On his way to appear before Caesar in Rome, the Jews met Paul with this statement. "For as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against." (Acts 28:22) The Greek word translated sect in this verse is translated heresy in (Acts 24:14): "But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets: . . ." Hearsay about the Lord's church has expanded from the time Jesus established it during His ministry on earth.

Every religious persuasion and theology is becoming acceptable in America by most religionist. That is, except the church that the Lord instituted. The church that clings to the doctrine of the Bible is distinguished in religious and non-religious circles as being `far right.' Yet those who are on the stump of `separation of church and state' are somewhat tolerant to non- Christian religion.

This is not particularly new. In the early growth of the Lord's church, aggressive belittlement was frequently launched against this body of believers. Everywhere they were spoken against. Anyone receiving help from the Head of the church was sure to receive sarcastic remarks. A blind man is healed through our Lord's infinite mercy. With no effort on his part his lifetime infirmity was relieved. Soon he must face his first slanderous encounter with those who despised the word and work of Christ, the religious Jews. The most injurious statement they could think of was, "Thou art His disciple; but we are Moses' disciple." (John 9:28) The majority of that country would be more tolerant toward the stand of these Jews than one who was identified with Jesus.

Paul and Silas were accused of disturbing the status quo when they reached Thessalonica. (Acts 17:1-6) "These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also," was spoken against them. Peter admonished the scattered strangers to be honest among the Gentiles "that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation." (1 Pet. 2:12) Hold on firmly to the doctrine of Christ.

Reassurance for the Lord's church in the face of all such schemes aimed to discourage is found in His Holy Word. "And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming." (1 John 2:28)

Each time the word `sect' is used in the New Testament it is the same sense as in Acts 28:22. It is always a defamation against the Lord's true church. Note parallel accusations against the Lord's church that are evident today. Spoken against because of the:

Biblical salvation is limited to only once Source. Paul leaves no doubt that eternal life is the "gift of God . . . through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Rom. 6:23b) It is the clear token of God's love for hell bound sinners. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Rom. 5:8) Likely many souls have been saved in the Billy Graham crusades. However, he has been instrumental is setting many souls adrift in numerous ways. One such outstanding case of this is in an interview with Robert Schuller when Graham said that the lost pagan "...may not even know the name of Jesus but they know in their hearts that they need something they don't have, and they turn to the only light they have, and I think they are saved, and that they're going to be with us in heaven." (PBC, 10/00) This is impossible to swallow in light of the inspired word. Searching throughout all humanity there has never been, nor will there ever be, any other " . . . name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)

The Scripture not only eliminates all other names, it also eliminates all other methods. Apostolic preaching clearly identified the requirements for salvation. Repentance and faith were conditions that must be met before becoming acceptable before God. Paul's primary testimony to both the Jews, and also to the Greeks is ". . . repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ." (Acts 20:21) Philip made it clear to the Ethiopian eunuch that he must believe with all his heart to be a candidate for scriptural baptism. (Acts 8:37) Such belief involves repentance of sin against God as well as faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Holding to this doctrine will bring vocal opposition against the Lord's church. The church is also spoken against because of the:

Salvation is a prerequisite of baptism, not the other way around. The Ethiopian eunuch asked Philip, "What doth hinder me to be baptized?" Philip's answer was, "If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest." He must have a repentant heart and faith in the person of Jesus Christ. Philip began where the eunuch was reading in Isaiah ". . . and preached unto him Jesus." (Acts 8:35) When this requirement was evident to Philip they ". . . went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him." (Acts 8:38)

Three basic truths are evident here. 1) The authority: Philip was a member of the church at Jerusalem. Upon the scattering of that church by the persecution of Saul of Tarsus, Philip went down to Samaria and preached Christ. (Acts 8:5) Preaching Christ included the doctrine of baptism. (Heb. 6:1,2) From there Philip was sent by the Lord to Gaza with the authority to baptize. Hence, after baptism the eunuch was a member of the church at Jerusalem. What happened to the eunuch from that point we are not told, but we do know that they went ". . . every where preaching the word." (Acts 8:4)

This brings us to the second truth. 2) The mode of baptism. Philip and the eunuch both went down into the water and both came up out of the water. The eunuch already knew what it meant to be under authority, and would have acted quickly at Philip's request for a cup of water from the pool beside them. But it would take more water than enough to shave in to be a proper symbol. Baptism symbolizes a burial which implies a death has occurred. When one has died to sin baptism symbolizes burial and being resurrected to a new life. (Rom. 6:3,4) Becoming dead to sin through the blood of Jesus Christ, the believer follows the Lord in water baptism identifying with the Lord and walking with Him. Jesus Himself was baptized by the man who had authority from God. (John 1:6; Matt. 3:13)

The third evident truth: 3) the method of missions: Philip was sent by the angel of the Lord. Regardless of how this was revealed to Philip, he was directed by the Lord while a member of the Lord's church in Jerusalem. No other program was introduced or even considered. This method is also carried out in the church at Antioch. The church was involved in ministering to the Lord, and fasting, and obviously following His leadership, when ". . . the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them." (Acts 13:2) This was without conventions, boards, missionary committees, or any other manmade contraption. Did it work? Read the entire book of Acts for the answer. The Lord's church is also spoken against because of the:

In modern times the Lord's Supper is viewed primarily in three ways: closed, close, and open. The most popular of these views is open communion. This method has no boundaries and is just what the name implies. Close is little closer to closed than is opened. Those considered in this group allow those of like faith and order to participate with the local church. It seems to matter little of the individual's uprightness, so long as they are a member of "one of our churches."

Many are the adversaries of closed communion. This is a doctrine of the Lord's church which is vehemently spoken against. The Lord's Supper is just that, it is the Lord's. He instituted it in the upper room at the last passover supper, with the church He established during His earthly ministry. He took the ingredients from that table which represented His body and blood. Only the apostles took part in this very first Lord's Supper. This was the Lord's church, the nucleus from which the Lord's church would grow. The apostles were the first church. (1 Cor. 12:28) If the apostles were not the first church, why were the other members not present, particularly during this memorial supper? Even the apostles had no authority to invite others who were saved to participate. It was the Lord's Supper! Neither does the Lord's church today have the authority to invite anyone else when they partake of His supper. It is the Lord's supper with that local church congregation. More could be said about each of these if space allowed. The Lord's church is also spoken against because of the:

Because we are living in the day of ecumenicity, the biblical qualification of pastor has virtually fallen by the wayside. There is certainly a place for every born again, baptized believer in the Lord's church. Definitions are clear as to the opportunities for all church members.

The prospect of a blessing from God for children comes as a result of their obedience. "Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth." (Eph. 6:1-3) Young men are to be sober minded, involved in good works. Their doctrine showing purity and sincerity. They are to be sound in speech that cannot be condemned. (Titus 2:6-8) Young women are to learn from the older women and the older women are to teach the young women. As the older women walk in holiness and being teachers of good things, so also must the young women learn to love their husbands and children. (Titus 2:3,4) Aged men are to be vigilant, sound in the faith (doctrine) and Christian love. (Titus 2:2) Other privileges could be pointed out here. None of these guidelines are restrictive to gender, but freedoms in which every age group and gender can properly bring glory to Jesus Christ in the church.

Consider now, the office of the pastor, bishop, elder. Reference to these titles are used in the biblical sense. All refer to the same office in the church. Our stand on this has become one of the most controversial positions to take and one that is passionately spoken against

Among the qualifications of a pastor listed in 1 Tim. 3:2 and Titus 1:6, is being the husband of one wife. This is as inspired by the Holy Spirit as all other scripture. This raises a fury in the feminist rank, and brings the accusation of discrimination. Thank God for the godly women that continue to teach their young women the biblical doctrine of pastoral leadership and qualification.

Not only is treatment of an elder/pastor given in 1 Timothy chapter five, but also his conduct toward the members of his church. It would be impossible for this to be referring to a woman filling this position. They were to be treated "as a father," (vs. 1). False versions are on the table of society today that will allow this to be otherwise. Stay with the King James Version.
Seemingly innocent gestures toward older women, younger women, and even toward young men have been the downfall of too many pastors. Demand for separated conduct is often spoken against by some who are near to our heart. The Bible is permeated with advice and warnings of concerning conduct. Not only for the pastor but for the entire church. Also there are dreadful consequences if the warnings are not heeded. One solemn reference: "Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned? Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned?"(Prov. 6:27,28) The obvious answer is NO! Neither can any man, woman, or child be exempt from God's judgment upon disobedience.

It is a fearful thing to take a position or authority not designated for you. Although I and others who take this position will be spoken against, it is the position God has confirmed. This is not my interpretation, but God's designation for the church and the members within.

While the Lord's sheep may be weak because of lack of teaching, it is the goats among them that instigate the problem. Making ready for the wolves to come in not sparing the flock.
"For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." (Heb. 10:30,31)

No one can deny the success of McDonalds. Their fast food restaurants have not only flourished in the U. S., but they have taken the world by storm. Their Big Mac burgers and fries are a legend in their own time. When I was in London, I saw the golden arches. In Vienna, Austria, there was a very large McDonalds. After eating the food of Europe for two weeks, we gladly entered, and found that the food was just like back home.

Many churches are willing to do almost anything to draw a crowd and keep them. They will adopt anything from the world, because after all we have to help dear Jesus to do His work. Some churches now have swimming pools, saunas, and bowling alleys. Why not have a McDonald's fast food business right in the church? One Houston Church now has Big Macs on the way. Hallelujah and pass the french fries! This is bound to be a star attraction in this Baptist (?) church.

Since this will most likely be a for profit business, just how will they handle the tax problem with the IRS. No doubt they have figured out a way to preserve the non-profit status of the Church, and at the same time run a for profit business out the side door.

Jesus had a very serious problem with the money changers and animal sellers in the temple. I just wonder what He would do if he walked into many churches today? Jesus cleansed the temple on two different occasions. He did it near the beginning of his ministry and again near the end of His ministry. John tells us of the first cleansing. "And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem, And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables; And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise." (John 2:13-16)

The second cleansing took place near the end of His public ministry, and is recorded in Matthew, Mark and Luke. "And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves." (Matt. 21:12-13)

In all my years in the ministry, I do not remember ever hearing or reading even one sermon on one of the above texts. I have preached on it on more than one occasion, but I must say that it is largely ignored in most Baptist churches today. Did you ever wonder why?

Below you will read about the McDonald franchise in a Baptist Church in Houston. This article below was printed in The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. We reprint it for evidence.

HOUSTON {AP} You want prayers with that Big Mac?

It's a question parishioners at Brentwood Baptist Church in Houston probably won't hear during services, but a McDonald's soon will become part of the church's new Joe Samuel Ratliff Lifelong Learning Center.

"A lot of us have children," said Derrick Cyprian, chairman of the deacon board. "When we have different meetings and functions at the church, a lot of times you don't get to stop and get something to eat. This will make it more convenient."

The fast-food joint, complete with drive-through window, will be co-owned by the church and one of its members, Ernest Redmond, senior pastor, the Rev. Joe Samuel Ratliff, said.
The hours and menu of the restaurant, which is scheduled to open in July, have not been set.
Redmond, who owns six McDonald's franchises in Houston, said the restaurant may not serve all the McDonald's favorites, but fans can bank on "world-famous french fries," he said.

McDonald's spokesman Rick Nance said the new store is the first he knows of to be attached to a church.

"It is definitely a new territory," Redmond said. "But a McDonald's is a place where we look at families and we look at different people. From that standpoint, the only `first' is the location."
Ratliff said the venture could feed economic development in the far south Houston neighborhood, creating jobs for church members and area residents.

The 75,000-square-foot learning center also houses an aerobics studio, a computer center, an arcade, a basketball court, a banquet hall and more than 60 classrooms. The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, February 6, 2001