Welcome to The Sovereign Grace
Missionary Baptist Church
Of
Texarkana, Texas
 

"Where the truths of God's word are taught"
 

Sometimes we and some of our fellow churches feel as though we are a lone in the world, but we find out by God's wonderful grace that we are not. I received an e-mail from Brother Sergey Mochalov and in that e-mail was born a friendship many miles apart. I am never short of being amazed by how our Sovereign Lord works in connecting His children. We would like to give some of our web space to our Russian Brethren so they can let you know about the work of our Lord in Russia. Please visit all of the links below and see the pictures that they have sent us. We will add to this page as Brother Mochalov and the others there ask us too. We hope and pray your heart is as blessed as ours.

This e-mail was received on May 20, 2006

This e-mail was received on 5-20-2006

Mercy and Grace to you and all church at you, yes will be increased!!!

We Praise the Pantocrator, the Lord the God almighty, for you and for

your true service of God.

I send you our confession. When brother Curtis Pugh was at us in 2003.

Brother Curtis has helped us in many respects and we corrected our

confession to correspond to the Biblical doctrine.

Yes, we believe in TULIP, we believe, that there is only a local church

arranged under the New testament, we do not believe in universal

(ecumenical) church. We use on Lord's Supper, wine and unleavened bread.

Here our statement of belief:


ARTICLES OF FAITH

Of the Scriptures

We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired, and is
a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction; (II Timothy 3:16-17) that it has
God for its author, salvation for its end (II Timothy 3:15), and truth
without any mixture of truth for its matter; (Prov. 30:5-6) that it reveals
the principles by which God will judge us; (Rom. 2:12; John 12:47-48) and
therefore is, and shall remain to the end of the world, the true center of
Christian union (Phil. 3:16), and the supreme standard by which all human
conduct, creeds and opinions should be tried. (I John 4:1; Isa. 8:20.)

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; (John 4:24; Psalm 147:5; 83:18; Heb. 3:4; Rom. 1:20; Jer.
10:10) inexpressibly glorious in holiness, (Exod. 15:11) and worthy of all
possible honor, confidence, and love; (Mark 12:30; Rev. 4:11) that in the
unity of the Godhead there are three persons, the Father, the Son, and the
Holy Spirit; (Matt. 28:19; John 15:16) equal in every divine perfection
( John 10:30), and executing destinct but harmonious offices in the great
work of redemption. (Eph. 2:18; II Cor. 13:14.)

Of the Fall of Man

We beleive that man was created in holiness, under the law of his Maker;
( Gen. 1:27, 31; Eccl. 7:29) but by voluntary transgression fell from that
holy and happy state; (Gen. 3:6-24; Rom. 5:12) in consequence of which all
mankind are now sinners, (Rom. 5:19; John 3:6; Psalm 51:5) not by constraint
but choice; (Isa. 53:6; Gen. 6:12; Rom. 3:9-18) 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, (Eph. 2:13; Rom.
1:18, 31; 2:1-16) without defense or excuse. (Ezek. 18:19-20; Rom. 1:20;
3:19.)

Of the Way of Salvation

We believe that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace; (Eph. 2:5; I
John 4:10) through the Mediatorial offices of the Son of God; (John 3:16;
1:1-14) who by the appointment of the Father, freely took upon Him our
nature, yet without sin; (Phil. 2:6-7; Heb. 2:9,14) honored the divine law
by His personal obedience, (Isa. 42:21; Phil. 2:8) and by His death made a
full atonement for our sins; (Isa. 53:4-5; Matt. 20:28; Rom. 4:25) that
having risen from the dead, He is now enthroned in heaven; (Heb. 1:38; Col.
3:14) and united in His wonderful person the tenderest symopathies with
dibvine perfections, He is ebvery way qualified to be a suitable, a
compassionate, and an all-sufficient Savior. (Heb. 7:25-26; Col. 2:9; Heb.
2:18.)

Of Justification

We believe that the great gospel blessing which Christ (John 1:16; Eph. 3:8)
secures to such as believe in Him is justification; (Acts 13:39; Rom. 8:1)
that justification includes the pardon of sin, (Rom. 5:9) and the promise of
eternal life on principles of righteousness; (Rom. 5:17; Titus 3:5-6) 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; (Rom. 4:4-5) by
virtue of which faith His perfect righteousness is freely imputed to us of
God; (Rom. 5:19; 3:24-28) 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. (Rom. 5:1-3, 11; Matt. 6:33.)

Of the Freeness of Salvation

We believe that the blessings of salvation are made free to all by the
Gospel of Christ; (Isa. 55:1; Rev. 22:17) that it is the immediate duty of
all to accept them by a cordial penitent and obedient faith; (Rom. 16:26;
Mark 1:15; Rom. 1:15-17) and that nothing prevents the salvation of the
greatest sinner on earth, but his own inherent depravity and voluntary
rejection of the Gospel of Christ; (John 5:40; Rom. 9:32) which rejection
involves him in an aggravated condemnation. (John 3:19; Matt. 11:20.)

Of Grace In Regeneration

We believe that in order to be saved, sinners must be regenerated, or born
again; (John 3:3,6-7) that regeneration consists in giving a holy
disposition to the mind; (II Cor. 5:17; Ezek. 36:26; Rom. 2:28-29) that it
is affected in a manner above our comprehension by the power of the Holy
Spirit, in connection with divine truth; (John 3:8; 1:13; James 1:16-18) so
as to secure our voluntary obedience to the Gospel of Christ; (I Peter
1:22-25; I John 5:1; Eph. 4:20-24) and that its proper evidence appears in
the holy fruits of repentance, and faith, and newness of life. (Eph. 5:9;
Rom. 8:9; Gal. 5:16-23; Eph. 3:14-21.)

Of Repentance and Faith

We believe that repentance and faith are inseparable graces wrought in our
souls in regeneration (Mark 1:15; Acts 11:18; Eph. 2:8; I John 5:1) whereby
being deeply convinced of our guilt, danger, and helplessness, and of the
way of salvation by Christ, (John 16:8; Acts 2:37-38; 16:30-31) we turn to
God with unfeigned contrition, confession, and supplication for mercy; (Luke
18:13; James 4:7-10) 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 Savior. (Rom. 10:9-13; Acts 3:22-23; Heb. 1:8.)

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; (II Tim. 1:8-9;
Eph. 1:3-14; Rom.11:5-6) that being perfectly consistent with the free
agency of man, it comprehends all the means in connection with the end; (II
Thess. 2:13-14; Acts 13:48; John 10:16) that it is a most glorious display
of God's sovereign goodness, being infinitely free, wise, holy and
unchangeable; (Exod. 33:18-19; Matt. 20:15; Eph. 1:11; Rom. 9:23-24;
11:28-36) that it utterly excludes boasting and promotes humility, love,
prayer, praise, trust in God, and active imitation of His free mercy; (I
Cor. 4:7; 1:26-31; Col. 3:12) that it encourages the use of means in the
highest degree; (II Tim. 2:10; I Cor. 9:2; Rom. 8:28-30; John 6:37-40) that
it may be ascertained by its effects in all who truly believe the Gospel of
Christ; (I Thess. 1:4-10) that it is the foundation of Christian assurance;
( Rom. 8:28-31; 11:29) and that to ascertain it with regard to ourselves
demands and deserves the utmost diligence. (II Peter 1:10-11; Phil. 3:12.)

Of Sanctification

We believe that Sanctification is the process by which, according to the
will of God, we are made partakers of His holiness; (I Thess. 4:3; 5:23; II
Cor. 7:1) that it is a progressive work; (Prov. 4:18; II Peter 1:5-8; Phil
3:12-16) that it is begun in regeneration; (John 2:29; Rom. 8:5; Phil.
1:9-11) 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. (Phil. 2:12-13; Eph. 4:11-12; I Peter
2:2.)

Of the Perseverance of Saints

We believe that such only are real believers as endure unto the end; (John
8:31; I John 2:27-28; 3:9) that their persevering attachment to Christ is
the grand mark which distinguishes them from superficial profession; (I John
2:19; Matt. 13:20-21) that a special providence watches over their welfare;
( Rom. 8:28; Matt. 6:30-33) and that they are kept by the power of God
through faith unto salvation. (Phil. 1:6; 2:12-13; Jode 24-25.)

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; (Rom. 3:31; Matt. 5-17; Luke 16:17) that it is holy, just,
and good; (Rom. 7:12, 14, 33; Gal. 3:21) and that the inability which the
Scriptures ascribe to fallen men to fulfill its precepts, arises entirely
from their love of sin: (Rom. 8:7-8; Jer. 13-23) to deliver from which, and
to restore them through a Mediator to unfeigned obedience to the holy law,
is one great end of the Gospel of Christ, and of the means of grace
connected with the establishment of the visible church. (Rom. 8:2, 4; 10:4;
Jude 20-21; Matt. 16:17-18.)

Of a Gospel Church

We believe that a visible church of Christ is a congregation of baptized
believers; (I cor. 1:1-13; Matt., 18:17; Acts 5:11; 8:1) associated by
covenant in the faith and fellowship of the Gospel of Christ; (Acts 2:41-42,
47; II Cor. 8:5; I Cor. 5:12-13) observing the ordinances of Christ; (I Cor.
11:2, 23; II Thess. 3:6; Rom. 16:17-20) governed by His laws; (Matt. 28:20;
John 14:15, 21; I John 4:21) and exercising the gifts, rights, and
privileges invested in them by His Word; (Eph 4:7; I Cor. 14:12; Phil. 1:27)
that its only Scriptural officers are bishops or pastors and deacons; (Phil.
1:1; Acts 14:23; I Tim. 3) whose qualifications, claims, and duties are
defined in the Epistles of Timothy and Titus.

Of Baptism and the Lord's Supper

We believe that Christian baptism is the immersion in water of a believer;
( Acts 8:36-39; Matt. 3:5-6; John 3:22-23) into the name of the Father, and
Son, and Holy Spirit; (Matt. 28:19; Acts 10:47-48) to show forth in a solemn
and beautiful emblem our faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Savior,
with its effect, in our death to sin and resurrection to a new life; (Rom.
6:4; Col. 2:12 that it is a prerequisite to the privelege of a church
relation; and to the Lord's Supper, (Acts 2:41-42; Matt. 28:19-20) in which
the members of the church by the sacred use of bread and wine, are to
commemorate together the dying love of Christ; (I Cor. 11:26; Matt.
26:26-29) preceded always by solemn self-examination. (I Cor. 11:28; 5:1,8.)

Of the Lord's Day

We believe that the first day of the week is the Lord's Day; (Acts 20:7;
Col. 2:16-17; John 20:19; I Cor. 16:1-2) and is to be kept sacred to
religious purposes, (Exod. 20:8; Rev. 1:10; Psalm 118:24) by abstaining from
all secular labor and sinful recreations, (Isa. 58:13-14; 56:2-8) by the
devout observance of all the means of grace, both private (Psalm 118:15) and
public; (Geb. 10:24-25; Acts 11:26; 13-44) and by preparation for that rest
that remaineth for the people of God. (Heb. 4:3-11.)

Of Civil Government

We believe that civil government is of divine appointment, for the interest
and good order of human society; (Rom. 13:1-7; Deut. 16:18; II Sam. 23:3)
and that magistrates are to be prayed for, conscientiously honored, and
obeyed; (Matt. 22:21; Titus 3:1; I Peter 2:13; I Tim. 2:1-8) except only in
things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, (Acts 5:29; Matt.
10:28; Dan. 3:15-18; 6:7-10) who is the only Lord of the conscience, and the
Prince of the kings of the earth. (Matt. 23:10; Rom. 14:4; Rev. 19:16; Psalm
72:11.)

Of the Righteous and the Wicked

We believe that there is a radical and essential difference between the
righteous and the wicked; (Mal. 3:18; Prov. 12:26; Rom. 6:16) 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; (Rom. 1:17;
7:6; 6:18-22; I John 2:29; 3:7) while all such as continue in impenitence
and unbelief are in His sight wicked, and under the curse; (I John 5:19; Gal
3:10; John 3:36) and this distinction holds among men both in and after
death. (Prov. 14:32; 10:24; Luke 16:25; John 8:21-24.)

Of the World to Come

We believe that the end of the world is approaching; (I Peter 4:7; I Cor.
7:29-31; Heb. 1:10-12; Matt. 24:35) that in the last days Christ will appear
in the heavens; (Acts 1:11; Rev. 1:7; Heb. 9:28; I Thess. 4:13-18; I Thess.
5:1-11) that at His coming the dead saints will be raised from their graves,
and the living believers caught up with them to meet the Lord in the air; (I
Thess. 4:16-17; I Cor. 15:51-53) that the saints will be judged for rewards
according to their works; (II Cor. 5:10, I Cor. 3:11-15) that Christ will
descend to the earth with His saints, personally and bodily; (Jude 14; Zech.
14:4; Acts 1:11) that Christ will reign over the earth in peace for one
thousand years; (Isa. 2:1-4; Isa. 65:18-25; Rev. 20:1-4) that at the end of
the thousand years the wicked dead shall be raised and forever consigned to
the " lake of fire "; (Rev. 20:5, 11-15) that the righteous shall enter into
eternal joy with the Lord; (Rev. 7:15-17; 22:1-7) that these judgments will
fix forever the final state of men in heaven or hell, on principles of
righteousness. (Rom. 3:5-6; II Thess. 1:6-12; Heb. 6:1-2; Rom. 2:2-16.)

•  Read some e-mails from Brother Sergey Mochalov to Pastor Randy Johnson
  
   
•  Read what these brethren believe.
   
•  Read an e-mail from Brother Curtis Pugh about these Brethren.
   
•  See some pictures our Brethren in Russia has sent us. 
   

You may contact the Brethren:

Sergey Mochalov,
Street. Sevastopol 249 - 17.
City of Irkutsk, 664048, Russia.
The phone: 3952 55 - 23 - 01.
E-Mail; bro.sergey@gmail.com