I must say, I'm really disappointed in the current trend that is developing here in the Baptist room. There was a time, not long ago, when the General Theology was the hostile room, not any more. The hostile room is now the Baptist room! GT had a reputation as one of the worst rooms because of the differences between the Protestants and Catholics. Not any more. The Baptist room has surpassed it. Oh yes friends. The Baptist room is talked about. Gone are the days when Baptists could discuss things. Gone are the days of building up each other. Gone are the days of helping another who is weaker in the faith, or new to the faith. Those days are long gone.
Now it all about how each other is wrong. Now it all about how wrong you are if you don't use this Bible, or how wrong you are if you use this Bible. The doctrines of Grace which many a Baptist have preached, lived for, fought for, died for, been persecuted for, put in prison for, are no more. Gone are the days when God was sovereign and faith was a gift of God. Gone are the days when men and women were led by the Spirit "unto all righteousness." Gone are the days when one could say "Brother your wrong because this is what the Bible says." Gone are the days when one could say, well I may disagree with you, but I can at least pray for you.
Gone are the days where building up of the body meant more than tearing it down. Gone are the days where men such as Spurgeon, Gill, Edwards, Bunyun, Whitefield, and others were held as preaching the word of God, now these men are loathed. Gone are the days when time honored, tried and true Baptist doctrine from America's early beginnings were held in high esteem. Now are the days where we only tell others how wrong they are without pointing that righteous finger at ourselves first.
What was once a rather peaceful room, now has the distinction of being one of the worst. It has really gotten bad when I who has been labeled by another person of being "anti-catholic" am now being accused of trying to help make us (Baptists) Catholics. Gone are the days when all who confessed Christ are considered part of His body. Now your only part of the body if your Baptist. Gone are the days when one would extend a hand of fellowship to any and all. Now it is a club to beat others into submission. I was rised in a time where you were bound for hell if you didn't repent and accept Christ, it has been replaced with the theory of no hell, no punishment, no eternal lake of fire.
This room, over the last two months, has really become disappointing.
This used to hang in all Baptist churches in the south (at least all the ones where I attended):
The Baptist Covenant
Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, and on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, we do now in the presence of God, angels, and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another as one body in Christ.
We engage therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this church, in knowledge, holiness, and comfort; to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrines; to contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the gospel through all nations.
We also engage to maintain family and secret devotion; to religiously educate our children; to seek to salvation of our kindred and acquaintances; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements, and exemplary in our department; to avoid all tattling, backbiting, and excessive anger; to abstain from the sale and use of intoxicating drink as a beverage, shun pornography, and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the kingdom of our Saviour.
We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember each other in prayer; to aid each other in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation, and mindful of the rules of our Saviour, to secure it without delay.
We moreover engage that, when we remove from this place, we will as soon as possible unite with some other church where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God's Word. And now unto Him, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, be Power and Glory forever. Amen.
This has become another relic of the past.
It is sad, and it is true, but I am very disappointed in what this room has turned into. This room was once my refuge on the forums, now....
Yes my friends, I'm personally, very disappointed in what is happening in here.
God Bless
DeaconDean
Till all are one.
