Tri-City Baptist Church, Tempe, Arizona

Regarding Ecumenical Evangelism

The FBF continues to voice its opposition to ecumenical evangelism. Under the guise of winning people to Christ, individuals and groups who reject the doctrine of Biblical inspiration and espouse sacramental salvation are together on the same platform with those who insist upon the authoritative Word of God and salvation by grace through faith. Typical of this unscriptural type of evangelism has been Billy Graham, who in his commendation of the National and World Councils of Churches and refusal to condemn the false gospel preached by Roman Catholics, has deceived multitudes. Roman Catholic involvement in the Graham crusades has grown significantly over recent years. In the November 1993 "Moody Monthly," Graham Crusade director, Sterling Huston, admits this fact and says that some Roman Catholic leaders now serve as official representatives on the crusade planning committees. Roman Catholics are also welcomed as ushers, choir members, and counselors. We believe that embracing practicing Roman Catholics in the planning and carrying out of an evangelistic crusade is a betrayal of the Great Commission and makes a mockery of the true Gospel of the grace of God, which the Roman Catholic Church hates and opposes.

Over the last 40 years Billy Graham has insinuated himself into the corridors of power, both ecclesiastical and political; and today he, more than any other man, seems to be in a position to bring the various divisions of apostate Christianity into a position of cooperation with each other and an acceptance of unbiblical alliances and a willingness to sacrifice the things of God to the control of civil authority, which is becoming more and more virulent in its attacks upon Christian principles of righteousness and morality and those who hold to such principles. We decry the fact that Billy Graham does not use his influence against this mounting evil, but by his silence and unwillingness to speak out in some cases and in others by his tacit approval of these trends is helping forward the preparation for antichrist and opening the doors to persecution of the godly and Biblical Christians.

Regarding the Charismatic Movement

The FBF opposes the current charismatic movement because it continues to serve as a catalytic agent for the one-world church of the antichrist. This ecumenical spirit is caused by an emphasis on a subjective experience that overshadows reliance on the objective Word of God. It is experience-centeredness causes the movement to move more and more into a false mysticism and to live on the edge of an illuminism with its claims to direct divine revelation.

Regarding the Jerry Falwell Ministries

The FBF in the late 1970s termed the direction taken by Jerry Falwell as "pseudo-fundamentalism," which was defined as New Evangelicalism in embryonic form. We believe that this observation was correct as subsequent events have shown. Falwell's book "Fundamentalist Phenomenon" completely repudiated the strong stance of Biblical separation and espoused cooperation between his brand of Fundamentalism and New Evangelicalism for the purpose of saving America and evangelizing the world. This weak position led to his fiasco with Jim Bakker and the charismatic movement. We agree with Barry Lynn (September 13, "Christianity Today" who said, "Falwell clearly has compromised the Christian character of Liberty University in an effort to retain public funding." Fundamentalists repudiated Falwell's brand of compromise while he claimed to be a Fundamentalist. His refusal to be governed by Scriptural commands of separation is evidenced today in Falwell's participation in Tim Lee's CORE conferences, in the convention speakers on the platform of Liberty University, and the appearance of Franklin Graham, Billy Graham's son and heir apparent, on Falwell's platform recently.

Regarding Secondary Separation

The FBF believes that the attacks on so-called "secondary separation" are really an attack on first degree or primary separation and come from sources that do not understand the meaning of Biblical separation. We do not believe that the word of the Psalmist (119:63), "I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts," can be used to express tolerance toward those who, while sound in the faith themselves, express tolerance and cooperation toward those who deviate from the faith. We believe that the Scriptures do command separation from those who aid and encourage compromise with infidelity.

Regarding the Biblical Manuscripts Controversy

The FBF recognizes that discussion and debate concerning the biblical manuscripts continues to attract national attention. The FBF affirms belief in the Bible, both Old and New Testaments (66 canonical books), as the inspired, inerrant, and infallible Word of God as originally written. We believe in the verbal inspiration of the Scriptures. We believe that any version must reveal faithfulness in translating the best manuscripts. We reject as fallacious any theory of double inspiration. We reject the concept that a translation can be used to correct the autographs, or that the Holy Spirit so superintended a particular translation as to make it infallible. We recognize that any issue involving the Word of God is, of necessity, important and should be dealt with carefully, intelligently, and prayerfully. We resolve that this Fellowship take note of the large number of men who love the Lord and are faithful to the Scriptures on both sides of the debate and that we encourage these men and schools in further scholarly discussion and publication in a spirit of courtesy and consideration for the godly, fundamental men with whom they disagree.

Regarding Evangelicals and Catholics Together

The FBF completely repudiates the consultation known as "The Christian Mission in the Third Millennium" which seeks to bridge the gap between evangelicals and Roman Catholics for the purpose of standing against Islam and secular forces present in society. Signed by individuals such as Charles Colson; Richard Land of the Christian Life Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention; Larry Lewis of the Home Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention; Fr. Richard John Neuhaus, Institute on Religion and Public Life; and endorsed by Bill Bright, Campus Crusade for Christ; Keith Fournier, American Center for Law and Justice; Richard Mouw, Fuller Theological Seminary; Mark Noll, Wheaton College; J.I. Packer Regent College; and Pat Robertson, Regent University, we believe that this document represents a betrayal of the cause of Biblical Christianity and is a further move toward union with the Roman Catholic Church and apostasy in religious life.

Regarding the Southern Baptist Convention

While applauding the attempts of conservatives in the Southern Baptist Convention to reemphasize the doctrine of the infallibility and inerrancy of Scripture, we do not believe that these men are "fundamental" Southern Baptists. Our reasoning is twofold: first, they still accept the ecumenical evangelism of Billy Graham which makes them New Evangelicals; and second, they do not desire to be known as Fundamentalists. Writing in "The Church God Approves," James Draper, conservative in the Southern Baptist Convention, condemns Fundamentalists for their divisiveness, bigotry and unfairness; and says that they have a wholly negative approach and show little love and compassion. Those who call for cooperation in pulpit ministries between Fundamentalists and Southern Baptists either misread the nature of the conservative movement in the Convention, or themselves have compromised the cause of Biblical separation.

Regarding Missions and Evangelism

The FBF believes that world evangelism and the taking of the Gospel message concerning Christ to the entire globe, beginning at our Jerusalem, must remain paramount in the agenda of fundamental churches. While we continue to contend against false doctrine and ecumenical compromises, we must not be deterred from our responsibility to point men to Christ as their only Savior.

Regarding the World Council of Churches

The FBF condemns the World Council of Churches in its continued march into paganism as witnessed by the fact that the last two general assemblies of the WCC (1983 in Vancouver, British Columbia, and 1991 in Canberra, Australia), featured speakers from heathen religions. In the Vancouver meeting, North American Indians were invited to build an altar, toss offerings on it for their nature gods and then dance around the altar. The meeting in Australia was opened by Australian aborigines who built a heathen fire and danced around it. We call upon all Fundamentalists to alert their people to the apostasy of the World Council of Churches.

Regarding Tim Lee and the CORE Ministries

The FBF believes in revival and evangelism, but contends that the bridge-building advocated by Lee and his ministries is wrong and will result in mass confusion among a younger generation of independent Baptists who consider themselves Fundamentalists. We believe that all attempts to camouflage the issue by attempting to show a distinction between an actual merger of independents and Southern Baptists and having simply a time of fellowship between independents and those in the SBC is a smokescreen for a departure from the principles of Biblical separation and will lead a generation of young Fundamentalists into compromise.

Regarding Christian School Associations

The FBF believes that the Christian school movement is a positive influence for genuine Biblical Christianity in our nation, but warns local Christian schools and state and national associations of the danger of having on their educational platforms those who are not firmly committed to the principles and practices of Biblical separation. We believe that it is possible to have New Evangelicalism slip in through the back door of our Christian education associations while guarding the front door of our churches from this danger. We challenge Christian schools to give attention to developing a distinctively Christian world view and to avoid the development of a ghetto mentality that keeps us from impacting our society for Christ.

Regarding the Jack Van Impe Ministries

The FBF regrets that Jack Van Impe, who once proclaimed that he was a Fundamentalist, has continued his declension from that position ever since the publication of his book, "Heart Disease in Christ's Body." Recent indications are his commendation of Billy Graham and his ecumenical evangelism and Van Impe's recent video release entitled "Startling Revelations: Pope John Paul II," in which he gives the impression that the Pope is a genuine Christian, that the Roman Church is only now beginning to go apostate and that Pope John Paul is attempting to stem the tide of error. We believe that his thesis is incorrect and is evidence of Van Impe's further departure from true Biblical separation.

Regarding Fundamentalism and its Fight

The FBF is concerned with a trend in certain quarters of professing Fundamentalism that would attempt to maintain the fundamentals of the faith without any fight. We do not believe that a position of Fundamentalism can be maintained without contending publicly for the Faith. While affirming that we should "speak the truth in love" (Ephesians 4:15), we argue that truth should not be sacrificed on the altar of love. Scripture teaches that the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable (James 3:17). We remember that we gather not around love, but around the truth of God in love. We believe that love obeys the truth (John 14:15, 21, 23, 24) and corrects error (Matthew 18:15-17). In I Corinthians 15:33, the apostle declares, "Be not deceived; evil communications corrupt good manners." A good doctrine is always contaminated by a bad environment or bad associations. The FBF calls upon Fundamentalists to recognize this truth, to alert themselves to the inroads of apostasy and compromise in the religious world, and to warn their people of these dangers, using names to identify a position when the need arises.

Regarding Morality and Ministry

The FBF believes that as the morals of modern-day society are fast approaching the depths of Sodom and Gomorrah, this same attitude has produced among men a greater tolerance for wickedness in the pulpit. This has resulted in self-proclaimed Fundamentalists encouraging fallen men toward relocation rather than repentance and aiding them in recycling rather than removal from the ministry. The FBF resolves to uphold the Biblically sound position that opposes any tolerance of immorality in the lives of church leaders, demanding instead their removal from places of leadership. We believe that the local church is within its boundaries of Scripture to withhold fellowship from the immoral brother until heartfelt repentance is demonstrated, at which time the brother can be lovingly restored to the body of believers, but not to the pastoral ministry.

Regarding Revival

The FBF continues to believe that the need of the hour is a genuine Divine visitation. It calls upon Fundamentalists to study Scripture on revival and to read widely in the history of revivals in order to prepare ourselves and our people for this visitation from God and to learn how to handle revival when it comes.

Regarding the Clinton Administration

The FBF condemns in the strongest terns the callous disregard of the Clinton administration to the Biblical positions on abortion, homosexuality, and righteousness. We believe that this attitude hastens the judgment of Almighty God on a wicked and sinful nation. Without getting involved in partisan politics, we believe that these sins must be condemned publicly from our pulpits.

Regarding Euthanasia

The FBF holds human life sacred and is in opposition to "assisted suicide" and other "death with dignity" practices. The "right to die" position is ungodly, unscriptural, and essentially humanistic. The ultimate claim to our lives belongs not to ourselves or the state, but to God.

Regarding Hollywood

The FBF decries the moral laxness in our land today, due in part to the aggressive stance of the media industry opposing the Christian ethic in our culture. Recognizing that films and television have neither successfully regulated themselves nor reformed their standards, the FBF calls upon all Christians to exercise great discernment in viewing entertainment and gathering information. Most Hollywood productions are no more acceptable today, regardless of the format, than they ever were. Psalm 101:3 is still a good Biblical standard.

Regarding National Health Care

The FBF stands fully opposed to a mandatory and universal government-controlled health "care" program. Not only is socialized medicine contrary to our Christian principles and American values, but it will lead our country in the wrong direction. The expansion of a humanistic, central government over the personal lives of its citizens is not in the best interest of the nation. It is neither the business nor the right of government to decide who or what shall or shall not be covered; these issues are the responsibility of the individual and family. Furthermore, Christians should not be financially liable for the medical treatment necessary to accommodate lifestyle choices of the ungodly. We encourage healthy debate on insurance reform, and issues such as overuse of elective procedures, malpractice claims and coverage, but it all must remain in the free market system. The solution has never been and should never be in governmental control and regulation. May our Lord provide us with wisdom as we seek His will to help others.

Regarding Dealing with the Government

The FBF realizes that the future most likely holds more and more confrontation with local, state, and federal governmental agencies and the Fundamentalists must approach these confrontations with prayerful preparation. On the one hand, we must obey the Scriptural command, "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God; the powers that be are ordained of God" (Romans 13:1). On the other hand, we realize that there comes a time when government may step outside its proper boundary and present a dilemma for God's men, and that then we must say with the apostles, "We must obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29).

Regarding Dealing with Homosexuality

The FBF views homosexuality and lesbianism as sexual perversions rather than alternative lifestyles, sins that bring the condemnation and wrath of a Holy God upon a community or nation in which they are tolerated, and calls upon Fundamentalists to strongly denounce these evils. We are aware of the rising tide of militancy among the homosexuals in our country and the influence this can have on our churches. On the one hand, there will be increasing pressure for non-discrimination in hiring them and accepting them into our schools and, on the other hand, harassment and even violence against churches and leaders who oppose them. We must persistently inform our own people as well as public officials as to the Biblical and moral principles against homosexuality.

Regarding Church Marketing Methods

The FBF is committed to excellence in our churches and schools without compromise of Biblical convictions. Attempts in recent years to "market the ministry" (such as the Willow Creek model) are an affront to true, Biblical Christianity. The blueprint for church building and growth patterns comes from the Word of God and not from the opinion polls of men; giving people what they want has rarely been compatible with giving people what they need. Read with discernment the literature being published today on church growth.

Regarding Improper Allegations of Legalism

The FBF rejoicingly acknowledges that the New Testament believer, as a participant in the dispensation of grace, is free from the law (Romans 6:14). Yet we stand in firm opposition to modern attempts to promote libertinism as liberty under the guise of "grace" living. We reject all forms of legalism which rise up to threaten the doctrine of justification by faith, but wholeheartedly challenge the careless and inaccurate use of the term legalism by New Evangelical writers such as Charles Swindoll ("Grace Awakening") in reference to any attempt to establish standards for godly living based on Biblical principles. We affirm the Biblical emphasis that grace, rather than freeing us to live in whatever manner we choose, teaches us "that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world" (Titus 2:12). A Biblical understanding of grace and the pursuit of godliness demands that we carefully apply Biblical principles to our culture, not retreat behind the convenient wall of cultural relativism and careless living.

Regarding the Preeminence of Doctrine Within Fundamentalism

The FBF acknowledges that the core of historic Fundamentalism is its commitment to matters of doctrine. Though modern sociology and psychology continue to make repeated attempts to reducing Fundamentalism as a cultural trend which seeks to reject modernity, we reaffirm that Biblical Fundamentalism is a theological movement governed by its commitment to the absolute authority of God's inspired and inerrant Word. It is this theological commitment which formed the historical impetus of the movement in its battle against theological liberalism, and it has been at the heart of its stand against every form of New Evangelicalism. The lifeblood of Fundamentalism is not its commitment to "old-fashionedness," but its commitment to "earnestly contending for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints" (Jude 3). We, therefore, reaffirm our commitment to our doctrinal heritage and urge a renewed emphasis on the theological foundations of Fundamentalism.

Regarding the Counseling Theory and Methods of Lawrence J. Crabb

The FBF applauds efforts to help sincere believers be Christlike and to faithfully apply Biblical principles to every facet of life, but we stand firmly against teachings which mix together the pure authoritative Word of God with the tainted conjectures of psychology. Of particular concern are the teachings of Lawrence J. Crabb, in that they seriously undermine both the sufficiency of the Bible to enable a believer to grow to spiritual maturity (II Timothy 3:16-17) and the pastoral task of perfecting the saints (Ephesians 4:11-16, Colossians 1:28). Whereas, Dr. Crabb's writings repeatedly malign the local church's ability to help people genuinely change, the pastor's responsibility and ability to offer substantive spiritual counsel, and the sincere efforts of godly parents to raise their children to lead lives of holiness, we urge great caution in the use and recommendation of Lawrence J. Crabb's counseling materials. In addition, we warn against well-known integrationists such as Gary Collins, James Dobson, Paul Meier, Frank Minirth, Gary Smalley, and Bruce and Clyde Narramorc.

Regarding Church Planting

The FBF believes that the local church is God's ordained institution for ministry in the present dispensation and that the fulfillment of the Great Commission demands the establishment of local assemblies where new believers are to be baptized and discipled. We sound the call for Fundamentalists to sharpen their commitment to church planting as the core of New Testament worldwide missions.

Regarding Balance

The FBF believes that a viable faith must avoid two extremes: one is enculturation in which the values of a pagan society are brought into the church and are "baptized" as Christian; the other is a cultural isolationism within our own subculture and a perceived irrelevance and hypocrisy to the broader culture. The challenge is to be "in the world" and not "of the world." On the left of Biblical Fundamentalism are those who would accommodate the church to the music, styles, and general philosophy of a worldly system; on the right are those who see any deviation in church program, such as times of services, as equivalent to compromising the Gospel. The FBF rejects both of these extremes.

Regarding Music

The FBF recognizes that the subject of acceptable music in our churches is one of the most controversial areas faced today. While affirming that the message of the music in our churches should honor and exalt Christ and that the vehicle which brings this message to us is not amoral but should reflect the message, we believe that our stance must reflect sound Biblical exegesis and avoid elevating preferences to principles.

Regarding the FBF Stance

The FBF reaffirms its commitment to a sane, sensible, Biblical and militant position in matters of the faith. We reaffirm our commitment to Biblical separation in both personal and ecclesiastical matters.

Regarding Personal Responsibility

The FBF emphasizes the need for personal responsibility in a day of irresponsibility. We believe that men are responsible for their own sins and cannot make society a scapegoat. We believe that individuals are responsible for the deeds they incur and cannot pass that responsibility to human government. We believe that Psalm 127: 1 teaches both Divine sovereignty and human responsibility. We believe that there is an urgent need today for self-discipline since Scripture teaches that "he that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls" (Proverbs 25:28).

Regarding our Hosts

The FBF expresses thanks to Dr. James Singleton and the Tri-City Baptist Church of Tempe, Arizona, in hosting this 74th meeting of the Fundamental Baptist Fellowship. We appreciate their helpful spirit and the usage of their facilities, and pray for God's abundant blessings upon them as they go forward in their service for Christ.

Respectfully Submitted,

Dave Doran
Bruce Hamilton
Brad Smith
J. B. Williams
James E. Singleton, Chairman