What We Believe

Our Mission Statement

Our mission is to become a church that strives to help people find their way to God and to be fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ. At First Baptist, we know it's possible to live real life with real faith. We're not perfect people but are real people who have discovered the hope, joy and direction that God offers every day.

GOD

God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Genesis 1:1, 26, 27, 3:22: Psalm 90:2, Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; II Corinthians 13:14

Humankind

We are all made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. We are the supreme object of God's creation. Although humankind has tremendous potential for good, we are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called "sin". This attitude separates us from God.

Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1-2

Eternity

We all were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or in union with God through forgiveness and salvation. The place of eternal separation from God is called Hell. Heaven is the place of eternal union and eternal life with God.

John 3:16; Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:15; & 21:27; Matthew 25:41

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 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 to earth to reign as King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.

Matthew 1:22-23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5 & 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14; I Corinthians 15:3-4, Romans 1:3; Acts 1:9-11; I Timothy 6:14-15; Titus 2:13

Salvation

Salvation is a gift from God to humankind. 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 we be saved from sin's penalty. Eternal life begins the moment we receive Jesus Christ into our life by faith.

Romans 5:1 & 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 14:6; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26

Eternal Security

Because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ, the believer is secure in the salvation for eternity. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian. It is grace and keeping power of God that gives this security.

John 10:29; II Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25 & 10:10-14; I Peter 1:3-5

The Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son as God. He is present in the world to make humankind aware of our 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. The Christian seeks to live under His control daily.

II Corinthians 3:17; John 14:16 & 16:7-13; Acts 1:8; I Corinthians 2:12 & 3:16; Ephesians 1:13 & 5:1; Galatians 5:25

The Bible

The Bible is God's word to all mankind. 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 truth without any mixture of error.

II Timothy 1:13 & 3:16; II Peter 1:20-21; Psalms 12:6 & 119:105 & 160; Proverbs 30:5