| We welcome all of God's people
who are truly seeking to learn what Historic Baptists believe as it is taught in the word
of God. Should you choose to subscribe, we believe you will be edified by your
experience. PURPOSE:
The purpose of this Forum is to discuss the Scriptures and scriptural related subjects and
writings from the historical Baptist perspective of God's Sovereign Grace and the Kingdom
of Christ. Discussions can be centered around any Biblical Doctrine and Practice of the
New Testament Churches or applicable to God's children individually. I believe that a New
Testament Church must be "primitive" (original) in nature by design; Baptist in
practice by commandment; and sound in doctrine by teaching. Therefore these are settled
facts in my mind. I will be happy to try and convince others of my belief. :-)
In this world of religious confusion, compromise, division and diversity, there is a need
for the Standard of God to be held high and the Light of Truth to shine forth to those
whom God has given "hearing ears and seeing eyes". By the grace of God, the
purpose of this Forum is to do just that, by promoting the gospel of Christ according to
the Scriptures, through the study of the Scriptures. The gospel of Christ includes the
Biblical doctrine of Grace as well as the doctrine of the true Church and Kingdom of
Christ. By the grace of God we hope to accomplish this for the benefit of God's people:
(1) By having positive scriptural discussions about "Those things which are most
surely believed among us", (Luke 1:1), whereby we obey the instructions of our
Saviour to "Search the Scriptures" (John 5:39) and the instructions to
"Study to show thyself approved unto God" (II Tim. 2:15). Rather than to accept
the word of man, we ought to "Receive the word with all readiness of mind and search
the Scriptures daily to see whether these things be so" or not. (Acts 17:11).
(2) By providing Scriptural answers to those questions asked by seekers of Truth
subscribed to this Forum. The authority of Scripture must rule over the opinions of men
and man-made traditions.
(3) By posting informative and edifying material written by our Forefathers in hope these
writings will be a blessing and benefit to all. Historically, true Baptists are not
Protestants, and the doctrines of Grace, which are today so commonly called Calvinism,
were taught by Christ and his Apostles, and the people known as "Baptists" for
hundreds of years before John Calvin took them and formulated his TULIP doctrines.
THE FORUM IS NOT ECUMENICAL:
We respect all of God's elect people who are members of other orders, and never purposely
intend to say or do anything to show disrespect for those persons as individuals. But
anytime the Truth is spoken and an un-truth is exposed, it can be taken as an offense and
feelings can be hurt. But thanks be to God, the foundation of Truth is not based on
emotions or compromise. Therefore, this Forum is not an ecumenical forum to be used for
the promotion of the doctrines and practices of other orders. Any question may be asked
concerning the beliefs and practices of Historic Baptists and those known today as
Primitive, Old Line or Old School Baptists, as they compare with other orders, but
doctrines and practices of other orders may not be promoted. To allow such would only
promote confusion and disorder.
AUTHORITY:
The Scriptures, known as the King James Version or Translation of the Bible, shall serve
as the ultimate Rule for "Thus saith the Lord". While some of our subscribers
may have and use other versions, and give references from those versions, this is a KJV
Only Forum. In discussions about the Scriptures, the Scriptures themselves rule over
opinions and or traditions of men. "Prove all things, hold fast to that which is
good". All of us may freely express our opinions and they should be tolerated with
charity. IF we cannot produce Scripture to
support our views, we should not require that others agree with them. Tolerance and
Forbearance are the key words for any Discussion Forum. (Eph. 4:2, Col. 3:13).
FORUM RESTRICTIONS:
Moderator Approval is necessary to Subscribe to the Bible Truth Forum. One does not have
to be a Historic Baptist to subscribe, but one should sincerely be desirous of learning
the Doctrines of Grace as held by Historic Baptists. Approval for subscription can be
obtained by simply making a statement of such desire to the Moderator.
Subscribe to the BTF send an email to
>> BTF-subscribe@topica.com
<<
FORMAT:
Subscribers may choose to receive Individual Messages or a read the Digest of the Messages
from the Web Site at Topica. ALL Subscribers may post their comments directly to the
Forum. The Moderator will intervene only when necessary -- although he may be posting his
own messages, making comments or posting other material as a regular subscriber would do.
ALL subscribers are welcome to post messages and make comments. Participation is
encouraged, but not required. You may feel free to Read Only.
TO POST A MESSAGE TO THE TRUTHFORUM -- Send the email to
>> BTF@topica.com <<
TELL A FRIEND ABOUT THE BIBLE TRUTH FORUM and
HOW TO SUBSCRIBE: (There are several ways to subscribe)
(1) The easiest way to subscribe is to send your request to the Moderator at
>> BibleTruthForum@aol.com <<. Please give your full name, church
affiliation, your email address, and a brief statement expressing your reasons for wanting
to subscribe.
Other ways to subscribe:
(2) Send a Blank e-mail to >> BTF-subscribe@topica.com <<
** Should you have any problems, please contact Elder Bob Allgood
via e-mail at >> BibleTruthForum@aol.com <<
HOW TO UNSUBSCRIBE:
To unsubscribe, send a blank email to: >> BibleTruthForum@aol.com << with the
word "unsubscribe" in the subject heading.
OR send an email to >> BTF-unsubscribe@topica.com <<
SUGGESTED SUBJECTS FOR DISCUSSION:
It will be assumed that all subscribers believe in God, are desirous to study the
Doctrines of God's Sovereign Grace and the Kingdom of Christ, and are willing to accept
the Holy Scriptures as the Inspired authoritative Word of God. Following is a partial list
of some Basic BIBLE Doctrines or subjects pre-approved for discussion on this Forum:
1. SIN - The origin, condemnation and the universality of sin. The doctrine of "Total
Depravity" or man's inability to recover himself from the state of sin and death.
2. ELECTION and PREDESTINATION - The doctrine of God's sovereign will and eternal purpose
in Christ Jesus in choosing a people unto himself.
3. EFFECTUAL CALLING and IRRESISTIBLE GRACE - The doctrine of being "born again"
(from above) by the will and purpose of God - not of works - nor the will of the flesh -
nor the will of man - but of God.
4. RIGHTEOUSNESS - God's attribute and requirement of righteousness. The doctrine of
Eternal Justification by Imputed Righteousness.
5. HEAVEN and HELL and FINAL THINGS - The doctrines of Eternal Glory for the elect and
Eternal Punishment for the non-elect. The resurrection of the just and the unjust. The
subject of Judgments
6. ETERNAL LIFE (Salvation) and Gospel or Time Salvation. The purpose of the Gospel and
Good Works. Law versus Grace. Justification before man by good works. Perseverance versus
Preservation of the Saints.
7. REPENTANCE and WATER BAPTISM. - Godly sorrow worketh repentance. Water Baptism a work
of righteousness that saves in time.
8. THE CHURCH and CHURCH ORDER - True Worship of God in the True Church. The Simplicity of
Worship - Prayer, Singing and Preaching. Why New Testament Churches do not use man-made
inventions and innovations in their worship services ?
It is difficult to set forth exact rules to govern discussions. Therefore the
Moderator reserves the right to disallow any discussion he believes will not serve to
edify God's people. Following is a general guideline. All Biblical subjects, All
Principles taught in the Word of God, and All relevant issues which effect Sound Doctrine
and Practice may be discussed. We do not discuss Personalities even though names may be
mentioned in the issues which are discussed. We are concerned about Principles and Issues.
The principle taught in Rom.14:19, "Let us therefore follow after the things that
make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another" is a good guideline for
all discussions.
The Moderator may control discussions by not allowing more than one subject to be
discussed at a time - but this would depend upon the number of post that are being made
regarding each subject under consideration.
COURTESY AND ETHICS:
All who are subscribed to the Truth Forum will be expected to word their post in such a
manner as becoming of a child of God speaking to a brother or sister in Christ. The Bible
says, "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good
to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers". The passage
found in Ephesians 4:29-32 serves as a good guideline for courtesy. We all realize that in
Discussions such as we may have, emotions some times get out of control. But we are taught
to bridle our tongue while we speak the Truth plainly.
Personal attacks against the character of an individual; innuendoes and
slanderous remarks are not allowed. Accusations should not be made unless there is clear
evidence to substantiate them. Remember, IMO or IMHO (In My Opinion or In My Humble
Opinion) is a good way to avoid being unduly dogmatic. Should a discussion become
"confrontational" on the Truth Forum it should be discontinued OR continued
privately.
POLICIES and PROCEDURES SUBJECT TO MODIFICATION:
Our Policies and Procedures apply to All equally and alike. Because we can not foresee all
future circumstances these Policies and Procedures are subject to Modification at the
digression of the Moderator, but only if the need arises to Improve them for the cause of
Truth.
Thanks for considering the Bible Truth Forum.
Brother Bob Allgood
Philippians 1:2
The truth can withstand the most intense scrutiny.
http://www.bibletruthforum.com
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