The 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith is
the Tabernacle’s doctrinal standard.
Doctrine Classes cover the 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith, contemporary issues and other topics of particular importance.
As an independent reformed Baptist church, the Tabernacle teaches the doctrines of grace and the free offer of the Gospel. It adheres strongly to traditional worship, teaches separation from worldliness and emphasises the working church concept.
The second pastor, Benjamin Keach, was a co-signatory of the 1689 confession which has remained the church’s statement of faith ever since. CH Spurgeon encouraged all the younger people in the Tabernacle to read it, their first ‘systematic theology in short compass’. It remains a basis for peace and unity among the church members, and today we ask all who join the Tabernacle to become familiar with it.
Doctrine Class gives an overview of the Confession, together with other topics, in two years.
Video recordings of lessons are posted after the classes.
April 6th: Independency
Speaker: Chris Laws
The second distinguishing feature of a Reformed Baptist church, alongside that of believers baptism.
March 30th: The Fall of Man
Speaker: Duncan Wyncoll
Widely derided, here is the only explanation of the world, human depravity and the conscience.
March 23rd: Jehovah’s Witnesses
Jehovah’s Witnesses
The most well-known of the Western cults, the Watchtower Society beguiles many seeking souls. A review of its beliefs and practices.
March 16th: Gambling
Speaker: Duncan Wyncoll
Fourteen reasons why believers should not be involved with any form of gambling
March 9th: Dr Tom Barnado
Speaker: Chris Cooper
While studying medicine, Tom Barnado became superintendent of a “ragged school” in the East End of Victorian London. This fast moving life of the founder of the Barnado homes intertwines with those of CH Spurgeon, Fred Charrington, and Lord Radstock, the revival instrument in Russia.
March 2nd: Tongues Speaking
Speaker: Duncan Wyncoll
Today’s ‘glossolalia’ bears no resemblance to the tongues speaking of the New Testament. This study will explain its unique purpose, and answer the the questions that perplex many.
February 23rd: Cessationism
Speaker: Duncan Wyncoll
The signs of apostles passed from the scene with the apostles. The erosion of this simple truth has led to the confusion of charismatic ideas we see today.
February 16th: The Doctrines of Grace Applied
Speaker: Chris Laws
The Doctrines of Grace change our approach to evangelism, bring assurance and lead to new reverence for God - as well as resolving difficult problems.
February 9th: The Perseverance of the Saints
Speaker: Duncan Wyncoll
The last of the doctrines of grace. Can believers be sure of Heaven at last - and why?
February 2nd: Irresistible Grace
Speaker: Chris Laws
A look at the Counsel of Redemption, and the call of God to sinners - external and internal.
January 26th: Limited Atonement
Speaker: Duncan Wyncoll
What exactly did Christ do at Calvary? A glorious reformation doctrine about the highly personal sufferings of our Saviour. This study will examine texts which appear to teach Christ died for all.
January 19th: Unconditional Election
Speaker: Chris Laws
Here is the overwhelming determination of God to save sinners and to rescue them from their fate - hell.
January 12th: Total Depravity
Speaker: Duncan Wyncoll
Here is the foundation for the Doctrines of Grace. In what sense is man totally depraved?
December 15th: Repentance and Salvation
Speaker: Jide Owolabi
Repentance is absent from many Gospel sermons in these days of seeker-sensitive services and friendship-evangelism. New Testament conversion always involves turning from sin.
December 8th: Should Christians Drink?
Speaker: Duncan Wyncoll
Are alcoholic drinks right or wrong for a believer? Didn’t believers drink wine in Bible times? The Bible’s arguments are examined with the prevailing worldliness in mind.
December 1st: Why Baptism Is Not for Infants
Speaker: Chris Laws
A survey of the New Testament to establish the proper recipents of Christ’s ordinance.
November 24th: Pilgrim’s Progress
Speaker: Chris Cooper
This greatest-of-all allegories once shaped the nation. The nature of salvation and the spiritual battles of the believer are here unfolded by John Bunyan.
November 21st: The New Calvinism
Speaker: Chris Laws
The resurgence of interest in Calvinism, accompanied by the abandoning of the Christian’s calling to leave the world, is a ‘re-run’ of Israel’s repeated failings.
November 10th: Good Works
Speaker: Jide Owolabi
Why faith without works is dead: antinomianism is much in evidence today among reformed believers. What about the good works of unbelievers?
October 27th: The Trinity
Speaker: Duncan Wyncoll
Unique to the Bible, this doctrine is the foundation of man’s salvation. This study will demonstrate that Father, Son and Holy Spirit all share the same divine attributes.