The differences between Southern Baptist and Independent Fundamental Baptist

[Navy CW4]

I have been asked by a few people some time ago to know the differences between Southern Baptist and Independent Fundamental Baptist.  The answer to this was by no means a short and sweet.  This is no way that I could copy and paste everything on here. It would probably take you at least one hour to read all four.

Part One: http://www.swordofthelord.com/indbaptmovement.htm

Part Two:  http://www.swordofthelord.com/indbaptmovement2.htm

Part three:  http://www.swordofthelord.com/indbaptmovement3.htm

Part Four:  http://www.swordofthelord.com/indbaptmovement4.htm

"To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them."  Isaiah 8:20

[Nighthawk]

I have but one question why do we need labels Baptist pentacostal methadis or any other are we all children of the most High God i have never understood this aint there only one way to heaven and one true God so why so many different lables  so who is right baptist ,church of christ  ,pentacostal   

[Mouko OCS]

I think it important to point out that this article pertains mostly to the SBC, not all southern Baptists.  There are also those who do not live by the beliefs they say they hold.  It doesn't necessarily reflect bad doctrine, but weak faith and devotion.

I agree also with you Night in that I can't stand hearing the "labels."  However, that's what man has done to "classify" his interpretation and stance on the Word...many justifying what they "think" the Word says and fitting it to their own uses often.  A look into Church history shows a lot of interesting facts about how many of the "denominations" of today have come about.  It's amazing how much still resembles the pharisees in Jesus' day...trading the Word for the traditions of men.

[Nighthawk]

AMEN to that Mouko

[The Deacon OCS]

This can, unfortunately, be a very devisive topic.

Nighthawk: Knowing ones doctrine is important. For instance, some so-called "Christian" denominations have watered down the teachings of the Bible. Some have omitted the Blood of Christ. Some have omitted that Christ is the only way to the Father.

That being said.....

I was raised in one of the first mega-churches, Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa, CA, during the 1970s and 1980s. It is still pastored today, as it was in the 1970s, by Chuck Smith. I also attended private schools which were of fundemental Baptist in teaching. Today, I am a Deacon at a former Baptist church which has turned into conservative non-denominational church. I like the labels only to help me initially understand where that churches teachings lay in both the past and present, ie. some church denominations have more liberal teachings than others, some are apostates and etc. As far as denominations go, I lean more to the doctrines coming out of the more "conservative" Baptist and Lutheran churches, but I only hold to the teachings of the Bible (not man).

This is where I am at.  I am a non-denominational conservative Christian. I believe the literal teachings of the Bible and that it is the inerrant Word of God . I do not serve any doctrine but that of Christ. I concentrate on serving Christ and His teaching. I don't sweat the denomination stuff because I can open my own Bible and read. And yes, I understand one needs a good foundation to understand what you are reading. I let Christ take care of the doctrinal issues as His Word is revealed to me.

If more of us concentrated on serving Christ and acting less like the Pharisee's (the religious and doctrinal), I believe that we would be a light unto the world and the world would not be able to get enough of Jesus. Otherwise, if we are all arguing, how appealing are we to the lost?

[Mouko OCS]

I like the labels only to help me initially understand where that churches teachings lay in both the past and present, ie. some church denominations have more liberal teachings than others, some are apostates and etc.

My thoughts exactly when someone asks me what "denomination" I am...

[PureKnight OCS]

yeah... too many labels can be toooooo confusing while we believe in same God namely Lord Jesus Christ. Meanwhile, like you say, Deacon and Mouko, label help people to know who are we and what are we all about. Also, some label tell us the purpose of that church.

[LionOfJudah OCS]

i ATTEND a first baptist church, not because it is a baptist church but because i like the pastor! he has a doctriate in theology, he served in the military as an officer. he does not put down other denominations....ever! he teaches the word from the king james bible. you can attend any denomination you want to but if the pastor does not preach and teach that JESUS died for our sins and that the only way to heaven is through JESUS CHRIST then you need to go somewhere else. that is as simple as it gets! if they do this then it does not matter what denomination you are. i like to keep it simple, i believe evrything the bible says is true and if you do to it does not matter what denomination you are.

[Elad OCS]

Well said guys

[Bath Bronco]

very true. good point there pure.

[Nighthawk]

, label help people to know who are we and what are we all about. Also, some label tell us the purpose of that church.

well there shouldnt be but one purpose for a church   to win the lives of the lost and edifiey its congragation right

[The Deacon OCS]

well there shouldnt be but one purpose for a church   to win the lives of the lost and edifiey its congragation right

I would put winning souls as #2 or #3, and that is not to say that it is not important because it is. Without question, the first purpose of the Church is to glorify and praise God. The edification of a congregation (or other Christians) is a command that is given so it too is important.

Sorry little brother it is just the teacher in me.

[PureKnight OCS]

You cannot winning the soul without well-founded (or well-founding) church for the ministry sake. Now... dont misunderstand me or us... we dont winning the soul to specific church but rather winning the soul to THE Lord Jesus Christ for He is one (way, truth, and life). Sorry to confusing you, Nighthawk, and at the same time, it was excellent question, sir.

[Nighthawk]

well its great Deacon that is why where our here  so no need to apologize my Brother i just consider it a great blessing to have such great men like you to teach me so keep on and God bless you

[Nighthawk]

thanks for thinking of me Pure no confusing i am just getting educated so Thank Brother God bless you

[LionOfJudah OCS]

nighthawk you are a joy and a blessing. i love seeing how interested and faithful you are to learning about JESUS. thank you, you bring a smile to my heart

[Nighthawk]

Thank you Lion and i must truely say Brother you do the same for me i feel so blessed to even be apart of you life thanks Brother God bless you 

[The Deacon OCS]

Nighthawk, I agree with Lion. You have a teachable and willing heart for the Lord. I wish there were more young men like you.

[Mouko OCS]

AMEN to that Deacon...keep that heart Night...

[Nighthawk]

Thanks Guys               not hard to do with you guys around you all are a great inspiration to me if the Lord sees fit to never bless me with nothing else  witch i dont see that happening      i am perfectly  contint with what he has blessed me   with you guys  so thanks Lord you are so gracious and loving and we love you so