How We Worship

Inside Mountain Home

WHO ARE WE?

Primitive Baptist! What does that mean? Well, the name certainly does sound different; and we are different from main stream Baptists of today.  “Primitive” means “first” or “original” not archaic.  At one time the Baptists were not divided and were known simply as “Baptists”.  The Baptists (A name originated from John the Baptist) clung to the doctrines of grace and worshipped in the manner set forth as a New Testament Church.

In the early 1800’s the Baptists of America began to differ on some major points concerning the doctrines of grace.  As a result a major split ensued.  Since that time there have been many different beliefs that have arose all using the word Baptist as their identifying marks.

The Primitive Baptist (Also known as: Old Baptist, or Hard-shells) have maintained the doctrine of Christ and the practice of a simplistic worship service since the preaching of John the Baptist.

HOW ARE WE DIFFERENT?

In Practice:

The practice of worship within the Primitive Baptist is a unique and inspiring experience. Unfortunately many religions of today have taken away from the simplicity of true worship. Though we are not opposed to musical instruments outside of the church, God is scripturally silent on the use of these man-made tools in the New Testament Church. God does instruct us on what to use; our voice (Ephesians 5:18-19, Colossians 3:16)!  What better way to extol and glorify our Savior than to participate in congregational singing, with an open heart, those old hymns that are so rich in glorifying God!

We don’t believe in family segregation in the Church.  There is too much segregation of the family in this world. We believe that the family should be integrated in the worship service, founded by God. You will see no Sunday school here. We believe that the family should be unified in fellowship, prayer, song and worship.

We don’t believe that the lack of Sunday school discharges the responsibility of parents in the home to bring up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4, Deuteronomy 6:6-9, Proverbs 22:6).

We adhere to the teachings of the King James Translation and use no other source or version.  We believe that the 1611 KJT is God’s inspired and preserved word for English speaking people and that other versions are not of God but are inspired by man (Psalms 12:6-7).

In Doctrine:

While we are similar in some ways to Calvinists, We are far from being Calvinists.  We believe in the biblical doctrine of predestination as it is taught in God’s word.  Predestination does not include all the events of time but rather has reference to a people. Notice (Romans 8:29) that it is a people who are under consideration and not events. God elected and predestinated a people before the foundation of the world (Eph. 1:4). This election was not dependent upon the deeds or acts of sinful man but according to the good pleasure of His will.

We do not believe, as Calvinists do, that all of God’s elect will persevere in Godly living. The scripture encourages and even commands a Godly way of living with a promise of blessings that are a result of living a life pleasing to God. God’s word also warns the child of God that a life of willful sinning is in direct opposition to God’s will and can and will result in a loss of blessings and fellowship with God while in this life.

We believe in the biblical doctrine of original sin; that man fell, through Adam, to a state of death in trespasses and sin and is utterly incapable of recovering himself from that fallen state.  It is of God and Him alone that has the power, ability and desire through his great love to lift us out of that eternal state of death and give us a life in Christ.  This sovereign power is referred in the bible as being born again, translated, regeneration, and quickening.  The Old Baptist refers often to this work at the “effectual call”.  It is effectual because it simply gets the job done!

We believe that God, not man, made the choice concerning his eternal salvation (election).  The bible speaks of many (not a few) whom God elected and predestinated to be with him in glory one day.  The biblical description of a Child of God is one who:

  • Loves the Lord (1 John 4:19).
  • Is convicted over their sins (Romans 7:24).
  • Has a desire to pray to God (Psalms 28:2).
  • Believes in God in his heart (John 6:29)
  • Has a heart driven desire to please God (Psalms 143:10)

These descriptions do not describe one who needs salvation dear friends, but shows forth the evidences of one who already is a blood bought, heaven born and heaven bound Child of God! For none but a Child of God born again by His Spirit could have these feelings in his heart!

The gospel does not give life, only the sovereign power of God can do that.  But the gospel has a very important role in our lives.  It brings life and immortality to light (2 Timothy 1:10). The gospel is food for the hungry soul.  It nourishes and comforts the one who already has life; spiritual life. “Give us this day our daily bread”!