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Media Archives
 Our ministry in a nutshell
We are a local church ministry based out of Heritage Baptist Temple in Little Rock, Arkansas.
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ARTICLES OF FAITH
Doctrine
A Believer is one who believes in a supernatural Bible, which tells of a supernatural Christ, who had a supernatural birth, who spoke supernatural words, who performed supernatural miracles, who lived a supernatural life, who died a supernatural death, who rose in supernatural splendor, who intercedes as a supernatural priest and who will one day return in supernatural glory to establish a supernatural kingdom on the earth. The following doctrines are listed alphabetically from A through T.
A. Of the Scriptures
We believe that the Holy Bible was (a) verbally (VERBATIM, WORD-FOR-WORD) and plenarily (complete in every respect : ABSOLUTE, UNQUALIFIED) inspired of God; (b) that it has truth without any admixture of error for its matter, that consequently it is infallible and inerrant in all matters of which it speaks; and (c) 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.
1. By "THE HOLY BIBLE" we mean that collection of sixty-six books, from Genesis to Revelation, which as originally written, does not only contain and convey the Word of God, but IS the very Word of God.
2. By "INSPIRATION" we mean that the books of the Bible were written by holy men of old, as they were moved by the Holy Spirit, in such a definite way that their writings were verbally and plenarily inspired and therefore are free from error. No other writings have ever been or ever will be inspired.
3. We believe that the Masoretic Hebrew Text for the Old Testament, and the Textus Receptus Greek Text for the New Testament are the only two providentially preserved, pure, and infallible texts, and that the King James Version of the English Bible is the divinely preserved translation of God's Word from these two texts.
Ps. 12:6 "The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times."
Ps. 19:7-11; 119:89, 105, 130, 160; Pro.30:5-6; Isa. 8:20; Lk.16:31; 24:25-27, 44-45; John 5:39, 45-47; 12:48; 17:17; Acts 1:16; 28:25; Rom. 3:4; 15:4; Eph. 6:17; II Tirn.3:16-l7; I Pet. 1:23; II Pet. 1:19-21; Rev. 22:19.
B. Of the True God
We believe that there is one, and only one, living and true God who is an infinite, intelligent Spirit, the maker and supreme ruler of heaven and earth; inexpressibly glorious in holiness and worthy of all possible honor, confidence and love; that in the unity of the godhead there are three persons, the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, equal in every divine perfection; and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption.
Gen. 17:1; Ex. 20:2-3; 15:11; Ps. 83:18; 90:2; 147:5; Jer. 10:10; Matt. 28:19; Mk. 12:30; John 4:24; 10:30; 15:26; 17:5; Rom. 11:33; I Cor. 2:10-11; 8:6; 12:4-6; II Cor. 13:14; Eph. 2:18, 4:6, Phil. 2:5-6; 1 Tim. 1:17; 1 John 5:7; Rev. 4:11
C. Of the Holy Spirit
That the Holy Spirit is a divine person; equal with God the Father and God the Son and of the same nature; that He was active in the creation; that in His relation to the unbelieving world He restrains the Evil One until God's purpose is fulfilled; that He convicts of sin, of judgment and of righteousness; that He bears witness to the truth of the Gospel in preaching and testimony; that He is the agent in the new birth; that He seals, endues, guides, teaches, witnesses, sanctifies, and helps the believer.
1. We believe that the baptism of the Holy Spirit takes place at the time of conversion and is the act of placing the believer into the body of Christ, but is not a second work of grace. (I Cor. 12:13; Gal. 3:27; Rom. 8:9).
2. The baptism of the Holy Spirit is different than the filling of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18), which is an ongoing process that occurs as the believer is emptied of himself allowing the Holy Spirit to control his life thus producing a desire to bring others to Christ through soul-winning (John 15:16) and "the fruit of the Spirit." (Gal. 5:22-23).
3. Neither of the above is accompanied by unusual signs such as speaking in tongues. We are not in sympathy with the charismatic movement, and believe it to be unscriptural in its doctrine, especially concerning the Holy Spirit. (I Cor. 12-14).
NOTE: "Praying in the Spirit" simply means to be praying in the will of God. It does NOT involve speaking in tongues as is proposed by those in the charismatic movement. (Rom. 8:26)
Gen. 1:1-3; Matt.3:11; 28:19; Mt.1:8; Lk.1:35; 3:16; 24:49; John 1:33; 3:5-6; 14:16-17; 15:26-27; 16:8-11, 13; Acts 5:30-32; 11:16; Rom. 8:14,16,27; Eph. 1:13-14; II Thes. 2:7,13; Heb. 9:14; I Pet. 1:2.
D. Of the Devil, or Satan
We believe that Satan was once holy, and enjoyed heavenly honors; but through pride and ambition to be as the Almighty, fell and drew after him a host of angels; that he is now the malignant prince of the power of the air, and the unholy god of this world. We hold him to be man's great tempter, the enemy of God and of his Christ, the accuser of the saints, the author of all false religions, the chief power behind the present apostasy; the lord of the antichrist, and the author of all the powers of darkness - destined however to final defeat at the hands of God's own Son, and to the judgment of an eternal justice in hell, a place prepared for him and his angels.
Isa. 14:12-15; Ezek. 28:14-17; Matt. 4:1-3; 13:39; 25:41; Mark 13:21-22; Luke 22:3-4; John 14:30; II Cor. 11:13-15; Eph. 2:2; I Thes. 3:5; II Thes. 2:8-11; I Pet. 5:8; II Pet. 2:4; I John 2:2 3:8; 4:3; II John 7; Jude 6; Rev. 2:22; 12:7-10; 13:13-14; 19:11, 16, 20; 20:1-3,10.
E. Of Creation
We believe in the Genesis account of creation, and 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 development through interminable periods of time from lower to higher forms; that all animal and vegetable life was made directly and God's established law was that they should bring forth only "after their kind."
Gen. 1:1, 11, 24, 26-27; 2:21-23; Ex. 20:11; Neh. 9:6; Jer. 10:12; John 1:3; Acts 4:24; 17:23-26;
Rom. 1:20; Col. 1:16-17; Heb. 1:3; Rev. 10:6.
F. Of the Fall of Man
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. The consequence is two-fold; first, all mankind are born in the state of being sinners. Secondly, as sinners, all of mankind sins, not by constraint, but of choice; and therefore is under just condemnation without defense or excuse.
Gen. 3:1-6, 24; Psa. 51: 5; Ezek. 18:19-20; Rom. 1:18, 20, 28, 32; 3:10-19; 5:12, 19; Gal. 3:22;
Eph. 2:1, 3.
G. Of the Virgin Birth
We believe that Jesus Christ was begotten of the Holy Ghost, in a miraculous manner; born of Mary, a virgin, as no other man was ever born or can ever be, born of woman, and that He is both the Son of God and God the Son.
Gen. 1:5; Isa. 7:14; Psa. 2:7; Matt. 1:18-25; Mark 1:1; Luke 1:35; John 1:14; I Cor. 15: 47; Gal. 4:4; 1 John 5:20.
H. Of the Atonement for Sin
We believe that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace; through the mediatorial offices of the Son of God, who by 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; that, having risen from the dead, He is now enthroned in heaven and uniting in His wonderful person the tenderest sympathies with divine perfection. He is every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate and an all-sufficient Saviour.
Isa. 53:4-7, 11-12; Matt 18:11; John 3:16, 10:18; Acts 15:11; Rom. 3:24-25; I Cor. 15:3, 20; II Cor. 5:21; Gal. 1:4; Eph. 2:8; Phil. 2:7-8; Heb. 2:14; 7:25; 9:12-15; 12:2; I Pet. 2:24; 3:8; I John 2:2; 4:10.
I. Of Grace
We believe that in order to be saved, sinners must be born again; that the new birth is a new creation in Christ Jesus; that it is instantaneous and not a process; that in the new birth the one dead in trespasses and in sins is made a partaker of the divine nature and receives eternal life, the free will of God; that the new creation is brought about in a manner above our comprehension, not by culture, not by character, nor by the will of man, but wholly and solely by the power of the Holy Spirit in connection with divine truth, so as to secure our voluntary obedience to the gospel; that its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance and faith and newness of life.
Luke 5:27; John 1:12-13; 3:3, 6-7; Acts 2:41; Rom. 6:23; II Cor. 5:17, 19; Gal. 5:22; Eph. 2:1; 5:9;
Col. 2:13; II Pet. 1:4; I John 5:1.
J. Of the Freeness of Salvation
We believe in God's electing grace; that the blessings of salvation are made free to all by the gospel; that it is the immediate duty of all to accept them by a cordial, penitent and an obedient faith; and nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth but his own inherent depravity and voluntary rejection of the gospel; which rejection involves him in an aggravated condemnation.
Isa. 55:1, 6-7; Matt. 11:28; John 3:15-16, 18, 36; 5:40; 6:37; Acts 2:38; Rom. 8:29-30; 10:13; I Cor. 15:10; Eph. 2:4-5; Col. 3:12; I Thes. 1:4; I Tim. 1:15; Titus 1:1; I Pet. 1:2; Rev. 22:17.
K. Of Justification
We believe that the great gospel blessing which Christ secures to such as believe in him is Justification; that Justification includes the pardon of sin, and the gift of eternal life; that it is bestowed not in consideration of any works of righteousness which we have done; but solely through faith in the Redeemer's blood. It is a judicial act on the part of God whereby He declares righteous all of those who believe in Him. A simple sentence explaining justification is "Just-as-if-I'd-never-sinned."
Isa. 53:11; Hab. 2:4; Zech. 13:1; Acts 13:39; Rom. 1:17; 4:1-8, 5:1,9; 8:1; Gal. 3:11; Titus 3:5-7;
Heb. 10:38.
L. Of Repentance and Faith
We believe that Repentance and Faith are solemn obligations, and that they are part of the application of salvation, which is wrought in our souls by the quickening Spirit of God; thereby being deeply convicted of our guilt, danger and helplessness, and of the way of salvation by Christ. We turn to God with genuine repentance, confession and supplication for mercy; at the same time heartily receiving the Lord Jesus Christ and openly confessing Him as our only and all-sufficient Saviour.
Psa. 51:1-4, 7; Isa. 55:6-7; Mark 1:15; Luke 12:8; 18:13; Acts 2:37-38; 20:21; Rom. 10:9-11, 13.
M. Of the Church
We believe that a Baptist Church is an autonomous local congregation of baptized believers (as opposed to a universal church concept) associated by a covenant of faith and fellowship of the gospel, said church being understood to be the citadel and propagator of the Divine and Eternal Grace; observing the ordinances of Christ; governed by His laws; exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His Word; that its officers of ordination are pastors and deacons whose qualifications, claims, and duties are clearly defined in the Scriptures. We believe the true mission of the church is found in the Great Commission: first, to make individual disciples; second, to build up the church; third to teach and instruct as He has commanded. We do not believe in the reversal of this order. We hold that the local church has the absolute right of self government, free from the interference of any hierarchy of individuals or organizations; that the one and only superintendent is Christ through the Holy Spirit; that it is Scriptural for true churches to cooperate with each other in contending for the faith and for the furtherance of the Gospel; that every church is the sole and only judge of the measure and method of its cooperation. On all matters of membership, of policy, of government, of discipline, and benevolence, the will of the local church based on the authority of God's Word is final.
Lev. 27:32; Mal. 3:10; Matt, 28:19-20; Acts 2:41- 42; 6:5-6; 14:23; 15:22-23; 20:17-28; I Cor.5:11-13; 6:1-3;11:2; 12:4, 8-11; II Cor.8:23-24; Eph. 1:22-23; 4:11; 5:23-24; Col. 1:18; I Tim.3:1-13; I Pet. 5:1-4;
Jude 3-4.
N. Of Baptism and the Lord's Supper
We believe that Christian baptism is an ordinance, not a sacrament of the church whereby the believer is immersed in water in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. It is therefore not for infants and those who have not accepted Christ as Saviour. It is administered with the authority of the local church for the purpose of showing forth our identification with the crucified, buried and risen Saviour, and for a public testimony to all of the individual's willingness to be a disciple of Christ. Scriptural Baptism is what adds a Believer in Christ to local church membership.
The Lord's Supper, or Communion, is the only other ordinance of the church. As regularly as determined by the church's Pastor, the members gather together on a special evening set aside for that purpose only. As commanded by Scripture, we partake in unleavened bread and the (non-intoxicating) fruit of the vine to commemorate together the dying love of Christ; preceded always by solemn self-examination. The Bible teaches and we practice closed communion - it is for church members in good standing only.
Matt. 3:6, 16; 28:19-20; John 3:23; Acts 2:41-42; 8:36-39; Rom.6:3-5; I Cor. 2:12; Col. 2:12.
O. Of the Perseverance of the Saints.
We believe that such only are real believers as endure unto the end; that their persevering attachment to Christ is the grand mark which distinguishes them from superficial professors; that a special Providence watches over their welfare; and that they are kept by the power of God through faith unto eternal salvation.
Psa. 121:3; Matt. 13:19-21; John 8:31-32; 10:28-29; Rom. 8:28, 35-39; Phil. 1:6;Col. 1:21-23; Heb. 1:14;
I Pet. 1:5; I John 2:19.
P. Of the Righteous and the Wicked
We believe that there is a radical and essential difference between the righteous and the wicked; that such only as through faith are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and sanctified by the Spirit of our God, are truly righteous in his esteem; while all such as continue in impenitence and unbelief are in His sight wicked, and under the curse, and this distinction holds among men both in and after death, in the everlasting happiness of the saved in a literal Heaven and the everlasting conscious suffering of the lost in a burning literal Hell.
Gen. 18:23; Prov. 11:31; 14:32; Mal. 3:18; Matt. 7:13-14; 25:34, 41; Luke 9:26; 16:25; John 8:21; 12:25; Acts 10:34-35; Rom. 1:17; 6:16-18, 23; 7:6; I Cor. 15:22; Gal. 3:10; I Pet. 1:18; I John 2:29; 5:19.
Q. Of Civil Government
We believe that civil government is of divine appointment for the interests and good order of human society; that magistrates are to be prayed for, conscientiously honored and obeyed; except only in things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ; who is the only Lord of the conscience, and the coming Prince of the kings of the earth.
Psa. 72:8; Isa. 11:4-5; Matt. 24:17, 42; 28:6-7; Mark 16:6, 19; Luke 1:32; 24:2-7, 15,39; John 14:3; 20:27; Acts 1:9, 11; I Cor. 15:4, 25, 42-44, 51-53; Phil. 3:20-21; I Thes. 4:16-17; I Tim. 2:5; Heb. 2:17; 5:9-10; 8:1,6; 9:28; 12:2; I John 2:1; Rev. 3:21; 20:1-4,6.
R. Of the Resurrection and Return of Christ and Related Events.
We believe in and accept the sacred Scriptures upon these subjects at their face and full value. Of the Resurrection, we believe that Christ rose bodily, "The third day according to the Scriptures;" that He alone is our "merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God;" "that this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven"--bodily, personally and visible; that the "dead in Christ shall rise first," that the living saints shall all "be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump;" "that the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of His Father David;" and that "Christ shall reign a thousand years in righteousness until He hath put all enemies under His feet."
We believe in the Pre-Tribulation Rapture of the Saints followed by seven years of Tribulation on this earth which will be followed by the establishment of the Lord Jesus Christ's Millennial Kingdom. Amen!
S. Of Missions
The command to give the gospel to the world is clear and unmistakable and this Commission was given to the churches.
Matt. 28: 18-20, "And Jesus came and spake unto them saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever! have commanded you and, lo I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen."
Mark 16: 15 "And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature."
John 20:21 "Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father has sent me, even so send I you."
Rom. 10: 13-15 "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear with out a preacher? and how shall they preach except they be sent? as it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!'"
T. Of the Grace of Giving
Scriptural giving is one of the fundamentals of the faith.
II Cor. 8:7 "Therefore as ye abound in everything, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also."
We are commanded to bring our gifts into the storehouse (common treasury of the church) upon the first day of the week
I Cor. 16:2 "Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God bath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.
Under Grace we give, and do not pay, the tithe -- "Abraham GAVE the tenth of the spoils" - Hebrews 7:2,4 - and this was four hundred years before the law, and is confirmed in the New Testament; Jesus said concerning the tithe, "These ye ought to have done" -- Matt .23:23.
The principle of tithing is established in scripture as that which is pleasing to the Lord, and as that which demonstrates in a tangible way the place Christ has in our lives. It was Christ who was typified in the person of Melchizedek, to whom Abraham presented the tithe. It is Christ, who as the head of the Church, is to receive tithes today. It is therefore Scriptural for the member to present the tithe to Jesus Christ through the local church. Tithing is but a starting point leading to grace giving.
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Preschool
Aritacles of Faith
Heritage Pulpit
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ARTICLES OF FAITH
Doctrine
A Believer is one who believes in a supernatural Bible, which tells of a supernatural Christ, who had a supernatural birth, who spoke supernatural words, who performed supernatural miracles, who lived a supernatural life, who died a supernatural death, who rose in supernatural splendor, who intercedes as a supernatural priest and who will one day return in supernatural glory to establish a supernatural kingdom on the earth. The following doctrines are listed alphabetically from A through T.
A. Of the Scriptures
We believe that the Holy Bible was (a) verbally (VERBATIM, WORD-FOR-WORD) and plenarily (complete in every respect : ABSOLUTE, UNQUALIFIED) inspired of God; (b) that it has truth without any admixture of error for its matter, that consequently it is infallible and inerrant in all matters of which it speaks; and (c) 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.
1. By "THE HOLY BIBLE" we mean that collection of sixty-six books, from Genesis to Revelation, which as originally written, does not only contain and convey the Word of God, but IS the very Word of God.
2. By "INSPIRATION" we mean that the books of the Bible were written by holy men of old, as they were moved by the Holy Spirit, in such a definite way that their writings were verbally and plenarily inspired and therefore are free from error. No other writings have ever been or ever will be inspired.
3. We believe that the Masoretic Hebrew Text for the Old Testament, and the Textus Receptus Greek Text for the New Testament are the only two providentially preserved, pure, and infallible texts, and that the King James Version of the English Bible is the divinely preserved translation of God's Word from these two texts.
Ps. 12:6 "The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times."
Ps. 19:7-11; 119:89, 105, 130, 160; Pro.30:5-6; Isa. 8:20; Lk.16:31; 24:25-27, 44-45; John 5:39, 45-47; 12:48; 17:17; Acts 1:16; 28:25; Rom. 3:4; 15:4; Eph. 6:17; II Tirn.3:16-l7; I Pet. 1:23; II Pet. 1:19-21; Rev. 22:19.
B. Of the True God
We believe that there is one, and only one, living and true God who is an infinite, intelligent Spirit, the maker and supreme ruler of heaven and earth; inexpressibly glorious in holiness and worthy of all possible honor, confidence and love; that in the unity of the godhead there are three persons, the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, equal in every divine perfection; and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption.
Gen. 17:1; Ex. 20:2-3; 15:11; Ps. 83:18; 90:2; 147:5; Jer. 10:10; Matt. 28:19; Mk. 12:30; John 4:24; 10:30; 15:26; 17:5; Rom. 11:33; I Cor. 2:10-11; 8:6; 12:4-6; II Cor. 13:14; Eph. 2:18, 4:6, Phil. 2:5-6; 1 Tim. 1:17; 1 John 5:7; Rev. 4:11
C. Of the Holy Spirit
That the Holy Spirit is a divine person; equal with God the Father and God the Son and of the same nature; that He was active in the creation; that in His relation to the unbelieving world He restrains the Evil One until God's purpose is fulfilled; that He convicts of sin, of judgment and of righteousness; that He bears witness to the truth of the Gospel in preaching and testimony; that He is the agent in the new birth; that He seals, endues, guides, teaches, witnesses, sanctifies, and helps the believer.
1. We believe that the baptism of the Holy Spirit takes place at the time of conversion and is the act of placing the believer into the body of Christ, but is not a second work of grace. (I Cor. 12:13; Gal. 3:27; Rom. 8:9).
2. The baptism of the Holy Spirit is different than the filling of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18), which is an ongoing process that occurs as the believer is emptied of himself allowing the Holy Spirit to control his life thus producing a desire to bring others to Christ through soul-winning (John 15:16) and "the fruit of the Spirit." (Gal. 5:22-23).
3. Neither of the above is accompanied by unusual signs such as speaking in tongues. We are not in sympathy with the charismatic movement, and believe it to be unscriptural in its doctrine, especially concerning the Holy Spirit. (I Cor. 12-14).
NOTE: "Praying in the Spirit" simply means to be praying in the will of God. It does NOT involve speaking in tongues as is proposed by those in the charismatic movement. (Rom. 8:26)
Gen. 1:1-3; Matt.3:11; 28:19; Mt.1:8; Lk.1:35; 3:16; 24:49; John 1:33; 3:5-6; 14:16-17; 15:26-27; 16:8-11, 13; Acts 5:30-32; 11:16; Rom. 8:14,16,27; Eph. 1:13-14; II Thes. 2:7,13; Heb. 9:14; I Pet. 1:2.
D. Of the Devil, or Satan
We believe that Satan was once holy, and enjoyed heavenly honors; but through pride and ambition to be as the Almighty, fell and drew after him a host of angels; that he is now the malignant prince of the power of the air, and the unholy god of this world. We hold him to be man's great tempter, the enemy of God and of his Christ, the accuser of the saints, the author of all false religions, the chief power behind the present apostasy; the lord of the antichrist, and the author of all the powers of darkness - destined however to final defeat at the hands of God's own Son, and to the judgment of an eternal justice in hell, a place prepared for him and his angels.
Isa. 14:12-15; Ezek. 28:14-17; Matt. 4:1-3; 13:39; 25:41; Mark 13:21-22; Luke 22:3-4; John 14:30; II Cor. 11:13-15; Eph. 2:2; I Thes. 3:5; II Thes. 2:8-11; I Pet. 5:8; II Pet. 2:4; I John 2:2 3:8; 4:3; II John 7; Jude 6; Rev. 2:22; 12:7-10; 13:13-14; 19:11, 16, 20; 20:1-3,10.
E. Of Creation
We believe in the Genesis account of creation, and 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 development through interminable periods of time from lower to higher forms; that all animal and vegetable life was made directly and God's established law was that they should bring forth only "after their kind."
Gen. 1:1, 11, 24, 26-27; 2:21-23; Ex. 20:11; Neh. 9:6; Jer. 10:12; John 1:3; Acts 4:24; 17:23-26;
Rom. 1:20; Col. 1:16-17; Heb. 1:3; Rev. 10:6.
F. Of the Fall of Man
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. The consequence is two-fold; first, all mankind are born in the state of being sinners. Secondly, as sinners, all of mankind sins, not by constraint, but of choice; and therefore is under just condemnation without defense or excuse.
Gen. 3:1-6, 24; Psa. 51: 5; Ezek. 18:19-20; Rom. 1:18, 20, 28, 32; 3:10-19; 5:12, 19; Gal. 3:22;
Eph. 2:1, 3.
G. Of the Virgin Birth
We believe that Jesus Christ was begotten of the Holy Ghost, in a miraculous manner; born of Mary, a virgin, as no other man was ever born or can ever be, born of woman, and that He is both the Son of God and God the Son.
Gen. 1:5; Isa. 7:14; Psa. 2:7; Matt. 1:18-25; Mark 1:1; Luke 1:35; John 1:14; I Cor. 15: 47; Gal. 4:4; 1 John 5:20.
H. Of the Atonement for Sin
We believe that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace; through the mediatorial offices of the Son of God, who by 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; that, having risen from the dead, He is now enthroned in heaven and uniting in His wonderful person the tenderest sympathies with divine perfection. He is every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate and an all-sufficient Saviour.
Isa. 53:4-7, 11-12; Matt 18:11; John 3:16, 10:18; Acts 15:11; Rom. 3:24-25; I Cor. 15:3, 20; II Cor. 5:21; Gal. 1:4; Eph. 2:8; Phil. 2:7-8; Heb. 2:14; 7:25; 9:12-15; 12:2; I Pet. 2:24; 3:8; I John 2:2; 4:10.
I. Of Grace
We believe that in order to be saved, sinners must be born again; that the new birth is a new creation in Christ Jesus; that it is instantaneous and not a process; that in the new birth the one dead in trespasses and in sins is made a partaker of the divine nature and receives eternal life, the free will of God; that the new creation is brought about in a manner above our comprehension, not by culture, not by character, nor by the will of man, but wholly and solely by the power of the Holy Spirit in connection with divine truth, so as to secure our voluntary obedience to the gospel; that its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance and faith and newness of life.
Luke 5:27; John 1:12-13; 3:3, 6-7; Acts 2:41; Rom. 6:23; II Cor. 5:17, 19; Gal. 5:22; Eph. 2:1; 5:9;
Col. 2:13; II Pet. 1:4; I John 5:1.
J. Of the Freeness of Salvation
We believe in God's electing grace; that the blessings of salvation are made free to all by the gospel; that it is the immediate duty of all to accept them by a cordial, penitent and an obedient faith; and nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth but his own inherent depravity and voluntary rejection of the gospel; which rejection involves him in an aggravated condemnation.
Isa. 55:1, 6-7; Matt. 11:28; John 3:15-16, 18, 36; 5:40; 6:37; Acts 2:38; Rom. 8:29-30; 10:13; I Cor. 15:10; Eph. 2:4-5; Col. 3:12; I Thes. 1:4; I Tim. 1:15; Titus 1:1; I Pet. 1:2; Rev. 22:17.
K. Of Justification
We believe that the great gospel blessing which Christ secures to such as believe in him is Justification; that Justification includes the pardon of sin, and the gift of eternal life; that it is bestowed not in consideration of any works of righteousness which we have done; but solely through faith in the Redeemer's blood. It is a judicial act on the part of God whereby He declares righteous all of those who believe in Him. A simple sentence explaining justification is "Just-as-if-I'd-never-sinned."
Isa. 53:11; Hab. 2:4; Zech. 13:1; Acts 13:39; Rom. 1:17; 4:1-8, 5:1,9; 8:1; Gal. 3:11; Titus 3:5-7;
Heb. 10:38.
L. Of Repentance and Faith
We believe that Repentance and Faith are solemn obligations, and that they are part of the application of salvation, which is wrought in our souls by the quickening Spirit of God; thereby being deeply convicted of our guilt, danger and helplessness, and of the way of salvation by Christ. We turn to God with genuine repentance, confession and supplication for mercy; at the same time heartily receiving the Lord Jesus Christ and openly confessing Him as our only and all-sufficient Saviour.
Psa. 51:1-4, 7; Isa. 55:6-7; Mark 1:15; Luke 12:8; 18:13; Acts 2:37-38; 20:21; Rom. 10:9-11, 13.
M. Of the Church
We believe that a Baptist Church is an autonomous local congregation of baptized believers (as opposed to a universal church concept) associated by a covenant of faith and fellowship of the gospel, said church being understood to be the citadel and propagator of the Divine and Eternal Grace; observing the ordinances of Christ; governed by His laws; exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His Word; that its officers of ordination are pastors and deacons whose qualifications, claims, and duties are clearly defined in the Scriptures. We believe the true mission of the church is found in the Great Commission: first, to make individual disciples; second, to build up the church; third to teach and instruct as He has commanded. We do not believe in the reversal of this order. We hold that the local church has the absolute right of self government, free from the interference of any hierarchy of individuals or organizations; that the one and only superintendent is Christ through the Holy Spirit; that it is Scriptural for true churches to cooperate with each other in contending for the faith and for the furtherance of the Gospel; that every church is the sole and only judge of the measure and method of its cooperation. On all matters of membership, of policy, of government, of discipline, and benevolence, the will of the local church based on the authority of God's Word is final.
Lev. 27:32; Mal. 3:10; Matt, 28:19-20; Acts 2:41- 42; 6:5-6; 14:23; 15:22-23; 20:17-28; I Cor.5:11-13; 6:1-3;11:2; 12:4, 8-11; II Cor.8:23-24; Eph. 1:22-23; 4:11; 5:23-24; Col. 1:18; I Tim.3:1-13; I Pet. 5:1-4;
Jude 3-4.
N. Of Baptism and the Lord's Supper
We believe that Christian baptism is an ordinance, not a sacrament of the church whereby the believer is immersed in water in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. It is therefore not for infants and those who have not accepted Christ as Saviour. It is administered with the authority of the local church for the purpose of showing forth our identification with the crucified, buried and risen Saviour, and for a public testimony to all of the individual's willingness to be a disciple of Christ. Scriptural Baptism is what adds a Believer in Christ to local church membership.
The Lord's Supper, or Communion, is the only other ordinance of the church. As regularly as determined by the church's Pastor, the members gather together on a special evening set aside for that purpose only. As commanded by Scripture, we partake in unleavened bread and the (non-intoxicating) fruit of the vine to commemorate together the dying love of Christ; preceded always by solemn self-examination. The Bible teaches and we practice closed communion - it is for church members in good standing only.
Matt. 3:6, 16; 28:19-20; John 3:23; Acts 2:41-42; 8:36-39; Rom.6:3-5; I Cor. 2:12; Col. 2:12.
O. Of the Perseverance of the Saints.
We believe that such only are real believers as endure unto the end; that their persevering attachment to Christ is the grand mark which distinguishes them from superficial professors; that a special Providence watches over their welfare; and that they are kept by the power of God through faith unto eternal salvation.
Psa. 121:3; Matt. 13:19-21; John 8:31-32; 10:28-29; Rom. 8:28, 35-39; Phil. 1:6;Col. 1:21-23; Heb. 1:14;
I Pet. 1:5; I John 2:19.
P. Of the Righteous and the Wicked
We believe that there is a radical and essential difference between the righteous and the wicked; that such only as through faith are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and sanctified by the Spirit of our God, are truly righteous in his esteem; while all such as continue in impenitence and unbelief are in His sight wicked, and under the curse, and this distinction holds among men both in and after death, in the everlasting happiness of the saved in a literal Heaven and the everlasting conscious suffering of the lost in a burning literal Hell.
Gen. 18:23; Prov. 11:31; 14:32; Mal. 3:18; Matt. 7:13-14; 25:34, 41; Luke 9:26; 16:25; John 8:21; 12:25; Acts 10:34-35; Rom. 1:17; 6:16-18, 23; 7:6; I Cor. 15:22; Gal. 3:10; I Pet. 1:18; I John 2:29; 5:19.
Q. Of Civil Government
We believe that civil government is of divine appointment for the interests and good order of human society; that magistrates are to be prayed for, conscientiously honored and obeyed; except only in things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ; who is the only Lord of the conscience, and the coming Prince of the kings of the earth.
Psa. 72:8; Isa. 11:4-5; Matt. 24:17, 42; 28:6-7; Mark 16:6, 19; Luke 1:32; 24:2-7, 15,39; John 14:3; 20:27; Acts 1:9, 11; I Cor. 15:4, 25, 42-44, 51-53; Phil. 3:20-21; I Thes. 4:16-17; I Tim. 2:5; Heb. 2:17; 5:9-10; 8:1,6; 9:28; 12:2; I John 2:1; Rev. 3:21; 20:1-4,6.
R. Of the Resurrection and Return of Christ and Related Events.
We believe in and accept the sacred Scriptures upon these subjects at their face and full value. Of the Resurrection, we believe that Christ rose bodily, "The third day according to the Scriptures;" that He alone is our "merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God;" "that this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven"--bodily, personally and visible; that the "dead in Christ shall rise first," that the living saints shall all "be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump;" "that the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of His Father David;" and that "Christ shall reign a thousand years in righteousness until He hath put all enemies under His feet."
We believe in the Pre-Tribulation Rapture of the Saints followed by seven years of Tribulation on this earth which will be followed by the establishment of the Lord Jesus Christ's Millennial Kingdom. Amen!
S. Of Missions
The command to give the gospel to the world is clear and unmistakable and this Commission was given to the churches.
Matt. 28: 18-20, "And Jesus came and spake unto them saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever! have commanded you and, lo I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen."
Mark 16: 15 "And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature."
John 20:21 "Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father has sent me, even so send I you."
Rom. 10: 13-15 "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear with out a preacher? and how shall they preach except they be sent? as it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!'"
T. Of the Grace of Giving
Scriptural giving is one of the fundamentals of the faith.
II Cor. 8:7 "Therefore as ye abound in everything, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also."
We are commanded to bring our gifts into the storehouse (common treasury of the church) upon the first day of the week
I Cor. 16:2 "Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God bath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.
Under Grace we give, and do not pay, the tithe -- "Abraham GAVE the tenth of the spoils" - Hebrews 7:2,4 - and this was four hundred years before the law, and is confirmed in the New Testament; Jesus said concerning the tithe, "These ye ought to have done" -- Matt .23:23.
The principle of tithing is established in scripture as that which is pleasing to the Lord, and as that which demonstrates in a tangible way the place Christ has in our lives. It was Christ who was typified in the person of Melchizedek, to whom Abraham presented the tithe. It is Christ, who as the head of the Church, is to receive tithes today. It is therefore Scriptural for the member to present the tithe to Jesus Christ through the local church. Tithing is but a starting point leading to grace giving.
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