Our Commitments
We are committed to:
On the practical side we focus on:
- Scripture alone as our authority.
- Salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Jesus Christ alone.
- Giving glory to God alone in all that we do.
On the practical side we focus on:
- God-glorifying worship and ministry when we are gathered.
- Christ-centered fellowship and unity as the body of Christ.
- Discipling believers to faithfully follow Jesus by pursuing personal holiness and growing in spiritual discipline.
- Equipping individual believers to use their spiritual gifts to serve the Lord and strengthen the church.
- Gospel-driven evangelism & missions when we are scattered.
- Equipping believers to glorify God in their neighborhoods, workplaces, and homes.
- Equipping families to glorify God in their homes and community.
- Serving the Somerset-Pulaski area for the glory of God, the good of our neighbors, and the flourishing of our community.
- Strategic partnerships with missionaries and church planters both nationally and internationally.
- Investing in and working toward the health of other local churches and pastors in the Lake Cumberland region for the glory of God and the good of His people.
What We Believe
The Doctrinal Statement for Grace Baptist Church is The Baptist Faith and Message (2000) of the Southern Baptist Convention. A summary of this statement is as follows:
THE BIBLE
We believe the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the inspired, authoritative, and sufficient Word of God, the only rule of faith and practice. They are without error in all they teach and affirm.
(Psalm 19:7-11, 2 Timothy 3:15-17, Hebrews 4:12, 2 Peter 1:20-21)
GOD
We believe in one God, the Maker, Preserver, and Ruler of all things, having in and of Himself, all perfections, and being infinite in them all. God reveals Himself to us as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, each with distinct personal attributes, but without division of nature, essence, or being.
(Genesis 1:26, Exodus 20:2-3, Deuteronomy 6:4-5, Matthew 3:16-17, 2 Corinthians 13:14, 1 Peter 1:2)
CREATION
We believe God created all things in heaven and earth out of nothing; he created mankind in his own image, as male and female, as the pinnacle of his creation and to exercise dominion over his creation. Furthermore, we believe God established the institution of marriage to be an enduring covenant relationship between one man and one woman.
(Gen 1:1, 1:26-31, 2:18-25, Psalm 33:6, Colossians 1:16, Hebrews 11:3, Revelation 4:11)
SIN
We believe in the fall of Adam and the imputation of his sin to his posterity. Furthermore, we believe in the corruption of human nature and the impotency of man to recover himself by his own ability. Man is therefore born sinful and willingly chooses to sin.
(Genesis 3, Romans 3:10-23, Romans 5:12, James 1:13-15)
SALVATION
We believe salvation is by God’s grace alone, through faith alone, and in Christ alone. Salvation is a work of God, by His Holy Spirit, in which He calls, regenerates, converts, sanctifies and protects believers, so that they are eternally secure in that salvation. Sinners are justified in the sight of God only by the righteousness of Christ imputed to them. Man’s sole responsibility in salvation is to respond to the work God has done by repenting of his sin and trusting Jesus in faith.
(Matthew 4:17, John 3:16, Acts 2:37-39, Romans 3:21-26, 10:9, 10:13, Galatians 2:15-16, Ephesians 2:1-10, 1 Peter 1:3-5)
SANCTIFICATION
We believe God progressively conforms believers to be more like Christ, growing us in holiness as we follow Him in obedience. We believe good works are the fruit of faith and follow after justification. They do not merit salvation but serve to bring glory to God and are evidence that we are in a gracious state.
(Matthew 5:16, John 15:1-8, 17:17, Romans 8:29, Ephesians 2:10, Philippians 1:6, 2:12-13, 1 Thessalonians 5:23)
RETURN OF JESUS
We believe Jesus Christ is coming to this earth again, in God’s own timing and that no man knows the hour or the date. We should simply be prepared for when He does return. Too much speculation on this subject can lead to error in doctrine.
(Matthew 24, Luke 21, Acts 1:9-11, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, 2 Timothy 4:8, Hebrews 9:28)
FINAL JUDGMENT
We believe there will be a resurrection of the dead and a day of judgment. Those in Christ will live forever in His presence in glory, and the lost will suffer eternal punishment in hell.
(Matthew 24, 25:31-46, Romans 8:18-25, 1 Corinthians 15, Philippians 3:20-21, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9, 2 Peter 3:7-13, 1 John 5:11-12, Revelation 20:11-15)
THE BIBLE
We believe the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the inspired, authoritative, and sufficient Word of God, the only rule of faith and practice. They are without error in all they teach and affirm.
(Psalm 19:7-11, 2 Timothy 3:15-17, Hebrews 4:12, 2 Peter 1:20-21)
GOD
We believe in one God, the Maker, Preserver, and Ruler of all things, having in and of Himself, all perfections, and being infinite in them all. God reveals Himself to us as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, each with distinct personal attributes, but without division of nature, essence, or being.
(Genesis 1:26, Exodus 20:2-3, Deuteronomy 6:4-5, Matthew 3:16-17, 2 Corinthians 13:14, 1 Peter 1:2)
CREATION
We believe God created all things in heaven and earth out of nothing; he created mankind in his own image, as male and female, as the pinnacle of his creation and to exercise dominion over his creation. Furthermore, we believe God established the institution of marriage to be an enduring covenant relationship between one man and one woman.
(Gen 1:1, 1:26-31, 2:18-25, Psalm 33:6, Colossians 1:16, Hebrews 11:3, Revelation 4:11)
SIN
We believe in the fall of Adam and the imputation of his sin to his posterity. Furthermore, we believe in the corruption of human nature and the impotency of man to recover himself by his own ability. Man is therefore born sinful and willingly chooses to sin.
(Genesis 3, Romans 3:10-23, Romans 5:12, James 1:13-15)
SALVATION
We believe salvation is by God’s grace alone, through faith alone, and in Christ alone. Salvation is a work of God, by His Holy Spirit, in which He calls, regenerates, converts, sanctifies and protects believers, so that they are eternally secure in that salvation. Sinners are justified in the sight of God only by the righteousness of Christ imputed to them. Man’s sole responsibility in salvation is to respond to the work God has done by repenting of his sin and trusting Jesus in faith.
(Matthew 4:17, John 3:16, Acts 2:37-39, Romans 3:21-26, 10:9, 10:13, Galatians 2:15-16, Ephesians 2:1-10, 1 Peter 1:3-5)
SANCTIFICATION
We believe God progressively conforms believers to be more like Christ, growing us in holiness as we follow Him in obedience. We believe good works are the fruit of faith and follow after justification. They do not merit salvation but serve to bring glory to God and are evidence that we are in a gracious state.
(Matthew 5:16, John 15:1-8, 17:17, Romans 8:29, Ephesians 2:10, Philippians 1:6, 2:12-13, 1 Thessalonians 5:23)
RETURN OF JESUS
We believe Jesus Christ is coming to this earth again, in God’s own timing and that no man knows the hour or the date. We should simply be prepared for when He does return. Too much speculation on this subject can lead to error in doctrine.
(Matthew 24, Luke 21, Acts 1:9-11, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, 2 Timothy 4:8, Hebrews 9:28)
FINAL JUDGMENT
We believe there will be a resurrection of the dead and a day of judgment. Those in Christ will live forever in His presence in glory, and the lost will suffer eternal punishment in hell.
(Matthew 24, 25:31-46, Romans 8:18-25, 1 Corinthians 15, Philippians 3:20-21, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9, 2 Peter 3:7-13, 1 John 5:11-12, Revelation 20:11-15)
Covenant of GBC
Having, as we believe, been brought by Divine Grace to repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and to give up ourselves to Him, and having been baptized upon our profession of faith, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, we do now, relying on His gracious aid, solemnly and joyfully make our covenant with each other.
(Matt 28:19-20, Jn 1:12-13, Jn 3:14-17, Jn 6:44, Rom 3:21-24, Rom 10:9-13, Rom 6:3-4, Eph 1:3-14)
We will work and pray for the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
(Jn 17:20-21, Eph 4:1-6, Col 3:14-15)
We will not forsake the assembling of ourselves together, nor neglect to pray for ourselves and others.
(Heb 10:24-25, Eph 6:18, 1 Tim 2:1)
We will endeavor to bring to maturity all who may at any time be under our care, in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, and by a pure and loving example to seek the salvation of our family and friends.
(Deut 6:4-9, Matt 28:19-20, Eph 6:4, Col 1:28)
We will walk together in brotherly love, as becomes the members of a Christian Church; exercise an affectionate care and watchfulness over each other and faithfully admonish and entreat one another as occasion may require.
(Matt 18:15-17, Jn 13:34-35, Rom 12:9-10, Gal 6:1-2, 2 Tim 3:16-17)
We will rejoice at each other’s happiness and endeavor with tenderness and sympathy to bear each other’s burdens and sorrows.
(Rom 12:15, Rom 15:1-2, 1 Cor 12:26, 2 Cor 1:3-4, Gal 6:2)
We will seek, by Divine aid, to live carefully in the world, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, and remembering that, as we have been voluntarily buried by baptism and raised again from the symbolic grave, so there is on us a special obligation now to lead a new and holy life.
(Gal 5:16-26, Eph 5:1-21, Col 3:1-17, 1Peter 1:13-16)
We will work together for the continuance of a faithful evangelical ministry in this church, as we sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrines. We will contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the Gospel through all nations.
(Mal 3:6-12, Acts 2:42-47, 1 Cor 12:1-31, 2 Cor 9:6-15)
If God should move us from Somerset, we will as soon as possible unite with another church where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God’s Word.
(Heb 10:24-25)
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all. Amen.
Here is a PDF version of the covenant.
(Matt 28:19-20, Jn 1:12-13, Jn 3:14-17, Jn 6:44, Rom 3:21-24, Rom 10:9-13, Rom 6:3-4, Eph 1:3-14)
We will work and pray for the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
(Jn 17:20-21, Eph 4:1-6, Col 3:14-15)
We will not forsake the assembling of ourselves together, nor neglect to pray for ourselves and others.
(Heb 10:24-25, Eph 6:18, 1 Tim 2:1)
We will endeavor to bring to maturity all who may at any time be under our care, in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, and by a pure and loving example to seek the salvation of our family and friends.
(Deut 6:4-9, Matt 28:19-20, Eph 6:4, Col 1:28)
We will walk together in brotherly love, as becomes the members of a Christian Church; exercise an affectionate care and watchfulness over each other and faithfully admonish and entreat one another as occasion may require.
(Matt 18:15-17, Jn 13:34-35, Rom 12:9-10, Gal 6:1-2, 2 Tim 3:16-17)
We will rejoice at each other’s happiness and endeavor with tenderness and sympathy to bear each other’s burdens and sorrows.
(Rom 12:15, Rom 15:1-2, 1 Cor 12:26, 2 Cor 1:3-4, Gal 6:2)
We will seek, by Divine aid, to live carefully in the world, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, and remembering that, as we have been voluntarily buried by baptism and raised again from the symbolic grave, so there is on us a special obligation now to lead a new and holy life.
(Gal 5:16-26, Eph 5:1-21, Col 3:1-17, 1Peter 1:13-16)
We will work together for the continuance of a faithful evangelical ministry in this church, as we sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrines. We will contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the Gospel through all nations.
(Mal 3:6-12, Acts 2:42-47, 1 Cor 12:1-31, 2 Cor 9:6-15)
If God should move us from Somerset, we will as soon as possible unite with another church where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God’s Word.
(Heb 10:24-25)
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all. Amen.
Here is a PDF version of the covenant.