Expert: Cooper P. Abrams III - 1/18/2006

Question
Hi Dr Abrams

I have been corresponding with a few people lately.  I am beginning to wonder if you might have it wrong and the Southern Baptists have it right.  They seem like genuine Christians to me, and I just don't see the problem and why you have problems with them.  What are they doing wrong? I am serious about seeking the real truth on this subject.

Answer
Hi Mary,
  Thank you for writing and I will try to answer your question.
  First let me say there are many SB who love the Lord and serve Him.   I was one of them myself many years ago.  When I mention anything about the SB and am talking about the SB the convention and its unbiblical practices, not about individuals.   I am also talking about the modern trend towards worldliness in many SBC churches and their pastors.     Many SBC pastors themselves are speaking out addressing these problems and many are holding God's word in truth and honoring the Lord.   I have two SBC churches that have been a real blessing to me as an IFB missionary.    I have many dear godly friends who attend an SBC church....    However, the fact is that many SBC churches are going away from God's word.....
   By the way....a lot of IFB churches are doing the same thing and I address these issues as well.
   My answer is a general one because you did not specifically state any particular thing I have criticized.   I have stated that here in Utah, where I have worked now almost twenty years,  that the SB here have done great harm to the cause of Christ.   A number of their pastors have been dismissed due to moral failures in their churches.   Of the seven SBC churches between us and SLC every one, but one have installed a rock band and have made what is called "Christian" rock music a big part of their services.    That is bad enough in any part of the country, but here in Utah it is especially devastating to the cause of Christ.   The Mormon's who worship a false god, are highly offended by such irreverant practices done in the name of in worshipping God.   The Mormons see these churches as having no respect for God and of having a polluted worship service.   Their worship services are respectful and honor their god.  They have little influence on the Mormons who need the Lord Jesus as their Savior, but are being misled by the SBC church who claim they have the truth.  That is but one problem...there are many more.   
   I think someone ought to speak out against worldliness and biblical practices where ever it is among those who claim the name of Christ.   There are not many who are willing to speak out, because those who do are highly criticized themselves.   But my calling and commentment is to the Lord Jesus who saved me...not to any man or denomination.
  Thank you again for writing and if you have further comments or question please write.

Cooper P Abrams III
Romans 12:1-2
http://bible-truth.org
" Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. Let all your things be done with charity"
 (1 Corinthians 16:13-14 )