what we believe

...God

     There is one God existing eternally in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 13:14). He is the Creator of all things (Genesis 1:1); He knows everything (Psalm 33:13-15); is everywhere present (Jeremiah 23:23-24); He is just (Genesis 18:25); loving (1 John 4:8,16); and full of grace (Ephesians 2:4-5). He can be sufficiently known only through Jesus Christ (John 14:6).

...Jesus

     Jesus is fully human and fully divine (Philippians 2:5-8) existing eternally, fully equal with the Father (John 1:1,2). He was begotten of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary (Isaiah 7:14; Luke 1:34-35). He has proven Himself to be the Son of God by His deeds, fulfillment of prophecy, crucifixion and bodily resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:1-4).

...The Holy Spirit

     The Holy Spirit is a divine person existing eternally with the Father (John 15:26). He convicts of sin, righteousness and the judgment to come (John 16:8-11). Every believer is equipped with a gift or gifts by the Holy Spirit for ministry (Romans 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians 12; Ephesians 4:7-16). 

...The Bible

     The Old and New Testament Scriptures are inspired by God (2 Timothy 3:16-17), and without error in their original manuscripts (Matthew 5:18). They contain a complete revelation of his will for the salvation of man, and constitute the divine and only rule of faith and practice (2 Timothy 3:16-17). 

...Salvation

     Those who believe in Jesus Christ as God's Son and our Savior (John 3:16); who repents of their sins and continually make Jesus the Lord of their lives (Acts 3:19); who confesses Jesus as Lord (Romans 10:9-10); and who are baptized (by immersion [Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3-7]); and have accepted the gracious gift of salvation (Romans 6:23) by faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). Those who follow this Biblical plan can have assurance of this Salvation (1 John 5:13).

 ...The Church

     First Christian Church is a non-denominational fellowship of believers who have no creed but Christ, no book but the Bible, and wear no name but Christian. We believe that Christ is the Head of His Church, and therefore every Christian is a part of His body. We do not believe that we are the only Christians, but earnestly strive to be Christians only. We seek to speak where the Bible speaks, and remain silent where the Bible is silent. We take the Bible, and the Bible alone, as our only rule of faith and practice. The original Church that we read about in the Bible was a church where salvation made you a member, so First Christian Church follows that pattern. We refuse to impose upon people more than the Word of God asks a Christian to be, nor require less than the Word states. Therefore, membership here requires that one accept the gracious gift of salvation by faith, which is belief in Jesus as the Son of God, repenting of sin, confessing Jesus as Lord, and being baptized by immersion.

...Communion

     The Lord's Supper (Communion) was instituted by the Lord and delivered to the Apostles (Matthew 26:26-29) and is to be observed by believers in remembrance of Him (1 Corinthians 11:24-25). We celebrate communion each Sunday and invite all who trust Jesus Christ as their Savior to participate.

...The Christian Life

     Jesus calls people to follow Him (Matthew 4:19, 19:21, Mark 1:17, Luke 18:22)!  The Christian (disciple) Life by its very nature is to be distinct from the world (Ephesians 4:22-24, Matthew 28:18-20). Because of this, each believer is set apart (sanctified) by God for His purposes (Romans 6:22). The process of sanctification is carried out through prayer, the Word, witnessing and fellowship (Acts 2:42; Colossians 3:16; Acts 1:8). Each believer has been given a spiritual gift or gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4-6; Ephesians 4:7-8) to be used in serving the Church and others (1 Corinthians 12:7).  Some people believe conversion is the final destination for a Christian, but we believe Scripture defines conversion as only the beginning of a life long pursuit of following Jesus.

...The Second Coming

     The coming of Christ for His Church can occur at any time and will occur at some time. The Scripture teaches that Jesus will descend from Heaven (Acts 1:11); that all Christians, dead and alive, will be raised to eternal life (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18); and all non-believers will be judged or condemned to eternal punishment in Hell (Matthew 25:31-45; Revelation 20; 2 Corinthians 5:10).













Do I have to be baptized?

Upon reading the Gospels, Jesus says, “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you (Matthew 28:19)”


The Apostle Peter said, to the conscience-stricken believers on the day of Pentecost, “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)."


The Apostle Paul, in recounting (for the third time) his conversion experience, quoted his spiritual guide, Ananias: “And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on His name (Acts 22:16)."


Jesus said to do it.  Peter said to do it.  Paul said, “I did it.”  It seems rather strange to ask, “Do I have to?”






WHO IS THE PROPER CANDIDATE FOR BAPTISM?


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          


If I believe in my heart that God raised Jesus from the dead, and am ready to confess before others that He is Lord (Romans 10:9-10), and if I repent, and let God take me over from myself (II Peter 3:9), I am ready to be baptized. I understand who God is; I comprehend that I have sinned (failed to obey His standards). And I have come to know Jesus. Most of us who were raised in Christian families begin taking that matter very seriously between the ages of eight and twelve. Quite a few who are part of our church family had been ready in their hearts for quite a while, and upon hearing the call to believer’s baptism (at many ages, from twenty to ninety) were more than ready to do that. 

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