quote:

Original topic post:
This is a pretty large denomination that comes in many different shades. You have the Missionary Baptist, Southern Baptist, Freewill Baptist, American Baptist, Independent Baptists, Fundamental Baptist, National Baptist, this list could go on and on and on.

There are many conventions and organizations of which these churches fall under. Along with this their patter of church leadership consist of the Pastor, Assistant Pastor, deacons, etc. Some allow women pastors, some allow women preachers but not pastors, and some don't allow women in the pulpit. Some also recognize deaconnesses. They use instrumental music, believe in various miraculous gifts, etc.

Let's discuss these things and determine if the Baptist church can be considered as a New Testament Church.


My response:
Speaking as an individual who grew up in a Baptist Church, I must say that as I grow in grace in Christ, I am learning that all earthly denominational histories are flawed in many ways. This includes Baptist denominations and some of their practices that you mentioned, however, this does not exclude any other Church founded, established, or practiced at on this earth.

I believe that the "true church of Christ" is one that is immutable in nature, and is not subject to the limitations yourself or myself, or any other limited being can impose upon it. If it were limited by the physical, then of course..Satan having command over the flesh, could overcome it. And if it were limited by the spiritual, then of course - it could have no power over the flesh. However, Christ demonstrated with his sacrafice - that the "Holy Spirit" - a spirit of Love and life, was stronger than the flesh - and over any other spirits which attempted to indwell or have control over it.

So the simple response to your question would be that "Christ's Church" is not limited by either of our worldly perceptions of it. It can encompass those who are of Baptist denominations, as well as those of even Mormon, Buddhist, Hindu, and non-Christian religions. This is not to say that one does not need to have faith in Christ in order to be saved, or that the Doctrines that I have mentioned are correct in their teachings. In fact as we both know, all of them are very incorrect with them.

However, it is just saying that the most important thing for one to have within them to be saved is "Love." Or specifically, the type of Love that the apostle Paul described in Corinthians 13. So regardless of what denomination one comes from - they are only working in accordance with God's word and with the Holy Spirit if they posses this love within them.

If you have any questions, feel free to let me know - as I definitely greatly welcome any additional discussion about this topic. I also encourage you to pray on what I have stated, and ask God to present his truth to you, as I am only a limited being and cannot completely discern his will.