Baptists and Our Church
How did the church begin?
The Promise and Empowerment: Before His ascension, Jesus promised His disciples they would be empowered by the Holy Spirit to be His witnesses to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8).
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The Day of Pentecost: On the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came upon the believers, leading many to respond, repent, and be baptized (Acts 2:41-42). This day is often called the "Birthday of the Church."
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Jew and Gentile United: For the first time, Jews and Gentiles were joined together into one body of Christ, breaking down the wall of partition (Ephesians 2:14) and forming a beacon of light in a dark world.
What should I look for when finding a church?
When searching for a local church, the message is paramount:
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The True Gospel: A faithful church teaches "Christ crucified" and proclaims Him as a risen Savior.
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Truth and Conviction: While churches should communicate God's love, they must also convey the truth of God's Word regarding sin, wrath, and the necessity of repentance—leading sinners to find forgiveness and spiritual growth in Christ.
What is the role of church membership and spiritual gifts?
Membership: While the early church in Acts recorded salvation as the essential requirement for being added to the body (Acts 2:47), formal membership allows believers to identify with a local body, share mutual beliefs, and serve together as one unified family (Romans 12:5).
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Spiritual Gifts: God grants every believer special, grace-given spiritual gifts to equip them for ministry (Romans 12:6-8, 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, 1 Peter 4:10-11). There are no spectators in Christ's ministry; all believers are called to be good stewards of these gifts to build up the church and glorify God.
What does the Bible say about tithing and giving?
A Grateful Response: Giving is a joyful act of worship and stewardship, recognizing that everything we have comes from God (Philippians 4:19). Rather than giving grudgingly, believers are called to give cheerfully and proportionally to their income (1 Corinthians 16:2, 2 Corinthians 9:7).
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Supporting Kingdom Work: Faithful tithes and offerings fund the local church's ministry, staff, facilities, and the global spread of the gospel through foreign missions. Giving is a privilege that invites every believer to participate actively in the work of God's kingdom.
