Pastor Eric Crawford concludes his series on Baptist distinctives by emphasizing the importance of doctrinal integrity within the church. He discusses the unique biblical truths that define the Baptist faith, asserting that while other denominations may share some of these beliefs, the collective stance of Baptists has historically set them apart. Throughout the episode, he highlights key doctrines such as salvation by grace through faith, the necessity of believer's baptism, and the role of scriptural authority, urging listeners to remain steadfast in their convictions. Crawford reflects on the heritage of Baptists, expressing gratitude for the sacrifices made by those who have upheld these teachings, and he encourages a commitment to passing these truths to future generations. The discussion serves as a reminder for believers to understand their faith deeply and to engage with it thoughtfully, as these doctrines shape both personal and communal practice.

The podcast focuses on the foundational doctrines and beliefs that distinguish Baptist churches from other Christian denominations. The speaker emphasizes the importance of adhering to the biblical truths that have historically shaped Baptist identity. He begins by referencing 2 Timothy 2:2, which underscores the responsibility of passing on the teachings of faith to future generations. The speaker articulates that while other denominations may share some beliefs with Baptists, the collective adherence to specific doctrines makes the Baptist tradition unique. He passionately discusses his pride in Baptist heritage, acknowledging the sacrifices made by countless believers throughout history. In this context, he also reflects on the contemporary landscape of Christianity, noting the emergence of 'Baptistic' churches that shy away from the Baptist label due to perceived stigma. This episode serves as both a celebration of Baptist beliefs and a call to maintain fidelity to these doctrines in an age of increasing compromise and doctrinal ambiguity. The speaker's conviction is clear: the integrity of Baptist doctrine must be preserved to guide the church's mission and practice today.

Takeaways:

• Pastor Eric Crawford emphasizes the importance of Baptist distinctives as unique biblical truths that have been historically upheld by Baptist churches.
• He explains that while other denominations may share some beliefs, the collective teachings of Baptists set them apart, making their doctrine unique.
• Crawford discusses the significance of Scripture as the final authority for faith and practice within the Baptist tradition, asserting the need for adherence to biblical teachings.
• He elaborates on the concept of salvation by grace through faith, highlighting that it rests solely in the work of Jesus Christ and not in church rituals or traditions.
• The episode stresses the idea of soul liberty, where each believer is personally accountable to God and has the freedom to choose their faith without coercion.
• Crawford concludes by urging listeners to maintain a firm stance on biblical truth, warning against the dangers of compromising doctrine in today's modern church context.

"As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord"

Joshua 24:13-16

What should a Christian dad do:

1. Serve the Lord!
2. Take your family to church.
3. Be a testimony for your family.
4. Make time for your family.
5. Communicate.
6. Serve others.

Pastor Eric Crawford discusses the Two Offices of the church, highlighting the importance of understanding the roles of the apostle, pastor, and deacon. He emphasizes that while Baptist distinctives traditionally recognize two offices, the original structure included three, with each office serving a unique purpose in the governance of the church. The pastor's role is portrayed as that of a shepherd, responsible for leading and nurturing the congregation, while the deacon serves as a support to the pastor, ensuring the practical needs of the church are met. Throughout the episode, Pastor Crawford addresses common misunderstandings about these offices, drawing from scripture to clarify their biblical foundations. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on the significance of these roles within their church community and the broader context of Baptist beliefs.

Pastor Eric Crawford's insightful discussion on the Two Offices of the Church dives deep into the foundational structures of Baptist beliefs, specifically focusing on the roles of apostles, pastors, and deacons. He begins by reiterating the importance of the apostles in the early church, chosen by Christ and vital in establishing the church's foundation. Pastor Crawford emphasizes that the apostolic office was temporary, tasked with transitioning believers from the Old Testament covenant to the New Testament church structure, which is crucial for understanding the biblical context of church leadership today.

Crawford then transitions to the role of the pastor, delineating it as one of shepherding and spiritual oversight. He articulates that the pastor must embody maturity and serve as a guide for the congregation, drawing on scripture to support his points. The episode does not shy away from addressing the common misunderstandings surrounding pastoral roles, clarifying that while the pastor leads, he is also a servant to the church community. Furthermore, the discussion on deacons highlights their function as vital helpers within the church, responsible for serving and supporting the pastoral leadership by addressing practical needs within the congregation.

Overall, this episode serves as a thorough examination of the biblical offices within the church, urging listeners to appreciate the distinct roles and responsibilities laid out in scripture. Pastor Crawford's approach encourages an understanding of church governance that is firmly rooted in biblical doctrine, prompting the audience to reflect on the importance of these offices in their faith and community engagement.

Takeaways:

• Pastor Eric Crawford emphasizes the importance of understanding the three offices of the church, which include apostle, pastor, and deacon, as essential to Baptist distinctives.
• He argues that the role of the apostle was foundational to launching the church and transitioning from the Old Testament to the New Testament program.
• The pastor's role is described using three terms: shepherd, elder, and bishop, each highlighting different aspects of church leadership and oversight.
• Crawford insists that deacons serve as helpers to the pastor, enabling him to focus on prayer and the ministry of the Word effectively.
• The podcast clarifies that the office of apostle is no longer applicable today, as its requirements cannot be met by anyone currently.
• Finally, the structure of church governance, as outlined in scripture, is critical for maintaining order and fulfilling the church's mission.

The podcast episode highlights the transformative journey of an individual who reflects on his experiences with illness and faith, emphasizing the profound impact of trials on personal growth. He shares his battle with cancer and a near-fatal health crisis, illustrating how these challenges ultimately led him to lead others to faith, including a significant conversion during his son's pre-COVID job. The speaker underscores the importance of being in God's will and the extraordinary blessings that can arise from surrendering to a higher purpose. Through anecdotes, he encourages listeners to embrace their own challenges as opportunities for growth and service, reinforcing the notion that every trial can have a meaningful outcome. His message is a call to action for individuals to consider their own roles in spreading faith and hope, particularly in a world that often feels disconnected from such values.

Takeaways:

• Speaker A reflects on his 22-year journey in just seven minutes, highlighting significant life events.
• He shares a personal story of surviving cancer and how it impacted his faith and perspective.
• The speaker emphasizes the importance of winning souls and fulfilling the duty of care as Christians.
• He recounts leading a man to Christ during a pivotal moment, underlining the significance of personal connections.
• Speaker A discusses the challenges of ministry during COVID-19 and the emotional toll of isolation.
• He calls for more missionaries to serve in Australia, stressing the need for dedicated individuals in the ministry.

Bro. John Yelle

Philippians 3:7-15

Eliminate the worldly distractions in your life to follow Christ more closely to product the fruit.

1 Corinthians 11:1

Pastor Eric Crawford discusses the ninth and tenth Baptist distinctives in this episode, focusing on the principles of a self-supporting, self-governing, and self-propagating church. He emphasizes that each church should be financially sustained by its own members through their tithes and offerings, rather than relying on outside sources. The pastor underscores the importance of local church governance, led by its members under the authority of Christ, without outside interference. Additionally, he highlights the mission of churches to propagate the gospel, illustrating this with examples of church planting efforts, including a recent initiative in College Station. Throughout the discussion, Pastor Crawford reinforces the scriptural basis for these distinctives, urging the congregation to remain committed to their faith and the mission of the church.

Takeaways:

• Pastor Eric Crawford emphasizes that the primary purpose of life is to bring glory to God, which aligns with Baptist beliefs.
• He discusses the Baptist distinctives, highlighting the importance of self-supporting, self-governing, and self-propagating churches.
• Crawford points out that each local church is the body of Christ, with Christ as its head, emphasizing local governance over universal authority.
• The episode details how churches should operate solely from the resources of their members, without relying on outside funding.
• Pastor Crawford encourages a church planting mentality, stressing the need for churches to reproduce themselves to fulfill the Great Commission.
• The discussion also covers the necessity of tithing, explaining that it is a biblical principle that should be embraced by believers.

The podcast delves into the narrative of First Kings, chapter 12, focusing on the pivotal moment of King Rehoboam's leadership. The central theme revolves around the critical question, "Who are you listening to?" highlighting the importance of the voices that influence decision-making. Rehoboam, despite having access to the wisdom of his father Solomon, ultimately chooses to disregard sound counsel from experienced advisors in favor of advice that feeds his ego. This decision leads to significant consequences, showcasing how pride can obscure judgment and result in a failure to connect with the people. The discussion further explores the lasting impact of Rehoboam's choices, illustrating how leadership decisions ripple through generations, affecting not only the leader but also the broader community and future heirs.

Exploring the narrative of First Kings, chapter 12, the podcast examines a critical juncture in King Rehoboam's reign, particularly his response to the people's request for lighter burdens following Solomon's heavy-handed leadership. Speaker A introduces the discussion by highlighting the importance of this moment as a test of Rehoboam's leadership character. The Israelite people approach him with a reasonable plea, seeking relief and promising loyalty in return for a more compassionate rule. The speaker emphasizes that this request represents a significant opportunity for Rehoboam to demonstrate servant leadership, a concept that is explored throughout the episode.

As the narrative unfolds, Rehoboam consults various advisors. The elders, who have experience and wisdom, advise him to heed the people's request, suggesting that a softer approach would foster loyalty and stability. However, Rehoboam's choice to ignore this counsel in favor of the more arrogant advice from his peers, who encourage him to assert dominance, leads to a profound miscalculation. The decision results in a rebellion that fractures the kingdom, illustrating the dire consequences of pride and the rejection of wise counsel. Speaker A draws parallels between Rehoboam's choices and the voices individuals listen to in their own lives, urging the audience to reflect on the influences they allow to shape their decisions.

The episode concludes with a discussion on the lasting impact of Rehoboam's prideful actions, emphasizing that the ramifications extend beyond his reign, affecting future generations. The speaker warns that the legacy of poor decision-making can create patterns that are difficult to break, urging listeners to consider the importance of humility and the willingness to listen to wise counsel. Overall, the podcast serves as a thought-provoking exploration of the intersection between leadership, influence, and the consequences of pride.

Takeaways:

• The podcast emphasizes the importance of listening to wise counsel, particularly in leadership roles, as demonstrated by Rehoboam's decisions.
• Rehoboam's refusal to heed the advice of experienced elders highlights how pride can lead to disastrous consequences in leadership.
• The episode illustrates that seeking validation rather than genuine advice can be detrimental to one's decision-making process.
• The narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the long-lasting effects of one's choices on future generations, particularly in the context of leadership.

Faith

Romans 10:17

How do you put your faith in God:

1. Hearing the Word of God
2. Studying the Word of God
3. Appling the Word of God

The more we study and walk with Him, the more our faith will grow.

Hebrews 4:12

Hebrew 1:1

John 5:24