Is It Time To Purify The IFB?

I LOVE how his last statement carries such power. CONVICTION does this to a person. "Your Imperial Majesty and Your Lordships demand a simple answer. Here it is, plain and unvarnished. Unless I am convicted [convinced] of error by the testimony of Scripture or (since I put no trust in the unsupported authority of Pope or councils, since it is plain that they have often erred and often contradicted themselves) by manifest reasoning, I stand convicted [convinced] by the Scriptures to which I have appealed, and my conscience is taken captive by God's word, I cannot and will not recant anything, for to act against our conscience is neither safe for us, nor open to us. On this I take my stand. I can do no other. God help me." (Martin Luther) We have seen in the past 50 years how the Independent Fundamental Baptist movement has been carried towards the same principles that we were fleeing from. Noe-orthodoxy, modernism, liberalism, and a decline from dependence on the Word of God alone for our doctrine and instruction in righteousness. We strongly opposed the downward and backsliding trends of the Conventions and Associations which were prominent in America during the early 1900's. We have made it mandatory to clean the outside of the cup while inwardly we are still full of the same poison and vile thoughts and practices which were before our pseudo-conversion. There is MUCH Catholicism in our churches. There is MUCH modernism in our doctrine. There is much to repent over. I tell you this in sincerity and with much sorrow - I don't believe God will, I do not believe God CAN bless or revive the Independent Fundamental Baptist movement again. We are full of our own apostasy and doctrine in so much that we extinguish all hopes of a prosperous and effectual repentance at a national level much less in a world wide frame. Is it time to purify the IFB? Is it possible to have a unified effort by all to change our ways and get back to the book? I believe it is past the time of grace which God has allowed before judgment to fall. It is time to purge ourselves from those among us who make their agenda to be known instead of the Word of God. Those who adhere to man-made doctrine must be excluded and removed from ALL fellowship and ALL cooperation from our midst. The fallacy of the "Independent" Fundamental Baptists is that we do not know what Independent means. We MUST mature to the point where we do not need a national figure or church to pattern after - we must pattern ourselves after Christ! (added) Just because I quote Luther doesn't make me a Lutheran anymore than sitting in a garage makes me a car.

isms schisms and more

Since the fall of man, there has been the ridiculous need for men to hold others in bondage to their opinions of what God has said. In the garden, this tactic was used by Satan who deceived Eve to partake of the forbidden fruit and disobey the commands of God. We know how that ended. We also see Cain taking his agenda out against his brother because his opinion didnt match up with what he wanted God to accept. All through the Old Testament we see MAN trying to force others into their mold. When Christ came on the scene, his disciples pointed out the fact that there were others who did not follow in their camp but were preaching. They wanted Christ to silence them. Christ would not be a good baptist because he basically said "if they aren't against us they are for us." Christ understood the truth that there are others who do not have to agree 100% with our opinions and operations for them to still be preaching the truth. I dont care if one is an Independent Fundamental Baptist or if they are a Bible believer who is of a non-denominational church. Fact is, if they preach the truth and practice it with a humble heart- I am fine with them. It is interesting that the matter of ecclesiastical separation doesn't matter when it comes to fundraisers or music preference. The "Good Ol' boys club" needs to break up and honesty in the IFB ranks must prevail. WHO CARES if someone breaks "rank" from the teachings of Peter Ruckman or of B.R. Lakin? Did you know that DISPENSATIONALISM was made popular by James Darby? Yep, the guy who "tampered" with the Word of God. All I can tell you is that dispensationalism is not a fundamental tenant of the faith and falls under the category of doubtful disputations. I guess it all goes back to the statement "the fear of man bringeth a snare." It will be a long time before I ever side with a worthless lazy, dishonest, unethical, sidewinder of a missionary who does absolutely nothing but park his blessed assurance on the edge of his desk chair while his ministry consists of his family and NO outreach or personal evangelism to shake a stick at. Somethings bad wrong with IFB and don't intend on being part of it much longer.

The Evidence of Love: Submission (1/15/2012 PM)

Matt 26:36-46, Phil 2:5-8 In Ephesians 5 we see the challenge to the husband and the wife in regards to submission. Wives are to submit to their own husbands as unto the Lord. Husbands also are to submit – but not as the wife submits. The Husband is to submit to “each other” as in submission to the relationship. If a man doesn’t provide for his own he has denied the faith and is worse than an infidel (I Tim 5:8). He is to love his wife even as he loves his own body. No man who loves his body will forget to take care of himself. Even so should the husband take it to consideration that the relationship is just one more “notch” on the belt to maintain and develop.We see that this is a type of Christ’s love for the church. Christ’s love for the church is that he submitted for it. He acted in submission. Now, he doesn’t submit to the church, but the church is to submit to Him. He did submit though. Phil 2:5-8. Jesus being the sinless and complete example that God desires us to be and demonstrate teaches us of Christ’s love; yes, even submission to the will of the Father. Here are some statements which describe and define what Submission is taken from our gathering of Matthew 26 where Christ is in the Garden of Gethsemane. 1. Submission is the Surrender of one’s “rights”, priorities, power, will, ambition, and future to another. 2. Submission is accepting whatever plans are given to you by the one you submit to. 3. Submission is never to be countered or taken back – it is total surrender. Now, Christ being our supreme example willingly chose to submit himself for our redemption. Philippians 2 teaches us this very fact – he HUMBLED himself and became obedient even unto the death of the cross. Now, I have heard of an opinion which states that Jesus was plea bargaining with God to not have to go to the cross. This is against the spirit of Christ which set his face as a flint to Jerusalem and often taught his disciples of his death. I believe what Christ was referring to was the whole agonizing ordeal of sin being placed on him and HIM becoming sin for us. It was against his nature to sin, and to look upon sin, yet he became sin for us (II Cor 5:21, Hebrews 12:1-3). Now, we speak often of our love for God but Christ makes a statement which causes us to question our love for God: John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments. Now, without damaging context whatsoever – let me draw some simple applications from scripture to provide us with some brief yet non-encompassing conclusions which show of our Love for God. 1. We love God when we keep his commandments. 2. We love God when we surrender-submit our “rights”, power, will, ambition and desire to Him – Galatians 2:20/Phil 2:5-8, James 4:1-4, Matt 6:24-34, I Cor 6:19-20, II Cor 6:14-17, Phil 3. 3. We love God when we accept whatever plans God has for us – Romans 8:28-39 4. We love God when we totally yield ourselves to him without “strings attached.” Either he is Lord of all or not Lord at all. Luke 6:46, Matt 26:36-46 My stubborn will at last hath yielded; I would be Thine, and Thine alone; And this the prayer my lips are bringing, Lord, let in me Thy will be done. Sweet will of God, still fold me closer; Till I am wholly lost in Thee; Sweet will of God, still fold me closer, Till I am wholly lost in Thee. I’m tired of sin, footsore and weary, The darksome path hath dreary grown, But now a light has ris’n to cheer me; I find in Thee my Star, my Sun. Thy precious will, O conqu’ring Savior, Doth now embrace and compass me; All discords hushed, my peace a river, My soul, a prisoned bird, set free. Shut in with Thee, O Lord, forever, My wayward feet no more to roam; What pow’r from Thee my soul can sever? The center of God’s will my home. -Leila N Morris

The Danger of Compromise (1/15/12 AM)

(Nehemiah 4:1-3, 6:7-11) The walls of the city were destroyed by the captors due to the disobedience of God's people. These walls were important for several reasons and the enemy knew why. (4:1-3) 1. Fortification - protection from the enemy 2. Sacrifice - sanctifying God in their hearts and lives - dependence of God to protect from the enemy within. 3. Restoration/preservation- to remember what they were known for. Distinction. the walls were known for beauty and holiness. 4. Identification - The enemy knew who the Jews were. They knew the difference between God's people and those around them. (:8-11) These are the same reasons why we need walls of separation and conviction once again in our church; in our life. What are the tools of the enemy? What tactics do they use? 1. Mocking/Public ridicule (4:1-2) 2. Discouragement (4:1-2) 3. involvement of others in the world against God's people (4:2) 4. Anger (4:1,7) 5. Plotting Evil ( Prov 6:16-19, Neh 4:8,11) 6. Invasion: (:11) blending in, pretending they are part of the work, cherry picking our own, slay them (spiritually quenching their desire) 7. Feed lies and disruption (not always physical - sometimes it disrupts morale of the people.) 5:1-5 accusations of unfairness and financial misconduct. 8. Compromise (6:1-7) The enemy will stop at nothing to discredit the work of the Lord. What does Compromise do? (6:1-7) 1. It stops progress 2. Causes you to "come down" from where you are at 3. always requires YOU to give and never to receive 4. Insists even when you turn it down 5. Always plans mischeif 6. Manipulates with lies and distortion of truth (2:17-20) 7. Brings Fear and entrapment or slavery 8. never stos with you - always goes after others. (6:17-19, 13:4,28) Rebellion is bred in the hearts and minds of those who are persuaded by compromise. Why we should NOT compromise: 1. It is a GOOD work (2:18, Rom 12:1-2) 2. It is a GREAT work (tasking, labor) (6:3) 3. It is a Finished Work (6:15, Col 2:10) The enemy will not find Christ palatable with their lifestyle and agenda- why should we compromise? We are on the winning side! 4. It is a Command by God - for us to be Holy, Separate, Clean. (I Cor 6:19-20, 2Cor 6:14-18, I Peter 1:13-15, James 4:1-4) 5. It is of a certainty that a double minded man is unstable in all his ways ( James 1:8, Josh 24:15, Mat 6:24) Face it- when rain compromises with dirt it creates mud and only pigs are attracted to mud.

When We Hurt God (pt1)

Growing up I always saw my dad as invincible. He was as tough as they came. John Wayne was a boy scout compared to my father. Oh, don't get me wrong; my father was anything but Superman. I witnessed my father suffer multiple back injuries. I saw him limping around after 14 hours on his flat feet and then have to walk a mile home after work. I saw him after he was "jumped" at the store where he worked by three angry riff-raff. I saw him, believe it or not, get frostbite on his hand in the middle of the summer. I saw him fall down a flight of concrete stairs while he was terribly sick with pneumonia. I saw my dad almost rupture his Achilles. I saw my dad in a neck brace following a serious neck injury. I saw my dad's arm in a sling due to him blowing his rotator cuff. I have seen my father collapse and bust his head during an athsma attack. I am telling you, I have seen my dad be ANYTHING but invincible. I do have a point to all of this so let me get right to it. The WORST injury I have ever seen my dad have is the one I am responsible for. I was 7 or so. My younger brother and I were running around in the house despite my father's instruction to stop. It was a Sunday Morning. We were getting ready for church. My dad was boiling a large pot of eggs for the Sunday School "party" during their sunday school hour. As my father was attempting to transfer the large pot of boiling water from the stove to the sink, my brother and I ran between he and the sink and under the extremely hot pot of water. Instinctively, my father pulled the pot towards him and all of the hot water escaped the pot and found its landing all over my father's stomach, legs and loins. Instantly, my father was covered with 2nd degree burns and blisters already forming from the seething hot water. I saw my father writhing in pain on the floor as he dropped to his knees and let out the most painful shriek I have ever heard. Looking at my father in so much pain was something I have never been able to forget. It was a pain that I inflicted on him. The deep seeded remorse and attempts at penance seemed insignificant at the moment. I caused my father to have extreme pain. The Children of Israel caused God pain as well. Sure, it wasnt with a boiling pot of water, but it was a pain that God deemed necessary to proclaim his affliction. I realize that God is a Spirit (John 4:23-24.) However, there is a term used as an example to bridge the pain that a spirit can feel in regards to human or physical pain. It is called "Anthromorphism." For an illustration: "He sat there like a bump on a rock." It is giving Human characteristics or responses to an object or to an inadamant object, in this case, an intangible being- namely God. Having this thought in mind, let me direct your attention to a passage of Scripture which lays out a brief but detailed diagnosis of God's pain which was inflicted by Israel and also by us today. Jeremiah 10:18-25

For thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will sling out the inhabitants of the land at this once, and will distress them, that they may find it so. Woe is me for my hurt! my wound is grievous: but I said, Truly this is a grief, and I must bear it. My tabernacle is spoiled, and all my cords are broken: my children are gone forth of me, and they are not: there is none to stretch forth my tent any more, and to set up my curtains. For the pastors are become brutish, and have not sought the LORD: therefore they shall not prosper, and all their flocks shall be scattered. Behold, the noise of the bruit is come, and a great commotion out of the north country, to make the cities of Judah desolate, and a den of dragons. O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps. O LORD, correct me, but with judgment; not in thine anger, lest thou bring me to nothing. Pour out thy fury upon the heathen that know thee not, and upon the families that call not on thy name: for they have eaten up Jacob, and devoured him, and consumed him, and have made his habitation desolate.

Right and Wrong in Education

A man's wife is dying of a rare kind of cancer. A local druggist has developed a cure for this type of cancer but demands far more than the man can afford to pay. Later the husband breaks into the store and steals the drug. Should he have done that? (p.20 "Why Johnny Cannot Tell Right From Wrong" William Kilpatrick)

It is an insight that Mr. Kilpatrick made back in 1992 when is book was published. Here is a situation eithic which is based on the supposition that man will choose what is wholesome and "good." Doesn't God's Word tell us the outcome of this man's choice?
"There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end therof are the ways of death."

There are two views in philosophy in dealing with teaching morality.

1. Character building - to train our children in What IS right. teaching them what is right. Training them in the nurture and admonition of the Lord in the FEAR of God. Moses held this philosophy. Joshua chose this philosophy. Christ used this philosophy. Paul used this philosophy. Peter used this philosophy.

A child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.

2. Moral reasoning - This conditions a child to believe that what he would do is ethical and right. There are NO wrong or right answers - This leads us to all kinds of moral decay - as we see every day on the evening news, on the front page of the paper, in our christian education, and in our theology.

Aug5

Jesus' zealous endeavor to purge the temple of money changers and insincere worshipers was unpopular to those who profited from the synthetic reverence to God and towards his chosen methods of worship. Today, Jesus would be considered a legalist and an extremist.