We Believe in Election

If you’ve been with us in recent weeks on Words of Grace, you’ll recall that we are undertaking a survey of the Articles of Faith as we call it, the standard statement of faith of modern Primitive Baptist churches but also Baptist churches of history in the United States. If you’re ever curious what that P in PB means, the adjective “primitive” was added to designate Baptists who held to the older ways of Baptists, the older doctrines and practices of Baptists, prior to modern times. Because of that sometimes we’re referred to as “old school” Baptists, and even the pejorative “hardshell” is used, to denote unwillingness to change.

Today’s focus has to do with the great doctrine of Election. Admittedly, this concept is one that is considered controversial by a great many Christians at present. People get so angry at this teaching that they sometimes resort to hurling insults at proponents of it. That’s sad, it really is. What’s even more sad is that something so commonly referred to in scripture would be so controversial among those who name the name of Christ! Join us for this study on such a fundamental subject to the gospel: Election.

Radio broadcast for April 30, 2023 Continue reading “We Believe in Election”

We Believe in the Scriptures

Today we continue our recent series on the Articles of Faith, a general founding document which serves as a basic expression of truths we consider nonnegotiable to be in fellowship with our churches.  As historic Baptists, we believe that the Old and New Testaments are the Word of God, the scriptures, and as such constitute our only rule of faith and practice. In this broadcast, we expand on exactly what that means and how it applies to the church today. Listen to learn more!

Radio broadcast for April 23, 2023. Continue reading “We Believe in the Scriptures”

We Believe in the Godhead

In this episode of Words of Grace, we begin a focus of study on the Articles of Faith, as endorsed by historic Baptist churches throughout the United States and “Primitive” Baptist churches today. Few variations of these statements of faith exist, showing great unity on specific, core, nonnegotiable concepts among our forefathers. For our source material, we’re looking to the Articles of Faith of two Alabama churches dating to the 19th century, Flint River (1808) and Ebenezer (1868). While identical in doctrine, these statements vary in wording, giving an interesting and helpful comparison.

Our article for today says, “We believe in only one true and living God, the Father, the Word and the Holy Ghost.”

As we explore in today’s broadcast, we hold the Godhead as a nonnegotiable doctrine. There is only one God, the true and living God, and this God exists as a Tri-unity of Father, Son/Word, and Holy Ghost. Listen to learn more!

Radio broadcast for April 16, 2023. Continue reading “We Believe in the Godhead”

The Nonnegotiable Truth of the Resurrection

Last week’s edition of Words of Grace focused on what a church considers nonnegotiable, as far as theological concepts are concerned. We used what we commonly referred to as the Articles of Faith to demonstrate this. In short, there are just some concepts that we ought to affirm. Things that  we believe, that we will not entertain any objection to. Today, we consider one of the most crucial nonnegotiable concepts which exists: The resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Radio broadcast for April 9, 2023. Continue reading “The Nonnegotiable Truth of the Resurrection”

The Importance of Nonnegotiable Truths

On this weekend’s edition of Words of Grace, we consider the importance of ideas that aren’t up for debate. The Bible tells us to buy the truth and sell it not. This means once a truth is known, it’s not to be reconsidered. We may explain it, but we should never entertain movements to redefine it. Truth is truth.

Churches commonly have official, voted upon statements of faith that serve as a list of “nonnegotiable” concepts that are necessary to submit to in order to join and remain in good standing. We call these the “Articles of Faith,” and at Flint River, ours date back to our founding in 1808.

Radio broadcast for April 2, 2023. Continue reading “The Importance of Nonnegotiable Truths”

Grace for Grace, Part 1

John 1 includes an interesting statement that at first glance can be rather puzzling. The Apostle writes that we have received grace for grace. We know the Bible emphatically declares we’re saved by grace, but what does this language mean, “grace for grace”? Tune in to this weekend’s edition of Words of Grace to learn.

Radio broadcast for March 19, 2023 Continue reading “Grace for Grace, Part 1”

Subduing the Earth!

Are you a young man or woman without a lot of motivation and direction? Pastor Winslett’s radio program this week might be something you need to hear. From Genesis 1, he confronts the depiction of masculinity and femininity of popular culture and challenges us to go conquer – subdue – as the Lord commanded.

Radio broadcast for March 12, 2023. Continue reading “Subduing the Earth!”

The Cross

One of the most prevalent and symbolic themes of the New Testament is that of the cross. This is for good reason, as the Lord gave His life upon a cross. Therefore salvation was accomplished on a cross. And so if Christianity had a theme or a logo, some symbol to represent it as a worldview or a belief system, it would be that of a cross, a crucifix. This is why that’s exactly what we find in encyclopedic and media references to Christianity – pictures of a cross – when the faith is being discussed.

Today on Words of Grace we want to spend some time reflecting on the cross. First of all, how it was an emblem of the suffering and work of Christ as far as words go. But also what took place on the cross, both in terms of Jesus suffering and the salvation that He provided. Lastly, there’s a lesson for each of us to consider when we look at the cross, as Jesus commanded us to take up our own crosses and follow Him!

Radio broadcast for March 5, 2023. Continue reading “The Cross”

Get Thee Behind Me

Sometimes when people hear bad news, the instinct is to challenge such with expressions of optimism. This happened once in the life of Jesus, as He foretold of His arrest, crucifixion, and resurrection. Upon hearing Jesus’ predictions of His sufferings, Peter took him and rebuked him. But Jesus was born into the world to die for the sins of His people! Join us for this week’s edition of Words of Grace as we explore this conversation from Matthew chapter 16.

Radio broadcast for February 26, 2023. Continue reading “Get Thee Behind Me”