How Can I Be Saved?
The Bible’s answer to this crucial question is gloriously simple: To be saved from the condemnation of your sin, you must repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ (Mk. 1:15; Acts 16:31). Jesus is the only savior from sin. He came to earth to do everything needed to make sinners right with God (Jn. 14:6). We need to believe his word, trust him, and have confidence in him. In other words, we need to put our faith in him (Eph. 2:8). Having done that, we need to turn away from our old sinful life by the power of his Holy Spirit and serve God with our lives (Gal. 5:16-26). We pray that you will acknowledge your sins to God, ask him for forgiveness, and seek a new relationship with him by faith in his Son Jesus alone. Questions? Need prayer? Please contact us.
What is a “Reformed” Church?
Reformed churches are first of all Christian churches, rooted in the most ancient and biblical expressions of the biblical faith. But we also identify closely with the concerns and confessions that drove the historic Protestant Reformation of the church beginning in the sixteenth century. The Latin term reformatio means “to return” or “be renewed.” The goal of reformation is to be “always returning” (semper reformanda) to God’s inspired word, the Bible, as the supreme standard and source of spiritual life.
Some Reformed Distinctives:
- The Bible as inspired & infallible authority (2 Tim. 3:16-17)
- God's sovereign choice and unmerited grace in salvation (Isa 40:1-31; Rom. 9; Eph. 2:1-10)
- Justification by grace through faith in Christ alone (Rom 3:24)
- Everyone must repent of sin and live new lives for the glory of God (1 Cor 10:31; Gal. 5)
- God is covenantal in dealing with his church (Gen. 17:1-14; Acts 2:39; Heb. 9:11-28)
- Mutual accountability, church discipline & plurality of Elders (Mt. 18:15-20; 1 Pet. 5:1-2; 1 Cor. 5; Heb. 13:17)
- Historic consciousness (Ps. 78:1-72)
- Missional orientation (John 20:21)
Can children sit in the “adult” worship service?
Yes! We know many churches segregate minors. But the Bible presents a different dynamic — all ages uniting to sing, pray, and receive God's word of grace (Deuteronomy 31:12; Ezra 10:1; Nehemiah 8:2). We have found age-inclusiveness to be a great blessing to our congregation, and we hope you do too!
How do I get connected at First URC?
God created his people for fellowship (Acts 2:42-47; 4:32-35; Ephesians 2:19-22). Connecting throughout the week is an integral component of First URC's ministry. Sundays are the best place to begin since relationships are formed and deepened before, during, and after worship. Post-worship fellowship and education classes also provide an opportunity for relationship-building, in addition to informal contacts throughout the week. Check out the Get Involved section of our website for more information about our small group Bible studies and fellowship groups for all ages.
How do people give to First URC? Where does it go?
Giving is an important component of Christian living. Giving comes in the form of spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 12:4-6; Eph. 4:7) and material offerings (Mal. 3:10; 2 Cor. 9:6-8). Opportunities abound at First URC for both. As to monetary offerings, First URC supports a number of worthy causes including such things as local benevolence and budgetary needs, home and foreign missions, Christian education, disaster relief, and other causes. Our church’s deacons, as ordained managers of spiritual and material resources (Acts 6:1-6; 1 Tim. 3:8-13), ensure that all monies given are accounted for and distributed wisely. Offerings can be given during worship and online.
Why do you have creeds, catechisms, and confessions?
The purpose of these historic summaries of Christian belief is to systematically teach (Lk. 1:1-3; 1 Tim. 4:16), protect (2 Pet. 3:17), and defend (Jude 3) the faith. They do not possess the same inspired authority as the Bible (2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Pet. 2:19-21). Still, they have a secondary authority and usefulness because they are faithful summaries of what the Bible actually teaches. These tools are especially helpful in discipling new believers (Mt. 28:19-20).
Why become a member of a church?
Church membership is an important component of Christian discipleship. Jesus said, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me" (Mt. 16:24). The Bible teaches us that to follow Christ requires that we join ourselves to his church (Heb. 10:22-25; Acts 2:47). Membership is the means whereby we formally commit ourselves to the local expression of Christ's church much like formal vows commit husbands and wives to each other. Church membership brings with it the fruits of joy, fellowship, service, pastoral oversight, and accountability in the local church. Church membership has been a great blessing to us, and we encourage regular attenders to consider taking our New Members class that meets every September and March. If you want to know more about the process for becoming a member at First URC, see any elder, our pastors, or contact us.
Why Do We Baptize Our Children?
We often get this question from Baptist and evangelical Christians. For a more detailed examination of this important matter, watch Rev. Nymeyer’s Teaching Series.