September 12, 2005 (David Cloud, Fundamental Baptist Information Service, P.O. Box 610368, Port Huron, MI 48061, 866-295-4143, fbns@wayoflife.org; for instructions about subscribing and unsubscribing or changing addresses, see the information paragraph at the end of the article) –

From time to time, I publish some of the goodies from my interesting mailbox, and many people have told me that they enjoy reading these things. Following are some items from the last couple of months:

THEY LIKE MY PREACHING

“Thank you for those notes, I see that unscriptural ‘judge not’ philosophy has spreading like a wildfire among born-again Christians. Many of them accused me of judging them and labeled me as a legalist. I am glad that I am not alone out there because we have people like yourself.”

“I know that you are a very busy man, but please allow me a moment to say, THANK YOU!! I was told about your site a couple of months ago by a fellow believer, I now know where he gained some of his wisdom. ... I hope to soon purchase your DVD series on Issues Facing the Church. I truly believe that God sent you my way at the right moment and that it has been entirely for my growth in His work.”

“You are a great encouragement to many of us believers, and have helped our family to be better prepared for the apostasy we face each day. We remember you always in our prayers. I hope this finds you well. Keep serving our wonderful Savior who has washed us in His blood.”

“Again, thanks for the hard work you do, I know when some of us (me included!) criticize you, it must seem like a thankless ministry. If I ever write to disagree, it's only on the issue, not you personally. I highly respect and admire your work, even when I have a differing opinion (on things like the KJV, contemporary Christian music, the role of women in the church). I think there are things believers can disagree on respectfully without hating each other. I am saddened when I see emails people write you and call you all sorts of horrible things and question your salvation. I hope you never think I would do that, even if I write to disagree.”

“I know you have lots of people that hate you but I just want to encourage you to keep going because you encourage so many of us in our walk with the Lord. You have good Biblical stands on things and your articles are well researched. I enjoy going to your website and reading articles about things I want to find out.”

“Thanks again for speaking up on this [‘A Warning about Billy Graham’]. One of the most amazing aspects of New Evangelicalism is its idolatrous adulation (dare I say worship?) of men who are compromisers. Men like Graham and now Rick Warren are considered to be above reproof. I have personally observed the cold ‘death mask’ of rejection of truth being drawn down over the faces of the worshippers of Graham and Warren when they are showed the documentation of their compromise. I have pastored several churches in which we have had visitors or members who had been ‘converted’ through Graham’s preaching. Whenever I told the truth about Graham’s longstanding compromise with Rome, heretics, and modernists, the mask would be pulled down and the mind and heart closed to any further light. This is nothing other than a form of ‘New Evangelical idolatry!’ No man on God’s earth deserves that level of confidence, adulation, and respect. Only God can do no wrong! Only Christ can be trusted to do always the right thing! Not Billy Graham, not me, not you, not anybody! I suspect that the New Evangelicals have confused the philosophical strands of American culture with the actual doctrines of the Bible. Philosophical strands like ‘materialism’ and ‘pragmatism’ and ‘hedonism’ and ‘self esteemism’ and a host of isms, schisms, and spasms that make up the western nations' worldview. Oh, yes, Billy Graham and Rick Warren epitomise that worldview and truly deserve the worship of that ‘religion.’ But that is not Christian anymore than Ahab’s conglomeration of Baal priests and Obadiah was the true worship of Jehovah. Micaiah, Elijah, and Elisha were rejected for telling the simple truth to wicked Ahab and (new evangelical) Jehoshaphat, and so shall we be. I notice nobody ever names their kids Ahab, but I have met a few Elijah’s in my time.

God bless you, brother. Keep up the fight.”

“Thanks again for sharing ‘Brother Cloud's Mailbox’ with us. I always look forward to reading it and get a chuckle out of the letters towards the end. Thank you again for standing for the truth. I am blessed to be part of an excellent church (they really DO exist!) but I know that, unfortunately, great churches are few and far between. I pray for our churches that they would get their priorities right and hold to the values that our Lord cherishes -- strong Bible preaching and teaching, prayer, soul winning, the right emphasis on godly standards for living, and personal holiness. Keep up the good work and never waver from your strong standards which conform to the Word of God. You are continually in my prayers.”

“I just read you article about Highland Park bringing in a rock concert. How my heart is saddened by the road it had taken. You mentioned the singing while we were students there. Oh, how I remember Dr. J. R. Faulkner leading the song service. My wife used to say how she thought he would just fly away! I remember that great congregational singing, especially when they sang ‘Behold, He Comes.’ Brother, in this day of compromise, just keep on contending for the faith. Although there may be only a remnant of those who still hold to the faith once delivered, we need a voice like yours crying in the wilderness. Thanks for your faithfulness in proclaiming the truth and may the Lord bless you as you stay faithful to Him.”

“This is an outstanding piece of work [‘On Doubting Salvation and Struggling with the Christian Life’]. Thank you for a very clear approach in rightly dividing the Word of Truth on this very important subject. You remain in our thoughts & prayers.”

“THANK YOU BROTHER! IT IS REFRESHING TO KNOW THAT THERE ARE STILL SOME VOICES OUT THERE THAT BLOW THE TRUMPET WITH A CERTAIN/UNCHANGING SOUND! Keep up being faithful.”

“I enjoy getting your regular email columns. While I don't always agree on some items, I am never ‘furious’ or ‘outraged’ as some of these others are. I have always been of the idea that the people who get irate on things are usually acting out of fear because their ‘truth’ i.e. the people not the Bible, are being attacked. Unfortunately, most people's theology is based from men, not the Bible. While some of the times the people they follow (or depend on for their theology) are correct, they completely freak out when their ‘authority’ is challenged. ... Keep on keepin' on and do not let the hostiles slow you down. I am always either challenged to review my beliefs via Scripture or re-inforced via Scripture on why I believe what I do when I read your emails. There is no fluff in them and I appreciate that, as I am a no-fluff guy. I appreciate your work and do not need to agree 100% on certain issues to not be edified.”

“Thank You so much for your messages via sermonaudio on dangers facing fundamentalists and the bible demands fundamentalism. Wow!!! That is what our churches are lacking. ... Your ministry has meant so much to me and has helped me want to live harder and purer for Christ in these wicked times. Thanks from the depths of my heart, Brother Cloud.”

“I'm a youth pastor in Illinois who greatly enjoys getting your emails through FBNS. I get so much joy each time I open up my inbox to see that I've got more information that definitely helps us preachers protect churches in this apostate hour.”

“First, thank you so much for all of the Christian resources that I use SO MUCH. It is helping a LOT of people you don't even know about.”

“I just read an article about C.S. Lewis on your website. I would just like to let you know that I was a child of the 80's. Growing up around Christians that praised him for the Narnia books. I remember as a child not being able to finish the first chapter, and tossing the book aside....like most kids do. But recently I was visiting my sister’s house and noticed the same collection of all of the Narnia books on her bookshelf. I took interest in reading them because of all the "praise" I heard of Mr. Lewis when I was young. I got to chapter eight, page 77 when the beaver was telling the kids about where the witch descended from. ‘But she is no Daughter of Eve. She comes of your father Adam’s...first wife, her they called Lilith. And she was one of the Jin.’ I stopped reading immediately, and showed that part of the book to my wife. Now my wife on the other hand....is very wise (aren’t they all) and told me, ‘I told you there was something wrong with those books! I never liked that stuff, I tried to read that when I was a kid and got sick to my stomach. I couldn’t read it!’ I decided to investigate Mr. Lewis. And here I have stumbled upon your article, and a few others that are very well done I must add. I knew it, but it was like I never wanted to admit it. Because there was a part of me that didn’t want to believe it....for what reason? I am not too sure. But being raised around the Jim and Tammy Fay Baker theology when I was a kid called for some major deceiving. I’m ‘out of the loop’ now. ... Thank you for your service. And keep up the great work!!!!”

“I have wanted to write to you for some time and thank you for all the hard work you do for all of us. I have ordered and purchased several of your books and while they help me, I have received countless blessings from you articles on your web site. I have been visiting your web site now for about 3 years and it has been a light many times when things were very dark for me. ... I live in a small community in Washington and everyone here is so liberal, even the churches have all given into modernism and I have been chastised a lot for my old fashioned way of life even in my church. Thank you so very much for this site, brother Cloud.”

“Thank you for your website. I recently came across the site, and have found answers and encouragement from it. Don't give up. Keep at it. Just read ‘Where Is the Voice of the Prophets’. Myself and other friends have recently been asking the same thing. Perhaps we as a whole have helped bring upon the silence. We may have crossed a point of no return. Still, we need to get right, repent, and do right. Pastor Smith wrote, ‘I am so deeply troubled about this that I often don't sleep at night thinking about it. I am grieving over what is happening to the gospel lighthouses all over the world, and what will happen to poor sinners when the light goes out.’ I’ve been feeling the same way. I mentioned I recently came across this website. What brought me here was a search about Jack Hayford and the song ‘Majesty’. I was troubled and stirred about who the author was, what I was singing about, and why this and other songs are in the hymnal my Baptist church uses. The hymnal is published by Word Music/Integrity Music, and can be had in KJV or NIV format. I don’t remember the exact link, but somewhere amongst all the searching I was led to wayoflife.org. During the searches here and elsewhere, I found out about CGM, CCM, Warren, ‘Creekers, Saddleback(sores), TQM, Peter Drucker, etc. Everything seems to be somewhat related and connected. A powerful deception. God help us. I’m reminded of Romans 13:11-14, ‘...cast off the works of darkness, and put on the armour of light.’”

“We are so grateful to your FBNS, print Friday Church News notes for our church members and peruse the website very often. There is no way to tell you how helpful Way of Life has been to us recently as a family. It has transformed our walk with the Lord, the view of the world, our relationships in just too many areas to list.”

“I just wish to express my appreciation for you, your stand, and your most comprehensive website (www.wayoflife.org). Your site’s presentation of salvation by faith alone in Christ alone is refreshing, particularly in light of how so many back-load and front-load the gospel message with various ‘works.’ ... I will be utilizing your website and its contents (in addition to several books by you) to enhance my site and its commentaries. I pray that God continues to bless you and your ministry in these ‘last days.’”

“Your articles on your travels in Europe concerning the Bible and Christianity are excellent [“In the Footsteps of Bible Translators” -- http://www.wayoflife.org/fbns/in-thefootsteps-bibletrans/index.html ]. What a blessing! We hear so much from preachers and speakers about great revival breaking out in Europe but what we see in the news and what I have heard from friends who go there paint a very different picture. It is so sad that such great preaching and revivals came out of that part of the world but now there is no evidence of it but monuments and museums. Thank you for such a memorable journey. I felt like I was really there!”

“I want to commend you on the Gothard commentary in your daily articles listing. This is the first time I have seen a corrective article written on the teachings, and it has cleared my mind on his teaching. A good friend of mine who attends a different Independent Baptist church from mine, for a couple of years now has been vigorously recruiting me to these seminars. He and his family have been attending them for a quite awhile and now strongly follow their teachings. Finally after being worn down by his efforts, I agreed to read one of his latest Gothard workshop booklet. I was very startled at the amount of current psychological methods for attempting to solve ones problems. The booklet was about 30 pages of this type of problem solving technique, that would start with a single Bible verse, but wander off and finish each time with a psychological solution. I thought it very odd that in the 30 odd pages there was not one reference to the Holy Spirit, which in my life is the true source for addressing problems and difficulties, particularly sin. I brought this to his attention that I could not support methods that did not put at the forefront, the Holy Spirit of God, as the primary focus on dealing with our problems. Unfortunately, these words have bounced off, and once again attempts to convinced me to attend the seminars has been ever increasing. Your article, gave me further evidence and support of the many unscriptural teachings propounded in these seminars. I believe the Lord has spoken to me through this article of yours to clear my head on the issue, and close the book on these seminars with the friend of mine. As to how I address his wandering down this ecumenical pathway, I will need to pray about it. Brother Cloud I thank you for taking on these controversial and very beguiling ministries. I consider myself a discerning Christian, who is Berean, yet sometimes it takes articles as you have written to really clarify and support ones own thoughts. May the Lord continue to give you strength in these last days.”

“Thanks a million for those words of encouragement and words to the wise. I believe you are right on the money [“Welfare Missions”]. I am a missionary and appreciate you taking the time to share your experience and thoughts on this issue. Many missionaries have no idea as to what a self indigenous church is much less going about in building one.”

“I appreciate your hard work and study. It is a great blessing to many people, including myself as a young pastor. … One last thing, I have recently been blessed by your Encyclopedia and your Way of Life CD for the computer. I used much of your info on Fundamentalism vs. Neo-Evangelicalism to preach on separation on a Wed. night at our church. Your research is evidence of your hard work, your direction is unquestionable, and your ability to write on difficult subjects in a plain and simple way is extremely helpful to me. Thank you so much for using your God-given gifts and character to produce works that defend the faith that God has given us.”

“I have been subscribed to your emails for several months, and appreciate the work you have been doing. I wish I had discovered your website sooner, but nevertheless, the information you give and the challenges you put out there for prayerful consideration have already had an impact on my life. Thank you for that.”

“Greetings Bro. Cloud.... First, thank you and God bless you for the Way of Life web site, I go to it for information and research about five to seven times a week, and the daily emails are terrific!!!”

“This article [‘Southern Baptist Warns That His Denomination Is Largely Dead’] makes me think of First Baptist in Dallas, that boasted years ago of 25,000 in membership and had about 3,000 (or less) attending. I like Spurgeon’s way better. He met with prospective members and grilled them thoroughly, and he always had a larger attendance than his membership. But that is a rare thing these days!”

“My husband and I are first generation Christians we have been saved a little over 8 years. My husband was in a local rock band and when we married his hair was as long as mine. God gloriously saved us with in six months of each other and since then has blessed us with four children. Rock music was so incredibly hard for both of us to give up but the principal of replacement with good music helped. Although I hated it at first I love it now. To us CCM was obvious it is the world’s music and I am so surprised when Bible believing Christians argue that. At times I still struggle when I enter a store and rock is playing, I oftentimes have had to leave. Your testimony on rock music has helped me greatly. I think the Christian life can be so hard at times and I do not want to look back to our old drinking and doing drugs and rock lifestyle. Your testimony has helped me realize we can succeed in the Christian life and make it. Thank you again for your writings.”

“Your teaching is not unloving but it is correct in that you define love by using scripture. Please keep teaching those who read your messages the negative aspects of the Bible. Continue teaching that Christians need to test all things and your readers should be grateful to you for warning them of false gospels and false teachers. They no longer teach or preach this way in the Evangelical churches and that is why you receive letters such as these. The Church today teaches only Jesus Christ, which is the essential part of Christianity, but certainly not the only part. They have "numbed down" the sermons and it is very obvious to a person who knows the Bible. The Evangelical churches want only one thing, and that is to grow larger and more powerful and they have forgotten their true mission.”

“Two years ago, I was in the SBC, didn't have a clue about the KJV versus the NIV or any other translation -- I was saved, but just so lost, you know? -- So I started looking around (and it's funny, because at first I thought Bro. Cloud was kind of ‘out there’). I was looking around and doing some reading, because my old church went CCM, then it went PDL, and I suffered really, not knowing what to do. Well, to make a long story short, thanks to Bro. Cloud and a little Bible bookstore called Gullions in Statesville, NC, near where we used to live, I’m now a member of an independent, fundamental, Bible-believing church, and I’m a KJV-only guy, and actively witnessing -- praise God! The Lord -- and I don't want to put words in his mouth -- but I feel as though the Lord really used Way of Life to minister to me in an incredible and life-changing way!”

“Once again I greet you in the Name of our Holy Saviour and LORD, Jesus Christ. I want to thank you for the excellent website you have. I have recently used it to find a new home church here in Melbourne, Australia - Calvary Baptist, where you have visited in the past. My friend and I hope that this church will be a welcoming home for us as we are in the process of leaving an (evangelical) Anglican church we have attended for three years.”

UNLESS I AM MISTAKEN, THESE DON’T LIKE MY PREACHING

“He who is without sin, let him cast the first stone. Obviously, this site is one of a perfect human being. Jesus came to seek and save the lost, not defame, cast down, and destroy. If you see a brother in a fault correct him, not crucify.”

“Dear Sir, You must have better things to do than criticize Christian Leaders who are winning the lost to Christ. Jesus said even if you disagree with others ‘leave them alone, he will weed out the tares from the wheat when He comes.’ This is good advice from our Lord himself.” [Another verse taken out of context and turned on its head by a gullible individual of this lukewarm age.]

“You've got a lot to say about U2 band here. I think you have proven without a doubt that the guys in that ‘rock and roll’ band are sinners. I think you have missed a big point of the gospel -- to love. Love is about bearing all things, believing all things, hoping all things, enduring all things. Love never fails. I'd like to encourage you to heed some of Bono's advice in the song Yahweh. ‘I pray God make your soul sing. I pray our Lord help you to open your hands and give you good purposes.’ I pray you will learn not to criticize and that you will spend your time on earth for better purposes. Have mercy.”

“I am praying for you and your fundamental attacks against the Catholic Church. I left the independent Baptist church and came into full communion with the Catholic Church 3 years ago. God directed my spiritual path to the church and receiving Christ through the eucharist is the greatest experience of my life! ... I think the biggest heresy in the world is the Baptist churches. It is really sad to see their state of affairs.”

“God is the head always was and will be. Man is the earthly head, and woman is man's companion. The word of God is Sovereign as is God. It is neither masculine or feminine, as God is neither male nor female, yet both. When God identifies God, God says, "I am." As God is then the word is. ... Also, when Paul says I, and Jesus says I, you are contending with two different authorities. Jesus never told women not to preach, now did he? I am tired of hearing about none of the Apostles not being women. There didn't have to be any women in the twelve. There weren't any t.v.s, radios, or Internets, among the twelve either, but God uses them to spread the word.”

“I have read your article on Chuck Swindoll. I am not going to question you on anything but from my reading I have to ask you, Do you 'Love your neighbour as you love yourself?' Your article seems full of hate and disrespect. Another thing, it is NOT our job to judge our fellow man.”

“YOU ARE A STINKIN' BUM. Bro Jack Hyles was a very good man and speaker. He was greatly loved by students and faculty of Hyles-Anderson college where his work is being continued thru Bro. Jack Scott. … you lazy Christian. Get fired up for God!!”

“It is unfortunate that I have stumbled across your writings about Chuck Swindoll. … Do you not realize that it is you who turns people away from the kingdom of God. Do you really miss the whole message that Jesus was here to deliver? It really causes my heart grief to know how many people do miss out on the kingdom of heaven when they come across darkness such as this. 'Splitting Hairs' over man's written language is exactly what the enemy loves to happen. It is the message not the language. It is this type of religious jealousy and blind belief that leads only to hate. Why are you the expert? Have you been touched by the hand of God and put above the rest of those who love and has accepted Jesus Christ as their savior?”

“Are you people for real? Thank God I’m not one of you! You just get your jollies telling people what to do. How to live. You’re repressive and backwards. People like you are the ones who hold back human progress in all fields like science, art, literature. Unfortunately, small-minded people like you will always be out there with your anti-sex leagues, trying to ban everything that doesn’t appeal to you.”

“I just finished reading your article ‘CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP VS. BIBLICAL WORSHIP.’ It’s one of the most poorly written articles I've ever read. It's completely biased, and insulting to anyone who would have a different point of view than your own. I would think that it parallels the most staunch positions of any devoted Pharisee. I've rarely read an article that stereo types and passes judgement the way this one does, and it is anything but biblical. The bible I read promotes love and unity, and building one another up on the faith, and in love. This article is nothing but snake venom, and is written from a position of dogmatic ignorance. You have some deep issues that you most like need some professional help with. And I would suggest that you spend a few years in someone’s office before you appoint yourself a teacher again, and write another such destructive article.”

A LITTLE FARTHER OUT

“You are nuts. You guys are crazy and close minded and you are blind to the world today. I am a Christian and listen to METAL Music. Oh, no I am going to be condemned to hell. The bands you listed KORN and Marilyn Manson are popular rock and shock rock. Also known as NU-Metal (New Urban metal) besides they aren't even that good. You have no idea what you are talking about and are bashing on a group of people that you know nothing about.”

“I have a minister who happens to be a woman and a lesbian. ... You right wing nuts are no better than the KKK. I usually don’t come across this way, but I truly don’t believe God is the hateful God you make her/him out to be.”

“Either what you wrote about Biblical Correction is a total farce or you are one very sick, perverted, sadistic, ignorant idiot!!!! You should not be permitted to have a web site: instead, you should be incarcerated for your sociopathic practises!!! People like you make me SICK!!!”

“I have just read the article regarding John Lennon having a legacy of evil. This is simply not true [he is] one the most influential artists of the 20th century a genius. Also it states Vincent Van Gough a depraved artist! The man had artistic vision and was deeply religious, and the son of a preacher. Yes he enjoyed a drink, sex, and smoking all natural substances put on this earth by god and consumed in abundance for thousands of years by our ancestors mine and yours. ... Perhaps because Mozart enjoyed a good party he also is an agent of the devil? Mozart had an fantastic gift music of intense beauty. I think this view that because we like rock music, drink, smoke, laugh will get us into the firey depths of hell is crazy. Remember Jesus’ message? All you need is love, is that not the basis of his teachings?”