What We Believe
Here at Community Baptist Church we like to express our purpose in this way: Loving Christ; loving the body of Christ; Loving the world for whom Christ died. This, to put it simply, is what we are all about.
In essential beliefs - we have unity
“There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” Ephesians 4:4-6 (NIV)
In non-essentials beliefs - we have liberty.
“Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters... Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls... So then each of us will give an account of himself to God...So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God.” Romans 14:1,4, 12, 22(NIV)
In all things - we show love.
“...If I hold in my mind not only all human knowledge but also the very secrets of God, and if I have the faith that can move mountains - but have no love, I amount to nothing at all.” 1 Corinthians 13:2 (PH)
The Essentials We Believe:
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; 1Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14
About Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father, 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 judge the world and usher in His heavenly kingdom. Matthew 1:22,23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5, 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14,15; 1Corinthians 15:3,4; Romans 1:3,4; Acts 1:9-11; 1Timothy 6:14,15; Titus 2:13.
About The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. As Christians we seek to live under His control daily. 1 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13, 14:16,17; Acts 1:8, 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatins 5:25; Ephesians 5:18.
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 truth without any mixture or error. 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20,21; 2 Timothy 1:13; Psalm 119:105,160, 12:6; Proverbs 30:5.
About Human Beings
People are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. People are the supreme object of God’s creation. Although every 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-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith. Roman 6:23; Ephesians 2:8,9; John 14:6, 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1
About Eternity
People 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 eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is Heaven. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence. John 3:16; John 14:17; Romans 6:23; Romans 8:17-18; Revelation 20:15; 1 Corinthians 2:7-9
Lifestyle Statement
What We Practice
Beliefs are not worth much unless they are translated into actions. Based on what the Bible teaches, we feel very strongly about the following seven practices:
Bible as our sole authority
“ The whole bible was given to us by inspiration from God and is useful to teach us what is true and make us realize what is wrong in our lives; it straightens us out and helps us to do what is right.” 2 Timothy 3:15 (LB) Since God’s Word is the only completely reliable and truthful authority, we accept the Bible as our manual for living. Our first question when faced with a decision is “What does the bible say?” We practice daily Bible reading, Bible Study and Bible memorization. The Bible is the basis for all we believe
Autonomy of each local church
“ Christ is the head of his Body, the church. He is the source of the Body’s life. . .” Colossians 1:18 (GN) 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 be self-governing and independent from any denominational control.
Priesthood of every believer
“ Christ loves us, and by his death he has freed us from our sins and made us a kingdom of priests to serve God.” Revelation 1:6 (GN) “You are...the King’s priests...God’s own people, chosen to proclaim the wonderful acts of God.” 1 Peter 2:9 The Bible teaches that every Christian is called to “full time” Christian service, regardless of his 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
“ A tithe of everything you produce belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord.” Leviticus 26:30 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 when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ...” Colossians 2:12 (GN) We practice baptism of believers by immersion under water--the way Jesus was baptized and the way the Bible commands
Spirit-led living
(Jesus said) “I am the Vine, you are the branches. If you abide in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; but apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 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. (Philippians 2:13, Ephesians 5:18)
Telling others about Christ
“ Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”1 Peter 3:15 It is the responsibility of every Christian to share the Good News with those God brings us into contact with. We practice personal sharing about Christ and inviting friends to church.
Salvation
“For now we are all children of God through faith in Jesus Christ, and we who have been baptized into union with Christ are enveloped by Him. We are no longer Jews or Gentiles, or slaves or free, or even merely men or women, but we are all the same--we are Christians; we are one in Jesus Christ!” Galatians 3:26-28 (LB)
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A CHRISTIAN?
Most people live their entire lives without ever knowing “why”. They exist year after year with no idea of why they live or God’s purpose for their lives. The most basic question a person can ask is, “What is the meaning of my life?”
Everyone wants to be happy. People try many ways:
...Some look for happiness by acquiring possessions.
...Some look for happiness by experiencing pleasure.
...Some look for happiness by gaining prestige and power.
Real happiness comes from understanding your purpose.
WHY AM I HERE
God Made Me To Love Me!
God says, “I have loved you with an everlasting love!” Jeremiah 31:3
“Even before the world was made, God had already chosen us to be His through our union with Christ...because of His love, God had already decided that through Jesus Christ He would make us His children--this was God’s pleasure and purpose.” Ephesians 1:4,5 (GN)
We Were Created To Enjoy A Personal Relationship With God And To Manage All Of The Rest Of God's Creation!
“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” Genesis 1:27-28 (NIV)
“God richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” 1 Timothy 6:17
Jesus said, “I have come in order that you might have life---life in all its fullness!” John 10:10
When We Know And Love God, And Live In Harmony With His Purpose For Our Lives, It Produces Tremendous Benefits In Our Lives:
Clear Conscience Life and Peace Help with Weakness
Romans 8:1 Romans 8:6 Romans 8:26
Purpose Confidence Security
Romans 8:28 Romans 8:31 Romans 8:39
Power and Strength Fulfillment Freedom
Philippians 4:13 Philippians 4:19 John 8:32, 36
This is the kind of lifestyle God intends for us to live. Why then, aren’t most people really happy?
WHAT'S THE PROBLEM
Man has a natural desire to disobey and to ignore God’s principles for living.
“Look out for #1. Do your own thing.”
“ If it feels good, do it--regardless of what God says about it.”
“ It’s my life and I’ll do what I please!”
The Bible Calls This Attitude: SIN.
“All of us, like sheep, have gone astray, and each of us has turned to his own way.” Isaiah 53:6
“If we say that we never sin, we are only fooling ourselves, and refuse to accept the truth.” 1John 1:8
Sin breaks our close relationship with God. It causes us to fear God and try to live our lives outside of His will.
“The trouble is that your sins have cut you off from God.” Isaiah 59:2 (LB)
“All have sinned and fall short of God’s glorious ideal.” Romans 3:23
When our relationship to God is not right, it causes PROBLEMS in every area of our lives--marriage, career, relationships, finances, etc.
When People Have Problems, They Often Try Many Different Ways Of Coping Before Turning To God.
“ There are ways that SEEM right to man, but they only end in death.” Proverbs 16:25
Even when we know that our deepest need is God, we often try wrong ways of getting to know Him:
* “My mother was a Christian, so...”
* “It doesn’t matter what you believe, just be sincere.”
* “I’ll give up all my bad habits.”
* “I’ll be religious and go to church.”
WHAT'S THE SOLUTION?
Jesus Christ said, “I AM THE WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE. No one comes to the Father, except THROUGH ME!” John 14:6
God himself came to earth as a human being to bring us back to Himself. If any other way would have worked, Jesus Christ would not have had to come. The Way is a Person!
Jesus Has Already Taken Care Of Your Sin Problem!!
“The wages of sin is death, BUT the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23
God did this for us because He loves us and wants us to know Him.
“God demonstrated His love for us in that while we were still separated from God by sin, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8
God is on one side, and all people are on the other side, and Christ Jesus is between them to bring them together, by giving His life for all mankind.”1 Timothy 2:5 God has already done His part to restore our relationship to Him. He took the initiative. Now He waits for each of us to individually accept what He has done for us.
WHAT DOES GOD WANT ME TO DO
Believe that Jesus died to pay for your sins and that he rose again and is alive today.
“ If you confess that Jesus is your Lord, and you believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9
“ But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” John 20:31
Confess that God has not been in first place in your life and ask him to forgive your sins.
“ If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from every wrong.” I John 1:9
“ Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven.” Matthew 10:32
Repent and be baptized as your response to the message of God’s great gift.
“ Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2: 38
Accept God’s free gift of salvation. Don’t try to earn it
“ For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith, and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9
Our relationship to God is not restored by anything we do, but on the basis of what Jesus has already done for us!
Baptism
WHY SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?
To Follow The Example Set By Christ.
“ At that time, Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptized by John in the river.” Mark 1:9
Because Christ Commands It
“ Jesus said, ‘...go and make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit...” Matthew 28:19
It Demonstrates That I Truly Am A Believer.
“… many of the people who heard him believed and were baptized.” Acts 18:8
“We know that we have come to know Him, if we obey His commands.” 1 John 2:3
WHY BE BAPTIZED BY IMMERSION?
Because Jesus Was Baptized That Way.
“ As soon as Jesus was baptized, He came up out of the water.” Matthew 3:16
Every Baptism In The New Testament Was Done By Immersion.
(Example) “...then both Philip and the man went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water...” Acts 8:38-39
The Word "Baptize" Means "To Immerse In Water."
The Greek word baptizo means to “immerse or dip under water”.
It Best Symbolizes A Burial And Resurrection!
The founders of denominations agree:
Martin Luther... “I would have those who are to be baptized to be entirely immersed, as the word imports and the mystery signifies.”
John Calvin... “The word ‘baptize’ signifies to immerse. It is certain that immersion was the practice of the ancient church.”
John Wesley... “Buried with Him, alludes to baptizing by immersion according to the custom of the first church.”
WHAT IS THE MEANING OF BAPTISM?
It Illustrates Christ's Death, Burial And Resurrection.
“Christ died for our sins...he was buried...and He rose again.”1 Corinthians 15:3-4
“By our baptism, then, we were buried with Him and shared His death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead...so also may we live a new life. ”Romans 6:4
It Is Part Of Our Initial Coming To Christ For Forgiveness Of Sins.
“ ...and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins...” Acts 2:38
“And now, what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.” Acts 22:16
WHO SHOULD BE BAPTIZED?
Every Person Who Has Believed In Christ.
“Those who believed and accepted the message were baptized...”Acts 2:41
“Simon himself believed and was baptized...” Acts 8:13
At Community Baptist Church, we wait until our children are old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them. Some churches practice infant baptism, sometimes called a “baptism of confirmation”. This ceremony is intended to be a covenant between the parents and God on the behalf of the child. The parents promise to raise their child in the faith until the child is old enough to make his or her own personal confession of Christ. This custom began about 300 yrs. after the Bible was completed. If you were baptized as a child, we affirm the spiritual concern that your parents or guardians had for you at the time. However, this is different from the baptism talked about in the Bible which was only for those old enough to believe.
Communion
THE MEANING OF THE LORD'S SUPPER
Jesus never asked His disciples to remember His birth. But He did instruct them to remember His death and resurrection. He gave the church a powerful visual symbol of His death when he instituted the Lord’s Supper. The Lord’s Supper is a valuable object lesson that represents a great spiritual truth for believers.
WHAT IS THE LORD'S SUPPER (1 Corinthians 11:23-26)
It is a celebration
“For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread…” (vs.23)
It is a reminder.
“and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” (vs. 24)
It is symbol.
“ In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink this cup, in remembrance of me.”(vs. 25)
It is a statement of faith.
“ For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” (vs. 26)
WHO SHOULD TAKE THE LORD'S SUPPER?
Only those who are already Christians. (Mark 14:22-26)
“ For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself.” (1 Corinthians 11:29)
HOW DO I PREPARE MYSELF FOR THE LORD'S SUPPER?
“Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks from the cup.” 1 Corinthians 11:27-28
Self-Examination
“Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord.' 1 Corinthians 11:27
Confessing my sins
'If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.' 1 John 1:9
Recommitment
'Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God–this is your spiritual act of worship.' Romans 12:1
Restoring Relationships
'“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.' Matthew 5:23-24