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Doctrinal
Questions –
What
do we believe?
1. What is a Christian?
The term "Christian" comes from the Greek word "christianos,"
which means Christ-man, or an adherent of Jesus Christ. In the Bible,
this word was first used as a nickname, a term of reproach, because
the believers must have given others a feeling that they were absolute
for Christ. The apostle Peter used it later to remind the believers
to stand firm for Christ and not be ashamed. Thus, a Christian is a
person who is totally full of Christ, occupied by Christ, living for
Christ, living out Christ to express Christ, and even living Christ.
By this definition, most people who call themselves Christians actually
are not. They might have believed and received Christ, yet they are
not living as adherents of Christ.
2. What does the church believe about the Bible and Scriptures?
The whole Bible is inspired in the sense that holy men of God were
moved by the Holy Spirit to write the very words of Scripture. This
divine inspiration extends equally and fully to all parts of the writings
as they appeared in the original manuscripts. Therefore, the whole Bible,
in the originals, is without error. As the revelation of God, we believe
the Bible to be the sole authority and sufficiency with regard to Christian
faith and practice. The Scriptures center upon the Lord Jesus Christ
in His person and work in His first and Second Coming, and hence no
portion is properly read, or understood, until it leads to Him. The
Christian's responsibility and duty is to handle accurately the Word
of Truth. The reading and interpretation of the Scriptures is to be
under the guidance and illumination of the Holy Spirit.
3. What are Baptists?
Baptists derive their name from the Bible and follow the example
of John the Baptist when he baptized Christ in the Jordan. Baptists
are a people who profess a living faith that is rooted and grounded
in Jesus Christ.
4. What is baptism?
The word "baptize" comes from the Greek word ‘baptismo’
which means to immerse. Hence "baptism" is immersion. Following
the example of John the Baptist people are immersed in the water bodily
as an identification outwardly of what has taken place inwardly. The
believer now publicly identifies himself with Christ.
5. Why do Christians say that Christ is the only way to Heaven?
Christians say this because Jesus Christ Himself made it clear:
"I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father
except through me" (John 14:6). Christians declare this truth out
of a love for God and concern for their fellow man. Truth is by definition
narrow.
6. Can a Christian live a wicked life, as long as he or she believes
in Christ?
A person who turns to Jesus in faith does not immediately become
sinless. A sinner who accepts Christ begins the process of dying more
and more to sin and living more and more to God. This is not an "option"
for Christians, but a certainty. Jesus comes into a person's life not
only as Savior but also as Lord, and will be "at work ... to will
and to act according to his good purpose" (Philippians 2:13). If
some one claims to believe in Christ and yet remains morally unchanged,
that person's faith is questionable.
7. Is it really necessary for a Christian to go to church?
Isn't a person's personal belief all that matters?
A person who knows and loves Christ will love the worship of God,
the preaching and teaching of the Bible, and the fellowship of God's
people. Going to church doesn't make a person a Christian, but being
a Christian makes one want to go to church!
8. Is there a Heaven?
Yes, the Bible frequently speaks of the reward God will give to
those who are faithful. (Cf. Matthew 25:31-46; Romans 8:17-18). However,
Heaven is not like cartoons showing people sitting on clouds playing
harps. Heaven is the direct face-to-face experience of the infinite
perfection of God (Matthew 18:10, 1 Corinthians 13:12; 1 John 3:2; 2
Corinthians 5:6-7). Those in Heaven enjoy a created share in God's divine
nature (2 Peter 1:4). This will be a happiness beyond our power to imagine
(1 Corinthians 2:9). If it doesn't seem particularly attractive to us,
that is because we are not yet spiritually mature enough to realize
that that is what we really want. We are like a small child who cannot
understand why adults are interested in things that he finds dull and
boring. All of the legitimate pleasures of this world came from God,
and are pale shadows of the greater pleasures of Heaven.
9. Is there a Hell?
Yes, the Bible frequently warns against Hell. (Cf. Matthew 18:8-9;
Matthew 25:31-46) God desires that all men be saved (1 Timothy 2:4)
but Heaven is a loving relationship, and love must be freely chosen.
God will not force it on those who reject it. Like Heaven, the real
Hell has nothing to do with the cartoon version. The essential suffering
of Hell is the self-imposed separation from God and the loving union
with Him that is Heaven. The souls in Hell know they will never rest
in God.
10. Don't all religions say the same thing?
No. Christianity is unique in its claims about Jesus and about itself.
Other religions are distinguished from Christianity by the fact that
they do not specify salvation as available only through Jesus; and as
that claim is a non-negotiable element of Christianity, Christianity
is in the curious position of being "unmixable" with other
religions.
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Discipleship
Questions –
What
ministry opportunities
are available?
1. Do you have programs for senior citizens?
Yes. Our seniors meet weekly for noonday prayer and other activities.
For more information call Deacon Ronald Sheldon Sr. at 215.473.3000.
2. Do you have programs for single adults?
Yes. We have a Singles’ Ministry for both men and women. The
Singles’ Ministry meets at 7pm on the first Saturday of every month
for time of fellowship where they learn from God's Word. They also have
times where they meet just to fellowship and have fun.
3. Do you have ministry for children and teenagers?
Sharon Baptist Church is dedicated to seeing Children develop an
active faith toward God and His Word as well as enjoy coming to the
House of God. In addition to our Tots for Christ, Junior Worship Service,
T.W.I.S.T. (Teens Worshipping In Spirit & Truth) Service and Youth
Bible Study, there are many exciting and inspirational activities for
our young people.
4. Do you have to be a member to participate in church programs?
No. We encourage everyone to participate in our programs.
5. Do you have a ministry for someone struggling with an addiction?
Yes. Our Freedom Ministry provides support for individuals dealing
with an addiction of any type. Contact the church office for more information.
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Miscellaneous Questions
Commonly
asked questions
1. Is the church (sanctuary, fellowship mall, etc.) available to
rent?
Yes. Contact the Public Relations Ministry at 215.473.3000.
2. Do you have the capability to minister to the hearing impaired?
Yes. Assisted hearing devices are available during each worship
service and our 8 a.m.
is interpreted for the deaf and the hearing impaired.
3. May I have a wedding at the church?
Yes. Contact the administrative office for the wedding policy and
application.
4. If I have an emergency, whom do I contact?
Members should contact their Care Cell leaders. All others should
contact the church office.
5. What are the church office hours?
Administrative Office: Monday - Friday 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Business Office: Monday through Friday 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
6. Is it possible for a new member of the church to have
someone spend some time with them to discuss some questions?
During Empowerment Hour (Sunday mornings between 9:45 - 10:45 am) instructors
are available to answer your questions or you can contact the church
office to set up an appointment.
7. Do you have counselors on staff?
Yes. Contact the administration office at 215.473.3000.
8. Do I need an appointment to see the staff?
or is just dropping by OK?
An appointment is required to see a staff member. Feel free to call
the church office and speak with our receptionist or a pastoral secretary.
9. Do I have to be a member to receive Communion?
No. Our church practices open communion.
10. Do you offer transportation to the services?
Yes, we have a bus ministry that provides transportation from our
59th and Catherine Street location. For more information contact Deacon
Kenny Brown at 215.473.3000.
11. Is your building handicapped accessible?
Yes. Our building is equipped for the handicapped with outside ramps
and elevators.
12. What is appropriate to wear to church?
Come as you are! The dress ranges from casual to professional.
13. What is the best way to obtain a copy of Bishop Reed’s sermons?
Video and audio tapes can be purchased at the tape window located
in the church’s fellowship mall or by completing an order form
on the Progressive Holistic Ministries web site at www.progressivehm.org.
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