(Genesis 13:14-17; Ezekiel 37; Romans 11:1-32), Section 22: The Rapture and Other Future Events, We believe in the imminent, pre-millennialreturn of Christ for His Church. He convicts the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment. She, being in the image of God as is her husband and thus equal to him, has the God-given responsibility to respect her husband and to serve as his helper in managing the household and nurturing the next generation. We believe in a pre-tribulation Rapture of believers, and a premillennial return of Christ to the earth to establish His Kingdom. It has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter. He cultivates Christian character, comforts believers, and bestows the spiritual gifts by which they serve God through His church. We believe that man was created in innocence under the law of his Maker, but by voluntary transgression fell from his sinless and happy state. 16. It is an act of obedience symbolizing the believers faith in a crucified, buried, and risen Saviour, the believers death to sin, the burial of the old life, and the resurrection to walk in newness of life in Christ Jesus. The state has no right to impose taxes for the support of any form of religion. Christs people should, as occasion requires, organize such associations and conventions as may best secure cooperation for the great objects of the Kingdom of God. The Baptist Faith and Message (BF&M) is the statement of faith of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). We also believe that the husband is to be the head of the home and, together with his wife, has the responsibility to bring up their children in the caring guidance, counsel, and discipline of the Lord. He honored the divine law by His personal obedience, and in His substitutionary death on the cross He made provision for the redemption of all mankind from sin. We believe that a Baptist church is a congregation of baptized believers associated by a covenant of faith and fellowship of the Gospel; observing the ordinances of Christ; governed by His laws; and exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His Word; that its officers of ordination are pastors or elders, whose qualifications, claims, and duties are clearly defined in the Scriptures. We believe that Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water, under the authority of the local church. We believe the Scriptures teach that Christian baptism is the immersion in water of a believer, into the name of the Father, and Son, and Holy Ghost; to show forth in a solemn and beautiful emblem, our faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Savior, with its effect, in our death to sin and resurrection to a new life; that it is prerequisite to God is Father in truth to those who become children of God through faith in Jesus Christ. Webelievein the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and in His personal return in power and glory. A. Regeneration, or the new birth, is a work of Gods grace whereby believers become new creatures in Christ Jesus. We are sinners by nature and by conduct. It is the duty of Christians to seek peace with all men on principles of righteousness. Lottie Moon Offering & Generosity Resources, Lottie Moon Offering and Generosity Resources. The New Testament speaks also of the church as the Body of Christ which includes all of the redeemed of all the ages, believers from every tribe, and tongue, and people, and nation. Each congregation operates under the Lordship of Christ through democratic processes. Baptism Mission In our mission of Connecting people to Jesus and one another, Southeast Christian Church has grown into a unified multisite community. To Him we owe the highest love, reverence, and obedience. Civil government being ordained of God, it is the duty of Christians to render loyal obedience thereto in all things not contrary to the revealed will of God. We believe that the term marriage has only one meaning: A life-long covenant, sanctioned by God, that joins one man and one woman, who were each born as a man and a woman, in a single, exclusive union, as spoken and described by God in Scripture. (Isaiah 14:12-15; Ezekiel 28:12-19; Matthew 4:1-11; Matthew 25:41; 2 Corinthians 4:3-4; 1 Peter 5:8; Revelation 12:9-10; Revelation 20:10), We believe in the Genesis account of creation as being neither allegory nor myth, but a literal, historical account of the direct and immediate creative acts of God without any evolutionary process. God alone is Lord of the conscience, and He has left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men which are contrary to His Word or not contained in it. The local church is: under the leadership of officers, who are Elders (one of which is the Pastor) and Deacons, whose qualifications and duties are clearly defined in the Scriptures. In His incarnation as Jesus Christ, He was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. To respect the appropriate ethical and Spiritual guidelines for personal interaction including the respect for the property of both the institution as well as the personal property of others. Matthew 16:1519; 18:1520; Acts 2:4142, 47; 5:1114; 6:36; 13:13; 14:23, 27; 15:130; 16:5; 20:28; Romans 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:2; 3:16; 5:45; 7:17; 9:1314; 12; Ephesians 1:2223; 2:1922; 3:811, 21; 5:2232; Philippians 1:1; Colossians 1:18; 1 Timothy 2:914; 3:115; 4:14; Hebrews 11:3940; 1 Peter 5:14; Revelation 23; 21:23. Korean What makes us different from the others can be easily discussed by considering the Baptist Distinctives. We believe that Gods design for the family is modeled in the leadership of the church. How are you different from a Methodist, a Presbyterian, an Episcopal, a Pentecostal, or a Catholic? If I were to ask you to defend your decision on being a Baptist, what would you say? Because all humans are sinful, they are separated from God and stand in need of rescue and redemption. It reveals the principles by which God judges us, and therefore is, and will remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and religious opinions should be tried. Engaging people authentically, as Jesus did, treating all as creations made in God's very image, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental ability, nationality, or economic class. The husband and wife are of equal worth before God, since both are created in God's image. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 3:16-17; 28:19-20; Mark 12:29; 1 Peter 1:2). 3:00pm 5:30pm, Crusaders Teens (Seasonal) We believe that any form of homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality, bestiality, incest, fornication, adultery and pornography are sinful perversions of Gods gift of sex. The sacredness of human personality is evident in that God created man in His own image, and in that Christ died for man; therefore, every person of every race possesses full dignity and is worthy of respect and Christian love. We stand in the line of the historic Protestant tradition. The righteous in their resurrected and glorified bodies will receive their reward and will dwell forever in Heaven with the Lord. Genesis 1:1; Isaiah 9:67; Jeremiah 23:56; Matthew 3:2; 4:810, 23; 12:2528; 13:152; 25:3146; 26:29; Mark 1:1415; 9:1; Luke 4:43; 8:1; 9:2; 12:3132; 17:2021; 23:42; John 3:3; 18:36; Acts 1:67; 17:2231; Romans 5:17; 8:19; 1 Corinthians 15:2428; Colossians 1:13; Hebrews 11:10, 16; 12:28; 1 Peter 2:410; 4:13; Revelation 1:6, 9; 5:10; 11:15; 2122. There is no salvation apart from personal faith in Jesus Christ as Lord. NOVEMBER 1994. Spanish Genesis 1:2630; 2:5, 7, 1822; 3; 9:6; Psalms 1; 8:36; 32:15; 51:5; Isaiah 6:5; Jeremiah 17:5; Matthew 16:26; Acts 17:2631; Romans 1:1932; 3:1018, 23; 5:6, 12,19; 6:6; 7:1425; 8:1418, 29; 1 Corinthians 1:2131; 15:19, 2122; Ephesians 2:122; Colossians 1:2122; 3:911. Insults, slurs and other forms of derogatory speech or actions have no place in a Christian community or thoughtful dialogue, and will be worthy of disciplinary action. Genesis 1:2; Judges 14:6; Job 26:13; Psalms 51:11; 139:7ff. by which to know the Father, than through the Son (John 14:6). It is a solemn and beautiful emblem that declares our faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Savior as well . He was literally and physically raised from the dead with a glorified body and appeared to His disciples as the Person who was with them before His crucifixion. (Matthew 3:16; Matthew 28:19-20; John 3:23; Acts 2:41; Acts 8:34-39; Romans 6:3-5; Colossians 2:11-12). ; 110:1ff. The Lords Supper is a symbolic act of obedience whereby members of the church, through partaking of the bread and the fruit of the vine, memorialize the death of the Redeemer and anticipate His second coming. 4. He was born of the virgin Mary as no other man was ever born nor can ever be born. The new birth of mans spirit by Gods Holy Spirit means the birth of love for others. Freedom in any orderly relationship of human life is always limited and never absolute. Being a church ordinance, it is prerequisite to the privileges of church membership and to the Lords Supper. What if I asked you to formulate in your mind right now the reason why you are a Baptist. We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men supernaturally inspired; that it has truth without any admixture of error for its matter; and therefore is, and shall remain to the end of the age, the only complete and final revelation of the will of God to man; the true center of Christian union and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions should be tried. Church and state should be separate. It is to be preceded always by solemn self-examination. (1) The Holy Scriptures We believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament to be the verbally and plenary inspired Word of God. The first day of the week is the Lords Day. ; Isaiah 61:13; Joel 2:2832; Matthew 1:18; 3:16; 4:1; 12:2832; 28:19; Mark 1:10, 12; Luke 1:35; 4:1, 1819; 11:13; 12:12; 24:49; John 4:24; 14:1617, 26; 15:26; 16:714; Acts 1:8; 2:14, 38; 4:31; 5:3; 6:3; 7:55; 8:17, 39; 10:44; 13:2; 15:28; 16:6; 19:16; Romans 8:911,1416, 2627; 1 Corinthians 2:1014; 3:16; 12:311, 13; Galatians 4:6; Ephesians 1:1314; 4:30; 5:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:19; 1 Timothy 3:16; 4:1; 2 Timothy 1:14; 3:16; Hebrews 9:8, 14; 2 Peter 1:21; 1 John 4:13; 5:67; Revelation 1:10; 22:17. It has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter. To pursue a balanced, disciplined approach to personal health. "[3], The BF&M was revised in 1963 (under the chairmanship of pastor-theologian Herschel H. Hobbs), amended in 1998 (with the addition of Section XVIII on The Family), and again revised in 2000 under the chairmanship of pastor-author and former three-time SBC President Adrian Rogers; the 2000 revisions incorporated sociological as well as theological changes and were considered the most controversial. In this Statement of Faith, our Constitution, and all other documents, policies, and ministries of Baptist Christian Church, wherever the word man/men appears, it shall always mean a person who is born, according to Gods sovereign plan and design, male; and wherever the word woman/women appears, it shall always mean a person who is born, according to Gods sovereign plan and design, female. (Ephesians 5:21-6:4), We believe that man was created innocent, in the image of God, and under His law; Adam fell from his sinless state by voluntary transgression and all men sinned in him. While not stated in the 2000 BF&M, some churches also apply this interpretation to deacons, being a pastoral office of the church, and will not ordain women or allow them to serve as deacons. Our sovereign God brought about our new creation in a manner above our comprehension, solely by the power of the Holy Spirit in connection with divine truth. ; Psalms 2:7ff. Every Christian should seek to bring industry, government, and society as a whole under the sway of the principles of righteousness, truth, and brotherly love. The consequence of that sin causes all men to be totally depraved and partakers of Adams fallen nature. To receive no substantial gifts from students, vendors, or others associated with the professional completion of job responsibilities so as to create any hint of conflict of interest. We believe that repentance and faith are sacred duties and also inseparable graces, wrought in our souls by the regenerating Spirit of God; whereby being deeply convinced of our guilt, danger and helplessness, and of the way of salvation by Christ, we turn to God with unfeigned contrition, confession and supplication . There are several Baptist Associations that have been formulated for their volunteer member churches. He helps empower the believer to develop the character of Christ and live every day in God's will. (Isaiah 53:11; Acts 13:39; Romans 3:22-24; Romans 5:1-21; Romans 8:1; Ephesians 2:8-9), We believe that repentanceis a change of mind and purpose toward God brought about by the Holy Spirit. ; 5:810; 6:123; 8:118, 2939; 10:910, 13; 13:1114; 1 Corinthians 1:18, 30; 6:1920; 15:10; 2 Corinthians 5:1720; Galatians 2:20; 3:13; 5:2225; 6:15; Ephesians 1:7; 2:822; 4:1116; Philippians 2:1213; Colossians 1:922; 3:1ff. Addresses issues of contemporary concern soteriological inclusivism (Section IV), family (Section XVIII), gender (Section III), sexual immorality, adultery, homosexuality, pornography, and abortion (Section XV). It is our conviction that water baptism has no saving merit. He is fatherly in His attitude toward all men. We believe that God rejects any attempt to alter ones gender by surgery or appearance. We believe in the Genesis account of creation; that it is to be accepted literally, and not allegorically or figuratively; that man was created directly in God's own image and after His own likeness; that man's creation was not a matter of evolution or evolutionary change of species, or developments through interminable periods of time from lower to higher forms; that all animals and vegetable life were made directly; and that God's established law was that they should bring forth only "after their kind.". John Newton Brown, D. D., of New Hampshire (b. phone: 615-944-0348, Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, Why We Are Baptists? Salvation involves the redemption of the whole man, and is offered freely to all who accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, who by His own blood obtained eternal redemption for the believer. All believers from Pentecost to the Rapture are added to the Church by the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Mission Statement, Faith Baptist Church. The New Hampshire Confession of Faith was drawn up by the Rev. We believe God the Father is an infinite, eternal, sovereignSpirit Who is absolutely holy and self-existent. To work for the betterment of the institution as a whole and to strive to personal excellence and development as a means to that end. Repentance is a genuine turning from sin toward God. Genesis 12:13; Exodus 19:56; Isaiah 6:18; Matthew 9:3738; 10:515; 13:1830, 3743; 16:19; 22:910; 24:14; 28:1820; Luke 10:118; 24:4653; John 14:1112; 15:78,16; 17:15; 20:21; Acts 1:8; 2; 8:2640; 10:4248; 13:23; Romans 10:1315; Ephesians 3:111; 1 Thessalonians 1:8; 2 Timothy 4:5; Hebrews 2:13; 11:3912:2; 1 Peter 2:410; Revelation 22:17. We receive the spirit of adoption and we are enabled to come boldly to the throne of grace and cry Abba, Father. The true remedy for the war spirit is the gospel of our Lord. We believe that Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water into the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Confidential issues will be discussed only in secured settings so as to prohibit even the unintentional compromise of sensitive information. (John 3:3-8; Acts 16:30-32; Romans 6:23; 2 Corinthians 5:17-19; Ephesians 2:1-3; Ephesians 2:8-9; Colossians 2:13; 2 Peter 1:4;1 John 5:1). 10. (I Corinthians 15:51-58; John 14:1-4; Titus 2:11-14). [citation needed] Nothing in the BF&M prohibits or discourages the wife from holding outside employment, nor the husband from doing household duties traditionally considered those of the wife. 14. We believe that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace through the mediatorial offices of the Son of God, who by the appointment of the Father, freely took upon Him our nature, yet without sin, honored the divine law by His personal obedience, and by His death made a full and vicarious atonement for our sins; that His atonement consisted not in setting us an example by His death as a martyr, but was the voluntary substitution of Himself in the sinner's place, the Just dying for the unjust, Christ the Lord, bearing our sins in His own body on the tree; and that, having risen from the dead, He is now enthroned in heaven and uniting in His wonderful person the tenderest sympathies with divine perfection. Regarding ministry, the BF&M now explicitly defines the pastoral office as the exclusive domain of men thus prohibiting female pastors. [2] Described as "the New Hampshire Confession of Faith [of 1833], revised at certain points, and with some additional articles growing out of present needs," it was intended as "a reaffirmation of Christian fundamentals," which was deemed necessary because of "the prevalence of naturalism in the modern teaching and preaching of religion. We believe that Satan is a personal being, the author of sin, a fallen angel, prince of demons, the unholy god of this age, the great enticer and deceiver, the adversary of Christ and His people, the accuser of the brethren, and the ruler of all the powers of darkness. After one is saved, water baptism shows our faith and union in Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection to a new life that exalts and glorifies Christ. Thurs. We believe that repentance and faith are solemn obligations, and also inseparable graces, wrought in our souls by the quickening Spirit of God. We also affirm that He ascended "to the right hand of the throne of God;" that He alone is our "merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God." With these thoughts in mind, it is an honor to be considered a Baptist, but we must take heed lest we fall. God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of marriage. To refrain from the violation of any civil or criminal law that could adversely affect Boston Baptist College or bring reproach upon the cause of Christ. The establishment and continuance of local churches is clearly taught and defined in the New Testament . We hold him to be man's great tempter, the enemy of God and His Christ, the accuser of the saints, the author of all false religion, the chief power behind the present apostasy, the lord of the antichrist, and the author of all powers of darkness-destined, however, to final defeat at the hands of God's own Son, and the judgment of an eternal justice in hell, a place prepared for him and his angels. Man is the special creation of God, made in His own image. Of Repentance and Faith. The freedom of a teacher in a Christian school, college, or seminary is limited by the pre-eminence of Jesus Christ, by the authoritative nature of the Scriptures, and by the distinct purpose for which the school exists. The programs and activities governing St. Paul Church shall be based upon and at all times shall be consistent with the following Baptist Doctrine. . Evidence of our new creation appears in the holy fruits of repentance, faith, and newness of life. The new birth is a new creation in Christ Jesus. The Holy Spirit on earth is the active agent of the God-head, who constantly seeks within its ranks to bring about conformity and obedience to the Word of God and the will of God. To maintain responsible standards of speech and action so as to avoid profanity, vulgarity, and harassment or acts of physical assault or violence. A summary of what most Baptist Associations include is found in one of our Baptist.org presentations, Why We Are Baptists. It is God's revelation to man, inerrant as originally written by Spirit-controlled men. The Kingdom of God includes both His general sovereignty over the universe and His particular kingship over men who willfully acknowledge Him as King. His presence in the Christian is the guarantee that God will bring the believer into the fullness of the stature of Christ. In providing for such freedom no ecclesiastical group or denomination should be favored by the state more than others. It is a Christian institution for regular observance. As a part of the Southern Baptist Convention, IMB is guided by a board of trustees elected by the convention in its annual meetings. through faith, plus nothing, and believers are eternally secure. We believe they each have precisely the same nature, attributes, and perfections. (Exodus 15:11; 20:2-3; Psalm 90:2; 147:5; Jeremiah 10:10; Mark 12:30; Romans 11:33; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Ephesians 4:6; 1 Timothy 1:17; Revelation 4:11). The Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is Gods revelation of Himself to man. He ascended into heaven and is now exalted at the right hand of God where He is the One Mediator, fully God, fully man, in whose Person is effected the reconciliation between God and man. Watch Live Here : https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&q=http://bit.ly/3J5mjB4The Faith Baptist (Davison, MI) varsity basketball team has. Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Christ is the eternal Son of God. This revision was particularly objectionable to the Baptist General Convention of Texas[citation needed], the largest SBC state convention, which had previously split between moderates and conservatives, with the latter forming the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention. ; 4:3137; 13:23; 15:135; 1 Corinthians 1:1017; 3:515; 12; 2 Corinthians 89; Galatians 1:610; Ephesians 4:116; Philippians 1:1518. (Genesis 1 and 2; John 1:3; Colossians 1:16.). Exodus 20:811; Matthew 12:112; 28:1ff. We further believe that from the time of Christ until now God has continued to provide complete and chronological evidence through the writers of history. There was both praise and criticism for the significant changes to the BF&M in the 2000 revision. He is worthy of all possible honor, confidence, and love. There is no salvation apart from personal faith in Jesus Christ as Lord, and where there are no Christian works of obedience then faith is dead. The chief purpose for the existence of the New Testament Church is to evangelize the world and complete itself through the winning of lost souls to Christ. To discuss issues of personal salary and compensation only with an appropriate supervisor. Smith, James A., Sr. "A confession of faith worthy of support." The Holy Bible is absolutely inerrant, unadulterated, and authoritative in its . The Lord Jesus Christ has commanded the preaching of the gospel to all nations. Expressing our love in worship that is as sincere, vibrant, and artful as it is scriptural. It is the glorious display of Gods sovereign goodness, and is infinitely wise, holy, and unchangeable. The state owes to every church protection and full freedom in the pursuit of its spiritual ends. Special creation of the existing space-time universe and all its basic systems and kinds of organisms in the six literal days of the creation week. A husband is to love his wife as Christ loved the church. They are each worthy of precisely the same honor, confidence, and obedience. . Statement of Faith This doctrinal statement reflects the broad, mainstream, conservative evangelical tradition which is consistent with the teachings of the Bible and which has stood the test of history and experience. 1. We must remember that first and foremost, we are Christians blood-bought, eternally saved, Christ professing, grace given, mercy receiving, repentant sinners who the Father in heaven has spared from the fiery pits of Hell! 1803, d. 1868), about 1833, and has been adopted by the New Hampshire Convention, and widely accepted by Baptists, especially in the Northern and Western States, as a clear and concise statement of their faith, in harmony with the . 2. Why are we Baptists? (John 3:16; 1 Corinthians 15:1-5), We believe in the bodily resurrection of our Lord Who ascended into Heaven and is now seated at the right hand of the Father. We do not believe in the reversal of the order. He will return in power and glory to judge the world which he created, consummate His mission, and assume His rightful throne. She will be re-gathered in the Holy Land and, after the completion of the Church, will be saved as a nation at the second advent of Christ. 1714 SE 36th Ave; Ocala . Therefore, as soon as they are capable of moral action, they become transgressors and are under condemnation. Through illumination He enables men to understand truth. According to His promise, Jesus Christ will return personally and visibly in glory to the earth; the dead will be raised; and Christ will judge all men in righteousness. The new birth of the one who was dead in trespasses and sins is made a partaker of the divine nature and receives eternal life, the free gift of God. At that moment, the dead in Christ shall be raised in glorified bodies. (Mark 16:19; John 3:16; Romans 5:8-9; Hebrew 5:9; Hebrew 7:25; Hebrew 8:1; Hebrew 9:11-12 and 1 John 2:1), We believe in the Blessed Hope, the personal, pre-millennial, pre-tribulation, and imminentreturn of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, which is known as the Raptureof the Church. Clear expressions about the future direction of the SBC under the "conservative resurgency" leadership. 12. To avoid all forms of theft, misuse, or unauthorized possession of professional materials or information or the personal property or workspace of other employees. In consequence of which, all men are now sinners, not by constraint, but by choice, and therefore under just condemnation without defense or excuse. It is bestowed solely through the Redeemers shed blood and not because of any works we have done.