The Baptist Church 

Introduction:

     Whenever a particular religious group’s beliefs are examined, it is done to see whether these teachings are in agreement with the Word of God.  As with many faiths, some of its members may be unaware of what that religious group actually teaches.

 Body:

 I. History of the Baptist Church

• Note:  John the Baptist (more accurately the Baptizer or Immerser) was never in the church or the kingdom.                            Matthew 11:9-13 “But what did you go out to see?  A prophet?  Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet.  For this is he of whom it is written:  Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You.  Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”  NKJV                                                                                 Also, John the Baptist taught that baptism was necessary to obtain forgiveness of sins.  Mark 1:4 “John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.”  NKJV
• The first Baptist churches came into existence in the 1600’s in Europe.  Some of the early leaders were John Smyth, Thomas Helwys, Henry Jacob, John Spilsbury, and Roger Williams.  (America)
• Several different types of Baptist churches were established.  These included General Baptists and Particular Baptists.  Later, others were added such as American, Southern, and Primitive Baptists.

II. Beliefs of the Baptist Church

     Most of the various Baptist churches believe the following:

• People are born in sin. It is inherited from Adam.  Yet, God’s Word teaches we are not born sinners, but become sinners.                                  Isaiah 59:1-2 “Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, That it cannot save; Nor His ear heavy, That it cannot hear.  But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear.” NKJV,                            Ezekiel 18:4,20-23
• Saved people cannot fall from grace.  It is impossible to lose one’s salvation.  Yet, note what Galatians 5:4 “You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.”  NKJV                   and I Corinthians 10:8,12 teach.  See also II Peter 2:20-22.
• Baptism is not essential to salvation.  But note Acts 2:38 “Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”  NKJV                           Acts 22:16, I Peter 3:2, Mark 16:16.
• Instrumental music is used in worship.                                              Ephesians 5:19 “speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.”  NKJV and Colossians 3:16

• Each congregation has a pastor instead of a plurality of elders.           Acts 14:23 “So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.” NKJV, I Peter 5:1-3

 Invitation:

     I encourage all those who are members of a Baptist Church to go back to having God’s Word as your only source of authority.  

 Bobby Stafford

August 14, 2011

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