It is good to know that seminary students at our SBC schools are learning the deeper, more meaningful spiritual truths of life that feed the souls of men.
For instance, take Dr. Bob Pearle's chapel message on 9/13/12. Pearle unveiled the secret of what each letter in the "BAPTIST" represents. Why is he so proud to be a baptist? Because each letter represents one of the most cherished beliefs of Baptists.
What did the good doctor tell everyone the word "BAPTIST" stands for?
B stands for: "Bible"
A stands for: "Autonomy of the local church"
P stands for: "priesthood of the believer"
Now, what about the letter "T"? It could stand for "theology", or "testify", or even "trespass the recalcitrant". No, it stands for something much more important, something that is much more near and dear to the heart of so many baptist preachers like Bob Pearle.
Tithing. I know you didn't know it, but the "T" in "Baptist" (the first "T", anyways) stands for "tithing".
You say you didn't know it? You know it now. ;)
What is so absolutely hilarious about T standing for "tithing", is it is inconsistent with the B and P definitions Pearle gave just prior: New Testament tithing is not biblical, and to declare church members are still under the Old Testament requirement to tithe contradicts his belief in the priesthood of the believer. Christians don't need Doctor Pearle - or any other Man of God - to tell us what percentage we are required to give to their church.
Pearle did not give any scriptural basis for his view. He just used the same tired old argument that people who don't believe the tithe is applicable to new covenant believers are looking for an excuse not to tithe.
And, of course, tithing is "something we've always done" - which is another bald-faced lie.
Says Pearle:
"Tithing has always been something we have embraced to fund our ministries, not bingo, not raffles, but giving to God biblically".
Embrace is a good way to say. Tithing is as near and dear to the heart of baptist preachers like Pearle as the bible, Jesus, and salvation.
As Pearle says, it is all about funding the ministry of the preacher's 501(c)3 organization, which pays his salary.
22 comments:
Glad I left that denomination years ago.Seems that it has been taken over by the megastar preachers and moneygrubbers.It's not all the churches but the sickness is surely spreading.
And that's also why there are two Ts in Baptist, it is of double importance!
It's sad when you realize that so many people think that they are robbing God (or are blessed by God) through tithing. Yet, they gladly consume shellfish and pork. God views dietary laws and tithing the same way. They are all old covenant laws.
I do want to say this: I did not include in this video Pearle's more extended comments on the "autonomy" part - they are good, and are coming in another post. He really lowers the boom on the "satellite church" concept and those Baptist preachers who are pushing it....
Baptist...Relating to John the Baptist. immersion not sprinkling. Nowhere did John ever ask for MONEY!!!
P should be for plagiarizing, because alot of pastors do it, and have the nerve to expect to be paid for reading another mans sermon.
I love this quote by this dear brother:
The Multi-Billion Dollar Fraud
Fraud even innocently perpetrated is still fraud in the eyes of the law. Although tithing is often innocently promoted by some well meaning yet highly misguided teachers, it is also pushed by some very greedy people, some of who are very much aware of the tithing error. Their love of money supercedes any interest in truth. And, far from being just another error, the modern tithing doctrine has become what amounts to a major multi-billion dollar fraud that has been and continues to be perpetrated upon the vast majority of Christians. Tithe teachers should be very careful. When it comes to money, especially such astronomical tax-free amounts, the government doesn’t take financial fraud lightly.
Even in church circles, even under the supposed protection of “spiritual matters” and the separation of church and state, if the government ever decides to get involved, and decides to look deeper into what is really going on here, tithe teachers could face some serious jail time and be required to give the money back and / or pay taxes on it. Such a crackdown could permanently compromise the tax-exempt status of even legitimate non-tithe promoting ministries such as some of those who help the poor. Jesus paid His taxes so I am not overly concerned about ministries having a tax-exempt status but these tithe teachers are playing fast and loose with billions of tax-free dollars, abusing multitudes financially, and they may end up in serious trouble with the law and end up ruining the tax-exempt status of all ministries even good ones.
-Paul Howey
B abylonian
A ntichrists
P lagiarizing
T heology
I nstead of
S tudying
T ruth
The Extra Commandments by Steve Gaines
Hint: The T-word is one of them.
And that's also why there are two Ts in Baptist, it is of double importance!
I realize that was tongue-in-cheek, but you're right. Many of them believe just that.
So glad I don't go to church anymore and I am a SWBTS alumnus.
It has become all business and money. Jesus would take a whip to today's ministers.
Off topic just a bit WD, but when I read this article, I immediately thought of your blogging journey and your disciplinary committees. Seems blogging is getting on the Mormon's nerves also.
New York Times Article published 9/21/2012
Editor of Web Site May Face Mormon Excommunication
Does Gaines ever preach on anything but tithing? Like the majesty and wonder of God? Or how much He loves us? Or forgiveness, grace, or the coming of Christ? I sure hope he does.
Secondly, if he preaches tithing as a "commandment" then it seems he's preaching counter to the canon and completeness of scripture as it is.
Megas are preaching infalliblity, inerrancy, and then adding to scripture. Wrong.
Off Topic: Jonathan Turley > Pastors Take on the IRS
I once heard a very well known mega pastor say "you got to pay me big bucks to hear me preach". Love of money is about all it is in todays baptist churches, especially the real big boys clubs.
Does the "S" stand for Shellfish?
I was reading the first chapter of the book of Galatians today. Paul warns the church about abandoning the message that was delivered to them for a "works" Gospel from the Judiazers.
In other words, the church was going back to Old Testament laws (you know like tithing) instead of living in the grace that Christ offers.
Sound familiar? Paul had some rather strong words for the "Judiazers" of his day.
I am glad to know there won't be any Baptists in Heaven, .....if you know what I mean !
Personally, I am proud to be a Baptist. I am proud to be a Baptist because of our theology and our commitment to advancing the Gospel and making God's glory known to the nations of the world. Also, personally, I have no problem whatsoever believing and following the Bible's teachings on giving. My tithe and offering is my sacrificial act of worship to the Lord, not to the church. I give it through my local church. If Jesus died for HIs bride the church, surely I can give my tithes and offerings through the church to advance the Gospel and make God's glory known to the nations of the world. Because of my love for Jesus, my love for my church, my love for the lost I joyfully obey the teachings of the Word of God. My appeal to you my brothers and sisters in Christ is this. Please, for Christ's sake and the testimony of the body of Christ, stop attacking and devouring your brothers in Christ. Scripture says our enemy is not flesh and blood. Our battle should not be against one another. Our battle should be against Satan and the demons of hell.
"Our battle should not be against one another."
Go back and read Paul's letters to the churches. He did some big time attacking of those who were teaching false doctrine. Those who were trying to get the church to turn from the grace of Christ back to the law.
The law - you know - like the tithe.
And, Satan and the demons of hell revel when the scriptures are twisted and added onto to induce true believers to feel guilt, shaming, and defeat in their Christian walk - and when unbelievers look on and say, "I knew it! It's all about money!" Rather than experience the real "good news", the sheep are mistreated and deceived by the teachings of mere men who too often are worshippers of their own appetites and enslaved by mammon.
They tie up heavy loads and put them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them. Everything they do is done for men to see...they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats...they love to be greeted in the marketplaces and to have men call them ‘Rabbi.’ But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have only one Master and you are all brothers. And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. Nor are you to be called ‘teacher,’ for you have one Teacher, the Christ. The greatest among you will be your servant. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to. Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are.
-- spoken by Jesus the Messiah
(St. Matthew 23:4-15)
P stands for: "priesthood of the believer"
I thought the 2000 BF&M CREED did away with this belief.
I thought the 2000 BF&M CREED removed the Priesthood of the believer!
The photo at the top of the post reminded me of this!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TAtRCJIqnk
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