OUR 6 RESPONSES AT
GRACE IN COMMUNITY CHURCH
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1. WORSHIP - You were planned for God's pleasure. Worship helps us focus on God. It strengthens us spiritually and emotionally for the challenges of life - so we can glorify Him in every way. 2. FELLOWSHIP - You were formed for God's family. Fellowship helps us face life's problems by providing support and encouragement for each other. We learn more about God as we make Him known to others. 3. DISCIPLESHIP - You were created to become like Christ. Discipleship helps us grow in God by learning the truth of God's Word and applying Biblical principles to our lifestyle. 4. POWER - You were designed to experience God's power. Power helps us experience God's supernatural presence and to impart it to others. 5. SERVICE - You were shaped for serving God. Service helps us find and develop our God given gifts and use them to serve God by serving others. 6. OUTREACH - You were made to change the world. Outreach helps us fulfill our vision of "Knowing God and making Him known" to our friends, family, and our neighbors around the world. |
WHAT WE BELIEVE
- We believe the Bible to be the inspired and only infallible, authoritative Word of God. (II Tim. 3:16,17)
- We believe in the triune Godhead as eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. (II Cor. 13:14)
- We believe in the deity of Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious death and atonement through His shed Blood, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and in His present priestly ministry. (I Tim. 3:16; Rom. 3:25,26)
- We believe in evangelistic and missionary fervor and endeavor. (Acts 1:8; Mark 16:15-18)
- We believe that for the salvation of lost and sinful man, regeneration by the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential. We further believe in the keeping power of God. (Heb. 9:22; Jude 24,25)
- We believe that sanctification, holiness and the overcoming life is God's design for the Church, which is the Bride of Christ. (Eph. 5:25-27)
- We believe that sexual purity is a necessary expression for all of God's children and requires abstinence from adultery, fornication, incest, homosexuality, or other sexual relationships or practices forbidden by Scripture. (Heb. 13:4, I Cor. 6:18; Lev. 18:1-30)
- We believe that marriage is the uniting of one man and one woman in covenant commitment for a lifetime and a sacred institution established by God. (Matt. 19:4-6)
- We believe that since mankind is created in God's image, human life is of inestimable worth and significance in all its dimensions, from conception to the grave. (Gen. 1:27; Psalm 139:13-14)
- We believe that Baptism is for believers in the Lord Jesus Christ and is to be administered by immersion, thus bearing witness to the gospel of Christ's death, burial and resurrection for us, and our own new life in Him. (Matt. 28:19; Rom. 6:4)
- We believe that Communion, when shared by believers, witnesses to the saving power of the gospel, to Christ's presence in His church, and looks forward to His victorious return. (I Cor. 11:23-26)
- We believe in the Baptism in the Holy Spirit as on the day of Pentecost and in the continuing ministry of the Holy Spirit as evidenced in charismatic gifts and ministries, and in the fruit of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer. (Acts 2:4; Acts 10:46; Acts 19:6; Eph. 4:11; I Cor. 12:8-11; Gal. 5:22,23)
- We believe that divine healing is obtained on the basis of the Atonement. (I Pet. 2:24; Matt. 8:17)
- We believe in Christ's imminent personal return in power and great glory, and in His present and everlasting dominion. (Acts 1:8; Rev. 1:7; Dan. 7:14)
- We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost: they that are saved unto the resurrection of eternal life and they that are lost unto the resurrection of eternal punishment. (Jn. 5:28,29; Rev. 20:15)
OUR CORE VALUES AT
GRACE IN COMMUNITY CHURCH
Bible-Based We seek to maintain to biblical basis in all we do, while remaining open to fresh approaches to ministry.
Integrity Integrity should permeate every aspect of church life.
Caring All church and ministry relationships should be caring.
Accepting We welcome all people regardless of race, religious background, gender, financial status or personal struggles.
Leadership Church ministry should be led by God-gifted, Spirit-led leaders.
Unity The church operates as a community of servants unified by our common mission.
Relevance We desire to be sensitive to our culture and relevant in our methods while maintaining our doctrinal purity.
Generational Church ministry should reach across all generations, with a strong emphasis on developing confident, committed young people who will change the world.
Excellence We honor God and inspire people by pursuing a high standard in all we do.
Team Teamwork is differently gifted people working together for the common good.
Integrity Integrity should permeate every aspect of church life.
Caring All church and ministry relationships should be caring.
Accepting We welcome all people regardless of race, religious background, gender, financial status or personal struggles.
Leadership Church ministry should be led by God-gifted, Spirit-led leaders.
Unity The church operates as a community of servants unified by our common mission.
Relevance We desire to be sensitive to our culture and relevant in our methods while maintaining our doctrinal purity.
Generational Church ministry should reach across all generations, with a strong emphasis on developing confident, committed young people who will change the world.
Excellence We honor God and inspire people by pursuing a high standard in all we do.
Team Teamwork is differently gifted people working together for the common good.
Water baptism
What is baptism?
Along with communion, baptism is one of the ordinances of the church. That means it is part of the church’s duty to offer baptism as a function of why it exists. The major difference between baptism and communion is that communion is a regularly repeated observance, while baptism (when done according to the Biblical pattern) is a “once and for all” event.
The importance of being baptized
Mention the word “baptism” and many questions are sure to arise. “Who is it for?” “What does it mean?” “Where is it done?” “When is it done?” are some of the most basic questions asked. With so many church traditions having varying answers to these questions, where do you find the right answer? As with other important matters, we believe the Bible contains all the answers needed. This information is intended to answer some of these questions with Scripture.
Why should Christians be baptized?
There are many reasons but the following are three most important.
1. To follow the example set by Jesus
“At that time Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptized by John in the river.” (Mark 1:9)
2. To obey the command given by Jesus “Jesus said, ‘Go then, to all people everywhere and make them my disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and then teach them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20)
3. To demonstrate that you are a Christian
“…many of the people who had heard him that day believed and were baptized.” (Acts 18:8)
What is the meaning of baptism?
Baptism connects the death, burial & resurrection events of Christ’s life to our personal faith and commitment made to Him. Notice how the verses below make such a connection…
1.It illustrates Christ’s death, burial & resurrection
“Christ died for our sins…He was buried…and He rose again.” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)
Notice the connection the previous verse makes with our baptism: “For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ.” (Colossians 2:12)
2.It illustrates my new life as a Christian
“When someone becomes a Christian, he becomes a brand new person inside. The old life has passed away and a new life has begun!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Notice the connection the previous verse makes with our baptism: “By our baptism then we were buried with Him and shared His death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead…so we also may live a new life!” (Romans 6:4)
Why be baptized by immersion?
Immersion means that when people are baptized, they are “dipped” or “lowered” into water completely – they are immersed. This “mode” simulates the death of Christ (as the baptism candidate is brought back into the water), it simulates the burial of Christ (as the baptism candidate is under the water), and simulates the resurrection of Christ (as the baptism candidate is raised out of the water). But don’t worry, we won’t hold you under water for three days! Here are a few reasons that immersion is the mode that the Bible teaches:
1. Jesus was baptized by immersion
“As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water.” (Matthew 3:16)
2.Baptism in the New Testament was by immersion
“…then both Philip and the man went down into the water and Philip baptized him. They came up out of the water…” (Acts 8:38-39)
3.Baptism’s meaning in the New Testament
The Greek word, baptizo, means “to dip or immerse into.”
4.Immersion best symbolizes burial & resurrection
WHEN SHOULD A PERSON BE BAPTIZED?
You should be baptized any time after you have made a faith commitment to Jesus Christ. “Those who believed…were baptized…that day!” (Acts 2:41)
“Then Philip began with the Scripture and told him the Good News about Jesus. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water, and the man said, ‘Look, here is water. Why shouldn’t I be baptized right now?’ Philip said, ‘If you believe with all your heart, you may.’ The man answered, ‘I believe that Jesus is the Son of God.’ So they went down into the water and Philip baptized him.” (Acts 8:35-38)
When you have decided to place your faith in Jesus, you can and should be baptized…not to get into heaven, but to obey and say thank you to the God who graciously gives you eternal life in heaven.
Along with communion, baptism is one of the ordinances of the church. That means it is part of the church’s duty to offer baptism as a function of why it exists. The major difference between baptism and communion is that communion is a regularly repeated observance, while baptism (when done according to the Biblical pattern) is a “once and for all” event.
The importance of being baptized
Mention the word “baptism” and many questions are sure to arise. “Who is it for?” “What does it mean?” “Where is it done?” “When is it done?” are some of the most basic questions asked. With so many church traditions having varying answers to these questions, where do you find the right answer? As with other important matters, we believe the Bible contains all the answers needed. This information is intended to answer some of these questions with Scripture.
Why should Christians be baptized?
There are many reasons but the following are three most important.
1. To follow the example set by Jesus
“At that time Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptized by John in the river.” (Mark 1:9)
2. To obey the command given by Jesus “Jesus said, ‘Go then, to all people everywhere and make them my disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and then teach them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20)
3. To demonstrate that you are a Christian
“…many of the people who had heard him that day believed and were baptized.” (Acts 18:8)
What is the meaning of baptism?
Baptism connects the death, burial & resurrection events of Christ’s life to our personal faith and commitment made to Him. Notice how the verses below make such a connection…
1.It illustrates Christ’s death, burial & resurrection
“Christ died for our sins…He was buried…and He rose again.” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)
Notice the connection the previous verse makes with our baptism: “For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ.” (Colossians 2:12)
2.It illustrates my new life as a Christian
“When someone becomes a Christian, he becomes a brand new person inside. The old life has passed away and a new life has begun!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Notice the connection the previous verse makes with our baptism: “By our baptism then we were buried with Him and shared His death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead…so we also may live a new life!” (Romans 6:4)
- Baptism is similar to a Christian wedding ring – it is an outward symbol of the inward commitment a person makes with their heart to Jesus Christ. While baptism is very important, it does not make a person a believer – instead, it demonstrates to the world that the person already is a believer.
- Baptism does not make anyone a Christian, or in any way contribute toward a person earning their way to heaven after death, only personal faith and receiving Jesus Christ into one’s life by faith alone can do that.
Why be baptized by immersion?
Immersion means that when people are baptized, they are “dipped” or “lowered” into water completely – they are immersed. This “mode” simulates the death of Christ (as the baptism candidate is brought back into the water), it simulates the burial of Christ (as the baptism candidate is under the water), and simulates the resurrection of Christ (as the baptism candidate is raised out of the water). But don’t worry, we won’t hold you under water for three days! Here are a few reasons that immersion is the mode that the Bible teaches:
1. Jesus was baptized by immersion
“As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water.” (Matthew 3:16)
2.Baptism in the New Testament was by immersion
“…then both Philip and the man went down into the water and Philip baptized him. They came up out of the water…” (Acts 8:38-39)
3.Baptism’s meaning in the New Testament
The Greek word, baptizo, means “to dip or immerse into.”
4.Immersion best symbolizes burial & resurrection
WHEN SHOULD A PERSON BE BAPTIZED?
You should be baptized any time after you have made a faith commitment to Jesus Christ. “Those who believed…were baptized…that day!” (Acts 2:41)
“Then Philip began with the Scripture and told him the Good News about Jesus. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water, and the man said, ‘Look, here is water. Why shouldn’t I be baptized right now?’ Philip said, ‘If you believe with all your heart, you may.’ The man answered, ‘I believe that Jesus is the Son of God.’ So they went down into the water and Philip baptized him.” (Acts 8:35-38)
When you have decided to place your faith in Jesus, you can and should be baptized…not to get into heaven, but to obey and say thank you to the God who graciously gives you eternal life in heaven.
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