Being Baptist

Baptists are a diverse group. Most people groups are represented both in America and across the world. Martin Luther King, Jr. was Baptist and so was segregationist governor Lester Maddox. Democratic presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton and conservative Republican Senator Jesse Helms are all Baptists. Baptists are organized into various denominations including the Southern Baptist Convention (the largest Protestant denomination in America) but many choose to remain independent.

Within this diversity lies a distinctive group of beliefs that Baptists hold in common. These beliefs are not exclusive to Baptists, other denominations believe them as well. It is the combination of these beliefs that create the Baptist identity.

These beliefs include the authority of the Bible, soul competency, salvation by faith alone, local church autonomy, religious freedom and a strong emphasis on evangelism and missions. The Baptists are more commonly identified by the belief in believer's baptism by immersion.

Diversity and freedom are a common theme among Baptists but some headline-grabbing individuals within our denominational family make us look mean and controlling. It's important for Baptists to understand our history and doctrine. This Sunday I begin a sermon series about being Baptist that will be accompanied by this blog and a study of Baptist doctrine on Wednesday nights.

 

Lack of discernment fuels rumors

A rumor is a piece of information that is passed along without regard to its truth. They are often half-truths and sometimes complete fabrications. They can cause a lot of damage, even when not intended to do harm. The Bible compares the tongue to a spark that can start a forest fire (James 3:5-6). Like a forest fire, rumors can grow out of control.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:21 we are admonished to examine or test what we hear and hold on to the truth. The Bible calls this discernment. A Christian needs discernment because Satan (the father of lies) will deceive us if we are not careful. He will play on the desires of some to believe the worst in people.

We must be very careful about what we believe and what we pass on. Jesus said, “But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned (Matthew 12:36-37 NIV)”

The power of the tongue is magnified by technology. First it was the telephone, then the fax, the email and, now, Facebook. Each exponentially magnified the power of the rumor. I determined long ago not to pass along internet rumors. I will not stake my reputation on a forwarded email or anything that begins, “Facebook is at it again.” To pass it on means that I believe it to be true and am adding my approval.

Rumors run rampant in the workplace, at school and in the church. When it is directed at an individual it can be cyber-bullying and has led to more than one suicide. Be extra careful when talking about an individual. Defamation put in writing is libel and can cause someone to sue you.

I'm not sure that it is ever appropriate for a Christian to say negative things about people or institutions. The Apostle Paul wrote, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen (Ephesians 4:29 NIV).”

It is certainly wrong if the intent is malicious, “A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends (Proverbs 16:28 NIV).”

Take care when you post something on line. It will be a permanent record; it will be seen by more people than you thought; and it will say as much about you as it does about the other person or institution.

The discerning heart seeks knowledge,

but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.

Proverbs 15:14 (NIV)

A New Commandment

Jesus was asked what was the most important of the commandments. He answered, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and Love your neighbor as yourself (Luke 10:27).” He said that this was the heart of the commandments; the key to obeying God. The Apostle Paul said that when we practice love we need not worry about commandment breaking (Romans 13:8-9).

This teaching is so important that Jesus chose to speak on it during his last hours of freedom. He told the Apostles, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35)

Although Jesus said that love would be the way His followers would distinguish themselves, the opposite is often true. We hear about church and denominational splits, feuding among members within a congregation, pastors badmouthing other ministries, sexual abuse and more. Some church leaders speak such hateful words that they make a mockery of our faith and our Lord.

Jesus modeled how we should love. His was a humble love that washed the apostles feet. It was a compassionate love that touched lepers, healed the sick and raised the dead. It was a love that reached out to outcasts like Zacchaeus and the Samaritan woman. It was a sacrificial love that went to the cross so we might be freed from the shame and bondage of our sin.

The Bible teaches us that we are to love our brother, our neighbor and,even, our enemies.

No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another,
God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

1 John 4:12