We are a Bible-based, loving community church. First Baptist is affiliated with the Iowa Association of Regular Baptist Churches and the General Association of Regular Baptist Churches. We are mission-minded, and service/praise oriented. The following information profiles our doctrinal and ministry philosophy information:
* The Bible: We believe the Bible is the holy and inspired Word of God � useful for addressing the struggles and challenges of today (II Timothy 3:16; John 17:17; II Peter 1:21). We believe that God has the power to, and has desired to preserve the integrity of His Word throughout the ages.
* God: We believe that there is only one God. This God exists in the form of three persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:16-17, 28:19; II Corinthians 13:14; John 14:16).
* Jesus Christ: We believe Jesus Christ was born of a virgin (Matthew 1:18, 20; Luke 1:34-35), lived a sinless life and through the cross, offers salvation to all who believe in Him (John 3:16). Jesus Christ is both fully divine (John 1:1; Philippians 2:6), and fully human (John 1:14; Romans 8:3; I Timothy 2:5). Believers are called to anticipate, and prepare for His imminent return.
* Holy Spirit: We believe the Holy Spirit lives within the heart of every believer. The presence of the Spirit brings peace (Philippians 4:6-7), power (Acts 1:8), and special gifting (I Corinthians 12:11). The Spirit enables the believer to serve with effectiveness, and leads the church and individual to do that which honors Him (I Corinthians 14:3-5, 12-26). The working of the Spirit is both profound and orderly.
* Satan: Satan is the originator of evil in our world (Genesis 3:1-7; Ephesians 6:10-12). Satan is real (Matthew 13:19, 39; Acts 5:3; II Corinthians 11:14), and is our adversary. However, the Bible makes it clear that God�s power is superior, and that Satan has been defeated through Jesus� sacrifice on the cross (Hebrews 2:14-15).
* Sin: We believe that all people have sinned � that is, fallen short of God�s standard of perfection (Romans 3:9-10, 22-23; Psalm 14). In acknowledging our sin, we are positioned to receive God�s grace, and the forgiving power of Christ (I John 1:9).
* Salvation: We believe that Christ died for all people (Romans 5:18; II Corinthians 5:19; I John 2:2), but only those who accept the forgiveness offered by Christ will be saved (Romans 5:1, 15, 18). We believe that individuals are saved by grace (not by works) through faith (Ephesians 2:8-10), and that the salvation experience is evidenced by a life of good works (John 8:31; John 14:15; John 2:3).
WHAT WE BELIEVE ABOUT THE CHURCH:
1. The church is a place to celebrate (worship) and learn (discipleship). �His intent was that through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known.� Ephesians 3:10
2. We believe a great commitment to the GREAT COMMANDMENT and the GREAT COMMISSION will grow a GREAT CHURCH.
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 hand 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 Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.�� Matthew 28:18-20
�-To �Love God with all your heart� is to worship
�-To �Love your neighbor as yourself� is to be involved in Christian service.
�-To �Go�make disciples� is evangelism
�-To �Teach them�all things�� is discipleship.
Therefore, our four main priorities are worship, Christian service, evangelism and discipleship