Isolated but taught

Dear Brethren,
If you were isolated in some part of the world and all you had concerning the things we discuss argue, defend and refute on a daily basis was the word of God, what would be the basic beliefs you would draw from that word?

Consider your simple reading of the word of God; for sake of this thread throwout all your theological studies, any writing of men you have read etc. Take into your consideration what conclusions would you come to with no source but scripture alone left in your hands for reading?

Bro. Dallas

 

Got me there

I was thinking something like Swahili, you know that God knows all languages, after all he is the one that confused the tongues of men.

I don't really think it would matter, but you can assume what ever is your personal favorite being translated because I would hope and I believe you would too that whatever translation we use that we have confidence that God has preserved the integrity of his word.

So, choose which ever (As for me, the KJV, but not doggedly ONLYISM).

What would your conclusions be?

bro. Dallas

 

Hang on, I will bring this before the church and let you know what they decide

discussion, debate, arguing, three families separate and start their own church, more debate, more discussion, the issue is tabled until the next business meeting, more arguing, two more families move their letters to the church of the former members, more debate, nearly missed a shooting, some more loud talking, only one family attending services, no discussion, they won't even talk to each other, giving some thought to the motion to ordain vaspers deacon, song leader, Sunday School director, teacher, pianist, the one family left in the church attends only 2x month unless the church agrees to consider someone besides vaspers, but no member of this family feels lead of God to do any of this in the church, now having to rent the back part of the assembly hall to Pentecostal Seventh Day Holiness Baptists, can't make a decision because all the shouting and shaking of the building, decide to notify vaspers he is elected, adjourn and go home until more people are interested in attending our services.

Hey, Vasper, yeah, you got it

Just send me a letter of statement of faith, doctrinal statement from your current church and proof of at least 2000 yrs. claiming the only authorized baptism to be found with in your local body alone...looking forward to sweet fellowship with you, provided you can supply us with satisfaction that your previous baptism was a true scriptural immersion.

Send the letter as soon as ya can, I will have to present this to the church also

 

Hang on, I will bring this before the church and let you know what they decide

discussion, debate, arguing, three families separate and start their own church, more debate, more discussion, the issue is tabled until the next business meeting, more arguing, two more families move their letters to the church of the former members, more debate, nearly missed a shooting, some more loud talking, only one family attending services, no discussion, they won't even talk to each other, giving some thought to the motion to ordain vaspers deacon, song leader, Sunday School director, teacher, pianist, the one family left in the church attends only 2x month unless the church agrees to consider someone besides vaspers, but no member of this family feels lead of God to do any of this in the church, now having to rent the back part of the assembly hall to Pentecostal Seventh Day Holiness Baptists, can't make a decision because all the shouting and shaking of the building, decide to notify vaspers he is elected, adjourn and go home until more people are interested in attending our services.

Hey, Vasper, yeah, you got it

Just send me a letter of statement of faith, doctrinal statement from your current church and proof of at least 2000 yrs. claiming the only authorized baptism to be found with in your local body alone...looking forward to sweet fellowship with you, provided you can supply us with satisfaction that your previous baptism was a true scriptural immersion.

Send the letter as soon as ya can, I will have to present this to the church for approval also

 

Hang on, I will bring this before the church and let you know what they decide

discussion, debate, arguing, three families separate and start their own church, more debate, more discussion, the issue is tabled until the next business meeting, more arguing, two more families move their letters to the church of the former members, more debate, nearly missed a shooting, some more loud talking, only one family attending services, no discussion, they won't even talk to each other, giving some thought to the motion to ordain vaspers deacon, song leader, Sunday School director, teacher, pianist, the one family left in the church attends only 2x month unless the church agrees to consider someone besides vaspers, but no member of this family feels lead of God to do any of this in the church, now having to rent the back part of the assembly hall to Pentecostal Seventh Day Holiness Baptists, can't make a decision because all the shouting and shaking of the building, decide to notify vaspers he is elected, adjourn and go home until more people are interested in attending our services.

Hey, Vasper, yeah, you got it

Just send me a letter of statement of faith, doctrinal statement from your current church and proof of at least 2000 yrs. claiming the only authorized baptism to be found with in your local body alone...looking forward to sweet fellowship with you, provided you can supply us with satisfaction that your previous baptism was a true scriptural immersion.

Send the letter as soon as ya can, I will have to present this to the church for approval also

 

Thank you brother Elijah,
I have thought about this before also.

I have read that Bible Scholars from various denominations have said that anyone in this position would be comfortable among the Baptists simply because of the use and context of baptism must be by immersion.

I did not grow up among the Baptists but among the First Church of God, United Methodists, Cumberland Presbyterians, and my parents and grandparents have expressed worry because of my belief in eternal surety of the believer. Both for myself and those to whom I teach this (and for my own soul on account of that teaching).

Since I as you, have never faced this question practically, we cannot say what we would come away with, but I do believe we can make some general statements that just may be accurate enough.

I can say that though I have always been among churches trying to fulfill the great commission, that one thing I would have understood, because I did, that regeneration is by the Holy Spirit alone.

I never really heard of 'gospel regeneration' until coming to the missionary baptists. But that is because other denominations have been drawing away from any doctrinal teaching for quite some time now.

I will be thinking about this question and will try to post at least a short list in the morning before leaving for work.

You can read my profile and you will know what I believe.

Thanks for the reply.
Bro. Dallas

 

Thank you Russell55,
A very sound and solid answer. I think you are right. But I also believe there are those in the world with perhaps no more than the scriptures without our various slants.

I agree because of our experiences we cannot really answer this question, however, I have often thought it.

At least think back to your childhood before you were affected by Calvinistic teaching etc. and try to remember the simple faith you had when reading the word of God.

As for me I distinctly remember not being able to understand the OT beyond its view as history. I distinctly remember understanding the scripture to teach that we ought to tell others about Jesus, but at the same time I distinctly remember being satisfied that the Spirit alone preached the gospel and regenerated any who were saved. (Galatians 3.8).

Now, I know a doctrine cannot be built upon one passage alone; but I don't think this is the only place this can be seen.

Anyway, that is how I meant the question.

Thanks for your post. I enjoyed reading it for the wise words they were.

Please don't think I am trying to be a lone ranger

Bro. Dallas

 

Thanks Russell55,
You have my sympathy for not being able to understand the frog in a fog .

Your post is exactly what I meant and I realize it is difficult to read my mind. So, just because something is crystal clear to me in my mind doesn't mean that is going to be the case for anyone else.

Enjoyed reading your experience. I agree with you, our youngest son, now 12 had a similar experience though he was 7 at the time. There were some who made the arguement that he could not understand, but as Bro. pinyobaptist said, if the word is meant for a person (paraphrased). It will not return to God void.

Thanks to all who have responded. I enjoy reading these things produced by simple faith.

May God Bless all in this day he has given.

Bro. Dallas

 

So too were you predestined to participate in this thread

I agree with you brother

Brother Dallas