Temple Baptist Church - 1-9-2011
2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 4:12
Introduction:
A. We have seen what Baptists are not in the first message. That certainly needed to be clarified because many people who claim to be Baptists are everything except Baptists.
B. We have seen that true Baptists are separatists! It is for this reason that our forefathers died in the fires of persecution. Not for being offensive but for being non-conformists!
C. I want us to see that true Baptists are actually Biblicists. We got our name from the Roman Catholic Church who called us Anabaptists. The Anabaptists were separatists who rejected infant baptism and believed that the outward, external church should consist only of saved and baptized believers. They would re-baptize those who professed Christ who had previously been baptized as infants. The preposition ana means “again,” thus Anabaptists were those who “baptized again.”
D. Let us look at the word tradition for a few minutes. Most churches follow traditions or some sort or another.
E. First, we need to understand what a tradition is: The word tradition comes from the Latin word traditio which means "to hand down" or "to hand over." It is used in a number of ways in the English language:
1. Beliefs or customs taught by one generation to the next, often orally.
2. A set of customs or practices. For example, we can speak of Christmas traditions.
3. That which is brought forth into the present from the past and repeated over a long sequence of time. For such acts or practices, once performed, disappear unless they have been transformed into some manner of communicable information.
F. The Bible says much about traditions, both pro and con:
1. Pro: Not all Baptist traditions are bad ones - 2 Thessalonians 2:15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. (These traditions are beneficial in the running of the local church and keep down confusion and chaos.)
2. Con: Not all Baptists Traditions are Bible based and some are detrimental - Matthew 15:9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching [for] doctrines the commandments of men.
a) Breaking Of Unbiblical Traditions Often Bring About Censure - Matthew 15:2 Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.
b) Unbiblical Traditions Become A Problem When They Contradict Scripture - Matthew 15:3, 6 But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?...And honour not his father or his mother, [he shall be free]. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.
Mark 7:8-9 For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, [as] the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.
Colossians 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
G. Examples of traditions that are not bad:
1. Commemorating The Lord’s Supper At Certain Times: some churches observe the Lord’ Supper on the fifth Sunday while others either each week or at various times. The Bible says, “As oft.” Whenever the church decides to observe the Lord’s Supper is up to them and others can vary and be just as biblical. We observe it on the fifth Sunday but do not teach it as a commandment of God.
2. Joining The Church: this was started for a very good reason. It was to keep church hopping trouble makers from stirring up trouble and then simply going to a sister church and starting over. They were required to bring a “letter of recommendation” from the church that was left. This was not a generic form from Broadman Press but an actual letter giving either recommending the precious believer or exposing the troublemaker. In the New Testament Churches, people were saved and assembled! “And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” I find no place in the Word of God where anyone ever “walked down an isle and joined a church.” I am all for someone walking down an isle, giving a testimony of saving grace, and placing their stamp of approval on the church by joining but we have people at Temple Baptist who have been with us for almost 20 years who never “joined.” They are faithful tithers, soul winners, Sunday School teachers, choir members, youth workers, etc. I know that many will disagree with me at this point but all they have to do is give me chapter and verse (plain verses and not “I believe this meant”) and I will reconsider where I stand. I do not censure them for where they stand.
H. What separates the “true Baptist” from virtually every other religion or denomination is their source of authority. Four things can be your authority spiritually:
a. The Church – that is Catholicism
b. Personal Experience – that is Pentecostalism
c. Human Reason – that is Intellectualism
d. The Bible – that is Fundamentalism
I. BAPTISTS ARE BIBLICISTS!
WHAT ARE BIBLICISTS?
1. Biblicists Stand For Inspiration And Preservation Of Holy Scripture.
a. Holy Men Were The Vessels - 2 Peter 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake [as they were] moved by the Holy Ghost.
b. Holy Spirit Was The Vehicle - 2 Peter 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake [as they were] moved by the Holy Ghost.
The King James Bible is the inerrant, infallible, inspired, perfectly preserved Word of God! If any other so called Bible were on the same plane with the King James, then neither would be inerrant, infallible, inspired, or perfectly preserved—therefore, not the Word of God but containing the “words of God.”
1) Perfect Scripture Is Essential To Salvation
2) Perfect Scripture Is Essential To Spiritual Growth
3) Perfect Scripture Is Essential To Service
2. Biblicists Stand For The Final Authority Of Holy Scripture In Both Faith And Practice.
a. The Bible Is Final Authority For Evangelizing The Lost
b. The Bible Is Final Authority For Operating The Church
c. The Bible Is Final Authority For Rebuking The Sinful
d. The Bible Is Final Authority For Building The Saint
e. The Bible Is Final Authority For Correcting The Apostate
f. The Bible Is Final Authority For Building The Home
g. The Bible Is Final Authority For Raising The Children
h. The Bible Is Final Authority For Encouraging The Discouraged
Conclusion: I have an opinion and you have an opinion. Everyone has an opinion except God. God has no opinion. He has absolute Truth! True Baptists hold His Word to be Final Authority for both faith and practice.
Showing posts with label baptists. Show all posts
Showing posts with label baptists. Show all posts
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Sunday, January 2, 2011
We Are Baptist! - Part 3
Temple Baptist Church - 1-2-2011
Matthew 28:18-20
Introduction:
A. In these last days, we often hear the so-called Christians say, “It doesn’t matter where you go to church as long as you go.”
B. I want to make it clear tonight that it is all important where you attend church! You need to know that you are eternally saved through the blood of Christ and then be in a good Bible preaching church.
C. The Bible says much about doctrine. It says to remain under sound doctrine. It says to separate from unsound doctrine. It says to preach and teach with all longsuffering and doctrine. “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you!” You cannot be obedient to this verse in a doctrinally unsound church.
D. I feel that this message is one of great importance. I have been preaching on the local church so I believe that it is essential to identify what we are, Baptist, and why we are Baptist.
E. There is much ignorance concerning Baptist churches, both concerning its origin and eschatological purpose. There is much ignorance, both biblical and historical, being preached and taught on this particular subject.
F. We have dealt with what Baptists are not. Not everything with Baptist on the sign is a good Baptist Church. We are not reformers, Protestant, a denomination, Baptist Bride, Calvinist, Arminian, nor are we negative! We are Baptist!
G. We have also seen that Baptists are separatists! We preach doctrinal, ecclesiastical, and personal separation. Not at all popular in our day but all three concepts are both biblical and commanded.
H. I want to look at a few things that make Baptists distinct from churches or denominations:
WHAT MAKES BAPTISTS DISTINCT?
1. Biblical Authority. The Bible is the final authority in all matters of faith and practice. No decree of men or any council of churches can supersede the Bible. Four things can be your authority spiritually:
a. The Church – that is Catholicism
b. Human Experience – that is Pentecostalism
c. Human Reason – that is Intellectualism
d. The Bible – that is Fundamentalism
2 Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. (God’s Word is the final authority for both faith and practice!)
2. Autonomy of the Local, Visible Church. The local church is an independent body accountable only to the Lord Jesus Christ who is its Head. No religious hierarchy outside the local church may dictate a church’s beliefs or practices. The local church is both self-governing and self-sustaining. It is independent in nature and indigenous in nature.
Colossians 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all [things] he might have the preeminence.
3. Priesthood of the Believer. Priests represented man to God and were intercessors. Apostles represented God to man and were ambassadors. Every believer today is a priest of God and may enter into His presence directly through our Great High Priest, Jesus Christ. No human mediator is needed between God and man.
1 Peter 2:5-10 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
4. Two Ordinances. The local church practices only two ordinances, Baptist by immersion in water and the Lord’s Supper or communion.
Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
1 Corinthians 11:25 After the same manner also [he took] the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink [it], in remembrance of me. (1 Corinthians 11:23-32) (These are Ordinances, not Sacraments!) Sacrament defined: a formal religious ceremony conferring a specific grace on those who receive it. These ordinances are for identification and remembrance.
5. Believer’s Baptism. Baptism has no saving grace but symbolizes the believer’s death, burial, and resurrection with Christ. Baptism is total emersion and sprinkling or pouring is not acceptable as baptism. Baptism takes place after the salvation of the believer and is a testimony of God’s saving, changing grace in the life, therefore, pedo-baptism is heretical.
Acts 8:36-39 And as they went on [their] way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, [here is] water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.
6. Individual Soul Liberty. Every individual believer has the liberty and responsibility to believe as his own understanding dictates within the framework of the Word of God. No one is forced to assent to any belief against his or her will, however, this doctrine does not grant a license to sin or to continually oppose the practices of the local church based upon Scripture.
Romans 14:5-8 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day [alike]. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks. For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.
7. Two Offices. Only two Biblically mandated offices exist in the church: pastor and deacon. These two offices exist within the local church. The pastor is the under shepherd and is to take the oversight of the church. He is not a dictator!
1 Peter 5:2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight [thereof], not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind.
Hebrews 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
The deacon is a servant to the church and has no authority.
1 Timothy 3:13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
8. Separation of Church and State. God established both the church and civil government, giving each its own distinctive sphere of operation. When operated within the realm of Scripture, these two establishments compliment one another. The state has no business in the affairs of the church. The church is not a political institution but its membership is responsible to be both good Christians and good citizens.
Matthew 22:21 They say unto him, Caesar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.
1 Peter 2:13-17 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.
9. World Wide Missions. It is the commission of the church to go into the entire world and preach the gospel to every creature. Every creature needs and deserves a preacher. The church is not the local welfare center. It is a soul saving station and base of operations for world wide evangelism.
Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Conclusion: We are Biblicists first and then we are Baptists. If the Baptist errs, the Word of God will not. Our authority is the Bible!
Matthew 28:18-20
Introduction:
A. In these last days, we often hear the so-called Christians say, “It doesn’t matter where you go to church as long as you go.”
B. I want to make it clear tonight that it is all important where you attend church! You need to know that you are eternally saved through the blood of Christ and then be in a good Bible preaching church.
C. The Bible says much about doctrine. It says to remain under sound doctrine. It says to separate from unsound doctrine. It says to preach and teach with all longsuffering and doctrine. “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you!” You cannot be obedient to this verse in a doctrinally unsound church.
D. I feel that this message is one of great importance. I have been preaching on the local church so I believe that it is essential to identify what we are, Baptist, and why we are Baptist.
E. There is much ignorance concerning Baptist churches, both concerning its origin and eschatological purpose. There is much ignorance, both biblical and historical, being preached and taught on this particular subject.
F. We have dealt with what Baptists are not. Not everything with Baptist on the sign is a good Baptist Church. We are not reformers, Protestant, a denomination, Baptist Bride, Calvinist, Arminian, nor are we negative! We are Baptist!
G. We have also seen that Baptists are separatists! We preach doctrinal, ecclesiastical, and personal separation. Not at all popular in our day but all three concepts are both biblical and commanded.
H. I want to look at a few things that make Baptists distinct from churches or denominations:
WHAT MAKES BAPTISTS DISTINCT?
1. Biblical Authority. The Bible is the final authority in all matters of faith and practice. No decree of men or any council of churches can supersede the Bible. Four things can be your authority spiritually:
a. The Church – that is Catholicism
b. Human Experience – that is Pentecostalism
c. Human Reason – that is Intellectualism
d. The Bible – that is Fundamentalism
2 Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. (God’s Word is the final authority for both faith and practice!)
2. Autonomy of the Local, Visible Church. The local church is an independent body accountable only to the Lord Jesus Christ who is its Head. No religious hierarchy outside the local church may dictate a church’s beliefs or practices. The local church is both self-governing and self-sustaining. It is independent in nature and indigenous in nature.
Colossians 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all [things] he might have the preeminence.
3. Priesthood of the Believer. Priests represented man to God and were intercessors. Apostles represented God to man and were ambassadors. Every believer today is a priest of God and may enter into His presence directly through our Great High Priest, Jesus Christ. No human mediator is needed between God and man.
1 Peter 2:5-10 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
4. Two Ordinances. The local church practices only two ordinances, Baptist by immersion in water and the Lord’s Supper or communion.
Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
1 Corinthians 11:25 After the same manner also [he took] the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink [it], in remembrance of me. (1 Corinthians 11:23-32) (These are Ordinances, not Sacraments!) Sacrament defined: a formal religious ceremony conferring a specific grace on those who receive it. These ordinances are for identification and remembrance.
5. Believer’s Baptism. Baptism has no saving grace but symbolizes the believer’s death, burial, and resurrection with Christ. Baptism is total emersion and sprinkling or pouring is not acceptable as baptism. Baptism takes place after the salvation of the believer and is a testimony of God’s saving, changing grace in the life, therefore, pedo-baptism is heretical.
Acts 8:36-39 And as they went on [their] way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, [here is] water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.
6. Individual Soul Liberty. Every individual believer has the liberty and responsibility to believe as his own understanding dictates within the framework of the Word of God. No one is forced to assent to any belief against his or her will, however, this doctrine does not grant a license to sin or to continually oppose the practices of the local church based upon Scripture.
Romans 14:5-8 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day [alike]. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks. For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.
7. Two Offices. Only two Biblically mandated offices exist in the church: pastor and deacon. These two offices exist within the local church. The pastor is the under shepherd and is to take the oversight of the church. He is not a dictator!
1 Peter 5:2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight [thereof], not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind.
Hebrews 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
The deacon is a servant to the church and has no authority.
1 Timothy 3:13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
8. Separation of Church and State. God established both the church and civil government, giving each its own distinctive sphere of operation. When operated within the realm of Scripture, these two establishments compliment one another. The state has no business in the affairs of the church. The church is not a political institution but its membership is responsible to be both good Christians and good citizens.
Matthew 22:21 They say unto him, Caesar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.
1 Peter 2:13-17 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.
9. World Wide Missions. It is the commission of the church to go into the entire world and preach the gospel to every creature. Every creature needs and deserves a preacher. The church is not the local welfare center. It is a soul saving station and base of operations for world wide evangelism.
Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Conclusion: We are Biblicists first and then we are Baptists. If the Baptist errs, the Word of God will not. Our authority is the Bible!
Sunday, November 28, 2010
We Are Baptist! - Part 2 - Baptists Are Separatists!
Temple Baptist Church - 11-28-2010
2 Corinthians 6:14-18
Introduction:
A. A few weeks ago, we saw what Baptists are not!
1. We are not reformers.
2. We are not Protestant.
3. We are not a denomination.
4. We are not Briders
5. We are not Calvinistic.
6. We are not Arminian.
B. We are Baptists! There are many so-called Baptists who do not hold to the doctrinal truths of God’s Word and have labored in their wrestling of the Scripture to the point of gross doctrinal error! I do not and will not apologize for being a Baptist but I do not think that only Baptists are saved or that the Bride of Christ is the Baptist Church!
C. I am a Baptist by conviction, not convenience. I am a fundamental, independent Baptist! Local churches of the New Testament era were fundamental, independent and I see no need of changing God’s program.
D. What makes Baptist churches distinct? Tonight, I want to deal with separatism! This is where “the rubber meets the road” in most churches. True Baptists are separatists! Separation has been taught as a negative and is now as unappealing as the word fundamental. Separation is a good thing, not a bad thing! Separation is that “good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God!” (Romans 12:1-2) Separation is as much for our protection as it is for our identification! We are not only to be separated from something; we are to be separation unto SOMEONE! As Christ suffered without the gate, we are to go unto Him without the camp. Separation is a sign of LOVE, not LEGALISM. Liberal churches have labeled separatism as an independent Baptist thing. Separatism is a Bible commanded thing! Separatists are not “legalists” nor are they “Pharisees.” Most of you know this pastor and I am neither of these. I believe in the “soul liberty” of the believer. Your walk with Christ is between you and God.
E. True Baptists Churches Have Always Been Separatists – Most denominations agree to disagree agreeably when it comes to major doctrinal differences. Their doctrine is set aside based upon the false premise of love and they fellowship and worship together without God’s Truth. Separation is not a negative but a God ordained and commanded blessing! The world views biblical separation in a negative light in order to denounce it but the Word of God not only upholds separation but also commands it! I had rather be on God’s side than to be a member of a denomination, association, or convention that compromises in this vital area of Christian walk. Both fellowship and worship must be based within the boundaries of God’s Word! Our Lord said that the Father sought worship in both truth and spirit. To walk, work, and worship outside of God’s Truth is totally unacceptable to Him. Believers by the multitudes have died over separation as they refused to hold hands, worship, or fellowship with the religionists of their times. What a price has been paid for this separation that now is given up on the slightest whim!
1. Christians Were Recognized And Respected As Christ-like By The Lost - Acts 11:26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
2. Christians Were Recognized And Rejected As Christ-like By The Convicted - Acts 26:28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.
3. Christians Were Recognized And Reviled As Christ-like By The Persecutors - 1 Peter 4:16 Yet if [any man suffer] as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
F. Today, believers are chameleons! They bend and blend with society around them and are only distinguished by their shallow profession of faith!
The following excerpt is taken from a booklet entitled “Why Baptists Are Not Protestants” which was written by Vernon C. Lyons of the Ashburn Baptist Church of Chicago, Ill.
“Twentieth century theologians have streamlined Christianity by reducing all the virtues to one – unity. In our generation the most respectable ‘ism’ is ecumenism. Few people discern that there is a false unity as well as a true unity and the each is purchased at a staggering price.
False church unity, which is the most popular kind, is purchased with freedom as the price. Gospel liberty is obliterated and liberty of conscience becomes impractical, if not impossible. The communion of saints is forfeited for a communion of committees. The minority speaks for the mass and the conscience of the individual Christian is by-passed for the consensus of a committee. This kind of church unity is also attained at the price of truth. Those who major on mergers tend to believe very little and after merging believe still less. They are more noted for their compromise than their convictions. Their spiritual discernment having been dulled, they move in a doctrinal dusk that calls non-churches churches and regard unbelievers as believers. In the mania to merge, fixed truths become forgotten tenets.
True church unity is also costly! It is to be obtained not be compromise, but by conflict. The faith must not be diluted, but defended (Jude 3). It may cost a man his unscriptural creed and his man-made catechism. This kind of unity flows from a humility which is willing to reject human tradition and subject itself to divine truth, as stated in God’s Holy Word. This unity is described by the words, ‘One Lord, one faith, one baptism’ (Eph. 4:5). The beginning of this unity is one Lord. The basis of this unity is one faith. The badge of this unity is one baptism.
This true unity will cost you your prejudice, your pride, and perhaps every your popularity.”
G. Separatism is what cost millions of believers their lives. As Christians, they were quietly “out of step with the world” and were mercilessly persecuted because of it.
Luke 6:22 Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake.
H. This separatism is separated into three distinct areas that we will look at tonight.
1. True Baptists Churches Stand For Ecclesiastical Separation – We are separate in our worship. 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. (They Are Separate In Worship. They Are Separate In Work. Simply stated, true Baptists do not hold hands with, worship with, or support any other religious organization that has compromised the integrity of Scripture! Many churches have sacrificed their sanctification upon the altar of “Popularity” in order to gain numbers.)
2. True Baptists Churches Stand For Doctrinal Separation – We are separate in doctrine. Amos 3:3 Can two walk together, except they be agreed?
Romans 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
2 John 9-11 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. 10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: 11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. (They are separate in walk. True Baptists are not for sale at any price! Many churches have sacrificed their doctrine upon the altar of “Fellowship.”)
3. True Baptists Churches Stand For Personal Separation – We are separate in our walk. Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (King Agrippa said, “Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian!” Christian means one who is like Christ or Christ-like! Believers were called Christians by the lost because of their testimony of Christ-likeness. Our outward demeanor is a reflection of our inward conversion.)
Conclusion: We are not “in your face” with our convictions but, at the same time, our convictions are biblical and, therefore, not for sale! Baptists are separatists!
2 Corinthians 6:14-18
Introduction:
A. A few weeks ago, we saw what Baptists are not!
1. We are not reformers.
2. We are not Protestant.
3. We are not a denomination.
4. We are not Briders
5. We are not Calvinistic.
6. We are not Arminian.
B. We are Baptists! There are many so-called Baptists who do not hold to the doctrinal truths of God’s Word and have labored in their wrestling of the Scripture to the point of gross doctrinal error! I do not and will not apologize for being a Baptist but I do not think that only Baptists are saved or that the Bride of Christ is the Baptist Church!
C. I am a Baptist by conviction, not convenience. I am a fundamental, independent Baptist! Local churches of the New Testament era were fundamental, independent and I see no need of changing God’s program.
D. What makes Baptist churches distinct? Tonight, I want to deal with separatism! This is where “the rubber meets the road” in most churches. True Baptists are separatists! Separation has been taught as a negative and is now as unappealing as the word fundamental. Separation is a good thing, not a bad thing! Separation is that “good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God!” (Romans 12:1-2) Separation is as much for our protection as it is for our identification! We are not only to be separated from something; we are to be separation unto SOMEONE! As Christ suffered without the gate, we are to go unto Him without the camp. Separation is a sign of LOVE, not LEGALISM. Liberal churches have labeled separatism as an independent Baptist thing. Separatism is a Bible commanded thing! Separatists are not “legalists” nor are they “Pharisees.” Most of you know this pastor and I am neither of these. I believe in the “soul liberty” of the believer. Your walk with Christ is between you and God.
E. True Baptists Churches Have Always Been Separatists – Most denominations agree to disagree agreeably when it comes to major doctrinal differences. Their doctrine is set aside based upon the false premise of love and they fellowship and worship together without God’s Truth. Separation is not a negative but a God ordained and commanded blessing! The world views biblical separation in a negative light in order to denounce it but the Word of God not only upholds separation but also commands it! I had rather be on God’s side than to be a member of a denomination, association, or convention that compromises in this vital area of Christian walk. Both fellowship and worship must be based within the boundaries of God’s Word! Our Lord said that the Father sought worship in both truth and spirit. To walk, work, and worship outside of God’s Truth is totally unacceptable to Him. Believers by the multitudes have died over separation as they refused to hold hands, worship, or fellowship with the religionists of their times. What a price has been paid for this separation that now is given up on the slightest whim!
1. Christians Were Recognized And Respected As Christ-like By The Lost - Acts 11:26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
2. Christians Were Recognized And Rejected As Christ-like By The Convicted - Acts 26:28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.
3. Christians Were Recognized And Reviled As Christ-like By The Persecutors - 1 Peter 4:16 Yet if [any man suffer] as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
F. Today, believers are chameleons! They bend and blend with society around them and are only distinguished by their shallow profession of faith!
The following excerpt is taken from a booklet entitled “Why Baptists Are Not Protestants” which was written by Vernon C. Lyons of the Ashburn Baptist Church of Chicago, Ill.
“Twentieth century theologians have streamlined Christianity by reducing all the virtues to one – unity. In our generation the most respectable ‘ism’ is ecumenism. Few people discern that there is a false unity as well as a true unity and the each is purchased at a staggering price.
False church unity, which is the most popular kind, is purchased with freedom as the price. Gospel liberty is obliterated and liberty of conscience becomes impractical, if not impossible. The communion of saints is forfeited for a communion of committees. The minority speaks for the mass and the conscience of the individual Christian is by-passed for the consensus of a committee. This kind of church unity is also attained at the price of truth. Those who major on mergers tend to believe very little and after merging believe still less. They are more noted for their compromise than their convictions. Their spiritual discernment having been dulled, they move in a doctrinal dusk that calls non-churches churches and regard unbelievers as believers. In the mania to merge, fixed truths become forgotten tenets.
True church unity is also costly! It is to be obtained not be compromise, but by conflict. The faith must not be diluted, but defended (Jude 3). It may cost a man his unscriptural creed and his man-made catechism. This kind of unity flows from a humility which is willing to reject human tradition and subject itself to divine truth, as stated in God’s Holy Word. This unity is described by the words, ‘One Lord, one faith, one baptism’ (Eph. 4:5). The beginning of this unity is one Lord. The basis of this unity is one faith. The badge of this unity is one baptism.
This true unity will cost you your prejudice, your pride, and perhaps every your popularity.”
G. Separatism is what cost millions of believers their lives. As Christians, they were quietly “out of step with the world” and were mercilessly persecuted because of it.
Luke 6:22 Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake.
H. This separatism is separated into three distinct areas that we will look at tonight.
1. True Baptists Churches Stand For Ecclesiastical Separation – We are separate in our worship. 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. (They Are Separate In Worship. They Are Separate In Work. Simply stated, true Baptists do not hold hands with, worship with, or support any other religious organization that has compromised the integrity of Scripture! Many churches have sacrificed their sanctification upon the altar of “Popularity” in order to gain numbers.)
2. True Baptists Churches Stand For Doctrinal Separation – We are separate in doctrine. Amos 3:3 Can two walk together, except they be agreed?
Romans 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
2 John 9-11 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. 10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: 11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. (They are separate in walk. True Baptists are not for sale at any price! Many churches have sacrificed their doctrine upon the altar of “Fellowship.”)
3. True Baptists Churches Stand For Personal Separation – We are separate in our walk. Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (King Agrippa said, “Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian!” Christian means one who is like Christ or Christ-like! Believers were called Christians by the lost because of their testimony of Christ-likeness. Our outward demeanor is a reflection of our inward conversion.)
Conclusion: We are not “in your face” with our convictions but, at the same time, our convictions are biblical and, therefore, not for sale! Baptists are separatists!
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