To glorify God
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9 NIV) To know God
“I have made you known to them, and they will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.” (John 17:26 NIV) To enjoy life in Him forever
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV) Jesus said “…I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10 NIV) But, there is a problem …
Question 2: Why Was I Created?
The Problem: Because we have sinned (disobeyed God’s commands), we have severed our relationship with God and have fallen short of His intended purpose for our lives. This separation will lead to eternal death unless we are reconciled to God. “..for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23 NIV) “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23 NIV) The Question: How can we be reconciled to God? How can we bridge the canyon and make things right with our Creator?
Question 3: Why Was I Created?
Many have tried various ways to get across the canyon without success. Yet, because God loves us He gave His Son to pay the debt we owe. Jesus said, “For God so loved the world that he gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 NIV) “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8 NIV)
Question 4: Why Was I Created?
You have a decision to make.
1. Which side of the canyon are you on? Are you still on man’s side trying to get across by your own efforts?
2. Or, have you made the decision to use the bridge created by the cross of Christ? If you haven’t crossed over, what should you do?
Question 5: Why Was I Created?
First, believe. Believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God who died for your sins and offers salvation as a free gift for all who put their trust in Him. Jesus said, “For God so loved the world that he gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 NIV) “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV)
2) Repent of your sins.
To repent means to change your mind. Decide today that you no longer want to live life doing your own thing, but that you want to follow God’s path instead. “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing might come from the Lord.” (Acts 3:19 NIV)
3) Confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
“That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord’, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9 NIV)
4) Be baptized into Christ.
To be baptized means to be immersed with water. It is a symbol of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, reminding us that when we are saved we die to our selves and are raised to live a new life in Christ. “Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38 NIV) “…don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” (Romans 6:3-4) “In Him you were also… buried with Him in baptism and raised with Him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead. When you were dead in your sin and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sin, having cancelled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; He took it away, nailing it to the cross.” (Colossians 2:11-14 NIV)
Question 6: Why Was I Created?
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9 NIV).
Once you place your trust in Jesus Christ as Savior and cross over the canyon to be reconciled with God, you have been born again into God’s family. As a newborn baby there are some things you can do to grow to spiritual maturity. Obedience is very convincing evidence of your sincerity in wanting a joyous walk and relationship with God.
Start reading the Bible every day. This is a sure way to grow closer to God and one of the best ways He communicates with us. If you don’t have a Bible, call St. Johns Christian Church at 503-286-0613, and we will gladly give you one.
Pray daily, several times a day if possible. We have access to our Heavenly Father through His Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Talk to Him as you would your best friend. That is what He wants to be. If you talk to Him on a regular basis you will get to know Him well.
Join with others who love Christ and are believers in Him in a local church where you can worship, grow in faith, and serve God by using your unique gifts. When you find a church that faithfully believes and teaches the Bible is God’s Word to us today, join with them and request to be baptized into Christ as Scripture instructs us to do. The Bible, God’s Word, says in 1 Peter 3:21 that baptism is the pledge of a good conscience toward God.
If you have put your trust in Christ after looking at the pages on this website, we would like to know about it. We won’t wear you out with calls or emails, but will send you some information and materials that will help with your walk with Christ. Contact us at sjccglenn@comcast.net or call 503-286-0613 if you have any questions. We would love to hear from you!
Some Answers to the Baptism Questions:
According to our understanding of the New Testament, here are our answers to several important questions regarding baptism:
Who should be baptized?
All those who are willing to repent of their sins and confess their belief in Christ should be baptized (Matt. 28:19; Acts 2:38-39).
How should we be baptized?
The word for “baptism” in the New Testament is the Greek word baptizo, which means “to immerse in water.” The New Testament says baptism represents the death, burial and resurrection of Christ (Romans 6:1-5). Baptism serves as a symbol of the burial of the old self and the resurrection of the believer’s soul to walk in life with Christ. Therefore, at Southeast, we baptize people by immersing them in water.
When should we be baptized?
A person should be baptized at the time he or she trusts in Christ. The Bible teaches we are saved by grace through faith (Eph. 2:8), but in the New Testament church, a person’s baptism was always the first expression of faith, not separate from it. So baptism was not just a symbol or a memorial of faith, but was intended to offer a means of union with Christ and a benchmark of transformation, marking the place and time a person made a commitment to Christ (Rom. 6:1-8). At Southeast, we are attempting to restore the original intent and practice of baptism. Therefore, we ask a person to be baptized at the point that he is ready to make a commitment to Christ.
Why should we be baptized?
A person should be baptized to follow the example of Christ (Mat. 3:13-17), to obey Christ’s command (Mat. 28:18), to accept forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16), to receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38), to express trust in Christ (Acts 8:12-13), and to testify to God’s work in his or her life (Rom. 6:1-8; Gal. 3:27). Baptism also serves to cleanse a guilty conscience (1 Pet. 3:21). The Holy Spirit prompts individuals to recognize their sin and guilt. The only method by which the human soul can be wiped clean of sin is through the blood of Jesus Christ (Heb. 9:27-10:7). This “washing away” of sin is most clearly symbolized in the act of baptism (Acts 22:16; 1 Pet. 3:21). Since one of the biggest obstacles between God and man is human pride, baptism also offers a venue by which believers humble themselves before God and others and admit their need for Christ’s redemption (James 4:6). In addition, baptism meets a God-given human need for expression. Everyone needs an outlet for emotion, or an expression for an impression. Baptism is the outlet for an expression of faith in Christ. The act of baptism cannot save an individual. We are saved only through accepting Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. Baptism demonstrates the believer’s acceptance of Christ and is the point of time when the believer receives assurance of his or her faith. Those who were never baptized by immersion but were sprinkled for baptism as infants rest in God’s merciful hands. We hope that Jesus will say to any person who has truly submitted to him but was not taught about immersion, “Your faith has saved you.” Yet someone who understands Christ’s command to be baptized and refuses to obey should not consider himself to have submitted to Christ.
Should a person ever be re-baptized? Any person who has trusted in Jesus as the only Son of God and who has willingly been immersed into Christ may become a member of Southeast Christian Church whether the baptism occurred at Southeast or elsewhere. Rebaptism is encouraged for those who lack confidence in their initial baptism experience because they don’t remember it, they were coerced, or their heart was not right with God at the time. Anyone who has fallen into sin after having been baptized should repent and seek forgiveness, but rebaptism is not necessary (Acts 8:13-24).
Must a person be baptized during a worship service? No. Baptisms at other times are acceptable (Acts 8:38; 16:33), but baptisms during worship services are encouraged at St. Johns Christian Church because they provide the opportunity to testify to your faith and show humility. Paul exhorts all believers to unite, for we are all of “one Lord, one faith, one baptism” (Ephesians 4:5). Regardless of our particular beliefs regarding the mode of baptism, it is important for all Christians to seek unity as representatives of Christ’s body. We believe the source of unity is the truth of God’s Word, and we pray that baptism will be a place of unity, not division, among believers (John 17:17-21).
Spiritual Q&A
SPIRITUAL QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Question 1: Why Was I Created?
To glorify God
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9 NIV)
To know God
“I have made you known to them, and they will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.” (John 17:26 NIV)
To enjoy life in Him forever
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV) Jesus said “…I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10 NIV) But, there is a problem …
Question 2: Why Was I Created?
The Problem: Because we have sinned (disobeyed God’s commands), we have severed our relationship with God and have fallen short of His intended purpose for our lives. This separation will lead to eternal death unless we are reconciled to God. “..for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23 NIV) “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23 NIV) The Question: How can we be reconciled to God? How can we bridge the canyon and make things right with our Creator?
Question 3: Why Was I Created?
Many have tried various ways to get across the canyon without success. Yet, because God loves us He gave His Son to pay the debt we owe. Jesus said, “For God so loved the world that he gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 NIV) “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8 NIV)
Question 4: Why Was I Created?
You have a decision to make.
1. Which side of the canyon are you on? Are you still on man’s side trying to get across by your own efforts?
2. Or, have you made the decision to use the bridge created by the cross of Christ? If you haven’t crossed over, what should you do?
Question 5: Why Was I Created?
First, believe. Believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God who died for your sins and offers salvation as a free gift for all who put their trust in Him. Jesus said, “For God so loved the world that he gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 NIV) “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV)
2) Repent of your sins.
To repent means to change your mind. Decide today that you no longer want to live life doing your own thing, but that you want to follow God’s path instead. “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing might come from the Lord.” (Acts 3:19 NIV)
3) Confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
“That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord’, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9 NIV)
4) Be baptized into Christ.
To be baptized means to be immersed with water. It is a symbol of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, reminding us that when we are saved we die to our selves and are raised to live a new life in Christ. “Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38 NIV) “…don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” (Romans 6:3-4) “In Him you were also… buried with Him in baptism and raised with Him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead. When you were dead in your sin and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sin, having cancelled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; He took it away, nailing it to the cross.” (Colossians 2:11-14 NIV)
Question 6: Why Was I Created?
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9 NIV).
Once you place your trust in Jesus Christ as Savior and cross over the canyon to be reconciled with God, you have been born again into God’s family. As a newborn baby there are some things you can do to grow to spiritual maturity. Obedience is very convincing evidence of your sincerity in wanting a joyous walk and relationship with God.
Start reading the Bible every day. This is a sure way to grow closer to God and one of the best ways He communicates with us. If you don’t have a Bible, call St. Johns Christian Church at 503-286-0613, and we will gladly give you one.
Pray daily, several times a day if possible. We have access to our Heavenly Father through His Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Talk to Him as you would your best friend. That is what He wants to be. If you talk to Him on a regular basis you will get to know Him well.
Join with others who love Christ and are believers in Him in a local church where you can worship, grow in faith, and serve God by using your unique gifts. When you find a church that faithfully believes and teaches the Bible is God’s Word to us today, join with them and request to be baptized into Christ as Scripture instructs us to do. The Bible, God’s Word, says in 1 Peter 3:21 that baptism is the pledge of a good conscience toward God.
If you have put your trust in Christ after looking at the pages on this website, we would like to know about it. We won’t wear you out with calls or emails, but will send you some information and materials that will help with your walk with Christ. Contact us at sjccglenn@comcast.net or call 503-286-0613 if you have any questions. We would love to hear from you!
Some Answers to the Baptism Questions:
According to our understanding of the New Testament, here are our answers to several important questions regarding baptism:
Who should be baptized?
All those who are willing to repent of their sins and confess their belief in Christ should be baptized (Matt. 28:19; Acts 2:38-39).
How should we be baptized?
The word for “baptism” in the New Testament is the Greek word baptizo, which means “to immerse in water.” The New Testament says baptism represents the death, burial and resurrection of Christ (Romans 6:1-5). Baptism serves as a symbol of the burial of the old self and the resurrection of the believer’s soul to walk in life with Christ. Therefore, at Southeast, we baptize people by immersing them in water.
When should we be baptized?
A person should be baptized at the time he or she trusts in Christ. The Bible teaches we are saved by grace through faith (Eph. 2:8), but in the New Testament church, a person’s baptism was always the first expression of faith, not separate from it. So baptism was not just a symbol or a memorial of faith, but was intended to offer a means of union with Christ and a benchmark of transformation, marking the place and time a person made a commitment to Christ (Rom. 6:1-8). At Southeast, we are attempting to restore the original intent and practice of baptism. Therefore, we ask a person to be baptized at the point that he is ready to make a commitment to Christ.
Why should we be baptized?
A person should be baptized to follow the example of Christ (Mat. 3:13-17), to obey Christ’s command (Mat. 28:18), to accept forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16), to receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38), to express trust in Christ (Acts 8:12-13), and to testify to God’s work in his or her life (Rom. 6:1-8; Gal. 3:27). Baptism also serves to cleanse a guilty conscience (1 Pet. 3:21). The Holy Spirit prompts individuals to recognize their sin and guilt. The only method by which the human soul can be wiped clean of sin is through the blood of Jesus Christ (Heb. 9:27-10:7). This “washing away” of sin is most clearly symbolized in the act of baptism (Acts 22:16; 1 Pet. 3:21). Since one of the biggest obstacles between God and man is human pride, baptism also offers a venue by which believers humble themselves before God and others and admit their need for Christ’s redemption (James 4:6). In addition, baptism meets a God-given human need for expression. Everyone needs an outlet for emotion, or an expression for an impression. Baptism is the outlet for an expression of faith in Christ. The act of baptism cannot save an individual. We are saved only through accepting Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. Baptism demonstrates the believer’s acceptance of Christ and is the point of time when the believer receives assurance of his or her faith. Those who were never baptized by immersion but were sprinkled for baptism as infants rest in God’s merciful hands. We hope that Jesus will say to any person who has truly submitted to him but was not taught about immersion, “Your faith has saved you.” Yet someone who understands Christ’s command to be baptized and refuses to obey should not consider himself to have submitted to Christ.
Should a person ever be re-baptized? Any person who has trusted in Jesus as the only Son of God and who has willingly been immersed into Christ may become a member of Southeast Christian Church whether the baptism occurred at Southeast or elsewhere. Rebaptism is encouraged for those who lack confidence in their initial baptism experience because they don’t remember it, they were coerced, or their heart was not right with God at the time. Anyone who has fallen into sin after having been baptized should repent and seek forgiveness, but rebaptism is not necessary (Acts 8:13-24).
Must a person be baptized during a worship service? No. Baptisms at other times are acceptable (Acts 8:38; 16:33), but baptisms during worship services are encouraged at St. Johns Christian Church because they provide the opportunity to testify to your faith and show humility. Paul exhorts all believers to unite, for we are all of “one Lord, one faith, one baptism” (Ephesians 4:5). Regardless of our particular beliefs regarding the mode of baptism, it is important for all Christians to seek unity as representatives of Christ’s body. We believe the source of unity is the truth of God’s Word, and we pray that baptism will be a place of unity, not division, among believers (John 17:17-21).