[vc_row top_margin=”0″ bottom_margin=”0″ css=”.vc_custom_1453488477935{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”We believe that God Transforms.” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:26px|text_align:left” google_fonts=”font_family:Libre%20Baskerville%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]The belief that God transforms is central to the understanding of salvation and the Christian journey. Baptists affirm that God is not only the Creator but also the Redeemer and Transformer of human lives. This transformation is exemplified through the concept of being “born again” or experiencing a spiritual rebirth, as taught by Jesus in John 3:3: “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” This transformational experience is often characterized by a deep conviction of sin, repentance, and a surrender to Christ as Lord and Savior. It signifies a radical shift in one’s heart, mind, and behavior, as God’s grace and Holy Spirit work to mold believers into the image of Christ.
Moreover, Baptists believe that God’s transformative power is an ongoing process throughout the Christian life. This process is often referred to as sanctification, which involves becoming more Christlike in character and conduct. Baptists draw inspiration from passages like Romans 12:2, which urges believers to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind,” and 2 Corinthians 3:18, which speaks of believers being transformed “from one degree of glory to another.” This transformative work is seen as a partnership between the individual and God, where faith, prayer, and a commitment to living out God’s Word play essential roles. In the Baptist tradition, the belief in God’s transformative power not only offers hope and assurance of salvation but also underscores the ongoing journey of becoming more like Christ in thought, word, and deed.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row top_margin=”0″ bottom_margin=”0″][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_custom_heading text=”WE BELIEVE THAT GOD LOVES.” font_container=”tag:h4|font_size:14px|text_align:left|line_height:24px” google_fonts=”font_family:Raleway%3A100%2C200%2C300%2Cregular%2C500%2C600%2C700%2C800%2C900|font_style:600%20bold%20regular%3A600%3Anormal” el_class=”letter-spacing-2″ css=”.vc_custom_1453488453056{margin-top: 30px !important;}”][vc_column_text]The belief that God loves is foundational and drawn directly from the Scriptures. Baptists firmly embrace the central teaching of the Bible that “God is love” (1 John 4:8). This profound concept underscores the essence of God’s character and the basis for all of His actions. Baptists believe that God’s love is unconditional, immeasurable, and boundless, extending to all of humanity. This divine love is exemplified through passages like John 3:16, which states, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” Baptists hold that God’s love is not dependent on human merit or worthiness but is freely bestowed as a gift of grace.
Furthermore, Baptists believe that God’s love is not just a theological concept but a transformative force in the lives of individuals. It is through God’s love that believers experience forgiveness, redemption, and reconciliation with God. This belief in God’s love serves as the cornerstone of the Christian faith, motivating believers to love God in return and to love their neighbors as themselves (Matthew 22:37-39). Baptists emphasize that this love is not merely an abstract idea but a living reality that empowers believers to live out their faith by extending love, compassion, and grace to others. In the Baptist tradition, the belief in God’s love serves as a powerful source of hope, healing, and spiritual transformation, anchoring the faith of individuals and the community in the unchanging and eternal love of their Creator.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_custom_heading text=”WE BELIEVE THAT GOD CREATES.” font_container=”tag:h4|font_size:14px|text_align:left|line_height:24px” google_fonts=”font_family:Raleway%3A100%2C200%2C300%2Cregular%2C500%2C600%2C700%2C800%2C900|font_style:600%20bold%20regular%3A600%3Anormal” el_class=”letter-spacing-2″ css=”.vc_custom_1453285985743{margin-top: 30px !important;}”][vc_column_text]The belief that God creates is rooted in the foundational biblical account of creation found in Genesis 1. Baptists affirm the belief that God is the Creator of the heavens and the earth and that He spoke the world into existence. This creative act is seen as a demonstration of God’s sovereignty and divine power. It underlines the foundational truth that God is the ultimate source of all life, order, and beauty in the universe.
Moreover, Baptists believe that God’s creative work extends beyond the physical world into the realm of human existence. They emphasize that each person is fearfully and wonderfully made by God (Psalm 139:14) and is uniquely crafted for a purpose. This belief in God as Creator instills a sense of awe and reverence for life and encourages individuals to seek God’s guidance and wisdom in discovering and fulfilling their God-given calling. In the Baptist tradition, the belief in God as Creator serves as a reminder of humanity’s dependence on God and the responsibility to steward and care for the world and one another as part of God’s ongoing creative work.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row fullwidth=”yes” top_margin=”0″ bottom_margin=”0″ css=”.vc_custom_1453488341533{padding-top: 30px !important;padding-bottom: 30px !important;}” background_color=”#ffffff”][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-cross” color=”custom” background_style=”rounded” size=”xl” align=”center” custom_color=”#7e927d” el_class=”beliefs-icon” css=”.vc_custom_1693757311658{margin-top: 50px !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_custom_heading text=”WE BELIEVE THAT GOD TRIUMPHS.” font_container=”tag:h4|font_size:14px|text_align:left|line_height:24px” google_fonts=”font_family:Raleway%3A100%2C200%2C300%2Cregular%2C500%2C600%2C700%2C800%2C900|font_style:600%20bold%20regular%3A600%3Anormal” el_class=”letter-spacing-2″ css=”.vc_custom_1453488407981{margin-top: 30px !important;}”][vc_column_text]
the belief that God triumphs is firmly anchored in the overarching narrative of Scripture, which reveals God as the ultimate victor over sin, evil, and death. Baptists draw inspiration from passages such as 1 Corinthians 15:57, which proclaims, “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” This verse encapsulates the central tenet that God’s triumph is realized through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, who conquered sin on the cross and triumphantly rose from the dead. This victory not only secures the believer’s salvation but also represents the ultimate defeat of all forces opposed to God’s righteousness.
Furthermore, Baptists believe that God’s triumph extends beyond individual salvation to encompass the grand narrative of human history. They anticipate the fulfillment of God’s plan for the restoration of all things as described in the book of Revelation, where God’s ultimate triumph over evil is vividly portrayed. This eschatological hope serves as a source of comfort and assurance for believers, inspiring them to persevere in faith and to participate in God’s ongoing work of transforming the world. In the Baptist tradition, the belief in God’s triumph is a source of strength, hope, and perseverance, as it reminds believers that, ultimately, God’s righteousness and justice will prevail, and His Kingdom will reign supreme for all eternity.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_custom_heading text=”WE BELIEVE THAT GOD REDEEMS.” font_container=”tag:h4|font_size:14px|text_align:left|line_height:24px” google_fonts=”font_family:Raleway%3A100%2C200%2C300%2Cregular%2C500%2C600%2C700%2C800%2C900|font_style:600%20bold%20regular%3A600%3Anormal” el_class=”letter-spacing-2″ css=”.vc_custom_1453488432464{margin-top: 30px !important;}”][vc_column_text]The belief that God redeems is foundational to the understanding of salvation and the transformative power of God’s grace. Baptists hold that God’s redemptive work is intricately woven throughout the Bible, culminating in the ultimate act of redemption through Jesus Christ. The concept of redemption is rooted in the understanding that humanity is separated from God by sin, and God’s redeeming love provides a way to bridge that gap. Baptists are inspired by passages like Romans 3:24, which proclaims, “and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” This underscores the belief that God’s redemption is not earned but received as a gift of His unmerited favor.
Moreover, Baptists believe that God’s redemption is not a one-time event but an ongoing process in the lives of believers. It involves a transformation of the heart and a restoration of the relationship with God. This process is often referred to as sanctification, where believers are continually being conformed to the image of Christ. Through the redeeming work of God, individuals are set free from the bondage of sin, guilt, and shame, and they are empowered to live a life of righteousness and holiness. In the Baptist tradition, the belief in God’s redemptive power brings hope, forgiveness, and new life to those who embrace it, reaffirming the central message of the Gospel that through Christ, God offers reconciliation and redemption to all who place their trust in Him.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_custom_heading text=”WE BELIEVE THAT GOD INHABITS.” font_container=”tag:h4|font_size:14px|text_align:left|line_height:24px” google_fonts=”font_family:Raleway%3A100%2C200%2C300%2Cregular%2C500%2C600%2C700%2C800%2C900|font_style:600%20bold%20regular%3A600%3Anormal” el_class=”letter-spacing-2″ css=”.vc_custom_1453488442966{margin-top: 30px !important;}”][vc_column_text]the belief that God inhabits is grounded in the understanding of God’s omnipresence and His willingness to dwell among His people. Baptists recognize that God, as revealed in the Bible, is not a distant and aloof deity but a God who actively seeks relationship with humanity. This belief is reflected in passages like Exodus 25:8, where God commands the construction of the Tabernacle, saying, “Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them.” The Tabernacle and later the Temple in Jerusalem were seen as tangible symbols of God’s presence among His people, where His glory would manifest.
Furthermore, Baptists believe that God’s indwelling presence is not limited to physical structures but extends to the hearts and lives of believers. They draw inspiration from verses such as 1 Corinthians 6:19, which states, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?” This concept underscores the belief that, through faith in Jesus Christ, God takes up residence within the individual believer. In the Baptist tradition, the belief in God’s indwelling presence serves as a source of comfort, guidance, and empowerment. It encourages believers to live holy and obedient lives, recognizing that they are continually in the presence of the Almighty God who dwells within them, guiding, sustaining, and transforming their lives for His glory.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
