IMB Challenges

So the semester is finally up and going. Break was awesome and I had a lot of dun. I actually didn't fight with my dad over break; of course I wasn't home much anyway. So I'm not taking many classes. I have 13 hours: Systematic Theology II, Acting I, Missions Practicum II, and Senior Seminar. Even though I have so few classes I have a lot of papers. For ST I am writing one on the Fatherhood of God, for Senior Seminar I get to write about the implications of the new IMB policies on the local church, and I get to take a two week tour of Europe and spread the gospel to my travel companions for missions’ practicum. It will be hard work, but I think I'll learn a lot.
I got my business back up and running and its going awesome. Tye decided to join the team and she really is amazing me and setting a high standard for everyone to hold to. There is a lot of interest on campus and I'm really excited about helping some people find a way to do what God has placed on their hearts. I've just been amazed at watching the team I work with because I think it is the first time I've really been around men, not males. Men that love their wives, their God, and those around them. I am extremely proud to be part of this. I also got a new website www.bww.com/higherhope The password is Freedom.
So for those of you that don't know the IMB has just got me furious over their new policies. For a good explanation of the policies go to www.joelrainey.blogspot.com or wadeburleson.com and read his Dec. 10 entry. Basically one states that anyone that has ever spoken in tongues even in a private prayer language is not eligible for service with the IMB, and the other states the only acceptable baptism is that essentially only those baptized by a southern Baptist pastor in a southern Baptist church is not acceptable. They must apply for re-baptism to be eligible for service. I personally have no problem calling this a pure heresy.
First, let us take the prayer language. I do not fully understand the biblical position of tongues. I personally believe that tongues are meant to be real human lang. for the purpose of the spreading of the gospel and the edification of the church. The other is the private prayer language. I have no idea what this means. I believe that as rational beings we prayer as whole beings through the language we speak and using our minds and our emotions. But there is also evidence in Scripture that the Holy Spirit will at times intercede. I believe this occurs at times of intense prayer and refuse to limit the working of God by saying this does not exist.
Second, is the issue of baptism. Baptism is a symbol and practice ordained by God to make a public profession of faith. This is our first public profession (not walking the aisle). To say that this must be done by a certain person in a certain place just because we disagree with them doctrinally is preposterous. We have one Lord, one faith, one hope, and one BAPTISM. Yes they are to be immersed, but to say someone must be re-baptized because the man God ordained to bring them to salvation holds to some incorrect doctrines is insane heresy. I’m so mad it gives me a headache to think about it.
Anyway, I’m doing a paper on these policy effects on the local church. Its going to be great. Be in prayer for our convention, our IMB missionaries, the trustees, and the IMB president and staff. They are all great people and want to glorify God. We just have some people that are going about it the wrong way. For more information see www.wadeburleson.com and www.joelrainey.blogspot.com . Soli Deo Gloria, Jason Vaughn.
1. My hope is built on nothing less
than Jesus' blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
but wholly lean on Jesus' name.
Refrain:
On Christ the solid rock I stand,
all other ground is sinking sand;
all other ground is sinking sand.

2. When Darkness veils his lovely face,
I rest on his unchanging grace.
In every high and stormy gale,
my anchor holds within the veil.
(Refrain)

3. His oath, his covenant, his blood
supports me in the whelming flood.
When all around my soul gives way,
he then is all my hope and stay.
(Refrain)

4. When he shall come with trumpet sound,
O may I then in him be found!
Dressed in his righteousness alone,
faultless to stand before the throne!
(Refrain)