First Christian Church - What We Believe

FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH

WHAT WE BELIEVE

Every organization –corporation, school, family and church – must have a set of beliefs that are non-negotiable; a set of beliefs that are at the very core of who they are and express the basis for everything they do.

At First Christian Church, we have a set of core beliefs that are unchangeable, non-negotiable and from which our mission flows.

Our mission is to “Turn lost people into sold-out followers of Christ.”

-- CORE BELIEFS

GOD is the all powerful, ever present, eternal creator of the universe. He is loving and just and is personally involved in the lives of people.

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”

--Genesis 1:1

“Whoever lives in love lives with God, and God in him.”

--1John 4:16b

JESUS is God in human form. He was born of a virgin, lived a perfect and sin free life, was crucified on the cross, was buried, rose from the dead, and is coming back.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen

His glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

--John 1:1, 14

“For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures.”

--1 Corinthians 15:3

“Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”

--Acts 1:11

THE HOLY SPIRIT is God’s presence in this world, lived in and through the lives of the followers of Jesus Christ and is evident in the life of followers through actions and attitudes. The role of the Holy Spirit is to provide guidance, convict, confirm, and comfort the human heart. He gives gifts to men as He chooses.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”

--Galatians 5:22-23a

“And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”

--John 14:16, 26

“All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and He gives them to each one, just as He determines.”

--1 Corinthians 12:11

We believe THE BIBLE was written by men as directed by God. It is the only accurate and absolute source of truth. We believe it is a practical guide for life.

“Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation.”

--2 Peter 1:20

“All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

--2 Timothy 3:16

ALL MANKIND has sinned and as a result of that free choice, relationship with God is severed. Man is destined for hell and helpless on his own to change that destiny.

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

--Romans 3:23

“He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.”

--1 John 5:12

GOD OFFERED A SOLUTION to man’s dilemma – the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The relationship with God is restored when man accepts that solution and puts his trust in God. Trust is demonstrated through man’s repentance, confession, and baptism (by immersion), resulting in a changed life.

“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

“Peter replied, 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."

--Acts2:38

“That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”

--Romans 10:9

We believe a person in relationship with Christ will purposefully arrange the habits and practices of his life in order to answer the question, “IF JESUS HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE, HOW WOULD HE LIVE IT?”

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

--Colossians 3:17

BAPTISM

-- Biblical Answers to Questions About Baptism

Why Be Baptized?

Many people ask, “Why should I be baptized?” That’s a valid question. There are several biblical reasons.

Ø To follow Jesus’ example (Matthew 3:13-17). Even though he was perfect, and sinless, Jesus willingly submitted himself to baptism as he began his ministry. We should follow his example, submitting to baptism into Christ.

Ø To obey what Christ commanded (Matthew 28:19). Baptism is not an option, a take it or leave it proposition. Christ issued this command as one having all authority. Thus, baptism is not a preference of men or a church, but an imperative command of Jesus.

Ø To follow the teachings of the Disciples (Acts 8:35-38). Phillip’s preaching of Jesus involved an explanation of baptism. Otherwise, the eunuch would not have asked the question about being baptized.

(Acts 2:38)

Peter taught that part of one's response to Christ in addition to repentance was baptism.

(Acts 16:29-34)

Paul explained to the Philippian jailer that there is something to do to be saved. His answer was to believe in the Lord Jesus. Please notice that baptism followed this belief and was a demonstration of this belief. Mere belief is not consistent with The New Testament conversions. Baptism always follows believing in Jesus.

Ø The early church baptized (Acts 2:36-38, 41; Acts 8:5-12; Acts 18:8). Those who were baptized first believed in Jesus, repented of sin, and then were baptized. One is to be a repentant believer to be eligible for baptism.

Ø To wash away our sins (Acts 2:38, 22:16). An inward cleansing that trades our sins for God’s Spirit! The water does not cleanse; it is a symbol of the cleansing that comes from Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. (1Peter 3:18-21)

Ø To pledge allegiance to Christ (1Peter 3:18-21). Our baptism is a public proclamation and affirmation of our faith. It is our “pledge of a good conscience toward God.”

Ø Burial of the old self (Romans 6:3, 4; Colossians 2:12). The baptismal is a “water grave.” It pictures the death and burial of our old self. It also pictures our resurrection with Christ.

Ø To be clothed with Christ (Galatians 3:26, 27). This outward act of obedience displays our loyalty to Christ

What About Infant Baptism?

Many ask: “I was baptized as a baby, do I need to be baptized again?” The Bible only speaks of people being baptized who were old enough to make that decision on their own. When babies are baptized, it is usually a parent or grandparent doing the best they know to do for the child. Notice what the Bible connects with baptism: Believe and be baptized (Mark 16:15). Confess our belief and be baptized (Acts 2:38). Call on the Lord (pray) and be baptized (Acts 22:16). Can a baby do any of these?

Infant baptism normally involves “sprinkling.” The Bible word for baptism means to immerse, dip into, submerge, cover over. Only in this way does baptism picture Christ’s death and resurrection, and the removal of sin. Sprinkling does not. Furthermore, sprinkling actually began 1000 years after the New Testament was written.

Is Baptism Required For Church Membership?

At First Christian Church we require no more or no less than what Jesus required of His Church. Because Christ commanded baptism for His followers (Matthew 28:18-20), we require the same.

When And Where Can I Be Baptized?

Immediately! When you understand God desires this and why, do it at once. We encourage you to do it in one of our worship services, as a public testimony to others. But we can arrange to baptize you anytime (it happened after midnight in Acts 16:25-33). It does not have to be in a church building, though our baptistery is always available.

What About Children?

There is no certain age where every child is prepared for baptism. Any child old enough to understand what Jesus did for them on the cross, and who has accepted Christ as their personal savior, should be baptized.

Are You Saved By Being Baptized?

Salvation is by faith in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. However, the Bible teaches that the natural response to this faith is repentance and baptism. When it comes to the issue of baptism, it is our desire to be obedient to the scriptures. In them we see:

Jesus commanded it (Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16).
The disciples taught it (Acts 2:38; 8:30-38; 16:30-33)
The early Church practiced it (Acts 2:41; 8:12; 10:47)

We will follow the New Testament design.

THE CHURCH is an irresistible community of Christ-followers through which Christ expresses His love.

“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us.”

--2 Corinthians 5:20a

WHAT IS OUR MISSION?

Simply stated it is: To turn lost people into sold-out followers of Christ.

We believe that the primary purpose of our existence is to…

Ø Bring people into a relationship with Jesus

Ø Nurture their total commitment to Jesus

Ø We have come to that conclusion by…

* Looking at the words of Jesus about himself; “For the Son of Man came to seek and save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10)

* Looking at His life which demonstrated this stated purpose.

* By deciding to obey his final command to us, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:19)

WHAT IS OUR VISION?

To be a 24/7 community, building heaven on earth!

CORE VALUES

Ø Lost people matter to God, therefore they matter to us.

”For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.”

--Luke 19:10

Ø Biblical teaching is essential to growth and maturity.

”All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

--2 Timothy 3:16-17

Ø Life change happens best in small groups.

”Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”

--1 Thessalonians 5:11

Ø Christ-followers meet weekly to honor, worship, and celebrate God.

”Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-and all the more as you see the day approaching.”

--Hebrews 10:25

Ø Families are mandated by God to pass on His values.

”These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”

--Deuteronomy 6:6-7

Ø Christ-followers use their God-given resources to advance the kingdom.

”Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”

--1 Peter 4:10

Ø Biblical unity is practiced in word and action.

“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”

--Ephesians 4:3

Ø God deserves excellence in all we do.

"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."

--Colossians 3:17

Church Membership

Is it really that important?

NEW TESTAMENT PRECEDENT

The Bible says in Acts 2:47 that the “Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” There was a specific group of people in each city that was the “church.” The Greek word for church is “called out ones.” You can’t be called out of something unless you are called into something else. That something else is the church. A group that could be numbered; that could be added to; that could be identified. The church was not some mystical group of people floating around in the community. It was a very identifiable group of people who were called out to be markedly different from the rest of their culture.

We are called into the church to experience relationship with one another. A word the Bible frequently uses is fellowship.

FELLOWSHIP

Acts 2:42 says the early church devoted itself to “fellowship.” That is a word that means caring for one another in a multitude of ways…from praying, to bearing burdens, to encouraging, to loving. It means caring for one another emotionally, spiritually and physically. This happens within the common group that is called the church.

The extending and receiving of love and fellowship can only happen when we are in contact with each other. That is why it says in Hebrews 10:25, “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together…”

Fellowship – loving, supporting, encouraging relationship – happens primarily when we are together as a real, physical, identifiable group of believers.

When we become Christians, we also need to be connected for the purposes of accountability and authority.

ACCOUNTABILITY AND AUTHORITY

These are concepts and values that have suffered greatly in our modern culture. However, the New Testament knows nothing of a Christian who is wandering around disconnected from other believers. It knows nothing of a believer who, like a part of the body, would survive for any period of time separated from that body.

So, we have several references to the idea of being in a body of believers and being under the care and authority of the leadership of that body. The writer of Hebrews instructs us in chapter 13:17 to “Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden for that would be of no advantage to you.”

This is no reference to submitting to some group of individuals who are on a power trip. It is a body of leaders who have been selected by the church to prudently watch and care for those who are under their charge. To the elders in Ephesus Paul wrote, “Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God which he bought with his own blood” (Acts 20:28)

The Bible teaches church discipline (Matt. 18:15-17) which is to take place in the context of the local church. The Bible makes it clear that church discipline applies only to those “inside” the church (1 Cor. 5:12). That means in the early church they knew who were members of the church and who were not.

Another reason membership in a local congregation is so important is for the purpose of ministry.

MINISTRY

Every Christian has a spiritual gift that is to be used to serve others (1 Peter 4:10). We were not saved to sit, but saved to serve. We are called to minister to one another based on the giftedness we have received. This occurs most effectively within the context of the local church. There are many today that hop from church to church never getting plugged in and never serving. They want the blessing of the local church but they do not want to be part of it and share the load.

As we join with others in ministry, we become much more effective. We have a greater impact on the community and ultimately, have a greater witness for Christ.

WITNESS FOR CHRIST

By far, most people who find Christ do so because someone invited them to a church. It is difficult to invite someone to something to which you don’t belong. It is difficult to have credibility telling someone to be involved in the life of the church if we aren’t personally involved ourselves.

If we are going to have an effective witness to others for the church, Christ’s body, we need to be able to give a personal testimony of our own involvement. If we can say we have been a member of a church for a number of years and have been actively involved, that will say far more than just giving lip service.

Are you “plugged-in”? Are you a member of a local church within your community? If not, find a Bible-believing church and get yourself attached as soon as possible. The dividends will be great and you will become a part of a family that will nurture and love you and through which you can extend Christ’s love to others.

What is church membership all about?

America, and Montana in particular, is made up of “rugged individualists.” Although this is a great concept for starting a country, it is not representative of the New Testament Church. To be a Christ follower is more than being a solitary believer… it is belonging.

Frequently, several questions are asked about the issue of church membership. For instance, “Why should I be a member of a local church?”, “What must I do to be a member?”, “Is membership really essential?”, “Can’t I be a Christian without being a church member?”

Why should i be a member of a local church?

The church is a unique institution. It is the organism founded by Jesus which continues His work; the proclamation and demonstration of the Gospel to the world. Although many argue that there is a “mystical, worldwide” body of believers, this is true primarily in the theoretical sense, not in the biblical sense. In other words, when Paul addresses one of his letters to a church in a particular town, it was to a specific, local body of believers not a theoretical group of believers.

When we come “into Christ,” positionally we are saved. Practically, however, our salvation is worked out (Philippians 2:12) through our connection with a local body of believers. We see this over and over again. It is the New Testament Precedent.

How do I become a member of First Christian Church?

Although there is some evidence that letters of introduction were sent with some church members as they traveled from one community to another (Acts 18:27, Romans 16:1 & 2 Corinthians 3:1) the Bible does not spell out any hard and fast rules relative to membership requirements. Typically, they will vary somewhat from church to church. At First Christian Church we require that someone desiring membership:

Ø Be a confessed believer in Christ.

Ø Have demonstrated belief through baptism (immersion).

Ø Attend a membership class where we present information regarding:

a) Who we are and what we are about (our core beliefs and values).

b) How to grow in your faith.

c) How to “do” your faith.

d) How to share your faith.

A SOLD-OUT FOLLOWER

(Mission Made Visible)

A sold-out follower of Christ is committed to:

GRACE

We will lead by committing everything we do to prayer, ensuring that all we teach, do, and say consistently demonstrates our complete reliance upon God, and His sufficiency to meet our every need as we submit to His will.

GROWTH

He/She will consistently spend time in prayer, the study and life application of the bible, and participate in the learning opportunities provided by the church. Additionally, he/she will be diligent in passing on their faith to their children, both at home and in the programs provided by the church.

GROUP GATHERING

He/She will faithfully participate in both the weekly worship services and weekly small groups.

GIFTS

He/She will diligently discover, develop, and deploy the spiritual gifts given by God for the purpose of building up the church through “others-focused” ministry.

GOD’S LOVE

He/She will learn to effectively share his/her faith in ways that are consistent with how God designed their personality and communication style.

GOOD STEWARDSHIP

He/She will live each day with a “God’s Kingdom” first mentality, being generous in the use of God-given resources of time, mind, gifts, and finances.