Philadelphia
Baptist Church
Decatur , Alabama
History
Of Philadelphia Baptist Church - Decatur , Alabama :
Organized
March 24, 1984 By Authority Of Philadelphia Baptist Church
Birmingham. Alabama - E. G. Cook Pastor
Articles
Of Faith
Constitution
And Bylaws
ARTICLES
OF FAITH
I. OF THE SCRIPTURES:
We believe the Bible as originally written was verbally inspired. By
that
we mean that the men who wrote the original Bible were under, not just
Holy Spirit guidance, but Holy Spirit control. We believe these men
were
under the control of the Holy Spirit to the extent that the words which
they wrote in the original manuscripts were actually God's own words,
and
that He assumes all responsibility for these words as much as if He
were
to stand before us bodily and speak them with His own lips. II
Timothy
3:16-I7, 2 Peter 1:19-21 Matthew 4:4, Isaiah 1:10, 51:15-16, 59:21 .
Therefore, we reject the teaching that God inspired these men
with
the thought and left it to them to clothe the thought in their own
words.
We further believe that everything pertaining to spiritual things of
any
nature can only be justified by the Word.
II. OF THE TRUE GOD:
We believe there is but one true and living God consisting of three
persons:
the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Matthew 3:16-17, 28:19-20 .
That He created the heaven and the earth, Genesis 1:1, that He created
man, Genesis 1:26, Mark 10:6 . That He made all things that
were
ever made, John 1:3. That the three persons of the God-head, though
equal
in every Divine perfection, perform different functions. That the Holy
Spirit is as much God as the Father or the Son are God.
III. OF SATAN:
We believe that Satan is a person, and not just an evil influence. That
he is the original source of all evil. That he is the prince, or ruler
of the power of the air, Ephesians 2:2, and the god of this world who
blinds
the mind of unbelievers, II Corinthians 4:4. I Peter 5:8 .
IV. OF THE FALL OF MAN:
We believe that Adam was created in the image of God, that he was
sinless
and innocent under the law of his creator, that he voluntarily sinned
of
his own free will, I Timothy 2:14 . That no other man has ever
since
that time been able to exercise his free will in the sense that Adam
did.
That because of Adam's sin all of his offspring are born in sin with a
totally depraved nature, Jeremiah 17:9 , Romans 3:9-I 8 .
That they are not only sinners by nature, but by practice as well. That
this puts them under the just condemnation of God without any excuse, Romans
1:20 . They are dead in trespasses and sins, Ephesians 2:1 .
V. OF THE VIRGIN BIRTH:
We believe that Jesus Christ was begotten of the Holy Spirit and
conceived
in the womb of the virgin Mary, Luke 1:35, Isaiah 7:14 . That
He
was the only person ever born into this world who was able to choose
the
woman that was to be His mother. Luke 1:30-31 , the time of
His
birth, Galatians 4:4 , and the place of His birth, Psalm
132:5-6
,
Micah
5:2 . We reject any and all teaching contrary to the Virgin Birth
as
heresy promulgated by an infidel whether he admits being an infidel or
whether he stands in a Baptist pulpit, or sits in a Baptist professor's
chair.
VI. OF THE ATONEMENT:
We believe the sinner's sins can be atoned for only by our Lord, Acts
4:12 , and that it is by grace from beginning to end, Ephesians
2:8 . That no lost person even desires to atone for his sins, and
if
he could desire to do so he does not have the ability to do it. That no
saved person, though he may desire ever so much to atone for the sins
of
the lost, has the power to do it, Acts 15:11, Romans 3:24 , John
3:16 .
VII. OF SALVATION:
We believe that our salvation is wholly and solely in, of and by the
person
of the Lord Jesus Christ, Ephesians I :6 , That good works
have
absolutely no part in obtaining, or in keeping our salvation, Ephesians
2:9 . That repentance is not an attitude toward, nor is it
concerning.
sin. That the Greek word METANOIO which is translated repentance simply
means a change of mind. Our repentance is from dead works (the only
kind
a lost person has), Hebrews 6:1 . That it is toward God, Acts
20:21 , and it is a gift of God, II Timothy 2:25 . That
the
faith which we must have before we can believe is also a gift of God, Ephesians
2:8 . That in the light of all this, the lost, spiritually dead
sinner
is wholly unable to change his mind about God, to believe in Him, or to
even desire to do so until God gives him the desire, Philippians
2:13
.
There is no new birth apart from the Word of God, I Peter 1:23-25
,
and the workings of the Holy Spirit, II Thessalonians 2:13-14
.
VIII. OF THE CHURCH:
We believe a church is a local assembly of Scripturally baptized saints
joined together for the edification of the saints, and for the
propagation
of the gospel at home and abroad. That the sole head of the church is
Jesus
Christ, and her marching orders is the New Testament. That the officers
of the church are pastor and deacons. That since the Greek word
ECCLESIA
which our Lord and others used when talking about what we call a
church means local assembly, and since it has always meant a local
assembly,
we therefore reject and abhor any teaching that relates to the
universal
invisible church, or any modification of it. We further believe that
independent
Baptist churches who are of like doctrinal conviction can and should
cooperate.
But we hold that the cooperation should at all times be under the
strict
control of the cooperating church. We reject, and refuse to unionize
with
those who have different doctrinal conviction from that held by this
church.
IX. OF THE ORDINANCES:
We believe there are two, and only two church ordinances. These we hold
to be baptism and the Lord's Supper. Since the Greek word BAPTIZO has
always
meant, and still does mean to immerse, we believe there is no
scriptural
baptism other than immersion. And in order for this immersion to be
Scriptural
it must be administered upon the authority of Scriptural New Testament
church which has received its authority from another Scriptural New
Testament
church. Therefore, we heartily reject any and all alien immersion. We
further
reject and abhor the teaching of a Holy Spirit baptism as heresy of the
most damaging sort since it tears down all church truth. We believe the
Lord's Supper is the commemoration of our Lord's death until He comes.
And since it is the Lord's Supper we hold that no one, not even the
church
herself has any right, or authority to invite anyone to partake. We
further
believe that no one except the members of the individual church should
participate and they only after a solemn self examination. We believe
that
Scriptural immersion can only follow salvation, Acts 10:47 ,
and
that the Lord's Supper can only follow Scriptural immersion. We hold
the
Scriptural elements of the Lord's Supper to be unleavened bread and
fermented
wine.
X. OF THE SECURITY CE THE SAINTS:
We believe that a born again person has an eternal life that is
indestructible,
not only in this life, but throughout the ceaseless ages of eternity as
well. Therefore, he is safe and secure for all time and eternity, I
Peter 1:15 , John 10:28 , Romans 8:38-39 .
XI. OF THE RESURRECTION:
We believe in a bodily resurrection for all, both the righteous, I
Thessalonians
4:16 , and the wicked, Revelation 20:5 . That the
righteous
will be raised and raptured before the great tribulation comes upon the
earth, Revelation 3:10 . And that the wicked will be raised
before
the great white throne a thousand years later, Revelation 20:5-12 .
Therefore, we reject all teaching contrary to the pre millennial return
of our Lord, and therefore we must reject all such teaching as
post-millennialism
and a-millennialism.
XII. OF THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD:
We believe in the absolute sovereignty of God in all things, including
our salvation. By this we mean that God does absolutely as He pleases.
That He does it when He pleases, how He pleases, and why He pleases, Daniel
4:35 , Isaiah 14:24 . We believe that He elects some of
Adam's
race to be saved, Ephesians 1:3, and that apart from that election no
one
would be saved, John 5:40, 6:44 . But that everyone whom He
has
elected, or chosen before the foundation of the world will be saved, John
6:37 , Romans 9:11-12 , and that because He assumes the
responsibility
for their salvation, John 5:21 . We reject all teaching that
is
contrary to God's absolute sovereignty in all things.
XIII. CHURCH DISCIPLINE:
We believe that when a member of this church is guilty of holding to,
or
teaching a doctrine that is contrary to our articles of faith, or of
immoral
conduct, or of sowing discord among the brethren, that church
discipline
is absolutely essential to a normal, healthy church. That for the
church to fail to discipline such a one is to displease our Lord, and
to
bring heartache and distress to His church. I Corinthians 5:1-7 .
Return To Index
CONSTITUTION
AND BYLAWS
PREAMBLE:
We, the born-again members of this church, do hereby establish and
adopt
the following articles as the constitution to which we and all
subsequent
members do voluntarily submit ourselves.
NAME:
The name of this church, which is located in Decatur , Alabama, shall
be
Philadelphia Baptist Church.
PURPOSE:
This church is committed to the declaration of all the council of God (
Acts
20:27 ) and to worship the triune God in spirit and in truth ( John
4:24 ) by continuing to steadfastly assemble ourselves together ( Hebrews
10:25 ) under the bylaws of this constitution which we believe to
be
according to New Testament pattern ( Matthew 16:18 ) in order
that
the lost might be evangelized ( Matthew 28:18-20 ), the saved
edified
( Ephesians 4:12 ), and the Lord exalted ( Ephesians 3:21 ).
MEMBERSHIP:
Anyone professing faith in the Godman, Jesus Christ as their personal
Lord
and Saviour, giving evidence of a changed heart and declaring
themselves
in accord with the principles and practices of this assembly may become
a candidate for membership.
Be resolved that membership in this assembly may be gained in three
ways.
I. Gaining membership: We will add to our membership those who:
1.) Profess faith in Christ and come for scriptural baptism.
2.) Come by letter form a church of like faith and order.
3.) Come by a statement that they are saved and scripturally
baptized,
but that it is impossible or
impractical to secure a letter.
Note: One coming by statement must be for a reason acceptable to
this
assembly and can by no
means be accepted if scripturally disciplined from a sister church.
II. Losing membership: We will from our membership those who:
1.) Die and go to be with our Lord.
2.) Are dismissed by a letter of good standing to a Baptist church
of like faith and order in another locality.
3.) Are disciplined for doctrinal or moral apostasy.
OFFICERS:
This assembly , as organized under the bylaws of this constitution, may
elect from its membership the following officers for the purpose of
facilitating
business activities, acquiring and holding real estate, and handling
financial
records and correspondence.
I. Pastor: The Pastor is the ordained overseer and undershepard
of
the assembly. His qualification are recorded in I Timothy 3:17 and
Titus
1:1-9 . He shall act as moderator in the business meetings. In his
absence, any other brother may be appointed temporary moderator by a
simple
majority vote of the assembly.
II. Deacons: The deacons are officially recognized servants of
the
church ( Acts 6:1-7 and I Timothy 3:8-10 ). They may
be appointed
as the need arises and publicly ordained to fulfill their offices in
caring
for the outward needs of the Pastor and the membership, the material
interests
and secular things of the church and to assist the spiritual unity and
growth of the flock.
Note: The office term of Pastor and Deacon shall be indefinite
and
all other officers shall be reviewed and ratified annually.
III. Trustee: The church incorporated shall appoint trustees
required
by the law to act on behalf of the assembly in legal matters. They do
not
have to be deacon, and they shall in no way have authority to dispose
of
property in any manner except as the church shall order by corporate
act.
IV. Treasurer: The treasurer is to receive all moneys of
the
church, to keep a true and fair record of the accounts and to make full
report to the church as directed by the church.
V. Clerk: The clerk shall keep a fair and complete record of all
proceedings, have charge of all records, keep a register of all members
of the church, and write letters of dismissal when called for.
VI. Other: Other officers may be elected as the church feels led
of the Holy Spirit to do so, such as Sunday school teachers, etc..
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, disciplines and doctrines; to find 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 abstain from
the
sale and use of intoxicating drinks as beverages, 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.
GOVERNMENT
AND
OPERATION
Though not bound by iron clad parliamentary law, all business meetings
whether routine or special shall be conducted decently and in order
with
Christian love and courtesy ( I Corinthians 14:40 )
I. Regular Meetings: The regular meetings of the church will be
sufficient
for both purpose of worship and business. The man is to fill the spot
of
leadership in the public assembly, the woman being subject to the man,
according to the divine order ( Ephesians 5:23-24 , Genesis
3:16
).
It is therefore the responsibility of the man and not the woman to do
the
praying and speaking in the assembly (I Corinthians 14:34-35
, I
Timothy 2:11-14 ). The symbol displayed by the woman in Godly
submission
to her head is a head covering which is worn voluntarily symbolizing
her
subjection( I Corinthians 11:3-16 ).
II. Special Meetings: One special meeting must be held by the church
(incorporated)
annually for the purpose of electing and verifying her legal trustees.
Public notice must be given at the Lord's day worship service at least
one week prior to a special meeting stating its purpose. A special
meeting
must be called by the assembly for the amending of this constitution of
for the calling or dismissing of a Pastor.
III. Procedure of Business: The suggested guidelines for all business
meetings
is as follows:
1. Call to order by moderator.
2. Minutes of the last meeting to be read, corrected or approved as
read.
3. Financial report read, corrected or approved.
4. Unfinished business
5. Correspondence
6. New business
7. Adjourn
IV. Rule of Decorum:
1.) Prayer is always in order prior to the moderator's call to order,
and
he decides on all votes and rules of order.
2.) No question shall be discussed without a motion and a second.
3.) No one is to speak unless recognized by the moderator and only
members
may vote, but not by proxy.
4.) Any male member may stand and, when recognized by the moderator,
may
submit his question or motion.
5.) When two members arise to speak at the same time, preference shall
be given to the one farthest from the moderator.
6.) If any member does not understand a proposition to be voted on, any
male member may ask a question for clarification at any time.
7.) All remarks must be confined in a Christian manner to the matter at
hand or be ruled out of order.
8.) The majority of the vote settles the question.
9.) To reconsider a motion that has passed, someone who voted for it
must
make the motion to reconsider.
10.) A motion and a second to adjourn is not debatable and is always in
order except when someone is speaking or a vote is being taken.
11.) No business meeting shall be held when the Pastor is absent,
unless
with his consent, and an appointed arbitrator by the church.
V. Finances:
Both the Old Testament and the New Testament teach tithing as God's
financial
plan for the work of the ministry. Therefore, we shall depend solely
upon
Him, and wait upon the faithfulness of the saints for the financial
support
of this church in the God ordained manner ( Genesis 14:20 &
28
;
Leviticus
27:30 ; Numbers 18:21 ; Deuteronomy 12:6
;
II Corinthians
31:5 ; Malachi 3:10 ; Luke 21:1-4
;
Acts 4:34-35 ;
II
Corinthians 8:2 , 9:6-8 ;
I Corinthians 16:2 ).
Return To Index
Return
To PBC Home