Vision without action is a Daydream

We live in an era that has massive media, technological improvements, and ever-changing lifestyles. With all this progress we thought we were getting more time for family, friends, faith, and fun. Yet, we have ended up with less. We are in an economy where people are at times forced to work during church activities. Now, the church must learn to navigate through these lifestyle changes. We can’t reach an iPad generation with an 8-track tape mentality.

 

We all understand the need to change. But change does not mean that we change the gospel message of truth. For the same old story is still the bedrock of our faith. However, our methods must change Prov. 19:18, reminds us of the importance of a vision. Whether we speak of  business,  family, or church, the common goal should be “all are working together to succeed”.

 

In the past 50 years we have seen church vision altered; move away from denominational loyalty, to building bigger buildings and adding church staff while reducing services which are not vision. These are aids to help in the vision for the future and steps to implement the vision. However, God’s vision is specific and states where we are going, but it is not encumbered by the hinderance of time as with the Israelites’ entering the Promised Land. Therefore, CBC’s vision is: "Move all people to membership, progress all members to maturity and inspire all members to ministry".

Action without vision is a Nightmare

CBC CORE BELIEFS

We believe in God the Father, Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son, our Lord, and the Holy Spirit who endows the believer with spiritual gifts, the infallible word of God, forgiveness of sin, salvation through grace and faith in Jesus Christ alone. We believe God predated our needs, through proclamation, preparation, prayer, praise, perspective, and prosperity. We believe in the rapture of the Church. We believe we are called to change lives in the Greater Oakland community in our lifetime. We believe that through the help of Christ; We are LIFE CHANGERS!

BIBILICAL AUTHORITY

The Bible is the final authority in all matters of belief and practice because the Bible is inspired by God and bears the absolute authority of God Himself.  Whatever the Bible affirms, Baptists accept as true.  No human opinion or decree of any church group can override the Bible.  Even creeds and confessions of faith, which attempt to articulate the theology of Scripture, do not carry Scripture’s inherent authority.

(2 Timothy 3:15-17; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Peter 1:20-21

1 Corinthians 2:9-16; Acts 2:42;)

 

AUTONOMY OF THE LOCAL CHURCH

The local church is an independent body accountable to the Lord Jesus Christ, the head of the church.  All human authority for governing the local church resides within the local church itself.  Thus the church is autonomous, or self-governing.  No religious hierarchy outside the local church may dictate a church’s beliefs or practices. Autonomy does not mean isolation.  A Baptist church may fellowship with other churches around mutual interests and in associational tie, but a Baptist church cannot be a “member” of any other body.

(Colossians 1:18; 2 Corinthians 8:1-5, 19, 23)

 

PRIESTHOOD OF THE BELIEVER

Priest is defined as one authorized to perform the sacred rites (ceremonial traditions) of a religion, especially as a mediatory agent between humans and God.  Every believer today is a priest of God and may enter into His presence in prayer directly through our Great High Priest Jesus Christ.  No other mediator is needed between God and people.  As priests, we can study God’s Word, pray for others and offer spiritual worship to God.  We all have equal access to God whether we are a preacher or not.

(1 Peter 2:5, 9; Revelation 5:9-10)

 

TWO ORDINANCES

The local church should practice two ordinances (1) Baptism of believers by immersion in water, identifying the individual with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection, and (2) the Lord’s Supper, commemorating His death for our for our sins.

(Matthew 28:19-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-32)

INDIVIDUAL SOUL LIBERTY

Every individual, whether a believer or an unbeliever, has the liberty to choose what he or she believer is right in the religious realm.  No one should be forced to assent to any belief against his will.  Baptists have always opposed religious persecution.  However, this liberty does not exempt one from responsibility to the Word of God or from accountability to God Himself.

(Romans 14:5, 12; 2 Corinthians 4:2; Titus 1:9)

 

SAVED, BAPTIZED CHURCH MEMBERSHIP

Local church membership is restricted to individuals who give a believable testimony of personal faith in Christ and have publicly identified themselves with

Him in believer’s
Baptism.  When the members of a local church are believers, a oneness in Christ exists, and the members can endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

(Acts 2:41-47; 1 Corinthians 12:12; 2 Corinthians 6:14; Ephesians 4:3)

 

TWO OFFICES

The Bible mandates only two offices in the Church – Pastor and Deacon.  The three terms “Pastor,” “Elder and Bishop,” or “Overseer” – all refer to the same office.  The two offices of pastor and deacon exist within the local church, not as a hierarchy outside or over the local church.

(1 Timothy 3:1-13; Acts 20:17-38; Philippians 1:1)

 

SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE

God established both the church and the civil government, and He gave each its own distinct sphere of operation.  The government’s purposes are outlined in Romans 13:1-7 and the Church’s purposes in Matthew 28:19-20.  Neither should control the other, nor should there be an alliance between the two.  Christians in a free society can properly influence government toward righteousness, which is not the same as a denomination or group of churches controlling the government.

(Matthew 22:15-22; Acts 15:17-29)