Driving home this week I noticed this picture in front of a church. I drove passed and immediately turned around to make sure my eyes were not deceiving me. BAPTICOSTAL? I guess this is a mix between Baptist theology and Pentecostalism. Baptist theology and Pentecostalism may have some small similarities but the heart of their beliefs are fundamentally different. So what we have here are some confused people trying to make up some denomination out of two existing ones. That is like saying your are a republicrate or demoblican the two do not mix. This prompted me to write about this in order to challenge and encourage you to -KNOW WHAT YOU ARE AND WHY YOU ARE WHAT YOU ARE. What do I mean by that? If you are Baptist, Pentecostal, or some other denomination take the time find out what your church believes. Take the time to examine your church creeds and doctrines. Simply put know the theology of your church.
When we were children we went to church with our parents, but we are the parents and adults now. So we have to pass along to our children and others why we do what we do. If you attend a Baptist church do you know why? Are you familiar with the articles of faith? If you attend a Non-denomination church do you know the principles and doctrines on which it is organized. Denomination is generally defined as a religious organization whose congregations are united in their adherence to its beliefs and practices. So it is fundamental that you know the beliefs and practices that your particular church is unified in.
Now one question that always been asked is, “why are their so many denominations?” Another common question is, “do denominations really matter?” These are valid questions and they speak to a person's understanding or lack there of. There are so many denominations and churches because there are many ways to organize. Some are scriptural and some are not. Denominations matter because the principles a church chooses to organize around define that church. So if your church is unified around something that is not scriptural that should matter to you if your aim is to please Christ.
People also ask me, “why can't we just preach Jesus and not worry with doctrine?” I believe you cannot preach Jesus without doctrine (Jesus himself taught and preached doctrine Mt 16:12, Mark 1:27, John 7:16 etc..). Just consider all the difference beliefs and practices surrounding the Lord's Supper and baptism which are all ordinances from Jesus himself. This whole discussion revolves around this, we are not free to approach God or worship God any way we choose. WE MUST WORSHIP GOD ON HIS TERMS! Jesus has taught us if anyone would come after him, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow him. From beginning to end it all about God not about us. Therefore we must examine the scriptures to make sure that our beliefs and practices are not of man but of God, for the Proverbs teaches us there is a way is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death (Proverbs 16:25).
I leave you with encouragement from the Apostle Paul.
I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. (Rom 16:17-18)
Stay turned for Why I am a baptist?
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