1. RECOGNIZE YOUR CONDITION.

In order to find the way to eternal life with God, I must admit I am lost in sin. Romans 5:12 teaches us that since Adam and Eve, the first man and woman on earth, a sin nature has been present in all people. Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Sin is any act contrary to God’s laws and commandments, and those sins that I have committed separate me from God. Whenever I have been lost, I have paid some type of penalty. I have been late to a special event and, on occasion, I have received a speeding ticket. Sin also has a penalty. Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” The “wage” or payment for our sin is spiritual death, and eternal separation from God.

2. RELIGION AND GOOD WORKS ARE NOT THE ANSWER.

Religions try to create their own ways to God. Their systems may seem logical, but they cannot bridge the gap created by our sin. Proverbs 14:12 says, “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” In other words, our thoughts and ways are not what matter. God’s Word, the Bible, provides true answers of grace and forgiveness. In Ephesians 2:8–9 the Bible says, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

3. THE GOOD NEWS: JESUS CHRIST PROVIDED THE WAY.

Even though we were lost and separated from God, He loved us, and because He is love, God sent His Son to die on the Cross and raise from the dead three days later. John 3:16 explains “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Through the death and resurrection of Jesus, He became the payment for our sin. He took our place as our Substitute! Now, we do not have to pay for our sin ourselves. By His grace, salvation is provided. In Romans 5:8, the Bible says, “But God commendeth [meaning proved or demonstrated] his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

4. REPENT AND BELIEVE TO RECEIVE THE FREE GIFT OF SALVATION THROUGH JESUS CHRIST.

In order to have a relationship with God and an eternal home in Heaven, we must turn from our sin and our own efforts to save ourselves and instead place our full trust in Jesus Christ alone for the forgiveness of our sin and eternal life. Repentance is not about turning over a new leaf or reforming your lifestyle; it's about having a heart change about sin, seeing it as God sees it and wanting deliverance from it. Belief means more than just agreeing with some facts about Jesus. Rather, it is completely relying upon Jesus and Him alone to forgive your sins, satisfy the Father's wrath, and declare your righteous before a holy God. In Roman 10:13 the Bible says, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” That is a promise directly from God that if you will pray to Him, confess that you are a sinner, ask Him to forgive your sins, and turn to Him alone to be your Savior, then He promises to save you and give you the free gift of eternal life. You can make that decision today by calling out to God in faith.

You'll never regret that decision! If you have just trusted Christ, we would love to know about your decision and give you a Bible and some other materials to help you learn more about that new relationship! Give us a call at (517)546-6561 and let us know today!

What is baptism?

The Bible teaches that baptism is a symbol-an outward expression of an inward decision. 

In the life of every Christian, it is an important first step of obedience to God in which I declare, to others, my faith in Christ. As a wedding ring identifies a husband with his wife, so baptism identifies a Christian with Christ. That identity is in Christ's death, burial, and resurrection.

Romans 6:3-5 says "Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection."

Baptism not only identifies us with Jesus Christ, but it also identifies us with His local church and its doctrine. When you are baptized, you become a member of this local church.

Acts 2:41-42 says, "Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers."

Is baptism for me?

The Bible teaches that baptism is for anyone who has personally accepted Christ as Saviour. Baptism does not save or wash away sins. It is simply an outward expression of an inward decision to accept Christ. If you have accepted Christ and never been baptized, you should choose to be baptized as soon as you can.

Acts 8:37 says, "And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."

Acts 2:41 says, "Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls."

Why should I be baptized?

There are three biblical reasons to be baptized ...

Christ Commands It:

Matthew 28:19 says, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."

Christ Was Our Example:

Matthew 3:13 says, "Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him."

Believers In the Bible Practiced It:

Acts 2:41 says, "Then they that gladly received his word were baptized."

How should I be baptized?

The word baptize literally means to plunge or to dunk. The Bible teaches that you should be baptized in water by immersion rather than sprinkling. Because baptism is a picture of Christ's death, burial, and resurrection, only immersion correctly pictures this.

John 1:26 says, "John answered them, saying, I baptize with water ... "

Mark 1:9-10 says, "And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him."

Acts 8:38 says, "And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him."

When should I be baptized?

In the Bible, baptism always took place right after salvation. Rather than taking a thirteen week course before you can be baptized, you should choose to be baptized as soon as you can after your salvation decision.

Acts 16:30-33 says, "And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway."

Acts 2:41 says, "Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls."

What if I am not baptized?

While baptism is not required for salvation, it is an important step of obedience to Christ. The Christian who refuses to be baptized could be compared to a wife who refuses to accept her wedding ring. How can my relationship with Christ start off right if I refuse to follow Him and if I am ashamed of Him before others? By not being baptized, I am disobeying Christ and actually telling Him that I am ashamed that He is my Saviour. I am missing the blessing of committing myself to Christ through obedience and losing the testimony I might have through my public identification with Him.

James 4:17 says, " ... to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin."

John 8:31 says, "Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed."

John 15:14 says, "Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you."

Romans 12:4-5 says, "For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another"

The Nature of Church Membership

Membership in a local church was God's idea! The Bible says that we are like a human body, made up of many different parts working together in harmony and unity to accomplish His work (1 Corinthians 12:18-21). God's plan is that we not stay on the fringes as disengaged spectators, but that we unite with one another and work together toward meeting needs and advancing His purposes. Joining in membership with a church is a commitment to Christ Himself, since it's His body, and a commitment to one's fellow members. It's a beautiful and biblical thing!

Becoming a Member at Bible Baptist

To unite with Bible Baptist, join us in moving through three phases:

1. Get to know each other.

 First, be our guest in the worship services and allow us to get to know one another. Ask questions, share needs, learn names and see whether we're a fit. Kick the tires a bit! A leader in the church will be eager to meet up with you for a one-on-one discussion to share the beliefs of our church and to discuss your own spiritual journey thus far.  

2. Be introduced to the congregation.

 Once someone has received Jesus Christ as his or her personal Savior, the next step is baptism. When people are baptized at Bible Baptist, that step also triggers membership, as it did with believers and churches in the New Testament (Acts 2:41). For others wishing to unite with us in membership, who have previously been saved and baptized elsewhere, we introduce them to our church family during a worship service, and vote to receive them into our membership.

3. Participate in Starting Point.

Every three months, we offer a Saturday morning Starting Point gathering, where Pastor Christoson spends time with the newest attenders at Bible Baptist. This class is for both those interested in membership and those who have recently taken the step of membership. We discuss our values, beliefs, purpose and spiritual growth strategy. Each session includes a biblical lesson, helpful resources, questions-and-answers and refreshments. Call or email the church office to RSVP for the next Starting Point gathering!

Why Become a Member of a Local Church?

There are several biblical reasons to unite with a local assembly in membership. Being a member of a local church:

Gives me an environment in which to grow spiritually. Acts 2:42, 14:22-23, Hebrews 10:24-25

Identifies me with my fellow believers. Ephesians 2:19, 1 Peter 2:9-12

Allows for genuine friendships, edifying relationships, and voluntary accountability. Romans 16:1-6, James 5:16, Proverbs 27:17

Enables burdens to be shared and loads to be lightened. Galatians 6:1-5, 10, Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, Acts 4:32-37

Builds a prayer network, for mutual intercession. Acts 12:5-12, Romans 15:30, 1 Timothy 2:1, 5:5

Places me under the spiritual protection of spiritual leaders. Hebrews 13:17, Acts 20:28-29

Provides a means to honor God financially by supporting local and world evangelism. 1 Corinthians 16:1-2, Philippians 4:14-18

Serves as a place for me to bring others, so they may hear the gospel. Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 17:1-4

Creates an opportunity to discover and exercise my spiritual gifts. Romans 12:6-8, 1 Timothy 4:14, 1 Peter 4:10

Connects me to something eternal and more significant than myself. Romans 12:4-5, Colossians 3:1-3

Join a group here: 

https://biblebaptist.churchcenter.com/groups/growth-groups

Every week, several Christians are becoming grounded in their faith and learning answers to their spiritual questions. Our one-on-one discipleship program has been found to be cross-culturally relevant and biblically sound. When you enroll in discipleship, you will be placed with an experienced Christian who will help guide you in your new-found faith.

If you are interested in our discipleship program, please contact the church office at (517)546-6561 and we would be glad to help you enroll.

When you accepted Christ, you not only got saved... you were given something very special from God. You were given a giftedness to serve God in a unique way. God's plan for your life is that you would meet a specific need in the church family, and He has gifted you in a special way to meet that need.

1 Peter 4:10 says, "As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God."

If you have trusted Christ, then you have a spiritual gift! Even if you don't know what it is or don't feel particularly gifted in a special area, the Bible teaches that you do have a special gift that you can use to serve God. And, believe it or not, your gift is vital to the work of God in our church family, otherwise God would not have placed you here.

1 Corinthians 12:18-24 says, "But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. And if they were all one member, where were the body? But now are they many members, yet but one body. And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: noragain the head to the feet, I have no need of you. Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked."

God's Word teaches that as a member of this church family (this body), you are important to His work in this place. He has appointed you a gift and a purpose for being here...and you will greatly enjoy discovering and using that gift for His purposes!

What should you do with this spiritual gift? First Peter says that God wants you to be a "good steward" of His gift to you! The best way to do that is to begin now discovering, developing, and using your gift to serve the Lord and His church.

The great result of using your gift is that the entire church family ministers to each other and to the community. That's the way the church is supposed to work!

We here at Bible Baptist Church reach out into our community, sharing our faith in a host of ways, including:

• Preaching the Gospel
• Follow up with 1st time guests
• Special events at the church
• Participating in community events
• Direct mail to our neighbors
• Good works of service within the community
• Neighborhood outreach to homes
• Personal individual witnessing
• Inviting friends, relatives, co-workers and neighbors
• Worldwide Missions (support, prayer, trips)
• Addictions Recovery Ministry

We would love to extend to you the opportunity of joining with us in many of these arenas, as you share your faith with those around you.