Our Walk With Christ
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What Does God Want Me To Do?
1. ADMIT That God has not been first place in your life and ask Him to forgive your sins.
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from every wrong.” I John 1:9
2. BELIEVE that Jesus died to pay for your sins and that He rose again on the third day, and is alive today.
“If you confess that Jesus is your Lord, and you believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9
3. ACCEPT God’s free gift of salvation. Don’t try to earn it.
“For it is by grace you are saved through faith – and this is not from yourself, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8,9
Our relationship to God is not restored by anything we do, but on the basis of what Jesus already did for us!
4. INVITE Jesus Christ to come into your life and be the director (“Lord”) of your life. You can take these steps by praying a simple prayer of commitment to God:
“Dear Jesus, thank you for making me and loving me, even when I’ve ignored you and gone my own way. I realize I need you in my life and I’m sorry for my sins. I ask you to forgive me. Thank you for dying on the cross for me. Please help me to understand it more. As much as I know how, I want to follow you from now on. Please come into my life and make me a new person inside. I accept your gift of salvation. Please help me grow now as a Christian.”
The Lord’s Supper/Communion
Why should we participate in the Lord’s Supper or Communion?
1. We should participate because it is commanded.
(Luke 22:17-20; I Corinthians 11:23-26)
2. We should participate because it helps us remember the death of Christ (Luke 22:19)
3. We should participate because it proclaims the Lord’s death (I Corinthians 11:26)
4. We should participate because it reminds us of the Lord’s second coming (I Corinthians 11:26)
What is the significance of the bread and the juice?
The Bread is symbolic of Jesus’ body that was bruised for us and the juice is symbolic of Jesus’ blood that was shed for us.
Who should participate in the partaking of the Lord’s Supper of Communion?
All members of the Body of Christ should participate in the Lord’s Supper.
Our Church currently observes the Lords’ Supper every 1st Sunday at 7:30 and 11:00 a.m.
What is the meaning of Baptism ?
“We know that we have come to know Him, if we obey His commands.” 1 John 2:3
1. IT ILLUSTRATES CHRIST’S DEATH AND RESURRECTION
“Christ died for our sins... He was buried...and He rose again.” 1 Cor. 15:3-4
“For when you are baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ. Col. 2:12
2. IT ILLUSTRATES MY NEW LIFE AS A CHRISTIAN.
“When someone becomes a Christian he becomes a brand new person inside. The old life has passed away and a new life has begun!” 2 Cor. 5:17
“By our baptism then, we were buried with Him and shared His death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead...so also we may live a new life!” Rom. 6:4
Baptism doesn’t make you a believer — it shows that you already believe. Baptism does not “save” you, only your faith in Christ does that. Baptism is like a wedding ring — it’s the outward symbol of the commitment you made in your heart.
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith...it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9
WHY SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?
1. TO FOLLOW THE EXAMPLE SET BY JESUS.
“At that time Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptized by John in the river.” Mark 1:9
2. BECAUSE CHRIST COMMANDS IT.
“Jesus said, ‘Go then, to all people everywhere and make them my disciples, baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and then teach them to obey everything I have commanded you.’” Matt. 28:19-20 3. IT DEMONSTRATES THAT I REALLY AM A BELIEVER. “...many of the people who heard Him believed and were baptized.” Acts 18:8
St. Paul baptismal services are held every first Sunday during 7:30(arrive by 7:00 a.m.) and 11:00 (arrive by 10:30 a.m.) worship services.
The Plan of Salvation
It was and is a question of choice
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23)
Man was created to have fellowship with God; but because of his stubborn self-will, he chose to go his own independent way and fellowship with God was broken. This self-will, characterized by an attitude of active rebellion or passive indifference, is evidence of what the Bible calls sin. How did we become sinners? What is the price of sin?
"Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin, and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned." (Romans 5:12) This is the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. They disobeyed God and ate from the forbidden tree. A sin was committed. That sin (nature passed down to all men. The price for sin is death (eternal separation form God). This penalty passed down to us. God's redeeming Grace.
"But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." God loves us so much. He did not want us to be separated from Him. He sent Jesus to bear our sins on the cross. His blood cleansed our sin and His death paid our debt. He lives today with all power in heaven and earth in His hand.
"for the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:23)
Eternal life is a gift (Ephesians 2:8-10). The only way to receive this gift is through Jesus (John 14:6).
"That if thou shalt confess with thou mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in thine heart that God has raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:9, 10, 13)
Where do you want to spend eternity?
The choice is up to you! If you want to know for sure that your sins are forgiven and that you will live forever in Heaven, pray something like this:
Dear Jesus, I confess that I am a sinner in need of a Savior. Thank You for sacrificing Your life to save me, then rising to life again that I may spend eternity in Heaven with You. I turn now from my sins and invite you into my life. Help me to live in a way that pleases You, for whatever time You give me here on earth. Amen
What is Biblical Giving
Is Giving to God Biblical?
Giving to God is in Obedience to God's Word.
• Giving in the Old Testament
(Genesis 14:18-20 *20; 28:18-22 *22; Leviticus 27:30;Proverbs 3:9, Malachi. 3:6-12)
• Giving in the New Testament (Acts 20:35; 2 Corinthians 8: 1-15;9:1-8)
What is a tithe?
• The Tithe is holy to the Lord (Leviticus 27:30).
• The Tithe is 10% of all your increase (Proverbs 3:9).
God wants us to be good stewards, and give back what is His. We should tithe to God the money we earn (Gross) and money given to us that's an increase.
What is an offering?
An offering is what we give beyond the tithe. Even beyond, tithing, we should excel in the grace of giving. We can give it to the local church, God's work, or people in need, we should be generous, cheerful givers. (2 Corinthians 8:1-15; 9:1-8) Why Should I give?
1. Giving is Worship. (Philippians 4:15-20 *18).
Worship is honoring God. God is as pleased with our giving as He is with our prayer, praise, and obedience to His Word.
2. Giving supports the Pastors and staff of the Church. (1 Timothy 5:17,18; Numbers 18: 8- 24; 1 Corinthians 9:1-14)
3. Offers Financial Help to Further the Ministry of the kingdom. The Early Church:
- Helped those in need (Acts 2:44,45; 3:32-36)
- Helped other churches (2 Corinthians 8,9)
- Helped widows (1 Timothy 5:3, 16; James 1:27)
Why should I give my tithes and offerings to this church?
We should give to our particular church because we should support where we're getting instruction (Galatians 6:6)
Monetary Donations
Cash
You can support your church financially through your direct giving of tithes and offerings. Offering envelopes are made available to all members. You can enclose cash, check or other form of payment in the standard offering envelope.
Direct Deposit
St. Paul offers a direct deposit program for tithes and offerings. You authorize St. Paul Baptist Church to initiate an electronic transfer from your checking or savings account. You designate the amount and frequency of your gift. Your contribution is recorded in your church giving record, which is available to you at any time. Direct deposit forms are available from the church office or under the "Forms" link on the church website.
Stocks, Bonds and Mutual Funds
Donating appreciated stock from your investment portfolio can increase your tax benefits. You may be able to:
• Receive an immediate tax deduction for the value of the donated stock.
• Avoid capital gains taxes on stock that has appreciated significantly in value.
• Reduce your taxable estate by donating stock.
If you are planning to make such a generous gift, please contact the Business Administrator for information about our brokers and mutual fund accounts. We will provide you with an information sheet and a sample letter to facilitate the transfer. Please note that your name will not accompany an electronic transfer of shares, so it is very important that you notify our staff of your intent.
The value of your gift will be calculated by using the mean value of each share on the date the shares arrive in our brokerage or mutual fund account. Please contact your financial or tax advisor for specific guidance.
Bequest: Including St. Paul Baptist Church in Your Will
You can choose to support the ministry of St. Paul Baptist Church during you own lifetime and beyond. The federal government encourages these gifts or bequests, by allowing an unlimited estate tax charitable deduction. To make a bequest to St. Paul, the following language will be helpful to your attorney: I give, devise, and bequeath to the St. Paul Baptist Church of Peoria, Illinois the sum of _______ (or otherwise describe the gift or specify a percentage of the estate).
You can make a specific, residual or contingent bequest.
• Specific Bequest: You designate a specific dollar amount, specific percentage, or specific property to St. Paul Baptist Church.
• Residual Bequest: Your estate will pay all debts, taxes, expenses, and specific bequests. The remaining amount will be transferred to St. Paul Baptist Church.
• Contingent Bequest: You can ask that St. Paul Baptist Church receive all or a portion of your estate only under certain circumstances. For example, you can name St. Paul as a beneficiary of your estate only if there are no surviving close family members.
