CHESTNUT GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH
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INTRODUCTION TO PASTOR
The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me; thy mercy O Lord, endureth forever: Forsake not the works of thine hands.Psalms 138:8 God's humble servant, The Rite Reverend Dr. R. Bernardo Snipes, was born on March 16, 1960; the fourth of ten children, the fruit of Reverend Catherine Snipes Washington, and the late Mr. Leroy Snipes. From his childhood, his parents taught him by precept and example the virtues of living a consecrated life, dedicated to serving the Lord Jesus Christ. At the same time, God began to exert his Holy influence upon this young man's life for what would be his future calling as a pastor and preacher of the gospel to every creature. Reverend Dr. Snipes, a native South Carolinian, is a graduate of the Berkeley County School System , the Spirit of Truth Institute and the New England College of Anatomy. He also studied at such great institutions as the Baptist College of Charleston, and the Roxbury Community College in Dorchester Massachusetts. He pursued post-graduate studies at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary in Boston Mass. He has earned a BA. in Christian Education, MTH. of Theology, MPH. in Psychology, Psy.D Psychology, and on September 24, 1994, Reverend Dr. Snipes, received his Divintatis Doctoratus Degree, from the Wilbur Henry Waters School of Religion, and Theological Seminary in Washington D.C. Reverend Dr. Snipes, is married to the former Ms. Antoinette B. Ford. They have one son; Prince-Antonio Xvaier Snipes. He is a national renowned evangelist, singer and preacher of the gospel, conducting revival services and seminars in various churches and institutions throughout the country. He is a radio personality on WKCW Radio in Warrenton, Virginia. His past professional work history includes: Howard University, Howard University Hospital, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, State of Massachusetts Forensic Medical Examiners, Boston City Hospital, Boston Veteran Administration Hospital, Washington Veteran Administration Hospital, Charleston County Forensic Medical Examiners, and the Medical University of South Carolina. Dr. Snipes is presently employed as a Clinical Psychologist contracted by Prince Williams County Family Services, Virginia Supports Services, and Virginia Intensive Intervention. He has conducted seminars at such great institutions as Howard University, Morehouse University, Andover Newton Seminary, and Walter Reed Pastoral Care. Reverend Dr. Snipes, is presently the pastor of the Chestnut Grove Baptist Church of Brightwood, VA., He has begun his thirteenth year as pastor of Chestnut Grove. He has twenty one years of pastoral experience. His experience includes: pastoring the Greater Zion Baptist Church of Ashburn VA., and the Greater Faith Baptist Church of Herndon, VA. And now abideth Faith, Hope, Charity these three; but the greatest of these is Charity. 1 Corinthians 13:13
ARTICLES OF FAITH
ARTICLES OF FAITH I. THE SCRIPTURES We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired, and is a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction; that it has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth without any mixture of error for its matter; that it reveals the principles by which God will judge us, and therefore is, and shall remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions shall be tried. References: 2 Timothy 3:15-17; Romans 2:12 II. THE TRUE GOD We believe that there is one, and only one, living and true God, an intelligent, spiritual, and personal Being, the Creator, Preserver, and Ruler of the universe, infinite in holiness and all other perfections to whom we owe the highest love, reverence, and obedience. He is revealed to us as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit each with distinct personal attributes, but without division of nature, essence, or being. References: John 4:24; Psalms 147:5; Exodus 15:11 III. THE FALL OF MAN We believe that man was created by the special act of God, as recorded in Genesis. "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them" (Genesis 1:27). "And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul" (Genesis 2:27). He was created in the state of holiness under the law of his Maker, but through the temptation of Satan, he transgressed the command of God and fell from his original holiness and righteousness; whereby his posterity inherit a nature corrupt and in bondage to sin, are under condemnation, and as soon as he is capable of moral action, becomes an actual transgressor. References: Genesis 1:27; Genesis 3:6,24; Romans 5:19 IV. THE WAY OF SALVATION We believe that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace, through the mediatory office of the Son of God, who by the Holy Spirit was born of the Virgin Mary and took upon Him our nature, yet without sin; honored the divine law by His personal obedience and made atonement for our sins by His death. Being risen from the dead, He is now enthroned in Heaven, and uniting in his person the tenderest sympathies with divine perfection, He is in every way qualified to be a compassionate and all sufficient Savior. References: Ephesians 2:8; John 3:16; Philippians 2:6-7; Isaiah 42:2 V. JUSTIFICATION We believe that justification is God's gracious and full acquittal upon principles of righteousness of all sinners who believe in Christ. This blessing is bestowed, not in consideration of any works of righteousness which we have done, but through the redemption that is in and through Jesus Christ. It brings us into a state of most blessed peace and favor with God, and secures every other needed blessing. References: John 1:16; Acts 13:39; Romans 5:1-2 VI. THE FREENESS OF SALVATION We believe that the blessings of salvation are made free to all by the gospel. It is the duty of all to accept them by penitent and obedient faith. Nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner except his own voluntary refusal to accept Jesus Christ as Teacher, Savior, and Lord. References: Isaiah 55:1; Romans 16:25-26; John 5:40 VII. THE GRACE IN REGENERATION We believe that regeneration or the new birth is a change of heart wrought by the Holy Spirit, whereby we become partakers of the divine nature and a holy disposition is given, leading to the love and practice of righteousness. It is a work of God's free grace conditioned upon faith in Christ and made manifest by the fruit that we bring forth to the glory of God. References: John 3:3; 2 Corinthians 5:17; John 3:8 VIII. 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; whereby, being deeply convinced of our gift, danger, and helplessness, and of the way of salvation by Christ, we turn to God with unfeigned contrition, and supplication of mercy; at the same time heartily receiving the Lord Christ as our Prophet, Priest, and King, and relying on Him alone as the only and all-sufficient Savior. References: Mark 1:15; John 16:8; Luke 18:13 IX. GOD'S PURPOSE OF GRACE We believe that election is the gracious purpose of God, according to which He regenerates, sanctifies and saves sinners. It is perfectly consistent with the free agency of man and in no way interferes with the salvation of any individual. It is a most glorious display of God's sovereign goodness, and is infinitely wise, holy, and unchangeable. It excludes boasting and promotes humility. It encourages the use of means in the highest degree. References: 2 Timothy 1:8-9; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14; Exodus 33:18-19 X. SANCTIFICATION We believe that sanctification is the process by which, according to the will of God, we are made partakers of His holiness; that it is a progressive work; that is begun in regeneration; 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. References: 1 Thessalonians 4:3; Proverbs 4:18; 1 John 2:29 XI. STEWARDSHIP We believe that God is the source of all blessings, temporal and spiritual; all that we have and are we owe to Him. We have a spiritual debtorship to the whole world, a holy trusteeship in the gospel, and a binding stewardship in our possessions. We are therefore under obligation to serve Him with our time, talents, and material possessions; and should recognize all these as entrusted to us to use for the glory of God and helping others. Christians should cheerfully, regularly, systematically, proportionately and liberally contribute of their means to advancing the Redeemer's cause on earth. References: 1 Peter 4:10; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2; Matthew 16:24 XII. EVANGELISM AND MISSIONS We believe that it is the duty of every Christian man and woman, and the duty of every church of Christ to seek to extend the gospel to the ends of the earth. The new birth of man's spirit by God's Holy Spirit means the birth of love for others. Missionary effort on the part of all resets thus upon a spiritual necessity of the regenerate life. It is the duty of every child of God to seek constantly to win the lost to Christ by personal effort and by all other methods sanctioned by the Gospel of Christ. References: Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15; Acts 8:30-35 XIII. THE RESURRECTION We believe that the Scriptures clearly teach that Jesus rose from the dead. His grave was emptied to its contents. He appeared to the disciples after His resurrection in many convincing manifestations. He now exists in His glorified body at God's right hand. There will be a resurrection of the righteous and the wicked. The bodies of the righteous will confirm to the glorious spiritual body of Jesus. References: Matthew 28:1-6; Luke 24:1-7; Mark 16:1-7 XIV. THE RETURN OF THE LORD We believe that the New Testament teaches in many places that visible and personal return of Jesus to this earth. "This same Jesus which is taken up from you in heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven." The time is coming is not revealed. "Of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angles in heaven, but may Father only" (Matt. 24:36). It is the duty of all believers to live in readiness for His coming and by diligence in good works to make manifest to all men the reality and power to their hope in Christ. References: Acts 1:11; Revelation 19:11-16; 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12 THE WORLD TO COME We believe that the end of the world is approaching; that at the last day Christ will descend from heaven, and raise the dead from the grave to final retribution; that a solemn separation will then take place; that the wicked will be judged to endless punishment, and the righteous to endless joy; and that this judgment will fix forever the final state of men in heaven and hell, on principles of righteousness. References: 1 Peter 4:7; Acts 24:15; Matthew 25:31-46
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