BROWN STREET BAPTIST CHURCH

Doctrinal Statement

For the Purpose of Ordination to the Gospel Ministry

Eric Lloyd3/15/2019

TestimoniesEric Lloyd

Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” By the grace of God, I was born into a Christian family and attended Brown Street Baptist Church from birth. When I was four years old, I participated in the AWANA program Cubbies. One Wednesday afternoon, I was working on my section for club that evening which included one of the verses from the Romans Road. Since I was four, I was just starting to put words together and was able to discern from the note to the parents in the sidebar that my parents were supposed to discuss something with me. I promptly marched into the living room where my mom was and pointed this out to her. Of course, the note was for the parents to talk to their child about salvation. My mom used this as an open door and shared with me from the verses in Romans that I was learning that I was a sinner and in need of a Savior. She pointed me to Jesus Christ who took my place on the cross of Calvary, taking my sin and punishment and dying for me. I accepted Christ as my personal Savior that day. A few years later I was baptized by immersion.

However, as many children that make a profession while they are young, I had doubts concerning my salvation. Even though I was saved I still did sinful and ugly things. I remember laying on my bed most nights throughout my elementary school years crying out to God to save me if I was not saved. When I was in sixth grade, child evangelist Ed Dunlop came to my Christian school and had a special chapel service. I remember sitting in the back of the crowd about half-court in our gymnasium. He was preaching on hell but I was not really listening. Finally, I realized that God had called me to trust in Him and that nothing I could do could help contribute to my salvation. Ephesians 2:8-9 was the basis in which I put my trust that God’s grace saved me and it was nothing that I could do. God’s grace is just as valuable for the believer as it is for the unbeliever coming to God for the very first time.

Shortly after this, I had the privilege of attending camp at the WILDS of the Rockies in Colorado while it was still open. Evangelist Tom Farrell encouraged us to commit our lives to full-time ministry. Even though I did not know what God’s plan for me was at that point, I committed my life to God that whatever I ended up doing my focus would be to serve Him. That next year, my church called a new youth pastor, Pastor Michael Myers. When he found out about this commitment, he discipled me encouraged me to continue to take steps toward full-time ministry.

I continued to take steps toward this end by attending Bob Jones University and majoring in Youth Ministries and then staying on in the Seminary to earn a Master of Science in Biblical Counseling and a Master of Divinity. While at school, I met Kim and we were married on June 12, 2010. In

God’s perfect timing and directing, I returned home to Alton, IL and was called to be the Assistant Pastor at Brown Street Baptist Church in August, 2015.

Kim Lloyd

The Lord allowed me to grow up in a home where I was frequently in church hearing God’s Word. One of the earliest influences for the gospel was my mother. I remember learning about heaven and hell in Sunday School one morning when I was young, about 5 years old. When I went home to ask my mom more questions she sat down with me and explained the gospel more fully and was able to lead me to the Lord for salvation. Even though I was saved at a young age I trust in the Lord’s promise in Romans 10:8-13 that as I confessed Him with my mouth, believing in His atoning death and resurrection, I was saved. I see daily evidence that I am still battling sin and the flesh, but I also see God giving me daily grace to say no to sin and walk in the Spirit. The desire in my heart to walk with God and grow in holiness is an evidence to me of God’s sanctifying work.

I was baptized a few years later when I was better able to understand what baptism was all about. Through my growing up years I continued to grow spiritually and seek what God wanted for my life. In high school especially God sent many friends and mentors into my life to confront me about sin, to encourage me in the Word and point me to Christ. During this time I came to particularly cherish God’s abundant forgiveness and restoration in my life. Hosea became one of my favorite books as it shows God’s mercy in drawing His people to Himself even in the midst of their sin. I chose to go to Bob Jones University after high school. I knew I wanted to serve God by serving people but didn’t know exactly how that would flesh out. I studied Counseling there for my undergrad and graduate work, hoping God would use that in future ministry. The Lord led me to Eric during my time at BJU and we got married. I have been encouraged and strengthened by his leadership and godly example. It has been very clear during our 8 years of marriage that God has directed our path to be right where He wants us, sometimes leading us where we had not planned to go. I have seen God’s hand at work in my own life these last few years as He has graciously brought new relationships and friendships to grow and change me. He is faithfully completing the good work He began in me.

IntroductionAn Explanation of Format

This document is a compilation of my beliefs concerning the major doctrines of the Christian Faith. It is divided by the nine primary doctrines commonly referred to in most standard systematic theologies:

● Bibliology● Theology Proper● Christology● Pneumatology● Anthropology● Hamartiology● Soteriology● Ecclesiology● Eschatology

For a Christian, theology should not be observed in merely academic terms, but of necessity be firmly rooted in and linked to doxology. In other terms, as we study the truths of God we must respond to these truths with worship to a majestic and holy God. As I have prepared this document, I often found myself singing about the truths I am studying about and finding a deeper appreciation for my God because of the poetic perspective of the song writer. For this reason, I have included a hymn text at the end of each doctrine that helps to summarize the doctrine and direct attention toward God.

Hymn “Doxology”Words: Thomas KenTune: OLD HUNDRETH; Genevan Psalter, 1551; attributed to Louis Bourgeois

Praise God from whom all blessing flow.Praise Him, all creature here below.Praise Him above, ye heav’nly host.Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen

BibliologyThe Study of God’s Revelation to Man

I believe God purposefully and thoroughly makes Himself known to mankind in two ways: General Revelation and Special Revelation.

General RevelationGod has made His existence known through means that are available

to all people at any time. While General Revelation can point people to God, it does not give the details man needs to attain salvation. God does this through various ways:

● Through Creation – God is revealed through His creation and details enough about Himself that mankind will be without excuse on the day of judgment (Romans 1:19-20; Psalm 19:1-6).

● Through History – In looking back through the history of the world, God can be clearly seen working His perfect plan (the Book of Esther). God can also be seen in providing for the basic needs of people (Matthew 5:45; Acts 4:15-17).

● Through Man’s Conscience – God has written His law on the hearts of all people (Romans 2:14-15).

Special RevelationSpecial Revelation gives details about God that are not discernable

through General Revelation. Special Revelation deals specifically with God’s communication to man concerning Himself. In the past God has communicated through various means: casting lots (Jonah 1:7-10; Acts 1:24-26); the Urim and Thummim (Dueteronomy 33:8; Ezra 2:63); dreams (Genesis 20:3; Joel 2:28); visions (Isaiah 1:1; 6:1); Angels (Daniel 9:20-21; Luke 2:10-11); and the Prophets (2 Samuel 23:2; Zecheriah 1:1). The primary means God uses to communicate Himself to man is through Jesus Christ (John 1:1-14), Who is revealed to us today through the Bible.

The Bible is God’s Word to man (Heb. 1:1-2). I believe in the verbal, plenary inspiration of the sixty-six canonical books (39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament) (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:19-21; Galatians 1:11-12). The original autographs were inerrant and infallible (Psalm 12:6; John 10:35) and that God has providentially preserved his Word for us today in the Hebrew and Greek texts and in modern translations that faithfully represent the meaning of these texts (Psalm 119:89; Matthew 5:18; 1 Peter 1:23-25). The Bible is also sufficient for life and practice and meeting all our non-physical needs (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 4:12; 2 Peter 1:2-3). The believer can interpret God’s Word by the illumination of the Holy Spirit (John

16:13; 1 Corinthians 2:10-13). The Bible should be interpreted with a literal, historical and grammatical hermeneutic.

Hymn “How Firm a Foundation”Words: Rippon’s Selection of Hymns, 1787Tune: FOUNDATION; Traditional American melody; Caldwell’s Union Harmony, 1837

How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,Is laid for your faith in His excellent Word!What more can He say than to you He hath said,To You who for refuge to Jesus have fled?

“Fear not! I am with thee; O be not dismayed,For I am thy God and will still give thee aid.I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,Upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand.”

“When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply.The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design Thy dross to consume and thy gold to refine.”

“The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose;I will not, I will not desert to his foes.That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,I’ll never, no never, no never forsake!”

Alternate Hymns● “O Word of God Incarnate”● “Every Promise of Your Word”● “Break Thou the Bread of Life”● “My Soul Longs for the Lord”● “As We Read Your Holy Word”● “Ancient Words”

Theology ProperThe Study of God

There is one and only one true and living God (Deuteronomy 6:4; Jeremiah 10:10), who is infinite and eternal (Isaiah 48:12; Psalm 90:2). Since God is infinite and man is finite, man cannot fully grasp a complete understanding of who God is. (Psalm 145:3; Isaiah 55:9; Romans 11:33-36). Yet, God has revealed Himself to man through Creation and the Scriptures and desires man to know Him (John 17:3; Colossians 1:10; 1 John 5:20).

The TrinityGod is one and has manifest himself in three distinct persons: the

Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19). The Father is fully God (Genesis 1:1; Matthew 11:25), the Son is fully God (John 1:1; Hebrews 1:8), and the Spirit is fully God (Acts 5:3-4; 1 Corinthians 3:16-17). Each person is co-equal and co-eternal.

CreationGod created the universe ex nihilo in six, twenty-four-hour days and

rested on the seventh day (Genesis 1-2). God personally made Adam out of the dust of the ground and breathed life into him (Genesis 2:7) and then provided Eve as Adam’s companion out of one of Adam’s ribs (Genesis 2:21-23). God created each being after its own kind which sets biological limits on reproduction (Genesis 1:11-12, 25). God sustains and preserves his Creation through the work of Christ (Nehemiah 9:6; Colossians 1:16-17; Hebrews 1:3). All of Creation was created for the sole purpose of the glory and pleasure of God (Psalm 19:1; Isaiah 43:7; Revelation 4:11).

Attributes of GodGod has further revealed Himself to us through His divine attributes.

These attributes are commonly divided between Incommunicable (those attributes only God can possess) and Communicable (those attributes that man can emulate in a finite way).

Incommunicable Attributes● Self-Existence – God is uncreated and is not dependent upon anything

or anyone to sustain Him (Genesis 1:1; Exodus 3:14; Acts 17:24-25).● Immutability – God does not change (Malachi 3:6; Psalm 102:25-27;

James 1:17).● Eternality – God is not bound by time. He has always existed and will

always exist (Psalm 90:2; Revelation 1:8).

● Infinity – God is unlimited and unlimitable (1 Kings 8:27; Romans 11:33).

● Spirituality – God is a spirit. He is not composed of matter (John 4:24; John 1:18; 1 Timothy 1:17).

● Omnipotence – God is all-powerful (Jeremiah 32:17; Matthew 19:26).● Omniscient – God is all-knowing (Matthew 10:29-30).● Omnipresence – God is fully present at every location in the universe

(Psalm 139:7-10; Jeremiah 23:23-24).● Sovereignty – God has complete rule and authority over all things

(Psalm 115:3; Isaiah 46:9-10).

Communicable Attributes● Holiness – God is unique and is set apart from all of creation and is set

apart from all forms of evil (Leviticus 11:44; Isaiah 57:15; Habakkuk 1:13; Revelation 4:8).

● Truthfulness – God is fully accurate in all that He says. He cannot lie (1 Samuel 15:29; John 17:17; Titus 1:2).

● Love – God freely and willingly gives of Himself for the good of His creation. This love is unconditional and eternal (Deuteronomy 7:7-8; Jeremiah 31:3; John 3:16; 1 John 4:8).

● Righteousness/Justice – God Himself is right in all He does and always rules in accordance with what is right (Genesis 18:25; Deuteronomy 32:4; Romans 3:35-36).

● Faithfulness – God proves all things true and keeps all His promises (Displayed through His loyal love to Israel; Numbers 23:19; Lamentations 3:22-23; 1 Thessalonians 5:24).

● Goodness – God is good all the time; all the time God is good (Psalm 25:8; 34:8; 107:1; Nahum 1:7; 1 Peter 2:3).

● Grace – God’s unmerited favor toward man. This is specific to salvation (Romans 3:23-24; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 2:11-12), a general kindness to all (Matthew 5:45), and kindness to those who submit to God (2 Corinthians 12:9; James 4:6).

● Mercy – God’ loving compassion and kindness to His people (Deuteronomy 4:31; Psalm 136; Mark 1:41; Romans 9:15-18).

Hymn “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise”Words: Walter Chalmers Smith; based on 1 Timothy 1:17Tune: ST. DENIO, Traditional Welsh Hymn melody from John Roberts’ Canaidau y Cyssegr, 1839

Immortal, invisible, God only wise,in light inaccessible hid from our eyes,most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,Almighty, victorious, Thy great name we praise.

Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,nor wanting, nor wasting, Thou rulest in might;Thy justice, like mountains, high soaring aboveThy clouds, which are fountains of goodness and love.

To all, life Thou givest, to both great and small,in all life Thou livest, the true life of all;we blossom and flourish as leaves on the tree,and wither and perish, but naught changeth Thee.

Great Father of glory, pure Father of light,Thine angels adore Thee, all veiling their sight;all praise we would render, O help us to see'tis only the splendor of light hideth Thee!

Alternate Hymns● “Holy, Mighty, Worthy!”● “To God Be the Glory”

● “Give to Our God Immortal Praise”● “Let the Earth Resound”● “God Move in a Mysterious Way”● “Come Praise and Glorify”● “O Worship the King”● “Almighty Father”● “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty”● “Doxology”

ChristologyThe Study of Jesus Christ

The Person of ChristI believe that Jesus Christ is fully God (John 1:1; Hebrews 1:8) and fully

man (John 1:14; 1 Timothy 3:16). These two natures exist in one person “without confusion, without conversion, without severance, and without division” making Him the unique God-Man (Chalcedonian Creed, AD 451; Philippians 2:5-8).

Christ’s existence is eternal. He was incarnated by the conception of the Holy Spirit and by the Virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18-25). While on earth He grew physically, mentally, and socially (Luke 2:40, 52).

In the New Testament, the Son is linked with Yahweh of the Old Testament (Matthew 3:3 and Isaiah 40:3; John 12:41 and Isaiah 6:1).

Christ lived a sinless life because He was incapable of sinning (2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 4:15) and that He needed to be blameless to be an acceptable sacrifice for the sin of mankind (Exodus 12:5; 1 Peter 1:18-19)

The Work of ChristJesus Christ functions in the offices of Prophet, Priest, and King. ● As prophet, He is the revelation of God to man (John 1:14; 17:6). He

has revealed Himself through the messages of the prophets and through the incarnation.

● As priest, He offered Himself on the cross as an acceptable sacrifice for the sin of mankind (1 Peter 1:18-19). This sacrifice was substitutionary (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 3:18), satisfied the wrath of God upon sinners (Isaiah 53:5-6; Romans 3:24-26), and reconciled man to God (Romans 5:10; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20). Only through Christ can atonement be made (Romans 5:11). I believe Christ bodily rose from the dead (Luke 24:1-12; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8), ascended into heaven (Luke 24:50; Acts 1:9), and now continues His work as the Great High Priest (Hebrews 2:17; 4:15) as He intercedes to God on behalf of believers (Romans 8:34).

● As king, Christ is sovereign over all the earth (Colossians 1:17; Hebrews 1:8). I believe one day Christ will bodily return to the earth and will establish an earthly kingdom where all people will recognize Him as Lord (Philippians 2:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:15; Revelation 17:14).

Hymn “Come, Behold the Wondrous Mystery”Words and Music: Matt Papa, Matt Boswell, and Matthew Bleecker© 2013 Love Your Enemies Publishing

Come behold the wondrous mystery, in the dawning of the King He the theme of heaven’s praises, robed in frail humanity In our longing, in our darkness, now the light of life has come Look to Christ, who condescended, took on flesh to ransom us.

Come behold the wondrous mystery, he the perfect Son of Man In his living, in his suffering, never trace nor stain of sin See the true and better Adam, come to save the hell-bound man Christ the great and sure fulfillment of the law, in him we stand.

Come behold the wondrous mystery, Christ the Lord upon the tree In the stead of ruined sinners hangs the Lamb in victory See the price of our redemption, see the Father’s plan unfold Bringing many sons to glory, grace unmeasured, love untold

Come behold the wondrous mystery, slain by death the God of life But no grave could e’er restrain him, praise the Lord, He is alive What a foretaste of deliverance, how unwavering our hope Christ in power resurrected, as will we be when he comes.

Additional Hymns: ● “Beautiful Savior”● “Here Is Love”● “Before the Throne of God Above”● “Look Ye Saints the Sight Is Glorious”● “My Savior’s Love”● “My Jesus Fair”● “Gaze on the Christ”● “Hark the Herald Angels Sing”

PneumatologyThe Study of the Holy Spirit

The Person of the Holy SpiritI believe the Holy Spirit is fully God (Acts 5:3-4; 1 Corinthians 3:16-17).

In Scripture, the Holy Spirit is linked with the Father and the Son (Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14). It is through the person of the Holy Spirit that man can relate to God and God can work in man. The Spirit’s personality is evidenced by the fact that He possesses intelligence (Isaiah 11:2; 2 Corinthians 2:10-11), emotion (Ephesians 4:30), and a will (1 Corinthians 12:11). He also performs personal actions of reproving (John 16:8), speaking (Acts 8:29), teaching (Luke 12:12), and interceding (Romans 8:26).

The Work of the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit’s work is clearly seen throughout the entirety of

Scriptures.

Work in the Old Testament● In Creation (Genesis 1:2; Psalm 104:24-26)● In supplying skills for specific tasks (Exodus 31:3-5)● In providing prophecy (1 Samuel 10:6, 10; Ezekiel 2:2)● In selective and temporary filling OT saints to perform supernatural

feats (Numbers 11:25; Judges 3:10; 6:34; 1 Samuel 16:13; Psalm 51:11)

Work in the Life of Christ● The Incarnation (Matthew 1:20; Luke 1:35)● Present throughout Jesus’ earthly ministry (Matthew 3:16; Luke 4:1,

18)● Empowers Jesus to perform miracles (Matthew 12:25-32)● Responsible for the resurrection of Jesus (Romans 8:11; 1 Peter 3:18)

Work in the New Testament● Permanent Indwelling of the Believer - The Spirit indwelling believers is

a part of the New Covenant (Ezekiel 36:26-27) which was initiated at Pentecost (Acts 2) in fulfilment of the promise of Christ to send another Comforter (John 14:16-17; 16:7-15). As a part of His indwelling work in believers, the Spirit cleanses and renews the believer into a new man

(John 3:3-5; Titus 3:5) and is the believers seal (Ephesians 1:13) and earnest (Ephesians 1:14).

● Baptism of the Holy Spirit – The placement of the believer into the body of Christ (Acts 1:5; Romans 6:1-4; 1 Corinthians 12:13).

● Filling of the Holy Spirit – The ability for a believer to be controlled by the Spirit of God (Acts 2:4; 6:3, 5; Ephesians 5:18).

● Teaches Truth – The Holy Spirit is the “Spirit of truth” (John 15:26) and guides the believer into truth (John 14:26; 16:13-14; 1 Corinthians 2:12-13).

● Intercedes on behalf of the believer (Romans 8:26-27)● Gives Spiritual Gifts (Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11; Ephesians

4:11; 1 Peter 4:11)o These gifts are given to the church for the edification of the body

of Christ, not for the benefit of the individual (1 Corinthians 12:7; 14:5, 12). The Holy Spirit gives various gifts as He wills (1 Corinthians 12:11).

o Some of the gifts (i.e. apostleship, healing, working of miracles, prophecy as new revelation, tongues, and interpretation of tongues) were temporary gifts used for the validation of the start of the church and the apostle’s message (1 Corinthians 13:8; Hebrews 2:3-4). These gifts ended when the apostles died.

Hymn “Light of God”Words and Music: Keith Getty and Kristyn Getty© 2008 ThankYou Music.

Light of God, come dwell within Your peopleAs intended from the dawn of time.Make Your goodness, echoed through creation,Our desire, joy of the Divine.Refrain: Holy Spirit, break through our darkness;Holy Spirit, breathe through our lives.Light of God, come, radiant and glorious,Perfect wisdom in this world today.Light of God, come to Your fallen peopleAs we follow in the steps of Christ.May Your fragrance beautify Your people,As we mirror our Creator’s light.

Light of God, come, claim Christ’s stolen glory;Burn the shadows with the flame of truth.May Your church rise, stars within the darkness,Giving glory to the Lord of Light.Light Divine, come, Father of all beauty,Son of goodness, Spirit of all truth.Move us, use us, people of Your vision,As we wait for our returning King.

Alternate Hymns:● “Spirit of God, Descend upon My Heart”● “Breathe on Me, Breath of God”● “Come Down, O Love Divine”

Angelology The Study of Angels

AngelsI believe angels were created by God (Nehemiah 9:6; Colossians 1:16) for

praising and glorifying God (Psalm 148:2; Isaiah 6:1-3). Angels are powerful spiritual beings (2 Peter 2:11) but since they were created by God they are finite beings limited by time and space (Daniel 9:21-23) and should not be worshipped (Revelation 19:10; 22:9). Angels are moral beings who have a will but do not have the same relationship to God as man does (Jude 6; 1 Peter 1:12). Angels are God’s special agents in fulfilling His purpose in the earth (Daniel 10:12-21; Acts 12:5-7) and that they minister to the needs of believers (2 Kings 6:8-18; Psalms 91:11-12; Hebrews 1:14). Angels are also one of God’s agents in communicating God’s plans to man (Daniel 8:15-26; Luke 1:8-20, 26-38; Acts 27:23-26). Angels are also used by God as a means of judgment (2 Kings 19:35; 2 Chronicles 21:14-17; Matthew 13:41-42; Acts 12:23; Revelation 8-16). Satan/Demons

I believe Satan was originally created as an angel of heaven but was cast out of heaven (Luke 10:18). He then led several of the angels to follow him instead of God and these became evil spirits whose end is eternal death (2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6). Satan is a real person and that Christ acknowledges his personhood (Matthew 4:1-11). As a created being, Satan and his demons are still subject to God (Job 1:6-12; Mark 5:8-13). Satan’s goal is to deceive man by tempting him to sin (Genesis 3:1-5; 2 Corinthians 4:4; 1 Thessalonians 3:5). Satan is a slanderer of Israel (Zechariah 3:1-2) and believers (Revelation 12:10), he is the god of this world (2 Corinthians 4:4), the father of lies (John 8:44), and a roaring lion that seeks the destruction of God’s people (1 Peter 5:8). The believer’s response to Satan and his demons is to resist and rely on God to bring about judgment and defeat (James 4:7; Ephesians 6:10-19; Jude 1:9). The judgment of Satan and his demons is already reserved for them and that God will cast them into the lake of fire for eternity (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:10).Hymn “Angels, from the Realms of Glory”Words: James MontgomeryTune: REGENT SQUARE; Henry T. Smart

Angels from the realms of glory, Wing your flight o’er all the earth;Ye who sang creation’s storyNow proclaim Messiahs birth:Come and worship,

Come and worship; Worship Christ, the newborn King.

Anthropology The Study of Man

The Creation of ManI believe man (both male and female) was created in the image of God on

the sixth day of creation (Gen. 1:26-27). Adam was formed, directly by God, out of the dust of the ground and Eve was formed out of one of Adam’s ribs. Man was given life directly from God (Gen. 2:7). God created man so that man would give glory to God (Is. 43:7; 1 Cor. 10:31). At Creation, God gave man dominion over the world and all that is in it and it is man’s duty to care for it (Gen. 1:28-30; 2:15). God created man in the Image of God, thus making man unique in creation (Gen. 1:26). This Image of God is equally given to all people; therefore, all people are valuable to God and have equal worth (Gen. 9:6; James 3:9-10). Man’s life begins at conception (Ps. 22:10; 139:13) and that every life is precious to the Lord (Gen. 9:6; Ex. 20:13).

The Nature of ManMan is comprised of material and immaterial parts (Gen. 2:7; Matt. 10:28).

These parts are inherently unified as an individual and can only be separated by the individual’s death. The material part consists of the physical body. This body is temporary and will one day return to dust (Gen. 3:19; Ps. 104;29; Ecc. 12:7). The immaterial part cannot be divided into separate parts but is “multi-faceted.” Ryrie explains, these facets “serve similar or overlapping functions, yet they are distinguishable” (Ryrie, 196). These facets are:

● Soul (vp,n</yuch,) – what gives man life; can also denote the whole person alive or dead (Genesis 35:18; Leviticus 17:11; Acts 2:41; Revelation 6:9).

● Spirit (x;Wr/pneu/ma) – all people have a spirit; relates to emotions and feelings. Paul connects “spirit” with spiritual life (Num. 16:22; Ps. 51:10; 2 Cor. 2:14; 7:1).

● Heart – the inner man; the heart can think, feel, choose, and believe (Deuteronomy 4:29; 6:5; Psalm 119:11; Romans 10:9-10; Hebrews 4:12)

● Conscience – helps discern what is right and wrong (Rom. 13:5; 1 Tim. 4:2).

● Mind – used mostly in NT and like the OT use of “heart”; it is something a believer must renew to have right thoughts (Rom. 1:28; 12:2; 1 Cor. 14:14-15).

● Flesh – human inclination to sin and opposition to God (Col. 2:18; 1 John 2:16).

The Fall of ManWhen Adam and Eve ate the fruit from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good

and Evil, sin fell on all of mankind leaving him totally depraved (Is. 64:6; Jer. 17:9; Rom. 5:12; 7:18; 8:5-8). As a result, child-birth is painful for women, nature is cursed, work is painful and difficult, death comes upon all men, and fellowship with God is broken (Gen. 3:16-24; 1 Cor. 15:21). Apart from God, man has no hope of restoration (Rom. 6:23; Eph. 2:1-10).HymnNot in MeWords and Music: Eric Schumacher and David L. Ward© 2012 ThousandTongues.org

No list of sins I have not done,No list of virtues I pursue,No list of those I am not like Can earn myself a place with You.O God! Be merciful to me; I am a sinner through and through.My only hope of righteousness Is not in me, but only You.

No humble dress, no fervent prayer,No lifted hands, not tearful song,No recitation of the truth, Can justify a single wrong.My righteousness is Jesus’ life;My debt was paid by Jesus’ death.My weary load was borne by Him And He alone can give me rest.

No separation from the world,No work I do, no gift I giveCan cleanse my conscience, cleanse my hands;I cannot cause my soul to live.But Jesus died and rose again;The pow’r of death is overthrown!My God is merciful to me And merciful in Christ alone.

Alternate Hymns● “Just as I Am”

● “Come, Lonely Heart”● “My Worth is Not in What I Own”● “Yet Not I but Through Christ in Me”

HamartiologyThe Study of Sin

I believe Satan was the originator of sin although it was because of Adam’s willful disobedience in the Garden of Eden that sin was introduced into the world (Genesis 3; Romans 5:12). I agree with Wayne Grudem’s definition of sin of “any failure to conform to the moral law of God in act, attitude, and nature” (Grudem, 490; Exodus 20:1-17; Matthew 5:21-48; Ephesians 2:3).

NatureAdam served as the representative of humanity, and because of his willful

disobedience, sin is imputed to all mankind (Romans 5:16). This imputation takes place at conception giving every person a sin nature (Psalm 51:5; 58:3; Romans 3:10; 3:23). Man is totally depraved (Isaiah 1:5-6; Ephesians 4:17-19) and totally incapable of dealing with sin in his life apart from God (Ephesians 2:1-3; Hebrews 9:22). God cannot sin and that He does not cause anyone to sin (Deuteronomy 32:4; Job 24:10; James 1:13).

ResultThe punishment for sin is eternal separation from God that is both a

physical and a spiritual death (Genesis 2:17; 3:19; Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:1). Since everyone has a sin nature, no one can keep God’s Law perfectly and therefore all are guilty before God (Galatians 3:10; James 2:10-11). Only by the shedding of Christ’s blood is one forgiven from his sin debt to God (Acts 4:12; Romans 5:8; Hebrews 9:22). Once a person becomes a believer that the sin nature is still present (Romans 7:14-20) and that sin disrupts fellowship with God (Isaiah 59:1-2 Ephesians 4:30). The believer is tempted to sin by the world, the flesh, and the devil (1 John 2:16). However, God is faithful and just to forgive him of sin if he confesses that sin to God (Matthew 6:12; 1 John 1:9).

RemedyThe only remedy for sin is the shed blood of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 9:22-

28). Through faith in the Gospel, man is declared righteous and has the ability to say no to sin. God also gives us His Word to aid in the battle against sin (Psalm 119:9-16; Ephesians 5:26; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). The believer also benefits from the intersession of Christ (John 17:15; 1 John 2:1) and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:16).

Hymn “God, Be Merciful to Me”Words: From Psalm 51:1-12; The Psalter, 1912Tune: REDHEAD; Richard Redhead

God, be merciful to me, on Thy grace I rest my plea;Plenteous in compassion Thou, blot out my transgression now;Wash me, make me pure within, cleanse, O cleanse me from my sin.

My transgressions I confess, grief and guilt my soul oppress; I have sinned against Thy grace and provoked Thee to Thy face;I confess Thy judgement just, speechless, I Thy mercy trust.

I am evil, born in sin; Thou desirest truth within.Thou alone my Savior art, teach Thy wisdom to my heart; Make me pure, Thy grace bestow, wash me whiter than the snow.

Broken, humbled to the dust by Thy wrath and judgement just,Let my contrite heart rejoice and in gladness hear Thy voice; From my sins O hide Thy face, blot them out in boundless grace.

Gracious God, my heart renew, make my spirit right and true;Cast me not away from Thee, let Thy Spirit dwell in me; Thy salvation’s joy impart, steadfast make my willing heart.

Sinner then shall learn from me and return, O God, to Thee; Savior, all my guilt remove, and my tongue shall sing Thy love;Touch my silent lips, O Lord, and my moth shall praise accord.

Alternate Hymns● “Come, Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy”● “How Deep the Father’s Love for Us”● “Search Me, O God”

SoteriologyThe Study of Salvation

I believe “that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3).

ElectionGod sovereignly and graciously chooses those people that would/will

be saved before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4-6; Revelation 13:7-8; 17:8). This unconditional election is not based on a person’s works or faith but on the foreknowledge of God of whom he has chosen (Romans 8:29; 1 Peter 1:2). This election serves as a comfort for the believer (Romans 8:29-30), a reason to praise God (Ephesians 1:5-6, 12), and an encouragement to evangelize (Acts 18:9-11; 2 Timothy 2:10). I believe that it is God’s desire that all men be saved (Ezekiel 33:11; 1 Timothy 1:3-4; 2 Peter 3:9). I reject the belief of universalism (Matthew 25:41, 46; John 3:16; Revelation 21:8).

Call of GodGod the Father calls in a general sense for all people to be saved

(Isaiah 55:1; Revelation 22:17). However, God gives an effective call to those whom He predestines in which they respond in saving faith (Romans 8:30; John 6:44). This effective call, summons people out of darkness and into the light and into fellowship with God (1 Peter 2:9; 1 Corinthians 1:9).

RegenerationRegeneration is completely the work of God (Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus

3:5). It is referred to metaphorically in the Scriptures as the “new birth” (John 1:13; 3:3; 1 Peter 1:3). When a person is saved God puts to death the sinful nature in man and creates a new man within him (2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 2:10; 4:22-24). This regeneration does not produce perfection but will be evident in the good works produced out of the new heart (Titus 3:5; 1 John 2:3-5; 3:9)

ConversionA person must choose to repent of their sin and to turn to God to be

saved (Luke 13:5; John 3:16; 7:37). This repentance includes confession and forsaking of sin (Matthew 10:32; Romans 10:8-10; 1 John 1:9) and accepting God’s free gift of salvation (Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8).

JustificationJustification is the legal declaration by God that the sinner who puts

faith in God is declared righteous (Romans 3:26, 28; Galatians 2:16). This declaration is not based on man’s works (Romans 3:23; Titus 3:5) but based on Christ’s propitiatory death and the imputation of His righteousness to the

believer (Romans 3:24-25; Romans 5:15-21). Justification removes the penalty of sin from the believer since Christ’s death has paid that penalty (2 Corinthians 5:21) and brings reconciliation between God and man (Romans 5:1, 10; Colossians 1:21).

AdoptionAdoption is the act of God of placing the believer into His family (John

1:12). Adoption makes the believer an heir with Christ thus giving the believer the rights and privileges of a child of God (Romans 8:15-17; Galatians 4:4-7)

SanctificationSanctification is the process by which God uses to separate the

believer from sin and set apart His people for His special service. Sanctification restores the image of God in man to what it was before the Fall (Romans 8:29; Colossians 3:9-10). Sanctification begins when a person is regenerated and given new life in Christ (1 Corinthians 6:11). A Christian is progressively sanctified in an ongoing process in which he reckons himself dead to sin and alive to God (Romans 6:11-23; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Philippians 3:13-14). Sanctification is both the work of God (Philippians 2:13; 1 Thessalonians 5:23) and the work of every believer (Romans 12:1; Philippians 2:12). A Christian who pursues sanctification will set himself apart from the world and its influences (Romans 12:2; 1 John 2:15-17).

Eternal Security/AssuranceAll believers are eternally secure in God’s salvation (John 10:27-30; 1

Peter 1:3-5). However, this security does not negate the believers need to persevere in the faith (John 15:9-10; 1 Corinthians 9:27; Colossians 1:21-23). This security rests in the power of God to keep each believer until he is present with Christ in glory (2 Timothy 1:12; Jude 24). The warning passages in the Scripture are used of God to encourage believers to continue in their sanctification (John 15:1-7; Colossians 1:22-23; Hebrews 6:4-6; 2 Peter 3:17-18). If a professing believer does fall away from the faith, it is evidence that he was not a true believer (1 John 2:19). A Christian will experience personal assurance of salvation based on the knowledge of the work of Christ (Romans 8:31-39), the internal witness of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:14-16; 1 John 4:13), and the believer’s progressive growth in sanctification (James 2:14-26; 1 John 2:3-6; 3:4-10).

GlorificationThe process of sanctification will be completed when the Lord returns

and gives to each believer his glorified body (Philippians 3:21; 1 Corinthians 15:49). Once glorified, a believer will finally be removed from the presence of sin and its effects (1 Corinthians 15:50-57).

Hymn “Complete in Thee”Words: Aaron R. Wolfe; Alt. refrain by James M. GrayTune: COMPLETE IN THEE; Ben Nyce

Complete in Thee! No work of mineMay take, dear Lord, the place of Thine;Thy blood hath pardon bought for me, And I am now complete in Thee.

Refrain:Yea justified! O blessed thought!And sanctified! Salvation wrought!Thy blood hath pardon bought or me,And glorified, I, too, shall be!

Complete in Thee! No more shall sin,Thy grace hath conquered, reign within;Thy voice shall bid the tempter flee,And I shall stand, complete in Thee.

Complete in Thee—each want supplied, And no good thing to me denied; Since Thou my portion, Lord, will be,I ask no more, complete in Thee.

Dear Savior! When before Thy barAll tribes and tongues assembled are,Among Thy chosen will I be, At Thy right hand, complete in Thee.

Alternate Hymns● “All I Have Is Christ”● “The Gospel Song”● “His Robes for Mine”● “I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say”● “And Can It Be”

EcclesiologyThe Study of the Church

NatureI believe the church began at Pentecost (Acts 2:41-47) and is God’s

chosen people in this dispensation. The church is distinct from Israel. The church is universal in that it consists of all believers who have the Holy Spirit indwelling them (1 Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians 1:22-23) and it is local in that manifests itself in specific geographical locations (Acts 8:1; 1 Corinthians 1:2; Revelation 1:4). The church is referred to as the People of God (Romans 9:24-26; 2 Corinthians 6:16), the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27; Ephesians 1:22-23), and the Temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16-17; 1 Peter 2:5).

PurposeThe church ultimately exists to give glory to God (Ephesians 3:20-21). God

is glorified in the appropriate worship by the church (John 4:23) through corporate worship that is well prepared and well executed (1 Corinthians 14:40; Hebrews 10:24-25). The church should be active in evangelism as fulfillment of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8). The church should edify one another through the gifts of the Spirit (Ephesians 4:11-16; 1 Corinthians 12; Romans 12). One of the main sources of edification is the teaching and instruction of the Word of God (Colossians 3:16; 1 Timothy 4:13-16; 2 Timothy 4:1-2). The church is also edified through Godly fellowship with one another (Acts 2:32, 42; 2 Corinthians 8:4; Hebrews 10:24-25; 1 John 1:7).

PolityChrist is the supreme head of the church (Colossians 1:18). As head,

Christ delegates responsibility of local churches to pastors who are the primary leader of the local church (Acts 20:28; 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-11). Deacons are to be appointed to care for the needs of the church and to allow the pastor time to devote himself to prayer and the ministry of the Word (Acts 6:1-7; 1 Timothy 3:8-13). Congregational church government best acknowledges the priesthood of every believer (1 Peter 2:5. 9). The congregation then makes decisions under the accountability of responsible leaders and the leaders are held responsible by the congregation (Acts 6:1-7).

OrdinancesThere are two ordinances taught in Scripture that the church is to

observe: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. I believe these ordinances are symbolic and not sacramental.

Baptism

Baptism is the outward symbol of a believer’s identification with Christ in his death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:3-4; Colossians 2:12) and of the Spirit’s baptism (1 Corinthians 12:13). Baptism in the initial rite for church membership because it shows obedience to the Lord. Baptism is reserved for those who are believers (Acts 2:38). Immersion is the proper mode of baptism.

The Lord’s SupperThe Lord’s Supper is a symbolic remembrance of Christ’s

substitutionary death on the cross for our sins (Matthew 26:26-28; 1 Corinthians 11:24-25). The Lord’s Supper also points the believer forward to the time when Christ will return, and he will be present with the Lord (Matthew 26:29; 1 Corinthians 11:26). The Lord’s Supper is reserved only for believers who are in proper fellowship with God (1 Corinthians 11:17-22; 27-32).

SeparationThe church should practice separation from disobedient brothers for the

sake of the purity of the church. This is accomplished through church discipline outlined by Christ in Matthew 18:15-18 and practiced by Paul in 1 Corinthians 5:1-13. The purpose of this discipline is for the restoration of the disobedient and the purity of the church. The church should also live separated from the world (2 Corinthians 6:14-18; 1 John 2:15-17), and false teachers (Galatians 1:6-9; Titus 3:9-11; 2 John 9-11).

Hymn “O Church, Arise”Words and Music: Keith Getty and Stuart Townend© 2005 ThankYou Music (PRS).

O Church, arise, and put your armor on;Hear the call of Christ our Captain;For now, the weak can say that they are strong In the strength that God has given. With shield of faith and belt of truth,We’ll stand against the Devil’s lies:An army bold, whose battle cry is love,Reaching out to those in darkness. Our call to war—to love the captive soul,But to rage against the captor;And with the sword that makes the wounded whole,We will fight with faith and valor.When faced with trials on every side,We know the outcome is secure.And Christ will have the prize for which He died:An inheritance of nations.Come, see the cross, where love and mercy meet,As the Son of God is stricken;Then see His foes lie crushed beneath His feet,For the Conqueror has risen!And as the stone is rolled away, And Christ emerges from the grave,This victory march continues till the dayEv’ry eye and heart shall see Him.So Spirit, come, put strength in every stride;Give grace for every hurdle.That we may run with faith to win the prizeOf a servant good and faithful.As saints of old, still line the way,Retelling triumphs of His grace,We hear their calls, and hunger for the dayWhen with Christ we stand in Glory.

Alternate Hymns● “The Church’s One Foundation”

● “Ye Servants of God”● “How Sweet and Awesome Is the Place”● “Facing a Task Unfinished”

EschatologyThe Study of the Future Events

Individual EschatologyI believe every individual will face death apart from the return of Christ

(Hebrews 9:27). Upon death the believer will go immediately to be with the Lord in Heaven (Luke 23:43; John 14:1-3) and the unbeliever will go immediately to Hell to be separated from the Lord (Romans 6:23). In the last judgment, those that did not believe on the Lord will be cast into eternal torment in the Lake of Fire (Revelation 20:14-15; 21:8).

Cosmic EschatologyThere are two aspects to the Second Coming of Christ: the rapture of the

church and the return of Christ to establish His kingdom.

Jesus Christ will return to rapture His church which will initiate the tribulation period (1 Corinthians 15:50-57; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). This rapture will be pre-tribulation (1 Thessalonians 5:9; Revelation 3:10; 19:1-10) and pre-millennial (Revelation 20:1-10). The raptured saints in heaven will be rewarded at the judgment seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10) and participate in the marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:7-10). The seven-year tribulation period on the earth will be a time of judgment that the Lord will use to convict Israel of their disobedience and draw them back to Him (Romans 11:25-27; Revelation 6-19).

At the end of the tribulation, Christ will return to the earth and defeat His enemies at the battle of Armageddon (Revelation 16:13-16; 19:11-21). He will then cast Satan into the bottomless pit for a thousand years (Revelation 20:1-3). Christ will then establish the earthly millennial kingdom (Revelation 20:4-6). At the end of this thousand years, Satan will be released for one final rebellion and Christ will cast him into the lake of fire for eternity (Revelation 20:7-10). The wicked will be judged at the Great White Throne judgment and will be cast into the lake of fire for eternity because of their wicked works (Revelation 20:11-15). God will then establish a new heaven and a new earth where He will reign eternally over His people (Revelation 21:1-22).

Hymn “Crown Him with Many Crowns”Words: Matthew Bridges, stanzas 1, 2, 4; Godfrey Thring, stanza 3Music: DIADEMATA, George J. Elvey

Crown Him with many crowns the Lamb upon His throne.Hark! How the heav’nly anthem drowns all music but its own!Awake, my soul, and sing of Him who died for thee, And hail Him as thy matchless King thro’ all eternity.

Crown him the Lord of love; behold his hands and side,Rich wounds, yet visible above, in beauty glorified;No angels in the sky can fully bear that sight,But downward bends their burning eye at mysteries so bright.

Crown him the Lord of life, who triumphed o'er the grave,And rose victorious in the strife for those He came to save;His glories now we sing who died and rose on high,Who died eternal life to bring, and lives that death may die.

Crown him the Lord of years, the potentate of time,Creator of the rolling spheres, ineffably sublime.All hail, Redeemer, hail! For thou hast died for me;Thy praise shall never, never fail throughout eternity.

Alternate Hymns● “There Is a Higher Throne”● “On Jordan’s Stormy Banks I Stand”● “There Is a Happy Land”● “See, He Comes”● “Joy to the World”● “It Is Not Death to Die”