3
I will began by saying I am a Landmark Baptist.
There are many congregations that wear the name Baptist. Each has its very distinct character, because each is independent.
There are many that wear the name Baptist that I can not fellowship with because of what they teach or practice.
The point I want to make is that in most cases the name out front can be very misleading.
Many who say they are non denominational are let by a pastor whose teaching and practice is very close to one or several main line denominations. I know of a Southern Baptist church that removed all reference to Baptist in their name, literature, and speech but did not change any of their teaching or practice. They did this because they thought it was a hinderance to their growth in numbers. It worked. Their attendence doubled within one year.
Here is what really matters.
Do they teach salvation by Faith only? That baptism and works has nothing to do with salvation.
Do they teach eternal security of the believer?
Do they teach that the life of the believer is to glorify God in everything he does?
Do they teach that a believer should strive to live a sinless life and when he fails ( and he will fail from time to time) that he should repent and ask God's forgiveness?
Do they teach that the Word of God is infalible?
Do they teach that Jesus died for the sins of ALL men?
Do they teach that salvation is offered to all men and that all men choose to be saved or reject salvation?
Do they teach that Jesus will return for the saved and we will be with Him forever?
Do they teach the Word in a way that you are encourged to live for the one who saved you and have the desire and knowledge to tell others of the Jesus who saved you?
When you find a local church that teaches these bible truths, give them an opportunity.
There are many congregations that wear the name Baptist. Each has its very distinct character, because each is independent.
There are many that wear the name Baptist that I can not fellowship with because of what they teach or practice.
The point I want to make is that in most cases the name out front can be very misleading.
Many who say they are non denominational are let by a pastor whose teaching and practice is very close to one or several main line denominations. I know of a Southern Baptist church that removed all reference to Baptist in their name, literature, and speech but did not change any of their teaching or practice. They did this because they thought it was a hinderance to their growth in numbers. It worked. Their attendence doubled within one year.
Here is what really matters.
Do they teach salvation by Faith only? That baptism and works has nothing to do with salvation.
Do they teach eternal security of the believer?
Do they teach that the life of the believer is to glorify God in everything he does?
Do they teach that a believer should strive to live a sinless life and when he fails ( and he will fail from time to time) that he should repent and ask God's forgiveness?
Do they teach that the Word of God is infalible?
Do they teach that Jesus died for the sins of ALL men?
Do they teach that salvation is offered to all men and that all men choose to be saved or reject salvation?
Do they teach that Jesus will return for the saved and we will be with Him forever?
Do they teach the Word in a way that you are encourged to live for the one who saved you and have the desire and knowledge to tell others of the Jesus who saved you?
When you find a local church that teaches these bible truths, give them an opportunity.
The building has nothing to do with what is inside.
We are a small group that meets in the homes of our members.
I am not against having a building but i would suggest that you avoid those with large fancy buildings.