Laurenda, et al :
I thought I'd chime in on your questions regarding particulars about the church.
The Inerancy of the Scriptures is a long held Baptist belief that spans across most all Baptist Denominations both historically and among contemporaries. We believe the Scriptures to be Inspired by God Himself,(2Tim3:16) and while human instruments were utilized by God to pen the words, the author is God, (2Pet2:21). In fact, Paul argues that the things he taught,ie: the gospel, never entered into the mind of man. (1Cor2:7-13). Therefore there can be no errors in God's word. Inconsistencies or contradictions are neither and once examined in light of Scripture proves it so. In modern times liberal theologians and skeptics alike have joined a growing chorus suggesting that inspiration does not extend to all Scripture. Thus they can pick and choose what they like, discard what what dont. But Bible believeing Baptists generally support the complete inerancy of Scripture.
Bible Versions are becoming more and more prevalant. I have learned that most Bible students use a version they have become familiar with. I was first introduced to the KJV, (also known as the Authorized Version -AV), I then tried the ASV & RSV. I eventually went back to the AV since almost all work relates to it. I simply preferred it for it's authenticity. And while the original 1611 KJV was subject to grammatical errors, (remember there were some 70 editions because of corrections)today it stands by itself in almost every catagory. But it was not until after I studied the reasons why the KJV is preferred that I came to really respect and love it's worth. Our church, which is Primitve Baptist, uses, quotes and encourages the use of the KJV. What every Bible student and church goer should be able to communicate is the reason why they use the version they do. As to the amount of versions today, it can be traced to one thing....money! I will ask every Bible reader this question about the version they use...Does it have a copy write? and Why?
SEPARATION 'FROM' THE WORLD: Baptists again seem to be consistent in this area. In one word, MODEST! (1Tim2:9) That modesty should be known to all, both in the church and out.(Ph4:5) If we dress provokingly we dress contrary to God's will. So, while we are in the world we are not of it. John in his Epistle says a lot about the world being contrary to God. (1Jn2:15-17) If we live like the world we do not reflect the mind of Christ and therefore loose our witness or testimony. Fashion is of this world. Does our church offer an alternative to the world? Or do they simply mirror the world?
Church service should reflect the Holy Scriptures. What did the early NT Church do? In Acts 2:42 we get a good picture of what our churches should be. Preaching and teaching doctrine in all things, meeting for fellowship in the Word with like minded believers, Baptism (v41) and celebrating the Lord's Supper, prayers and praising God through song & hymn.(v47) These are foundational elements of the Church.(1Cor3:10)After this, churches have certain traditions like collections (1Cor16:1); Feet washing (Jn13:17); meeting days(1Cor16:2; Acts2:46); meeting times(Acts20:7), etc.. These traditions vary from Church to church. Obviously the size of the congregation may determine specifics in these areas, like how to collect offerings and when to meet.
MUSIC - Thats a great part of worship. We use the instrument of the NT, God made it and always without exception sounds beautiful to His ears! It is the heart! (Col3:16)
To give God all the glory we use what he has provided, and not to limit ourselves to man made instruments. While we love and adore the talents of people to play instruments, when in church we prefer to give God all the glory. We sing using hymns, (Old School Hymnal 12) OT psalms & spiritual songs. There are many good Baptist Hymnals avaialble today. As a side note, musical instruments were for centuries not apart of the divine worship service, not because they did not exisit, but because the early church never used them when meeting. In early America, they were first introduced to assist and incite emotional appeals for conversion. The NT is silent on the use of instruments in worship services. Our church does not depend upon the need of talented individuals to perform, rather we simple make 'noise'or music that is pleasing to God. Beyond all that, I simply enjoy acapella singing. I can not personally carry a tune in a bucket, but when we sing together we can blend and it's wonderful.
(Frequency of service was answered above.)
Soul Winning. Soul winning is Scriptural, (Prov11:30). But we can not expect to awaken the dead.(Eph 2:1)Or for that matter, teach unregenerate mankind to 'know the Lord.'(Heb8:11) This is God's work in our hearts.(Jn6:44) But soul winning in respect to conversion to the truth of the Gospel is our work.(1Cor4:15, Eph1:13) Our churches must have an evangelical spirit for the lost sheep 'of the house of Israel', ie: elect. We must preach not only to teach and warn but win! The fact that God will bless us in preaching the Gospel is our hope. How else shall they believe?, Paul asks.(Rom10:13-15) The answer is, they wont except we preach to them!
God Bless
Jeptha
[ March 03, 2003, 05:12 PM: Message edited by: Jeptha ]