Our Beliefs
OUR BELIEFS AT COWAN FIRST BAPTIST
We are Southern Baptist.
Our Vision – Our vision is that each one would reach one with the empowering gospel of Jesus Christ.
Our Mission – To equip purpose-driven disciples through biblical understanding, spiritual growth and development, and outreach ministries so that we may become witnesses while sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ in our community and the world.
Our Church Theme – “Sharing Our Gifts to the Glory of God.” 1 Peter 4:10
Our Church Motto – Loving God. Loving People. Serving Both.
Purpose – The purpose of this church shall be to provide regular opportunities for public worship and Christian fellowship; to sustain ordinances, doctrines and ethics set forth in the new testament for the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ; to nurture its members through a program of Christian education; to channel its offerings to the support of the Redeemer’s Kingdom, and to preach and propagate among all people the gospel of the Revelation of God through Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord.
Read below to go deeper about our faith and beliefs through Scripture.
The Bible
The Holy Bible speaks about these and many more basic questions, that mankind continue to ask themselves. This is why the Holy Bible is the most read and influential book in human history. The opening verse in the Holy Bible is “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). During God’s creation of mankind, man was made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26). However, God did not create man as a robot. He gave mankind the dignity of freewill and free choice. The Bible is God’s divine library containing sixty-six books: thirty-nine in the Old Testament and twenty-seven in the New Testament. The Old Testament was originally written in Hebrew, the New Testament in Greek. The Bible is the source book of the Christian’s faith. The Old Testament is most candid, showing the dark side of man. Yet it also holds man in higher esteem than many other books in the Bible. The leaders of Israel are portrayed realistically as fleshy-blooded men combining greatness with moral weakness. Then we have the prophets, their voices ringing like thunder throughout the land. These spokesmen for God appear continually to announce God’s judgment and to put the nation and its leaders back to righteousness. We see the New Testament as the life and death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, as the ultimate events in the great story of redemption from sin. The life of Jesus Christ is recorded in the Four Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. We also see the New Testament as the fulfillment of the Old Testament.
The book that binds the Old Testament to the New Testament is the book of Isaiah. Isaiah was a prophet whose remarkable vision (from God) included many details about the Messiah, through whom Israel would become a light to all nations. He predicted the birth of one who would be called Immanuel, which means “God – with – us” (Isaiah 7:14).
The opening book of Hebrews states it this way (Hebrews 1:1-3). The last words of Jesus Christ are found in the Book of Revelation, which says, “surely I am coming quickly.” As we look at chapter 22 :7, 12, 13, 16 & 20, these were Jesus’ words.
Sin, Salvation, and The Trinity
Sin
a) Sin originated in Heaven: Isaiah 14:12-15
b) Sin introduced to the human race: Genesis 3:1-7
c) Sin is universal: Romans 3:23, I John 1:8
d) Sin is anything that violates James 2:10, the law of God: I John 3:4, I John 5:17. Some think of sin as only the wrong we do to one another, but sin is also the wrong we do to God: Genesis 39:9, Psalms 51:4.
Remedy for sin – forgiveness: I John 1:9
Penalty for sin is death: Genesis 2:16-17, Romans 6:23
Receiving Jesus Christ
a) Children of God – John 1:12
b) Heirs with Christ – Romans 8:17
c) Salt and light of the world – Matthew 5:13-16
d) Chosen, Royal, Holy, Belonging to God – 1 Peter 2:9
Salvation
a) Is a free gift – Romans 6:23
b) Not earned by good works – Ephesians 2:8-9
The Three Stages of Salvation:
a) Past – have been saved from the penalty of sin; justification: Acts 13:39; Romans 8:1
b) Present – is being saved from the power of sin; sanctification: Ephesians 1:4; I Peter 2:2
c) Future – will be saved from the presence of sin; glorification
Benefits of Salvation
a) Eternal life in Heaven: John 3:16, Hebrews 5:9
b) Forgiveness: Ephesians 1:7
c) Redemption: Romans 3:24, Matthew 20:28
d) Reconciliation: II Corinthians 5:18-19
e) The Holy Spirit: Acts 2:38
Assurance of Eternal Security
a) Not condemned: John 3:16
b) Passed from death to life: John 5:24
c) Secure in God: John 10:27-30
Trinity
The coexistence of the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit in the unity of the Godhead (divine nature). The doctrine of the Trinity means that within the being and activity of the one God there are three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Although the word Trinity does not appear in the Bible, the “Trinitarian formula” is mentioned in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19).
a) God the Father – Genesis 1:1; Matthew 6:9
b) God the Son – Genesis 18:13; John 8:36
c) God the Holy Spirit – Genesis 1:2; John 14:26
The Church, Baptism, The Lord’s Supper, and Prayer
Church– from the Greek word “ecclesia” meaning “a called-out assembly. “As Christians, we have been called out of a life of sin into a life of righteousness. A Christian church is a group of regenerated, baptized believers in Christ, voluntarily banded together to help carry out the redemptive purpose set forth by Jesus Christ. The church (1) was established by Jesus, (2) was built upon the foundation of Jesus, (3) receives its authority from Jesus – Matthew 16:13-19. Jesus is the head of the church: Ephesians 1:22-23; Ephesians 5:23 Salvation should precede church membership.
Joining a church does not save a person.
Joining a church will not change one’s spiritual status; yet many people on church rolls have never been born-again.
Joining a church will not change one’s spiritual status; yet many people on church rolls have never been born-again.
What is the Church?
1) The household of God: Ephesians 2:19
2) Temple of God: I Corinthians 6:16-18
3) Body of Christ: I Corinthians 6:19
4) Salt of the earth: Matthew 5:13
5) Light of the world: Matthew 5:14
Mission of the Church Acts 2:42-47
v. 42 Instruction, fellowship, prayer
v. 43 Miracles
v. 44 Unity
v. 45 Service
v. 46 Worship
v. 47 Evangelism
The Local Church
Of the 114 times the word “church” is used in the New Testament, 91 times it refers to the local church.
1) The church’s orders: Matthew 28:18-20
2) The church’s officers: I Timothy 3:1, 8
3) The church’s ordinances: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper
4) The church’s organization:
a) Christ is the head: Ephesians 1:22-23; Ephesians 5; Colossians 1:18
b) The Lord adds to the church: Acts 2:47
c) The church conducts its own affairs: Acts 6:1-6
d) The church sends out its own missionaries: Acts 15:22
Baptism and The Lord’s Supper – The two ordinances established by Jesus Christ for the Christian church. They are symbolic; there is no saving grace in the act.
Baptism
Why do we baptize?
a) Obedience: Matthew 28:19
b) Love: John 14:15
c) Joy: Acts 8:36-39
How do we baptize? By immersion – the word “baptize” means “to immerse, dip, or plunge” – Matthew 3:16; John 3:23; Acts 8:38
What does it mean to be baptized? It identifies us with Christ. It symbolizes our death, burial, and resurrection with Him- Romans 6:3-5; Colossians 2:12
Its subjects – all believers: Mark 16:16, Acts 8:12
Its significance – points back to Christ; His death, burial, and resurrection points forward to the believer’s resurrection from the grave – Romans 6:5
The Lord’s Supper
Its example – a type of the Passover: Exodus 12:1-23
Its initiation – instituted by Christ: Matthew 26:17-30
Its administration – bread; symbolic of Jesus’ broken body – cup; symbolic of Jesus’ shed blood
Its significance – it is a table of
a) Remembrance: I Corinthians 11:24-25
b) Expectation: I Corinthians 11:26
c) Examination: I Corinthians 11:27-28
d) Warning: I Corinthians 11:29-31
Prayer – Prayer is communication with God in the name of Jesus Christ.
How to Pray:
a) Pray with faith: Matthew 21:22; Luke 5:12; James 1:6
b) Pray with a clean heart: Psalm 66:18; Isaiah 59:2
c) Pray with a forgiving spirit: Mark 11:25
d) Pray according to God’s will: Matthew 26:39; I John 5:14
Faith – Faith is one word that Christians use often. It is one of the most difficult words to define. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1)
Faith involves believing that someone else will do something that is not yet visible or that has not yet happened. Therefore to have faith, is to relinquish trust in oneself and to put trust in another. Faith is the power of God made visible.
Stewardship, Spiritual Gifts, and Tithing
Stewardship – A steward is a person who is entrusted with the property and affairs of another. The idea of stewardship implies that something of value has been committed to the steward for which he/she is responsible and accountable. The truth is that we are all stewards over everything in our possession because everything we have comes from God and everything belongs to Him.
Psalm 24:1; Matthew 25:14-30; James 1:17; I Peter 4:10
Most people think of money in terms of stewardship, but we are also stewards of our time, lives, bodies, children, relationships, material possessions, natural resources, everything. Time will not allow for an exhaustive study of every area of stewardship, but we want to look at two areas that require study and understanding in the church: Spiritual Gifts and Tithing.
Spiritual Gifts – Spiritual gifts are supernatural abilities given by the Holy Spirit to the believer in Christ.( I Corinthians 12:4-6). Every believer has spiritual gift(s). (I Peter 4:10)
Spiritual gifts are:
1) tools for doing the work of ministry
2) the primary channel by which the Holy Spirit works through the believer
3) a divine call and responsibility
Spiritual gifts are not:
1) the fruit of the Spirit: Galatians 5:22-23
2) rewards
3) talents
4) good works
Benefits of knowing your gift(s):
1) will help you to understand what God has called you to do
2) will help you to understand what God has not called you to do
3) will relieve you from serving out of duty
4) will fulfill a deep inner need to serve others
Tithing – Tithing was to support the Levites who was responsible for the Tabernacle and worship. To support various feasts and sacrifices to establish a pool of resources, to help the poor, orphans, widows and even strangers in the lands. In the New Testament there were no explicit instructions about tithing needs for Christ or the Apostles. However, Jesus clearly endorsed it, as He did the Law. (Matthew 5:17-20; 23: 23). All we have ultimately belongs to God, not just what we give away but also what we keep. So God has total claim on 100% of our income, not just 10%. 10% makes a good starting point no matter how much we give; our first priority should be to insure that justice is carried out all around us, and that we practice our faith and that Jesus would increase our faith.
The purpose of tithing:
1) it’s God’s way of financing the work of the church
2) it’s an act of worship
3) it’s a demonstration of faith
4) it develops man’s sense of responsibility
Tithing was:
1) commended by Abraham: Genesis 14:19
2) commanded by God: Malachi 3:8-10
3) commended by Christ: Luke 11:42
Tithing is personal:
1) 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 “And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s. And they marveled at him.” (Mark 12:17).
Baptist Doctrine, Missions, and The Church Covenant
Baptist Doctrine – Doctrine is that which we adhere to on spiritual conviction as to the teaching of Jesus Christ.
What Baptists Believe About:
1) The Bible – we believe the Bible is the true Word of God, written by men under divine inspiration. II Timothy 3:16-17; II Peter 1:21
2) God – there is only one true and living God whose name is Jehovah and who exist in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Psalm 83:18; I Corinthians 12:4- 6
3) Man’s Fall – man was created in holiness, but fell from that state of holiness by sin. Psalm 51:5; Isaiah 53:6
4) The Way of Salvation – salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, who died and paid the penalty for our sins. John 14:16; Ephesians 2:8-9
5) The Freeness of Salvation – salvation is free to all who would believe the Gospel. Romans 1:16
6) Justification – having been saved from the penalty of sin. Acts 13:39; Romans 8:1
7) Sanctification – is being saved from the power of sin. Ephesians 1:4; I Peter 2:2
8) Glorification – will be saved from the presence of sin. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
9) Repentance – is a personal act prompted by the Holy Spirit, and consists of a Godly sorrow for sin as offensive to God that leads to a turning away from everything that is evil or unholy. Luke 18:13
10) Faith – Involves believing that someone else will do something that is not yet visible or that has not yet happened. Therefore to have faith, is to relinquish trust in oneself and to put trust in another. Faith is the power of God made visible. Romans 10:9-10
11) Regeneration – or “the new birth,” is a change wrought in the soul by the Holy Spirit, by which a new nature and a spiritual life are imparted and the person becomes a new creature in Christ. John 3:3; II Corinthians 5:17
12) Baptism – Christian baptism is the immersion in water of a believer in Christ in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost to show our faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Savior. Matthew 28:18-20
13) The Lord’s Supper – is a provision of bread and wine as symbols of Christ’s broken body and His shed blood, partaken of by members of the Church in commemoration of the suffering and death of our Lord. I Corinthians 11:23-26
14) The End of the World – the end of the world is approaching and at the last day, Christ will descend from Heaven and raise the dead from the grave and a solemn separation will take place; the wicked will be judged to endless sorrow and the righteous to joy. Matthew 13:49; Romans 6:23
The Mission of the Church – The mission of the church is spelled out in Jesus’ great commission (Matthew 28:18-20) and is stated in various other places (Acts 1:18; 2 Corinthians 5:10). The mission of the church is God’s mission. Just as God sent His Son on a mission, He also sent His Church on a mission. That mission involves the proclamation of the Gospel of God’s love, grace, and mercy in Jesus Christ. The mission of the Church is to share in God’s ministry of reconciliation to the whole world. The gospel (good news) meets and addresses itself to the total needs of human beings: spiritual, psychological, and physical. The mission of the Church begins at home and extends to every corner of the world wherever people are reconciled with/to God. The mission of the Church is ‘here, there and everywhere.’ This is the significance of the great commission as recorded in Acts 1:8 (witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria and unto the uttermost parts of the earth). The Church of Jesus Christ has used other forms to carry out its mission. The local congregation, the mission station, the TN Baptist Association, and Southern Baptist Convention are all expressions of the Church. It is in worshipping God and lifting praises that we are strengthened to do the mission of the church.