Questions and Answers

Sometimes people have questions and are just afraid to ask! That is what this page is designed for. If you have any questions that are not answered here, please contact us and we would be happy to speak with you and help you understand a few things in your quest for answers.

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A. What is the difference between a Catholic and a Baptist?

Humanly speaking, nothing! If all you are doing is going to church or practicing a religion, one is as good, or shall I say as bad, as the other.

Since there are a number of varieties of Baptists, and each potentially differ in their beliefs, and since not all Catholics embrace what the Catholic Church teaches, let us rephrase the question like so: What is the difference between what the Bible teaches and what the Catholic church teaches regarding salvation? To that question may I say, "There are two main differences."

AUTHORITY is the first main difference.

In Titus 2:15, Paul told Titus to speak, exhort, and rebuke with ALL AUTHORITY

Notice the singular tense of the word "authority".not authorities.

What is the authority?  The words of GOD!  THE SCRIPTURES.

(2 Tim 3:16)  "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:"

All that we need is found in the scriptures.the single source of authority.

Church leaders, extra-biblical writings, as well as ancient traditions do not rise to the level of biblical authority, and therefore must be dismissed.

(1 Pet 1:23)  "Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever."

SUFFICIENCY is the second main difference.

What Jesus Christ did on the cross is sufficient to save a sinner.

(Eph 2:8-9)  "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast."

(Rom 4:5)  "But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness."

(John 10:28)  "And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish."

There you have it. The two main differences between what I believe and what you believe: Authority and Sufficiency.


B. If I believe, as you teach, that once saved; always saved, couldn't I just live any old lifestyle that I wanted to?

Yes, I suppose that you could. However, you seem to be suggesting that if you did resort to some kind of sinful behavior that it would go unnoticed and unchallenged before God. Be not deceived my friend, ".whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap."

When a person trusts Christ as his Saviour, God becomes his Heavenly Father. The Bible says in Hebrews 12:6, "For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth."

Think of it this way: When you were a child no one forced you to go home at night, but you did. Why? Because you knew that if you didn't go home, you would have to answer to your father.  Well, the same reasoning compels the child of God to behave properly.


C. Do you believe in the gifts?

Yes absolutely! Which one did you have in mind?
Never mind, I know which one.

"Do I believe in speaking in tongues?" is really what you want to know.

The Bible speaks of a number of spiritual gifts. The gift of tongues is in the same category as the other "Apostolic" gifts mentioned in Mark 16 like, healing, casting out devils, taking up serpents, and drinking deadly things.

Their purpose was to confirm the word of God to the Jew as stated in Mark 16:20. The Apostle Paul identifies "The Apostles" as being the "gifted ones" in 2 Cor. 12:12. Revelation 2:2 reveals that false Apostles, like the ones running all around the countryside today, could easily be put to the test. If they had the sign gifts, their message was believed; if not, they were declared to be liars.


D. Is your church Ecumenical?

No. Solid Rock's unity and cooperation with other churches is based upon "doctrine." The Bible's admonishment is to separate from those who would not be in agreement with the core fundamentals of the faith. Unity for "unity's sake" is outright compromise. We are quite friendly and fellowship very well with those of like precious faith.


E. Isn't your church a "Ruckmanite" church?

I guess that depends on your definition of a Ruckmanite. If you wish to label us based upon our stand on the King James Bible, feel free to call us whatever you like. We do not apologize for having an absolute authority. Many Christians label those who take a strong stand on the KJV as Ruckmanites.

However, if you are insinuating that we are some sort of isolationists that have, as a basis of our fellowship, a cultic adherence to a man, or a church, or a school, you are mistaken.

I have studied and learned from a variety of preachers and teachers of the word of God over the last thirty-plus years, and Dr. Ruckman is one of them. I have learned a great deal from his teachings - not necessarily because he taught it, but because it is what the Bible says. You wouldn't argue with that, would you? Perhaps if you took the time to examine his Bible teachings you might find that he has somewhat to offer as well.

My friend, hopefully at some point in your life, you will grow to stand on your own two Christian feet. Stop trying to align yourself with a man, or a teacher. Read and study your Bible for yourself. Listen to what others more learned and experienced than you have to say. Then, be fully persuaded in your own mind.


F. Where does your church stand on CCM (contemporary Christian music)?

By the grace of God, as far away as possible.

The Bible is quite explicit in its characterization of Godly music.

(Eph. 5:19) "Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;"

People today generally embrace the music that they like rather than the music that God desires. Music, (instrumental or singing) is to appeal to the Lord.

CCM (Contemporary Christian Music), more often than not, is a magnet to the flesh. "Contemporary," by definition, is that which is marked by characteristics of the present period. What does that tell you?

(2 Tim 3:1-5) "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away."

Contemporary Christian Music, Christian Rock, Christian Rap, Christian Hip Hop, etc, are all oxymoronic expressions.


G. What does your church have for the youth?


What would you expect "a church" to have for youth; or anyone for that matter?

"Church" is not an entertainment center, nor a baby-sitting service.

We have four basic "church" activities:

1. Sunday-School for the teaching of God's word.

2. Preaching for reproving, rebuking, and exhorting.

3. Outreach ministries to spread the gospel and assist our community.

4. Fellowship for spiritual and social interaction.

Consider: You cannot expect a spiritual result from a carnal activity.

 

     

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