We are unashamedly Baptist. We believe it is our privilege and responsibility to study
our Baptist history and heritage. We are not Protestant, as some try to teach we are,
but our roots trace back to the
independent churches of the first century. While we do
believe the truths contained in the “Fundamentals of the Faith,” we are wary of it
because of the history and association with the ecumenical movement. It was born out
of an attempt to “unify” the different denominations, but there are too many differences
in some of the major
doctrines in the Bible, and as such, we cannot unify with them.
We believe that it is important for Baptists to stay connected with their history. Too
many Baptists today, unfortunately, are unfamiliar with their heritage. This tragedy has
led to an increasing number of churches dropping “Baptist” from their name or changing
their doctrinal stands and practices. There is a desperate need to reconnect with our
Baptist forefathers.
We will be posting articles, links, and other resources to help
reconnect Baptists with our heritage. We will especially be looking at Baptist history
in Illinois.
"The Baptist Flag originated in the heart and mind of Dr. D.L. Green, pastor of the
Parker Memorial Baptist Church in Lansing, Michigan. Desiring a flag with which to
identify, yet reluctant to embrace the Christian Flag because of its adoption by a
broad scope of religious groups which have blurred its distinctiveness, Dr. Green set
out to design a flag which would be attractive in appearance and distinct in its message.
After sketching a variety of designs and rejecting them as insufficient to express his
thoughts, Dr. Green settled on the theme "The Tie That Binds."
"With this thought in mind, Dr. Green soon developed a flag that embodied the three-fold
cord which binds together the Baptists around the world. As Baptists, we hold to THE BOOK,
the
inspired Word of God, as our rule for faith and practice; THE BLOOD by Christ for the
remission of sin; and THE BLESSED HOPE of the return of Christ to unite us together in
Heaven with Him for all eternity. The colors are also symbolic and significant in their
message. Red is symbolic of
the blood of Jesus Christ by which we are redeemed, and white
for His purity and the robe of righteousness of the saints."
" '...and having done all, to stand.' Ephesians 6:13 Of equal importance to Dr. Green
is the desire to leave to those who follow a legacy of uncompromising truth and unwavering
obedience to the commands of the Scripture in the midst of a day of fallen heroes. Out of
this desire came the concept of a flag with which one could be identified without fear of
compromise or misunderstanding. The purpose of this flag is that those who see it may know
where we stand and by the grace of Almighty God that they may come and stand with us."
I pledge allegiance to the Baptist Flag, And to the Faith once delivered unto the Saints.
I will ever remain faithful to the tie that binds us together, The Book, the Blood, and the
Blessed Hope of our Lord's soon coming.
21st Century Truth and Testimony
The 21st Century Truth and Tesimony website has several links on Baptist History, Doctrinal
Articles, Theological Links, and much more.
Baptist Christian Worldview
The Baptist Christian Worldview contains articles on Baptist Heritage along with additional articles relevant
to the Christian.
Baptist History Preservation Society
The Baptist History Preservation Society is a church ministry of Harvest Baptist Church in
Rockwell, North Carolina, that is working to preserve historical articles and literary works of
Baptist authors.
Iowa Baptist Heritage Ministry
The Iowa Baptist Heritage Ministry is a church ministry of Victory Baptist Church of Spencer, Iowa. Pastor J.S. Davenport also has a great blog:
Baptist History & Doctrine.