baptist christian statement of faith baptist christian statement of faith

Monique Moultrie, an associate professor of religious studies at Georgia State University, told NPR, "I think it is interesting that more swift movement was made towards removing these churches . Jesus said He is the Door (singular), and any other path is . We believe that Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water, under the authority of the local church. Genesis 1:1; 2:7; Exodus 3:14; 6:23; 15:11ff. To faithfully support the sanctity of permanent marriage between a man and a woman, avoiding all forms of sexual misconduct (including harassment and abuse-noting the institutional policy for such) and to contribute exclusively to that biblical pattern in all spheres of influence. (John 17:17; Romans 6:1-14; 1 Corinthians 1:30; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 2 Corinthians 6:14-17; 2 Corinthians 7:1; Galatians 5:16-23; Ephesians 2:6; Ephesians 5:25-27; 1 Thessalonians 4:3; 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24; 1 John 3:2; Jude 24-25; Revelation 22:11), We believe adoption means to be placed as a son. To pursue a balanced, disciplined approach to personal health. 6:00pm 8:00pm. 7. Examples of such work would include course material, books or articles written, video presentation, online courses, or software developed. [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. Christians have a spiritual debtorship to the whole world, a holy trusteeship in the gospel, and a binding stewardship in their possessions. As terms of relationship at any level within our faith community, Boston Baptist College prohibits all members of the college community from public advocacy or promotion for any position that sex outside of a biblically defined marriage is morally acceptable. He bears witness to the truth of the Gospel in preaching and testimony. 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 supernaturally and verbally inspired and free from error, as no other writings have ever been or ever will be inspired. ; Isaiah 7:14; Isaiah 53:112; Matthew 1:1823; 3:17; 8:29; 11:27; 14:33; 16:16, 27; 17:5; 27; 28:16, 19; Mark 1:1; 3:11; Luke 1:35; 4:41; 22:70; 24:46; John 1:118, 29; 10:30, 38; 11:2527; 12:4450; 14:711; 16:1516, 28; 17:15, 2122; 20:120, 28; Acts 1:9; 2:2224; 7:5556; 9:45, 20; Romans 1:34; 3:2326; 5:621; 8:13, 34; 10:4; 1 Corinthians 1:30; 2:2; 8:6; 15:18, 2428; 2 Corinthians 5:1921; 8:9; Galatians 4:45; Ephesians 1:20; 3:11; 4:710; Philippians 2:511; Colossians 1:1322; 2:9; 1 Thessalonians 4:1418; 1 Timothy 2:56; 3:16; Titus 2:1314; Hebrews 1:13; 4:1415; 7:1428; 9:1215, 2428; 12:2; 13:8; 1 Peter 2:2125; 3:22; 1 John 1:79; 3:2; 4:1415; 5:9; 2 John 79; Revelation 1:1316; 5:914; 12:1011; 13:8; 19:16. The Baptist Faith and Message (BF&M) is the statement of faith of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). We believe that Christian baptism is the immersion in water of a believer, in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, with authority of the local church, 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 the privileges of a church relation and the Lord's Supper; in which the members of the church by the sacred use of bread and wine are to commemorate together the dying love of Christ; preceded always by solemn self-examination. He enlightens and empowers the believer and the church in worship, evangelism, and service. The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ provide for rescue and redemption from sin. Man, spirit, soul, and body, were created by a direct work of God and not from previously existing forms of life; and that all men are descended from the historical Adam and Evethe first parents of the human race. 12. We do not believe in the reversal of the order. 1:2627; 1 Cor. The traditional SBC view is that all Scripture is equally inspired by God.[7]. A free church in a free state is the Christian ideal, and this implies the right of free and unhindered access to God on the part of all men, and the right to form and propagate opinions in the sphere of religion without interference by the civil power. 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. 16. Expressing our love in worship that is as sincere, vibrant, and artful as it is scriptural. 3. Bible, the only rule of faith and practice. Russian 5:1921; Eph. Directions. They are voluntary and advisory bodies designed to elicit, combine, and direct the energies of our people in the most effective manner. 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! All Christians are under obligation to seek to make the will of Christ supreme in our own lives and in human society. ; 28:1920; Luke 2:40; 1 Corinthians 1:1831; Ephesians 4:1116; Philippians 4:8; Colossians 2:3, 89; 1 Timothy 1:37; 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:1417; Hebrews 5:126:3; James 1:5; 3:17. (Isaiah 53:4-7; John 3:1-21; Acts 4:12; Acts 15:11; Romans 3:10; Romans 3: 23- 25; Romans 6:23; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Ephesians 2:8-10; Philippians 2:7; Hebrews 2:14; 1 Peter 2:24; 1 John 2:2; 1 John 4:10), We believe in the bodily resurrection of Christ and in His ascension into Heaven, where He now sits at the right hand of the Father as our High Priest. But some of us take it too far to the place of sin. 3:00pm 5:30pm, Crusaders Teens (Seasonal) He is an intelligent, spiritual, and personal Being, the Creator, Redeemer, Preserver, and Ruler of the universe. Water baptism is a prerequisite to the privileges of membership in the local church. The Family. It is instantaneous and not a process. Watch Live Here : https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&q=https://bit.ly/Highschoolbasketball_BoysThe Faith Baptist (Davison, MI) varsity . The state has no right to impose penalties for religious opinions of any kind. Christ, glorified in Heaven, is the Head of the Church. It is God's revelation to man, inerrant as originally written by Spirit-controlled men. (Genesis 1:1-3; Matthew 28:19; Mark 1:8; Luke 1:35; Luke 24:49; John 3:5-7; 14:16,17,26; John 16:7-15; Acts 5:30-32; 11:16; Romans 8:14,16,26,27; Romans 15:19; 1 Corinthians 2:10,11; Ephesians 1:13-14; Ephesians 4:30; Hebrews 9:14). (Ezekiel 28:13-19; Matthew 25:41; Mark 5:1-20; Luke 2:13; Luke 9:26; Luke 10:18; Luke 15:10), We believe that civil government is of divine appointment for the interests and good order of human society. It is scriptural for churches to cooperate with each other in defending the faith and for the furthering of the gospel. (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). Standing, as Jesus does, with the outcast . Genesis 3:15; Exodus 3:1417; 6:28; Matthew 1:21; 4:17; 16:2126; 27:2228:6; Luke 1:6869; 2:2832; John 1:1114, 29; 3:321, 36; 5:24; 10:9, 2829; 15:116; 17:17; Acts 2:21; 4:12; 15:11; 16:3031; 17:3031; 20:32; Romans 1:1618; 2:4; 3:2325; 4:3ff. The Confession of Faith, [1] [2] also called the Second London Baptist Confession, was written by Particular Baptists, who held to a Calvinistic soteriology in England to give a formal expression of their Christian faith from a Baptist perspective. Thurs. Lets face it many Baptists are proud, and that is OK in a manner of speaking, because we have a rich heritage. The true remedy for the war spirit is the gospel of our Lord. [5] The most controversial points were in the areas of male priority (in marriage and in ministry, specifically the pastorate), the exegetical standard by which the Bible is to be interpreted, and a catalogue of specific sins.[6]. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 3:16-17; 28:19-20; Mark 12:29; 1 Peter 1:2). (Luke 23:43; 2 Corinthians 5:8-10; Philippians 1:23; Philippians 3:21; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Revelation 20:4-6), We believe the souls of unbelievers remain in conscious misery after death until the second resurrection when the soul and body are reunited and they shall appear at the Great White Throne Judgment. . His righteousness is imputed unto us. God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of marriage. Each article or position is followed by Scripture which they use to support their position.[a]. (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. Genesis 3:15; Exodus 3:14-17; 6: . Members of New Testament churches should cooperate with one another in carrying forward the missionary, educational, and benevolent ministries for the extension of Christs Kingdom. 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. Election is the gracious purpose of God, according to which He regenerates, justifies, sanctifies, and glorifies sinners. We believe that justification is the judicial act of God declaring us to be righteous through faith in Christ Jesus. It commemorates the resurrection of Christ from the dead and should include exercises of worship and spiritual devotion, both public and private. To respect leadership and support harmony that is compatible with biblical truth, understanding that insubordination in any form incompatible with any professional relationship with Boston Baptist College. 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. We hold that the local church has the absolute right of self-government, free from 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; and that on all matters of membership, policy, government, discipline, or benevolence, the will of the local church is final. 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. 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 Holy Spirit conceived His incarnationin a miraculous manner. Gender identity and roles are merely aspects of Gods creative design (Gen. 1:2628; 1 Cor. The one and only Head is Christ through the Holy Spirit. Christian people throughout the world should pray for the reign of the Prince of Peace. 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." It has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter. The Scriptures are inerrant, infallible and God-breathed, and therefore are the final authority for faith and life. We join thousands of Baptist churches, associations, and ministries thathave adopted the Baptist Faith and Message as our confession of faith. We further believe that water baptism by immersion is to be observed once, and is a sign of identification and a testimony to the believers new life in Christ. 6:1820; Gal. 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. He calls men to the Saviour, and effects regeneration. Second, the 2000 revision of the BF&M removed the assertion that the person of Jesus Christ was to be the exegetical standard by which the Bible was to be interpreted,[citation needed][c] and replaced it with the last sentence in the quotation below. We stand in the line of the historic Protestant tradition. 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 He created them male and female as the crowning work of His creation. Boston Baptist College supports the conscientious pursuit of life in submission to biblical principles. (1 Corinthians 15:42-44, 1 Corinthians 15:51-54; Philippians 3:20-21; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Revelation 3:10), Section 23: The Eternal State of the Saved and The Lost, We believe in the bodily resurrection of all men: the saved to eternal life and the unsaved to judgment and everlasting punishment. Smith, James A., Sr. "A confession of faith worthy of support." His presence in the Christian is the guarantee that God will bring the believer into the fullness of the stature of Christ. C. Sanctification is the experience, beginning in regeneration, by which the believer is set apart to Gods purposes, and is enabled to progress toward moral and spiritual maturity through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in him. Pre-Millennial, KJV Baptist Church. A summary of what most Baptist Associations include is found in one of our Baptist.org presentations, Why We Are Baptists. Portuguese (Genesis 1:26-27; 3:1-6; 3:24; John 3:1-21; Romans 1:18, 32; Romans 3:10-19; Romans 5:12, 19), We believe that the salvation of sinners is divinely initiated and wholly of grace through the intervention of the Son of God. She is now dispersed because of her disobedience and rejection of Christ. Each church, however, is to depend solely upon the Holy Bible for Faith and Practice. We believe, that in order to be saved, sinners must be born again. We believe that any form of homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality, bestiality, incest, fornication, adultery and pornography are sinful perversions of Gods gift of sex. Therefore, all Scripture is totally true and trustworthy. Preaching The Gospel As It Is To Men As They Are. It excludes boasting and promotes humility. According to the Scriptures, Christians should contribute of their means cheerfully, regularly, systematically, proportionately, and liberally for the advancement of the Redeemers cause on earth. Leadership In the spirit of Christ, Christians should oppose racism, every form of greed, selfishness, and vice, and all forms of sexual immorality, including adultery, homosexuality, and pornography. To maintain professional and mentoring relationships with students while never violating propriety or losing the capacity to lead or discipline students objectively avoiding preferential treatment of any student at all times. 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. Korean He is the Maker and Supreme Ruler of Heaven and earth. He is destined to the judgment of an eternal justice in the Lake of Fire. (A) The Holy Scriptures We believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be the verbally and fully inspired Word of God. 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. It is more than just legal standing or even a change of nature. In addition to academic classes, every day includes a traditional assembly, bible study and extra . Faith Church 11 Glenridge Road Rexford, NY 12148. Repentance is a genuine turning from sin toward God. 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. "Throughout the process, the [Faith Statement Development] team sought the Lord's guidance and wisdom and has . We believe that Jesus Christ eternally existed with the Father and the Holy Spirit. Immersion of believers and the Lords Supper the only two ordinances. Article VI. Jesus perfectly revealed and did the will of the Father, taking upon Himself human nature with its demands and necessities and identifying Himself completely with mankind yet without sin. 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 obedient faith; and that 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. Vietnamese. Editorial changes, such as the use of gender-inclusive language, considered improvements of the form of the statement. We believe that God's method of financing His earthly work of spreading the Gospel to all nations the tithes and offerings of His people; that it is to be given to the Lord through the care of the churches; and the support of the ministry is by His local church or storehouse to be distributed as directed by the leadership of the Spirit as the need arises; that the time to tithe is the first day of the week; that everyone is accountable to the Lord for one-tenth of the income; and that timing was instituted long before the law was ever given and was practiced by the early church. He exalts Christ. We believe God the Father is an infinite, eternal, sovereignSpirit Who is absolutely holy and self-existent. He will return in power and glory to judge the world and to consummate His redemptive mission. Exodus 17:12; 18:17ff. Of Repentance and Faith. 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. (John 3:15; Acts 4:12; 16:31; Romans 10:9-13; Ephesians 2:8-9), Section 13: Separation and Sanctification, We believe that sanctificationis the divine setting apart of the believer unto God, and that the Scriptures clearly teach non-conformity to the world for every believer. He regeneratesthe sinner by the Word of God. For the first time in SBC history, provisions were added to define male-headship gender roles in both the ministry and in marriage. Watch Live Here : https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&q=http://bit.ly/3J5mjB4The Faith Baptist (Davison, MI) varsity basketball team has. ; Acts 1:1314; 2:1ff. We believe that Gods design for the family is modeled in the leadership of the church. 9. The Churchs purpose of existence is to evangelize the world and complete itself through the winning of lost souls to Christ. All Scripture is a testimony to Christ, who is Himself the focus of divine revelation. To limit any personal matters to momentary attention while on the job, including but not limited to - phone calls, personal visits or conversations or computer use. Each one has outlined a statement of faith. 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. Inclusion of a statement that Baptists honor the principles of soul competency and the priesthood of believer. It summarizes key Southern Baptist thought in the areas of the Bible and its authority, the nature of God as expressed by the Trinity, the spiritual condition of man, God's plan of grace and salvation, the purpose of the local church, ordinances, evangelism, Christian education, interaction . Each church, however, is to depend solely upon the Holy Bible for Faith and Practice. The unrighteous will be consigned to Hell, the place of everlasting punishment. He ascended into heaven and is exalted at the right hand of God the Father where He is our Advocate and High Priest, the One Mediator, fully God, fully man, in whose Person is effected the reconciliation between God and man. He was raised from the dead with a glorified body and appeared to His disciples as the person who was with them before His crucifixion. The Lord Jesus Christ has commanded the preaching of the gospel to all nations. 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. 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. Why are we Baptists? They shall be cast into the Lake of Fire, not to be annihilated, but to suffer everlasting punishment. Christ, the Lord, bore our sin in His own body on the crossthe just dying for the unjust. ; 17:11; Romans 15:4; 16:2526; 2 Timothy 3:1517; Hebrews 1:12; 4:12; 1 Peter 1:25; 2 Peter 1:1921. The performance of professional responsibilities in the context of this educational institution is consistent with this intent and with the standards found in Scripture. 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. (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. Genesis 18:1ff. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. Matthew 28:20 ESV). We believe that Jesus Christ instituted the Lords Supper to commemorate His death until He comes again. Isaiah 2:4; 11:9; Matthew 16:27; 18:89; 19:28; 24:27, 30, 36, 44; 25:3146; 26:64; Mark 8:38; 9:4348; Luke 12:40, 48; 16:1926; 17:2237; 21:2728; John 14:13; Acts 1:11; 17:31; Romans 14:10; 1 Corinthians 4:5; 15:2428, 3558; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Philippians 3:2021; Colossians 1:5; 3:4; 1 Thessalonians 4:1418; 5:1ff. He is eternally existing in three persons Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Statement of Faith . ; Mark 2:2728; 16:17; Luke 24:13, 3336; John 4:2124; 20:1, 1928; Acts 20:7; Romans 14:510; I Corinthians 16:12; Colossians 2:16; 3:16; Revelation 1:10. Repentance and faith are inseparable experiences of grace. It is our conviction that water baptism has no saving merit. We believe that such only are real believers as have placed saving faith in Christ; that a special Providence watches over their welfare; that they are kept by the power of God through faith unto eternal salvation; and that the grand mark which distinguishes them from superficial professors is spiritual fruit produced as they abide in Christ. ; Judges 7:21; Ezra 1:34; 2:6869; 5:1415; Nehemiah 4; 8:15; Matthew 10:515; 20:116; 22:110; 28:1920; Mark 2:3; Luke 10:1ff. 2:1214) and thus the college community unites in the conviction that God opposes any attempt to alter ones gender by surgery or appearance. Since God created mankind into genders distinctly male and female we believe that the only legitimate marriage is that between a man and a woman. Being a church ordinance, it is prerequisite to the privileges of church membership and to the Lords Supper. It is a perfect treasure of divine instruction. ; 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. They are therefore under obligation to serve Him with their time, talents, and material possessions; and should recognize all these as entrusted to them to use for the glory of God and for helping others. Be sure to look for the continuation of this article to find further discussion regarding the Baptist Distinctives! Believers may fall into sin through neglect and temptation, whereby they grieve the Spirit, impair their graces and comforts, and bring reproach on the cause of Christ and temporal judgments on themselves; yet they shall be kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation. We also believe in the personal, visible, and glorious return of Christ to the earth with His saints at the end of the Great Tribulation. Accordingly, the Governing Board, the administration, the faculty, and all other employees of Boston Baptist College affirm the following code of professional ethics. 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 sixty-six books of the Old and New Testament are the complete and . Knowing who we are is one thing, but knowing WHAT we are is completely another. 216 views, 5 likes, 5 loves, 3 comments, 0 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from New Hope Baptist Church, Marshville, NC: sunday service 4. The full historicity and perspicuity of the biblical record of primeval history, including the literal existence of Adam and Eve as the progenitors of all people, the literal fall and resultant divine curse on the creation, the worldwide cataclysmic deluge and the origin of nations and languages at the tower of Babel. (Mark 9:43-48; Luke 16:19-26; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9; Revelation 20:11-15), (Statement of Faith ratified February 5th, 2017), exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His Word. (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. We receive the spirit of adoption and we are enabled to come boldly to the throne of grace and cry Abba, Father. He will return in power and glory to judge the world which he created, consummate His mission, and assume His rightful throne. There is no other "way" (religion, etc.) The state owes to every church protection and full freedom in the pursuit of its spiritual ends. (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. 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. It is to be preceded always by solemn self-examination. All sound learning is, therefore, a part of our Christian heritage. 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. We believe that the command to give the Gospel to the world is clear and unmistakable, and this commission was given to the churches. ; 1 Thessalonians 5:2324; 2 Timothy 1:12; Titus 2:1114; Hebrews 2:13; 5:8-9; 9:2428; 11:112:8, 14; James 2:1426; 1 Peter 1:223; 1 John 1:62:11; Revelation 3:20; 21:122:5. Therefore, we are under just condemnation without defense or excuse. In accordance with the spirit and teachings of Christ they should do all in their power to put an end to war. Realizing the importance, privilege and responsibility of the preaching and teaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, First Baptist Church believes the following: 1. Means and methods used for the improvement of society and the establishment of righteousness among men can be truly and permanently helpful only when they are rooted in the regeneration of the individual by the saving grace of God in Jesus Christ. Only the grace of God can bring man into His holy fellowship and enable man to fulfill the creative purpose of God. 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. Christianity is the faith of enlightenment and intelligence. The Church. 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.