Landmark Baptist

     The Universal Church has taken its toll on scriptural churches. Up until the Great Reformation of Luther, Zwingli, Huss and Jerome {most of them were unhappy Catholic priests}, the Roman Catholic Church stood alone in the Protestant arena. She had protested against those true churches from Jerusalem to Macedonia and all through Asia Minor. Many of them were organized by Paul. The problem with those sound churches came from the big boys in Rome. The Roman Church had gained wealth and popularity in the mid-east and was ready to exercise her power over the small local churches; a Convention-like atmosphere. For over a century they killed and terrorized those sound in the faith.

     The Central Association has recommended that we change the Articles of Faith. They have told the churches that they need to be “refined” and “defined” The stated reasons are to vanquish doctrinal obscurity, promote harmony in the work, aid in the growth of the Association and increase mission support and participation. It is apparent the main issue is that by changing the Articles of Faith, it would stop “new” doctrines from coming into our work.

     The Bible clearly presents the fact that God keeps a record and that man will be held accountable for his actions. Malachi 3:16 says, “Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another, and the Lord gave attention and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the Lord and who esteem His name.” Obviously He keeps a record for those who belong to Him in covenant relationship, that is, those who are a pan of His Church today and are serving Him faithfully. Consider also that the eleventh chapter of Hebrews is a record of Old Testament people who were faithful servants and clearly did esteem His name. This article will present a few of the many scriptures that give evidence that God keeps a record.

     On Saturday, July 19, leaders from sister churches around the state gathered at the Liberty MBC of San Fernando to discuss ideas and offer encouragement for church growth. This meeting proved to be stimulating and informative.

     We are called “Missionary” Baptists. Many of our churches carry that word “Missionary” in their names. First, it is reactionary, as are so many names. When some of the Methodists became incensed over requiring people to pay rent on their pews, they separated and became known as “Free” Methodists, indicating that a parishioner was permitted to occupy a pew without paying for the privilege. We became known as “Missionary” Baptists to distinguish ourselves from others who used the name Baptist, but were opposed to mission work on the basis that those who were “elect” would come to them, negating the requirement to send someone out to bring them in. The second reason we use that name so much is simply that we believe in mission work and want others to be aware of it. We consider the so-called “Great Commission” to be our marching orders. I say “so-called,” not because I think it is not a commission, nor because I think it is not great, but simply because the term is man-made. The fact that it is not a biblical term does not mean it isn’t good and accurate, because it is.