1. Art and Diseño

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INTRODUCTION
Imagine planning a hike through Joshua Tree National Park. Looking at a map and
watching for trail markers will help you stay on the right path. It’s also nice to bring
along a friend to keep you company. To be fully outfitted, you’ll need a good pair of
shoes and plenty of water. Loose rocks, cactus, rodent germs, and rattlesnakes are just a
few of the hazards you might face along the way. But don’t let this deter you! A vast and
beautiful wilderness is just waiting to be explored. To finish what you started, you’ll need
perseverance.
The Christian life is also a journey. Sometimes the road is smooth and easy, while at
other times, it grows dangerous and difficult. Enemies lurk in the shadows, but we are
never alone, for Christ is with us. His church provides us with companionship and help
along the way. And there, off in the distance, we can see heaven – reminding us to never
give up. This is the journey of faith.
Sometimes, the Apostle Paul describes life as a “walk”: Walk in a manner worthy of the
Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the
knowledge of God (Colossians 1:10). At First Southern Baptist, we want to help you on
this walk, and equip you for the miles ahead.
Our church’s mission is to magnify Jesus by making disciples with grace and truth. If you
have trusted in Christ, then you are already one of His disciples. Now we want to help
you walk worthy of the Lord. Four “N.E.X.T. Steps” will serve as trail markers to help
you in this journey of faith.
N. New Family – Belong to and Support the Local Church
E. Equip for Life – Equip Yourself with Ongoing and Specialty Training
X. Exercise Gifts – Exercise Your Spiritual Gifts in the Local Church
T. Tell Others – Share the Gospel and Support Missions Work
Our Baptism & Membership class will help you take the first step in your journey – to
attach yourself to a local body of believers. It’s designed for new believers or those who
are new to the church. You’ve started attending the church and have in interest in Jesus.
Great! Now we encourage you to make a public profession of faith and join a church
family.
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If at the end of this course you know you’re a Christian and are ready to join the church,
you should:
(1) Sign the membership covenant (last page of this note packet)
(2) Have a final interview by the pastor and/or deacons
(3) Be baptized (if you have not already done this as a believer)
(4) Be presented to the church by the pastor during a worship service
(5) Be affirmed by the congregation at our next business meeting
(6) Receive the right hand of fellowship at the end of one of our worship
services.
In this note packet, you will find…
1.
The Good News
2.
Counting the Cost
3.
Baptism – An Outward Sign of an Inward Change
4.
A New Family
5.
The Value of the Church
6.
Let’s Talk About Membership
7.
Ministry Priorities
8.
What is a Southern Baptist?
9.
Conclusion
Appendix One – Baptism Service Instructions
Appendix Two – Baptist Faith & Message
Appendix Three– Church Constitution & Bylaws
Homework Sheets (perforated)
Before we go any further, please take a moment to write you name on the front cover of
this note packet.
Let’s also go around the room and let each person introduce themselves. Please share
your name, your occupation, and how long you have lived in the area. You may want to
jot the names of other students in the space below…
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1. THE GOOD NEWS
Over 250 times in the Bible, followers of Jesus are called His “disciples.” What is a
disciple? The Greek word means:
1. To learn, esp. by enquiry.
2. To learn, by use and practice, acquire the habit of.
Question: What is the key word in these two definitions?
So “disciple” was an educational word that belonged in the classroom or synagogue
(Jewish place of learning and worship). But not just the classroom. It also belongs in the
workshop, to the kitchen, to the office, to the wheat field. Anywhere an apprentice is
learning some new knowledge, skill, or trade from his master.
Question: Can you remember a time when you started a new job and had to learn
some new task, tool, or skill? Who was a person that trained you?
For the Christian, our teacher is Jesus Christ. A disciple is a learner and follower of Jesus.
We become a disciple when we know Him, trust Him, imitate Him, and are willing to
obey Him at any cost. Here is one of the best definitions of discipleship:
“A disciple is a learner, who is following Jesus Christ, and whose life is marked by
obedience, love, and fruitfulness.” –Howard Hendricks
If I am going to be a disciple of Jesus, I must first make sure I understand the Gospel and
what He has done for me. This can be summarized in four simple words.
1. God – First, we must understand who God is. God made the world and still rules
over it. He is both loving and holy. He created us to live with Him and rule with
Him in perfect fellowship, but that’s not the way things are now…
Romans 1:20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine
nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the
things that have been made. So they are without excuse.
2. Man – The Bible says that man (all of us) have rejected God as our ruler by
trying to run life our own way without Him. The punishment for sin is eternal
punishment in hell. Those who sin even one time have already become
lawbreakers (James 2:10). Even our very best actions are like a polluted garment
(Isaiah 64:6).
Romans 3:10 As it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one;
Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
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Romans 5:12 Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and
death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned—
Question: If God is loving, why do many people go to hell?
3. Christ – Thankfully, God did not just leave us dead in our sin. In love, God sent
His Son Jesus (John 3:16). Jesus perfectly obeyed God’s law, paid our debt on the
cross, then rose again, defeating sin and death (1 Cor. 15:3-4). This makes it
possible for us to be forgiven. Jesus has ascended back into heaven, but is coming
again soon to judge and rule the world.
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life
in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Question: Why was it necessary for Christ to die on the cross?
4. Response – Salvation is a free gift. There’s nothing we can do to earn it. We are
simply commanded to repent (turn) from our sin and believe (trust) in Christ’s
work on the cross for us.
We can either continue to reject our ruler and run life our own way, which will
result in condemnation by God. Or we can submit to Jesus as our ruler, repent of
our sin, trust in His substitutionary death and resurrection, and be forgiven and
reconciled to God, and receive eternal life.
Romans 10:9–10 Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and
believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For
with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and
is saved.
Romans 10:13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Question: A jailer who was in charge of Paul and Silas asked, “Sirs, what
must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30). How would you answer that question?
2. COUNTING THE COST
Imagine going to the grocery store and shopping for an hour. You fill your cart with
items like milk, eggs, bread, fruit and vegetables, cereals, meat, and more. When you
arrive at the counter, you reach into your wallet and realize you are completely out of
cash until payday. What a tragedy! Before going to the grocery store, we make sure we
have enough money in our wallet or bank account. In other words, we “count the cost”
first.
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As we saw in the previous section, a disciple is a student and follower of the Lord Jesus
Christ. It is someone who has accepted the free gift of salvation and whose life is marked
by love, obedience, and fruitfulness.
A disciple or follower of Christ should count the cost carefully before surrendering to
Jesus and getting baptized.
Luke 9:23–24 And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself
and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever would save his life will lose it,
but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.
Question: What does Jesus say a person must do in order to follow Him? What do
you think that means?
Many of the Jews were overjoyed when Jesus arrived on the scene and offered to be king.
Who wouldn’t want to be rescued from sickness, poverty, demonic power, and Roman
oppression? They had been waiting for this for hundreds of years!
But the Jews were mainly interested in the physical benefits Jesus would bring. They
couldn’t care less about the spiritual benefits of forgiveness from sin, reconciliation with
God, and eternal life. They viewed Jesus as a Santa Claus handing out free toys, rather
than a Savior who cleans our heart and changes ownership.
When Jesus says, “Deny yourself and take up your cross,” He is calling you to stop living
for yourself and to start living for God. It is a matter of control. Who’s going to be in
control? Are you willing to let Jesus be in control now, or do you still want to be in
control? (This is actually a delusion. None of us are really in control. If Jesus is not in
charge of your life, the Bible says you are a slave to sin. Titus 3:3; 2 Pet. 2:19)
To be a Christian, you must surrender control and daily acknowledge that Jesus is in
charge. As we saw in the previous section, becoming a disciple means you confess
(agree) that He is now Lord (Master, Kind, Commanding Officer). Here’s the verse
again:
Romans 10:9 Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in
your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
If you have been rescued from sin, then you are no longer your own. You’ve been bought
with a price, and now you must glorify God in your body (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Every
day, as you continue this journey of faith, you must make a conscious decision to stop
living for yourself, and to put Christ first.
3. BAPTISM: AN OUTWARD SIGN OF AN INWARD CHANGE
Once you’ve trusted in Christ and surrendered to His control, one of the very first steps
you should take is to be baptized.
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The royal eunuch of Ethiopia, after hearing the gospel and believing in Christ,
immediately said to Philip, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?”
(Acts 8:36).
And on the very first day of the church, the Day of Pentecost, the Apostle Peter preached
the gospel and it says “those who received his word were baptized, and there were added
that day about three thousand souls” (Acts 2:41).
Question: Does baptism save us? Why or why not?
Salvation is a free gift through the blood of Jesus Christ alone, so no, baptism does not
save us. It does not contribute in any way to our salvation. However, it is how we make
our salvation known publicly to others. The reason we do baptism is because Jesus Christ
commands it in the Great Commission:
Matthew 28:19–20 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the
name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all
that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
After a person becomes a disciple, they are to be baptized to make that decision public.
Being baptized in his name means affirming that God is three-in-one (Father, Son, and
Holy Spirit), and that we have been united together with Him. We are affirming that
Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation and that we base our faith completely upon His
finished work on the cross.
Some churches baptize infants, while others baptize only adults. Some sprinkle or pour
water, while others completely submerge the believer. We believe that baptism is for
believers only and should be done by immersion. This is not just a tradition or preference
of style. It is based on what the Bible teaches about baptism:
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Our word ‘baptism’ comes from the Greek word baptizo, meaning to ‘dip’ (Luke
16:24). It could even speak of dyeing a garment or dipping a bucket into a well.
The details of baptism in the NT suggest that people were submerged under water.
John 3:23 John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because water was
plentiful there, and people were coming and being baptized. (Cf. Mt. 3:16; Ac.
8:38)
Christian baptism probably originated from a Jewish ceremony where Gentile
converts (called ‘proselytes’) went down into a large, 70 gallon bath known as a
‘mikveh’ to be ceremonially cleansed before converting to the Jewish faith.
Ancient baptisteries that have been uncovered by archaeologists in early churches
were large enough for a person to fit completely inside. Why go to all this trouble
if a person was just be sprinkled?
Most importantly, baptism is a symbol of dying and being buried to our old self,
and being raised up to new life in Jesus Christ. This drama only makes sense
when a person is immersed. Colossians 2:12–13 having been buried with him in
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baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful
working of God, who raised him from the dead. (Cf. Gal. 2:20; Rom. 6:3-6).
If you have not yet been baptized, we would be delighted to help you take this step of
obedience. Even if you were baptized at some point in the past, but are not sure you were
saved at the time, it would be wise to do it again. A baptism service can be scheduled in
the near future. Please see Appendix One for what to wear, what to bring, and what will
happen.
However, if you’ve already been baptized as a Christian and are just new to the church or
“rededicating” yourself, we do not recommend re-baptism. Baptism is a one-time event in
the life of the Christian and not necessary to keep repeating. We earn no merit or grace
through baptism. In fact, doing it repeatedly takes away from the fact that we are saved
by grace, once for all, when we died to sin and were given new life in Christ.
4. A NEW FAMILY
At the moment of salvation, you were adopted as a child of God and had a new, heavenly
Father. Romans 8:15–17 says, “For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back
into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba!
Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and
if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with
him in order that we may also be glorified with him.”
The word “Abba” is the Hebrew word for “Papa” or “Daddy.” Still today in Israel, you
can watch a Jewish toddler look up and call his daddy “Abba.” Amazingly, you can use
this same term to refer to God! Through Christ, you now have intimacy and favor with
God. You are no longer under His judgment, but are enfolded in His arms of love. The
Holy Spirit affirms this every day in our lives.
As an extra benefit of this adoption, when you were saved, you suddenly inherited
spiritual brothers and sisters too. You became part of a family. In many cases, these
people will become even closer than blood relatives, because you share what is most
precious in life – a mutual love for Jesus.
To put it another way, you became part of a Body. Jesus Christ is Head of the Body (Eph.
4:15-16), but within that body are many members. Just as one member (a hand, eye, or
foot) cannot survive or function by itself, so you cannot live in isolation.
You are never alone on the journey of faith. You are part of something much bigger than
just yourself, and join many others on the road as you “Walk in a manner worthy of the
Lord, fully pleasing to him” (Col. 1:10).
In the remainder of this course, we’ll talk about the importance of the church – why we
exist and what is our mission.
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5. THE VALUE OF THE CHURCH
The word “church” literally means a gathering or assembly. Another word we use is
congregation. It refers to a group of people gathered together to worship the Lord.
Although we meet in a building, the church is not technically a building. And although
we meet on Sunday mornings, the church is not restricted to one time of the week. The
church is a family. We do not just “go” to church. We are the church!
Question: If you could spend one relaxing day with anyone, who would it be? What
would you do?
Just as we have people who are special to us, the church is near and dear to the heart of
God. She is the “apple of God’s eye.” Many people today are suspicious of church and
organized religion. They think of Christians as a bunch of hypocrites who are unloving,
judgmental, and corrupt. All too often, we deserve that reputation. Many shameful acts
have been done in the name of Christianity. But these things do not reflect our Savior and
what He is doing in His church. Notice how the Bible describes the church:
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The Building of God. Jesus says, “you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my
church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matt. 16:18). Jesus
describes Himself like an architect who is building an impressive building. One
that can withstand all the attacks of the enemy. He is putting His own reputation
on the line and pouring all of his power and craftsmanship into making something
special that will keep growing until He returns.
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The Bride of Christ. This is one of the most important images of the church in
all of the Bible and reveals just how special the church is. Ephesians 5:25–27
says, “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up
for her, 26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water
with the word, 27 so that he might present the church to himself in splendor,
without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without
blemish..” Marriage is a picture of God’s covenant love for His people, and His
sacrificial love for His Bride. Christ’s love for the church becomes the standard
for how husbands are to love their wives. The church’s humble submission to
Christ becomes the standard for wives are to respond to their husbands. If we
insult the church, we are actually insulting her Husband – Jesus Christ.
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The Body of Christ. 1 Corinthians 12 teaches, “For just as the body is one and
has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body,
so it is with Christ... 26 If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is
honored, all rejoice together. 27 Now you are the body of Christ and individually
members of it.” The human body is a masterpiece of beauty and engineering, an
intricate network of body parts and systems, all working together in harmony.
These include the skeletal system, the muscular system, the digestive system, the
circulatory system, the nervous system, and much more. We each have eyes, ears,
a nose, mouth, hands, and feet, but these work together to help our body function
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the way it is supposed to. And there is only one brain that governs and guides the
whole body. In a similar way, the church, or Body of Christ, is made up of many
distinct parts with different roles and gifts who all work together under the
guidance of our head, Jesus Christ.
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There are even more pictures of the family of God, such as the temple of the Holy
Spirit (1 Cor. 3:16-17), God’s field (1 Cor. 3:9), God’s flock (1 Pet. 5:2); and the
pillar of the truth (1 Tim. 3:15). Time will not permit us to look at all of these, but
perhaps we can see just one more. The church is…
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A Preview of Heaven. Heaven will be filled with people from every language,
income bracket, skin color, Christian denomination, and people group. We will be
united together for one great purpose – to glorify Jesus Christ. In the Book of
Revelation, we get a glimpse of believers gathered together in heaven: And they
sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals,
for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every
tribe and language and people and nation, 10 and you have made them a kingdom
and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.” (Revelation 5:9–10)
In heaven, we will be one people joyfully serving God, singing praises to Him,
and fellowshipping together. As a local church, we should strive for the same kind
of diversity that will be seen gathered around the Lamb in heaven. We want to
make people feel welcome from every background, culture, skin color, and
income bracket. As a local church in the Morongo Basin, that means we should
have a blend of old and young, rich and poor, white, black, Hispanic, retired and
military, and everything in between. Sunday worship is a dress rehearsal for that
glorious day when we will gather in heaven and worship the Lamb!
Question: Which of these word pictures helps you most appreciate the church?
We’ve seen that the church is called the building of God; the bride of Christ; the body of
Christ; and a preview of heaven. Are you beginning to see the value of the church? If so,
we hope you also recognize your part. The church is made up of people -- including you.
If you have been saved, you have a new family now. You cannot live in isolation or
wander in and out of different churches. You need to find one local, Bible-believing
church, and get committed as soon as possible.
But what does commitment look like? We believe that commitment to a local requires a
process of church membership.
6. LET’S TALK ABOUT MEMBERSHIP
Scour the pages of the Bible and you’ll never find a chapter and verse that says, “Thou
shalt become a member of a local church.” Why, then, do we emphasize church
membership?
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Isn’t it enough just to attend a church regularly? Doesn’t becoming a Christian
automatically make me a member of God’s church? We believe the answer to both of
these questions is “No.”
First of all, attending church regularly does not make you a member. Why not? Because
there are people in the worship service almost every week who are not believers. We
want you to invite your unsaved friends! If we simply use attendance as a basis for
membership, then the local church would have both saved and unsaved members mixed
together, and that’s a scary prospect! Shepherding, counseling, business meetings, and
church discipline would become next to impossible.
But what about the second question? Doesn’t becoming a Christian automatically make
me a member of God’s church? Again, the answer is no, because Christ’s church does not
just refer to His universal church made up of all Christians everywhere in the world. It
also speaks of local, individual churches (Ac. 15:41; 1 Cor. 1:2; Gal. 1:2).
When you are saved, you immediately become part of his universal church, the Bride of
Christ. But you must make a deliberate choice to connect with a local church family. You
need to agree with their doctrine, to share in their ministry, and to submit to their leaders.
In the diagram below, you’ll notice two circles. The larger circle represents the universal
church, while the smaller circle inside represents a local church. The universal church is
made up of thousands of local churches.
UNIVERSAL CHURCH
(ALL CHRISTIANS
THROUGHOUT THE AGES)
LOCAL CHURCH
(CHRISTIANS IN A
SPECIFIC AREA
UNDER DIRECT CARE
AND OVERSIGHT)
JOE CHRISTIAN X
We become part of
this at the moment of
salvation.
We become part of
this when we join a
local church.
This poor guy is alone
and in serious trouble.
God did not intend for Joe Christian to live in isolation, floating around in the universal
church without being part of a smaller, local church. He is like a hand with no body. He
is like a brick with no building. He is missing out on some vital fellowship, worship,
discipleship, and accountability. How can he be “fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in
every good work” (Col. 1:10) in such terrible isolation?
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Or think of it another way. The large circle could represent all the sheep in the world (an
estimated 1 billion). The smaller circle could represent a single flock of sheep on a ranch
in western Montana. In theory, it’s possible that a single sheep could live in isolation, part
of no particular flock and fending for itself. But every day that goes by, that sheep is in
greater danger of attack, injury, sickness, or death.
Question: What objections have you heard against church membership?
Hopefully by now you’re beginning to see that membership is a biblical idea. So although
there’s no single chapter and verse, the idea of local church membership is actually found
all over the Bible…
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The Old Testament gives a preview of a membership process through
circumcision and God’s covenant with the nation of Israel.
In the Gospels, Jesus lays the foundation for membership when He teaches on
church discipline.
In the book of Acts, we see the early church practicing some form of recordkeeping and membership as they care for the poor and track growth in the early
church.
In the epistles, many of the “one another” commands are virtually impossible to
obey if we are not members in a local church (Build up one another, love one
another, pray for one another, forgive one another, show hospitality to one
another). Can Joe Christian be doing these things?
Still not convinced? As an added benefit, church membership brings unity. Life is simply
too short to be in a tug of war contest. We need to be on the same team, with the same
goals, moving in the same direction.
In a business partnership, you need to make sure each person has a clear understanding of
their job and can pull their weight. On a sports team, each player must communicate,
complement the strengths and weaknesses of others, and move toward a common goal –
to win the game! Likewise, church membership makes it possible for us to link arms and
“yoke together” for God’s mission (2 Cor. 6:14).
God wants His people to be unified, and membership creates unity in four key areas: a
common faith, a common focus, common beliefs, and common behavior.
CHURCH MEMBERS SHARE…
1. A Common Faith. As we discussed earlier, there is only one way to heaven,
available through Jesus Christ. A person can only be a member and join the
ministry if they believe Christ died for their sin, rose again, and shows evidence
of repentance in their life. While unbelievers are welcome and encouraged to
attend our worship services and small group Bible studies, we would not want
them leading, teaching, taking the Lord’s Supper, voting in business meetings, or
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representing our church to others. Membership allows us to hear each person’s
testimony and make sure they know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. It gives us a
natural place to get to know each other and share the gospel with any who may
have assumed they were saved. We realize that only God can see the heart, and
that only He knows for sure who is saved, but membership is an important
protective step to hear your testimony and try to keep Christ’s bride holy and
unified. A common belief in the Gospel is our most important area of unity. But
membership also help us to share…
2. A Common Focus. Proverbs 15:22 says “A man of understanding walks straight
ahead.” There’s nothing more frustrating than wandering around not knowing
where you’re going. Imagine climbing on the bus only to realize you picked the
wrong route! A lot of time and money will be wasted in the process. In any
organization, it’s important to know where you are and where you are headed,
with everyone moving in the same direction. Church membership allows us to
share our vision for the church, and to get everyone on board with the same
mission.
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It is not to eliminate global poverty
It is not to change society through political activism
It is not to provide entertainment and social activities
It is not to give everyone a seminary level education
It is not to make everyone just feel good about themselves
It is not to grow a mega-church with lots of staff, buildings, and programs
It is not to create a community where Christians can isolate themselves
and avoid contact with the world
It is to make disciples on this journey of faith. This was Christ’s Great
Commission. Matthew 28:18–20 And Jesus came and said to them, “All
authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore
and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father
and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I
have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the
age.”
After a person has taken the very first step of trusting Christ, we encourage them
to take the N.E.X.T. step on their journey of faith:
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N. New Family. As a new Christian, you are saved into a new family. You should
be baptized and join a local church as soon as possible.
E. Equip Yourself. The journey ahead is dangerous, but God has given you some
basic tools like Bible study, prayer, and giving to help. A discipleship map
will help you set and measure goals and build relationships.
X. Exercise Gifts. God has gifted you in a unique way to help others. You need
to get involved with ministry and develop those spiritual gifts. In the church,
there are no spectators, only active participants.
T. Tell Others. As you continue growing, it’s time to start sharing. Don’t keep it
to yourself. You need to tell others this wonderful message of what Christ has
done for you.
Church Membership allows us to funnel people through a process and protect our
unity through both a common faith (the gospel) and a common focus (this
philosophy of ministry).
But there are two additional areas where membership builds unity.
3. Common Beliefs. We’ve already discussed our common belief in Jesus Christ
and salvation by grace through faith alone. Here we are talking about something
else. There are other important doctrines our members must hold as well. For
example, We believe that baptism should be by immersion and limited to
believers. We believe the Bible is without error and our final authority on all areas
of faith, practice, science, and history. We believe God has created distinct roles
for men and women in the family and in the body of Christ. We believe the
congregation should have a role in local church government. We believe the
supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit (tongues, prophecy, miracles) were signs for
the apostles and meant only for the early church. These are examples of doctrines
that are not essential to be saved, but are still very important and will shape how a
church does ministry.
If the church is the “pillar and support of the truth,” then we must teach and guard
our doctrinal beliefs very carefully. Paul warns Timothy, “Follow the pattern of
the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in
Christ Jesus. 14 By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit
entrusted to you. (2 Timothy 1:13–14).
At First Southern Baptist, we affirm the Holy Bible as the inspired word of God
and ultimate basis for all our beliefs (2 Tim. 3:16-17). Our doctrinal statement is
The Baptist Faith and Message as adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention in
2000. We ask all members to read and affirm this document. You can find a copy
of the full text in Appendix I.
4. Common Behavior. A Christian must not only say or believe the right things
about God, but live a life that is distinct from the world and increasingly
conformed into the image of Christ. Read Galatians 5:19-25, then list some of the
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deeds of the flesh (our lifestyle before Christ) with the fruit of the Spirit (signs
that Christ’s Spirit now dwells inside us):
Deeds of the Flesh
Fruit of the Spirit
Ask yourself, which side most describes you right now? Are there any areas you
know you need to repent of sin and submit to the lordship of Jesus Christ before
becoming a member? If you have any concerns or questions, don’t hesitate to talk
with our leaders. We are here to help you, not to judge you, and can provide the
necessary counsel and restoration so you can start fresh and begin a life of purity
and fruitfulness for the glory of God.
In joining a local church, you’re making a public commitment that you will strive
to look more and more like Jesus (the column on the right); and less and less like
your old self (the column on the left). You are agreeing to pursue a godly lifestyle
at home, at work, at church, on the internet, and in the community. You’re
inviting your spiritual brothers and sisters to encourage you, to pray for you, to
keep you accountable, and even to confront you when necessary. You are
expressing your willingness to do the same for them. You are asking the pastor
and deacons to shepherd you, to guide you, to care for you, and to correct you if
you begin to stray.
Where sin persists, correction becomes necessary. Jesus explains this correction
process in Matthew 18:15-17. It should first be private, then semi-private, then
public, and finally lead to dismissal if a person is unrepentant in false doctrine or
sinful lifestyle. It is always to be done in a spirit of love and gentleness with the
goal of restoration.
Matthew 18:15–17 “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault,
between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. 16
But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge
may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 17 If he refuses to
listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church,
let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.
If the church reaches the final stage of confronting a person, and they continue to
be unrepentant, how would a church put someone out, “treating him as a Gentile
or tax collector”? Certainly, we will not forbid them to attend church. That’s
exactly where they need to be, sitting under the teaching of God’s Word. We
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should, however, relinquish their rights of membership and the Lord’s Supper,
and cease regular fellowship with them so the collective voice of the church can
be a loud siren call of danger. We have a duty to show that God is dishonored
with their sin, and that they are in a very dangerous position. Without some form
of membership process, it is very difficult to see how Matthew 18 could ever be
carried out.
A common faith. A common focus. Common beliefs. Common behavior. These are four
areas where church membership provides a unity that is priceless so we can partner
together on God’s mission.
Take your time and prayerfully consider which church to join, but eventually, do attach
yourself to a local church. We hope it will be ours, but most importantly, just find a good
Bible-believing church, settle down, make a commitment, and plant your roots deep.
IV. WHAT IS A SOUTHERN BAPTIST?
The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) is a group of churches across America that
partner for missions. We are "Baptist" because we believe that baptism and membership
are limited to born-again believers. The denomination was founded in Georgia in 1845,
hence the name "Southern Baptist."
Our particular church was planted in 1978. People weren't especially creative back then
when it came to church names. The first Baptist church in a new town would often be
called "First Baptist Church." I've even heard of "Second Baptist" and "Third Baptist"
churches in larger cities. Our church is called "First Southern Baptist Church" simply
because we were the first Southern Baptist church planted in Yucca Valley. Back in the
early days, we rented space in a Women’s Club right down Onaga Trail. Then, we moved
to a building on Pioneertown Road for a few years in the early 80s until finally breaking
ground in 1985 and building the sanctuary we continue to use today.
In case you’re wondering, you do not have to come from a traditional “Southern Baptist”
background to join our church. We have members from a variety of backgrounds and
denominations. In fact, this is Pastor Stephen’s first Southern Baptist experience too. We
do not claim to be the only correct denomination or even necessarily the best one.
We, do, however, celebrate our doctrinal unity in the Baptist Faith & Message and love
to cooperate with other SBC churches for missions, church planting, education, and
disaster relief. Most importantly, what brings us together is our love for the gospel of
Jesus Christ.
To learn more about the SBC organization, the cooperative program, and our exciting
way of doing missions, please take a look at our brochure “Meet Southern Baptists.”
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V. CONCLUSION
Congratulations! You’ve completed our study and should now have a good grasp of
church membership at First Southern Baptist Church.
If you feel confident that you are a Christian, understand the basic meaning of church
membership, are willing to sign the member agreement, and have been approved by the
pastor and deacons, then we would be delighted to have you join our family.
Please complete your membership application and all homework so that your name can
be presented for consideration at our next church business meeting.
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APPENDIX ONE: BAPTISM SERVICE INSTRUCTIONS

Finishing your testimony. Take your Homework #1 questionnaire and write out a
testimony in paragraph form. Be sure to include the gospel and one or two
Scripture verses. Please give it to Pastor Stephen in advance to go over it with you
and give final approval. Practice reading it aloud ahead of time. Testimony should
be 3-5 minutes long.

What else to do ahead of time. Invite your family & friends; pray that God will
calm your heart, and use your testimony to exalt Christ and encourage others.
Remember that you are in front of friends, that Jesus is smiling with approval, and
that the pastor will be standing right by you the whole time.

What to wear. Men – pants or shorts and a plain t-shirt; women – pants and
modest tops with darker colors; remove watch, glasses, loose jewelry before
baptism; we will have a white robe available that can also go over your clothes.

What to pack and bring with you. Large bath towel, extra set of clothes and
undergarments; hairstyling needs (brush, clips, etc.), bag for wet clothes.

Sunday morning. Meet at the church 15 min. before the service for prayer; you
will start out the service in the back room; please remain quiet during the service;
your voice will echo into the sanctuary. Right before the baptism time, someone
will raise the projector screen. The pastor will lead in the baptism unless specified
otherwise.

Reading your testimony. A microphone will be positioned right in front of the
baptistry. Enjoy the experience! This is a very special, once-in-a-lifetime event;
speak slowly into the microphone so others can hear.

The baptism process. After you have read your testimony, Pastor Stephen will
take your testimony (and glasses, if applicable). You will turn to the right. I will
say a few words and then prepare to baptize you. Left hand holds right elbow;
right elbow across chest or holding nose. After you have come up, you can go
back out the stairs. Take your time getting dried and changed, and then come out
of the back room whenever you’re ready.

After the service, please stick around a few minutes to be greeted and
congratulated by people.
APPENDIX TWO:
THE BAPTST FAITH & MESSAGE
I. The Scriptures
The Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is God's revelation of Himself
to man. It is a perfect treasure of divine instruction. It has God for its author, salvation for
its end, and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter. Therefore, all Scripture is
totally true and trustworthy. It reveals the principles by which God judges us, and
therefore is, and will remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union,
and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and religious opinions
should be tried. All Scripture is a testimony to Christ, who is Himself the focus of divine
revelation.
Exodus 24:4; Deuteronomy 4:1-2; 17:19; Joshua 8:34; Psalms 19:7-10;
119:11,89,105,140; Isaiah 34:16; 40:8; Jeremiah 15:16; 36:1-32; Matthew 5:17-18;
22:29; Luke 21:33; 24:44-46; John 5:39; 16:13-15; 17:17; Acts 2:16ff.; 17:11; Romans
15:4; 16:25-26; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; Hebrews 1:1-2; 4:12; 1 Peter 1:25; 2 Peter 1:19-21.
II. God
There is one and only one living and true God. He is an intelligent, spiritual, and personal
Being, the Creator, Redeemer, Preserver, and Ruler of the universe. God is infinite in
holiness and all other perfections. God is all powerful and all knowing; and His perfect
knowledge extends to all things, past, present, and future, including the future decisions
of His free creatures. To Him we owe the highest love, reverence, and obedience. The
eternal triune God reveals Himself to us as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, with distinct
personal attributes, but without division of nature, essence, or being.
A. God the Father
God as Father reigns with providential care over His universe, His creatures, and the flow
of the stream of human history according to the purposes of His grace. He is all powerful,
all knowing, all loving, and all wise. God is Father in truth to those who become children
of God through faith in Jesus Christ. He is fatherly in His attitude toward all men.
Genesis 1:1; 2:7; Exodus 3:14; 6:2-3; 15:11ff.; 20:1ff.; Leviticus 22:2; Deuteronomy
6:4; 32:6; 1 Chronicles 29:10; Psalm 19:1-3; Isaiah 43:3,15; 64:8; Jeremiah 10:10;
17:13; Matthew 6:9ff.; 7:11; 23:9; 28:19; Mark 1:9-11; John 4:24; 5:26; 14:6-13; 17:18; Acts 1:7; Romans 8:14-15; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Galatians 4:6; Ephesians 4:6;
Colossians 1:15; 1 Timothy 1:17; Hebrews 11:6; 12:9; 1 Peter 1:17; 1 John 5:7.
B. God the Son
Christ is the eternal Son of God. In His incarnation as Jesus Christ He was conceived of
the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. Jesus perfectly revealed and did the will of
God, taking upon Himself human nature with its demands and necessities and identifying
Himself completely with mankind yet without sin. He honored the divine law by His
personal obedience, and in His substitutionary death on the cross He made provision for
the redemption of men from sin. He was raised from the dead with a glorified body and
appeared to His disciples as the person who was with them before His crucifixion. He
ascended into heaven and is now exalted at the right hand of God where He is the One
Mediator, fully God, fully man, in whose Person is effected the reconciliation between
God and man. He will return in power and glory to judge the world and to consummate
His redemptive mission. He now dwells in all believers as the living and ever present
Lord.
Genesis 18:1ff.; Psalms 2:7ff.; 110:1ff.; Isaiah 7:14; 53; Matthew 1:18-23; 3:17; 8:29;
11:27; 14:33; 16:16,27; 17:5; 27; 28:1-6,19; Mark 1:1; 3:11; Luke 1:35; 4:41; 22:70;
24:46; John 1:1-18,29; 10:30,38; 11:25-27; 12:44-50; 14:7-11; 16:15-16,28; 17:1-5,
21-22; 20:1-20,28; Acts 1:9; 2:22-24; 7:55-56; 9:4-5,20; Romans 1:3-4; 3:23-26; 5:621; 8:1-3,34; 10:4; 1 Corinthians 1:30; 2:2; 8:6; 15:1-8,24-28; 2 Corinthians 5:19-21;
8:9; Galatians 4:4-5; Ephesians 1:20; 3:11; 4:7-10; Philippians 2:5-11; Colossians
1:13-22; 2:9; 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18; 1 Timothy 2:5-6; 3:16; Titus 2:13-14; Hebrews
1:1-3; 4:14-15; 7:14-28; 9:12-15,24-28; 12:2; 13:8; 1 Peter 2:21-25; 3:22; 1 John 1:79; 3:2; 4:14-15; 5:9; 2 John 7-9; Revelation 1:13-16; 5:9-14; 12:10-11; 13:8; 19:16.
C. God the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God, fully divine. He inspired holy men of old to write the
Scriptures. Through illumination He enables men to understand truth. He exalts Christ.
He convicts men of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment. He calls men to the Saviour,
and effects regeneration. At the moment of regeneration He baptizes every believer into
the Body of Christ. He cultivates Christian character, comforts believers, and bestows the
spiritual gifts by which they serve God through His church. He seals the believer unto the
day of final redemption. His presence in the Christian is the guarantee that God will bring
the believer into the fullness of the stature of Christ. He enlightens and empowers the
believer and the church in worship, evangelism, and service.
Genesis 1:2; Judges 14:6; Job 26:13; Psalms 51:11; 139:7ff.; Isaiah 61:1-3; Joel 2:2832; Matthew 1:18; 3:16; 4:1; 12:28-32; 28:19; Mark 1:10,12; Luke 1:35; 4:1,18-19;
11:13; 12:12; 24:49; John 4:24; 14:16-17,26; 15:26; 16:7-14; Acts 1:8; 2:1-4,38; 4:31;
5:3; 6:3; 7:55; 8:17,39; 10:44; 13:2; 15:28; 16:6; 19:1-6; Romans 8:9-11,14-16,26-27;
1 Corinthians 2:10-14; 3:16; 12:3-11,13; Galatians 4:6; Ephesians 1:13-14; 4:30; 5:18;
1 Thessalonians 5:19; 1 Timothy 3:16; 4:1; 2 Timothy 1:14; 3:16; Hebrews 9:8,14; 2
Peter 1:21; 1 John 4:13; 5:6-7; Revelation 1:10; 22:17.
III. Man
Man is the special creation of God, made in His own image. He created them male and
female as the crowning work of His creation. The gift of gender is thus part of the
goodness of God's creation. In the beginning man was innocent of sin and was endowed
by his Creator with freedom of choice. By his free choice man sinned against God and
brought sin into the human race. Through the temptation of Satan man transgressed the
command of God, and fell from his original innocence whereby his posterity inherit a
nature and an environment inclined toward sin. Therefore, as soon as they are capable of
moral action, they become transgressors and are under condemnation. Only the grace of
God can bring man into His holy fellowship and enable man to fulfill the creative
purpose of God. The sacredness of human personality is evident in that God created man
in His own image, and in that Christ died for man; therefore, every person of every race
possesses full dignity and is worthy of respect and Christian love.
Genesis 1:26-30; 2:5,7,18-22; 3; 9:6; Psalms 1; 8:3-6; 32:1-5; 51:5; Isaiah 6:5;
Jeremiah 17:5; Matthew 16:26; Acts 17:26-31; Romans 1:19-32; 3:10-18,23; 5:6,12,19;
6:6; 7:14-25; 8:14-18,29; 1 Corinthians 1:21-31; 15:19,21-22; Ephesians 2:1-22;
Colossians 1:21-22; 3:9-11.
IV. Salvation
Salvation involves the redemption of the whole man, and is offered freely to all who
accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, who by His own blood obtained eternal
redemption for the believer. In its broadest sense salvation includes regeneration,
justification, sanctification, and glorification. There is no salvation apart from personal
faith in Jesus Christ as Lord.
A. Regeneration, or the new birth, is a work of God's grace whereby believers become
new creatures in Christ Jesus. It is a change of heart wrought by the Holy Spirit through
conviction of sin, to which the sinner responds in repentance toward God and faith in the
Lord Jesus Christ. Repentance and faith are inseparable experiences of grace.
Repentance is a genuine turning from sin toward God. Faith is the acceptance of Jesus
Christ and commitment of the entire personality to Him as Lord and Saviour.
B. Justification is God's gracious and full acquittal upon principles of His righteousness
of all sinners who repent and believe in Christ. Justification brings the believer unto a
relationship of peace and favor with God.
C. Sanctification is the experience, beginning in regeneration, by which the believer is set
apart to God's purposes, and is enabled to progress toward moral and spiritual maturity
through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in him. Growth in grace
should continue throughout the regenerate person's life.
D. Glorification is the culmination of salvation and is the final blessed and abiding state
of the redeemed.
Genesis 3:15; Exodus 3:14-17; 6:2-8; Matthew 1:21; 4:17; 16:21-26; 27:22-28:6; Luke
1:68-69; 2:28-32; John 1:11-14,29; 3:3-21,36; 5:24; 10:9,28-29; 15:1-16; 17:17; Acts
2:21; 4:12; 15:11; 16:30-31; 17:30-31; 20:32; Romans 1:16-18; 2:4; 3:23-25; 4:3ff.;
5:8-10; 6:1-23; 8:1-18,29-39; 10:9-10,13; 13:11-14; 1 Corinthians 1:18,30; 6:19-20;
15:10; 2 Corinthians 5:17-20; Galatians 2:20; 3:13; 5:22-25; 6:15; Ephesians 1:7; 2:822; 4:11-16; Philippians 2:12-13; Colossians 1:9-22; 3:1ff.; 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24; 2
Timothy 1:12; Titus 2:11-14; Hebrews 2:1-3; 5:8-9; 9:24-28; 11:1-12:8,14; James 2:1426; 1 Peter 1:2-23; 1 John 1:6-2:11; Revelation 3:20; 21:1-22:5.
V. God's Purpose of Grace
Election is the gracious purpose of God, according to which He regenerates, justifies,
sanctifies, and glorifies sinners. It is consistent with the free agency of man, and
comprehends all the means in connection with the end. It is the glorious display of God's
sovereign goodness, and is infinitely wise, holy, and unchangeable. It excludes boasting
and promotes humility.
All true believers endure to the end. Those whom God has accepted in Christ, and
sanctified by His Spirit, will never fall away from the state of grace, but shall persevere to
the end. Believers may fall into sin through neglect and temptation, whereby they grieve
the Spirit, impair their graces and comforts, and bring reproach on the cause of Christ and
temporal judgments on themselves; yet they shall be kept by the power of God through
faith unto salvation.
Genesis 12:1-3; Exodus 19:5-8; 1 Samuel 8:4-7,19-22; Isaiah 5:1-7; Jeremiah 31:31ff.;
Matthew 16:18-19; 21:28-45; 24:22,31; 25:34; Luke 1:68-79; 2:29-32; 19:41-44; 24:4448; John 1:12-14; 3:16; 5:24; 6:44-45,65; 10:27-29; 15:16; 17:6,12,17-18; Acts 20:32;
Romans 5:9-10; 8:28-39; 10:12-15; 11:5-7,26-36; 1 Corinthians 1:1-2; 15:24-28;
Ephesians 1:4-23; 2:1-10; 3:1-11; Colossians 1:12-14; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14; 2
Timothy 1:12; 2:10,19; Hebrews 11:39–12:2; James 1:12; 1 Peter 1:2-5,13; 2:4-10; 1
John 1:7-9; 2:19; 3:2.
VI. The Church
A New Testament church of the Lord Jesus Christ is an autonomous local congregation
of baptized believers, associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel;
observing the two ordinances of Christ, governed by His laws, exercising the gifts, rights,
and privileges invested in them by His Word, and seeking to extend the gospel to the
ends of the earth. Each congregation operates under the Lordship of Christ through
democratic processes. In such a congregation each member is responsible and
accountable to Christ as Lord. Its scriptural officers are pastors and deacons. While both
men and women are gifted for service in the church, the office of pastor is limited to men
as qualified by Scripture.
The New Testament speaks also of the church as the Body of Christ which includes all of
the redeemed of all the ages, believers from every tribe, and tongue, and people, and
nation.
Matthew 16:15-19; 18:15-20; Acts 2:41-42,47; 5:11-14; 6:3-6; 13:1-3; 14:23,27; 15:130; 16:5; 20:28; Romans 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:2; 3:16; 5:4-5; 7:17; 9:13-14; 12;
Ephesians 1:22-23; 2:19-22; 3:8-11,21; 5:22-32; Philippians 1:1; Colossians 1:18; 1
Timothy 2:9-14; 3:1-15; 4:14; Hebrews 11:39-40; 1 Peter 5:1-4; Revelation 2-3; 21:2-3.
VII. Baptism and the Lord's Supper
Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water in the name of the Father, the
Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is an act of obedience symbolizing the believer's faith in a
crucified, buried, and risen Saviour, the believer's death to sin, the burial of the old life,
and the resurrection to walk in newness of life in Christ Jesus. It is a testimony to his
faith in the final resurrection of the dead. Being a church ordinance, it is prerequisite to
the privileges of church membership and to the Lord's Supper.
The Lord's 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.
Matthew 3:13-17; 26:26-30; 28:19-20; Mark 1:9-11; 14:22-26; Luke 3:21-22; 22:19-20;
John 3:23; Acts 2:41-42; 8:35-39; 16:30-33; 20:7; Romans 6:3-5; 1 Corinthians
10:16,21; 11:23-29; Colossians 2:12.
VIII. The Lord's Day
The first day of the week is the Lord's Day. It is a Christian institution for regular
observance. It commemorates the resurrection of Christ from the dead and should include
exercises of worship and spiritual devotion, both public and private. Activities on the
Lord's Day should be commensurate with the Christian's conscience under the Lordship
of Jesus Christ.
Exodus 20:8-11; Matthew 12:1-12; 28:1ff.; Mark 2:27-28; 16:1-7; Luke 24:1-3,33-36;
John 4:21-24; 20:1,19-28; Acts 20:7; Romans 14:5-10; I Corinthians 16:1-2; Colossians
2:16; 3:16; Revelation 1:10.
IX. The Kingdom
The Kingdom of God includes both His general sovereignty over the universe and His
particular kingship over men who willfully acknowledge Him as King. Particularly the
Kingdom is the realm of salvation into which men enter by trustful, childlike
commitment to Jesus Christ. Christians ought to pray and to labor that the Kingdom may
come and God's will be done on earth. The full consummation of the Kingdom awaits the
return of Jesus Christ and the end of this age.
Genesis 1:1; Isaiah 9:6-7; Jeremiah 23:5-6; Matthew 3:2; 4:8-10,23; 12:25-28; 13:1-52;
25:31-46; 26:29; Mark 1:14-15; 9:1; Luke 4:43; 8:1; 9:2; 12:31-32; 17:20-21; 23:42;
John 3:3; 18:36; Acts 1:6-7; 17:22-31; Romans 5:17; 8:19; 1 Corinthians 15:24-28;
Colossians 1:13; Hebrews 11:10,16; 12:28; 1 Peter 2:4-10; 4:13; Revelation 1:6,9;
5:10; 11:15; 21-22.
X. Last Things
God, in His own time and in His own way, will bring the world to its appropriate end.
According to His promise, Jesus Christ will return personally and visibly in glory to the
earth; the dead will be raised; and Christ will judge all men in righteousness. The
unrighteous will be consigned to Hell, the place of everlasting punishment. The righteous
in their resurrected and glorified bodies will receive their reward and will dwell forever in
Heaven with the Lord.
Isaiah 2:4; 11:9; Matthew 16:27; 18:8-9; 19:28; 24:27,30,36,44; 25:31-46; 26:64; Mark
8:38; 9:43-48; Luke 12:40,48; 16:19-26; 17:22-37; 21:27-28; John 14:1-3; Acts 1:11;
17:31; Romans 14:10; 1 Corinthians 4:5; 15:24-28,35-58; 2 Corinthians 5:10;
Philippians 3:20-21; Colossians 1:5; 3:4; 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18; 5:1ff.; 2
Thessalonians 1:7ff.; 2; 1 Timothy 6:14; 2 Timothy 4:1,8; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 9:27-28;
James 5:8; 2 Peter 3:7ff.; 1 John 2:28; 3:2; Jude 14; Revelation 1:18; 3:11; 20:1-22:13.
XI. Evangelism and Missions
It is the duty and privilege of every follower of Christ and of every church of the Lord
Jesus Christ to endeavor to make disciples of all nations. The new birth of man's spirit by
God's Holy Spirit means the birth of love for others. Missionary effort on the part of all
rests thus upon a spiritual necessity of the regenerate life, and is expressly and repeatedly
commanded in the teachings of Christ. The Lord Jesus Christ has commanded the
preaching of the gospel to all nations. It is the duty of every child of God to seek
constantly to win the lost to Christ by verbal witness undergirded by a Christian lifestyle,
and by other methods in harmony with the gospel of Christ.
Genesis 12:1-3; Exodus 19:5-6; Isaiah 6:1-8; Matthew 9:37-38; 10:5-15; 13:18-30, 3743; 16:19; 22:9-10; 24:14; 28:18-20; Luke 10:1-18; 24:46-53; John 14:11-12; 15:78,16; 17:15; 20:21; Acts 1:8; 2; 8:26-40; 10:42-48; 13:2-3; Romans 10:13-15;
Ephesians 3:1-11; 1 Thessalonians 1:8; 2 Timothy 4:5; Hebrews 2:1-3; 11:39-12:2; 1
Peter 2:4-10; Revelation 22:17.
XII. Education
Christianity is the faith of enlightenment and intelligence. In Jesus Christ abide all the
treasures of wisdom and knowledge. All sound learning is, therefore, a part of our
Christian heritage. The new birth opens all human faculties and creates a thirst for
knowledge. Moreover, the cause of education in the Kingdom of Christ is co-ordinate
with the causes of missions and general benevolence, and should receive along with these
the liberal support of the churches. An adequate system of Christian education is
necessary to a complete spiritual program for Christ's people.
In Christian education there should be a proper balance between academic freedom and
academic responsibility. Freedom in any orderly relationship of human life is always
limited and never absolute. The freedom of a teacher in a Christian school, college, or
seminary is limited by the pre-eminence of Jesus Christ, by the authoritative nature of the
Scriptures, and by the distinct purpose for which the school exists.
Deuteronomy 4:1,5,9,14; 6:1-10; 31:12-13; Nehemiah 8:1-8; Job 28:28; Psalms 19:7ff.;
119:11; Proverbs 3:13ff.; 4:1-10; 8:1-7,11; 15:14; Ecclesiastes 7:19; Matthew 5:2;
7:24ff.; 28:19-20; Luke 2:40; 1 Corinthians 1:18-31; Ephesians 4:11-16; Philippians
4:8; Colossians 2:3,8-9; 1 Timothy 1:3-7; 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:14-17; Hebrews 5:12-6:3;
James 1:5; 3:17.
XIII. Stewardship
God is the source of all blessings, temporal and spiritual; all that we have and are we owe
to Him. Christians have a spiritual debtorship to the whole world, a holy trusteeship in
the gospel, and a binding stewardship in their possessions. They are therefore under
obligation to serve Him with their time, talents, and material possessions; and should
recognize all these as entrusted to them to use for the glory of God and for helping others.
According to the Scriptures, Christians should contribute of their means cheerfully,
regularly, systematically, proportionately, and liberally for the advancement of the
Redeemer's cause on earth.
Genesis 14:20; Leviticus 27:30-32; Deuteronomy 8:18; Malachi 3:8-12; Matthew 6:14,19-21; 19:21; 23:23; 25:14-29; Luke 12:16-21,42; 16:1-13; Acts 2:44-47; 5:1-11;
17:24-25; 20:35; Romans 6:6-22; 12:1-2; 1 Corinthians 4:1-2; 6:19-20; 12; 16:1-4; 2
Corinthians 8-9; 12:15; Philippians 4:10-19; 1 Peter 1:18-19.
XIV. Cooperation
Christ's people should, as occasion requires, organize such associations and conventions
as may best secure cooperation for the great objects of the Kingdom of God. Such
organizations have no authority over one another or over the churches. They are
voluntary and advisory bodies designed to elicit, combine, and direct the energies of our
people in the most effective manner. Members of New Testament churches should
cooperate with one another in carrying forward the missionary, educational, and
benevolent ministries for the extension of Christ's Kingdom. Christian unity in the New
Testament sense is spiritual harmony and voluntary cooperation for common ends by
various groups of Christ's people. Cooperation is desirable between the various Christian
denominations, when the end to be attained is itself justified, and when such cooperation
involves no violation of conscience or compromise of loyalty to Christ and His Word as
revealed in the New Testament.
Exodus 17:12; 18:17ff.; Judges 7:21; Ezra 1:3-4; 2:68-69; 5:14-15; Nehemiah 4; 8:1-5;
Matthew 10:5-15; 20:1-16; 22:1-10; 28:19-20; Mark 2:3; Luke 10:1ff.; Acts 1:13-14;
2:1ff.; 4:31-37; 13:2-3; 15:1-35; 1 Corinthians 1:10-17; 3:5-15; 12; 2 Corinthians 8-9;
Galatians 1:6-10; Ephesians 4:1-16; Philippians 1:15-18.
XV. The Christian and the Social Order
All Christians are under obligation to seek to make the will of Christ supreme in our own
lives and in human society. Means and methods used for the improvement of society and
the establishment of righteousness among men can be truly and permanently helpful only
when they are rooted in the regeneration of the individual by the saving grace of God in
Jesus Christ. In the spirit of Christ, Christians should oppose racism, every form of greed,
selfishness, and vice, and all forms of sexual immorality, including adultery,
homosexuality, and pornography. We should work to provide for the orphaned, the
needy, the abused, the aged, the helpless, and the sick. We should speak on behalf of the
unborn and contend for the sanctity of all human life from conception to natural death.
Every Christian should seek to bring industry, government, and society as a whole under
the sway of the principles of righteousness, truth, and brotherly love. In order to promote
these ends Christians should be ready to work with all men of good will in any good
cause, always being careful to act in the spirit of love without compromising their loyalty
to Christ and His truth.
Exodus 20:3-17; Leviticus 6:2-5; Deuteronomy 10:12; 27:17; Psalm 101:5; Micah 6:8;
Zechariah 8:16; Matthew 5:13-16,43-48; 22:36-40; 25:35; Mark 1:29-34; 2:3ff.; 10:21;
Luke 4:18-21; 10:27-37; 20:25; John 15:12; 17:15; Romans 12–14; 1Corinthians 5:910; 6:1-7; 7:20-24; 10:23-11:1; Galatians 3:26-28; Ephesians 6:5-9; Colossians 3:1217; 1 Thessalonians 3:12; Philemon; James 1:27; 2:8.
XVI. Peace and War
It is the duty of Christians to seek peace with all men on principles of righteousness. In
accordance with the spirit and teachings of Christ they should do all in their power to put
an end to war.
The true remedy for the war spirit is the gospel of our Lord. The supreme need of the
world is the acceptance of His teachings in all the affairs of men and nations, and the
practical application of His law of love. Christian people throughout the world should
pray for the reign of the Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 2:4; Matthew 5:9,38-48; 6:33; 26:52; Luke 22:36,38; Romans 12:18-19; 13:1-7;
14:19; Hebrews 12:14; James 4:1-2.
XVII. Religious Liberty
God alone is Lord of the conscience, and He has left it free from the doctrines and
commandments of men which are contrary to His Word or not contained in it. Church
and state should be separate. The state owes to every church protection and full freedom
in the pursuit of its spiritual ends. In providing for such freedom no ecclesiastical group
or denomination should be favored by the state more than others. Civil government being
ordained of God, it is the duty of Christians to render loyal obedience thereto in all things
not contrary to the revealed will of God. The church should not resort to the civil power
to carry on its work. The gospel of Christ contemplates spiritual means alone for the
pursuit of its ends. The state has no right to impose penalties for religious opinions of any
kind. The state has no right to impose taxes for the support of any form of religion. A free
church in a free state is the Christian ideal, and this implies the right of free and
unhindered access to God on the part of all men, and the right to form and propagate
opinions in the sphere of religion without interference by the civil power.
Genesis 1:27; 2:7; Matthew 6:6-7,24; 16:26; 22:21; John 8:36; Acts 4:19-20; Romans
6:1-2; 13:1-7; Galatians 5:1,13; Philippians 3:20; 1 Timothy 2:1-2; James 4:12; 1 Peter
2:12-17; 3:11-17; 4:12-19.
XVIII. The Family
God has ordained the family as the foundational institution of human society. It is
composed of persons related to one another by marriage, blood, or adoption.
Marriage is the uniting of one man and one woman in covenant commitment for a
lifetime. It is God's unique gift to reveal the union between Christ and His church and to
provide for the man and the woman in marriage the framework for intimate
companionship, the channel of sexual expression according to biblical standards, and the
means for procreation of the human race.
The husband and wife are of equal worth before God, since both are created in God's
image. The marriage relationship models the way God relates to His people. A husband is
to love his wife as Christ loved the church. He has the God-given responsibility to
provide for, to protect, and to lead his family. A wife is to submit herself graciously to the
servant leadership of her husband even as the church willingly submits to the headship of
Christ. She, being in the image of God as is her husband and thus equal to him, has the
God-given responsibility to respect her husband and to serve as his helper in managing
the household and nurturing the next generation.
Children, from the moment of conception, are a blessing and heritage from the Lord.
Parents are to demonstrate to their children God's pattern for marriage. Parents are to
teach their children spiritual and moral values and to lead them, through consistent
lifestyle example and loving discipline, to make choices based on biblical truth. Children
are to honor and obey their parents.
Genesis 1:26-28; 2:15-25; 3:1-20; Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Joshua 24:15; 1
Samuel 1:26-28; Psalms 51:5; 78:1-8; 127; 128; 139:13-16; Proverbs 1:8; 5:15-20;
6:20-22; 12:4; 13:24; 14:1; 17:6; 18:22; 22:6,15; 23:13-14; 24:3; 29:15,17; 31:10-31;
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12; 9:9; Malachi 2:14-16; Matthew 5:31-32; 18:2-5; 19:3-9; Mark
10:6-12; Romans 1:18-32; 1 Corinthians 7:1-16; Ephesians 5:21-33; 6:1-4; Colossians
3:18-21; 1 Timothy 5:8,14; 2 Timothy 1:3-5; Titus 2:3-5; Hebrews 13:4; 1 Peter 3:1-7.
[Insert Constitution & Bylaws]
NAME: ______________________
Homework #1
Please tear out this perforated sheet and complete the homework by next week. Feel free to write
on the back or use additional pages if necessary.
What are the four main points of the Gospel? (see pp. 3-4)
Have I turned from my sin and trusted in Christ’s death and resurrection?
If I were to die today, do I know for sure I’d go to heaven? Why?
What was my life like before accepting Christ? (e.g. feelings, habits, religious views)
How did I first hear about Jesus? (e.g. place, people, influential books)
How did I receive Christ? (e.g. what did I think, feel, do?)
How has my life changed since accepting Christ? (e.g. beliefs, friends, trials)
What are one or two of my favorite Bible verses? (please write out both the reference and the
verse itself)
How can a person be saved from their sin?
Have I been baptized? If so, when? If not, would I be willing to?
MEMBER APPLICATION
Welcome to First Southern Baptist Church! We’re glad
you’re interested in membership. Please help us get to know
you better by completing this form. A separate application
should be completed by each family member who is
considering membership. You can use the back to elaborate
on any answers.
Name:___________________________________________
Mailing Address: __________________________________
_________________________________________________
(Pastor’s Checklist)
__ Application Completed
__ Homework Completed
__ Interview Completed
__ Agreement Completed
__ Congregation Affirmed
Date:
__ Letter Sent
__ Care Appointed
__ Added to Member Roll
Email Address: ____________________________________
Home Phone: _________________________
Birthdate: _______________
Immediate family or next of kin:
Name
1.
Cell Phone: _________________________
Status: ___ Single
___ Married (Anniv: __________)
___ Divorced ___ Widowed ___ Separated
Relationship
Birthdate
2.
3.
4.
Have you been baptized by immersion since you were saved?
___ Yes
___ No
If so, when and where?__________________________________________________________
Have you been a member elsewhere? If so, what is the name and phone # of your last church?
______________________________________________________________________________
How long were you there, and what led you to leave?
______________________________________________________________________________
Please share what it means to be a Christian, and how you know you’re saved.
(OK to include Scripture and to continue writing on back.)
NAME: ______________________
Homework #2
Please read “Our First Responsibility” (pp. 2-5) in Life in the Body of Christ.
What had Curtis Thomas been relying on for salvation? (middle of p. 3)
What caused his burden of sin finally to be lifted? (middle of p. 3)
What is your very first responsibility in church ministry? (middle of p. 4)
Have you taken this step?
Please read “The Church Universal & Local” (pp. 68-71) in Life in the Body of Christ.
Who belongs to the church universal? (middle of p. 68)
What are the main activities of the local church? (middle of p. 68)
What’s wrong with “lone ranger” Christianity? (p. 70-71)
NAME: ______________________
Homework #3
Please read “Just How Important is the Church?” (pp. 72-75) in Life in the Body of Christ.
Have you ever experienced a season of life where you were without Christian fellowship? How
did you feel?
What are some benefits of belonging to a local church that you may not have considered before?
Please read the first half of the Baptist Faith & Message booklet and bring any questions with
you to class. As you read, please answer these questions with biblical support.
When scientists and historians contradict the Bible, how do we know who’s right?
“It has God as…” – Ps. 19:7-10; Jn 17:17
Is God surprised when bad things happen to us in life?
“God as Father…” – Ps 115:3; Is 64:8
How did Jesus provide for the redemption of men from sin?
“He honored the…” – Gal 4:4-5; Tit 2:13-14; 1 Pet 2:24
Can a person be saved if they believe in a God or Savior other than Jesus Christ?
“Salvation involves…” – Jn 14:6; Ac 4:12
Can a Christian lose his salvation?
NAME: ______________________
Homework #4
Please read “Assessing your Spiritual Gifts” (pp. 170-75) in Life in the Body of Christ.
For whose benefit have you been given a gift? (pp. 170-71)
What will cause your gifts to develop? (top of p. 173)
What is Curtis Thomas’ definition of a ‘gift’? (middle of p. 174)
Read Romans 12:6-8. At this stage, what gift do you think you might have? What ministries are
you most interested in serving in?
Please read the second half of the Baptist Faith & Message booklet and discuss any questions
with the church leaders. As you read, please answer the following questions and give biblical
support:
Why do you have to evangelize if you don’t have the “gift of evangelism”?
XI. “It is the duty…” – Mt. 28; Mt 5
What resources is the Christian commanded to be a good steward of?
Time, talents, and material possessions.
Our church constitution and bylaws outline the basic policies of our church, our method of doing
business, and our overall structure. Please read the following sections and bring any questions
you may have:



Pages 2-3 “Church Covenant”
Pages 4-6 “Church Membership,” Sections A-F
Pages 8-10 “Pastor-Church Covenant of Relationship”
Member Agreement
“I have read and agree with the church covenant, the bylaws on
church membership, the pastor-church covenant, and the
doctrinal statement (The Baptist Faith & Message) of this church,
and would like to enter into membership.”
Signature: _________________________________
Date: ________________________