FBC of Bedford exists to lead people into a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ through knowing Christ, growing in Christ, serving Christ, and sharing Christ.

The Essentials Of What we believe

1. About God

God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe who has has eternally existed in one essence, yet co-equal persons, in the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Genesis 1:1,26,27, 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14

2. About Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven’s glory and will return again one day to earth to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Matthew 1:22, 23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5; 14:10-30; 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

3. About the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make human beings aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. He gives every believer a spiritual gift when they are saved. As Christians, we seek to live under His control daily.

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

4. About the Bible

The Bible is God’s Word to us. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living, and is the final authority on all matters of faith. Because it is inspired by God, it is the truth without any mixture of error.

2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20,21; 2 Timothy 1:13; Psalm 119:105,160, 12:6; Proverbs 30:5

5. About Human Beings

People are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. All of us are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called “sin,” which separates people from God.

Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1, 2

6. About Salvation

Salvation is God’s free gift to us, but we must accept it. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin’s penalty. When we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith.

Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8,9; John 14:6, 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1

For more info on what it means to be an American Baptist go here.

7. About Baptism & The Lord’s Supper

The Church observes two ordinances: one is believer’s baptism and the other is the Lord’s Supper.

In obedience to Christ’s command and as a testimony to God, the Church, oneself and the world, believers are baptized by immersion in water in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It is a visual and symbolic demonstration of a person’s union with Christ in the likeness of His death and resurrection, signifying that a former way of life has been put to death and a new life in the Spirit has begun.

Mark 16:16; Matthew 28:20; Acts 2:41; 22:16; 1 Corinthians 12:13; 1 Peter 3:21; Colossians 2:12; Galatians 3:27 

The Lord’s Supper is to be observed by those who have become genuine followers of Christ. It symbolizes the breaking of Christ’s body and the shedding of His blood on our behalf and is to be observed as a sign of continued participation in the atoning benefits of Christ’s death. As we come to the table with an attitude of faith and self-examination, we remember and proclaim the death of Christ, receive spiritual nourishment for our souls and signify our unity with other members of Christ’s body.

Mark 14:22-24; Luke 22:14-20; John 6:48-54; 1 Corinthians 10:16-7;11:23-29;