FAQ's
What do we believe?
This is an important question. In today's world many people use the same terms and language when talking about spiritual things, but they use the terms in radical different ways with very different meanings. To help answer this question in as much detail as possible we've developed in-depth explanations and comparisons between our beliefs and those of other faiths in the Baker area.
What is a Southern Baptist?
There are hundreds of different kinds of Baptists. Not all are the same. Southern Baptists are Christians who voluntarily associate and cooperate together for a variety of reasons. The most important is our cooperation allows us to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with more people throughout the world. As we agree to cooperate on this task and other important endeavors we do so with the understanding that there are certain core beliefs that all of the Christians who participate in these efforts agree upon. This is what is knows as a "confession or statement of faith". It is a document that states the general basic beliefs of those who associate together in the Southern Baptist Convention. While not all Southern Baptist agree on every doctrinal point, we do agree upon the basics. The most recent statement is the "2000 Baptist Faith and Message" available for your viewing at www.sbc.net. Though we generally agree in these areas it is important to understand this statement of faith is not a "creed". Southern Baptists believe the Bible is the final authority. We do not place a confessional statement of faith on equal footing with Scripture.
Do you have children's programs?
We love and adore children. As we grow together we hope to develop ministries that strengthen families as they seek to raise their children in the Lord. At the present time our families with children bring them to worship with them. As we grow we plan to develop age appropriate teaching and activities for children and youth. At the same time it is a blessing to have families together worshiping God as a whole unit.
How do you join?
You must have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The true church is made up of Christians. If you aren't sure what it means to be a Christian the Bible explains it like this:
| Scripture Reference | Verse |
|---|---|
| Romans 3:23 | "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of god" This means you have to admit you're not perfect and God is. |
| Romans 6:23 | "for the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord". God is absolutely perfect and just. The ultimate penalty of sin is death. Yet, in his mercy and Grace he gives us access to eternal life through his only Son Jesus Christ. |
| Romans 5:8 | "but God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Though we have fallen short of God's perfection by sinning against him, he loved us so much he sent his only Son, Jesus Christ, to die as a payment for our sin, though he himself had never sinned. |
| Romans 10:13 | "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." God is gracious. He gives us direct access to him. All we must do is call out to him and he will hear us. However, simply saying I'm sorry isn't enough. |
| Romans 10:9-10 | "That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your hear that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved." To be "saved" you must repent of your sins by turning from them to Jesus. Will you allow him to be Lord of your life? It's a heart decision between you and God. Only you know if you are a Christian. However, the Bible does say that the evidence of our faith will be fruit or good deeds. These deeds do not save us from our sin. Our salvation is by the grace of God through faith in Him. |
If you have never asked God to forgive your sins and put your trust in him as Lord and Savior we invite you to do so now.
If you have a personal relationship with Christ you are part of the church. The Bible speaks of the church in two ways.
First it describes it as all those everywhere who believe in Jesus. Second, it describes the church as those who gather together in a local assembly. Hebrews 10:25 says, "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." When we speak of joining the church or becoming a member, this is what we mean.
Every church has unique beliefs and interpretations of Scripture. For instance, Baptists believe that Jesus commanded all individuals who make a profession of faith in Him be baptized or immersed in water as a public profession of their faith. We ask that you take the time to examine what we believe as a church. Much of the information is found under the beliefs section on this site. In the coming weeks we will begin holding membership meetings where individuals will have a chance to ask questions and dialogue with the pastor about particular issues. We will post the times and dates as we schedule them.
