First Baptist Church has a rich history of ministry to Festus, Crystal City; and even around the world! While grateful for our past, we believe our greatest heritage lies in the future. First Baptist is an ever-growing family of diverse people who are on a journey together to love God, love people and share the life-changing power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
God’s Free Gift
1) GOD HAS A PLAN/PURPOSE FOR YOUR LIFE
His plan for us includes a full life (abundant) and a forever life (eternal).
The Bible explains it this way:
- “…I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” – John 10:10
- ” 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
But there is a problem and it is not with God, it’s with man.
2) WE HAVE A PROBLEM
The problem is universal (every person has this problem). The problem is sin.
The Bible explains it this way:
- “…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” – Romans 3:23
- 10…As it is written:
“There is no one righteous, not even one.” – Romans:3:10 - Because God is holy (perfect) and just (fair) He requires a payment for man’s sin.
- “….For the wages of sin is death…” – Romans 6:23(a)
- “Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment,” – Hebrews 9:27
- Because of our sin we all face death and judgement, but there is good news.
3) GOD HAS A PROVISION
Jesus Christ offered Himself up to die on the cross as payment for ALL sin.
- “For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.” – 1 Peter 3:18
- “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8
- “…but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 6:23(b)
- ” For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.” – John 3:17
But it is not enough to just believe with your head…you must believe in your heart.
4) WE HAVE A POSSIBILITY
A full and forever life is promised to all who believe upon and receive Christ.
- “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 for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” – Romans 10:13
- “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” – Revelation 3:20
What We Believe
Our Core Values
- We believe that the worship of God is essential to recognizing the Presence and Holiness of God and inspires a greater love for Him. (Psalm 95: 1-7)
- We believe the consistent practice of prayer is foundational to relying on the Holy Spirit to reveal Christ through all that we do. (John 14:13-21)
- We believe the Bible is God’s revealed word and the authority for all that we do as a body of believers. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
- We believe in actively participating in evangelism and mission endeavors. We believe lost people matter to God, and therefore, they matter to the church. (Matthew 28: 19-20; Acts 1:8)
- We believe encouraging the pursuit of full devotion to Christ and His church for every member should be a strategic ministry of the church. Becoming a disciple of Christ is an ongoing process to be pursued. (Luke 9: 23-24; Philippians 2: 1-11)
- We believe that life-change and growth is best developed in relationships and community with other believers. (Acts 2: 42-47).
- We believe that the stewardship of our time, finances and spiritual gifts is essential for an authentic walk with Christ. (Colossians 3:17; Romans 12:1-2)
First Baptist Church’s beliefs are the same as those contained in the Baptist Faith and Message, the confession of faith of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC).