I identify with the IPHC and all its marvelous doctrine. Of all denominations, I believe ours comes closest to preaching, teaching, and living the entire Bible.
We live in an area of NC where there are almost no IPHCs, so we don't attend one. We have been in a Southern Baptist church for the past 13 years. Two weeks ago, the pastor said that in our particular church, 95% or more of our conversion growth over the past 6 years that he has been with us has been biological -- children of church families. He doesn't think that is unusual. Considering the conspicuous lack of Holy Ghost power in our church (and in most Southern Baptist churches), I am not surprised at that statistic. From our own pulpit, I have heard it said that the gifts of healing and tongues died out with the original apostles. I've heard those gifts ridiculed. Okay, then -- have it your way, but don't be surprised that no one gets saved. Don't be surprised when interest in church dwindles to the point that about the only time people care to come is on Sunday morning, so any other attempt to have a program during the week just limps along on life support. Don't be surprised when Sunday school isn't on most people's radar. Don't be surprised by ANY measure of mediocrity when you say 'no, thank you' to the Holy Spirit.
I think it's hypocritical and arrogant of Southern Baptists to try to play gatekeeper to its own missionaries who are indwelt by the Holy Spirit's baptism--yes, tolerate them if you must (out of desperation and "competition") and let them serve, but don't let them talk about the power that is in them. These churches literally don't know what they're missing, but what's sadder than that is that they don't WANT to know.
We live in an area of NC where there are almost no IPHCs, so we don't attend one. We have been in a Southern Baptist church for the past 13 years. Two weeks ago, the pastor said that in our particular church, 95% or more of our conversion growth over the past 6 years that he has been with us has been biological -- children of church families. He doesn't think that is unusual. Considering the conspicuous lack of Holy Ghost power in our church (and in most Southern Baptist churches), I am not surprised at that statistic. From our own pulpit, I have heard it said that the gifts of healing and tongues died out with the original apostles. I've heard those gifts ridiculed. Okay, then -- have it your way, but don't be surprised that no one gets saved. Don't be surprised when interest in church dwindles to the point that about the only time people care to come is on Sunday morning, so any other attempt to have a program during the week just limps along on life support. Don't be surprised when Sunday school isn't on most people's radar. Don't be surprised by ANY measure of mediocrity when you say 'no, thank you' to the Holy Spirit.
I think it's hypocritical and arrogant of Southern Baptists to try to play gatekeeper to its own missionaries who are indwelt by the Holy Spirit's baptism--yes, tolerate them if you must (out of desperation and "competition") and let them serve, but don't let them talk about the power that is in them. These churches literally don't know what they're missing, but what's sadder than that is that they don't WANT to know.