Our Beliefs

The Bible:

The Bible is God’s Word to us. Human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit, wrote it. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because God inspires it, it is the truth without any mixture of error. (2 Timothy 3:16)

Human Beings:

People are made in the spiritual 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 of us are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called “sin.” This attitude separates people from God and causes many problems in life. (Romans 3:23)

Salvation:

Salvation is God’s free gift to use, but we must accept it. We can never 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. (Romans 6:23)

Eternal Security:

Because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ, the true believer is secure in that salvation for eternity. If you have been genuinely saved, you cannot “lose” it. Salvation is maintained by the grace and keeping power of God that gives us this security. (John 10:29)

Eternity:

People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence. (Romans 8:17-18)

The Bible as our Sole Authority:

Since God’s Word is the only completely reliable and truthful authority, we accept the Bible as our manual for living. Our first question when faced with a decision is “What does the Bible say?” We practice daily Bible study, and Bible memorization. The Bible is the basis for all we believe.

The autonomy of Each Local Church:

Christ is the recognized head of our church, not any person, group, or religious organization. While recognizing the value of associating and cooperating with other groups of Christians, we believe every local church should be self-governing and independent from any denominational control. We encourage each congregation to determine it’s own strategy, structure, and style.

The Priesthood of Every Believer:

The Bible teaches that every Christian is called to “full time” Christian service, regardless of his or her vocation. We practice the truth that every believer is a minister by encouraging every member to find a place of service and ministry. Every believer has direct access to God through prayer and Bible reading.

Tithing:

At New Life Baptist Church we practice tithing for the support of Christ’s Body, the church, as God commands. We recognize that giving 10% of our gross income is the Biblical standard of living.

Immersion:

We practice baptism by immersion under water – the way Jesus was baptized and the way the Bible commands.

Spirit-Led Living:

We believe the only way possible to live the Christian life is by God’s power within us, so we seek to practice a daily dependence on God’s Spirit to enable us to do what is right. (Ephesians 5:18)

Telling Others About Christ:

It is the responsibility of every Christian to share the Good News with those God brings us into contact with. We practice personal sharing about Christ and inviting friends to church.

Our Structure

The structure of the church should not be determined by the culture, business practice, or denominational traditions.

re o the Church determines its structure.

The Church is a fellowship/community.

A top priority in a fellowship is unity and acceptance. ANY attitude that causes disunity is sin. (Colossians 3:15, 1 Corinthians 1:10, 2 Timothy 2:14, Proverbs 17:14, 2 Corinthians 13:11, Philippians 1:27, Colossians 2:2)

Voting Privileges:

All members are eligible to vote at our regular Quarterly “Family Faith Celebration” or any Special Called Business Meetings on any decisions that come up during the meeting.