Historic Baptist Churches of Northern Kentucky

My wife and I spent the better part of two days hunting down old Baptist churches. 

Think of it, one of these churches was established while George Washington was still alive. Another was established while Thomas Jefferson and John Adams were still living. 

These churches have different associations than we do, but they are still active and still call themselves Baptist.

Why Aren’t Our Churches Remaining Baptist Long Term?

I have spent a number of days running down old Baptist churches in the northern part of Kentucky. Think about it! One of these churches was established while George Washington was still alive. Another one, while John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were living. They are in different circles than I am, but they are still active, and they are still Baptist in name. Why aren’t more of the Independent Fundamental Baptist Churches remaining Baptist long term?

 

I am sure I don’t have all of the answers but here are some thoughts: 

Most of these churches are either Southern Baptist or Missionary Baptists. 

They might likely say that their longevity is attributed to their organizations. I would not agree with this because their organizations are moving toward being non-Baptist.

 

I would argue that many if not most independent Baptists are not, in fact, Baptists. 

I think they are more immersing old-fashioned Methodists. 

 

I think Independent Baptists have, for many decades, been more pragmatic and growth-oriented rather than doctrinal oriented. 

Almost anything goes in these days so long as we can claim souls being saved and churches growing. 

 

Doctrine is not preached as much as “help” messages. 

Too many preachers try to answer the questions people ask rather than informing people of the questions they should be asking.

 

Marvin McKenzie

In the fields

A Review of the Ark Encounter

A Review of the Ark Encounter
From a Baptist preacher

I have been aware of Ken Ham and Answers in Genesis since its inception. I want to say from the beginning that I have appreciated Answers in Genesis as a resource for creation science content and have used much of it (though most of what I have used is from the Institute for Creation Research). I am impressed with the quality of the content available from Answers in Genesis and have recommended it (with reservations) many times. I have always made those I introduced to this material aware of those areas where we disagree; not on creation itself bu in issues of the church and the preservation of the Word of God.

I really never had much interest in visiting the Ark Encounter and have been concerned whenever I’ve seen where strong Baptist preachers made their visit public. Answers in Genesis is evangelical. As such, its position is universal church (though it is subtle) and not at all King James Version. These issues are not just important, they are critical to what a Baptist truly is. By promoting a speaker, movement, materials, or, in this case, an attraction, that is high quality but Evangelical risks the doctrinal distinctive that makes one Baptist. Recently I brought a series of messages for young people. I included a couple of messages on the creation issue and, because of the interest from the young people, felt like it to be good to “brush up”. Through that experience, I developed an interest in the Ark Encounter.

My church, to celebrate my 20th anniversary as pastor, paid for my wife and I to come to the Ark Encounter (I had planned to take my wife there for our 40th wedding anniversary). We chose to get tickets to the Ark Encounter and its sister attraction, the Creation Museum. The Chinese coronavirus threatened to postpone our trip, which we scheduled for the second week of June 2020. Two weeks prior, I saw Ken Ham announce they would re-open June 8th, my 62nd birthday. The trip was on!

I was excited. We arrived a few minutes before 8 on June 8th. We were among the first twenty arriving.

My first impression

Wow, what a classy place. I overheard the staff on the radio encourage everyone to

have a positive attitude. The staff took that very literally. They were happy, welcoming, and helpful. Also, I have never seen so many armed security guys. The first person to greet us in line to pay for parking was an armed man. He was friendly, engaging us in conversation before we made our way in the line of cars (there were only two ahead of us) to pay for parking. He was obviously checking us out, but he did so in the most friendly of way. In line to give our tickets, I noticed a sign that said they do not allow guns, including concealed carry on the site. Inside, there were armed personnel, some plainclothes, some with k-9’s, and some in a uniform resembling a park ranger.

The Ark is something like a mile away from the parking lot. It can be seen from the lot, but barely. We boarded one of the many busses the attraction operates and were delivered to the first building, the “Answers Center”. My wife and I were a bit confused. Since they dropped us off at the Answers Center we figured we were supposed to go in their first. We entered lost but one of the very friendly staff saw your predicament and pointed the way to the Ark. It’s not a far walk. But it is a walk away.

Entering the Ark

Because of the Chinese coronavirus the crowds were obviously smaller. We could tell because they were set up with Disney-style separations. But they were completely empty. Top of the ramp is a photographer. Everyone stands in front of a green screen. All of the photos I’ve seen of people in front of the Ark are phony. There is no such spot to be photographed. They super-impose your picture in a pre-photographed scene of the Ark. 

Inside the Ark

Based on the biblical description, the Ark consists of three levels. The first signage

inside the Ark, on the first level, explains the “Ark-tistic license” taken to create the Ark. Everything about the Ark is founded upon the Bible, but mostly educated imagination. Though they do not hide it, I expect that a huge number of people go through the Ark and leave thinking this recreation is biblically accurate. Almost nothing has biblical substantiation. The creatures are the work of artistic imagination, the cages for the animals are the work of artistic imagination. There is a huge amount of content that attempts to explain the possible methods of feeding, watering, and especially cleaning the animals. I know animals. I am certain the system they suggest would have gotten plugged up within a week and would have required direct contact with the animals to fix the mess. They created an ingenious system they suggest may have been the way they got disposed of the urine and dung, including a sort of huge flushing system in the bottom of the Ark. The first level imagines and explains clay pots of various sizes and shapes and what they may have contained. There were also burlap bags stacked against the hull they suggest may have contained grain. 

The second level has more of the same but progresses into presentations not entirely connected to the Ark or the Flood. There are exhibits proposing workshops they may have had on board. The second level also has the door so highly spoken of in the Bible. They encourage a photo to be taken at the door. The door would become a major theme as the Encounter progressed. One of the last exhibits on the second level is a digitally animated video of an interview with Noah. There was a worker there who REALLY URGED people to view it. It was quite interesting.

The third level, more cages, this time of the birds. There were also suggested gardens, and sleeping quarters for the four couples onboard. One exhibit depicts the Bible being carried around the world in various languages. In the segment depicting the transmission of the Bible into English, the exhibit notably skips the King James Version. It is obvious the preferred version of the Ark Encounter is the ESV. Another exhibit is in a “Chick tract” style. It is a presentation of the Gospel using the several doors of the Bible. As you leave that exhibit you are encouraged to take a booklet style tract, a copy o the storyline of the exhibit. One of the final exhibits on the third floor is a video of an interview with the director of the Ark Encounter. Once again a worker strongly encourages visitors to view the video. It draws you in because the actors are obviously the actual people digitally animated in the previous video. This video includes Ray Comfort giving the gospel using his famous “Ten commandments” presentation. It ends with the interviewer, by implication, turning to the Lord.

Final thoughts

Everything I really wanted to see was on the first level. There was very little that was actual but they were very transparent about that. I have enough experience with people to know that most who visit never see that the entire Ark Encounter, including the Ark itself, is “Ark-tistic license”.  

Just as if we were in any attraction at Disneyland, the final room is a gift shop. After all, the entire place is really a Christian based attraction. A theme park. I am glad to report that they give the plan of salvation and really compel people to trust the Lord. But it is, in the end, a Christian themed attraction.

I only realized how big the Ark was after we stepped out of the Ark and my feet hurt, a lot.

Marvin McKenzie

In the fields

Key Truths for Christians in Times of Persecution

Key Truths for Christians in Times of Persecution

We ought to obey God rather than men.[1]

Our first priority is to our LORD. Remember, however, this is in all points of the Word and not just our favorite points. We ought to obey God in those areas of Scriptural instruction we personally don’t care for. 

We are to obey every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake.[2]

When we disobey laws we dislike but are not in direct violation of the Word of God, we directly violate the Word of God. This spoils our testimony and weakens our argument about obeying God. If we are going to “obey God rather than men” we had better make sure we obey the ordinance of men in every other possible way.

We are to pray for, respect, and (I believe) love[3] those in authority.[4]

Daniel certainly loved Nebuchadnezzar. He had respect for Darius. John Bunyan demonstrated great respect for Judge Wingate.[5]

Marvin McKenzie

In the fields

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[1] Acts 5:29 (KJV)

Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

[2] 1 Peter 2:13 (KJV)

Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;

[3] Romans 13:8 (KJV)

Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.

[4] 1 Timothy 2:1-3 (KJV)

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

[5] This is, of course, not an argument from Scripture, but Bunyon’s trial does represent an important document in Baptist history and sets an example for Baptists in times of persecution.

The SCOTUS Decision of May 29, 2020

The decision rendered by the Supreme Court of the United States May 29, 2020[1] reveals I believe, just how complex the issue of the right to assemble is under the duress of a pandemic. The justices, for the most part, split along ideological lines. The liberal-leaning justices voted in favor of the authority of the governor of California. The conservative-leaning ones voted in favor of the church’s first amendment right to assemble and worship. The swing vote was John Roberts, a moderate leaning conservative. 

In Justice Roberts’ opinion he said, “Although California’s guidelines place restrictions on places of worship, those restrictions appear consistent with the free exercise clause of the First Amendment,” 

“Similar or more severe restrictions apply to comparable secular gatherings, including lectures, concerts, movie showings, spectator sports, and theatrical performances, where large groups of people gather in close proximity for extended periods of time,” the chief justice wrote. “And the order exempts or treats more leniently only dissimilar activities, such as operating grocery stores, banks, and laundromats, in which people neither congregate in large groups nor remain in close proximity for extended periods.”

He recognized that severe[2] restrictions have been placed upon all sorts of secular gatherings. The point, whether well-founded or not, is that these sorts of gatherings are easy places for the Chinese virus to spread. The more liberal opinion in our country views this virus as dangerous. The more conservative in our land see it as dangerous but no more so than the typical flu. I disagree with the governor of California just as I do with our own. I do not necessarily see an aggressive posture against churches unless it is that these governors view churches as of lesser importance than movie theaters, concerts and etc.

In the opposing opinion, Justice Kavanaugh wrote that the state cannot, “‘assume the worst when people go to worship but assume the best when people go to work or go about the rest of their daily lives in permitted social settings.’”

I maintain that: 

·      This virus is not as dangerous as people were led to believe, that 

·      Liberal governors have chosen to use the fear that has spread to advance an agenda of their own and unrelated to the virus and therefore

·      We cannot win this thing merely by legal means, but we must use sound persuasion to convince people to not fear

Marvin McKenzie

In the fields for our Lord

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[1] https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/30/us/supreme-court-churches-coronavirus.html?fbclid=IwAR2cu83Om0V6i4FuzWeSSmis4PwdiPiRkplLMy-yenBf1juZ8JkZObwc1s8

[2] In my opinion too severe.

Perception vs Perspective

“Perception is what you interpret - it is your understanding of a given situation, person, or object. It is the meaning you assign to any given stimulus. Perspective is your point of view - it's the lens you see the world through and determines how you view yourself, others, and everything else around you.”[1]

I’ve been thinking a lot about perceptions d perspective lately. So many of our actions and attitudes derive from one or the other. Perception is most often the result of perspective. We interpret a thing the way we see the thing. 

Pastors today are forced to make decisions whether to open their services illegally, remain totally compliant to government mandates, or attempt some sort of combination. I find that the decisions they make have a great deal to do with perspective and that with perception. 

Recently I spoke with a pastor who says he’s had it with government orders and he’s opening his church to services. He explained to me that “we expect our missionaries to go to foreign fields and break the law for the sake of the gospel. Why should we do less?” Frankly, I didn’t respond. But I did begin to think. In my experience, from my perspective, the last thing anyone has ever expected of our missionaries is that they would break the law. From my perspective missionaries take great pains to obey the laws of the lands they seek to minister. They go to open countries. They get their support from the U.S. so as not to be a drain on the mission field’s economy. They often dress like the culture of the mission field. I have heard of a few missionaries who have been shady in the dealings with governments[2] but, from my perspective, those missionaries are always marginalized by the majority of missionaries. 

I spoke with a pastor just the other day about our Anabaptist forebears, as I consider what I know of them to aide me in my own decisions. His response was, “I don’t mean to be argumentative, but wouldn’t we dismiss the Anabaptists as not good Baptists?” From his perspective, complying with governments as the Protestants and most Baptists in the U.S. do has worked out well. Why would we want to consider the Anabaptist doctrine of separation of church and state? He would like to return to Pre-COVID19 practice because, in his perspective, it’s worked well. My perspective is slightly different. I tend to agree with old B.R. Lakin who, in the 1950’s I think said that churches in America could be successful doing what they are doing without God. Whether he actually said it, I am not sure. I’m taking the word of a preacher from his day. What I am sure of is that nothing in church has improved since then. 

My perspective gives me the perception that this would be a grand time for God to bring revival.

Marvin McKenzie

In the fields (praying)

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[1] A Google search yielded this from onboardonline.com.

[2] Bribing to grease the wheels they want turned.

Chief Concerns over Re-opening Church

I just finished listening to David Gibbs III of the National Center for Life and Liberty, his video of recommendations dated May 13, 2020. I have also obtained and read the guidance PDF from David Gibbs II of the Christian Law Association. Both guidance recommends strong precautionary measures from the parking lot, into the building, and while inside the church building, all guidelines meant to minimize the risk of contracting Coronavirus for those in attendance and to limit the liability of the church in case of legal action. Both organizations seem to believe that we will never go back to “life as we knew it.” NCLL recommends that everything done in the church is documented, preferably on video:

·      A posted notice of disclaimer that by attending our services the attendee assumes responsibility for their own health and will not seek legal action against the church should they get ill as a result of attending.

·      The disinfecting procedures

·      The safe distancing measures and

·      Any contact the church might have with authorities.

Some of my chief concerns, when we return to the House of God is that I do not believe we can allow the scare that the media and the government fomented over this virus, to place us in a state of “new normal”. 

·      I am unwilling to meet under conditions of having to document everything we do from the parking lot to building for safety’s sake[1]

·      I am unwilling to accept that the people of God will no longer be allowed to show reasonable affection and care for one another while in the house of the Lord

·      I am unwilling to document who does and does not attend for the sake of government contact and surveilling 

·      I may be willing to allow for those who deem it necessary to wear masks, but I unwilling to require, or even recommend it

To return to church assembly with restrictions sets a precedent, in my opinion, giving the government ever-increasing authority over church worship. We must return with the same liberties that we had previously, or else we have given liberties I do not believe we can afford to lose.

Marvin McKenzie

In the fields, (resisting new normals)

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[1] On a practical level, I simply know we will never do it well enough to meet the standard. I want our church to be an informal and reverential place of worship and not a business-like atmosphere.