Instructions To Join IBMR

As we began this project, we were very aware of potential problems with mixing doctrine, theologies, personal convictions and other teachings and concerns that every individual has. Each person bases their Christianity upon the teachings they have been subjected to and their adherence to such teachings. With these things in mind we constructed a method that we hope will maintain the power of the Holy Spirit upon this membership and that no divisions will come from our stance. If we appear harsh, remember please that we are attempting to maintain true, and pointed adherence to the Scriptures as they have 1) been taught to us by men of God, 2) as we have learned them from personal study and 3) as we believe the Holy Spirit has taught us. First, my background ………

I am a Pastor, licensed in 1986 and ordained in 1990, serving as faithfully as I could since 1986 in the ministry. Other offices held would include Choir Director, Sunday School teacher, Jr. Church Director, Bus Pastor, Deacon and Trustee. Saved March 1, 1982 in Rangely, Colorado, followed in baptism and have been serving since in any capacity God has seen fit.

 Now To join I.B.M.R.: Your pastor must be a part of this process. For it is he (yes MALE ONLY, see I Timothy 3:2. He must be the HUSBAND of one WIFE. This includes gender here so homosexual marriage is also forbidden. Romans 1:24-32, Ephesians 5:4-6,12,Leviticus 18:22-24. ) Your pastor must certify that you meet certain criteria. That criteria is strictly Bible based and without man’s intervention. Matthew 28:19-20, you must be a soul-winner. Not a fly by night entertainer but a studied, prepared soul–winner. You must be faithful to the services at your church. This means within 12 months you cannot miss more than one month unless your job specifically hinders you and then the pastor must mention this in his letter. You must be active in participation within the guidelines and boundaries as set forth in your church. Even a janitor is active in what he has been called to do. A work-day at the church is not your day to evade the church but a chance to be a blessing to others with your strength and caring for God’s house. Ladies, if you are joining, this would mean you volunteer to do whatever it is that your church allows the ladies to do. I will not specify as many pastors are very different in this area and the Bible gives no clear break of duties. You must be willing to provide evidence of and support for Independent Baptist teachings. This includes: Tithe – to your local church. Malachi 3:10 refers to our duty to a 10% tithe but speaks little of our joy of tithing and returning to God that portion which he has given us. Your dress must be Christian based. Modest apparel is not an option even on hot muggy days when some individuals do all that is possible to remove more than necessary and parade that way. This causes men and women to fall to sin. While we wear leather, we must always have enough clothes underneath to provide a modest appearance. Your hair must not be long for men and extremely short for women. (I Corinthians 11:14-15)

As we understand Scripture the following also applies: Non-smokers, non-drinkers only. Christ was accused of being a drunkard and he most definitely was not, so we will also not be seen with it. We also do not wish to smell as if we have stood at the gates of Hell without actually entering. We are destroying the Temple of God (I Corinthians 3:16-17 which is our bodies!) by these acts and therefore membership will be denied or revoked as the case indicates. (Once again, I must reiterate; I am merely trying to claim a position that will separate us and identify us immediately without alienating us from the biking community. They do not care if we drink or smoke, God does. They enjoy seeing us in leathers, and safe riders always are. There are “Christian” organizations out there doing what we are trying to but have no clear doctrine spelled out, no personal convictions as to the proper position for a Christian to take in these latter days and no method of preventing or assuring the least amount of spiritual contamination within the ranks. I also understand that their leaders may have never been taught properly, studied carefully or prayed fervently for God to lead them to truth.) I will do all in my power to support them without joining their ranks. I will never tear down another ministry as God may well have his hand on it in an effort to teach someone a spiritual lesson or to reach that next Billy Sunday, or C.H. Spurgeon. Language is a large one that we could speak on forever but let me stop by simply quoting from the book of James. James 1:26 If a man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this mans religion is vain. Simply put, no cussin! While much more could be stated about the position we desire for membership here, let your attention be drawn to the Doctrine page for all other matters.

Membership will grant each individual a daily opportunity to share their faith with others who share their passion for the road and to be a part of a movement to witness to a class of individuals that the world rejects as lost, unreachable, unworthy and unwilling to be converted. What an exciting challenge this will be for those willing to take a stand, speak boldly for God and live a consecrated life both on the road and at home.

A patch has been created without any rockers because we are united in our stand, regardless of where we may live. Christians are united by the Holy Spirit and not some physical address on this planet. Our home is in Heaven, our time is just passing through down here. While you may wear other patches on your leathers please be mindful and Christ directed in your selections. I personally have a few that again indicate my love for riding and my love for my Savior!

One final note: to believe that there are those who oppose Christ’s true teachings so much that they will lie, deceive, manipulate, sue, challenge, threaten and bring much hatred against us our reply must be as Paul’s when headed for Jerusalem. Acts 21:13 Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? For I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus. We are prepared for those who will enter our ranks with intentions of destruction, shame and to cause pain but God will grant victory as we remain firm. We may die, we may lose all, but God will win in the end as every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is LORD OF ALL! May God bless those of you who are saved and concerned about this form of ministry with us!