What We Believe: Baptist Faith & Message
About God
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three personalities: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God.
Genesis 1:1, 26-27, 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14
About Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Fahter. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to heaven's glory and will return again someday to earth to reign as King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.
Matthew 1:22-23; Isiah 9:6; John 1:1-5; 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14-15; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Romans 1:3-4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14-15; Titus 2:13
About the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Sond of God. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also liverrs in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for liviing, understadning of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. He gives every believer a spiritual gift when they are saved. As Christians, we seek to live under His control daily.
2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13, 14:16-17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:8
About the Bible
The Bible is God's Word to us. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is the turth without and mixture of error.
2 Timothy3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21; 2 Timothy 1:13; Psalm 119:105, 160, 12:6; Proverbs 30:5
About Man
People are made in the spiritua image of God, to be like Him in character. People are the supreme object of God's creation. Althoughevery person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called "sin". This attitude separates people from God and causes many problems in life.
Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1-2
About Salvation
Salvation is God's free gift to us but we must accept it. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God's offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin's penalty. When we turn from our self-ruledd life and turn to Jesus in faith we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus christ into his life by faith.
Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 14:6; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1
About Eternal Security
Because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ, the true believer is secure in that salvation for eternity. If you have been genuinely saved, you cannot "lose" it. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian. It is the grace and keeping power of God that gives us this security.
John 10:29; 2 Timoth 1:12; Hebrews 7:25, 10:10, 14; 1 Peter 1:3-5
About Eternity
Peole were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence.
John 3:16; John 14:17; Romans 6:23; Romans 8:17; Revelation 20:15; 1 Corinthians 2:7-9
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The Bible is Our Sole Authority
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. 2 Timothy 3:16 (NLT)
Since God's Word is the only completely reliable and truthful authority, we accept the Bible as our instructions for living. Our first question when faced with a decision is "What does the Bible say?" We practice daily Bible reading and Bible study. The Bible is the basis for all we believe.
Autonomy of Each Local Church
Christ is the head of the church, which is his body. He is the first of all who will rise from the dead, so he is first in everything. Colossians 1:18 (NLT)
Christ is the recognized head of our church, not any person, group, or religious organization. While recognizing the value of associating and cooperating with other groups of Christians, we believe every local church should beself-governing and independent from any denominational control.
Priesthood of Every Believer
He is the One who loves us, who made us free from our sins with the blood of his death. He made us to be a kingdom of priests who serve God his Father. To Jesus Christ be glory and power forever and ever! Amen. Revelation 1:5-6 (NCV)
But you are a chosen people, royal priests, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession. You were chosen to tell about the wonderful acts of God, who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9 (NCV)
The Bible teaches that every Christian is called to "full time" Christian service, regardless of hhis or her vocation. We practice the truth that every believer is a minister by encouraging every member to find a place of service and ministry. Every believer has direct access to God through prayer and Bible reading.
Tithing
Bring the full 10 percent into the storehouse so that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this way,” says the Lord of Hosts. “See if I will not open the floodgates of heaven and pour out a blessing for you without measure. Malachi 3:10 (HCSB)
At First Baptit we practice tithing for the support of Christ's body, the church, as God commands. We recognize that giving 10% of our income is the Biblical standard of giving.
Immersion
For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to a new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead. Colossians 2:12 (NLT)
We practice baptism by immersion under water --- the way Jesus was baptized, and the way the Bible commands.
Spirit-Led Living
I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5 (NIV)
For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him. Philippians 2:13 (NLT)
We believe the only way possible to live the Christian life is by God's power within us. So we seek to practice a daily dependence on God's Spirit to enable us to do what is right.
Telling Others About Christ
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)
It is the responsibility of every Christian to share the Good News with those with whom God brings us into contact. We practice personal sharing about Christ and inviting friends to church.
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Jesus pressed hard decisions on would-be disciples all the time, testing the depth of their conviction or the shallowness of their adhesion. When the rich young man was told to "go, sell all you have and follow me," his adherence quickly dried up. Jesus didn't say, "There are lots of ways, choose one." He claimed, "I am the way, the truth and the life." The apostle Paul found nothing so distasteful as those who were "lukewarm" in their faithfulness to God who had sent His Son Jesus to die for us and redeem us from sin and death.
Saying "yes" to Christ's gift of life opens us up to the unlimited choices of God's love. Practicing the presence of God in our lives opens our witness to a world that needs a Savior.
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