"Do you not know
that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus,
were baptized into his death?
Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death,
so that just as Christ was raised
from the dead, by the glory of the Father,
so we too might walk in newness of life." (Romans 6:3-4)xxx

 

 Becoming Christian

 

The birthing of Christians is a work of the Holy Spirit, to which the church community is midwife. As you are called by the Holy Spirit into a love relationship with God, we will come alongside you as you journey and discern a calling to Christian faith.

Each person's spiritual path is unique. As a community, we will celebrate the good work that God has begun in you, and honor your unique walk toward faith. We will provide you with spiritual companions, and give you the time and space you need (weeks, months or years ) to:

• share your story and ask your questions.
• explore and experience the christian way of life and practices
• discern and prepare for baptism (or affirmation of baptism)
• begin a lifetime walk with God and in community, as a whole life disciple of Jesus Christ.

In our tradition (Reformed) within the greater Christian faith, baptism is a Holy Act (aka sacrament) that can be received at any age.

Adults and older children who have been led to faith by the holy spirit may be baptized, as well as younger children and infants brought by parents and sponsors who with the whole community will nurture these children in the faith.

Christian baptism is not so much 'a moment in time,' as it is spiritual birthing into a new way of life and community in Jesus Christ, that is accompanied, marked, and blessed.

Placing your faith and trust in Jesus Christ alone as your personal Lord and Savior is the most important decision you will ever make!

If you have never invited Christ into your life, or if you would like more information on what it means to commit your life to Christ, please allow us the privilege of sharing Him with you.

 

So how does a person truly become Christian?

On the most basic level, people become Christians when they accept three things about Jesus Christ.

• When we accept Jesus Christ as the owner of our whole life, physically and spiritually, and acknowledge the authority of Jesus in every aspect of it. In fact the most ancient Christian declaration of faith was simply "Jesus is Lord!"
• When we accept Jesus Christ as the only Savior of our soul. That we are forgiven of our sins and given eternal life, based not on our own good works or intentions, but on his loving sacrifice for us.
• When we accept a personal relationship with God, through Jesus Christ. God does not want a simple mental affirmation of truth from us. He also wants us to return to Him a portion of the love that he has lavished upon us.

Now to get to the point of accepting these things, there are generally many contributing factors. Some of those factors can be: seeing the truths of Jesus Christ modeled in the lives of Christians, being convinced of the truth about Jesus as taught in the Bible, working through the intellectual and historical issues of truth in Christianity, and personal experiences where Jesus has intervened in our life. This may take some a life time, others only moments.

This is what we call the "Pilgrims Path" as we are constantly being converted over and again by God's grace every day of our life, and becoming a new creation in the likeness of Christ.

 

God's Story Becomes Our Story 

The summation of the Gospel (Good News or God's Message) is found in the Holy Scriptures, and has been trust-worthily articulated in the ancient Christian confession known as the Apostle's Creed. This 1900 + year old confession was and continues to be recited by believers before their baptism. Take some time to read through it, study it, pray it, discuss it, and let the words of our ancient ancestors become yours.

I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, God's only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come again to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. AMEN.