Response:

You mention a couple problems with Baptists. May I address them.

1) "A desire to search out the Anti Christ and point fingers,(Usually at the Pope) at who this might be. The Bible clearly tells us that we are not to know this, nor are we to speculate."

Actually, the Bible tells us In Rev. 13:18 that men of wisdom were to "count the number of the beast". I certainly think this allows spiritual people to consider who this individual might be. He will not be REVEALED until after the rapture, but to attempt to understand prophecy in this area is certainly not forbidden. Rev. 1:3 says there is a blessing to those who "read, hear, and keep" the words of Revelation. Are we to read without an attempt to understand?

2) "A desire to search out the Great Harlot, Mystery Babylon, Whore and Mother of Harlots and abominations.The Bible clearly tells us that we are not to know this either. And the Bible also clearly tells us that the Whore existed at the time the visions were being given. The Catholic Church did not exist then."

Again, if we are not to learn these things, why did the angel tell John in Rev 17: 9 that wisdom was found in the knowledge that the Whore sat on seven mountains? Obviously, this is intended to identify who the whore is. Coupling that with the rest of the vision of the Whore makes it pretty clear who or what that organization is. And where does the Bible say that the Whore existed at that time. It exists in the vision, which is future.

3) "Commonly coming up with unusual and outlandish accusations at companies of various sorts, including TV and film makers and even the characters involved, such as saying that Yoda's head looks like the Satanic Goat upside down. Where does this come from? Not from the Bible. Where in the Bible is a goat or a pentagram scene as a symbol for the Devil? You are committing a unique form of idolatry here. Attributing fears on symbols that mean nothing and giving them a power."

I agree that many folks make stupid comments in this area. Some who make those comments are Baptist; many are not. However, it is obviously true that the Church of Satan and other satanic groups, or those involved in witchcraft, have certain symbols that are a part of their rituals. When knowledgable people choose to incorporate these symbols into their personal lives, you do wonder why. For example, many Christian groups have used the fish as a symbol of Christianity. That is not found in the Bible, but it is not anti-Biblical. So if someone is wearing a fish lapel pin, or has one on their car or front door, you might assume that they put it there for a reason, i.e. to show that they are a Christian. Or perhaps they just like the way it looks, and are ignorant of its symbolism. It is common knowledge that the goat's head is symbolic of Satanic worship. This is also not found in the Bible, but it is common practice and common knowledge. When someone uses the goat's head in their advertizing, or wears it as a charm, you can reasonably assume that they put it there for a reason i.e. that they wish to be identified with Satanic worship. Or perhaps they just like the way it looks, and are ignorant of the symbolism.

In conclusion, you are correct in stating that Biblical Christianity is the only true faith. However, the key is the word Biblical. Just because I call myself a Christian doesn't make me one. The Bible must be our sole source of faith and practice. For example, many so-called "Christian" churches teach that babies should be sprinkled for their salvation. This is not taught in Scripture, and is in fact contrary to Scripture which teaches that salvation comes by faith, (Eph 2:8), and that baptism is by immersion for believers only (Acts 2:41, 8:36-38).

I hope this answers some of your questions. May the Lord bless you.

By Dr Mark Montgomery Ambassador Baptist Church 1926 Babcock Blvd Pittsburgh, PA 15209 (412)477-3210