​"Seeking First

Constitutional Standards and Procedures
For Truth Baptist Church

​Preamble:
    This Document is designed to outline the Standards and Procedures whereby the handling of church affairs may be governed in an appropriate and orderly manner falling (I Cor. 14:40) in agreement with the Bible on all matters. The purpose is to preserve the liberties inherent in each individual member of this church, and the freedom of action of this body, whereby we do ordain and establish the following articles to which we voluntarily submit ourselves:

Article 1: Name
    From this time forward, this church will be known as TRUTH BAPTIST CHURCH, being established as an Independent Fundamental Missionary Baptist Church.

Article 2: Purpose
Church Mission Statement:
    The mission of this Church is to be God honoring, Christ centered, Holy Spirit encompassed, and Bible believing Baptist Church. God Honoring means that we strive to do only that which is pleasing to him, giving him all glory for what takes place. Christ centered indicates that we believe that he is the reason we have this church, and our central focus is to advance his word to all peoples and nations, fulfilling the Great Commission placed on each Christian's life. We also believe that Holy Spirit was sent to help us in all trials and work in which we endure on earth, therefore we strive to be a Holy Spirit encompassed church, where we seek the spirit,  praying for his movement  and saving spirit. We also strive to do everything possible not to hinder the spirit.  We also believe that Christ left us with “that which is perfect” which we believe is his Word. We are a Bible Believing, teaching, and preaching Baptist church that believes that God uses the Bible to edify the saints, and convert the masses, to reprove rebuke and exhort.  We also believe that the King James Bible is the best version for English speaking people, that the only purer interpretation is the Old Testament Hebrew version and New Testament Greek version.

Commission and Responsibilities of the Church:
    First we believe that the church is not a building, yet a group of SAVED believers, meeting in one place with a common goal and purpose. We believe that our responsibility as a church is to fulfill the Commission Christ Placed on the Disciples before his ascension into Heaven.
Matthew 28: 19-20:" 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."  This Church is formulated upon the principal theme of spreading the Gospel. To fulfill this theme we believe in being an evangelical church. We are to actively spread the Gospel through Soul Winning, Church Services, and any and every organism within the church. We in all levels believe in REACHING THE LOST FOR CHRIST. We also believe in missions. We realize that we cannot personally reach all nations, however we do believe that God has called those to go for us, and it is our responsibility to help them in the spreading of God’s Word. Jesus through his word also commands us to teach by stating, “Teach them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.” Therefore, this church is committed to the growth of each Christian individually, the Family and its Development, and the Youth and Children’s Growth and Development.

1.    Commitment to Personal Growth
2.    Commitment to Family Growth
3.    Commitment to Youth and Children’s Growth


Article 3: Doctrinal Statement
Section 1:     THE TRINITY- We believe in the one true God, omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent, eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Ghost (Spirit).  Scriptures:   Matthew 28:19, Romans 15:30, 2 Corinthians 13:14, 1 Peter 1:8, 1 John 5:7, Jude 1:21.

Section 2:    Jesus Christ- We believe in the Person of Jesus Christ, who was conceived of the Holy Spirit, Born of the Virgin Mary, and is 100 percent God and 100 percent Man. Scriptures: Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:23, Luke 1:35, Luke 8:39,  John 1:1-5;20-29, Acts 9:20, Romans 1:3-4, Philippians 1:6, Colossians 1:15-19. We also believe in His bodily resurrection, ascension, present intercession in Heaven and His pre-millennial, pre tribulation, and return for His Bride, The Church.  Scriptures: Matthew 24:3, 28:6, John 14:3, 14:9-11, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, Hebrews 7:25, 1 Timothy 2:5, 1 John 2:2, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Revelations 4:1.

Section 3:    Holy Spirit- We believe in the person of the Holy Spirit who indwells, seals, empowers, sanctifies, directs, teaches, convicts, and fills believers. Scriptures: John 14:16-26; 16:7-15, Romans 8:1-27, Ephesians 1:13-14.

Section 4:    The Scriptures (Bible)- We believe in the Scriptures of the Old Testament and New Testament as verbally inspired by God and inerrant and infallible in the original writings, the product of Spirit controlled men. In result the Scriptures are the supreme and final authority of all faith and life. Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 2:13, 2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:19-21; 3:2

Section 5:    Man- We believe that man was created in the image of God, but because of Adam’s fall, is now a completely depraved sinner by nature and choice, and thus is spiritually dead under just condemnation, without excuse. Scriptures: Genesis 2:17; 3:19, John 3:18-20, Romans 1:18-32; 3:9-20, 1 Corinthians 15:22, Ephesians 2:1-3; 12.

Section 6:    Salvation- We believe Jesus Christ’s substitutionary death provides the only means of salvation for mankind. All who receive him by faith alone without works are born again by the Spirit of God, pardoned of sin’s penalty, reconciled to God, given everlasting life and security forever. Scriptures: John 5:24;20:22, Acts 4:12;16:31, Romans 3:26-29;4:5-7; 5:1;8-10; 10:9-13, 2 Corinthians 5:18-21, Galatians 2:16, Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 3:4-6, Hebrews 11:6, 1 Peter 2:24, 1 John 2:2.

Section 7:    The Church- We believe that the church of God is made of all born again believers in Jesus Christ by the Spirit of God, and Baptized of Him into the Body of Christ. Scriptures: John 1:12-13, 1 Corinthians 12:13-31, Ephesians 1:22; 5:27, Hebrews 12:23

Section 8:    Church Ordinances- We believe there are two Ordinances of the Church (Baptism and Lord’s Supper).  Baptism is by Immersion only and is an outward display of an inward experience, which is a testimony portraying the believer’s identification and cleaning in Christ and resurrection to a new life. Scriptures:  Matthew 28:26-29; 3:13-17, Mark 16:16, Acts 8:36-39; 10:47, 18:8, Romans 6:3-5, Colossians 2:12, 1 Peter 3:2 We also believe that Jesus Christ himself instituted the Lord’s Supper to commemorate His Death until He returns. Scriptures: Matthew 26:26-29, Mark 14:22-25, Luke 22:19-21, 1 Corinthians 11:23-29.

Section 9:    Satan- We believe in the person of Satan, a fallen angel, who is the god of this world, the adversary of Christ and His Church, and that his destiny is eternal punishment. Scriptures: Isaiah 14:12-14, Job 2:1-7, Ezekiel 28:14-18, Matthew 4:1-11, John 8:44, 2 Corinthians 2:11; 4:4, Ephesians 6:11, Revelations 201-3;7-10  

Section 10:    The Second Coming of Jesus Christ- We believe in the pre-millennial, pre-tribulation return of Jesus Christ, therefore, we believe in the personal, imminent coming of our Lord for His Bride (Church), followed by a seven year tribulation period then the return of Christ and his Saints to conquer the Earth. When Christ returns with his saints he will set up his millennial Kingdom.  Scriptures: Luke 12:31-40, John 14:3, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:29, James 5:7-8, Matthew 25:31-46, Acts 1:11, Revelations 19:11-16; 10:6

Section 11:    Judgment- We believe man is accountable to God.  For the Christian, he is accountable for his life and works before the Judgment seat of Christ.  For the Christ-rejecting sinner, his life and works will be judged at the Great White Throne of Judgment. Scripture: Matthew 25: 14-30, Romans 2:14-15; 14:10, 1 Corinthians 3:12-15; 4:5, 2 Corinthians 5:10, Hebrews 10:27 Revelations 20:11-16; 21:8.

Section 12:    The Eternal Destiny of Man: We believe in the bodily resurrection of the just unto everlasting life in Heaven and the unsaved everlasting punishment in Hell. Scripture: Psalms 16:9-11, Isaiah 26:19, Daniel 12:2, Matthew 27:52-53, Luke 16:19-31; 10:35-36, John 5:28-29;6:39-44, Acts 24:15, Romans 8:11, 1 Corinthians 15, 2 Corinthians 4:14, 1 Thessalonians 4:14-16, Revelation 20:4-6; 13-14.

Section 13:  Human Sexuality and Truth Baptist Church Policy: Whereas, Truth Baptist Church affirms the Biblical ethic of compassion, love and ministry to all sexually broken persons and the availability of God's grace to all that repent (Luke 5:30-32, John 8:1-11, I Cor. 6:11); and, Whereas, Truth Baptist Church affirms heterosexual union for married persons and committed celibate behavior for unmarried persons as the only Biblical options for human sexual conduct  (Gen. 1:27, 2:24; I Thess. 4:3-8; Heb. 13:4 ); and, Whereas, Truth Baptist Church affirms that all alternative sexual activity outside of heterosexual marriage including homosexual/bisexual practices, adultery, fornication, bestiality, incest and pornography are sin (Lev. 18:1-30, 20:13; Lev. 20:13; Rom. 1:18-32;  I Cor. 5:1, 6:9-11; I Thes. 4:1-8; Heb. 13:4). THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that Truth Baptist Church shall support and provide resources for ministries to sexually broken people that express the grace and love of God; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Truth Baptist Church shall not recognize for ordination or recognize the preexisting license or ordination of any practicing adulterer, fornicator, gay/lesbian/bisexual persons or any person that affirms, endorses, and/or celebrates non-

Biblical sexual practices as stipulated above; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that neither Truth Baptist Church nor its facilities and resources shall be used to sanction or conduct any marriage or ceremony that violates the Biblical principles stipulated above.

Article 4: Church Covenant:
Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, 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, and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another as one body in Christ (Jn. 1:11-12; Mt. 28:19-20).
    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 and 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 of non-medical and destructive drugs and intoxicating drinks as a beverage, to shun pornography; and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the kingdom of our Savior.
    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 Christian courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation, and mindful of the rules of our Savior 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 .

    That these obligations outlined in this Covenant are all Scriptural may be seen as follows:
I. Salvation and Baptism (Jn. 1:11-12; Mt. 28:19-20).

II. Duties to the Church.
           To walk together in Christian love (Jn. 13:34-35)
    To strive for the advancement of the church and promote its prosperity and spirituality (Phil. 1:27; 2 Tim.2:15; 2 Cor. 7:1; 2 Pet. 3:11)
    To sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrine (Heb. 10:25; Mt. 28:19; 2 Cor. 11:23-26; Jude 3).
    To give it pre-eminence in my life (Mt. 6:33)
    To contribute cheerfully and regularly (1 Cor. 16:2; 2 Cor. 8:1-24).
    To transfer my membership when I move and be active in church work wherever I live (Acts 11:19-21; 18:24-28).

III.  Duties in Personal Christian Living.
           To maintain family and secret devotions (1 Thess. 5:17-18; Acts 17:11).
    To religiously educate the children (2 Tim. 3:15; Dt. 6:4-7; Psa. 78:5-7; 48:13).
    To seek the salvation of the lost (Acts 1:8; Mt. 4:19; Psa. 126:5-6; Prov. 11:30)
    To walk circumspectly in the world, to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements,  and exemplary in our deportment (Eph. 5:15; Phil. 2:14-15; 1 Pet. 2:11-12)
    To avoid gossip and excessive anger (Eph. 4:31; 1 Pet. 2:21; Col. 3:8; Jas. 3:1f).
    To abstain from the sale or use of alcoholic beverages and non-medical drugs. (Eph. 5:18; Hab. 2:15)
           To be zealous in our efforts for Christ (Tit. 2:14).

IV.  Duties to Fellow Church Members.
           To watch over one another in love (1 Pet. 1:22).
    To pray for one another (Jas. 5:16).
    To aid in sickness and distress (Gal. 6:2; Jas. 2:1417).
    To cultivate sympathy and courtesy (1 Pet. 3:8)
    To be slow to take offense, always ready for reconciliation (Eph. 4:30-32).

Article 5: Government:
    This Church is established as a represented democracy. The body of the church will operate under recommendation of the Board (Pastors, Deacons, and Trustees) which is under the Leadership of the Senior Pastor. We believe that the Church is to operate under the vision of God, believing Proverbs 29:18, “where (there is) no vision the people perish.” We believe that God passes this vision to the church through the Pastor. In so believing that, Truth Baptist Church operate under Pastoral Authority, whereas we believe God will led the Church through his leaders, under the advisement of the Church appointed board.

Article 6: Statement of Faith and Policy:
Statement of Faith:
    God's word is the foundation of everything we believe as a church. Though some say it is out of date and too "old- fashioned”, we still believe in the inerrancy and inspiration of God's word. We firmly stand upon every word of the King James Bible.
    At Truth, we preach Jesus. Whether it is in a song or in a sermon, it is all about Jesus! We believe that He is the one true Messiah, the Son of God, born of a virgin, lived a perfect sinless life, died for as a sacrifice for our sin, resurrected, is alive today, and is coming back soon! Jesus said in John 14:6: "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." We believe Jesus is the ONLY way to Heaven. He is indeed the one true Savior of the world. We also believe that every member within the church needs to “seek ye first the Kingdom of God.”