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Why I Left the Baptist Church…and Why You Should Leave, Too

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Terica

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“For first of all, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you, and in part I believe it.” – 1 Corinthians 11:18

Why I Left The Baptist Church

Hello friends! I hope that you and your families are well. Thank you so much for your love and support in reading my blog. I appreciate you!!!

I remember Sunday mornings, waking up at 5:00am to get ready for Sunday School and then worship service afterwards. It was very early for a young kid who wasn’t waking up just to watch Saturday-morning cartoons. I was raised in the Baptist church. My family was, too. As a matter of fact, most of my family still consider themselves Baptists or they are affiliated in some way or another. But I made a conscious choice to leave the Baptist denomination. And I’d like to share with you why. Hopefully, if you are a Baptist you will seriously consider leaving, too.

Don’t get me wrong: I learned a lot growing up as a Baptist and had some great values and principles instilled in me as a result of my upbringing. However, there are a few things that are concerning about the Baptist church, as they do not align with what the Bible teaches. Explore with me 3 Reasons Why I Left the Baptist Church, and Why You Should Leave, Too.

1. The Baptist church has erroneous teachings about salvation.

The Baptist denomination teaches that what a person needs to do in order to be saved and make it to heaven is believe in Jesus as Lord. They teach that baptism is not necessary for salvation – that it’s an outward sign of an inward change. However, Jesus taught that both belief and baptism are necessary for salvation. In Mark 16:16, Jesus said, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” His statement is clear: Belief + Baptism = Salvation. Baptism is the way we get into Christ, where all spiritual blessings are (Ephesians 1:3). “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Galatians 3:27). We are buried with Christ through baptism into death, “that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4). So, in order to be saved, you must be baptized. We cannot leave that requirement out of the equation.

2. The Baptist church does not have leadership as prescribed by the Bible.

Anybody who knows anything about a Baptist congregation, knows that there’s a pastor who leads the congregation. Just one man. No where in the Bible do we see a hierarchy of one man leading the church. A pastor is another name for elder, bishop, or overseer. In the Bible we see a plurality of leaders, meaning more than one pastor/elder/bishop. Notice 1 Peter 5:1-2: “The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly.” We always see overseers/pastors/shepherds/bishops mentioned in groups. Christ is the head of the church and does not intend for one man to take the lead and make all the decisions that govern His people.

Notice also the qualifications for pastors in 1 Timothy 3. They are to be the husband of one wife, able to rule their households well, not greedy for money, temperate, hospitable, and gentle, among other things. There are some men serving as a pastor in the Baptist church who do not meet the requirement of being the husband of one wife, or having their children being submissive in all reverence, or not being greedy for money. The church that Jesus built is one that is to have multiple shepherds and pastors – not just one.

3. The Baptist church does not worship according to Scripture.

The worship of the church of the New Testament includes preaching, the Lord’s Supper (Acts 20:7), giving (1 Corinthians 16:2, 2 Corinthians 9:6), praying (Acts 2:42), and singing (Ephesians 5:18-19). The Lord’s Supper, or communion, is to be partaken of every first day of the week (see Acts 20:7), not quarterly or monthly as most Baptist congregations do. Also, our worship to God is to include singing, “speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:19). The melody is supposed to come from our hearts – not a mechanical instrument. The New Testament does not authorize the use of mechanical instruments in worship. The only instrument allowed is our voices, singing to God. However, the Baptist denomination incorporates pianos, organs, and some even have drums and guitars. They also include other acts that they deem as worship to God like miming, or praise dancing, which we do not see happening in the early church that we read about in the New Testament. If the Lord said to sing, and He did, then it’s our duty not to add anything to or take anything away from His Word.

So, these reasons, among others not mentioned, are Scriptural reasons why I left the Baptist church and why I hope that you will too. This list is in no way exhaustive, but I’d love to discuss more with you about it and why God doesn’t want us to be a part of the Baptist denomination. Feel free to comment and let me know your thoughts.

May God bless you, may He keep you, and may He cause His face to shine down upon you.

Photo by Nikko Tan on Pexels.com

69 responses to “Why I Left the Baptist Church…and Why You Should Leave, Too”

  1. capost2k Avatar
    capost2k

    Need to be careful about getting too legalistic or instructional about what “you should” do when the “you” is an anonymous audience. Recall the words of Jesus to Peter when he asked Him, “Lord, what about this man?” (John 21:21)
    Each of us will give account to our Master. Encourage us to read and study the Scriptures, spend special time in prayer as well as maintain an attitude of “praying without ceasing,” but allow the Holy Spirit to lead us. I have friends who are Baptist, Roman Catholic, Assemblies of God, and run the gamut of legacy churches and house churches. I am confident many of them are following Jesus in the paths He is leading, even though it is not my path.
    Be very careful, because the “measure you use” will be used to judge you. That is not to say, Do not judge, which is the world’s favorite Bible verse, but just to say be very careful when judging.
    ❤️&🙏, c.a.

    Liked by 3 people

  2. Disciple of Christ Avatar
    Disciple of Christ

    Thank you for your response. I do not see any of what I said as judging, though. I simply stated the reasons from Scripture why I left the Baptist denomination. Remember Jesus said that the words that He has spoken will judge us in the last day (John 12:48). So, we must follow the Word of the Lord in everything that we do, because that’s what we’ll be judged by – not a person’s words. His thoughts are higher than our thoughts or anything we could ever say, any way. Thanks again for stopping by and reading. 😊

    Liked by 1 person

  3. arw27 Avatar
    arw27

    So……where do you to church now?

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Brendan Pratt Avatar
    Brendan Pratt

    I would kindly disagree with what you said. To say that salvation is by faith and baptism is a not just a slippery slope but wrong. The one example I would give to you is when Jesus is on the cross in between the two thiefs. One thief denies Jesus, but the other follows him. Jesus said that they would be together in paradise. However, the thief was not baptized?

    I would also say to the comment on a plurality of elders. I would agree with the statement and a most wise church government should include a plurality of elders.

    To your third point, the language is muddy about a pastor of one wife only in his life or one wife in the current time. However, I would lean toward a one wife only pastor. I would strongly tell you to look at the Bible where salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.

    Liked by 3 people

  5. Disciple of Christ Avatar
    Disciple of Christ

    Hello. Thanks for stopping by and reading! I am a member of the church of Christ now.

    Like

  6. Disciple of Christ Avatar
    Disciple of Christ

    Thanks for your thoughtful response. Regarding the thief on the cross, Jesus had power to forgive sins while on earth (Mark 2:10). Before He died, His will and testament was not in force. Meaning, what He has prescribed for us in order to make it to heaven was not yet in force while He was alive. See Hebrews 9:17. So Jesus had the power to tell the thief on the cross He would be with Him in paradise. But what He told the disciples after His death was to go into all the world teaching and baptizing all men, making disciples (Matthew 28:19). We can’t leave out baptism when Jesus said it must be done. We must be careful not to add or take away from what the Lord has commanded. 1 Peter 3:21 tells us that baptism saves us.

    Do you at least agree that we are under the New Testament of Christ?

    To your point about salvation through faith alone: I respectfully submit that the Bible does not teach that. Recall James 2:19. Even demons believe and have faith in God. Faith without works is dead (James 2:20). And James said it clearly, “You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only” (James 2:24). We are not made right with God by faith only. Repentance is a work – and it’s required for salvation also (Luke 13:3), so is confession (Romans 10:9). It’s not just belief or baptism that makes us right with God. It’s all those things together. God requires works from us as well as faith.

    I’m glad that we could agree on the plurality of elders. Most people are okay with having one person “in charge” of shepherding the flock.

    Thanks again for stopping by and sharing your thoughts on this.

    Liked by 2 people

  7. capost2k Avatar
    capost2k

    Yes. But cherry-picking scriptures to make a doctrine is not wise. And you DO judge or do you not believe people who have not been baptized are not saved?
    If you believe this you are adding a requirement to the finished work of Jesus on the cross.
    So which commands of Jesus MUST we obey to be saved? He gave many more than the ones you quoted to prove baptism is necessary for salvation.
    Just as the body without the spirit is dead, James says, faith without works is dead. However, we ARE saved by faith alone, just not faith that IS alone. But none of the works we perform, baptism, communion, fellowship, loving others, ALL of which are commanded, can add anything to our salvation.
    There are many other descriptions of salvation that do not mention baptism, e.g., Ephesians 2:8-9. Did Paul mess up here and forget to mention baptism? Or in Romans 10:13? And Paul was not alone in this “error.” Peter said the same in Acts 2 on the day of Pentecost in 2:21, and failed to mention baptism.
    You are dangerously close to heresy when you add anything to accepting by faith the grace of God.
    ❤️&🙏, c.a.

    Liked by 1 person

  8. Disciple of Christ Avatar
    Disciple of Christ

    I’m not cherry-picking Scriptures to make a doctrine. The doctrine of baptism is Christ’s. All throughout the book of Acts, when the church began, we see people believing and being baptized and being added to the Lord’s church. And it’s not just belief and it’s not just baptism that saves. We have to take all the Scriptures into account, and not pick the ones that we want to believe. Jesus said unless there’s repentance, we will all perish (Luke 13:3). The Scripture also states that if you confess with your mouth and believe in your heart, you will be saved (Romans 10:9). We’re admonished to be faithful until death, and then we’ll receive the crown of life (Revelation 2:10). So, if we don’t do all those things, then we won’t be saved. We are not saved by faith alone. They are not my words but it’s the word of the Lord. And Jesus said, if we love Him, we’ll keep His commandments. So if He says repent, then we’ll repent. If He says confess, then we’ll confess. If He says believe, we’ll believe. And if He says be baptized, we’ll be baptized. And He said all those things in His Word. So to your question, we must obey all of His commands about salvation in order to be saved.

    And you are correct that James said that faith without works is dead (James 2:19). He also said that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only (James 2:24). Yes, we are saved by grace as well. That just means we didn’t do anything to deserve His salvation – that it’s His free gift. The Scriptures do not contradict one another but they work in harmony. Paul was baptized (Acts 22:16; 9:18). Peter told the people on the day of Pentecost, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). So, no, they did not fail to mention baptism. It’s clear that we must obey the commands of Jesus.

    While we must be careful not to add anything to God’s Word, we also must be careful not to take anything away. We can’t take baptism out of the equation. We can’t take repentance out of the equation. We can’t take belief out of the equation. And we cannot take confession out of the equation. We must carefully consider all the commands of Jesus and obey them.

    Liked by 1 person

  9. capost2k Avatar
    capost2k

    Whenever anyone adds requirements of works, they tread on dangerous ground of legalism.
    Works follow faith but do not lead it. We are saved by faith alone.
    “The just will live by faith.”

    Like

  10. Disciple of Christ Avatar
    Disciple of Christ

    What Scripture do you have to support your claim that we are saved by faith alone? The only verse that uses that type of language is James 2:24, and it says, “You see then that a man is justified by works and not by faith only.” That’s pretty clear. Faith and works work together. How do you reconcile the Scriptures about repentance, confession, baptism, and faithful living being necessary for salvation? We cannot simply ignore them. Belief is not enough. Even demons believe and tremble, yet they are not saved. God requires us to repent (stop doing wrong and turn to Him), to confess that Jesus is the risen Savior, to be baptized for the forgiveness of our sins (we are baptized into Christ, Galatians 3:27), and to live faithful lives in service to Him (if we do not, then we can lose our salvation). All these things are important and necessary.

    Liked by 1 person

  11. BT Avatar
    BT

    Faith and Works—

    The problem is many only quote part of the scripture

    Ephesians 2:8-10
    8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
    9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
    10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”

    We are not saved by works we are saved UNTO good works. Whenever the works of faith are missing it is because the faith is dead. Faith without works is dead. The validity of ones salvation is revealed in the works His life produces.

    “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

    If a life has the light of God dwelling within the good works it produces will glorify our heavenly Father. A life without light is a life without works.

    “They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him…” Titus 1:16

    Faith cannot be separated from the works it joyfully produces in those who feel its power.
    BT

    Liked by 2 people

  12. Disciple of Christ Avatar
    Disciple of Christ

    We definitely cannot separate our faith from works. James chapter 2 makes that clear. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this and adding to the discussion.

    Liked by 1 person

  13. capost2k Avatar
    capost2k

    We are saved by faith alone, but in my first text to you, “not by faith that is alone.” The importance of this is to stay out if legalism that adds requirements of any human effort to earn salvation. Such teaching is dangerous because it teaches that what Jesus did was not sufficient. “I” have to add something. Ephesians 2 never mentions baptism.
    As I said “cherry-picking” verses that support a narrow view of salvation that requires me to add to the work of Christ, instead of simply “believing” gets us into judgment that is God’s alone to make. Romans 4 notes it was Abraham’s faith that made him just before God. James simply clarifies what I have been saying, that faith comes first, then works. But it IS faith alone that saves the lost. This is my last comment here as I will not convince you and you will not convince me. So let us leave it that God who will judge us all in our time will straighten us both out. 😉
    Romans 8:33-39
    Again, ❤️&🙏, c.a.

    Liked by 1 person

  14. pcviii03 Avatar
    pcviii03

    Maybe my input here is not welcome, but I will say that I left the Baptist Church many years ago, and I joined the pentecostal church.
    I do not regret it, but I can say that I learned what discipline looks like.
    Your attention to scripture is remarkable, but I hope you don’t forget that Jesus said…

    Matthew 5:19
    Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

    Matthew 18:6-7
    But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
    Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!

    Denominations, and doctrines have been a problem ever since the onset of the church, Paul dealt with these things himself (1 Corinthians 1:10-17).
    Paul also describes his main mission is to preach, not baptize.

    “That you all speak the same things, that there be no divisions among you”

    I think we’re way past that thought, the best thing I think is to focus on being led by the Spirit of God in ministry.

    My question to you is what does the COC teach about…

    Hebrews 9:14
    How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

    Being baptized into Christ (Romans 6:3-6) is spiritual, we must pass through the blood of Christ in spiritual terms.

    This is the purpose of teaching baptism.

    Even on this side of the New Testament, people on their death beds can still be saved without a water baptism.

    One final thought…

    2 Timothy 2:14-16
    Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.
    Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
    But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.

    If we are not careful about what we teach, we can cause others to stumble, be aware and beware of that.

    In one of your responses you said that the devils believe and have faith, that’s not true, they only believe and tremble James 2:19. James is speaking about having a faith that works.

    Be very careful.

    I won’t tell you to leave the COC

    Liked by 1 person

  15. Disciple of Christ Avatar
    Disciple of Christ

    Your input is very welcome. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this topic. I appreciate it.

    Regarding your question about Hebrews 9:14, the Scripture tells us that the blood of Christ is what cleanses us from dead works (sin) to serve Christ. And the only way we can contact that blood is through baptism.

    Notice Ephesians 2:13: “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” The way to get “in Christ Jesus” is by baptism (Galatians 3:27; Romans 6:3-6). When we are physically baptized into Christ, we spiritually contact the blood of Christ, just as Romans 6:3-6 describes. There must be a physical baptism, though, just as Christ died a physical death.

    The Scriptures are full of examples of people getting baptized in water: the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8); the Samaritan men and women (Acts 8); Saul (Acts 9); Cornelius and his household (Acts 10), and; Lydia and the jailer (Acts 16). What is your take on these examples? We can’t simply ignore them.

    Furthermore, recall when Jesus spoke with Nicodemus what He told him about entering the kingdom. “Jesus answered, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God’” (John 3:5).

    Jesus commanded the disciples to preach the gospel and baptize in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19). He also said, whoever believes and is baptized will be saved (Mark 16:16). So we can’t deny the importance of baptism if we honestly look at the Scriptures and what Jesus taught.

    Regarding James 2:19, yes, I used belief and faith interchangeably, but the Scripture does say that demons believe and tremble. My point was that even though they believe, they still are not saved – belief is not enough. Anyone can believe, but Christ is concerned with our obedience, as well (Matthew 7:21-23).

    And, yes, we must be very careful that we rightly divide the word of truth and study to show ourselves approved unto God (2 Timothy 2:15). Thanks for the reminder to do so.

    If there were error being taught in the church and I wasn’t aware of it, I would hope someone would make me aware of it, if they knew something that I didn’t. That’s what my intentions were in writing to help others see what I saw in the Baptist religion that was not aligned with the Scriptures. It was definitely written out of love, with many of those I love in mind.

    Thank you again for your thoughtful comment. 😊

    Liked by 2 people

  16. pcviii03 Avatar
    pcviii03

    Thank you for your welcome, and your response. I love the Word of God, and much of my experience with it is to shine it’s light.

    First off, baptism is most important to a believer’s experience in their walk with the Lord. It solidifies their commitment to walk out their faith, as probably the most important of steps.

    Water baptism has been a debate for the church for so long, that the very teaching of it has been dragged through the mud.

    But I view baptism as that outward expression of the spiritual baptism where the Holy Spirit baptizes us into Christ.

    That said, water baptism is required.

    Your examples of those who were baptized, had both ability and opportunity.

    But can we deny salvation or entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven simply because of lack of ability and opportunity?

    My grandfather was bedridden at the end of his life, he came to salvation in the weakest time of his life, he did not have opportunity.

    I was too young to know or help in this area, so he did not have opportunity to be water baptized.

    He knew that God had changed his life even before he said the words. I believe he had entrance, and is waiting for me.

    Paul said…

    Romans 10:9-10
    That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
    For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

    He doesn’t mention baptism here.

    Also…

    John 6:53-54
    Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.
    Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.

    Jesus doesn’t mention baptism here either.

    Agreed, demons can’t be saved, not even the angels who desire to look into these things (1 Peter 1:12)

    I don’t, however consider believing as faith, not in the same conversation about demons. The Greek word for believe does hold to faith, but when scripture speaks of faith and believing it is primarily for man. It’s just me, but I would say that the demons “know” and tremble.

    I also do consider, as Jesus told us “to whom much is given much is required” (Luke 12:48), you certainly have a passion for scripture, to be able to share it is an obligation, and a privilege.

    Jesus did say…

    “…Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God…”

    Have you considered how he meant it when he said…

    “…But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life…
    John 4:14

    How about…

    John 7:38-39
    He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
    (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

    I believe that this is the Word of God powered by the Holy Spirit.

    Maybe in John 3:5, water baptism isn’t the only facet of entering the Kingdom.

    I say this because, there is an observation into Kingdom events, that very few ‘baptized’ people can see, and Jesus was about to break it wide open, yet even now so few are aware of spiritual breakthrough.

    As for the Baptist members, they have devoted themselves to know the Lord, even with limited access to the Holy Spirit. My father was a pastor and minister of the Baptist church. I know it broke his heart to see my defection, but he did see me grow in the Lord before his passing.

    I would add that you encourage and build up believers with the gospel regardless of their denominational affiliations. Let the Word of God, and his Spirit do the transformative work in how and what people believe.

    Please don’t try and destroy institutions of the church, be mindful of this one thing…

    Romans 14:4
    Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.

    Paul was speaking about how some believers are able to eat all things, and some do not.

    The context isn’t anywhere close to what we’re talking about, but it holds true even about doctrines.

    I didn’t mean to make my response so long, it just excites me to speak his Word.

    I appreciated your response.
    Thank you.

    Liked by 2 people

  17. Disciple of Christ Avatar
    Disciple of Christ

    I’m glad that we agree that baptism is required for salvation.

    You said that Jesus or Paul didn’t mention baptism in a couple of versus you provided. No, they didn’t, but we cannot take one scripture and leave the rest. We have to look at what Jesus said as a whole.

    For instance, in Luke 13:3, Jesus said “unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” So does that mean that belief and baptism are not necessary since He didn’t mention them there? In Mark 16:16 where Jesus said to believe and be baptized, He didn’t mention confession or repentance there. So, do we just ignore what He said in other places in the Scriptures (Matthew 10:32)?

    I think you would agree that we don’t ignore what He says. However, we put all the pieces of the puzzle together to see the big picture of what Jesus wanted us to know.

    When we put all the words of the Lord together, this is what we get: We must believe. We must repent. We must confess Jesus. And we must be baptized in order to be saved.

    As it relates to people who don’t have the ability or opportunity, I defer to Romans 9:14-18. God will have mercy on whomever He wills. That’s not for me or anyone else to say. I can only be concerned with teaching the gospel, like Jesus commands me to do and help those who do have ability and opportunity.

    I do not see my writing as trying to destroy anything, only to shed light on the scriptures, as you mentioned your experience is. It’s much like Paul’s teachings to the church about divisions among them in 1 Corinthians 1. I just want us all to “be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Corinthians 1:10).

    Thanks again for the thoughtful discussion.

    Liked by 2 people

  18. pcviii03 Avatar
    pcviii03

    Of course, baptism is always the priority for any able body with opportunity.

    I believe baptism is necessary.

    No, we do not ignore anything Jesus said.

    Aside from the ‘big puzzle’, there is so much more to see.

    Hebrews 6:1-3
    Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,
    Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
    And this will we do, if God permit.

    I hope you don’t think that I think baptism is optional, it is one of two ordinances, besides that we love one another as he did.

    I think we can agree that this is fact.

    At the same time time, I think for sake of argument, we can agree to disagree.

    As I stated earlier, that Paul’s told us not to strive about words, in effort to teach those who might otherwise stumble at our ‘disagreement’, not that I disagree, as much as I don’t believe that we need to go back and forth in opposition.

    Baptism is necessary.

    Liked by 2 people

  19. Disciple of Christ Avatar
    Disciple of Christ

    Appreciate the discussion. 😊

    Liked by 2 people

  20. Agent X Avatar
    Agent X

    Ha! I was raised in the churches of Christ. I’m still cofC to this day. Your blog post sounds so very familiar to me at every level.

    I wonder where you found the conviction to make the change from Baptist to church of Christ. I’m curious. Not that you must explain it, but I have been to that wall and watch so many people bang their heads and hearts on it to no avail. But somehow this message got through to you. (You are not the first nor the last, but you are one of the few.)

    Just wondering.

    Liked by 1 person

  21. Disciple of Christ Avatar
    Disciple of Christ

    Yes, you are right: very few are able to get over that wall. For me, the conviction came from the Word of God. No matter what, I wanted to be in His will and do things His way.

    Once I saw I was not worshiping God according to the Bible or believing according to the Scriptures, I had to make that change. It didn’t come right away. There was a fight to believe I was right in my Baptist beliefs, but there is no contest when it comes to the Bible. Those beliefs I had were not scriptural and I couldn’t back them up.

    And I just want to always be in God’s favor, doing what’s right before His eyes. So that led me back to the Bible and to the church that belongs to Christ. 😊

    Like

  22. Agent X Avatar
    Agent X

    We are nothing, if not “People of the Book!”

    I too value the Word of God and take it very seriously. I learned that from my heritage, and I find myself being more particular about it than most others I share faith with. However, even within the churches of Christ, that is an ideal fading rapidly over time.

    Liked by 1 person

  23. Disciple of Christ Avatar
    Disciple of Christ

    You certainly have a way of looking at scripture the way others don’t. Like in your most recent post. It’s thought-provoking about how we should be treating the homeless – bringing them into our homes, actually giving them a home, and sharing with them. It’s plain as day in the Book, but somehow we overlook this. You definitely have given me food for thought. Thank you for that, brother.

    Liked by 1 person

  24. Agent X Avatar
    Agent X

    Thanx for saying that! YOU make my day. Means a lot.

    It’s true, though. I use a different filter. I still value the WORD of God, in fact, I TRUST it is what I am doing (in a nutshell). Btw, some of what I know, some of how I know it, I learned from Baptists! WE all have limitations, we all have strengths – some at individual levels…. some at corporate levels.

    Also, I really appreciate how charitable you are with your blog. For a church of Christ(er) to disagree so profoundly with others, esp on something like baptism, communion, and some of those core sacraments, and yet be charitable and kind and generous is a talent most of us don’t have. Thanx for your gentleness.

    And your encouraging compliment to me.

    Liked by 1 person

  25. Disciple of Christ Avatar
    Disciple of Christ

    So glad that you are encouraged. Thank you for encouraging me, too! 😊

    Like

  26. 2022: Year in Review – Christ Leads The Way Avatar
    2022: Year in Review – Christ Leads The Way

    […] 1. Why I Left the Baptist Church…and Why You Should Leave, Too […]

    Like

  27. Debbie Elzey Avatar
    Debbie Elzey

    SO just a few words and I started to believe 100 % this person is of the Church of Christ. Yeap I was correct, how in the world they get we are not suppose to sing is beyond me. The Lord is clear we should sing hymns and spiritual, and use stringed instruments greet him with dance and the harp and even tambourine. Not sure which Bible you use but you need to go to the HOLY BIBLE for scripture because sir you are missing it all.

    Like

  28. Terica Avatar
    Terica

    Hi Debbie! Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts on this topic. However, I never said that we are not supposed to sing. I did say, “Also, our worship to God is to include singing, “speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:19).”

    What scriptures do you have to support that our worship to God is to include stringed instruments, dance, harps, and tambourines? If any, are they from the Old or New Testament?

    Remember, we are no longer under the law of the Old covenant. Christ nailed it to the cross (Colossians 2:14). Jesus sang hymns (Mark 14:26). Paul and Silas sang hymns (Acts 16:25). We are to follow the example of Jesus and His apostles. The early church did not incorporate mechanical instruments in their worship to God. They sang and made melody in their hearts. We must do the same. I see that you mentioned going to the Bible. Will you share what verses support your stance?

    Like

  29. debbie elzey Avatar
    debbie elzey

    Both grace and law join hands in beautifying worship with instrumentation. Scripture says, “Sing to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and the sound of a psalm, with trumpets and the sound of a horn” (Ps. 98:5-6).

    Like

  30. Terica Avatar
    Terica

    Hi Debbie. In terms of beautifying worship, worship is not about us but it’s about what God deems as beautiful and acceptable to Him. He said that we must worship Him in Spirit and in truth (John 4:24). We worship Him in truth by doing it according to His word.

    I do not deny what the Scripture says. That verse in Psalms is from the old law, which we are no longer under. Would you agree that we no longer have to offer blood, animal sacrifices to God? That law was nailed to the cross. And Christ is the Mediator of a new covenant.

    Notice Hebrews 9:15-17
    15 And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.
    16 For where there is a testament, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. 17 For a testament is in force after men are dead, since it has no power at all while the testator lives.

    Christ’s new testament is now in force and we follow that instead of the Old Covenant. Christ led by example and sang hymns and songs. The apostles and the early church sang hymns and spiritual songs. And Paul commands us by the Holy Spirit to sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, making melody in our hearts to the Lord (Ephesians 5:19).

    We never see the command – or the example – to sing with instruments in the New Testament. It’s important that we follow Christ’s teachings. If you do a quick search of the history of the church, mechanical instruments were not a part of worship until about 1100 years after the church began. So, it was introduced later and became a tradition of man, but it was not what was commonly practiced by the apostles and the early church.

    Liked by 1 person

  31. Debbie Elzey Avatar
    Debbie Elzey

    Musical Instruments and Musicians in Worship in the Bible

    Christian Study Library
    https://www.christianstudylibrary.org › article › music…
    In the Revelation to John, which begins dramatically with a voice that sounds like a trumpet (Revelation 1:10; cf. … The sound of musical instruments and songs …
    2 Timothy 2:23-26 ERV
    As a servant of the Lord, you must not argue. You must be kind to everyone. You must be a good teacher, and you must be patient. You must gently teach those who don’t agree with you. Your only trying to argue to be right. The Church of Christ fail in many areas, I used to go there that is why I left the denomination. No other email will be entertained, read or responded to any further as its really serves no purpose. You have your believe I have mine. I am a teacher of the gospel in a local Baptist church, I see my truth in the Church of Christ in many different areas. Please respect wishes and just agree to disagree I already have

    Like

  32. Debbie Elzey Avatar
    Debbie Elzey

    2 Timothy 2:23-26 ERV
    As a servant of the Lord, you must not argue. You must be kind to everyone. You must be a good teacher, and you must be patient. You must gently teach those who don’t agree with you.

    Like

  33. Terica Avatar
    Terica

    It is not my intent to argue, but to have a discussion about what the Bible teaches. Blessings to you and prayers for you in your walk with the Lord. Thanks again for reading and joining in on the discussion.

    Like

  34. Garth Kolbeck Avatar
    Garth Kolbeck

    Everything you said in this article is wrong. You are wrong. You’ll find out eventually.

    Like

  35. Terica Avatar
    Terica

    Hi Garth. Do you have scripture to support your claim?

    Like

  36. Dwesthe Avatar
    Dwesthe

    I’m not sure as to which baptist church you attended, but every baptist church I have been part of practiced everything you mentioned. We made a profession of faith upon accepting the gift of salvation through Christ Jesus. We acknowledged and encouraged baptism. We gave worship through music and the church was led by a Pastor, a body of Deacons (not just one man) however; no decision made by the Pastor or Deacons could be put in effect unless the congregation of members voted in the affirmative. We also take communion (Lord’s Supper).I respectfully find this entire article very misleading.

    Like

  37. Terica Avatar
    Terica

    Hi, Dwesthe. Where do you find in the Bible that anyone made a “profession of faith” in order to be saved? It’s not scriptural. Also, “acknowledging and encouraging baptism” is not the same as it being required for salvation like Jesus said. Do you believe that baptism is necessary for salvation?

    Also, I stated that mechanical instruments like the piano, organ, and drums are not authorized in worship by the New Testament. So, if you are worshiping that way, it’s not the way that Christ has prescribed.

    To your point about a “Pastor”, that makes the argument that I gave. There is not just one pastor of the Lord’s church in the Bible, but multiple elders or “pastors” of a congregation. Jesus is the head of the church, not one man (or woman).

    Lastly, do you partake of the Lord’s Supper weekly like the early church did in the Bible? That was the point that I made, not that communion was never taken in the Baptist denomination.

    Hopefully this clears up what you thought was misleading about the article.

    Like

  38. aj Avatar
    aj

    Every time Terica challenges those who challenge her claim, they fail to back their claim with evidence, especially capost2k. He keeps referencing lines that leave out baptism while continuously ignoring the verses that do. Terica is not adding to the Word, she is simply referencing to what is clearly stated. On the contrary, capost2k is both leaving out and adding to the bible by blatantly ignoring the verses that DO mention baptism. If I was a skeptic, I think I’d put my soul on line by choosing to go with faith AND baptism because of it’s extremely clear instructions in the bible, many times! And remember, even the adversary has faith:)

    Like

  39. Terica Avatar
    Terica

    Hi AJ. Yes, the instructions are very clear in the Bible about what we all must do in order to be saved. Thanks for reading and adding to the discussion.

    Like

  40. aj Avatar
    aj

    Terica, if you dont mind, which churches would you recommend?

    Like

  41. Aj Avatar
    Aj

    Terica if you don’t mind, what church(s) do you recommend?

    Liked by 1 person

  42. Terica Avatar
    Terica

    Hi AJ. I do not mind at all. Do you mind sharing what city and state you are in? I will send you a few.

    Like

  43. Terica Avatar
    Terica

    I recommend attending services with the church that you can read about in the New Testament. It’s the church that belongs to Christ. The church of Christ. I can share specific congregations if you let me know where you are located.

    Like

  44. Sunshine Avatar
    Sunshine

    My Goodness, I would never want to criticize and be the one to put this article out there to be held accountable to God for your slander of other Christian’s. I hate to say it but Im going w/ what I wouldn’t do and thoughts on it. You just never know when Satan is baiting you. This article is possibly another one of Satans sermons. This came up as a main google search from “baptist faith.” Romans 14 seems applicable to the writer of this article. Basically: Don’t cause another Christian to stumble ex. Someone who is thinking about going back to church. This would go even if you don’t agree.. Baptist and their traditions. Whether how many priests, musical instruments, which days are holy, what to eat and drink etc.
    what I know about baptist they seem to be fishers of men to Jesus so I would never slander them.

    Like

  45. Terica Avatar
    Terica

    Hi Sunshine. I did not slander anyone in the article. What part do you see as false, defamatory, or malicious? I had no ill or malicious intent in writing the article. I simply stated why I left the Baptist denomination, and gave reasons why others might want to leave, too.

    Like

  46. Marissa Avatar
    Marissa

    So I grew up Baptist but I could never pull myself to believe in what they believe in. And at the age of 15 I realized that there is lots of scriptures proving them wrong especially when it comes to baptism and salvation.

    Like

  47. Terica Avatar
    Terica

    Hi Marissa. Thanks for sharing your experience. Baptism is definitely required for salvation but that is not taught by the Baptist denomination. I’m glad you were able to see the error in many of their teachings.

    Like

  48. 2023: Year in Review – Christ Leads The Way Avatar
    2023: Year in Review – Christ Leads The Way

    […] 1. Why I Left the Baptist Church…and Why You Should Leave. Too. […]

    Like

  49. Nathan Avatar
    Nathan

    We are saved when receive Jesus as Lord and Savior …baptism is an outward expression of your faith. Wrong interpretation of the Word. The thief on the cross didn’t make heaven cause he didn’t include baptism with his confession? Get out of here. all other points are downright legalism and under the influence of a religious spirit. There are other reasons that the Baptist Church are questionable. The Baptist people I came across are judgemental and holier than thou complex …if you don’t fit their way of believing and walking with God. 

    Like

  50. Terica Avatar
    Terica

    Hi Nathan. Thank you for your comment. I never said that the thief on the cross didn’t make it to heaven. The thief on the cross was under the Old Law, as Jesus’ will and testament was not in force until after His death. And Jesus had power on earth to forgive sins (Mark 2:10). I’ve come across some very sincere Baptists, who are simply just mistaken in their beliefs. I was one of them. My approach to this topic is one of genuine concern for souls. Thanks again for stopping by and reading.

    Like

  51. English Avatar
    English

    You are so far off base that a lengthy diatribe outlining your own misguided understanding and beliefs are not justified. If you don’t like the beliefs of the Baptists because you feel you have the understanding and knowledge, that’s fine…don’t try to justify your change to another denomination by trying to influence others by degrading the Baptists. Every denomination can be picked apart by anyone who doesn’t believe in their interpretation of scripture. Obviously you are trying to strike back because you have had your feelings hurt.

    Like

  52. Terica Avatar
    Terica

    Hi. Thanks for reading. I am in no way trying to “strike back” for any purpose, as there is no reason for me to do so. As I mentioned in the article, I learned many things from the Baptist denomination and had a strong moral upbringing because of it. So, no, I didn’t have my feelings hurt. And I did not say anything degrading about people who are Baptists. I simply detailed the Baptist’s beliefs that are not aligned with scripture by showing what the Word of God says. If you disagree, what scriptures show why you disagree?

    Like

  53. Holly Summers Avatar
    Holly Summers

    Hi Terica,

    Can you send me some churches for the coc for Albuquerque NM? 
    Thanks for the article! You present a logical argument based on Scripture and did not get ugly when attacked for simply evangelizing your thorough evaluation of Scripture.

    Liked by 1 person

  54. Terica Avatar
    Terica

    Hi Holly. Thanks for your comment and for reading! Below are some congregations that you may want to worship with.

    Riverside Church of Christ
    3100 La Orilla Rd NW
    505-898-2627
    http://www.riversidecoc.net

    Netherwood Park Church of Christ
    5101 Indian School Rd
    505-256-7389
    http://www.netherwoodpark.com

    I’m sure there are others. But, I know of an elder at the church of Christ at Riverside. He’s the cousin of a dear friend – his name is Larry. Please let me know of your experience if you do choose to attend services with the church of Christ. I know you’ll be welcomed. 😊

    I’ll be praying for you, as you continue to study and search for truth. ❤️

    Like

  55. Terica Avatar
    Terica

    Holly, another congregation is Northeast church of Christ.
    11000 Paseo del Norte NE
    Albuquerque, NM 87112
    (505) 797-3025
    https://www.necofc.org

    Like

  56. Holly Summers Avatar
    Holly Summers

    Thank you Terica!

    Liked by 1 person

  57. Terica Avatar
    Terica

    You’re welcome! 😊

    Like

  58. Chad Avatar
    Chad

    I would suggest some more time carefully considering what you’ve read.

    1. Mark 16:16 Says clearly he who does not believe is condemned not he who does not believe and get baptised or he who does not get baptised.

    2. There are many elder led Baptist churches. So saying that as a blanket statement is a straw man. Every denomination has churches that claim to be apart of them that do some things that are not scriptural.

    3. Communion: Acts 20:7 Is saying they partook that particular first day of the week. No where in the context of that verse is it commanding to. As for the rest of it every Baptist church I know gives and prays together. I even know some that sing without instrument so the rest of that point is just false.

    Saying a whole denomination is unscriptural over non gospel issues is just divisive and against scripture. 1 Cor 10-13 Paul warns against that very thing. The point is we can disagree on deeper theology but still be brothers and sisters in Christ and telling people to leave their local body over these three issues is wrong.

    Like

  59. Terica Avatar
    Terica

    Hi Chad. Thanks for your comments.

    1. In Mark 16:16, Jesus said, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” If a person doesn’t believe, then they will not be baptized – just like they won’t confess that Jesus is Lord or repent of their sins. That does not mean that those things are not necessary to be saved from sin. They are necessary. The Bible confirms this in many places.

    2. We disagree on the argument I made being a straw man argument. It is not the extreme that one person, a “pastor” leads the majority of Baptist congregations. That is more the norm.

    3. While we are not commanded to keep the Lord’s supper on Sunday, we do see the example from the apostles and early Christians. Examples can be binding. See 2 Timothy 1:13. Also see https://christiancourier.com/articles/the-weekly-observance-of-the-lords-supper.

    The things that I mentioned are “gospel” issues. The matter of salvation is doctrinal and if taught incorrectly or differently from what the Bible teaches, then it can affect someone’s soul. I mentioned in the article Paul’s teachings about division. My goal in writing is to help us all get on one accord with what the Bible says and not be a part of traditions that are not scriptural and can affect our salvation.

    Thanks again for sharing your thoughts. Happy to discuss more.

    Like

  60. Adam Avatar
    Adam

    Thank you for an interesting post. Sadly there are thousands of denominations, each with their own interpretations (eg should women have their heads covered? Should instruments be played?).

    It is important to have a Church that is able to teach the scripture and interpret it in the light of tradition with set ,unchanging creeds. Truth not determined by majority vote.

    Maybe a church that was founded by Christ not Luther or king Henry VIII. Wouldn’t that be amazing. Ideally it would be worldwide and Apostolic.

    hmmmm maybe I should become Catholic

    Like

  61. Terica Avatar
    Terica

    Hi Adam. Thank you for your comment.

    What is even more amazing and ideal is the church for which Jesus died. He said He would build His church (Matthew 16:18) and the gates of hell would not prevail against it. Moreover, He is the head of the church, which is His body (Ephesians 1:22-23). This church is the “house of God” (1 Timothy 3:15). And there is no man who presides over it. Christ is the head, and it is governed by Him and His law.

    Wouldn’t it be better if, instead of becoming a Catholic, you simply became a Christian? A follower of Christ. Nothing more, nothing less.

    Like

  62. Adam Avatar
    Adam

    I am a Christian and have decided to join the Catholic Church. Yes Christ is the Head of the Church. Absolutely agree

    Like

  63. Chris Avatar
    Chris

    The baptist ‘church’ is a legalistic Cult.

    They change from day to day, get people in the door even if it means departing from God. I’ve seen a few denominations over the years, and baptist is most legalistic by far.

    Our former pastor said if we left his church we would not be welcome in any church. When he learned we were attending a other church he contacted them, no idea what was said but it changed how they treated us. This worldly view that if you don’t go to their church then you shouldn’t go to any church is common with baptists.

    Like

  64. K B Avatar
    K B

    Hi Terica,

    I really enjoyed your article about why you left the Baptist church. I’m also a member of the Church of Christ and wanted you to know I learned a lot from your replies in the comment section. I know your post is a few years old, but I just discovered it today. Thanks, again.

    Like

  65. Terica Avatar
    Terica

    Hi K B,

    It makes me happy to hear that my blog post is helpful in some way. I appreciate you sharing that with me. The post gets a lot of traffic daily, so I don’t even remember when it was originally written. Thank you for stopping by! Have a good day. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  66. Jennifer Avatar
    Jennifer

    Hi Terica,

    I came across your blog & this article after the 2025 FHU lectureship’s ladies devotional book was published. Thank you so much for the lesson on Eve walking as the crown of creation. I became a Christian after high school about 26 years ago. I, too, studied out of the Baptist denomination over the course of about a year and a half. I grew up attending a baptist church for the first 18 years of my life almost every time the doors were opened, participated in Sunday school, GA, Bible drill, choir, the youth group, clowns drama, & mission trips, etc.

    The biggest challenge for me when I started my studies was when what I thought the Bible said and what it actually said didn’t align and what to do with that. The concept of Scriptural authority was foreign to me. Just not something really ever focused on where I was. I had read & studied both the Old and New Testaments but didn’t have much understanding of the dispensations and that the New Testament was in effect this side of the cross.

    Command, example, & necessary inference was a light bulb that went off. How could I have never made those connections before?! It was truly a rollercoaster ride of learning, seeing in black in white & reading it for myself, wrestling with thinking I was right, but simply wanting to be right. Not swapping one denomination for another. In Acts 2 & going forward the men & women we read about who were converted to Christ/saved/who obeyed the gospel were added by God to Christ’s church, the one and only church that He established, bled & died for & purchased with His blood & the one who He is the savior of (Acts 2:47, Matthew 16:18-19, Acts 20:28, Ephesians 1:7, Ephesians 1:22-23, Colossians 1:18, Ephesians 4:4, Ephesians 5:23 & 25-27). Christians were added to the one church in existence.

    Any churches we read about in the Bible were all the same one, in different locations, all based on the teachings of Christ via the Holy Spirit inspired apostles after Christ’s ascension. I had never fully realized that the church didn’t exist until the events of Acts 2, it was promised, predicted/prophesied/& at hand up until then. It didn’t exist until afterJesus died on the cross, was buried, was resurrected, & ascended.

    I would wholeheartedly encourage any person who is a believer in God, Jesus the Son of God, and the Holy Spirit inspired Word of God to do some research & see when and by whom the denomination they are a part of was started. I certainly did not know while I was part of one. The eternal destiny of one’s soul is far too important to not know, to not study, & to not take seriously exactly what the Bible says (2 Thessalonians 1:7-10)

    I had always been taught “that’s just how they interpret it”. Scripture states plainly that there isn’t any private interpretation (in context I realize this means origin and not interpretation) & that it was Holy Spirit inspired men of God who spoke & wrote what we have today & it is everything we need for life & godliness, & able to make us wise for salvation & to be complete (2 Peter 1:3, 1:20-21, 2 Timothy 3:15-17). There is an important need to rightly divide the Word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15) and to realize of all God’s Word is truth for us (John 17:17, Psalm 119:160). We all can read it, understand it, and correctly apply it. The converse is also true.

    Until my studies that got me questioning why I believed what I did & trying to back up my beliefs with what the Bible said, I had never read Romans 6:3-8, Colossians 2:11-13, Acts 22:16, & 2 Peter 3:21 with the essentiality of baptism in mind. But clearly the teachings of Christ, the apostles, what the early church did to become Christians, and the letters to the congregations after the church was established all teach a harmonious message of how one can initially be saved/become a Christian/put Christ on/be in Him.

    I very much appreciate your article. I have lived those realizations and, like you, simply want others to go to the Bible for what to believe and do to be acceptable to God, nothing more, nothing less. I appreciate your responses to those who challenge the teachings of Scripture. Your love and grace are evident and appreciated. Thank you for your article, it is my prayer that anyone who has read it &/or who will read it, will do so with an open Bible, dig into the origin of the denomination they participate in, and see the differences and have the fortitude to change.

    I pray for honest hearts that are seeking the truth to be receptive to God’s Word. May it never be about who is right but what is right to God based on His revealed will to mankind. May we all work together to found in Him, humbly serve Him, teach others, be Christ like, and bring God honor, glory, and praise in all we think, say, & do. Thank You, Terica, for your blog & article and how you present the truth of Scriptures. God bless you & your efforts! May God give the increase! 

    Liked by 1 person

  67. Terica Avatar
    Terica

    Hi Jennifer! Thank you so much for your encouraging words! 😊 I’m so glad our paths have crossed in a number of ways. And thank you for sharing your journey towards the truth about God’s word and Christ’s church.

    We have similar experiences, as I, too, grappled with being so sincere all my life that I had spent in the Baptist denomination. How could I have been so blind – so wrong?!? That was the question with which I struggled coming to terms.

    But our God is so good! He truly does bless those who seek Him. If we seek Him with a pure heart, we will find Him (Psalm 9:10). You have laid out the scriptures so well about the church that we read about in the Bible – Christ’s church. Thank you for the encouragement you’ve provided to me and to all who will read your comment. May God bless you and keep you in His service. ❤️

    Like

  68. Maurice Avatar
    Maurice

    There is so much to have to type. However, even in the church of Christ, there is a lead elder. I know many. Secondly, I see where you said to someone that you shared “your” reasons for leaving the Baptist Church. I can respect you having your personal convictions, but to encourage others to leave is a bit much. I knew from the first few lines that you were a part of the Church of Christ. The issue is this, we are all NT churches. You keep saying we are not under the O.T. Law.

    That’s out of context. We are not under the penalty of the O.T. Law. Here’s a passage for that you seem not to know: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophet; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. All the sacrifices that you claim we don’t do anymore is because they were only a foreshadowing of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice on the cross. He has fulfilled all of those requirements. I’m not going to waste time quoting Scripture back and forth because it is pointless, you’ve been indoctrinated not discipled. Your blog and your responses have been an apologetic of the Church of Christ, not the Christian faith. I am a Baptist, but I’m also a theologian with an earned Master of Divinity degree. It’s dangerous to speak concerning Scripture without having studied theology, not a denomination’s prepackaged set of Biblical teachings.

    Like

  69. Terica Avatar
    Terica

    Hi Maurice. Thank you for your comments. The church that we read about in the New Testament – the church that belongs to Christ – does not have a “lead elder”. Christ is the head of the church, and the Bible declares that He is the Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4).

    Can we all be Christ’s church if we are not all following the teachings of Jesus? Jesus is the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him (Hebrews 5:9). We must be obedient to the Lord’s commands in order to be saved. And the church is made up of the saved (Acts 2:47).

    Thank you for sharing Matthew 5:17-18. Those verses state “till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled”. As you pointed out, Christ fulfilled the law, and the law has passed away. He nailed it to the cross (Colossians 2:14).

    So, are you saying that a person without a degree or a Master of Divinity cannot open the Bible and understand God’s word? Where in the Bible do we see anyone being called a Baptist? When was the Baptist church started? And why are you a Baptist as opposed to a Methodist, Episcopalian, Presbyterian, or simply a Christian?

    Like

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I’m Terica

Author Terica

Welcome to Christ Leads The Way, my corner of the internet dedicated to all things Christ. I am an author, blogger, and lover of Jesus. Here, I invite you to join me on a journey of study, discovery, and living for the Lord. Let’s allow Christ to lead the way!

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