By Bob Jackson
“What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, and one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” James 2:14–26
This is an extremely important passage of Scripture that shows us what real, saving faith is. This passage of Scripture does NOT contradict any other passage of Scripture. God’s Word is one unit, and it teaches us the same message. We are to understand the Word of God by the Word of God, 2 Peter 1:20; 1 Corinthians 2:12,13.
SAVED BY FAITH
The last question found in James 2:14, “can faith save him?” seems to me to have two answers, depending on whether or not we keep it in the context of that Scripture. If we ask the question, “Can faith save a person, a sinner, etc.?” the answer must be a resounding “Yes!” According to Ephesians 2:8,9, we are saved “by grace through faith.” Therefore, if this question is asked as a standalone question outside of the context of this verse, the answer must be yes. However, if we ask this question in the context of James 2:14 and the rest of this passage, then our honest answer must be “No.” A person cannot be saved by the kind of faith that is described in that verse and in this passage of Scripture.
Truly, we are saved by a real, genuine faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, Romans 10:8–10. According to 2 Corinthians 5:21, Christ became sin for us as He took our place on Calvary’s cross, and He gives us His righteousness when we receive Him as our own personal Savior. We must come to Christ to be saved and receive His gift of eternal life by God’s grace through faith, Ephesians 2:8,9. This means that forgiveness for our sins before God does NOT come by works. Our works, no matter how good they are or whatever they might be, have NO part in saving us, Titus 3:5. If we were saved by what we do, our pride would be fueled, but Ephesians 2:9 clearly states that it is “Not of works, lest any man should boast.” 1 Corinthians 1:30,31 tells us that Jesus Christ is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption so that we will only glory in the Lord, and not in ourselves. Romans 4:2,3 tells us, “For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.” Our only hope for salvation is to trust Jesus Christ and what He did for us for our eternal salvation, Colossians 1:27; I Timothy 1:1.
SAVING FAITH WORKS
This passage of Scripture in James chapter 2 is describing what real faith is and does. According to this passage, works are the result of genuine faith. James 2:21–23 particularly tell us about Abraham and the test that God gave him about offering his son, Isaac, as a sacrifice to God. The account of this test in Abraham’s life is found in Genesis chapter 22. In Genesis 22:1,2, Abraham heard the word, the command of God. In Genesis 22:3–8, Abraham believed the word of God, and we know this because he trusted God enough to begin immediately to obey what God commanded him to do regarding the sacrifice of Isaac. Genesis 22:5, “And Abraham said to his young men, Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you,” makes it clear that Abraham believed that he and Isaac would be coming back after he had offered Isaac to the Lord. He believed God would somehow bring Isaac back to life after he had been offered if that was what would be required. What a statement of faith this is from the mouth of Abraham. What a demonstration of real, genuine, living faith such as the passage in James chapter 2 refers. In Genesis 22:9–12, Abraham followed exactly what God had told him because he believed God. Abraham was counted righteous before God because of his real, living, obedient faith, James 2:22,23; Genesis 22:13,14; Romans 4:3.
According to James 2:18,24, works are the evidence of faith. Following the Lord in baptism does NOT save us, but it testifies to others that we are saved, Romans 10:11; 6:3,4. Faithfulness to the Lord in our lives does NOT save us, but it demonstrates true faith in Christ, 1 Corinthians 15:58. When there is a desire for God’s Word in our lives, both the personal reading and study of God’s Word as well as the desire to hear God’s Word preached and proclaimed, this is an evidence of genuine faith in our hearts. When we are faithful to declare the message of Christ to others, this is another evidence of genuine faith in our lives, 1 Peter 3:15. When we live a life that is dedicated to God in the manner of our thoughts and actions, this is another evidence of genuine faith in our hearts, Romans 12:1,2.
SAYING WE HAVE FAITH
To say that we have faith, or that we believe in God does NOT make it true, James 2:14,18. Many claim to “believe in God” thinking that they are saved thereby. This is a standard answer from some people when you ask them about personal salvation. It is clear in James 2:19 that believing in God is NOT the same thing as being saved. Even “the devils also believe, and tremble.” Obviously, the devils are not saved; therefore, believing in God is not what makes a person saved. The same is true with faith, saying we have faith in Christ does not by itself make it so. Many claim to have called on the Lord for salvation. Sadly, many people call on the Lord who do not believe in their heart upon Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, Matthew 7:21–24; John 6:40. (See the article, “False Profession of Faith Causes Much Confusion” on page 2 of the February 2006 Plains Baptist Challenger.) People are not saved by their words, by their claims, or by their prayers, James 2:14–17; Romans 10:9,10.
There are some telltale signs of dead faith, James 2:17,20,26. When there is no evidence of true faith in a life, that is a sign of dead faith. There will be no change in a life where there is only dead faith, James 2:14; 2 Corinthians 5:17. The summary of these facts is that there is no genuine salvation through dead faith, James 2:14–17. True salvation only comes by a real, living, productive faith, Ephesians 2:8,9. A lost sinner must come to Jesus Christ, believing on Him with all his heart as his personal Savior, Isaiah 1:18; Romans 10:9,10. When a sinner comes to Christ in this manner, he will be saved by the power of God, and changed by the power of God. True, genuine faith will be present in his life, and the presence of genuine faith in a life will be evident.
We do not mean to say that a truly saved person will never again sin, nor never have any further problems in his life. But, as you observe the life of a truly saved person overall, it is obvious that God is present and has made changes in this life. This is the teaching found in this passage in James chapter 2. This passage is consistent with every other passage in the Bible. We must take it for what it says and understand it in its context and in relation to the rest of the Word of God.
By E. L. Bynum
Since 2003, we have been publishing news about the merger that is in the works among fundamentalists. (See April 2003 PBC.) More and more it is pointing toward the eventual merger between fundamental Baptist Fellowships and the Southern Baptist Convention.
This plan was led by Dr. John Rawlings (BBFI), and apparently the groundwork had been laid for some time. He is the former pastor of Landmark Baptist Church, Cincinnati, OH, and is currently the head of the Rawlings Foundation. Apparently this is a well-financed organization.
We cannot repeat what we have said in previous articles, June 2003, July 2003, and articles in 2004 and 2005. Compromising leaders who claim to be fundamentalists and independents (they are neither) are selling out their Baptist heritage for a mess of pottage. They have bought into the super church mentality, which is an outgrowth of new evangelicalism. For them, compromise is preferable to a militant stand for the truth.
Global Connection Conference
April 18–20, 2006
I have before me a brochure which was mailed out to the pastors and churches of the Bible Baptist Fellowship International. Apparently they printed up separate ones for the different fellowships and organizations that they are inviting.
In the April 2005 issue of the Plains Baptist Challenger we informed our readers that Gene Mims had been appointed to head up the International Baptist Network. In the before-mentioned brochure Gene Mims was listed as one of the speakers for the April 2006 meeting.
Just who is Gene Mims? Gene Mims, until recently was vice president of Lifeway Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist. He was Chairman of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Resolutions Committee on June 14, 2005. He is the author of “Kingdom Principles for Church Growth.” He must have been a trusted member of the SBC, since he was chosen to be chairman of this most important committee for 2005. I wrote him an email asking if he was in the SBC or if he had come out. He replied that he pastors a Southern Baptist Church in Nashville, TN. He is not leading people out of the SBC, but is leading churches and organized fellowships into partnership with the SBC. I believe the eventual goal is to merge the fellowships into the SBC. Time will tell how well this plan will succeed.
The slaughter house in Oklahoma City years ago had what was called a Judas goat. This old goat led the cattle into the chute which led to the place where the cattle were systematically slaughtered. The old goat was spared to go back to the pens and lead the next bunch of cattle to the slaughter. I learned recently the eventual fate of the Judas goat. When the slaughter house was closed, he was butchered and put through the grinder. Who knows, you might have eaten part of him in a hotdog. It is clear that false leaders are simply playing the Judas goat as they lead others down the road of compromise. I wonder in the end what their fate will be.
Who Are the Speakers for the Global Connection Conference?
Gene Mims—a Southern Baptist.
Dr. Larry Reesor is the founder and president of Global Focus. His web site speaks of the global church revitalized. I do not know of his denominational affiliation, but I am reasonably sure that he is not a member of any organized Baptist fellowship, and may well be in the SBC.
Jerry Falwell, graduate of the Baptist Bible College of Springfield, MO. (This is the flagship school of the BBFI.) Not only are he and his church members of the BBFI, but they are also members of the SBC. We have chronicled his compromises in the PBC down through the years.
Johnny Hunt, pastor of the First Baptist Church, Woodstock, GA. The Solid Rock Caféé with a menu is located in the main church building. He is a graduate of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Wake Forest, NC. This is an SBC school and to the best of our knowledge Hunt is also in the Southern Baptist Convention.
Victor Kulbich, President UCCC, the vice president of All Ukrainian Soviet of Evangelical Christian Baptists. He uses the Evangelism Explosion method of D. James Kennedy, a well-known Presbyterian. He was also a ministry partner in the Samaritans Purse 2003, which is the brain child of Franklin Graham, the son of Billy Graham.
Dr. Armie F. Jesalva, Pastor, Cebu Bible Baptist Church, Philippines, with 9,000 members and 27 Satellite churches. He is also a graduate Baptist Bible College in Springfield, MO.
These are the featured speakers, but there will be other speakers also.
Are These Leaders Sound Baptists?
The SBC leaders above are not the same as the historic Southern Baptist leaders of the past. They have little or nothing in common with such Baptists as B. H. Carroll, J. M. Carroll, J. R. Graves, George W. Truett, etc. We will prove that in just a moment.
The leaders of the above fundamental fellowships have little in common with their leaders of a generation ago. J. Frank Norris, G. B. Vick and other leaders of the past would turn over in their graves if they could see the direction of the movements they once headed.
Historic Baptists and Baptism
The great Baptists of the past taught that before a person could be a member of a Baptist Church, they must first be saved, and then be baptized on the authority of a sound-in-doctrine Baptist Church. Anything else was considered to be alien immersion and was rejected. If they were baptized differently, then they had to be scripturally baptized before becoming a member of a sound Baptist Church. Millions of martyrs were put to death during the dark ages because they would not receive the alien baptism of Roman Catholics and Protestants. The truth our Baptist ancestors died for, modern day compromisers are willing to sell out for popularity.
We are not talking about salvation, for that is another matter and must be experienced before baptism and church membership. Many truly born again Christians have died and gone to heaven without being baptized. Baptism is necessary for obedience and Church membership, but not for salvation.
The Global Connection Conference is being held at the Northside Baptist Church, Charlotte, NC. This church was organized and pastored by Jack Hudson until his health failed. This church has been a participant in the Southwide Baptist Fellowship. According to their web site, they do not require scriptural baptism for membership. They say, “Every member must have been baptized by immersion since they accepted Christ.” (Emphasis ours.) This leaves it wide open for the acceptance of people baptized in the Church of Christ, Nazarene, Assembly of God, Bible churches and many others who immerse.
The following was taken from the web page of the Church where Johnny Hunt is pastor.
How to Join FBCW.
Application for Membership at First Baptist Church Woodstock
There are three ways to become a member:
1. BAPTISM: For persons who have been saved by accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and desire to obey Christ by being scripturally baptized by immersion. Click here for more information on becoming saved.
2. LETTER FROM ANOTHER BAPTIST CHURCH: For persons who are saved, have been baptized by immersion after salvation, and are members in good standing of another Baptist church which will transfer them by letter to FBCW (we will handle transfer of the letter).
3. STATEMENT OF FAITH: For persons who are saved and have been baptized by immersion after salvation but are not members of another Baptist church.
All three of the above conditions leave it wide open to accept people who have been baptized by immersion by other denominations. This is not the historic Baptist position.
Churches that accept this kind of false baptism should take the name Baptist from their signs and their official names, since they are no longer Baptists. Thank God many have done so, but there are many more who need to do so.
The Price Baptists Paid
One only needs to read some of the Baptist books of the past, to establish the fact that scriptural baptism is unique to the Baptists. All other baptisms were called alien and rejected at great price by the Baptists of the past. Read “The Trail of Blood,” by J. M. Carroll, a great Southern Baptist and the brother of B. H. Carroll, founder of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Millions of Baptist martyrs died because they would not accept or submit to Roman Catholic and Protestant baptism. Remember that Roman Catholics practiced immersion for several centuries.
“Baptist Martyrs” is another great history book that chronicles the story of the Baptist martyrs who refused to bow to Rome and the Protestants. They died rather than accept the alien baptism of their day.
“Martyrs Mirror,” by Thieleman J. van Braught gives the record of martyrs from the time of Christ to the year 1660. He clearly reveals that most of them died over the subject of baptism. He gives the record of more than 1400 who died as martyrs. The author’s preface and introduction alone, is worth the price of this 1157 page book.
Baptist preachers ought to sell their shirts, if necessary, to get the above-mentioned books. Of course they were not always called Baptists, but in different periods were called Donatists, Paulicians, Waldenses, Anabaptists, etc. Yet they held to the doctrine of salvation and baptism and can rightly be called the true Baptists in other ages. Not all of these groups were always sound, for there were compromisers among them just as there are among Baptists today.
The Fundamentalist Sellout
We are seeing today a massive sellout among Fundamentalists. Of course many of them are ashamed of the name Fundamentalist and do not use that name. The truth reveals that they came from the Fundamentalist movement.
Early Fundamentalists tried to clean up the denominational organizations that they were a part of. When they failed at this, then they became a come-out movement and left their denominations. Fundamental Baptists have that heritage, but now they are reversing the process and going back-in.
This is a massive compromise with far reaching results. It is nothing less than compromise, concession, crash, collapse, and the crackup of the Fundamental Baptist movements.
There are some good pastors and churches among these groups. They need to come out of these unscriptural organizations. No sound church or pastor should have been in them in the first place.
Warning to Independent Baptists
Compromise is a slippery slope that is difficult to get out of. Whenever Independent Baptists start following the compromise of the Fellowships and the SBC, they are on the road to disaster and will face the divine judgment of God. Beware of Rick Warren, Bill Hybels and a host of others, some of them named above.
Has the SBC Been Reformed?
Many people have been deceived into thinking that the Southern Baptists have rejected false doctrine and returned to the truth. We are thankful for any truth that they have recovered and any progress they have made. The truth of the matter is that the SBC is still riddled by modernism. Some of their colleges and seminaries are still loaded with and controlled by liberals. Two examples are Baylor University and Truett Seminary. Some of the state conventions are all but controlled by the liberals.
If you believe they have returned to the truth, please answer the following questions. (1) Name me one SBC leader that believes in total separation from apostasy. (2) Name me one leader that openly takes a stand on the historic Baptist belief in the New Testament Church. (3) Name me one leader that openly takes a stand on the historic Baptist position on baptism. (4) Name me one leader that openly takes a stand on the historic Baptist position on the Lord’s Supper and against open and close communion. (5) Name me one leader that openly takes a stand on the KJV and against the modern versions.
By Bill Mosley
Obviously the Christianity referred to in the title is of less conviction than biblical Christianity. However, this cannot be denied, Christians that attend movies at home or in the theater are more than not effected unfavorably. Images that lean toward immorality are etched in the mind, and they more frequently appear than words remembered that enhance spirituality. The apostle Paul exposes the battle of the mind in Romans 7:14–23. Paul climaxed the dismal condition of the sinful human nature in v. 24a. He exclaimed the discouraging plight of this mark of mortality when he said, “. . . who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” (v. 24b) The glorious deliverance is seen in v. 25. “I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
How then can present day Christianity hope to live separated lives when exposing themselves to Hollywood’s filthy produce? It is inevitable that Christians will fall into the same disgraceful condition as Paul’s example above. Hollywood’s manufactured images of biblical records fall as short of truth as a cannon fired from the east coast aimed at Europe. However, Hollywood’s explosive noise makes a more significant splash in the sea of humanity.
The illustrations following are only a small segment of the myriads of attacks by the movie industry to dishonor Christianity.
“Left Behind”
A case in point is the “Left Behind” series of Tim LaHaye & Jerry B. Jenkins. The book series as well as the movies based on the books obviously have touched many. No one can seriously think about the rapture of the saints, leaving unbelievers behind, without being touched. Whether or not we can agree concerning all aspects of Christ’s return in the air to catch away every believer of all time, He is certain to come. Some will inevitably be left. Since the Bible is the only true source of information on this subject, where is the need for other books concerning the matter? Especially when additional suggestions are added, they generally attribute more honor to the author than to magnify the Lord Jesus and His Father.
The movie “Left Behind — World at War” starring Lou Gossett and Kirk Cameron , is lauded as best revealing the tribulation period after the rapture. I know little of either of these men or the movie’s director, or even the movie. Yet there is no doubt they give less than a clear view of the terrible seven years between the rapture of the saints and the return of the One “called Faithful and True,” Who will in righteousness “judge and make war.” (Rev. 19:11) When the world at large gets a glimpse of His eyes as a flame of fire, DVDs and movie going will pale into non-existence.
“The Passion of the Christ”
Another is the latest work of actor/director Mel Gibson. The world’s religious sector went wild over Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ.” It remains one of the most emotional arousing films available to the public. Thousands of pastors, lay workers, Sunday School teachers, and other believers crowded to see the movie. Pope John Paul II and Billy Graham both endorsed the movie with equal appreciation. Sadly these men are thought of as the spiritual thermometer to meter the comfort zone most willingly sought.
No saved person could dare say that Christ’s suffering for their sin can be taken lightly. Hearts cannot help being stirred when His willingly dying for our incorrigible conduct is brought to our attention. Nevertheless, it is also heartbreaking when the world seeks to, by manipulation, grab the attention of the public by making distorted applications of the Word of God. Especially when the end result for the producers is monetary gain.
This movie, as do all other religious movies from Hollywood, has an overwhelming aroma of Catholicism. Society in general is submerged with the idea that Catholicism is Christianity. Much of Catholicism can be defined as Mariolatry, which involves the idolatrous worship of Mary, as opposed to her simply being the woman highly favored of God to bring forth the body of our Lord Jesus. Members of the Lord’s church who have been taught from the preserved Word of God, can certainly detect the Catholic slant in Gibson’s movie as well as others.
(For more on the distortion of biblical truth found in this movie, please see our tract, The Passion of the Christ.)
“The Da Vinci Code”
The book, “The Da Vinci Code,” by author Dan Brown has high reviews by those who enjoy the ridicule of our Lord. The book is advertised with such captions as, “Discover the secret behind Mona Lisa’s smile in Dan Brown’s thriller . . . “ Wherever Brown got his thoughts for this book, it was not from the Bible. He is now defending himself in Britain’s High Court against the accusation of taking his thoughts for his book from the “Holy Grail.” Recently two authors have alleged Brown infringed on their copyrighted material.
In the face of this lawsuit some are lauding this book a ‘must read.’ A New York Times writer says, “Blockbuster perfection, an exhilaratingly (sic) brainy thriller. Not since the advent of Harry Potter has an author so flagrantly delighted in leading readers on a breathless chase and coaxing them through hoops.” The best thing about this statement is that it raises a flag before believers when Harry Potter is mentioned. The Library Journal unashamedly calls this book a “masterpiece” and that it should be mandatory reading. The Christian Science Monitor favorably says you “will never view ‘The Last Supper’ the same way.” I trust the reader of this article is wise enough to disregard opinions of this group of commentators on any subject.
Nonetheless, a movie is to hit the big screen with the title, “The Da Vinci Code.” If, as reported, 30 million have read the book, how many millions will miss a meal to see the movie? As is the book, so the movie goes.
The blasphemous illusion that Jesus married Mary Magdalene will be grasped by the sensual minds of noted humorists. Departing so far from truth as declaring Jesus fathering children by her will draw multitudes. Simple-minded believers(?) will feel vindicated of sin as they imagine the film to be without error. Comparatively few have been taught that the only bride of Christ is His church. Jesus is now washing her with the pure Word of God. That alone will make His bride to be robed in white.
Since more than 50% of those aligned with the Christian(?) churches believe Satan exists, what a field day he will have with such minds. It is very likely that more people in America have read ‘The Da Vinci Code,’ by Brown, than have read the Bible authored by God.
Conclusion
Whether or not this is a matter of extreme concern lies in the heart. Does it disturb us enough to warn others? Is it a useless battle to cry out warnings? Invariably some will declare it an advantage to the movie industry, especially such as this, to speak out in opposition. If there were no other reason, Christians should make known which side they are on. But there are many other reasons! Our children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren will fall prey to such immoral fantasies. One truth proclaimer of the past said something like this: “What one generation permits, the next generation will practice, and the next generation will take it for doctrine.”
Can you imagine a few decades from now, a mother trying to correct in the mind of her child, the thought of Jesus and Mary Magdalene having children together? Is that too far fetched? The star wars of the past have all but become a reality. We now know that the ‘man in the moon’ has given way to a man on the moon. This is not meant as folly, it is decidedly meant as a warning for the foolish. Hollywood has no more idea of biblical truth than a mule with blinds knows which way to turn without a line. In fact, a team of mules can be trained to follow a planted row. Hollywood doesn’t know the direction the spiritual row runs.
God deliver our society, and especially those who claim to know Christ, from the tentacles of such a voluptuous octopus, is my prayer. May believers use the same deliverer in the battle of the mind as Paul declared earlier in this writing. (Rom. 7:25) “I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
By Austin L. Sorenson
Whether or not you know it, television is brainwashing your children. Alistair Cooke, noted journalist, was asked, “Of the influences that affect the development of a child today, where would you place television?” He answered, “Next to the mother and father and far ahead of school and church.”
Think of the violence your children see on your television set:
Murders, shootouts, speedy chases, Looks of fright on victims’ faces, Screaming tires, police-car sirens, Stakeouts in the crime’s environs, Bodies from the rooftop falling, Flames and smoke in scenes appalling,
Hostages by gunmen held, Riots raging, riots quelled, Spooky scenes of future science, Robots killing in compliance, Mammoth apes that terrorize, Looks of hatred in their eyes, Raging battles, troops mowed down, Bombs that drop, destroy a town... Take all these from home TV— What, I ask, is left to see?
—Author Unknown
Does this steady diet of violence make a child more violent? “Yes,” says Dr. Michael B. Rothenberg of the University of Washington School of Medicine, writing in the journal of the American Medical Association. Here is the gist of his survey of 146 articles covering 50 medical and psychological studies and involving 10,000 children with all kinds of family backgrounds.
Kids who watch lots of TV violence easily retain its worst points and often use aggression in the same way. This is especially true if the act “worked” for the performer and went unpunished.
After a steady diet of mayhem, some children lose the capacity to be shocked or surprised by what they see.
The once-popular “catharsis theory,” that TV violence offers a healthy outlet for natural hostilities and aggressions, simply doesn’t hold up.
With children who have a set of values to start, the worst influence of television violence can be offset to a degree by pointedly letting youngsters know about the dire physical and moral consequences of violence.
Is TV like drug addiction? “Trying to break children of obsessive TV habits is like dealing with people who abuse drugs,” says Dr. Gordon Livingston, a child psychiatrist:
“If you take children who are heavy TV viewers and suddenly remove them from it, very often they report things that look like (drug) withdrawal symptoms,” Dr. Livingston reported.
“Kids become agitated and don’t know how to fill their time. It represents a real psychological dependence.”
According to Marie Winn, author of The Plug-In Drug. Television, Children and the Family, TV watching can become a serious addiction.
Not unlike drugs or alcohol, TV allows the viewer to blot out the real world and enter into a pleasurable and passive mental state. The worries and anxieties of reality are as effectively deferred by becoming absorbed in a TV program as by going on a “trip” induced by drugs or alcohol.
Marvin Stone, in an editorial appearing in U.S. News & World Report, comments:
The upshot of all this is that we fear gullible onlookers may be misled into identifying this year’s TV with life, while the rest are just being bored or, more likely, disgusted.
Congress wouldn’t stand still for a minute if a prominent industry pocketed a billion dollars in pretax profits as commercial broadcasting did one year while piping sewage into our rivers and lakes. Yet neither Congress nor the Federal Communications Commission raises an eyebrow while commercial TV stations pipe their raw “entertainment” garbage into American homes, polluting our minds.
What is the solution? Proverbs 22:6 tells us: “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” Television should be kept in its proper place beside us but never between us and the larger life.
—Sword of the Lord
Oct. 8, 1609–Apr. 20, 1676
Religious Freedom — Church Planter — Free Education
John was bitterly disappointed as he and his wife Elizabeth stepped off the ship in Boston in Nov. 1637. They had come to find freedom to follow the scriptures. They found the same intolerance they had left. He states that men ‘were not able to bear each with other in their different understandings and consciences as in these utmost parts of the world to live peaceable together.’ The authorities in Boston required that all men pay a tax for the support of the state ministers, and that anyone excommunicated from the church would then come under civil prosecution.
John was a solution finder, not a complainer. He gathered those being persecuted and proposed that they move and begin a new colony with freedom of religion where men would be accepted without ‘being accounted delinquent for doctrine.’ This compact was entered into on Mar. 7, 1638. Backus writes ‘He was a principal procurer of Rhode Island for sufferers and exiles.’ Religious liberty has always been a rallying point of real Baptists. They began their colony at Narragansett Bay, which they purchased from the Indians on Mar. 24, 1638 and later moved south to the town of Newport, Rhode Island. 18 adult men signed this compact.
A new colony without a church was of little interest to John. He founded the First Baptist Church in America. It was Clarke that was called in 1638, ‘their minister, elder of the church there.’ This church was operated on Baptist principles.
John Clarke is one of the most overlooked men of American history and a scholar by any man’s account. He was ‘an advanced student of Hebrew and Greek.’ ‘He was a ripe scholar, learned in the practice of two professions, besides having had large experience in diplomatic and political life . . . With all his public pursuits, he continued the practice of his original profession as a physician, and also retained the pastoral charge of his church.’ From his writings we find that his doctrines were ‘so clear and Scriptural that they might stand as the confession of faith of Baptists today.’
Chapter Two
The constables burst into the house demanding that Dr. Clarke cease the sermon! Clarke and the two men with him were placed under arrest. The charge? Being Baptists!!
Baptists had been the focus of persecution in Massachusetts for many years. On Nov. 12, 1644 a law was passed banishing those who ‘refused to countenance infant baptism and the use of secular force in religious things.’
On July 19, 1651, Dr. Clarke visited William Witter who lived in Lynn (now in Massachusetts), which was under the jurisdiction of the Boston government. William was an older member of the church at Newport, and had been unable to attend due to sickness. Clarke, Mr. Crandall and Obadiah Holmes had come to visit and encourage him to continue in the Word of God. The day after arriving they were arrested by the constables while holding a private service. They were taken to a Congregational service, doubtless designed to correct the error of their ways. They refused to remove their hats as a protest of this treatment. They were tried for the ‘crimes’ of holding private services and preaching against infant baptism. On these charges they were convicted without ‘either accuser, witness, jury, law of God, or man’ and were sentenced to pay a fine or ‘to be well whipped.’
The magistrate suggested a public debate on the issue with a leading minister of the state church. Dr. Clarke gladly accepted. The debate was later declined by the state minister. Doubtless he knew he would lose a debate where the Bible would be the standard of judgment. All three men refused to pay the fine and were therefore held for almost one month. In the middle of August some unknown person paid their fine and Mr. Crandall and John Clarke were released. Obadiah Holmes refused to accept the payment and was whipped for his faith. He later became pastor of the church in Newport.
Chapter Three
At what price liberty? Rhode Island had been granted a charter for freedom of religion. Now the enemies of Baptists were mad! They began to work at political intrigue to have the charter changed by any false means available. Someone had to defend the colony in England.
Governor Coddington secured a charter in 1649 that gave him the virtual power of a sovereign for life in Rhode Island. John Clarke and Roger Williams were sent to England in 1651 to try to overturn that charter. They were successful. Though that battle was won, the fight continued. The enemies of liberty continued to lie to England. Therefore Dr. Clarke had to stay and guard the safety of the new colony. After the death of Oliver Cromwell, 1660, Charles II came to the throne. Clarke wrote a new charter and persuaded Charles II to seal it on July 8, 1663. Finally, he was able to return to his chosen homeland. Dr. Bicknell said, “The charter of Rhode Island has been recognized as the most liberal state paper ever issued by the English Crown.” Its provisions were so well constituted that it stood until 1843 when the present state constitution was adopted.
This statement from the charter is inscribed on the West Facade of the Capitol in Providence; “that it is much on their hearts (if they may be permitted) to hold forth a lively experiment, that a most flourishing civil state may stand and best be maintained, and that among our English subjects, with a full liberty in religious concernments.”
Dr. Clarke had started the first Baptist church in America, been persecuted for his faith and practice. He invested his life in the pursuit of liberty for Rhode Island and supported himself while in England. He established a free school that provided for the free education of its students. This was the first free school on the shores of America. He died on April 20, 1676 and his body is buried in a small cemetery in Newport.
—Baptist Challenge Web Page
Bro. Jackson, I got to meet and speak with you briefly at Bro. Tottingham’s Preacher’s Conference and I enjoyed our fellowship. I am looking forward to being in your Missions Conference in March, 2006. The reason for this email is to thank you for the article you had in the Plains Baptist Challenger, November Edition about “Full Circle”. GLORY TO GOD!!! I have known this for the past 5 years that we have been in Oklahoma City, but not being known by preacher’s such as yourself I did not know if this issue would ever be addressed. You hit the nail on the head!! This is a problem and will remain a problem for men like myself who do Home Missions. My prayer is that every unafilliated Baptist preacher that reads that article will finally realize we need to take note of what is happening in that fellowship. As you said in the article, may we realize that they were never really unafilliated they were just temporarily unattached. Once again I thank you for that stand and I pray that your ministry will be blessed in a great and mighty way. Bro Kenneth Shirey, Oklahoma City, OK. Lighthouse Baptist Church, a mission work out of Lincoln Baptist Church, Wichita, KS
Bro. Bynum, I just read your “IS IT RIGHT:” I have been looking for something to help a few of us expose false teaching at our church. God lead me to you. I just want to say bless you and thank you. Waiting for His return, Nona Coleman
Bro. Bynum, Thanks for your article on the vile series “The Book of Daniel”. I wanted to be sure that you knew that so few people watched it that NBC had to cancel the program. Thanks for your service to the Lord. In His glad service, Earl F. Dodge
Dear Sir: Subject: Jesus or Joshua. I cannot find any KJV supporter who will explain Heb. 4:8. It seems that the name should be Joshua and not Jesus since Jesus does give us rest but Joshua could not. KJV Heb. 4:8 For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. NIV For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day. Sincerily, Ray Thorpe
My Answer: Brother Jackson sent your email to me, so I will give you my answer to your question. I see no problem with these Scriptures. When the Hebrew Joshua is translated to Greek, it is the word Jesus. The King James Version is right in the translation. Of course it is talking about Joshua, and so that is the proper interpretaion, but not the translation. The other versions are not translating when they say Joshua, they are giving the interpretation. If Jesus was translated into the Hebrew, it would come out Joshua. I hope this helps you. E. L. Bynum
Dear Bro. Bynum, Bro. Robert Tucker, my husband, and I have been long time subscribers to the “Challenger” and have always had a lot of confidence in the articles printed in this wonderful paper. My, how we would miss it, were it not to continue. A man visiting in our church recently asked us our opinion about creamation verses burial since funeral costs have soared in this day and age. We had quite a discussion and then we remembered reading an article in the Plains Baptist Challenger many years ago on this very subject. We’ve kept many of our old papers and looked high and low to find that particular one but were unable to do so. Our request is for a copy of that article if it is still available because we’re sure it would offer some clear cut answers in a scriptural way and we could let this man read it. Would it be possible to print another article concerning this subject in the Challenger? Cremation is definitely cheaper in our area than burial but there are many other things to consider than money. Again, thank you for your informative and scripturally accurate articles and all your hard work in putting out the paper. We hope it will continue for a long time. In Christ, Bro. Robert and Jane Tucker
I sent them information on cremation. Perhaps we will print an article on this at a later date. ELB
Bro. Jackson, I personally want to thank you and the folks of Tabernacle Baptist for the great time of fellowship, food, and fun. The preaching was great and I’m looking for next year Lord willing. Please convey my gratitude to your people for me and my thanks to you and Bro. Jerry for the music. Hope to see you soon. Bro. Shirey
Bro. Jackson, A hearty “thank you” for hosting the annual conference. Everything was a great blessing. We appreciate the gracious hospitality of Tabernacle Baptist, including the dinner both days. I know a great deal of work goes into such an endeavor and we are most grateful. May the Lord continue to bless and use you there in Lubbock. In Christ, Thomas Smith, Pastor, Mt. Zion Baptist Church, St. Clair, MO 63077
Dear Bro. Bynum, I want to thank you for the messages you had at the conference, and the stand you take for the truths of God’s word. It is a blessing and encouragement to me when I came home to the challenges of the work here in OK that there is still a cause to fight for until Jesus comes. May God continue to bless you and your wife as you labor for Him. Until The Shout, Bro. Shirey
House-passed Bill Failed in Senate Committee, But it Will Be Back in 2006
In what was called a “historic vote” in September, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a bill containing a provision which added “sexual orientation” to federal hate crimes laws.
While the Senate has voted in favor of a federal hate crimes statute for sexual orientation on a number of occasions, it was the first time the House had done so.
The vote took pro-family groups completely by surprise, since they were unaware that a hate crimes bill was even being considered by House members. That’s because the hate crimes provision was offered as an amendment to the Children’s Safety Acts—a measure that was aimed at protecting kids from sex offenders.
“No one could possibly be opposed to a bill protecting children, so naturally supporters of the homosexual agenda in Congress stuffed the hate crimes amendment into the Children’s Safety Act,” said AFA Chairman Don Wildmon. “This was cynical power politics at its worst.”
The measure—with the hate crimes amendment—passed in the House 223 to 199, with 30 Republicans, 192 Democrats and 1 Independent voting in favor.
Fortunately, the bill wound up in a House-Senate conference committee to work out differences in the two versions of the measure, and pro-family groups were able to ramp up the pressure. The bill died in committee.
But the close call alerted pro-family groups to a nasty little secret: Pressure is growing on members of Congress to add sexual orientation to federal hate crimes laws. “If people don’t get involved and contact their representatives in Washington,” Wildmon said, “we’re all going to wake up and find that a new—and potentially dangerous—hate crimes statute is in effect.”
Wildmon said such a hate crimes law would eventually come into conflict with the freedom of Christian ministers to preach the truth about homosexuality.
“People should not be fooled. Expanding federal hate crimes laws to include sexual orientation is not only an unnecessary expansion of federal authority, it will one day be used to suppress the Gospel,” he said. “The homosexual movement is pushing for a showdown with the church in this country.
“The Senate will probably deal with this issue next year. We need to let our senators know where we stand and where we expect them to stand on this crucial issue.”
—American Family Association Journal
Written by Dr. A. Shorrosh,
A former Muslim who converted to Christianity
• Theologically, No, Because his allegiance is to Allah, the moon god of Arabia.
• Scripturally, No, Because his allegiance is to the five pillars of Islam and the Quran.
• Geographically, No, Because his allegiance is to Mecca, to which he turns in prayer five times a day.
• Socially, No, Because his allegiance to Islam forbids him to make friends with Christians or Jews.
• Politically, No, Because he must submit to the mullah (spiritual leaders), who teach annihilation of Israel and destruction of America, the great Satan.
• Domestically, No, Because he is instructed to marry four women and beat and scourge his wife when she disobeys him (Quran 4:34).
• Religiously, No, Because no other religion is accepted by his Allah except Islam—intolerance (Quran 2:256).
• Intellectually, No, Because he cannot accept the American Constitution since it is based on Biblical principles, and he believes the Bible to be corrupt.
• Philosophically, No, Because Islam, Muhammad, and the Quran do not allow freedom of religion and expression. Democracy and Islam cannot co-exist. Every Muslim government is either dictatorial or autocratic.
• Spiritually, No, Because when we declare “one nation under God” The Christian’s God is loving and kind, while Allah is NEVER referred to as our heavenly father, nor is he ever called love in the Quran.
Edited by E. L. Bynum
(Editor’s Note: In our News & Views column we quote from many different sources. Please understand that this does not necessarily mean that we approve of all of the publications from which we quote.)
Wrestling for Jesus. The LAJ (3–18–06) printed more than one-half page to a story about wrestlers who entertain people so that a preacher can give a short gospel message. A clear picture was printed giving a pictorial view of the following quote. “AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — Chase ‘Darkness’ Cliett eagerly straddled the rope above his opponent, a dazed-looking wrestler in a red, devil’s costume. Flashing his tongue like a rock star, Cliett spun backward and snapped both his legs toward the horned wrestler, a convincing thud echoing his acrobatics. Later, a few matches after the devil got knocked out, the pastor of the Wrestling for Jesus ministry took center stage of the community center gym and preached.”
This kind of cheapening of the gospel is another sign of the times. Just when we think we have heard it all. Man does not stomp the devil nor does he defeat the evil one. God will take care of the devil in due time. In the mean time, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7). Our wrestling is not with flesh and blood dressed up to represent the devil. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Eph. 6:12) —ELB
In The Right Direction — In a direct challenge to the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, the South Dakota House of Representatives easily passed a bill Feb. 9 that would ban nearly all abortions in the state. The bill passed by a vote of 47–22 and now goes to the state Senate, where a vote is expected to be tight. Ten of the Senate’s 35 members are sponsors. (Baptist Press, 2/10/06) Be sure the ACLU will be challenging this state with all its diabolical plots available. They will make their argument as seductive as the serpent did to Eve about the forbidden fruit. They will argue that God didn’t really mean what He inspired to be written in Exo. 20:13 & 21:22. But if they do that, they will have to admit there really is a God in heaven, and all their law books will have to be re-written. (W. W. Mosley, hereafter WWM)
More On The SD Abortion Bill — Planned Parenthood, which operates the only clinic performing abortions in South Dakota, has pledged to challenge the measure in court if Gov. Rounds signs it into law. The bill states that “life begins at the time of conception ...” and that “under the Constitution of South Dakota, a pregnant mother and her unborn child ...each possess a natural and inalienable right to life.” (Am. Family Assoc., 2/28/06) Pray that this state and many others will have legislators that have the spiritual insight to take this action. How can a nation who murders their unborn dare to ask God to “bless our nation?” —WWM
Moving On From Azusa Street — Most have heard about the Azusa Street, Los Angeles Pentecostal movement of 1906. Yet among the Pentecostal movement today there seems to be, in their mind, a need for “another holiness movement.” From reading about their focus on the future, the desire seems among many that there needs to be a ‘focus on the heart rather than on a dress code.’ Too much modern church thinking, for the sake of growth, had rather dampen the effect of Holy Spirit led preaching, than to let it do its perfect work of conviction. Preaching the truth of God’s Word is not “paralyzing legalism.” The ‘feel well, get rich’ false gospel is filling churches, but it is not convicting sinners of sin that separates from God. —WWM
SD’s Gov. Signed Abortion Bill — South Dakota Governor Mike Rounds has signed into law the first abortion ban in the United States since the 1973 Supreme Court Roe vs. Wade decision. The bill, House Bill 1215, passed with strong bi-partisan support in both houses and makes abortion a felony in the state, punishable by up to five years imprisonment. It is to go into effect this July. (LifeSiteNews, 3/6/06) The ACLU will certainly be rattling their silver-seeking sabers to suppress this monumental relief for the unborn. Their activity to protect the sadistic delight in cruelty to the unborn, performed by the pro-abortion group, will likely be financially supported by U.S. taxpayers. (Dan. 9:8) “O Lord, to us belongeth confusion of face, to our kings, to our princes, and to our fathers, because we have sinned against thee.” —WWM
Band Beatin’ Baptist(?) — The Baptist name is highly questionable here because of the following announcement in the Mangum Star News, (OK) 3/9/06. “ Jazz Band to be at Trinity Baptist this Sunday — The Wichita Mountain Jazz Band will be at Trinity Baptist Church (date). Everyone is invited to attend.” This church split a few months ago. The splinter group dropped the name ‘Baptist’ to become ‘The Abundant Life Church.’ Sound Baptists should appreciate this action. It would be good if the stump would do the same. Small print on the sign of the splinter indicates they remain a SBC work. What a shame that our Baptist predecessors were willing to die for biblical doctrine, while many use the name while throwing doctrine of separation out the door. (1 John 4:5) “They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.” No doubt some of the ‘world’ read the announcement and attended. —WWM
Another Disparaging Title? — Statistically, more men are unchurched than women, and a Family News in Focus story suggests that the discrepancy is growing due to many churches gearing their culture and messages towards women. One church in Peoria, Illinois is trying to find ways to attract men to their church, such as using the term “Head Coach” rather than “Pastor.” (Religion Today, 3/15/06) Disrespect for the pastorate has increased rapidly the last few decades. It began largely when young people, even in church, began calling adults by their first name. I know 75 year ago even close friends called their neighbors by the title of ‘Mr. or Mrs.’ in the presence of children. Uncle and Aunt have also been dropped. In the opinion of this writer it is highly disrespectful to call the pastor by his first name, even after ‘Brother.’ Especially before children and young people. Likely the men that are leaving the church grew up being taught respect for the pastor, which is now being mainly ignored. (Heb. 13:17) “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.” It could be that some pastors are guilty in this process. —WWM
CBS Taxed For Sin — American Family Assoc. and others filed formal complaints “..against CBS and their affiliate stations for broadcasting Without A Trace, complete with an extended teen-age orgy scene.” Within days, 165,997 AFA on-line supporters had filed formal complaints with the FCC. The FCC reaffirmed a $550,000 fine against CBS for Janet Jackson’s ‘wardrobe malfunction’ at the 2004 Super Bowl.” (AFA, 3/16/06) AFA also stated this week, that March 23, 2006 FCC announced it agrees with those opposing such filming and is fining 111 CBS stations $32,500 each for broadcasting this indecency. (Over $3.5 million.) If 50 million people watched these happenings, that only cost CBS about .07 cents per corrupted soul. Thank God for such organizations confronting the moral corruption of the airways. Only God knows the extent of the moral decay caused by Hollywood and other broadcasting facilities. —WWM
‘The Da Vinci Code’ Evangelical? — (Dr. James L.) Garlow, much like other Evangelicals, suggests Christians, armed with the facts, see the film with friends, churched and unchurched, rather than boycotting or protesting. (Lee) Strobel, meanwhile, views The Da Vinci Code as “an incredible opportunity” as opposed to any kind of serious challenge to Christianity. (RT, 3/15/08) How can the love of the Father possibly be in those who approve this film? (1 John 2:15,16) It is practically impossible to escape the corruption of the world while attending it. (2 Pet. 1:4) —WWM
Islamic Population — An Islamic website reports the constant growth of their population in various countries. They have taken data from sources such as the CIA fact sheet that the total Muslim population is in excess of 1.6 billion. This is far greater than generally reported. If the world population is between 6 & 7 billion, their percentage rate would be near 25%. Some countries are almost, if not totally, Muslim. Agape Press reports “the director of the group Jihad Watch says things have gotten so bad in Europe that the only solution to the Islamic problem might be to divide the continent into Muslim and non-Muslim enclaves.” Political correctness may demand Islam be called a peaceful religion. Islam’s actions speak otherwise. Beware! —WWM
Gay Marriage Legislation — New York has joined other states seeking to legalize gay marriage. However, judges in the NY high court says it is a legislative matter. Yet the homosexual activists are demanding a hearing with the court. New Jersey’s high court heard a gay marriage case earlier this year according to a Baptist Press, 3/17/06 article. Segments of society are becoming accustomed to giving way to the homosexual agenda. There is another gender step being approached. Read on. —WWM
Campus Culture — An Oregon State Univ. senior writing for the university and other publications writes: “Next fall, my university will follow the lead of other schools by adding an ‘other’ category to the gender section of admissions forms so that ‘students will now be able to express exactly who they think they are.’ In short, unfortunate delusions are to be treated as perfectly acceptable.” The young man who wrote this is fully aware of the direction a nation without moral guidance can go. (Rom. 10:3) “For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.” Doing that which was evil in the sight of the Lord brought about Israel’s spiritual bankruptcy and ultimate demise. —WWM
Homosexual Equality? — Homosexual activists “will take thirty-two young adults on a seven-week bus tour from New York to Los Angeles to confront nineteen religious schools and military academies that ban the enrollment of GLBT students. Their journey is unique — never before have young activists banded together to challenge homophobia at the institutions that are largely responsible for GLBT discrimination.” This is having an impact on institutions of higher learning. Satan has always parked under the tree of knowledge of good and evil. If Satan can paint an acceptable appearance on sin, he can then give the impression of acceptability. (Prov. 14:12) “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” —WWM
PP’s Tentacles Far Reaching — Despite the Catholic Church’s clear opposition to abortion, contraception and premarital sexual activity, a Cardinal Newman Society (CNS) review of Catholic college and university Web sites has revealed links and referrals to abortion clinics including Planned Parenthood, the largest abortion provider in the United States and abortion-rights and pro-contraception groups. (LifeSiteNews, 3/17/06) PP of America’s only plan seems to be to obstruct parenthood. They are more adept at bringing closure to unplanned parenthood than giving helpful aid to parents. (Psa. 119:118) “Thou hast trodden down all them that err from thy statutes: for their deceit is falsehood.” —WWM