Articles of Faith

I.                    VERBAL INSPIRATION OF SCRIPTURES – We believe in the infallible inspired Word of God.  We accept the textus receptus manuscript as the foundational material from which we derive the King James 1611.  The Old and New Testament scriptures were written by human authors divinely inspired and edited by the Holy Spirit, preserved, unbroken, and passed down to us today.  I Timothy 3:16; John 10:35; I Peter 1:19; II Peter 1:20,21; Psalm 119:89.

II.                 GENESIS ACCOUNT OF CREATION – We believe the Genesis account of creation, and that what you believe about your origin will determine your philosophy of life.  We believe creation was a direct act of God, literal days, instantaneous, and miraculous.  We believe man was created in the image of God and all reproduction was "After their kind."  Genesis 1:1; Job 26:7; Psalm 33:6,9; John 1:3; Colossians 1:17.

III.               TRINITY – We believe God is a person, eternally existing.  One true God, but in the unity of the Godhead.  There are three eternal and coequal persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, the same substance but distinct in subsistence.  One Godhead made up of three persons who are the same in attributes, power, characteristics, and desires.  Romans 1:7; Hebrews: 1:8; Acts 5:1-3; Matthew 28:19; I Corinthians 8:6.

IV.              DEITY – We believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God because of his character, his miracles, his influence, his power to forgive sins and to set people free from Satan and because he claimed to be and died making this claim, arose victorious over death.  Mark 12:6; John 5:22,23; Matthew 26: 63,66; John 14:9; John 1:1; Hebrews 1:8; John 20:28; Romans 9:5; I John 5:1-5.

V.                 VIRGIN BIRTH – We believe that Jesus Christ was begotten of the Holy Ghost and in miraculous manner; born of Mary, a virgin, as no other person was ever born or can ever be born of woman, and he is both the son of God and God the son.  Matthew1:20; Luke 1:30-35; Isaiah 7:14.

VI.              SUBSTITUTIONARY DEATH OF CHRIST  - Jesus took the saved sinner's place, bore his sins, met the penalty, through a substitutionary death for all men.  Jesus satisfied the law, becoming our accepted substitute; his righteousness, his right-doing, is imputed to us by faith and so we through him have kept the law.  The blood of Christ cleanses, instead of merely covering the sins of man.  Isaiah 53:5; Acts 20:28; II Corinthians 5:21; Hebrew 9:28;    I Peter 3:18; Matthew 26:28.

VII.            SALVATION BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH – The sacrifice made by Jesus is the only basis of salvation.  The only means of reconciliation, and the only ground of justification.  We believe that no man cometh to God except through Jesus Christ.  We hold and believe many important truths, but the most important thing to every individual is the personal salvation of his own soul.  God's order is:  First salvation, then works.  Acts 4:12; I Thessalonians 5:9; Hebrews 5:9; John 12:46; John 20:31; Romans 10:9; Ephesians 2:9,10; Titus 3:5-8

VIII.         HEAVEN AND HELL – We believe that heaven and hell are real literal physical places.  Heaven is a place of indescribable beauty and glory.  Just as hell is a place of indescribable torment and punishment.  So throughout all eternity heaven is the final eternal dwelling place of the saved, and hell is a place of eternal punishment of the lost and total separation from God.  Matt. 6:20; Luke 10:20; John 14:2; Daniel 7:10; Isaiah 33:14; Matt.13:42; Mark 9:41; Rev. 14:10.

IX.              DEPRAVITY – Man is wicked, corrupt and are all under sin.  As it is written, "There is none righteous, no not one;" Proving that all were alike under sin in an unregenerate condition.  "The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked." Gen.6:5; Job 15:16; Psalm 14:3; Isaiah 1:6, Jeremiah 1:16; Matt. 23:27; Mark 9:41; Romans 1:24; II Peter 2:12.

X.                 HOLY SPIRIT – The Holy Spirit is not the author of confusion concerning the tongues movement of this church age.  The Holy Spirit ministers to the Christian, he regenerates, baptizes (not water), indwells, seals and fills the believing sinner.  The believer does not get more of the Holy Spirit, but the Holy Spirit more of the believer.  Therefore, these ministries of the Holy Spirit happen instantaneously to the believing sinner.  They all occur by faith and are not in the least dependent upon one's personal emotional feelings at the time.  I Corinthians 14:33, Titus 3:5; Romans 5: 3,4; Acts 2:4;                    I Corinthians 3:16; II Corinthians 1:22.

XI.              SEPERATION FROM THE WORLD - We believe that all the saved are called into a life of separation from all worldly and sinful practices.  A person, once he has truly accepted Christ as Saviour, is a new creation in Christ and he should live a holy consecrated life; he should separate himself from the world and all its lust in obedience to the command of God.  Romans 12:1-2;       I John 2:15-17; II Corinthians 6:14-18; Colossians 2:6; I Peter 2:9;                 II Corinthians 5:17; II Timothy 2:19.

XII.            RAPTURE AND SECOND COMING – The Lord Jesus Christ, himself, is coming in the air at any moment to catch up as many as receive him.  Those saved of all ages will stand at the Judgment Seat of Christ and enjoy the marriage supper of the lamb.  We believe in the personal, bodily, visible, premillennial return (second coming) of Christ.  Those left behind will go through a period call the Tribulation, after which Christ, himself, shall return to the earth visible in body to set up his kingdom of one thousand years of righteous rule; after this the unbelievers of all ages will stand at the Great White Throne to be judged and cast into the Lake of Fire, separated from God forever, while the believers spend eternity in the fullness of joy in heaven with the Lord.  Acts 1:11; I Thessalonians 4:16-18; Revelation 19:11; Revelation 20:15; Matthew 24:42; Matthew 25:31-34.

XIII.         BAPTISM AND THE LORD'S SUPPER – We believe there are two ordinances of the local church:  Baptism and The Lord's Supper.  Scriptural Baptism is immersion in water of believers, in the name of The Father, of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit, administered by the authority of a New Testament Church and is prerequisite to the privileges of a church relation and the The Lord's Supper.  The Lord's Supper is a memorial ordinance of the local church members according to the individual examination and teaching of I Corinthians 11:17-34.  The unleavened bread and fruit of the vine, grape juice, are to commemorate together the dying love of Christ.  Acts 8:38;   Mark 1:9,10.

XIV.         DEVIL OR SATAN – We believe in the personality of Satan; that he is the god of this world, blinding "The minds of them which believe not," and the author of all the power of darkness. We believe that Satan was once holy, and enjoyed heavenly honors; but through pride and ambition to be as the Almighty, fell and drew after him a host of darkness --- destined, however, to judgment of an eternal justice in hell, a place prepared for him and his angels.  Matthew 4:1-3; Revelation 20: 1-3; II Corinthians 4: 3,4; Revelation 20:10;    I Peter 5:8; Isaiah 14: 12-15; Ezekiel 28: 14-17.

XV.           RESURRECTION – We believe in the bodily resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, and that he arose bodily "The third day according to the scriptures"  from the tomb, ascended bodily into the heavens, that through his resurrection a sure hope of immortality and everlasting life is given to all who have been saved by his grace.  He is at the right hand of God as our "Mediator, merciful and faithful High Priest, and advocate."  John 20; Hebrews 9:24; I Corinthians 15: 12-28; Luke 24: 1-7; Romans 4:25.

XVI.         ETERNAL SECURITY – We believe in the eternal security of all believers in our Lord Jesus Christ.  When a person is born again they have everlasting life which never ends, and cannot be taken away from them.  Saved forever; God's children are kept by the Power of God through faith unto eternal salvation and sealed unto the day of redemption. John 10; 27-30; I Peter 1:5; Ephesians 4:30; Romans 8:35-39; John 5:24.

XVII.      SOULWINNING AND MISSIONS – We believe that the great commission to evangelize the world was given to the church by our Risen Lord and that this evangelization is the mission of the church.  The great commission was  given to the local church who was commanded to "Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature."  Christ commanded his church to "Teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Ghost."  Mathew 28:19-20; Mark16: 15; John 20:21; Acts 1:8.

XVIII.    SANCTIFICATION – We believe that sanctification is a personal separation from things that are unclean to things that are holy, clean, and sacred; that is a progressive work that is begun in regeneration; that it is carried on in the hearts of the believers by the presence and power of The Holy Spirit.  The sanctification of the believer will be complete at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Then, and only then, will we have entire sanctification or be sanctified wholly, body, soul, and spirit.  I Thessalonians 5:23; I Corinthians 6:11;          I Thessalonians 4: 1-10; II Peter 3:18; II Corinthians 3:18; II Thessalonians 2:13; Romans 8:5.

XIX.         LOCAL CHURCH – We believe that a scriptural church is a visible assembly of baptized believers, covenanted together under New Testament law for the purpose of carrying out the great commission, with an unbroken history from the personal ministry of Jesus on earth to this present day; that this church is a self-governed independent body having Christ as the head, The Holy Spirit for its guide and the Bible as the only rule of faith and practice.  The only scriptural offices of the church are The Bishop (or Pastor) and Deacons.  The two ordinances of the local church are Baptism and Lord's Supper.  On all matters of membership, of policy, of government, of discipline, of benevolence, etc., the will of the local church is final.  Mark 16:15; Ephesians 1:2,23; I Timothy 3; Titus 1; Acts 20:17-20.

Church Covenant

Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Saviour, and on the profession of our faith having been baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, we do now, in the presence of God, angels and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another as one body in Christ.

 

We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this church in knowledge, holiness and comfort; to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline, doctrines; to give it a sacred preeminence over all institutions of human origin; to contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the gospel through all nations.

 

We also engage to maintain family and secret devotions; to religiously educate our children; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements, and exemplary in our deportment; to avoid all tattling, backbiting, and excessive anger; to abstain from the sale and use on intoxicating drinks as a beverage, and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the kingdom of our Saviour.

 

We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember each other in prayer; to aid each other in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation, and mindful of the rules of our Saviour to secure it without delay.

 

 

We moreover engage that when we remove from this place we will, as soon as possible, unite with some other church of like faith and order, where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God's Word.

Amendments

This constitution and accompanying by-laws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the active members present and voting at any regular meeting of the church, provided four (4) weeks notice has been given the church or at a meeting especially called for that purpose, the proposed amendment being inserted in the call.

 

 

The doctrinal statement shall be irrevocable.

 

PREAMBLE

We the members of the Heritage Baptist Church of Canal Winchester, Ohio do ordain and establish the following Constitution and By-Laws.

 

ARTICLE 1 – CHURCH NAME

This body shall be known as the Morning Star Baptist Temple ( D.B.A. Heritage Baptist Church.)

 

ARTICLE 2 – DESCRIPTION

We hereby resolve to be an independent work led by the power of the Holy Spirit. Seeking to conform to the New Testament pattern, this body shall be an independent Baptist church, fellowshipping with other Baptist churches of like faith.

 

 ARTICLE 3 – PURPOSE

This congregation is organized as a church exclusively for charitable, religious, and educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Revenue Law), including, but not limited to, for such purposes, the establishing and maintaining of religious worship, the building, maintaining, and operating of churches, parsonages, chapels, radio stations, television stations, rescue missions, print shops, day-care centers, camps, nursing homes, and cemeteries, and any other ministries that the church may be led of God to establish.

 

The church shall also ordain and license men to the Gospel ministry; evangelize the unsaved by the proclaiming of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ; educate believers in a manner consistent with the requirements of Holy Scripture, both in Sunday and weekday schools of Christian education; maintain missionary activities in the United States and any foreign country; and engage in any other ministry that the church may decide, from time to time, to pursue in obedience to the will of God.

 

ARTICLE 4 – AUTHORITY

Realizing that the Lord placed all authority within the hands of the local church, the authority for the conducting of the activities of the church and its ministries is vested in the body of scripturally baptized believers who comprise the active membership of this local assembly. Business transactions shall be likewise conducted upon the authority of the church membership and the authority vested in the church leaders by the church body.

The church shall be congregational (Democratic) in government and independent of the control of any other ecclesiastical body.

 

 

 

ARTICLE 5 – MEMBERSHIP

Members shall be received in to the church as follows:

a.       By public profession of faith in Christ, followed by New Testament Baptism, and upon request.

b.      By letter from another Baptist Church, provided they have received Scriptural baptism.

c.       By statement of Christian experience.

d.      By restoration.

Membership may cease as follows:

a.       By transfer of letter to a church of like faith or order.

b.      By termination of membership if the member requests such a termination.

c.       By termination, as prescribed in the Scriptures.

d.      By death.

 

Restorations:

Any person whose membership had been terminated for any offense may be restored by vote of the church upon evidence of repentance and reformation as directed by the Scriptures.

Members Rules:

a.       Active Members – All those who show their interest in the church by regular tithing, and attendance and those who because of sickness or infirmities are unable to attend services, and still tithe regularly, shall be classified as active members.

b.      Inactive Members – All those who without reasonable excuse do not attend the regular services of the church for a period of three (3) months or do not tithe, may be placed on an inactive list. Any members on the inactive list shall automatically become active members upon their resumption of regular tithing, and attendance of the church and upon recommendation by the Pastor. Names on the inactive list shall forfeit all church voting rights for that individual.

Duties of Members:

a.       It shall be the duty of members to honor, to esteem, and to love their Pastor; to pray for him frequently, and to manifest a tender regard for his reputation. (Psalm 105:15;Hebrews 13:17)

b.      All members should bring themselves to the realization that we are a part of the body of Jesus Christ and that in God's sight we are brothers and sisters. It is therefore our duty to love each other as such, to love and pray for this church as our earthly home, and to strive to honor our Lord in all we do, say, or act, bearing in mind that we are epistles of Christ, known and read by men.

c.       This church accepts the scriptural method "tithes and offerings" as its plan of finance. (1Corinthians16:2 ; Malachi 3:8-10)

d.      It shall be considered the duty of every member to do all that is in their power to win the lost of the community through personal soul winning and to bring their converts to church with them for baptism and discipleship.

e.       Members shall strive to assist and follow the leading of any approved action, plan, or goal presented by the Pastor and church.

f.        No member shall talk at any time to anyone of the Pastor or of the Heritage Baptist Church in a disrespectful, distrustful, degrading, dishonoring way. They also shall refrain from any criticism pointed directly at this church or any other Bible-believing church or preacher.

 

ARTICLE 6 – "ORDINANCES"

Baptism:

a.       Faith in Christ shall precede Baptism.

b.      Baptism shall be by immersion only.

c.       The Pastor of the church and deacons, upon Pastor's approval, shall administer baptism.

 

Lord's Supper:

a.       The Lord's Supper shall be observed as often as prescribed by the authority of the church.

b.      The deacons shall assist the Pastor in the administering of the Lord's Supper. In their absence, the Pastor shall appoint someone to assist.

c.       The church shall practice "open" Communion inviting anyone who has been scripturally saved and baptized to partake.

 

ARTICLE 7 – OFFICERS

 

The Scriptural officers of a New Testament church are: The Pastor and the deacons.

All officers shall be elected by secret ballot of the active membership.

 

Pastor

 

Calling:

a.       The deacon board shall seek out possible candidates (a minimum of three) for the office of Pastor, and their recommendation shall constitute a nomination.

b.      The pastor shall be called by a ¾ majority vote of the active membership. The call shall be an indefinite one.

Duties:

a.       The Pastor must fulfill the scriptural qualifications for such duties and leadership responsibilities as outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. He must willingly in the sight of God and men, minister and conduct himself in the office of Pastor under God's rules as stated in 2 Timothy 4:1-2 and 1 Peter 5:1-4.

b.      The Pastor shall have complete control of the pulpit and final word as to who will fill it in his absence.

 

c.       The Pastor shall reserve the right to secure the evangelist for revivals.

 

d.      The Pastor shall faithfully preach and teach the whole counsel of God and shall take oversight of the church in all phases of its work and endeavors. He shall have the prerogative to bring to this church pulpit such special speakers as he feels will enhance the ministry of the church and will encourage the saints. All guest speakers and pulpit supply shall be determined by the Pastor and shall be of like faith as the Heritage Baptist Church.

 

e.       The Pastor shall be the moderator of all business sessions and committees.

 

f.        As an accommodation to legal relationships outside the church, the Pastor shall serve as president of the corporation.

 

g.       The Pastor shall select or approve all Sunday school teachers, and bus captains.

 

h.       The Pastor shall select those to direct and take part in the musical program of the church. There shall be no class parties, programs, auxiliary meetings, etc. conducted or planned without prior consent from the Pastor, and confirmation via the church planning calendar.

 

i.         The Pastor shall be given the prerogative to choose and dismiss his own staff.

Provisions:

a.       The Pastor shall be furnished a housing allowance with all necessary utilities and upkeep being paid by the church. The church shall pay to the Pastor a salary and such allowances and expenses as agreed upon by the church. The church shall reevaluate the Pastor's salary and allowances no less than once every year. The church shall pay the expenses of the Pastor in the conduct of his office.   This shall include house, utilities, car expenses, conferences, and travel expenses.

b.      The Pastor shall have one week of annual vacation with pay the first year of service. He shall have two weeks of annual vacation with pay after two years of service. After five years of service he shall have three weeks of annual vacation with pay. After ten years of service he shall receive four weeks of annual vacation with pay.

Dismissal:

a.          The Pastor may be dismissed from his office only on the grounds of:

          1.Personal immorality.

          2.Deviation from the articles of Faith as adopted by this church.

          3.Gross negligence of his duties and responsibilities as Pastor.

b.      The Pastor can be dismissed only by a ¾ majority vote of the active members.

c.       In the event the pastor is dismissed for reasons stated above, there would be no severance pay.

d.      Failure to fulfill the scriptural qualifications as stated previously.

 

 

Deacons:

As the Pastor deems necessary, scripturally qualified candidates shall fill the office of deacon. The number of deacons shall be determined by the needs of the Pastor and church.

Requirements:

a.       One must be an active member of the Heritage Baptist Church at least one year before being considered for the office of deacon.

b.       One must meet the scriptural qualifications set forth in the Word of God (1 Timothy 3:8-13, Acts 6:1-7).

c.       The deacon's wife shall also meet the qualifications set forth in the Word of God and set an example to the other ladies of the congregation.

Duties:

 

a.        It shall be a duty of the deacons to meet once a quarter, or as often as the Pastor should call a deacons meeting.  It shall be a duty of the deacons to care for widows according to Acts 6:1-4, to visit the sick, to prepare and distribute the elements of the Lord's supper, and to cooperate with and relieve the Pastor of any responsibilities which would otherwise take away much of his time from prayer, study, and preaching.

b.        The board of deacons shall be the nominating committee for all officers and staff members of the church.

c.       The corporate office of Vice President, trustees, clerk, (secretary) and treasurer shall be comprised of the board of deacons.

d.      The chairman of the board of deacons shall be the Vice President of the corporation.

e.        The trustees shall be composed of three (3) deacons selected annually by the Pastor and approved by a majority vote of deacons. The trustees shall provide signatures only in matters concerning legal transactions and church properties. All property of the church shall be held in the name of the trustees. They shall have no power to buy, sell, lease or transfer any church property without the specific vote of the church authorizing such action. They shall have authority to incur normal expenses for the maintenance, and protection of the church property.

f.        The clerk (secretary) shall keep a complete record of all the official acts of the church. He shall keep a register of the members, with dates of admission, dismission, or death, together with the record of baptism. He shall issue letters of dismission by the church and preserve on files all communications and written official reports.

g.       The treasurer shall be responsible for all monies given to the church. He shall keep an accurate record of all monies and expenses, and make available to the active membership a quarterly report.

 

 

Term of office:

a.       Deacons shall serve a regular term of one (1) to three (3) years which is based on the number of votes, and may be re-elected so long as they fulfill the office, Godly and satisfactorily, to the church.

b. The office of deacon shall terminate December 31 of each year.

Dismissal:

            a. A deacon may be dismissed from his office on the following grounds:

                1. Personal immorality.

                2. Deviation from the articles of faith and practice adopted by this church.

                3. Gross neglect of his duties as set forth in the Word of God.

                4. Failure to fulfill the scriptural qualifications as stated previously.

 

ARTICLE 8 – MEETINGS

The church shall have a Sunday School, Morning Worship, Wednesday Night Prayer Service, Sunday Evening Service, and any other meeting it deems necessary to carry on its witness for Christ.

The church shall have business meetings when necessary. The Pastor or the church may call for a special business meeting provided an announcement is made four weeks preceding the called meeting.

 

ARTICLE 9 – CHURCH FINANCE

The church may borrow money from any individual, corporation, or banking institution.

Upon approval of the active membership, at either a regular or special meeting. The church may execute such notes, bonds, or other documents as may be necessary or proper to evidence any such loans, and to secure the payment thereof and to renew and extend any such evidence of indebtedness and security thereof from time to time, and to pledge and assign to such individual, corporation, banking institution trustee, or other act or acts as may be necessary to properly secure the person, firm, or institution from whom money is borrowed.

 

ARTICLE 10 – VOTING QUALIFICATIONS

A person must be eighteen (18) years of age and an active member of Heritage Baptist Church.

 

 

ARTICLE 11 – AMENDMENTS

This constitution and accompanying by-laws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the active members present and voting at any regular meeting of the church, provided four (4) weeks notice has been given the church or at a meeting especially called for that purpose, the proposed amendment being inserted in the call.