Our Beliefs
Beliefs are not worth much unless they are translated into actions. Based on what the Bible teaches, we feel very strongly about the following eight practices:
Bible as our sole authority
“The whole Bible was given to us by inspiration from God and is useful to teach us what is true and make us realize what is wrong in our lives; it straightens us out and helps us to do what is right.” II Timothy 3:15
Since God’s word is the only completely reliable and truthful authority, we accept the Bible as our manual for living. Our first question when faced with a decision is “What does the Bible say?” We practice daily Bible reading, Bible study, and Bible memorization. The Bible is the basis for all we believe.
Jesus Christ is Lord
“In the beginning was the Word...and the Word was God...and the Word became flesh...” John 1:1,14
We believe that when Jesus Christ was born He was fully God and fully man. He was tempted in every way just as we are, yet He never yielded to sin. Every word He spoke was the very word of God. He was offered up and crucified for our sins. We are a people who have always held to what the word of God has said about the blood of Christ. We believe that because of the shedding of Christ’s blood we have remission for our sins. Scripture tells us that on the third day He arose, not just spiritually but physically and He walked out of the tomb victorious over sin, death, hell and the grave. We believe that He ascended back to the right hand of the Father and that one day we will hear the trump of God and the shout of the archangel and those who have died in Christ will rise first and those believers who are alive will be caught up with Him in the air.
Autonomy of each local church
“Christ is the head of His Body, the church. He is the source of the Body’s life...” Colosians 1:18
Christ is the recognized head of our church, not any person, group or religious organization. While recognizing the value of associating and cooperating with other groups of Christians, we believe every local church should be self-governing and independent from any denominational control.
Priesthood of every believer
“Christ loves us, and by His death He has freed us from our sins and made us a kingdom of priests to serve God...” Revelation 1:6
“You are...the King’s priests..God’s own people, chosen to proclaim the wonderful acts of God.” I Peter 2:9
The Bible teaches that every Christian is called to “full time” Christian service, regardless of his or her vocation. We practice the truth that every believer is a minister by encouraging every member to find a place of service and ministry. Every believer has direct access to God through prayer and Bible reading.
Tithing
“A tithe of everything you produce belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord.” Leviticus 26:30
At McKinney Street Baptist we practice tithing for the support of Christ’s body, the church, as God commands. We recognize that giving 10% of our income is the Biblical standard of giving.
Immersion
“For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ...” Colosians 2:12
We practice baptism by immersion under water -- the way Jesus was baptized, and the way the Bible commands. If baptism is the mark of Christianity, then it makes sense that we do not baptize infants but those who have made a profession of faith. Baptism is a testimony outwardly of what has happened inwardly.
Spirit-led living
(Jesus said,) “I am the vine, you are the branches. If you abide in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; but apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5
We believe the only way possible to live the Christian life is by God’s power within us. So we seek to practice a daily dependence on God’s Spirit to enable us to do what is right. (Philippians 2:13, Ephesians 5:18)
Telling others about Christ
“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” I Peter 3:15
It is the responsibility of every Christian to share the Good News with those with whom God brings us into contact. We practice personal sharing about Christ and inviting friends to church.
