BELIEFS

God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three co-equal personalities: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Gen. 1:1-2, 26-27; John 10:30, 16:13-14

Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven’s glory and will return again some day to earth to reign as King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. Hebrews 4:14,15; 1 Cor. 15:3,4; Rom 1:3,4; Acts 1:9-11

The Holy Spirit is present in the world to make people aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. John 16:7-8, 13; Gal. 5:22-25

The Bible is God’s Word to us. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is the truth without any mixture of errors. 2 Tim. 3:15-17; Psalm 119:105, 160

People are made in the image of God, to be like Him in character. People are the supreme object of God’s creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all people are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called “sin.” This attitude separates people from God and causes many problems in life. Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Rom. 3:23; Isaiah 59:1, 2

Salvation is God’s free gift to us but we must accept it. We cannever make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness, can anyone be saved from sin’s penalty. When we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith. Rom 6:23; Eph 2:8,9; John 14:6, 1:12; Titus 3:5; Gal. 3:2

Eternal Security – Because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ, the true believer is secure in that salvation for eternity with God in Heaven. If you have been genuinely saved, you cannot “lose” it. John 10:29, 17:12; 2 Tim 1:12; Hebrews 7:25; Rom. 8:38-39

Baptism – We practice baptism by immersion under water – the way Jesus was baptized, and the way the Bible commands. It represents our identification with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection. Baptism is a membership requirement. Colossians 2:12; 1 Cor. 15:3-4

The Lord’s Supper is a reminder of Christ’s broken body (bread) that was sacrificed on the cross and His blood (cup) that was shed for the cleansing of sins. We observe the Lord’s Supper every other month as a memorial of our Savior, in anticipation of His Second Coming. Only those who are baptized believers may take it. 1 Cor. 11:23-26

Tithing – We believe in biblical giving and encourage the practice of tithing for the support of Christ’s body, the church, as God commands. We recognize that giving 10% of our income is the Biblical standard of giving. Mal. 3:10

Family is ordained by God. Marriage is the covenant commitment of a man and a woman for a lifetime. Husbands and wives are of equal worth, created in God’s image. Marriage reflects the biblical model of God’s relationship with His people. As children are conceived, they are to be a blessing and heritage from the Lord. Eph. 5:21-33, 6:1-4

References:
1. The Baptist Faith and Message (www.sbc.net)
2. CLASS 101 – Discovering Church Membership (www.fcbcphx.org)

BECOMING A CHRISTIAN: Starting a Relationship, not a religion

Becoming a Christian is about establishing a relationship with God, through His Son, Jesus Christ. You will find that establishing and developing this relationship will give you a sense of peace, hope and joy that you cannot find elsewhere. But before that occurs, there are some simple steps to follow:

1. Understand that man is sinful (disobedience of God’s law and broken fellowship with God). “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” Romans 3:23.
2. Realize that the penalty of sin is death (separation from God). “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” Romans 6:23.
3. Recognize that God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life (full and meaningful). “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” Romans 5:8.
4. Believe in the Lord Jesus and accept Him as your Savior (invite Jesus into your life). “For whoever will call upon the name of the Lord will be saved” Romans 10:13.

Now you know that Jesus Christ died for you so that you may have eternal life by trusting in Him. Will you ask Him to come into your life right now? If you do, will you sincerely say the following prayer

Dear Gracious Father:
I thank you for sending your Son, Jesus, to die for my sin. I know I am a sinner because I have not accepted Jesus. I am now WILLING to invite Jesus into my heart to be my PERSONAL Savior to forgive my sin and give me eternal life, peace, and joy. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Welcome to God’s Family! We encourage you to attend church faithfully. Worshiping God and fellowshipping with other Christians are important. We invite you to the First Chinese Baptist Church!