People who have never entered a church and people who have been attending their whole lives have “why” questions. Here are our responses to several of those questions. While the following responses do not claim to be the final and authoritative word on all the “why” questions—we believe the answers can point you in the right direction.
Why does the Bible exist—why use it?
We believe the Bible is God-given, through people of Christian history, to connect us to the heart of God Himself. You can use the Bible daily for encouragement, instruction, comfort and a better understanding of God.
Why is salvation important?
God gives people eternal life through Jesus Christ. The believer is secure in that salvation forever. We do not earn salvation—it is God’s gift to us. With the gift of salvation, we believe every person has direct access to God.
Why join a church?
FBC desires individuals to find a place to belong. We believe every believer has God-given gifts, which should be used in serving Him in a local church. You will also benefit from being around others who can encourage you as you live your life.
The options for joining FBC are:
1. Putting faith in Jesus as your Lord and Savior and being baptized by immersion. We call this believer’s baptism.
2. If you have already put your faith in Jesus, but have not been baptized by immersion, then by following Him in believer's baptism.
3. Transfer of membership by letter from another Baptist church.
4. Statement of having previously accepted Christ and experienced baptism by immersion as a member of another church.
Our scriptural understanding of baptism:
1. Baptism is an act of obedience to the command of Jesus Christ, fulfilled by individuals who have submitted themselves to God’s desire for their life.
2. Baptism symbolizes the spiritual cleansing through God’s forgiveness and the newness of life experienced. Through baptism, we are identifying with Christ in death and resurrection by immersion into the water.
3. Baptism provides an opportunity for believers in Jesus Christ to make a formal declaration of their faith before the church.
4. As a standard for being a Christ-follower, baptism by immersion is a prerequisite for joining our church.
Is baptism required for church membership?
People come to First Baptist Church Lewisville from denominations or church backgrounds that do not share our doctrines, beliefs or practices. This is often true at the point of baptism. For this reason, we seek to offer clear instruction and assistance in following Christ in believer’s baptism.
Baptism is not a matter of personal preference, but a scriptural command. Therefore, we believe the proper practice of baptism is important in the life of every member of our church.
At First Baptist Church Lewisville, we ask those who have not been baptized by immersion or who come from a church background that does not share our view of the purpose and practice of baptism to be baptized.
Our goal is not to question a person’s salvation experience or diminish his or her Christian heritage but to unite our membership in belief and practice. Obedience to Christ and His Word is the starting point for growth and fellowship together.
A Word Concerning Infant Baptism
If the purpose of baptism is to publicly identify a believer in Jesus Christ, the question may well be asked by some, “What was the significance of my baptism as a baby?” In the Bible, we find parents bringing their children to Jesus. He held them and prayed for them and told us to welcome them. But He did not baptize them, and He did not tell anyone else to baptize them. Baptism is for those who have made a personal decision to trust Christ alone for their salvation.
Why the Lord’s Supper?
The Lord’s Supper is a time of reflection and remembrance of the sacrifice of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and celebrates the imminent second coming of Him to earth. The two elements -- bread and cup represent His body and blood.
Why give money to your church?
Giving requires the highest standard of personal integrity and discipline. Giving is not a casual or occasional thing. In 2 Corinthians 8-9, the Bible teaches we are to give willingly, generously, and cheerfully. And our pattern should reflect a regular and systematic plan. In Malachi 3:10, we learn God's standard of the tithe or first tenth being set apart in all of our earnings as a gift to God. Through our tithes and offerings, we prove trustworthy in the stewardship of all God has provided for us.
Where do the monies I give go?
Our church budgets funds for ministries, personnel, administration, facilities and various mission projects. A detailed disbursement of monies within our church and outside of church is in our church budget and is a matter of public record (you can obtain a copy of the budget at the church office).
Why does FBC cooperate with other churches and organizations?
Our church voluntarily chooses to work with other Baptist churches through the following relationships: Southern Baptist Convention, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, Baptist General Convention of Texas, and Denton Baptist Association.
Instead of each church adopting individual missionaries as their exclusive investment in mission action, the SBC, CBF, and BGCT work with permission of the churches they represent to find the best avenue to advance missions.
Why attend Bible study?
We believe small groups and Bible study represent the best method for establishing the kind of relational community that strengthens life change and supports the Christian journey. Ultimately we want to use all the small groups Bible studies at FBC to encourage people toward love for God and people.
If you desire to know more details or look at Biblical support for our beliefs, we as a church utilize the Baptist Faith and Message 1963 version as a guide and outline of our beliefs. Our church office has copies of this and it is also available online. (click here)