WHY
I AM A BAPTIST
I
Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
Intro.
Without apology, I am an Old-Fashion, Fundamental, Pre-millennial,
Missionary, Independent, Baptist. All Churches are not the same.
In
fact, Baptists are DISTINCTIVELY DIFFERENT IN THREE WAYS.
Many
of the Protestant Denominations incorporated some of the Baptist
Distinctives into their doctrines when they left the Catholic Religion, but
they still do not believe these doctrines as Baptists believe them.
Tonight
I want to look at these distinctions and preach on WHY I AM A BAPTIST.
I.
BAPTISTS ARE DIFFERENT IN THEIR BEGINNING
-Baptist
can trace their beginning back to the Christ and the Apostles.
NO
OTHER DENOMINATIONAL CHURCH IN THE WORLD CAN DO THIS!
II.
BAPTISTS ARE DIFFERENT IN THEIR BELIEFS
A.
SALVATION BY GRACE THRU FAITH ALONE, Ephesians 2:8 & 9
Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Eph 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
1.
Some would add works to produce their salvation
2.
Some would add works to preserve their salvation
-But
Baptist believe we are saved by Grace Alone
B.
SCRIPTURAL, LOCAL CHURCH, BAPTISM, Matthew 28:19-20
Mat 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Mat 28:20 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.
1.
The Right of Baptism, (local church, believers only)
2.
The Ritual of Baptism, (immersion)
3.
The Reason of Baptism, (commandment, not choice)
C.
THE MEMORIAL SERVICE OF THE LORD'S SUPPER,
1 Cor 11:23 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:
1.
We differ on The Teaching, (remembrance not communion)
2.
The Timing, (the so-called Church of Christ observe it every Sunday)
3.
The Two Elements (Unfermented fruit of the vine and unleavened bread)
D.
ETERNAL LIFE NOW,
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
-Baptists
believe Salvation is
1.
A Gift from the Father,
2.
By Grace thru Faith,
3.
It Good Forever, Baptists believe:
a.
Salvation commences by Grace,
b.
It continues by Grace,
c.
It will consummate by Grace.
E.
SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE, Romans 13:1-7
-The
church should be free from governmental interference.
Rom 13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
Rom 13:2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
Rom 13:3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
Rom 13:4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
Rom 13:5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
Rom 13:6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.
Rom 13:7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
F.
INDIVIDUAL PRIESTHOOD OF THE BELIEVERS,
Heb 4:14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
Heb 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Heb 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Ill.
BAPTISTS ARE DIFFERENT IN THEIR BUSINESS,
1 Cor 16:3 And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem.
1 Cor 16:4 And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me.
Baptist
churches practice local church autonomy.
This
means:
A.
We pass our own by-laws
B.
We run our own business
C.
We provide our own buildings
D.
We Call our own Pastors
-This
is not true with other denominational churches.
by
Bro. Stinnett Ballew
