What Do Fundamental Baptist Believe

V. SECTION FOUR: THE ORDINANCES OF THE LOCAL CHURCH

A. Introduction

1. What is the difference between using the words “ordinance” and “sacrament?”

Dr. Jackson defines ordinances as, “established rites or ceremonies.” Sacraments is a term which adds to the picture of baptism or the Lord’s Supper. The term bestows gifts of grace and the ability to live Godly.

2. Does the New Testament teach that the ordinances belong exclusively to the Local Church? Please support your answer.

The New Testament teaches that the two ordinances are the responsibility of the local church. As I have discussed above, the Lord works through the local church. When the ordinances are done by the church it is done in order and correctly by the institution that God created. I do not believe that baptism has always been done by and in accordance with the local church. I believe this because baptism was done before the creation of the church. Some examples: John’s baptism and our Lord’s baptism. It is also believed that Apollos and his disciples had also partaken of a baptism before the beginning of the church, but were re-baptized in the Lord’s baptism.




3. Is Footwashing a New Testament ordinance? If so, why? If not, why not?

I do not believe footwashing is a New Testament ordinance. First, of all what is foot washing? In John 13:1-20 Christ teaches his disciples an important lesson about humility. In this lesson the exhortation to forgive one another and a lesson about cleansing your life as a Christian is taught. I do not believe this is a ceremony or established rite. I believe this way because there is no mention of footwashing after John 13. When we look at the other ordinances they are mentioned continually. The Lord even commands us took take communion in remembrance of him. Footwashing seems to disappear. It is not made into a doctrine or commandment in the early church.




B. Baptism

1. What is the significance of Baptism? Please explain and support your answer.

Matthew tells us in his gospel, “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 I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matt. 28:19-20) The significance of Baptism is that it places believers publicly into discipleship and church membership. So I would say the key to baptism is sealing.


2. Who are proper subjects for baptism? Why?

First, babies should not be baptized. I believe this because babies cannot make the decision to accept the Lord, which makes it impossible to join into discipleship and church membership according to the New Testament. Second, I believe that you have to make a profession of faith. “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.” (Acts 2:41) “But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.” (Acts 8:12) “Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?” (Acts 10:47) “And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.” (Acts 16:33, 34) Third, I believe that somebody should not get baptized unless they are planning on joining the church. Why would a person get baptized make that public stand for the Lord, and then not join the church.

3. Is it ever proper for a person to be baptized and not also be joining the Local Church? Please support your answer.

I believe there are examples of people in the New Testament who did not join a church, but that was because there where no churches. “And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.” (Acts 8:37-39) “And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.” (Acts 16:30-33) It is probably the same for some far away mission fields.


4. Many denominations practice different modes of Baptism. What are the different modes, and why do we insist upon our mode? Please support your answers.

There are three major modes of Baptism. The first is that of pouring or affusion. This is when the person doing the Baptism pours the water over the body. They usually pour the water over the head three times to represent the trinity. The reason I believe this is not the correct mode is because the word used in the New Testament means to immerse. Why would you use that word when other words were available for pour? Also, Jesus was baptized in the Jordan. Other times when people are baptized it talks about coming up and about bodies of water. Lastly, it destroys the picture of death and resurrection with Christ that is given in Romans 6. The next mode of Baptism is sprinkling or aspersion. In this mode the person doing the baptism sprinkles the person receiving. This is a latter practice not known in the New Testament. It was started to allow those too weak or sick to get baptized without being immersed. I do not think this is the correct form either because not only is it not mentioned in the New Testament, but it was created to get around the Lord’s ordinance to fit to man’s needs. The last mode is immersion. I believe this is the correct form because of the meaning of the word, Christ’s baptism, words like coming up and about bodies of waters, and that fact that if fulfills the picture of Christ’s death, burial and resurrection.

5. Do you accept Triune Immersion (the practice of immersing a candidate for baptism three times in the names of the members of the Trinity) as a valid Biblical Baptism? Please explain your answer.

No, I do not because it is not talked about in scripture. I think it would be important if we are supposed to immerse three times, but scripture does not treat it as if it were important. There is no evidence except for early church writings.


6. How many times should a person undergo Baptism? Why? Is there ever a time when you would practice re-baptism?

A person should only undergo Baptism once. Scripture only indicates baptism taking place once in a true believer’s life. I do believe that a person could be re-baptized. For instance, if a person is baptized as a baby and accept the Lord as their savior later in life they should get re-baptized. Also, if a person gets baptized who was not saved and they truly accept they should get baptized again. I am a personal example of this type of re-baptism. I made a phony confession of faith when I truly did not understand nor accept the Lord. I was baptized and joined the local church. When I went to college I got saved, and when I went back home for the summer I was re-baptized.


7. Do you believe that Baptism is a New Testament requirement for Church membership? If so, why? If not, why not?

I believe that it is a requirement for church membership. I believe this because in scripture it seems when people got baptized they were joined up with the church. Also, if a person is baptized and does not join the local church he is not getting the discipleship and the responsibilities given to God’s children.


8. If a person is baptized at a summer Bible camp, is that Baptism valid? Explain your answer.

As I said early, I believe there are times in the New Testament when people were baptized without a local church. I would think it would be valid in the sense of what baptism is, but I would see problems that might arise from being baptized at a camp. The first problem would be who was doing the baptism. If the camp was ran by a church then it would be a pastor who represented the church I think it would not be a problem. Secondly, some pastors at churches might not accept this type of baptism as a formal baptism. Thirdly, at camp, it seems easy to make a false profession due to peer pressure and powerful speaking. Lastly, they would have the temptation to go home and life in the world and never join a church.


9. If a Local Church is without a Pastor, can anyone ever be baptized before a new Pastor comes on the field?

Yes, I believe that the church can choose a member of good standing to perform baptism. It does not say in scripture that only the pastors of local churches can do baptism.


10. If you had to cast the deciding vote in a Church business meeting where a person who is saved but because of either old age or sickness was not able to be immersed was asking to be received as a member of the Church, which way would you vote: accept the person into full membership, accept the person into full membership but have the Church go on record publicly and declare that this is an exceptional case, accept the person into a associate membership, refuse membership to the person. Please give reasons for your decision.

I would cast my vote to refuse membership. This is my personal opinion. I believe it takes away from the picture when a person is sprinkled, and it is done by other churches who believe differently than the Baptists. Also, I believe that to allow them to be a member would give weaker brethren false ideas about baptism. I think it could pave the way to slacking on other issues as well. When the Catholic Church started doing it for “sick” people it became the norm until the old method was total removed from the church. Last of all, personally, I would rather die in baptism; do to illness, than to cheat the Lord of the picture he has given us.


C. The Lord’s Supper

1. What is the significance of the Lord’s Supper?

First, it is a commandment from God. “And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. (I Cor. 11:24, 25) Secondly, it has many benefits for the believer. First, a person has to think and examine his life before he can partake of the Lord’s Supper. The person has to question himself about his walk with the Lord. Next, men and women can show their testimony publicly. Unlike baptism they can do this more than one time. When we partake of the Lord’s Supper people are reminded about the suffering of the Lord and the gift received because of it. Lastly, we are reminded that he is coming back for us.


2. Who do you think Biblically should partake of the Lord’s Supper? (What are the Biblical requirements for participation?)

First, a person has to be saved to partake of the Lord’s Supper. I Cor 11:24, 25 states, that this is a remembrance of the Lord’s suffering. How can a person be in remembrance of something he does not believe or care about? Also, how is a person going to examine their lives if they have no choice but to serve sin? The next requirement is found in I Cor. 11:29-34 which states, “For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another. And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come.” A person cannot be living a backslidden life. The reason they cannot live like this is because they go to the Lord’s feast uncaring and they make it of no importance.



3. Would it be wrong for the GARBC at its Annual Conference to observe the Lord’s Supper? Please explain your answer.

Yes, it would be wrong for a national association to do the work of the church. God has given the responsibilities to the church not to associations. As I said before, I believe the Lord is working through the church.


4. If you were a Pastor, would you take Communion to someone who is sick or shut-in? Why?

No, I would not. It is the responsibility of the church for the church. I do not think it was an ordinance given to individual on a personal basis, but to a group of believers. It destroys the process of the church. Soon everybody will want the pastor to come to their house and do communion.


5. Does unleavened bread need to be used in the Lord’s Supper in order to follow the Biblical pattern? Why?

I believe that unleavened bread needs to be used in the Lord’s Supper. I believe this because leaven is always used in the New Testament as an example of sin. Using unleavened bread has a message inside of itself. I would think that to make leaven bread would pollute the picture of Christ’s perfect body.

“Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.” (Matt. 16:6)

“It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.” (Lk 13:21)

“Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.” (I Cor 5:6-8)

“A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.” (Gal. 5:9)


6. Would it be wrong to use fermented wine in the observance of the Lord’s Supper? Why?

Yes, I believe it would be wrong to use fermented wine in the observance of the Lord’s Supper. I believe this because the wine pictures Christ’s unpolluted blood. Fermentation is dirty. It is when germs eat sugar and create alcohol for waste, and that does not sound like unpolluted to me. Plus, the Lord’s Supper is supposed to be a time of self-examination. Alcohol, even a small amount, can hinder a person’s perception.


7. How often should the Lord’s Supper be observed?

I believe that it is the churches’ choice when to observe the Lord’s Supper. I do believe it is a continual thing so they should not do it only once every five years. Acts 20:7 shows us that the church in Troas broke bread at the beginning of the week. The only thing I think scripture tells us for sure is not to do the Lord’s Supper in a way that makes it routine and common.





V. SECTION FIVE: THE PROGRAM OF THE LOCAL CHURCH

A. Discipline

1. Why should a Local Church practice discipline?

A local church should practice discipline for two reasons. First, they should discipline people to show them that the church loves them and wants them to be right with the Lord. This is the key to the church in bringing people back into fellowship with the Lord, which is the best thing for the person. Secondly, it keeps false teachers from invading the church and multiplying like filthy cockroaches. If there is no discipline the church will slowly give in to teachings of false doctrine and the church will fall.


2. When should a Local Church practice discipline?

There are five things that local churches should practice discipline for. The first is immorality. “It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father’s wife. And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you. For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed, In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators: Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world. But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.” (Cor. 5)
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Secondly, discipline should be for false doctrine. “Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed. And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort. If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.” (I Tim. 6:1-5)

Thirdly, discipline should be used for disorderly walk. “Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.” (2 Thess. 3:6)

Fourthly, discipline should be used for divisions. “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.” (Rom. 16:17, 18)

Lastly, discipline should be used for an unrepentant attitude. “Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.” (Matt. 18:15-17)

3. How should a Local Church practice discipline?

The church should practice discipline in four ways. The first is a spirit that is humble and meek. “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” (Gal. 6:1)

Secondly, the church should practice discipline with an uncompromising stand against sin. “And the Jews’ passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem, And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers’ money, and overthrew the tables; And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise. And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.” (John 2:13-17)

Thirdly, love should always be practiced a church when disciplining. “But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.” (2 Thess. 3:13-15)

Lastly, a church should have a spirit of forgiveness. “Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.” (Lk. 17:3, 4)


B. The Ministry of the Church

1. What is the primary mission of the Church? Please support your answer.

The primary mission of the church consists of two important factors. The first is ministering to the body. This would include teaching God’s world. “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.The second is ministering to the world.” (Acts 2:42) “Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.” (Acts 4:2) “Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to “bring this man’s blood upon us.” (Acts 5:28) “And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.” (Acts 5:42) “And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.” (Acts 11:26) Fellowship is also included in ministering to the body. “So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.” (Rom. 12:5) “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;” (Rom 12:10) “Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.” (Rom. 12:16) “And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them.” (Acts 4:23) “And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.” (Acts 5:41) The last part of ministering to the body is worship. “And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is: Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ.” (Acts 4:24-26) “But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.” (I Tim. 4:13) The next important factor in the mission of the church is ministry to the world. “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 I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Matt. 28:18-20)


2. Does the Local Church as a Church have any social responsibility? Support your answer with Scripture.

I believe that the church has to make efforts to train and send people out to help evangelize the lost. (Mt. 28:18-20) Also, I believe that the church should have some type of ministry that helps the poor. “Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.” (Mt. 19:21) “For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always.” (Mt. 26:11) I chose this verse because even though Jesus is telling them they will always have the poor I believe it shows us that then was not the time but now is the time to help the poor.


3. Is evangelism the exclusive goal of the Church in its ministry? If so, why? If not, why not?

No, I do not believe evangelism is the exclusive goal of the church. In Matthew 28:18-28 he is talking to individuals not to the church. The reason I used it above to denote evangelism is because the church is involved in evangelism. What happens when it becomes the goal of the church? You get seeker service churches. These churches try to bring people into the church; to save them, but they use whatever they can to get people through the doors. They pervert the gospel message. They allow the world to get into the church. They allow society to change the church not the Lord.


4. How may a Church practically be evangelistic?

A church can be practically evangelistic by having a pastor who not only believes in evangelism but has a heart for the lost. The church can also have programs to help people train for evangelism and outlets to help them go out and do the work. Also, Sunday school classes can be used to teach evangelism. Have strong prayer groups. The last thing would be helping people to evangelize at work when they have the opportunities.

5. How may a Church practically be missions-minded?

The church can be missions-minded the same way. Having leaders who have a passion for missions can help the church be missions minded. Setting aside money for missionaries and missionary projects would also help because sometimes people’s hearts are where their money is at. When missionaries come home let them stay and be served by members of the church. Lastly, have a strong prayer group for you missionaries.


6. How may a Church practically educate its people in Scriptural truth?

Well, first off by preaching the word of God on Sundays and not PPO (pastor’s personal opinions). It is not wrong to have personal opinions but some pastor only have personal opinions. Secondly, have Godly lay people teaching the classes. Sometimes a person just learns differently and a lay person might know how to teach a person who is a lay person just like themselves. Thirdly, have levels of classes to speak to different individuals. Some people may be ready for meat some may not be.


7. What does it mean to worship God?

Worship is kissing the earth which has now come to prostrating oneself in reverence. For example, worshipping the glory of God; praising him for his “heaviness” or his worthiness.

8. How may a Church practically worship God?

The church can practically worship God in many different aspects. First, a church can worship God practically by preaching the word of God. Second, they can have a night of prayer and prayer chains. Thirdly, they need to have sometime of music as part of the service. This could include hymns, special music, choruses. Fourth, giving is part of worship. Passing around the offering plate so people can give to the work of the Lord is part of worship. Lastly, fellowship is worship. So a church should have events and times for testimonies so people can fellowship together.


9. Since a Local Church is independent, is there any need for it to fellowship with other Local Churches or organizations? Why?

Yes, I believe that fellowship with other local churches and organizations really help Christians to see the power of the universal church. I do believe that you should only fellowship with churches and organizations that our within the same belief system. Also it is good to help other churches and organizations who are in need. “But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints. For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem. It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things.” (Rom. 15:25, 26)



10. Is it wrong for a Local Church to ever be identified with organizations which may not be exclusively Baptist?

Well, I think it is dangerous but must Baptist churches do. I know a lot of Baptist churches that use the Awana program. This program has gone way past Baptist churches in it range of fellowship. Also, a lot of churches fellowship with Word of Life and they are far from being Baptist in their range of fellowship. Campus Crusades is another example of organizations which are not exclusively Baptist in which lots of Baptist churches fellowship with. I believe this is dangerous because it is toleration. It is saying it is alright to fellowship with people who do not believe what we believe that problem is how many young ones will be led astray. Also, they might use teaching supplies that teach false doctrine mixed with true which could harm the ministry of a local church.


11. How may a Local Church practically encourage fellowship among its own people?

Well, my personal favorite is pot-lucks hehehe! I think a church needs events to help people come together and fellowship especially in today’s society of fast everything and lack of family values. Food fellowships help bring people together where they can eat and relax. Also, sport activities are a chance to get all types of people in the church together to compete in love. Another way is Prayer breakfasts and mission’s activities can allow people to come out and fellowship.



12. How much of your money belongs to God?

God owns cattle on a thousand hills! All of your money belongs to the Lord. The paper it is printed on belongs to the Lord. The ink used to print the money belongs to the Lord. The printing press used to print the money belongs to the Lord. The person who printed the money belongs to the Lord. The country the printer comes from belongs to the Lord.

13. Do you believe in Tithing? Please explain your answer.

Yes, I believe that you should give to the Lord’s work. It shows that you love the Lord. A person should give cheerfully and liberally as the Lord has blessed the person. “If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” (James 2:15-17) “But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” (I John 3:17, 18) “Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.” (2 Cor. 8:5) “Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.” (I Cor. 16:2)

14. Do you believe in Storehouse Tithing? Please explain your answer.

No, because the Lord gives us a different command in the New Testament than the old. In I Cor. 16:2 it states that a person should give as the Lord has prospered him. This may mean more than 10%. The Jews were under a different system. They had a temple and priests. We have the church and the great commandment. Even the Jews had a different type of tithe besides the 10%.

VI. SECTION SIX: DISTINCTIVE PRINCIPLES & BELIEFS OF BAPTISTS

Please list and briefly explain each of the “Baptist Distinctives.” Do you agree with all of them? If not, which ones do you differ with and why?


1. Biblical Authority – The Bible is the inerrant, infallible word of God. It is the verbal, plenary inspired of the original manuscripts. It has the final say in every matter of doctrine and conduct. It is also useful in the past, in present, and in the future.
2. Autonomy of the local church – The church is not subject to any other ruling body. It makes all of its decision without the approval of any organization.
3. Priesthood of the believer – Heb. 10:19 states, “Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus.” We have the ability to come before the Lord. We are priest; which means we do not have to go through a priest to worship God.
4. Two Offices – Pastor and Deacon
5. Individual Soul Liberty – Nobody can choose salvation for another person. They and they alone can choose to accept the Lord as their personal savior. This also affects the preaching and teaching of the word. It is the person choice.
6. Separation of Church and State – The church cannot become a state run organization. The state cannot come in and tell a church how to run. This does not affect how the church can be involved in the state.
7. Two Ordinances – The two ordinances are the Lord’s supper and believer’s Baptism
8. Saved local church membership – All who join the church should be able to present a clear testimony of their salvation. They should join a church and be subject to all that occurs with church membership.