BAPTISTS

B Biblical Authority

The Bible is the final authority in all matters of belief and practice because the Bible is inspired by God and bears the absolute authority of God Himself. Whatever the Bible affirms, Baptists accept as true. No human opinion or decree of any church group can override the Bible. Even creeds and confessions of faith, which attempt to articulate the theology of Scripture, do not carry Scripture's inherent authority.

"For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe."   ~ 1st Thessalonians 2:13

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A Autonomy of the Local Church

The local church is an independent body accountable to the Lord Jesus Christ, the head of the church. All human authority for governing the local church resides within the local church itself. Thus the church is autonomous, or self-governing. No religious hierarchy outside the local church may dictate a church's beliefs or practices. Autonomy does not mean isolation. A Baptist church may fellowship with other churches around mutual interests and in an associational tie, but a Baptist church cannot be a "member" of any other body.

"And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence."    ~ Colossians 1:18

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P Priesthood of the Believers

Every born-again believer has direct access to the throne of God.  Therefore, since every child of God shares in the priesthood of the believers, all have the same right as ordained ministers to communicate with God, interpret Scripture, and minister in Christ's name.  This is first and foremost a matter of responsibility and servanthood, not privilege and license.

"Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ."   ~ 1 Peter 2:5

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T Two Ordinances of the Church

We practice only believer's baptism by immersion, which is the only acceptable mode for baptism because it alone preserves the picture of saving truth. No other form pictures the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ (Romans 6:1-5). We believe that the Lord's Supper is a symbolic ordinance, picturing Christ's body broken for our sins and His blood shed for our redemption. It is not a saving ordinance, but helps us remember His death, and inspires us while looking forward to His coming. It is to be observed by regenerate, obedient believers.

"For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me."                                                                 ~ 1 Corinthians 11:23-24

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I Individual Soul Liberty

Every individual Christian has the liberty to believe, right or wrong, as his/her own conscience dictates. While we seek to persuade men to choose the right, a person must not be forced to into compliance, realizing that it is not always the larger group who holds the truth when, in fact, our heritage as Baptists has demonstrated the worth of every individual believer.

"So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.  ~ Romans 14:12

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S Saved and Baptized Church Membership

Local church membership is restricted to individuals who give a believable testimony of personal faith in Christ and have publicly identified themselves with Him in believer's baptism. When the members of a local church are believers, a oneness in Christ exists, and the members can endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

"Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls."..."Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved."    ~ Acts 2:41&47

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T Two Offices of the Church

The Bible mandates only two offices in the church--pastor and deacon. The three terms--"pastor," "elder," and "bishop," or "overseer"--all refer to the same office. The two offices of pastor and deacon exist within the local church, not as a hierarchy outside or over the local church.

"This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work."..."For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus."   ~ 1st Timothy 3:1-13

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S Separation of Church and State

God established both the church and the civil government, and He gave each its own distinct sphere of operation. The government's purposes are outlined in Romans 13:1-7 and the church's purposes in Matthew 28:19 and 20. Neither should control the other, nor should there be an alliance between the two. Christians in a free society can properly influence government toward righteousness, which is not the same as a denomination or group of churches controlling the government.

"Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.  Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.  For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:"                                                                      ~ Romans 13:1-3

THE 3D EFFECT OF THE WORD OF FAITH MOVEMENT

(Descent, Deception, And Desensitization)

Once a pastor fought the cause and took aim
Now you’re lucky if a pastor knows your name

The 1950′s biggest trouble in school was chewing gum
Now the school grounds they’re killing from

There was a day when your barn burnt down
Many came to rebuild from that town

When you were sick and needed help most
Church and family lined up to be your host

When a stranger in need came to ask
Now send him down the street to complete the task

When parents spanked their kids and it all made sense
Now we tolerate bad behavior, no real consequence

There was a time when family was very near
Now they’re far and spread, and we hardly hear

Truth about eternity, hell, fire and brimstone
Now they preach fluffy stories to reduce the tone

They think the Church is a building to entertain all
To manipulate with music, not knowing their great fall

Now they preach how to prosper and to gain
Not knowing the Word teaches it’s all in vain

What does a man gain to profit and toil
Only now to have his soul to spoil

The Church is believers to worship in it
Now we invite tares to come in and split

Instead of reaching out and doing a good deed
We now give a fraction, saying we’ve sown our seed

When the seed is really Jesus in our life
Spreading it individually and to suffer strife

The wise, mighty, and noble are scarcely called
It’s the humble and abase to Him who have crawled

Our knowledge has greatly increased
Our spirit though is almost deceased

Once was a button only to sew and hold
Now it’s a key stroke, powerful and bold

At the touch of a button we can now watch porn
Where many use to read God’s Word and be warned

Now sports, movies, and games have taken the place
When it was mostly family and friends that we’d interface

No longer molten calves as god’s we bow down to
It’s now thousands of things that we pursue

Instead of being separate and sanctified
We now look like the rest of the world and mortified

Now 2012 and there is a great shift
Truth, loyalty, and justice have all gone a drift

Had you known what hour the thief would enter
Would you’ve prepared yourself, an armed defender

The enemies plan was slowly making us compromise
When the truth about him, he’s the father of all lies

By Ron Evartt

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT !!!!

The Kingdom of God is hiring!
Are you ready to apply? Do you qualify? 

JOB TITLE:
Disciples for Christ

JOB DESCRIPTION:
Tell the dying world how to live through Jesus Christ

NUMBER OF AVAILABLE POSITIONS:
Unlimited; everyone is welcome--preachers, teachers, singers,
musicians, missionaries, custodians, food servers, and numerous
others that we just can't list them all here. 

EXCEPTION TO AVAILABLE POSITIONS:
The vacancy of BOSS has already been filled by the Holy Spirit. 

QUALIFICATIONS:
Must have previously sinned and been blood washed;
must be willing to press toward the mark of the high calling in Christ Jesus.

EXPERIENCE NEEDED:
None necessary; experience will be earned through on-the-job training. 

EDUCATION:
The Holy Spirit will teach you all things. 

BENEFIT PACKAGE/SALARY:
God (the employer) shall supply all your needs according to
His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 

INSURANCE:
Access to the Master Physician. 

PACKAGE ALSO INCLUDES:
Love, joy, peace, patience, long suffering; Lawyer,
Comforter, and a Wonderful Counselor. 

RECOMPENSE FOR COMPLETING THE JOB ASSIGNMENT:
The most important benefit, ETERNAL LIFE with the employer. 

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS:
Before the return of Jesus Christ; date/hour not known; wise to apply TODAY. 

IMPORTANT WARNING:
Satan and HIS DEMONS need NOTapply

PSALM 23

The Lord is my Shepherd
...THAT'S RELATIONSHIP!

I shall not want
...THAT'S SUPPLY!

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures
...THAT'S REST!

He leadeth me beside still waters
...THAT'S REFRESHMENT!

He restoreth my soul
...THAT'S HEALING!

He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness
...THAT'S GUIDANCE!

For His name sake
...THAT'S PURPOSE!

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
...THAT'S CHALLENGE!

I will fear no evil
...THAT'S ASSURANCE!

For thou art with me
...THAT'S FAITHFULNESS!

Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me
...THAT'S SHELTER!

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies
...THAT'S HOPE!

Thou anointest my head with oil
...THAT'S CONSECRATION!

My cup runneth over
...THAT'S ABUNDANCE!

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life
...THAT'S BLESSING!

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
...THAT'S SECURITY!

Forever
...THAT'S ETERNITY!

            



            

The 23rd Psalm (For the Work Place)

The Lord is my real Boss, and I shall not want.
He gives me peace, when chaos is all around me.
He gently reminds me to pray before I speak and
to do all things without murmuring and complaining.

He reminds me that He is my Source and not my job.
He restores my sanity every day and guides my decisions
that I might honor Him in everything I do.

Even though I face absurd amounts of e-mails, system crashes,
unrealistic deadlines, budget cutbacks, gossiping co-workers,
discriminating supervisors, and an aging body that doesn't
cooperate every morning I will not stop-for He is with me!

His presence, His peace and His power will see me through.
He raises me up, even when they fail to promote me.
He claims me as His own,
Even when the company threatens to let me go.
His faithfulness and love are better than any bonus check
and His retirement plan beats every 401K there is!

When it's all said and done,
I'll be working for Him a whole lot longer
and for that, I bless His Name.