationalize their self-righteousness. God knew their heart. The Lord knew that they had themselves upon the throne and not the Lord God.
You see, yes some day the Lord will set up a kingdom for 1,000 years on this earth and that prophecy will be in fulfillment, but the kingdom of God now is a partial fulfillment. We see from Scripture that the Kingdom begins upon being born again, understood after being born again when we are translated out of the power of darkness and into light. That the kingdom is not meat and drink (physical) but righteousness, joy and peace in the Holy Ghost.
Simply stated, we, individual believers, living on this earth have choices every day to do right or wrong. We are a testimony of the Kingdom of God when we have Jesus upon our heart's throne, when our life is one of righteousness, joy, and peace, we are partial fulfillments of what is to come. We are the Kingdom of God living on this earth! Only those who are born again can 'see' the Kingdom of God. Jesus told the pharisees that the Kingdom of God had been preached since John the Baptist (Luke 16). Before that time was the law and the prophets (sorry Dr. Ruckman, John was a New Testament prophet!). Since John, the Kingdom has been preached-allowing God to rule in man's heart!
When we leave this life, we enter Heaven and have no more 'choice' to do wrong. Thus we conclude that the family of God is all believers in heaven and earth; the kingdom of God is all those saved on this earth who has made Him the King of their lives-living a testimony of the day when Jesus will rule and reign upon this earth; and what of the churches of God?
Matthew 16:15-19 reads,

He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

Our Lord started the church during His earthly ministry here on earth with His disciples. Here our Lord promises the perpetuity of the church and then promises to 'give the keys of the kingdom of Heaven..." The keys speak of authority and the responsibility given to the church. The church has the responsibility to show men how to be born again (enter the kingdom) and then to disciple them to observe all things (allow Him to rule their hearts); thus the church has been given the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven-which we have established is not a physical, but instead 'righteousness, joy, and peace in the Holy Ghost.'
I'm glad I am part of the family of God; I'm glad I 'see' the Kingdom of God; and I must serve through the church to tell others how they can do the same!

The Ignored Doctrine of Discipline

2010-08-16T08:11:00.000-07:00

There are many traditions in churches today, many of which are not Biblically founded, yet they are not harmful and can be beneficial (ie "must have" Sunday School). There are other traditions in our churches that once studied from a Biblical perspective, are found to be wrong and unBiblical (ie the world's method of 'dating around' to find a spouse). Then there are other areas and practices that have gotten so far off course, that a fresh study would be of great benefit to correct our methods of practice. One can tell they are getting off course when they 'believe they are doing right" in the matter, but there is not the fruit that God promised there would be. Once such area is this of church discipline-an ignored doctrine in today's churches.
The fruit promised from God's Word is two fold. Either, the transgressor will be convicted and repent and then restored, or the transgressor will be chastened by the Lord even to death so that the spirit may be saved in day of the Lord Jesus (1 Cor. 5:5). The only other option is that the transgressor was never a child of God and thus was living in and by his flesh all along (which is probably the majority, truth be known). Yet, there are not enough "success" stories when it comes to discipline.

A church cannot be a Biblical church without practicing Biblical Church discipline.

The word discipline means training, cultivation, improvement, according to prescribed rules; subordination to law; administration of government and submission to lawfully constituted authority. It comes from the word disco which means 'I learn.' Discipline is the means God gave the church to assure the smooth operation of the organization and the maintenance of proper standards for membership. Its purpose is to prevent, restrain, or remove the evil that may exist, to encourage and protect the right, and to cherish the good; not to satisfy any personal prejudice, but to reclaim the wandering and guide the wayward. (From 50 Lessons on the Church by Normal Wells).
It is to the church that our Lord gave the authority to discipline (Mt. 18:17, 2 Thess. 3:6; Titus 3:10; 1 Cor. 5)
The typical practice of church discipline goes something like this: Larry gets into a vile sin and somebody finds out. They then go and tell the Pastor about Larry and his sin. The pastor will tell the other pastors and deacons about Larry and his sin and start a process from Matt. 18 where he will go and speak to Larry. Take another pastor/deacon and talk to Larry. Should Larry ignore all these, he will then tell the church about Larry's sin and they will 'vote him out'. Is this what is found in Scripture? Repeatedly, we read the goal of discipline is reconciliation! When practiced Biblically, it will be successful.

The greatest blessing that has come to our church over the years has been the result of practicing Biblical church discipline.

The Scriptures give to the church, the authority to discipline. Many call it unloving, yet the opposite is true. (Prov. 13:24; Heb. 12:6; Rev. 3:19)-to discipline is to love! Failure to discipline is failure to love, it is neglect, it is disobedience!
The Great Commission is to Evangelize (reach those on the outside with the Gospel) and to Disciple (train those on the inside). To disciple is to discipline! To teach, train, improve, correct. A church cannot fulfill the great commission without practicing church discipline!
At times discipline is preventative, other times confrontational, but should always be corrective. Discipline is based upon the holiness of God (1 Peter 1:15-16). Discipline helps a church to be holy (Heb. 12:11), to clean out the leaven (1 Cor. 5), and to embrace the holiness of God. Discipline is based upon the commands of God's Word (Matt. 18; 1 Cor. 5; Luke 17). One should discipline because it brings glory to God (Eph 3:21), restores sinning believers (Matt 18:15, Gal 6:1), produces a healthy faith (Titus 1:13), win a soul who is falsely professing (2 Tim. 2:24-26), sets an example for the rest of the Church (1 Tim. 5:20), and protects the church's purity and power (1 Cor. 5:6-7).
Who should be disciplines?Should a church discipline over every sin? Prov. 10:12 says that "love covereth all sins." Ps. 32:1 reads, "Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered." It is when there is a transgression that is unrepented of, blatantly participated in, and has caused a separation of fellowship and adherence to God's Word, that a sin must be dealt with. There are some sins so serious that the Bible forbids us from overlooking:
1. Fornication (1 Cor. 5:11)
2. Covetous (1 Cor. 5:11)
3. Idolatry (1 Cor. 5:11)
4. Railer (1 Cor. 5:11)
5. Drunkard (1 Cor. 5:11)
6. Extortioner (1 Cor. 5:11)
7. Heresy (Titus 3:10)
8. Disorderly conduct (2 Thess. 3:6)
9. Laziness-not working when they can (2 Thess. 3:9-13).
10. Those that cause divisions in the church (Rom. 16:17-18).
These are sins that our Lord commands a church to administer discipline over.
So how is the church to practice such discipline Biblically? In Luke 17 we can see another model of discipline. Please note the following from this text:
I. Sin is Present (vs. 1). Offences will come, and they will need handled. Most churches need to quit ignoring sin issues and a constant disregarding of holiness and realize our Lord told us they would be there-Handle them!
II. Simple are Perceiving (vs. 2). The world and a younger generation are watching and learning from how we handle sin. Perhaps this is why we have reared such a generation that doesn't fear God, doesn't hate sin, and is ignorant in church discipline; they never saw the generation before them deal with it! It must be taught that our Lord hates sin and there is a penalty for sin.
III. See it Personal (vs. 3). "If thy brother trespass against THEE." As a church, we are a body, one body, and if part of a body is wrong, it defiles the whole body. As a church, we most take care of our own members.
IV. Steps are Planned (vs. 3-4) If someone is wrong and is in sin such as we have discussed, there are clear Biblical steps to be followed. (Matt. 18)
A. You are to go to the person. Tell him alone, no one else. In that first church, the Lord was the 'Pastor' and the disciples the members. He told THEM to go to the transgressor. In Luke 17 it was the disciples that were to rebuke the transgressor. 2 Thess. 3:6 it is the 'brethren' at the church at Thessalonica that were to rebuke the transgressors. In Romans 16:17 it was the brethren that were to rebuke the transgressor. Each member, as they see the sin, should go to the transgressor discreetly in a spirit of meekness (Gal. 6:1) and confront the sin and call the sinner to repentance. Usually there will be more than one member who sees the transgression taking place and if each member does such privately, the transgressor is being overwhelmed with an outpouring of love and concern for the sinner-it's not just the pastor 'getting on to him.' The normal attitude in response is "well, who am I to judge?" Exactly! This DEMANDS PERSONAL DISCIPLINE AND WILL RESULT IN A PURER CHURCH-exactly why and how our Lord established it.
B. Take another with you to confront the transgressor (vs. 16). If the transgressor will not hear the individuals privately, the member is to take another member with him. This will no doubt enlighten others in the church as to the transgression, will confirm to others the transgression, but will undoubtedly show the transgressor that his church is concerned for him. It is established by the mouth of 2 or 3 witnesses (Deut. 19:15; 1 Tim. 5:19). Now the transgressor is seeing the seriousness of his sin, feels the love from his church, and should be convicted if he is a believer of his sin. Again, it's not the pastor and deacon threatening him, but his church loving him. (I will add here, that a pastor is a member of the church and too should participate in such).
C. Tell it to the Church (vs. 17a). If the transgressor will not hear the individual brethren, nor the 2 or 3 brethren that all have come to him, then it is the responsibility of the members to bring it before the church. By this time, having done all things Biblically, this comes as no 'shock and surprise' to the church, but rather a time of mourning and prayer as a church. The church all has one mind and has seen and attempted to reach the transgressor. Much, much, prayer has been put into the matter. There have not been just two visits by the pastor and deacon, but 50-60 members who all have gone to the transgressor in love. It is now that the entire church is made aware of the transgression and the entire church now has a responsibility to reach the sinner. It is not at this time a vote it taken to remove the sinner. For Scripture teaches then...
D. "If he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen..." (vs. 17). The entire church has now gone to the transgressor. I know I have never seen this done, sadly. One can only imagine the overwhelming of love and concern and conviction this would place upon the transgressor. Unfortunately even then, some will not 'hear the church.' It is then...
E. Regard as a heathen (vs. 17). It is then the transgressor is to be excluded from membership. It is then the church would vote to remove them from the church in hopes that they will be restored as a result of the chastening of God. (1 Cor. 5:13, 11). The transgressor during this time should be treated as a lost person. Would we allow a lost person to come to church? Yes! Would we invite a lost person to the Lord? Yes! Would we fellowship, pray with, observe the ordinances with a lost person? NO! We would be burdened and pray for them in hopes that they get right with the Lord! There is an unBiblical spirit of 'Kick them out' in some churches, when it ought to be a spirit of mourning and calling and praying for reconciliation! Oh that we would reconsider our practicing of church discipline in accordance to God's Word.
V. Summons for Perfection (vs. 5) A proper practicing of church discipline would result in a maturing, increased in the faith, more holy church where sin is acknowledged, abhorred, and abandoned!
May we no longer ignore this doctrine of discipline; but rather practice and truly be a Biblical church!

Biblical Church Officers

2010-08-10T10:34:00.001-07:00

Having demonstrated that the church is a Theocracy in essence and a democracy in viewing, who then are the officers of a church and what are their responsibilities? We study this as we are proving what is a Biblical church and which are church pretenders. A true church will have (or be seeking when needed) Biblical officers.
Before we begin our study, let us be reminded that Jesus Christ is the head of each church (Col 1:18; Eph. 1:22-23). Each church is to recognize as it's Authority the Lord Jesus Christ-no man, no king, no ruler, but Him. Our Lord Jesus is the Head, our Advocate (1 Jn. 2:1), our Mediator (1 Tim. 2:5), our High Priest (Heb. 7:25), our Foundation of our church (1 Cor. 3:11). The Holy Spirit is the Administrator/Manager of each true church. Each church settles all matters under the direction of the Holy Spirit. It is the Spirit that directs (Rom. 8:14), calls to special service (Acts 813:2-4), guides and equips in service (Acts 8:27-29; 1 Cor. 2:12-14; Jn. 16:13-14; 1 Thess. 1:5). The Word of God is the Sole Authority and rule of faith in a true church.
Having established such, it is Biblical that a church have officers from within. First, there is the pastor. The Lord gave apostles and prophets (1 Cor. 12:28) first to the church as gifts whose work was to work miracles, give the Scriptures through the Spirit, and help establish the church Christ started. These 'gifts' were done away with when this work was accomplished (1 Cor. 13:10).
The work of the pastor goes on. A pastor in God's Word is called an "elder," "bishop", "shepherd", "preacher", and "teacher." Each name refers to a duty a pastor has from the Lord. The pastor must meet high qualifications in order to be qualified for the position of pastor. These have been discussed before, but can be found in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Tutus 1:5-8. A pastor is to preach the Gospel, win souls to Christ, teach the church, lead by example, visit his members, lead in church meetings, and have the oversight as under-shepherd of all matters of interest to the church. A pastor should be supported by the church (1 Cor. 9, 1 Tim. 5:18), respected by the church (1 Tim. 5:19), and loved and prayed for by the church. A pastor is not an hireling and should not be greedy of filthy lucre. Every church needs a pastor, for without one, a church soon strays; but that pastor must be a Spirit led, Biblically secure man of God.
The ONLY OTHER BIBLICAL office is that of deacon. The first deacons were chosen in Acts 6:1-7. At this time, that church was approximately the size of 6-8,000 members. The pastors were not able to meet the needs in visitation and widows were being "neglected." The pastors gathered the church and said, "It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables." Deacons were needed to be chosen so that the pastors would not neglect their main duty to "give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word." Thus seven men were chosen to be the first deacons.
It is important to note that deacons were not Demanded in order to have a church, but a necessity as the church grew larger. The ratio of deacons to members here was about 1 per 900-1,000 members. Because of a protestant influence, deacons today are seen as a "counseling board" or "board of authority" or a "representative of the members to the pastor." This is not Biblical! Deacons are for service to the church. They were/are appointed over the task of administering relief, to be a
'pastor-helper.' Because of a misconstrued view of the office of deacons, many churches feel they need many deacons no matter their size. I know of a church that ran 22 each week and seven were deacons. This is not wise. Our church averages nearly 200 each Sunday and we have one deacon. I was recently asked when we would be ordaining more deacons, to which I responded, "When we average 1,400 we will consider this." In the Bible they were "men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom."
These deacons had to meet qualifications as a pastor does. These can be found in 1 Timothy 3:8-13. I would point out that his qualifications were "like" that of a pastor. There are a few differences to consider:
"not given to much wine" does not refer to drinking alcohol, but grape juice. I could explain this in detail, but it would take too much time, I would refer you to sermon audio.com and my sermon on "alcohol and the Bible."
"not greedy of filthy lucre" refers to the same as a pastor. I believe Scripturally speaking, there was such a demand for the office of a deacon, that they too had to be supported by the church as a 'full time position.' Thus they too could not be guilty of filthy lucre.
"Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things." For a man to be a deacon, his wife must meet a qualification not found in reference to a pastor. Why is this? Perhaps because of the role of a deacon to care for the widows. A deacon had better have a thus qualified wife if he is to spend so much time with these widow ladies. I do not seek to be crude, but this is a fact to ponder.
THAT'S ALL FOLKS! Those are the only two offices found in the Bible for the local church. Today you will find trustees, treasurers (one could argue that the first church had one, but not many people would like to mimic him), clerks, Sunday School Superintendents-but these are all man made positions. These are not Biblical nor mandatory in God's Word. Is there anything wrong in having these positions? None at all as long as they understand their position is one of service not mandated in Scripture. Many of those from a legal perspective are mandatory in today's world.
In any case, there are only two Biblical offices found in God's Word, Pastor and Deacon; and one of those (deacon) is not mandatory, but entered into upon necessity as the church grows.

Church Government 101

2010-07-27T13:12:00.000-07:00

We left off our last study by pointing out that one of the privileges of being a member of a church is that members are able to vote upon church matters of authority (Acts 6:5). The government of a true church is 'members only.' There are different views of church authority today, but as seems to be always true-only one Biblical. Some believe in episcopal authority where authority is in a man, bishop, or pope. Some believe in Presbyterian authority where the authority is in a council or presbytery. Then there are Baptist.
Some believe in a headquarters in Nashville or Springfield. Others believe the authority is totally in a pastor who is led of God and all are to blindly follow. Some believe in a board within the church making decisions (deacons, trustees, staff). There are many views and books and philosophies, but WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?
First, a true church inwardly is a Theocracy. The Lord Jesus Christ is the Head of the church. God is the Final Authority. Each individual should recognize the sovereignty of God. How does God reveal His will to the church? Through His Word! God's Word is truly the mind of Christ. (John 1:1) As a church, we are to be of one mind in unity (1 Peter 3:8; Eph. 4). A Pastor's responsibility is the teach Truth (Word of God) so that members can perfect (mature) and have the mind of Christ. Consider the following in Ephesians 4:

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

When a church is taught Truth, it will have the mind of Christ. The church having the mind of Christ can pray concerning any matter and will be led of the Lord through His Word to make decisions. Truly, a church is a theocracy inwardly speaking.

For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Eph. 5:23

Outwardly, the church would be seen as a democracy. The form of government of a local church is congregational. It was upon visiting a Baptist church that Thomas Jefferson would state that its government was the only pure democracy that existed in the world at that time and that it would be the best form of government for the American colonies. The authority for governing a New Testament church rests in the congregation-the people. No one man has authority over a group of churches or several churches. No church as authority over another church. Though the pastor has authority as an under shepherd, this authority is to lead, feed, and heed the church. As written above, his responsibility is to teach the Mind of Christ (His Word) so that a church can make proper decisions.
This is taught throughout Scripture. For example, the nomination and election of Matthias was by the local church in Acts 1:15-26). The first deacons were chosen by the church (Acts 6:2-3). Paul and Barnabus were chosen and sent out by the church at Antioch (Acts 13:1-3).
Each member is entitled to one vote as he feels God is leading him and the church abides by the opinion of the majority. If a pastor is fulfilling his ordained role as a perfector of the saints, this system of government works as God intended. Churches vote on matters of officers, elections, rolls, discipline, order, practices, finances, and service.
Even in Baptist churches, some will argue this by using Acts 4:35, 37, 5:2 where offerings were laid at the apostle's feet. This was not referring to a designation of authority, but rather to a geographic location. Offerings were laid there at the apostle's feet. Today at our church, offerings are laid in a plate that men pass. In other churches (more Scriptural?) offerings are laid in foyer in a box, in plate on platform, etc. The church has the authority! When we begin to put the authority in a man (even a good man) we head down a road the Catholics blazed centuries before us, and trust me we don't want to go down that road.
It is the church that has the authority to baptize, observe the supper, discipline, distribute monies, send missionaries, and add or release members. This is true church government.

Members Only

2010-07-20T06:52:00.001-07:00

Thus far we have examined that a true church is constituted by only those that are saved and Scripturally baptized. These are two requirements mandated by Scripture. I received an "Anonymous" comment that found my last post "offensive". First, I refuse to post "anonymous" comments. Second, it is not my desire to be offensive, but it is my desire to preach and teach Truth. This is truth, and at times truth is offensive to those in disobedience. 'Anonymous' said that those who pleased their parents by being confirmed are no less 'church.' Actually, they are not part of any true church. Problem is that 'anonymous' has been taught error that being in the 'church' is equivalent to being saved. This is false teaching. You can be saved and on your way to Heaven and not a member of a true church. Also, our service to the Lord may require us at times to forsake our mother and father (Matt. 19:29). Anonymous also said that there are those who cannot be immersed for medical reasons. First, in all my years, I have not seen this to be true. Second, (at the risk of sounding blunt and uncaring-which I am not) it doesn't matter, God made no exceptions. Anonymous also said that they too were 'part of the baptist movement.'

No you're not.

I strive to be kind, have compassion, love as brethren, pitiful, courteous (1 Peter 3:8), but I also must reprove, rebuke, and exhort with all long suffering AND DOCTRINE (2 Tim. 4:2). I have no spirit of pride, but humility. I seek no applause, but rather giving honor to our Lord. In these days, especially these days, we must stand for truth. I pray this is received in the same spirit it is written in.
We must go on.

A true church is constituted of members only. And we are not talking jackets here (though they were smooth!) A church is made up of saved, Scripturally baptized, members of that local church. Those members were set there by God Himself to be joined to that individual body to please and serve Him.

But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
1 Cor. 12:18

Members of a true church are received by their profession of faith in Christ and following that profession with a Scriptural baptism or by a church letter of recommendation (2 Cor. 3:1). These members will be received only if they are commended by their last church. This practice is Biblical, but sadly many times ignored today.
Many of our "Local church colleges" do not 'mess with sending and receiving letters' of the students joining while studying there-what a shame. Many 'large empire' churches don't have the time to do such minuscule tasks. Some smaller churches don't bother with keeping records. Other liberal churches do not require them because they are just glad to be able to love anyone and keep ignoring their sin. These practices have weakened and polluted our churches. It is no wonder our churches are filled with such filth and the world!
One joining a church from another church should only be accepted into membership if they can be recommended by their previous church. I am aware of the problems in this. Pastoral pride at times will never allow him to 'recommend' anyone that would leave HIS flock. This is why a pastor's qualifications include "of good behaviour, given to hospitality,...no striker, but patient, not a brawler, not covetous...lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil." God does move people at times. Remember pastors, "God sets the members..." not us.
There are privileges and requirements of being a member. Members should attend all services and not forsake the assembling of ourselves (Heb. 10:25). Members should participate in observing the ordinances of the church (1 Cor. 11:2). Members should support their church with their offerings (1 Cor. 16:2). Members should use their talents to serve in any way through their church (Rom. 12:1-2). Members should live a life above reproach for the glory of the Lord in the church (2 Cor. 6:17). Members can pray for one another and bear the burdens of one another (Gal. 6:2). Members can fellowship with and encourage one another (2 Cor. 6:14). Members should rebuke and if necessary discipline with the authority given to the church (1 Cor. 5). Members are able to vote upon church matters of authority (Acts 6:5). The government of a true church is 'members only.'
Oh the church, the true church, 'My Church' as our Lord described it, is a place of authority, power, and Truth, and each one is for Members Only!

Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. Eph. 3:21

Researching the Church

2010-07-06T07:20:00.000-07:00

In order to be confident as to which churches are part of the 'My Church'es the Lord spoke of in Matthew, one will have to endeavor to study and examine the practices of that church. By micro-examination, one should be able to find the common DNA (Doctrine, Nature and,Ancestry) to confirm relationship.
So what constitutes a true church and what separates it from church pretenders?
First, a true church will be made up of regenerate members. Salvation has always been a prerequisite to church membership (Acts 2:41-42, 47). Church members are those that 'call upon the name of the Lord.'(1 Cor. 1:2). These saints must secondly be Scripturally baptized. According to Acts 2:41, a person was to hear the Word, believe the word, then be baptized. All church members were to be baptized believers. What is Scriptural Baptism?
It is this baptism that has separated true churches from pretenders. It is this baptism that has given to us the name "Baptist". It is this baptism that has resulted in the martyrdom of our faithful forefathers. This baptism is of great importance!
Jesus knew it was important, that is why He walked 60 miles to be baptized by the only man authorized to do such at that time (John-the Baptist). The Holy Spirit knew it was important, for He too attended the Baptism of Christ and made His presence known. The Father knew also of its importance, for He voiced His approval when His Son was baptized that day! The Devil knew of its importance, for he too was there right after to tempt Christ and it is he that has caused much confusion and counterfeited true baptism.
Baptism was only administered to those that were saved already (Matt. 28:19, Acts 2:41; Acts 8:12, 36-37; Acts 10:43-47). Baptism was only done by immersion as the subject was plunged beneath the waters (Mark 1:9-10; Matt. 3:13-16; John 3:23; Acts 8:30-39; Rom. 6:4). This immediately voids all 'baptisms' done by pouring and sprinkling. In Scripture, 'much water' was needed to properly baptize, and the subjects went 'down into' the water; furthermore, a burial is hardly represented by a sprinkling.
Baptism was also only administered in Scripture under the proper authority. Baptism is regulated by the Word of God. The authority to Baptize was given to the church in Matthew 28. A study of this authority will take one down this path:
John the Baptist was the first baptizer and had his authority from God (John 1:6). Jesus and the 12 baptized by John (Acts 1:21-22) and it was the church that was given the authority upon the great commission. 3,000 were baptized and added to that church at Pentecost (Acts 2:41). Phillip was sent out by that church and baptized, Peter was sent out of that church and baptized. From this church and its work of evangelism, other churches were started who also, upon their beginning of being a church, had the authority passed on to them to baptize. The apostle Paul was sent out of one such church, the church at Antioch, in Acts 13 with the authority to Baptize. This authority was passed on from church to church from generation to generation down THIS LINE of 'My Church'es.
Baptism from pretending churches was never accepted by the true church. The true churches demanded a 're-baptism' if the subject had not been Scripturally baptized (thus the term ana-baptist applied to churches such as ours during the times of the reformation).
Baptism has always been important to the true church because it pleases the Lord, proclaims the Gospel, and protects the church. It pleases the Lord in that baptism is the result of souls being saved! It proclaims the Gospel in that the baptism is a picture/type/figure (1 Pt. 3:21; Col 2:12; Rom. 6:4; Matt. 28:19; Gal. 3:26-27) of the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord, the death of our old life to sin and resurrection of the new man to walk in newness of life, our faith in the Trinity, and our putting on of Christ. It protects the church from doctrinal error. Church pretenders have false doctrine taught in their 'churches.' By a true church not accepting their baptism and allowing membership from such churches, it is protecting the church from doctrinal error such as baptismal regeneration, infant baptism, etc. It protects the church from protestant denominationalism. Those that came out of the catholic church retained some/most of the doctrinal errors of the catholic church. Lutherans, Presbyterians, Methodist, Episcopal all believe in some form of baptismal regeneration and sprinkling of infants. The rest of the protestants branched off of them or accept their baptisms thereby welcoming in false doctrine.
The 'My Church'es are not protestant! We have existed since the first century and cannot accept the false baptisms of those that believe falsely. Consider the following:

Baptism is that wherein I was made a child of God.
-Episcopal Catechism

Baptism is a sacrament of the New Testament ordained by Jesus Christ for regeneration, remission of sins.
-Presbyterian Confession

Sanctify this water and grant this child now to be baptized to receive the fullness of thy grace and ever remain in the number of thy faithful and elect children. -Methodist ritual

It is certain our church supposes all who are baptized in their infancy are at the same time born again. -John Wesley

Concerning baptism, it is necessary for salvation and we condemn the anabaptist who hold infants can be saved without it. -Lutherans Augsburg Confession

Baptism protects the true church from inter/non denominationalism and the ecumenical hellish doctrine.
There are many pretending to be churches, but cannot be a true church, for a true church is made up of only believers who have been Scripturally baptized.
Now, let us look closer.....

Prove It!

2010-06-30T09:17:00.000-07:00

So with all the so many 'churches' in existence today, can we prove what churches are truly His Churches and which ones are pretenders? This is a matter of great importance. The world's religions push an ecumenical theme where all churches are accepted and should get along. This is a belief from Hell itself and will be used by the anti-christ and his prophet one day in uniting the world. A true Christian should have no part in this! It is the Devil that has brought all the confusion and intermarriage of belief. It is time more people stood up for Truth!
Churches that are 'My Churches' cannot join in with Billy Graham and have an ecumenical evangelistic campaign side by side with pretenders. 'My Churches' cannot accept the baptisms of infant sprinklers, works salvation preaching, pretenders. 'My Churches' cannot join hand in hand with those assemblies that have not Authority from on High, do not preach the doctrine of Christ, and hold no areas of separation from an ungodly world.
Due to a 'Fundamentalist' movement from Bob Jones and the like, 'My Churches' did join hands with the unscriptural, and sadly, most still cling today to the error of those before them. We proudly proclaim we are 'Fundamentalist', when it was the fundamentalist that sought to unite the 'My Churches' with the pretenders on the grounds of a few shared beliefs. Most Baptist churches and schools have a 'Christian Flag' that they pledge to, that was birthed by a Methodist and embraced by all protestants as a means of uniting 'My churches' with pretenders. (We should only pledge our allegiance spiritually to our Saviour and not "to the Christian flag AND to the Saviour..."...that was free.)
We have allowed protestant teaching to become our foundation in our Christian schools through Abeka, Bob Jones, and similar curriculum. In them you will read of the Wesleys, Luther, Calvin and the Puritans as our spiritual forefathers and to whom we owe our allegiance-Wrong! There were Baptist who stood for truth to whom we owe a great deal of gratitude today. Men like Isaac Backus, John Clarke, Obadiah Holmes, and Shubal Stearns were men who stood for truth in the face of persecutors who believed like Luther, Calvin and the Puritans.
Can we prove this? Are the 'My Churches' so different than the pretenders? At one time there was a great gulf between the two, but due to a lack of knowledge in Biblical Doctrine, our Baptist Heritage, and the teachings of most Christian school curriculum, the gulf between the two has been greatly diminished...all part of Satan's ecumenical plan. Marks of this tragedy is seen in a belief in pastoral absolute (pope) rule or plurality of elders teachings, open and close communion accepted, alien baptism accepted in the church, 'empire building' ministries that 'rule'-I mean greatly influence smaller churches, etc.
1. The 'My Churches' can be identified today in studying history. As stated before, if your church can trace its history back to a man-it is pretending to be a church. Consider the following:
a. Catholic church had its beginning with Constantine in the 4th century.
b. Lutheran church had its beginning with Martin Luther in 1520.
c. Episcopalian church had its beginning with Henry VIII in 1534.
d. Presbyterian church had its beginning with John Calvin in 1536.
e. The Congregational church had its beginning with Robert Brown in 1580.
f. The Methodist church had its beginning with John Wesley in 1740.
g. The Church of Christ had its beginning (ironically) with Alexander Campbell in 1827.
Of course we do not even mention men like Joseph Smith, Mohamed, or Mary Baker Eddy to name a few. The 'My Churches' began with the speaker of that phrase-Jesus Christ!
2. 'My Churches' will have doctrinal unity. The New Testament church today will believe the same doctrines as the first church. They will have continued in the 'apostles doctrine' and faith. Doctrine is of great importance. If a church holds to false doctrine, has held to false doctrine, and has ignored teaching of Truth-they are merely pretending to be a true church. This is why areas such as discipline, the ordinances, doctrine, and our commission is of great importance.
Can a church go wrong and then repent and be right? Definitely! Can I prove it! We shall see...

My Church's Birth

2010-06-16T06:21:00.000-07:00

So when did the Lord's church, "My Church" (Matt. 16:18), begin? A study of Scriptures should make this event clear. The first church was organized out of the material prepared by John the Baptist (Acts 1:22). John received his authority to baptize from heaven (Mt. 21:25). Jesus and all the apostles including Matthias were baptized by John (Acts 1:21-22). Jesus took this material prepared by John the Baptist and organized His church.
"My Church" was in existence during the earthly ministry of Christ. Jesus said in Matt. 16:18, "I Will build my church," meaning during the days of His ministry on earth He would begin building it. In Matt. 18, the authority of discipline was placed in the church during Christ's earthly ministry. According to Heb. 2:12 and Mark 14:26, Christ sang God's praise in the midst of the church. According to Acts 1:15-26 and John 13:29, the church had a treasurer and organization during Christ's earthly ministry. Christ also gave the Great commission to the church in Matthew 28:16-20.
The church, therefore, was established in the days of Jesus' ministry here on this earth. It is in the Gospels, during the ministry of Christ that we see a true church by definition: "a local visible body of organized baptized believers. Many look to Pentecost as being the birth of His church; but on that day 3,000 were 'added' unto them. There has to be something already in existence in order to be added unto, thus the church was already in existence.
Thus the church began during the ministry of Christ while on this earth. That was the birth of His church. It was that church that was given instruction for discipline (Matt. 18), command to keep the ordinances (Matt. 26 & 28), and the Great Commission (Matt. 28:19-20). It was that church through preaching and the work of evangelists, that reproduced itself and literally turned the world upside down (Acts 17:6). Our Lord gave to His church the ordinances, discipline, doctrine, the commission, His power, and His authority; and according to Ephesians, there is truly only one Lord, one faith, and one baptism (vs. 5).
So if a church traces its beginning to a man and not Christ, does not keep the ordinances, practice discipline, continue in doctrine nor fulfill the commission; it's only pretending.

"My Church"

2010-06-08T10:54:00.000-07:00

No, I am not referring to Cozaddale Baptist Temple specifically; for the “My” I refer to is a pronoun referring to the Lord Jesus. You see, in Matthew 16:18 Jesus said, “…upon this rock I will build my church;and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” The Lord promised perpetuity to the church-His church. Now at that time there were no other ‘churches’ around, but Jesus was making it clear that this promise was for His church.
Today there are many ‘churches.’ One can open a phone book and find Catholic churches, Presbyterian, Wesleyan, Lutheran, Episcopalian, Jehovah’s Witness, Pentecostal, Orthodox, Synagogues, Latter Day Saints, Community Churches, nondenominational, interdenominational, mosques, Adventist, Anglican, charismatic, Calvinistic, Congregationalist, Mennonite, Quaker, Assembly of God, Methodist, Swedonborgian, Bible Church, Church of God, Church of Christ, Church of the living Hope, Friends church, and (my favorite) the Protestant Episcopal Church of the United States-just to name a few.
Then there are Baptist churches. Can we say that ‘Baptist’ churches are ‘His Church?’ Well, there are Alliance Baptist, American Baptist, Reformed Baptist, Affirming Baptist, Bible Baptist, General Association Baptist, Free Will Baptist, Primitive Baptist, Evangelical Free Baptist, Regular Baptist, Independent Baptist, Old Regular Baptist, Missionary Baptist, Separate Baptist, Seventh Day Baptist, Southern Baptist, United Baptist, World-Wide Baptist…I could go on.
Why are there so many ‘churches?’ Is it not any wonder that people are confused and frustrated with religion? Well, let’s just say ‘God is not the author of confusion.’(1 Cor. 14:33). This is one of the master plans of Satan to deceive masses of people. Millions are involved in false churches proclaiming a false doctrine (2 John 10) and are going to Hell. The question we must answer is-“What church is ‘My Church’ as Christ so designated it?
If a church preaches salvation but does not follow Biblical doctrine, is it still ‘My Church?’ If a church preaches salvation but does not keep the ordinances, is it still ‘My Church?’ If it does not matter what doctrine you hold and preach or how you observe the ordinances, then why did our Lord spend so much time teaching and presenting them? Why bother in the fight to uphold and protect doctrine? Why did Paul admonish Timothy to preach doctrine and the Corinthian church to keep the ordinances?
If there is a type of church that is ‘My Church’, then are all others not pretenders? This is a matter of great importance that many do not wish to discuss, decide, or designate; but we must! For the Lord’s promise of perpetuity, power, and purpose are only for the ‘My Church.’

Non/Inter Denominational Stuff

2010-06-03T11:45:00.000-07:00

First, my apologies for taking a hiatus from writing the past two weeks. I have priorities, and must meet them...I went fishing at Lake Erie last Monday and was picnicking and fishing this past Memorial Day, but I will do my best to 'catch' up.
Having studied church practices and church preaching, let us now turn towards church pretenders.
What I mean by 'church pretenders' are organizations that say they are a church, but fail to meet our Lord's guidelines in actually being a church. There are many (too many) religious organizations that claim to be a church, but being a church is more than steeples, stain glassed windows, and a sign. There are many places claiming to be a place that 'changes lives and sets people free,but few that hold to doctrine and the Truths of God's Word. Recently, a church member asked me "How to deal with and speak to someone from a non-denominational church." They gave me the name of the 'church' they attended and I began to pray, study, and research that organization. I would tell you to visit their website, but really don't want to promote them in any way, so 'W'hat 'W'ould 'W'e be looking at if we visited that site? We would be at a 'crossroads' that traps many people in their 'net.'
There you could read about a typical non/interdenominational pretend to be church. You can find Jesus' name if you really look hard, but will easily find 100 references to their free coffee! You will realize you can be saved if you believe 'in this stuff.' and that a church is anyone saved who has conversations about 'real stuff.' I hope I have made myself clear, I can't make this stuff up!
You can (but I seriously do not recommend you do) listen to the 'pastors' last sermon on living "Lavishly." That God created us to enjoy pleasure and the reason people have secret addictions and affairs is because they feel guilty openly enjoying pleasure. He preaches to drink (he prefers beer), buy things for your pleasure, and make yourself happy! His four 'points' to his sermon are

1. Do What Feels Good
2. Do things that allow you to lose track of time
3. Do things that renew energy
4. Pleasing yourself with pleasure reminds you how good God is.

AMEN?
This is blasphemy! I do not write this is a spirit of arrogance or vice, but rather of warning; this is what constitutes many 'churches' today. This is not to take us by surprise though. Peter wrote in 2 Peter 2, "But there were false prophets among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bough them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of." Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 4, "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." We must mark them and avoid them! Warn of them! They have alot of 'stuff' to share and say, but that all it is-stuff.
A church is rather to be the pillar and ground of truth (1 Tim. 3:15). We will examine our Lord's true churches and do our best to expose the Devil's false ones.

Expositional Explaining Expository Exclaiming

2010-05-17T07:24:00.000-07:00

For many in our "IFB" movement a LOUD service equals a powerful service. The preacher will carry his microphone and preach with it half down his throat yelling and hollering and begging for "amens" and "Preach-ons". As long as the preacher and half the congregation leaves hoarse, then 'God was in the service.' Well, volume does not equal power. Changed lives is a fruit of God's power!
The power of God is not found in volume, but rather in the Scriptures. You see, power is a direct product of proper authority.
For instance, the Lord in giving the Great Commission said in Matthew 28:

All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things...

The Authority brought the power!
We also see in Acts 1 the following:

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me...

The Authority brought power!
The Lord said to a centurion once that He had not ever seen so great a faith as the faith he expressed. Why was that? Well, when the centurion sought to have his servant healed of Christ, he had faith that Christ could do just that; but his words were as follows in Luke 7:8

For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.

You will notice that the centurion knew Christ had the power to heal because he too was "a man set under authority." Not just a man with authority, but also under authority. You see, power comes from being under the proper authority.
This is why the power of God is evident in the home when the children are subject to the parents, the wife subject to the husband, and the husband subject to the Lord and His Word. This is why the power of God is evident in ministries done through the local church and under the church's authority (Eph. 3:21). This is why our preaching, if it is to have the power of God, is to be contextual and centered upon the Word of God!
Paul in his final words to Timothy said in chapter 4:

I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

Paul told Timothy to Preach! Let us examine his thoughts on preaching:
I. The Cause of Preaching (vs. 1)
The word 'charge' there means to testify or bring to remembrance. Paul was reminding Timothy of why he had better take preaching serious...we will give an account before God someday. It would be of great benefit for every preacher to remind himself before taking the pulpit that we will give an account before God for how we use that pulpit. Our duty is the 'perfecting of the saints.' (Eph. 4:11-12). To teach them the Word of God, and we will most definitely give an account (Heb. 13:17). We will not give an account for our jokes, stories, illustrations, or volume; but we will give an account for preaching the Word!
II. The Command to Preach (vs. 2a)
Paul says here to 'Preach the Word!' In this you see a few thoughts:
A. Authority
The word preach there means a 'heralder.' A ruler would have a heralder to make announcements in a clear, loud voice. He was not an ambassador who made negotiations, but a heralder that made proclamations! The idea of a heralder is that he was not THE AUTHORITY, but he proclaimed the message of the Authority!
B. Action
Paul says "Preach". There is no substitute for preaching! God has ordained preaching as His means of proclaiming the Word (1 Cor. 1:21; Titus 1:3). God did not ordain cantatas, dramas, or social events as His means of proclaiming the Word...it is preaching!
C. Article
We are to preach 'The Word.' Not the Sword of the Lord, not another man's commentary, not a hobby horse; but preach the Word. Our people and our churches are truly being destroyed from a lack of knowledge of the Word of God!
D. Appointments
We are to preach the Word "in season, out of season." A true preacher of the Word of God will not seek excuses to not preach, but will seek for opportunities to preach! He will be ready, willing, and wanting to preach! A fire will be burning!(Jer. 20:9)
III. The Components of Preaching (vs. 2)
Preaching of the Word should consist of three actions according to this Scripture:
1. Reproving-Convicting, exposing, and correcting faults
2. Rebuking-Chiding to raise the value of, purposed to make better
3. Exhorting-Calling to one's side to strengthen and encourage.
I read a quote about preaching that said this:

Preaching is afflicting the comfortable and comforting the afflicted.

If we encourage those that need rebuking, we assist in their sin; if we rebuke those that need encouraging, we push them towards sin.
IV. The Composure in Preaching (vs. 2)
When one preaches the Word, it must be done "with all longsuffering." Topical preaching has its place and is a good thing! The draw to topical preaching is that it excites and motivates people to make an instant decision! Preaching the Word and allowing folks to perfect (mature) in their knowledge of the Word of God will not produce immediate excitement or even decisions. We judge every service by 'how many came to the altar;' when we ought to judge a service by 'how many lives were changed in the weeks and months to follow.' Preaching through the Word of God must be done with longsuffering and patience.
V. The Core of Preaching (vs. 2)
Preaching must be, above all else centered on doctrine! Paul even goes on to warn in verse 3 that a time is coming (is it here?) when people will not endure sound doctrine! Preachers must center their preaching times not on telling stories, testimonies, jokes, illustrations, or other fluff; but rather doctrine.

True preaching is the explanation and application of Bible doctrine. Anything else is religious speech making.

Oh that we would get back to doctrinal preaching. We have a generation of 'IFB' churches that have been raised on a diet of topical, easy listening preaching that know very little doctrine and as a result are being swept away into false churches and teaching.
VI. The Calamity (vs. 3-4)
Paul warns Timothy in charging him to preach the Word that people "will turn away their ears from truth..." We are living in a day when many folks do not desire the healthy doctrinal preaching of the Word; but rather just have a taste for the carnal weak novelties of easy listening preaching. People would rather be told how much God loves them and how good they are, than to learn doctrine, see truth, and truly see a reflection of ourselves in the mirror of God's Word.
Oh that we would get back to Preaching the Word!

The Great Sermon Hunt!

2010-05-10T07:34:00.000-07:00

The recent success is hanging up as a trophy on the wall, the gun still hot from projecting its lethal bullet, and already the hunter begins preparation for his next conquest....many preachers know exactly of what I speak. The final "Amens" have been said, the pats on the back received, an enjoyed Sunday night meal at Wendys with a few church folks who still are laughing at the four five-minute stories shared in the 30 minute message delivered that night, and finally a good night's rest. Then...it begins....
What am I going to preach next week? First, a quick glance through some past sermons; if you're lucky, you might 'be led' to preach one that is already done and hasn't been preached for a few years. No luck!
We begin searching through our favorite books: "Simple Sermons on Salvation"for Sunday morning, "10 Practical Sermons on Serving the King" for Sunday night, and "50 Ready to Preach Sermon Outlines" for our mid-week service. Bummer, we have already preached 100 of them last year.
Hey! There's the "Sword of the Lord." We begin skimming the paper looking at the italics trying to find the main points. Unfortunately, we had Dr. PreachRight here at our church last year and he preached that same message. But, the other sermon on the front page...well...let's just say "Sunday Night-Done."
It's lunch time now on Monday and we go and take our lunch break, follow it up with a few games of solitaire on the computer, check our facebook, update twitter, and call a missionary and schedule him for next month (one sermon down for next month!). Time to go home!
Tuesday comes and after a quick two hour computer check on things, we then begin 'studying' again. We need a mid-week message and a Sunday morning message. We then go to our favorite web pages.... www.sermonseeds.org; sermonnotebook.org; and sermoncentral.com. There it is! "Prayer Revisited"

I. Privacy of Prayer
II. Power of Prayer
III. Persistence of Prayer
IV. Partnership of Prayer
V. Pattern of Prayer

And...the references are all given as well. Shew! Mid-week done! Time for lunch, facebook, solitaire, etc!
Wednesday begins, and the hunt is almost over. All we need now is a Sunday morning sermon-but wait, the phone rings and we need to go to the hospital to visit a parishioner. By the time we visit with them, stop for lunch, and swing by the store; well, it's time to get ready to preach that Prayer sermon and go to church.
Thursday is our day off. We shall rest.
Friday begins with some computer catching up, a quick call to check on the member at the hospital, and now it's time to study for a Sunday Morning Sermon. We bring out the big guns now...our "Spurgeon Sermons Five Volume Set." We will need to change alot of the wording as our folks would have a hard time following a non-alliterated message, but we could make it work. Or wait, maybe we could listen to a sermon on biblepreaching.com or sermonaudio.com or the like. It would require 40 minutes to listen and write down the points, but time well spent 'studying.' Yes, there it is, a sermon by Ralph Sexton Jr. "Making Much of Jesus." It did require 68 minutes of listening and writing down main points (of course we were able to continue our solitaire conquest while listening), but we are done studying! Time to go home and enjoy our Friday night Smackdown episode and maybe an episode of Survivor.
Saturday morning we get up at the crack of 9 and head towards church. There we meet with everyone and go out soul winning. We were able to get 12 people "repeat a prayer" and have 12 illustrations for "Making Much of Jesus." We then go home and enjoy a few hours of rest before Sunday. It's been a rough week, alot of studying and visiting, but we have our sermons and are ready for another Sunday.
But then Monday, the hunt begins!

It would be funny; if it weren't so true for so many.

Oh that men of God would get back to preaching the Word of God. That more time would be spent in prayer, fasting, and contextual study and preaching of the Word. I am not against using other folks ideas, sermons, and thoughts...just fear that there are those who if the computer and all books were removed other than a Bible, they would struggle in finding a sermon. I fear there is more time spent looking up illustrations than there are Scriptures. Our people are being lost to false doctrine, false churches, and lies and deceptions. May we preach the Word!

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,
Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:
Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
But ye have not so learned Christ;
If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:
That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
And be renewed in the spirit of your mind

Preach the Word!

2010-05-03T07:51:00.000-07:00

It is Monday morning, and already the mind of the preacher is focused on next Sunday's message. What should be preached this week? For years being Jr. Church director and youth pastor, this was my life. Then I became pastor, and let's just say the pressure became immensely more with preaching four times a week!
A few years into being pastor, I was speaking to another pastor about sermons we had recently preached. He then made a statement to me that changed my life in regards to preaching:

"Pastor Burke, I have a great sermon worked out, I just need to find a Scripture to go with it."

Now, you might not think much about that statement, but it started my wheels turning. He did have a great message, and there was alot of 'hooting and shoutn' going on when he preached it; but the reference he used was at best-a stretch.
My mind went to 2 Timothy 4:2 that reads "Preach the word".
God began to speak to my heart. You see, there is a difference between giving a speech and preaching...at least there should be. Giving a speech can motivate, educate, and regulate a people for a time, but preaching changes lives for eternity. What is the difference? Preaching is proclaiming the Word of God!

I was somewhat surprised at the poll from last week. What kind of preaching do you enjoy listening too? Expository led the way by one vote over Topical and Personal Testimony. I would think that this typifies my readers, but probably not Baptist Churches; but I do believe that what we need most is expository preaching.
I'm not against 'in your face, get right with God you dirty sinner preaching.' Matter a fact, I involve myself in that quite often! But I just fear we have had a diet in our churches of too much fluff and show and not enough meat and vegetables.

Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD: Amos 8:11

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.
Hosea 4:6

And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them.
Mark 2:2

Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.
Acts 8:4

But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour;
Titus 1:3

One area of great weakness in our churches today is a lack of knowledge of the Word of God. We do know, for the most part, what we believe-but being able to show someone in the Word why we believe it is a different story. We do know the pet-peeves of the preachers that frequent our pulpits. We do know the top 5 sermons from Sword of the Lord. We have heard 75 different sermons on David and Goliath, Digging Wells, and Watching out for Wolves, but we have no idea what Ephesians is about. We have little knowledge of the books of Jude, Amos, and Malachi (other than that is where tithing is, right?); and don't even dare turn to Song of Solomon! Revelation is for the prophecy experts, and we will leave Genesis up to Ken Hamm. But, if you want to know "Seven Reasons Why Men Don't Get Saved" well, we've got 21 of them.
You see, this year I have been working on getting into better shape. I have lost 32 pounds thus far and have a lot more to go; and I haven't started Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, or used Dr. Atkins diet, I just started making better choices and eating things that are better for me.
Instead of my Reese's cups, I eat a mandarin orange. Instead of a bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit in the morning from McD's, I eat a protein bar. You know what? I feel better, I am losing excess baggage, and my desire for the 'fluff' is pretty much gone.
I believe if more preacher's got back to expository, preaching the Word preaching, giving meat and vegetables instead of fluff to their flocks, we might mature as a people, shed some that sin baggage we carry around, and our desire for the 'fluff' sermons will dissipate as well.
And, you know what else, on Monday mornings I don't have to start the "Great Sermon Hunt" anymore, the Lord has already directed the passage we are to study by just going through the Word!
May God help us to Preach the Word!

What to Preach?

2010-04-26T10:04:00.000-07:00

Church has become about a lot of things such as specials, offerings, activities, block parties, cantatas, Easter programs, food pantries, youth ministries and more; but may it never get away from its foundation of preaching!
Having grown up in a preacher's home, being a 'third generation preacher, and now pastoring myself, the question seemingly constantly being asked is "What are you preaching on this week?"
As a child, I asked that question and rarely gave much thought as to what all went into that preparation. For the next few weeks, I will share some things I have found out in regards to sermon preparation and how God leads as to what to preach. I am 34, am the farthest thing from an expert, and should the Lord allow me 34 more years of preaching the Word, I probably would change my writings on this subject 34 times at least. But for now, let me share what I have learned.
"What to Preach?" When I was an associate pastor and preached each week in our Jr. Church, this stressful question seemed ever present each and every week. What am I going to preach on?
One would think, with such a big Book such as the Bible, there would be plenty to preach on. Then one thinks, men have been preaching out of this Book for nearly 2,000 years, what is there left to preach on?
There are so many different types of sermons, styles to preach, and reasons to preach on...how does one go about preaching the right sermon for the right week?
Alfred Gibbs has written a good book on preaching titled "The Preacher and His Preaching." He gives Six types of sermons in his book:

1. Personal Testimony
2. Expository
3. Textual
4. Topical
5. Historical Incident
6. Biographical

If today's typical preacher would be honest, there is a seventh type of sermon now-a-days, the Internet inspired.One can just 'google' a topic such as "sermon on tithing" and find enough sermons to preach a conference on. Sort of weak though, isn't it? This type of preaching is weakening our churches and men of God and aids only to laziness and complacency and a great lack of fire from on high.
Now don't get me wrong, I do not think it is wrong to borrow from another man's brain. My dad has told me often concerning thoughts I have from the Word of God,

I am going to take that and make a real sermon out of it.

I just believe that there are too many Internet preaching pastors out there that need to spend less time 'googling' and more time studying and praying.
So, with the Lord's help, I will share what I have learned in regards to this area of sermon preparation, delivery, and archiving. Perhaps it can be of help to some one in some day ahead.

How Many Baptist Does it Take to Change a Lightbulb?

2010-04-12T16:01:00.000-07:00

We have studied many areas in the church and examined them in accordance to the Bible. We have taken a fresh look at salvation, singing specials in church, women singing specials in church, passing the plate for the offering, the invitation, public praying, the Lord's supper, bus and Sunday school give aways, children absent from our church services, and our missions programs.
Missionary Brian Elam recently visited our church and I greatly enjoyed our time together. In one of our conversations, he stated, "We do not need to ask ourself if something is wrong, but rather, 'What does God think about this'?" I believe that statement truly wraps up my intention for the past four month's posts. I have endeavored on cozaddale chronicles to take a fresh look at these areas in relation to God's Word.
The question is, are we so ingrained in our traditions that we will not consider change, or will we be sensitive to the teachings of God's Word?
In regards to salvation, are we consumed more with the lost saying a prayer and finding assurance in their prayer, or rather obtaining an understanding and repenting and believing? Far too many are doubting their salvation today because they have been told to base their salvation on their prayer and not on the finished work of Christ.
In regards to ladies singing in church, are they not "teaching and admonishing in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs"; and is a woman supposed to teach a man?
In regards to prayer, our Lord specifically instructs the disciples not to pray as the hypocrites, standing up publicly with repetition. There are no Scriptures to be found of public prayer in the church. Nor are there Scriptures for passing an offering plate, bus give aways, jr. churches, or mission boards. The question should not be "Is it Wrong?" Rather, what does God think on these matters? Are there principles and commands in Scripture that the above not align with? If so, should we not change?
We cannot allow traditions and 'the way we've always done it' to rationalize our practices. Men's ideas and philosophies, if contrary to Scripture invalidates our worship. Matthew 15 reads,

"This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men."

So, how many Baptist does it take to change a light bulb?
Answer: 'CHANGE?????'

Missions on Target

2010-04-06T11:13:00.000-07:00

The Lord started His church with His disciples and gave to them the Great Commission to make disciples, baptize, and then instruct them in all things. Our Lord instructed them in Matt. 28 saying:

All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things whatsover I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Then in Acts 1:8 before His ascension he said again,

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

These things are important in regards to missions. Our Lord traveled 60 miles to be baptized by John the Baptist. His disciples were also baptized of John the Baptist. It was to this first church that He gave the authority to go and evangelize, baptize, and instruct in all things. This Authority wrought power, and this power wrought results. The entire world was turned upside down (Acts 17:6) as a result of this Authority, power, and obedience to this command.
He had earlier given to the church the authority to discipline (Matt. 18), to administer the Lord's Supper (Matt. 26), and now to baptize (Matt. 28). From this point on, all examples of mission work was done through the local church. It was the local church that sent out its missionaries (Acts 8 & 13). Paul's epistle reads:

Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Eph. 3:21

That church Jesus started began other churches to which was passed the Authority and Power to start other churches. Thus in a relatively short time, there were churches at Antioch, Galatia, Ephesus, Babylon, Corith, Pergamus, Rome, ...Cincinnati, Ohio; Loveland, Ohio; Goshen, Ohio; Hillsboro, Ohio; Bullhead City, Arizona; Magdellena, Mexico; Tata, Hungary; etc.
I am not one that holds to the thought that you have to be able to trace back your church to the Lord's; but I am one that believes that your church ought to leave the same 'print' as the Lord's. I don't know that it is humanly possible to trace back every church's history today...I've tried with ours, but hit dead ends very quickly.
I'm getting off track....back to missions. It is the church's responsibility to send out it's missionaries. I have heard and read of all the reasons why a 'mission board' or 'clearing house' are 'necessary;' but I can't find those para-church organizations in the Bible. The church was given the authority and power and I believe that a church under that authority, with that power, is more than capable to handle the missionaries God calls from that body. To think otherwise is to doubt the omnipotence of God, the promises of God, and the calling of God. Why would God call out of your body a man to send to the mission field that a church was not able to send forth? God will never ask from us what He does not supply for us.
I know that the clearing houses and boards are of mostly good intention and are seeing people get saved and works being established. Yet, we still read in 2 Timothy 2

And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully

In order for there to be God's reward, there must be obedience to God's law.
I believe we have in our churches strayed away from God's plan somewhat. In His Word we read:
Jesus started a church, gave the authority to that church which started another church there at Antioch. That church sent out with the authority men like Paul who started other churches which continued this process. Paul was sent by his church. Other churches sent gifts (2 Cor. 8:2) of which Paul was greatly thankful.
We have developed a system where 'Church A' supports 50 missionaries at $60 a month ($3,000 month). Church A has a man in their church called to the field of Somewhere Out There and prepares to go. The church does not have the 'time, means, or finances to send that missionary out'. So, that man spends the next four years traveling around the country exposing his family to church atmospheres he normally would not attend for the cause of support. He will expand his waist line 6 inches from the lack of exercise and eating out constantly. Will struggle to properly educate and train his children from a lack of time. Could experience some 'spoiling' as he travels. Drifts away from his home church and pastor's heart. Picks up some unfortunate habits along the way. Finally reaches his goal, returns to his home church and meets the 1/4 of the church he does not know. A portion of his support from other churches now goes to a mission agency outside his local church. He is 'approved to go' by that board and heads out to the field, only to find the field has gotten much harder (or he has become somewhat weaker), his children have become some what rebellious (from a lack of time and investment from parents), and he just doesn't agree with his pastor on some 'minor issues' any longer.
Unfortunately these things do happen. We have gotten off target!
How I praise the Lord for the three missionaries Cozaddale sends out. How I look forward to the next missionary we are able to commission and send out. But wouldn't it be great if we were able to send him out and take care of the greater part of his needs? Wouldn't it be great if he need only visit a few very like minded churches who can send 'gifts' to help his needs? Wouldn't it be great that his pastor and he share a heart, vision, and doctrine?
We wouldn't be able to 'glory' in the 50-100 missionaries OUR CHURCH SUPPORTS, but we just might find that a greater work gets done and at a quicker rate, and by a means that glorifies our Lord.
Just something to think on.