About

Marks of The New Testament Church which will be found at New Birth

What you will read may be lengthy for you but worth the time so that you may understand the position and stance New Birth Baptist Church takes when it comes to the Bible, the Christian walk, and the administration of our church. It’s important for you to know as much about a church as you can as you consider attendance and participation in our activities.

• The Church's Head and Founder–CHRIST. He is the law-giver; the Church is only working to carrying out our Lord’s will and completed laws. We are never to serve as the legislators, in order to amend or do away with old laws or to make new ones. No human has authority to make new biblical laws.

“For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.” – Ephesians 5:23.

“And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.” – Colossians 1:18

Christ is the Church’s Chief Shepherd and, therefore the only Legislator.

• Its only rule of faith and practice is THE BIBLE. This means that Baptists do not accept any authority except the Scriptures. Christ is head of the Church, and it is His bride. We believe the Word of God, the Bible, is complete.

“And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” – 2 Timothy 3:15-17.

• We reject that God is giving supposed “new” Revelation, believing that God forbids any adding to or taking away of the canon of Scriptures. (Rev. 22:18-19) We do not accept any authority over the New Testament Church, but Christ Himself, including any hierarchy to include popes, modern day prophets, or councils of churches.

 

• New Birth Baptist is just a name but the “church” component holds great meaning. God works through a local assembly of believers known as the church and in Scripture, the Bride of Christ is referred to collectively as the “church”. Its name–“CHURCH,” “CHURCHES.”

“And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” – Matthew 16:18

“I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star”. – Revelation 22:16

• The local pastor is the undershepherd (bishop), overseer, or leader of the congregation. (Heb. 13:17, Acts 20:28, Eph. 4:11) There is not an hierarchy of authority in the New Testament Church…no laity, no Cardinals, No Chancellor, no Pope! The pastor of the church is called by majority vote of the congregation making him accountable to the congregation. Just remember the pastor is accountable to God first and foremost.

“Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.” – Hebrews 13:17

“Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.” – Acts 20:28

“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers.” – Ephesians 4:11

• Our organizational structure is one of unity and congregational; essentially all members are equal. All members, being saved people according to their faith and not works, have the right of voting on orders of business for their local church.

“And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brethren. But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” – Matthew 20:24-28.

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” – Galatians 3:28-29.

• Our members are those who are saved people according to a personal and public profession of faith in Christ as personal Savior. Salvation and deliverance from Hell and the Lake of Fire comes only from True Repentance of One’s Sins and True Faith in all that the Bible says of Jesus Christ and his finished work on the Cross to save us from our inevitable punishment for our Sin Nature. Baptists reject the baptism of infants (Pseudo baptism).

 

• The church is made up of only Baptized believers. An infant is not capable of believing, and is protected by the Grace of God until the "age of accountability". Further, only those who have believed and trusted in Jesus Christ as their Savior are a member of the body of Christ. 

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” – Ephesians 2:8-9

“Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” – I Peter 2:5

“Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. – “Acts 2:41-42

• We have two ordinances followed in the Baptist church.
  • One is Believer’s Baptism as discussed in the former point
  • and the Lord’s Supper (Communion).

These are not acts of salvation. They are works that were commanded by the Lord Jesus Christ. Believer’s Baptism is a symbolic gesture of following Jesus not a work of Salvation. Salvation is not by works. The Lord’s Supper is also works done by believers as a memorial of His sacrifice and agony and his being forsaken taking on all of the sins of the world on the cross. Being fully God and fully Man, Jesus did God’s will of his own free will. This is the perfect work of God on the cross.

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” – Matthew 28:19-20.

“For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.” – I Corinthians 11:20-28.

• Although many positions are held within the church (Trustees, Teachers, Secretary, Treasurer, etc.), only two officers are specifically mentioned and approved of in the Bible – Pastor and Deacon. Men meeting the biblical qualification of deacons (servants) are appointed from the local congregation and approved by the majority vote.

“This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?). Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. Likewise must the deacons be grave, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.” – I Timothy 3:1-13.

• As to the work of the church, first and foremost is presenting the gospel in order that people might be saved, and then, baptizing them (with a baptism that meets all the requirements of God’s Word), teaching them (“to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you”). (Matt. 28:16-20) We are to not only spread the Gospel, but make new disciples of Christ from the lost souls of the world…training them to live in all things Christ taught.

“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” – Matthew 28:18-20.

“For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:” – Ephesians 4:12

• A major aspect of the church centers on the power of prayer. The Scripture teaches that every believer can without the aid of priests or churchmen go, “boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace in the time of need”. (Hebrews 4:16)

 

• The Scripture states further in Hebrews 10:19, “Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus.” The believer does not need a priest or a church to intercede on their behalf to God. The believer can boldly, by the fact of being washed in the blood of Christ, instantly be in contact with God by simple prayer, and further can bring his petitions or requests for forgiveness of sins directly to God himself. No church has the authority to forgive sins or grant intercession to God.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” – I John 1:9

• Churches, although primarily focused on the furtherance of the Gospel and the witnessing to lost souls, must exist in the world and that requires financial support and budgeting. “Even so TITHES and OFFERINGS hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel,” (I Cor. 9:14). As New Birth Baptist Church, we do not rely on the financial contributions from fundraisers or bake sales; the operations of the church are the sole responsibility of its members through their Scriptural giving.

 

• Everyone faces battles in life and the life of a Christian and the work of a church are no different. In fact, in some ways, the battles becomes more intense the more one attempts to live according to God’s will. The Christian individual and church must “arm” themselves with what is commonly referred to as the “whole armour of God.” Physically, we see the battles of the things of life (health, finances, family, etc.) However, there is a spiritual battle going on around and within us that is many times less obvious unless we thing spiritually instead of physically. To withstand the spiritual battles, along with many of the physical fights, one must learn to use the weapons of God.

“(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;”- 2 Corinthians 10:4

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;” – Ephesians 6:10-18

• Over time, the phrase, “separation of church and state” has been used to justify and condemn actions outside of the original intent. The intent of Establishment Clause was to limit the power of the Federal Government in regard to religion thus ensuring freedom of religion in the United States of America. The Establishment Clause is a limitation placed upon Congress preventing it from passing laws preferring one religion over another. The Establishment Clause prohibits Congress from preferring or elevating one religion over another but still, it does not prevent the government from observing religious observances or holidays.

 

• With that said, New Birth Baptist Church is self governing and independent in that it does not answer to anyone other than itself under the headship of Christ. No power on earth is higher than God’s Word, and a church should not be in any way yoked or controlled by the state, or any civil authority in religious matters. We support the rightly appointed civil authority of government over us and pray for them that we live our lives in peace. ”

“They say unto him, Caesar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.” – Matthew 22:21

“If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” – Romans 12:18

• Simply stated, the Scriptures gives no higher authority than the local congregation of born again, baptized believers. We believe the local church is to be governed by the Word of God, and the local church does not need, nor does the Scripture teach that the local body rests under the authority of any earthly group. It is a group unto itself, under the authority of God, and solely responsible unto Him for its conduct, direction and affairs. Jesus in Revelation 2:6, 15, stated that He “hated” the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes. This group of heretics in the early church with other doctrinal errors promoted a clerical hierarchy in the church – our church has no such structure.

 

What is in a name?

Independent Baptist: The word “Independent” means our church is not a member of any council, convention or is a part of any hierarchy outside the local congregation. An Independent Baptist church governs itself apart from any outside agency. An Independent Baptist Church would not join a national or international denomination that would exercise authority over the local church. Thus, the name “independent” means the church patterns itself after the New Testament example and stands alone under the authority of the scriptures. Independent churches are autonomous assemblies having no organization over them in authority. Free from outside interference, they direct their own affairs under the authority of the New Testament Scriptures.

Missionary Baptist: The word “Missionary” means our church has kept the original doctrines and beliefs held by the Biblical Church set up by Jesus Christ. Prior to being New Birth Baptist Church, the building had “Dennis Road Missionary Baptist Church” out front. It signifies that the congregation of that day wanted to distinguish themselves from the nominal “baptists” saying that they were true Baptists. Apparently at a later date our church’s name was changed and Independent Fundamental was added to the description. It also points to our dedication to supporting evangelism worldwide including starting new churches and spreading the Gospel, carrying out the “Great Commission” as commanded by Jesus Christ our Lord. We hold our missionaries to the high standards that we hold for ourselves in maintaining the fundamental message of Baptists.

Fundamental Baptist: In response to liberal and modernistic theology, we have an active affirmation of a fundamental set of Christian beliefs: The Holy Bible is infallible and appropriately preserved in the King James Bible, The Holy Bible is the only inerrant authority for the Church, therefore the Christian faith, and it contains all knowledge for salvation and holiness (by scripture alone), the virgin birth of Christ, Jesus Christ was made God and Man; God in the Flesh, making him the perfect intercessor for our crimes of sin against God and was done of His own free will (Pilate had no control over the situation…it was the will of God), Jesus Christ’s finished work on the cross to pay for our transgressions against God forever, the bodily resurrection of Jesus on the third day of Christ’s bodily death, and the imminent personal return of Jesus Christ. We strongly adhere to these beliefs in the face of criticism or unpopularity. We preserve the heritage of the Baptist/New Testament Church by not allowing liberalism, modernism, and worldly and/or “religious” ways into our Church.

The name Independent Fundamental Baptist Church is used traditionally by churches which pattern themselves strictly after the example of the early church, as found in the New Testament. This is true of Missionary Baptist Churches as well. Both designations indicate a faith based on the same fundamental principles outlined in the Bible. Therefore we are designated almost redundantly a(n) Independent, Missionary, Fundamental Baptist Church. Today the name Baptist is used by many churches that are not following the teachings of the New Testament.

Thus the words “Independent”, “Missionary”, and “Fundamental” have been added by many Baptist churches to further identify themselves as true Bible believing churches and to show a distinction between themselves and Baptist churches that are not following God’s word. Most Baptist churches were in the past founded on the sound doctrinal teachings of the New Testament; however, many of them have in varying degrees drifted away from many of the teachings of the Scriptures. Some of these churches have gone so far to even deny the fundamental teachings of the Bible, such as the deity of Christ, the virgin birth, salvation by the Grace of God through faith, and marriage between one man and one woman.

Others have to a lesser degree compromised the Word of God by their teaching, practices and church organization, moving to a more “popular” way of worship. These worldly churches still call themselves “Baptists,” but in fact they do not believe or practice what true Baptists have historically believed and more importantly what the Word of God says.

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Baptist churches were awakened to the advancement of modernism and liberalism into national Baptist denominations and conventions in both the United States and the U.K.. Many local Baptist churches began to feel that the core elements and doctrines of the Christian faith, such as the nature of God, the infallibility of the Bible, the literal person of Jesus Christ as both God and man, the nature of the Trinity, the literal resurrection of Christ, and the need for Christians to be separate from worldliness were being watered down and abandoned. Many within these local Baptist churches felt that any association with Liberalism/Modernism even in the forum of debate was tantamount to compromise and was therefore unscriptural.

Independent (Missionary) Fundamental Baptist churches have fellowship one with the other and often cooperate in such endeavors as evangelism. 

Fundamental Independent Baptists churches will remain separate from unsound churches, as well as other Baptists groups who join in with the unscriptural churches. They practice the biblical teachings of separation as taught in Ephesians 5:11, which state, “Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.”

A Church is not a social club. We do not watch football games, watch scary movies at the church, perform rites or works (or other worldly church rituals), form Christian rock bands, have Halloween parties, or any other worldly things at Church. Independent Baptists believe that to join with churches that teach and practice false doctrine is to tolerate and approve of errors. True, New Testament churches strongly believe that all doctrinal error is sin as the New Testament teaches.

The words “Missionary” and “Fundamental” means the Baptist church uses the New Testament strictly as its authority for faith (doctrine) and practice. In recent years the news media has called doctrinally unsound churches Charismatics and Pentecostals “fundamentalists.” Even some TV evangelists have referred to themselves as being “fundamentalist.” But they should not be confused with Fundamental Baptists. They are worlds apart. Many of the TV evangelists and many but not all the modern and Pentecostal churches promote teachings which are not biblical. Fundamental Baptists use the name in its strictest sense as meaning to hold soundly the fundamentals of the New Testament teachings without error.

Though not a historic distinctive of a Baptist church, one other characteristic is necessary for an assembly to call its self a true New Testament church. This distinctive is based on the truth that God will not, nor can He bless or be a party to doctrinal error. A true New Testament church will believe and follow the correct and proper instructions of God’s word. There are many churches that believe and practice false doctrines such as tongue speaking, do not practice biblical separation from worldliness and hold to other unbiblical views.

A true New Testament church’s doctrine and practice will correctly follow the word of God, thus there are those churches that put themselves at odds with the Lord. The New Testament stresses purity in faith and practice as Revelation 2-3 clearly teach. To five of the seven churches of Asia, Jesus said He has things against them. He warned them strongly to correct their failures or He would take action against them. A true church that has the blessings of the Lord will diligently seek purity in faith and practice. Those who refuse to repent of their errors will not have the approval or the blessings of God.