Distinctives
Doctrines of Grace
In this series of posts, we’ll look at some of the terms used to try and capture what we believe and value. Words have meaning, but divorced from context they could be misunderstood. Understanding how words are defined and used is essential. On our Statement of Faith page it mentions that we hold to the “doctrines of grace.” So what does that mean? The doctrines of grace which is sometimes referred to as “reformed” theology lies at the heart of…
Gospel-focused
In this series of posts, we’ll look at some of the terms used to try and capture what we believe and value. Words have meaning, but divorced from context they could be misunderstood. Understanding how words are defined and used is essential, so this week we’ll look at what we mean by: gospel-focused. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 2:2,”For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” This is one of the main reasons why…
Expository Preaching
In this series of posts, we’ll look at some of the terms used to try and capture what we believe and value. Words have meaning, but divorced from context they could be misunderstood. Understanding how words are defined and used is essential, so this week we’ll look at what we mean by: expository preaching. Expository preaching has become a buzzword in church circles. Unfortunately, while being often used, it’s intended meaning proves elusive. Many churches claim to value expository preaching,…
Baptist
In this series of posts, we’ll look at some of the terms used to try and capture what we believe and value. Words have meaning, but divorced from context they could be misunderstood. Understanding how words are defined and used is essential, so this week we’ll look at what we mean by: baptist. The new covenant inaugurated by Jesus is significant when discussing why we are baptists. This new and better covenant is spoken of in the Old Testament and…
Evangelical
In this series of posts, we’ll look at some of the terms used to try and capture what we believe and value. Words have meaning, but divorced from context they could be misunderstood. Understanding how words are defined and used is essential, so this week we’ll look at what we mean by: evangelical. The word itself comes from the Greek word for “gospel.” So in it’s broadest sense, an Evangelical is one who believes the biblical gospel or good news…
Reformed
In this series of posts, we’ll look at some of the terms used to try and capture what we believe and value. Words have meaning, but divorced from context they could be misunderstood. Understanding how words are defined and used is essential, so this week we’ll look at what we mean by: reformed. To be reformed is to identify yourself with the principles of the Protestant Reformation that took place under individuals like Martin Luther and John Calvin. These men…
Complementarian
In this series of posts, we’ll look at some of the terms used to try and capture what we believe and value. Words have meaning, but divorced from context they could be misunderstood. Understanding how words are defined and used is essential, so this week we’ll look at a fairly new theological word: complementarianism. What is complementarianism? Like most “isms” it describes a set of beliefs. It was coined recently to describe the biblical idea that men and women have…