Good news stands at the heart of the life and message of First Baptist Church. We believe that people link their lives with God when they become Christians.

A Christian is a person who follows Christ. Perhaps the most important word in the Christian faith is "love."

Becoming a Christian is the most important decision you can make. This decision determines the way you live on earth and how you will spend eternity. God really loves you and wants to spend eternity with you.

God's love is the heart of the church's good news. The New Testament Gospel of John (3:16) says, "For God so loved the world that he gave his only son (Jesus), so that whoever puts his/her trust in him will be saved." Here is the central note of the good news: put your faith in Jesus Christ, God's son, and you will be saved --you will become a Christian.

Jesus himself declared, "I have come so that they (Jesus' followers) might have life, a full and abundant life" (John 10:10). Faith in Jesus Christ gives new meaning to life and brings new resources for living.

The good news deals with much of the misery in human life. It points its finger to one of the reasons for that misery: sin. The Bible tells us, "All have sinned and have missed the greatness of God" (Romans 3:23).

We humans choose to sin. We can choose to follow Christ and live our lives as God's people. Or we can choose to follow our own way. Choosing our own way is called sin.

But the good news tells us that God does not give up on us when we sin. Rather, "God demonstrates his love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).

Here is the good news: God sent his Son to pay the price for our sin. "Christ suffered and died for sins once for all... He died in order to bring us to God" (1 Peter 3:18).

And there's more. "Christ was buried. But He was raised form the dead three days later" (1 Corinthians 15:4). God's love worked for our good in Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection. What good news!

All God asks is that people repent of their sins, turn from them, and accept the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross for those sins. "Whoever calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved" (Romans 10:13) is a New Testament promise concerning God's love.

A person may become a Christian by taking three steps:

1. Decide you do not want to continue to sin. Making this decision is called repentance.
2. Believe what the Bible says: Jesus died on the cross, taking the blame for your sins. He rose from the dead and lives today to be your Savior and Lord. Believing this with all your heart is called "faith."
3. Ask Jesus to take control of your life.

One way to confirm your decision to become a Christian is to pray. You might pray like this: God, I know I have sinned. I want you to forgive me. I know that your Son died on the cross for my sins. I believe he rose from the dead. I want you to take control of my life right now. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen."

Because of God's love, we receive a promise: "If you say with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved from the punishment of sin" (Romans 10:9).

If you have made the decision to accept God's love and salvation, we would like to know. You may contact us by writing, calling, or sending an e-mail message.

If you would like to talk with someone before you make your decision, we would like to help. We have men and women who will be happy to help you. Do feel free to contact us.

If you would like some additional resources as you begin your journey in faith, let us know; we will be happy to provide materials for you.