Our Distinctives
The word “distinctive” signifies that which sets us apart. In an age of religious compromise, we hold fast to the old landmarks and the historic faith once delivered to the saints. The Baptist distinctives are easy to remember using the acronym B.A.P.T.I.S.T.S.
- B — Biblical Authority (2 Timothy 3:16)
- A — Autonomy of the Local Church (Acts 13:1-3)
- P — Priesthood of All Believers (1 Peter 2:9)
- T — Two Ordinances (Acts 2:41-42)
- I — Individual Soul Liberty (Romans 14:5, 12)
- S — Saved, Baptized Church Membership (Acts 2:41, 47)
- T — Two Offices (Philippians 1:1)
- S — Separation of Church and State (Matthew 22:21)
Fundamental
We are fundamentalists in the historic sense of the word. We contend for the faith, defend the essentials of Christianity, and refuse to compromise with modernism, liberalism, or neo-evangelicalism. The fundamentals are not negotiable.
We affirm without apology the doctrines frequently identified as the “Fundamentals of the Faith,” which include the deity, virgin birth, sinless life, substitutionary death, bodily resurrection, and imminent return of Jesus Christ. We believe that a Fundamentalist is defined by their adherence to biblical doctrine and will only fellowship with those who do the same.
KJV Only
We believe the King James Bible is the preserved Word of God for the English-speaking people. It is the faithful equivalent of the Hebrew Masoretic Text and the Greek Textus Receptus. We reject modern versions based on corrupt critical texts, and we reject the error that the KJV contains “advanced revelation.”
We believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be the Bible, “as it is in truth, the Word of God…” (I Thessalonians 2:13). We believe in verbal, plenary inspiration in the Scripture, and God’s preservation of His pure words to every generation (II Timothy 3:16, 1 Peter 1:25). We believe that the Scriptures are inerrant, infallible, and God-breathed. The Bible is our sole and final authority for faith and practice.
Independent
We are not bound by any denominational hierarchy, convention, or board. The local church is autonomous under the Lordship of Jesus Christ and the authority of Scripture, led by a biblically-qualified Pastor.
We believe in the autonomy of the local church free of any external authority or control. Christ is the only head of the church (Acts 13:1-4, 15:19-31, 20:28; Romans 16:1, 4; I Corinthians 3:9,16; 5:4-7,13; I Peter 5:1-4). The New Testament church is a local assembly of baptized believers who have voluntarily joined themselves together to carry out the Great Commission. We are not affiliated with any man-made external organization be it a convention, association, or anything else.
Separation
We believe the Scripture commands us to be separate from apostasy, worldliness, and ecclesiastical compromise. We do not fellowship with movements or institutions that deny the faith or accommodate sin. We stand apart, not out of arrogance, but out of obedience to God.
We believe that all the saved should live in such a manner as not to bring reproach upon their Savior and Lord; and, that separation from all religious apostasy, all worldly and sinful pleasures, practices and associations is commanded of God (II Timothy 3:1-5; Romans 12:1, 2; Ephesians 5:11; I John 2:15-17; II John 9-11; II Corinthians 6:14-7:1).
Soulwinning
We believe the Great Commission is not optional. Every believer is called to actively share the Gospel. Personal soulwinning is the primary method God has ordained (Mark 16:15; Acts 5:42) for the expansion of His kingdom. We labor to see souls saved, not merely seats filled.
The clear message of salvation is faith alone toward our Lord Jesus Christ. Read more here: How to Go to Heaven. Salvation is “by grace” plus nothing minus nothing. We believe that Jesus Christ died for every man, and that each individual chooses to accept or reject the grace of God (Hebrews 2:9; I John 2:2).
These are the convictions that guide us. Contact us today if you have questions or would like to learn more.
