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Some "dress to impress;" others "dress to respect." The outward appearance may be similar for both, but the heart attitude is definitely different.

The c*vid plandemic caused our nursing home ministry to come to a screeching halt. However, just recently we were able to schedule a monthly service at an assisted living center - where one of our members lives. The first service is tomorrow afternoon. It won't be until late afternoon, so that means staying all day...long day, for sure. But we are so thankful we are going to be able to begin ministering in this way once again.

My son was separated from the Coast Guard after 11 years of service, because he refused to take the jab. Here is his poem. The Sea I’ll miss your sounds, your salty breeze, Your unforgiving ways. Your soothing calm, your angry tease, Your glorious crashing waves. It’s been bittersweet my gorgeous mistress, Though often unforgiving. I’ve seen your rage, embraced your kiss, I offer my humble thanksgiving. You have my blood, my sweat, and my tears, Still I’ll offer one last treasure. Calloused my hands, helped conquer my fears, Now my boots are yours forever. Your soothing rock, through trough and crest, Have been my sweet lullaby. I’ll miss you my love, I must confess, My final teary-eyed goodbye. We’ve had our fun but it seems it’s time, I must leave your side. It’s been my joy, though a taxing grind, Thanks for one last ride!

I come and read on occasion, but unless there is something I think is worth my time I don't post. And certainly there is no point replying to false teachers with attitude, which is the majority of false teachers who come here.... They don't really come for discussion or to learn, but to push their books and/or their agenda. That was proven to me again with my last post. The other main option seems to be baiting....... This probably makes about 5 posts in the last two years...... and two in the last month or so.... I'm on a roll.

Wearing a suit when I preach reminds me of the need for humility and surrender in my role as a pastor. I recognize that the pulpit is not a platform for personal acclaim or self-promotion but an opportunity to humbly serve God. For me it is more of an act of surrendering my own preferences, seeking to align my appearance with the reverence that God deserves. Other pastors can dress how they please, but for me, I'm not going to dress better for weddings and funerals than I am when I'm delivering God's message.

A further thought - If one were to consider the predominant position during the time of the Old Testament prophets, a great deal of the time the predominant position was the position of the false prophets and false teachers, NOT the position of the true prophets of God. In addition, if one were to consider the predominant position during the ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ, the predominant position was NOT on the side of our Lord. Yet I am quite certain that the true prophets of God and our Lord Jesus Christ were the CORRECT position. Finding the "majority" position in the conflict of true doctrine versus false doctrine really does not move me much, when I consider how often the true servants of the Lord our God are in the minority.

Well, tomorrow is the official due date for our grandson. I am so excited my tummy hurts. lol. I cannot wait to hold the little booger. If you think about it, could you pray for a safe delivery and health for both mommy and baby? Thanks in advance.

The title to this post was taken from actual statistics from this site, but this is typical of many topics. Many more people view posts but make no comment. I can only guess why people don't take an active role in topics. I try to remember that for every reply there are many who only view. When I reply to a topic I try to remember that some are here to learn. When we are caustic in our replies, that's what they learn. If we avoid personal conflict and answer kindly, they learn that. This site is the best I have seen and I have been on several. Romans 12:21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

We got a sad call from one of my hubs' brothers tonight (he has 4 living, 1 in Glory) that one of our sisters-in-law had either had a stroke or heart attack and they were working on trying to revive her. In about 30 minutes, we received another call that she had gone on to Glory. She leaves behind a very ill husband, kids, grandkids (and I think a great-grand). She was my matron of honor at our wedding, and her hubs stood up with my hubs. Please pray for my BIL Jerry, their kids, and the rest of the family. This came totally out of the blue. As it stands now, it doesn't look like we will be able to head back east (to OH) for the funeral. (Here in WA, we have to have at least an enhanced license or a passport in order to be able to fly back into the state...we do not have an enhanced license yet, and it takes 2-3 weeks to get one)

Placing a vote towards a candidate should not be misconstrued as an unequivocal endorsement.

As for myself, I must contend that our Lord Jesus Christ started the New Testament church, NOT John the Baptist.

To clarify my stance...I do not believe in Landmarkism/Baptist Brider theology where only certain independent Baptist churches are true New Testament churches, and that only Baptist are saved (Many Baptist I'm sure are not saved). Biblical Authority: As a Baptist, I uphold the supreme authority of the Bible in matters of faith and practice. It is the inspired Word of God and the foundation of our beliefs. Autonomy of the Local Church: We believe in the independence of each local Baptist church. Congregations have the freedom to govern themselves, choose their leaders, and make decisions without external control. Priesthood of All Believers: In line with the teachings of the New Testament, we affirm that all believers have direct access to God through Jesus Christ. There is no need for a separate priestly class or intermediaries. Two Ordinances: Baptists recognize two ordinances established by Jesus: believer's baptism (immersion)and the Lord's Supper. Believer's baptism is reserved for those who have personally professed faith in Christ. Individual Soul Liberty: We advocate for individual soul liberty, which means that each person has the freedom to interpret Scripture and follow their conscience in matters of faith. No one should be coerced or forced to believe or practice against their will. Separation of Church and State: Baptists have a strong tradition of advocating for the separation of church and state. We believe in the freedom of religion and oppose any form of government interference or establishment of a state religion. Two Offices: Baptist churches recognize two biblical offices: pastors (also called elders or ministers) and deacons. Pastors are responsible for teaching, shepherding, and leading the church, while deacons serve in a supportive role. What is quite interesting is many churches that remove the name Baptist still hold to the Baptist distinctives above, which means they are Baptist. So why would you not want someone to know what your basic beliefs are?

It's been a while since I've posted, but I suppose it's time to get back involved. Matter of fact, last time I posted, I wasn't in the ministry yet. I'm the administrative pastor (not that title matters to me) of my local IFB church. Some would call me the associate pastor. All I know is I am an assistant pastor. I suppose it could be said we are in a luxurious spot for paying staff. There's the pastor, me, children's pastor, congregational care pastor being paid as pastoral staff. There's also the music director and media director. All of these positions receive pay. My pastor took less than his predecessor, on purpose, and I did the same thing with my predecessor, also on purpose. We vote on a budget each year, with the staff salary lumped into one portion of the budget. We support 157 missionaries. We are very frugal with our money, even more so with our present pastor. Some of you would be familiar with our previous pastor. I loved that guy to death. He is the reason I am in the ministry, essentially; however, he had a larger portion dedicated to staff. It really boils down to the congregation/deacons/pastor as to who gets paid what, etc. etc. Some have rightly pointed out the beauty of being independent.

Yet God's own Word in Hebrews 12:22-23 makes it quite distinct, saying, "But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, THE HEAVENLY JERUSALEM, and to an inumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect . . . ." I myself would contend that wherein God's own Word makes something precise and specific, we ought not make it general. By means of this Biblical precision we are able to discern that the "universal heavenly church" does NOT exist and is NOT assembled on the earth. Members thereof do indeed exist on the earth, but the entity itself exists and is assembled ONLY in heaven. Indeed, just as the Old Testament tabernacle/temple was intended by the Lord our God as a physical, earthly manifestation of the heavenly temple, even so the local church institution is intended by the Lord our God as a physical, earthly manifestation of the heavenly church. Thus any attempt to organize a "universal" church on the earth, or to disregard the Biblical local church structure that the Lord our God DID institute for the earth, is contrary to Biblical truth. Indeed, I would contend that Biblical precision prevents false doctrine and false practice.

"Men" meaning mankind, as opposed to fishes. Mankind includes women.

Well, I have had a busy, busy day! Not as busy as Sarah, but still... Little Asher was born at 9:04 this morning. The surgery was quite rough on Sarah, so when we got there after noon, she was in a good bit of pain. They were giving her some stuff that helped so that she was a bit more lively by the time we left. God is so good - when I think that we could have lost both of them! He was wedged and couldn't get out. C-sections are normally a last resort, and I praise God for the technology and ability we have available to us. So we were there for a little over 2 hours, and boy did I get to hold him. He is so adorable! Thank you so much for your prayers - please continue to pray for Sarah. She has to stay in hospital for 48-72 hours, for which we are thankful so she can get the care she needs. Josh's boss has let him off (here in WA it's law that men have to be given family leave time), so he will be with her the entire time she is in there. He takes such sweet care of her. Heh - while Randy was holding Asher, Josh said he was about to fight someone so he could get his baby back. heehee...he kind of likes his dude! Here are some photos. First one was taken not too long after Asher was born. He is on his daddy's chest, and the phone was quite close, making him look much bigger than he actually is. He is 19 1/2 inches long and 6 lb 12 oz. Quite a little guy (bigger than his daddy, though, at 4 lb and a few oz, 18 in long). Second pic is him holding my finger. Yes, that is a look of adoration on my face. Third pic is proud grandpa. Fourth is the three of us.

I have a follow up appointment with the orthopedic surgeon on Monday morning. He doesn't think I will need surgery, but he's stated that I'll probably need extensive therapy to regain some of the use of my left arm. I am a little apprehensive about going through another long period of therapy only to once again being disappointed. It's all in the Lord's hands. Then, on May 28th I have the rest of the teeth in my mouth pulled and will be getting my immediate dentures. I kept my teeth longer than both of my parents, which I praise the Lord for. I'm sort of nervous, as I have had some very bad experiences at the dentist office over the years. They're going to have to "twilight" sedate me. I would greatly appreciate your prayers.

I agree! I had to skip every time he spoke in chapel after that. I got demerits for it, but, it was well worth it! I dropped out of his class as well.

This past week I had several phone calls, and in these phone calls, I was told about how each person had shared Jesus and led somebody to the Lord. It got me to thinking. Most Christians say that they believe that Jesus is the Christ, the savior, the Son of the living God. Yet, I find that many don't even take the time to share Jesus with the hurt, broken, and dying people of the world. How long has it been since you shared Jesus with someone? I know that I leave tracts when we go out to eat, or when we are going to have an extended interaction with a cashier or waitpersons. I also try to witness to people I talk to every day. I have even witnessed to people on these robo or unwelcomed calls. Let's be sure to be the Ambassadors we are called to be and present Jesus as he has commanded. Blessings, BT

I have on many occasions, including some you mentioned. I may not agree on the election issue, but I do find that some have great insight on other areas of the Bible.

My reply still applies as things seem to be getting to a point of verbal abuse. To all: stick to discussions and leave personal attacks out. No need for that in Christianity

We have a 2 party system for all practical purposes. aside from prayer, what would you have me do? I can write in a candidate, he will lose. I can vote third party, he will lose. I can abstain. Or I can vote issues and hold my nose. I wanted Ted Cruz, but he lost in the primaries. So I cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day, so to speak. I believe I made the right choice given my options. BTW I enjoy your posts.

Thank you for your reply. I see what you are saying now. I'm not a universal church guy either. I believe as you do, which is why I asked for an explanation. I was espousing believers' baptism for membership in a local church. Acts 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. So being saved is a prerequisite to being baptized into a local assembly. Ideally, this would lead to a regenerate congregation. Church discipline/the Lord's supper should ensure that we live our faith. I also know that some make false professions, but I don't know what to do about that except to pray for folks that don't seem genuine and continue to preach the Word.

Tony, I have seen first hand what a bad pastor can do. This guy was also a Hyles-Anderson grad. He divided families and eventually killed the church altogether. There used to be 2 good IFB churches in Jesup, GA. They each ran over 100 at one point. Now there is 1 IFB church left and we run less then 60. Many of my personal friends will talk to me, but will not attend our church, because of all the damage done. Some drive to another city to church and others go to SBC churches. I stay IFB, because I believe in the worship, the Bible we use, and the hymns we sing.

I believe that churches that want to remove the name Baptist, do so because they do not want to be identified with what traditional Baptists have always stood for doctrinally, as well as in faith and practice. Baptists have been a hated people from their beginning. First they were hated primarily by the Jews of their day; but once the Reformation came into being, they were hated equally by all of the Roman Catholics and her sister denominations. If you are ashamed to be identified as a Baptist, shame on you, for you trample under foot the blood of our Baptist and Anabaptist forefathers.

I had bought a beef roast that had been marked down in price because it was outdated. I look for these outdated roasts because beef is so expensive. It was a bit discolored, but I have no problem with that because I was, at one time in my life, a butcher and can tell when something is just outdated or actually spoiled. No one wants to be eating spoiled meat. In any event, this beef roast was way too big for me. My wife has stopped eating meat by choice and for health reasons, so now I have to watch the size of meat products I buy. But being as it was marked down and the only one of its kind, I had no choice. I said all of that to say that I slow cooked the roast yesterday on the stovetop and it was wonderful. I also made a rich brown gravy to compliment the mashed potatoes. I had a lot left over, so will have it again tonight. I may even have enough for a sandwich or two.

Personally, I think the new logo for OnlineBaptist.com looks terrific! It's very professional and inviting. Thanks for all y'all do!

Thank you for the feedback. I'm always looking for ways to improve the user experience here on OB

Having a strong relationship with police doesn't mean a thing. I'm sure that school in Uvalde, TX had one. I conceal carry but I don't advertise about it. I'm sure there are other men in church who do also.

All of this bloviation over a typo? Really? I think just from reading the previous posts we all know what is being spoken of. Just more proof that "knowledge puffeth up." UGH!

Robert, I care not what the Catholica church teaches. I am a Baptist. The great commission and the authority to baptize was given to the Apostles, who incidentally were the first members of the first church. Secessionism has nothing to do with it and I am not in agreement with it either. What is it that you cannot understand regarding them being the members of the first church? The authority to baptize was given to them in church capacity, not as individuals. Once again you quote scripture and refuse to abide by board rules by quoting from something other than the KJV. You have been told about this more than once. Because of this I am issuing you a warning. Also, just in case you have not read the rules, which is obvious, I want to tell you up front that our board holds to a "three strikes and your out" position. What that means in plain language is simply that if you are issued three warnings you will be banned. Sorry but that is the board rule.

I just want to see the cavities in their teeth when they smile!

Matthew 28:16 (KJV) Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. This authority was not given to just anyone, it was given to His eleven disciples. These eleven comprised the first church, the church that Jesus built. As such, this Scripture shows that Jesus delegated His authority to His church. (and this church was local, by-the-way) Authority has a source and in this case that source is Jesus Himself; God in the flesh.

Indeed, for Augustine has led many astray with his false teachings. (By the way, the statement above seems to work - as long as you hold a loose definition for "Christianity." However, I myself would contend that any individual or group who teaches a false, unbiblical gospel, while humanly included in Christendom, should not be accepted as a legitimate part of Biblical Christianity.)

I fully agree that Hebrews 12:22-23 & Ephesians 2:6 correspond to one another. Indeed, I believe that Ephesians 2:6 helps to explain how the Church of the First Born in heaven can be a local assembly (in one location - in heaven), yet also include all New Testament believers who are still alive on the earth -- because the Lord our God spiritually sees all of us as presently seated in HEAVENLY places in Christ. Furthermore, both passages precisely specify that these truths are heavenly, in heavenly places (not on the earth). Even so, I fully disagree with your allegorical usages of the passages in the Book of the Revelation. The prophetic utterance concerning the New Jerusalem coming down out of heaven has NOT yet occurred, but is yet to come after the event of the Great White Throne Judgment, which will occur after the end of this first creation through divine fire. We definitely part company and walk with significant division over the manner in which you handle the Book of the Revelation (which seems to be a "go-to" doctrinal focus for you, as per your primary involvement as you first joined the forum).

Many Baptist, myself included, consider themselves Non/Anti-Denominational as well. We simply use things like Independant, Fundamental, Baptist, to indicate our local church's faith and particular doctrine and not as group a group to be holden to in some subservient hierarchy. Though sadly many do fall into the trap of treating their particular fellowship of churches as a defacto denomination.

I have to disagree. Baptists aren't "protestant," nor are they "at odds" with anyone except those who propagate false doctrine or try to attribute things to them that aren't true. You've seemed to do both ever since you've been here.

Robert, Jesus never built two churches, it is either local or universal, but cannot be both, which your posts indicate by the term, "in Corinth is also part of the entire church Jesus came to build." You make the very same misapplication as all Universal Church people do; You cannot differentiate between the church as an institution as opposed to a church, singular. When scripture talks about more than one church, it always designates them and "churches." When scripture talks about the institution that Jesus built, it is designated and His "church" (an institution). As an institution it must be singular, but when indicating more than one it must be plural, "churches." Someone claiming to hold a PHD should be able to make this distinction. But then, this is why you are not Baptist and instead prefer to hold to a Non-denominational position, it is very convenient.

Yesterday while I was getting my MRI in Franklin, Tennessee, we received word that we had a "former" extended family member pass away. My brothers ex-mother-in-law passed away in her mid 80s. My nephew posted a notice of her death. We haven't seen Nellie in several years, but, she was always a kind, loving woman who worked as a waitress in an area restaurant here for many years. We believe she was saved and that we will be seeing her again later on. My ex-sister-in-law lives here in town, and she was very close to her mother, so I know that she is taking this hard. Please pray for her, her husband, and for our nephews Chad and Lance, and our niece, Lindsey. This morning we were notified that my brother-in-laws wife (his second wife...my sister passed away and he remarried a wonderful Christian woman), lost her oldest son. He was in his late 20's or early 30's. It's we were told that he knows the Lord. We're thankful that this provides some comfort during this time of bereavement. Please keep my s-i-l, Donna and brother-in-law, Jeff in your prayers. I'm sure they would appreciate it. Our family has experienced heavy losses over the past five years. It brings to light our need for a blessed hope. It also brings to light our need to witness because time is limited and the fields are white unto harvest. Thank you for your prayers. BT

I’m the only certified judge here… when my wife is not present.

Wow, can we say that Morley is "explaining away the Bible"? The statement below causes me great alarm BECAUSE THERE ARE NO OTHER APOCALYPTIC WRITINGS FROM GOD - THEREFORE CLASSING GOD'S BOOK WITH WORLDLY APOSTATE RELIGIOUS WRITINGS IS A FALSE START AT BEST, AND LEADS TO ALL SORTS OF HERESY AT WORST. The Bible is here to be the gauge for all other writings, not the other way around.

We can all learn and should desire to learn more to grow closer to God. Just because someone disagrees with you/us does not make them/us unloving. The best way to show love is show love and not just tell others how to love. I'm having a hard time understanding the point of this post when from what I've read it seems the passion was the same on both sides. I've been running message boards for 30+ years, and countless times people have posted all over the internet their beliefs and when people don't listen, they are deemed unloving. God has taught me that since I'm a flawed individual, that many times I just need to sit back and just listen to others instead of talking...even when I believe I'm right. I'm after pleasing God, not man. I understand that it can be difficult to feel loving all the time, but I believe that with effort and communication, we can work towards building a stronger and more loving relationship with each other. Ps. Typing from my phone... I have no idea why that last part posted in red.

Praise the Lord!!

Hey Rebecca. Am I right about the sliding vowels closing the throat? If I need to hold a long 'A' like in the word 'day' I hold the 'A' without sliding to the long 'E' until I move on to the next word. Does that make sense?

This is one of my favorite channels to subscribe to for hymns. This brother does a wonderful job. Acapeldridge

There is a group called the Recovering Fundamentalists. They have a WEB site and everything. I went there and read their articles of faith. I also have heard some of their preacher back before they started this group. There purpose is to disparage mainline fundamentalists. So they point out all the bad actors within the Independent Fundamental Baptist circles. In my opinion is that this is not a good movement.

Good question. You are not misreading me, but I did fail to mention moving by letter from a sister church of like faith and practice since I was focusing on the biblical method of baptizing a new convert. Does that clear things up?

Jim Hill is another musician I like to listen to. He has a wonderful voice and musical instrument ability and uses them for the Glory of God. TheNCrew

It's a two way street my friend. I have many faults and I'm daily reminded about the following verses in my daily walk. Matthew 7:1-5 (KJV) Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.

Poll reopened to new votes The thread was was set to poll only and no replies. It is now reset for discussions.