Scripture: Various
Intro
Biblical Authority
Autonomy of the Local Church
Priesthood of the Believer
Two Ordinances
Individual Soul Liberty
Saved & Baptized Church Members
Two Offices
Separation of Church & State
Biblical Foundation
The church started in Jerusalem at Pentecost.
Acts 2:37-38, 41, 46-47
People were saved, baptized, then joined the church.
Mk 16:16 – baptism is not salvation
Rom 6:4 – baptism is symbol of salvation and new life in Christ
Covenant Relationship
A solemn agreement, a promise that church members voluntarily and willingly make to one another.
Next to the Bible, the covenant is the most important document that the church possesses.
– Ken Bauder, Baptist Distinctives
1. Covenant represents agreement to be a church.
2. Covenant is agreement of what it means to be a church.
FBC Covenant:
- We will worship our great and awesome God …
- We will grow together in unity and in Christian love …
- We will share our faith …
Discipleship & Discipline
Jesus commanded the church to make disciples.
Matthew 28:18-20
Sharing the gospel, baptizing new believers, and teaching to obey God’s Word.
Discipleship is encouraging another believer to take a step closer to Jesus Christ.
Discipline should be informal and on-going before it becomes a whole church issue.
Matt 18:15-17
1. Go directly to your brother.
2. Take one or two others.
3. Tell it to the church.
Matthew 18:18–20
The church members will agree within God’s will.
The church gathered in the name of Jesus has His presence & blessing.
Take Aways
What’s keeping you from membership?
Members, who are you discipling?
Have you been baptized as a believer?
Have you trusted in Jesus as your Savior?
Are you living in unconfessed sin? Who or what has become an idol?
