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| Name: | Tony Clark |
| E-mail address: | tonyclark@email.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.tonyclark.org |
| Comments: | Jason,
Thank you very much for your response. I will agree that a person can be saved the instant he calls upon the Lord. I would add that he must call upon the Lord in humble repentance and total faith in Christ. Regeneration is a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit reproves the unconverted soul of his sins, and it is in this condition he must repent and trust the Savior. Of course, true conversion happens in an instant! But the sinner woman who repented at Christ's feet did not receive forgiveness the moment she began to pray (Luke 7:37-38). She called upon Christ until Christ let her know she was forgiven. I can't speak to your personal experiences. It may be that the church you attended expected people to go to the altar for weeks, months, or years. But that is not what I have seen. As I mentioned earlier, I called upon the Lord one time and was saved. The validity of my experience has never been questioned by anyone in a Missionary Baptist Church. I know many who could say the same. I realize that the idea of repenting for an extended period of time may seem inconvenient, tiresome, or unnecessary to many. However, Jesus said, "Repent and believe the gospel." How long it takes one to truly repent and trust Christ is solely between the individual and God. I would rather someone anguish in repentance for years and find assurance from God than to give someone a false sense of assurance and have him anguish eternally in Hell. I do know a few Missionary Baptist preachers who have been to seminary. A few. I will admit that most Missionary Baptists are not in favor of seminary educations. Frankly, I do understand why this is the case. I strongly believe that preachers (as well as non-preachers) should study the Bible voraciously. One reason for the stance against seminaries is that many are theologically liberal. When one goes to most liberal seminaries (like the Presbyterian Seminary in Louisville), one studies higher textual criticism of the Old and New Testaments, liberal theology that denies many of the miracles of the Bible, etc. These theologies are against the Word of God. Plain and simple. Most seminaries that are not so liberal (like the Southern Baptist Seminary in Louisville) have been teaching modern methods of evangelism like those created and propogated by Bill Bright, Billy Graham, etc. Although it seems anti-intellectual to be against seminary education, I believe it has kept a lot of Missionary Baptist preachers from going astray. One might respond that Missionary Baptists could organize their own seminary. This has been considered by some. I think much more could be done in this regard. You also asked about music and drums. I personally have no problem with either. Most of what you may consider the "traditional backwardness" of Missionary Baptists is often an attempt to maintain the truth. In response to the great falling away in evangelicalism in the 20th century, Missionary Baptists are often slow to do things like Vacation Bible School, street evangelism, soup kitchens, DVD evangelism, etc. I will say this. I would rather group myself in with a people who are a bit backward but know God than to compromise with the world. I would rather worship in a country church with plain simple people who know God and worship him in Spirit and in truth than to belong to a spiritually cold and dry church that is entertainment-savvy that encourages people to "accept Jesus Christ as their personal Savior." May I leave you with this quote from 1 Corinthians 1:27-29 "For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence." God, for Christ's glory, may I be blessed to be counted among such foolish, weak, base, and despised men and women as these. In Christ, Tony |
| Name: | Jason Cole |
| Comments: | Tony, agree that a person can be saved the instant one calls upon the Lord. However, you would have to agree that the culture in most MBC is that one goes to the altar for weeks, months, sometimes years seeking this miraculous experience. I have seen it my entire life. Then you have to prove to the church you were saved by giving this convincing testimony.
Please address why Missionary Baptist are so against Seminary. I would really like to know why ministers are not educated. I am not talking about 1 week a year, I am talking about 2-4 years of dedication and studying the bible. I am glad that we can agree on the fact that MBC needs to be more evangelistic and perhaps a bit more progressive. I sure would like to see things change. There are more pressing issues out there that are going to be a battle for the next generation other than the same battles that have been fought...mainly the fear of being called "modern". Also, can you explain the stance against worship music and drums? Not being confrontational, just would like to know why this is not allowed. |
| Name: | loren |
| E-mail address: | lore.mpolanco@yahoo.es |
| Name: | Jason Schmidt |
| E-mail address: | ja081604@gmail.com |
| Name: | Audrey B. Welch |
| E-mail address: | Samanim449@Yahoo.com |
| Comments: | I read the article you wrote on experential salvation, blaming Dr. Ham and Billy Graham on the change in Southern Baptists teachings on salvation. I heard Dr. Ham circa 1936 in N. C. and later in Tennessee. I accepted Christ at the age of eight and remember the joy I felt. However, I did not have the outstanding testimony that my father did who was converted at the age of 19 under the preaching of John Brown. I could not believe my eyes when I read your condemnation of Dr. Ham and Graham. God used them to turn millions from darkness to light. Thank God for them. |
| Name: | Tony Clark |
| E-mail address: | tonyclark@email.com |
| Comments: | Jason,
Firstly, I did not receive correspondence from an SBC church in Kentucky encouraging me to repeat a prayer. I received correspondence from the Kentucky Southern Baptist Convention which represents every SBC church in the state of Kentucky. You made the statement that Missionary Baptists believe that we must go through a long process of seeking in order to experience salvation. This is simply untrue. The first time I called upon the Lord, he saved me, and I have never been told by any Missionary Baptist that I did not seek long enough. My wife was the same way. She was saved in her dorm room the first time she ever called upon the Lord. The point is that God saves us when we repent and trust in Christ with a broken heart and contrite spirit. I can understand how that someone visiting a Missionary Baptist church for the first time might think we require people to go to the mourner’s bench to be saved, but we don’t. If Missionary Baptist churches required people to go to the bench or go through a long drawn-out process in order to be saved, it would be works-righteousness salvation. However, none of them do. For some people, it is harder to let go of pride, repent, and trust in Christ. This is why some go to the mourner’s bench many times. A few years ago, I asked my earthly father why he went to pray at the altar for so many years. His response was that he never truly had faith in God until the day he was saved. Most SBC churches would have assumed he was saved and would have given him a false sense of security. I will not pretend to be God and judge your salvation experience. However, no man can come to Jesus unless God draws him and reproves him of his sin. If God has not convicted you of your sin and you have not repented, then you are not saved. I do recognize that there are some in the evangelical world who are leaving these modern methods of evangelism. Thank God! But they need to move farther faster. Here is a sermon clip from Paul Washer (not a Missionary Baptist) that agrees with the Missionary Baptist doctrine concerning “repeating a prayer.” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dc5lY9YP_bE I, too, have done some traveling in the world. I have been to Kenya, Mexico, Guatemala, and plenty of places within the United States. I enjoy traveling and I can tell you this. The gospel of repentance is applicable in the entire world. I have seen black Africans be convicted by the power of the Holy Spirit, seek the Lord, and be saved by the grace of God. I have prayed alongside Guatemalans of American Indian descent while they were seeking the Lord. God has used me to help bring African-Americans to Christ in assisted living and nursing homes, and I have seen a country “redneck” saved where I work having never been to church. My point is that I have been a few places, and the truth is universal. I do agree that God uses people of different denominations. I realize that there are some Missionary Baptists that can have denominational pride (which is a sin.) I believe George Whitefield, John Wesley, and Jonathan Edwards of the First Great Awakening were men of God who brought many to Christ, and they were not Baptists. There are many more examples I can use. However, the Bible does teach that we should separate ourselves from those who deceive the lost. I do agree that Missionary Baptists need to focus much more on evangelism and outreach. Many Missionary Baptist churches have become too isolated for fear of being influenced by false methods of evangelism. If I had my way, Missionary Baptists would be a hundred times more evangelistic. There are also groups of Missionary Baptists that are too traditional. They tend to be unable or unwilling to differentiate between scripture and tradition, and thusly tie themselves down too much. I believe this is a response to so many SBC and evangelical churches which have gone overboard with “repeating a prayer.” |
| Name: | Hollis D. Gammon |
| E-mail address: | hollis@ccpasofinos.net |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.ccpasofinos.net |
| Comments: | My Testimony
I was save on Wednesday Night, July 26th 1950, at about 8-8:30 PM lying in the altar floor at Days Cross Roads Missionary Baptist Church in Macon County, TN. Praying the hardest I've ever prayed. I was 13 years old. Pastor was Rev. Walter V. Deweese from Franklin, KY revival helper was Rev. Gilliam Porter I believe. I had given up being saved as nothing I prayed to Jesus worked. I finally said "Lord, if you don't save me I'm a goner" at that moment Jesus appeared in my mind standing on a cloud [I couldn't see his feet they were in the cloud] and said to me "Come" as clear as if he were standing beside me. The calmest feeling I have ever know came over me at that moment. I would have liked to have jumped and shouted but it didn't come that way for me. I can never forget the day, the date nor the moment that God gave me the best gift ever, eternal salvation. My favorite bible verse is [also the favorite verse of Rev Gilliam Porter who introduce it to me] Ephesians 2:8 "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God." |
| Name: | Jason Cole |
| Comments: | Tony,
I am disappointed that you receive correspondance from a church in Kentucky telling you to repeat a prayer. However, you bring up an excellent point. Some SBC churches may direct people that this is the way to salvation, but how is this different than the process that is claimed by MBC? MBC claims that you have to have a "tugging of the heart" (conviction), go through this long process of seeking and then experience salvation. I am not saying it has to be at church and I agree it can be from anywhere, no limit. Some people in the MBC seek God for years and are still searching. I think that this is result of a process too and sends a message to people that salvation is a difficult and lengthy process and every experience in salvation has to be identical/similar (not location). The God that I serve is much bigger than a process and my salvation is a "personal" experience, not a process of "this, then that and then this and that has to happen". When I was lost, I was young and watched how sinners would go to the altar for weeks, months, years. That is the culture of the MBC. When it came down to it, it was very simple. I had to ask God to save me and not look for this miracle to happen. It was just peace and reasurance. Nothing more and nothing less. I have since left the MBC because they are going down a slippery slope of focusing in too much on doctrine and laws, instead of investing in souls being saved and investing in church member's Christian walk. I attend a non-MBC church and people do not repeat prayers to be saved. Not all SBC churches repeat prayers. In fact, there is a movement of getting away from that. I was raised in the MBC and drank the MBC kool aid of the doctrine for years until I traveled the world and discovered that our God is so much bigger than one denomination and this is a very big world. He is working in areas you can't even imagine and it doesn't have to be because of the MBC or through the MBC. I think the denomination needs some fresh ideas (not on salvation)but in other areas, the numbers are fading. Tell me this: If the MBC is the true denomination and is the "pure" truth on salvation, then wouldn't it be worth it to educate its ministers and church leaders by investing in their own seminary and school? Isn't it worth it to invest in its members and do life together other than just Sundays and Wednesday nights. This world is an ugly place. The MBC just became too much of the denomination of "no" for me because they were too worried about being grouped with the SBC and other groups. I certainly appreciate your prayers and I will pray that the MBC opens their eyes before there numbers dwindle much more. I have great faith that the younger ministers of the MBC will have a vision for the MBC that utilizes the talents of its members, accepts new things to make the church even better and sees the troubling world around them. Jason |
| Name: | Andrea Hughes |
| E-mail address: | craftlpn@aol.com |
| Comments: | Enjoyed reading your articles very much. |
| Name: | Tony Clark |
| E-mail address: | tonyclark@email.com |
| Comments: | Jason,
I wanted to thank you for reading through the articles on my website and for your compliments. I would like to be clear about my belief concerning the SBC. There are some wonderful saved born-again people in the SBC. I work with a young woman who got saved at a Southern Baptist Church, and she is a good Christian woman. I have been to at least one SBC church in the western part of Virginia that consistently believed in experiential salvation. You suggested that if I visited some SBC churches, I would better understand their position. I have visited at least five SBC churches over the years, and I have seen more than enough to know that some people are deceived into thinking they are saved because they repeated a prayer, signed a card, were counseled to make a decision, got a ticket to heaven, etc. I don't think you could honestly deny that many SBC churches use these methods. If the church you attend does not use these methods, then that is great, but not the norm according to my experience. Just a few days ago, I received a mailing from the Kentucky SBC suggesting that I repeat a prayer in order to be saved. I'm sorry, but to ignore the reality of the methods in use is to be willfully ignorant and dangerous. Besides this, I have known far too many people who were deceived by these methods only to be saved later in life. A good pastor friend of mine had a son-in-law who thought he was saved at a young age because he "professed Christ" in front of a church. Much later in life, God convicted him of his sins and he was saved. This is his testimony -- not mine. I have heard boatloads of similar situations over the years. I fully realize that many Missionary Baptist churches may seem to require people to come to the altar in order to be saved. However, any investigation into this would show that many Missionary Baptists would give you a testimony of being saved at home, at work, at school, in the car, at the store, and so on. My wife was saved in her dorm room at the University of Louisville. I fully believe that "...And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us." (1 John 3:24). How do we know that we have truly believed? God lets us know by the indwelling of his Holy Spirit. The problem I have is that so many "evangelists" give lost people false confidence by telling them or insinuating to them that they are saved when they are not. Thanks again for visiting the site, and I hope the Lord deals with your heart so you can see things more clearly. In Christian love, Tony |
| Name: | Jason Cole |
| Comments: | Interesting articles on your page. Very much enjoyed reading these. I was raised to live, eat and breathe Missionary Baptist Doctrine until one day I started to question some things that are taught. I no longer attend an MB church. I will say this. Many people in the MB church are mis-informed about what other denominations really believe and it might shock some people if they would search these things out for themseleve. Southern Baptists do not believe in walking the aisle, shaking a hand and then magically you are saved. However, that is what is preached in Missionary Baptist (MB) churches. As a believer in experiential salvation myself, I believe that MB church goes to far one way in teaching that salvation must be obtained by a certain process. That is simply limiting God. God has a plan for everyone and everyone's experience in salvation does not have to be the same. You have a very good website and great articles. I someday hope that people will learn that perception is not always reality when it comes to what the other churches believe. Thank you. |
| Name: | Hollis D. Gammon |
| E-mail address: | hollis@ccpasofinos.net |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.ccpasofinos.net |
| Comments: | I'm just started reading and enjoying your web site.
I was saved at age 13 on Wednesday night July 26,1950 about 8:30PM laying in the floor near the Amen side of Days Cross Roads Missionary Baptist Church in Lafayette, TN. Haven't always done as God would have had me and I know I will pay for my sins, BUT he did forgive me and I'm now a stronger Christian than ever and daily I try to do Gods will. I'll finish your web site and let you know what how I feel. I knew personally Bros Calvin Gregory, F.L. Ray,Bro Lambert, Bro. Walter DeWeese and many more that I respected greatly. |
| Name: | KENNETH & SUSAN LEGGE |
| E-mail address: | SHORTFUSE1973@COMCAST.NET |
| Comments: | GOD BLESS YOU & YOUR MISSION WORK. GOD CALLS SPECIAL PEOPLE TO DO HIS MISSION WORK. WHEN YOU FEEL LONELY JUST REMEMBER WHO CALLED YOU TO DO HIS WORK AND THAT PEOPLE THAT YOU DON'T EVEN KNOW IS PRAYING FOR YOU AND YOUR EFFORTS!!! REMEMBER US IN YOUR PRAYERS AND WE WILL PRAY FOR YOU... GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY |
| Name: | Josh Book |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.joshbook.page.tl |
| Comments: | Thanks for you comments on my page. Again, it was great having you attend our church this past Sunday, we hope that you enjoyed your time worshiping with us.
In Christ, Josh Book |
| Name: | ROMEO |
| E-mail address: | jarocards@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | QUE DIOS TE BENDIGA Y QUE BENDIGA A TU PRIMER HIJO
GRACIAS POR COMPARTIR LAS BENDICIONES CON NOSOTROS |
| Name: | Wendy Morales |
| E-mail address: | wendymjuarez@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | Hola, hermanos, que dios les bendiga a todos los que lean esto.
Hermano Tony te saludo desde Cobán, Guatemala, soy la esposa de Romeo. Todos aca estamos muy agradecidos con tigo porque nos has traido muchas bendiciones al hogar, espero que nos ayudes con nuestros estudios biblicos. Que Dios te bendiga a ti y a toda tu familia, saludos a tu esposa. bye |
| Name: | Johnny Thomas |
| E-mail address: | thomas12@madisoncounty.net |
| Name: | johnathan hunton |
| E-mail address: | johnhunton@yahoo.com |
| Name: | Ryan Logsdon |
| E-mail address: | ryanlogsdon01@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | Tony,
I really enjoyed your testimony. It's good to here about people in this world that really know what an old time salvation experience is. I was saved March 10, 2002 at Unity Missionary Baptist Church in Louisville, KY. My family went to church when I was younger. Unfortunately my whole family had been out of church for a long time and my lost sister felt strongly from God to go back to Unity. When I was young I would feel the need to go to the altar at church and the devil would always convince me of a later day. My chance as a young boy slipped by. Over 10 years later I was given another opportunity and I went with it. A week before I got saved (March 3, 2005) was my first day back at Unity. Everyone welcomed me and I felt right at home. God's people were full of love. I got comfortable and then Brother Wes preached. It went straight to me. I asked my brother to go outside with me, but he refused cause he knew I was lost. When the preacher gave the alter call I went running for it. I prayed the best I knew how but lacked faith. The following week I was miserable. Everywhere I went I thought of Hell and how I needed to be saved. I prayed and cried seemingly everywhere I could and just couldn't get anywhere. The following Sunday Bro. Wes preached to me again and after my older sister came to me and hugged me I went to the altar again. I prayed the same and felt God say "get up". When I got up everyone looked good to me. I just knew I was alright. I think of other people's salvation experiences and mine looks mighty small, but I know that from that day on God changed my whole outlook on life. I don't think the same and I try not to do the same things I used to. I'm not perfect, but I am saved. Now I love preaching, singing and I love to pray (although it's not always easy). Oh yeah, since then my lost sister was saved, my wife was saved and many others. God bless you, Ryan Logsdon |
| Name: | Bro James Hogue |
| E-mail address: | brotherjames@cafes.net |
| Comments: | I read the Mordecai Ham and Billy Graham article. I have heard an old sermon recorded of Mordecai Ham and he makes light of a time and place experience of salvation. I intend to listen to some of the sermons on this site as time permits. I was saved long ago and I have my time and place where I was born into God's family after I had shed many tears and sought the Lord on bended knees. Bro. Odell Willoughby preached the sermon that first convicted me at Durham Springs MBC in Allen Co. Ky. He has long gone to his reward but his works continue on after him.
Thank you for your site, Bro. James Hogue |
| Name: | BRIAN HARDIN |
| E-mail address: | brian.hardin@electrofin.com |
| Comments: | REALLY LIKE THE WEB PAGE,I APPRECIATE ALL YOUR PRAYERS & SUPPORT I'M GLAD TO HAVE YOU FOR A FREIND. |
| Name: | tony hopper |
| E-mail address: | poloBigT@webtv.net |
| Comments: | Good day
Bad day ^^^^^^^^^^ God is good we our bad ^^^^^^^^^^^^ try it God's way & have a good;every day, but if forget & do it your way DROP EVERY THING BEGIN TO PRAY FORGIVE ME LORD I plan to have a good day, ALL DAY HELP ME LORD. daily prayer |
| Name: | Len and Gail Maynard |
| E-mail address: | LMayna9@AOL.com |
| Comments: | We live outside of Ashland,KY and have been searching for almost 3 years for a sound Church. I was saved and baptised in a Landmark Missionary Baptist Church and my husband was saved and baptized in a United Baptist Church. Through several circumstances we ended up here. We have started meeting for Bible study in our homee on Saturday nights. So far, there are 5 of us. We have been meeting for a month. Two are middle aged men who are struggling to grow, but both strongly feel they are saved. One is a young man who is really amazing in his love for the scriptures and he has grown soooo much. My husband and I have been blessed with good teaching in our life and we love to share the Word with others as God leads. But ohhhh, we need a church around here that stands for all the truths. We love the articles we are finding on your church sites since getting this computer. If anyone knows of a scriptural church in this area of Ashland, KY...please, GET IN CONTACT with us. Give us an e-mail. WE are hungrily awaiting good church teaching and fellowship. Thank you for holding to the truths of God's Word. God Bless You |
| Name: | Elder Bobby Earps |
| E-mail address: | bearps@tnweb.com |
| Comments: | You have a very nice web page. Keep up the good work. Brother Danny Walkup`s webpage has Old Path`s link. Check us out. Would be glad to have you with us sometime.
In His service Bobby Earps. |
| Name: | James & Jane Griffith |
| E-mail address: | jgriff76@home.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.oldpathschurch.homestead.com |
| Comments: | I enjoy your site and being able to fellowship on the internet. I love reading the articles and the guestbook. Keep on keeping on!! |
| Name: | dale copas |
| E-mail address: | lcopas@glasgow-ky.com |
| Comments: | Hi Bro.Tony Hope this finds everyone well. Are you still helping Bro.Rick at the mission work in Lex. I heard they may have to find a new place to meet. May the Lord kept blessing you and your wife. Your friend Dale. |
| Name: | Blain Newsome |
| E-mail address: | snewsom1@utk.edu |
| Comments: | Toney and Denise,
I read both your testimonies and was very touched by each of them. I found your website because I was curious what yahoo would pull up when I typed Missionary Babtist in. Ya'll are what I found. I am a senior at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. I ride on the equestrian team. I am the only Missionary Babtist on the team. I was talking to my close freind and teammate, Leslie, the other day about the day my world turned upside down, the day the lord really tested my faith. Before I tell you about the day the Lord tested my faith, I would like to tell you how my faith got there in the firstplace. You see growing up I was not raised in church at all. My father got another woman pregnant, when my mother was still pregnant with me. THey were divorced by the time I was three months old. I grew up only seeing my father about 4 times until the age of 16. My mother started dating a man when I had just turned two. They dated, but never married.He was like my father growing up. He was also a terrible person. He verbally abused my mother and me both. Sometimes I think verbal abuse is much worse than any physical abuse. I usually wouldn't call having a "smart mouth" a blessing but in this case my "smart mouth" was a huge blessing. My mother had no "backbone" twards the man. I did. I stood up to him time and time again in defense for my mother and myself. It had its reprocussions. Sometimes I got hit with the back of his hands, and sometimes I got slapped with the words out of his mouth. On top of being abuseive, he was a Christian hater. If we were anywhere and the word "GOD" or "Jesus" was mentioned, he could condem and say terrible things about them, and the people that talked about "GOD" or "Jesus" . I didn't know why at the time but when he did this it made me feel very uncomfortable. All of this continued till I was thirteen. When I was thirteen, he left my mother and me to start dating someone who was barley twenty, just a few years older than me. He was 50 when this happened. Anyway, for me atleast things started improving from that point on. A friend of mine took me to a revival one night, and then for the first time in my life, I felt unafraid to express my feelings about Jesus. I can't tell you the details that night, because it almost felt like a dream. The next day at school everyone was congradulating me and to me I was so surprised that everyone that heard was so happy for me. I just had no idea that there were that many people that felt the same way I did. Time went on. For me things kept getting better. For my mother they didn't. She was devastated about my almost- Step- father leaving her. Her drinking became heavy and she became an alcholic. She also did not support my going to church. She said she believed that there was a higher power, but not necessarily "GoD". SHe said church was foolish. There were many fights between us and we drifted very far apart. Then when I was 16, my father came back into my life. I had heard all the stories from my family about his womanizing, drug and drinking kind of life. I juged him before I knew him. You see, during the time he wasn't around, God was preparing him to be the wonderful christian father, that practices what he preaches, for me. At first I wouldn't come around him. He bribed me. He made me a deal that he would buy me a horse if I would come and spend time with him once every other weekend. Well I took the bribe. With the help of Jesus, the horse, and my wonderful step mother, I got to know my Dad. I wasn't going to church at the time and my father insisted that I did. I started going to church with my friend. From then on out my father has been the largest christian influence in my entire life. He is an example of just how great and powerful Jesus is. When I was a junior in college, I started dating this guy, wonderful guy, that went to a Missionary Babtist Church. While going to this Missionary Babtist Church, I learned to become at ease with the Lord taking control of the service, and many people giving testimony and singing songs when they felt like it. It was unlike any other straight as an arrow church I had ever been to. I grew more at that church, than I ever have anywhere. I learned how to talk about Jesus through testimony. This enabled me to testify to my mother. I am proud to say that this past Sunday, May 18, 2003 was the first Sunday my mother and I spent in church togeather, in my entire life. What a wonderful God! Now on to the day God tested my faith. I had been dating Brad for about a year. I was in love and in bliss, that I had found a man that shared the same feelings about Jesus that I had. He was my dream man. Godley, tall, handsome, good values, and on top of that he was my best friend. I thought I had found my soualmate. My blissful world came crashing to an end on Feb 15. We broke up. I felt cheated, I felt like I had lost my soul mate. THe reason he could never get straight, so I am still not sure what the reason for us breaking up was. I felt like I had just lost my soal mate. I was devastated. I was so hurt that I even felt distance from the Lord. I quit going to his (Brad's) church. I remembered it said in the bible, Seek and you shall find. Well, I did a heck of alot of seeking and looking for other churches. You see I couldn't find a church because I was making myself distant from the Lord, and I couldn't be happy with anything, myself included. Being in church reminded of my happy days with Brad, and it hurt. I kept going anyway. THen I went to a church near my barn. I preyed to Jesus, that I could get as close to him as I was when I was with Brad, with out Brad bing around. So Jesus slowly started working on me again. I am glad to say that my closeness with Jesus is back on track. I learned somehting out of this. The Lord was testing me. He wanted to know if I was truley as faithful as I claimed to be without any man,father or a boyfriend influencing me. He was trying to teach me not to rely on people, even family, but to totally rely soley, on him. It was a hard lesson. Even though I started sinking when I was walking on the water to Jesus, I still kept a tight grip, and just when I thought I was about to drown, Jesus pulled me up. I am sorry to have made this testimony so long, but it was on my heart. I hope it can help someone some day. I think ya'lls website is wonderful, as well as the testimony, I just wanted to add mine to it. sincerely and God Bless Blain ps if you are ever in Knoxville, give me a hollar |
| Name: | Rev. Bob Celeste |
| E-mail address: | pastor@Christianpatriot.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.ChristianPatriot.com |
| Comments: | The Lord our God, Christ Jesus bless you.
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| Name: | Janice Burzlaff |
| E-mail address: | sburzlaff |
| Comments: | Hi Tony,
I didn't know you had a website! Very Nice! I don't have but a few minutes I can be on line this morning and was just going to take a look at your website but not really read anything. But I was drawn to Denise's testimony - guess I wanted to know about this woman you love. I see why you love her! It was very moving. It made me think of Francis Schaeffer, being raised by atheists and coming to the truth late in his teens. Also of Kurt Wise who is the lecturer on the Precept Ministries Genesis videos. I was disappointed when I realized Kay Arthur wouldn't be lecturing on the videos but my diappointment didn't last long. Dr. Wise is a gifted speaker. Now his videos are my favorites. His undergraduate work was in geology and biology and he received a Ph.D from Harvard in geology - and he is a Christian and a scientist who believes in the six day creation. I must run. I'll have to look at your website again soon. Mrs. B |
| Name: | Janet R. Wilding |
| E-mail address: | rikypup@peoplepc.com |
| Comments: | I visit on occasions to read the testimonys of two
people that I grew to love in years past. Keep on keeping on, you are an encouragement to we older folk. Love, Jan |
| Name: | john duckett |
| E-mail address: | jrduckett@semo.net |
| Comments: | thank you for article on the lord's supper, i will be observing it at the church that i am presently pastoring, they haven't observed it for several years and even have some members that don't know what really takes place when the ceremony takes place, this will not only help me but will bring back to my memory some of the scriptures that surround this subject, thank you for having this available for me to read. it is such a beautiful experience when done in the correct manner |
| Name: | Tracy |
| E-mail address: | tjclark@radford.edu |
| Comments: | Just thought I'd say hello and thanks for putting up such a good website! |
| Name: | Bro. & Koji Tajima |
| E-mail address: | breeze02@mvb.biglobe.ne.jp |
| Comments: | Good to visit your site to know more about both of you your site to know more about both of you.
Thank you for telling us of the news in USA, which we enjoy. |
| Name: | elder john duckett |
| E-mail address: | jrduckett@semo.net |
| Comments: | it is marvelous to find your web page. the articles you have reflects what baptist everywhere belives. it makes it so easy to keep in contact with churches of like faith and order. i thank god for the fine work you are doing |
| Name: | Verl Logsdon |
| E-mail address: | Alonenky@aol.com |
| Comments: | Tony-
It was a pleasure reading about your experience. I also believe in getting saved the old time way. I was saved in 1965 in Cub Run, Kentucky during a revival. The lord spoke to my soul also and I knew I was lost and I repented that Sunday morning and God had mercy on me. I have not always lived the way God has wanted me to since then but that little flame is still alive. I've been to Lyon's before several years ago during a service. I must tell you that an elderly lady told her experience that night and it really blessed me. God Bless you, Verl Logsdon |
| Name: | pastor kenan |
| E-mail address: | salvation2@hotmail.com |
| Comments: | thank God for the good work he is using you to do.
As pastor of salvation mission,would like to have some study materials from you as to study more on your mission work.I hope we could be friends in the lord . my adderss is pastor kenan nkrumah box 1978,kenashie,Accra-Ghana. Thank you,God's blessings to all. |
| Name: | Tony Clark |
| E-mail address: | tonyclark80@hotmail.com |
| Name: | Valerie |
| E-mail address: | valerie@beavers-beavers.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.beavers-beavers.com |
| Comments: | Nice job on your web site! |
| Name: | Bro. Koji Tajima |
| E-mail address: | ICH59893@nifty.com |
| Comments: | Good to visit your website. God bless you |
| Name: | Pamboitiz A. Besa |
| E-mail address: | boitz@baptistmail.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.maxpages.com/hallmrkbaptist |
| Comments: |
Your website is good.I was given your website by pastor Jorgejill Duyaguit.I started a pioneering work here in Surigao City,Philippines.As missionary pastor I have a burden to reach out the lost with the gospel of grace. Please include us in your prayer that God uses us to take the gospel to the lost.'Till here and may Yahweh God bless you all. |
| Name: | Ben Hodges |
| Comments: | I'm sorry I don't have an email address right now but I
seen your site and I decided to go to it. I was saved in a small Missionary babtist church by the name of Lower Praire Hollow that my Uncle Steve Eidson pastors. I am now a member at Goodson Missionary church.(Oh and by the way these are both in Missouri)I told my call to preach this summer and me and three other brothers are holding a revival at Goodson right now. We had three join the church last night and we are expecting more to happen tonight. We would appreciate the prayers if you get the chance. Also if your ever down this way, stop by you are more than welcome. |
| Name: | Patrick Harris |
| E-mail address: | pat4surf@yahoo.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.geocities.com/1christlover/OSAS-.html |
| Comments: | God bless you, Tony. Keep the faith, OK? Because some
will depart from the faith (1 Tim. 4:1). One can fall from grace (Gal. 5:4-7). One can sell their birthright (Heb. 12:15-17). If our speech becomes tasteless, we will be thrown out (Luke 14:34,35). Even a preacher or elder can lose their salvation (1 Cor. 9:24-27 & 1 Tim. 3:6,7). Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall - 1 Cor. 10:12. For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins - Heb. 10:26. The wise hear the warnings in the bible, but some will not endure sound doctrine (2 Tim. 4:3,4). I hope for your best, Tony. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. |
| Name: | Ron Pounds |
| Comments: | Great website . . . it's great to know that no matter where
I go, there are Missionary Baptist brethren to fellowship with. |
| Name: | Danny Walkup |
| E-mail address: | danny@walkup.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.borntwice.homestead.com |
| Comments: | Greetings from Middle Tennessee. Concerning your page on
"Mordecai F. Ham, Jr., and Billy Graham" I must say a big "AMEN". Great job, keep up the good work. |
| Name: | Brandon Cowles |
| E-mail address: | brandoncowles@hotmail.com |
| Comments: | Hello, I am a member of Beaver Dam United Baptist Church in
Edmonson Co KY and SFOTB of WKU. I just wanted to let you know that United Baptists (most) are just like your church in getting save. There is some United Baptist Churches in LOuisvile they are Lone Hill, Rockfordview, and Fairdale. I was saved was I was 9 yrs old. I haven't heard getting saved the true way called experimental salvation before. Good site and when I am up in Louisville I'll try to come to Lyons. |
| Name: | Jane Griffith |
| E-mail address: | JGriff19@Bellsouth.net |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.come.to/OldPaths |
| Comments: | Nice site. Enjoyed your testimony. |
| Name: | jimmie ervin |
| E-mail address: | jervin@hsacorp.net |
| Comments: | hello tony. nice web page. |
| Name: | carolyn silva |
| E-mail address: | carolsilva@prodigy.net |
| Comments: | help~~
in 1973 i was babtized at landmark missionary babtist church in ceres california by elder lee wright. for many years i stopped attending church and have found a neighborhood one that i want to join. It is southern babtist but will accept my letter and since the church apparently isn't there any more am having a hard time finding the records. I lost the babtism certificate also can anyone on this website help me? |
| Name: | Donna L. Gillette |
| E-mail address: | nitadonna@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | Tony, I was just browsing for information on Kentucky
Missionary Baptist and ran across you. I was so impressed and happy with reading your testimony, I printed it off and read it over the telephone to my parents who are aged 76 and 80. I was raised in a MBC called New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Jasper Co. Missouri. I still go there on Sundays as do my parents and my sister. I have experienced the kind of salvation you speak of and am delighted to know you are my brother in Christ. I was saved at age 12, almost 13 after having been lost for a year and a half. My salvation was one that was joyful and bright. I hugged every one in the church house and kept telling them I was saved. I too believe that only God can tell each one of us when we are saved. The whole church prayed for me, but ultimately, it was just between God and I. I would love to come to Louisville sometime to Lyons MBC. Maybe I will be able to. God Bless You in your ministry. Donna Gillette |
| Name: | rick degraffenreid |
| E-mail address: | rldegraf@goin.missouri.org |
| Comments: | enjoyed your page, found your article on graham, and ham
enteresting. however there is a movement within the southern baptist to return to salvation by grace alone. they may be found at "founders.org" i do not agree with all of their doctrinal statements, especially the doctrine of election, but this group within the sbc believes in expereintal grace. check them out. i am from springfield, mo. member of cannan m.b.c. former member of calvary m.b.c. bolivar, mo sincerely and respectfully; rick degraffenreid |