Click on the links below to learn more about the Norton Christian Church and how you can become a Christian.
First, let's see what the Bible says about what it means to be a Christian.
The most basic question a person can ask is, "What is the meaning of life?"
Everyone wants to know the answer to that and be happy and fulfilled. People try in many ways:
You can do nothing to make things right with God on your own. You cannot make up for your sin or erase it. No one is "good enough" to be right with God and enter heaven on their own. But God has done for you what you cannot do for yourself. So many other religions tell you what to do to be right with God. Christianity tells you that it is already done for you by Jesus.
- Ephesians 2:8-10
Now God is waiting for you to accept that free gift (grace). That gift is for everyone, but God will not force you to accept it. You must choose it.
2. Believe the Gospel.
5. Be baptized into Christ.
Our assurance of salvation in Jesus does not come from our good works. Neither can we lose our salvation by sinning. However, we can choose to reject our faith in God's grace and "fall from grace" in that way (Galatians 5:4). God will never force us to be with Him if we choose not to be. Our assurance is built on what God has done for us and His faithfulness to keep His promises and not our ability to please Him. We are saved by grace and kept by grace. Our good works are just an expression of our gratitude to God for what He has done and evidence of our faith and His working in us.
2. Why be baptized?
3. When should I be baptized
4. What if ....?
To follow Jesus' command to be baptized as He commanded is never a matter of being "rebaptized." You are only doing now in good conscience and obedience of faith what you realize you have not done before.
Our Mission Statement
The purpose of the Norton Christian Church is to magnify Christ by bringing people to Christ and membership in his church, helping them mature in Christ, discover their ministry and become involved in their life mission in the world.
MAGNIFY MEMBERSHIP MATURE MINISTRY MISSION
We are a Bible believing fellowship dedicated to restoring the pattern of New Testament Christianity.
We are not a part of a denomination.
What is the Norton Christian Church Like?
We are real, relational and relevant.
For those whose perception or experience of church has been that it isn't real - that it's full of hypocrites who act one way on Sunday and another the rest of the week . . . we say you will find people here who are honest about their hurts, habits and hang-ups. We are not perfect in anyway, and we won't hide that on Sundays. We just love God and what He has done for us in Jesus Christ and want Him to help us through our problems.
For those whose perception or experience has been that church is irrelevant . . . we say you won't find that here. We address the concerns, questions and problems you face today. The messages often focus on issues of family, relationships, addictions, life's biggest questions, etc.
This is a church where people from all walks of life come and feel that they belong. That's the kind of welcoming atmosphere we strive to develop and keep, and it's authentic. The diverse makeup of our church family is proof of that.
For those whose perception or experience of church has been that it isn't real - that it's full of hypocrites who act one way on Sunday and another the rest of the week . . . we say you will find people here who are honest about their hurts, habits and hang-ups. We are not perfect in anyway, and we won't hide that on Sundays. We just love God and what He has done for us in Jesus Christ and want Him to help us through our problems.
For those whose perception or experience has been that church is irrelevant . . . we say you won't find that here. We address the concerns, questions and problems you face today. The messages often focus on issues of family, relationships, addictions, life's biggest questions, etc.
| Our music is blended for all ages and you can really come as you are. |
| Some people wear jeans and a shirt - though if you like, you are welcome to wear a suit or a dress. |
| We emphasize small group Bible studies where you can really share your struggles, needs and questions in a more intimate setting. |
| The most frequent comment of newcomers to our church is that it is so friendly and they felt at home. Chances are you will know several people who are already a part of the church family. And it is a family. |
This is a church where people from all walks of life come and feel that they belong. That's the kind of welcoming atmosphere we strive to develop and keep, and it's authentic. The diverse makeup of our church family is proof of that.
Why a "Christian Church"?
What do you mean non-denominational?
- We are not the only Christians, but Christians only.
- The Scriptures are our only rule of faith and practice.
- We aim to restore the pattern of New Testament Christianity as laid out in Scripture for the purpose of restoring the unity of the church upon God's essentials (Ephesians 4:3-6)
- We use the name "Christian" because we do not want to follow the names or traditions of man. Denominations divide, Christ unites.
Essentials of the Christian Faith
- About God - We believe in God the Father, Creator of all. He is eternal. He is one, and yet in three persons (the Trinity) in the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. (See Genesis 1;1,26,27, 3;22; Psalm 90:2, Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14) ...................................................................................
- About Jesus - Jesus is the only divine Son of God. He is God, the Son who came to earth to live as a human, lived a sinless life, offered Himself as a sacrifice for sins on the cross, was buried and raised from the dead in body and spirit on the third day. He ascended to heaven again and will return one day to reign as King of Kings and to judge the living and the dead. (see Matthew 1:22,23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5; 14:10-20; 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) ...................................................................................
- About The Holy Spirit - The Holy Spirit the Comforter, the Helper, present in the world to convict people of their sin. He indwells every Christian permanently as a seal of our redemption and in the work of justification and sanctification. He therefore provides us power for holy living, gifts to do his work, understanding of spiritual things and guidance to do what is right. (see 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 Humankind - All people are made in the image of God. We are the supreme objects of His creation. However, all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. We are therefore separated from God and unable to repair this broken relationship on our own. (see Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6; Romans 3:23, 6:23; Isaiah 59,1,2). ...................................................................................
- About The Bible - The Bible is the Word of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit and therefore without error in it's original text. It is our only rule of faith and practice as Christians. (see 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20,21; 2 Timothy 1:13; Psalm 119:105,160, 12:6; Proverbs 30:5). ...................................................................................
- About Salvation - Salvation is a free gift of God offered to all, but it must be accepted. It is accomplished by His grace in Jesus Christ - through His death on the cross and resurrection from the dead. In the cross, Jesus paid the penalty for our sins. That work of God makes possible the cleansing of all our sin, past present and future. Only by placing our faith in Jesus to do this for us is this work of God applied to our lives. How God prescribes that we do this is described below. (see Ephesians 2:8-10, Romans 6:23; John 3:16, 14:6; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5;1).
How Do I Become a Christian?
What does the Bible Say? |
First, let's see what the Bible says about what it means to be a Christian.
The most basic question a person can ask is, "What is the meaning of life?"
Everyone wants to know the answer to that and be happy and fulfilled. People try in many ways:
- some look for happiness by acquiring possessions
- some look for happiness by experiencing pleasure
- some look for happiness by gaining power and prestige
- some look for happiness by doing good things
Why am I here?
Why am I Here?
- God made me to love me. Jeremiah 31:3, Ephesians 1:4,5 ....................................................................................
- We were created to enjoy a relationship with God, and enjoy His creation. Genesis 1:27,28, 1 Timothy 6:17, John 10:10. ....................................................................................
- When we know and love God, and live in harmony with His purpose for our lives, it produces tremendous benefits for us. ....................................................................................
Clear Conscience - Romans 8:1
Life and Peace - Romans 8:6
Purpose - Romans 8:28
Confidence - Romans 8:31
Power and Strength - Philippians 4:13
Fulfillment - Philippians 4:19
Security - Romans 8:39
Freedom - John 8:32,36e?
What's the Problem?
What's the Problem?
Man has a natural desire to be boss, and to ignore God's principles for living. - Isaiah 53:6
- The Bible calls that attitude sin. ...................................................................................
- All of us are in the same boat.- 1 John 1:8; Romans 3:23 ...................................................................................
- Sin breaks our close relationship with God. It separates us from what He intended us to enjoy when He created us.- Isaiah 59:2 - Romans 6:23 ...................................................................................
- When our relationship with God is not right, it causes all kinds of problems in every area of our lives - marriage, career, finances, relationships, etc. ...................................................................................
- When people have problems, they try to come up with their own solutions. - Proverbs 16:25 ...................................................................................
- Even when we know our deepest need is getting right with God, we often try to repair the problem in the wrong way. Here are some of the ineffective ways people try to deal with the problem . . ."My parents were Christians, so I guess I am too." "It doesn't matter what you believe, as long as you are sincere." "I'll turn over a new leaf . . . change my bad habits." "I'll be religious and go to church."
What's God's Solution?
What's God's Solution?
Jesus Christ said, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except by Me." John 14:6, Acts 4:12.
God's solution to our sin problem is in His Son, Jesus. The story of the Bible is God coming to earth as a human being to reconcile us to Him - to repair the damage that sin has done. That solution, that way, is Jesus!
Jesus has taken care of your sin problem!
- Romans 6:23
| God did this for us because He loves us. - John 3:16 - Romans 5:8 |
| When Jesus came to earth and died on the cross, it was to pay the price for your sin. It satisfied the debt you owed. It made it possible to restore a right relationship between you and God. |
You can do nothing to make things right with God on your own. You cannot make up for your sin or erase it. No one is "good enough" to be right with God and enter heaven on their own. But God has done for you what you cannot do for yourself. So many other religions tell you what to do to be right with God. Christianity tells you that it is already done for you by Jesus.
- Ephesians 2:8-10
Now God is waiting for you to accept that free gift (grace). That gift is for everyone, but God will not force you to accept it. You must choose it.
How Do I Accept Jesus And What He Did For Me?
How Do I Accept Jesus And What He Did For Me?
1. Hear the Gospel (good news of Jesus). - Romans 10:13,14 |
2. Believe the Gospel.
- John 3:16
- Romans 5:1
- believing that I need forgiveness and a right relationship with God, and that Jesus is the way to that right relationship.
- Acts 2:38
- Acts 17:30,31
- 2 Peter 3:9
- This means that I am not only sorry for my sin, but I turn from sin and follow God. I decide that God is now boss of my life.
- Matthew 10:32,33
- Romans 10:9,10
5. Be baptized into Christ.
- Mark 16:16
- Acts 2:38
- Romans 5:3-5
- 1st Peter 3:21
Our assurance of salvation in Jesus does not come from our good works. Neither can we lose our salvation by sinning. However, we can choose to reject our faith in God's grace and "fall from grace" in that way (Galatians 5:4). God will never force us to be with Him if we choose not to be. Our assurance is built on what God has done for us and His faithfulness to keep His promises and not our ability to please Him. We are saved by grace and kept by grace. Our good works are just an expression of our gratitude to God for what He has done and evidence of our faith and His working in us.
Baptism
Baptism
Because baptism has not always been followed biblically throughout the history of the church, we want to clarify what the Bible does say about it.
1. What is it?
- "Baptism" is a Greek word that means "to immerse, to dip, plunge." It always involved being submerged. The word was never translated into the English language. Instead it was transliterated. Unfortunately, it has been given other meanings over the centuries.
- In the Bible, baptism is going down into the water and being raised back up. (Acts 8:38,39; Matthew 3:14-16)
- Baptism portrays a death and resurrection.
- of Christ (Romans 6:4,5)
- of the one being baptized - the old self as sinner being put to death and the new self in Christ being raised in new life (Romans 6:4-8)
- It is in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19,20)
- It is an act of submission (not a work) to Jesus. The command is to "be baptized." It is something done to you, not something you do.
2. Why be baptized?
- Jesus commanded it for all who believed in Him. (Matthew 28:19,20; Mark 16:15,16)
- Jesus said "If you love Me, keep My commandments." (John 14:15)
- In baptism, we identify with Christ. (Galatians 3:27)
- In baptism, we identify with His Church (1 Corinthians 12;13)
- Baptism is God's prescribed way to demonstrate our faith in Christ. It is a God given objective moment where we display our subjective faith in Jesus Christ as opposed to a man made tradition (e.g. the mourner's bench or the sinners prayer). This is why we find language connecting baptism to salvation such as 1 Peter 3:21 which says "baptism now saves you, not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience." The water and the act of baptism does not save us. Ephesians 2:8-10 tells us that is the role of God's grace. There is nothing holy about the water. What is holy is the faith of the believer. God's grace saves us, but baptism is a moment in which we appeal to God in our faith for His grace. In that sense, baptism is an occasion of salvation. This is why Acts 2:38 says, "Be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins."
3. When should I be baptized
- As soon as you believe in Jesus Christ or as soon as you realized that He commands you to be baptized.
- Acts 8:37; Acts 16:31-33 - In the New Testament, there was an immediacy to baptism.
- Acts 18:24-26 - If you didn't know that Christ commanded you to be baptized when you believed, then submit to baptism as soon as you understand His command.
4. What if ....?
- What if I was christened or baptized as an infant?
- What if I was sprinkled as a believer?
To follow Jesus' command to be baptized as He commanded is never a matter of being "rebaptized." You are only doing now in good conscience and obedience of faith what you realize you have not done before.