What do we believe about baptism?
It is an important subject in the Bible. A form of the word appears almost 100 times in the New Testament. We call ourselves the First BAPTIST Church. So, it must be important here. In fact, baptism is a requirement to be a member of our church. And baptism garners many questions! One reason for the questions is that baptism seems mysterious, maybe even odd. When you look into the subject, there seems to be so much variety of views and expressions. Views and expressions of baptism: What if we started baptizing with a flame-thrower next week?The truth is baptism is amazing, wonderful, and significant! Think about some of the greatest celebrations in twenty-first-century American life: The greatest celebration is this celebration we call baptism! So, let’s explain biblical baptism by answering ten questions. Ten Questions 1. Why is baptism so important?Chiefly, baptism is important because the Lord says it is important.Luke 3:21: When all the people were baptized, Jesus also was baptized. As he was praying, heaven opened (CSB).Jesus was baptized.Matthew 28:19: Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (CSB).Jesus commanded the church to baptize people.Acts 2:41: So those who accepted his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand people were added to them (CSB). 2. What was Jesus’s baptism all about?At the beginning of Jesus’s ministry, He sought out John the Baptist, who was sent by the Lord to prepare people in Israel for the ministry of Christ. John was baptizing people who wanted to turn from their sins. Jesus, being holy and without sin, was baptized to fulfill all righteousness.Matthew 3:15: Jesus answered him, “Allow it for now, because this is the way for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John allowed him to be baptized (CSB). 3. What does baptism mean for us?We are sinful and guilty, so baptism for us is a celebration of salvation. It pictures and celebrates both that Jesus has saved us from our sins and how He saved us. Baptism is similar to a wedding. A wedding ceremony celebrates and symbolizes love and commitment. Baptism celebrates, symbolizes, and proclaims our new life in Christ. 4. Does baptism save a person from their sins?Baptism does not save you from your sins.Ephesians 2:8-9: For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift—not from works, so that no one can boast (CSB). 5. Why don’t we baptize infants?We believe baptism happens after someone puts their faith and trust in Christ. Baptism celebrates salvation, and infants are not capable of such faith. 6. Why should I be baptized?The Lord commands it (Acts 2:38). Baptism is an act of worship, celebration, and proclamation of the gospel. 7. Does it matter how I am baptized?At First Baptist Church, we practice full immersion, as it best aligns with the biblical examples and symbolism of baptism. 8. Where should I be baptized?Baptism is a church event, celebrating faith with your church family. 9. Why is baptism a necessary part of church membership?It affirms the authenticity of a person’s salvation and reflects a shared faith experience among members. 10. What if I was baptized in a different way?We encourage baptism by immersion for all members to align with the New Testament example. 11. Bonus Question: What should I do if I want and need to be baptized?Don’t delay! Reach out to a pastor or church leader to take this important step of faith.
Is church membership in the Bible?
The Bible doesn’t talk about membership in the same way we talk about it today, but you see in the New Testament that the first church had lists of widows and they had a concept of excluding some from the official group when engaging in church discipline. They also seemed to have a list of those who were included in the Lord’s Supper. So, it seems, there was an official “membership” at least in some form. More practically, as we choose leaders and teachers, we want to choose people who have officially thrown their lot in with us, people who have been through a membership class and indicated their affirmation to our most basic doctrines and an understanding of our purpose and mission. We see membership more as a list of people we can count on and call on than anything else. Membership also involves responsibility and ownership. The members of a church have a responsibility for the health and faithfulness of the church. And church membership is family membership. While we want to show the love of Christ to our entire community, our church has a special, Bible-assigned, responsibility to care for those who are officially in the family. One more component to membership is pastoral accountability. The Bible says… Hebrews 13:17 | Obey your leaders and submit to them, since they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account, so that they can do this with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you. (CSB) Our pastor and our ministers are accountable in some way for the spiritual health and growth for some people. We believe those people to be the official members of the church.
Will there be animals in heaven? What about our beloved pets?
Animals in Heaven: A Biblical Glimpse The Bible mentions animals in the context of heaven, such as in Isaiah 11:6–9, where a future harmonious coexistence between creatures is described. However, Scripture does not explicitly state that individual animals or pets are resurrected or have eternal life. Some passages, like Genesis 9:9–17 and Romans 8:21–23, are sometimes interpreted as hints of a broader restoration of creation, but such interpretations remain open to debate. The Unique Status of Humans in Creation Only humans were created in the image of God, a distinction not shared by animals or even angels. Genesis 1:26–27 states, “Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness.’” This unique status grants humans a special destiny and promises of eternal life that are not extended to animals or angels. Jesus Himself became human, as Philippians 2:6–8 describes, to die for the souls of people, further emphasizing the unique relationship between God and humanity. God’s Care for Animals While animals are part of God’s good creation and are cared for by Him (Psalms 147:9; Luke 12:6), their knowledge and intelligence are categorically different from humans. God provides for their needs, as seen in Psalms 50:10–11, which reminds us that all creatures belong to Him. This care reflects God’s character and gives humans a model of stewardship. The Bond Between Humans and Animals Scripture encourages us to care for animals compassionately, as seen in Proverbs 12:10, and acknowledges the deep connection people can share with them. An example of this bond is found in 2 Samuel 12:3, which describes a lamb cherished by its owner as though it were a daughter. While we are commanded to prioritize love for people (Matthew 19:19), this does not diminish the value of animals in God’s creation. Will Our Pets Be in Heaven? When it comes to personal pets in heaven, the Bible offers no definitive answer. However, it assures us that heaven will provide everything necessary for our perfect joy and contentment. Joni Eareckson Tada beautifully wrote, “If God brings our pets back to life, it wouldn’t surprise me. It would be just like Him… Heaven is going to be a place that will refract and reflect the goodness and joy of our great God.” God’s Promise of Perfect Joy Ultimately, the focus remains on God’s generosity and the joy awaiting His children in heaven. While the idea of pets in heaven is uncertain, the assurance of complete satisfaction in God’s presence is unwavering. Whatever God provides will be enough to fill our hearts with eternal happiness.
