First Baptist Church of Gatesville, TX
Our Beliefs
Purpose. This Church is formed to support public worship and to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ through such programs, ministries, and missions as may be determined by the Church.
Mission Statement. First Baptist Church of Gatesville is a missional, Bible-teaching fellowship, which sincerely worships Jesus Christ.
Authority. The authority of this Church is vested in its members. Each member has the right to a voice in its government, plans, and discipline. This Church is subject to the control of no ecclesiastical body but recognizes and sustains the obligation of mutual counsel and cooperation with other churches and organizations.
Doctrine. The Bible is the written trustworthy record of God’s revelation of Himself to humanity and the authority for doctrine and practice.
* God is the ruler of all that is; Jesus Christ, whose reality and wisdom are expressed through the presence of God’s Holy Spirit, is the head of the church.
* The experience of conversion through faith in Jesus Christ is a prerequisite for baptism and subsequent church membership.
* We believe immersion in water answers Jesus Christ’s command to baptize and immersion symbolizes the heart of the gospel message – the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
* We believe there are two New Testament ordinances, Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. We believe both are symbolic in nature. Baptism and the Lord’s Supper symbolize not only the Christian gospel but also the Christian’s participation in the gospel’s message.
:
Step 1 – God loves you and has a plan for you!
The Bible says, “God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, [Jesus Christ], that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16). Jesus said, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly”—a complete life full of purpose (John 10:10). But here’s the problem:
Step 2 – Man is sinful and separated from God.
We have all done, thought or said bad things, which the Bible calls “sin.” The Bible says, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). The result of sin is death, spiritual separation from God (Romans 6:23). The good news?
Step 3 – God sent His Son to die for your sins!
Jesus died in our place so we could have a relationship with God and be with Him forever. “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). But it didn’t end with His death on the cross. He rose again and still lives! “Christ died for our sins. … He was buried. … He was raised on the third day, according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Jesus is the only way to God. Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me” (John 14:6).
Step 4 – Would you like to receive God’s forgiveness?
We can’t earn salvation; we are saved by God’s grace when we have faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. All you have to do is believe you are a sinner, that Christ died for your sins, and ask His forgiveness. Then turn from your sins—that’s called repentance. Jesus Christ knows you and loves you. What matters to Him is the attitude of your heart, your honesty. We suggest praying the following prayer to accept Christ as your Savior:
"Dear God,
I know I’m a sinner, and I ask for your forgiveness.
I believe Jesus Christ is Your Son. I believe that He died
for my sin and that you raised Him to life.
I want to trust Him as my Savior and follow Him as Lord,
from this day forward. Guide my life and help me to do your will.
I pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen."
Did you pray this prayer?
