Expert: Dr. Billy Kryger - 8/16/2007

Question
QUESTION: Dear Pastor,

     I am a member of an independent baptist church here in Singapore. Well, I realise that the independent baptist church does adhere to Bible teachings and that it believes very much in sanctification. However, is it ok if I attend the cell groups of my brothers and sisters of other denominations? I don't want to totally cut fellowship, they are still in the family of Christ. Also, is it ok if I support mission work that isn't Independent Baptist?

ANSWER:      This is a big issue today.  I am an Independent, Fundamental Baptist (IFB) by conviction and I'm not ashamed of that, but I believe that it's what's in a person's heart, not what it says on their church sign, that matters.    I heard a song once that said, "It's not what's over the door of the church that you attend that makes you a child of God and a heavenly citizen".  While many IFB's hold to the theory that if you darken the doorstep of any other church you're not a true believer, that is simply not true.  We haven't "cornered the market" on truth.  There are a number of people that I associate with that are not Baptists--and we disagree on some issues--but they hold to the same fundamentals of the faith that I do and we have sweet fellowship together.  I've preached in their pulpits and shared meals with them.  The fact is, there are some IFB churches that I wouldn't go into because there is heresy taught there.  I think when we get to Heaven we'll be surprised at who's there and who's not.

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QUESTION: Dear Pastor,

    Sorry to bother you again but I have been burdened by the Lord just recently to enter full time service. I am but 17 years old and I am not really much of a Theologian. It is my hearts desire that God would move the world with a Revival the world is seeking for; the revival the world needs. However, I believe that that is only possible with unity. I am definetely against heresy and all the modern day false teachings and practices but I believe that it is not wrong to work with the remnant few (sincere men of God with the same fundamentals of the faith who want to win souls to Christ) regardless of denomination or personal convictions on some issues. I plan to enrol in an (IFB) Bible College. Is this desire good and feasible? Would attending an (IFB)Bible College or serving in an IFB chruch in anyway effect this desire to want to collaborate with Brothers and Sisters of other denominations?
ANSWER:      You are right on in your desire for revival!  I share that same passion.  We need to remember that revival is not going to come through the IFBs, or any other church, but by God's people getting right with God.  We must, as you said, have unity in the body of Christ, regardless of denominational affiliation.  You should be a part of a church and college that shares the majority of your convictions.  We'll not all agree on every point of doctrine, but you need to be in line on the fundamentals.  That is a good goal.
    Let me also encourage you to not wait until you have completed your formal education to get busy for God. I preached my first message when I was 12 years old and held my first revival meeting while I was still in Bible College.  Get to work right now.  Remember, also, that education is important and get all you can in Bible College.
    Hope this helps.

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QUESTION: Dear Pastor,

        Thank you once again! I have another question, I agree with everything you have said. In fact, my convictions are almost similar. However I find that while most of my church brothers agree with me, alot of them are skeptical about the benefits of having unity in the body of Christ regardless of denominational affiliation. I really don't understand why. Do you believe in the baptist bride? If so why? If not why? And does that affect how the church views unity?

Answer
    I don't hold to the Baptist Bride position which says, as the name implies, only Baptists will be in the Bride of Christ and able to participate in the Marriage Supper of the Lamb and other events.  All others will be "guests" and, while they will be in Heaven, they will have to view some activities as spectators and not participants.  
    There is no scriptural basis for this argument.  There will not be separate sections in Heaven for each denomination because they all think they are the only ones there!
    I think you're correct, this type of thinking definitely does affect unity in the church today.  Everyone believes they're right and if you disagree with them one iota then you are a heretic.  If we would learn to agree to disagree on some issues, or at least disagree amicably, that would be a big step toward establishing unity.