Some Things Nobody Used To Be!!

By Johnny Campbell

Text: Galatians 1:13-24

13 For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:
14 And profited in the Jews’ religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.
15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace,
16 To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:
17 Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.
18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days.
19 But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord’s brother.
20 Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not.
21 Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia;
22 And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ:
23 But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed.
24 And they glorified God in me.

Look close at verse 13: Paul is telling them he used to be a persecutor of the Church. He says you heard of my past what I use to be. Look at verse 23: You have heard of things that I use to be.

Nobody used to be:

A. A Friend

Nobody really ever use to be your friend. Prov. 17:17 says, “A friend loveth at all times.” Now, we had many acquaintances but very few real friends. Somebody says, “I used to be Brother Johnny’s friend, but not anymore.” Your lying! You never were a friend; you just liked what I did for you, but the minute that I did or did not do what you liked then you left. These kind of folks are a dime a dozen. You can make any camp meeting “a friend” in this country — just drop a big love offering in the plate; then your a friend and you can even preach. The motto is, “SHOW ME YO MONEY!”

Nobody ever use to be.

B. Born Again

Nobody used to be born again, according to John 5:24. I’m sick of hearing this: “I used to be saved. ” Doesn’t that make you want to puke up a gut? Well, I could write volumes on this.

C. A Baptist

“Brother Johnny, I used to be a Baptist.” Pheweee, that stinks! No, my friend, you never were a Baptist, although you may have attended a Baptist church. 1 John 2:19 says the reason you went out and got with TBN, and PTL, and every tongue flapper in the country, is because you were not of us to begin with. When pastors tell me some of their folks have left their church and went non denominational, I say, “Glory, glory, glory, don’t complain! That’s God’s way of purging your church so you won’t have to preach them out.”

Now, one question: If you were baptized by a Presbyterian, you’d be a Presbyterian. If a Moron, I mean a Mormon, baptized you, what would you be beside a foolish Mormon, right? Jesus was Baptized by who, “John the Charismatic?” No, Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. Do you get it? Jesus walked forty five miles to be baptized by a Baptist.

A JOKE: Three Preachers were talking a to a Church of Christ member, a Methodist and A Baptist. (By the way, that’s why I call myself “Johnny the Baptist.” You see, Alexander Campbell started the Church of Christ after being kicked out of a Baptist church. Since my last name is Campbell, I surely would not want to be known as “Johnny the Campbellite,” amen?) Anyway, these three preachers were talking about what if JESUS came back today what Church would they join. One said he would surely join us because we don’t have no music. The other said surely he would join us because we sprinkle. The Baptist preacher said fellows I don’t believe Jesus would join neither of you because he’s not going to move his membership from a Baptist Church.

Please never call me a Protestant — I’m a Baptist. I’m asked all the time what I would be if were not a Baptist. Well, I say ASHAMED.