Overreacting To Criticism

I have noticed that many Christians leave the conservative movement as a reaction to criticism from some of the "brethren."  While they were not "liberal" or "compromising" in their beliefs or practices before their attacks, they actually become so when they go too far in their reaction to attacks from their peers.  They now become what they were not because they did not respond correctly to satanic attacks brought by jealous, backslidden, or even lost people who once named them as friends.  I hate to see any Christian or preacher become disillusioned and hurt with fundamentalism because of the anti scriptural behavior of  a fundamentalist. Here are some principles that have helped me when dealing with the foolishness that is in the ministry and our movement.

1.  The fundamentals are right because they are Biblical, even if some fundamentalists are morons!

2.  The local church is what matters, what others say outside your local church is unimportant!

3.  Never let critics determine the direction of your life or ministry!

4.  Don't waste your time defending yourself.  Your friends don't need you to explain yourself and your enemies will not believe you anyway.

5.  Do what God leads you to do and do not worry if the paper, school, fellowship, or if pastor _____ does not like it.  God called you to be you.  

6.  Do not be enamored with all of the "new" philosophies.  Remember there is really nothing new under the sun.  It is just the same waste of time repackaged.  Stay in your Bible and out of the latest book of the month.

7.  Because something is old does not make it right, and because something is new does not make it wrong.  Allow the Holy Spirit to develop discernment in you based on Biblical principles.  

8.  Don't be so ready to "think outside the box." Louis Entzminger's Sunday School material is still the best out there; just use a computer instead of a roll book and filing cabinet.  

9.  Don't be so scared to "think outside the box." The world changes and we have to be aware of changes in order to be affective in our ministries.  Screens, sound systems, padded chairs, and indoor plumbing are not satanic in nature because they were once new.

10. Love God, love people, and preach the Word is still the Bible way to do it.  

I do not claim to have all the answers, but I am at least starting to ask some of the right questions! God bless each of you who labor for our Lord, even if you do it a different way than me!

For several months we have been discussing the need for a second service here at Community because of our lack of seating and parking.  We knew we needed to make the move but I wanted to do something besides just trim down the main service and squeeze it into a slot before Sunday School.  I wanted it to be a tool for evangelism and growth and not just another morning service.  My dear friend Tom Sexton of Cape Coral, Florida suggested that we make the hour a spearhead for ministry and launch an entire growth campaign around it.  At the same time we were also discussing getting a radio broadcast started to help us saturate Pinellas County with the Gospel.  As the two ideas merged together we saw the launch of two great new ministry opportunities at our church! 

Sunday at 7:30 a.m. on 860 WGUL we launched the Tampa Bay Gospel Hour radio broadcast and then an hour later, at 8:30 we launched the Tampa Bay Gospel Hour preaching service at our church!  Both were met with great excitement!  We are now able to offer people two service opportunities on Sunday morning.  That is a great option for people who are coming off the midnight shift or for those who have to go in at noon.  Everyone can now hear good gospel music and straightforward Bible preaching as they get ready for Sunday morning!  We could not have asked for a better launch as we had a good crowd for the Tampa Bay Gospel Hour and then we were comfortably full again in the morning service.  Sunday School was also up a bit in attendance! 

Not only do I see the Tampa Bay Gospel Hour as a Sunday service opportunity, and a radio presence for our church, but I also envision the Gospel Hour to be so much more.  I have a goal to see it used as an evangelistic opportunity in the Bay Area and elsewhere leading in Crusades and Revivals across the Bay Area.  We want people to think of Old Time Religion when they think of the Tampa Bay Gospel Hour and Community Bible Baptist Church.  These are exciting days around our church!  Each week we are anticipating what God is going to do for and through us as we serve Him in this day!

If you able, please join us on the radio each Sunday morning at 7:30 am on 860 WGUL or live streaming on the web at http://www.860wgul.com/.  Or you can listen to our archived broadcasts on http://www.tampabaygospelhour.com/.  You are also welcome to join us for the live service of the Tampa Bay Gospel Hour each Sunday morning at 8:30 a.m. on our campus or watch live on the web at http://www.tampabaygospelhour.com/!  However you connect with us we are looking forward to sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with you.  As the late Dr. W. A. Criswell said, "I'll see you Sunday with a Bible in my hand, and a message from God in my heart."