What Makes Baptists Distinct?

- Part 2
Sunday Bulletin
Memorial Day Wekkend, 2011
In last Sunday’s bulletin, we noted that Baptists
believe in Bible authority. Now we see the
Baptist distinctives regarding the church. We
believe the church is a special place—a local,
Two offices: Scripture only mentions two church
offices—pastor (also referred to as elder or
bishop) and deacon (I Timothy 3:1–13). These
two offices are to be filled by godly men in each
called-out body of born-again believers, local church. Once again, we see no hierarchical
belonging to the Lord (Acts 20:29). structure of outside authority even suggested in
Scripture.
The autonomy of the local church: The
autonomy of the local church is a major Two ordinances: Christ instructed His disciples
distinction for Baptists. We believe that every to practice both baptism and communion
local church is self-governing, independent of a (Matthew 28:19; Matthew 26:26–28; I
hierarch ical framework or outside Corinthians 11). Both of these are ordinances
The New Testament Baptist Church, 437 N. Duffy Road, Butler, Pennsylvania 16001

governmental structure. Each church is commanded to be administered by the church

responsible to run its own affairs in accordance and are for believers only. They cannot redeem
to the Word of God, the Holy Spirit, and the us, but they are practiced by the redeemed. They
human leadership God has given each identify us with the church body and are part of
congregation. our fellowship through Christ in the body.

Separation of church and state: God ordained
the institution of human government and
established the church, yet each has a separate
purpose (Matthew 22:21). Government has the
responsibility to protect innocent citizens and
punish evil doers (Romans 13:1, 6). It was
never ordained to dictate spiritual direction or
control those who do not believe as we do. The
church, on the other hand, was commissioned
to take the Gospel into the world and not to
govern nations (Matthew 28:19–20; Acts 5:27–
30).
Foxe’s Book of Martyrs tells of many who were
persecuted and killed for the very truths listed
above. They were not martyred for civil crimes
against the state, but simply for preaching
salvation through Christ alone, which was
contrary to state church teachings.
John Rogers, William Tyndale, John Bradford,
John Leaf, Anne Askew, and millions of others
believed the authority of God’s Word so strongly
that they were willing to die for its truths. Their
sacrifices stand as a stirring reminder to the
importance of Biblical Baptist distinctives.

The Deacon Pensacola Christian College

of the Local Church
Wednesdays at 7 PM
In preparation for our
upcoming deacon election,
our Pastor will be teaching
The
Sunday, June 5 at 7 PM
Our church will host a singing group from Pensacola Christian
College on Sunday evening, June 5. The teenagers are
encouraged to join the singing group for food & fellowship
after the Sunday evening service at CiCi’s.

on the Biblical reason, role,

requirements, and rewards Open House
of the local church deacon. Saturday, June 25
These are informative Our church family is invited to the
lessons from the Bible that Pastor’s new home at 108 Belleshire
our membership must hear. Drive in Center Township from 5-7 PM.
Volume 11, Issue 22

First-time visitors are asked to stop by our Welcome Center for a gift.
Welcome to New Testament Baptist Church! We are so excited that you are taking the
time to contemplate eternal matters with us. Thank you for your interest. We trust that
the singing, preaching, and fellowship with our people will be a blessing to you.

Visit us at www.VisitNTBC.com Church Phone Number: 724.282.2494

VOLUME 11, ISSUE 22 PAGE 2

Free
Sponsor a Teen for
Teen Camp
Nursery & Mt. Salem Revival Grounds

Childcare $200/teen

Out of respect for your loved ones and those

in attendance, we ask parents to use our Church Family Picnic
clean & well-equipped nursery. Please avail
us the opportunity to serve! Carousel Shelter at Alameda Park

This free service is available for newborns Saturday, July 2, 3 PM-6 PM

and infants (birth through 24 months).
All of our volunteers have passed a
background check with the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania.
Sunday School: Renea Holt
Sunday AM: Amber Eury
AM Rockin’ Grandma: Mrs. Robertson
Sunday PM: Denise Masters
Wednesday PM: Mrs. Waterhouse
Our church family is invited to the New Testament
Baptist Church 4th of July picnic. There is no charge for
this activity, but each family is asked to bring a side
dish and dessert to share with others. A singing group
from Golden State Baptist College will be singing for us.
Powerhouse Youth Rally
In Natrona Heights, PA
Saturday, June 4th
7:45 AM—7:00 PM
Bring money for food & concessions

In the spirit of worship and as an act of courtesy, please do NOT

bring soft drinks or bottled water into the Auditorium.

Cellular devices should be turned off or placed in vibrate mode.

Where Will I Spend Eternity?

Your relationship to Jesus Christ is central to the answer to that question.
We are, by nature, sinners who stand guilty and condemned before our Creator and
Judge. In our thoughts and actions, we have disobeyed His perfect standards. We
are sinners (Romans 3:10, 23).
We are helpless to save ourselves. Forgiveness is a gift to be received, not a reward
that can be earned. We need a Saviour (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Because of His love for us, God provided salvation through His Son, Jesus. He
became a member of the human family, lived without sin, and died on the cross to
pay for our sins. Jesus is the Saviour (Romans 5:8; John 3:16).
Salvation is an individual matter and requires a personal response on the part of
anyone that wants to be saved. All who acknowledge their sin and place their trust
in Christ are adopted as God’s children (Romans 10:9, 13).