WE ARE BAPTIZED BELIEVERS

 

We believe that Jesus was God in the flesh and that he came to us. He dwelt among us to show us how to live, how to die, and how to live again. He lived a sinless life and, as a result, was able to offer himself as perfect sacrifice. He gave his life on the cross for us.

 

John 3:16 — "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

 

Jesus rose from the dead, proving that he was who he said he was and showing that he has power over death. Everyone who comes into a relationship with Jesus will experience new life — a life of resurrection, life eternal.

 

John 11:25, 26 — "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"

 

We believe this!

 

Our faith in Jesus leads us to embrace a new way of thinking and living, turning away from a life and a lifestyle that is contrary to what God desires for his creation.
 

Acts 2:38, 39 — Peter said, "Change your life. Turn to God and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, so your sins are forgiven. Receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is targeted to you and your children, but also to all who are far away — whomever, in fact, our Master God invites." [The Message]

 

We embody our faith in Jesus as we are immersed in baptism. Our baptism is a beautiful picture of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Jesus died, was buried, and rose again. We die to sin, are buried in water, and rise to live a new life.

 

Romans 6:3, 4 — Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

 

This is a simple look at why we call ourselves baptized believers. We would love to explore more with you if you would like to contact us. Baptism is beautiful, mystical, and multifaceted — God does a lot of things in baptism, some of which are beyond our comprehension.

 

PARTICIPATING IN THE LIFE OF GOD

 

When we are baptized, God accepts us into his life. We are to live for him and live like him. We have been "created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." [Ephesians 4:24b]

 

Ephesians 5:1,2 — Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God

 

1 John 2:6 — Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.

 

2 Timothy 2:15 — Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth [KJV]

 

As participants in the life of God there is a constant need for us to learn about him and from him. We participate in the life of God in various ways, including our worship services and our Bible studies. See "Worship Services" and "Programs and Activities" in the main menu bar at top for specifics.

 

FOR THE SAKE OF OTHERS

 

Since we are baptized believers who participate in the life of God we naturally want to live for the sake of others. We encourage every member of our congregation to do his/her part as we all respond to the love of Jesus.

 

Ephesians 4:16 — From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

 

This involves being good husbands, wives, children, employees, and employers. The Lordship of Jesus covers all areas and aspects of life.

 

Matthew 25:34-45 — Then the King will say to those on his right 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' Then the righteous will answer him, ' Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' "The King will reply, ' I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' "Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.' "They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison and did not help you?' " He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'

 

In essence, when we reach out and help those who need assistance, it is the same as if Jesus himself needed our help and we assisted him.