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HAD ENOUGH BLACK EYES?

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Another Black Eye on Fundamentalism

Black Eye

By Ken Blue

“Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.” Proverbs 20:17.

“Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not… commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery?… For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you…” Romans 2:21-24.

Christianity and Fundamentalism have received another black eye from Hammond, IN. The scandalous reports over the past few decades would require more paper than the Obamas Health Care Program. In a sermon preached August 8th, the now ex-pastor at First Baptist of Hammond said, “And I’ll look at the person and say, who ya sleeping with? Your kid’s problem(s) isn’t, the, did you see how short her skirt is, no, the problem is, she takes her skirt, and everything else off. Your kids are coming to me and telling me they have sexual experiences in the hundreds; hundreds; hundreds.”  It is time we think about changing our name or changing our behavior. Fundamentalism is becoming a laughing stock. If you advertise your church as fundamental to the lost in your community, you will be laughed out of town.

[perfectpullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]The lost do not care that you are KJV, independent, fundamental, pre-millennial, and dispensational.[/perfectpullquote]

I, for one, embrace all the fundamentals of the faith for this dispensation. However, there is a world of difference between the fundamentals of the faith, and the mindset of most who embrace fundamentalism.  I have observed over the years that those who preach and talk most about standards, seldom have them. The lost, in your community, do not care that you are KJV, independent, fundamental, pre-millennial, and dispensational. If these words do not have a negative connotation to them, they certainly are a foreign tongue to the unsaved.

Also, these sins cannot be blamed on television, computers, or Facebook. The tool for those seeking an opportunity to sin is now the new cell phone. If we can’t control it, we must remove it.

We are not above a serious fall ourselves. 1 Corinthians 10:12. “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.” Many use the sins of believers as a justification to reject the gospel. We realize that this will not excuse them, but the damage is done just the same. May God help us not to give the cause of Christ another black eye.

WHERE DO I STAND?

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fundamentalism

By KenBlue

 

 

 

 

A little bird came fluttering in and perched on my hand.

He said I’ve traveled all the way across this great land.

I have picked up a few scraps; some tidbits here and there.

I have traveled this long distance, my news with you to share.

 

There are some who say in secret, that you should not be heard.

They say don’t read his articles or entertain his words.

We think he’s cynical and senile; he is getting old.

We liked him so much better when he kept his thoughts on hold.

 

We are unsure just where he stands and what is all the fuss.

Is he standing in their camp or is he standing with us?

So we have been instructed, to his words turn our deaf ears.

We don’t want to be influenced, or upset our precious peers.

 

I whispered to the little bird, before he took his flight,

Let each one know, in my solitude, there’s abundant light.

I’ve determined to take my stand; on my stand I’ll be found.

For in fundamentalism, I see, there’s no middle ground.

FUNDAMENTALISM AND THE FUNDAMENTALS

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THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE FUNDAMENTALS AND FUNDAMENTALISM

bible lightBy Ken Blue

There is a vast difference today between fundamentalism and the fundamentals of the faith. Every believer should understand what the fundamentals of Christianity are and adhere to them. The two words have been so misused, and abused by others, that they believe embracing the one is the same as embracing the other. That is, unless you embrace fundamentalism, you do not embrace the fundamentals; and if you believe the fundamentals you will agree with the fundamentalist. The sooner one realizes that the two are not the same, the better things will be.

Fundamentalism, in many cases, is not a good thing. The Muslim terrorists are fundamentalist, and most Muslims would condemn them if they didn’t fear for their life. Some sects of the Mormon Church are fundamentalist and practice polygamy. The word, fundamentalism, has fallen into ill repute in recent years because of its fanaticism and abuse by many.

[perfectpullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]Don’t allow control-freaks to abuse or confuse Fundamentalism and Christian fundamentals. The two are different.[/perfectpullquote]

Fundamentalism, in some circles, has degenerated to an attitude and appearance, instead of a body of sound doctrine. It has departed from its original intent and use. The proof of this statement is demonstrated by the reaction of those who will not allow you to differ or depart from the methods embraced and used by them. Even though you adhere to all the fundamentals of Christianity, if you embrace any methods not approved; you are no longer a fundamentalist. This shows their confusion concerning the two. They cannot make the distinction, or they fear to do so. Also, they want to control as many pastors as possible.

The fundamentals of aviation have never changed; the two are, thrust and lift. It is a long way from the Wright Brothers to the Boeing Dreamliner, but the principles are the same. If given a choice, between the two, the reader will choose to ride the Dreamliner every time.

The pastor must never abandon the fundamentals of Christianity. He should be clear of what they are. But he must also never fear to improve or change ministry methods when needed. You are no less spiritual or less fundamental by having air-conditioning, padded pews, modern sound system, background music, flushing toilets, drums, choir robes, guitars, overhead screen, podcast, bookstore, a kitchen, or a nursery. It is not a sign of spirituality if you reject any or all of these, it’s a sign of stupidity.

Fundamentalism and Christian fundamentals are two different things. So, don’t allow control-freaks to abuse or confuse the two in order to intimidate or control you. Do you really know who you are? (For real insight on this issue, see my book; Standards and The Standard).