2:8 1:10, 11 9:22,23; Jude 4, Paragraph 4. 13:25-27, Paragraph 4. CooperationXV. 7:29 1:4,5; 2 Pet. 10:10; Isa. 25:21,34; 2 Tim. 7:11 53:10; John 17:6; Rom. 26 Matt. Richard Ring, Pastor, Southhampton, Hants 4 Heb. 5:23 Baptism and the Lord's SupperVIII. 17 Gal. 1:19-21, 2:14,15; Psalm 19:1-3 3:2, Paragraph 4. 10:24,25, 3:12,13 I think we Baptists should move away from the language of a "credible" profession of faith when it comes to our children and teens, and instead speak in terms of a "mature" profession of faith before baptizing. 8:4,6; Deut. 2:8,9; Rom. As each church, and all the members of it, are bound to pray continually for the good and prosperity of all the churches of Christ,27 in all places, and upon all occasions to further every one within the bounds of their places and callings, in the exercise of their gifts and graces, so the churches, when planted by the providence of God, so as they may enjoy opportunity and advantage for it, ought to hold communion among themselves, for their peace, increase of love, and mutual edification.28 All those that are justified, God conferred, in and for the sake of his only Son Jesus Christ, to make partakers of the grace of adoption,1 by which they are taken into the number, and enjoy the liberties and privileges of the children of God,2 have his name put on them,3 receive the spirit of adoption,4 have access to the throne of grace with boldness, are enabled to cry Abba, Father,5 are pitied,6 protected,7 provided for,8 and chastened by him as by a Father,9 yet never cast off,10 but sealed to the day of redemption,11 and inherit the promises as heirs of everlasting salvation.12 10 John 3:3, 5, 6 3 Mal. 6:1,2; Titus 2:11,12,14, Paragraph 4. We are not embarrassed to state before the world that these are doctrines we hold precious and as essential to the Baptist tradition of faith and practice. 48:12 16. 18:15-17; Eph. Those of mankind that are predestinated to life, God, before the foundation of the world was laid, according to His eternal and immutable purpose, and the secret counsel and good pleasure of His will, hath chosen in Christ unto everlasting glory, out of His mere free grace and love,11 without any other thing in the creature as a condition or cause moving Him thereunto.12 28 John 20:25,27 Ruth 3:15-17; Isa. 6 Ps. The bodies of men after death return to dust, and see corruption;1 but their souls, which neither die nor sleep, having an immortal subsistence, immediately return to God who gave them.2 The souls of the righteous being then made perfect in holiness, are received into paradise, where they are with Christ, and behold the face of God in light and glory, waiting for the full redemption of their bodies;3 and the souls of the wicked are cast into hell; where they remain in torment and utter darkness, reserved to the judgment of the great day;4 besides these two places, for souls separated from their bodies, the Scripture acknowledgeth none. 1:2 2:14,15; 1 Thess. 19:10 He ascended into heaven 17 John 10:26, 17:9, 6:64, Paragraph 7. 7:22 A profession of faith is not limited to a baptism, but can also be used in instances of sharing your testimony with others, whether believers or nonbelievers. 4 Rom. 13:1 30:19, Paragraph 2. Of Marriage Those whom God hath predestinated unto life, He is pleased in His appointed, and accepted time, effectually to call,1 by His Word and Spirit, out of that state of sin and death in which they are by nature, to grace and salvation by Jesus Christ;2 enlightening their minds spiritually and savingly to understand the things of God;3 taking away their heart of stone, and giving to them a heart of flesh;4 renewing their wills, and by His almighty power determining them to that which is good, and effectually drawing them to Jesus Christ;5 yet so as they come most freely, being made willing by His grace.6 12 Heb. 10:14; 1 Pet. 6:17; Rom. 13 John 6:44,45,65; 1 John 2:24,25 29 1 Cor. 1:30,31, Rom. 6:17,18 4:2 5 Rom. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. 10 Eph. Such is the provision which God has made through Christ in the covenant of grace for the preservation of believers unto salvation, that although there is no sin so small but it deserves damnation,8 yet there is no sin so great that it shall bring damnation to them that repent,9 which makes the constant preaching of repentance necessary. The bodies of the unjust shall, by the power of Christ, be raised to dishonour; the bodies of the just, by his Spirit, unto honour, and be made conformable to his own glorious body.8 21 Ps. 5:2,5, Paragraph 2. 6:10, Paragraph 2. 2:8 For us men and for our salvation FOREWORD Of Justification This was first put forth about the year 1643, in the name of seven congregations then gathered in London . 11 Eph. Of Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience 10 2 Tim. 4:13; Eph. When God converts a sinner, and translates him into the state of grace, He frees him from his natural bondage under sin,7 and by His grace alone enables him freely to will and to do that which is spiritually good;8 yet so as that by reason of his remaining corruptions, he does not perfectly, nor only will, that which is good, but does also will that which is evil.9 2 Rom. 21 1 Cor. 4:4,6, Paragraph 1. Baptist churches, associations, and general bodies have adopted confessions of faith as a witness to the world, and as instruments of doctrinal accountability. Based on this and other passages, Southern Baptist scholars have strongly held that baptism is a public expression of an inward reality of having been unified with Christ. in accordance with the Scriptures. 6 Ps. 2:1,2; 2 Sam. 10 1 John 4:13; Heb. 110:3; 1 Cor. who has spoken through the prophets. Of the Gospel and the Extent of Grace thereof 4:30 21 Rom. Of God's Covenant 23 Amos 5:21,22; Rom. 13:8, Paragraph 7. 10:5 45 Col. 1:21; Gal. 9:25,26,28 2:17 10 1 Cor. 4:19,20 12:17, Paragraph 4. 4 Rom 5:12, etc. 1:23 5 Gal. The members of these churches are saints by calling, visibly manifesting and evidencing (in and by their profession and walking) their obedience unto that call of Christ;12 and do willingly consent to walk together, according to the appointment of Christ; giving up themselves to the Lord, and one to another, by the will of God, in professed subjection to the ordinances of the Gospel.13 9 Gal. What actually takes place in a persons life at his or her baptism? 4 Ezek. Evangelism and MissionsXII. The authority of the Holy Scripture, for which it ought to be believed, depends not upon the testimony of any man or church, but wholly upon God (who is truth itself), the author thereof; therefore it is to be received because it is the Word of God.7 6:18; Ps. 30. Way of the Cross Bible way Church. 3:16; 2 Thess. the Only Begotten Son of God, 2:14; Eph. 19 Matt. 1:1 The purest churches under heaven are subject to mixture and error;4 and some have so degenerated as to become no churches of Christ, but synagogues of Satan;5 nevertheless Christ always has had, and ever shall have a kingdom in this world, to the end thereof, of such as believe in him, and make profession of his name.6 God hath decreed in himself, from all eternity, by the most wise and holy counsel of His own will, freely and unchangeably, all things, whatsoever comes to pass;1 yet so as thereby is God neither the author of sin nor hath fellowship with any therein;2 nor is violence offered to the will of the creature, nor yet is the liberty or contingency of second causes taken away, but rather established;3 in which appears His wisdom in disposing all things, and power and faithfulness in accomplishing His decree.4 & Glouc. What is a profession of faith? | GotQuestions.org 6:6 1 Acts 20:32; Rom. I can almost hear your pastor saying to those making profession of faith: "We don't know what future professions of faith you'll make, as you journey throughout life. . who proceeds from the Father and the Son, 6:1; 1 Pet. 26 Matt. . (These early Baptists were conscious that the 1644 Calvinistic Baptist Confession predated the 1646 Presbyterian Confession and the 1658 Congregationalist Confession). Nehemiah 2:14,16,17, 4:15 11 Ps. Thomas Winnel, Pastor, Taunton, Som. 4 Ps. 6:3-5; Col. 2:12; Gal. 9:11,13,16,18, Paragraph 3. 19. This office of mediator between God and man is proper only to Christ, who is the prophet, priest, and king of the church of God; and may not be either in whole, or any part thereof, transferred from Him to any other.43 As we 1 J. Winston Pearce. 11 John 7:38,39; Heb. They who are united to Christ, effectually called, and regenerated, having a new heart and a new spirit created in them through the virtue of Christ's death and resurrection, are also farther sanctified, really and personally,1 through the same virtue, by his Word and Spirit dwelling in them;2 the dominion of the whole body of sin is destroyed,3 and the several lusts of it are more and more weakened and mortified,4 and they more and more quickened and strengthened in all saving graces,5 to the practice of all true holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.6 13 Gen. 1:20; Isa. 2 2 Sam. It is now many years since diverse of us . the state of glory only.10 15 Col. 1:19 10 Rom. 64:7, Paragraph 4. 25 1 Thess. 1:19,20 4:10,11, Paragraph 12. 8 Isa. ManIV. 8:28, Paragraph 6. Oak Hills Church. Raleigh International Church. 4 1 Cor. Haggai 5 Eph. 11:26-28, Paragraph 6. 14:16,17, Paragraph 4. & Glouc. Paragraph 3. Followers of Christ have pondered questions like these for generations. 3:15-17; Gal. 88; Ps. Of Repentance unto Life and Salvation Besides this law, commonly called moral, God was pleased to give to the people of Israel ceremonial laws, containing several typical ordinances, partly of worship, prefiguring Christ, his graces, actions, sufferings, and benefits;6 and partly holding forth divers instructions of moral duties,7 all which ceremonial laws being appointed only to the time of reformation, are, by Jesus Christ the true Messiah and only law-giver, who was furnished with power from the Father for that end abrogated and taken away.8 4:3 4 Rom. 17:9; Rom. The doctrine of the high mystery of predestination is to be handled with special prudence and care, that men attending the will of God revealed in His Word, and yielding obedience thereunto, may, from the certainty of their effectual vocation, be assured of their eternal election;18 so shall this doctrine afford matter of praise,19 reverence, and admiration of God, and of humility,20 diligence, and abundant consolation to all that sincerely obey the gospel.21 Church 3291 Saint Johns Ln Ellicott City Maryland 21042-2657. www.ellicottcitychurch.org. EducationXIII. Deuteronomy 1:1, Paragraph 9. Prayer, with thanksgiving, being one part of natural worship, is by God required of all men.8 But that it may be accepted, it is to be made in the name of the Son,9 by the help of the Spirit,10 according to his will;11 with understanding, reverence, humility, fervency, faith, love, and perseverance; and when with others, in a known tongue.12 4:6; Eph. 1 Exod. 55:17 1 John 10:28,29; Phil. 1 Gen. 2:16,17 36:31; 2 Cor. Although true believers are not under the law as a covenant of works, to be thereby justified or condemned,13 yet it is of great use to them as well as to others, in that as a rule of life, informing them of the will of God and their duty, it directs and binds them to walk accordingly; discovering also the sinful pollutions of their natures, hearts, and lives, so as examining themselves thereby, they may come to further conviction of, humiliation for, and hatred against, sin;14 together with a clearer sight of the need they have of Christ and the perfection of his obedience; it is likewise of use to the regenerate to restrain their corruptions, in that it forbids sin; and the threatenings of it serve to show what even their sins deserve, and what afflictions in this life they may expect for them, although freed from the curse and unallayed rigour thereof. The promises of it likewise show them God's approbation of obedience, and what blessings they may expect upon the performance thereof, though not as due to them by the law as a covenant of works; so as man's doing good and refraining from evil, because the law encourages to the one and deters from the other, is no evidence of his being under the law and not under grace.15 7:1; Heb. 13:25, Paragraph 3. 1:7-10, Paragraph 3. 12:23 2:14,15 Although the price of redemption was not actually paid by Christ until after His incarnation, yet the virtue, efficacy, and benefit thereof were communicated to the elect in all ages, successively from the beginning of the world, in and by those promises, types, and sacrifices wherein He was revealed, and signified to be the seed which should bruise the serpent's head;34 and the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world,35 being the same yesterday, and today and for ever.36 15 Rom. Pg. 6 Heb. Edward Man, Pastor, Houndsditch, London 32:5, Ps. 24 Ezek. 13 Job 9:2, 3; Gal. What is clear in Scripture is believer's baptism. The whole counsel of God concerning all things necessary for His own glory, man's salvation, faith and life, is either expressly set down or necessarily contained in the Holy Scripture: unto which nothing at any time is to be added, whether by new revelation of the Spirit, or traditions of men.9 Nevertheless, we acknowledge the inward illumination of the Spirit of God to be necessary for the saving understanding of such things as are revealed in the Word,10 and that there are some circumstances concerning the worship of God, and government of the church, common to human actions and societies, which are to be ordered by the light of nature and Christian prudence, according to the general rules of the Word, which are always to be observed.11 20:4-6, Paragraph 2. Last ThingsXI. 3:31, Paragraph 6. 16 Gal. 10 Gen. 1:26,28, Paragraph 1. 28 Exod. Benjamin Keach, Pastor, Horse-lie-down, Southwark A vow, which is not to be made to any creature, but to God alone, is to be made and performed with all religious care and faithfulness;8 but popish monastical vows of perpetual single life,9 professed poverty,10 and regular obedience, are so far from being degrees of higher perfection, that they are superstitious and sinful snares, in which no Christian may entangle himself.11 2 Gen. 2:18 17 Ezek. 3 Exod. 7 1 Kings 8:27; Jer. Confessional Subscription: Its Terms and Types - Reformed Baptist Blog In cases of difficulties or differences, either in point of doctrine or administration, wherein either the churches in general are concerned, or any one church, in their peace, union, and edification; or any member or members of any church are injured, in or by any proceedings in censures not agreeable to truth and order: it is according to the mind of Christ, that many churches holding communion together, do, by their messengers, meet to consider, and give their advice in or about that matter in difference, to be reported to all the churches concerned;29 howbeit these messengers assembled, are not intrusted with any church-power properly so called; or with any jurisdiction over the churches themselves, to exercise any censures either over any churches or persons; or to impose their determination on the churches or officers.30 12. Mr. Spurgeon did not, however, when he republished this Confession, merely preface it with certain words of general commendation. He also addressed to his own church at New Park Street some practical words of advice as to how they should use the Confession. These are still relevant today. Saints by profession are bound to maintain a holy fellowship and communion in the worship of God, and in performing such other spiritual services as tend to their mutual edification;4 as also in relieving each other in outward things according to their several abilities, and necessities;5 which communion, according to the rule of the gospel, though especially to be exercised by them, in the relation wherein they stand, whether in families,6 or churches,7 yet, as God offers opportunity, is to be extended to all the household of faith, even all those who in every place call upon the name of the Lord Jesus; nevertheless their communion one with another as saints, does not take away or infringe the title or propriety which each man has in his goods and possessions.8 17 John 5:39 Numbers 9 Eph. Baptist scholars point to the meaning of the Greek word for baptism, which properly interpreted means to dip or plunge. Additional evidence can be found from baptism narratives such as the baptism of Christ where the biblical text says, He came up out of the water (Mark 1:10). 29:18; Isa. 6:14 9:14, 10:14; Rom. 3 Luke 23:43; 2 Cor. 95:1-7, 65:2 6:17,18 1:7; Eph. 2 Rom. 16 Ps. 22 Matt. 13 Rom. 13:5-7; 1 Pet. 6 Job 19:26,27 17 John 1:14 89:31,32; 1 Cor. Thousands have been immersed, sprinkled, or dabbed with water, but that ritual cannot save. 9:24 Thomas Vaux, Pastor, Broadmead, Som. This office the Lord Jesus did most willingly undertake,21 which that He might discharge He was made under the law,22 and did perfectly fulfill it, and underwent the punishment due to us, which we should have born and suffered,23 being made sin and a curse for us;24 enduring most grievous sorrows in His soul, and most painful sufferings in His body;25 was crucified, and died, and remained in the state of the dead, yet saw no corruption:26 on the third day He arose from the dead27 with the same body in which He suffered,28 with which He also ascended into heaven,29 and there sits at the right hand of His Father making intercession,30 and shall return to judge men and angels at the end of the world.31 Of Sanctification 11 Gal. 7 Luke 19:8; 1 Tim. 3:5; 2 Cor. 1:3; Job 38:11; Isa. These angels and men thus predestinated and foreordained, are particularly and unchangeably designed, and their number so certain and definite, that it cannot be either increased or diminished.10 26:26-28, 15:9, Exod. 2 John 1:12; Rom. 4:11,12 Samuel Ewer, Pastor, Hemstead, Herts 8 Ps. 13 1 Tim. 1 Titus 3:2-5, Paragraph 2. To all those for whom Christ has obtained eternal redemption, He does certainly and effectually apply and communicate the same, making intercession for them;38 uniting them to Himself by His Spirit, revealing to them, in and by His Word, the mystery of salvation, persuading them to believe and obey,39 governing their hearts by His Word and Spirit,40 and overcoming all their enemies by His almighty power and wisdom,41 in such manner and ways as are most consonant to His wonderful and unsearchable dispensation; and all of free and absolute grace, without any condition foreseen in them to procure it.42 Southern Baptists from the very onset have joined the tradition of many other Christian groups by practicing and teaching about baptism. 5:12-19; 1 Cor. This little volume, he wrote, is not issued as an authoritative rule, or code of faith, whereby you are to be fettered, but as an assistance to you in controversy, a confirmation in faith, and a means of edification in righteousness. Here the younger members of our church will have a body of divinity in small compass, and by means of the scriptural proofs, will be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in them. 5:19 7:2,9 10:4, Paragraph 3. 11. 8:30, Paragraph 2. 9:6-14, Paragraph 11. 15:9; Isa. 4:4,5 2:6; Luke 1:33 28:20 40 Rom. 3 Rom. 11 1 John 5:14 5:14; 2 Thess. Proverbs, Ecclesiastes 4:2,3, Paragraph 14. & Glouc. 8:30; 2 Tim. 25. 11:26, Paragraph 2. 1:24; 1 John 4:1, Paragraph 1. 1:16-18, 55:7, Paragraph 1. 6 Heb. Robert Steed, Pastor, Broken Wharf, London 3 Heb. I was baptized in a small stream on a cattle ranch in Wyoming. All persons throughout the world, professing the faith of the gospel, and obedience unto God by Christ according unto it, not destroying their own profession by any errors everting the foundation, or unholiness of conversation, are and may be called visible saints;2 and of such ought all particular congregations to be constituted.3 11:13 3 Gen. 3:6, Paragraph 3. Faith thus receiving and resting on Christ and his righteousness, is the alone instrument of justification;6 yet is not alone in the person justified, but is ever accompanied with all other saving graces, and is no dead faith, but works by love.7 7 Col. 1:18; Matt. 13 Col. 1:21,22, Titus 3:4-7, Paragraph 5. 24 Acts 11:19-21; 1 Pet. 110:3; Cant. through him all things were made. 10 John 6:45; 1 Cor. 28:19,20; 1 Cor. 20 Job 22:2,3 30 John 15:26; Gal. 81:11,12; 2 Thess. Of the Church 9:15, Paragraph 6. 2:5, Paragraph 3. 14 Col. 2:20,22,23 Being a church ordinance, it is prerequisite to the privileges of church membership and to the Lords Supper. 9 Isa. 1 Matt. 11:6 Richard Adams, Minister, Shad Thames, Southwark 2:4 4:6 32:3,4 24 2 Cor. 5 Acts 15:18 Man, in his state of innocency, had freedom and power to will and to do that which was good and well-pleasing to God,2 but yet was unstable, so that he might fall from it.3 William Kiffin, Pastor Devonshire-square, London 15:25,26 10:14,17 Site by Mere. 16 Heb. 8 Heb. 1:1 To them also he gave sundry judicial laws, which expired together with the state of that people, not obliging any now by virtue of that institution; their general equity only being of modern use.9 29. 19 Col. 3:16, Paragraph 9. 10:14,15,17 20 1 Tim. Pastor Ellen 135:6 13 Ps. 19:12; Jer. 23. 2:19; 1 John 2:19 28 Rom. 6:11; Ps. 10. 14 Rom. For instance, The Schleitheim Confession of AD 1527 states: Baptism shall be given to all those who have learned repentance and amendment of life, and who believe truly that their sins are taken away by Christ, and to all those who walk in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and wish to be buried with Him in death, so that they may be resurrected with Him, and to all those who with this significance request it [baptism] of us and demand it for themselves. 1;11, Paragraph 2. 3:2 13:15-22 29 Acts 15:2,4,6,22,23,25 17:12; James 1:14; Deut. Christ, in the work of mediation, acts according to both natures, by each nature doing that which is proper to itself; yet by reason of the unity of the person, that which is proper to one nature is sometimes in Scripture, attributed to the person denominated by the other nature.37 The Lord Jesus, by His perfect obedience and sacrifice of Himself, which He through the eternal Spirit once offered up to God, has fully satisfied the justice of God,32 procured reconciliation, and purchased an everlasting inheritance in the kingdom of heaven, for all those whom the Father has given unto Him.33 45:7; Acts 10:38; John 3:34 14 Heb. 6:1,2 . 14 Rom. 20 Gen. 4:5; Heb. 21 Matt. In England during the 1630s and the 1640s Congregationalists and Baptists of Calvinistic persuasion emerged from the Church of England. Their early existence was marked by repeated cycles of persecution at the hands of the established religion of crown and Parliament. The infamous Clarendon Code was adopted in the 1660s to crush all dissent from the official religion of the state. Periods of rigorous application and intervals of relaxation of these coercive acts haunted Presbyterians, Congregationalists, and Baptists alike. 2:8-10 As Christ would have us to be certainly persuaded that there shall be a day of judgment, both to deter all men from sin,7 and for the greater consolation of the godly in their adversity,8 so will he have the day unknown to men, that they may shake off all carnal security, and be always watchful, because they know not at what hour the Lord will come,9 and may ever be prepared to say, Come Lord Jesus; come quickly.10 Amen. 1 1 John 1:3; John 1:16; Phil. 3:14; John 14:11; I Cor. 3:6, Paragraph 2. 10 Heb. Hurcules Collins, Pastor, Wapping, London 12 2 Pet. 11:24,25, Paragraph 7. We may be moved and induced by the testimony of the church of God to a high and reverent esteem of the Holy Scriptures; and the heavenliness of the matter, the efficacy of the doctrine, and the majesty of the style, the consent of all the parts, the scope of the whole (which is to give all glory to God), the full discovery it makes of the only way of man's salvation, and many other incomparable excellencies, and entire perfections thereof, are arguments whereby it does abundantly evidence itself to be the Word of God; yet notwithstanding, our full persuasion and assurance of the infallible truth, and divine authority thereof, is from the inward work of the Holy Spirit bearing witness by and with the Word in our hearts.8 John Harris, Pastor, Joiner's Hall, London 3 Gal. 5:13,14; Matt. The outward elements in this ordinance, duly set apart to the use ordained by Christ, have such relation to him crucified, as that truly, although in terms used figuratively, they are sometimes called by the names of the things they represent, in other words, the body and blood of Christ,7 albeit, in substance and nature, they still remain truly and only bread and wine, as they were before.8 This faith, although it be in different stages, and may be weak or strong,11 yet it is in the least degree of it different in the kind or nature of it, as is all other saving grace, from the faith and common grace of temporary believers;12 and therefore, though it may be many times assailed and weakened, yet it gets the victory,13 growing up in many to the attainment of a full assurance through Christ,14 who is both the author and finisher of our faith.15 Minister learns to rely on God more while planting churches in Ukraine, Know your community and be part of it, says radio Hall of Famer Dick Bott, EXPLAINER: Recent Supreme Court rulings protect free speech and religious liberty, Post-COVID Perspective: Pandemic pause left no long-term changes in Southern Baptist missions, Post-COVID Perspective: Religious liberty affirmed by courts during pandemic, Post-COVID Perspective: Pandemic catalyzes churches to cast evangelistic net with online services, Threads launches, challenges Twitter immediately, Resolution on AI, emerging technologies intended to be timely statement, Most California churches likely not complying with new abuse law, could be a sitting duck, Exegete the culture, pastor exhorts churches after violent July 4 weekend. Zephaniah Richard Tidmarsh, Minister, Oxford City, Oxon 2:12; Heb. 10 Rom. 3 Rom. We list congregations that meet on a regular basis in a physical location for worship, prayer, service and fellowship. 3 Heb. Marriage is to be between one man and one woman; neither is it lawful for any man to have more than one wife, nor for any woman to have more than one husband at the same time.1 3 Heb. 3 Luke 17:5; 1 Pet. 12:32 5:17-19; Rom. Isaac Lamb, Pastor, Pennington-street, London 8 Eph. 15 Ps. The London Baptist Confessionith Original Preface, Baptist Catechism w , and Appendix on Baptism (item code lbcw) includes the complete London Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689 and three other historical documents: the original preface to the Confession, an important appendix on credo-baptism, and The Baptist Catechism (1693), for use in teaching Baptist congregations the doctrines of the . 16 1 Tim. 2:18 2:18,21, Paragraph 1. StewardshipXIV. 5 Heb. 5:17-19 2 Eccles. 12 Rom. 10 Isa. Church Directory - I Need A Word 3:26; Eph. 2:2; Acts 20:32, Paragraph 2. Richard Sutton, Pastor, Tring, Herts 8 Heb. 7 Rom. 8 Hosea 1:7 God, the supreme Lord and King of all the world, has ordained civil magistrates to be under him, over the people, for his own glory and the public good; and to this end has armed them with the power of the sword, for defence and encouragement of them that do good, and for the punishment of evil doers.1 13:8 8 Heb. The Lords Supper is a symbolic act of obedience whereby members of the church, through partaking of the bread and the fruit of the vine, memorialize the death of the Redeemer and anticipate His second coming. 34:7; Nahum 1:2,3, Paragraph 2. These holy appointments are to be administered by those only who are qualified and thereunto called, according to the commission of Christ.2 10 Matt. 4:13 4 Num. 22 Dan. Of Effectual Calling 6:18; Rev. 7:23; Matt. 38 John 6:37, 10:15,16, 17:9; Rom. 17 Rom. 3:13 11:33 148:13 LOUISVILLE, Ky. (BP)Like most believers who have been baptized following a profession of faith, I have a distinct recollection of my baptism. Obadiah God, having all life,17 glory,18 goodness,19 blessedness, in and of Himself, is alone in and unto Himself all-sufficient, not standing in need of any creature which He hath made, nor deriving any glory from them,20 but only manifesting His own glory in, by, unto, and upon them; He is the alone fountain of all being, of whom, through whom, and to whom are all things,21 and He hath most sovereign dominion over all creatures, to do by them, for them, or upon them, whatsoever Himself pleases;22 in His sight all things are open and manifest,23 His knowledge is infinite, infallible, and independent upon the creature, so as nothing is to Him contingent or uncertain;24 He is most holy in all His counsels, in all His works,25 and in all His commands; to Him is due from angels and men, whatsoever worship,26 service, or obedience, as creatures they owe unto the Creator, and whatever He is further pleased to require of them. 16:1,2; 3 John 8-10, Paragraph 15. Besides the law written in their hearts, they received a command not to eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil,9 which while they kept, they were happy in their communion with God, and had dominion over the creatures.10