:: What we believe ::
Fellowship Baptist Church
a supernatural Christ, Who had a supernatural birth, Who spoke
supernatural words, Who performed supernatural miracles, Who lived a
supernatural life, Who died a supernatural death, Who rose in
intercedes as a supernatural priest and Who will one day return in
supernatural glory to establish a supernatural kingdom on the earth.

Of The Scriptures

We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men supernaturally
inspired; that it has truth without any admixture of error for its matter;
and therefore is, and shall remain to the end of the age, the only
complete and final revelation of the will of God to man; the true center of
Christian union and the supreme standard by which all human conduct,
creeds, and opinions should be tried.
1. By "The Holy Bible" we mean that collection of sixty-six books, from
Genesis to Revelation, which, as originally written does not only contain
and convey the Word of God, but IS the very Word of God.
2. By "inspiration" we mean that the books of the Bible were written by
holy men of old, as they were moved by the Holy Spirit, in such a definite
way that their writings were supernaturally and verbally inspired and free
from error, as no other writings have ever been or ever will be inspired.
Psalm 19:7-11; 119:89,105,130,160; Proverbs 30:5-6; Isaiah 8:20; Luke
16:31; 24:25-27,44-45; John 5:39,45-47; 12:48; 17:17; Acts 1:16; 28:25;
Romans 3:4; 15:4; Ephesians 6:17; 2Timothy 3:16-17; 1Peter 1:23;
2Peter 1:19-21; Revelation 22:19

Of The True God

We believe that there is one, and only one, living and true God, an
infinite, intelligent Spirit, the maker and supreme ruler of heaven and
earth; inexpressibly glorious in holiness and worthy of all possible honor,
confidence and love; that in the unity of the Godhead there are three
persons, the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, equal in every divine
perfection, and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great
work of redemption.
Genesis 17:1; Exodus 20:2-3; 15:11; Psalm 83:18; 90:2; 147:5;
Jeremiah 10:10; Matthew 28:19; Mark 12:30; John 4:24; 10:30; 15:26;
17:5; Acts 5:3-4; Romans 11:23; 1Corinthians 12:10-11; 8:6; 12:4-6;
2Corinthians 13:14; Ephesians 2:18; 4:6; Philippians 2:5-6; 1Timothy
1:17; 1John 5:7; Revelation 4:11

Of The Holy Spirit

We believe that the Holy Spirit is a divine person; equal with God the
Father and God the Son and of the same nature; that He was active in
the creation; that in His relation to the unbelieving world He restrains the
evil one until God's purpose is fulfilled; that He convicts of sin, of
judgment and of righteousness; that He bears witness to the Truth of the
Gospel in preaching and testimony; that He is the agent in the New Birth;
that He seals, endues, guides, teaches, witnesses, sanctifies and helps
the believer.
Genesis 1:13; Matthew 3:11; 28:19; Mark 1:8; Luke 1:35; 3:16; 24:49;
John 1:33; 3:5-6; 14:16-17,26; 15:26-27; 16:8-11,13; Acts 5:30-32;
11:16; Romans 8:14,16,26-27; Ephesians 1:13-14; 2Thessalonians
2:7,13; Hebrews 9:14; 1Peter 1:2

Of The Devil, Or Satan

We believe that Satan was once holy, and enjoyed heavenly honors; but
through pride and ambition to be as the Almighty, fell and drew after him
a host of angels; that he is now the malignant prince of the power of the
air, and the unholy god of this world. We hold him to be man's great
tempter, the enemy of God and His Christ, the accuser of the saints, the
author of all false religions, the chief power back of the present
apostasy; the lord of the antichrist, and the author of all the powers of
darkness - destined however to final defeat at the hands of God's own
Son, and to the judgment of an eternal justice in hell, a place prepared
for him and his angels.
Isaiah 14:12-15; Ezekiel 28:14-17; Matthew 4:1-3; 13:25; 25:41; 27:39;
Mark 13:21-22; Luke 22:3-4; John 14:30; Ephesians 2:2; 2Corinthians
11:13-15; 1Thessalonians 3:5; 2Thessalonians 2:8-11; 1Peter 5:8;
2Peter 2:4; 1John 2:22; 3:8; 4:3; 2John 7; Jude 6; Revelation 12:7-10;
13:13-14; 19:11,16,20; 20:1-3,10

Of The Creation

We believe in the Genesis account of creation, and that it is to be
accepted literally, and not allegorically or figuratively; that man was
created directly in God's own image and after His own likeness; that
man's creation was not a matter of evolution or evolutionary change of
species, or development through interminable periods of time from lower
to higher forms; that all animal and vegetable life was made directly and
God's established law was that they should bring forth only "after their
kind."
Genesis 1:1,11,24,26-27; 2:21-23; Exodus 20:11; Nehemiah 9:6;
Jeremiah 10:12; John 1:3; Acts 4:24; 17:23-26; Romans 1:20;
Colossians 1:16-17; Hebrews 11:3; Revelation 10:6

Of The Fall Of Man

We believe that man was created in innocence under the law of his
Maker, but by voluntary transgression fell from his sinless and happy
state, in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners, not by
constraint, but of choice; and therefore under just condemnation without
defense or excuse.
Genesis 3:1-6,24; Ezekiel 18:19-20; Romans 1:18,20,28,32; 3:10-19;
5:12,19; Galatians 3:22; Ephesians 2:1,3

Of The Virgin Birth

We believe that Jesus Christ was begotten of the Holy Ghost in a
miraculous manner; born of Mary, a virgin, as no other man was ever
born or can ever be born of a woman, and that He is both the Son of
God, and God, the Son.
Genesis 3:15; Psalm 2:7; Isaiah 7:14; Matthews 1:18-25; Mark 1:1; Luke
1:35; John 1:14; Galatians 4:4; 1Corinthians 15:47; 1John 5:20

Of The Atonement For Sin

We believe that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace; through the
mediatorial offices of the Son of God, Who by appointment of the
Father, freely took upon Him our nature, yet without sin, honored the
divine law by His personal obedience, and by His death made a full and
vicarious atonement for our sins; that His atonement consisted not in
setting us an example by His death as a martyr, but was the voluntary
substitution of Himself in the sinner's place, the Just dying for the unjust,
Christ, the Lord, bearing our sins in His own body on the tree; that,
having risen from the dead, He is now enthroned in heaven and uniting
in His wonderful person the tenderest sympathies with divine perfection,
He is in every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate and an all
sufficient Savior.
Isaiah 53:4-7,11-12; Matthew 18:11; John 3:16; 10:18; Acts 15:11;
Romans 3:24-25; Galatians 1:4; Ephesians 2:8; Philippians 2:7-8;
Hebrews 2:14; 7:25; 9:12-15; 12:2

Of Grace In The New Creation

We believe that in order to be saved, sinners must be born again; that
the new birth is a new creation in Christ Jesus; that it is instantaneous
and not a process; that in the new birth the one dead in trespasses and
in sins is made a partaker of the divine nature and receives eternal life,
the free gift of God; that the new creation is brought about in a manner
above our comprehension, not by culture, not by character, nor by the
will of man, but wholly and solely by the power of the Holy Spirit in
connection with divine truth, so as to secure our voluntary obedience to
the gospel; that its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of
repentance and faith and newness of life.
Luke 5:27; John 1:12-13; 3:3,6-7; Acts 2:41; Romans 6:23; 2Corinthians
5:17,19; Galatians 5:22; Ephesians 2:1; 5:9; Colossians 2:13; 1John 5:1

Of The Freeness Of Salvation

We believe in God's electing grace; that the blessings of salvation are
made free to all by the gospel; that it is the immediate duty of all to
accept them by a cordial, penitent and obedient faith; and nothing
prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth but his own
inherent depravity and voluntary rejection of the gospel; which rejection
involves him in an aggravated condemnation.
Isaiah 55:1; Matthew 11:28; John 3:15-18,36; 5:40; 6:37; Acts 2:38;
Romans 8:29-30; 10:13; 1Corinthians 15:10; Ephesians 2:4-5;
Colossians 3:12; 1Thessalonians 1:4; 1Timothy 1:15; Titus 1:1; 1Peter
1:2; Revelation 22:17

Of Justification

We believe that the great gospel blessing which Christ secures to such
as believe in Him is Justification; that Justification includes the pardon of
sin, and the gift of eternal life on principles of righteousness; that it is
bestowed not in consideration of any works of righteousness which we
have done; but solely through faith in the Redeemer's blood, His
righteousness is imputed unto us.
Isaiah 53:11; Habakkuk 2:4; Zechariah 13:1; Acts 13:39; Romans 1:17;
4:1; 5:1-9; 8:1; Galatians 3:11; Titus 3:5-7; Hebrews 10:38

Of Repentance And Faith

We believe that Repentance and Faith are solemn obligations, and also
inseparable graces, wrought in our souls by the quickening Spirit of
God; thereby, being deeply convicted of our guilt, danger and
helplessness, and of the way of salvation by Christ, we turn to God with
unfeigned contrition, confession and supplication for mercy; at the same
time heartily receiving the Lord Jesus Christ and openly confessing Him
as our only and all-sufficient Savior.
Psalm 51:1-4,7; Isaiah 55:6-7; Mark 1:15; Luke 12:8; 18:13; Acts
2:37-38; 20:21; Romans 10:9-11,13

Of The Church

We believe that a Baptist Church is a congregation of baptized believers
associated by a covenant of faith and fellowship of the gospel, said
church being understood to be the citadel and propagator of the Divine
and Eternal Grace; observing the ordinances of Christ; governed by His
laws; exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His
Word; that its officers of ordination are pastors or elders whose
qualifications, claims, and duties are clearly defined in the scriptures; we
believe the true mission of the church is found in the Great Commission:
First, to make individual disciples; Second, to build up the church; Third,
to teach and instruct as He has commanded. We do not believe in the
reversal of this order; we hold that the local church has the absolute
right of self government, free from the interference of any hierarchy of
individuals or organizations; and that the one and only superintendent is
Christ through the Holy Spirit; that it is scriptural for true churches to
cooperate with each other in contending for the faith and for the
furtherance of the Gospel; that every church is the sole and only judge
of the measure and method of its cooperation; on all matters of
membership, of policy, of government, of discipline, of benevolence, the
will of the local church is final.
Leviticus 27:31; Malachi 3:10; Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 2:41-42; 6:5-6;
14:23; 15:22-23; 20:17-28; 1Corinthians 5:11-13; 6:1-3; 11:2; 12:4,8-11;
16:1-2; Ephesians 1:22-23; 4:11; 5:23-24; Colossians 1:18; 1Timothy
3:1-13

Of Baptism And The Lord's Supper

We believe that Christian baptism is the immersion in water of a believer,
in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, with the
authority of the local church, to show forth in a solemn and beautiful
emblem our faith in the crucified, buried and risen Savior, with its effect
in our death to sin and resurrection to a new life; that it is prerequisite to
the privileges of a church relation and to the Lord's supper, in which the
members of the church, by the sacred use of bread and the fruit of the
vine are to commemorate together the dying love of Christ; preceded
always by solemn self-examination.
Matthew 3:6; 3:16; 28:19-20; John 3:23; Acts 2:41-42; 8:36-39; Romans
6:3-5; 1Corinthians 11:23-28; Colossians 2:12

Of The Perseverance Of The Saints

We believe that such only are real believers as endure unto the end;
that their persevering attachment to Christ is the grand mark which
distinguishes them from superficial professors; that a special Providence
watches over their welfare; and that they are kept by the power of God
through faith unto eternal salvation.
Psalm 121:3; Matthew 6:20; 13:19-21; John 8:31-32; 10:28-29; 16:8;
Romans 8:28,35-39; Philippians 1:6; Colossians 1:21-23; Hebrews 1:14;
1Peter 1:5; 1John 2:19

Of The Righteous And The Wicked

We believe that there is a radical and essential difference between the
righteous and the wicked; that such only as through faith are justified in
the name of the Lord Jesus, and sanctified by the Spirit of our God, are
truly righteous in His esteem; while all such as continue in impenitence
and unbelief are in His sight wicked, and under the curse, and this
distinction holds among men both in and after death, in the everlasting
felicity of the saved and the everlasting conscious suffering of the lost.
Genesis 18:23; Proverbs 11:31; 14:32; Malachi 3:18; Matthew 7:13-14;
25:34; Luke 9:26; 16:25; John 8:21; 12:25; Acts 10:34-35; Romans 1:17;
6:16-18,23; 7:6; 1Corinthians 15:22; Galatians 3:10; 1Peter 4:18; 1John
2:7,29; 5:19

Of Civil Government

We believe that civil government is of divine appointment, for the
interests and good order of human society; that magistrates are to be
prayed for, conscientiously honored and obeyed; except only in things
opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ; who is the only Lord of the
conscience, and the coming Prince of the kings of the earth.
Exodus 18:21-22; 2Samuel 23:3; Psalm 72:11; Daniel 3:17-18; Matthew
10:28; 22:21; 23:10; Acts 4:19-20; 23:5; Romans 13:7; Philippians
2:10-11; Titus 3:1; 1Peter 2:13-14,17

Of The Resurrection And Return Of Christ And Related Events

We believe in and accept the sacred Scriptures upon these subjects at
their face and full value. Of the Resurrection, we believe that Christ rose
bodily "The third day according to the Scriptures"; that He ascended "to
the right hand of the throne of God"; that He alone is our "merciful and
faithful high priest in things pertaining to God"; "that this same Jesus
which is taken up from you into heaven shall so come in like manner as
ye have seen Him go into heaven," bodily, personally, and visibly; that
the "dead in Christ shall rise first"; that the living saints "shall all be
changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump"; "that
the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of His father David"; and
that "Christ shall reign a thousand years in righteousness until He hath
put all enemies under His feet."
Psalm 72:8; Isaiah 11:4-5; Matthew 24:27,42; Matthew 28:6-7; Mark
16:6,19; Luke 1:32; Luke 24:2,4-6,39,51; John 14:3; John 20:27; Acts
1:9,11; 1Corinthians 15:4; Philippians 4:20; 1Thessalonians 4:16;
1Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 2:17; 5:9; 8:1; 9:28; 12:2

Of Missions

The command to give the gospel to the world is clear and unmistakable
and this Commission was given to the churches.
Matthew 28:18-20, "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying All
power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and
teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 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."
Mark 16:15, "And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world and preach
the gospel to every creature."
John 20:21, "As my Father hath sent me, even so send I you."
Acts 1:8, "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come
upon you; and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in
all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."
Romans 10:13-15, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord
shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not
believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not
heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they
preach, except they be sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet
of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good
things!"

Of The Grace Of Giving

Scriptural giving is one of the fundamentals of the Faith.
2Corinthians 8:7, "Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and
utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us,
see that ye abound in this grace also."
We are commanded to bring our gifts into the storehouse (common
treasury of the church) upon the first day of the week.
1Corinthians 16:2, "Upon the first day of the week let every one of you
lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no
gatherings when I come."
Under Grace we give, and do not pay, the tithe - "Abraham GAVE the
tenth of the spoils," - Hebrews 7:2,4 - and this was four hundred years
before the law, and is confirmed in the new Testament; Jesus said
concerning the tithe, "these ought ye to have done", Matthew 23:23.
We are commanded to bring the tithe into the common treasury of the
church.
Leviticus 27:30, "The tithe ... is the Lord's."
Malachi 3:10, "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may
be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of
hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a
blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it."
In the New Testament it was the common treasury of the church.
Acts 4:34,35,37, "And brought the prices of the things that were sold
and laid them down at the apostles' feet ... Having land, sold it, and
brought the money, and laid it AT THE APOSTLES' FEET."