What's It All About?
The purpose of the Bethel Baptist Association is to help churches in their task of "making disciples". A disciple is a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. To become a disciple, you must:
- Admit that you are a sinner, i.e. that you have done wrong and have failed to live up to God's purpose for your life. "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23, NIV)
Repent of (turn away from) your sins. "Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord." (Acts 3:19, NIV) - Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. Trust Him, and Him alone, to forgive you of your sins and give you a full and meaningful life, now and forever. Through His sacrificial death on the cross on your behalf, He offers salvation and eternal life in Heaven to all who will place their trust in Him. "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, NIV)
- Confess your faith in Christ. "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. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved." (Romans 10:9-10, NIV)
Tell others what has happened to you, both by word and action! Baptism is a symbolic profession of your new faith in Christ. Be baptized and join a church - a local fellowship of believers. Begin to grow in your relationship with Jesus through: Daily Bible study and prayer, Worship, Witnessing, and Ministry to others in Jesus' Name. Allow God's Holy Spirit to empower and control your life.
your questions. We'll be glad to help!