Theological Distinctives

Distinctively Reformed Baptist

When I'm asked, "Dr. Smith, what do you mean you're a Reformed Baptist? What's that?" My answer is simply "It's what Baptists used to be!"   As a distinctively Reformed Baptist ministry, we are independent Bible-believing Christians who are committed to historic Christianity that is aligned with the Reformers who exposed the papacy while pointing the the authority of God's Word. As the Reformers were often referred to as "protestors" or "Protestants," I would remind you that all Christians must protest any authority other than the Word of God. As Chistians who protest heretical authorities, like that of the papacy, we testify that we're saved by faith alone, through grace alone, in Christ alone. In doing so, we are alinged with the faithful witnesses, in many ways, of those like Luther, Calvin, Wycliff, Zwingli, Beza, Knox and others. Additional names like Spurgeon, Bunyan and Carey would be included as generally Reformed but distinctively Baptist which summarizes the heritage from which Casey Smith Ministries has developed from, by God's grace.

Is the ministry aligned with the Southern Baptist Convention? 

I am a Baptist and from the South, yes, but Brethren, Casey Smith Ministries is not, nor could ever be compelled to be, associated with the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). The formal doctrinal basis, (secondary to the Bible), of Reformed Baptist ministres like ours , is the 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith which is not in agreement with the SBC's Baptist Faith & Message. We are historically in the Baptistic tradition when it comes to baptism; therefore, we believe in the baptism of believers only so, in that regard, we agree with the SBC. The greater baptism; however, is that of being "baptized into Christ," which water baptism symbolizes but does not secure. The baptism into Christ is the baptism that occurs when the Holy Spirit fills a born-again sinner, as John the Baptist preached: "I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He that cometh after me (Jesus) is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear; he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost (Spirit), adn with fire" (Matthew 3:11). 

The more severe differences between this ministry and the SBC are clearly seen in the SBC's tragic departure from Biblical leadership, the way in which money is handeled for gain and irresponsibly tied to debt, the abuse of women in positions ordained only for Biblically-qualified men, and so many other departures from what historically Baptists have stood for. We are Baptists in the tradition of John Bunyan, Benjamin Keach, and Charles Spurgeon, to name a few, but our theological distictives necessitate a refusal to endorse or support the SBC. 

While many are satisfied with eating "goat food," there is a remnant of sheep who hunger for the Bread of Life and from experience, have been sickened by the man-centered worship found in so many "Baptist" congregations today. The names of great Reformers like Luther, Calvin, Knox, Zwingli and others are again beign revered as those God was pleased to use to restore the Gospel truths of salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. The writings of their godly successors of a Puritan witness, like John Owen, Thomas Goodwin, George Whitfield, and Charles Spurgeon, have begun again to be treasured as Biblically true inheritances rich with admonition and encouragement to follow Jesus Christ alone. 

What we Believe

Many give too high a view to secondary issues when choosing a church. The first and most important thing to consider when choosing a church family to yoke oneself to or a ministry to support is what they believe. How diligent have you been for the protection of your family's spiritual growth in researching and studying the doctrinal and theological positions of your church? What Casey Smith Ministries believes can be briefly summarized as follows:

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• We believe in sovereign grace. Sovereign grace refers to the teaching that God is not only sovereign in general, but especially in the salvation of sinners (1 Cor 1:26-31, Eph 1:3-11, Rom 8:28-32). Salvation is by grace alone plus nothing (Eph 2:8-10). A man is saved only when God gives him the willingness and ability to repent putting his faith in Jesus Christ, the one who suffered the wrath of God in the place of sinners (Phil 1:6,29,30, 2 Tim 2:24,25).

• We believe in the centrality of the local church in the Christian's life (Matt 18:15-20, 1 Tim 3:15, Heb 13:17). We, as Christians, need each other for instruction, encouragement, correction and comfort. 

• We believe that the preaching and teaching of God's Word should be central in the life of a church family as the Apostle Paul said the church is "the pillar and support of the truth" (1 Tim 3:15). In the symbolic language of Revelation 1:20, local congregations are lampstands and so, essential sources of the light of God's Word. While  many other things should be part of the local churches, it must never be forgotten that the fountain of all things done should be the proclamation of the Word of God. 

• We believe the church should be a spiritual family caring for the spiritual welfare of it's members (I Thess 5:12-14, Phil 2:1-5). Becoming a member is a covenant commitment to the Lord and the fellow members. It represents a willingness to be transparent, humble, and to undertake responsibilities that come with such a commitment (Eph 4:1-3, 25-32). Such a commitment ought not to be taken lightly or carelessly forsaken.

• We believe that all policies, practice, and worship should be ordered by the Word of God (1 Tim 3:15). As such, the will of God, as revealed in His Word, must regulate church life.

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Our Clear Distinction

Reformed Baptists are clearly distinguished by their conviction regarding the sufficiency and authority of the Word of God. While all true Christians believe in the inspiration and infallibility of the Word of God, all do not believe in the sufficiency of the Bible. All true Christians believe that the Bible was "breathed out" by God and that it is infallible and without error in all of its parts. To deny this is to call God a liar.  

Sadly today; however, there is a common belief by professing "Christian" churches and ministries, more so in America than anywhere else, that somehow the Bible is not a sufficient guide for, as we say, "how to do church."  This attitude is behind much of what we see in modern church growth movements. Because of this, we see many who feel they have the freedom to reinvent the church. Some even argue that God has no principles in His Word concerning the corporate life of His people, but this ministry gives a clear call to those who have ears to hear in these last day: "To the law and to the testimony! If they speak not according to this word it is because there is no light in them" (Isaiah 8:20).
 
Our Conviction

Reformed Baptists have a conviction that the Bible alone tells us what a church is (1 Tim. 3:15). The Bible alone defines the offices of the church. The Bible alone tells us their number, their qualifications, and their function ( See Acts 20, 1 Tim.3, Titus 1, Heb. 13, and 1 Peter 5). The Bible alone is the guide to show us what worship is and how it is to be given (see Deut. 12:32, Lev. 10:1; John 4:23,24), as well as who can be a church-member, and what is required of them.

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The Sufficiency of the Bible

The Bible is sufficient to tell us what we are to do as a church family, how we are to cooperate with other churches, how we are to send out missionaries, train men for the ministry, and a host of other things related to God's will for His people. Paul told Timothy that the God-breathed scriptures would make the man of God complete, and that it would thoroughly equip him for every good work (2 Timothy 3:17). If this text does not teach us to have confidence in the Bible and to look to the Scriptures for everything that God calls the church to do, then what does it teach? We have plenty of conservative churches in our day who believe the Bible, but not enough who are defined by the Bible! 
 
Reformed Baptists hold to an unshakable conviction that the church exists for the glory of God (Eph. 3:21, 5:26, 27 and 1 Timothy 3:15). Because the church exists for the glory of God, the worship of God and the Word of God are central to its life. We have seen far too much at the present hour to indicate that the measure of a church is seen in what it has to offer man. The typical questions asked of a church are "Does it meet 'felt needs'?" "Is it fun, is it relaxing, is it entertaining?" "What are its kid's programs?" "Is it a place to meet people?"

 

The question we ask in light of how church is often seen by others is, "Whose house is it, anyway?" The answer is that the church, the spiritual body of believers, is not a physical building where people meet, but the living spiritual temple of God. It is the place where He meets with His people in a special way because He dwells in us. This doesn't mean that it is to be a dull, grim, unfeeling, insensitive gathering place, far from it. The place where God dwells is the most glorious place on earth to the saint and it is an oasis to the thirsty soul of a sinner seeking the grace of God. However, the place of God's dwelling is also solemn and holy. "How awesome is this place-it is no other than the house of God and the gate of heaven," was Jacob's exclamation in Genesis 28. God's house is not in need of numbers as Jesus said, "Wherever two or three are gathered in my name, there I am in the midst of them" (Matthew 18:20). The church, then, is to be defined as every man, woman, boy and girl who is in Christ, His elect, who have been redeemed by His blood. The "Church" is not where but who - and wherever they meet, that's where the church is. Notice that John didn not write "the Philadelphian church" but referred to it as "the church"  . . .  which happend to be "at" Philadelphia. Brethren, wherever we might find ourselves, be it in a house, a garage, a jungle, or cave, it is the "Church" in that house, garage, jungle, or cave. Remember this!
 
Many well-meaning organizations seek to take upon themselves the task that the living God entrusted to His church, but to whom has God entrusted the missionary mandate? To whom did God give instructions for the discipleship, encouragement, and the shaping of believers? To whom did God entrust the equipping of the saints to? If the Bible answers that all these are the responsibilities of the local church, are we free to ignore it in light of the status quo? Do we simply throw up our hands and quit or do we take up our cross with courage, believing in the justice of our cause? We believe in our cause because it is the cause of our Lord Jesus. And so, may He help us to embrace our identity as the church of the living God! ​​​​

 

Evangelism & Discipleship 

Casey Smith Ministries teaches Chrisitans, espeically parents, to evangelize and disciple children and neighbors through hospitality (opening up their homes to their neighbors), family worship, catechism and discipleship. Instead of placing the burden on "paid professionals," to do the "work of the ministry," we equip the saints to do it, as the Bible clearly demonstrates is God's will for the church. Jesus said, "A pupil is not above his teacher, but everyone, after he has been fully trained, will be like his teacher" (Luke 6:40). Brethren, whoever educates a child is discipling that child. We encourage parents to take an active role in helping their children make Biblical choices and use Biblical discernment regarding education whether their children are home-schooled, attend a Christian school or public school. While we cannot win life's race by running out of it with our heads in the sand, we can be salt and light as Christian teachers, students, and parents and win some to Christ (1 Corinthians 9:22) no matter where we find ourselves. 

I remind the churches who call me to preach that families are the center of discipleship. You'll find that Psalm 78, Deuteronomy 6, and Ephesians 6 confirm the Biblical description of families - not classes, not programs, not pastors, and not even local New Testament churches, but families. The Word of God; therefore, places Christian families as the center of spiritual training of children and young people.  My conviction remains to promote a Biblical foundation for the equipping and encouraging of believers with the Word of God...especially families.

Churches must not be choir-centered, pastor-centered, or program-centered. As I preach and teach to whomever the Lord send me to, I will always remind the Brethren that, together, we sit at the feet of Jesus to hear His voice as the family of God. So, when it comes to evangelism and discipleship, let us remember that we are all to be stewards and servants of our heavenly Father, joining with Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, not as some organiztion with programs but as the family of God with power from on high, and a mandate to "let your light so shine before men," to "expose the unfruitful works of darkness," and "go ye out into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature." Amen.