by: Dr. Bruce Goddard
I recently received a gracious email from a veteran preacher, the subject of the email is irrelevant, but the close of the email has a quote that says much. The quote is from a well known Southern Baptist pastor/writer who is now the president of the Southern Baptist mission board. The man does not pastor a Baptist church, but “The Church at Brook Hills” and his own web site touts him as, “A passionate voice among evangelicals.” Still we find independent Baptist pastors reading and quoting him.
Really? The Church at Brook Hills and an evangelical leader? Is that who we listen to? Have we gone so far down the hill of compromise?
Like it or not, most of us come from strong independent Baptist roots. While the Southern Baptist Convention long since (50 years ago) embraced evolution in their colleges and a total depravity regarding separation, still independent Baptist pastors treat them as if they are great leaders for the church; men to learn from.
Long ago a student at a southern Baptist college told his father the athletes at the SBC college were drinking. The pastor/father questioned the coach and was told, “I don’t care what they drink, I want them to play ball.” This is the root philosophy of the SBC. Still, our independent Baptist pastors think this crowd is worth following?
Somewhere we forgot why we ended up with independent Baptist churches. We left the SBC; or rather, were thrown out of the SBC. The SBC made it obvious they supported a total compromise on the authority of the KJV. They practiced a complete lack of separation as well as an almost total absence of soul winning, not to mention the slow decline of Baptist teaching on speaking in tongues, women pastors and homosexuality. Still, this veteran pastor closes his gracious email with a quote from one of these SBC men? Really? Is that who we want to indorse?
I recently saw a gospel album recorded by Elvis Presley. I did not bother to listen to any of it. One might think there could be some beautiful gospel songs recorded on it, but I’d sooner eat a sandwich from a garbage can than listen to gospel songs from Elvis or read Southern Baptist Theology. Just because there may be a truth in SBC writing, I am not about to risk the infection from contaminated instruction.
Romans 16:17 says, “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.”
Philippians 3:17-18 reminds us, “Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:”
Paul says to “avoid them” not sort through their material looking for good quotes.
Dr. Bruce Goddard
Pastor
Faith Baptist Church
Wildomar, CA