Chapter 27
Millennialists
They are young, brash, and a bit leery of some
of the older preachers. They are smart, opinionated
and not afraid to enter into an argument. They grew up
after the great Independent Baptist renaissance of the
50’s, 60’s, 70’s, and early 80’s. They heard of John Rice, Bob
Jones, Sr. and Lester Roloff, but never heard them
preach in person. Some of them actually heard Jack
Hyles, Lee Roberson, and Tom Malone preach, but
they were very young and they really do not
remember them nor did they really know them.
of the older preachers. They are smart, opinionated
and not afraid to enter into an argument. They grew up
after the great Independent Baptist renaissance of the
50’s, 60’s, 70’s, and early 80’s. They heard of John Rice, Bob
Jones, Sr. and Lester Roloff, but never heard them
preach in person. Some of them actually heard Jack
Hyles, Lee Roberson, and Tom Malone preach, but
they were very young and they really do not
remember them nor did they really know them.
They carry IPads, IPhones, and are totally
comfortable with how to use them in their Christian
work. They are very adept at using social networking
and are already availing themselves of it in their
ministry. Blogging, texting, and twittering are second
nature to them.
comfortable with how to use them in their Christian
work. They are very adept at using social networking
and are already availing themselves of it in their
ministry. Blogging, texting, and twittering are second
nature to them.
Many grew up attending Christian schools, but
they knew that most of their fellow students were
merely going through the motions and were talking
the talk, but not walking the walk and were only there
because their parents forced them.
they knew that most of their fellow students were
merely going through the motions and were talking
the talk, but not walking the walk and were only there
because their parents forced them.
They could easily be described as disillusioned
with what they see in the Independent Baptist world.
with what they see in the Independent Baptist world.
They have few heroes. They clan together, but they
are a loosely knit group. They are very different even
in their similarities. They see the doctrinal faults of the
emerging church, but still it intrigues them. They
believe in the fundamentals of the faith, but shy a bit
away from the label of fundamentalists.
are a loosely knit group. They are very different even
in their similarities. They see the doctrinal faults of the
emerging church, but still it intrigues them. They
believe in the fundamentals of the faith, but shy a bit
away from the label of fundamentalists.
Their core beliefs are Baptistic, but they
question many of the things Baptists do traditionally
rather than Biblically. They look from the outside at
the mega churches having seen very few in their
world that was Independent Baptist.
question many of the things Baptists do traditionally
rather than Biblically. They look from the outside at
the mega churches having seen very few in their
world that was Independent Baptist.
They dress casually as often as they can,
replacing the white shirt and tie of daily life with more
comfortable attire. They are stylish, but not trendy.
They play more than their predecessors, often finding
their way to a golf course with their buddies. They are
very family oriented. They enjoy spending time with
their family and are not willing to sacrifice family time for
ministry time.
replacing the white shirt and tie of daily life with more
comfortable attire. They are stylish, but not trendy.
They play more than their predecessors, often finding
their way to a golf course with their buddies. They are
very family oriented. They enjoy spending time with
their family and are not willing to sacrifice family time for
ministry time.
They love God! They are strong in the belief in
the inerrant word. However, they tend to preach more
to the needs of hurting and struggling people. They
are more textual in their preaching than topical, but
they use the text to bring topical truths to light more than they would admit.
the inerrant word. However, they tend to preach more
to the needs of hurting and struggling people. They
are more textual in their preaching than topical, but
they use the text to bring topical truths to light more than they would admit.
They are not ready to walk lockstep in line with
the older men nor are they afraid to question them.
They are concerned with the way things have been
done in the past and sincerely want to be part of a
pure and sound movement. They have watched some of their
heroes fall and quit and they are not afraid to question
why. They have replaced many of the methods of
their fathers and pastors with new modern methods.
the older men nor are they afraid to question them.
They are concerned with the way things have been
done in the past and sincerely want to be part of a
pure and sound movement. They have watched some of their
heroes fall and quit and they are not afraid to question
why. They have replaced many of the methods of
their fathers and pastors with new modern methods.
They are very open! They talk about their
fears, their struggles and even their faults openly with
one another. They are looking at a world, which is fundamentally different than their parents knew
and they are aware of it.
fears, their struggles and even their faults openly with
one another. They are looking at a world, which is fundamentally different than their parents knew
and they are aware of it.
They want to reach their world, but they know
the challenges they face. They are trying to adapt to it
without compromising, but they hear the cries of
compromise from some of the older men at some of
their changes.
the challenges they face. They are trying to adapt to it
without compromising, but they hear the cries of
compromise from some of the older men at some of
their changes.
They appreciate tradition, but they are not
willing to sacrifice their ministries to the traditions of
the past. They see the weak churches of the
generation ahead of them and refuse to be like them.
They have their standards and they live them, but they do
not emphasize them above a personal walk with God.
Their ministry styles are comfortable for young
Christians to grow.
willing to sacrifice their ministries to the traditions of
the past. They see the weak churches of the
generation ahead of them and refuse to be like them.
They have their standards and they live them, but they do
not emphasize them above a personal walk with God.
Their ministry styles are comfortable for young
Christians to grow.
They use the King James Bible and they know
the modern versions are corrupt, but they are not sure
the fight is one they want to or even need to address
in their ministries. They are separatists, but not
isolationist. They will not compromise their beliefs to
anyone, not the liberals and not even to their older
independent brethren.
the modern versions are corrupt, but they are not sure
the fight is one they want to or even need to address
in their ministries. They are separatists, but not
isolationist. They will not compromise their beliefs to
anyone, not the liberals and not even to their older
independent brethren.
They have no one college or leader to which
they commit their loyalties. Conferences do not define
them and they are not afraid to borrow the good
methods of others who are different from them and
discard or ignore the bad. They call themselves the millennial generation and unapologetically from themselves from the generations before them.
they commit their loyalties. Conferences do not define
them and they are not afraid to borrow the good
methods of others who are different from them and
discard or ignore the bad. They call themselves the millennial generation and unapologetically from themselves from the generations before them.
Are they rebels? Or, are they a new generation
of real independents? Frankly, if we could go back in time to early in
the mid 1900’s we would find that a group very similar
to them was arising. The best way to define this the millennial generation today is by the men who God used so
mightily back then.
of real independents? Frankly, if we could go back in time to early in
the mid 1900’s we would find that a group very similar
to them was arising. The best way to define this the millennial generation today is by the men who God used so
mightily back then.
Those men were tired of the failure of their
predecessors and the compromise of their peers.
They rebelled. They fought formalistic tradition. They wandered
the wilderness until they were brought together for the
cause. Their differences in background were
immense, but their similarities in purpose were
colossal.
predecessors and the compromise of their peers.
They rebelled. They fought formalistic tradition. They wandered
the wilderness until they were brought together for the
cause. Their differences in background were
immense, but their similarities in purpose were
colossal.
In their time, modernism with formalism was thriving and
fundamentalism was waning. They were not willing to
allow either to define them, for they were rebels. They
did not do what they were told by denomination leaders. Don’t misunderstand,
they listened to the older men who were in tune with Scriptures, but they refused to be
caught up in the traditions or the compromise found in modernism or formalism.
fundamentalism was waning. They were not willing to
allow either to define them, for they were rebels. They
did not do what they were told by denomination leaders. Don’t misunderstand,
they listened to the older men who were in tune with Scriptures, but they refused to be
caught up in the traditions or the compromise found in modernism or formalism.
They built great works for God. It was the era
of John Rice, Bob Jones, Sr., Lee Roberson, G. B.
Vick, Jack Hyles, Lester Roloff, Tom Malone, Dallas
Billington and many others. They were true
renegades …rebels … mavericks … INDEPENDENTS
and God blessed them mightily. They were not the
original Independent Baptists, but they were the ones
who revived it. They were the post war generation.
They were rebels with a cause!
of John Rice, Bob Jones, Sr., Lee Roberson, G. B.
Vick, Jack Hyles, Lester Roloff, Tom Malone, Dallas
Billington and many others. They were true
renegades …rebels … mavericks … INDEPENDENTS
and God blessed them mightily. They were not the
original Independent Baptists, but they were the ones
who revived it. They were the post war generation.
They were rebels with a cause!
So now we have this group called the millennial generation. What are we to think of them?
Are they capable of reviving the Independent Baptist movement to what it once was and still could be? It is entirely possible they could, but it is also possible that they could fall on the faces and do little
that has a lasting impact. Let’s consider several things
I believe they must do if they are to make a significant difference in their generation.
Are they capable of reviving the Independent Baptist movement to what it once was and still could be? It is entirely possible they could, but it is also possible that they could fall on the faces and do little
that has a lasting impact. Let’s consider several things
I believe they must do if they are to make a significant difference in their generation.
1. They must realize that they did not
discover grace.
OK, we hear your cries for grace as
if you discovered something new. Sorry, but we
discovered grace long ago. You are like someone
who found their first Hershey Bar and thought they discovered chocolate.
if you discovered something new. Sorry, but we
discovered grace long ago. You are like someone
who found their first Hershey Bar and thought they discovered chocolate.
Look, you are excited about something that you had to learn on your own. Maybe we did not show it enough, but grace has always been a part of us.
The longer you live and the more battles you face, the
more you will understand how difficult it can be to keep it fresh. That is why we need you and you need us.
The longer you live and the more battles you face, the
more you will understand how difficult it can be to keep it fresh. That is why we need you and you need us.
As you discover it for the “first” time, we get to be reminded of how precious it is. However, do not
judge others even as you discover grace for
yourselves, lest you be denied the joy of your grace by that judgment of others.
judge others even as you discover grace for
yourselves, lest you be denied the joy of your grace by that judgment of others.
2. They must maintain their independence
without eventually uniting into a defined group.
without eventually uniting into a defined group.
This is where it always dies. Always. A movement
turns into a monument and the generation that follows
sees the monument and misses out on the
movement. Do not unite. Do not overly commit. Do not sell
out your independence as many have done. Dr. Hyles
had a following that became denominational
especially after his death. Men who refused to bow to
Hammond’s newfound doctrines and teaching
became the enemy.
turns into a monument and the generation that follows
sees the monument and misses out on the
movement. Do not unite. Do not overly commit. Do not sell
out your independence as many have done. Dr. Hyles
had a following that became denominational
especially after his death. Men who refused to bow to
Hammond’s newfound doctrines and teaching
became the enemy.
Real men fight harder when they are told to
bow to anyone other than God. However, often what
we hate begins to look better and better with time. If
they can resist the temptation to “unite” wrongly, they
can have a lasting impact.
bow to anyone other than God. However, often what
we hate begins to look better and better with time. If
they can resist the temptation to “unite” wrongly, they
can have a lasting impact.
There is a vast difference between “union” and
“unity.” There is no such thing as a “union” of
churches being endorsed by God. There is however
a plea from God for there to be “unity” inside the walls
of a local church. Men of God are going to disagree,
but true men of God will disagree without being
disagreeable.
“unity.” There is no such thing as a “union” of
churches being endorsed by God. There is however
a plea from God for there to be “unity” inside the walls
of a local church. Men of God are going to disagree,
but true men of God will disagree without being
disagreeable.
3. They must compete with one another, but
not compare.
not compare.
Compete? Do not miss the meaning of
this word. Strong men compete to become better and
encourage others to do the same. Weak men
compete to beat the other guy and become dominant.
Competition is when men push each other to do
better and accomplish more.
this word. Strong men compete to become better and
encourage others to do the same. Weak men
compete to beat the other guy and become dominant.
Competition is when men push each other to do
better and accomplish more.
Many of these guys play golf. They must look
at ministry like golf. You compete as you play
together. You congratulate the other guy for a good
shot, but it drives you to work harder to become
better.
at ministry like golf. You compete as you play
together. You congratulate the other guy for a good
shot, but it drives you to work harder to become
better.
Competition brings the best, or the worst, out
of a man. They must compete not for power or
prestige, but to grow and improve. As they do they will
sharpen their focus and their skills. The giants of old were competitors. They
believed that they were able to do more and the
“success” of another inspired them to do so.
of a man. They must compete not for power or
prestige, but to grow and improve. As they do they will
sharpen their focus and their skills. The giants of old were competitors. They
believed that they were able to do more and the
“success” of another inspired them to do so.
They did not believe that one man’s blessings
made his work or even the man better, but it made
them thrive to do more. They pushed each other to
greater heights for God.
made his work or even the man better, but it made
them thrive to do more. They pushed each other to
greater heights for God.
4. They must look to a generation they
knew little about as their inspiration.
Study the
great works of the mid 1900’s but more importantly
study the men God used. Do not judge them by the
next generation.
great works of the mid 1900’s but more importantly
study the men God used. Do not judge them by the
next generation.
For example, do not judge Lee Roberson by
the church and college today, but rather by what it
was when he was leading it. The same is true of Tom
Malone and others. These men built great works that
often were mimicked in method but not in principle.
Study these men and you will discover things about
them, which were often misrepresented by the ones
who followed them.
the church and college today, but rather by what it
was when he was leading it. The same is true of Tom
Malone and others. These men built great works that
often were mimicked in method but not in principle.
Study these men and you will discover things about
them, which were often misrepresented by the ones
who followed them.
Those men were more like you than you
realize and they built great works for God at a time
when modernism was prevalent. Know your history
and learn from the good and the bad without emphasizing the bad.
realize and they built great works for God at a time
when modernism was prevalent. Know your history
and learn from the good and the bad without emphasizing the bad.
5. They must remain pure to their
purpose.
What is the purpose? They better know
what it is. Most movements die because they lose
sight of the purpose and begin to merely maintain the
work they have. Great men never forget what they are
fighting for even when they become older.
what it is. Most movements die because they lose
sight of the purpose and begin to merely maintain the
work they have. Great men never forget what they are
fighting for even when they become older.
They mature, but do not mellow with age. They
become more focused, more determined, and more
passionate. This new generation must do the same. If
you are not clear on your purpose you will drift
quickly. Without passion purpose quickly dies.
become more focused, more determined, and more
passionate. This new generation must do the same. If
you are not clear on your purpose you will drift
quickly. Without passion purpose quickly dies.
There must be an understanding between a
“position” and a “purpose.” You can lose a “position,”
but you can never lose a “purpose” as long as you are
breathing. Keeping souls out of Hell must never be minimized, criticized, or mocked.
“position” and a “purpose.” You can lose a “position,”
but you can never lose a “purpose” as long as you are
breathing. Keeping souls out of Hell must never be minimized, criticized, or mocked.
6. They must stay humble yet never resist
being raised up by God for a greater purpose.
This
is a balancing act. God will raise up a man who is
willing to be His man. Humility does not resist nor
seek for the renown; it merely submits to do the will of
God. Know God and be filled with the Spirit.
is a balancing act. God will raise up a man who is
willing to be His man. Humility does not resist nor
seek for the renown; it merely submits to do the will of
God. Know God and be filled with the Spirit.
Never forget your roots and the fact that it is
God who raises men up and God who puts them down. Remember that to put down others is to elevate
yourself. That, in itself, is a form of pride.
God who raises men up and God who puts them down. Remember that to put down others is to elevate
yourself. That, in itself, is a form of pride.
7. They must be fearless and take a stand
for their beliefs.
for their beliefs.
Why is it that when we are young
we are fearless and when we are older we are
cautious? Perhaps it is because when we are young
we are willing to take risks not caring about or even
considering the price.
we are fearless and when we are older we are
cautious? Perhaps it is because when we are young
we are willing to take risks not caring about or even
considering the price.
The older we become the more we seek the
comfort and safety of just gliding through life.
Someone has to be the seasoned veteran for any
team to succeed. The greats die in the saddle.
comfort and safety of just gliding through life.
Someone has to be the seasoned veteran for any
team to succeed. The greats die in the saddle.
8. They must not discount the advice and
leadership of the older men.
There are still great
men who may have been caught up in the decline of a
movement, but who themselves have a track record
of faithfulness and commitment to Christ. Do not
judge them too harshly.
men who may have been caught up in the decline of a
movement, but who themselves have a track record
of faithfulness and commitment to Christ. Do not
judge them too harshly.
Some of them have much left to offer you.
They must also be careful not to be critical. A critical
spirit will destroy the purity of a movement. To
honestly examine a man is wise, but when it turns into
condemnation it can destroy the purity of the
endeavor.
They must also be careful not to be critical. A critical
spirit will destroy the purity of a movement. To
honestly examine a man is wise, but when it turns into
condemnation it can destroy the purity of the
endeavor.
Dr. Hyles never belittled his predecessors
whether locally or nationally. He always studied and
adapted the great qualities of the great men of God.
He became a composite of the great traits of the great
men.
whether locally or nationally. He always studied and
adapted the great qualities of the great men of God.
He became a composite of the great traits of the great
men.
He never discouraged those following him by
exposing the negatives of his predecessors. He
always encouraged those following him by exposing
the positives of his predecessors. Dr. Rice was at the lowest point of his ministry
as Dr. Hyles was being greatly used of God. Many thought Dr. Rice was finished in his effectiveness for
God.
exposing the negatives of his predecessors. He
always encouraged those following him by exposing
the positives of his predecessors. Dr. Rice was at the lowest point of his ministry
as Dr. Hyles was being greatly used of God. Many thought Dr. Rice was finished in his effectiveness for
God.
Dr. Hyles did not ride Dr. Rice’s coattails to
influence. He saw the greatness of John Rice that
was foolishly being discarded by many. He took Dr.
Rice as his mentor and allowed him to influence his
life. He learned from the genius of Dr. Rice and Dr.
Rice rose back to a great prominence. Together, the
older man and the younger man stormed a nation with
the message of soul winning and church building.
influence. He saw the greatness of John Rice that
was foolishly being discarded by many. He took Dr.
Rice as his mentor and allowed him to influence his
life. He learned from the genius of Dr. Rice and Dr.
Rice rose back to a great prominence. Together, the
older man and the younger man stormed a nation with
the message of soul winning and church building.
We experienced one of the great moves of
God upon our nation because of this Haggai and
Zechariah pair. It will be disastrous if this generation
discards the value and input of the older generation of
men of God who are staying by the stuff and refusing
to dip their sails.
God upon our nation because of this Haggai and
Zechariah pair. It will be disastrous if this generation
discards the value and input of the older generation of
men of God who are staying by the stuff and refusing
to dip their sails.
Many of the names we know today were
unknown and would have been forgotten except for
the fact that a great man of influence brought them
back to prominence. A great man named Charles
Weigle would have perhaps been lost in obscurity had
it not been for Lee Roberson.
unknown and would have been forgotten except for
the fact that a great man of influence brought them
back to prominence. A great man named Charles
Weigle would have perhaps been lost in obscurity had
it not been for Lee Roberson.
There are men in the generation before you
that deserve to be remembered, but more importantly
you need their insights and experiences to help you
reach your potential for Christ. Do not ignore their
counsel. Honor them. Use them. Promote them. God
will bless you for it.
that deserve to be remembered, but more importantly
you need their insights and experiences to help you
reach your potential for Christ. Do not ignore their
counsel. Honor them. Use them. Promote them. God
will bless you for it.
9. They must not fall on the emerging
church side of the fence.
Some who are going the
route of the emerging church know better. They know
the music and doctrinal compromise is wrong. They
are merely overreacting to what they are rebelling
against. They desire the crowds while forgetting the purpose of the cross.
route of the emerging church know better. They know
the music and doctrinal compromise is wrong. They
are merely overreacting to what they are rebelling
against. They desire the crowds while forgetting the purpose of the cross.
Remember, rebellion creates one of two things.
They either create adjustments or they create a coup.
America needs a new generation of rebels not to
overthrow our system of government, but to revive it.
Encourage your fellow rebels/independents to bring
back the purity of the past, not discard it entirely. The
foundation upon which you stand is solid, but in
recent years the construction has fallen into disrepair.
They either create adjustments or they create a coup.
America needs a new generation of rebels not to
overthrow our system of government, but to revive it.
Encourage your fellow rebels/independents to bring
back the purity of the past, not discard it entirely. The
foundation upon which you stand is solid, but in
recent years the construction has fallen into disrepair.
You and I are either rebels without a cause or
rebels with a cause. God is looking for rebels. It is within the nature
of a child of God to rebel. The problem is the thing
one is rebelling against. I am to rebel against Satan
and, in so doing; I am yielding myself to God. When I
rebel against God, I am yielding myself to Satan. I
was a rebel when I left the American Baptist
Convention.
rebels with a cause. God is looking for rebels. It is within the nature
of a child of God to rebel. The problem is the thing
one is rebelling against. I am to rebel against Satan
and, in so doing; I am yielding myself to God. When I
rebel against God, I am yielding myself to Satan. I
was a rebel when I left the American Baptist
Convention.
When they started dictating to our local church,
it was time to leave. When they began correcting the
King James Bible, it was time to leave. I was a rebel
when a national leader attacked the bus ministry. I
rebelled.
it was time to leave. When they began correcting the
King James Bible, it was time to leave. I was a rebel
when a national leader attacked the bus ministry. I
rebelled.
I was a rebel when Jerry Falwell allowed
homosexuals into Liberty University. I rebelled. I was
a rebel when it came to canned music. I believed in
hard work. I rebelled. I rebelled when one of our own
said there were 22,000 errors in the King James
Bible. I rebelled. I rebelled when one of our own said,
“God hated man.” I rebelled.
homosexuals into Liberty University. I rebelled. I was
a rebel when it came to canned music. I believed in
hard work. I rebelled. I rebelled when one of our own
said there were 22,000 errors in the King James
Bible. I rebelled. I rebelled when one of our own said,
“God hated man.” I rebelled.
Rebellion is good! God needs rebels!
However, it must be proper rebellion, not simply
rebellion for rebellion’s sake. Rebellion against Satan
is submission to God, while rebellion against God is
submission to Satan.
However, it must be proper rebellion, not simply
rebellion for rebellion’s sake. Rebellion against Satan
is submission to God, while rebellion against God is
submission to Satan.
10. They must see the big picture without
losing sight of the work in front of them.
The giants see the big picture of what is threatening our
world and the overall work of God. Little men make
the big picture their focus and their churches suffer.
Bigger men focus on the ministry at hand, but are
aware and active in the causes that are vital.
world and the overall work of God. Little men make
the big picture their focus and their churches suffer.
Bigger men focus on the ministry at hand, but are
aware and active in the causes that are vital.
The issues of the King James Bible have
caused many men to fight a fight to the detriment of
their church or ministry. They fought when there was
really no fight. Truthfully, their church was already fine
on the issue, but they decided to start a fight that was
not even there. Wise men are ready to fight the fight,
but they know how to teach and lead their people
along the right path.
caused many men to fight a fight to the detriment of
their church or ministry. They fought when there was
really no fight. Truthfully, their church was already fine
on the issue, but they decided to start a fight that was
not even there. Wise men are ready to fight the fight,
but they know how to teach and lead their people
along the right path.
Balance is vital. It is like the local county
commissioner who has big national beliefs and takes
on those issues to the detriment of his work for the
county. A great man of God sees the big picture and
is very strong in his beliefs and positions, but does not
allow that to hinder or interfere with pastoring his
church at their level.
commissioner who has big national beliefs and takes
on those issues to the detriment of his work for the
county. A great man of God sees the big picture and
is very strong in his beliefs and positions, but does not
allow that to hinder or interfere with pastoring his
church at their level.
When Jack Hyles was in the fight of his life, he
just kept pastoring his people and God blessed him.
There will be big fights and you will have to fight them.
However, fight them on their own battlefield not in the
confines of your local work.
just kept pastoring his people and God blessed him.
There will be big fights and you will have to fight them.
However, fight them on their own battlefield not in the
confines of your local work.
I guess what I am trying to say is be careful not
to become too issue-oriented. The people Jack Hyles
pastored knew little of his national battle, for he was
focusing on them and not him.
to become too issue-oriented. The people Jack Hyles
pastored knew little of his national battle, for he was
focusing on them and not him.
11. They must stay with the basics.
I
challenge you millennialists to study what the men of
the past spoke about. They preached much on the
fullness of the spirit, the power of prayer, personal
holiness, love for God, the power, and purity of the Bible, separation from the world and a passion for
souls. Check it out.
challenge you millennialists to study what the men of
the past spoke about. They preached much on the
fullness of the spirit, the power of prayer, personal
holiness, love for God, the power, and purity of the Bible, separation from the world and a passion for
souls. Check it out.
They had their premillennial conferences when
it was a big issue, but they never strayed far from the
basics. They knew what would bring revival and
blessings from on High and they focused on those
things. They had a successful local platform that
helped them with the national battle. Dr. Lee
Roberson would say often, “The light that shines
brightest from home shines brightest at home.”
it was a big issue, but they never strayed far from the
basics. They knew what would bring revival and
blessings from on High and they focused on those
things. They had a successful local platform that
helped them with the national battle. Dr. Lee
Roberson would say often, “The light that shines
brightest from home shines brightest at home.”
12. They must stay pure.
I am not speaking
only of moral purity, although that is certainly of
utmost importance. Purity must be maintained at all
levels of your ministry. Stay doctrinally pure,
ecumenically pure, and ecclesiastically pure. Stay
pure of worldliness, pure of outside influence, and
pure of power temptations.
only of moral purity, although that is certainly of
utmost importance. Purity must be maintained at all
levels of your ministry. Stay doctrinally pure,
ecumenically pure, and ecclesiastically pure. Stay
pure of worldliness, pure of outside influence, and
pure of power temptations.
Stay pure of peer pressure, pure of
denominationalism or anything that smacks of it. Stay
pure of pride, envy, and jealousy. Stay pure of wrong
motives. Stay pure of anything that takes your eyes
off of Christ and His work of reaching the world with
the Gospel. Stay pure of a critical spirit. Your purity
will determine your effectiveness for Christ.
denominationalism or anything that smacks of it. Stay
pure of pride, envy, and jealousy. Stay pure of wrong
motives. Stay pure of anything that takes your eyes
off of Christ and His work of reaching the world with
the Gospel. Stay pure of a critical spirit. Your purity
will determine your effectiveness for Christ.
13. They must not compromise.
This is such
a difficult concept and an even harder “act” to
balance. Separation is a Scriptural principle.
Standards are an extension of your separatists’
beliefs. They are not wrong, but neither are they
cause for separating with another brother. You must
have them, but they should not define you. You may have to distance yourself in order to not let them define you. Separation is a Bible doctrine!
a difficult concept and an even harder “act” to
balance. Separation is a Scriptural principle.
Standards are an extension of your separatists’
beliefs. They are not wrong, but neither are they
cause for separating with another brother. You must
have them, but they should not define you. You may have to distance yourself in order to not let them define you. Separation is a Bible doctrine!
Without standards, worldliness prevails and
nothing works. However, with standards can come
pharisaical attitudes? How do you avoid this? Keep the focus of spirituality within. Standards must be
functional not a sign of holiness. Quality always brings with it eventual quantity.
nothing works. However, with standards can come
pharisaical attitudes? How do you avoid this? Keep the focus of spirituality within. Standards must be
functional not a sign of holiness. Quality always brings with it eventual quantity.
This deserves an entire chapter by itself. We
hear your cries against the war others have waged
over women wearing pants and levels of music. Be
careful not to quickly throw standards out, learn how
to “grow” your people, not dictate to them, and you
will be fine.There are Scriptures you can teach to bring them the knowledge they need to make proper decisions about dress and music.
hear your cries against the war others have waged
over women wearing pants and levels of music. Be
careful not to quickly throw standards out, learn how
to “grow” your people, not dictate to them, and you
will be fine.There are Scriptures you can teach to bring them the knowledge they need to make proper decisions about dress and music.
Anyone can attend a church, but leadership of that local church must have a Levitical separation level that is different from the layman’s separation level. Tolerance, balance, perspective,
patience, and grace are a just a few of the words you
must use to keep that balance.
patience, and grace are a just a few of the words you
must use to keep that balance.
When I go soul winning, I look for people who
are under conviction of the Holy Spirit with a desire to
be saved. I do not make them trust Christ; I give them
an opportunity to trust Christ.
are under conviction of the Holy Spirit with a desire to
be saved. I do not make them trust Christ; I give them
an opportunity to trust Christ.
The same is true with baptism, church
membership, and Christian service within the church.
At every level, you are looking for people who have a
desire. We choose from the members already going
soul winning to be Sunday school teachers rather
than choosing them to be teachers and telling them
they have to go soul winning.
membership, and Christian service within the church.
At every level, you are looking for people who have a
desire. We choose from the members already going
soul winning to be Sunday school teachers rather
than choosing them to be teachers and telling them
they have to go soul winning.
We choose those with the standards to be a
part of the leadership team rather than choosing them
and then making them live the standards.
part of the leadership team rather than choosing them
and then making them live the standards.
Dr. Hyles would go an entire year and never
push these issues that grind the young preachers
today. He was making the orchard healthy with his
teaching and preaching. The orchard produced the
fruit naturally.
push these issues that grind the young preachers
today. He was making the orchard healthy with his
teaching and preaching. The orchard produced the
fruit naturally.
He never backed down on his standards, but
he wisely chose those to help him who already had
those standards. It is so simplistic that it is missed.
he wisely chose those to help him who already had
those standards. It is so simplistic that it is missed.
14. They must be passionate for souls.
It is
fine to improve soul winning, but do not abandon it.
We hear your cries of “a prayer does not save”, but be careful that you do not discount the fact that in the
Bible we see that prayer does indicate the heart’s
decision.
fine to improve soul winning, but do not abandon it.
We hear your cries of “a prayer does not save”, but be careful that you do not discount the fact that in the
Bible we see that prayer does indicate the heart’s
decision.
Do not fall trap to Lordship Salvation. In the
50’s Dr. Rice heard Jack Hyles’ soul winning lecture.
He was amazed at the substance of it and asked him
to present it at every Sword Conference. Go back and
listen to it and you will hear the Gospel presented
carefully, thoughtfully, and thoroughly. Have some
made it too easy? No, not too easy because it is easy.
A better word would be carelessly.
50’s Dr. Rice heard Jack Hyles’ soul winning lecture.
He was amazed at the substance of it and asked him
to present it at every Sword Conference. Go back and
listen to it and you will hear the Gospel presented
carefully, thoughtfully, and thoroughly. Have some
made it too easy? No, not too easy because it is easy.
A better word would be carelessly.
The way is still easy, but we have lost the
thoroughness of our presentation in a rush to gain
more numbers. Don’t fall for the arguments that many
use that make Salvation more difficult than it really is.
What you must do is be diligent in teaching people
how to win a soul to Christ.
thoroughness of our presentation in a rush to gain
more numbers. Don’t fall for the arguments that many
use that make Salvation more difficult than it really is.
What you must do is be diligent in teaching people
how to win a soul to Christ.
Jack Hyles won men to Christ because he
believed in and knew how to present the power of the
Gospel. We are so inept in our command of
presenting the Gospel that we are scared of thrusting
our nets into the depths. The young men are scaring
more of God’s people away from being soul winners
than to become soul winners.
believed in and knew how to present the power of the
Gospel. We are so inept in our command of
presenting the Gospel that we are scared of thrusting
our nets into the depths. The young men are scaring
more of God’s people away from being soul winners
than to become soul winners.
15. They must not over think things.
Now
this may seem a strange thought, but it is actually a
slippery slope for men who want and are seeking their
own identity. Sometimes, one can over think things
and make the past worse that it was and the
adjustments more drastic than they need to be. We
can build up more of a case for change than is
necessary.
this may seem a strange thought, but it is actually a
slippery slope for men who want and are seeking their
own identity. Sometimes, one can over think things
and make the past worse that it was and the
adjustments more drastic than they need to be. We
can build up more of a case for change than is
necessary.
The methods you guys need to employ are not
that complicated, so be cautious or you will
complicate them. Jack Hyles taught, “Life is a series of minor adjustments.” That is true in this case as
well. Are the adjustments important that you must
make? Yes!
that complicated, so be cautious or you will
complicate them. Jack Hyles taught, “Life is a series of minor adjustments.” That is true in this case as
well. Are the adjustments important that you must
make? Yes!
However, over reaction can be just as
damaging as no reaction and sometimes worse. You
may avoid the deer in the road and crash into a tree.
Be careful to “lean not unto thy own understanding.”
More than you need to understand the problems of
the previous generation; you must know the mind of
God. Think, but remember that wisdom comes from
asking, not just thinking.
damaging as no reaction and sometimes worse. You
may avoid the deer in the road and crash into a tree.
Be careful to “lean not unto thy own understanding.”
More than you need to understand the problems of
the previous generation; you must know the mind of
God. Think, but remember that wisdom comes from
asking, not just thinking.
James 1:5, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him
ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and
upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”
ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and
upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”
16. They must be innovative without being
trendy.
This is the most difficult thing you will attempt.
Many years ago as a young pastor, Dr. Hyles was the
innovator of his day. He did not originate it all, but he
did institute many of the innovations that would help
propel him to the great church builder he became.
Many years ago as a young pastor, Dr. Hyles was the
innovator of his day. He did not originate it all, but he
did institute many of the innovations that would help
propel him to the great church builder he became.
However, he was careful not to be trendy
because he knew that trendiness often led to
compromise. He loved innovation and good ideas, but
he refused to change just because everyone else did.
It had to make sense.
because he knew that trendiness often led to
compromise. He loved innovation and good ideas, but
he refused to change just because everyone else did.
It had to make sense.
He was also careful not to copy liberal ideas or
become infatuated by liberal pastors. He saw the
wisdom of learning from others without following
them. He warned of the dangers of being affected by
the wrong crowd from spending too much time
studying their methods.
become infatuated by liberal pastors. He saw the
wisdom of learning from others without following
them. He warned of the dangers of being affected by
the wrong crowd from spending too much time
studying their methods.
He never attended a conference of a man
outside of his acceptable doctrinal crowd because he feared them influencing his theology. The young men
today may see the innovative success of an Ed
Young or Joel Osteen and become infatuated if they
are not careful. Then they become tempted to change
entirely. Use the ideas of those in your doctrinal circle
without being swayed from your roots.
outside of his acceptable doctrinal crowd because he feared them influencing his theology. The young men
today may see the innovative success of an Ed
Young or Joel Osteen and become infatuated if they
are not careful. Then they become tempted to change
entirely. Use the ideas of those in your doctrinal circle
without being swayed from your roots.
Yes, we know you do not want to build your
father’s Independent Baptist church, but do not lose
the core values that built this movement. Be
independent and innovative without losing the soul of
who you are.
father’s Independent Baptist church, but do not lose
the core values that built this movement. Be
independent and innovative without losing the soul of
who you are.
17. They must be Men of God!
Where did all
of the men of God go? Oh, there are still some left,
but we need a new generation of them. We often ask
where the great political statesmen went in America.
Well, we must ask the same question here.
of the men of God go? Oh, there are still some left,
but we need a new generation of them. We often ask
where the great political statesmen went in America.
Well, we must ask the same question here.
We need a generation of men who mount the
pulpit with the power of God, the Word of God, the
presence of God, and present the truth of God to the
people of God. They will listen. This world is tired of
political correctness. They are seeking men who will
speak the truth in love.
pulpit with the power of God, the Word of God, the
presence of God, and present the truth of God to the
people of God. They will listen. This world is tired of
political correctness. They are seeking men who will
speak the truth in love.
18. You must pick your fights carefully, but
you must pick your fights.
One generation becomes
a fighting generation because of that which was
placed in front of them. The next generation comes
along and sees all the fighting and decides that they
do not want to fight. Sorry, but you will have to fight.
Look, the Bible does not talk about the weapons of
our picnic, nor does it say the paintball fight is the
Lord’s.
a fighting generation because of that which was
placed in front of them. The next generation comes
along and sees all the fighting and decides that they
do not want to fight. Sorry, but you will have to fight.
Look, the Bible does not talk about the weapons of
our picnic, nor does it say the paintball fight is the
Lord’s.
This thing we are in is called a battle. God’s
people were constantly fighting a battle. Do not get
comfortable with peace. It will not last. Your generation WILL have to go to battle and woe unto
you if you refuse to do so.
people were constantly fighting a battle. Do not get
comfortable with peace. It will not last. Your generation WILL have to go to battle and woe unto
you if you refuse to do so.
19. They must not be drawn into the
emerging church trap.
emerging church trap.
This is scary and it is vital.
These emerging church leaders sounded promising at
first, but now with the crossover they are making into
Word Faith heretics and their acceptance of same sex
marriages, we are discovering they are doctrinal
chameleons.
These emerging church leaders sounded promising at
first, but now with the crossover they are making into
Word Faith heretics and their acceptance of same sex
marriages, we are discovering they are doctrinal
chameleons.
They seem to be as comfortable with
Pentecostal women preachers like Christine Caine as
they are with heretics like Rod Bell and Brian
McLaren who claim homosexuality is not a sin.
Pentecostal women preachers like Christine Caine as
they are with heretics like Rod Bell and Brian
McLaren who claim homosexuality is not a sin.
Look out, young independents. Do not fall prey
to these liberals who speak of grace with forked
tongues. Do your homework and know your Bibles.
They are now denying the Trinity. Not only are they
not your contemporaries; they are enemies to the
cause of Christ.
to these liberals who speak of grace with forked
tongues. Do your homework and know your Bibles.
They are now denying the Trinity. Not only are they
not your contemporaries; they are enemies to the
cause of Christ.
So, all you rebels/independents, I like what I
see in you. You are the new hope for a movement
that has, in some areas, lost its way. You give me
hope.
see in you. You are the new hope for a movement
that has, in some areas, lost its way. You give me
hope.
Are you ready to allow God to use you? Are
you certain? Are you willing to pay the price and to
make the sacrifices? Are you willing to accept the
responsibility? Are you up to the task? If ever a
generation needed it, yours does. It is your turn, but
even more importantly, it is your responsibility. Don’t
mess it up!
you certain? Are you willing to pay the price and to
make the sacrifices? Are you willing to accept the
responsibility? Are you up to the task? If ever a
generation needed it, yours does. It is your turn, but
even more importantly, it is your responsibility. Don’t
mess it up!