|
There are many questions people ask about church, life and the universe; We can answer some of them, there are others on which
we may have to pass!
What is church all about?
What is a Baptist church?
How can I find peace with God?
Hasn't science disproved God?
Can I get married at the Tab?
How do I join the church? (membership)
Isn't the church just after my money?
What is church all about?
As you explore this website you will see that church life is much more than just Sunday services. The Newcastle Baptist
Tabernacle is a community in its own right. We like to think of it as a large family which, in turn, belongs to a much bigger
national and worldwide family of God's people. We meet regularly to worship together, and to socialise, but beyond that we
have a pastoral outlook to help us support one another through good times and difficult times alike. We also regard service
to the community as important. The thing that binds us together, regardless of age, race or background is the peace and forgiveness
we have found in Jesus Christ.
What is a Baptist church?
The Christian church is around two thousand years old, and has seen many shaping influences over the ages. As we begin
the twenty-first century, we can see the evidence of these influences in the different denominations and groups who though
united in the major truths of Christianity, differ in the detail of how they put these truths into practice.
Baptist churches have been around in one form or another for over 400 years and have become one of the largest denominations.
Two things that distinguish a Baptist church are the practice of baptism by total immersion and their independence from external
church government.
We baptise people who have come to a belief in Jesus Christ as described in the Bible. We believe that it is appropriate
to totally immerse the person requesting baptism (except where medical grounds make it unwise). The baptism usually takes
place during a church service and is an enjoyable occasion. Baptism signifies a break with the old life and the beginning
of a new christian life.
Rather than being run and financed partially by a national organisation (as, for instance, the Anglican Church is), a
Baptist church is organised by its own members and exists to a great extent independently, although we are members of the
Baptist Union of New South Wales, and the Hunter District Baptist Association and frequently co-operate with other local churches
(not just Baptists!).
How can I find peace with God?
The Bible tells us that when God made the world, it was his intention that mankind would enjoy his company and have a
satisfying relationship with him.
This was spoilt by mankind's rejection of God.
This spoiling can be seen in so many things around us; pollution, greed, selfishness and so on. The hunger for spiritual
satisfaction that so many of us experience is a result of our separation from God.
God has not given up on us. He has provided a way for us to find peace with him once again. Even in the mess we have made
of the world.
God himself became a man (Jesus), and took the punishment that the human race deserved. Jesus allowed himself to be put
to death instead of us. But he did not stay dead. God raised him back to life and he is ready and waiting to forgive us and
to be friends once again.
For us to find peace with God, he only asks us to accept his gift of life through Jesus, to acknowledge and say sorry
for all we have done wrong, and then to leave our old way behind and follow him.
Many have found satisfaction in following Jesus.
You may find that satisfaction too.
Hasn't science disproved God?
Actually, no. There are many scientists who are also Christians, and many more who acknowledge that the order and structure
of the universe points to a creator.
Science has collated what we know about the physical nature of the earth and can even offer suggestions as to how the
world began. But it does not answer the questions Why?
Science is not anti-God, but is a way that God has given us to discover the physical nature of the universe.
Can I get married at the Tab?
The short answer is yes. The slightly longer answer is that we have some criteria to be met and that the final decision
is made by the Pastor.
We believe that marriage is a gift from God and are delighted to consider requests for marriage in our church building.
In the longer term we are happy to provide support in any way we can, including the loan of videos and books, advertising
marriage enrichment events and making contact with counsellors in case of relationship difficulties.
How do I join the church?
First of all, just come along. Most people spend a while getting to know the church and when the time is right, church
membership can be applied for.
To become a church member, you will have been baptised by immersion, and will have read and agreed the church rules and
statement of faith. Membership applications are considered by a membership committee and then by the church meeting.
We extend pastoral care and friendship to all who attend the church. However, those who are accepted as church members,
are regarded as having made a particular commitment to the church at the Tab and as such, have an important role to play in
the running of the church.
Isn't the church just after my money?
There are many needy people and worthy causes in the world. We see our role as encouraging people to take up their responsibilities
and to get involved in every way possible including giving money.
Whilst the church may support individual charities from time to time, we seldom fund raise as such, preferring to encourage
people to get involved individually. The Newcastle Baptist Tabernacle is self funded and so we encourage people to adopt a
Biblical approach to giving and also encourage members to consider giving to missions where possible. However, there is never
pressure to contribute, neither is there anyone keeping a check. We are not money centred, we believe that God will provide
for us.
|
