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Concern for Purity of Faith
1) Emphasis on what Bible teaches rather than human tradition.
* Therefore no man-made creeds, just the Bible.
* Should there be "statements of faith" since the Bible is
interpreted differently?
2) Ordinances rather than sacraments.
* Communion and baptism are visible enactments and encouragements
to faith, but do not produce it.
* Emphasis on sermon rather than ritual.
Old Baptists called this "anti-formalism."
3) Believer's baptism.
* You must make your own decision to follow Jesus.
* Churches need born-again membership.
* Emphasis on evangelism and conversion.
Concern for Freedom
4) Autonomous churches, free from external coercion.
* Each congregation makes its own policy, budget and decisions.
* Nevertheless, congregations need to associate with one another
in the work of the Gospel.
5) Soul freedom within churches.
* No one can make religious commitments or decisions for you.
* Faith in ordinary Christians to interpret Bible, make decisions.
* Believers should accept some diversity in the fellowship.
6) Priesthood of believers.
* Each Christian is their own priest before God. Jesus is our
only intermediary.
* Each Christian is free to serve each other in the life of the
church.
7) Governments should not get involved in religion.
* When government gets entangled, religion loses.
* Does not mean every religion is right, but that people must be
free to be wrong.
Copyright © 2024 by Rev. David Holwick
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