Topics:
1. Each person has the right and responsibility to decide about Jesus and to follow him. (Soul Liberty) Matt. 16:13-16; Hebrews 4:14-16
2. Baptism is one way to say "Yes!" to Jesus. (Believer`s Baptism) Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 8:26-40
3. All Scripture is inspired by God. (The Authority and Trustworthiness of the Bible) Luke 24:45; 2 Timothy 3:16-17
4. All of us (followers of Jesus) are ministers. (The Priesthood of Believers) Hebrews 4:14-16; 1 Peter 2:4-10; Romans 12:1; Revelation 1:4-6; 5:9-10; 20:6
5. We do not allow political authorities to dictate our religious beliefs or practices. We take pubic stands in the church and community declaring our beliefs. We're "free to be Baptists!" (Religious Liberty) Acts 5:17-32
6. The church meets together to discern God’s will by means of the Bible, prayer and dialogue among the membership. While each church is free to make decisions, it remains in fellowship with other churches (as Associations / Acts 11:27-30; Acts15) for support and encouragement and to pool our resources. (The Autonomy of the Local Church) Acts 2:40-47
7. Believers are called to minister in Jesus’ name in the church and in the world according to their talents and spiritual gifts. "I've got a gift to share." (Ministry of the Laity) Romans 12; 1 Corinthians 12; Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-13
8. Each disciple of Jesus has the responsibility of becoming mature in Christ. (Discipleship) Luke 2:41-52; Colossians 1:27-29
9. We naturally and freely tell the Good News in accordance with our gifts and interests. (Evangelism) Acts 3:1-16
10. Our distinctives (as expressed in this summary) shape our corporate and personal worship. For example, the Bible is our primary source for worship. (Worship) Psalm 95:1-7; and the passages for each distinctive.
11. We take a stand on issues of faith, not allowing the pressures of society to determine our beliefs or actions. (Issues of Faith) Acts 4:23-31
12. We use our liberty in Christ to influence society toward justice and righteousness. (Our Prophetic Role) 1 Peter 2:1-12; Acts 4:19-20
13. We welcome people from all ethnic groups to worship and participate in our ministries as obedient disciples of Jesus Christ. (Diversity) Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 10:34-35; Galatians 3:26-29
14. We respond to the needs of people at home and abroad as a means of sharing God’s Good News. (Mission) Matthew 25:34; Acts 1:6-11
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