What do you believe?
Edward D Lacey
NOTE: Parts of the following has been copied from a six page brochure, "MEET SOUTHERN BAPTISTS". You can find the brochure here: http://www.sbc.net/PDF/MeetSouthernBaptists.pdf
"S
outhern Baptists believe that the Bible reveals the Gospel message of Jesus Christ. For that reason, Southern Baptists have summarized their biblical convictions in a confession of faith entitled, "The Baptist Faith and Message". The confession of faith documents what most Southern Baptist believe, but Southern Baptists are not a creedal people, requiring churches or individuals to embrace a standardized set of beliefs. The BF&M represents the confessional consensus of “certain definite doctrines that Baptists believe, cherish, and with which they have been and are now closely identified." (See the BF&M, preamble)Just Who Are Southern Baptists?
For almost 170 years, Southern Baptists have sought to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all people everywhere. The Southern Baptist Convention was formed with a Gospel vision. Its founding charter identifies its singular focus: . . .. . . for the purpose of eliciting, combining, and directing the energies of the Baptist denomination of Christians, for the propagation of the Gospel . . .
The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) has grown to be a network of more than 50,000 cooperating churches and church-type missions banded together to make an impact for God’s Kingdom. While no two Southern Baptist churches are alike, there are certain commonalities that bind Southern Baptists together, regardless of ethnicity, socio-economic status, language, or locale...
I. SOUTHERN BAPTISTS ARE CHRISTIANS WHO SHARE A UNIQUE FAITH.Ø Southern Baptists Believe That:
v The Bible is The SOLE Authority For Faith And Practice.
· God calls us directly as Individuals.
· Believers accept Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, and are guided by the Holy Spirit.
· Each Church Is Autonomous (Self-governing), with a “regenerate membership” —people come into the church as adult, youth or child believers, not as infants.[1]
“Verily, verily, I Say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot See kingdom of God.” --John 3:3
II. BECOMING SOUTHERN BAPTIST IS AN INVITATION TO MAKE:
Ø JESUS - THE CENTER OF YOUR LIFE.
v You take the first step on the path to discipleship when you accept Jesus Christ as your personal Savior.
Ø THE CHURCH -- THE FOCUS OF YOUR FAITH.
v Through the church community, you have an opportunity to grow closer to God and help others grow closer to God, too.
Ø THE WORLD -- THE MISSION OF YOUR LIFE.
v Jesus’ love for you is a gift —and a call to share your love and faith with others.
· Southern Baptists have a history rich in love and faith.
· Church members come from all backgrounds and ethnic heritages.
III. THE BIBLE IS THE SPIRITUAL FOUNDATION OF THE SOUTHERN BAPTIST FAITH!
Ø Southern Baptists are rightly known as a people of the Word. The old and NEW Testaments are:
v THE WORD OF GOD, inspired by God through the Holy Spirit.
· God is revealed and speaks the truth directly to us through the Bible.
v THE SOLE AUTHORITY for faith and Christian living.
· The Bible inspires and instructs us to live as Jesus lived — ever loving, forgiving and serving
v THE CENTER OF THE CHURCH, helping to bring together believers.
· …Those who have accepted Jesus as their Savior) in a spirit of love, peace and cooperation.[2]
Ø THE PRIESTHOOD OF BELIEVERS.
v Southern Baptists believe in the competency of the human soul to approach God directly.
· This means that we can communicate with Jesus directly, without needing the mediation of an earthly priest or other intermediary.
· And, we believe that Jesus calls us to become “priests” to the world by:
1. SERVING GOD. Believers are called to express their love for God through loving relationships. How you do this is a personal decision.
2. MINISTERING TO OTHERS. You can succeed in Jesus’ mission by making the most of your God- given abilities, and by allowing the Holy Spirit to be seen through your words and deeds.
3. LIVING THE WORD OF GOD. For the Word of God to have real meaning in your life, you must act upon its message.[3]
“Ye also, as lively stones, are. built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood.” -1 Peter 2:5
IV. SOUTHERN BAPTISTS PRACTICE TWO ORDINANCES
Ø These ordinances are a way to express your obedience to God and enrich your faith.
v (1) BAPTISM OF BELIEVERS BY IMMERSION [Believers are baptized by immersion — the same form described in the New Testament.]
· BAPTISM IS A SIGN OF YOUR FAITH. IT MEANS THAT YOU HAVE…
1. Repented of your past sins
2. Accepted Jesus as your personal Savior
3. Begun a new life with God.
· BAPTISM IS A SYMBOL OF YOUR …
· Death, burial and resurrection with Jesus
· New birth in Jesus, through the Holy Spirit
· Unity with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit —and with other believers. [4]
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the. name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” ~ Matthew 28:I9
v (2) THE LORD’S SUPPER. The Lord’s Supper symbolizes…
· PARTICIPATION IN JESUS’ LIFE AND DEATH
· The bread and the fruit of the vine are symbols of Jesus’ body and blood.
· They also remind you of the new covenant (agreement) with God
· COMMITMENT TO JESUS
· Taking part in the Lord’s Supper is a way to show your need for Jesus and Jesus’ sustaining grace.
· It’s a time to renew your relationship with Jesus and fellow believers.
· THE FUTURE RETURN OF JESUS
· Each time you take part in the Lord’s Supper, you testify to the second coming of Jesus and the promise of everlasting life with God.
· The Lord’s Supper is shared only by baptized believers.[5]
“This is my body which is given for you; this do in remembrance of me!’ -Luke 22:19
V. OTHER IMPORTANT SOUTHERN BAPTIST BELIEFS!
Ø RELIGIOUS LIBERTY FOR ALL
v God’s gift of love is freely given.
· Your response to God must also be freely given and expressed.
· No political authority has the power to interfere with this basic right. [6]
Ø SELF-GOVERNING CHURCHES
v Jesus is the sole head of the church.
· Each congregation is self-governing, although it cooperates with other churches, associations and conventions.
· In the spirit of fellowship and cooperation, churches may also seek relationships with other Christian bodies.[7]
Ø MISSIONS AND EVANGELISM
v Jesus’ message of everlasting love and salvation is open to all.
· It is the responsibility of every church, and every believer, to be a witness to Jesus’ Gospel message.
· Jesus’ calling to spread the Gospel message is at the heart of each church.[8]
Ø CHURCH MEMBERSHIP
v A church is a “covenant community” … a local body of baptized believers united by faith and committed to serving God.
· Once you’ve committed your life to Christ, you, too, should become a member of a church.
· Each church determines what is required of its members. [9]
VI. WHAT BEING A SOUTHERN BAPTIST CAN MEAN TO YOU!
Ø GROWING CLOSER TO GOD IS A LIFELONG PROCESS THAT INVOLVES …
v … STRENGTHENING YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD
· Accepting Christ as your Savior is the rock on which your relationship with God is built. Strengthen this relationship by…
· Trusting and loving God completely in all that you do
· Building loving relationships with other people.
v … AFFIRMING YOUR FAITH
· Being baptized is a public testimony of your faith in Jesus and commitment to God.
· Continue to testify by taking an active role in your church.
v … PRAYING, READING AND STUDYING THE BIBLE.
· Understanding the Word of God enables you to grow in faith and love.
· It can strengthen your relationship with God, yourself and other people.
v … LIVING A CHRISTIAN LIFESTYLE. (STEWARDSHIP)
· Jesus calls you to turn away from sin and use your time, talents and other resources wisely, as a living sacrifice in Jesus’ name.
v … BEING A WITNESS TO CHRIST
· Helping to spread the Gospel message of love is a commandment as well as an opportunity.
· Loving Jesus means sharing your love every day, and enriching your life and the lives of others. [10]
“Thou shalt love the lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul . . . and thy neighbor as thyself!’ --Luke 10:27
VII. YOUR ROLE IN THE CHURCH
Ø As a member of a Southern Baptist church, you have responsibilities and opportunities. Take an active part in:
v WORSHIP SERVICES
· Bringing glory to God is the chief purpose of humanity — and of your faith community.
· Attend worship services regularly. Participate in song and prayer.
· Share in Scripture readings and listen closely to the sermon.
v EDUCATIONAL EFFORTS
· Teaching and learning about the Bible and Christian responsibility is an important mission for you and your church.
· Join or help start a prayer or Bible study group.
· Participate in church programs, such as Sunday School and discipleship classes.
· Support your church’s association with Baptist colleges, universities and seminaries.
v HELPING YOUR NEIGHBORS
· Helping to fulfill the spiritual and physical needs of your neighbors is your duty — and your chance to grow in Christ.
· Help with church programs, such as food banks, clothing distribution and shelter for the homeless.
· Visit members of your church who are shut-in or unable to attend worship services.
· Work with your church to help achieve its mission throughout the world.
v SPREADING THE WORD OF GOD TO OTHERS
· Through the efforts of you and your church, Jesus’ message of love can reach others and change their lives.
· Support your church’s missionary efforts and the Southern Baptist Cooperative Program. Give of your time, talent and treasure.
· Volunteer your service to your church’s mission activities.
VIII. SOUTHERN BAPTISTS ARE WORKING TO MEET MANY CHALLENGES
Ø HERE’S HOW YOU CAN HELP …
v INVITE YOUR FRIENDS to worship services and other church activities.
· Help them to experience the peace and joy of Christian love.
v SHARE YOUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS with your church.
· Make the most of God’s gifts to you.
v MAKE GIVING A PART OF YOUR LIFE in Christ.
· Your church needs your financial support.
· Give with a loving, cheerful heart.
v BE AN EXAMPLE of true Christian faith.
· Let your daily words and actions show others the way to Christ.
v ASK YOUR PASTOR or someone from the church staff how you can become more actively involved.
IX. SO, BEING A SOUTHERN BAPTIST MEANS ANSWERING GOD'S CALL TO …
Ø … STRIVE TO LOVE GOD -- with all your heart, mind and soul.
Ø … HELP SPREAD THE GOOD NEWS -- of new life in Jesus.
Ø … LIVE AS JESUS LIVED -- by following his example in all that you do.
Ø … LEARN MORE -- about Southern Baptist faith and history.
“Be renewed in the Spirit of your mind.” --Ephesians 4:2.3
[1] For more insight, read Luke 10:25-28, Acts 2 and Romans 10:13
[2] For more insight, read 2 Timothy 3:14-17, 2 Peter 1:20-21 and 1 Corinthians 2. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly. COL. 3:16
[3] For more insight, read John 3:1-21, Ephesians 2:4-10, Romans 12 and 1 Peter 2.
[4] For more insight into baptism, read Matthew 3:13-17, 1 Corinthians 12:12-13, Romans 6:1-4 and Colossians 2.
[5] For more insight into the Lord’s Supper, read Matthew 26:26-29, Mark 14:22-25, 1 Corinthians 10:16-17 and 11:23-26.
[6] For more insight, read Matthew 22:15-22, Luke 20:22-25 and Acts 5:27-32.
[7] For more insight, read Matthew 28:18-20, Ephesians 1:15-23 and Acts 20:28.
[8] For more insight, read 2 Corinthians 5:17-20, Acts 1:6-8 and Luke 24:45-49.
[9] For more insight, read Acts 2:37-42, 1 Peter 2:4-5 and John 3:1-6.
[10] For more insight, read Matthew 22:34-40, Hebrews 10:23-25, Philippians 4:4-7, Romans 13 and 2, Corinthians 5:18-21.
