bmoorechange

In the bible there does not exist any precept, example or standard for changing the Lord's church. However, the cry is often made that the Ol' Baptist are too backward and stubborn, that they haven't changed with the times. This is often the remark made from those who have been indoctrinated by the inventions of man and view the church as a recreation center or venue of entertainment. In this brief article I hope to address some of these suggested "changes" and how they corrupt the New Testament Church.

The bible teaches us that God has always been and that "He is God and He does not change." This is an undeniable truth and cannot be argued by even the rankest Arminian. The fact that God does not change, leads one to believe that the ways of God are just as immovable. God does not choose to save sinners by Grace today and then by works tomorrow. Nonetheless, many look at the Old Line Primitive Baptist and say that they are a strange and peculiar people. In their feeble understanding, the church is a social club, a place, where one goes to "receive" pleasures of the flesh. It is not perceived as a place where one goes to "give" praise, honor and glory to the Lord of Salvation. It has become this because of their need and desire for "change."

If you have ever stopped to observe the practices of a "changed" church as compared to the simple manner of worship of the Primitive Baptist, you can easily note the differences as well as the lack of spiritual liberty that goes along with "change." History has proven that a change in practice will eventually lead to a change in doctrine. Many cannot see this and they argue that it is simply stubborn people set in their ways. The facts however remain truthful, a change in practice will lead to a change in doctrine. Evidence of this can be seen in a careful observation of our missionary counterparts. If one thinks that this proposition is ridiculous, as most Arminians will, let us take a look at what 170 plus years of change has done for the Baptist.

Although, missionary support and other liberal practices led to the division of 1832, one must understand that these changes were gradual examples of falling away and 1832 was simply the official date it was confronted as a collective body. I will endeavor to look at the changes in the Missionary Baptist since the time of the Black Rock Address. It is indeed hard to believe that the Missionary Baptist church down the road, once resembled the Primitive Baptist Church across town. They resembled one another in practice, worship, and doctrine because they were the same people, Baptist. A desire to create benevolent societies and mission boards arose out of the lust to adopt to the "changing" world. This adoption was nothing more than a lustful desire to be more like the world, no consideration taken that we were directed to come out of the world and separate ourselves from it's evil ways.

The cry to accept missionary work, along with it's unquenchable desire for filthy lucre, was made by those who supported it claiming that in all other cases "we are still the same people." Move ahead to 2003 and let us see how those who said that the adoption of Missionary work would not lead to further changes in the church. Ask yourself the question "are we still the same people?"

The Primitive Baptist church across town has several ministers who travel and visit regularly they preach the gospel and freely give that which the Lord blesses them to with, they do so without a salary, serving Gods children, feeding the flock. The Missionary Baptist church down the road has a salaried ministry making the minister not a servant but a hireling. The preaching of the gospel is now dependant on filthy lucre leaving the ministry trying to please the people with half-truths and lies in order to keep their JOB, all the while forsaking the TRUTH. Ask yourself the question "are we still the same people?"

The Primitive Baptist Church across town worship God in a simple manner, gathering together as a congregation seated under the preaching of the gospel which is conducted by an ordained ministry. The Missionary Baptist church down the road, now has Sunday Schools. Despite the fact that they have no precept or example in the bible, the congregation is segregated into groups. The indoctrination process includes having women, youth and other non-ordained individuals teaching and giving direction to youth and adults alike. Children are taught what to believe in hope that they will help propagate the future congregation and continue the source of filthy lucre. Ask yourself the question "are we still the same people?"

The Primitive Baptist Church across town does not segregate their congregation. They hold firm to the biblical teaching of spiritual regeneration, understanding that you can teach a child about the Lord but that you cannot teach them to know the Lord. The Missionary Baptist church down the road, now serves youth camps and summer retreats. This concept is argued to be only another measure of fellowship. However, the truth indicates that it is nothing more than an effort to further indoctrinate the youth. This practice is considered popular among Arminians and has long been a method of catholic indoctrination. Ask yourself the question "are we still the same people?"

The Primitive Baptist Church across town is totally supported by the members of it's congregation, they do not rely upon nor expect the world to fund their needs. They support the upkeep of the church by their physical labors and financial contributions, giving only what they can afford and or desire. The Missionary Baptist church down the road promotes tithing (an old testament practice) and now hosts banquets, and various fund raisers', which is nothing more than solicitation of filthy lucre in the name of Christ. This action has corrupted their house of prayer and has made it as a den of thieves. Ask yourself the question "are we still the same people?"

The Primitive Baptist Church across town ends the service by publishing the church door open for membership, believing that only God can open the door and that only God can close the door. They acknowledge the fact, that the "Lord will add to the church daily such as should be saved!" The Missionary Baptist church down the road, hosts alter calls and invitations which are nothing more than modern evangelistic methods of forcing people to make decisions and get results. This is not and was not a New Testament practice and was only implemented as recently as the mid 1800's. Ask yourself the question "are we still the same people?"

The Primitive Baptist Church across town does not accept alien baptism. Believing the sound instruction of the scriptures to be their rule and precedent, "one Lord, one Faith, one baptism." The Missionary Baptist church down the road, will accept any baptism by any authority. Not taking into consideration the faith to which the person was baptized and the soundness of the ordained authority. This is commonly done in an attempt to "not offend" the new member, thusly allowing the persons opinions, feelings and emotions to override the scriptural authority of the bible. Ask yourself the question "are we still the same people?"

The Primitive Baptist Church across town practices close communion. Communing with believers of like faith and order. Recognizing and understanding that two that are not in agreement cannot walk together in peace. Therefore, encouraging "one Lord, one Faith, one baptism" as the bible supports. The Missionary Baptist church down the road, practices open communion. They do not recognize the biblical teaching of "one Lord, one faith and one baptism." They open their doors to the believers of various denominations and the heathen of the world and allow all to equally commune together despite their disagreement, therefore avoiding the teaching of the scriptures and holding them to none effect. Ask yourself the question "are we still the same people?"

The Primitive Baptist Church across town believes and supports the biblical teaching that the preached gospel must come down from God out of heaven. They trust that the Lord will qualify the called and give his called servants the food with which to feed the flock. They support that the preaching of the gospel is to be done in the power and demonstration of the spirit. They hold fast to the biblical teaching that the preached gospel does not regenerate a dead alien sinner but feeds the regenerated child of God. The Missionary Baptist church down the road holds to the concept that God calls the qualified. They support a trained ministry and appreciate seminar type lectures, using props and stage show type productions to "enhance" the gospel, as if it needed assistance. They believe that the preached gospel can regenerate a dead alien sinner and save them from a devils' hell. Disregarding the biblical teaching that the preaching of the gospel is the power of God UNTO salvation! Ask yourself the question "are we still the same people?"

I have no desire to throw stones, nor do I condemn or judge anyone, but simply I say "let us call a spade a spade!" If one of the advocates of "change" from the 1830's could visit a Missionary Baptist church of 2003 what would they think? What would they say? Surely, their little change could not have led to such a departure. Yet, the simple fact remains, change breeds more change and an inch given will become a mile in latter years. There was a time when they were simply called Baptist, being very much the same with only small differences. Many departed and took on the appearance of something else, some refused and remained in the old paths maintaining their simplicity and beauty. Those which departed desired a little change, ask yourself the question "are we still the same people?"

Today, we the Old Line Primitive Baptist, are watching as others advocate change. They say that the Ol' Baptist need to adapt to the times, that these items will not bring about change but rather suggest that they will bring prosperity and growth. Will we be like those who sat idly by in the early 1800's or will we take a stand, as our brethren did in 1832? The "Church" is a most lovely and grand place, we should strive to maintain it's undefiled beauty and stand firm in the Old Paths, denying these inventions of man. Let us learn from the past, view the Missionary Baptist church down the road, ask yourself the question "are we still the still the same people?"

This article was not written with the intent to slander or downgrade the Missionary Baptist. It was written to show how changes in the church, however subtle they may be, will eventually lead to a gross departure from faith and practice.



	The Old Line Messenger An Old Line Primitive Baptist Website

		Change? by Elder Brian Moore In the bible there does not exist any precept, example or standard for changing the Lord's church. However, the cry is often made that the Ol' Baptist are too backward and stubborn, that they haven't changed with the times. This is often the remark made from those who have been indoctrinated by the inventions of man and view the church as a recreation center or venue of entertainment. In this brief article I hope to address some of these suggested "changes" and how they corrupt the New Testament Church. The bible teaches us that God has always been and that "He is God and He does not change." This is an undeniable truth and cannot be argued by even the rankest Arminian. The fact that God does not change, leads one to believe that the ways of God are just as immovable. God does not choose to save sinners by Grace today and then by works tomorrow. Nonetheless, many look at the Old Line Primitive Baptist and say that they are a strange and peculiar people. In their feeble understanding, the church is a social club, a place, where one goes to "receive" pleasures of the flesh. It is not perceived as a place where one goes to "give" praise, honor and glory to the Lord of Salvation. It has become this because of their need and desire for "change." If you have ever stopped to observe the practices of a "changed" church as compared to the simple manner of worship of the Primitive Baptist, you can easily note the differences as well as the lack of spiritual liberty that goes along with "change." History has proven that a change in practice will eventually lead to a change in doctrine. Many cannot see this and they argue that it is simply stubborn people set in their ways. The facts however remain truthful, a change in practice will lead to a change in doctrine. Evidence of this can be seen in a careful observation of our missionary counterparts. If one thinks that this proposition is ridiculous, as most Arminians will, let us take a look at what 170 plus years of change has done for the Baptist. Although, missionary support and other liberal practices led to the division of 1832, one must understand that these changes were gradual examples of falling away and 1832 was simply the official date it was confronted as a collective body. I will endeavor to look at the changes in the Missionary Baptist since the time of the Black Rock Address. It is indeed hard to believe that the Missionary Baptist church down the road, once resembled the Primitive Baptist Church across town. They resembled one another in practice, worship, and doctrine because they were the same people, Baptist. A desire to create benevolent societies and mission boards arose out of the lust to adopt to the "changing" world. This adoption was nothing more than a lustful desire to be more like the world, no consideration taken that we were directed to come out of the world and separate ourselves from it's evil ways. The cry to accept missionary work, along with it's unquenchable desire for filthy lucre, was made by those who supported it claiming that in all other cases "we are still the same people." Move ahead to 2003 and let us see how those who said that the adoption of Missionary work would not lead to further changes in the church. Ask yourself the question "are we still the same people?" The Primitive Baptist church across town has several ministers who travel and visit regularly they preach the gospel and freely give that which the Lord blesses them to with, they do so without a salary, serving Gods children, feeding the flock. The Missionary Baptist church down the road has a salaried ministry making the minister not a servant but a hireling. The preaching of the gospel is now dependant on filthy lucre leaving the ministry trying to please the people with half-truths and lies in order to keep their JOB, all the while forsaking the TRUTH. Ask yourself the question "are we still the same people?" The Primitive Baptist Church across town worship God in a simple manner, gathering together as a congregation seated under the preaching of the gospel which is conducted by an ordained ministry. The Missionary Baptist church down the road, now has Sunday Schools. Despite the fact that they have no precept or example in the bible, the congregation is segregated into groups. The indoctrination process includes having women, youth and other non-ordained individuals teaching and giving direction to youth and adults alike. Children are taught what to believe in hope that they will help propagate the future congregation and continue the source of filthy lucre. Ask yourself the question "are we still the same people?" The Primitive Baptist Church across town does not segregate their congregation. They hold firm to the biblical teaching of spiritual regeneration, understanding that you can teach a child about the Lord but that you cannot teach them to know the Lord. The Missionary Baptist church down the road, now serves youth camps and summer retreats. This concept is argued to be only another measure of fellowship. However, the truth indicates that it is nothing more than an effort to further indoctrinate the youth. This practice is considered popular among Arminians and has long been a method of catholic indoctrination. Ask yourself the question "are we still the same people?" The Primitive Baptist Church across town is totally supported by the members of it's congregation, they do not rely upon nor expect the world to fund their needs. They support the upkeep of the church by their physical labors and financial contributions, giving only what they can afford and or desire. The Missionary Baptist church down the road promotes tithing (an old testament practice) and now hosts banquets, and various fund raisers', which is nothing more than solicitation of filthy lucre in the name of Christ. This action has corrupted their house of prayer and has made it as a den of thieves. Ask yourself the question "are we still the same people?" The Primitive Baptist Church across town ends the service by publishing the church door open for membership, believing that only God can open the door and that only God can close the door. They acknowledge the fact, that the "Lord will add to the church daily such as should be saved!" The Missionary Baptist church down the road, hosts alter calls and invitations which are nothing more than modern evangelistic methods of forcing people to make decisions and get results. This is not and was not a New Testament practice and was only implemented as recently as the mid 1800's. Ask yourself the question "are we still the same people?" The Primitive Baptist Church across town does not accept alien baptism. Believing the sound instruction of the scriptures to be their rule and precedent, "one Lord, one Faith, one baptism." The Missionary Baptist church down the road, will accept any baptism by any authority. Not taking into consideration the faith to which the person was baptized and the soundness of the ordained authority. This is commonly done in an attempt to "not offend" the new member, thusly allowing the persons opinions, feelings and emotions to override the scriptural authority of the bible. Ask yourself the question "are we still the same people?" The Primitive Baptist Church across town practices close communion. Communing with believers of like faith and order. Recognizing and understanding that two that are not in agreement cannot walk together in peace. Therefore, encouraging "one Lord, one Faith, one baptism" as the bible supports. The Missionary Baptist church down the road, practices open communion. They do not recognize the biblical teaching of "one Lord, one faith and one baptism." They open their doors to the believers of various denominations and the heathen of the world and allow all to equally commune together despite their disagreement, therefore avoiding the teaching of the scriptures and holding them to none effect. Ask yourself the question "are we still the same people?" The Primitive Baptist Church across town believes and supports the biblical teaching that the preached gospel must come down from God out of heaven. They trust that the Lord will qualify the called and give his called servants the food with which to feed the flock. They support that the preaching of the gospel is to be done in the power and demonstration of the spirit. They hold fast to the biblical teaching that the preached gospel does not regenerate a dead alien sinner but feeds the regenerated child of God. The Missionary Baptist church down the road holds to the concept that God calls the qualified. They support a trained ministry and appreciate seminar type lectures, using props and stage show type productions to "enhance" the gospel, as if it needed assistance. They believe that the preached gospel can regenerate a dead alien sinner and save them from a devils' hell. Disregarding the biblical teaching that the preaching of the gospel is the power of God UNTO salvation! Ask yourself the question "are we still the same people?" I have no desire to throw stones, nor do I condemn or judge anyone, but simply I say "let us call a spade a spade!" If one of the advocates of "change" from the 1830's could visit a Missionary Baptist church of 2003 what would they think? What would they say? Surely, their little change could not have led to such a departure. Yet, the simple fact remains, change breeds more change and an inch given will become a mile in latter years. There was a time when they were simply called Baptist, being very much the same with only small differences. Many departed and took on the appearance of something else, some refused and remained in the old paths maintaining their simplicity and beauty. Those which departed desired a little change, ask yourself the question "are we still the same people?" Today, we the Old Line Primitive Baptist, are watching as others advocate change. They say that the Ol' Baptist need to adapt to the times, that these items will not bring about change but rather suggest that they will bring prosperity and growth. Will we be like those who sat idly by in the early 1800's or will we take a stand, as our brethren did in 1832? The "Church" is a most lovely and grand place, we should strive to maintain it's undefiled beauty and stand firm in the Old Paths, denying these inventions of man. Let us learn from the past, view the Missionary Baptist church down the road, ask yourself the question "are we still the still the same people?" "If it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck and has feathers like a duck, it just might be a duck!" EDITORS NOTE: This article was not written with the intent to slander or downgrade the Missionary Baptist. It was written to show how changes in the church, however subtle they may be, will eventually lead to a gross departure from faith and practice. "If it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck and has feathers like a duck, it just might be a duck!"