The Gospel

The Gospel is the hope for the nations and the reason church exists. This is not simply a story that we rehearse; it is a truth we seek to live because it is this good news that gives us life. Below is the truth we believe and live as local body of believers.

The Gospel we believe:

     The Gospel is the good news that the creator of the universe has sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die and live again for a hopeless and helpless, sinful creation who were separated from Him by a self-inflicted sin-sickness; that whoever repents and believes in Jesus will not die, but have eternal life.

God the Creator and a Sinful People

     God created the world with perfect harmony and held a close relationship with man and woman. The man and woman rebelled against God in the garden and sinned. God being a just and holy God must punish sin.  Since the time Adam and Eve chose sin in the Garden the world has been fallen in sin, suffering the effects of sin which are death and life separated from God. Each of us takes after Adam and Eve; all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). This means that all of us rightly deserve death and Hell, “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions…” (Ephesians 2:4-5a). How?

God sent His Son to die on the Cross and raise to new life

     While each of us have earned death for ourselves, Christ came to offer the free gift of eternal life (Romans 6:23). Sin must be punished, and God displayed His rich love for us in sending His son to die on the cross for the punishment of our sin (Romans 5:6). Christ, on the cross, bore the full wrath of God for sinners. He died and was buried, and then rose again from the grave to give life to all who believe. Christ came to restore the broken relationship between the creation and the creator. “For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.” (1 Corinthians 15:21) Simply put, Christ lived a sinless life, died a criminal’s death, and rose again for the payment and forgiveness of sin for all who believe!

Respond in faith

     "After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God.  “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”
  Mark 1:14-15

     This is a message that must be responded to. Anyone can be saved from their sins by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ’s life, death, and resurrection on their behalf (Ephesians 2:8-9). Repent and believe means to turn from our sins and turn toward God. Romans 10:9 explains we must confess and believe to be saved. We confess with our mouths that Jesus is Lord, meaning we allow Him full control as Lord of our lives. We believe in our Hearts that God raised Jesus from the dead, trusting His payment in our place for our sins. With the promise being salvation. This good news leads to a new transformed way of life. *

The Gospel we live:

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
1 Peter 2:24-25

     At the heart of the Gospel is a restoration of relationship between God and man. In the above verse it says we have returned to the “shepherd” of our souls. This means we are returning to Christ who, as the good shepherd, feeds, leads, and restores His sheep. Living out our created purpose to glorify God daily in home, work, and everywhere in-between publicly and privately.  This restored relationship with God transforms our relationship toward His creation; the world and the people we share it with. This is a personal relationship with interpersonal effects.

     Being saved from sin also means being saved into the Body of Christ; a new redeemed community that is salt and light in a dark world, and is created for good works (Matt. 5:13-16, Eph. 2:10). This new redeemed community stands out from the world and shows the power of God’s love toward those who believe. We preach the gospel, make disciples, partake in the ordinances of communion and baptism, care for the poor and oppressed among us, meet physical needs, bearing each other’s burdens and celebrating life together. The primary way God works in the world is through the local church, empowered by the Spirit, submitted to the scriptures, and dependent upon God through prayer (Acts 2:42-47).

Believers who receive the love of God, give the love of God through word and deed. If you are looking for a place to live out your faith join us. It is our goal to live this calling together.

*If you have accepted Christ and are looking to take the first step in obedience with Christ known as believers baptism please email or call us to set up a time to speak with the pastor.  

rainellefbc@outlook.com

(304) 438-6311