Abortion

Baptism (Biblical)

Baptism (Questions Answered)

Baptists

Bible Study

Christian Life (The Believer’s Position In Christ)

Christian Life (Attitudes That Make A Christian Miserable)

Church (New Testament)

Church (Local Church Membership)

Creation

Family Devotions

Habits (Breaking Bad)

Habits (Building Healthy, Holy)

Habits (Making Changes In My Life)

How To Know God's Will

Human Government And Authority

Lord's Day

Salvation

Sanctity Of Life

Things To Come

Abortion
Sanctity Of Life

At Cornerstone Baptist Church, we believe human life is sacred; that God is the Giver of life; that man is made in the image of God; that He numbers our days; that He knows we are dust; and that we are accountable to Him for what we do to and with our own bodies and lives, as well as the bodies and lives of others. Gen. 2:7; 4:9-11; 9:5, 6;  Ex. 20:13; Rom. 14:12

We do not believe it is wrong to withhold life-prolonging procedures, which circumvent nature and its normal course. We do not believe it is wrong for a person to receive medications allowing them to die with dignity as gently and free of pain as possible. But we do believe that the willful putting to death of a person for the purpose of preventing suffering is immoral and wrong. It takes the responsibility for terminating a life out of God's hands. It rules out the possibility of miraculous healing by God as the result of prayer and faith. It attempts to make easy what God may purposely have intended as hardship and suffering in order to build faith or fulfill some other purpose in and through that life. It leads to dangerous misuses, such as the elimination of so-called "undesirables." And perhaps worst of all, it puts the person into eternity prematurely, thus robbing them of further precious opportunities which are available only in this life. For the unbeliever, it ends the opportunity to repent and be saved.  For the believer, it ends all service to the Lord and further reward in Heaven. I Cor. 10:13; Heb. 9:27; Job 1:21; Ps. 31:14-15; 92:12-14.

We believe that human life begins at conception and that the unborn child is a living human being. Abortion constitutes the unjustified, unexcused taking of unborn human life. Abortion is murder. We reject any teaching that abortions of pregnancies due to convenience, rape, incest, birth defects, gender selection, birth or population control, or the physical or mental well being of the mother, are acceptable. Job 3:16; Ps. 51:5; 139:14-16; Isa. 44:24; 49:1, 5; Jer. 1:5; 20:15-18; Lk. 1:44. Check out our Resource page for links that may be of further help.

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Baptism (Biblical)

• What baptism means in the New Testament Greek language:
• Liddell & Scott Lexicon – “to dip” or “to dye”
• Thayer’s Lexicon – “to dip … immerse, submerge”
• Abbot-Smith Greek Lexicon (p. 74) – “to dip, immerse, sink”
• Polybius, 3rd Century B. C. – used generally of soldiers wading breast-deep; also the sinking of ships.
• Used in the papyri as a metaphor of “to overwhelm”

There are words in the Greek language for sprinkle or pour. But these words are not used in the Bible for believer’s baptism. “Pouring” is used in Revelation 14:10, and “sprinkling” is used in Hebrews 9:13, 19, 21; 10:22.

• The testimony of theologians who did not practice immersion:
• Bishop Moule, an Anglican: “Scripture indicates a usage of immersion in apostolic missions very plainly.  And it connects baptism with our Lord’s death, burial, and resurrection doctrinally.”
• Martin Luther, founder of the Lutheran church: “I would have those who are to be baptized to be entirely immersed, as the Word imparts and the mystery signifies.”
• John Calvin , Reformed: “The word “baptize” means “to immerse.”  It is certain that immersion was the practice of the ancient church.”
• John Wesley, Methodist: He practiced immersion during at least part of his ministry and even refused communion to those who had not been immersed.

The above quotes are from Christian Baptism by Alfred P. Gibbs, pp. 60, 61.

• Immersion in water as the form of baptism is necessary because of the grammar and context.  Note the use of prepositions:
• Matthew 3:6, “in Jordan”
• Matthew 3:11, comparison of baptism of water and baptism of fire
• Matthew 3:16, “went up straightway out of the water”
• John 3:23, “much water there”
• Mark 1:5, “in the river Jordan”
• Acts 8:36-39, “into the water…come up out of the water”

• It is necessary because of the salvation symbolism involved. It is used as an illustration in Romans 6:3-5. Note the words “Buried” and “Planted.” It is a picture of Christ’s work on the cross and the believer’s positional identification. It is also used in Colossians 2:12 where the body is first of all “buried” and then “risen.”

• How did sprinkling or pouring get started? During times of persecution, many churches were driven underground and lived in catacombs where water and space was at a premium. People who were too sick to be immersed were sprinkled. The rise of baptismal regeneration, and thus infant baptism, in the first few centuries and in the Catholic Church made sprinkling much more practical. Consequently, the mode of baptism was determined from practical or traditional reasons rather than from a search of the Scriptures.

• Baptism requires 4 things:

1). A proper subject – a regenerate person
2). A proper mode – immersion
3). A proper significance – the death, burial and resurrection of Christ
4). A proper administrator – the local church

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Baptism (Questions Answered)

• Does baptism save or help to save a person from his sins? No. Baptism is only a picture. It is done in obedience to the Lord’s command. Only the blood of Christ can save and cleanse from all sin. “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.”  I John 1:7b, Ephesians 1:7, Colossians 1:14, Hebrews 9:22.

• Can a person be saved and not be baptized? Yes. But if he is really saved, he will want to be baptized. When it can be carried out in form and meaning, baptism is necessary for obedience to Christ, not for salvation. Jesus said, “If ye love Me, keep my commandments.” If one is not willing to obey Christ, he should examine himself to know if he has really accepted Christ as Savior and Lord of his life. John 14:15-23.

• What is the meaning of baptism? Baptism portrays the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. It is also a testimony that the believer has accepted Christ as his substitute and has, therefore, died to sin, been buried with Christ and has been raised a new creature in Christ to life for Him.
• It is a prophecy of the bodily resurrection of the Christian when Christ comes to earth again.
• It is a confession before the world and a putting on of Christ as a uniform showing that we belong to Him.
• It is following the example of Jesus and is done in obedience to His command to all who have trusted Him for salvation. “Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death; that like as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.  For if we have been planted together in the likeness of death, we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection.” Romans 6:4, 5. See also Colossians 2:12 and I Peter 3:21

• How is baptism performed? Baptism is performed by the immersion in water of the believer’s entire body, in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, upon the authority of a New Testament church, which He established to carry on His work.  “…And the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? …And he commanded the chariot to stand still:  and they went down into the water both Phillip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.  And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Phillip, that the eunuch saw him no more …”  Acts 8:36b-39. See also Mark 1:9, 10.

• When should a person be baptized? In the New Testament records, it seems that baptism took place very soon after conversion. There was certainly no waiting for a special day. There is no special day or season that is any better for a believer to be baptized.

• Can other forms be used instead of immersion if so desired? No. Christ Jesus Himself was immersed, as commentators agree. Jesus gave the command that all who believe on Him should be immersed. The meaning of the word used in the Greek language means “to immerse.” Also, the meaning of baptism as death, burial and resurrection would be entirely lost if something other than immersion were used. “…Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan.  And straightway coming up out of the water, He saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon Him.” Mark 1:9, 10. “Buried with Him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with Him …” Colossians 2:12; Matthew 3:13; Matthew 28:19, 20; Acts 8:38, 39; Romans 6:4, 5.

Should babies be sprinkled (often called “infant baptism”)? No. It should not be done. There is no authority in the Bible for infant baptism. Babies cannot believe, and parents or sponsors cannot believe for them. “The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son …” Ezekiel 18:20; Acts 8:12, 37; 10:45-48; 16:31-34. The Bible requires personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ before baptism. In every recorded instance of baptism in the Bible, faith (belief) was a condition preceding it.

• What harm is done by sprinkling babies?

• If the baby has been sprinkled (or dedicated when used as a ceremony), he grows up thinking that he is already a Christian and that he “belongs” to God.  Therefore, he seldom realizes his need for repentance and faith in Christ.  Romans 3:10-12

• When a child has been sprinkled (or dedicated), parents and friends often lose their rightful anxiety for the salvation of the child when he reaches the years of accountability to God. They often consider him a Christian, and cease to pray for him, although he has never had a personal experience of salvation.

• Sprinkling babies is one of the devil’s best methods of hindering a person from becoming a real Christian, by making him think that he is already one. Thus, every appeal made for a sinner to accept Christ will most probably pass unheeded. “Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father …”  Matthew 7:21. “But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.”  Matthew 15:9

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Baptists

A Baptist in the biblical sense is a Christian first and then a Baptist. There are other groups and denominations which hold to many of the profound Biblical doctrines to which Baptists hold. To claim that Baptists will be the only ones in heaven is absurd, for nowhere in Scripture do we read that one must be a Baptist in order to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Historically, none but Baptists have held to all of the Biblical doctrines to which we hold. Therefore, we might say that the great distinctive of the Baptist position is not found so much in each doctrine individually, as in the totality of them. An acrostic is sometimes used to state doctrinal distinctives that Baptists hold:
           B – orn again membership. Acts 2:41, 47
           A – uthority of the Scriptures. II Timothy 3:16, 17
           P – riesthood of Believers. Revelation 1:5, 6
           T – wo Offices (Pastor and Deacon). Philippians 1:1
            I – ndependence of the Local Church.  I Timothy 3:15
           S – eparation of Church and State. Matthew 22:21. Different meaning than            today’s political use.
           T – wo ordinances  (Baptism by immersion and the Lord’s Supper). Acts 2:41-42
           S –ecurity of the Believer. Romans 8:35-39

Let’s look at the doctrines, which put together give us the Baptist Distinctive.

• Verbal, Plenary, Inspiration of the Scriptures.  (See I. 1.)
• Infallibility of the Scriptures. Psalm 12:6-7
• The Sovereignty of God. God is supreme over all and accountable to no one for what He does. Sovereignty is not concerned with why God is pleased to do something, but with what He has the right to do.  Romans 11:34-36
• Being saved and baptized are two qualifications one must meet to join a local, New Testament Church. Acts 2:41
• The Ordinances of the Local Church. We do not use the term “sacraments”, which indicates a means of obtaining more of God’s grace.  Rather, we use the term ordinance.  Think thru the following definition of an ordinance:  “An outward institution, appointed by Christ, by positive precept, to be observed by all of His people to the end of the age, commemorating an essential gospel fact and declaring an essential gospel truth.” - Henry Weston

Baptism requires 4 things:
1). A proper subject – a regenerate person
2). A proper mode – immersion
3). A proper significance – the death, burial and resurrection of Christ
4). A proper administrator – the local church

The Lord’s Supper and 5 questions:
1). Who?  We believe in “close” communion (all believers baptized by immersion) rather than “open” (any person) or rather than “closed” (believing members of our local church only).
2). Where?  In a local church gathering.
3). How?  With self-examination and waiting for each other.
4). What?  Unleavened bread and juice from the grape.
5). Why?  A memorial service of Christ’s death.\

• Offices of the Local Church. Pastor and Deacon. I Timothy 3:1-13

• Autonomy of the Local Church. The local church congregation is accountable solely to Christ. Colossians 1:18

• The Priesthood of all Believers. It is the privilege of each individual believer to worship and petition the Lord without intervention of any other person. I Peter 2:9

• Soul Liberty. We believe that every individual will be responsible to God for his own actions. Therefore:        
• All are equal before God.  Romans 2:11
• Each individual has a dignity.
• Men are endowed with rights.
• Men should have freedom of choice.
• We should have the right of private interpretation of Scripture.
• We believe that government grants freedom, but that God grants liberty.
• The Headship of Jesus Christ.  Ephesians 1:22
• Separation of Church and State.
• The state is a divine institution which is to protect the rights and privileges of the individual.
• The church is to be involved in a spiritual ministry and only saved people are to be a part of it, whereas the state is made up of both saved and unsaved.

            We are Christians by conversion!
            We are Baptists by conviction!

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Bible Study

• Why Study The Bible

• Spiritual Growth – Milk to grow  (I Pet. 2:2-3)
• Gain Understanding – Understand and find knowledge  (Prov. 2:1-5)
• Provides a Standard of Truth – Search scriptures daily to find truth (Acts 17:11)
• Promises Success – Mediate on God’s Word for a prosperous life (Joshua 1:8)
  
• Produces Joy – Rejoice over Word of God  (Jeremiah 15:16)
• It is Commanded – Study to show yourself approved  (II Tim. 2:15)

• When To Study The Bible 

• Choose a Time – Morning, Noon, Night – best for you  (Psalm 119:147-148)
• Choose a Place – Place of quiet  (Mark 1:35)
• Set a Goal

• Methods To Study The Bible

• Doctrinal Study – God, Man, Sin, Church.  Get a good book on Bible Doctrine.
• Character Study – Pick a person and study him/her. Ask – Who, What, Where, Why, When and How questions.
• Topical Study – For example: Repentance, Prayer.  Use Topical Bible or Thompson Chain.
• Word Studies.
• Book Study – one book at a time.

• Getting Personal

Memorize – Ps. 119:11

Meditation – Prayerful reflection with a view to understanding and application  (Ps. 1:1-3). Compare godly and ungodly.  Ponder the habits, stability, future of each.

• Word Study

Example – “joy” in Galatians 5:22,  “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance …”

Use the following to study the word “joy:”

• An English Dictionary
• A Bible Dictionary
• Unger’s Bible Handbook
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance
• WORD study books, lexicons and other concordances
• OTHER Scripture passages with the same word in the Greek, Hebrew or English – comparing scripture with scripture

In your own word’s, what does the word “joy” mean in Galatians 5:22?

To be more Christ-like, you need to know what Christ is like. 
How do you find out?  Study and learn the book He wrote… Study the BIBLE!

To be more Christ-like, you need to know what Christ is like. 
How do you find out?  Study and learn the book He wrote… Study the BIBLE!

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Christian Life (The Believer’s Position In Christ)

Throughout the New Testament, the believer’s position in Christ, that is, his standing before God because of Christ’s redeeming work on the cross, is emphasized.  We are righteous and holy before God; we possess great and precious promises, and are heirs of all that God has. Positionally, we are absolutely and exactly all we can be, because we are in Christ and His righteousness is imputed to us.  "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”  (II Corinth. 5:21)

In Christ, we are made perfect, righteous positionally.  That is why we have the right to fellowship with God and receive His unbounded love and kindness forever.

On the other hand, though our position before God is absolute righteousness in Christ, our practice, falls far short of that.  Our daily task, then is becoming in experience what we are in position.

The Christian life is the experience of becoming what you are!  It is a matter of experiencing in your daily life your eternal position by appropriating your resources!

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Christian Life (Attitudes That Make A Christian Miserable)

Attitude or Act = Result in Spiritual Life

Not trusting God = Fearful, unsure, wavering …James 1:6
Neglect of the Bible = Unable to make good choices …Hebrews 5:11-14
Family feuds = No power with God in prayer …I Peter 3:7
Struggling to gain material possessions = No reward in heaven…Matthew 6:19-24
Avoiding church or other Christians = Willful sin and its judgment …Hebrews 10:23-31
Willful disobedience of the Bible = Hardened attitude and sin unto death risked …Hebrews 6:4-6; I John 5:16-17; I Corinthians 11:27-30

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Church (New Testament)

The word “church” means literally “to be called out.”  In the New Testament it is used in the sense of those who are saved by Jesus Christ and are called out of the sinful lifestyle and system of this world to form the church and thus accomplish the commission Jesus left for us.  Matthew 28:19, 20.

“Church” is sometimes used in the New Testament to describe the “body of Christ” consisting of all believers everywhere.  It is more often used to describe a local group of the “body of Christ” which we call a local church, which is our reference here.  Since every believer ought to be an active part of a local church, let us define what one is.  Notice seven brief descriptions from the Word of God: 

• It is the place of God’s people: Acts 2:41 describes the Lord adding to the church those who have been saved and baptized. 

• It is the place of spiritual service: Acts 2:42 teaches that the believers of the early church “continued in …fellowship …”  Fellowship means “a partnership in common labor.” 

• It is the place to observe the ordinances given by Christ: Romans 6:3-5 describes to the church the meaning of believer’s baptism, and I Corinthians 11:23-30 describes the meaning of the Lord’s Supper.

• It is the place of love and encouragement to the New Testament believer: Hebrews 10:24 teaches us that as we assemble we are to “stir one another up” to love and good works.

• It is the place to assemble to hear and to learn the Word of God: Paul told Titus, a pastor on the Island of Crete, to speak “the things which become sound doctrine.”  Titus 2:1

• It is the place to broadcast out to the lost the seed of the saving gospel:  Paul praised the Thessalonians because from them “sounded out the Word of the Lord …”  I Thessalonians 1:8

• It is a place to preserve the purity of the Word of God:  Jude wrote that New Testament Christians should “earnestly contend for the faith …”  Jude 3

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Church (Local Church Membership)

Presupposition: There is a difference between the larger Body of Christ and the Local Church.

Body Of Christ: Christians are called out of the world for salvation, and are placed in the Body of Christ by the personal baptism of the Holy Spirit. I Corinthians 12:12-13.

Local Church: A group of Christians organized and gathered together in a geographical locality to fellowship together as a part of the Body of Christ. The local church is a local expression of the Body of Christ, sometimes called the universal church. It provides an opportunity for the exercise of spiritual gifts. I Corinthians 1:2; II Corinthians 1:1; Philippians 1:1; Colossians 1:2.

Reasons For Membership:                                                                                                  

• The Local Church is an earthly example of the Body of Christ (Acts 2:38-47; Ephesians 4:11-16; Romans 12). Christians live out their values and motives in the context of a church.

• Paul and the apostles set up Local Churches as part of the Great Commission. Acts 2:44-47; 6:1-7 (deacons); Acts 11:26. The Pastoral Epistles tell how to run churches. I Corinthians deals with church problems. Revelation 2 and 3 speak to city churches.

• Christians need local churches for fellowship and growth together. Ephesians 4:11-16.

• God has instructed believers to gather with local groups. Hebrews 10:23-25.

• Membership in a local church provides an expression of commitment between the group and the individual. This relationship provides the best opportunity for intimate and personal prayer and fellowship. Note how this is described in Acts 6:1-7 and Galatians 6:1-8.

• Much space is given in the New Testament describing what church officers are to have and how they are to qualify, indicating the importance God gave to the organized church. I and II Timothy and Titus.

• The correcting and healing ministries of the church are available to members through church discipline. I Corinthians 5:1-12.

• Legal constraints and regulations give an institutional nature to the church. Membership and records are needed for good compliance with regulations of society. Chaplains are assigned to denominational groups. Ordained pastors perform weddings. Human recognition of divine ordination is by organized memberships of churches.

• Local church membership violates no existing scriptural principles. It is difficult to build a Biblical case for not being a member of a local church.

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Creation

We believe the biblical account of the creation of the physical universe, angels, and man. We believe that the account of creation in Genesis 1 & 2 is neither allegory nor myth, but a literal, historical account of the direct, immediate, creative acts of God performed in six 24-hour days without any evolutionary process. We believe that man was created perfect and without sin by a direct work of God and not from previously existing forms of life. We believe that all mankind descended from Adam and Eve, the first created human beings and the parents of the entire human race, and that all other life brings forth after its kind. Gen. 1 & 2; Col. 1:16-17; Heb. 11:3; Jn. 1:3. Check out our Resource page for links that may be of further help.

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Family Devotions

D. L. Moody once mentioned the need for family worship to a professing Christian.  The man replied, “Impossible!” “If I gave you five dollars, could you get the family together tomorrow morning for prayer?” asked Moody. “Yes, I think I could,” the man admitted.  He then confessed that he could assemble his household every day if money were involved. “Then it is NOT impossible to have family worship; it is only inconvenient,” said Moody.

With our busy living, it may be very inconvenient for you to get your family together for prayer, but it isn't’t impossible. Most of us can arrange to have family worship if we really try.  There is no standard time for this. The time that best fits your family should be chosen.

Of the many things my family did as I was growing up, family devotions is the one thing that I remember above many other things.  Many of the following ideas for family devotions came from what my parents modeled for “us kids.” Most of the time, our family devotions was an enjoyable time.

• If parents approach this time with a joyful, expectant spirit, it will go a long way toward making the children excited.
• Gage the amount of time and the material according to age.
• Predetermine a way to have everybody participate.
• Take turns doing various things.
• Be creative.
• Give assignments.  For example, ask one or more of the children to be prepared to tell or act out a Bible story.
• One thing my parents did through my growing up years, was to read a passage from the Bible AND from a Bible story book.  If the story is too long for one day, stop reading at a particular point to build suspense and anticipation.
• Using different ways to pray will teach children how to talk to God.
• “Sentence Prayers”  - Take turns thanking/asking God in just one sentence.
• “Conversational Prayers” – Take turns (not necessarily in a circle) with each person praying to God about just one thing at a time.  There might be opportunity for each person to pray about several things.
• “Assigned Prayers” – Each person is assigned/volunteers to pray about a specific item.

• Have a box of missionary prayer cards or letters and rotate through them.  Use a globe or map to help the children learn where the missionaries are and just how far away from home they are on their birthdays, holidays, etc.  Have a missionary family in your home when they visit the church so your family can get to know them.  This will make for a greater personal touch in your future family devotional time.
• Use Christmas cards from the previous Christmas as a means of praying for friends and acquaintances.
• Celebrate spiritual birthdays.  Give a gift that will help bring spiritual growth.
• Go through Proverbs and discover:
• What God wants me to do
• What God warns me to avoid

-use a notebook to write down what you learn.

• Do not embarrass or put down a child because of what they contribute.  Make what they say of value.  Use it as a springboard to lead them to truth.
• It is normally best to have devotions after a meal, when the children are not hungry and Mom is busy with preparing food.
• Don’t try to do too much.  Variety is very helpful.  Having a scheduled time is an absolute.  Lack of a scheduled time blows it more than any other thing!  Do whatever works for you, but DO IT!  If you get off track a time or more, get back on track.  Habit will help a whole lot.

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Habits (Breaking Bad)

• Recognize and isolate the habit.
• Confess the habit.   I John 1:9 – 2:2
• Commit yourself before God to change.  Romans 12:1-2
• Memorize verses that will help you change when you face the habit anew.  Psalm 119:9-11
• Pray and quote verses when confronted with the habit again.  Hebrews 4:12
• Thank God for help and go on!

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Habits (Building Healthy, Holy)

• Work on unhealthy habits …confess sin. I John 1:9
• Commit yourself to God’s use.  Romans 12:1-2
• Renew your mind.  Philippians 4:6-9
• Read and memorize Scripture! Psalm 119:9-11
• Thank the Lord for His promises of help. II Peter 1:4
• Assume the Holy Spirit’s guidance.  I John 5:14-15
• Rejoice in victory – this reinforces healthy habits.

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Habits (Making Changes In My Life)

• I must know God’s Word.  Romans 10:17; Psalm 119:9-11, 105, 130
• I must ask God to help.  Jeremiah 33:3; Hebrews 2:18; 4:14-16
• I must confess my sin.  I John 1:9; 2:2; James 5:16
• I must take God’s way out.  I Corinthians 10:13
• I must submit to God.  Romans 12:1-2
• I must resist Satan.  James 4:7
• I must flee from sin.  II Timothy 2:22
• I must fill my mind with good things.  Romans 12:2; Philippians 4:4-9
• I must practice right living.  Psalm 119:9; Romans 12:9; Hebrews 10:24-25; Galatians 5:22-23
• I must remember to: 
• Reprogram my mind with Scripture. Psalm 119:9-11
• Pray and trust God at all times. I Thessalonians 5:17; Psalm 37:5
• Obey Christ’s commandments to love. John 13:34-35
• Share all the good things God gives me.
• Learn to stay away from circumstances that would encourage me to do this wrong.  Be on the offense with people, not the defense.  Take initiative in conversation so that I cause them to either take interest in good things or else want to get away from me. II Corinthians 6:14-7

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How To Know God’s Will

Key Verses:  Luke 16:10, 11, “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much; and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon who will commit to your trust the true riches?”

• Elements of God’s Will Already Revealed

• To love God over anything or anybody  (Matthew 22:37)
• To love your neighbor as yourself  (Matthew 22:39)
• This means we are to love ourselves
• But, we are also to love others as much
• Instructions given in I Thessalonians 5
• Get along with one another  (vs. 13)
• Comfort those in trouble  (vs. 14)
• Give aid where it is needed (vs. 14)
• Be just in your dealings  (vs. 15)
• Be glad and rejoice in everything God brings your way  (vs. 16)
• Pray  (vs. 17)
• Live a life above reproach  (vs. 22)
• We are to witness to the unsaved  (Matthew 28:19-20)

• Things to Remember Concerning the Will of God

• We are part of the body of Christ; each part has its function. Romans 12:4-8
• God has a task for you
• This makes you very important to the welfare of the entire body
• All of us are called unto “full time service.” Romans 12:1
• God puts us in various places to proclaim His Word and witness
• God does not consider “the ministry” a more important task, than being a good Christian in the factory.
• Both are important, both are full time service, both are necessary
• God expects us to find and to do His will
• God’s will in your life may be a dynamic call.
• His will for you the next 5 years may not be His will for you after 5 years.
• God may call you to work in a factory for 2 years, and then He may call you to be a mechanic.
• This is part of the excitement of being a Christian.
• God’s will is revealed as we are faithful to Him in what He has already given us.

• How to Determine the Will of God in Your Life

• Read His Word – know what God has already revealed and live accordingly
• Pray – God has promised that He will supply wisdom if we ask  (James 1:5)
• Determine what your talents are
• Do you enjoy mechanics?
• Do you enjoy studying?
• Do you like people?
• Are you good with children?
• Do you like outdoor work?
• Are you a leader?
• What are you interests?
• Seek advice and counsel from parents, Pastor, youth leaders, etc.
• Determine what opportunities are most available to you.
• Investigate the opportunities. God opens and closes doors of opportunity. I Corinthians 16:9
• Pray and seek God’s guidance as you consider the above steps.
• Determine to have your life directed by God’s peace. Colossians 3:15

• Final Considerations in the Will of God.

• God works with each individual differently.
• Don’t look for a supernatural revelation.  God generally works very naturally with His children.
• Don’t be too concerned if you are still uncertain of God’s will.
• The most important thing is for you to live for Him now.
• Always remember I Thessalonians 5:24, “Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.”

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Human Government And Authority

We believe that all authority is of divine appointment for the interests and good order of human society. We believe that God has ordained and created all authority consisting of three basic institutions: 1) the family, 2) the local church, and 3) the state. Every person is subject to these authorities, but all (including the authorities themselves) are answerable to God and are to be governed by His Word. God has given each institution specific biblical responsibilities and balanced those responsibilities with the understanding that no institution has the right to infringe upon the other. The family, the local church, and the state are equal under God and sovereign in their respective biblically assigned spheres of responsibility. Those in authority are to be prayed for, conscientiously honored and obeyed, except in those things opposed to the will of God as revealed in His Word. We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ is the only Lord of the conscience, the Head of the Church, and the coming King of kings. II Sam. 23:3; Ex. 18:21-22; Acts 23:5; Mt. 22:21; Acts 5:29; Acts 4:19-20; Dan. 3:17-18; Rom. 13:1-7; Eph. 5:22-24; Col. 1:18; Heb. 13:7, 17; 1 Pet. 2:13-14.

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Lord's Day

We believe the Old Testament Scriptures teach that following six days of work, God established the Sabbath, the seventh day of the week, as a day of rest. We believe that after Christ's resurrection on the first day of the week, believers began to worship on Sunday in observation and honor of His resurrection. While we do not believe we are bound to the Old Testament Sabbath laws, we do refer to Sunday as the Lord's day, and recognize it as the usual Christian day of worship and rest. We are persuaded to regard this day unto the Lord as holy. We have set Sunday apart for our worship services; for the observance of all means of grace through ministry to others; and for personal spiritual preparation. While worship is serious and solemn, it is even more a time of rejoicing as we gather to worship the Lord. Gen. 2:2-3; Ex. 20:8-11; 31:12-17; 34:21; 35:2; Mk. 2:24-28; 16:9; Jn. 20:1, 19; Acts 20:7; Ps. 118:24; Is. 58:13-14; Heb. 10:24-25; Heb. 4:1-10; Rom. 14:4-12.

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Salvation

We believe that the salvation of sinners is divinely initiated and is a gift offered to us by God's grace alone. This gift is received only upon true repentance and through our personal faith in Christ's substitutionary death on the cross. God's love, mercy, grace and salvation are revealed as free and apart from any personal works or merit. It is then God, through the Person of Jesus Christ, who is our Savior. We believe Scripture teaches that "whosoever" will come to realize himself/herself as a sinner, who believes that Jesus is the Son of God and the only Savior from sin, shall be saved by calling upon the Lord in repentance. Jonah 2:9; Eph. 2:8-9; Acts 15:11; Acts 16:31; 17:30-31; II Cor. 5:21; II Jn. 1:3; Jn. 3:16; Titus 3:3-8; Rom. 3:23; 6:23; 10:13; Rev. 22:17.

Jesus Christ, by the appointment of the Father, voluntarily took upon Himself our nature, yet without sin, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross, thus qualifying Himself to be our Savior. As by Adam's sin all were made sinners, so by the obedience of Christ, His righteousness is made available to all. It was by His obedience and through the shedding of His blood in His death that He fully satisfied the just demands of a holy and righteous God regarding sin. His death on the cross was a voluntary substitution of Himself in the sinner's place, the Just dying for the unjust. Christ the Lord bore our sins in His own body on the tree. Having risen from the dead He confirmed His deity, is now seated at the right hand of the Father interceding on our behalf, and is the only mediator between God and man. He is thus in every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate, and an all-sufficient Savior. Rom. 3:24-25; Phil. 2:7-8; Rom. 5:12, 19; Heb. 2:14-17; Is. 53:4-7; I Jn. 4:10; I Cor. 15:3; II Cor. 5:21; I Pet. 2:24; Acts 13:39; Eph. 1:13-14; Rom. 1:4; 8:34; I Tim. 2:5; Lk. 19:10; Acts 5:31; Titus 2:13; 3:4; Jude 1:25.

We believe it is an urgent matter for sinners to be saved now. The Bible is clear that "now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." After death comes the judgment, with no additional opportunity to be saved. The Bible further speaks of those who receive not the love of the truth, that they might be saved, and go on to live during the Tribulation. "And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness." 2 Cor. 6:2; Heb. 9:27; 2 Thes. 2:7-12.

In summary, we believe that salvation is totally apart from works, religion, education, ancestry, or philosophy, and that nothing prevents sinners from being saved except their own rejection of God’s only way of salvation, which is faith in Jesus Christ. Jn. 1:11-13; 14:6.

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Things To Come

The Bible reveals some specifics regarding the future of mankind, Israel, the Church, the heavens, and the earth, that would include the following:

The Rapture of the Church: We believe that Jesus Christ will return to the atmosphere ("in the air") of this earth and that the dead in Christ shall be raised first, then believers who are still living will be caught up with them to meet the Lord in the air and to be forever with the Lord. We believe that the rapture is the next event on God's revealed calendar, and that no prophecy need be fulfilled before it occurs. I Thes. 4:13-18; I Cor. 15:42-44, 51-54; Phil. 3:20-21; Rev. 3:10; Acts 1:9-11.

Israel: We believe in the sovereign election of Israel as God’s eternal covenant people; that she is now dispersed as a consequence of her disobedience and rejection of Christ; that she shall be regathered in the Holy Land; and that after the completion of the Church age, she shall be saved as a nation at the Second Advent of Christ. Gen. 13:14-17; Rom. 11:1-32; Ezek. 37.

The Time of Tribulation: We believe that the Rapture of the Church will be followed on earth by seven years of tribulation (Israel's 70th Week), and that though there will be salvation, this will be a time of great judgment, the last half of which is called the Great Tribulation. Dan. 9:24-27; Mt. 24:21; Chapters 4-19 of Revelation.

The Second Coming of Christ: We believe that following the tribulation, Christ will return to the earth with His glorified saints to establish the millennial kingdom; that during those thousand years of peace and prosperity, Satan will be bound, and Christ will reign with a rod of iron. We believe that at the end of the millennium, Satan will be released for a short time, deceive many, and lead them in a final rebellion, which will culminate with destruction, judgment, and their condemnation to the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone. Dan. 9:25-27; Mt. 24:29-31; Lk. 1:30-33; Isa. 9:6-7; 11:1-9; Acts 2:29-30; Rev. 20:1-4, 6; 21:1-8.

The Eternal State. We believe in the bodily resurrection of all men, the saved to eternal life, and the unsaved to judgment and everlasting punishment. Mt. 25:46; Jn. 5:28-29; 11:25-26; Rev. 20:5-6, 12-13.

We believe that the souls of the redeemed are, at death, absent from the body and present with the Lord, where in conscious bliss they await the first resurrection, when spirit, soul, and body are reunited to be glorified forever with the Lord. We believe in a literal heaven, the place of God's throne, where Christ presently ministers on our behalf, and from which Satan will one day be cast down. Lk. 23:43; 2 Cor. 5:8; Phil. 1:23; 3:21; I Thes. 4:16-17; Rev. 4; 5; 12:7-12; 20:4-6; 21; 22.

We believe that the souls of unbelievers remain, after death, in conscious punishment and torment in a literal place called hell (Hades), until the second resurrection, when with soul and body reunited, they shall appear at the great white throne judgment, and shall be cast into the lake of fire, not to be annihilated, but to suffer everlasting conscious punishment and torment. Mt. 25:41-46; Mk. 9:43-48; Lk. 16:19-26; 2 Thes. 1:7-9; Jude 6-7; Rev. 20:10-15.

We believe that the existing heavens and earth shall melt with fervent heat. Being burned up and dissolved, God will replace them with new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. We believe the holy city, new Jerusalem, will come down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 2 Pet. 3:7, 10-13; Rev. 21:1-4.

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