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Independent, FAITH, or Southern Baptist?

Discussion in '2000-02 Archive' started by Oahu Freedom Fighter, Mar 5, 2002.

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  1. Oahu Freedom Fighter

    Oahu Freedom Fighter Guest

    Aloha! I am in a major crunch time decision between 2 churches to join. One is a rather conservative Independent Baptist Church that uses the KJV only, however the pastor does not frown on people using other versions, but he wants to keep the continuity and he does believe the KJV is the Bible of choice. I love the pastor's messages and even though the KJV can be difficult at times to understand I am willing to try as hard as possible because our pastor gave a 8 week or so class on Wednesdays discussing the history of how the different Bibles were translated. It scared me as many versions just translated what they wanted to translate and didn't really listen to God. Some leave out key points such as not calling Mary or Jesus a virgin and leave out blood when Jesus was on the cross. Also since Religion is a big business, many versions are just in it for the money as they can produce them in bulk. The down points to this church is the lack of excitement in the music. They sing only traditional music from the hymnals.

    The other church is a FAITH Baptist church and is more contemporary and we sing and shout songs like Lord, I Lift Your Name on High, Our God is an Awesome god, Shine Jesus Shine. This music is powerful and I love it as does my wife and really miss it when at the Independent church. This church is also much more laid back and the dress code is very casual. (Nearly all are in Hawaii) Our pastor at this church preaches from the New American Standard Bible and he claims it is the closest translation to the original languages. He then mentions how the KJV had the Apocrypha in it and I take it like that is a bad thing?

    The more and more I research versions, someone cuts one of the versions down and it really frustrates me and makes me wonder which one is right if any are. Are the different versions really important as most Baptists believe in the same concept on what gets someone to heaven and that is of course through Jesus Christ so why all this fighting among each other?

    Are the upbeat songs like Lord I Lift Your Name on High, Shout to the Lord, Awesome God bad in the eyes of some? Is Carmen ok to watch and listen to? How about Jerry Falwell? Benny Hinn? Pat Robertson? I could go on and on. I want to do the right thing and be the spiritual leader of my family, but I am getting more and more confused on which direction to take. Whichever church I choose I feel like I will miss bits of pieces from the other one.

    Any help or feedback on my above issues would be greatly appreciated. Or if there is a better place to address this topic, let me know. You can also go to the introduction topic on this board to find out more about me if you wish. God bless .

    I also have included the two URL links to these churches below (sites haven't been updated for a while, but still have their beliefs, etc)

    Ohana Baptist Church (Independent, Conservative)
    http://www.obchurch.org/

    Mililani Baptist Church (FAITH, more contemporary)
    http://www.mililanibaptist.com/

    John

    [ March 05, 2002, 11:37 PM: Message edited by: John C ]
     
    #1 Oahu Freedom Fighter, Mar 5, 2002
  2. Sam

    Sam New Member

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    I am Southern Baptist but I am more of the old time baptist. I'm not into the contempory music and am KJV only. There are still some Southern Baptist that are into the old hymns and KJV reading,probably more in the smaller churches though. What is right for me though may not be for you or others.
    You should be careful of TV preachers. I defently don't agree with Benny Hinn.
    We do need to be careful what we listen to. Just because something is suppose to be of God doesn't mean it is. I am glad to know you are concerned with doing God's will as you are the leader of your home.
    My home church is an Indepenant Missionary and I have a great love for them. We now go to a Southern Baptist and I am happy there too. God will guide you to make the right choices for you and your family. Just pray and go where he leads.
     
    #2 Sam, Mar 6, 2002
  3. David Cooke Jr

    David Cooke Jr New Member

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    One of my first questions before I join a church is, "if I give you $100, where will it go?"
    A church's stewardship practice will tell you volumes about who they really are.
    Good luck. Keep praying, but also keep your eyes open. You will find the right place.
    P.S. I'm not being direct enough here-ASK TO SEE THE BUDGET.

    [ March 06, 2002, 12:28 PM: Message edited by: David Cooke, Jr. ]
     
    #3 David Cooke Jr, Mar 6, 2002
  4. Kellisa

    Kellisa New Member

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    I am an Independent Baptist now, but I grew up in a church that is much like the Southern Baptists today. I am very happy with the Independent Baptist Church for various reasons.
    1. Teach the whole counsel of God
    2. Teach New Testament Chruch
    3. Teach and practice separation from worldliness
    4. Top concern is winning souls to Christ and then teaching them all things.
    5. Mission money goes directly to Missionaries.
    (No Midle Man)
    6. Our love for the lost
    7. Bus ministry
    8. Accountability
    9. Visitation

    and I could go on and on. It is definately the chuch that God has called me to. I think the most important thing is what they teach. Make sure it lines up with the Bible.
     
    #4 Kellisa, Mar 6, 2002
  5. SueLyn

    SueLyn New Member

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    John, I just don't know which one I would join, I'd have to visit each one to really tell you! Jumping on plane right now...be in Hawaii in just a few! [​IMG]Okay...I'm just kidding!
    I'd say just pray and then listen, you'll know which one the Lord wants you a part of.
    God Bless You and Your Family,
    Sue

    [ March 07, 2002, 02:54 AM: Message edited by: Dr. Bob Griffin ]
     
    #5 SueLyn, Mar 6, 2002
  6. Rev. Joshua

    Rev. Joshua <img src=/cjv.jpg>

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    John,

    The pastor of the contemporary church is right in that the NASB is the most woodenly literal of all of the translations. It was translated with something of a conservative bias, but is still a solid translation and one that biblical languages students refer to frequently in their early training.

    Joshua
     
    #6 Rev. Joshua, Mar 6, 2002
  7. rhoneycutt

    rhoneycutt New Member

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    John

    Im not sure where your base is but my Brother in law is Pastor of Hawaii Kai Baptist Church outside of Honolulu.

    Wonderful man and he has a fabulous wife.

    Good Luck
    Russell
     
    #7 rhoneycutt, Mar 6, 2002
  8. Oahu Freedom Fighter

    Oahu Freedom Fighter Guest

    Well, I do know the newer SB church I am visiting gives 21% to the Cooperative Program and the Pastor claims the average church only gives 8%. The other money is spent on salaries, literature, building maintenance, and various ministries the church is involved in. All of this is
    dealt with in our Basic Steps Class that I will take if I choose to become a member.

    PS: How can I just reply to one individual person on here and how do I use the quotes? I tried earlier but it said only moderators or administers can do that. Aloha and Mahalo!

    John
     
    #8 Oahu Freedom Fighter, Mar 7, 2002
  9. uhdum

    uhdum New Member

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    I think you need to pray about the issue [​IMG] You know that and I'm sure you have, but God will lead you. God calls some people to serve in IFB churches, some in Southern Baptist, etc. Some will tell you (hopefully none here) that if you go to a such and such type of Baptist church, you are out of the will of God. Just let God let you know which one...I am sure there are good, devoted, loving Christians in both churches with a heart to serve God [​IMG]
     
    #9 uhdum, Mar 7, 2002
  10. Jonathan

    Jonathan Member
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    Aloha John,

    My only advice is that you should go to a church that sees as its highest priority the glorification of God.

    Contrary to what many of my fellow conservatives think, evangelism is not the ultimate role of the church. Worship is.

    Now, if worship is done properly, a missionary spirit will be the result and evangelism will happen.

    The problem in many of our churches is that worship only consists of the three songs before the sermon (one as offertory) and one at the invitation (repeated over and over until someone finally walks that "golden" aisle.

    If you find a church that has abandoned proper doctrine in order to present a "feel good" look to the lost, run away.

    If you find a church that has abandoned the desire for pure and meaningful worship in order to spend all the time in study, run away faster.
     
    #10 Jonathan, Mar 8, 2002
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