An Carraig Bible Dictionary (and other definitions)
The Baptist people have been around for centuries. Originally referred to as Anabaptist, there are quotes from non-baptist historians that date their existence as far back as the 2nd century. For more information see our "What is a Baptist?" page.
Baptism is commonly defined as "sprinkling" in most dictionaries, but it is important to understand that the word “Baptise" itself is a transliteration (Def. A writing or printing of a word using the closest corresponding letters of a different alphabet or language) from the Greek language, that literally means “to submerge” or “Immersion”. http://biblehub.com/greek/907.htm In other words, transliteration means that when the Bible was translated to English, there was no English word available, so they simply applied the literal greek word that means "to immerse". Since most churches only sprinkle with water, the greek definition for the word “baptise" contradicts the practice of the majority of churches, because sprinkling and pouring is not "submersion", or "immersion".
See blog post on baptism.
The word “church” is translated from the Greek word “Ecclesia” which literally means a “called-out assembly.” So the Biblical definition for church is to be a “called-out assembly.” According to the Bible, each church is a visible assembly of baptised believers that has voluntarily joined themselves together (called-out assembly) for purposes such as worship, fellowship, teaching, studying the Scriptures, prayer, observing the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s supper, and carrying out the Great Commission.
The definition of "disciple" is a common misconception to most people concerning Christianity. The the word "disciple" is used in a Christian context, the average mind immediately goes to the twelve men who became apostles. This is a very narrow view for such a broad term. Even in the Bible, when the word is used, is not always referring to the twelve. First of all the definition of the word "disciple" from an 1828 dictionary, literally means…
1. A learner; a scholar; one who receives or professes to receive instruction from another; as the disciples of Plato.
2. A follower; an adherent to the doctrines of another. Hence the constant attendants of Christ were called his disciples; and hence all Christians are called his disciples, as they profess to learn and receive his doctrines and precepts.
This definition is also clearly evident in the book of Acts.
Acts 1:15; 6:1-2; 6:7; 9:1; 9:19, 9:25-26; 9:38; 11:26
As an independent Baptist church, it means that we are not affiliated with any particular Baptist denomination or ruling body. Because of this, we can support our own missionaries, select our own leaders, and support institutions that believe as we believe. In short, our church answers to the headship of Jesus Christ rather than a denominational body. There are currently well over 10,000 independent Baptist churches around the world.
Noun: Today, most people think of a "saint" to be someone of special significance. If we instead allow the Bible, and the context of the apostolic writings, to define the word, it is always in reference to believers in Jesus Christ. Acts 9:13; Acts 9:32; Acts 9:41; Romans 12:13; etc. The Bible teaches that Christians are not saints because they are special, but because their Saviour is special and has removed their sin before God. Revelation 1:5-6
Even the sinful (carnal) Christians of Corinth were referred to as saints. II Corinthians 1:1
(Biblical Definition: see references above)