THE BIBLE
The Bible is uniquely, verbally and fully inspired by the Holy Spirit, and it was written without error (inerrant) in the original manuscripts.
The Bible is the supreme and final authority in all matters on which it speaks.
The Bible is the supreme and final authority in all matters on which it speaks.
GOD
There is one true God, eternally existing in three persons -- Father, Son and Holy Spirit -- each of whom possesses equally all the attributes of Deity and the characteristics of personality.
JESUS
Jesus Christ is God, the Living Word, who became flesh through His miraculous conception by the Holy Spirit and His virgin birth. Hence, He is perfect Deity and true humanity united in one person forever.
He lived a sinless life and voluntarily atoned for the sins of men by dying on the cross as their substitute, thus satisfying divine justice and accomplishing salvation for all who trust in Him alone.
He rose from the dead in the same body, though glorified, in which he lived and died.
He ascended bodily into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God the Father, where He, the only mediator between God and men, continually makes intercession for His own.
He lived a sinless life and voluntarily atoned for the sins of men by dying on the cross as their substitute, thus satisfying divine justice and accomplishing salvation for all who trust in Him alone.
He rose from the dead in the same body, though glorified, in which he lived and died.
He ascended bodily into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God the Father, where He, the only mediator between God and men, continually makes intercession for His own.
HOLY SPIRIT
The Holy Spirit has come into the world to reveal and glorify Christ and to apply the saving work of Christ to men. He convicts and draws sinners to Christ, imparts new life to them, continually indwells them from the moment of spiritual birth and seals them until the day of redemption. His fullness, power and control are appropriated in the believer's life by faith.
MAN
Man was originally created in the image of God. He sinned by disobeying God; thus, he was alienated from his Creator. That historic fall brought all mankind under divine condemnation.
That man's nature is corrupted, and he is thus totally unable to please God. Every man is in need of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit.
That man's nature is corrupted, and he is thus totally unable to please God. Every man is in need of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit.
SALVATION
The salvation of man is wholly a work of God's free grace and is not the result, in whole or in part, of human works or goodness or religious ceremony. God imputes His righteousness to those who put their faith in Christ alone for their salvation, and thereby justifies them in His sight.
ASSURANCE
It is the privilege of all who are born again of the Spirit to be assured of their salvation from the very moment in which they trust Christ as their Savior. This assurance is not based upon any kind of human merit, but is produced by the witness of the Holy Spirit, who confirms in the believer the testimony of God in His written Word.
THE CHURCH
Every believer is called to live so in the power of the indwelling Spirit that he will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh, but will bear fruit to the glory of God.
Jesus Christ is the Head of the church, His body, which is composed of all men, living and dead, who have been joined to Him through saving faith.
God admonishes His people to assemble together regularly for worship, for participation in ordinances, for edification through the Scriptures, for mutual encouragement and for being equipped for service.
Jesus Christ is the Head of the church, His body, which is composed of all men, living and dead, who have been joined to Him through saving faith.
God admonishes His people to assemble together regularly for worship, for participation in ordinances, for edification through the Scriptures, for mutual encouragement and for being equipped for service.
DEATH
At physical death the believer enters immediately into eternal, conscious fellowship with the Lord and awaits the resurrection of his body to everlasting glory and blessing.
At physical death the unbeliever enters immediately into eternal, conscious separation from the Lord and awaits the resurrection of his body to everlasting judgment and condemnation.
At physical death the unbeliever enters immediately into eternal, conscious separation from the Lord and awaits the resurrection of his body to everlasting judgment and condemnation.
CHRIST'S RETURN
Jesus Christ will come again to the earth -- personally, visibly and bodily -- to consummate history and the eternal plan of God.
EVANGELISM & DISCIPLESHIP
The Lord Jesus Christ commanded all believers to proclaim the gospel throughout the world and to disciple men of every nation. The fulfillment of this Great Commission requires that all worldly and personal ambitions be subordinated to a total commitment to "Him that loved us and gave Himself for us." That Jesus established His church to carry on His work of carrying the gospel to all the world, until He comes again.
Emmanuel's Mission
"equipping people to worship in truth, walk in holiness and bear witness of Christ's love in order to glorify God and derive joy from Him."
We Value
People: A church is not a building, but people - people that have come to faith in Jesus Christ and gather together for corporate worship, encouragement, teaching and ministry. Emmanuel Baptist Church does not exist for her staff or programs but for people - people of faith and those not yet of the family of faith.
Purpose: Jesus commanded his followers to go to all the world to make disciples and to baptize them. Emmanuel Baptist Church is made up of followers of Jesus Christ. Therefore the Great Commission remains one of our central purposes, as does worship and ministry to those in need.
Freedom: Christ came to set the captives free, to fulfill the Old Testament law and to institute the law of love. At Emmanuel Baptist Church we encourage people to enjoy the freedom they have in Christ Jesus, tempered with the law of love. Where Scripture speaks, we will speak; where Scripture is silent, we will be silent.
Truth: All truth is ultimately God's truth and reflects His dominion over all the created world. At Emmanuel Baptist Church we believe that God has specifically revealed the truth about Himself in Scripture. We hold the Bible to be true, worthy of study and, indeed, central to our understanding of all we hold dear.
Worship: Worship is the ultimate end of the Christian faith - people come to faith in God through Jesus Christ so that they might encounter God and worship Him. At Emmanuel Baptist Church we seek to "worship in spirit and truth" so that people might derive joy in Him.
"equipping people to worship in truth, walk in holiness and bear witness of Christ's love in order to glorify God and derive joy from Him."
We Value
People: A church is not a building, but people - people that have come to faith in Jesus Christ and gather together for corporate worship, encouragement, teaching and ministry. Emmanuel Baptist Church does not exist for her staff or programs but for people - people of faith and those not yet of the family of faith.
Purpose: Jesus commanded his followers to go to all the world to make disciples and to baptize them. Emmanuel Baptist Church is made up of followers of Jesus Christ. Therefore the Great Commission remains one of our central purposes, as does worship and ministry to those in need.
Freedom: Christ came to set the captives free, to fulfill the Old Testament law and to institute the law of love. At Emmanuel Baptist Church we encourage people to enjoy the freedom they have in Christ Jesus, tempered with the law of love. Where Scripture speaks, we will speak; where Scripture is silent, we will be silent.
Truth: All truth is ultimately God's truth and reflects His dominion over all the created world. At Emmanuel Baptist Church we believe that God has specifically revealed the truth about Himself in Scripture. We hold the Bible to be true, worthy of study and, indeed, central to our understanding of all we hold dear.
Worship: Worship is the ultimate end of the Christian faith - people come to faith in God through Jesus Christ so that they might encounter God and worship Him. At Emmanuel Baptist Church we seek to "worship in spirit and truth" so that people might derive joy in Him.
Beliefs
Southern Baptists believe the Bible. Historically, Southern Baptists have been known for believing that the word of God is without error and that it is unable to lead one astray. Due to this high regard for Scripture, Southern Baptists consider themselves to have "no creed but the Bible."
Each Southern Baptist church is autonomous-no person or organization tells a church what they should believe. But over the years Southern Baptists have adopted doctrinal confessions. Currently, the Southern Baptist Faith and Message of 2000 is the confessional state- ment adopted by the churches of the Southern Baptist Convention.
Baptist confessions of faith throughout the centuries have reflected the orthodox teachings concerning the person and deity of Jesus Christ-He is the unique, eternal God-man. This means He is fully God and fully man.
A Southern Baptist church is composed of believers only. Therefore, Southern Baptists do not practice infant baptism, but practice the New Testament example of believer's baptism. A Southern Baptist becomes a member of Christ's church through a public profession of faith in Christ at baptism.
A Southern Baptist church is an evangelical church. An evangelical believes in the "good news" that one is made right with God by the work of Christ on behalf of a person, rather than what that person does on behalf of God or because of one's sin. Evangelism means spreading of the word of God to all in order to bring salvation to all who will believe.
Southern Baptists believe the Bible. Historically, Southern Baptists have been known for believing that the word of God is without error and that it is unable to lead one astray. Due to this high regard for Scripture, Southern Baptists consider themselves to have "no creed but the Bible."
Each Southern Baptist church is autonomous-no person or organization tells a church what they should believe. But over the years Southern Baptists have adopted doctrinal confessions. Currently, the Southern Baptist Faith and Message of 2000 is the confessional state- ment adopted by the churches of the Southern Baptist Convention.
Baptist confessions of faith throughout the centuries have reflected the orthodox teachings concerning the person and deity of Jesus Christ-He is the unique, eternal God-man. This means He is fully God and fully man.
A Southern Baptist church is composed of believers only. Therefore, Southern Baptists do not practice infant baptism, but practice the New Testament example of believer's baptism. A Southern Baptist becomes a member of Christ's church through a public profession of faith in Christ at baptism.
A Southern Baptist church is an evangelical church. An evangelical believes in the "good news" that one is made right with God by the work of Christ on behalf of a person, rather than what that person does on behalf of God or because of one's sin. Evangelism means spreading of the word of God to all in order to bring salvation to all who will believe.
Attendance
Scripture tells us not to forsake the "assembling of ourselves together." For this reason we believe it is imperative for all who profess faith in Christ and who join with the local church to attend church regularly. Some say they can worship more effectively else- where. Although it is true that we are to worship in "spirit and truth," and that this can occur anywhere, there are specific reasons for us to gather together.
- We learn from each other as we gather together by "provoking unto love and good works," and "exhorting one another" (Hebrews 10:24, 25).
- We "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ" as we gather together (II Peter 3:18).
- Believers become "equipped" "to do the work of the ministry" (Ephesians 4:11, 12).
Here at Emmanuel one of the most important areas where this growing, provoking, exhorting and equipping goes on is our Sunday School and small groups ministry. For this reason we strongly urge you to be involved in Bible study and fellowship within one of the many groups meeting at Emmanuel.
As you receive from the ministries at Emmanuel and grow in the Lord, it is important that you seek opportunities to give in return. There are many possibilities for service at Emmanuel. As you consider these, remember that we do not serve to gain God's pleasure. We have that already. We serve because we have been served.
May God bless you as you seek His direction and continue to grow in grace.
Scripture tells us not to forsake the "assembling of ourselves together." For this reason we believe it is imperative for all who profess faith in Christ and who join with the local church to attend church regularly. Some say they can worship more effectively else- where. Although it is true that we are to worship in "spirit and truth," and that this can occur anywhere, there are specific reasons for us to gather together.
- We learn from each other as we gather together by "provoking unto love and good works," and "exhorting one another" (Hebrews 10:24, 25).
- We "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ" as we gather together (II Peter 3:18).
- Believers become "equipped" "to do the work of the ministry" (Ephesians 4:11, 12).
Here at Emmanuel one of the most important areas where this growing, provoking, exhorting and equipping goes on is our Sunday School and small groups ministry. For this reason we strongly urge you to be involved in Bible study and fellowship within one of the many groups meeting at Emmanuel.
As you receive from the ministries at Emmanuel and grow in the Lord, it is important that you seek opportunities to give in return. There are many possibilities for service at Emmanuel. As you consider these, remember that we do not serve to gain God's pleasure. We have that already. We serve because we have been served.
May God bless you as you seek His direction and continue to grow in grace.
Stewardship
Southern Baptists believe the Bible. Historically, Southern Baptists have been known for believing that the word of God is without error and that it is unable to lead one astray. Due to this high regard for Scripture, Southern Baptists consider themselves to have "no creed but the Bible." Each Southern Baptist church is autonomous-no person or organization tells a church what they should believe. But over the years Southern Baptists have adopted doctrinal confessions. Currently, the Southern Baptist Faith and Message of 2000 is the confessional statement adopted by the churches of the Southern Baptist Convention. Baptist confessions of faith throughout the centuries have reflected the orthodox teachings concerning the person and deity of Jesus Christ-He is the unique, eternal God-man. This means He is fully God and fully man. A Southern Baptist church is composed of believers only. Therefore, Southern Baptists do not practice infant baptism, but practice the New Testament example of believer's baptism. A Southern Baptist becomes a member of Christ's church through a public profession of faith in Christ at baptism. A Southern Baptist church is an evangelical church. An evangelical believes in the "good news" that one is made right with God by the work of Christ on behalf of a person, rather than what that person does on behalf of God or because of one’s sin. Evangelism means spreading of the word of God to all in order to bring salvation to all who will believe.
Southern Baptists believe the Bible. Historically, Southern Baptists have been known for believing that the word of God is without error and that it is unable to lead one astray. Due to this high regard for Scripture, Southern Baptists consider themselves to have "no creed but the Bible." Each Southern Baptist church is autonomous-no person or organization tells a church what they should believe. But over the years Southern Baptists have adopted doctrinal confessions. Currently, the Southern Baptist Faith and Message of 2000 is the confessional statement adopted by the churches of the Southern Baptist Convention. Baptist confessions of faith throughout the centuries have reflected the orthodox teachings concerning the person and deity of Jesus Christ-He is the unique, eternal God-man. This means He is fully God and fully man. A Southern Baptist church is composed of believers only. Therefore, Southern Baptists do not practice infant baptism, but practice the New Testament example of believer's baptism. A Southern Baptist becomes a member of Christ's church through a public profession of faith in Christ at baptism. A Southern Baptist church is an evangelical church. An evangelical believes in the "good news" that one is made right with God by the work of Christ on behalf of a person, rather than what that person does on behalf of God or because of one’s sin. Evangelism means spreading of the word of God to all in order to bring salvation to all who will believe.
Involvement
The success of a church is not measured by its seating capacity but rather by its sending capacity. Every member is a missionary-a missionary of God's sufficient and unfailing grace. Our desire is to see our members reach out to their
co-workers, family members and sphere of influence; and by God's power and might, change their world for the cause of Jesus Christ.
- Outreach is what we do to reach those who are not members of Emmanuel. Our outreach programs are run through our Sunday School classes. We do not see outreach as big events and revival-type meetings, but rather one believer sharing with a friend what God's grace has done in his or her life.
- Inreach is usually thought of as ministry to members. We are committed to minister and reach out to the sick and hurting. There are plenty of shut-ins and nursing home patients within our church who need a weekly visit. Our prayer is for our people to minister to these members as well. Sunday School classes are also the primary vehicle through which ministry to members takes place.
Missions: We encourage every member of Emmanuel to be "on missions" by becoming educated about our, and the Southern Baptist's, mission efforts at home and abroad, by supporting them with our financial resources and by getting involved through participation in various mission trips and projects.
In His last words to us Jesus said, "...Go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19). This is an uncompromising command to the believer, and an uncompromising command to our church mem- bers as well. Not because the eternal fates of men rest upon us, or that anyone is keeping track of how many salvation decisions we have
accounted for, but because we are required to do one thing-Go.
The success of a church is not measured by its seating capacity but rather by its sending capacity. Every member is a missionary-a missionary of God's sufficient and unfailing grace. Our desire is to see our members reach out to their
co-workers, family members and sphere of influence; and by God's power and might, change their world for the cause of Jesus Christ.
- Outreach is what we do to reach those who are not members of Emmanuel. Our outreach programs are run through our Sunday School classes. We do not see outreach as big events and revival-type meetings, but rather one believer sharing with a friend what God's grace has done in his or her life.
- Inreach is usually thought of as ministry to members. We are committed to minister and reach out to the sick and hurting. There are plenty of shut-ins and nursing home patients within our church who need a weekly visit. Our prayer is for our people to minister to these members as well. Sunday School classes are also the primary vehicle through which ministry to members takes place.
Missions: We encourage every member of Emmanuel to be "on missions" by becoming educated about our, and the Southern Baptist's, mission efforts at home and abroad, by supporting them with our financial resources and by getting involved through participation in various mission trips and projects.
In His last words to us Jesus said, "...Go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19). This is an uncompromising command to the believer, and an uncompromising command to our church mem- bers as well. Not because the eternal fates of men rest upon us, or that anyone is keeping track of how many salvation decisions we have
accounted for, but because we are required to do one thing-Go.
Community
God's people, as the body of Christ, are to love one another deeply (I Peter 1:22). A church that places an emphasis upon grace should especially demonstrate love and unity within the local body of believers. It is imperative that we adhere to the following principles to maintain the bond of peace.
- Be considerate of others."Make every effort to do what leads to peace and mutual edification" (Romans 14:19). We hope Emmanuel will be a place where people look out for the interests of others, and not just their own interests. This is a practical outworking of the servant principle outlined repeatedly in scripture. Considering the interest of others before our own is the essence of the spirit of Christ, and one of the two great commands that Jesus gave us (Matthew 21:20-28).
- Have a positive spirit. This begins in our hearts and minds, as we decide to think about the things we see in our brothers and sisters that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely; and then determine to give a good report (Phil. 4:8) about our church and fellow believers. This positive spirit will make this assembly of believers a wonderful place to worship and fellowship.
- Guard our tongues. We must refrain from gossip and follow the principle of loyalty when we have an offense with a brother or sister. Matthew 18:15-17 compels us to go directly to a brother who offends us and "speak the truth in love" (Eph. 4:15) rather than gossip to another. One should not listen to information about another until that information has first been shared with the person or people involved.
As we make every effort "to live at peace with all men" and "to keep the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace" (Hebrews 12:14; Ephesians 4:3), those around us will see the reality of Christ in the body of Christ at Emmanuel.
God's people, as the body of Christ, are to love one another deeply (I Peter 1:22). A church that places an emphasis upon grace should especially demonstrate love and unity within the local body of believers. It is imperative that we adhere to the following principles to maintain the bond of peace.
- Be considerate of others."Make every effort to do what leads to peace and mutual edification" (Romans 14:19). We hope Emmanuel will be a place where people look out for the interests of others, and not just their own interests. This is a practical outworking of the servant principle outlined repeatedly in scripture. Considering the interest of others before our own is the essence of the spirit of Christ, and one of the two great commands that Jesus gave us (Matthew 21:20-28).
- Have a positive spirit. This begins in our hearts and minds, as we decide to think about the things we see in our brothers and sisters that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely; and then determine to give a good report (Phil. 4:8) about our church and fellow believers. This positive spirit will make this assembly of believers a wonderful place to worship and fellowship.
- Guard our tongues. We must refrain from gossip and follow the principle of loyalty when we have an offense with a brother or sister. Matthew 18:15-17 compels us to go directly to a brother who offends us and "speak the truth in love" (Eph. 4:15) rather than gossip to another. One should not listen to information about another until that information has first been shared with the person or people involved.
As we make every effort "to live at peace with all men" and "to keep the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace" (Hebrews 12:14; Ephesians 4:3), those around us will see the reality of Christ in the body of Christ at Emmanuel.
Separation
In His providence, God will move people from Emmanuel. Some of our members will be moved to another city, others will move to sister churches in Enid and others will be called home to be with the Lord.
In order for us to keep an accurate accounting of our membership we ask you to do the following if you separate from the fellowship of Emmanuel for reasons other than death.
- Contact one of the pastors regarding your decision to move.
- Unite with a sister church as quickly as possible.
- Request from us a letter of recommendation, which we will gladly give, unless there are
unresolved church discipline issues.
We ask that you contact us, not because we seek to change your mind, but rather that our relationships with each other will continue and that we might learn how to more effectively minister to our people.
What matters to us is that you actively worship God and serve Him through the local church. Whether you worship at Emmanuel or a sister church is your decision not ours. We desire to be in good relationship with all Christians regardless of where they worship.