My writing tends to be somewhat heavy and serious so every once in a while I like to add some humor to lighten things up a bit. Please don’t mistake this for a lack of respect or an attempt to minimize the seriousness of the abuse that happens among the Independent Fundamental Bapitsts. This is simply an attempt to bring some humor to the blog for the reader’s enjoyment.
Inspired by Jeff Foxworthy’s You Might Be A Redneck If… I came up with a similar list of items for the IFB. See if you recognize any. If you have others please feel free to share in the comments section…
1. If you think that the KJV is inspired, you might be an Independent Fundamental Baptist
2. If you confuse the KJV with the KJB, you might be an Independent Fundamental Baptist
3. If you refuse to use any other Bible version than the KJV because you think it’s either too “worldly”, sinful or less accurate, you might be an Independent Fundamental Baptist
4. If you think that you should cut your vacation short so that you can make it back in time for Sunday morning Sunday School, but think it’s OK that your pastor miss a Sunday or two because he’s on vacation, you might be an Independent Fundamental Baptist
5. If you think that tithing 10% of your gross income is the minimum, you might be an Independent Fundamental Baptist
6. If you think that the title “Pastor” is a synonym for “the Man of God” or “the voice of God”, you might be an Independent Fundamental Baptist
7. If you think that anything other than what your church teaches about salvation is “easy believism”, you might be an Independent Fundamental Baptist.
8. If you think that three church services per week is the minimum and that you must attend all three every week, you might be an Independent Fundamental Baptist
9. If you believe going to the movies is a sin but not renting movies or watching them on TV, you might be an Independent Fundamental Baptist
10. If you think anything other than a suit and tie for men is too “casual” for Sundays, you might be an Independent Fundamental Baptist
11. If you believe women shouldn’t wear pants, you might be an Independent Fundamental Baptist
12. If you think that more than one earring per ear for women is “worldly”, you might be an Independent Fundamental Baptist
13. If you believe that using guitars in church is too liberal, yet you listen to patch the pirate who uses guitars, you might be an Independent Fundamental Baptist
14. If you think that singing anything other than hymns in church is too liberal, you might be an Independent Fundamental Baptist
15. If you believe that clapping after special music is wrong because it gives praise to the performer rather than to God, you might be an Independent Fundamental Baptist
16. If your pastor begins his sermon by reading one verse then yells and pounds the pulpit for the next 30 minutes, you might be an Independent Fundamental Baptist
17. If you think that reading a version of the Bible other than the KJV is a sin, you might be an Independent Fundamental Baptist
18. If you think that “secular music” (i.e., anything other than old time gospel hymns) is sinful, you might be an Independent Fundamental Baptist
19. If you think that tattoos are marks of the Devil, you might be an Independent Fundamental Baptist
20. If you go to a church that sings/plays “Just As I Am” at the end of every service, you might be an Independent Fundamental Baptist
21. If your church has a tract rack outside the sanctuary, you might be an Independent Fundamental Baptist
22. If you think that the hymnal in the pew is inspired by God, you might be an Independent Fundamental Baptist
23. If your church funnels in inner city kids via a bus ministry, you might be an Independent Fundamental Baptist
24. If your pastor preaches against smoking because it is “bad for the body” but is himself an obese glutton, you might be an Independent Fundamental Baptist
25. If you believe that the wine referred to in the Bible is nothing more than “fruit of the vine” (AKA grape juice), you might be an Independent Fundamental Baptist
26. If you refuse to eat at a restaurant because they serve alcoholic beverages, you might be an Independent Fundamental Baptist
27. If you feel compelled to go door to door witnessing (or were compelled to visit a nursing home as a teen), you might be an Independent Fundamental Baptist
28. If you believe that going to (or sending your child to) a college that’s not approved by the IFB (e.g., Bob Jones University, Pensacola Bible College, Baptist Bible College, Hyles Anderson College, Tennessee Temple University) will cause you (or your child) to become “worldly” or will provide an undue “worldly” influence on you (or your child), you might be an Independent Fundamental Baptist
29. If you believe that state accreditation for a college is bad because it means that the government dictates what that college can/does teach, you might be an Independent Fundamental Baptist
30. If you believe that declining to spank your child is the equivalent to spoiling him/her, you might be an Independent Fundamental Baptist
31. If you believe that women are inferior to men and are to be submissive to their husbands, you might be an Independent Fundamental Baptist
32. If you are careful to not show any emotion while singing for fear that you could be considered dancing, you might be an Independent Fundamental Baptist
33. If you laugh (snicker, sneer, roll your eyes, etc.) at people who raise their hands during worship music you might be an Independent Fundamental Baptist
34. If you believe that all Catholics are going to hell, you might be an Independent Fundamental Baptist
35. If you believe that attending an IFB church is the only way to hear the true gospel and get saved, you might be an Independent Fundamental Baptist
36. If you believe that the IFB isn’t a denomination because they are “Independent”, you might be an Independent Fundamental Baptist
37. If you look down on people who are divorced, you might be an Independent Fundamental Baptist
38. If you believe that God can’t use a divorced man and pull out your Scofield Bible to show why, you might be an Independent Fundamental Baptist
39. If a child is behaving like a child (i.e., appropriate for his/her age), but you think they are being misbehaving and rebellious, you might be an Independent Fundamental Baptist
40. If you pray using KJV language (thee, though, ye, etc.), you might be an Independent Fundamental Baptist
41. If you feel guilty for not having “devotions” 7 days a week, you might be an Independent Fundamental Baptist
42. If you attend a church that has a team of men who are charged with keeping an attendance count each Sunday, you might be an Independent Fundamental Baptist
43. If you believe that doing, saying, thinking, etc. anything that even remotely appears to be “worldly” means that you aren’t being “separate”, you might be an Independent Fundamental Baptist
44. If you believe that secular psychology is “worldly”/sinful, but don’t think that other areas of medicine are OK, you might be an Independent Fundamental Baptist
45. If you think that mental health issues (depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, etc.) are the result of sin and poor choices, you might be an Independent Fundamental Baptist
46. If you believe that you will be rewarded or punished according to whether or not you’ve tithed faithfully, you might be an Independent Fundamental Baptist
47. If you believe that everyone who opposes IFB doctrine is just bitter, you might be an Independent Fundamental Baptist
48. If you believe that your health issue is the result of sin in your life, you might be an Independent Fundamental Baptist
49. If you think that any rational thought is dangerous because it may lead you to believe something different than what the IFB believes, you might be an Independent Fundamental Baptist
50. If you believe that you can tell who the “good” Christians are and who the “bad” Christians are by looking at the “fruit” in their lives, you might be an Independent Fundamental Baptist
51. If you believe that someone who smokes, drinks, parties, dances, listens to secular music, listens to Christian contemporary music, etc. or any combination of the above isn’t really saved because of that/those behavior(s), you might be an Independent Fundamental Baptist
52. If you think that having a disagreement with a fellow Christian means that you are “sowing discord with the brethren”, you might be an Independent Fundamental Baptist
53. If you think that you can be a better Christian or have more favor with God with good performance, you might be an Independent Fundamental Baptist
54. If you think that homosexuality is an unforgivable sin, you might be an Independent Fundamental Baptist
55. If you believe that perfection is something to strive for and/or attain this side of heaven, you might be an Independent Fundamental Baptist
I mean yeah, there’s some truth to a lot of this. I don’t think it applies to all IFB churches, the one’s I grew up in didn’t do some of these, but the rest definitely apply. I will say though… having grown up in that environment, there was a HUGE sense of support from the congregation, I always knew that if I needed something, I had people surrounding me who would help. Every time I got to a low point in my life, I knew that I could count on the church to be there for me. Despite having overcome drug addiction, trouble controlling my drinking, and a whole lot of other issues, my church never told me to leave, never told me to come back when I was better, never scolded me. I had a pastor who was reaching out to me in the darkest part of my life, he used a broken phone as a way to get to me, he knew I could try and fix it, so he brought it to me and, rather than berating me, after I had fixed the phone he simply asked me “Would it be okay if we just prayed together?” and I knew, in that moment, that he actually did care about me, he didn’t ask me to come to church, didn’t ask for money, didn’t ask for anything except for the opportunity to pray with me. There are a lot of IFB pastors out there like that, the majority of the ones I sat under were like that, they just want to see you do better.
I think it’s easy to look at the pastor as an authority figure, someone who holds some position above you, but most of them just want that connection with you, they care, they love you, they just want what’s best for you. I will never forget that day that I sat in my pastors car and he prayed with me, he didn’t know what was happening in my life, but he knew I needed someone to pray with and I could see it in his eyes.
your comments are offensive, you are narrow minded
and you are a hypocrite
If the people in your church are truly humble, forgive easily, and believe that everyone is worthy of grace, you might be an Independent Fundamental Baptist.
If you first came to church because Brother Dave or Brother Mike knocked on your door and invited you, you might be an Independent Fundamental Baptist.
If you see buses full of kids of all ethnicities and backgrounds coming to worship together, you might be an Independent Fundamental Baptist.
If your youth pastor eats a goldfish or gives away a baseball cap for every visitor a child brings, you might be an Independent Fundamental Baptist.
If you went to a church camp where “mixed bathing” wasn’t allowed and every evening there was a 3 hour sermon, you might be an Independent Fundamental Baptist.
If your pastor refuses to be called “Reverend,” you might be an Independent Fundamental Baptist.
If your pastor is a true scholar of the Bible and is on fire with eagerness to teach it, you might be an Independent Fundamental Baptist.
If “Just As I Am” causes you to repent and go to the altar, you might be an Independent Fundamental Baptist.
If your church encouraged you to make your own decision about becoming baptized, you might be an Independent Fundamental Baptist.
Even though I don’t believe the church’s teachings anymore, I’m very grateful for the care and support I received from the Baptists growing up. I’m truly sorry for those who were mistreated and sorry if bitterness is hurting you now.
I want to respond to your #30. “If you believe that declining to spank your child is the equivalent to spoiling him/her, you might be an Independent Fundamental Baptist…”
I remember a particular lesson in church about the rod and staff. The pastor pointed out (over the course of his long 2 hour sermon LOL) that a shepherd doesn’t use a rod and staff to beat his sheep but to prod and guide them. He wasn’t saying that spanking is right or wrong, but that definitely extreme discipline and beating kids is not what the Bible teaches. It teaches parents to use their authority to prod, guide, and correct their children.
Please read https://baptistdeception.com/bitterness-deception/ for an answer to your bitterness accusation/assumption.
OK That list just brought back memories that I can thankfully laugh at now. Scofield Bible!!!!
If you believe everything said in this article then you must not have spent much or any time in a fundamental church. Many of these are down right untruthful .
Thousands of people, including myself, beg to differ. You can read some of the experiences here: https://baptistdeception.com/testimonials/. When you finally get the blinders off let me know, we will rejoice with you.
Jack hyles was an adulterous heretic. His son a child murderer. The preachers who I knew as a teenager all had real degrees in theology from acredited universities. They were not Ignorant Fungicidal Blaptists.
Jack Hyles came to our church and you would have thought Jesus himself was preaching! Basically he was just marketing for his college.
Hmmmmm interesting…….I will bash ifb, while I mix truth and error… interesting….. Nice going Steve
You might be a hypocrite if you dedicate a whole website to exposing deception while using it….???
as a former IFB, I read this….mmmmmm, mixing truth with deception…I wonder… the author uses, the same tactics as the serpent in the garden???
Me and my husband got saved 3 1/2 years ago at an IFB church. We had been boyfriend and girlfriend for 5 years and a baby that was 10 months old. Now, I am a 25 year old women with 3 children a 4, 2, and 7 month old and my Husband is 26. 3 1/2 years ago we were addicted to marijuana, cigarettes, alcohol, and pills. Also, we lived in a free Appartement with food stamps. I received these because of lies that I was single with no income. A IFB member knocked on my door one Saturday and invited us to church. We didn’t go, but they came back the next week. We went to th IFB church that next day to say we went to get them off our back. We got saved that day September 14, 2014. We struggled putting off our addictions, but over came them trough prayer. The church never knew our problems but god did. The members were so sweet to us. The end of November we were going to break up because of physical abuse so instead sought counseling for our pastor and his wife. We told to get married. We did 2 weeks of counseling and got married at the end of our last session. I had a wedding dress from when my boyfriend proposed on December 5, 2010. Stil fit. Lol. No one knew about the marriage except us. Pastor and his wife paid for reception, photographers, and and shower. Members all so giving that it made me want to be a giving person. Lots of people at the church stoped what they were doing to attend. So spontaneous but like it was planned. Pastors daughter did my hair and cleaned my dress with baby wipes. Any ways God is good and can use any church to reach anyone it all depends on if you as an individual will receive his free gift of salvation, because God is that powerful
OMG! So the IFB pastor did “counseling” for 2 weeks and then, despite physical abuse, told you to get married! If that doesn’t raise red flags for you I don’t know what will.
Then they paid for your reception, photographers and shower? They bought your loyalty. They knew it would be an investment in your giving and service to them (yes they are that evil).
I’m so thankful for God’s grace on your life and the lives of your family. I agree that God can use anything and anyone to reach people, but I can guarantee that the IFB has ulterior motives. I’ve known many people whom God has reached using the IFB. That doesn’t necessarily mean they aren’t a dangerous cult. Please get away from the IFB… as far as you can, as fast as you can. If you stay, I’m almost certain you’ll end up regretting it. Grow your faith in a less toxic environment.
The IFB are Pharisees of our day. Do you know what Jesus told the Pharisees? Read Matthew 23 for more information
I truly believe the IFB pastor and wife was just doing their job. We wanted help and we wanted to know what the Bible said. The pastor explained forgiveness and that Jesus has already forgiven his sin on the cross and if I choose to not forgive than I am believing in my heart Jesus didn’t die for his sin. It didn’t raise red flags for me. I would have rejected the advice if in my heart If didn’t want the relationship anymore, but we had a kid and I needed it to work. Praise God because us getting married and having faith we both grew.
Pastor and his wife did pay for the reception, photography, and shower. I don’t believe they bought our loyalty, because we weren’t of any good investment. We had no money. I lied just to get government support saying” My child and I live alone. I had a free apartment, food stamps, government phone, and a $60.. utility check every month. Pastor and his wife knew where we lived and probably wondered why, but they never asked or pried. I’m glad they didn’t because I’d probably be ashamed admitting I’m a liar. My pastor and his wife sent evil. They try there best to live for Christ and to give God the glory for everything. I like that about them and not just them but the whole church, because the company you keep will influence you.
Thanks for being thankful for the grace God has giving us. That’s sweet. I don’t believe the IFB church I go to has ulterior motives, but I haven’t been to any other church to apply that to all IFB churches. I read Matthew 23 just before writing. I believe this passage is a description of the IFB church I’m a member of. I don’t have a boarden to preform any religious works. Our pastor don’t take any credit he passes praise the church gives to him towards God. The IFB church I attend preaches cleaning the heart not performing works. The Pharisees were filled with hypocrisy and iniquity and my church is not. My church members are filled with sin and give account to God alone. Also no one can hide hypocrisy and iniquity. Everyone as an individual should get right with God in whatever he has commanded them. Luke 8:17, Daniel 2:22, Luke 12:2. There’s a lot that is biblical in your post that we should want to do and some not biblical and therefore should abstain from practice. Teaching there is any unforgivable sin besides the sin of unbelief in Jesus Christ is not biblical. God knows the names of his children and for anyone to accuse another of security in Christ is hypocrisy. You can be saved and live however, but there will be consequences the saddest consequence of this behavior is your relationship with God will be Hindered greatly or little. Also God commands us to try the spirits to see if they are of God that implies God gave us the power of discernment 1 John 4: 1-5. We don’t think rational thought is dangerous. Everyone has health issues. Everyone has sent in their life. We don’t believe if you get rid of all the sin in your life you’ll be a completely healthy person. People that oppose things is due to beliefs, so I believe if you oppose the IFB church it’s because you don’t believe what their teaching not because there bitter. I believe tithing is good and God blesses those who tithe. Do I believe he punishes no, because I’ve gone without tithing and had no awareness of punishment, but when I do tithe I find blessing of increase in physical and spiritual goods. Mental health issues are just another health issue people have. Can God heal if it be his will yes he can. Does he always heal people no. I love psychology and I love my bible I use them together with Discernment from the Holy Spirit. I believe being separate is doing what God has commanded you to do. People that are lost can’t do what God has commanded because of unbelief. There I am separate does that mean I’m never going to curse, or think negative thoughts. No, because I have said and thought some things I regret. I’m still separate I have just decided to sin. Praise the lord for forgiveness. I love devotions with the Lord. Does the lord convict me when I miss? Yes, because he wants to spend a little time with his child. That’s The Holy Spirit speaking to me. I prefer Kjv! It’s the inspired word of God. If your not getting a lot out of your bible read I would recommend a switch to Kjv and to define any word you don’t know Slow down reading and meditate on what your reading don’t read as a duty each day but as a searching for fellowship each day. I have 3 children I sometimes spank I sometimes lecture. Correction is my discernment. 4,2, and 7 month old. They act like childern, but my church loves them because Jesus loves them. 19:13-15. I’ve never been instructed their acting Rebellious or looked down on or had any concern for myself but they were rebellious. I don’t even know what a Scofield Bible is but I believe God can use divorced people. I do believe the requirements of a bishop and deacon is the husband of one wife.1 Timothy 3:2,12 we don’t look down on divorced people. My birth mother is a Catholic she didn’t raise me. I talk to her about my faith she talks to me about her faith. I don’t believe some of the Catholic doctrine is true, but all have belief in things they believe and unbelief in things they don’t believe. We believe raising your hands during warship is appropriate, but the Bible specifically says to bow the head 2 Chronicles 20:18. We believe education in the world is good, but the teaching of evolution needs to be addressed if the individual is a little kid as false doctrine. I like door knocking is any of our church compelled to do so? No, it’s only announced in the powers points as a time and place. Come and join. It’s never spoken but up there to read. Pastor don’t preach on smoking unless he preaches on a list of things that destroy the body. If you read any other bible besides the Kjv bible you not sining. I hope that you left your church in good terms and that they knew how you felt and whoever was wrong to be revived and allow the precense of God to bring the individual to the norm in other words what christian ought to be not what men want to be.
That makes no sense. I’m not sure where your pastor got that from, but it’s not in the Bible. You can forgive him, that doesn’t mean you have to marry him. Forgiving someone has nothing to do with whether or not you believe that Jesus died for their sins. If it did then unsaved people wouldn’t be able to forgive. What your pastor told you is extremely dangerous and silly. What Jesus did on the cross is for our salvation. We don’t forgive people for their salvation – we can’t because we aren’t Jesus. The two are completely unrelated. What your pastor told you is a severe twisting of scripture (if he even used scripture).
They are counting on your service and tithe. You are still required to tithe in the IFB regardless of your source of income. Even if you can’t tithe now you can still serve in some way and later when you are able to improve your financial situation they will get your tithe. It’s pure manipulation. I only hope that you will see it before too long.
I wish you had broken up your last paragraph into multiple paragraph… everything runs together. I can tell by your grammar and spelling that you aren’t very educated (just an observation not a judgment). Please trust me when I tell you that your IFB church (as most other IFB churches) is preying on you. You’re perfect for them because they don’t want people challenging their belief system. You are falling right in line with what they want… someone who will robotically obey them. All you’ve done in your last paragraph is parrot typical IFB talking points – no substance there, just regurgitation.
The KJV isn’t the inspired word of God. Please read this article for more information: https://baptistdeception.com/reasons-for-not-accepting-the-kjv-as-gods-preserved-word-a-response-to-pastor-james-melton/
The IFB ostracizes people when they leave. No one leaves on “good terms” unfortunately. I assure you that I’m living exactly how God wants me to be living and I’m doing it outside of the IFB (yes it can be done LOL).
Me and my boyfriend were going to break up unless there was hope for change. We sought counseling to see if there was any hope. I was taught that. If I chose to forgive him there would be hope for our relationship. Should we stay living together with our baby in fornication? No, that’s silly! We wanted Gods blessing of Mariage. God Wasn’t going to see our fornicating as bringing glory to him. We as a couple decided to do things biblical. Marriage for two people that want to make a life together is biblical.
Matthew 6:14-15
For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Romans 5:8
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
My husband sinned, and wanted forgiveness. Christ died for his sin already, so he had already been forgiven by God. Should I choose not to forgive after Christ has already died for him? No, because that’s not Gods will. Gods will was for me to forgive. I forgave through the example of Jesus. I forgave him before he changed. Did I have to marry him because I forgave him? No, but I wanted to send the rest of my life with him. He’s a different man today thanks to Gods grace in our life. Jesus forgave me and I’m going to choose to forgive others regardless if they want it.
Me preferring the Kjv bible and believing it’s the inspired word of God is not incorrect. I understand others don’t like hearing God gave inspiration to the Kjv, but it’s true. I didn’t condemn other version by saying Kjv is inspired. I have read other versions of the Bible. I have scriptures on my walls that are from other versions.
I’m sad to here that fellow Christians can’t get along, and I will start praying for all Church’s to be revived. To be brought back to the norm of what being a Christian is all about. This is the only church I’ve been to, so I just awsume all Church’s are loving, caring, forgiving, honest, and strive to bring glory to god and it’s just sad to here that that’s not the case.
2Co 2:10 To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ;
You said “ we don’t forgive people for their salvation – we can’t because we aren’t Jesus. The two are completely unrelated”
Very true
God forgave my husband through Christ. God forgave because Jesus saved. Jesus saved by dying on the cross in my husbands place. Since God looks at Jesus to forgive I’ll look at Jesus also to forgive.
They are related!
We forgive people, but only God can forgive sins. If your pastor is telling you otherwise he’s a heretic. The verses you quoted are taken out of context and don’t mean what you imply them to mean.
2 Corinthians 2:10 is a guideline not a command.
Matthew 6:14-15 is a warning not a command.
Romans 5:8 is about salvation. We can’t save people, only God can.
Like I said, forgiveness doesn’t mean anything other than forgiveness. Just because we forgive people doesn’t mean we are obligated to marry them or anything else.
I can not forgive sins! My pastor has never taught that man can forgive sins. I can forgive people for offenses committed against me. I sought counciling to see if there was anything in the Bible that could give Hope to our relationship. I loved him, but I hated the way he treated me. I don’t believe my husband was the only one hurting the relationship. I had my part. I wanted to marry my boyfriend, but I want to fix him first. I was taught that I needed to let God change him. I remember our pastor asking us if we could forgive each other, and praise the lord we forgave each other for the offenses committed against each other. We are happily married today blessed with 2 more children.
2Co 2:10 To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ;
God forgave me because Jesus Christ saved me
Joh 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
God can’t forgive you if Jesus didn’t save you.
Rom 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
Jesus will save you if you believe in your heart that he was raised from the dead and admit out loud that Jesus is your lord.
2Co 2:10 To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ;
I must forgive others the same way God forgave me. I must put it in Jesus Christ.
2Co 5:15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.
Jesus died for all, and if God is willing to forgive me because Jesus died for me than I will forgive another because Jesus died for them too.
You are correct! God is the only one who can forgive mans sins. I praise the lord for that because if I sin I don’t have to announce it to anyone but my Heavenly Father and he is faithful and just to forgive me.
1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
I don’t know your past, but I know mine and it ain’t righteous. I ain’t got any place to judge anyone because in all honesty i have messed up in life a lot. I don’t deserve Gods forgiveness or even my husbands forgiveness. Praise the lord God made salvation a gift, or I probably wouldn’t have received it.
Ephesians 2:8-9
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
I can use scripture to instruct me how to forgive others and God told me that it is profitable. I forgave and praise the lord in my life forgiveness was indeed profitable.
Matthew 7:3-6
3 “And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? 4 How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? 5 Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.
6 “Don’t waste what is holy on people who are unholy. Don’t throw your pearls to pigs! They will trample the pearls, then turn and attack you.
Matthew 15:6b-9
Because of your traditions you have destroyed the authority of God’s word. 7 You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you: 8 ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. 9 Their worship of me is pointless, because their teachings are rules made by humans.’”
See also Matthew 23:1-33
Matthew 23 New Living Translation (NLT)
Jesus Criticizes the Religious Leaders
23 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, 2 “The teachers of religious law and the Pharisees are the official interpreters of the law of Moses. 3 So practice and obey whatever they tell you, but don’t follow their example. For they don’t practice what they teach. 4 They crush people with unbearable religious demands and never lift a finger to ease the burden.
5 “Everything they do is for show. On their arms they wear extra wide prayer boxes with Scripture verses inside, and they wear robes with extra long tassels. 6 And they love to sit at the head table at banquets and in the seats of honor in the synagogues. 7 They love to receive respectful greetings as they walk in the marketplaces, and to be called ‘Rabbi.’
8 “Don’t let anyone call you ‘Rabbi,’ for you have only one teacher, and all of you are equal as brothers and sisters. 9 And don’t address anyone here on earth as ‘Father,’ for only God in heaven is your Father. 10 And don’t let anyone call you ‘Teacher,’ for you have only one teacher, the Messiah. 11 The greatest among you must be a servant. 12 But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.
13 “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you shut the door of the Kingdom of Heaven in people’s faces. You won’t go in yourselves, and you don’t let others enter either.
15 “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you cross land and sea to make one convert, and then you turn that person into twice the child of hell you yourselves are!
16 “Blind guides! What sorrow awaits you! For you say that it means nothing to swear ‘by God’s Temple,’ but that it is binding to swear ‘by the gold in the Temple.’ 17 Blind fools! Which is more important—the gold or the Temple that makes the gold sacred? 18 And you say that to swear ‘by the altar’ is not binding, but to swear ‘by the gifts on the altar’ is binding. 19 How blind! For which is more important—the gift on the altar or the altar that makes the gift sacred? 20 When you swear ‘by the altar,’ you are swearing by it and by everything on it. 21 And when you swear ‘by the Temple,’ you are swearing by it and by God, who lives in it. 22 And when you swear ‘by heaven,’ you are swearing by the throne of God and by God, who sits on the throne.
23 “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore the more important aspects of the law—justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things. 24 Blind guides! You strain your water so you won’t accidentally swallow a gnat, but you swallow a camel!
25 “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are so careful to clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside you are filthy—full of greed and self-indulgence! 26 You blind Pharisee! First wash the inside of the cup and the dish,[i] and then the outside will become clean, too.
27 “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs—beautiful on the outside but filled on the inside with dead people’s bones and all sorts of impurity. 28 Outwardly you look like righteous people, but inwardly your hearts are filled with hypocrisy and lawlessness.
29 “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you build tombs for the prophets your ancestors killed, and you decorate the monuments of the godly people your ancestors destroyed. 30 Then you say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our ancestors, we would never have joined them in killing the prophets.’
31 “But in saying that, you testify against yourselves that you are indeed the descendants of those who murdered the prophets. 32 Go ahead and finish what your ancestors started. 33 Snakes! Sons of vipers! How will you escape the judgment of hell?
Amen! Scripture is Good! Praise the lord for giving it to us.
I thought you’d like that. You seem to enjoy copying and pasting scripture with no explanation or apparent relevance to the discussion so I thought I’d give it a try also. I have to admit it’s a lot less work than actually thinking through things. I’d rather do the hard work than be a robot though. Oh well, maybe another discussion.
I came to get a few laughs but it sounds like you were really hurt by some church growing up. Steve, I’m a 29 year old pastor of an independent Baptist church. I’m sure that this was meant to be funny but I can tell that you seem bitter. And I know you included that on your list, but there is a difference between joking and bitterness and I can see it in the comments as well as the post. I hope whatever poor experience you had hasn’t taken you away from the faith. I hope you found some church that preaches the truth (even though they may differ on some things with me). But I did want to let you know that although some ifb churches may not be the best it doesn’t make us a cult. Hope you have a great day!
Please read the rest of the website and my story rather than just judge me.
The “bitterness” argument has been answered many times. You can read more about it here: https://baptistdeception.com/bitterness-deception/
I never said the IFB is a cult because “some IFB churches may not be the best”. I do into great detail about why I believe the IFB is cultish in practice. You can read more about that here: https://baptistdeception.com/cult/
You’re judgment of me by one blog post and it’s comments is typical IFB tactic. Read one thing, make a judgment that I’m just bitter and move on. Like a grenade strike, no commitment to understand or empathize, just broad and arrogant assumptions. If you are really interested in finding out about my “poor experiences” with the IFB please read the website rather than make assumptions. Ask questions if you need to and I’ll be happy to explain more.
When I read what you have written, I sense that you are bitter, hurt, angry, and possibly disillusioned.
You tend to lump independent Baptist or independent religious organizations into one lump, sensing that they are all the same. I believe the Bible, and if you do not believe the Bible and hate what the Bible teaches, it is because your opinion is more important to you, than what the Bible says, and if that be so, then there is really no reason for you to go to church in the first place. If that is the case, you might as well go out and live like hell, because you are not interested in what God says anyway.
All churches are full of sinful people, including the pastor. This is because we live in this flesh. If the devil is going to attack, he will attack the family and the church first. Most pastors are lacking and are full of themselves because of one basic issue. They are usually so full of themselves, because they went straight from salvation to knowledge, and Peter says to add to your faith virtue, and THEN go to knowledge, 2 Peter 1:5. Most pastors skip virtue, usually because they just don’t know any better. Preachers should not put their congregation under constraint. Not all churches are the same and if they are teaching Bible, they do teach about sin, and it should not be to make you feel any constraint towards the pastor to get away from that sin, but to learn to have some personal conviction that their sins need to be addressed, but THEY have to make that decision.
Many churches are about the money, as is some of their pastors. I am a pastor of a Baptist church, but rather than call myself INDEPENDENT, I call myself unaffiliated with the other Baptist Churches. This is because primarily I am a Bible Believer and if church doctrine of any individual church does not line with scripture, then this so called doctrine is nothing more than a vain tradition. I, too, would never go back to many of the churches that I have been to, but if you search, you will find one that will cause you to grow in your faith and knowledge, and to change and to believe what God has said. In the last days, you will get churches like you have described in your initial post, but not all of them are the same. The churches that teach certain things unrelated to scripture, are a result of what the Bible calls “IN THE LAST DAYS.” In the last days, people will leave their first love, just as you have left YOUR first love, probably because of a pastor, an arrogant church member, or maybe because of your very own relationship with God, a relationship that is lacking.
I wonder sometimes if the pastor didn’t hit one of your sins and instead of getting you under conviction, you just got angry.
To train up a child does not mean to beat him with a rod, although there ‘BE TIMES’ that a spanking becomes necessary, but NEVER out of anger.
As far as tithing is concerned, the people who do tithe, it should be because they tithe because they want to. If one gives because they are forced, or “constrained” TO GIVE, that giving does not come from the heart, and God does not honor that kind of giving. The Bible talks about a “CHEERFUL GIVER.” If a person gets right with God, then they will usually give, not because they have to, rather because they want to give.
God values his word, even above his own name, and when you or I meet God, what we think means nothing to God, unless it lines up with His Word. Jesus says that if you love Him, that “…you will keep His words.”
Please read https://baptistdeception.com/bitterness-deception/ for an answer to your bitterness accusation/assumption. Also, please scroll up for additional information regarding your objections which I’ve responded to ad nauseam. Thanks.
Interesting that Steve begins his response by taking the Lords name in vain…mmmmmmm, very interesting, but hes found the truth, riiiiight
OMG = Oh My Goodness! Duh – Get your mind out of the gutter.
God works in mysterious ways. If your denomination knocked on their door im sure they wouldn’t have gotten saved and the helped they needed. The abuse would continue and they would be dead and their child would be in foster care. Their testimony is great I’m sure they won more people to the lord than you.
You got me – I am an IFB college grad. At one point in my life I would have agreed with 45 of your 55 litmus tests, plus a few others. It took exposure to more mature Christians (who were not not IFB!) to show me the folly of my performance-based religion. Thank God for grace! That being said, your list is probably only funny to those of us who have lived it. Most people find it hard to swallow that anyone really thinks that way at all.
Some true, some not so much. Is there any perfect , no. It seems most on here have a issue with IFB churches. I agree some are or at least seem to be what most consider legalistic. Then you have churches with no standards . Do you find them so humorous ? If you had one opportunity to send a lost love one time to any church , which would it be ? I dare say it would be the one you enjoy making fun of. Many on here were saved at a IFB church. If they are saved , I dare say they regret the day they walked into the very church you enjoy making fun of. Instead of attempting to find humor , find time to pray for them
Would you go back and pet a dog after it bit you? What if it had been biting you for 5, 10, 15, or (in my case) 25 years and you managed to finally escape – would you go back or send a love one to pet it? ‘I dare say’ probably not.
Why do people think that I don’t have time to pray for loved ones simply because I have this site up? What a stupid thing to say. Believe it or not I can find time to pray while at the same time not sending my loved ones to an abusive church.
Why would I even send a lost loved one to church instead of sharing the gospel with them for that matter? Is that what the great commission tells us to do: Matthew 28:19 “Go ye therefore, and send lost loved ones to an IFB church so that they might be saved…” (DHV – Don Holt Version). LOL
Instead of reprimanding me why don’t you pray for the lost? – hypocrite.
You would probably also classify the God of the Old Testament as abusive. I go to an IFB church and thought a few of your statements could be funny if in the right spirit, some not so much and others I found untrue altogether. IFB church members know how to laugh and have fun. Maybe you had a bad experience or many years of bad experiences at an IFB church, but that will never excuse you from bad mouthing any of God’s people or the many IFB churches the Lord uses to spread His word or send missionaries to the remotest parts of the world to seek those who are lost. Point is that we are to edify with love and meekness all brothers and sisters in Christ, not criticize in front of a lost world. You hurt the cause of Christ regardless your intentions and you should be ashamed of yourself, especially if you think this is the proper way to obey the two commandments the Lord Jesus said were the most important. Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. (Mat 22:37-40) Can you honestly say that this is of God. Forget the past and move on to do those things that shine light to the lost, edify the saints, and glorify God. Stop this shamefulness, as you hurt the ministry of our Lord.
Remember when Jesus rebuked the Pharisees? There’s a place to rebuke abusive religious practices. There are those who are called to rebuke abusive religious practices. Frankly it’s not your place to tell me what I should and shouldn’t do (typical IFB who thinks they know what everyone is supposed to be doing). Mind your own business. The IFB is the one who is hurting the cause of Christ, just like the Pharisees did. Why don’t you focus on the log in your own eye then you might be able to see the speck in my eye.
And if a lost person were to stumble upon this page and read your list and how you respond to any differing opinions, would you be helping plant a seed? Would the lost or questioning feel that even if someone is “attacking” your comments, that you’re setting an example that they could adopt? You are quick to throw in a jab about how much you dislike them, but cannot tolerate anyone saying different. If the IFB churches are hurting the cause of Christ, would your attitude and example also hurt His cause. I personally fall under Southern Missionary Baptist, and literally had questions in regards to my recent visits at an IFB church. I have an old high school friend here with me who started visiting churches. He says he isn’t saved but is open minded and is at least asking questions. I rarely post on random pages I stumbled upon but by his reaction, he didn’t think Dave intended to be offensive to prove a point. He perhaps worded somethings poorly perhaps, but he is completely turned off by your attitude and responses Steve.
We can joke around about a differing denomination that we don’t agree with, but how we react to a situation that wasn’t intended, also matters greatly. The lost in the world watch us Christians closer than we know. Seeing 2 brothers in Christ debase a conversation (be it one or both parties) to snide remarks, tasteless jabs, and condescension as a form or response, makes us all look bad. I don’t post this to to attack you, nor defend Dave, rather to simply point out that perhaps both are not setting the best of examples? Rather than attack one another, perhaps understand where both are coming from? Our path is narrow, must we fight amongst each other while we walk it?
Yes, I have countless emails and comments from people who were ready to give up on their faith until they read this site and realized that the IFB was in error not them. You can read some of them in the comments section and in the testimonial section here: https://baptistdeception.com/testimonials/.
My ministry isn’t to the lost, it’s to help heal those who’ve been hurt by the IFB. I’d have more time to minister to the lost if I didn’t have to work to repair the damage done by the IFB.
Yes, see my answer to your first question.
My “jabs” are defensive in nature. I respond to IFB “jabs”, sometimes that requires a jab back.
If I couldn’t tolerate anyone saying something different I would instruct the site moderator to delete comments such as yours. I’m open to discussions… what I’m not open to is people telling me what God wants me to do with my time and resources. If you want a discussion ask for one. I’m happy to defend my position, but I don’t tolerate assumptions, attacks, accusations, judgments, bullying or anything of the like.
I don’t see how. Like I said, I’m doing repair work. The IFB is the organization hurting His cause.
I don’t know what Dave’s intentions were. All I do is reply to comments. I’m not responsible for how it’s perceived. People can ask for clarification if they want. From my perspective turning people away from the IFB is turning them towards God.
The problem is assuming intent instead of asking. If people asked rather than assumed there would be a lot less “reactions”.
Like I said, I’m more than happy to have a discussion. All people need to do is humbly ask for one. But if people come here to attack me and my views I will defend myself. I can count on one hand the number of IFBs who’ve asked for a discussion instead of attacking me.
I already know where the IFB is coming from, I was indoctrinated in their dogma for 25 years. I don’t have to try and understand it, I already know it. It’s insidious and extremely toxic. I want no part of it except to expose it for what it is – cultish.
I’ll fight against the abusive traditions and teachings of the IFB till I die. It’s my calling and my ministry. Yes, believers disagree, there’s nothing wrong with that. Why wouldn’t I stand up for something I believe in?
Looks like you’ve forgotten to include haircuts (length and style of hair). Years ago, I heard a very funny but truthful skit on what was or wasn’t OK. Each verse ended with, “It’s OK, because Independent Fundamental Baptist Preachers do it.”
These Independent Fundamental Baptists appear to be inconsistent, and so misguided. I am pretty conservative, but find some of this stuff outright ridiculous!
I was told that I could not work in one of my passionate ministries, infant, toddler, and 3-4 year olds because of something I did in my past 14 years ago and pastor told me I have to prove myself first. Mind you all this was before I repented and ask God for forgiveness. I disclosed to (2) pastors at this church personal and heart felt feelings that I thought and grew up and was told you can talk to your pastor, because he is a man of God. So I did. This is the same pastor who said, you can come and let us tell you how you can know how you can know for sure how you can make Heaven your home. Same pastor who says to his congregation I love you, we all love you here….and we will not judge you. (HYPOCRISY) At it’s finest. Pastor Wilkerson was the one and ONLY pastor who allowed me to work passionately in what ever church ministry I chosen. Yes. He granted his permission to work in the Infant Ministry and Toddler, and 3-4 year old Ministry. I could come to him with anything that was bothering or troubling me and he NEVER judged me or held me in contempt by making me feel like I was less than or not good enough. Well Pastor Wilkerson is no longer here, and welllll….as far as I’m concerned will never be the same.
I have attended an IB Church my entire life (34 years). These are right on the money! ?
Yes, I remember that. They said “no mixed bathing”.
You might be an IFB if Your child has went to church there 3x a week, his whole life, but when he leaves the church, your to have nothing to do with them. Told to leave them to the hog mire until they return to the father..
This is assuming that the parable of the prodigal son is some kind of instruction on how to deal with a troubled child…
This is an assumption.. The parable of the prodigal son is talking about Israel the younger and Judah the elder.
God divorced Israel but Not judah..Jesus is the Lion of the tribe of WHAT?? JUDAH. God’s people are the Jews.. from Jew-da…judah. Jesus said” I came for the lost sheep of the house of Israel.. Judah has always been with God. Israel was the prodical.. judah is the elder son that was jealous of israel.. Study ” The prodigal son and the two houses of Israel. THE PARABLE IS NOT A GUIDE NOR DID JESUS SAY THAT ITS A MAP ON HOW TO DEAL with a wayward child!! Whether u believe it’s talking about judah/Ephraim or not
I was in an IFB church for eight years and left because the weight of never feeling that I would be good enough for this church had worn me down.
There are some things that the IFB does very well, such as fellowship. The women that I befriended in this church will always be my sister in Christ.
I will cut to the chase: my Pastor and his wife took a much needed vacation a few years ago. Much to their horror, they could not find a church that had a Wednesday night service anywhere in the area. They were so grieved by the fact that they had broken a 30+ year record of being at church three times a week. They had made an idol out of church attendance. In thinking back, I see that the church was filled with tiny idols like that. But I still think that every Christian should spend some time in an IFB church. I did learn a lot.
It is interesting that you refer to IFB as viewing divorce people as being inferior Christians and are forbidden to hold any leadership positions in the church looking to their Scofield Bibles for direction. They simply do not know and probably lack the ability to do the research, but Cyril I. Scofield was a Confederate soldier who left his wife and two children and later remarried another woman. And yet, they honor the Scofield Bible!!! IFB people as a whole, are generally willfully ignorant people.
Scofield came to know Christ AFTER all of that, so I don’t hold that against him. What surprises me, though, is that he was ordained as a pastor and actually called to pastor DL Moody’s church in Massachusetts as a divorced man. That is contrary to Bible doctrine for a pastor. However, it wasn’t Baptists that ordained him and of the IFB folks I know, they are lukewarm to the Scofield bible.
The truth is, if you had sex with ANY woman before you finally decided to marry one of them, you are a divorced man.
Very few men are qualified to be pastors using your interpretation of scripture.
Being a IFB preacher, I confess a lot of truth here.
WHY do children that leave IFB churches hardly ever come back? I’m told it’s because when u abandon the real truth, there’s hardly any hope.
In the past 25 years, I’ve seen many children leave but very few come back. Out of over 30 , maybe 5 in 25 years
If this method were a stock, who would invest in it with such a low return. I’m convinced that it’s much much deeper than rejecting real truth .. many many come back in southern Baptist churches, but not ifb churches.. what say u
Are these points form the KJV Bible or is it carved from the principles from scriptures. Baptists are people of the Bible and not fellings. If we must consider these points as a point for consideration, these ought to be a source form the Bible.
Read the beginning of the article
You might be an independent Fundamental Baptist if
…you DVR the Superbowl (or watch sport center on your phone in the vestibule) because you can’t miss church.
… the appearance of things is more important than reality, aka, you will cover up abuse and silence victims in order to “protect the name of Christ”.
And they’re most likely convinced that Donald Trump’s election is really going to make their civil life better!
Of course these cultural attachments border on the cultic, no doubt are legalistic, and hopefully will disappear eventually as the old guard depart their bondage in this life for Glory! How about shortchanging the Lord out of 20 minutes of Sunday service time worship for “game show” gimmickry hype to boost attendance? Oh yes, and he forgot the most important, essential factor–related to KJV reliance–virtual ignorance of and illiteracy in biblical Hebrew and Greek!!!!!!!!
Growing up in a very conservative IFB church, I can personally attest to how accurate most of these were. They are as tragic as they are true and yes the IFB movement went ver overboard on many standards and traditions. That being said, I just want to warn the author about injecting too much of his own agenda into these posts. I get the vibe that you were alienate by IFB movement at some point, as were a lot of us, but don’t try to use that as an excuse to go on a crusade against fellow believers. Whether we worship with hymns or hands int he air praise and worship songs, we are all suppose to be on the same side. Get over it and work to rebuild the relationships instead of tearing down. People are more willing to change their ways when confronted in love rather then with criticism and bitterness.
Happily a “brainwashed Bible-folk” for about 28 years with more peace in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ and a firm foundation of absolute truth to stand on (yes, that’s the KV, haha!). If this life of inner peace is what I can have without feeling the need to write long lists then I’ll take it. I must say, I was hoping the list would be more interesting but the fact mixed into the exaggeration of each point was mostly so true it seemed a bit pointless! I was sincerely disappointed. It seemed more like an attack on what the Bible says about life than on a denomination. Yes, we have a tract rack. We even have TWO. People need Jesus…what’s the big deal? And that boy who has grown up in Sunday School (because I brought him in my car every week) is now in 6th grade and has experienced the concept of unconditional love and promises that are kept – things which would otherwise have been foreign. I will have to argue that while on vacation we just go to church somewhere else rather than dashing home. That can get a little hairy, though, because you never know when you’ll end up at a more liberal church…like yours! *gasp* Just kidding, just kidding…we at least look for “Baptist” on the sign so we’re good 😉
But, all teasing aside, the author and other commentators sound very bitter and unhappy so I honestly feel badly for you. I know you scoff at my pity but there it is. No, Baptist churches are not sinless because they are filled with forgiven sinners. And as the word “independent” implies, we are not all alike. Yes, we have strife and faults and hypocrites. Your happy mega churches do too. Wherever there are people, there is sin. But it cannot be pleasant carrying all that bitterness around with you every day. It made me think of this, “Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;” It’s a shame, but whattayagonnado? People are people and free to choose their own way. To the author, I hope you’ll be okay someday and if you can find a way to dig out that root I think you’ll find peace. Let God tell you who He is in the letter He wrote for you and you’ll find a love you cannot comprehend.
Welp…just commented for the sake of the few who posted comments and clearly are rowing the same boat as I! (Hello to all my fellow-tithers!!!) It was fun to read down through comments and feel a little gratified that not everyone was chuckling to themselves – again…why?? I truly don’t understand this one, ha! I think I find it more funny how you all think it IS funny and I’m just over here secretly judging your jeans… ;b
Joy wrote:
You obviously didn’t read the entire list… see number 47. Haha, thanks for the confirmation!
I do not know if laugh or cry , almost 30 yrs involved in this , I’m still a Christian , I serve in my church , I’ve learned more since I left the movement , I am happier more devoted Christian than when I was manipulated to go out soulwinning , bus driving ,Sunday school teaching etc
You should do something else with the time God has aloud you.Nonsense is not what people need to hear. This is just another sidetrack from the gospel of of Christ.We are to love one another and build up the church.
sad stuff particularly the responses from obviously brainwashed “bible folks”
Baptists as a whole, are pretty terrible.
Besides I don’t understand why you shouldn’t listen to Contemporary Christian music. Independent Fundamental Baptists are one of the most legalistic Christian groups/
They certainly are!
I mean, why would you think it’s too liberal to sing anything other than hymns in the church because, there are some churches within the Southern Baptist Convention, which is different from the IFB, that have a contemporary music worship in one service and have traditional hymns in another service.
I don’t understand why you should.
I’m not IFB, BTW.
Many of these, yes are extreme, be we also need to not be compromising in some areas. Jesus forgives and loves and he also needs to be honored is all respects. That may mean dressing appropriately and not dis honoring your body because it’s a holy temple. You’re supposed to read the word daily, it says give us this day our daily bread. Sin is sin and the Holy Spirit works in us to pinpoint where we need to change and this happens while we are in the word. I don’t think having two revivals a year is a bad thing as they word states we should continue to get together as believers. If you compromise too much with the world, satan gets in and anything can happen that’s why the word says to stay vigilant. I would of rather take the word literally than follow the world. Tithing is also commanded in the bible and we are to give because he loves us and give with a joyful heart. To love Jesus is to love his word and follow his commands because we love him. When you find Christ, you are a new creation and the spirit helps you to live a life that pleases Him, not us. I grew up in a baptist church and went elsewhere after college and I am learning how liberal other churches are and anything goes as long as the people are happy. It’s NOT ABOUT US! It’s about Jesus. I’m going back to my independent baptist church where there is no compromising. I can tolerate the other bits that go over board as long I am believing the word and get correct non compromising bible teaching. When this life is over, it doesn’t matter! You better be right with God and have your name written in the lambs book of life. Everything is about Him, He is a jealous God. Apart from Him we can do nothing.
Many of those things actually do go on at IFB churches, but several of those things are Biblical. You should have, instead of adding a dozen or so of your comments, said “If you believe everything in the Bible, you might be an Independent Baptist.” Please correct me if I’m wrong, but aren’t we supposed to follow the teachings of the Bible, such as tithing? Anyway, I’m sorry that you had a bad experience at an IFB church, but that doesn’t excuse you for mocking Biblical beliefs.
Most Christians believe everything in the Bible. That’s not unique to the IFB. This list are things that are unique to the IFB. Also, I’m not mocking Biblical beliefs. I’m mocking IFB beliefs – many of which aren’t scriptural.
BTW, tithing isn’t a Biblical teaching for NT Christians. You should read my article on that: https://baptistdeception.com/tithing/
Don’t get me wrong but tithing is still scriptural, even within the New Testament. Take a look here: https://www.openbible.info/topics/tithe_in_the_new_testament
I’m not IFB but I still believe in tithes and offerings.
I’ve addressed the scriptures about tithing in my article and explain it using proper exegesis and hermeneutics. Did you read it? https://baptistdeception.com/tithing/
I did read it but I still don’t understand their beliefs on it.. But I do know some churches practice free will offerings instead of tithing.
Tithing was around since before the Law of Moses. It’s not an Old Testament Law vs New Testament issue. It’s a Biblical principle that we are commanded to follow.
Simply not true. Those myths are addressed in my article: https://baptistdeception.com/tithing/
You’ll find out one day…
I don’t need to wait. I know the answers now. They are already spelled out in the Bible. They are shared in my article about tithing: https://baptistdeception.com/tithing/
Wow. What an extensive list. I had no idea that I, as an IFB, might be guilty of these things. Be careful that a fanatical or unbiblical few do not cause you to condemn us all as a group. And, aside from the ones you mentioned that are truly sinful (i.e, #17, #53), and the ones that are just inaccurate (i.e, #13, #16, #35), some of these are interesting picks to end up on the list. What’s wrong with a tract rack? Or preferring the KJV? Or deciding not to clap for special music?
We don’t mind being scrutinized or even judged. Just please be sure that your judging is fair.
And, I am genuinely sorry if any unbiblical or otherwise wrong IFB group, person or church, has hurt anyone here.
Jonathan I have a question for you..”IF” the wine is grape juice (as in the water Jesus turned to wine)…HOW can you get drunk on it???? I’m pretty sure it WAS/IS alcohol because the bible talks alot about “not getting drunk with wine”….also “take a little wine”, etc.
The other thing is: Nowhere in the bible are we commanded to attend a regular CHURCH building and dress nice. I love the Lord with all my heart-I attend church when I want and where I want…but mostly I have bible studies with Christian friends in coffee shops, homes, and restaurants and (I usually have on a pair of blue jeans….)(yikes), because I never want to put that church building and hierarchy that rules it above Christ. We ARE the church my friend! Peace
Well I am a little confused. I do think that you can drink but you just can’t be drink which is a legalistic problem within most Independent Fundamental Baptists. I didn’t really say you can get drunk on grape juice but if I did, I might be a little confused.
Yes, DJ! I really like your comment 🙂
Wow! I was married when I attended before and now as a divorced woman, I know I probably would be looked down upon. This list reminded me of a few I forgot about, but one I don’t think you’ve mentioned yet is “If your teenage boys and girls have to be separate and swim in different pools or at different times when you are on a teen outing or camping trip” lol
I forgot to mention my concerns on some of the other beliefs of the Independent Fundamental Baptist Church:
55. I have no position or opinion of this
54. If you think that homosexuality is an unforgivable sin – That’s not true. ALL sins are forgivable, even homosexuality although it is a detestable sin in God’s eyes. The only sin that is not forgivable is blaspheming against the Holy Spirit. That is the only sin that cannot be forgiven.
53. If you think that you can be a better Christian or have more favor with the Lord with good performance – You can’t make up for sins nor can salvation be earned. You can be a better Christian IF you repent of your sins and turn away from them and if you can grow spiritually.
52. I don’t agree with the term, “sowing discord with the brethren” because I agree everything what the Bible teaches.
51. Belief number 51 is absolutely wrong. Smoking, drinking, partying, dancing, listening to secular music or Contemporary music aren’t sinful though partying can only be sinful if you are drunk. If you party, DO NOT drink. Besides saying that those who practice any of these that aren’t saved is wrong because that is judging. Those who judge people like that WILL BE judged the same way, PERIOD. Jesus tells us in Matthew 7:1-5: Judge not, that ye be not judged.
2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?
5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.
50. We should not tell who are the good and bad Christians because we should treat everyone with love just like God loves every one of us. But what He hates about us is the pride and arrogance in us.
49. I have no belief, opinion, or position of this
48. I do agree that any time when you have health issues it’s because of sin which is why God allows pain and suffering.
47. Anybody who opposes the IFB teaching is bitter – Can’t say that because anybody who opposes BIBLICAL teaching is spiritually blind because they don’t know the truth.
46. I have no opinion on this
45. Mental health issues is a result of sin and poor choices – same position with my belief concerning IFB 48.
44. N/A
43. N/A
42. If you attend a church each Sunday with a team of men that keeps track of attendence each Sunday – In our congregation, we do not do that. We only care when we see new faces in the church, whether guests or new members.
41. N/A
40. If you pray using the KJV language – I don’t pray like that except when I recite the Lord’s Prayer because nobody talks like that anymore.
39. If your child is behaving like a child but you think they are rebellious, misbehaving, mischevious, etc. – While I don’t have a general opinion on this, I do believe that we should discipline our kids in the same sense that God disciplines us. We should teach our children of who Jesus is and how we should live a holy or Christian life.
38. N/A
37. If you look down on people who are divorce – That is absolutely wrong. While God hates divorce, but we should help those who are divorce so they can grow spiritually.
36. Independent Fundamental Baptist is NOT a denomination because they are “Independent” – I am not Baptist but they are CLOSE to being a denomination because of their beliefs. Saying that “Baptism is not necessary for salvation but rather it is an obedience to Christ” is a liberal view of baptism and is unbiblical. Plus they believe that one cannot lose his salvation, “Eternal Security, or Once Saved, Always Saved” on the Calvinist view. On the Arminianist view the church I go to now teaches from a biblical standpoint that salvation can still be lost. Even the General Baptists and the Free Will Baptists denounce eternal security, thus the only two Baptist groups that believe in Free Will. Even I believe that if you are living in sin you are getting to the point where you are eventually will lose your salvation.
35. Attending an IFB church is the only way to hear the true gospel and get saved – There are so many churches that claim the be the one, true, church, especially the Catholics, Greek Orthodox, Anglicans, some Lutherans, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons, etc. The reality is the ONLY TRUE CHURCH is the church that PRACTICES BIBLICAL TEACHINGS and NOT THAT OF MAN-MADE TEACHINGS because THEY ARE AGAINST THE BIBLE because I do ask the question that why there are so many churches.
34. All Catholics will not go to heaven is absolutely wrong. Only God decides who goes to heaven and who doesn’t. It’s our personal decisions that cause us to who to hell though most of their practices are not biblical, especially the devotions to the Virgin Mary as they especially have her as the intercessor. From a biblical standpoint, Jesus is the ONLY mediator between God and Man and only Jesus can intercede us. Plus they pray to the saints. We ONLY pray to God because saints don’t serve as mediators to God the Father. Jesus does that. While I am not against crucifixes but using them in public worship is idolatry because the bible forbids idols.
33. N/A
32. N/A
31. While I have no opinions on this I do agree that wives, from a biblical view, should be submissive to their husbands because it’s found in Ephesians 5:22-23: 22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.
23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.
29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:
30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.
31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.
32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.
30. No official opinion on this though as I said we should discipline our children the same way God disciplines us
29. I don’t agree with this because there is nothing wrong with going to college.
28. Same position regarding IFB belief 29.
27. You feel forced to go door to door preaching – No general opinion on this since door to door preaching within the IFB is very similar to that of the Jehovah’s Witnesses though we should share the gospel to others, especially to those who don’t have Christ in their lives.
26. Refusing to eat at a restaurant because they serve alcohol – There’s nothing wrong with eating at a restaurant you just can’t order alcohol, that’s all.
Do you realize this was written as humorous piece ?
Yes but this is my concern about the IFB beliefs and I understand this was written to make it funny.
Here are my concerns about the beliefs since I am not Independent Baptist, Southern Baptist, or part of any Baptist affiliation:
1. King James is the inspired word of God – While I do like the old King James Bible but King James Only is wrong because it’s misleading and it’s legalism.
2. If you might confuse KJV with KJB – it’s the same thing but it’s a preference on how people might want to call it.
3. If you think that the other translations are too “wordly” – that right there I don’t like. Again it’s too legalistic.
4. If you should cut your vacation short you should never miss church – this has happened only once in my life when I went I was on my senior class trip. I wanted to go to church but was not able to. Even when the family goes on vacation, we go to church. We just look for a biblical church to go to.
5. If you think that tithing of ten percent of your income is the minimum – I don’t have any position on this even though I do believe in tithes and offerings.
6. If you think that the title “Pastor” is the synonym for “the man of God” – this is not the case in the church I go to. The pastor our local congregation is the “preaching elder” and most Churches of Christ avoid the term, “Pastor”, when addressing their ministers.
7. If you think anything what the churches teach about salvation is easy believing – this is not true in our congregation. We teach that baptism is necessary for salvation as I get this quote from the King James Version from John 3:5; Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. We also teach that one must hear the Word of God, one must believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God, one must repent of your sins, one must confess that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God, one must be baptized for the remissions of sins, and one must live faithful until death.
8. If you think that three church services per week is the minimum and that you must attend all three every week (Sunday mornings, Sunday evenings, and Wednesday evenings for Bible studies which I will assume) – I can’t agree with this, you must attend at least one. Attending all three, in my opinion, is optional. Generally it’s the Pastor, or “Preaching Elder or Minister”, that has to attend multiple services because he has to preach the sermon.
9. Believing that going to the movies is sinful but not renting them or watching them on TV – I don’t see anything wrong about going to the movies because I went to the movies years ago. I do agree that it’s not sinful about renting movies or watching them on TV.
10. If you think that other than suits and ties for men is too “casual” for Sundays – While I don’t believe that you must dress up for church with suits and ties, however, I do believe we should honor God in His house by dressing up. Suits and ties are generally not required today for men , except for ministers, though some churches do require suits and ties and I don’t know any that I do of. Back then, you had to wear your Sunday best. You had to wear a tie if you wanted to preach or preside over the Lord’s Supper.
11. Women’s should not wear pants – This is not the case at my congregation.
12. More than one earring per ear for women is worldly – I don’t agree that multiple earrings per ear for women is worldly as long it’s not fancy. My mother doesn’t wear fancy earrings.
13. Using guitars in church is too liberal – That was not the case at the church I grew up in when the last pastor I had when he came to Mountain Church of Christ when he first arrived (which is instrumental though membership is small).
14. Singing anything other than hymns is too liberal – While I do favor hymns but I don’t see anything wrong with contemporary music since I like a good mix of hymns and contemporary songs.
15. Clapping after special is music is wrong because it gives praise to performers rather than to God – That statement is wrong. You can clap in church, we did that Mountain, the church I grew up though we didn’t do it very often though.
16. If your pastor begins his sermon by reading one verse than yells and pounds the pulpit for the next 30 minutes, my current pastor, at Balsam Street Christian Church, doesn’t do any of the two as he doesn’t use the pulpit to preach his sermons anyways. The last pastor I had, at Mountain, would yell sometimes on his sermons to make sense of humor since most of his sermons were pretty funny but never pounded the pulpit. I can’t stand when preachers pound the pulpits because it’s distracting and irritating for me though I am not against preachers yelling as long as they don’t yell too loud.
17. Reading any other version outside of the King James Version is sin – same concern as I mentioned topic 1
18. Secular music other than old time gospel hymns is sin – I don’t see anything wrong with rock & roll, oldies music, and country music though it has gotten worse these days than it was years ago but the music I hate the most are hip hop, heavy metal generally, and especially RAP music which my brother likes.
19. Tattoos are the marks of the Devil – I really don’t know if they are marks of the devil but I do agree that tattoos are sinful even if it’s against the Old Testament. I’ve used tattoos but not permanent ones. I am also against body piercings as well.
20. If your church sings Just As I Am at the end of every service – We sing that song once in a while since it’s a good invitational song.
21. A church that has tract rack – I don’t know what they are for but my old church has one for storing hymn books (or hymnals), pew bibles, bible study books, etc.
22. The pew hymnal is inspired by God – While I favor hymns but I wouldn’t necessarily say that because even though I do use the hymnal, most people at the church I go to now sing from the Power Point.
23. If your your church funnels in the inner city kids via a bus ministry – We don’t have a bus ministry since the city of the church I go to is small.
24. Pastor preaches against smoking because it is bad for the body – My preacher never preaches that though there are very few people at my current church that smoke. Smoking in itself is not sin but I do agree that smoking can cause teeth decay, lung cancer, breast cancer, etc.
25. If you believe that that the wine referred to in the bible is nothing more than the “fruit of the vine” – I generally agree with this part especially when it comes to the Lord’s Supper because wine from a biblical perspective is grape juice even though I still question if it is NOTHING MORE than the fruit of the vine.
Those are my concerns about the 25 topics about the Independent Fundamental Baptist beliefs.
An independent Baptist Missionary (24 years in Romania) has posted a site “The Layman’s Biblical Handbook.” More than 200 doctrines at http://www.thelaymansbiblicalhandbook.com/
G. M. Matheny
So, are you happy about that, or wanting to change?
I found that 10 of those apply to me and I’m not even IFB.
Some of these are humorous and right on the money. I grew up in a IFB school and then university, so I can totally relate. However, some (I agree O’grodnik) are unfair and judgmental. For example, #54. Believing it’s a sin is one thing, believing it’s an unforgivable sin is another. Clearly only one unforgivable sin is mentioned in the Bible (KJV even) and that isn’t it. Also, #55 – there has only been and will ever only be one perfect person. We will never attain that on this side. Like I said, funny post, but a bit judgmental as well. I don’t think it’s as bad as all this, but that’s my 2 cents and maybe I’m still on the “inside.”
Quite the contrary, I was searching for something else when I clicked on this link, so I didn’t then and don’t now come looking to argue. I am a member of an IFB church, Many things on the above list don’t apply to the church I attend or those with which I have had the opportunity to attend. The ones that do apply, I don’t see a problem with (ie, we do have a track rack and we do have a van that picks up from surrounding neighborhoods and I do enjoy attending church 3 times a week and would enjoy more if possible.) I understand that it’s hard to convey emotions when typing, but the above list does not have the feel that it was done with a spirit of love but one of condemnation. If I have misunderstood I apologize. Lastly, I can’t really respond to the “think that there’s something “spiritual” about tolerating abuse” because I have no idea where that’s coming from in my initial post. God Bless.
If you (like Jason) come to this site to criticize sarcasm by hypocritically using sarcasm, you might be an Independent Fundamental Baptist.
By the way Jason, if you think there’s something “spiritual” about tolerating abuse, I feel sorry for you.
Great retort Steve!
What a typical, legalistic comment from Jason. Sometimes it makes you wonder if they have EVER read/learned anything from Jesus!
Wow, nice list. Maybe one day I can reach your level of acceptance and spirituality. Then, I can display my tolerance by making of list of things that I disagree with someone else about and make fun of them. That apparently is what Christ would do. God Bless.
Hey there. I found this site while checking for deceptions in different denominations, starting with Mormons. I’ve read all the comments posted so far, but I don’t fall into many of those categories as an IFB and I’ve been an IFB for almost 13yrs now. The key is that you’re not suppose to JUST sit under the teaching/preaching of anyone without reading the Bible, seeking wisdom from God, and fellow shipping with people who are interested in drawing closer to God. They all work together. You don’t just GO WITH THE FLOW. the Bible teaches us to “prove and test matters.” As I sit under preaching, sing worship songs unto the Lord, pray earnestly, read my Bible as often as I can, and search through commentaries to help me gain a deeper knowledge instead of surface reading, I KNOW I’m drawing closer to God in a personal relationship with Him. I also KNOW the areas that He’s not pleased with as I choose to hold on to that which the Bible clearly states as sin. I can be more specific and categorize your list of 55 things to give some examples as you asked O’Grodnik to do, but it wouldn’t be to diminish what you and others have experienced. The list is quite helpful just in case one is wondering if they’re living through the motions or not though, but some things are definitely unbiblical to do whether you’re IFB or not. Thanks for reading!
If you run into a church member at the grocery store and see that they have a bottle of wine or maybe a 6-pack of beer in their cart and you struggle over whether you should share this information with your pastor, you might be and independent fundamental Baptist!
If you question if you’re truly saved or not when you’re having trouble accepting that giviing 10% of your gross income is a direct commandment for all Christians and if you dont give it, you’re under a curse.
If you’ve been taught that robbing God (not giving 10% of gross income) is the special, one specific sin that will cause God to lift all protection of your life and allow satan FULL LIBERTY to destroy you.
If your eyes quickly scan down to see if a fellow female church member is wearing the acceptable skirt, dress or koulotts outside of church, and Heaven forbid she’s wearing capri’s or pants!! when you run into her at Wal*Mart
When you discover that female is indeed wearing the acceptable dress, skirt or koulotts you’re so relieved to know that she’s “right with God” !
You ALWAYS have your KJV Bible with you at church, and turn to numerous verses each sermon. You consider it a personal failure if you are not able to find a verse within ten seconds, and secretly proud if you are able to find it right away. If you consider it worldly and almost frightening if someone brings a different version of the Bible to church, and wonder what your Pastor would say if he knew, you might be an Independent Fundamental Baptist.
So funny and right on!
@ O’Grodnik
Such as…??? Care to elaborate, provide examples?
Some of these are very much right on the money. Others are very much unfair criticism.
If your church allows no outside group of singers to perform at your church for fear that not all of their individual theologies line up with the church’s you might be an independent fundamental Baptist.
I love this!! Was so funny reading it, one thing that struck me is if an outsider were to read it they’d be incredulous, wondering how we stuck with it for so long. The thing is, it’s so insidious, you don’t really realize it’s happening until you’re firmly entrenched. Only thing I’ll add to the list is, “You might be an IFB if you greet all visitors with huge smiles, handshakes, and extreme cheerfulness.” I feel sorry for all the visitors we almost accosted now; no wonder some never came back! Great job adding a bit of levity!
“insidious” – I like that word. The IFB – Insidious Fundamental Baptist Church 🙂
Good point Steve! I actually looked up the word just now (Random House Websters College Dictionary), and here are the definitions:
1.) intended to entrap or beguile
2.) stealthily treacherous or deceitful
3.) operating or proceeding inconspicuously but with grave effect.
Hmm, I can’t think of a better word to describe the workings of the IFB! 🙂
I thought of another one…
If your church as at least 2 “Revivals” per year, you might be an Independent Fundamental Baptist.
Three words – vacation bible school *shiver*
That was an extensive list, and sooooo true!
Wow! This is very good. I found myself laughing at quite a few of these because they are things that I used to believe.