In essentials, we have unity “There is one body and one Spirit…one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and God and Father of all.” Ephesians 4:4-6.

In non-essentials we have diversity “Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters.” Romans 14:1.

In all things, we show love. “If I hold in my mind not only all human knowledge, but also the very secrets of God, and if I have faith that can move mountains, but have no love, I amount to nothing at all.” 1 Corinthians 13:2.

ABOUT GOD

God is the creator and ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three personalities: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God.

Genesis 1:1, 26, 27, 3:22, Psalm 90:0, Matthew 28:19, 1 Peter 1:2

ABOUT JESUS CHRIST

Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. He was born of a virgin. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead on the third day to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven's glory and will return again someday to earth to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Matthew 1:22-23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5, 14:10-30, Hebrews 4:14-15; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Romans 1:3-4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14-15

ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT

The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make people aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. He gives every believer a spiritual gift when they are saved. As Christians, we seek to live under His control daily.

2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13

ABOUT THE BIBLE

There are many different translations of the Bible and we use a number of different translations in our services. Why? First, the different translations are all based on the same ancient manuscripts. However, the translations are varied in an attempt to communicate God’s word in today’s language to bring transformation to the reader’s heart. Our church will use the New International Version most of the time. When other translations are used it will be written in the bulletin or shown on the screens. The primary focus is to communicate God’s word in the simplest most effective way possible.

2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Psalm 119:105; 12:6; Proverbs 30:5

ABOUT HUMAN BEINGS

People are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. People are the supreme object of God's creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called "sin". This attitude separates people from God and causes problems in life.

Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Romans 3:23 Isaiah 59:1-2

ABOUT SALVATION

Salvation is God's free gift to us but we must accept it. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God's offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin's penalty. When we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith, we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus into his/her life by faith.

Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1

ABOUT ETERNAL SECURITY

Because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ, the true believer is secure in that salvation for eternity. If you have been genuinely saved, you cannot "lose" it. The grace and power of God maintains salvation, not the self-effort of the Christian. Grace and the keeping power of God gives us this security.

John 6:37-40, 10:29-30; 2 Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25, 10:10 & 14

ABOUT ETERNITY

People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with God is Heaven. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence.

John 3:16; John 14:7; Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:15; 1 Corinthians 2:7-9

Beliefs are not worth much unless they are translated into actions. Based on what the Bible teaches, we feel very strongly about the following seven practices.

1. BIBLE AS OUR SOLE AUTHORITY

Since God's Word is the only completely reliable and truthful authority, we accept the Bible as our manual for living. Our first question when faced with a decision is "What does the Bible say?" We practice daily Bible reading, Bible study, and Bible memorization. The Bible is the basis for all we believe.

"The whole Bible was given to us by inspiration from God and is useful to teach us what is true and make us realize what is wrong in our lives; it straightens us out and helps us to do what is right." 2 Timothy 3:15 (NIV)

2. AUTONOMY OF EACH LOCAL CHURCH

Christ is the recognized head of our church; no one person, group, or religious organization is leading, only Christ. While recognizing the value of associating and cooperating with other groups of Christians, we believe every local church should be self-governing and independent from any denominational control. Therefore, we have chosen to participate with Waco Regional Baptist Network, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, Baptist General Convention of Texas and Baptist World Alliance.

"Christ is the head of His Body, the church. He is the source of the Body's life…" Colossians 1:18 (Good News)

3. PRIESTHOOD OF EVERY BELIEVER

The Bible teaches that every Christian is called to "full-time" Christian service, regardless of his or her vocation. We practice the truth that every believer is a minister by encouraging every member to find a place of service and ministry. Every believer has direct access to God through prayer and Bible reading.

"Christ loved us, and by His death He has freed us from our sins and made us a kingdom of priests to serve God... " Revelation 1:6

"You are the King's priests God's own people, chosen to proclaim the wonderful acts of God." 1 Peter 2:9 (Good News)

4. TITHING

At Meadowbrook we practice tithing for the support of Christ's Body, the church, as God commands. We recognize that giving 10% of our income is the Biblical standard of giving.

"A tithe of everything you produce belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord." Leviticus 26:30 (NIV)

5. BAPTISM BY IMMERSION

We practice baptism by immersion under water – the way Jesus was baptized, and the way the Bible commands.

"For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ... " Colossians 2:12 (Good News)

6. SPIRIT-LED LIVING

We believe the only way possible to live the Christian life is by God's power within us. So we seek to practice a daily dependence on God's Spirit to enable us to do what is right. (Philippians 2:13, Ephesians 5:18)

Jesus said, "I am the vine, you are the branches. If you abide in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; but apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5 (NIV)

7. TELLING OTHERS ABOUT CHRIST

We believe the responsibility of every Christian is to share the Good News with those with whom God brings us into contact. We practice personal sharing about Christ and inviting friends to church.

"Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have." 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)

Full Statement of Beliefs

Meadowbrook Baptist Church is a community of believers intentionally engaging our community, our nation, & our world with the love of Jesus Christ.

We Believe the Bible is the Word of God

We accept fully the writings of the entire Old and New Testament as the inspired, complete and perfect Word of God. We believe the Bible is the final authority in all matters of doctrine, duty, and decisions as individuals and as a New Testament Church. Psalm 119:89 * II Timothy 3:15-17 * I Thessalonians 2:13

We believe in the Trinity

We believe in the only one true God, the Creator, who is eternal, loving, just, merciful, holy, and unchanging. We believe that God is one and exists in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, equal in every divine attribute and fulfilling distinct but complimentary roles in the work of redemption. John 3:16 * Colossians 2:9 * Matthew 28:19 * Matthew 3:14-17

We believe in God, the Father

God as Father reigns with loving care over all His creation. God is Father in truth to those who become Christ Followers through faith in Jesus Christ. He is all powerful, all loving, and all wise toward all people. Genesis 1:1: 2:7 * Psalm 19:1-3 * Matthew 6:9; 7:11; 23:9; 28:19 * Romans 8:14-15 * Ephesians 1:5-6, 11; 4:6 * 1 Timothy 1:17 * Hebrews 11:6; 12:9 * 1 Peter 1:17 * 1 John 5:7

We believe in Jesus Christ, God’s Only Begotten Son

Jesus preexisted with God the Father before His birth in Bethlehem. He was divinely conceived by the Holy Spirit in the body of the Virgin Mary. He lived a totally sinless and perfect life. His death on the cross provided the redemption of humanity from sin. He was raised from the dead with a glorified body and appeared to His disciples as the person who was with them before His crucifixion. He ascended into heaven and is now exalted at the right hand of God where He is the One Mediator reconciling God and humanity. He will return in power and glory to judge the world and to finalize His redemptive mission. He now dwells in all Christ Followers as the living and ever-present Lord. Colossians 1:17 * Isaiah 7:14 * Luke 2:26-38 * I Peter 2:22, 24 * Romans 1:1-4 * Hebrews 7:25 * I Thessalonians 4:13-18

We believe in the Holy Spirit

We believe that the Holy Spirit is divine, equal with God the Father and Jesus Christ - God the Son. Prior to salvation, we believe the Holy Spirit convicts and calls people to Christ. Upon salvation, we believe the Holy Spirit regenerates, indwells and seals the believer until the day of final redemption. Under the direction of the Holy Spirit, we believe the believer is filled and empowered to live a holy and fruitful life. We believe the Holy Spirit bestows the spiritual gifts by which Christ Followers serve God through His church and not as evidence of the superiority of one gift over another. We believe that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is an experience that takes place at the time of salvation and is not separate from salvation. John 14:16, 26 * John 15:26-27 * John 16:7-11 * Romans 8:1-14 * I Corinthians 12:13 * Ephesians 4:30, 5:18

We believe that Every Person is a Sinner

We believe that Adam and Eve were created equally in the image of God. They were without sin and God dwelled with them. However, by their voluntary transgression against God, they fell into sin and incurred not only physical death, but spiritual death, which is separation from God. Consequently, all human beings are born with a sinful nature and are in need of redemption. Psalm 51:5 * Isaiah 53:6 * Romans 3:23 * Ephesians 2:1-3

We believe in Salvation by Grace through Faith

We believe that salvation is by grace alone through faith alone, that salvation is the free gift of God. We believe that a person is saved by faith through the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. We believe a person must repent of his/her sin and faithfully trust in Jesus Christ as Lord in order to be saved. We also believe that all who have been truly saved are saved forever and cannot lose their salvation. We believe that making the decision to accept Christ is the most important choice in every individual’s life. Ephesians 2:8-9 * Romans 10:9, 10, 13 * Hebrews 9:22 * Matthew 16:26

We believe in Heaven

We believe that Heaven is a real place. We believe it is the place where believers will dwell for eternity in the presence of the Lord Himself. The righteous in their resurrected and glorified bodies will receive their reward and will dwell forever in Heaven with the Lord. John 14:1-6 * Hebrews 12:22-24 * Revelation 21:10 – 22:5

We believe in a literal Hell

We believe that hell is a real place, that it was prepared for the devil and his fallen angels, and that all of those who die and have not made the decision to accept Jesus Christ as Lord will spend eternity in hell. We believe that hell is a literal place of complete separation from God filled with physical, mental, spiritual, and eternal suffering. We believe that every person will spend eternity either in heaven or in hell. Luke 16:19-31 * Revelation 20:11-15 * Matthew 13:42 * Matthew 25:41 * Mark 9:43-46

We believe there is an Adversary called Satan

We believe that Satan is a real being who was created and originally lived in heaven but was cast out of heaven when he rebelled against God. He is totally sinful, deceptive, and powerful. He is the leader of a vast host of evil spirits who seek to keep unsaved people lost and to divide and deceive humanity. We believe that Christ defeated Satan at the cross; therefore, all Christ Followers have authority and power over him through the Lord Jesus Christ. Genesis 3:11 * Ezekiel 28:11-19 * 2 Corinthians 11:14 * Ephesians 6:12 * Revelation 12:11

We believe in Community

The life of a Christ Follower is a journey with Jesus learning, serving, worshipping and fellowshipping with others in community. It is a life of fruitfulness where the fruit of the spirit is exhibited in our lives in the way we live and in the witness of our lives as we lead other people to saving faith in Jesus Christ. Acts 1:8 * Galatians 2:20, 3:11, 5:16-17, 22-23 * Romans 8:11 * Ephesians 5:18 * Titus 2:11-13

We believe in the Local Church

We believe that the local church is God’s instrument in this present age and the hope of the world. We believe that all Christ Followers should both belong to and be an active part of a local New Testament church. We believe the church is a body of baptized believers in whom Jesus Christ lives and over whom He is Lord. We believe the church is to function under the direction and discipline of the Bible – the Holy Word of God. Believers are united together in the Holy Spirit for the purpose of evangelizing the lost, encouraging Christ Followers, and glorifying the Lord. Matthew 16:18 * Acts 2:41-47 * Ephesians 1:7, 14, 3:21

We believe in the Church Ordinances of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper

We believe that baptism by immersion is the only scriptural mode (except in rare occasions where immersion is not medically warranted). We believe that baptism does not save, rather it is an act of obedience to the command of Christ and a testimony to the world of your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. We believe that the Lord’s Supper also known as Communion is a symbol of Christ’s body broken for our sins and His blood shed for our redemption; it is not a saving ordinance. We believe that every Christ Follower should participate in the Lord’s Supper as an act of worship, praise, remembrance, and gratitude to Jesus Christ for what He has done for us. Matthew 28:19-20 *

I Corinthians 11:23-30 * Romans 6:1-5

We believe in Evangelism

We believe that it is the responsibility and privilege of every Christ Follower to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with as many people as possible to fulfill the Great Commission. Matthew 28:18-20 * Mark 16:15-16 * Luke 24:44-49 * John 20:21-23 * Acts 1:8

We believe in Direct Access to God

We believe that every Christ Follower has direct access to God the Father without going through an intermediary. A Christ Follower is free to pray and interpret God’s Word as led by God’s Spirit. This is known as the Priesthood of the Believer. Exodus 19:6 * I Peter 2:5 * Hebrews 3:1; 6:20

We believe in Giving

We believe that God is the creator and owner of all things. God is the first giver. We believe the Christ Follower’s time, spiritual ability, and money should be given back to God as an act of dedication and love. God is not interested in our money - God is interested in our hearts. Our money follows our hearts. The Bible teaches that giving of our financial resources is not only an obligation we have to God but is also an instrument of blessing to be returned to us. It is important every member and attendee understand their God-given role in supporting the financial needs of the church through systematic giving because our greatest desire is changed lives. Giving to God is both a privilege and a responsibility reflecting our hearts. The Bible teaches all Christ Followers should practice the biblical principle of tithing (giving at least one-tenth of one’s income) to support the work of the church When giving beyond the tithe, giving is to be out of your abundance revealing a lifestyle of generosity that recognizes God’s ownership of everything. Matthew 6:19-21; 23:23 * Luke 6:38 * 1 Corinthians 4:2 * 1 Peter 4:10 *Leviticus 27:30 * Malachi 3:8-12

We believe in Biblical marriage and family.

We believe that God has ordained the family as the foundational institution of human society. It is composed of persons related to one another by marriage, blood, or adoption. Marriage is the uniting of one man (born biologically) and one woman (born biologically) in covenant commitment for a lifetime. It is God's unique gift to reveal the union between Christ and His church and to provide for the man and the woman in marriage the framework for intimate companionship, the channel of sexual expression according to biblical standards, and the means for procreation of humanity. Children from the moment of conception are a blessing and heritage from the Lord. Parents are to demonstrate to their children God's pattern for marriage. Parents are to teach their children spiritual and moral values and to lead them, through consistent lifestyle example and loving discipline, to make choices based on biblical truth. Children are to honor and obey their parents. Genesis 1:26-28; 2:24 * Exodus 20:12 * Deuteronomy 6:4-9 * 1 Samuel 1:26-28 * Matthew 19:4-6 * Ephesians 5:21-33 * Col. 3:18-21 * 1 Timothy 5:8 * Hebrews 13:4