Hagios17 said:
Hi all
My name is Josh. And I used to be Baptist, until I realised not all Baptists are going to heaven
along with many other contrabutions, such as:
Church membership (The secret knowledge is only obtained by a member... sounds like Gnosticism),
Wrick Warren (Bases theories on Paganism
),
Tithing (Why on earth are Baptists preaching about money. Didn't they know that the love of money is the root of all evil. And that is no secret.),
Water Baptism (Should I get circumsised too?),
Arminianism (Merging of Semi-pelagianism and the Bible: Its maxim: "It is mine to be willing to believe, and it is the part of God's grace to assist."),
Legalism (strict adherence to the law??? "All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any." (1 Corinthians 6:12 ) )
What are your opinions on these I have just mentioned?
Awaiting many Baptist replies
P.S. I hope I don't sound too antagonistic, as I just would like to talk about these things that I'm not aloud to talk about elsewhere
Hagios17 / Qadowsh17 / Saint17 (One who is
Hebrews 10:14
)
I see most other replies are going to line up with my own. But just to show you that you have some misconceptions about being a Baptist, here is my take:
Church Membership: The church is made up of a body of believers. In our local independant baptist church there are two qualifications for church membership: 1) One must be born again (saved). As I have said, the church is a body of
believers. 2) One must be baptized. We believe baptism united us as a local congregation...we are all baptized into one Body...the body of Christ.
Baptism does not save, but it identifies us publically with Christ as prefigures our death, burial, and resurrection with Him.
Rick Warren: Irrelevant to anything having to to with being a Baptist. He does not speak for Baptists at large. Maybe in
his particular church, but he is not of any consequence to my church.
Tithing: In the Old Testament, tithes were what was paid to the Levitical priesthood. Since the tribe of Levi was not apportioned a section of land, they were given tithes as their inheritance. Levis had to live throughout Israel so that they could minister to the other tribes in the priestly duties as ordained by God.
We as Christians adopt the concept of tithing because it is a way to support our pastor and support the administration of our church. A tithe is 10% of one's income. Most pastors are in the ministry full time and thus need to feed their families. They are essentially like the Levitical priests, in need of support from the congregation. The church also incurrs maintenance costs: electricity, water, etc.
Offerings: These are different from tithes. While members are expected (but nothing is actually a requirement for membership, we give out of our duty to God), offerings are what is given beyond our tithes, given out of our excess as God leads a person to give. There are other ministries that are supported by offerings such as missions, building fund (mostly for new buildings or additions), and charitable giving.
Water Baptism: See my remarks in Church Membership.
Arminianism: If what you mean that we have a freewill to come to God for salvation, this is what my church teaches. My church is not Calvinist and believe that salvation is available to all, though not all are willling to seek it. We also believe that once a person is saved, they are "sealed" in the Spirit (Ephes. 1:13) and cannot lose their salvation (John 10:28-29).
Legalism: "All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any." - I Cor. 6:12
This is not legalism. This is exercising restraint in our freedom in Christ. We are not bound by the Law, but led by the Spirit. But in our freedom there are things that are not beneficial to us as we grow in the Lord. Our pastor stresses clean living and modesty. Girls should not be wearing anything like low-cut dresses or high skirts that will cause a brother to fall or mentally sin. Likewise, guys should not go around without a shirt on when working around the church on a hot day, lest the sisters get tripped up. this is not a written rule, but principles we should take in consideration for our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Other things such as the types of movies, TV shows, and music may be hinder our Christian walk. The principle is found in Phillipians 4:8:
"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."
This is basically what my church is all about. there other Baptist churches that will vary on these issues, but most of the Baptist churches I've attended espouse these principles.
I hope this clears up concerns you have about being a Baptist. We're as bad as you think. Sinners, yes. But saved by grace, thank God!
