The Independent Baptist:

"Plains Baptist Challenger"

August 2002

News & Views, August 2002 - Edited By E. L. Bynum

Baptist Bible Fellowship in the Pit of Compromise - By E. L. Bynum

Missing Link Found? - By Russ Brown

For a long time the Baptist Bible Fellowship International has been spiraling into the vast swamp of compromise. It was founded in 1950 by men who had some convictions. As the years have passed, it has more and more come under the influence of men who have little or no convictions. Many pastors and churches of the BBFI are alarmed, and there are reports and churches of the BBFI are alarmed, and there are reports of many leaving. Anyone who still believes the Bible should leave this unscriptural organization.

The BBFI is meeting September 23-26 at the Bethlehem Baptist Church, Fairfax, Virginia. David R. Stokes is the pastor of this Church, and he is leading them down the path of compromise. We are reprinting the full letter that he wrote so that you can see that we did not take his quotes out of context. Before you read his total statement, we would like to invite you to read a brief analysis of his departure from the historic Baptist position on truth. Many of the founders of the BBFI would probably turn over in their graves if they knew what was going on today. The termites are eating away on the foundation and the structure itself, and many do not seem to care.

The Bethlehem Baptist Church has abandoned traditional methods for contemporary methods. They are taking a gigantic step toward new-evangelicalism and liberalism. Here is what the pastor said, "Bethlehem Baptist Church has `transitioned' from a very `traditional' approach to methodology to one somewhat more contemporary."

It has been rumored that Bethlehem Baptist Church might be planning to drop the name Baptist. Here is what he said, "We are not planning a name change. There has been no discussion whatsoever of this in the church . . . I have on occasion had casual conversations with young staff members or other pastor friends speculating on the value of such a move. (Emphasis ours.) But nothing has been initiated and nothing is planned. I will not say that it will NEVER happen, because that would be presumptuous and would ignore how the Lord might lead us." He further wrote, "I have no problem with churches that have determined not to use the term `Baptist' in their name - as long as they remain true to sound doctrine and practice. And, if I were to start a church today - I probably would not use `Baptist' in the name. (Emphasis ours) I would however be `Baptistic' in polity and sound doctrine." This certainly means that they have already abandoned true Baptist doctrine.

They have gone contemporary with their music, and they have four young women leading the worship service. Here is what the pastor said, "Our `style' of music is probably more contemporary than some of our churches . . . Four young ladies are coordinating and leading the worship in our services. Two of them are graduates of Baptist Bible College in Springfield. The other two are my daughters (Jenny and Debby-our youngest daughter, Brenda - helps as well). They work as a talented team . . . Sure it will be a BBF `first' to have a team of young ladies leading worship." This means that they have adopted the methods of the Charismatics, new-evangelicals, and liberals.

Bethlehem Baptist Church has abandoned the King James Version, and has adopted the apostate liberal corrupt Bibles. Here is what he said, "As to the issue of the King James Version - we voted as a church more than two years ago to remove the `King James Only' clause from our church by-laws. I preach from several translations on a regular basis (include, NKJV, NASB, and NLT). Several translations as well are used throughout the Bethlehem Family of Ministries. Various translations are available in our church bookstore as well." You can see that this Church stood squarely on the KJV, but now they have accepted the liberal position.

Bethlehem Baptist Church has abandoned any dress code, and people can dress anyway they want. Here is what the pastor said, "With regard to dress and modesty issues, we enforce no rule on our folks. Some people come to our services `dressed up,' others come `dressed down.' ... So, apparel issues are really of no concern to us. Bring several suits or your blue-jeans - whatever. But most importantly bring a heart to hear from God. And, if the ladies want to wear slacks - that's fine. Many of our ladies do - including my wife and daughters. I know this may be quite unlike other meetings but this is how we are around Bethlehem. Make yourselves at home!" Please note that "whatever" is acceptable clothing and that could be almost anything, or almost nothing.

Two Southern Baptist preachers are scheduled to speak at BBFI meeting. Here is what the pastor said, "Finally, the issue of the speakers we have invited has been a point of contention to some. First, there is the matter of having Dr. Johnny Hunt, a Southern Baptist. Dr. Hunt is a powerful preacher of the Word and God is going to use Him mightily . . . Then there is the case of Dr. Jerry Falwell. I have invited him for SUNDAY night - the evening BEFORE the BBF meeting actually begins. He has been our guest at Bethlehem before. Two of my daughters are graduates of Liberty University." Falwell led his Church into the Southern Baptist Convention. The BBFI is drifting in the same direction.

Any of the pastors who have more backbone than a jellyfish should boycott this meeting. They really should abandon the BBFI and follow the Bible way, and just be independent of any organization outside the local church.

It would be a blessing if all churches who share the views of Bethlehem Baptist Church would drop the name "Baptist." It would be the honorable thing for them to do.

Read the letter below, which was written by the compromising host pastor of the BBFI meeting for September 2002 meeting. The discerning reader will see what I am talking about without any further comments by me.

REGARDING THE MEETING IN FAIRFAX

Rev. David R. Stokes
<revstokes@aol.com>
Senior Pastor - Bethlehem Baptist Church

July 3, 2002

I am aware that there is substantial discussion about the upcoming Baptist Bible Fellowship International meeting at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Fairfax, VA, scheduled for September 23-26, 2002. Though I have had no more than a handful of calls or inquiries, I have heard about persistent "rumors" and "concerns." I am making this public statement and I herein grant permission for anyone - anywhere - to use this as they might see fit. I recognize that what I have to say here might, in fact, be distorted or misunderstood, but I want to shed as much light on things as I possibly can. It has been suggested that we are planning an "in your face" meeting. Quite the contrary our prayer is that the Fairfax meeting will move us all to "seek His face!"

It seems that much of the criticism and concern centers on a cluster of issues. I think much of what has been "noised about" paints a caricature of the philosophy and membership dynamics of Bethlehem Baptist Church. A caricature is, in effect, a distortion or exaggeration. We are an independent Baptist Church. We have been affiliated with the BBFI since 1961 (when the church was founded). We agree completely with the 20 articles of faith of BBFI. We faithfully support BBFI missionaries and ministries. We are also a church in a growing area. The world is moving to Fairfax County and the demographics of our community are changing. The "uttermost" that our Lord spoke of has moved in next door. Our methods have been implemented with our field of harvest in mind.

The issues "noised about" seem to be these:

* Bethlehem Baptist might be planning to drop the name "Baptist"
* Concerns about our music
* Our view of the King James controversy
* Our view about matters of dress and modesty
* Concerns about some on the speaker schedule

I will deal as best I can with each of these in this communiquéé. Possibly, there are other "issues" I have missed, but I think my responses to these will give any objective observer a sense of our vision and mission.

I know the heartbeat of the members of our church. They are excited about hosting this meeting. They feel honored to have so many of God's servants coming into "their house." They have worked hard - they have sacrificed financially - and they are praying for a wonderful moment of revival. Our "agenda" is to be a blessing. Yes, we will "be ourselves" - anything else would be hypocrisy. But, as you come into our home our goal is to be hospitable and encouraging.

Bethlehem Baptist Church has "transitioned" from a very "traditional" approach to methodology to one somewhat more contemporary. The pendulum has swung dramatically here. This may, in fact, be an issue of concern to some of the brethren. But, please know that we do not believe everyone should be like us. There are churches in our movement using traditional methods with great success. There are churches using innovative/creative methods with success (as has been our experience). Our thinking on this is expressed in the thought "The Message NEVER changes - but the Methods do." Our purpose is not - and would never be - to tell someone they're wrong. If someone likes something we do, fine. If not, fine as well. But, we do believe that churches such as Bethlehem should be seen as legitimate and authentic BBF churches and not disparaged as being "compromising" or "liberal."

I was unable to attend the Gulfport meeting because of my mother's serious and prolonged illness. I was advised, by a leader in the BBF, that a rumor had gotten around that we were somehow - secretly - planning to change our name (dropping the nomenclature Baptist) around the time of the meeting. I answered it then as I do now. We are not planning a name change. There has been no discussion whatsoever of this in the church (and you might imagine this would need to be discussed thoroughly among the membership - that's how Baptist churches govern themselves - and our polity is unapologetically Baptist!). I have on occasion had casual conversations with young staff members or other pastor friends speculating on the value of such a move. But nothing has been initiated and nothing is planned. I will not say that it will NEVER happen, because that would be presumptuous and would ignore how the Lord might lead us.

We commonly present ourselves to the community as "Bethlehem" (in the same way many refer to "High Street Baptist Church" as simply - "High Street") and our receptionist answers the phone in our office: "Bethlehem Ministries - May I help you?" But this is a simple informality, not an "official" thing.

I have no problem with churches that have determined not to use the term "Baptist" in their name - as long as they remain true to sound doctrine and practice. And, if I were to start a church today - I probably would not use "Baptist" in the name. I would however be "Baptistic" in polity and sound doctrine. I wouldn't use "Pre-millenial" in the name, either - though I believe in that eschatological schematic. These are ideals I would teach INSIDE the church AFTER folks had been won to Christ as part of their discipleship. They have no meaning to the lost and unchurched or worse - they have a negative meaning.

Our "style" of music is probably more contemporary than some of our churches. I believe SUBSTANCE is always more important than STYLE. Our message is the full counsel of God. Please know that those leading our worship are approaching this with humility and transparency. Four young ladies are coordinating and leading the worship in our services. Two of them are graduates of Baptist Bible College in Springfield. The other two are my daughters (Jenny and Debby-our youngest daughter, Brenda - helps as well). They work as a talented team. I know their hearts. They want to be used of God to be a blessing to all of our guests. The balance of our Worship ministry includes our choir and various groups. We have a praise band with guitars, drums, brass, and woodwind instruments (my wife and I play in this).

Sure it will be a BBF "first" to have a team of young ladies leading worship. But, this is a change that God has brought to our work here and He has used this format mightily. I sincerely hope that we will all come together with open hearts to Worship the God of glory!

As to the issue of the King James Version - we voted as a church more than two years ago to remove the "King James Only" clause from our church by-laws. I preach from several translations on a regular basis (include, NKJV, NASB, and NLT). Several translations as well are used throughout the Bethlehem Family of Ministries. Various translations are available in our church bookstore as well.

We are, however, aware and sensitive about this issue as it is seen in the BBF. I am asking therefore all of the PASTORS WHO SPEAK to us to use the King James Version in the pulpit. I will not, however, ask the members of our church to do this. That would be contrary to our by-laws. Some will bring the KJV, many others will not. It's a matter of preference and liberty.

We do have at least one speaker scheduled who is NOT a pastor (he is a columnist). I will not place this stricture (KJV) on him, and would ask that he be received and heard in a respectful and friendly manner.

With regard to dress and modesty issues, we enforce no rule on our folks. Some people come to our services "dressed up," others come "dressed down." This ministry seeks to live by that Augustinian ideal: "In essentials, UNITY - in non-essentials, LIBERTY - in everything, CHARITY"

So, apparel issues are really of no concern to us. Bring several suits or your blue-jeans - whatever. But most importantly bring a heart to hear from God. And, if the ladies want to wear slacks - that's fine. Many of our ladies do - including my wife and daughters. I know this may be quite unlike other meetings but this is how we are around Bethlehem. Make yourselves at home! And, if you can't bring yourself to dress any other way than your Sunday best, that's fine too. It is a non-issue with us.

Finally, the issue of the speakers we have invited has been a point of contention to some. First, there is the matter of having Dr. Johnny Hunt, a Southern Baptist. Dr. Hunt is a powerful preacher of the Word and God is going to use Him mightily. He was not only my choice - he was the choice of the National BBF officers as well. I gave them a "short list" of outside men I had thought to invite to speak and Dr. Gillming told me that they all wanted me to invite Johnny Hunt. So I did and he has graciously arranged his schedule (canceling another engagement) to be with us. I believe the Monday night service will be awesome!

I have, yes, invited some of my friends to speak because I know them and their hearts and because - well - they're my friends. Who among us does not tend to invite friends to speak when we have the chance? All the messages will touch our hearts. One goal I had was to bring men in to speak who haven't spoken at National meetings before. This we are doing.

Then there is the case of Dr. Jerry Falwell. I have invited him for SUNDAY night - the evening BEFORE the BBF meeting actually begins. He has been our guest at Bethlehem before. Two of my daughters are graduates of Liberty University. Sure he's controversial. But, he is a man of God raised up in these unique days. I will not sit in judgment on his ministry - that's what the Bema seat is for. He is my friend, brother in Christ (sometimes we forget this aspect of personal relationships), and major figure in the country and world. I am proud to have him in my pulpit and I invite you to be here "the night before" to hear him!

Let us pray that God will move in our midst in a mighty way this September 23rd - 26th. Pray also for our local church. As pastors I'm sure you understand it when I say that I want this to be a POSITIVE experience for my church - one that will increase the respect these people have for men of God.

Join us at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Fairfax - "for such a time as this."

(If you have any questions . . . call me . . . my cell phone # is 703-863-7025 DRS)

"The only thing I could say for use is that hell means separation from God. We are separated from his light, from his fellowship. That is going to be hell. When it comes to a literal fire, I don't preach it because I'm not sure about it. When the Scripture uses fire concerning hell, that is possibly an illustration of how terrible it's going to be-not fire but something worse, a thirst for God that cannot be quenched." Time, Nov. 15, 1993

"I am not a pastor of a church. That's not my responsibility. My responsibility is to preach the Gospel to everyone and let them choose their own church, whether it is Catholic or Protestant or Orthodox or whatever it is. And to me that's between an individual and a church and God." St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Oct. 10, 1999.

"[Pope John Paul II] has brought the greatest impact of any pope in the last 200 years. I admire his courage, determination, intellectual abilities and his understanding of Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox differences, and the attempt at some form of reconciliation." Associated Press, Nov. 17, 1999

"There's no group of people in the world that I would rather be with right now than you all. Because I think of you, I pray for you, and we follow with great interest the things you do...I don't speak to too many church assemblies any more because I consider myself as belonging to all the churches. And I love everybody equally and I have no problem in fellowship with anybody who says that Jesus Christ is Lord. This has been a great relief to me to come to that conclusion about 20 some years ago. Graham's statement to the National Council of Churches (NCC) at the NCC headquarters on August 27, 1991.

"I think there's the Body of Christ. This comes from all the Christian groups. I think everybody that loves Christ, or knows Christ, whether they're conscious of it or not, they're members of the body of Christ ... And that's what God is doing today. He's calling people out of the world for His name, whether they come from the Muslim world, or the Buddhist world, or the Christian world, or the non-believing world, they are members of the body of Christ because they've been called by God. They may not even know the name of Jesus, but they know in their hearts that they need something that they don't have, and they turn to the only light they have, and I think that they are saved and that they're going to be with us in heaven." Billy Graham to Robert Schuller, May 31, 1997, Hour of Power.

"Evangelism is about the only word we can unite on ... our methods would be different and there would be debates over even the message sometimes, but there is no debate over the fact we need to evangelize ...I think there is an ecumenicity here that cannot [be obtained] under any umbrella." Graham's response at an Amsterdam `86 press conference in which he was asked by Dennis Costella how he could conduct a conference on worldwide evangelism when so many groups in attendance did not even embrace the same fundamentals of the Faith or agree on the definition of the Gospel."

"I have no quarrel with the Catholic Church ... we'll send them [inquirers] to their own churches Roman Catholics, Protestant or Jewish." Graham's statement in 1957 pertaining to his New York Crusade as quoted by William Martin in this book A Prophet With Honor.

"I have found that non-essentials separate people more often than essentials. In reading the history of denominations, it is interesting to note that ... divisions have always resulted from somewhat minor differences. I made up my mind to fellowship with all those who love Jesus Christ with all their heart and are seeking to serve Him." From Graham's book Answers to Life's Problems.

"I feel that I belong to all the churches, I am equally at home in an Anglican or Baptist church or a Brethren assembly." Billy Graham as quoted in David Frost's book Billy Graham: Personal Thoughts of a Public Man. --From Maranatha Baptist Watchman

It is an obvious fact that the high ideals, lofty goals, and high-sounding phrases of religion do not find much expression in life. What we say and what we are seem to be entirely two different things. Our holy crusades are cloaked in contented complacency. The eternal challenge is smothered in the sea of self satisfaction and buried under the boredom of a lack of interest. The activities of our churches could be described as busy boredom. We are drowsy and yawning at the presentation of truths for which men have gladly died.

The sham and hypocrisy of modern religion is brought into glaring light when we compare what we are with what we sing. Congregational singing is a very important part of the worship services of most churches. Generally these songs are old familiar hymns that the congregation can sing without too much thought or effort. There is a well known hymn that is sung by nearly all religions. The average congregation in the average church on an average Sunday morning will be asked to turn in their hymn books to page 46 and stand to sing, Onward Christian Soldiers. Let's listen as they lift their voices and sing.

"Onward" . . . This congregation is wandering aimlessly through another dull, humdrum of a service. The only real goal they have in sight is to get the service over so they can go do something they really enjoy. They look at the clock, count the minutes, and sing . . . "Onward."
"Christian soldiers" . . . If there ever was a group that could win a prize for being the least like soldiers it would have to be the average congregation in the average church on an average Sunday morning. If our country's safety depended on soldiers such as these we would surely be in dire circumstances.

"Marching as to war" . . . When the average congregation in the average church on the average Sunday morning sings this phrase they must surely mean civil war . . . the only fighting they ever do is among themselves. They are not about to take on an outside enemy. They would rather get along with the real enemy and concentrate on killing off each other.

"With the cross of Jesus, going on before" . . . The emphasis here surely must be on the phrase, "going on before." Our average congregation has lagged so far behind that the cross of Jesus has gone on out of sight.

"Christ the royal Master, leads against the foe" . . . The instructions and commands of Christ are clearly laid down and spelled out. They are crisp and clear, but no one seems to pay any attention. This average congregation is calling Christ Master but refusing to submit to Him; they call Him leader and then refuse to follow.

"Forward into battle, see His banners go" . . . The young pastor learns quickly that it is a near disaster to try to lead his congregation to follow Christ into battle. The last thing they want is anything that looks like controversy or conflict and the zealous young pastor who goes "forward into battle" is likely to find that he is out there all by himself.

"At the sign of triumph Satan's host doth flee" . . . Now don't you know that Satan is really trembling at the onslaught of our average sleepy congregation? They must really throw a scare into him. About the only thing he checks out is to make sure they do not pick up the weapons they do have . . . but aren't using. As long as they just shadow box one hour a week he doesn't worry.

"On then, Christian soldiers, on to victory" . . . The average church goer thinks he has won a victory when he struggles out of bed on a Sunday morning, drives to church in his late model car, sits down on a cushioned pew in an air conditioned auditorium and sings, "Onward Christian Soldiers." He thinks of himself as a martyr if the service lasts longer than an hour.
"Hell's foundations quiver at the shout of praise" . . . If hell is shaking because of this kind of service it would probably fall apart if an ant stomped by!

"Brothers, lift your voices, loud your anthems raise" . . . Lift it up now. Everybody sing. Loud singing is the greatest amount of spiritual energy that some church goers expend.
"Like a mighty army, moves the church of God" . . . Think of a mighty army. Now think of the average congregation of reluctant church goers. See any resemblance? The only time they look like a mighty army is when they are charging the church parking lots for a quick exit.
"Brothers, we are treading where the saints have trod" . . . The saints of old trod paths that led to being beaten, stoned, and persecuted; their path was one of danger, peril, and sometimes death. Our path is a carpeted aisle down the middle of a fine church.

"We are not divided: all one body we. One in hope and doctrine, one in charity" . . . Hundreds of warring denominations with contradicting creeds and diverse doctrines have the nerve to sing, "We are not divided." This has to be the height of hypocrisy.

"Onward, then, ye people. Join our happy throng" . . . A congregation of people comes to church as though they were taking bad medicine . . . because they think they must. A lot of them are there under protest. The church continually must beg and plead to get them to attend. They sit in church uncomfortable and miserable in spiritual surroundings. This is the group that turns to the world and sings, "Join our happy throng." The world listens and generally responds with, "You've got to be kidding!" And surely we must be!

A look at the words of most of the songs that religious people sing reveals a remarkable contrast. Phrases taken from the songs in a standard hymn book used by thousands of congregations across the land emphasize this difference in what we sing and what we are.

A gentleman arrives at church late. The only reason that he is there is because his wife pestered and badgered him till he finally arose and got ready to attend church. Even then he started to back out but his children looked at him like he was Judas Iscariot. He hated having to dress up and would much rather have stayed in bed. He growls and snaps at his family all the way to church. Reluctantly he slips into a church pew, picks up the hymnal and joins in singing: "Serve the Lord with gladness."

A church can be split into warring cliques and parties that are engaged in a big church fight but they'll all stand and sing: "Blest be the tie that binds, our hearts in Christian love." The only time the average church goer ever talks of his religion is at church. It embarrasses him for the subject to come up any other place. He sings: "I love to tell the story of Jesus and his glory." Fellow slips a dime into the collection plate and then sings: "Oh, how I love Jesus." People who never prayed more than three minutes at one time in their lives will stand and sing: "Sweet hour of prayer, sweet hour of prayer." The average church constantly has to seek people to sing in the choir. Most people who won't respond to the request yet will join the congregation in singing: "O for a thousand tongues to sing."

Somehow it just seems a little out of place when the average congregation of proud, sophisticated, cosmopolitan, well dressed, smug church goers stand to sing: "To the old rugged cross, I will ever be true, its shame and reproach gladly bear."

Business meetings of a church can be a real battle. Such a meeting could be opened by singing: "The fight is on, O Christian soldier." The same meeting could be closed by singing: "When the battle's over, we shall wear a crown."

A congregation can be full of people who have refused to take an active part in church work; they won't teach; they won't hold office; they won't serve in any capacity, but they will all stand and sing loudly: "To the work, to the work, we are servants of God."

A woman sits in a congregation seething over a remark someone has made and is carefully plotting her revenge as she sings: "Make me a channel of blessing today." A group which meets and bewails the fact that their pastor is outdated and never deals with current, up to date subjects will stand and sing: "Tell me the old, old, story."

This is shallow pretense. To sing songs we obviously do not mean conveys the idea of unreality to all who care to observe. Let's mean what we sing . . . or stop singing.

Then there are the soloists . . . yes, there are always the soloists. Generally, these fall into two groups. First, there is always the lady who thinks she can sing . . . and can't. The reason she thinks she can sing is because church goers have been lying to her. Anywhere else people would walk out or tell her to shut up, but in church we are not as honest as all that . . . we're too religious. So week after week this singer keeps up this massacre of music. Everyone smiles and brags on her until she goes through life convinced she can sing.

Secondly, there are the frustrated opera singers. They are thoroughly convinced that if they had been discovered they would have achieved greatness in the music field. They find songs that they feel give full exposure of their voice and continually blast it out into the reluctant ears of a captive church audience which really prefers a little rock and roll.

Most churches are regularly favored with "specials" by duets, trios, and quartets. These singing groups are usually composed of people who are faithful church workers and are of real value to the church. If their singing group is any good, they will get invitations for guest appearances in other churches. This finally necessitates the group's dropping all their church work in order to be available whenever an invitation to sing is given. Too many times these "gypsy singers" become cold professionals who have lost their real value.