Our Beliefs
The Holy Scriptures: We believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament to be the verbally and plenary inspired Word of God. The Scriptures are inerrant, infallible and God breathed, and therefore are the final authority for faith and life. The sixty-six books of the Old and New Testament are the complete and divine revelation of God to humanity. The Scriptures shall be interpreted according to their normal grammatical, historical meaning. The King James Version of the Bible shall be the primary translation used by the church. (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:20-21)
The Godhead: We believe in one Triune God, eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit-each one co-eternal in being, co-identical in nature, co-equal in power and glory, and having the same attributes and perfections (Deut. 6:4; Matt. 28:19; 2 Cor. 13:14; John 14:10,26; 1 John 5:7-8).
The Person and Work of Christ. 1. We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, became man, without ceasing to be God, having been conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary, in order that he might reveal God and redeem sinful human beings (Isa. 7:14; 9:6; Luke 1:35; John 1:1-2; 14; 2 Cor. 5:19-21; Gal. 4:4-5; Phil. 2:5-8). 2. We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ accomplished our redemption through his death on the cross as a representative, vicarious, substitutionary sacrifice; and, that our justification is made sure by his literal, physical resurrection from the dead (Acts 2:18- 36; Rom. 3:24-25; I Pet. 2:24; Eph. 1:7; I Peter 1:3-5). 3. We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ ascended to Heaven, and is now exalted at the right hand of God, where, as our High Priest, he fulfills the ministry of Representative, Intercessor, and Advocate (Acts 1:9-10; Heb. 9:24; 7:25; Rom. 8:34; I John 2:1-2). 4. We believe in that “blessed hope”, the personal, imminent return of Christ who will rapture his Church prior to the seven year tribulation period. At the end of the tribulation, Christ will personally and visibly return with his saints, to establish his earthly Messianic Kingdom which was promised to the nation of Israel (Ps. 89:3,4; Dan. 2:31-45; Zech. 14
The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit. 1. We believe that the Holy Spirit is a person who convicts the world of sin, of righteousness and of judgement; and, that he is the supernatural agent in regeneration, baptizing all believers into the body of Christ, indwelling and sealing them unto the day of redemption (John 16:8-11; Rom. 8:9; 1 Cor. 12:12-14; 2 Cor. 3:6; Eph. 1:13-14). 2. We believe that he is the divine teacher who assists believers to understand and appropriate the Scriptures and that it is the privilege and duty of all the saved to be filled with the Spirit (Eph. 1:17-18; 5:18; I John 2:20,27). 3. We believe that God is sovereign in the bestowal of spiritual gifts to every believer. God uniquely uses evangelists, pastors, and teachers to equip believers in the assembly in order that they can do the work of the ministry. (Rom. 12:3-8; 1 Cor. 12:4-11; Eph. 4:7- 12) 4. We believe that speaking in tongues is not a necessary sign of the baptism or filling of the Holy Spirit. We also believe that ultimate deliverance of the body from sickness or death awaits the consummation of our salvation in the resurrection, though God frequently chooses to
Mankind. 1. The Total Depravity of Man. We believe that human beings are created in the image and likeness of God, but that in Adam’s sin the human race fell, inherited a sinful nature, and became alienated from God; and, that humanity is totally depraved, and, of themselves, utterly unable to remedy their lost condition (Gen. 1:26-27; Rom. 3:22-23; 5:12; 6:23; Eph. 2:1-3; 4:17-19). 2. Sanctity of Life A. We believe that human life begins at conception and that the unborn child is a living human being. Abortion is murder and constitutes the unjustified, unexcused taking of unborn human life. (Job 3:16; Ps. 51:5; 139:13-16; Isa. 44:24; 49:1, 5; Jer. 1:5; 20:15-18; Luke 1:36, 44) B. We believe that an act or omission which, of itself or by intention, facilitates premature death, is assuming a decision that is to be reserved for God. We do not believe that discontinuing medical procedures that are extraordinary or disproportionate to the expected outcome is euthanasia. (Ex. 20:13; 23:7; Matt. 5:21; Acts 17:28) 3. Human Sexuality. A. Gender Identity – We believe that God created mankind in His image: male (man) and female (woman), sexually different but with equal personal dignity. Consequently, Pond Hill Baptist Church members must affirm their biological sex and refrain from any and all attempts to physically change, alter, or disagree with their predominant biological sex — including but not limited to elective sex-reassignment, transvestite, transgender, or non-binary “genderqueer” acts or conduct. (Genesis 1:26- 28, Romans 1:26-32, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11) 3 B. Sexual Orientation – We believe that God created and ordered human sexuality to the permanent, exclusive, comprehensive, and conjugal “one flesh” union of man and woman, intrinsically ordered to procreation and biological family, and in furtherance of the moral, spiritual, and public good of binding father, mother, and child. Consequently, Pond Hill Baptist Church members must affirm the sexual complementarity of man and woman and resist any and all same-sex sexual attractions and refrain from any and all same-sex sexual acts or conduct, which are intrinsically disordered. (Genesis 1:27, Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:4-6, Mark 10:5-9, Romans 1:26- 27, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Ephesians 5:25-27, Revelation 19:7-9, Revelation 21:2) C. Celibacy — We believe that Holy Scripture grants two life-enhancing options for human sexual behavior: (1) the conjugal “one flesh” marital union of one man and one woman, and (2) celibacy. Either is a gift from God, given as he wills for his glory and the good of those who receive and rejoice in his gift to them. Celibacy and faithful singleness is to be celebrated and affirmed within the church. (Genesis 1:27-28; 2:18, 21-24; Matthew 19:4-6; Mark 10:5-8; Hebrews 13:4; 1 Corinthians 7:1-8; Matthew 19:12; 1 Corinthians 12:12-13; Romans 12:10; 1 Timothy 5:1-2) D. Marriage — We believe marriage as the permanent, exclusive, comprehensive, and conjugal “one flesh” union of one man and one woman, intrinsically ordered to procreation and biological family, and in furtherance of the moral, spiritual, and public good of binding father, mother, and child. (Genesis 1:27-28, Genesis 2:18-24, Matthew 19:4-9, Mark 10:5-9, Ephesians 5:31-33) E. Sexual Immorality — We believe that sexual acts outside marriage are prohibited as sinful. Consequently, Pond Hill Baptist Church members must resist and refrain from any and all sexual acts outside marriage including but not limited to: adultery, fornication, incest, zoophilia, pornography, prostitution, masturbation, voyeurism, pedophilia, exhibitionism, sodomy, polygamy, polyamory, sologamy, or same-sex sexual acts. (Exodus 20:14, Leviticus 18:7-23, Leviticus 20:10-21, Deuteronomy 5:18, Matthew 15:19, Matthew 5:27-28, Romans 1:26-27, 1 Corinthians 6:9-13, 1 Thessalonians 4:3, Hebrews 13:4, Galatians 5:19, Ephesians 4:17-19, Colossians 3:5) F. Divorce and Remarriage - We believe that God hates divorce and intends marriage to last until one of the spouses’ dies. God gave the world divorce because the hearts of humanity became hardened to his plan. Divorce is a sin and therefore can be forgiven like any other sin. We believe that a divorced person may hold positions of service in the church, and can be greatly used of God for Christian service. (Mal. 2:14-17; Matt. 19:3-12; Rom. 7:1-3; 1 Tim. 3:2, 12; Titus 1:6). G. Protection of Children - We believe that children are from the Lord and must be absolutely protected within the church from any form of abuse or molestation. The church has zero tolerance for any person, whether paid staff, volunteer, member, or visitor, who abuses or molests a child. (Ps. 127:3-5; Matt. 18:6; Matt. 19:14; Mark 10:14) 4 I. Sexual Redemption — We believe that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God and should seek redemption through confession, repentance, baptism, and faith in Jesus Christ. Consequently, Pond Hill Baptist Church members must welcome and treat with respect, compassion, and sensitivity all who experience same-sex attractions, confess sexually immoral acts, have been divorced, or have had an abortion but are committed to resisting sexual temptation, refraining from sexual immorality, and conforming their behavior to the teaching of the Scripture. (Matthew 11:28-30, Romans 3:23, Ephesians 2:1-10, 1 Corinthians 10:13, Hebrews 2:17-18, Hebrews 4:14-16) 4. Separation. We believe that all the saved should live in such a manner as not to bring reproach upon their Savior and Lord; and, that separation from all religious apostasy, all sinful pleasures, practices and associations is commanded of God. (Rom. 12:1-2; 14:13; 2 Cor. 6:14-7:1; 2 Tim. 3:1-5; I John 2:15-17; 2 John 9-11)
Salvation. We believe that salvation is the gift of God brought to humanity by grace and received by personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, whose precious blood was shed on Calvary for the forgiveness of our sins (John 1:12; Eph. 1:7; 2:8-10; 1 Peter 1:18-19).
The Eternal Security and Assurance of Believers. 1. We believe that all the redeemed, once saved, are kept by God’s power and are thus secure in Christ forever (John 6:37-40; 10:27-30; Rom. 8:1; 38-39; 1 Cor. 1:4-8; 1 Pet. 1:4-5). 2. We believe that it is the privilege of believers to rejoice in the assurance of their salvation through the testimony of God’s Word, which, however, clearly forbids the use of Christian liberty as an occasion to the flesh (Rom. 13:13-14; Gal. 5:13; Titus 2:11-15).
The Church. 1. We believe that the local church, which is the body and the espoused bride of Christ, is solely made up of born-again persons (1 Cor. 12:12-14; 2 Cor. 11:2; Eph. 1:22-23; 5:25- 27). 2. We believe that the establishment and continuance of local churches is clearly taught and defined in the New Testament Scriptures (Acts 14:27; 20:17; 28-32; 1 Tim. 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-11). 3. We believe in the autonomy of the local church free of any external authority or control (Acts 13:1-4; 15:19-31; 20:28; Rom. 16:1; 4; 1 Cor. 3:9, 16; 5:4-7; 13; 1 Peter 5:1-4). 4. We recognize water baptism and the Lord’s Supper as the scriptural ordinances of obedience for the church in this age (Matt. 28:19-20; Acts 2:41-42; 18:18; 1 Cor. 11:23- 26). 5 A. Baptism (Romans 6:1-7; Matt. 3:13-17; Acts 8:36-39) 1. We believe that the Scripture clearly teaches believers baptism only. For this reason, we do not baptize babies, nor, accept the baptism of babies for church membership. 2. We believe that baptism is by emersion only. 3. We reserve the right to re-baptize anyone who has not been scripturally baptized. This will be a requirement for church membership. B. Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11) 1. We believe that the Lord’s supper is a memorial of the death of Jesus Christ. 2. We believe it is up to the church leadership to determine the frequency of the Lord’s Supper. 3. We believe there are two requirements to partaking in the Lord’s Supper. a) Participants must have accepted Christ as their personal Savior and Lord. The Lord’s Supper is a physical reminder of our Spiritual union with Christ (1 Corinthians 10:16-17; 11:26-28, 10:3-4; Romans 12:5; Ephesians 5:30). Therefore, those who partake in this ordinance must be born-again believers. b) Participants must strive to live a holy life. There must be a time of personal examination. The person who takes of the Lord’s Supper “unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.” 1 Corinthians 11:29 (AKJV)
The Eternal State. 1. We believe in the bodily resurrection of all human beings, the saved to eternal life and the unsaved to judgement and everlasting punishment (Matt. 25:46; John 5:28,29; 11:25-26; Rev. 20:5-6; 12-13). 2. We believe that the souls of the redeemed are, at death, absent from the body and present with the Lord, where in conscious bliss they await the first resurrection when spirit, soul, and body are reunited to be glorified forever with the Lord (Luke 23:43; 2 Cor. 5:8; Phil. 1:23; 3:21; I Thes. 4:16-17; Rev. 20:4-6). 3. We believe that the souls of unbelievers remain, after death, in conscious punishment and torment until the second resurrection, when with soul and body reunited they shall appear at the Great White Throne Judgement, and shall be cast into the Lake of Fire, not to be annihilated, but to suffer everlasting conscious punishment and torment (Matt. 25:41-46; Mark 9:43-48; Luke 16:19-26; 2 Thes. 1:7-9; Jude 6-7; Rev. 20:11-15).
The Personality of Satan. We believe that Satan is a fallen angel, the author of sin and the cause of the Fall of Man. We believe that he is the open and declared enemy of God and humanity, and that he shall be eternally punished in the Lake of Fire (Job 1:6-7; Isa. 14:12-17; Matt. 4:2-11; 25:41; Rev. 20:10).
Creation. We believe that all things were created by God for his glory. We believe that he sustains his creation by his own power. His creation has been marred by the effects of sinfulness and rebellion. The world on which we live was restored by God in six literal days. God’s creation will one day be redeemed and re-created at the end of the age. (Colossians 1:16,17; Isaiah 45:18; Job 38:1-11; Genesis 1-2; Exodus 20:11; Romans 8:19; 2 Peter 3:10; Rev. 21:1)
Civil Government. We believe that God has ordained and created all authority consisting of three basic institutions: 1) the home; 2) the church; and 3) the state. Every person is subject to these authorities, but all (including the authorities themselves) are answerable to God and governed by his Word. God has given each institution specific Biblical responsibilities and balanced those responsibilities with the understanding that no institution has the right to infringe upon the other. The home, the church and the state are equal and sovereign in their respective biblically assigned spheres of responsibility under God (Rom. 13:1-7; Eph. 5:22- 24; Heb. 13:17; 1 Peter 2:13-14).
Missions. We believe that God has given the church a great commission to proclaim the Gospel to all nations so that there might be a great multitude from every nation, tribe, ethnic group and language group who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. As ambassadors of Christ we must use all available means to go to the foreign nations and not wait for them to come to us. (Matt. 28:19-20; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:46-48; John 20:21; Acts 1:8; 2 Cor. 5:20)
Lawsuits between Believers. We believe that Christians are prohibited from bringing civil lawsuits against other Christians or the church to resolve personal disputes. We believe the church possesses all the resources necessary to resolve personal disputes between members. We do believe, however, that a Christian may seek compensation for injuries from another Christian’s insurance company as long as the claim is pursued without malice or slander (1Cor. 6:1-8; Eph. 4:31-32).
Giving. We believe that every Christian, as a steward of that portion of God’s wealth entrusted to him, is obligated to support his local church financially. We believe that God has established the tithe, one tenth of our income, as a basis for giving. We also believe that every Christian should also give other offerings sacrificially and cheerfully to the support of the church, the relief of those in need, and the spread of the Gospel. We believe that a Christian relinquishes all rights to direct use of the tithe or offering once the gift has been made (See ARTICLE XII below). (Gen. 14:20; Prov. 3:9,10; Acts 4:34-37; 1 Cor. 16:2; 2 Cor. 9:6-7; Gal. 6:6; Eph. 4:28; 1 Tim. 5:17-18; 1 John 3:17)