A Definite Division

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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!