WhatIsABaptist - Immanuel Baptist Church

The Baptist Distinctives are:

iblical Authority

Baptists believe that the Bible is the only and sufficient authority for what to believe and what to practice.

2 Tim 3:16-17

utonomy of the Local Church

Each local church is sovereign in itself and cannot be controlled by any board, hierarchical system or another church.

1 Tim 3:15

riesthood of Believers

Every "born-again" believer may pray without a human intercessor directly to God through Jesus Christ as High Priest.

Rev 1:5-6

wo Ordinances (Baptism and The Lord's Table)

Believer's baptism is for identification with Christ, including his death, burial and resurrection.

The Lord's Table is a memorial service involving worship, fellowship and self examination. The elements of the service (bread and cup) are only symbolic of the body and blood of Christ.

Acts 2:41-42

ndividual Soul Liberty

Every man has the right to interpret the Scriptures, to hold and to profess and to worship as he believes the Bible teaches. These things are not to be forced upon any man.

1 John 2:27

aved Church Membership

The membership of a New Testament local church consists of only those who have openly confessed Jesus Christ as Savior and demonstrated a willingness to obey the teachings of the Bible and agree to the doctrine and standards of the local church.

Acts 2:42, 47

wo Offices (Pastors and Deacons)

The offices of pastor and deacon are the only Bible recognized offices in the local church. both are chosen by the congregation. Other church offices are necessary but must not be equated with these two.

Phil 1:1

eparation of Church and State

Every believer should respect, sustain and obey civil authority so long as is does violate conscience or Scriptural convictions. There should be no organic union of church and state, but the state should protect, not dominate or interfere with, the affairs of the church.

Matt 22:21

Scripture References

2 Tim 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

1 Tim 3:15 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.

Rev 1:5-6 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Acts2:41-42 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

1 John 2:27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

Acts 2:41, 47 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. . . . 47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

Phil 1:1 Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:

Matt 22:21 They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God'