Articles of Faith
Section 1 - Of the Scriptures
We believe that the Holy Bible as originally written was verbally inspired and the product of Spirit-controlled men, and therefore, has truth without admixture of error for its matter. We believe the Bible to be the true center of Christian union and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds and opinions, shall be tried. The existence, purpose, and function of Faith Baptist Church of Iowa City is founded and directed by truth set forth in the Bible. 2 Timothy 3:16;
2 Peter 1:19-21.
Section 2 - Of the True God
We believe there is one and only one living and true God, an infinite Spirit, the Maker and Supreme Ruler of heaven and earth; inexpressibly glorious in holiness, and worthy of all possible honor, confidence and love; that in the unity of the Godhead there are three persons, the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, equal in every divine perfection, and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption. Exodus 20:2, 3; I Corinthians 8:6; Revelation 4:11;
I John 5:7.
Section 3 - Of the Person and Work of Christ
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, became Man without ceasing to be God. God the Son was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary in order that He might reveal God and redeem sinful men. He is the one and only God-Man. Matthew 1:18-25; 14; Luke 1:35; John 1:1-4
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ died on the cross for all mankind as a representative, substitutionary sacrifice and that the sufficiency of this sacrifice is assured by His literal, physical resurrection from the dead. Romans 3:24-25; Ephesians 1:7; Hebrews 2:9; 1 Peter 1:3-5
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ ascended to heaven and is now exalted at the right hand of God, where, as our High Priest, He fulfills the ministry of Representative, Intercessor, and Advocate.
Acts 1:9-10; Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25, 9:24; 1 John 2:1-2
Section 4 - Of the Holy Spirit
We believe that the Holy Spirit is a divine person, equal with God the Father and God the Son and of the same nature; that He was active in the creation; that in His relation to the unbelieving world he restrains the evil one until God’s purpose is fulfilled; that He convicts of sin, of righteous, and of judgment; that he bears witness to the truth of the Gospel in preaching and testimony; that He is the agent in the new birth; that He seals, endues, guides, teaches, witnesses, sanctifies and helps the believer. John 14:16,17; Matthew 28:19; Hebrews 9:14; John 14:26; Luke 1:35; Genesis 1:1-3; John 16:8-11; Acts 5:30-32; John 3:5,6; Ephesians 1:13,14; Mark 1:8; John 1:33; Acts 11:16; Luke 24:49; Romans 8:14; Romans 8:16;; Romans 8:26,27.
Section 5 - Of the Devil, Or Satan
We believe in the personality of Satan, that he is the unholy god of this age, and the author of all the powers of darkness, and is destined to the judgment of an eternal justice in the lake of fire. Matthew 4:1-3;
2 Corinthians 4:4; Revelation 20:10.
Section 6 - Of Creation
We accept the Genesis account of creation and believe that man came by direct creation of God and not by evolution. Genesis 1 & 2; Colossians 1:16, 17; John 1:3.
Section 7 - Of the fall of Man
We believe that man was created in innocence under the law of his Maker, but by voluntary transgression fell from his sinless and happy state in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners, not only by constraint, but by choice; and therefore under just condemnation without defense or excuse. Genesis 3:1-6, 24; Romans 5:19; Romans 5:12; Romans 5:10-19; Romans 1:18; Romans 1:32.
Section 8 - Of the Atonement for Sin
We believe that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace; through the mediatorial offices of the Son of God, who by the appointment of the Father, freely took upon Him our nature, yet without sin, honored the divine law by His personal obedience, and by His death made a full and vicarious atonement for our sins; that His atonement consisted not in setting us an example by His death as a martyr, but was a voluntary substitution of Himself in the sinner’s place, the Just dying for the unjust; Christ, the Lord, bearing our sin in His own body on the tree, that having risen from the dead, He is now enthroned in heaven, and uniting in His wonderful person the tenderest sympathies with divine perfection, He is in every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate and an all-sufficient Savior. Ephesians 2:8; Acts 15:11; Romans 3:24; John 3:16; Matthew 18:11; Philippians 2:7; Hebrews 2:14; Isaiah 53:4-7; Romans 3:25; 1 John 4:10; I Corinthians 15:3; 2 Corinthians 5:21.
Section 9 - Of Grace in the New Creation
We believe that in order to be saved, sinners must be born again; that the new birth is a new creation in Christ Jesus; that it is instantaneous and not a process; that in the new birth the one dead in
trespasses and in sins is made a partaker of the divine nature and
receives eternal life, the free gift of God; that the new creation is brought about in a manner above our comprehension, solely by the power of the Holy Spirit in connection with proper evidence, and appears in the holy fruits of repentance and faith and newness of life. John 3:3;
2 Corinthians 5:17; I John 5:1; John 3:6; Acts 16:30-33; 2 Peter 1:4; Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:1; 2 Corinthians 5:19; Colossians 2:13;
John 3:8.
Section 10 - Of Justification
We believe that the great gospel blessing which Christ secures to such as believe in Him is Justification; (a) that Justification includes the pardon of sin, and the gift of eternal life, on principles of righteous-ness; (b) that it is bestowed not in consideration of any works of righteousness which we have done; but solely through faith in the redeemer’s blood, His righteousness is imputed to us. Acts 13:39; Isaiah 53:11; Zechariah 13:1; Romans 8:1 Romans 5:9; Romans 5:1.
Section 11 - Of Faith and Salvation
We believe that faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the only condition of salvation. Acts16:31.
Section 12 - Of The Church, The Body of Christ
We believe in the unity of all true believers in the Church, which is the body of Christ. I Corinthians 12:27; Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 1:21-23.
Section 13- Of The Local Church
We believe that a local church is a congregation of immersed believers, associated by covenant of faith and fellowship of the Gospel; observing the ordinances of Christ; governed by His laws; and exercising the gifts, rights and privileges invested in them by His Word; that its officers are pastors and deacons, whose qualifications, claims, and duties, are clearly defined in the Scripture. We believe the true mission of the church is the faithful witnessing of Christ to all men as we have opportunity. We hold that the local church has the absolute right of self-government free from the interference of any hierarchy of individuals or organizations; that the one and only superintendent is Christ through the Holy Spirit; that it is scriptural for true churches to cooperate with each other in contending for the faith and for the furtherance of the Gospel; that each local church is the sole judge of the measure and method of its cooperation; on all matters of membership, of polity, of government, of discipline, of benevolence, the will of the local church is final. Acts 2:41, 42; I Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 1:22, 23; Ephesians 4:11, Acts 20:17-28; I Timothy 3:1-7; Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 5:23, 24; Acts 15:13-18.
Section 14 - Of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper
We believe that Christian Baptism is the immersion of a believer in water to show forth in a solemn and beautiful emblem our faith in the crucified, buried and risen Savior, with its effect in our death to sin and resurrection to a new life, that it is prerequisite to the privileges of a church relation. We believe that the Lord’s Supper is the com-memo ration of His death until he comes, and should be preceded always by solemn self-examination. Acts 8:26-39; John 3:23; Romans 6:3-5; Matthew 3:16; Colossians 2:12; I Corinthians 11:23-28.
Section 15 - Of the Security of the Saints
We believe that all that are truly born again are kept by God the Father for Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6; John 10:28, 29; Romans 8:35-39; Jude 1.
Section 16 - Of the Righteous and the Wicked
We believe that there is a radical and essential difference be-tween the righteous and the wicked: that such only as through faith are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and sanctified by the Spirit of our God, are truly righteous in His esteem; while all such as continue in impenitence and unbelief are in His sight wicked, and under the curse; and this distinction holds among men both in and after death, in the ever-lasting felicity of the saved and the everlasting conscious suffering of the lost. Malachi 3:18; Genesis 18:23; Romans 6:17, 18; I John 5:19; Romans 7:6; Romans 6:23; Proverbs 14:32; Luke 6:25; Matthew 25:34-41; John 8:21.
Section 17 - Of Civil Government
We believe that civil government is of divine appointment for the interests and good order of human society; that magistrates are to be prayed for, conscientiously honored and obeyed; except in things op-posed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ who is the only Lord of the conscience, and the coming Prince of the Kings of the earth. Romans 13:1-7; 2 Samuel 23:3; Exodus 18:21, 22; Acts 23:5; Matthew 22:21; Acts 5:20; Acts 4:19, 20; Daniel 3:17, 18.
Section 18 – Of Last Things
We believe in the sovereign selection of Israel as God's eternal covenant people. Israel has a distinct and special future in God's redemptive plan. The promises that God made to Israel have not and cannot be nullified or re-appointed to any other group including the Church. The Abrahamic, Palestinian, Davidic, and New Covenant promises will be fulfilled as promised to Israel. All believing Israel will be saved at Christ’s second coming. Israel and the church are separate and distinct in the plan of God. Genesis 15:1-21; 17:4-8, 13, 19; 22:18; Deuteronomy 29-30; 1 Chronicles 17:1-15; Jeremiah 31:31-34; Romans 11
We believe in the pre-tribulation rapture of the Church. The rapture will occur imminently and unexpectedly at the end of the Church Age preceding the seven-year Tribulation. When Christ comes, He will resurrect and glorify the dead who believe in Him and will glorify the living who believe in Him. All the Church, both dead and alive, will be instantly caught up to meet Jesus Christ in the air and will be with Him forever. Revelation 6–19; 1 Thessalonians 4:13–5:2; Titus 2:13
We believe in the literal seven-year Tribulation. This period will occur immediately before Jesus Christ returns to earth in glory. During the Tribulation God will primarily focus His redemptive work on the ethnic nation of Israel bringing many Jews to faith in Jesus Christ. Daniel 9:27; Matthew 24; Revelation 6–19; Romans 11:25-27; Hosea 3:5; Zechariah 14:4, 9; Acts 1:11
We believe Jesus Christ will return again to earth in great glory. He will return physically and bodily to the Mount of Olives. At this time He will judge the nations, bind Satan, slay the wicked and rescue the righteous who believe in Him. At this time Christ will set up His literal earthly kingdom and reign from Jerusalem on the throne of David over the entire world for one thousand years. Matthew 25:31-34; Revelation 20:1-2; Isaiah 2:2-4; Micah 4:1-4; Zechariah 14:3-4; Acts 1:9-12; Revelation 19:11-16; 20:1-7
Section 19 - Of Marriage and Human Sexuality
We believe that marriage is the original and foundational institution of human society, established by God as a one-flesh, covenantal union between one man and one woman that is life-long, monogamous, and faithful. It is to reflect the relationship between Jesus Christ and His church. [Genesis 1-2, Ephesians 5:22-33]
We believe that God created human beings as male and female. The complementary nature of the human race as male and female reflects the created order given by God when He made human beings in His own image. Gender is manifested by God at conception and formed by God in the womb [Psalm 139:13-14]. It is with joy that we receive the gift of being either male or female as manifested at birth. Genesis 1:26-27; 5:1-2
We believe that sexual intimacy is to be expressed only within the bonds of a Biblically defined marriage and any other form of marriage or sexual intimacy is immoral and a perversion of God’s gracious will. We believe that any form of sexual immorality, including, but not limited to, adultery, fornication, homosexuality, bisexual conduct, incest, polygamy, bestiality or any attempt to change one’s gender or disagreement with one’s biological gender is sinful and offensive to God. Genesis 2:18-25; Matthew 19:4-6; Romans 1:22-32; 1 Corinthians 6:9, 18-20; Hebrews 13:4
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 Spirit, 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.
We purpose , 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 support faithfully through time, talent and spiritual abilities its worship, ordinances, discipline, doctrines and ministries; 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 purpose to maintain family and private devotions; to train our children according to the Word of God; 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 an example in our conduct; to avoid all gossip, backbiting, and excessive anger; to abstain from all forms of activity which dishonor our Lord Jesus Christ, cause stumbling to a fellow believer, or hinder the sharing of the Gospel, and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the kingdom of our Savior.
We further purpose 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 Savior, to seek it without delay.
We moreover purpose that, when we remove from this place, we will as soon as possible unite with some other church of like faith where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God’s Word. In the event there is no such church, we shall seek, with the Lord’s help, to establish one.
Wedding Policy
INTRODUCTION
The joining of a man and woman in marriage is the foundation of God’s plan for His people and His world. Christians should marry in the Lord. It is fitting that the local church be involved in the whole process. To assist you in planning your wedding the church leadership has developed and adopted the policies and guidelines that follow.
POLICY FOUNDATIONS
The purpose of this wedding policy is to answer questions, eliminate confusion and give clear direction to those who seek to be married under the guidance and authority of Faith Baptist Church pastoral staff. The following directives will form a foundation for this policy and will guide the pastoral staff and prospective marriage participants.
Marriage is ordained by God and all ceremonies will be God-centered in word and deed [Genesis 2:17; 1 Corinthians 10:31].
Marriage is the covenant act of one man and one woman uniting together as husband and wife [Genesis 1:27; 2:22-25]. By “man” and “woman” we refer to that gender manifested by God at conception and formed by God in the womb and revealed by God at birth. Marriage between a man and woman is declared in Scripture to create a “one-flesh” union [Genesis 2:23-24; Matthew 19:5], which in turn signifies the union between Christ and His Church [Ephesians 5:22-33].
Based on the revealed truths of the Bible, God’s Word and as stated above in “section b” – Faith Baptist Church accepts the Biblical definition of marriage and excludes all others. Faith Baptist Church will not allow, recognize, participate in or support any other concept or definition of marriage. Any relationship between two entities other than one man and one woman in a claimed marriage is contrary to God’s Word and our articles of faith.
The pastoral staff and facilities of Faith Baptist Church will be used for the wedding ceremonies of those who have placed their faith for salvation in Jesus Christ alone. The pastoral staff will officiate at marriages of believers to believers [1 Corinthians 7:39; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18].
No pastor or member of the church staff shall officiate at any ceremony designed to solemnize, promote, create, or approve a same sex-union or a polygamist union or any union which is inconsistent with our beliefs.
Any pastor involved in a wedding ceremony must be in agreement with the Articles of Faith of Faith Baptist Church with permission by Faith Baptist pastoral staff. Required counseling outside of Faith Baptist Church must be approved by pastoral staff.
The pastoral staff will humbly and compassionately work through with prospective marriage participants any issue that may impact a prospective marriage. To eliminate confusion the pastoral staff will not participate nor the facilities be used for marriages involving divorced participants.
PRE-COUNSELING PERSPECTIVES
All couples desiring marriage will arrange a time with a Faith Baptist Church pastor who will share pre-counseling perspectives for marriage. This pre-counseling meeting will determine if pastors at Faith Baptist Church will be involved in the marriage process. This pre-session will also describe the pre-marital counseling requirements. If requirements are met and agreed upon – the couple will submit an application to be married at the church.
APPLICATION TO BE MARRIED AT THE CHURCH
At least four (4) months and preferably six (6) months prior to the wedding date - an “Application to be Married at the Church” form is to be secured at the church. It is important to make application as early as possible to reserve your chosen date on the church calendar and allow adequate time for counseling. Under special circumstances and needs this time requirement may be waived with permission by a pastor.
FACILITIES
The facilities of Faith Baptist Church can be used for weddings by couples who are members, children of members and those approved by Pastors/Deacons. These couples must complete a pre-marital preparation program provided or approved by our pastoral staff.
Couples not connected with Faith Baptist Church who receive permission to use the facility must be sponsored by an active member. This member will be the liaison between church staff and the couple for any facility needs, questions, concerns and responsibilities.
The church facility or property shall not be used by any person or group that advance, advocate, or engage in practices that contradict the purpose of Faith Baptist Church.
(Facilities) Auditorium
The auditorium of Faith Baptist Church will seat approximately 240 people.
The auditorium of the church may be decorated for the wedding.
No decorations that will leave marks, holes or coloring on walls or furniture will be used.
All decorations are to be removed from the auditorium following the wedding ceremony.
The auditorium will be restored to use before the next scheduled church service.
The wedding couple is responsible for making arrangements for set up, decorations, clean-up and restoration for use of the church facility. The sponsor member for non-members should assist in these matters.
The church custodian will be contacted to assist and supervise clean-up.
The custodian will be paid a reasonable fee for this service.
Only drip-less candles are permitted for wedding ceremonies.
Unattached pews and furniture may be moved. The pulpit, communion table and other furniture/equipment will be stored in the classroom beside the Pastor’s office.
Decorating of facility may take place after the Wednesday evening service.
Church staff should be notified in advance of decoration times, rehearsal times and wedding party arrival times to insure that the building is unlocked.
(Facilities) Fellowship Room
The fellowship room seats approximately 150 people.
Tables, chairs, serving items can be used by the wedding party. The wedding party will provide any food, cups, plates, paper-ware, etc.
Guidelines for decorations for the fellowship room are the same as auditorium.
MUSIC
Every aspect of the marriage ceremony should glorify God. This is true in music that will be used. All music, tapes, CD’s, etc. must be submitted to the Pastor responsible for approval no later than ninety days prior to the ceremony. Any musicians, vocal or instrumental other than someone from the church must also be approved. This also applies to receptions held at the church.
APPAREL
The minimum for men is slacks, shirt and tie. Ladies must wear dresses at least to the knee in length. No off shoulder, strapless or low cut dresses will be acceptable. This applies to the whole wedding party, musicians and reception personnel if the reception is held in the church facility. The attire of female participants must be modest and in no way diminish worship or focus on God during this special time. Counsel, questions or concerns in regard to the apparel of ladies will be referred to a pastor’s or deacon’s wife.
RECEPTION
When the reception is held at the church – the Ladies Fellowship Ministry will be contacted for counsel or assistance. It is the position of Faith Baptist Church that wedding receptions for believers should honor God in purpose and action. For this reason no receptions held on church property will include the use of intoxicating beverages, dancing, or any form of activity which dishonors our Lord Jesus Christ.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
Rice, birdseed, confetti, etc. may not be thrown inside the church.
Smoking is not permitted in the church building
Alcoholic beverages in any form are not to be served, consumed or allowed at any time on church property.
Any damages to church property should be reported to officiating pastor.
Dressing rooms will be provided as needed. These rooms will be restored to their functional use after the wedding. All personal items will be removed after the wedding ceremony.
The wedding couple will make arrangements for any sound equipment needs. Only approved sound technicians from Faith Baptist Church will operate the equipment.
The entire parking area of Faith Baptist Church can be used for weddings. No parking on the grass if grounds are wet.
The sponsor member of couples not connected with Faith is responsible for securing/locking building after use.