Yellow Creek

Revised and Approved

April 14, 2013

Originally Adopted by the Church: November 20, 1976

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

ARTICLE SUBJECT PAGE

ARTICLE 1 NAME 3

ARTICLE 2 CHARTER 3

Section 1 POLICY 3

Section 2 DISCIPLINE 3

Section 3 DOCTRINE 3

Section 4 ARTICLES OF FAITH 3

1 OF THE SCRIPTURES 3

2 OF THE TRUE GOD 4

3 OF THE FALL OF MAN 4

4 OF THE WAY OF SALVATION 5

5 OF JUSTIFICATION 5

6 OF THE FREENESS OF SALVATION 6

7 OF GRACE IN REGENERATION 6

8 OF REPENTANCE AND FAITH 6

9 OF GOD'S PURPOSE OF GRACE 7

10 OF SANCTIFICATION 8

11 OF THE PERSERVERANCE OF SAINTS 8

12 OF THE HARMONY OF THE LAW AND THE GOSPEL 9

13 OF A GOSPEL CHURCH 9

14 OF BAPTISM AND THE LORDS' SUPPER 10

15 OF THE CHRISTIAN SABBATH 10

16 OF CIVIL GOVERNMENT 11

17 OF THE RIGHTEOUS AND THE WICKED 11

18 DIVINE INSTITUTION OF MARRAIGE 12

19 OF THE WORLD TO COME 12

CHURCH COVENANT 13

ARTICLE 3 MEMBERSHIP OF CHURCH 13

ARTICLE 4 BUSINESS CONFERENCE 14

ARTICLE 5 NOMINATION AND ELECTION OF CHURCH OFFICERS 16

Section 1 CHURCH FISCAL YEAR 16

Section 2 TERMS OF SERVICE 16

Section 3 SELECTION OF CHURCH OFFICERS 16

Section 4 ELECTION 17

ARTICLE 6 DEACONS 17

ARTICLE 7 TRUSTEES 18

ARTICLE 8 PASTOR 19

CEMETARY RULES & REGULATIONS 20

CHURCH EVENTS

YEARLY 21

MONTHLY & WEEKLY 22

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CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS

PREAMBLE

For the more certain preservation and security of the principles of our faith, and to the end that

this church may be governed in an orderly manner consistent with the accepted beliefs of the

Missionary Baptist denomination, and the purpose of the preserving the liberties inherent in each

individual member of this church with respect to its relation to other churches of the same faith,

we do declare and establish this constitution.

ARTICLE 1

NAME – This church shall be known as Yellow Creek Baptist Church of Murrayville, Georgia.

ARTICLE 2

CHARTER

SECTION 1: POLICY. The government of this church is vested in the body of believers who

compose it. It is subject to the control of no other ecclesiastical body, but it recognizes and

sustains the obligations of mutual counsel and cooperation, which are common among Baptist

Churches.

SECTION 2: DISCIPLINE. The discipline of this church shall conform to the pattern as set

forth in the New Testament.

SECTION 3: DOCTRINE. This church receives the scriptures of the original authorized King

James Version as its authority in matters of faith and practice. Its understanding of Christian truth

as contained therein is in essential accord with the belief of the Baptist Churches as indicated in

the Articles of Faith as adopted by this church.

SECTION 4: ARTICLES OF FAITH

1. OF THE SCRIPTURES

We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired, and is a perfect treasure of

heavenly instruction (1); that it has God for its author, salvation for its end (2); and truth without

any mixture of error for its matter (3); that it reveals the principles by which God will judge us (4);

and therefore is, and shall remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union (5);

and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions should be tried (6).

Places in the Bible where taught.

1. 2nd Timothy chapter 3: verses 16,17. Also 2nd Peter chapter 1: verse 21. 2nd Samuel

chapter 23: verse 2. Acts chapter 1: verse 16; Acts chapter 3: verse 21; John chapter

10: verse 35; Luke chapter 16: verses 29-31; Psalm chapter 119 and chapter 111;

Romans chapter 3: verses 1-2.

2. 2 Timothy chapter 3: verse 15, Also 1st Peter chapter 1: verses 10-12; Acts chapter 2:

verse 14; Romans chapter 1: verse 16; Mark chapter 16: verse 16; John chapter 5:

verses 38-39.

3. Proverbs chapter 30: verses 5-6. Also John chapter 17: verse 17; Revelations chapter

22: verses 18-19; Romans chapter 3: verse 4.

4. Romans chapter 2: verse 12. John chapter 12: verses 47-48. Also 1st Corinthians

chapter 4: verses 3-4. Luke chapter 10: verses 10-16; chapter 12: verses 47-48.

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5. Philippians chapter 3: verse 16. Also Ephesians chapter 4: verses 3-6. Philippians

chapter 2: verses 1-2; 1st Corinthians chapter 1: verse 10; 1st Peter chapter 4: verse 11.

6. 1st John chapter 4: verse 1. Isaiah chapter 8: verse 20. 1st Thessalonians chapter 5:

verse 21. 2nd Corinthians chapter 13: verse 5. Also Acts chapter 17: verse 11. 1st John

chapter 4: verse 6; Jude chapter 3: verse 5; Ephesians chapter 6: verse 17; Psalms

chapter 110: verses 59-60; Philippians chapter 1: verses 9-11.

2. OF THE TRUE GOD

We believe that there is one, and only one living and true God, an infinite, intelligent Spirit, whose

name is JEHOVAH, the Maker and Supreme ruler of heaven and earth (1); inexpressibly glorious

in holiness (2), and worthy of all possible honor, confidence, and love (3); that in the unity of the

God-head there are three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost (4); equal in every

divine perfection (5), and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of

redemption (6).

Places in the Bible where taught.

1. John chapter 4: verse 24. Psalms chapter 147: verse 5. Psalms chapter 83: verse 18.

Hebrews chapter 3: verse 4; Romans chapter 1: verse 20; Jeremiah chapter 10: verse

10.

2. Exodus chapter 15: verse 11. Isaiah chapter 6: verse 3; 1st Peter chapter 1: verses

15-16; Revelations chapter 4: verses 6-8.

3. Mark chapter 12: verse 30. Revelations chapter 4: verse 11. Matthew chapter 10: verse

37; Jeremiah chapter 2: verses 12-13.

4. Matthew chapter 28: verse 19. John chapter 15: verse 26. 1st Corinthians chapter 12:

Verses 4-6. 1st John chapter 5: verse 7.

5. John chapter 10: verse 30. John chapter 5: verse 17; John chapter 14: verse 23; John

Chapter 17: verse 5 and verse 10; Acts chapter 5: verses 3-4; 1st Corinthians chapter 2:

verses 10-11; Philippians chapter 2: verses 5-6.

6. Ephesians chapter 2: verse 18. 2nd Corinthians chapter 13: verse 14; Revelations

chapter

1: verses 4-5;

3. OF THE FALL OF MAN

We believe that man was created in holiness, under the law of his Maker (1); but by voluntary

transgression fell from that holy and happy state (2); in consequence of which all mankind are

now sinners (3), not by constraint but by choice (4); being by nature utterly void of that holiness

required by the law of God, positively inclined to evil; and therefore under just condemnation to

eternal ruin (5), without defense or excuse (6).

Places in the Bible where taught.

1. Genesis chapter 1: verse 27. Genesis chapter 1: verse 31. Ecclesiastes chapter 7:

verse

29; Acts chapter 15: verse 26; Genesis chapter 2: verse 16.

2. Genesis chapter 3: verses 6-24. Romans chapter 5: verse 12.

3. Romans chapter 5: verse 19. John chapter 3: verse 6, Psalms chapter 51: verse 5:

Romans chapter 5: verses 15-19; Romans chapter 8: verse 7.

4. Isaiah chapter 53: verse 6. Genesis chapter 6: verse 12; Romans chapter 3: verses 9-

18.

5. Ephesians chapter 2: verses 1-3. Romans chapter 1: verse 18. Romans chapter 1:

verse 32, Romans chapter 2: verses 1-16; Galatians chapter 3: verse 10; Matthew

chapter 20: verse 15.

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6. Ezekiel chapter 18: verses 19-20. Romans chapter 1: verse 20. Romans chapter 3:

verse 19. Galatians chapter 3: verse 22.

4. OF THE WAY OF SALVATION

We believe that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace (1); through the Mediatorial offices of

the Son of God (2); who by the appointment of the Father, freely took upon him our nature, yet

without sin (3); honored the divine law by his personal obedience (4), and by his death made a

full atonement for our sins (5); that having risen from the dead, he is now enthroned in heaven

(6); and uniting in his wonderful person with tender sympathies and divine perfections, he is every

way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate, and an all-sufficient Saviour (7).

Places in the Bible where taught.

1. Ephesians chapter 2: verse 5. Mathew chapter 18: verse 11; 1st John chapter 4: verse

10;

1st Corinthians chapter 3: verses 5-7; Acts chapter 15: verse 11.

2. John chapter 3: verse 16. John chapter 1: verses 1-14; Hebrews chapter 4: verse 14;

Hebrews chapter 12: verse 24.

3. Philippians chapter 2: verses 6-7. Hebrews chapter 2: verse 9, verse 14.;

2nd Corinthians chapter 5: verse 21.

4. Isaiah chapter 42: verse 21. Philippians chapter 2: verse 8, Galatians chapter 4: verses

4-5; Romans chapter 3: verse 21.

5. Isaiah chapter 53: verses 4-5. Matthew chapter 20: verse 28; Romans chapter 4: verse

25, Romans chapter 3: verses 21-26; 1st John chapter 4: verse 10; 1st John chapter 2:

verse 3; 1st Corinthians chapter 15: verses 1-3; Hebrews chapter 9: verses 13-15.

6. Hebrews chapter 1: verse 8. Hebrews chapter 3: verse 8; Colossians chapter 3: verses

1-4.

7. Hebrews chapter 7: verse 25. Colossians chapter 2: verse 9. Hebrews chapter 2: verse

a. Hebrews chapter 7: verse 26, Psalms chapter 89: verse 19; Psalms chapter 45.

5. OF JUSTIFICATION

We believe that the great gospel blessing which Christ (1) secures to such as believe in him is

justification (2); that justification includes the pardon of sin (3), and the promise of eternal life on

principles of righteousness (4); that it is bestowed, not in consideration of any works of

righteousness which we have done, but solely through faith in the Redeemer’s blood (5); by virtue

of God (6); that it brings us into a state of most blessed peace and favor with God, and secures

every other blessing needful for time and eternity (7).

Places in the Bible where taught.

1. John chapter 1: verse 16. Ephesians chapter 3: verse 8.

2. Acts chapter 13: verse 39. Isaiah chapter 3: verses 11-12; Romans chapter 8: verse 1.

3. Romans chapter 5: verse 9. Zechariah chapter 13: verse 1; Matthew chapter 9: verse 6;

Acts chapter 10: verse 43.

4. Romans chapter 5: verse 17. Titus chapter 3: verses 5-6; 1st Peter chapter 3: verse 7;

1st John chapter 2: verse 25; Romans chapter 5: verse 21.

5. Romans chapter 4: verses 4-5. Romans chapter 5: verse 21. Romans chapter 6: verse 23

Philippians chapter 3: verses 7-9.

6. Romans chapter 5: verse 19. Romans chapter 3: verses 24-28; Romans chapter 4:

Verses 23-25; 1st John chapter 2: verse 12.

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7. Romans chapter 5: verses 1-3. Romans chapter 5: verse 11. 1st Corinthians chapter 3:

Verses 30-31; Matthew chapter 6: verse 33; 1st Timothy chapter 4: verse 8.

6. OF THE FREENESS OF SALVATION

We believe that the blessings of salvation are made free to all by the gospel (1); that it is the

immediate duty of all to accept them by a cordial penitent and obedient faith (2); and that nothing

prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth, but his own inherent depravity and

voluntary rejection of the gospel (3); which rejection involves him in an aggravated condemnation

(4).

Places in the Bible where taught.

1. Isaiah chapter 55: verse 1. Revelations chapter 22: verse 17. Luke chapter 14: verse 17.

2. Romans chapter 16: verse 26. Mark chapter 1: verse 15. Romans chapter 1: verses 15-

17.

3. John chapter 5: verse 40. Matthew chapter 23: verse 37; Romans chapter 9: verse 32;

Proverbs chapter 1: verse 24; Acts chapter 12: verse 46.

4. John chapter 3: verse 19. Matthew chapter 2: verse 20; Luke chapter 19: verse 27;

1st Thessalonians chapter 1: verse 8.

7. OF GRACE IN REGENERATION

We believe that in order to be saved, sinners must be regenerated, or born again (1); that

regeneration consists in giving a holy disposition to the mind (2); that it is affected in a manner

above our comprehension by the power of the Holy Spirit, in connection with divine truth (3), so

as to secure our voluntary obedience to the gospel (4); and that its proper evidence appears in

the holy fruits of repentance, and faith, and newness of life (5).

Places in the Bible where taught.

1. John chapter 3: verse 3. John chapter 3: verses 6-7; 1st Corinthians chapter 1: verse 14;

Revelations chapter 8: verses 7-9; Revelations chapter 21: verse 27.

2. 1st Corinthians chapter 5: verse 17. Ezekiel chapter 36: verse 26; Deuteronomy chapter

30: verse 6; Romans chapter 2: verses 28-29; Romans chapter 5: verse 5; 1st John

chapter 4: verse 7.

3. John chapter 3: verse 8. John chapter 1: verse 13. James chapter 1: verses 16-18.

1st Corinthians chapter 1: verse 30; Philippians chapter 2: verse 13.

4. 1st Peter chapter 1: verses 22-25. 1st John chapter 5: verse 1. Ephesians chapter 4:

verses 20-24; Colossians chapter 3: verses 9-11.

5. Ephesians chapter 5: verse 9. Romans chapter 8: verse 9; Galatians chapter 5: verses

16-23. Ephesians chapter 3: verses 14-21. Matthew chapter 3: verses 8-10. Matthew

chapter 7: verse 20; 1st John chapter 5: verse 4 and verse 18.

8. OF REPENTANCE AND FAITH

We believe that repentance and faith are sacred duties, and also inseparable graces, wrought in

our souls by the regenerating Spirit of God (1); whereby being deeply convinced of our guilt,

danger, and helplessness, and of the way of salvation by Christ (2), we turn to God with

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unfeigned contrition, confession, and supplication for mercy (3); at the same time heartily

receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as our Prophet, Priest, and King, and relying on him alone as the

only and all –sufficient Saviour (4).

Places in the Bible where taught.

1. Mark chapter 1: verse 15. Acts chapter 2: verse 18. Ephesians chapter 2: verse 8. 1st

John chapter 5: verse 1.

2. John chapter 16: verse 8. Acts chapter 2: verses 37-38. Acts chapter 16: verses 30-31.

3. Luke chapter 18: verses 13. Luke chapter 15: verses 18-21; James chapter 4: verses 7-

10; 2nd Corinthians chapter 7: verse 11; Romans chapter 10: verse 12-13. Psalms

chapter 51.

4. Romans chapter 10: verses 9-11. Acts chapter 3: verses 22-23; Hebrews chapter 5:

verse 15; Psalms chapter 2: verse 6; Hebrew chapter 8: verse 8; 2nd Timothy chapter 1:

verse 12.

9. OF GOD’S PURPOSE OF GRACE

We believe that election is the eternal purpose of God, according to which he graciously

regenerates, sanctifies, and saves sinners (1); that being perfectly consistent with the free agency

of man, it comprehends all the means in connection with the end (2); that it is a most glorious

display of God’s sovereign goodness, being infinitely free, wise, holy, and unchangeable (3); that

it utterly excludes boasting, and promotes humility, love, prayer, praise, trust in God, and active

imitation of his free mercy (4); that it encourages the use of means in the highest degree (5); that

it may be ascertained by its effects in all who truly believe the gospel (6); that it is the foundation

of Christian assurance (7); and that to ascertain it with regard to ourselves demands and

deserves the utmost diligence (8).

Places in the Bible where taught.

1. 2nd Timothy chapter 1: verses 8-9. Ephesians chapter 1: verses 3-14; 1st Peter chapter

1: verses 1-2; Romans chapter 11: verses 5-6; John chapter 15: verse 16: 1st John

chapter 4: verse 19; Hosea chapter 12: verse 9.

2. 2nd Thessalonians chapter 2: verses 13-14. Acts chapter 13: verse 48; John chapter 10:

verse 16; Matthew chapter 20: verse 16; Acts chapter 15: verse 14.

3. Exodus chapter 33: verses 18-19. Matthew chapter 20: verse 15. Ephesians chapter 1:

Verse 11; Romans chapter 9: verses 23-24; Jeremiah chapter 31: verse 3; Romans

chapter 2: verses 28-29; James chapter 1: verses 17-18; 2nd Timothy chapter 1: verse 9;

Romans chapter 2: verses 32-36.

4. 1st Corinthians chapter 4: verse 7. 1st Corinthians chapter 1: verses 26-31; Romans

chapter 3: verse 27; Romans chapter 4: verse 16; Colossians chapter 3: verse 12; 1st

Corinthians chapter 3: verses 5-7; 1st Corinthians chapter 15: verse 10; 1st Peter chapter

5: verse 10; Acts chapter 1: verse 24; 1st Thessalonians chapter 2: verse 13; 1st Peter

chapter 2: verse 9; Luke chapter 18: verse 7; John chapter 15: verse 16; Ephesians

chapter 1: verse 16.

5. 2nd Timothy chapter 2: verse 10. 1st Corinthians chapter 9: verse 22. Romans chapter 8:

verses 28-30; John chapter 6: verses 37-40. 2nd Peter chapter 1: verse 10.

6. 1st Thessalonians chapter 1: verses 4-10.

7. Romans chapter 8: verses 28-31. Isaiah chapter 42: verse 16; Romans chapter 2: verse

29.

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8. 2nd Peter chapter 1: verses 10-11. Philippians chapter 3: verse 12. Hebrews chapter 6:

verse 11.

10. OF SANCTIFICATION

We believe that sanctification is the process by which according to the will of God, we are made

partakers of his holiness (1); that it is a progressive work (2); that it is begun in regeneration (3);

and that it is carried on in the hearts of believers by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, the

Sealer and Comforter, in the continual use of the appointed means-especially, the word of God,

self-examination, self-denial, watchfulness, and prayer (4).

Places in the Bible where taught.

1. 1st Thessalonians chapter 4: verse 3. 1st Thessalonians chapter 5: verse 23.

2nd Corinthians chapter 7: verse 1; verse 13; verse 9; Ephesians chapter 1: verse 4.

2. Proverbs chapter 4: verse 18. 2nd Corinthians chapter 3: verse 18; Hebrews chapter 6:

Verse 1; 2nd Peter chapter 1: verses 5-8; Philippians chapter 3: verses 12-16.

3. John chapter 2: verse 29. John chapter 3: verse 6; Philippians chapter 1: verses 9-11;

Ephesians chapter 1: verses 13-14.

4. Philippians chapter 2: verses 12-13. Ephesians chapter 4: verses 11-12; 1st Peter

Chapter 2: verse 3; 1st Peter chapter 3: verse 18; 2nd Corinthians chapter 13: verse 5;

Luke chapter 35: verse 9, verse 23; Matthew chapter 26: verse 41; Ephesians chapter 6:

verse 18, Ephesians chapter 4: verse 30.

11. OF THE PERSEVERANCE OF SAINTS

We believe that such only are real believers as endure unto the end (1); that their persevering

attachment to Christ is the grand mark which distinguishes them from the superficial (2); that a

special providence watches over their welfare (3); and that they are kept by the power of God

through faith unto salvation (4).

Places in the Bible where taught.

1. John chapter 8: verse 31. 1st John chapter 2: verses 27-28, 1st John chapter 3: verse 9,

1st John chapter 5: verse 18.

2. 1st John chapter 2: verse 19. John chapter 13: verse 18; Matthew chapter 13: verses 20-

21; John chapter 6: verses 66-69; Job chapter 17: verse 9.

3. Romans chapter 8: verse 28. Matthew chapter 6: verses 30-33; Jeremiah chapter 32:

Verse 40; Psalms chapter 121: verse 3; Psalms chapter 91: verses 11-12.

4. Philippians chapter 1: verse 6. Philippians chapter 2: verses 12-13; Jude chapter 24:

Verse 25; Hebrews chapter 1: verse 14; 2nd Kings chapter 6: verse 16; Hebrews chapter

13: verse 5; 1st John chapter 4: verse 4.

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12. OF THE HARMONY OF THE LAW AND THE GOSPEL

We believe that the law of God is the eternal and unchangeable rule of His moral government (1);

that it is holy, just, and good (2); and that the inability which the Scripture ascribes to fallen men

to fulfill its precepts, arises entirely from their love of sin (3); to deliver them from which, and to

restore them through a Mediator to unfeigned obedience to the holy law, is one great end of the

gospel, and of the means of grace connected with the establishment of the visible church (4).

Places in the Bible where taught.

1. Romans chapter 3: verse 31. Matthew chapter 5: verse 17; Luke chapter 16: verse 17;

Romans chapter 3: verse 20; Romans chapter 4: verse 15.

2. Romans chapter 7: verse 12. Romans chapter 7: verse 7, verse 14 and verse 22;

Galatians chapter 3: verse 21; Psalms chapter 119.

3. Romans chapter 8: verses 7-8; Joshua chapter 24: verse 19; Jeremiah chapter 13:

Verse 23; John chapter 6: verse 44; John chapter 5: verse 44.

4. Romans chapter 8: verse 2 and verse 4. Romans chapter 10: verse 4; 1st Timothy

Chapter 1: verse 5: Hebrews chapter 8: verse 10; Jude chapter 20: verse 21; Hebrews

chapter 12: verse 14; Matthew chapter 16: verses 17-18; 1st Corinthians chapter 12:

verse 28.

13. OF A GOSPEL CHURCH

We believe that a visible Church of Christ is a congregation of baptized believers (1), associated

by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the Gospel (2); observing the ordinances of Christ (3);

governed by his laws (4); and exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by his

word (5); that its only scriptural officers are bishops or pastors and deacons (6); whose

qualifications, claims, and duties are defined in the Epistles to Timothy and Titus.

Places in the Bible where taught.

1. 1st Corinthians chapter 1: verses 1-13. Mathew chapter 18: verse 17; Acts chapter 5:

verse 11; Acts chapter 8: verse 11; verse 31; 1st Corinthians chapter 4: verse 17; 1st

Corinthians chapter 14: verse 23; 3rd John chapter 9; 1st Timothy chapter 3: verse 5.

2. Acts chapter 2: verses 41-42; 2nd Corinthians chapter 8: verse 5. Acts chapter 2: verse

47; 1st Corinthians chapter 5: verses 12-13.

3. 1st Corinthians chapter 11: verse 2; 2nd Thessalonians chapter 3: verse 6; Romans

chapter 16: verses 17-20; 1st Corinthians chapter 11: verse 23; Matthew chapter 18:

verses 15-20; 1st Corinthians chapter 5: verse 6, 2nd Corinthians chapter 2: verse 7; 1st

Corinthians chapter 4: verse 11.

4. Matthew chapter 28: verse 20; John chapter 14: verse 15; John chapter 15: verse 12; 1st

John chapter 4: verse 21: 1st Thessalonians chapter 4: verse 2; 2nd John chapter 6;

Galatians chapter 6: verse 2.

5. Ephesians chapter 4: verse 7; 1st Corinthians chapter 14: verse 12; Philippians chapter

1: verse 27. 1st Corinthians chapter 12: verse 14.

6. Philippians chapter 1: verse 1; Acts chapter 14: verse 23; Acts chapter 15: verse 22; 1st

Timothy chapter 3; Titus chapter 1.

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14. OF BAPTISM AND THE LORD’S SUPPER

We believe that Christian Baptism is the immersion in water of a believer (1), into the name of the

Father, and Son, and Holy Ghost (2); to show forth in a solemn and beautiful emblem, our faith in

the crucified, buried, and risen Saviour, with its effect, in our death to sin and resurrection to a

new life (3); that it is prerequisite to the privileges of a church relation; and to the Lord’s Supper

(4), in which the members of the church by the sacred use of bread and fruit of the vine, are to

commemorate together the dying love of Christ (5); preceded always by a solemn selfexamination

(6).

Places in the Bible where taught.

1. Acts chapter 8: verses 36-39. Matthew chapter 3: verses 5-6; John chapter 3: verses

22-23; John chapter 4: verses 1-2; Matthew chapter 28: verse 19; Mark chapter 16:

verse 16; Acts chapter 2: verse 38; Acts chapter 8: verse 12; Acts chapter 16: verses

32-34; Acts chapter 18: verse 8.

2. Matthew chapter 28: verse 19. Acts chapter 10: verses 47-48; Galatians chapter 3:

verses 27-28.

3. Romans chapter 6: verse 4. Colossians chapter 2: verse 12; 1st Peter chapter 3: verses

20-21; Acts chapter 22: verse 16.

4. Acts chapter 2: verses 41-42. Matthew chapter 28: verses 18-20.

5. 1st Corinthians chapter 11: verse 26. Matthew chapter 26: verses 26-29; Mark chapter

14: verses 22-25. Luke chapter 22: verses 14-20.

6. 1st Corinthians chapter 11: verse 28. 1st Corinthians chapter 5: verse 1, 1st Corinthians

chapter 5: verse 8; 1st Corinthians chapter 10: verses 3-32; 1st Corinthians chapter 11:

verses 17-32; John chapter 6: verses 26-71.

15. OF THE CHRISTIAN SABBATH

We believe that the first day of the week is the Lord’s Day, or Christian Sabbath (1); and is to be

kept sacred to religious purposes (2); by abstaining from all secular labor and sinful practices (3),

by the devout observance of all the means of grace, both private (4) and by preparation for that

rest that remained (5) for the people of God (6).

Places in the Bible where taught.

1. Acts chapter 20: verse 7. Genesis chapter 2: verse 3; Colossians chapter 2: verses

16-17; Mark chapter 2: verse 27; John chapter 20: verse 19; 1st Corinthians chapter 16:

verses 1-2.

2. Exodus chapter 20: verse 8. Revelations chapter 1: verse 10; Psalms chapter 118:

verse 24.

3. Isaiah chapter 58: verses 13-14. Isaiah chapter 56: verses 2-8.

4. Psalms chapter 118: verse 15.

5. Hebrews chapter 10: verses 24-25. Acts chapter 2: verse 26. Acts chapter 13: verse 44.

Leviticus chapter 19: verse 30; Exodus chapter 46: verse 3; Luke chapter 4: verse 15.

Acts chapter 17: verses 2-3; Psalms chapter 26: verse 8. Psalms chapter 87: verse 3.

6. Hebrews chapter 4: verses 3-11.

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16. OF CIVIL GOVERNMENT

We believe that civil government is of divine appointment, for the interests and good order of

human society (1); and that magistrates are to be prayed for, conscientiously honored, and

obeyed (2); except only in things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ (3), who is the

Lord of the conscience, and the Prince of the kings of the earth (4).

Places in the Bible where taught.

1. Romans chapter 13: verses 1-7; Deuteronomy chapter 16: verse 18, 2nd Samuel chapter

23: verse 3; Exodus chapter 18: verse 23; Jeremiah chapter 30: verse 21.

2. Matthew chapter 22: verse 21. Titus chapter 3: verse 1. 1st Peter chapter 2: verse 13;

1st Timothy chapter 2: verse 1, verse 8.

3. Acts chapter 5: verse 29. Daniel chapter 3: verses 15-18. Daniel chapter 6: verses 7-10.

Matthew chapter 10: verse 28. Acts chapter 4: verses 18-20.

4. Matthew chapter 23: verse 10. Romans chapter 14: verse 4. Revelations chapter 19:

Verse 16. Psalms chapter 72: verse 11. Psalms chapter 2; Romans chapter 14: verses

9-13.

17. OF THE RIGHTEOUS AND THE WICKED

We believe that there is a radical and essential difference between the righteous and the wicked

(1); that such only as through faith are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and sanctified by

the spirit of our God, are truly righteous in his esteem (2); while all such as continue in

impenitence and unbelief are in his sight wicked, and under the curse (3), and this distinction

holds among men both in and after death (4)

Places in the Bible where taught.

1. Malachi chapter 3: verse 18. Proverbs chapter 12: verse 26; Isaiah chapter 5: verse 20;

Genesis chapter 18: verse 23; Jeremiah chapter 15: verse 19; Acts chapter 10: verses

34-35; Romans chapter 6: verse 16.

2. Romans chapter 1: verse 17; Romans chapter 7: verse 6; 1st John chapter 2: verse 29;

1st John chapter 3: verse 7; Romans chapter 6: verse 18, verse 22; 1st Corinthians

chapter 11: verse 32; Proverbs chapter 11: verse 31; 1st Peter chapter 4: verses 17-18.

3. 1st John chapter 5: verse 19; Galatians chapter 3: verse 10. John chapter 3: verse 36;

Isaiah chapter 57: verse 21; Psalms chapter 10: verse 4; Isaiah chapter 55: verses 6-7.

4. Proverbs chapter 14: verse 32; Luke chapter 16: verse 25; John chapter 8: verses

21-24; Proverbs chapter 10: verse 24; Luke chapter 12: verses 4-5; Luke chapter 9:

verses 23-26; John chapter 12: verses 25-26; Ecclesiastes chapter 3: verses 17;

Matthew chapter 13: verse 14.

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18. DIVINE INSTITUTION OF MARRAIGE

We believe at the time of creation, God Himself established the institution of marriage and

defined marriage as the union between one man and one woman for life (1), and whereas, Christ

also honored the institution of marriage and reaffirmed its definition by quoting from Genesis 2

(2), and whereas, the New Testament epistles are consistent in their support of the importance of

the institution of marriage and in reaffirming the definition of one man and one woman for life (3).

Be it resolved, that we do now commit ourselves to uphold and faithfully proclaim the sanctity of

marriage and to consistently reaffirm that marriage is a privilege, not a right, instituted and

ordained by God.

Places in the Bible where taught.

1. Genesis chapter 2: verses 23-24.

2. Mark chapter 10: verses 1-12.

3. Romans chapter 7: verses 1-6. 1Corinthians chapter 7: verses 1-16; Ephesians chapter

5: verses 22-33; 1 Peter chapter 3: verses 1-7.

19. OF THE WORLD TO COME

We believe that the end of this world is approaching (1); that at the Last Day, Christ will descend

from heaven (2); and raise the dead from the grave to final retribution (3); that a solemn

separation will then take place (4); that the wicked will be adjudged to endless punishment, and

the righteous to endless joy (5); and that this judgment will fix forever the final state of men in

heaven or hell, on principles of righteousness (6).

Places in the Bible where taught.

1. 1st Peter chapter 4: verse 7. 1st Corinthians chapter 7: verses 29-31; Hebrews chapter 1:

verses 10-12; Matthew chapter 24: verse 35; 1st John chapter 2: verse 17; Matthew

chapter 28: verse 20; Mathew chapter 13: verses 39-40; 2nd Peter chapter 3: verses 3-

13.

2. Acts chapter 1: verse 11. Revelations chapter 1: verse 7; Hebrews chapter 9: verse 28;

Acts chapter 3: verse 21; 1st Thessalonians chapter 4: verses 13-18; 1st Thessalonians

chapter 5: verses 1-11.

3. Acts chapter 24: verse 15. 1st Corinthians chapter 15: verses 12-59; Luke chapter 14:

Verse 14: Daniel chapter 12: verse 2; John chapter 5: verses 28-29; John chapter 6:

verse 40; John chapter 11: verses 25-26; 2nd Timothy chapter 1: verse 10; Acts chapter

10: verse 42.

4. Matthew chapter 13: verse 49; Matthew chapter 13: verses 37-43; Matthew chapter 24:

Verses 30-31; Matthew chapter 25: verses 31-33.

5. Matthew chapter 25: verses 35-41; Revelations chapter 22: verse 11; 1st Corinthians

Chapter 6: verses 9-10; Mark chapter 9: verses 43-48; 2nd Peter chapter 2: verse 9;

Jude chapter 7; Philippians chapter 3: verse 19; Romans chapter 6: verse 22; 2nd

Corinthians chapter 5: verses 10-11; John chapter 4: verse 36; 2nd Corinthinans chapter

4: verse 18.

6. Romans chapter 3: verses 5-6; 1st Thessalonians chapter 1: verses 6-12; Hebrews

Chapter 6: verses 1-2; 1st Corinthians chapter 4: verse 5; Acts chapter 17: verse 31;

Romans chapter 2: verses 2-16; Revelations chapter 20: verses 11-12; 1st John chapter

2: verse 28; 1st John chapter 4: verse 17.

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SECTION 5: CHURCH COVENANT.

Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our

Savior, and on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of

the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, we do now in the presence of God, angels and this assembly,

most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another, as one body in Christ.

We engage therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to strive for

the advancement of this church, in knowledge, holiness, and comfort; to promote its prosperity

and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline and doctrine; to contribute cheerfully

and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor, and

the spread of the Gospel through all nations.

We also engage to maintain family and secret devotion; to religiously educate our children; to

seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be just

in our dealings, faithful in our engagements, and exemplary in our deportment; to avoid all tattling,

backbiting, and excessive anger; to abstain from the sale and use of destructive drugs and

intoxicating drinks as a beverage; and to shun pornography. We will also pursue fidelity in

marriage by abstaining from immoral practices, and recognize the marriage covenant as a Holy

union between one man and one woman. Therefore, we do always submit to the Authority of

Scripture as the final arbiter on all issues. Moreover, we are to be zealous in our efforts to

advance the Kingdom of our Savior.

.

We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember each other in prayer;

to aid each other in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy

in speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation, and mindful of the rules

of our Savior to secure it without delay.

We moreover engage that when we remove from this place, we will as soon as possible unite

with some other church, where we can carry out the spirit of the covenant and the principles of

God’s word.

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ARTICLE 3

MEMBERSHIP OF CHURCH

SECTION 1: MEMBERSHIP MAY BE ATTAINED AS FOLLOWS:

1. By profession of faith in Christ and baptism.

2. By transfer of membership and letter of recommendation from a church of like faith and

order, provided such one has been scripturally baptized.

3. By statement of previous baptism and membership in a church of like faith and order, if the

record of such membership is not available, and or if a satisfactory reason is given as to

why a letter of recommendation cannot be secured.

4. By restoration, provided fruit of repentance is demonstrated in the person’s life.

SECTION 2: MEMBERSHIP MAY BE TERMINATED AS FOLLOWS:

1. By the letter of recommendation and or demission to a church of like faith and order.

2. By death.

3. By dropping from the rolls the name of any person who is known to have joined a church of

another faith.

4. By exclusion, if a member should become an offense to the church and to its good name

by reason of immoral conduct or unchristian behavior, or by persistent breach of the

covenant vows, such exclusion shall be considered only after faithful efforts have been

made to bring such member to repentance, and after due notice has been given to the

individual that such action is under consideration. All such matters of discipline shall first

be referred to the deacons for any possible alternate solution.

5. By dropping from the rolls the name of any person who requests in writing the termination

of their membership, provided a satisfactory reason is given for such request, and further

provided that the pastor and deacons shall have first made every effort to counsel with the

individual.

SECTION 3:

Any Person desiring membership shall present him or herself publicly before the church at any

worship service. The nature of his or her decision shall be acknowledged publicly, and he or she

shall be given appropriate welcome by the church at that service. The church shall vote upon the

request for membership at a regular church service.

SECTION 4:

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Any member of this church who does not attend any regular church worship service in the period

of a year, without just cause, forfeits their right to vote on any business transaction of the church.

ARTICLE 4

BUSINESS CONFERENCE

SECTION 1:

The church shall have a regular scheduled conference the first Sunday evening of each month

following the regular Sunday night service for the purpose of transacting church business. A

special business conference may be called by the moderator, chairman of deacons, clerk or at

the written request of twelve active members and by announcement in a regular worship service,

providing the conference is not held at the same worship service at which it was announced or

immediately following.

SECTION 2:

At least 20 members of the regular church members shall constitute a quorum at any church

business conference unless otherwise stated herein.

SECTION 3:

A majority of votes cast must be in the affirmative before a motion can be carried unless

otherwise stated herein.

SECTION 4:

Whenever a motion or recommendation is to be made pertaining to the following list of items

below of church business, such motion or recommendation shall be announced at two (2)

morning and evening services prior to the business conference at which such motion or

recommendation is to be discussed and voted upon. This written announcement shall also be in

the church and posted two (2) morning and evening services prior to the business conference at

which such motion or recommendation is to be discussed and voted upon.

1. Purchase or sale of realty property.

2. Construction of a new building or a major addition or repair.

3. Dismissal of the pastor or request for a pastor to resign.

4. Calling of or release of a staff member.

5. Change in church budget.

6. Any financial liability or expenditure of more than $500.00 (Five Hundred Dollars).

7. Amendment to this constitution.

8. Any other matter that will have a major effect upon the status of well-being of the church.

SECTION 5:

Rules for holding conference.

1. The pastor or in his absence any ordained minister or deacon appointed, shall act as

moderator of all business meetings of the church.

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2. It shall be the duty of the moderator to keep order; and in case the church is equally divided

on any question, the motion fails.

3. The meeting shall be opened and closed with prayer.

4. The order of business:

1. Reading of minutes of previous conference.

2. Invite visitors to seat and aid in counsel if called upon.

3. Call for peace and fellowship.

4. Open the Doors of the church.

5. Reports of committees.

6. Unfinished business.

7. New or general business.

5. A motion before the church must be disposed of before another motion can be entertained,

unless the motion be to amend, postpone, or adjourn, or call for the previous question.

6. The moderator may speak on any question by calling on any ordained brother to preside in

his place.

7. Only male members shall speak, and they shall rise and address the moderator.

8. The church in conference shall entertain no proposition for discussion which has not been

presented on motion of one member and seconded by another.

9. On any point of order a member may appeal from the moderator to the church, whose

decision shall be final.

10. All questions, except that on reception of members, shall be decided by the vote of a

majority.

11. The authority on all parliamentary questions shall be Roberts Rule of Order, Revised,

unless otherwise specified.

12. Reading of minutes.

13. Adjourn conference.

ARTICLE 5

Nomination and Election of church officers and members of church committees.

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Section 1:

Church and fiscal year

The church year shall begin the first Sunday in September and end the Saturday before the first

Sunday in September the following year. The fiscal year shall be the first of January through

December 31st.

Section 2:

Term of Service

Each officer shall be elected yearly at the beginning of the church year.

Section 3:

A: Selection of church officers

The church shall approve in conference all church officers as nominated by the Board of

Deacons.

B: Selection of Sunday School Officers and Teachers

The church shall approve in conference all Sunday School Officers and Teachers, as selected or

elected by Sunday School, and nominated by the Sunday School Superintendent and Assistant

Superintendent and Chairman of Board of Deacons.

Section 4:

Election

Election shall be by a majority of votes cast in the affirmative at the business conference of the

church, which should be on the first Sunday night in September.

ARTICLE 6

Deacons

Section 1:

Duties

1. In accordance with the meaning of the word, deacon, and the practice of the New

Testament, deacons are to be servants of the church. They are to be zealous to guard

the unity of the spirit within the church in the bonds of peace. They shall serve as a

council to advise and confer with the pastor in all matters pertaining to the spiritual and

physical welfare of the church. They are to consider and formulate plans for the constant

effort and progress of the church in all things pertaining to the saving of souls, the

development of Christians, and the extension and growth of the Kingdom of God.

2. The deacons shall serve as a pulpit supply committee when the pastor cannot or does

not arrange for a pulpit supply in his absence. When the church is without a pastor the

deacons will arrange ministry and offer counsel with reference to securing a pastor.

3. In counsel with the pastor, the deacons are to have oversight of the discipline of the

church. They are to be guided by the principles set forth in Matthew chapter 18: verse

15, 1st Corinthians chapter 5: verses 9-13; 1st Thessalonians chapter 5: verses 12-14;

and 1st Timothy chapter 3: verses 8-13.

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4. If church is without a pastor the deacons will serve as committee, and are to seek out and

bring a name back to church, for the church to vote on in conference.

5. Incoming Deacons. If a male member should join and is a Ordained Deacon in

accordance “with the Baptist Faith, he shall be set aside for an undetermined amount of

time until thorough satisfactory examination of the Articles of faith and Character has

been assessed by the current board of deacons. At the conclusion of the examination a

move & second followed by a unanimous vote of the current board of Deacons in a

scheduled meeting will then prompt a recommendation to the church to be voted and

accepted in Conference. Until these steps have been satisfied by the Board of Deacons

and the Church any Ordained Male member will remain as a lay-member.

6. Board Dismissal. At any point while serving on the Board of Deacons your duties are not

assumed by nonattendance (without just cause), Failure to maintain and uphold the

Articles of Faith, Breach of the Church Covenant or in direct in-compliance with 1st

Timothy chapter 3; (Qualifications of a Deacon) the current serving board have the power

to recommend to the church the removal from the board and be made an inactive deacon

in Conference. If such occurrence transpires, Article V / Deacons, Section 1.5 will have to

be satisfied before reinstatement.

Section 2:

Number of Deacons

The church should have at least seven active deacons at all times.

ARTICLE 7

Trustees

Section 1:

Election

1. There shall be at least three active trustees at all times and they shall be elected in

church conference by majority vote.

2. The trustees will elect one (1) member to serve as trustee chairman.

Section 2:

Duties

1. Trustees attend to the legal interest of the church. They function in those matters where

civil law specifically requires them to act on behalf of the church. This does not mean that

they make decisions about legal matters. It merely means that they meet the legal

requirements for carrying out church decisions in matters involving law, such as buying or

selling real estate. At least three signatures shall be required on all legal documents

relating to the sale, purchase, lease, mortgage, or transfer of property.

2. The trustees shall look after the church property and grounds as directed by the church.

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Trustee Chairman

1. Summit and report directly to Chairman of deacons with at least one other deacon

present.

2. Be the main contact person within the trustee body

3. Notify and schedule meetings for all other trustees (ex. regular or special occasions).

4. Be the spokes person for the trustee body during conference and regular church

services.

5. Being present during bidding process with contractors and through project completion

this also requires, Chairman and one more trustee to sign off on contractors work

completion and approval for payment.

6. To always work for the best interest of the church body and support it without malice or

misconduct in any way.

7. To carry out in a timely and orderly manner all decisions the church body votes on and

passes in a regular service or conference.

ARTICLE 8

Section 1:

A. Calling A Pastor

When the pastoral office of this church becomes vacant, or at any time the church has

noticed that the office will become vacant, the committee acting for the church will seek

out and bring a name back to the church to be voted on in conference.

B. Resignation of A Pastor

The Pastor shall let the church know the fourth Sunday In August whether he will serve

as Pastor of the church for the following year or resign.

Section 2:

When the committee has reached a majority decision to recommend a pastor, notice shall be

given to the church at both services on the Sunday preceding the conference at which the action

is to be taken.

Section 3:

The committee shall bring to the consideration of the church only one minister at a time. When

such minister is recommended, the committee shall give to the church such information that shall

enable the church to act wisely and intelligently upon said recommendation. The committee shall

explain fully to the pastoral candidate the proposed financial arrangements, fringe benefits, and

constitution and by-laws of the church, and then assure the church that this has been done.

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Section 4:

Action on the committee’s recommendation shall be by secret ballot, and the tally committee shall

report only whether the candidate was elected or not elected.

YELLOW CREEK BAPTIST CHURCH

CEMETERY RULES

EFFECTIVE JUNE 17, 1992

A. No coping – coping that surrounds a grave prevents the use of any machinery that might

have to cross that area to reach another grave sight or maintain the area.

B. No walls – The construction of walls in the cemetery has been eliminated for the reasons

stated above.

C. Footstones and corner markers must be flush with the ground. This is to avoid tripping

over them or hitting them with a lawn mower or other equipment.

D. No gravel or rock should be placed in the cemetery unless approved by the cemetery

committee.

E. No reserving of plots other than for immediate family. This eliminates reserving an area

for a family plot. (Immediate family is husband, wife and children or legal ward not

married. Member may reserve a space for a non-member spouse and children.

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Parents of a single member who is living at home become eligible to reserve plots

for themselves and other non-married children.)

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS FOR YELLOW CREEK BAPIST CHURCH

EVENTS

Easter: Sunrise service in cemetery and fellowship breakfast in Fellowship Hall.

March: Spring Revival - Starts the 3rd Sunday. Nightly 7:00pm

May: May Meeting – Communion, Foot washing, Lunch. 3rd Sunday.

June: Bible School - Usually 3rd Week Sunday through Friday 6:30pm – 9:00pm

July: Summer Revival – Starts 3rd Sunday Morning services at 11:00am Evening

7:30pm

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September: Church camp at Georgia Baptist Assembly in Toccoa. Regular Sunday

morning service will be held at the camp. Camp is usually on Labor Day weekend.

October: Camp Meeting under the Arbor – Starts Wednesday before 1st Sunday, 1st

Sunday is Homecoming with dinner after the service.

November: Thanksgiving Fellowship Supper Sunday night before Thanksgiving.

December: Caroling usually on Wednesday before Christmas.

Christmas Program with Santa – Usually Sunday night before Christmas Eve

MONTHLY

1st Sunday - Men’s Brotherhood Breakfast. Fellowship Hall 7:00am

2nd Sunday – Church Monthly Singing starts at 6:00pm

1st Monday - Ladies Goodwill Circle Meeting, Fellowship Hall 7:00pm

5th Sunday of any month are Youth services. Both morning and evening.

Conference – 1st Sunday evening of each month following our regular service.

WEEKLY

Sunday School 10:00am

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Regular morning worship 11:00am Evening worship 6:00pm No evening services on the

4th Sunday of each month.

Noah’s Park and Youth. Each Wednesday during the school year. Supper at 6:00pm

Classes and Youth Choir begins at 6:30pm

Adult Bible Study Wednesdays at 6:30pm in the Fellowship Hall