Rev. David Holwick
Ledgewood Baptist Church (Church study)
Baptist Distinctive #1:
BAPTIST DISTINCTIVE #1: BAPTISTS ARE PEOPLE OF THE BOOK
I. Early Baptists did not strive to be "Baptist", but to be faithful to God's Word.
A. Instead of creeds, we hold to the trustworthiness of the New Testament.
1) Creeds list the most important doctrines.
2) Creeds are helpful for pointing out error, but cannot contain all truth.
3) Traditional Baptists believe creeds get in the way of God's Word.
a) Fundamentalist Baptists have resorted to them to combat liberalism.
B. Human traditions must not get in the way of God's commands. Mark 7:7-15
1) Unnecessary spiritual restrictions. Colossians 2:20-23
a) Don't marry. 1 Timothy 4:3
b) Don't eat certain foods. 1 Timothy 4:3-4
2) Unnecessary spiritual practices.
a) Praying a certain way. Matthew 6:7
b) Worshipping a certain way.
3) Placing human leaders over God's leadership. Mark 7:7-9; Matthew 23
a) Only Christ is our Head. Ephesians 4:15-16
II. The Bible is authoritative.
A. It is inspired by God. Exodus 31:18; Jeremiah 36:1-4; 2 Peter 1:20-21
1) Old view - writers heard literal words.
2) Best view - God worked through humans to communicate His truth. Some heard
literal words, others did not. Hebrews 1:1-2
B. The Bible is without error (inerrant). John 10:35
III. The Bible is practical and applies to everyday life. 2 Timothy 3:15-16
A. It should be read every day. Acts 17:11
1) Jesus himself read and memorized it. Matt 4:4,7,10
2) Ignorant of the Bible, ignorant of God's power. Matthew 22:29
B. It applies to common situations in life. Ephesians 4-6; 2 Peter 1:4; etc.
1) The Bible is for today, not just long ago. 2 Peter 3:1; Revelation 1:3
2) It can communicate directly with our hearts. Luke 24:32
C. It should be obeyed.
1) Those who love Jesus will hear it and do it. Luke 8:21
D. It points to the Lord Jesus and salvation. John 5:39
1) We need His help to understand and apply it. Luke 24:45;
IV. The Bible is the basis for governing the life of the church.
Rev. David Holwick
January 13, 1991
