Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God
by Jonathan Edwards 1703-1758

In this verse is threatened the vengeance of God on the wicked unbelieving Israelites, who were God's visible people, and who lived under the means of grace; but who, notwithstanding all God's wonderful works towards them, remained (as ver. 28.) void of counsel, having no understanding in them. Under all the cultivations of heaven, they brought forth bitter... (read article)

God's Sovereignty in the Salvation of Men
by Jonathan Edwards 1703-1758

The apostle, in the beginning of this chapter, expresses his great concern and sorrow of heart for the nation of the Jews, who were rejected of God. This leads him to observe the difference which God made by election between some of the Jews and others, and between the bulk of that people and the Christian Gentiles. In speaking of this he enters into a more minute discussion of the sovereignty of God in electing some... (read article)

Absent from the body, Present with the Lord
by Jonathan Edwards 1703-1758 

The apostle in this place is giving a reason why he went on with so much boldness and immovable steadfastness, through such labors, sufferings, and dangers of his life, in the service... (read article)

Church Authority: Limited and Specific
by Royce Smith, Pastor, Bethel Baptist Church, Choctaw, OK

INTRODUCTION: As you know, the Church of Rome claims for itself what belongs to Christ only: absolute authority. It is therefore especially disturbing when those who call themselves “Baptists” claim that Christ’s absolute authority has been transferred to the church. My texts know nothing of such a transfer as I shall demonstrate in this message.

I have heard some advocate what seemed to be absolute church authority for many years. There are even those who refer (read article)

The Only Begotten Son of God - Part 1
by James Poole Pastor, Welsh Tract Baptist Church, Newark, Delaware

Few subjects in the Word of God are more sublime and comforting than the contemplation of our dear Redeemer in His many offices, character, mission, and in particular, His very being. This is holy ground; all who approach here must tread reverently, and in humility. 

Our many years of reading from, and listening to, varied expositors addressing the theme of the only begotten Son of God leads us to this unmistakable (read article)

The Only Begotten Son of God - Part 2
by James Poole Pastor, Welsh Tract Baptist Church, Newark, Delaware

Though crucified and buried, Jesus was raised from the dead. This may be considered the greatest of all miracles and the core doctrine of the believer’s faith. The Apostle Paul affirmed the resurrection of our Lord in the most positive tone possible: "But God raised him from the dead (Acts 13.30)." Nothing could be plainer—the Son of God, having assumed a body of flesh, died, yet He lives—He was raised from the dead by the power of His Father.

In our last article on this subject we affirmed this position—the resurrection of Jesus from the dead was the fulfilling... (read article)

The Colossus of Justification
by K. David Oldfield, Pastor, Calvary Independent Baptist Church, Post Falls, Idaho

One night the King of Babylon had a dream, like so many that we have had. It was spectacular and even disturbing, but when he awoke he couldn’t remember any of it. The only thing that he knew for sure was that it was spectacular and disturbing. Being the typical, irrational dictator which that part of the world has continually spawned, he ordered that his counselors and wise men tell him is forgotten dream and then to explain it. To make a long story short, Jehovah... (read article)

The Davidic Covenant
by K. David Oldfield, Pastor, Calvary Independent Baptist Church, Post Falls, Idaho

So far we have had three messages in our little survey of the God's major covenants. We touched on the Noahic covenant in order to show you the principles of unconditionality. And we also looked at the sign that was given to remember it. This was a covenant that God made with all creation, never to destroy the world again with... (read article)

The New Covenant
by K. David Oldfield, Pastor, Calvary Independent Baptist Church, Post Falls, Idaho

I have to admit to being SOMEWHAT TIMID when I began thinking about our theme for tonight. I have heard things and read things which made me think that this was a really complex subject. Unlike most of the other covenants, this one is studied in the New Testament as well as in the Old Testament, and so it appears to have more bearing on you and me, than... (read article)

God's Difficult Plan of Salvation
by Larry Killion, Pastor, The Lord's Baptist Church, Tacoma, WA

We hear much about the "simple" plan of salvation, but we sometimes wonder if the simple plan we often hear about is truly God's plan. It seems as though God's great and marvelous plan has been watered down by the devises of mans wisdom and made so simple that Satan must be leaping with glee. (read article)

Christian Baptism, the Profession of the Faith of the Gospel
by J. R. Graves, 1820-1892 

CHRISTIAN BAPTISM is not the celebration of a religious rite by modes indifferent; but a specific act to be administered by a specific body, to persons professing specific qualifications, for the profession of specific truths. When one of these properties is wanting, the transaction is "null and void," since, unless the ordinances are observed as Christ commanded, they are not kept, but perverted, and bring upon the parties not... (read article)

A Landmark Our Fathers Set
by J. R. Graves, 1820-1892

   Some Baptists may be ready to oppose the position taken by Brother Pendleton in this tract supposing it to be some NEW PRACTICE sought to be introduced. It is an OLD practice sought to be revived. It is an old landmark, which a modem and false charity and an unscriptural liberality have well nigh removed, that is sought to be replaced. It is a coming up of the consistent Scriptural ground, which our brethren the martyrs, from the first ages, boldly and fearlessly stood upon and consecrated with their blood. It was the ground occupied by the first Baptists of America, and it is ground that we, as Baptists, must occupy... (read article)

Satan Dethroned
by J. R. Graves, 1820-1892 

    A SINGLE sober glance at the present condition of this world; at the conduct of human rulers; at the condition of the population; at the whole course and direction of this world, should be enough to satisfy any man that Satan is the prince of the world, and rules and reigns triumphantly, and almost supremely. Facts sustain the assertion of the Bible that the devil is the prince of this world; that all the governments of the earth, and the glory of them, are his and he giveth them to whomsoever he wills: and those who know his character best know that he gives them, not to the most deserving, but to... (read article)

The Sovereignty of God not Inconsistent with Free Moral Agency
by J. R. Graves, 1820-1892

  We are convinced of no one thing better than, that disappointments and afflic­tion are our lot as mortals. We heir them with our earthly being. Many of our disappointments and much of our unhappiness are the results of our own improvidence and recklessness — while other afflictions are dispensed by the hand of God. The former should teach us wisdom, the latter submission. We should always discriminate between the providences sent by God and the re­sults of our own rash actions. The former we should bear with great meekness and resignation, knowing that it is our Father in heaven who doeth all things well. The prayer of the afflicted... (read article)

Human Depravity
J. R. Graves, 1820-1892

 The discussion of this theme, as you readily perceive, leads me directly upon controverted ground; i. e., human depravity; commonly styled "total depravity."

     As no truth of our holy religion is so debasing and humiliating to the carnal heart, as that it is totally or wholly corrupt and depraved, so no doc­trine of the Bible has been so bitterly assailed and violently opposed by the founders and supporters of human-invented systems of religious faith, from the period of the first schism until now. Nor is this strange. (read article)

Our Pulpit
J. R. Graves, 1820-1892

Brethren: Late as it is, you must allow me a few words, although my emotions obstruct my utterance. This, your too kind appreciation of my services, oppresses me. I feel you have done me honour overmuch. If my labors for the past four months among the churches have in any degree contributed to their doctrinal and practical unity, I am profoundly grateful to the Master. To aid in accomplishment of this, I was urged by ministers and members of Sacramento Valley...(read article)

The Sustaining Power of the Gospel Under Afflictions
J. R. Graves, 1820-1892

Paul admits that this present time is a scene of sufferings. There is no situation, from the palace to the hovel, exempt from tribu­lations and sufferings. The rich and the poor, the noble and the ignoble, the saint and the sinner, are equally the subjects of sufferings — the pains, and anguish which flesh is heir to. 'Tis not the design of the Gospel to exempt men from the sufferings and calamities of this "present time." There is nothing in a renewed heart (read article)

What is Born Again
by Pastor George T. Kelley, Grace Missionary Baptist Church, Ontario, CA

Today there is Much Confusion about what Christians mean by the phrase "Born Again." People selling products today use the term to mean a facelift for your car, kitchen, yard, yourself, etc. In the religious realm this term has caught on also, where some use it to describe the ungodly idea of reincarnation, reformation, turning over a new leaf, etc. We hope to help you to see what... (read article)

Landmarkism, of Man of God?
by Elder Rick Perdue, Georgia

The term "Old Landmarkers" was first used to describe J.R. Graves and those in harmony with the principles that he advocated in the mid-1800's. Like the name "Christian" (Acts 11:26) the name "Landmarker" was first used in derision by those opposed to the principles which J.R. Graves and others espoused. The term came from an article entitled "An Old Landmark Reset," written by J.M. Pendleton at the request of J.R. Graves and... (read article)

The Chemistry of the Blood
by Pastor J. C. Settlemoir, New Testament Baptist Church, Lizton, IN

    In 1943 M. R. De Haan, M.D., a well-known radio preacher and the founder of the Radio Bible Class, published  a book entitled The Chemistry of the Blood.¹ In this book, De Haan takes the position that sin is in the blood and is transmitted through the blood. He goes on to argue that the father alone is the contributor of the blood of an embryo and the mother alone is the contributor of the body of an embryo. It is, he contends, the only way Christ could be born ... (read article)

Behold I Stand at the Door and Knock
by Pastor J. C. Settlemoir, New Testament Baptist Church, Lizton, IN

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.  —Rev. 3:20.

Christ Jesus the Lord knocks at the door!

What condescension!

The King of glory after His suffering, after His reproach, after His death, after His resurrection and after His exaltation at the right hand of God the Father, knocks. Knocks at a door.

John saw Him in His exalted status in that remarkable Lord's day appearance (Rev. 1:10). In that glorious appearance Christ Jesus manifested all the attributes of his deity. He is the First and the Last, the Way, The Truth and the Life. As the mighty Conqueror... (read article)

The Unclaimed Cross
by Pastor J. C. Settlemoir, New Testament Baptist Church, Lizton, IN

 In Mark’s gospel, chapter 8:34, we read: “And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross, and follow me.”  - AN OBJECTION REMOVED - The Lord Jesus Christ here addresses both the saved and the unsaved.  We know this because the text says “And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also . . . ”  I emphasize this at the outset because (read article)

An Earnest Warning About Lukewarmness
by Charles Haddon Spurgeon, 1834-1892

No Scripture ever wears out. The epistle to the church of Laodicea is not an old letter which may be put into the waste basket and be forgotten; upon its page still glow the words, "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches." This Scripture was not meant to instruct the Laodiceans only, it has a wider aim. The actual church of Laodicea has passed away, but other Laodiceas still exist--indeed, they are sadly multiplied in our day, and it has ever been the tendency of human nature, however inflamed with the love of... (read article)

Free Will A Slave
by Charles Haddon Spurgeon, 1834-1892

This is one of the great guns of the Arminians, mounted upon the top of their walls, and often discharged with terrible noise against the poor Christians called Calvinists. I intend to spike the gun this morning, or, rather, to turn it on the enemy, for it was never theirs; it was never cast at their foundry at all, but was intended to teach the very opposite doctrine to which they assert.

Usually, when the text is taken, the divisions are: First, that man has a will. Secondly, that he is entirely free. Thirdly, that men must make themselves will to come to Christ, otherwise they will... (read article)

Particular Redemption
by Charles Haddon Spurgeon, 1834-1892

When first it was my duty to occupy this pulpit, and preach in this hall, my congregation assumed the appearance of an irregular mass of persons collected from all the streets of this city to listen to the Word. 'Twas then simply an evangelist, preaching to many who had not heard the Gospel before. By the grace of God, the most blessed change has taken place; and now, instead of having an irregular multitude gathered together, my congregation is as fixed as that of any minister in the whole city of London. I can from this pulpit observe the countenance of my friends, who have occupied the same places... (read article)

The Bible Doctrine of Election
by James Pettigru Boyce, 1827-1888

THEORY STATED. The theory of Calvinists as to election is that God (not man) of to his own purpose (in accordance with his will, and not from any obligation man, nor because of any will of man), has from eternity (the period of God's action, not in time in which man acts), determined to save (not has actually saved... (read article)

The Local, Visible, Ekklesia
by James Pettigru Boyce, 1827-1888

No branch of Christian Theology have more books been written than on that of Church Polity; and yet it is remarkable that even in the best of these but little attempt has been made to exhibit the true meaning of the word which is used throughout the New Testament to designate the body in question. Most writers seem either to take it for granted that it has the meanings assigned it, or else they are content to infer this from the passages in... (read article)

The Covenant of Redemption
by G. A. Williams, late pastor of Cypress Missionary Baptist Church

It is quite impossible to bring an unprejudiced mind and balanced reason to the examination of these questions. All Bible readers have taken a position; and the verdict of the world is made up and how difficult to reverse or modify it. They involve the sovereignty of God in the bestowment of favors. All men are by nature Armenians; and the sovereignty of God is a doctrine hateful to the natural and depraved heart. False teachers have taken the advantage of this natural feeling, and they have for ages, inflamed the prejudices of... (read article)

13 Propositions
by Edward T. Hiscox, 1814-1901

PROP. I. The Bible is a Divine Revelation given of God to men, and is a complete and infallible guide and standard of authority in all matters of religion and morals; whatever it teaches is to be Delivered, and whatever it commands is to be obeyed; whatever it commends is to be... (read article)

Saint Patrick Was a Baptist!
by L. K. Landis, Fellowship Baptist Church, Liberal KS

For centuries Roman Catholicism has laid claim to the supposition that Patrick of Ireland was a Roman priest. However, over 100 hundred years ago W. A. Jarrel, much respected author and church historian, put into print what had been known by Baptists since the very beginning, that Patrick was not a Catholic priest, but rather a Baptist missionary. It is because of this much neglected fact that we put into print this material so that this present generation may know the truth and great heritage of this early Baptist... (read article)

Saved by Grace
by Pastor Greg Wilson, Landmark Baptist Church, Archer, FL

Virtually all of the cults, and most of the mainline “Christian” denominations, have human works somehow involved in the salvation of a soul. These works often take the form of some priestly rite or ritual, done to or on behalf of the person (baptism, mass, proxy prayers, etc.). The individual may also be required to adhere to some set of external laws or regulations to gain and maintain their... (read article)

The Heresies of the Modern "Conservative" Translations of the Bible
by Pastor Greg Wilson, Landmark Baptist Church, Archer, FL

Many sincere Christians are being led to believe that the modern translations of Scripture are but updates of the King James Bible. Most do not realize that these modern versions are translations of entirely different Greek texts. Nothing could be more deceptive than to present them as updates of... (read article)

The Continuity of the Church
by Pastor Gene Plaskett, Landmark Missionary Baptist Church of Greenfield, Greenfield, CA

Regarding this year’s theme, I have read to you three texts that are widely used to substantiate the truth of the continuity, succession, or perpetuity of the Lord’s church that he has built, is building, and shall build until the Lord returns to receive His bride unto Himself. It may be that I have bitten off on more than I can chew and may... (read article)

The Glory of a True Church, And its Discipline display’d
by Benjamin Keach 1640-1704

To the Baptized Churches, particularly to that under my Care.

My Brethren,

Every House or Building consisteth both of Matter and Form: And so doth the Church of Christ, or House of the Living God.

The Matter or Materials with which it is built are Lively Stones, i.e. Converted Persons: Also the Matter and Form must be according to the Rule and Pattern shewed in the Mount, I mean Christ’s Institution, and... (read article)

The Peculiar Interest of the Elect in the Death of Christ, And His Saving Grace:
by John Spilsbury, 16??-1699

As the chains of persecution came to a temporary end during the early 1640s, the English Baptists appeared in two main fellowships. (There were independent churches separate from each of these main groups.) These were the Particular Baptists and the General Baptists. These names distinguished each group according to their views of the atonement of Christ. The Particular Baptists and the General Baptists did not fellowship with each other. John Spilsbury, in His Personal Confession of Faith, referred to the General Baptist ministers as ministers of antichrist. Robert Garner references how the Generals referred to the Particulars as the Gates of Hell. In addition, they rebaptized each other in most cases until near the close of the 1600s, see, for example... (read article)

Balm in Gilead
by J. C. Philpot 1802-1869

"Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?" - Jeremiah 9:22

A pregnant question! and asked by the prophet under very peculiar and painful feelings. What read we in the preceding verse? "For the hurt of the daughter of my people am I hurt; I am black; astonishment hath taken hold on me." Whence sprang these convulsive pangs, this deep and overwhelming astonishment, which worked so powerfully in the mind of the prophet as actually to distort his features and make his face appear livid and black? Why was he hurt and wounded in spirit? What was he astonished at? At three things. First, at the hurt of the (read article)

Scofield's Untrue Church
by S.E. Anderson

The New Scofield Reference Bible speaks of a "true" church as distinguished from visible and local churches. It also insists that the Holy Spirit "formed" the church on the Day of Pentecost... (read article)

Total Hereditary Depravity
by Wayne Camp, Missionary, Central Baptist Church, Grenada, MS

When Jesus told these professors that the truth would make them free they immediately rebelled against the idea that they had ever been in bondage. "We were never in bondage," they cried. In this angry response... (read article)

Somebody Sometime Gave Somebody to
Somebody for Some Purpose
by Wayne Camp, Missionary, Central Baptist Church, Grenada, MS

Our text clearly and boldly declares that Somebody at Sometime Gave Somebody to Somebody. In this message we are going to find out who gave somebody to somebody. We will also discover... (read article)

The Worlds Worst Possible Famine
by Wayne Camp, Missionary, Central Baptist Church, Grenada, MS

I hope the seriousness of these verses will strike all of us to the very marrow of our being. Israel had rejected the word of God and had gone after idols. They had fallen into a depth of iniquity that has rarely been equaled in human history. God had sent various judgments upon them but they had... (read article)

Vocational Election
by Forrest L. Keener, Evangelist, Sherwood Baptist Church, Oklahoma City, OK

This morning, I am going to bring a message on a subject that you probably, most of you at least, have never heard preached upon. You probably know that this truth exists, and many of you have learned the doctrine in Sunday evening Bible class, but it is a subject that you may never... (read article)

Baptized by One Spirit into One Body
by Forrest L. Keener, Evangelist, Sherwood Baptist Church, Oklahoma City, OK

This is a verse which has, through the years, received a huge amount of attention. I have read a great deal of material on the subject, and even distributed a lot of tracts with which I am less than totally pleased. I will try, in this brief tract, to state what I feel is the extremely simple and pointed truth of this verse. May I say to begin with, I don't think we need to be an egoistical or a translation expert to understand it; it is just not that complicated. It says precisely and simply what it seems to say. (read article)

The Relationship Between
the Good Shepherd and His Sheep
by Forrest L. Keener, Evangelist, Sherwood Baptist Church, Oklahoma City, OK

In the 10th chapter of the Gospel of John, verses 1-11, the Lord Jesus Christ is speaking, says: "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. (read article)

Duty Faith
by Arthur W. Pink 1886-1952

It is the bounden duty of all who hear the Gospel to savingly trust in
Christ, otherwise their rejection of Him would be no sin. Many of our
readers will be surprised to hear that this self-evident truth is denied
by some who are, otherwise, sound in the Faith. They reason that it is
"inconsistent" to call upon the spiritually dead to perform spiritual
duties. A certain denomination in England have the following... (read article)

Saving Faith
by Arthur W. Pink 1886-1952

Perhaps the reader is already a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. Yet that, of itself, is no proof he has been born again and is journeying to Heaven. The New Testament tells us "many believed in His name when they saw the miracles which He did. But Jesus did not commit Himself unto them" (John 2:23, 24). "As He spake these words many believed on Him" (John 8:30), yet v. 59 shows that a little later they sought to... (read article)

Have You Truly Come to Christ?
by Arthur W. Pink 1886-1952

By the way of introduction let us bring before the reader the following Scriptures: "Ye will not come to Me, that ye might have life." (John 5:40). "Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28). "No man can come to Me, except the Father which hath sent Me draw him" (John 6:44). "All that the Father giveth Me shall come to Me: and him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out." (John 6:37)... (read article)

Eternal Punishment
by Arthur W. Pink 1886-1952

This time we take up our pen to write on one of the most solemn truths taught in the Word. And ere we began we turned to the Lord and earnestly sought that wisdom and grace which we are conscious we sorely need: making request that we might be preserved from all error in what we shall say, and that nothing may find a place in these pages which shall be displeasing to that Holy One, "whose we are, and whom we serve." O that we may write in the spirit of One who said, "Who knoweth the power of Thine anger, even according to Thy... (read article)

The Meaning of Kosmos in John 3:16
by Arthur W. Pink 1886-1952

It may appear to some of our readers that the exposition we have given of John 3:16 in the chapter on "Difficulties and Objections" is a forced and unnatural one, inasmuch as our definition of the term "world" seems to be out of harmony with the meaning and scope of this word in other passages, where, to supply the world of believers (God’s elect) as a definition of "world" would make no sense. Many have said to us, "Surely, ‘world’ means world, that is, you, me, and everybody." In reply we would say: We know from experience how difficult it is to set aside the "traditions of men" and come to a passage which we have heard explained in a certain way scores of times, and study it carefully for ourselves without bias Nevertheless, this is essential if we would learn the mind of God.
Many people suppose they already know the simple meaning of John 3:16, and therefore they conclude that no diligent study is required of them to... (read article)

Bible Salvation
by Pastor Jack Duplechain, Raliegh Springs Baptist Church, Memphis, TN

It is so important that this church maintain the truth's that we love and preach in order to secure for the future correct preaching in this church. I seen that first hand this week in Mississippi. If a church or a preacher lets go and declares well that is not important enough to keep before our people eventually it will die out. The word "salvation means the deliverance of... (read article)

The Will of God
by Pastor Jack Duplechain, Raliegh Springs Baptist Church, Memphis, TN

One of the most difficult things in the Christian life is to know and to do the will of the LORD. How often in my life have I been confronted with this fact, trying to know the will of the LORD and then trying to do it. It is possible to know the will of GOD on most matters, but it is likewise not handed down from heaven in broad letters so that you and I want have to pray and seek GOD'S face in the... (read article)

Christ the Savior From the Tempest
by John Gill, 1697-1771

THESE words are a very importunate petition of the disciples of Christ unto him, when in great danger by a storm at sea. The case of such persons, their great distress, and earnest cries for deliverance, and the manner of it, are very elegantly and beautifully described by the Psalmist; when he says, "They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters: these see the works of thc Lord, and his wonders in the deep; for he comrnandeth and raiseth the stormy wind, which litfteth up the waves thereof: They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths... (read article)

The Agreement of The Old and New Testaments by John Gill, 1697-1771

This Lecture, which I am now about to take my leave of, was set up in the year 1729, between six and seven and twenty years ago. I opened it with a discourse or two on the words of the Psalmist, in Psalm 71:16, I will go in the strength of the Lord God; I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only: My view in the choice of those words was, partly to observe that I undertook the service of the Lecture, and engaged in this work, not in my own strength, but in the strength of Christ, hoping for and expecting the aid and assistance of his Spirit and grace; and partly to shew that my intentions... (read article)

Faith in God and His Word, The establishment and Prosperity of His People
by John Gill, 1697-1771

In the beginning of this chapter, we have an account of an invasion of the land of Judea in the time of Jehoshaphat, by the neighboring nations, who joined in confederacy against the Jews. These people were always a typical people, and in this their case and circumstances were an emblem of the church and people of God; who in their present state are militant. They are surrounded with enemies, as the Jews were, which are many, lively and strong; they have numerous fleshly lusts which war against their souls; and some enemies that are not flesh and blood, but spiritual wickednesses, with whom they wrestle; and even the whole world is against them, and hate, oppose, and (read article)

Infant Baptism - A Part and Pillar of Popery
by John Gill, 1697-1771

Being called upon, in a public manner, to give proof of what I have said concerning infant-baptism, in a preface to my reply to Mr. Clarke’s Defense, etc. or to expunge it, I readily agree to the former, and shall endeavor to explain myself, and defend what I have written; but it will be proper first to recite the whole paragraph, which stands thus: "The Paedobaptists are ever restless and uneasy, endeavoring to maintain and support, if possible, their unscriptural practice of infant-baptism; though it is no other than a pillar of popery; that by which Antichrist (read article)

The Ancient Mode of Baptizing, by Immersion, Plunging, or Dipping into Water; Maintained and Vindicated
by John Gill, 1697-1771

The controversy about baptism, both with respect to its mode of administration, and proper subjects, has been of late so diligently searched into, and thoroughly discussed, that it may well seem needless to trouble the world with any further writings upon that subject, it being in a great measure only actum agere, to do the same thing over again, which has been well done already; but those of a different persuasion from us, being continually thrusting their crambe millies cocta upon us, and repeating the same things over and over again, though they have been sufficiently answered already, makes it necessary for us, in the defense of truth, and for the honor of Christ in his ordinance, to reply. A late anonymous author has thought fit to let the world know what a talent he has in that part of the controversy, which concerns the mode of administering (read article)

Justification by Works Impossible
Francis Wayland 1796-1865

These words express the conclusion at which the apostle arrives after a full investigation into the character and condition of man.

In the previous portion of his Epistle, he had exposed the universal and intense sinfulness both of the Jews and Gentiles, and the utter inexcusableness of both, inasmuch as all had sinned against clear and adequate light. He sums up the
argument in the words (read article)

What kind of Baptists where the pioneer California Baptists in 1868?
Prepared by: Robert W. Cullifer, Landmark Baptist Church, Folsom, CA October 24, 1997

1887 Circular Letter
EASTERN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION, JUNE 2, 3 and 4, 1887, FIFTEENTH ANNIVERSARY

The circular letter was read, received and unanimously adopted.

As an apology (if it could be said one is needed) for the presentation of the subject which we propose to investigate in this letter, we desire to call your attention to the 3^rd chapter of Paul’s 1^st letter to Timothy, 14^th and 15^th verses, wherein he said... (read article)

Baptist Decay
As Published in the The Baptist Sentinel June 11, 1896, J.C. Richardson, Eugene, Ore

DEAR BAPTIST SENTINEL: DEAR BAPTIST SENTINEL: -- That this is an age of decay among Baptists in faith and practice, I think can be seen from several standpoints, and –

1.    A very general disposition to disregard the Bible as the standard by which all differences among Baptists must be settled. That there are differences is too plain to be mistaken. There are those that hold to the doctrine of church succession. There are those that deny this doctrine. There are some that hold that authority from the church is essential to... (read article)

Inspiration of the Scriptures as Believed by Baptists
by B. H. Carroll, 1843-1914

We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired, and is a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction; that it has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth without any mixture of error for its matter; that it reveals the principles by which God will judge us; and therefore is, and shall remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions shall be tried."

This is the first Article of Faith of a great many Baptist churches in our Southland. The first statement is... (read article)

Ecclesia - The Church
by B. H. Carroll, 1843-1914

From the given list of passages, taken from the Englishman’s Greek Concordance, and which you may verify by reference to the Bible, it appears that the word Ecclesia, usually rendered "church" in our version, occurs 117 times in the Greek New Testament (omitting Acts 2:47 as not in the best texts).

Our Lord and the New Testament writers neither coined this word nor employed it in any unusual sense. Before their time it was in common use, of well-understood signification, and subject like any other... (read article)

Distinctive Baptist Principles
by B. H. Carroll, 1843-1914

THE distinctive principles of the Baptists are those doctrines or practices which distinguish us from other Christian denominations. It is held by some that no doctrine or practice should be classed as distinctive which has at any time been shared, in whole or in part, by any other denomination. But this limited sense of the word distinctive is too narrow for ordinary speech or common sense. For example: The Greek church... (read article)

Saving Faith and Assurance - Testimony of Scripture
by B. H. Carroll, 1843-1914

I began the sermon on "Assurance" by calling attention to the wide charity extended by the Baptists to mere opinions, and the broad margin allowed to interpretations of special texts, but showed that terms of salvation and conditions of admission to church ordinances and offices cannot come within the scope of such charity. These principles were applied to the doctrine of assurance, now being preached in Texas as a term of salvation and a condition of baptism. The imminent hazard to denominational unity threatened by such preaching was declared to be the occasion of the sermon. Its avowed object was to suggest such a timely and scriptural remedy as would avert what appeared to be a rapidly approaching separation. As a helpful preliminary to intelligent discussion the terms of the matter at issue were defined, and the issue itself clearly stated. The impracticability of settling so grave and vital a matter by compromise, or by putting the same label on two such entirely (read article)

Closed Communion
by Cecil A. Fayard, Pastor, Elliott Baptist Church, Elliott, MS

Historic Baptists, true Baptists, have believed in and still believe in closed communion. Baptists impose upon themselves the same restrictions that they impose on others concerning the Lord’s Supper. Baptists insist that it is the Lord’s table, not theirs; and He alone has the right to say who shall sit at His table. No amount of so called brotherly love, or ecumenical spirit... (read article)

Why the Blood of Christ is Precious
by A. D. Harris, Pastor, Alisal Baptist Church, Salinas, CA

The message of the Bible is the blood of Christ and its effects. Without it, there is no message of redemption, cleansing nor forgiveness of sins. With it, there is comfort and joy in the hope of Salvation (Hebrews 9:22). The word "precious"in I Peter 1:19 means "honorable" or valuable." Hence, there is nothing in the blood of Jesus that can be considered impure and dishonorable. There is nothing in the blood of Jesus that could poison the mind, pollute the soul and... (read article)

The Salvation of Zacheus
by Pastor Tom Sollosi, Georgia

The longer I live, the more convinced I become that it is not only healthy for our souls to read the specific accounts of the salvation experiences of people whom God saved in Scripture, but it is absolutely necessary to read these various accounts to keep our understanding biblical. It is amazing what we discover when we read the Word of God. It is also amazing what we do not find when we read these divinely inspired and preserved passages which deal with... (read article)

To the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland
written in 1650 by Thomas Patient, a Particular Baptist Pastor

MY LORD,

From that little acquaintance I had with your Excellency before you went out of Ireland, and that suitableness that I found in that letter of your experiences, which I was made partaker of, compared with my observation of the goings of... (read article)

Baptism
by A. T. Robertson, 1863-1934

In the modern world there are three attitudes towards immersion in the Scriptures. One is that immersion alone is meant by the word "baptize." The second is that the word means either immersion, pouring, or sprinkling. The third denies that immersion is Scriptural. It is not often that genuine scholars now go to the extreme of saying that immersion is not baptism. Dr. Shedd, in his Commentary on Romans, endeavors to show that Paul, in Romans 6:4, did not connect baptism and burial. (read article)

Authority in Baptism
by Rosco Brong, 1908-1985

Our text describes the one baptism of the New Testament authorized as a continuing ordinance of God. First administered by the first Baptist on direct command from Heaven, it was continued under the direction of Jesus by the disciples constituting the first Baptist church, and finally committed to that same church for administration (read article)

Paramount and Permanent Authority of the Bible
by John A. Broadus 1827-1895

This is a subject of no small importance to all Christian people, if we are to have any Bible at all. Without disrespect to other Christians, I may say that the subject is peculiarly important to Baptists. Two or three years ago, I sat at table by the side of one of the most honored Presbyterian ministers in America, who came across the Atlantic, and from a high position has looked widely and kindly over the state of religion in this country. He remarked that an interesting religious phenomenon in the United States is the unity of the Baptists, while having no central authority, and no common creed; and then asked: "Don't you think... (read article)

Christian Joy
by John A. Broadus 1827-1895

A person who reads this letter of Paul to the Philippian Christians will hardly fail to observe, how often the apostle speaks of joy; how often he alludes to his own sources of joy; how often he bids his brethren to rejoice. There must be significance in this. The apostle Paul was not a man to use many words without meaning; and that divine Spirit, that guided him in what he wrote, (read article)

Notes from a Sermon Delivered by Basil Manly Jr. April 1849
by Basil Manly Jr. 1825-1892

Philippians 2: 12, 13. "Work out your own salvation, with fear and trembling; for it is God that worketh in you, both to will and to do, of his good pleasure."

To understand any passage of scripture, we must know to whom it is addressed. This is obviously addressed, in common with the whole epistle, to believers;--"to all saints in Christ Jesus, which are in Philippi." The beginning of the 12^th verse, in which our text commences, implies this. "Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed; not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence; work out," &c. The terms, therefore, may be readily understood. (read article)