The Birth of the Gospel Community

Repentance, which means recognizing sin and turning back to God completely, and baptism in the name of Jesus Christ are not a price paid to gain salvation. They are the fitting response to the grace God gives. Through them, people receive forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit and go on to live a new life.

Those who receive the gospel are not simply changed as individuals. They are built into a community that learns the apostles’ teaching, shares fellowship with one another, breaks bread, and prays. Their faith does not stay as knowledge alone. It shows itself in practical love and service as they share their possessions and their time.

To such a community the Lord adds day by day those he is saving. We do not strive to build the church by our own strength. Relying on the grace the Lord gives, we grow as a community that is the body of Christ, learning the word, loving one another, and serving our neighbors.