ABOUT US
- 14550 S.E. 65TH COURT
- SUMMERFIELD, FL 34491
- (352) 245-2369
- OUR TEAM
- WHAT WE BELIEVE
- OUR HISTORY
WHAT WE BELIEVE
An overview of our beliefs, vision, and mission.
Affiliation
First Baptist Church of Summerfield is a missions-focused, community-minded church that is affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention of churches in its global (International Missions Board), national (North American Missions Board), regional (Florida Southern Baptist Convention), and local (Marion Baptist Association) expressions as we seek to fulfill the Great Commission – “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19, 20) – here in our local community of Summerfield and beyond.
Beliefs
The Southern Baptist Convention has prepared a statement of generally held convictions called The Baptist Faith and Message. It serves as a guide to understanding who we are and what we believe. As a church that is voluntarily affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention of churches, we present this as our statement of belief. The topics here provide only a brief, partial summary. The full text of the topics discussed is available on this website.
About God
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three personalities: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God. (Genesis 1:1, 26, 27, 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14)
About Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father and the Holy Spirit. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven’s glory and will return again someday to earth to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. (Matthew 1:23-23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5, 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14-15; I Corinthians 15:3-4; Romans 1:3-4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14-15; Titus 2:13)
About The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make people aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. He gives every believer a spiritual gift when they are saved. As Christians we seek to live under His control daily. (2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13, 14:16-17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:18)
About The Bible
The Bible is God’s Word to us. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is the truth without any mixture of error. (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21; 2 Timothy 1:13; Psalm 119:105, 160; Proverbs 30:5)
About Human Beings
People are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. People are the supreme object of God’s creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called “sin.” This attitude separates people from God and causes many problems in life. (Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Romans 2:23; Isaiah 59:1-2)
About Salvation
Salvation is God’s free gift to us but we must accept it. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin’s penalty. When we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith, we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith. (Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 14:6, 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1)
About Eternal Security
Because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ, the true believer is secure in that salvation for eternity. If you have been genuinely saved, you cannot “lose” it. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian. It is the grace and keeping power of God that gives us this security. (John 10:29; 2 Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25, 10:10, 14; 1 Peter 1:3-5)
About Eternity
People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life. Heaven and hell are real places of eternal existence. (John 2:25, 3:16, 5:11-13; Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:15; Matthew 1:8, 2:44, 46)
About The Second Coming
Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will someday personally return to this earth to reign in glory and honor. No one knows when, only that He will come and we should live each day in a state of readiness for His return. (Matthew 24:36-44; John 14:3; Acts 1:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Titus 2:13; Revelation 1:7)
About The Church
The Church is the spiritual body of which Christ is the Head. It includes all who have been spiritually reborn into the Kingdom of Heaven. Its mission is to love God, love others, and to serve Him faithfully by making disciples of all peoples of the world. The ordinances of the Church are baptism and the Lord’s Supper. (Matthew 16:18, 22:36-40, 28:19-20; Acts 2:41-47; 1 Corinthians 11:23-29; Ephesians 1:22-23, 3:10-11, 4:11-16)