Churches on Dilemma

Recently I have had a good conversation with my father, talking about the churches in connection as well with his previous work or ministries. Indeed, new knowledge have I acquired, regarding the Fundamental Baptist Churches here in the Philippines and its relation with the known organization, ABWE.

He talked about their ministries and a goal as to plant more churches, other than this is to teach and preach the Word of God. As to fulfill also what Paul has taught Timothy, “2 Timothy 2:2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.” My father talked about the “Church Constitution and By Laws,” as one of the important heirloom of a Fundamental Baptist Church, that should be passed from church generations to generations. As far as I know and been discussed, the “Church Constitution and By Laws” is a guideline for Fundamental Baptist Churches written and inspired through the Word of God (correct me if I’m wrong).

He spoke about the constitution, as perhaps one that separates the Baptist Fundamentalists from Bible Baptist Churches, Southern Baptist Churches and other Baptist Churches or perhaps will define our distinction from these churches, as they may too have their own constitution.

Here is the Dilemma, I want to point out. Our churches are in a dilemma, since the new generations have never been trained or taught about these things. Never have been learned what separates us from other churches. And so, we are on no bounds or in the midst of confusion. In fact, even our history is a mystery in the midst of our churches, or in other words, sometimes we don’t know where our beliefs came from or who has taught us these things first. True, the Word of God has taught us what we believe, but who we’re the ones that have given us this knowledge. Whose feet have walked the mountains to preach and to teach the gospel? Anyway, my point is what makes us fundamentalist and why is there other Baptist? I think, believers must understand and know these things. Why? Perhaps, it’s the same sense as to the reason why you must know where and how you are given a name or Surname. Or perhaps why you can call yourself a Christian? Can you simply call yourself a Christian without knowing why or how did you come about?

The effect of not having the knowledge on this matter is already being seen in our days: compromising, confusion, self-deception, easily deceived, etc. But perhaps, it is indeed one of God’s Word being fulfilled, as we are in the “Perilous Times” (2 Timothy 3). But far more than the constitution, this is where I would like to challenge Christians, to be more rooted in God’s Words. The Constitution and by laws perhaps is the basic belief and practices that we Christians should put in mind and should be put in practice or actions. And so much more God’s every Word.

In 2 Timothy 3:14 “But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;” Paul instructs Timothy to continue in the things he has learned. This verse is much challenged to us Christians this day. The problem is, “Are we Christians learned of every God’s Word?” or “Are we trained and taught of every need-to-learn, as member of a Church?”

For this matter, the call to be rooted in God’s Word is very much alive and kicking. Calling Christians that they must be equipped and be learned for the reason that these days, we will face so many deceptions and testing of our faith. Hope we Christians indeed focus our attention to His Word and His teachings and of course to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, for if you don’t, you are on a dilemma. And the church you will be in would be on a dilemma as well.

2 Timothy 3:16 & 17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.