Alan

Hello Brother,
 
Hope all is well with you. I will somewhat answer your questions in a hesitant manner as some of the questions, in my thinking; have to deal with matters that are not primarily connected with the devotion.
 
In the devotion, “Four Principles in Church building,” the message was primarily directed to encourage those active in church building and not necessarily dealing with the subject of exclusivity. So, I will answer your questions in a broad manner.
 
So, I am of the opinion that some of the issues you addressed may be better handled in a different thread, (or lesson), for that particular subject. You may start your own quesitons under the forum, "The Bible and Christianity/Biblcal Issues/Questions for Baptists."
 
In my discussion, I will adhere to the definition of ‘exclusive’ as defined in, “The American Heritage Dictionary.”
           1. Not divided or shared with others.
          2. Excluding, or tending to exclude.
         
Very briefly, as you mentioned, sometimes exclusivity does sometimes interfere with building a church. We need to remember that the Lord Jesus is the head of the church, the pastor is his under-shepherd, and the scriptures is our guide.
 
As you mentioned, one of his primary functions of the pastor is to denounce heresy and keep the church pure from heretical doctrines. One of the qualifications of a pastor is to warn against the false prophets and teachers. Study 2 Peter 2. At the same time, build the church.
 
So, the pastor must be selective on whom he allows to teach, be a deacon, or any other public function in the church. The office of the pastor is very exclusive: please see the qualifications listed in 1 Timothy 3:1-13, Titus 1:7-9 and 1 Peter 5:1-4 This is why I mentioned the, “A Polite Reminder,” my devotion.
 
Also, Paul the Apostle routinely preached holiness and separation in the life of the members of the churches that he started. In fact, Paul told the elders of the church at Corinth (which he started), to get rid of the unholy members of the church: 1 Corinthians 5:11-13 Study Galatians 5:5-12, Colossians 3:8 & 9 and 1 Timothy 1:19 & 20
 
As to your questions concerning having a forum to non-Baptists that deal with issues such as church building, Revelation (or prophecy subjects); I am sure that there are such forums with different policies. If you have any policy questions OnLine Baptist and how they handle non-members, or non- Independent Baptists, I would suggest you contact Matt.
 
The study that I invited you on, “Revelation Bible Study,” is a continuation of a previous study, “Revelation chapter 19-22 Study,” that I had previously led. Here is the link to that thread: http://www.onlinebaptist.com/home/topic/23115-revelation-chapter-19-22-study/?page=1
You can read that thread, but, because it is now “locked,” nobody can comment.
 
The current “Revelation Bible Study,” is covering items not fully developed in the, “Revelation chapter 19-22 Study.” If you want to ask a moderator to move the current, “Revelation Bible Study,” thread to the, “The Bible and Christianity – End Times/Bible Prophecy,” thread so you (and others), can comment, they I would whole-heartedly agree with that move. I do not want to be in any way exclusive in any of my threads.
 
I am glad to hear that you have seen the error of the Pentecostal Movement. I have heard of some Baptist churches align with that erroneous belief, but, in the Independent, Fundamental, Baptist churches that I have been a member of, or visited, I have not noticed this problem, nor some of the other erroneous doctrinal problems in our age.
 
Golgotha, I have four suggestions. That you find a good Independent, Fundamental, Baptist church and join it, listen to some of the brethren here on OnLine Baptist as they discuss the issues, start your own thread (or lesson), on subjects that are on your mind.
 
It is my personal hope that you will continue to read, and comment, on any of my other devotions.
 
Your Friend,
Alan
 

P.S.
After finishing the above comment I read todays Lighthouse Trails booklet called, "Remaining Faithful Through it All." I think is appropriate to include a small portion of the booklet in this comment. Here is part of the that article:
We Are to be Faithful in Even the Least of Things
He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man’s, who shall give you that which is your own? (Luke 16:10-12)
His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. (Matthew 25:23)

Alan

This seems to be a major issue among those who follow their own heart and desires rather than submitting to what it "right" in the sight of the Lord; this includes judging righteous judgment (Jn. 7:24) -- and discerning the fruits of the spirit.
1) Our fruit is everything about us, both how we behave and what we say.  We can't tell what people are thinking, but we can hear and evaluate their words and see and discern their deeds. That is discernment not "judging". "Judging" in the sense used here has to do with condemning others in our hearts or with our words (or deeds, occasionally).  We can be wise about staying away from problematic people without violating this command not to "judge".  
And so we should indeed do:
I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators: Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world. But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolator, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person. (Corinthians 5:9-13)
So by all means we should make it our policy to stay away from people who are deep into gross sin and who want to tempt us into it as well . . . ESPECIALLY if they call themselves "Christians".
2) Solomon was wise, but wisdom is not enough. Wisdom is knowing what is right.  But doing what is right is an act of willful obedience to the Lord.  In fact, if we know what is right and don't do it, that is worse than doing something out of ignorance (Lk.12:47-48).  Solomon's problems with knowing what was right but doing what was not increased with his age:
For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father. (1 Kings 11:4)
As a result, the kingdom was split in the time of his son into two parts (1 Ki.11:5ff.).  
God Bless!

I have been asked by non-believers as to what happens to Christians who have loved ones who are in hell? I think the scriptures which apply say it all:
For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and [God shall wipe away all tears] from their eyes. (Revelation 7:17)
And [God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes]; and there shall be no more death, [neither sorrow], nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. (Revelation 21:4)

And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh. (Isaiah 66:24)
Holiness produces a *godly* hatred towards sin; and it will be made manifest as we  gaze upon those who REFUSED to REPENT of their sins and those who continually REJECT the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Crying is an OUTWARD manifestation of sorrow which comes from mourning and grief. Jesus Himself was a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: (Isaiah 53:3-4). The characterizations included by those who seek such answers no doubt seek to explain these passages are a case of "going beyond what is written".  I see no reason for doing so in this case inasmuch as the above seems very clear to me.  We are not going to be troubled by anything in resurrection -- and it won't be because we are less and know less:  we will be more and know more in every conceivable way (and in ways which are as yet inconceivable). That being the case, it is a trap and a waste of time and energy to worry about departed loved ones whose status at present we cannot know for certain. For those who are still with us and not saved, we do what we can to lead them to the truth (recognizing that this is their decision) -- and such we should do whether or not we knew how we would "process" these things on the other side.
God Bless!
 

The sermon on hell is a reminder to have compassion on the lost and for us to seek the salvation of the lost. "And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh." Jude 22-23

After reading this devotion, and looking at my own life, my thoughts concerning the stubborness of my, or our own will, brought me to Proverbs 14:6, "A scorner seekieth wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth." 
Thank you for the good devotion. 

Pride is the source and origin of all sin; because it stems from the heart of the author of sin itself -- Satan. It's a good thing that this refuse and scumbag of the Universe will one day be thrown into the Lake of Fire to be TORMENTED FOREVER, and then he will no longer be a threat to humankind. 

After reading this devotion, and looking at my own life, my thoughts concerning the stubborness of my, or our own will, brought me to Proverbs 14:6, "A scorner seekieth wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth." 
Thank you for the good devotion. 

Ukulelemike,
King Hezekiah is a good example to all those directly involved in the minstry of the Lord. Your thoughts on Hezekiah and the problems that arose, and those who openly mocked him, is a good lesson for all of us and is a welcomed addition to the devotion. 
Our dedication to the Lord, and to His work, is a spiritual battle and we should keep our eyes on what is right and not what the world, backslid saints, and others think about it. In spite of what others are doing, and in spite of what others may do to the work that Lord has us to do after we are gone, we need to be faithful. 1 corinthians 4:2, "Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful."
The Kings that followed King Hezekiah and led the nation of Israel into idolatry is likened to what Paul said in Acts 20:29, "For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock." False prophets, false teachers, and backslid saints with their own agenda and fleshly lusts, attempt to destroy the work of the Lord. You are correct, maintianing a good church is as hard as starting a good church.
Thanks!
Alan
 

Jim,
Thank you very much for the kind words and encouragement. We appreciate them very much. "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver." Proverbs 25:11
It is a blessing to all of us in relating that your church that you were saved in was a mission work. That speaks volumes of the missionary pastor and the folks who had a hand in starting it. I am sure in eternity there will be a lot of shouting when we hear the whole story.
A new church plant with four missionaires! It took real courage for those early missionaires to go to Russia and stick it out. It is very encouraging to all of us in knowing that there are two good IFB works going strong.
God bless all of you!  
Alan
 
 
 

Brethren,
I do hope that the devotion on 1 Kings 15:11-15, 'Right in the Sight of the Lord' is a blessing to your heart and an encouragement as you walk with the Lord.
Hope you enjoy the accompanying photograph with the 1 Kings 15: 11 scripture verse as a visual reminder.
Cedar Tree Clothed with Snow.
 

Note on the photo. I am in the process of learning how to edit my photos with the
Linux Gimp 2.8 Photo Editor. If you have any problem uploading the photo please let me know.
As before, all of my photos are not copyrighted and are are available as you see fit.
May the Lord bless you all.
Alan

Brethren,
I do hope the inspriational music is a blessing to you.
Alan
 

The scripture reference should by 1 Kings 15:11-15 instead of 1 Kings 15:9-15 and delete the 1 Kings 15:11 reference after the scripture quotation.
I do not know how to edit (or delete), the scripture reference numbers (15:9-15), in the devotions as the reference itself is generated (highlighted in blue), by the computer. If anyone can show me how to edit please let me know. I tried 'edit' under 'Entry Actions' (twice), but I could not edit the computer generated scripture reference numbers.
I finally was able to fix the scripture reference.
Alan

Thank you for the devotion.
As the message stated, all of us need to spread the gospel seed around the world in order to tell the saving story of the gospel of Christ to every creature.

The parable found in John 15 teaches us about how spiritual fruits are produced in our lives. The "problem" with the word "fruit" is the difference between English and, in this case ("fruit of the Spirit"), Greek.  In Greek, the word karpos, often translated "fruit" is wider in its meaning than the English word (which can be used metaphorically it should be added, as is the case in Galatians 5:22).  "Fruit" is the product of all plants which is also edible (not just what we call "fruit" in a technical sense as opposed to, e.g., vegetables or grains -- karpos covers all of these categories). However, in the parable of the "vine and the branches", Jesus speaks of fruits only being produced as a result of "abiding" in the vine (i.e., Christ). He is undoubtedly making a metaphor using "literal" fruits (cf. Gen. 2:9; Rev. 2:7; 22:2,14,19). Fruits have seed on the *inside* rather than on the outside. Jesus said:
Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, [and that your fruit should remain]: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. (John 15:16)
We should take note that the "fruits" of the Spirit REMAIN and reproduce due to the fact that fruits have seeds on the INSIDE.
Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; [for his SEED remaineth in him]: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. (1 John 3:9)
Unlike *superficial* Christianity and Christians who are OUTWARDLY religious, but have no fruits of TRUE repentance.
God Bless!

Thanks Alan! I look forward to your next devotion.

Thank you for your testimony and thoughts about the homeless and how a person should deal with the extreme trials that can came to our life.
I also appreciate the following comment that you made as it also pertains to this lesson on Joseph and being a servant in the house of Potiphar.  "They failed to appreciate the fact and the vital life lesson that even though they had been demoted and lost their houses -- it was still a "step-up" from being homeless. "
In my next devotion on Joseph, Genesis 39:7-23 (primarily verses 21-23), we will notice that even as Joseph is brought further down in the station of life, in prison, 'demoted' as you wrote, he still remains steadfast in his faith towards God, maintains his integrity, and works at his demoted station in life as diligently as before.
 

Thank you for your testimony and thoughts about the homeless and how a person should deal with the extreme trials that can came to our life.
I also appreciate the following comment that you made as it also pertains to this lesson on Joseph and being a servant in the house of Potiphar.  "They failed to appreciate the fact and the vital life lesson that even though they had been demoted and lost their houses -- it was still a "step-up" from being homeless. "
In my next devotion on Joseph, Genesis 39:7-23 (primarily verses 21-23), we will notice that even as Joseph is brought further down in the station of life, in prison, 'demoted' as you wrote, he still remains steadfast in his faith towards God, maintains his integrity, and works at his demoted station in life as diligently as before.
 

Yep! Weve all heard the old adage, "sometimes you don't know what you've got until it's gone." God most assuredly gives Grace to the humble, and that applies in all areas of our life and walk with the LORD -- and not just our Salvation. When I was homeless, I would be in a clique . . . and we would band together in an effort to assist each other with ideas on how we would get off our feet and off the streets; we wouldn't just fend for ourselves, but we would help each other. Most of us (through prayer) got off the streets eventually, and some were more "successful" and had better homes and jobs. There were a few from the "homeless" crew who became too complacent and bragged about how much wealth they've obtained from once being homeless; and to make a long story short . . . a few of them ended up getting demoted at their jobs and had to settle with living in apartments. They were fuming as a result of this and blamed it all on God, and asked, "what did Ido wrong?" They failed to appreciate the fact and the vital life lesson that even though they had been demoted and lost their houses -- it was still a "step-up" from being homeless. 
The more humble we are . . . the better the "chances" our prayers will be answered. I always realize that in ALL my prayers -- that we often need to depend on the prayers of those who have prayed BEFORE us -- so that God's divine providence can be accomplished synergistically through other members of the body of Christ. I personally do NOT have any desire to obtain more materially than what the LORD has already supplied according to His riches and glory. I am absolutely content with living in a small cottage with a stove, bathroom, and a couch where I can lay my head. I have declined job offers that had salaries much higher than what I am earning now. I did so  because it would take too much time off of my life from doing my labor of love -- which is serving the LORD. Pride often times leads to greed and a haughty attitude towards others, and this is a dangerous way to live; because this will ultimately lead down a path of destruction where there awaits a cliff that they will plunge off of it blind-folded to their demise.
God Bless!

Thank you for the devotion on grace. The devotion is a blessing and a reminder of the love of God manifested on the cross of Calvary.

Absolutely, Jim! Those who believe that Salvation can be lost accuse Eternal Security proponents of using Grace as a "license for immorality". That is NOT what we believe. The Word of God teaches just the opposite: that the Grace of God results in "godliness" and a pursuit of holiness and separation from the world. 
For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men. [Teaching us] that, [denying ungodliness and worldly lusts], we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and [the glorious appearing] of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ. (Titus 2:11-13)
Those who are truly saved by the Grace of God look for the glorious appearing of our Lord; and that is accompanied with us being purified through Christ dwelling in us.
Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, [when he shall appear], we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And [every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself], even as he is pure. (1 John 3:2-3)
God Bless!

Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not? If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities. (2 Corinthians 11:23-30)
So what do we have here?
1. Flagellation 2. Imprisonment 3. Threats of death 4. Beaten with 40 lashes 5. Beaten with rods 6. Stoned (who knows how large the rocks were) 7. Shipwrecked 3 times 8. Perils of water 9. Perils of robbers 10. Perils by own countrymen 11. Perils by heathens 12. Perils in the city 13. Perils in the wilderness 14. Perils among false brethren 15. Fatigue and pain 16. Hunger and thirst 17. Fastings 18. Cold weather and nakedness 19. Sleepless nights I may have missed a few, but for whatever reason we have to question the troubles which have fallen on our heads, they really don't come close to matching what Paul had to endure (and this is just the short list above as anyone who has read the book of Acts knows). Paul might well have asked why all this was happening to him. Wasn't he an apostle? Wasn't he trying to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ? Didn't all these troubles merely make his lot more difficult? Wouldn't it have been better for God to smooth his path for the sake of the building up of the Body of Christ? But instead of taking that approach in the verses above. Rather than questioning his lot, Paul embraces it, trusting the Lord that He really is "all things work together for good", even when it was not apparent -- and there must have been countless times when it was not readily apparent -- that such was the case.
God Bless!

Why would anyone in their right mind choose heaven over hell? Or . . . why would anyone reject the free gift of Eternal life? I suppose human autonomy plays a huge role in all of this. They think that Hell is one big party where the devil is the DJ.
The Gift of Christ is for all -- but all do not accept it. Everyone has been given the ability to accept the Gift: free will, the very image of God. But not all choose to use that ability to honor Him and to return a humble response to the One who sacrificed more than we will ever know that we might be saved. Some use that very free will to throw the Gift of Christ back in the Father's face. Praise be to God that life is short! Who would want to live in this miserable, temporary world forever? Answer: the devil and unbelievers who want the benefits of what God has done but without acknowledging Him as God, without bowing the knee to Jesus Christ. But in the end, every knee shall bow before Him. (Is. 45:23; Rom. 14:11; Phil. 2:10).
God is merciful and perfectly so. God is love, and completely so. God is not at fault -- God forbid! But people are arrogant. They want the blessings of God while remaining gods unto themselves. Life may be short, but it is plenty long enough in each and every case for someone in question to demonstrate by their words, actions and thoughts what is really in their hearts. Those who return God's great love by responding with faith in Jesus Christ are saved. Those who never were willing to do so go to hell -- of their own free will choice. This will be made VERY clear at the last judgment where every thought and intent of every heart will be revealed (Matt. 10:26; Mk. 4:22; Lk. 2:35; Eccl. 12:14: Rom. 2:16; Cor. 4:5a; Rev. 20:11-15), and it will be shown that these arrogant people are without excuse and that their defenses were defenses of clay  in the face of the light of the glory of God. God has mercy on those who are willing to receive it. Those who won't will be thrown in the Lake of Fire and brimstone where they will spend an Eternity separate from the One whom they rejected.
God Bless!

Thanks Alan! The story of Joseph is a perfect example of not only humility, but strength being perfected in our weaknesses -- such as the apostle Paul in his frailties. Both were dependent upon the Lord and His sovereign decree. What Joseph's brothers meant for evil -- God meant for good. Joseph was debased . . . and in the Lord's perfect timing -- he was exalted (cf. Matt. 23:12). Who knows what could/would have happened if God had decided to remove Paul's "thorn in the flesh"...
God Bless!

You are welcome Alan, glad you enjoyed it.