I don't generally like to define myself in negative terms, nor is it always the best thing to define a church in negative terms. Sometimes, though, it is necessary to do so. Word of Truth Baptist Church is not, and will never be:
- an expression of my political views or anyone else's political views. Jesus, it has been rightly stated, is neither a Democrat nor a Republican. He will not redeem the creation by an act of Congress.
- a place to exalt any mere man. There is one man who is infallible, His name is Jesus, and He currently sits at the right hand of His Father. Everyone else is prone to error and ineligible for worship.
- a gathering of smug, self-righteous Pharisees. Jesus came to seek and to save that which was LOST, not to hang around those who think they are already perfect. If the day comes when I think I am too good to speak to a lost person and try to show him who Jesus is, may God take me out of the way.
- a "free-for-all" where anything is tolerated in the name of Jesus. You might be saying, "But Steve, what about not being better than others?" It is true that we are no better than anyone else. It is also true that God has a standard, and Word of Truth will always reach for His standard, not drag Him down to ours. That means the Bible matters. The kind of music we use MUST honor God instead of appeal to the flesh. We do need to dress respectfully. We can have balance where we honor God without looking down at the rest of the world.
- an "easy-believism" center. As long as Steve Hawkins has a say-so, there will be no "repeat this prayer and you are saved" invitations given at Word of Truth. We will preach the whole counsel of God concerning salvation, including conviction of sin and repentamce.
Next post: What Word of Truth IS!
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