1. 1 What Does the Lord Want? We will examine some difficult decisions I made.

2. 2 What Does the Lord Want? We will examine some difficult decisions I made. Please test these things! (1 Thess 5:21)

3. 3 What Does the Lord Want? 1 Thessalonians 5:21 (NKJV) - Test all things; hold fast what is good.

4. 4 What Does the Lord Want? Paul made a similar choice (Rom 10:1-3)

5. 5 What Does the Lord Want? Romans 10:1-3 (NKJV) - Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved. 2 For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. 3 For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God.

6. 6 What Does the Lord Want? The “righteousness of God” must come first!

7. 7 Reasons I Did Not Leave Personal Preference

8. 8 Reasons I Did Not Leave Personal Preference Friendliness and Associations

9. 9 Reasons I Did Not Leave Personal Preference Friendliness and Associations Moral Purity

10. 10 Reasons I Did Not Leave Personal Preference Friendliness and Associations Moral Purity Zeal

11. 11 Reasons I Did Not Leave Personal Preference Friendliness and Associations Moral Purity Zeal Activities

12. 12 Reasons I Did Not Leave Personal Preference Friendliness and Associations Moral Purity Zeal Activities Personal Offence

13. 13 Reasons I Did Not Leave Personal Preference Friendliness and Associations Moral Purity Zeal Activities Personal Offence Personal Opportunities

14. 14 What Does It Mean To Believe In Jesus? If I was to choose among the denominations as to my preference, I would choose the Baptist Church!

15. 15 What Does It Mean To Believe In Jesus? If I was to choose among the denominations as to my preference, I would choose the Baptist Church! All who know the Lord know that our choices never take precedent over God’s word.

16. 16 What Does It Mean To Believe In Jesus? Philippians 3:4-9 (NKJV) - though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: 5 circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee;

17. 17 What Does It Mean To Believe In Jesus? 6 concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. 7 But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ.

18. 18 What Does It Mean To Believe In Jesus? 8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ

19. 19 What Does It Mean To Believe In Jesus? 9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith;

20. 20 What Does It Mean To Believe In Jesus? The decision that I also made was one of faith and not that of personal advantage.

21. 21 What Does It Mean To Believe In Jesus? Loyalty to Jesus (Mt 6:24, 33)

22. 22 What Does It Mean To Believe In Jesus? Matthew 6:24 (NKJV) - “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.

23. 23 What Does It Mean To Believe In Jesus? Matthew 6:33 (NKJV) - But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

24. 24 What Does It Mean To Believe In Jesus? Obeying His commands (Jn 14:15,21)

25. 25 What Does It Mean To Believe In Jesus? John 14:15 (NKJV) - “If you love Me, keep My commandments.

26. 26 What Does It Mean To Believe In Jesus? John 14:21 (NKJV) - He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.”

27. 27 What Does It Mean To Believe In Jesus? Seeking His will in everything! (1 Jn 2:3-5)

28. 28 What Does It Mean To Believe In Jesus? 1 John 2:3-5 (NKJV) - Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. 4 He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him.

29. 29 What Does It Mean To Believe In Jesus? Refusing traditions (Mt 15:8-9)

30. 30 What Does It Mean To Believe In Jesus? Matthew 15:8-9 (NKJV) - ‘These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. 9And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’”

31. 31 What Does It Mean To Believe In Jesus? “Show me and I will do it!”

32. 32 What Does It Mean To Believe In Jesus? I was taught these things as a Baptist!

33. 33 Is Denominationalism Acceptable to God? What does the Bible say? (Eph 4:4-6)

34. 34 Is Denominationalism Acceptable to God? Ephesians 4:4-6 (NKJV) - There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

35. 35 Is Denominationalism Acceptable to God? Can we have our own creeds and gospels? (Gal 1:6-10)

36. 36 Is Denominationalism Acceptable to God? Galatians 1:6-9 (NKJV) - I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel,

37. 37 Is Denominationalism Acceptable to God? 7 which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.

38. 38 Is Denominationalism Acceptable to God? 9 As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.

39. 39 Is Denominationalism Acceptable to God? Does it matter if we have different churches? (Eph 1:22-23)

40. 40 Is Denominationalism Acceptable to God? Ephesians 1:22-23 (NKJV) - And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

41. 41 Is Denominationalism Acceptable to God? Can we be one and ignore our differences? (Jn 17:20-23)

42. 42 Is Denominationalism Acceptable to God? John 17:20-23 (NKJV) - “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; 21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.

43. 43 Is Denominationalism Acceptable to God? 22 And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: 23 I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.

44. 44 Is Denominationalism Acceptable to God? Denominationalism=Division

45. 45 Why I Left The Baptist Church Baptist Churches Origin: –Founded by John Smith in London England, 1607.

46. 46 Why I Left The Baptist Church Baptist Churches Origin: –Founded by John Smith in London England, 1607 Church Jesus Built Origin: –Founded by Jesus in Jerusalem in 33 AD

47. 47 Why I Left The Baptist Church Baptist Churches Origin: –Founded by John Smith in London England, 1607 Name: –Church and members called Baptist Church Jesus Built Origin: –Founded by Jesus in Jerusalem in 33 AD

48. 48 Why I Left The Baptist Church Baptist Churches Origin: –Founded by John Smith in London England, 1607 Name: –Church and members called Baptist Church Jesus Built Origin: –Founded by Jesus in Jerusalem in 33 AD Name: –Church of Christ (Rom 16:16) –Church of God (1 Cor 1:1-2) –Christians (Acts 11:26; 1 Cor 1:10-13)

49. 49 Why I Left The Baptist Church (1 Corinthians 1:10-13 NKJV) “Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. {11} For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe’s household, that there are contentions among you.

50. 50 Why I Left The Baptist Church {12} Now I say this, that each of you says, “I am of Paul,” or “I am of Apollos,” or “I am of Cephas,” or “I am of Christ.” {13} Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?”

51. 51 Why I Left The Baptist Church Baptist Churches Organization: –Local – Pastor, board of deacons –Universally – Conventions and colleges.

52. 52 Why I Left The Baptist Church Baptist Churches Organization: –Local – Pastor, board of deacons –Universally – Conventions and colleges Church Jesus Built Organization: –Elders, deacons, and members (1 Pet 5:1,2; Acts 20:28; 14:23) –Jesus is head!

53. 53 Why I Left The Baptist Church Baptist Churches Organization: –Local – Pastor, board of deacons –Universally – Conventions and colleges Rule of Faith: –No difference in OT + NT Creeds used Church Jesus Built Organization: –Elders, deacons, and members (1 Pet 5:1,2; Acts 20:28; 14:23) –Jesus is head!

54. 54 Why I Left The Baptist Church Baptist Churches Organization: –Local – Pastor, board of deacons –Universally – Conventions and colleges Rule of Faith: –No difference in OT + NT Creeds used Church Jesus Built Organization: –Elders, deacons, and members (1 Pet 5:1,2; Acts 20:28; 14:23) –Jesus is head! Rule of Faith: –The NT of Christ (Col 2:14-17; Heb 8:6-8; 9:16)

55. 55 Why I Left The Baptist Church  (Colossians 2:14-17 NKJV) “having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. {15} Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.

56. 56 Why I Left The Baptist Church  {16} So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, {17} which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ.”

57. 57 Why I Left The Baptist Church Baptist Churches Worship: –Tithing –Women lead –Instrumental Music –Communion seldom observed.

58. 58 Why I Left The Baptist Church Baptist Churches Worship: –Tithing –Women lead –Instrumental Music –Communion seldom observed Church Jesus Built Worship: –Giving (1 Cor 16:2) –Men lead (1 Cor 14:34) –Singing (Eph 5:19) –Communion observed every Sunday (Acts 20:7)

59. 59 Why I Left The Baptist Church (Acts 20:7 NKJV) “Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight.”

60. 60 Why I Left The Baptist Church 1 Corinthians 10:15-16 - I speak as to wise men; judge for yourselves what I say. 16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?

61. 61 Why I Left The Baptist Church (1 Corinthians 16:1-2 NKJV) “Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: {2} On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come.”

62. 62 Why I Left The Baptist Church (1 Corinthians 16:1-2 NASV) - On the first day of every week let each one of you put aside and save, as he may prosper, that no collections be made when I come.

63. 63 Why I Left The Baptist Church Baptist Churches Worship: –Tithing –Women lead –Instrumental Music –Communion seldom observed Work of Church –Spiritual, physical, and social Church Jesus Built Worship: –Giving (1 Cor 16:2) –Men lead (1 Cor 14:34) –Singing (Eph 5:19) –Communion observed every Sunday (Acts 20:7)

64. 64 Why I Left The Baptist Church Baptist Churches Worship: –Tithing –Women lead –Instrumental Music –Communion seldom observed Work of Church –Spiritual, physical, and social Church Jesus Built Worship: –Giving (1 Cor 16:2) –Men lead (1 Cor 14:34) –Singing (Eph 5:19) –Communion observed every Sunday (Acts 20:7) Work of Church –Spiritual Work (Eph 4:11-12)

65. 65 Why I Left The Baptist Church Baptist Churches Membership: –Saved by faith alone and then baptized into the Baptist church Church Jesus Built

66. 66 Why I Left The Baptist Church Baptist Churches Membership: –Saved by faith alone and then baptized into the Baptist church Church Jesus Built Membership: –Faith, repentance, confession + baptism for salvation (Acts 2:38; 9:3-11; 22:16)

67. 67 Why I Left The Baptist Church Mark 16:15-16 - And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.

68. 68 Why I Left The Baptist Church 1 + 1 = 2

69. 69 Why I Left The Baptist Church 1 + 1 = 2 B = B = S

70. 70 Why I Left The Baptist Church 1 + 1 = 2 B = B = S 1 = 2?

71. 71 Why I Left The Baptist Church 1 + 1 = 2 B = B = S 1 = 2? B = S?

72. 72 Why I Left The Baptist Church (Acts 2:38 NKJV) “Then Peter said to them, “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.”

73. 73 Why I Left The Baptist Church (Acts 9:3-11 NKJV) “As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. {4} Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” {5} And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.”

74. 74 Why I Left The Baptist Church {6} So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” {7} And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one. {8} Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus.

75. 75 Why I Left The Baptist Church {9} And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank. {10} Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” {11} So the Lord said to him, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying.”

76. 76 Why I Left The Baptist Church Acts 22:12-16 (NKJV) - “Then a certain Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good testimony with all the Jews who dwelt there, 13 came to me; and he stood and said to me, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight.’ And at that same hour I looked up at him. 14 Then he said, ‘The God of our fathers has chosen you that you should know His will, and see the Just One, and hear the voice of His mouth.

77. 77 Why I Left The Baptist Church 15 For you will be His witness to all men of what you have seen and heard. 16 And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.’

78. 78 Why I Left The Baptist Church Baptist Churches Membership: –Saved by faith alone and then baptized into the Baptist church Apostasy: –Once a man is saved he can never be lost. Church Jesus Built Membership: –Faith, repentance, confession + baptism for salvation (Acts 2:38; 9:3-11; 22:16)

79. 79 Why I Left The Baptist Church Baptist Churches Membership: –Saved by faith alone and then baptized into the Baptist church Apostasy: –Once a man is saved he can never be lost. Church Jesus Built Membership: –Faith, repentance, confession + baptism for salvation (Acts 2:38; 9:3-11; 22:16) Apostasy: –We must be faithful (Gal 5:1-4)

80. 80 Difficult Decisions That I Faced There were several excuses I considered

81. 81 Difficult Decisions That I Faced There were several excuses I considered –“I have been sincere.”

82. 82 Difficult Decisions That I Faced There were several excuses I considered –“I have been sincere.” –“All of my family is Baptist.”

83. 83 Difficult Decisions That I Faced There were several excuses I considered –“I have been sincere.” –“All of my family is Baptist.” –“I do not know anyone.”

84. 84 Difficult Decisions That I Faced There were several excuses I considered –“I have been sincere.” –“All of my family is Baptist.” –“I do not know anyone.” –“But I have been baptized already!” (Acts 2:38; 19:1-6)

85. 85 Difficult Decisions That I Faced (Acts 2:38 NKJV) “Then Peter said to them, “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.”

86. 86 Difficult Decisions That I Faced (Acts 19:1-5 NKJV) “And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples {2} he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” So they said to him, “We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.”

87. 87 Difficult Decisions That I Faced And he said to them, “Into what then were you baptized?” So they said, “Into John’s baptism.” {4} Then Paul said, “John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.” {5} When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus

88. 88 Difficult Decisions That I Faced There were several excuses I considered –“I have been sincere.” –“All of my family is Baptist.” –“I do not know anyone.” –“But I have been baptized already!” (Acts 2:38; 19:1-6) The man of faith would ask: “What would Jesus do?”

89. 89 Difficult Decisions That I Faced There were several excuses I considered –“I have been sincere.” –“All of my family is Baptist.” –“I do not know anyone.” –“But I have been baptized already!” (Acts 2:38; 19:1-6) The man of faith would ask: “What would Jesus do?” What should I do about the consequences?

90. 90 Difficult Decisions That I Faced The same as Moses (Heb 11:24-26)

91. 91 Difficult Decisions That I Faced (Hebrews 11:24-26 NKJV) “By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, {25} choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, {26} esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward.”

92. 92 Difficult Decisions That I Faced There were consequences, but no regrets! (Phil 3:8-9)

93. 93 Difficult Decisions That I Faced (Philippians 3:8-9 NKJV) “Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ {9} and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith;”