Baptism—in Baptist Churches referred to as “Believer’s Baptism” because we emphasize the personal decision and commitment of the person being baptized—is symbolic of the person’s death to one’s old life, burial into the waters of Baptism, and raised into newness of life.
Are you unaware that we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were indeed buried with him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might live in newness of life. For if we have grown into union with him through a death like his, we shall also be united with him in the resurrection. (Romans 6:3ff)
Creeds: The historic creeds of the church are the Nicene Creed, adopted officially at the Council of Constantinople in 381 c.e. Many Liturgical churches like the Roman Catholic, Episcopal (Anglican) and Lutheran among others is this creed in their service of worship. We seldom find anything wrong with the wording of the creed but Baptists do not insist that those who worship with us make a public confession of accepted beliefs. The Apostles Creed is older than the Nicene and is thought to have been an ancient baptismal creed – that is a creed that was recited when by the person being baptized.. Our question the person being baptized is some form of “Do you accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.”
Nicene Creed
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father.
Through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son.
With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified.
He has spoken through the Prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come.Amen.
The Apostles Creed
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, the Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord: Who was conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended into hell.
The third day He arose again from the dead.
He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty, whence He shall come 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 life everlasting.
Amen.
The Lord’s Supper (Communion): For Baptists, The Lord’s Supper is a memorial—Jesus said, “Do this in remembrance of me.” At Immanuel everyone is welcome to take communion: believers, seekers, adults, and children. We often vary the way the elements are served. The worship bulletin will let you know on any communion Sunday what the procedure will be.
Ministering means serving others in things both small and large The Pastor, while being our front-line of Ministry, is not the only one who ministers to those in need. Jesus pointed out that whoever serves the least of those in need is, in fact serving him. (Matthew 25).
The Ministry
Pastor
Minister of Music
Church Secretary
Officers of the church
Moderator
Clerk
Treasurer
Financial Recorder