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Frequently Asked Questions (and Answers!)

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WHAT IS THE VISION OF GTBC?

What is the vision of Grace and Truth Bible Church?
What do you mean by "the Word" and how should I use it?
What is the worship like at GTBC?
What is the atmosphere like at GTBC?
Can my gifts and talents be put to use at GTBC?

Q. What is the vision of Grace and Truth Bible Church?
A.  Our vision is to establish a haven of hope where the Word of God is taught clearly, Worship is expressed freely, Warmth is shared openly and people are equipped for the Work of ministry. 

Q. What do you mean by "the Word" and how should I use it?
A.  John 1:1 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."  God expressed His thoughts and what He expected those thoughts to do.  His "logos" (Word) is what He expressed.  His Word is His command and we must follow it in order to live a full and productive life like He has designed for us.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NASB) tells us that "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.  God's Word is the blueprint for us to build our lives.  It is the roadmap to our destiny.  It is our correction, protection and direction.  It's our owner's manual.  The owner (God) made a design (man) and then he built man (created him from the dust of the earth Genesis 1).  If we follow the manual, we will function properly in every area of our lives.

Q. What is the worship like at GTBC?
A. The worship celebration at GTBC is informal, but with the highest regard and honor for our Creator.  We're not bogged down with rituals, but we are free to worship God in spirit and truth!  The music is a blend of contemporary Gospel, CCM, traditional hymns with a soulful twist.  We've got something for everyone:  exuberant praise to intimate and sincere adoration for the Lord.  John 4:23-24 reminds us "But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers.  God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth."

Q. What is the atmosphere like at GTBC?
A.  Many people do not come from loving homes or backgrounds.  We have followed God's design be creating an environment were everyone can feel loved.  Whether a hug, a hand shake or simply a smile, we make every effort to invite everyone to feel at home.  John 13:35 tells us to express love (warmth) for each other.  "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."

Q. Can my gifts and talents be put to use at GTBC?
A. We all have some work to do in influencing the culture for Christ.  At GTBC, everyone has an opportunity to discover, develop and deploy their God-given gifts.  Many people don't know what their gifting or calling is.  We are committed to helping everyone who comes to GTBC find their gift and to sharpen it so it can be used to it's greatest potential.  Every one of God's children has a purpose.  Our goal is to help individuals find their purpose and to develop a plan to fulfill their purpose. 

WHAT WE BELIEVE

Who is God?
Who is man?
What about eternity? Is there life after death?
Who is Jesus Christ?
What is Salvation? Why must I be "saved"?
Can I lose my Salvation?
Who is the Holy Spirit?
Why should I read the Bible?
What is Baptism?
What is Communion?

Q. Who is God?
A.  God is the creator and ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three persons – 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

 

Q. Who is man?
A.  Man is made in the spiritual image of God, to be like him in character. He is the supreme object of God’s creation. Although man has tremendous potential for good, he is marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called "sin." This attitude separates man from God.

Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1, 2

 

Q. What about eternity? Is there life after death?
A.  Man was created to exist forever. He will either exist eternally separated from God by sin or in union 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 places of eternal existence.

John 3:16; John 2:25; John 5:11-13; Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:15; 1 John 5:11-12; Matthew 25:31-46

Q. Who is Jesus Christ?
A.  Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all men 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 to earth to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Matthew 1:22, 23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5, 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14, 15; 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4; Romans 1:3, 4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14, 15; Titus 2:13

Q. What is Salvation? Why must I be "saved"?
A.  Salvation is a gift from God to man. Man can never make up for his sin by self-improvement or good works – only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can man be saved from sin’s penalty. 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 10:9

 

Q. Can I lose my Salvation?
A. No.  Because God gives man eternal life through Jesus Christ, the believer is secure in salvation for eternity. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian. John 10:29; 2 Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25; 10:10, 14; 1 Peter 1:3-5

Q. Who is the Holy Spirit?
A.  The Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son as God. He is present in the world to make men 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. The Christian seeks 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 5:1

Q. Why should I read the Bible?
A.  The Bible is God’s word to all men. 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 truth without any mixture of error.

2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20, 21; 2 Timothy 1:13; Psalm 119:105,160, 12:6; Proverbs 30:5

Q. What is Baptism?
A.

 Baptism by immersion symbolizes the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus and is your public declaration that you have accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior. Baptism does not save you, but shows the world that you have already been saved. And while baptism is not required for salvation, it is a biblical command and demonstrates your love and obedience to Christ.

Colossians 2:12; Acts 2:41; Ephesians 2: 8-9; Matthew 28:19-20

 

 

Q. What is Communion?
A.

Communion, or the Lord’s Supper, is an ordinance given to all believers by Jesus Christ to remember his sacrifice for us and to symbolize the new covenant. The elements of bread and wine or juice are symbols of Christ’s broken body and shed blood. Communion is not a means of salvation. Rather, it is a testament of a believer’s faith in the atoning work of the cross.

Matthew 26:26-30; Mark 14:22-26; Luke 22:19:20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-29