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Featured Statement of beliefs

Discussion in 'General Baptist Discussions' started by JonC, Sep 27, 2013.

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  1. JonC

    JonC Moderator
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    My son attended a birthday party held at a CoC. I got a copy of their statement of beliefs which I found interesting.

    Bible—The Bible is God’s Word and it is the final authority in all matters of faith & life.(2 Tim 3:15-17; 2 Pet 1:20-21)

    God—God is the Almighty Creator of everything that exists. He is the only true God and lives eternally in three persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). The essence of His being is love.(Gen 1-2; Jhn 1:3; Rom 1:20; 1 Cor 8:5-6; Eph 4:4-5; Jhn 17:3; 1Pet 1:2; 2 Cor 13:14; 1 Jhn 4:8,16)

    Jesus—Jesus is the Son of God and the promised Messiah (Christ). He was sent to this world for the purpose of redeeming us from our sins and restoring us to a relationship with God. Jesus was miraculously born to a virgin, lived a sinless life, and died on a cross as a sacrifice for our sins. He was buried and on the third day arose from the grave and claimed victory over sin and death. After that he appeared to many witnesses and ascended into heaven where he sits at the right hand of God and serves as our mediator. Jesus will one day return to this Earth to judge the world and establish a New Heaven and New Earth where all believers will live eternally with Him.(Jhn 1:1,14; Mat 16:15; Jhn 4:25-26; Mtt 17:5, Jhn 3:16; Rom 5:8-10; 1 Jhn 4:10; Mat 1:18-23; Heb 5:15; 2 Cor. 5:21; Eph 2:13; 1 Pet 3:18; Mrk 10:45; 1st Cor 15:3-8, Act 1:1-11; 1 Tim 2:5; Heb 9:15; 1 Ths 4:13-18; Jhn 5:24-29; 1 Jhn 4:17-18; 2 Ths 1:7-10; Rev 20-21)

    Holy Spirit—The Holy Spirit is God’s presence today. He is given for the purpose of spiritual transformation. The Spirit works within us to make us more Christ-like and to produce the fruits of the Spirit (Gal 5). The Spirit also works to teach us, remind us of what Jesus taught, comfort us, convict us of sin, empower us to help others, and guarantee our inheritance (eternal life).(Jhn 14:15-27; Rom 8:1-17; Gal 5:16-25; Jhn 16:5-15; 1 Cor 12:1-31; Rom 12:4-8; 2 Cor 1:21-22)

    Salvation—All people are created in the image of God for the purpose of living in eternal relationship with Him. However, our sinfulness separates us from God and makes it impossible for us to live with Him. The only way that this can be undone is through the mercy and justice of God, which was shown by the sending of his Son (Jesus). His death is the only sufficient payment for our sins. Salvation is a free gift of God, it only comes by grace through faith, and it has the power to free us from the effects of sin & death. It is available to all who put their trust in Jesus and those who do so should repent of their sins, confess their faith, and be baptized.(Gen 1:27; Eph. 1:4-5; Rom 3:22-26; Rom 5:12-21; Rom 6:22-23; Eph 2:4-9; Jhn 3:16; Rom 10:9-10; Act 2:38; Rom 6:3-7; 1 Pet 3:21)

    Church—The church is the body of Christ. There is only one church, but it is comprised of many parts. The head of the church is Jesus Christ and, as such, he is the foundation and center of everything we do. The purpose of the church is to follow Christ by living out the greatest commands—to love God and love people.(Eph 4:4-5, 15-16; 1 Cor 3:10-11; 1 Cor 12:12-27; Mrk 12:28-34; Mat 22:34-40; Act 2:42-47)

    Then on their informational about the church:

    What is worship like?

    Our worship consists of singing, prayers, Scripture readings, communion and a message from the Bible. The singing is a cappella, meaning that we worship without instruments. This is by choice, rather than doctrine. We find nothing wrong with instrumental worship but believe that the voice alone is a simple & beautiful way to worship God.
     
    #1 JonC, Sep 27, 2013
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  2. Zaac

    Zaac Well-Known Member

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    I say to my Brothers and Sisters in Christ to be careful when it comes to the CoC. They are much like the Mormons in that they try to say the right words and put on the "traditional" face of Christian beliefs. It seems to be a bunch of doubletalk when it comes to their doctrine as the elders get the last say in doctrine no matter what their statement of beliefs say.
     
  3. HankD

    HankD Well-Known Member
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    Agreed, question them carefully about the Trinity.

    Ask them if Jesus Christ is almighty eternal God incarnate - come in the flesh.


    HankD
     
    #3 HankD, Sep 28, 2013
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  4. JonC

    JonC Moderator
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    Actually, I think this is one CoC that the other CoC's "shun." But I have never known any to "double talk." The traditional CoC's here have always been pretty clear about their beliefs. One down the road will not hesitate to tell you that if you are not a member of a CoC you are going to hell. Another will explain why they believe in baptismal regeneration.

    I just thought this one was interesting because some here would automatically assume that they held a false gospel, were a cult, etc. because of the name of the church. As denominational lines blur, it is not always safe to assume a doctrinal stance based on the name of the church. Heck, many SBC churches seem to "hide" their affiliation.
     
    #4 JonC, Sep 28, 2013
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  5. Yeshua1

    Yeshua1 Well-Known Member
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    How much sins are to be repented and confessed of before can be assured of eternal life to them? MUST we be water baptized?

    Is Jesus Son of God, or God the Son?
     
  6. JonC

    JonC Moderator
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    This church doesn't seem to believe in baptismal regeneration. For example, they hold that a Christian should be baptized. If you join the church on profession of faith (being baptized in another denomination) you don't get "re-baptized." Looking at their website, one is saved by faith.

    I just read the history of this church, and I don't think that this CoC would really fall into the category of a CoC as we'd define them here. They are more non-denominational, IMHO, simply because they reject doctrine that typically unite other CoC in this area.
     
  7. JohnnyReb

    JohnnyReb New Member

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    This is a very liberal church of Christ. And for them that is a good thing!

    The instrumental music really jumped out at me. First time I've heard one say it was only by choice that they don't use instruments. Most COC will argue to the end of time that it is not correct worship to use instruments because it was not " authorized" by the bible. I often ask if electricity was authorized to use during worship as well.
     
  8. Yeshua1

    Yeshua1 Well-Known Member
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    that reminds me of the time that I was still living in Owosso, and was good friendsto a local christian book store owner, who was CoC that had guiters/drums etc for worship, and once a month, Elders from the other C o C that did not hold to any of that, would corner him in his store and ask if he had repented of 'devil music" in church, as satan is the god of tha air?
     
  9. Dr. Bob

    Dr. Bob Administrator
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    A "false" Gospel looks much like the "true" Gospel so that folks may be deceived and follow error.

    Their statement "[Salvation] is available to all who put their trust in Jesus and those who do so should repent of their sins, confess their faith, and be baptized" is such an example.

    If I saw repentance and faith, I'd say "AMEN". When they add the work of baptism, I recognize they have changed "grace" to "works" and it damns, not saves.

    Not as blatant as the Disciples of Christ church next door to my house who not only add "baptism" to repentance and faith, but also "tithing", "good works" and "alms" for salvation.
     
  10. Jerome

    Jerome Well-Known Member
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    Yeah. Two of their ministers are women

    [link removed]
     
    #10 Jerome, Sep 28, 2013
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  11. Earth Wind and Fire

    Earth Wind and Fire Well-Known Member
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    [link removed]
    And the one holds the title of Children's Minister....so Im assuming that her job description is focusing on kids. How does an un-scriptural Minister teach kids scripture. Lots of flies in that ointment.
     
    #11 Earth Wind and Fire, Sep 28, 2013
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  12. JonC

    JonC Moderator
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    [link removed]

    I don't know what a "member care minister" is. I don't actually see an issue with having a female conducting the children's ministry.

    While I do question the doctrine of this church - I don't think that I would go so far as to say that it teaches a "false gospel."
     
    #12 JonC, Sep 28, 2013
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  13. JonC

    JonC Moderator
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    Interesting observations, Dr. Bob.

    My problem was not with their stance on baptism. They do not view it is necessary for salvation or the point of salvation, but as something that every believer should do in obedience. My issue was more with the "should" part. It seems that they take "faith alone" to mean "faith without." I don't think it correct to separate true faith from repentance, which is what I understand their statement to be doing.
     
  14. preacher4truth

    preacher4truth Active Member

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    This is what they tell others who are on the outside looking in. The belief of baptism is further explained to those who are 'initiated' into their system. Some are outright adamant to tell others about baptismal regeneration, some keep it hidden nicely. Much of my family is CoC.
     
  15. salzer mtn

    salzer mtn Well-Known Member

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    The real test would be, do they watch Duck Dynasty.
     
  16. JonC

    JonC Moderator
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    This thread was not intended to be an “attack” on a local church and needs to be closed.
     
  17. quantumfaith

    quantumfaith Active Member

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    I agree, I just LOVE how some refuse to take someone at their word and claim to know all their so defined "cultic" secrets that they don't share with someone until they are "sucked in". I did not find any serious misgivings from the information that you shared. I will gladly count the CoC folks as my brothers and sisters in Christ.....although they may shun me. :)
     
  18. JonC

    JonC Moderator
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    They actually shun this church also. That's why I believe this thread needs to be closed and those interested can start another regarding doctrine.
     
  19. sir chad

    sir chad New Member

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    did jesus get baptize for salvation? or was it example for us? to show others of what we are doing to be cleansed of sin.
     
  20. quantumfaith

    quantumfaith Active Member

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    I believe the biblical record is quite clear. I believe it show us that if we have opportunity to be baptized, then we most certainly Should. If something prevents us from such, the biblical record shows us that we certainly can still be in a state of justification.
     
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