New Hope Baptist Church
Discovering Church Membership
Dr. Virgil Humes, Pastor/Teacher
March 3, 2024
Session One
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Our Salvation
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“For now we are all children of God through faith in Jesus Christ, and we have been baptized into union with Christ and enveloped by Him. We are no longer Jews or Gentiles, or slaves or free men, or even merely men or women, but we are all the same – we are Christians: we are one in Jesus Christ.”
Galatians 3:26-28 (LB)
I. Salvation
a. What it means to be a Christian
Symbols of Salvation
b. The Importance of Being Baptized
c. The Meaning of the Lord’s Supper
II. Church Covenant/Church History
III. How Our Church is Organized/Project/Tour
IV. What Church Membership Means
Welcome to
Church Orientation Class 101
Discovering Church Membership
The Basis For This Class
“…You are a member of God’s very own family…and you belong in God’s household with every other Christian.” Eph. 2:19 (LB)
Key Truths:
1. The church is A Family.
2. God expect you to be A Member of a church family.
3. A Christian without a church family is An Orphan..
The Goal of This Class
That I will commit myself to Christ and to the Church Family.
What Does It Mean To Be A Christian?
Most people live their entire lives without ever knowing “WHY?” they exist year after year with no idea of why they live or God’s purpose for their lives. The most basic question a person can ask is, “What is the meaning of life?”
Everyone wants to be happy. People try many ways:
…Some look for happiness by acquiring possessions.
…Some look for happiness by experiencing pleasure.
…Some look for happiness by gaining prestige and power.
But real happiness comes from understanding my Purpose in Life.
I. WHY AM I HERE?
1. GOD MADE ME TO LOVE ME!
God says, “I have loved you with an everlasting love!” Jeremiah 31:3
“Even before the world was made, god had already chosen us to be His through our union with Christ…because of His love. God had already decided that through Jesus Christ He would make us His children—this was God’s pleasure and purpose.” Eph. 1:4-5 (GN)
2. WE WERE CREATED TO ENJOY A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD AND TO MANAGE ALL OF THE REST OF GOD’S CREATIONS! THIS IS WHAT MAKES US SPECIAL!
“So God created human beings, making them in HIs image. He blessed them, and said, …live all over the earth and bring it under control. I am putting you in charge.” Gen. 1:27-28 (LB)
“God richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” 1 Tim. 6:17
Jesus said, ‘I have come in order that you might have a life – life in all its fullness!” John 10:10
3. WHEN WE KNOW AND LOVE GOD, AND LIVE IN HARMONY WITH HIS PURPOSE FOR OUR LIVES, IT PRODUCES TREMENDOUS BENEFITS IN OUR LIVES:
Clear Conscience Life and Peace Help with Weakness
Rom. 8:1 Rom. 8:6 Rom. 8:26
Purpose Confidences Security
Rom. 8:28 Rom. 8:31 Rom. 8:39
Power and Strength Fulfillment Freedom
Phil. 4:13 Phil. 4:19 John 8:32, 36 7
II. WHAT’S THE PROBLEM?
Man has a natural desire to Be Boss and to ignore God’s principles for living.
“Look out for #1. Do your own thing.”
“If it feels good, do it – regardless of God says about it.”
“It’s my life and I’ll do what I please!”
THE BIBLE CALLS THIS ATTITUDE: SIN.
“All of us, like sheep, have gone astray, and each of us has turned to his own way.” Isaiah 53:6
“If we say that we never sin, we are only fooling ourselves, and refuse to accept the truth.” 1 John 1:8
Sin breaks our close relationship with God. It causes us to fear God and try to live our lives outside of HIs will.
“The trouble is that your sins have cut you off from God.” Isaiah 59:2(LB)
“All have sinned and fall short of God’s glorious ideal.” Romans 3:23
When our relationship to God is not right, it causes PROBLEMS in every area of our lives – marriage, career, relationships, finances, etc.
WHEN PEOPLE HAVE PROBLEMS, THEYOFTEN TRY MANY DIFFERENT WAYS OF COPING BEFORE TURNING TO GOD.
“There are ways that SEEM right to man, but they only end in death.” Proverbs 16:25
Even when we know that our deepest need is God, we often try wrong ways of getting to know Him:
“My mother was a Christian, so….”
“It doesn’t matter what you believe, just be sincere.”
“I’ll give up all my bad habits.”
“I’ll work real hard and earn it.”
“I’ll be religious and go to church.”
III. WHAT’S THE SOLUTION?
Jesus Christ said “I AM THE WAY, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father, except THROUGH ME! John 14:6
God Himself came to earth as a human being to bring us back to Himself. If any other way would have worked, Jesus Christ would not have had to come. The Way is a Person!
JESUS HAS ALREADY TAKEN CARE OF YOUR SIN PROBLEM!
“The wages of sin in death, BUT the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23
God did this for us because He loves us and wants us to know Him.
“God demonstrated His love for us in that while we were still separated from God by sin, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8
“God is on one side and all people are on the other side, and Christ Jesus is between them to bring them together, by giving His life for all mankind.: 1 Timothy 2:5
God has already done His part to restore our relationship to Him. He took the initiative. Now He waits for each of us to individually accept what He has done for us.
IV. WHAT DOES GOD WANT ME TO DO?
1. ADMIT THAT GOD HAS 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.” 1 John 1:9
2. BELIEVE THAT JESUS DIED TO PAY FOR YOUR SINS AND THAT HE ROSE AGAIN ON EASTER, 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
“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name (Jesus) by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12
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 not from yourselves, 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.
“To all who receive Him, He gives the right to become children of God. All we need to do is to trust Him to save us. All those who believe this are reborn! – not a physical rebirth…but from the will of God!” John 1:12-13
“Jesus says, ‘Listen! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in…'” Revelations 3:30
YOU CAN TAKE THESE STEPS BY PRAYING AND SIMPLE PRAYER OF COMMITMENT TO GOD:
“Dear Jesus, thank you for making me and love 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 that you 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 to grow now as a Christian.”
“Whoever calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:13
The Importance of Being Baptized
I. 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 I T.
“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.'” Matthew 28:19-20
3. IT DEMONSTRATES THAT I REALLY AM A BELIVER.
“…many of the people who heard Him believed and were baptized.” Acts 18:8
“We know that we have come to know Him, if we obey His commands.” I John 2:3
II. WHAT IS THE MEANING OF BAPTISM?
1. IT ILLUSTRATES CHRIST’S DEATH AND RESURRECTION.
“Christ died for our sins… He was buried… and He rose again.” I Corinthians 15:3-4
“For when you are baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ.” Colossians 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 Corinthians 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!” Romans 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
III. WHY BE BAPTIZED BY IMMERSION?
1. BECAUSE JESUS WAS BAPTIZED THAT WAY.
“As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water.” Matthew 3:16
2. EVERY BAPTISM IN THE BIBLE WAS IN IMMERSION.
“…then both Philip and the man went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water…” Acts 8:38-39
3. THE WORD “BAPTIZE” MEANS TO DIP UNDER WATER.
” The Greek word baptizo means “to immerse or dip under water.”
4. IT BEST SYMBOLIZES A BURIAL AND RESURRECTION!
Martin Luther...”I would have those who are to be baptized to be entirely immersed, as the word imports and the mystery signifies.”
John Calvin... “The word ‘baptize’ …”The word ‘baptize’ signifies to immerse. It is certain that immersion was the practice of the ancient church.”
John Wesley... “Buried with Him, alludes to baptizing by immersion according to the custom of the first church.”
IV. WHO SHOULD BE BAPTIZED?
1. EVERY PERSON WHO HAS BELIEVED IN CHRIST.
“Those who believed and accepted His message were baptized...” Acts 2:41
“Simon himself believed and was baptized…” Acts 8:13
“But when they believed Philip as he preached the Good News…and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.” Acts 8:12
At New Hope, we wait until our children are old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of salvation and baptism before we baptize them.
The purpose is to publicly confess your personal commitment to Christ.
V. WHEN SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?
AS SOON AS YOU HAVE BELIEVED!
“Those who believed… were baptized…that day!” Acts 2:31
“Then Philip began with the scripture and told him the Good News about Jesus. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water, and the man said, ‘Look, here is water! Why shouldn’t I be baptized right now?’ Philip said, ‘If you believe with all your heart, you may.’ The man answered, ‘I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.’ So they went down into the water and Philip baptized him” Acts 8:35-38
There is no reason to delay. As soon as you have decided to received Christ into your life, you can and should be baptized. If you wait until you are “perfect”, you’ll never feel “good enough”!
CAN MY FAMILY BE BAPTIZED TOGETHER?
Yes! If each family member understands fully the meaning of baptism, and each one has personally placed his/her trust in Christ for salvation, we encourage families to be baptized at the same time. It is a wonderful expression of commitment. Each new member will meet with a commitment counselor to understand the decision they made.
However; it is important to remember that baptism is a personal statement of faith, not a family tradition. It is usually not wise to delay your baptism while waiting on other family members to accept Christ, particularly children. This puts an undue pressure on them, and delays your obedience.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR WHEN I AM BAPTIZED?
Women should wear shorts, a top and white socks. Men should wear shorts, t-shirt and white socks. A white baptism robe will also be provided to wear over your garments. Bring a towel and a plastic bag for your wet clothes. We provide changing rooms.
WILL I HAVE TO SAY ANYTHING?
Not at all. At 10:30 a.m. Pastor Humes will briefly explain the meaning of baptism. You will wait in the male or female changing room for your turn to be baptized. Pastor Humes or an assistant minister will introduce you, briefly lower you just under the water, and then you can leave the pool, dry off, and wait for the others and return to the sanctuary together. Later you will be mailed a certificate of your baptism. We encourage you to invite all your relatives and friends to attend your baptism.
SPECIAL NEEDS?
A private baptism can be performed by the pastor for special circumstances.
The Meaning of the Lord’s Supper
Jesus never asked His disciples to remember His birth. But He did instruct them to remember His death and resurrection. he gave the church two visible symbols (called “ordinances”) as reminders of His death. These two ordinances are: Baptism and The Lord’s Supper. The Lord’s Supper is an object lesson that represents a great spiritual truth for believers.
I. WHAT IS THE LORD’S SUPPER? 1 CORINTHIANS 11:23-26
1. IT IS A SIMPLE ACT.
“The Lord Jesus, on the night He was betrayed, took bread…” vs. 23
2. IT IS A REMINDER.
“…and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you; eat it in remembrance of me.’” vs. 24
3. IT IS A SYMBOL.
“In the same way, He took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood; drink it to remember me.’” vs. 25
4. IT IS A STATEMENT OF FAITH.
“For whenever you eat the bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes back” vs. 26
II. WHO SHOULD TAKE THE LORD’S SUPPER?
1. Only those who are already Belivers. Mark 14:22-26
“For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment upon himself.” 2 Corinthians 11:29
III. HOW DO I PREPARE MYSELF FOR THE LORD’S SUPPER?
“Therefore whoever eats the bread and drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. A person ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup.” 1 Corinthians 11:27-28
By…
1 – Self Examination 2 – Confession My Sins
1 Cor. 11:27 1 John 1:9
3 – Recommitment 4 – Restoring Relationships
Rom. 12:1 Matt. 5:23-24
IV. WHEN AND HOW OFTEN SHOULD WE OBSERVE THE LORD’S SUPPER?
Jesus never said when or how often believers should observe The Lord’s Supper. He instituted it on a Thursday night. Since it is a “supper”, it may seem more appropriate to observe it at an evening service.
Directions in 1 Corinthians 11:26, “Whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”
NOTES
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