Thanks for the response Paul.
I knew you were trying to get a rise out of a Baptist but I really didn't know what your true feelings were, so I actually even went back and edited the post and put in 'someone' instead of 'you.'
I really don't want to argue on the forum, so I'd rather speak constructively. (Unless the topic is Islam, then I'm right and you're wrong... j/k).
I have to admit, until recently I've been pretty much tunnel vision as far as denominations go. My background in Childhood is Catholicism. I first heard the Gospel at an Evangelical Free church in middle school. In college I came to the Lord in a Southern Baptist Church.
Like Paul Washer said in his famous sermon (you know the one if you've heard it), I'm proud to be a Southern Baptist, because for the most part we get thing's right before others do -although no denomination is perfect.
I think Southern Baptists have pretty strong footing in theology, praxis and missions. We're conservative, we're mission minded, and our members live lives that reflect this daily.
One thing that I never learned too much about as a Baptist was the gifts of the Spirit, I think the denomination plays this down because it is dangerous territory. Southern Baptists tend to stress personal holiness and obedience over speaking in tongues and prophesy. Sometimes this leads to dead religiosity -however in my church it leads to humble discipleship.
I have no doubt that there are some Baptists who have a genuine gift of tongues, but because of the emphasis on modesty and humility it probably won't be tolerated in a worship services because it is and often has been a sournce of pride and boasting.
Baptists like Brother Andrew, KP Yohannan and Paul Washer aren't afraid to reach out and grasp the hands of a Pentacostal or Charismatic, as long as those believers are well grounded in humility, modesty and the foundational virtues of a servant of the Lord.
For example, Gospel For Asia is an interdenominational organization, but KP Yohannan is an ordained Baptist minister. KP and Zac Poonen are on good terms, Zac Poonen has even taught at GFA meetings.
Paul Washer talks lovingly about his friendship with Leonard Ravenhill... even getting past the fact that Ravenhill wasn't always the most kind in his speech towards Baptists =)
Brother Andrew isn't even afraid to meet with the members of Hamas or Hezbollah, he's not going to avoid meeting with some Pentecostals, Nazarenes or Charismatics.
What I don't like is when Pentecostals say that if I don't speak in tongues, then I'm not born again -I'm not the one putting up barriers here =)
Anyways, God Bless!
