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Guilt, Fear & Intimidation

What has caused many independent, fundamental Baptist church members to live in bondage to a set of man-made, extra-Biblical rules or standards? Why would good, church going folks submit themselves to this 'spiritual' abuse? Why have so many God-fearing, good Christians been duped by well meaning, sincere but blinded or beguiled Pastors? These Pastors are trapped in this spiritual system and sadly are not even aware of it. What can be done to help these hyper-spiritual people who are ensared in this trap? Is there a motivating factor that has brought about this sect of fundamentalism? I believe that guilt, fear & intimidation have been the motivating factors that are being used to keep good Christians repressed into a "Phariseeical" role that they are being forced to play.

Hebrews 2:14-15 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

The fear of death has been used to try and keep unsaved people from getting saved. The Devil has imitated this philosophy into IFBx (Independent, Fundamental Baptist Extremist) churches and has beguiled Preachers into using guilt, fear & intimidation to berate their flock into serving God. The following are just a sampling of the ways that these Preachers use guilt, fear & intimidation to have their members fulfill their own wishes. The first part explains the guilt, fear or intimidation that is used to coerce members to fulfill the second part.

1. Fear of losing their ministry - Must wear a white shirt and tie.
2. Fear of being called out from the pulpit - Must go forward during the invitation.
3. Fear of death or injury - Must not touch the Lord's anointed.
4. Fear of being looked down upon - Must stand or raise your hand if going Soul Winning.
5. Fear of disapproval - Must win 1 or 10 souls to Christ in a week.
6. Fear of being labeled as disloyal - Must not talk or fellowship those who have left the church.
7. Fear of being labeled as disloyal - Must forsake your family, they take you away from church.
8. Fear of being fired - Must pledge and give to 'Give-it-all' Sunday.
9. Fear of emotional abuse - Must not ever disagree with the Preacher.
10. Fear of physical abuse - Must not ever disagree with the Preacher publicly.
11. Fear of what others think - Must not disagree with the Preachers views on anything.
12. Fear of being labeled as disloyal - The Preachers preference has to be your conviction.

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  1. The Glory LandApril 11, 2009 at 10:10 PM

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    ReplyDelete

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