Christian Challenge International

"Ask the Pastor"

We frequently receive questions in email from people about doctrine, practice, etc. From time to time we will post the questions and the answers here on the web page. If you'd like to submit a question, simply email our pastor at Bro.Buddy@ChristianChallenge.org or use the form below.

> Question

> Bro. Buddy, No question this time really, I just wanted to say thank
> you from the bottom of my heart for your ministry. You and your website
> and Hebraic-Foundations are are truly a lifeline for me.

Thank you Djuana.

> I still wish I lived close enough to attend your church! Really, words
> can't express how much I thank God for you. I hope someday to be able
> to come visit. Its a pretty long trip from the St. Louis area, though,
> but not impossible.

You would be most welcome.

Djuana, I'll snip our portions of your question for the sake of space, but I
know where you are coming from, and I'll try to share as best I can. (And thanks
for allowing me to use this on our public Ask the Pastor page.)

> Maybe I do have a question after all. My husband and I are thinking
> about looking for another church to attend and we're both kinda
> hesitant to start "shopping around". .... I have reservations about
> the doctrine there. .... this church has been in a decline for several
> years and it just isn't a good "fit" for us. .... sometimes when I'm at
> the church I attend now its all I can do to keep myself from just
> running out of the building. .... I would like a place that doesn't
> put emphasis on tongues as the "evidence" of salvation. Also, I'd like
> a place that has bible study rather than emotion to hold it together.
> Couldn't you just move up here, or open a branch "office" near me?
> That would sure make my search easier! LOL!! Seriously, is there a
> denomination I can look for that might be at least close to what I've
> described?

Djuana, I realize this is a difficult area for you, just as it is for a great
many of God's people. What is happening is that the Church is in a state of
flux. Things are changing. People are changing. Churches are changing. The
change is so large that you can't always go by by the name over the building
anymore. This is why it isn't easy to provide much guidance in this area.

As for moving to Missouri, naw, I've got too much Louisiana in me. But you and
your family could move down here. : )

My best offer on guidance is to expect the Lord to bring about His placement for
you at the proper time. He knows the cry of your heart. When I look back over my
own pilgrim journey, I can only say that the Lord was there all the time,
guiding and providing. He will do the same for you.

You mention things like baptism in Jesus name and other issues that are
important to you, you may be surprised to learn that more and more
churches are beginning to baptism the way the apostles did. You will also find
this to be the case in some para-church organizations. Even the Jewish believers
in Israel are baptizing different today. They say, "I baptize you in the name of
Jesus Christ, who brings us to the heavenly Father, who graciously gives us the
Holy Spirit."

See what I mean. I really wish I could give you an answer that would be
pleasing, but all I can say is that I know exactly where you are. While it may
be a little uncomfortable now, rest assured that you are only one of many
hundreds who are at the same place. But in all this the Lord is faithful. He
will see you to the place of your appointment. Don't be surprised at what
happens next. Who knows ---- Maybe you will find your toes digging into some of
this Louisiana red mud, with your mouth full of crawfish pie. : )

Keep me posted.

Blessings,

Buddy
Bro. Buddy Martin - Ask the Pastor
Bro.Buddy@ChristianChallenge.org
http://www.christianchallenge.org/

> Question

> P.S. to my last e-mail - I read on your opening page, "Graduates of our
> schools are currently serving in various states and in other
> countries.". You wouldn't know of any of your "graduates" being in the
> St. Louis, Mo. area in general, or in Granite City, Illinois in
> particular, would you? I would think that if there are any relatively
> close by that would be a good place to start my search for a church to
> attend. I'll have my fingers crossed! LOL!! BTW, if you EVER make it up
> to my neck of the woods please let me know. I'd really love to meet you
> and your wife as well. Djuana

Djuana,

We have a graduate in Missouri and I don't have his address handy. He was
one of our missionaries to Mexico. Let me see what I can find. As for letting
you know if we are in your neck of the woods, you can be sure I will. (Now,
where did I put my glasses.) : )

Blessings,

Buddy
Bro. Buddy Martin - Ask the Pastor

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
Lawrence "Buddy" Martin
email: Bro.Buddy@ChristianChallenge.org
Web: http://www.ChristianChallenge.org

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What would you like to "Ask the Pastor?"

Your full name:
Your email address: (e.g.: you@aol.com)
PLEASE include your email address or we won't be able to send the answer to you.

Your question

(Note: Please include your full name and email address. Answers will be sent by return email. Christian Challenge reserves the right to reprint your question and edit it for clarity and content on our "Ask the Pastor" web page. Please note that we will not divulge your full name nor your email address. Typically we'll use your first name only. Not all questions are posted on this page - many more are responded to privately. Please let us know if you do NOT want your question listed or if you'd prefer it to be listed anonymously. We respect your privacy and will NOT sell/give/loan your name and email address to any other organization/business/entity.)

Back to the Christian Challenge International home page!