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“The Great Commission”
"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 always, even unto the end of the world. Amen."
Matthew 28: 19-20
“The members of the Rock Star Baptist Church enter into covenant with one another and our Lord Jesus Christ”
Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior; and on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we do now in the presence of God, angels and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another, as one body in Christ.
We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this church in knowledge and holiness; to give it a place in our affections, prayers and services above every organization of human origin; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline and doctrine; to contribute cheerfully and regularly, as God has prospered us, towards its expenses, for the support of a faithful and evangelical ministry among us, the relief of the poor and the spread of the Gospel throughout the world. In case of difference of opinion in the church, we will strive to avoid a contentious spirit, and if we cannot unanimously agree, we will cheerfully recognize the right of the majority to govern.
We also engage to maintain family and secret devotion; to study diligently the word of God; to religiously educate our children; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintance; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be kind and just to those in our employ, and faithful in the service we promise others; endeavoring in the purity of heart and good will towards all men to exemplify and commend our holy faith.
We further engage to watch over, to pray for, to exhort and stir up each other unto every good word and work; to guard each other's reputation, not needlessly exposing the infirmities of others; to participate in each other's joys, and with tender sympathy bear one another's burdens and sorrows; to cultivate Christian courtesy; to be slow to give or take offense, but always ready for reconciliation, being mindful of the rules of the Savior in the eighteenth chapter of Matthew, to secure it without delay; and through life, amid evil report, and good report, to seek to live to the glory of God, who hath called us out of darkness into his marvelous light.
When we remove from this place, we engage as soon as possible to unite with some other church where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God's word.
(Scriptures cited as presented in the Rock Star M B Church Constitution.)
Click on a number to go to that article.
[13], [14], [15], [16], [17], [18], [19], [20], [21], [22], [23], [24]
Article 1 - Of The Scriptures. We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction; that it has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth without any mixture of error, for its matter; that it reveals the principles by which God will judge us. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” (II Tim. 3:16)
We believe that the one and only one true and living God, an intelligent, spiritual and personal Being, the Creator, Preserver and Ruler of the universe, infinite in holiness and all other perfections to whom we owe the highest love.
“God is Spirit.” (Psalms 147:5) & “His understanding is infinite.” ( Psalm 83:18)
Article 3 - Of the Fall of Man We believe that man was created by the special act of God, as recorded in Genesis. “ So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him. “ By one man’s disobedience many were made sinners.” (John 3:6)
Article 4 - Of the Way of Salvation We believe that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace, through the mediatorial office of the Son of God, who by the Holy Spirit was born of the Virgin Mary and took upon him our nature, yet without sin. “By grace are ye saved.” (Ephesians 2:8)
We believe that justification if God’s gracious and full acquittal upon principles of righteousness of all sinners who believe in Christ. “By him all that believe are justified from all things.” (Acts 13:39)
Article 6 – Of the Freeness of Salvation
We believe that the blessings of salvation are made free to all by the gospel. It is the duty of all to accept them by penitent and obedient faith. “Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” (Revelation 22:17)
We believe that regeneration of the new birth is a change of heart wrought by the Holy Spirit, whereby we become partakers of the divine nature and a holy disposition is given. “Verily, Verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3)
Article 8 – Of Repentance and Faith
We believe that repentance and faith are sacred duties, and also inseparable graces, wrought in our souls by the regenerating Spirit of God. “Repent ye, and believe the gospel.” (Mark 1:5)
Article 9 – Of God's Purpose of Grace
We believe that election is the gracious purpose of God, according to which be regenerates, sanctifies and saves sinners. “Be not therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, not of me his prisoner; but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel...” (2 Timothy 1:8)
Article 10 - Of Sanctification
We believe that sanctification is the process by which, according to the will of God, we are made partakers of his holiness; that it is a progressive work. “For this is the will of God, even your sanctification.” (1Thessalonians 4:3)
Article 11 – Of the Perseverance of 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. “Then said Jesus...If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed.” (John 8:31)
Article 12 – Of the Harmony of the Law and the Gospel
We believe that the law of God is the eternal and unchangeable rule of his moral government; that it is holy, just, and good; and that the inability which the Scriptures ascribe to fallen men to fulfill its precepts arises entirely from their love of sin. “Do we then make void that law through Faith?” ( Romans 3:31)
Article 13 – Of A Gospel Church
We believe that a visible church of Christ is a congregation of baptized believers associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel; observing the ordinances of Christ. “Paul...unto the church of God which is at Corinth...Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?” (1 Corinthians 1:1-13)
Article 14 – Of Baptism and the Lord's Supper We believe that Christian baptism is the immersion in the water of believer, in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost; 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. “Baptizing them in name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.” (Matthew 28:19) & “As often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.” (1 Corinthians 11:26)
Article 15 – Of the Christian Sabbath
We believe that the first day of the week is the Lord’s Day, or Christian Sabbath; and is to be kept sacred to religious purposes. “Upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them.” (Acts 20:7)
Article 16 – Of Civil Government
We believe that civil government is of divine appointment for the interests and good order of human society; and the magistrates are to be prayed for. “The powers that be are ordained of God...For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil.” Romans 13:1-7)
Article 17 – Of the Righteous and the Wicked We believe that there is a radical and essential difference between the righteous and the wicked. Those only who are justified through the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and sanctified by the Holy Spirit are truly righteous in His sight. “Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.” (Malachi 3:18)
Article 18 – Of Christian Education
We believe that Christianity is the religion of enlightenment and intelligence. In Jesus Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. “Wise men lay up knowledge; but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.” (Proverbs 10:14)
Article 19 – Of Social Service We believe that every Christian is under obligation to seek to make the will of Christ regnant in this own life and human society; to oppose in the Spirit of Christ every form of greed, selfishness and vice; to provide for the orphaned, the aged, the helpless, and the sick; to seek to bring industry, government and society as a whole under the sway of the principles of righteousness, truth, and brotherly love; to promote these ends Christian should be ready to work with all men of good will in any good cause. “Then the disciples, every man according to his ability determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judea.” (Acts 11 :29)
We believe that God is the source of all blessings, temporal and spiritual; all that we have and are we owe to him. “As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” (1 Peter 4:10)
Article 21 - Of Evangelism and Missions We believe that it is the duty of every Christian man and woman, and the duty of every Church of Christ to seek to extend the gospel to the ends of the 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...” ( Matthew 28: 19,20)
Article 22 - Of the Resurrection We believe that the scriptures clearly teach that Jesus rose from the dead. “In the end of the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulcher.....” (Matthew 28:1-6)
Article 23 - Of the Return of the Lord We believe that the New Testament teaches in many places the visible and personal return of Jesus to this earth. “.....why stand ye gazing up unto heaven? 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.” (Acts 1:11)
Article 24 - Of the World to Come We believe that the end of the world is approaching, that at the last day Christ will descend from heaven, and raise the dead from the grave to final retribution; that solemn separation will then take place; that the wicked will be adjudged to endless punishment, and the righteous to endless joy. “But the end of all things is at hand.....” ( 1 Peter 4:7)
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