3. Being Baptistic can be Deceptive and Dishonest. Why should we be ashamed of the name Baptist, or why should we hide who we are or what we believe? We're so busy being popular and attractive, worrying whether people like us or not, that we reject the teaching of Jesus Christ by refusing to bear the reproach of both Christ and His cross. Jesus said, "Marvel not if the world hate you...." We should be more distressed and concerned if the unsaved world embraces us and our ministries (John 15:18,19). Furthermore, by camouflaging our true identities, we gravitate towards the "Bait and Switch" techniques of used car salesmen. Indeed, the whole marketing phenomenon has cheapened the Gospel ministry to put it on par with the sale of corn flakes and razor blades! Was the Great Commission really just the Great Sales Pitch? These things rob the Gospel of its supernatural character and set aside the work of the Holy Spirit for the cleverness of men.  

4. Being Baptistic produces more Confusion than Clarity. The problem is not with those who use the name but deny its principles. The problem lies with us who claim the name altogether but fail to set the record straight by preaching all that it means to be a Baptist. A so- called "Community Church" tells us nothing. It invokes neither significance nor distinction, but people deserve both. Consider, for example, going to the supermarket and shopping for meat. There are abundant packages to choose from in the freezer; but it is hard to see what's inside, and all the labels say is "meat." Not steak, not pork chops, not even hamburger--just "meat." What nonsense is this? Who would tolerate such foolishness? Every church that abandons its identity and slinks into the shadow of a generic name, trading clarity for curiosity. Every ministry that, in the name of expediency, broadens its appeal by limiting its doctrinal teaching and preaching, is seeking more people but with less Truth.  

5. Lastly, being Baptistic makes the Baptist Distinctives negotiable, rather than absolute, making them plastic enough for many, like John MacArthur, to shape them to their own notions of what it means to be Baptist-like. It makes room for contemporary music and takes the decision-making power out of the hands of the people. It opens the doors to empty ritualism and vague identity. It gives license to redefining our name and associated terms. In other words, it makes them after man's image and not God's.  

The saddest part of all such compromises is that, in the name of success, we suffer a worse defeat; because we have given the world a dazzling package with nothing left inside that is worthwhile. It is truly a "form of godliness" that denies the power thereof (II Timothy 3:5); "..From such turn away."