WHAT WE BELIEVE

Our Purpose Statement "We believe in carrying out the great commission by healing hurts and meeting needs."

The Great Commandment:  "Jesus said, 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart... soul...and mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and Prophets hang on these two commandments.'" Matthew 22:36-40

The Great Commission:  "Jesus said, 'Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.'"

• To "Love God with all your heart" is WORSHIP.
• To "Love your neighbor as yourself" is MINISTRY.
• To "Go...make disciples" is EVANGELISM.
• To "Teach them...all things" is DISCIPLESHIP.

Calvary Baptist Church exists:

• To celebrate God's presence (worship).
• To demonstrate God's love (ministry).
• To communicate God's Word (evangelism).
• To educate God's people (discipleship).

Calvary Baptist Church is affiliated with:

• Columbus Baptist Association
• Georgia Baptist Convention
• â Southern Baptist Convention

The Essentials We Believe

1.    About God

God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three personalities: The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God.  (Genesis 1:1, 26, 27; 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; II Corinthians 13:14)

2.    About Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ is the Son of God.  He is co-equal with the Father. 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 someday to earth to reign as King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.  (Matthew 1:22,23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5, 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14-15; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Romans 1:3-4; Acts 1:9-11; I Timothy 6:14-15; Titus 2:13)

3.    About the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make men 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. He gives every believer a spiritual gift when they are saved. As Christians we seek to live under His control daily.  (II Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13, 14:16-17; Acts 1:8; I Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:18)

4.    About the Bible

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 error.  (II Timothy 3:16; II Peter 1:20-21; II Timothy 1:13; Psalm 119:105-106, 12:6; Proverbs 30:5)

5.    About 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. (Genesis 1:17; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1-2)

6.    About Salvation

Salvation is God's free gift to us, 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; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 14:6. 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1; Romans 10:9-10)

7.    About 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 power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian. It is the grace and keeping power of God that gives us this security. (John 10:29; II Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25, 10:10,14; I Peter 1:3-5)

8.    About 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.  (John 3:16, 2:25, 5:11-13; Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:15; Matthew 1:8, 2:44-46)

(Calvary Baptist Church accepts the truths as given in the 2000 edition of the Baptist Faith and Message)

The Practice Of Our Beliefs

The Bible as our sole authority (2 Timothy 3:15)

Since God's Word is the only completely reliable and truthful authority, we accept the Bible as our manual for living. We practice daily Bible reading, Bible study, and Bible memorization. The Bible is the basis for all we believe.

Autonomy of each local church (Ephesians 1:23)

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 denomination's control.

Priesthood of every believer (1 Peter 2:9; Revelation 1:6)

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 - the only way to support the church (Leviticus 26:30, Malachi 3:8-11)

At Calvary we practice tithing for the support of Christ's Body - the Church - as God commands. We recognize giving 10% of our income as the Biblical standard of giving.

Immersion - Biblical baptism (Colossians 2:12)

 â a registered mark of the Southern Baptist Convention

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