We are a Sovereign
Grace Baptist Church

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from 2022 Memorial Day

Why Are We Still Here?

Landmark Independent Baptist Church is a very small congregation. The old truths for which we contend are almost universally rejected. In terms of numbers of members, or finances, we have made but little progress in our thirty years of existence. Without doubt, some observers would ask themselves: why don’t they just close the doors? In truth, there are times when this preacher asks himself that same question. There are, however, several reasons for continuing on.

First, God has called us to this ministry. We dare not quit until He tells us to do so. When God called Ezekiel it was to stand and preach, regardless of what the reception might be. So it must be with the God-called preacher today. (Ezekiel 2:3-5 – And he said unto me, Son of man, I send thee to the children of Israel, to a rebellious nation that hath rebelled against me: they and their fathers have transgressed against me, even unto this very day. For they are impudent children and stiff-hearted. I do send thee unto them; and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD. And they, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear, (for they are a rebellious house,) yet shall know that there hath been a prophet among them.)

Second, knowing that God has called us to this ministry, we know that we could not quit even if we wanted to. Jeremiah became discouraged and tried to quit—but God would not let him. (Jeremiah 20:9 – Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.)

Third, as a Christian husband and father, I must give account for my own household. (1 Timothy 5:8 – But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.) I must ensure that they are grounded in the faith and brought up in a Scriptural church. If we closed the doors, where would we go to church? There is no other church in this area I could take my family to in conscience. So, if God led us to close the doors, we would be compelled to relocate to where there is already a Scriptural church or start such a church in a new area. Until that happens, I must continue on for the sake of my own family, if for nothing else. (Joshua 24:15 – And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve . . . but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.)

Fourth, to close the doors without clear direction from God would be a sin against His faithfulnesses of the past. He has met every need that we have had up until the present, he has blessed more than can be enumerated. So long as He continues to provide, how can we quit?
(2 Kings 17:7 – For so it was, that the children of Israel had sinned against the LORD their God, which had brought them up out of the land of Egypt, from under the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt . . .)

Fifth, though very small in number, God does have a faithful remnant. A few who have determined not the bend the knee to Baal, not to compromise with the world, not to adopt the modern reinterpretations of Biblical standards and doctrines. God says to us as he did to Elijah: “Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.” (1 Kings 19:18)

Sixth, the driving force for continuing on is the reality of the Judgment Seat of Christ. Indeed, “. . . we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ: that every one may receive the things done in his body, whether it be good or bad.” (2 Corinthians 5:10). As a former Marine, I can well remember having my heels locked in front of the Colonel’s desk and giving an account of the things done in the flesh. I know that I will one day, very soon, give an account to my Lord. To have abandoned my post in the face of the enemy would require much accounting.

I realize that the Lord may eventually lead us in some other direction. In fact, I have more than once prayed that He would. But by His Grace we will hold fast where He has placed us until we receive orders to the contrary.

But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden. But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.

                                                                                                               (Revelation 2:24-25)