Why is Sophia a Baptist Church

Call to Worship

Psalm 133 KJV 1900

A Song of degrees of David. 1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity! 2 It is like the precious ointment upon the head, That ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard: That went down to the skirts of his garments; 3 As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: For there the Lord commanded the blessing, Even life for evermore.

Text

Acts 2:41–47 KJV 1900

41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. 42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. 44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

Introduction

Baptist distinctives are a set of theological and practical beliefs that characterize Baptist churches and differentiate them from other Christian denominations.

Biblical Authority - Baptists hold that the Bible is the ultimate authority for faith and practice, not church tradition or human leaders. They emphasize sola scriptura—Scripture alone—as the foundation for doctrine and life.

Autonomy of the Local Church - Each Baptist congregation is self-governing, independent of any hierarchical control like a denomination or bishop. Decisions about leadership, doctrine, and practice are made locally.

Priesthood of All Believers - Baptists believe every Christian has direct access to God without needing a human mediator like a priest. This empowers individuals to interpret Scripture and approach God personally through prayer.

Two Ordinances - Baptists recognize only two ordinances instituted by Jesus: believer’s baptism (by immersion, following a personal confession of faith) and the Lord’s Supper (a memorial, not a sacrament conferring grace). These are symbolic acts, not means of salvation.

Individual Soul Liberty - Every person has the freedom and responsibility to interpret Scripture and follow their conscience in matters of faith, without coercion from church or state.

Saved Church Membership - Church membership is reserved for those who have personally professed faith in Christ and been baptized. It’s a community of regenerate believers, not a mixed body of saved and unsaved.

Two Offices - Baptists typically recognize two scriptural offices in the church: pastors (or elders) and deacons. These roles serve the congregation, not as a priestly hierarchy.

Separation of Church and State - Baptists advocate for religious liberty and a clear distinction between civil government and the church, opposing state-sponsored religion or interference in spiritual matters.

These distinctives emerged historically, especially during the Reformation and the rise of Anabaptist and English Baptist movements in the 16th and 17th centuries. They reflect a commitment to personal faith, congregational governance, and a high view of Scripture.

Believer’s Baptism by Immersion

Acts 2:41 KJV 1900

Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

“They that gladly received his word…”

Baptism followed a personal acceptance of the gospel. It is for believers only, not infants of believers.

By immersion: the word Baptized comes from baptizo meaning to immerse.

Faith then baptism.

This is why we baptize again after a person comes to Christ if they were baptized as a child or before conversion.

Regenerate Church Membership

Acts 2:41 KJV 1900

Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

Only believers are added to the Church.

Priesthood of All Believers (Implied)

Acts 2:42 KJV 1900

And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

Individual believers participated in aspects of worship. They had direct access to God, without an earthly mediator. Whether it is worship, the Lord’s Supper, or prayer, we need not a priest to mediate us or distribute grace to us.

1 Peter 2:9 KJV 1900

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

Congregational Autonomy (Implied)

Acts 2:44–46 KJV 1900

44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,

Believers are making decisions as they are led by the Spirit.

Evangelism and Church Growth

Acts 2:47 KJV 1900

47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

This shows the Baptist commitment to evangelism and soul-winning.

Application

Are you a Baptist? Baptist affiliation will not get you to heaven. Only Christ will. But we congregate and fellowship together as Baptists because of our particular set of Biblical beliefs that unite us in doctrine, governance, and fellowship.