SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2021 MEN'S MISSIONARY UNION (MMU) EMPHASIS SUNDAY REV’D DR. REMI AWOPEGBA

THEME: WHY WE ARE TEXT: EPHESIANS 4:14-16, 1 CORINTHIANS 3:9 Topic: THE BAPTIST APPROVED BY GOD.

WHO IS A BAPTIST? - The definition or description is never limited to what one or two or region present or represent. - It is beyond local definition. - Every Denomination has its own uniqueness, so do Baptists.

* Local Church > Association > Conference > Convention.

* Convention > Regional - West African Region > AABF - All African Baptist Fellowship > BWA - Baptist World Alliance.

Note: Baptists are not perfect, but the Word of God is perfect Note: No single doctrine or polity defines Baptists.

THE NIGERIAN BAPTIST CONVENTION - CONSTITUTION - AS AMENDED AT IBADAN - MAY 01, 2014.

VISION - To be a foremost Christ- like missionary organization in Nigeria, Africa and the whole world. MISSION - To be a community of believers that represents Christ by proclaiming the gospel, discipline believers, caring for and developing Churhes to be involved in holistic ministries - evangelists, social and healing - and collaborating with other Christian agencies across the globe.

DOCTRINES: 1. THE LORDSHIP OF CHRIST 2. THE BIBLE AS THE SOLE AUTHORITY - INNERANCY OF THE BIBLE - FAULTLESS. - Superior to all ideas, cultures, opinions, and practices. 3. 4. SALVATION BY GRACE - Voluntary repentance 5. PRIESTHOOD OF ALL BELIEVERS 6. BAPTISM BY IMMERSION - Believers baptism 7. BIBLICAL MEMBERSHIP 8. TWO ORDINANCES FOR CHURCH - Baptism and Lord's Supper 9. TWO OFFICERS OF THE CHURCH - the Pastor (Bishop, Undershepherd, Overseer etc ) and Deacon

CORE VALUES:

1. SOUL COMPETENCY - Every soul or person has liberty of conscience to approach the throne of Grace - To read the Bible, understand and apply the Bible to daily life. - Has the Spirit of God

2. PRIESTHOOD OF ALL BELIEVERS - Everyone is a priest - a huge responsibility before God - Matthew 27:51 -temple veil. - Peter 2:9-10 - can approach God directly.

3. CONGREGATIONAL POLITY - The authority of the Church or Convention rests on the congregation

4. UNITY IN DIVERSITY - Opinions may differ, but must converge and unit at the feet of Jesus

5. AUTONOMY OF THE LOCAL BAPTIST CHURCH - Every local Church has the powers to govern herself, take decisions for their growth and development, etc under the leadership of the Holy Spirit.

6. EXHIBITION AND UPHOLDING OF CHRISTIAN VIRTUES - Galatians 5:22 - fruits of the Spirit.

7. RIGHTEOUSNESS - THE RULE AND WAY - Things that are true, righteous pure, lovely etc - Philippians 4:8

8. COOPERATIVE PROGRAMME - You are to pay your tithes, offerings to your local Church voluntarily. - Certain agreed % to be remitted to - Association, Conference and Convention. - In OBC, we extend to Theological Institutions, AABF, BWA etc - Contributions to Church growth and development -

9. THE GREAT COMMISSION - Go!

10. DEVELOPMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND MATERIAL RESOURCES

WHO IS A BAPTIST IN THE FACE OF THE BIBLE, AS REVEALED FROM OUR PASSAGE TODAY?

Topic: THE BAPTIST APPROVED BY GOD THE PASSAGE /TEXTS: EPHESIANS 4:14-16

1. PUT ON MATURITY v14

2. BECOME ESTABLISHED IN THE FAITH - James 1:5-8 - James 1:8 James 1:8 (KJV) A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

3. BECOME ROOTED AND GROUNDED IN TRUTH - Truth is constant, be deep in it. - Jesus said, I am the way, the TRUTH, and life - John 14:6 - John 8:32 - Philippians 4:8 (KJV) - Ephesians 3:17 - Colossians 2:6-7 - 2 Peter 1:12

4. FREEDOM FROM DECEPTION: - Able to discern truth from error - 2 Timothy 2:15 - Hebrews 5:11-14

5. ABILITY TO SPEAK THE TRUTH IN LOVE -v15 - Romans 15:14 - Colossians 3:16

6. CONSTANT GROWTH IN SPIRITUAL THINGS - v15 - 1 Peter 2:2 - 2 Peter 3:18

7. HARMONY WITH ALL OTHERS IN CHRIST-v16 - 1 Corinthians 1:10 - 2 Corinthians 13:11

CONCLUSION: True Baptist are regenerated souls, who are Bible believers and Practitioners. - It is strictly by choice, no one is actually born into it, on the basis of the Bible. Become a true Baptist that the Lord recognises and accepts into His Kingdom.