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LIBERTY
BAPTIST CHURCH
3100 Williamson Valley Road
Prescott, Arizona
(928) 772-8445
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MULTIMEDIA
ECards
(KJV Only)
Trail of Blood
Foxe's Book of Martyrs
Pilgrim's Progress
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For
a more comprehensive definition, along with the
Biblical text supporting these beliefs, see below:
The
Baptist Distinctives
Biblical
Authority
The Bible is the final authority in all matters
of belief and practice because the Bible is inspired
by God and bears the absolute authority of God Himself.
Whatever the Bible affirms, Baptists accept as true.
No human opinion or decree of any church group can
override the Bible. Even creeds and confessions
of faith, which attempt to articulate the theology
of Scripture, do not carry Scripture's inherent
authority.
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2
Timothy 3:15-17
15
And that from a child thou hast known the
holy scriptures, which are able to make
thee wise unto salvation through faith which
is in Christ Jesus.
16 All scripture is given by inspiration
of God, and is profitable for doctrine,
for reproof, for correction, for instruction
in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly
furnished unto all good works.
1
Thessalonians 2:13
13
For this cause also thank we God without
ceasing, because, when ye received the word
of God which ye heard of us, ye received
it not as the word of men, but as it is
in truth, the word of God, which effectually
worketh also in you that believe.
2
Peter 1:20, 21
20
Knowing this first, that no prophecy of
the scripture is of any private interpretation.
21 For the prophecy came not in old time
by the will of man: but holy men of God
spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
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Autonomy
of the Local Church
The local church is an independent body accountable
to the Lord Jesus Christ, the head of the church.
All human authority for governing the local church
resides within the local church itself. Thus the
church is autonomous, or self-governing. No religious
hierarchy outside the local church may dictate a
church's beliefs or practices. Autonomy does not
mean isolation. A Baptist church may fellowship
with other churches around mutual interests and
in an associational tie, but a Baptist church cannot
be a "member" of any other body.
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Colossians
1:18
18
And he is the head of the body, the church:
who is the beginning, the firstborn from
the dead; that in all things he might have
the preeminence.
2
Corinthians 8:1-5, 19, 23
1
Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of
the grace of God bestowed on the churches
of Macedonia;
2 How that in a great trial of affliction
the abundance of their joy and their deep
poverty abounded unto the riches of their
liberality.
3 For to their power, I bear record, yea,
and beyond their power they were willing
of themselves;
4 Praying us with much intreaty that we
would receive the gift, and take upon us
the fellowship of the ministering to the
saints.
5 And this they did, not as we hoped, but
first gave their own selves to the Lord,
and unto us by the will of God.
19 And not that only, but who was also chosen
of the churches to travel with us with this
grace, which is administered by us to the
glory of the same Lord, and declaration
of your ready mind:
23 Whether any do enquire of Titus, he is
my partner and fellowhelper concerning you:
or our brethren be enquired of, they are
the messengers of the churches, and the
glory of Christ.
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Priesthood
of the Believer
"Priest" is defined as "one authorized
to perform the sacred rites of a religion, especially
as a mediatory agent between humans and God."
Every believer today is a priest of God and may
enter into His presence in prayer directly through
our Great High Priest, Jesus Christ. No other mediator
is needed between God and people. As priests, we
can study God's Word, pray for others, and offer
spiritual worship to God. We all have equal access
to God--whether we are a preacher or not.
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1
Peter 2:5, 9
5
Ye also, as lively stones, are built up
a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to
offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable
to God by Jesus Christ.
9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal
priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people;
that ye should shew forth the praises of
him who hath called you out of darkness
into his marvellous light;
Revelation
5:9, 10
9
And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art
worthy to take the book, and to open the
seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and
hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out
of every kindred, and tongue, and people,
and nation;
10 And hast made us unto our God kings and
priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
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Two
Ordinances
The local church should practice two ordinances:
(1) baptism of believers by immersion in water,
identifying the individual with Christ in His death,
burial, and resurrection, and (2) the Lord's Supper,
or communion, commemorating His death for our sins.
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Matthew
28:19, 20
19
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 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.
1
Corinthians 11:23-32
23
For I have received of the Lord that which
also I delivered unto you, that the Lord
Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed
took bread:
24 And when he had given thanks, he brake
it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body,
which is broken for you: this do in remembrance
of me.
25 After the same manner also he took the
cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup
is the new testament in my blood: this do
ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance
of me.
26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and
drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death
till he come.
27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread,
and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily,
shall be guilty of the body and blood of
the Lord.
28 But let a man examine himself, and so
let him eat of that bread, and drink of
that cup.
29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily,
eateth and drinketh damnation to himself,
not discerning the Lord's body.
30 For this cause many are weak and sickly
among you, and many sleep.
31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should
not be judged.
32 But when we are judged, we are chastened
of the Lord, that we should not be condemned
with the world.
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Individual
Soul Liberty
Every individual, whether a believer or an unbeliever,
has the liberty to choose what he believes is right
in the religious realm. No one should be forced
to assent to any belief against his will. Baptists
have always opposed religious persecution. However,
this liberty does not exempt one from responsibility
to the Word of God or from accountability to God
Himself.
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Romans
14:5, 12
5
One man esteemeth one day above another:
another esteemeth every day alike. Let every
man be fully persuaded in his own mind.
12 So then every one of us shall give account
of himself to God.
2
Corinthians 4:2
2
But have renounced the hidden things of
dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor
handling the word of God deceitfully; but
by manifestation of the truth commending
ourselves to every man's conscience in the
sight of God.
Titus
1:9
9
Holding fast the faithful word as he hath
been taught, that he may be able by sound
doctrine both to exhort and to convince
the gainsayers.
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Saved,
Baptized Church Membership
Local church membership is restricted to individuals
who give a believable testimony of personal faith
in Christ and have publicly identified themselves
with Him in believer's baptism. When the members
of a local church are believers, a oneness in Christ
exists, and the members can endeavor to keep the
unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
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Acts
2:41-47
41
Then they that gladly received his word
were baptized: and the same day there were
added unto them about three thousand souls.
42 And they continued stedfastly in the
apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in
breaking of bread, and in prayers.
43 And fear came upon every soul: and many
wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
44 And all that believed were together,
and had all things common;
45 And sold their possessions and goods,
and parted them to all men, as every man
had need.
46 And they, continuing daily with one accord
in the temple, and breaking bread from house
to house, did eat their meat with gladness
and singleness of heart,
47 Praising God, and having favour with
all the people. And the Lord added to the
church daily such as should be saved.
1
Corinthians 12:12
12
For as the body is one, and hath many members,
and all the members of that one body, being
many, are one body: so also is Christ.
2
Corinthians 6:14
14
Be ye not unequally yoked together with
unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness
with unrighteousness? and what communion
hath light with darkness?
Ephesians
4:3
3
Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit
in the bond of peace.
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Two
Offices
The Bible mandates only two offices in the church--pastor
and deacon. The three terms--"pastor,"
"elder," and "bishop," or "overseer"--all
refer to the same office. The two offices of pastor
and deacon exist within the local church, not as
a hierarchy outside or over the local church.
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1
Timothy 3:1-13
1 This is a true saying, if a man desire
the office of a bishop, he desireth a good
work.
2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband
of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour,
given to hospitality, apt to teach;
3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy
of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler,
not covetous;
4 One that ruleth well his own house, having
his children in subjection with all gravity;
5 (For if a man know not how to rule his
own house, how shall he take care of the
church of God?)
6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with
pride he fall into the condemnation of the
devil.
7 Moreover he must have a good report of
them which are without; lest he fall into
reproach and the snare of the devil.
8 Likewise must the deacons be grave, not
doubletongued, not given to much wine, not
greedy of filthy lucre;
9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a
pure conscience.
10 And let these also first be proved; then
let them use the office of a deacon, being
found blameless.
11 Even so must their wives be grave, not
slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.
12 Let the deacons be the husbands of one
wife, ruling their children and their own
houses well.
13 For they that have used the office of
a deacon well purchase to themselves a good
degree, and great boldness in the faith
which is in Christ Jesus.
Acts
20:17-38
17
And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and
called the elders of the church.
18 And when they were come to him, he said
unto them, Ye know, from the first day that
I came into Asia, after what manner I have
been with you at all seasons,
19 Serving the LORD with all humility of
mind, and with many tears, and temptations,
which befell me by the lying in wait of
the Jews:
20 And how I kept back nothing that was
profitable unto you, but have shewed you,
and have taught you publickly, and from
house to house,
21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also
to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and
faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
22 And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit
unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that
shall befall me there:
23 Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in
every city, saying that bonds and afflictions
abide me.
24 But none of these things move me, neither
count I my life dear unto myself, so that
I might finish my course with joy, and the
ministry, which I have received of the Lord
Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace
of God.
25 And now, behold, I know that ye all,
among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom
of God, shall see my face no more.
26 Wherefore I take you to record this day,
that I am pure from the blood of all men.
27 For I have not shunned to declare unto
you all the counsel of God.
28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves,
and to all the flock, over the which the
Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed
the church of God, which he hath purchased
with his own blood.
29 For I know this, that after my departing
shall grievous wolves enter in among you,
not sparing the flock.
30 Also of your own selves shall men arise,
speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples
after them.
31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by
the space of three years I ceased not to
warn every one night and day with tears.
32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God,
and to the word of his grace, which is able
to build you up, and to give you an inheritance
among all them which are sanctified.
33 I have coveted no man's silver, or gold,
or apparel.
34 Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands
have ministered unto my necessities, and
to them that were with me.
35 I have shewed you all things, how that
so labouring ye ought to support the weak,
and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus,
how he said, It is more blessed to give
than to receive.
36 And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled
down, and prayed with them all.
37 And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's
neck, and kissed him,
38 Sorrowing most of all for the words which
he spake, that they should see his face
no more. And they accompanied him unto the
ship.
Philippians
1:1
1
Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus
Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus
which are at Philippi, with the bishops
and deacons:
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Separation
of Church and State
God established both the church and the civil government,
and He gave each its own distinct sphere of operation.
The government's purposes are outlined in Romans
13:1-7 and the church's purposes in Matthew 28:19
and 20. Neither should control the other, nor should
there be an alliance between the two. Christians
in a free society can properly influence government
toward righteousness, which is not the same as a
denomination or group of churches controlling the
government.
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Matthew
22:15-22
15
Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel
how they might entangle him in his talk.
16 And they sent out unto him their disciples
with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know
that thou art true, and teachest the way
of God in truth, neither carest thou for
any man: for thou regardest not the person
of men.
17 Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou?
Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar,
or not?
18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness,
and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?
19 Shew me the tribute money. And they brought
unto him a penny.
20 And he saith unto them, Whose is this
image and superscription?
21 They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith
he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar
the things which are Caesar's; and unto
God the things that are God's.
22 When they had heard these words, they
marvelled, and left him, and went their
way.
Acts
15:17-29
17
That the residue of men might seek after
the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom
my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth
all these things.
18 Known unto God are all his works from
the beginning of the world.
19 Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble
not them, which from among the Gentiles
are turned to God:
20 But that we write unto them, that they
abstain from pollutions of idols, and from
fornication, and from things strangled,
and from blood.
21 For Moses of old time hath in every city
them that preach him, being read in the
synagogues every sabbath day.
22 Then pleased it the apostles and elders
with the whole church, to send chosen men
of their own company to Antioch with Paul
and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas
and Silas, chief men among the brethren:
23 And they wrote letters by them after
this manner; The apostles and elders and
brethren send greeting unto the brethren
which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and
Syria and Cilicia.
24 Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain
which went out from us have troubled you
with words, subverting your souls, saying,
Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law:
to whom we gave no such commandment:
25 It seemed good unto us, being assembled
with one accord, to send chosen men unto
you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,
26 Men that have hazarded their lives for
the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
27 We have sent therefore Judas and Silas,
who shall also tell you the same things
by mouth.
28 For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost,
and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden
than these necessary things;
29 That ye abstain from meats offered to
idols, and from blood, and from things strangled,
and from fornication: from which if ye keep
yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.
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