What We Believe
The following statement of belief does not cover the extent of our faith. The Bible itself is the sole and final authority of all that we believe. We do believe, however, that this statement of belief accurately represents the teaching of the Bible.
A. The Holy Scriptures
We believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament to be verbally and plenary inspired. The Scriptures are inerrant, infallible and God-breathed, and are the final authority for faith and doctrine. The sixty-six books of the Old and New Testament are the complete and divine revelation of God to Man. We believe that God's Word has been divinely preserved for the English-speaking people in the translation commonly known as the Authorized Version or King James Version. (II Timothy 3:16-17; II Peter 1:20-21).
B. The Godhead
We believe in and worship one Triune God, eternally existing in three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost, with each co-eternal in being, co-identical in nature, co-equal in power and glory, and having the same attributes and perfection's. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19; II Corinthians 13:14; John 14:10, 26)
C. The Person and Work of Jesus Christ
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, became man, without ceasing to be God, having been conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary, in order that He might reveal God and redeem sinful men (Isaiah 7:14; Luke 1:35; John 1:1-2, 14:2; II Corinthians 5:19-21; Galatians 4:4-5; Philippians 2:5-8).
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ accomplished our redemption through his death on the cross as a representative, vicarious, substitutionary sacrifice; and, that our justification is made sure by His literal, physical resurrection from the dead (Acts 2:18-36; Romans 3:24-25; I Peter 1:3-5, 2:24; Ephesians 1:17).
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ ascended to Heaven, and is now exalted at the right of God, where, as our High Priest, He is our Representative, Intercessor, and Advocate before God the Father (Acts 1:9-10; Hebrews 7:25, 9:24; Romans 8:34; I John 2:1-2).
D. The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit
We believe that the Holy Spirit is a person who convicts the world of sin, of righteousness, and judgment; and that He is the Supernatural Agent in regeneration, indwelling and sealing them unto the day of redemption (John 16:8-11; Romans 8:9; Ephesians 1:13-14).
We believe that He is the Divine Teacher who assists believers to understand and appropriate the Scriptures and that it is the privilege and duty of all the saved to be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 1:17-18; 5:18; I John 2:20 & 27).
We believe that God is sovereign in the bestowal of spiritual gifts to every believer. God uniquely uses evangelists, pastors, and teachers to equip believers in the assembly in order that they can do the work of the ministry (Romans 12:3-8; I Corinthians 12:4-11; Ephesians 4:7-12).
We believe the sign gifts of the Holy Spirit, such as speaking in tongues and the gift of healing were temporary. We reject the charismatic movement and its practices as unscriptural. We reject speaking in tongues and faith-healing as practiced by the charismatic movement, though God frequently chooses to answer the prayers of believers for physical healing (I Corinthians 1:22, 13:8, 14:21-22; James 5:15).
E. The Total Depravity of Man
We believe that man was created in the image and likeness of God, but that in Adam's sin the human race fell, inherited a sinful nature, and became alienated from God. Man is totally depraved and utterly unable to remedy his lost condition (Genesis 1:26-27; Romans 3:22-23, 5:12, 6:23; Ephesians 2:1-3, 4:17-19).
F. Salvation
We believe that salvation is the gift of God brought to man by grace, and received by repentance of sin and personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, Whose precious blood was shed for the forgiveness of our sins (John 1:12; Ephesians 1:7, 2:8-10; I Peter 1:19-19). This free gift of salvation is fully available to all who will receive it by faith. We reject the notion that only the “elect” may be saved, or that God has chosen who can and cannot be saved. Salvation is available to “whosoever will” receive it.
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. This 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 to the gospel. Proper evidence of one’s salvation appears in the holy fruits of repentance, faith, and newness of life.
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.
We believe that repentance and faith are solemn obligations. When we are 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 Saviour (John 3:3; II Corinthians 5:17 & 19; Luke 5:27; I John 5:1: John 3:6-7; Acts 2:41; II Peter 1:4; Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:1; Colossians 2:13; John 1:12-13; Galatians 5:22; Ephesians 5:9; Acts 13:39; Romans 8:1; Romans 5:9; Romans 5:1; Titus 3:5-7; Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11; Romans 4:1; Hebrews 10:38; Acts 20:21; Mark 1:15; Acts 2:37-38; Luke 18:13; Romans 10:13; Luke 12:8; Romans 10:9-11).
G. The Eternal Security and Assurance of Believers
We believe that all the redeemed, once saved, are kept by God's power and are thus secure in Christ forever (John 6:37-40, 10:27-30; Romans 8:1, 38-39; I Corinthians 1:4-8; I Peter 1:4-5).
We believe that it is the privilege of believers to rejoice in the assurance of their salvation through the testimony of God's Word, which, however clearly forbids the use of Christian liberty as an occasion to the flesh (Romans 13:13-14; Galatians 5:13; Titus 2:11-15).
H. The Church
We believe that the Scriptures teach that a Baptist Church is a local, visible, assembly of baptized believers associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the Gospel; observing the ordinances of Christ; governed by His laws, and exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His Word. Its only Scriptural offices are:
· Pastors (elders, bishops)
· Deacons
These offices belong to the local church, and have no authority outside of the local church. The authority and dignity of these offices cannot be transferred from another church to the local body. The qualifications and duties for each office are clearly defined in the New Testament. The mission of each church is found in the Great Commission.
1) To make individual disciples, as the Lord leads to repentance
2) To add to the local church by baptizing those believers
3) To teach and instruct in doctrine as the Lord has commanded in His Word
This order cannot be changed. Each church has the absolute right of self government, free from interference of any individual, organization, or other church body. The one and only head of each local church is Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit. It is Scriptural for churches of like faith and doctrine to cooperate with each other in contending for the faith, and for the furtherance of the Gospel, but that every church is sole and only judge of the measure and method of its co-operation. In all matters of membership, policy, government, discipline, and benevolence, the free will of each church is final ( Acts 2:41-42 & 47, 5:11, 11:31; I Corinthians 4:17, 5:5,11,18, 11:2 & 23; II Corinthians 8:5, 23-24; I Timothy 3:5,15; II Thessalonians 3:7; Romans 16:17-20; Matthew 18:15-20; 28:19-20; John 14:15; 15:10; I John 4:21; I Thessalonians 4:2; II John 6; Philippians 1:1; Acts 14:23, 15:22-23, 20:17-28; I Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9; Ephesians 1:22,23, 4:11; I Corinthians 12:4,8-11; Acts 6:5-6; Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 5:23-24; I Peter 5:1-4; Jude 3-4; I Corinthians 5:11-13, 6:1-3).
We believe that the establishment and continuance of churches is clearly taught and defined in the New Testament Scriptures (Matthew 16:18; Acts 13:1-3, 14:27, 20:17, 28-32; I Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-11).
We recognize water baptism by immersion and the Lord's Supper as the only Scriptural ordinances of the church.
I. Scriptural Baptism
We believe the Scriptures teach that baptism is the immersion in water of the believer in Christ, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, performed by the church by Christ’s command, to show evidence of our faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Saviour. It is a prerequisite to the privileges of church membership. We reject infant baptism as unscriptural as salvation is a prerequisite to baptism, and infants cannot testify of faith in Christ. There is no saving merit in baptism. This church will only receive or recognize biblical baptism administered by other churches of like faith and practice with this church. (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 2:41, 8:12, 13, 26-39, 18:7-11; Colossians 2:12).
J. The Lord's Supper
We believe the Scriptures teach that the Lord's Supper, is a provision of unleavened bread and the fruit of the vine, as symbols of Christ's body and shed blood; partaken of by believers through the local church, in commemoration of the suffering and death of their Lord, and in hopeful anticipation of His return. There is no saving merit in partaking of the Lord’s Supper. This ordinance is only available to those who know the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal savior, and then only after carefully examining their lives for any known sin and confessing it before partaking. (Matthew26:27-30; Mark 14:20-26; Luke 22:19-20; I Corinthians 10:16, 11:2 & 17-34).
K. Separation or Holiness
We believe that all the saved should live in such a manner as not to bring reproach upon their Saviour and Lord; and, that separation from all religious apostasy, all worldly and sinful pleasures, practices, and associations is commanded of God. (Romans 12:1-2, 14:13; II Corinthians 7:1; II Timothy 3:1-5; I John 2:15-17; II John 9-11).
L. The Second Advent of Christ
We believe in that "blessed hope," the personal, imminent return of Christ who will rapture all believers prior to the seven-year tribulation period (Pre-tribulation rapture of the church). At the end of the Tribulation, Christ will personally and visibly return with His saints, to establish His earthly Messianic Kingdom, which was promised to the nation of Israel (Premillinial Reign of Christ)(Psalm 89:3-4; Daniel 2:31-45; Zechariah 14:4-11; I Thessalonians 1:10, 4:13-18; Titus 2:13; Revelation 3:10, 19:11-16, 20:1-6).
M. The Eternal State
We believe in the bodily resurrection of all men, the saved to eternal life, and the unsaved to judgment and everlasting punishment (Matthew 25:46; John 5:28-29, 11:25-26; Revelation 20:5-6, 12-13).
We believe that the souls of the redeemed are, at death, absent from the body and present with the Lord, where in conscious bliss they await the first resurrection, when spirit, soul, and body are reunited to be glorified forever with the Lord (Luke 23:43; II Corinthians 5:8; Philippians 1:23, 3:21; I Thessalonians 4:16-17; Revelation 20:4-6).
We believe that the souls of unbelievers remain, after death, in conscious punishment and torment until the second resurrection, when with soul and body reunited they shall appear at the Great White Throne Judgment, and shall be cast into the Lake of Fire, not to be annihilated, but to suffer everlasting conscious punishment and torment (Matthew 25:41-46; Mark 9:43-48; II Thessalonians 1:7-9; Jude 6-7; Revelation 20:11-15).
N. Human Sexuality
We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a woman. We believe that any form of homosexuality, bisexuality, bestiality, incest, fornication, adultery, and pornography are sinful perversions of God’s gift of sex. (Genesis 2:24, 19:5 & 13, 26:8-9; Leviticus 18:1-30; Romans 1:26-29; I Corinthians 5:1, 6-9; I Thessalonians 4:1-8; Hebrews 13:4).
We believe that the only legitimate marriage is the joining of one man and one woman for one lifetime until death of one of the spouses ends the marriage union. We reject same-sex unions or marriages as a violation of God’s law. (Genesis 2:24; Romans 7:2; I Corinthians 7:10; Ephesians 5:22-23)
We believe that men and women are spiritually equal in position before God but that God has ordained distinct and separate spiritual functions for men and women in the home and the church. The husband is to be the leader of the home and men are to be the leaders (pastors and deacons) of the church. Accordingly, only men are eligible for licensure and ordination by the church (Galatians 3:28; Colossians 3:18; I Timothy 2:8-15, 3:4-5 & 12).
O. Divorce and Remarriage
We believe that God hates divorce and intends the marriage to last until one of the spouses dies. Although individuals who are divorced, or divorced and remarried, may hold positions of service in the church and be greatly used of God for Christian service, they may not be considered for the offices of pastor or deacon (Malachi 2:14-17; Matthew 19:3-12; Romans 7:1-3; I Timothy 3:2 & 12; Titus 1:6).
P. Abortion
We believe that human life begins at conception and that the unborn child is a living human being. Abortion constitutes the unjustified, unexcused taking of unborn human life. Abortion is murder. We reject any teaching that abortions of pregnancies due to rape, incest, birth defects, gender selection, birth or population control, or the mental well being of the mother are acceptable (Job 3:16; Psalms 51:5, 139:14-16; Isaiah 44:24, 49:1 & 5; Jeremiah 1:5, 20:15-18; Luke 1:44).
Q. Lawsuits Between Believers
We believe that Christians are prohibited from bringing civil lawsuits against other Christians or the church to resolve personal disputes. We believe the church possesses all the resources necessary to resolve personal disputes between members. We do believe, however, that a Christian may seek compensation for injuries from another Christian's insurance company as long as the claim is pursued without malice or slander. This does not remove a Christian’s duty to report a crime committed by another believer to government authority. (I Corinthians 6:1-8; Ephesians 4:31-32)
R. Giving
We believe that every Christian, as a steward of that portion of God's wealth entrusted to Him, is commanded to support their local church financially. We believe that God has established the tithe as a basis for giving, but that every Christian should also give other offerings sacrificially and cheerfully to support the ministries of the church, the relief of those in need, and the spread of the Gospel. We believe that a Christian relinquishes all rights to direct the use of the tithe or offering once the gift has been made. The tithe belongs to the Lord. (Genesis 14:20; Proverbs 3:9-10; Acts 4:34-37; I Corinthians 16:2; II Corinthians 9:6-7; Galatians 6:6; Ephesians 4:28; I Timothy 5:17-18; I John 3:17).
S. The Personality of Satan
We believe that Satan is a person, the author of sin and the cause of the Fall of Man; that he is the open and declared enemy of God and man; and, that he shall be eternally punished in the Lake of Fire (Job 1:6-7; Isaiah 14:12-17; Matthew 4:2-11; 25:41; Revelation 20:10).
T. Creation
We believe that God created the universe in six literal, 24-hour periods. We reject evolution, the Gap Theory, the Day-Age Theory, and Theistic Evolution as unscriptural theories of origin (Genesis 1-2; Exodus 20:11).
U. Civil Government
We believe that God has ordained and created all authority consisting of three basic institutions:
1) The Home
2) The Church
3) The Government
Every person is subject to these authorities, but all (including the authorities themselves) are answerable to God and governed by His Word. God has given each institution specific Biblical responsibilities and balanced those responsibilities with the understanding that no institution has the right to infringe upon the other. The home, the church, and the government are equal and sovereign in their respective Biblically assigned spheres of responsibility under God. Civil disobedience against government is rebellion against God, unless the government demands obedience contrary to the Word of God. (Romans 13:1-7; Ephesians 5:22-24; Hebrews 13:17; I Peter 2:13-14).
V. Missions
We believe that God has given the church a great commission to proclaim the Gospel to all people both at home and all over the earth. As ambassadors of Christ we must use all available means to go to all who have not heard the message of salvation, both at home and abroad. We believe the Great Commission outlines God’s plan for missions, which are three fold:
· Evangelism (Preaching & Witnessing)
· Baptism
· Discipleship (Teaching & Educating)
The most biblical form of missions is the carrying out of all three aspects of the commission by the planting and establishing of local, New Testament, Baptist churches. (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:46-48; Acts 1:8)
Our History
In the summer of 1952, eight families, feeling the Lord's leading and
recognizing the need of an independent, fundamental, local New
Testament church in the New Franklin, Mo area, began to consider
establishing their own church. They began by holding cottage prayer
meetings in their homes. Finally, McCall Hall (which is the old bank
building over the old Everett's Grocery store) was rented and Stanley
Black was
called as the first pastor. Thus, Bible Baptist Church of New Franklin
was born.
Dissatisfied to be renting a hall and wanting a church building of their own, "Let us rise and build" was the unanimous voice of the far-visioned members. Homer Jennings purchased three lots on the west side of town for the church. Much of the labor was done by the members, men and women alike, and by late fall of 1952 a basement was completed. The building was dedicated in a special service on November 16th, 1952. Lou Young was the song leader, and Missionary Roger Youderian to Auca Indians in Ecuador was the guest speaker.
Pastor Black guided his flock on a path that was new and uncharted, but the foundation was laid on the Lord Jesus Christ. After serving faithfully for four years, 1952-1956, Pastor Black left to answer the Lord's call of home missions. He currently resides in the Kansas City, MO area.
William Pettit was called as our 2nd pastor. He failthfully labored here for four years until 1960. During his ministry the second floor sanctuary was added. Pastor Pettit later became a Missionary to Mexico, where he still serves faithfully today. The church supports him as one of our missionaries. During his ministry the second floor sanctuary was added.
Pastor Pettit later became a Missionary to Mexico, where he still serves faithfully today. The church supports him as one of our missionaries.
Richard Hatfield was called as our 3rd pastor for the next 2 1/2 years until 1963 before leaving to
work for Youth for Christ.
Wallace Higgins was called as our 4th pastor from 1963 until 1968. He spent 5 years laboring for souls and leading us in spiritual growth until he too was called by the Lord as a missionary to the Western United States, establishing Bible-Believing churches with
Northwest Baptist Missions. He is still serving in the Western United States today
James Cowan was called as our 5th pastor and remained
with us for about a year. The church parsonage was purchased that year.
Norman Mayfield followed as our 6th pastor and remained for 4 years, from 1969 to 1973. He left to take a teaching position in Tallahassee, Florida.
Vance Hicklin accepted God's calling as
our 7th pastor and remained for 1 1/2 years.
Clay McNeese Jr. became our 8th pastor in 1975. The church grew and the ministry expanded. During Bro McNeese's pastorate, a real emphasis on soul-winning and evangelizing was cultivated. The Sunday School Department and the Junior Church grew, and the Bus Ministry
was established, as was the Nursing Home ministry.
Grace 'n' Glory Christian
Academy was established in 1975 and it continues to this day. The Lord used the Chris
tian School to draw many families into the church. The Lord blessed the work mightily during Pastor McNeese's leadership. In the Fall of 1981, Pastor McNeese resigned to pastor a church in Georgia. Currently he is the Pastor of the Emmorton Baptist
Church in Bel Air, MD.
We were without a pastor for a little over a year. Chaplain Carroll Schoenhals, one of our home missionaries with the Rock of Ages Prison Ministry, filled in as Interim Pastor
while we searched for a new pastor.
Andrew Linder became our 9th pastor in 1983. The Bible Baptist Institute had its beginnings under his ministry; a class which met twice a week to teach various Bible courses. He remained for 5 years before being called to serve in a church ministry in Greenville, South Carolina.
We were without a pastor for 18 months. Chaplain Carroll Schoenhals
once again willingly stepped in as Interim Pastor.
Paul Worley from Toledo, Ohio was called as our 10th pastor on July 1, 1989. Pastor Worley started a Teen Soulwinning group
and expanded the Bus Route to include Columbia. He also started two special clubs: Preacher's Pals for children under 12, and the Proverbs
Club, for people 60 and older. The Proverbs Club continues today. Bro Worley remained with us until 1995, where he went to Temperance,
Michigan to become an Assistant Pastor at Lewis Avenue Baptist Church.
Matthew Payne of Owensboro, Kentucky became our 11th pastor in 1996. He ministered with us for a year before starting Lighthouse Baptist Church in Boonville, MO.
Rodney Haggett of Piedmont, MO became our 12th and current pastor in 1997. The church experienced growth during his pastorate, and the church built a new church building to hold our growing congregation. The property was purchased in 2001, and work on the new church building was started in 2002.
The building was completed and dedicated on November 16, 2003, 51 years to the date of the original building dedication. Bro Ron Gearis preached the dedication service.
Pastor Haggett lovingly encourages the church to have a closer relationship with Jesus Christ, and urges its members to remain faithful to the Lord until He returns. By God's grace Bible Baptist Church will continue to do so.
