To some people the word "Baptist" is a "dirty word." Baptists haven't always been liked throughout the centuries. Even the first Baptist, who was John the Baptist, was hated by many of his day. As a matter of fact, he lost his head because he had courage enough to speak out against adultery.

Baptists and baptistic type churches have existed all the way back in history to the first church at Jerusalem. Jesus Himself was baptized by John The Baptist." There are, of course, two kinds of Baptists. Baptist Baptists, and Protestant Baptists. Most Baptists of today are of the latter kind. Real Baptists are not Protestants and never were. Protestant churches of today are running home to MaMa (Rev. 17) via the World Council of Churches, the National Council and/or the Charismatic Movement. Some Protestant Baptist churches subscribe to one or all of these organizations.

There are other Protestant Baptist churches who have nothing to do with any of the above mentioned. Yet their soul-winning fervor and the stirring of baptismal waters has waned or disappeared altogether. Protestant Baptists as well as all other Protestant churches historically are the product of the Reformation. True Baptist churches, however, were never part of the Reformation. Their history predates the Reformation by many centuries.

They have always held to real Bible doctrines, such as: The inspiration of the scriptures, the virgin birth of Christ, the deity of Christ, the blood atonement "once for all," the priesthood of every believer, the bodily resurrection, salvation by grace, eternal security, believers baptism by immersion, and the pre-tribulational return of Christ. True Baptist Baptists have never been a denomination, but independent. The Lord Jesus Christ is their Head, the Bible is their rule and the Holy Spirit is their guide.

Some of the greatest Preachers this world has ever seen were Baptists. Oh, wouldn't it be wonderful to once again see our beloved land saturated with the word of God by great preaching? How great it would be to have men of God heralding forth the good news that Jesus' blood can make the vilest sinner clean. Thank God we still have some churches in our town that haven't become social clubs, gambling dens, bar rooms or raffle stations.

Preachers, "preach the word!" (2 Tim. 4:2). There is no substitute for it. Not even becoming a Baptist.

© 2007 The Flaming Torch, All rights reserved.