Welcome to Eastern Hills Baptist Church
We are so glad that you decided to join us in worship today. Here at Eastern Hills we realize that we are all in different places on our journey with Christ, and that's okay. Whether you are a seeker, looking for answers, or a long-time follower of Christ, you are welcome here.

EHBC’s Statement of Belief, Article 19: Religious Liberty

“Church and state should be separate. The state owes to every church protection and full freedom in the pursuit of its spiritual ends. … A free church in a free state is the Christian ideal.”

Baptist Faith & Message 2000, Article XVII: Religious Liberty

“God alone is Lord of the conscience, and He has left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men which are contrary to His Word or not contained in it. Church and state should be separate. The state owes to every church protection and full freedom in the pursuit of its spiritual ends. In providing for such freedom no ecclesiastical group or denomination should be favored by the state more than others. Civil government being ordained of God, it is the duty of Christians to render loyal obedience thereto in all things not contrary to the revealed will of God. The church should not resort to the civil power to carry on its work. The gospel of Christ contemplates spiritual means alone for the pursuit of its ends. The state has no right to impose penalties for religious opinions of any kind. The state has no right to impose taxes for the support of any form of religion. A free church in a free state is the Christian ideal, and this implies the right of free and unhindered access to God on the part of all men, and the right to form and propagate opinions in the sphere of religion without interference by the civil power.”

Today's Points:

1) We believe in religious liberty.

2) We believe in the separation of church and state.

A) The state should protect the church's freedom to pursue its spiritual ends.

B) The state should not favor one religious group over another.

C) Christians should not look to government to carry on the church's work.

D) Christians have a responsibility to the state.

3) A free church in a free state is the Christian ideal.

“It is the natural and fundamental and indefeasible right of every human being to worship God or not, according to the dictates of His conscience, and, as long as he does not infringe upon the rights of others, he is to be held accountable alone to God for all religious beliefs and practices. Our contention is not for mere toleration, but for absolute liberty. There is a wide difference between toleration and liberty....Toleration is a gift from man, while liberty is a gift from God....God wants free worshipers and no other kind.”

—George W. Truett (1867-1944)

“We have been assured, Sir, in the Sacred Writings that ‘except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it’ [Psalms 127:1]. I firmly believe this, and I also believe that without His concurring aid we shall succeed in this political building no better than the builders of Babel.”

—Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)

“Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”

—John Adams (1735-1826)

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech...”

—First Amendment to U.S. Bill of Rights

“We the people of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect [meaning complete] Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”

‌—The U.S. Constitution: Preamble

For discussion this week:

-- What do you think? Is the U.S. a "Christian nation?" Why or why not?
-- What do you think the term "Christian nation" means?
-- Do you think that it's important that all people be allowed to practice their religious faith? Why or why not?