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We need to find a way to keep these predators from being around our children/wives.

I drink coffee in Sunday School and leave my cup there when church starts. I don't believe it belongs in the preaching service and I can do without it for an hour. But I wouldn't attend John Piper's church regardless of whether he let me drink coffee in the sanctuary or not. He has much more pressing things to get right on, than "drinking coffee" in church.

If this is what this "preacher" believes is true, I hate to say it, but, I don't believe he has any business in the pulpit until his exegesis of scripture is on track with what the Bible really teaches. He sounds to me like some of the IFB preachers I grew up under...dictators. The Bible nowhere teaches this....he's just flat-out wrong...period.

I have never heard Dr. Robert's preach, but I do agree with you that politics is becoming an issue with many pastors. I'm not talking about Biblical issues like abortion and homosexuality, but rather political issues like second amendment, election fraud, CRT and others. I may agree with what some of these pastors say, but there is no need for the pastor to tell people how to vote. Once the Word of God gets in ones life, they will know how to vote.

I take no offense at what you stated, Brother. For the record, I've been with the North Fork Baptist Church of Shelbyville, Tennessee for over five years. Before that my wife and I were members of a church in our area that split. I was a laypreacher for the church before it split, and then after serving AFTER the split, because of the anymosity towards the split, my wife and I went WiTH the split. As far as "visiting many different Baptist Churches" incorrect. We've belonged to several because of splits in churches, my being involved with other churches ministries, and helping to plant churches. So, no offense taken. You're always welcomed to have the opinion you have about listening to ones own pastor..and I have to say that I agree with that...they ARE the undershepherd for the people whom they have as church members and should take that very seriously. I should clarify that because this IS A BAPTIST board, that's why I specifically mention that I've seen it in many BAPTIST churches...not just over a period of a few years, but for over 50 years. I know it's present in every denomination. But, again, I want you to be assured that I take no offense here...just wanted to clarify some things. One last thing, because of health issues, I'm not always able to be in church physically. My own church doesn't put their services online any longer, so I am pretty much resigned to either watching other Baptist preachers, or preachers whom I know are doctrinally sound, and believe me, they are getting to be far a few between. Still, I do have spiritual discernment and know how to compare to Scripture what is being said. That's one reason I brought Jeffress' comments to the news cycle! ? I used to listen to him years ago, but, during the Trump administration, he became far too political in nature for my tastes. My wife still listens to him, but I often hear her sayiing "Um...that's not right, Robert!" She starts pointing out in the Bible what's wrong with what he's said! I've taught her pretty well over the years. ? Blessings, my friend and Brother! BT

Working in pairs or more, like we do when dealing with two different sexes can be an effective means. Don't allow one on one situations.

Independent; but not fundamental

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.

I can promise you, this Christian voter will not be voting for anyone in the party which supports gun control, communism, sodomite marriage, sex changes, recreational drugs, or murdering babies; and we all know which party that is.

Preachers who say "God told me" are automatically on my "DO NOT TRUST" list. The pastor and president of what was then Fellowship Baptist College said this about buying several duplexes adjacent to the church, saying that the Lord had told him that the church/college needed to buy them because the college was going to dramatically grow. They bought the property and though the college did go on for several years, it ended up closing without the growth the pastor had claimed God had promised. We left that church especially in light of the fact we had been set up and suspended with the help of the college administration and his son, over something we had allegedly said to others in the college study room. It was one of our friends that had made the statements and we were guilty by association whether we agreed with our friend or not. We weren't even given a chance to defend ourselves. So, to be clear, I have very little patience or interest in ANY pastor/preacher who make such claims.

I hope he is truly saved - but too many of these Hollywood/celebrity conversions are just junk, making religious people with no real spiritual substance. Oh, Elon Musk is saved because his interviewers got him to pray with them (with no clear gospel presentation or repentance). Oh, Chris Pratt is saved because he said something about the (universal) Fatherhood of God at a Disney convention recently (of course, you must overlook the fact that he started blaspheming God and using Jesus’ name in vain in several of his recent movies - if he was really taking a stand for Jesus because he got saved, you figure he would stand against using his professed Saviour’s name as a swear word). Be like Justin Bieber - produce basically pornographic music videos as long as you cover yourself with “Jesus tattoos”. Now THAT’s showing love for (the Hollywood) Jesus!!

I've found material he produced for Christian families to be very helpful. Particularly 'The Christian Home.'

There are differences between coffee and water...coffee is hot and can scald if someone is not careful and spills it on someone. Drinking-temp water is not/would not. Coffee stains if spilled, water does not. Coffee stinks as it sits and dries if not thoroughly cleaned up. Water does not. As I mentioned earlier, coffee will also mold. Water will not. (now, granted, if someone is on the ball and thoroughly cleans the spill, there are not real problems...but when the church cleaner isn't thorough, or when a spill is not mentioned, problems come). Aside from that, coffee is also a beverage that many folks enjoy while chatting with friends. No problem with that. But we have experienced the casual attitude that takes over when everyone's holding a cup of coffee (in some cases it was tea and hot chocolate - you can't say no to those if you say yes to coffee). Anyone who is familiar with human nature knows that an irreverent attitude during worship service is a heart issue. That's not even my point...my point is if the pastor KNOWS that something is going to encourage a casual atmosphere and allows it, that pastor is guilty of encouraging what will likely lead to an irreverent - and then worldly - atmosphere, and heart issues amongst those who are irreverent. If you haven't experienced a church that is actually irreverent due to casual atmosphere, it's not uplifting at all. Again, each church has to make its own decision. But I have to disagree that church is a "private social club." God's church is not a club, social or otherwise, and shouldn't be treated as such. It is the called out assembly of believers joining together to worship a Holy God. Fellowshipping at church does not equate to the club atmosphere. True Christian fellowship far surpasses that of any social club. IMO. (That does not mean churches that allow coffee during the morning service are sinning, FWIW.) I don't think anyone is going to be able to point to scripture that forbids coffee during the worship service. But there are many principles regarding behavior in the House of God that might give folks pause.

No, it's not supposed to be a "social club" per se.. But being "social" is the whole point of "the assembling of yourselves together". Matthew 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

There's nothing inherently wrong with drinking coffee or other beverages at church, but if there are clear rules about eating or drinking in certain areas during certain times, it would be respectful to follow those rules. My church doesn't have such rules, but when I attend churches that do, I follow them.

Coffee is not allowed during our main worship service, but it is allowed during Sunday School and evening Bible Study. We found that coffee created a too-casual atmosphere during the worship service. Of course, every area is different, but that was the case for us.

1. Hard to get out of the carpet 2. Why have it? Is someone that addicted they can’t bear to be without it for an hour? Burden of proof for having it should be on those wanting to bring it in (I say that as someone who sometimes is still drinking my first coffee to wake up as I arrive at church - but I finish it outside the sanctuary or leave it).

The Bible does not explicitly state whether vaccines are a sin or not. Therefore, each individual must decide what is best for their family. A pastor should not try to play the role of the Holy Spirit and tell their congregation whether or not vaccines are a sin. Instead, they should encourage their congregation to pray and seek guidance from God on this matter. @Sabrina Welcome to OB.

The SBC has it's liberals and even heresy infecting their circles, such as Calvinism, just like IFB churches do. Calvinism is very heretical if you ask me and I can't, for the life of me, comprehend why either a SBC church or IFB one would associate with such who teach it. But just like IFB churches can choose not to affiliate or associate with certain churches with teach false doctrine(and many do have networks of churches they associate with), the SBC can do things like "kicking out" churches with women "preachers". And an SBC affiliated church can leave the SBC any time it wants to. An example, by contrast, I know of a little country Methodist church we used to visit in our area (to play music) which recently pulled out of the United Methodist organization; the organization took their church building, bank accounts and all other assets. I know of an Assembly of God church which went through basically the same thing. But I'd be willing to bet my pastor would pull out of the SBC if they condoned women preachers, homosexual preachers, or any other junk like that, and we wouldn't lose our church assets for doing it. How is that not actually independent?

The large churches here followed the same downward trends most of you are talking about. Several years ago there were a handful of churches who had 2-3 different worship services. The sermon was exactly the same so they were mostly divided by "music style". Later every one of them decided to drop Sunday night service and even the traditional Wednesday night services because so much was going on on Sunday morning. Eventually they all blended into one service and for the most part the hymns went out the window in favor of modern music...but even after that they still decided Sunday and Wednesday nights were unnecessary. At least one of the churches out new seats in and got rid of pew bibles and hymn books. Now everything is shown on the screen and no one has any idea what the bible says except for what their pastor says.

Yes, Rick Warrens church, it's only good though to liberals

Replace "Liberals" with the devil

Let's put this in perspective, he was married with two children. It's sickening to me anytime someone cheats on their spouse, to willingly do it with someone that's a young woman is another level. Don't get me wrong, I truly pray that he repents and turns from his ways. He has disqualified himself from the pastoral position.

Not only that @BrotherTony but if he is the youth pastor, he should be called to that position, not appointed. The office of pastor, whether senior or youth is a calling by God, not an appointment by man.

I don't necessarily agree with your assessment. If someone is hired as the youth minister, if he's capable, doing a great job, and there are no problems, he should be left in place. I've been in many churches where the youth minister and workers have been in place for many years, and there have been no problems. Those that have been in the youth groups love, cherish, trust, and respect these people. And many churches aren't large enough or have enough people to do this. If they did as you are suggesting, the church would be in a constant state of disarray.

I understand that. I also believe that we should place more accountability measures with our pastors and staff members.

Amen to that! Vetting doesn't always work. This makes me want to vomit. And then get a baseball bat.......

Vivian and I are hoping to get a chance to watch it soon. Sounds like a good movie.

Well done. I have watched supposed "Christian" movies before that left a lot to be desired, or were just plain unscriptural.

It really is. Pastor Shiflett is a great guy and they did a great job on the film. It's worth the time to watch on youtube

I'm talking about in a time of a deadly emergency. Some churches are out far from police and the time it would take to get there it's better to be prepared ahead of time. I remember a State Trooper, who attended a church I did, warning us that at times, depending on where they were in the county and how many were on duty, it could take them 45 minutes to get to a call. I know some of the brethren are dead set against self defense but not me.

MEEE!!!!? I have one of those propane-powered thingies. Good for burning weeds and starting bonfires. Not really a weapon, per se, although it would hurt really bad if it hit somebody.. https://www.amazon.com/Flame-King-YSN320Ka-Propane-Burner/dp/B09PD9BGK6/ref=asc_df_B09PD9BGK6/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=563593981914&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10813134964080136888&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9011629&hvtargid=pla-1599443882341&psc=1

Locke is becoming a joke and I in no way endorse him and his charismatic teachings. However, I personally agree that the MSM is taking what he is saying about the act of homosexuality and applying it to the person. Locke would love for a homosexual to get "saved" so that he can talk about his deliverance services.

More presumptions, Morales? I know very few if any Christians that vote for these types of things.

Paul had just been to our church a month prior. He looked in wonderful health then. God knows when to take us home.

He was a good man. I was his oldest daughter's K-5 school teacher at Freedom Christian School in Belpre. We did "Dimes for Deems" as they were getting ready to go to the Philippines. The whole church got involved, but the kids really loved it. We had cardboard with slots for dimes. I think once filled it was about $10. I was also his sister-in-law's roommate. Paul and Debbie were good people who loved the Lord (Debbie still is).

I don’t know Dr. Roberts or ever listen to him preach, but I personally stay away from all mega churches. Many of those mega churches preachers are too involved in politics and they earn way too much money. How much is too much? let’s say that person can pay their house off, with what they earn in one year. I’m talking about a big house. What amazes me is that Christians say they deserve it, the blind following the blind. Sorry for changing the subject a bit.

Herein lies the danger I am forever warning against: That danger is listening and watching preachers and services from churches other than your own. For proof of the validity of this concern, just consider than this preacher has gone off the tracks and there is no way to tell where or when else he has done so. God put us in a local church for valid reasons, one of those reasons is so that we will not be exposed to things such as this that was posted, and especially from a preacher that is SBC. Many times those that follow these preachers from outside of their own church do not even realize that they are following a man instead of being Spirit led. This makes them susceptible to following false doctrine and error without many times even knowing it. In posting about this issue, I especially noticed that Bro. Tony said this: "I'm seeing quite a bit of this in nearly every sect of the Baptist church". This would indicate to me that Bro. Tony is visiting many other churches, other than his own. But even more disturbing is his indication that he may think that Baptist means universal church. This is what is indicated when someone says, "the Baptist church", in the singular voice, but meaning all churches instead of local churches. When I hear this phrase I always want to ask, "which Baptist church?" Please understand that I am not picking on Bro. Tony here, I am specifically warning against following preachers other than our own and indicating the error of universal church as opposed to local church. Just some thoughts as I read the forum early this morning and saw this post. If I offend anyone including Bro. Tony, please understand that is not my intention, my intention is simply to warn against error and preachers that have the capacity to lead others in their error.

I enjoyed your article Pastor Matt. I became a Christian five years ago, and I bounced around many churches in many denominations until I found a conservative independent Baptist church. It struck me the first night as great, it had great expository preaching and seemed aimed primarily at feeding the congregation with the Word . They refuse to allow any modern music, which I thought was extreme. However, I now see it was aimed at focusing everyone on the meaning of the songs and glorifying God. It also seems a stance against the entertainment model of church music. I think the important thing is to get those singing on stage or in the congregation to focus on God, to give Him fame and praise, and to be more about the meaning of the songs than the performance of them. It doesn't matter the music style or culture if these are everyone's goals. Every single church I went to that was entertainment-centered during so-called worship had issues in other areas that sent me packing eventually. Usually a deep misunderstanding of what the Word actually says and commands.

Dr Sexton passed do to complications from a brain injury which he suffered back in August of last year in a fall, although doctors didnt catch the injury for several months. This is according to his wife Evelyn.

TGL, even in the smaller chuches there are many hunters. If I'm not mistaken about 40 percent of the men are hunters and over 30 percent of the women.

That I would agree with. Convention churches can probably offer better health & retirement plans due to the larger number of participants, but in our independent churches, that's often not feasible.

The pastor probably invested in Pfizer or Moderns. When someone flip-flops it's almost always because money was involved or someone has something on him.

There are some preacher-armed. They will protect their flock if they have to. During prayer, there’s always someone with their eyes wide open.

That’s funny… I thought God decided that.

Russell Anderson....co-founder of Hyles-Anderson College in Hammond, Indiana. He was a good man. I had the privilege of meeting him once. He was a very humble, Godly servant of Christ.

The Bible says a husband and wife are to be "heirs together of the grace of life". A wife is indeed commanded to "submit" to her husband and it's her choice to do so. But the husband is never commanded to "subject" her, ever. Big difference.

He is a true Christian, he supports gay marriages. He supports abortions. He supports all liberal movements, the LGBTQ Love him, Vote for him again. If you are a Christian liberal. Come on man…

Actually, according to a NPR poll (not exactly a conservative news outlet) nearly two-thirds of Americans (63%) are opposed to allowing transgender women and girls to compete on teams that align with their gender identity, while 24% overall support that. Of course the preponderance that do support it fall in the Democrat category (46%). Among Republicans only 4% support. The stat that amazes me is the 7 – 15% of those poled that were “Not familiar with this” issue. What rock are they living under?! Aside from the socio-political nonsense so prevalent today, I don’t see how any rational person can support this. The Economist came out with an article over two years ago that clearly shows the advantage even teenage boys have over elite women in their respective sports. The article plainly states that even after testosterone suppression treatment the muscle loss incurred is far less than the advantage granted by simply being born a male.

Many things now labeled "political" are not political but rather moral -- killing babies, sexual perversion, adultery, fornication, gender were all Bible (and sin) issues long before a politician took up the "cause"!