Third and Long

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!