Mission Statement

“The people of Maranatha Baptist Church, under the leadership of scripture, desire to fulfill the great commission of discipleship, love of God, and of others.”

Leadership

Jimmy Heitt

Jimmy Hiett

Deacon

George Harper

Deacon

Statement of Beliefs

The Essentials We Believe:

  • About God
    God is our Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three personalities: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God.

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

  • 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 someday to earth to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

    Matt. 1:22, 23. Isa 9:6. John 1:1-5; 14:10-30, Hebrews 4:14, 15. 1 Cor. 15:3,4. Rom. 1:3,4. Acts 1:9-11. 1 Tim. 6:14, 15 . Titus 2:13

  • 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 men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. 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. As Christians we seek to live under His control daily.

    2 Cor. 3:17. John 16:7-13; 14:16, 17. Acts 1:8. 1 Cor. 2:12; 3:16. Eph. 1:13, 5:18. Gal. 5:25

  • 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. Because it is inspired by God, it is the truth without any mixture of error.

    2 Tim. 1:13; 3:16. 2 Peter 1:20,21. Psalm 119:105, 160; 12:6. Prov. 30:5.

What We Practice:

 Beliefs are not worth much unless they are translated into actions. Based on what the Bible teachers, we feel very strongly about the following eight practices.

  • The Bible as our sole authority.
    “ All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16

    Since God’s word is the only completely reliable and truthful authority, we accept the Bible as our manual for living. Our first question when faced with a decision is “what does the Bible say?” The Bible is the basis for all we believe.

  • Autonomy of the local church.
    “Christ is the head of his body, the church; he is the source of the body’s life.” Col. 1:18

    Christ is the recognized head of our church, not any person, group, or religious organization. While recognizing the value of associating and cooperating with other groups of Christians, we believe every local church should be self-governing and independent from any denomination control.

  • Priesthood of every believer.
    “Christ loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood 6 and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father.” Rev. 1:6
    “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession.” 1 Peter 2:9

    The Bible teaches that every believer has direct personal access to God through prayer and Bible study.

  • Tithing
    “A tithe of everything from the land… belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD.” Lev. 27:30

    At Maranatha we practice tithing for the support of God’s body, the Church, as God commands. We recognize that giving 10% of our income is the Biblical standard of tithing.

  • Spirit led living.
    “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” – John 15:5
    “…be filled with the Spirit.” – Eph. 5:18

    We believe the only way possible to live the Christian life is by God’s power within us. We seek to practice a daily dependence on God’s Spirit to enable us to do what is right.

  • Telling others about Christ.
    “Always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.” – 1 Peter 3:15

    It is the responsibility of every Christian to share the Good News with those God brings us in contact with.

  • Baptism by immersion
    “Having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him.” – Col. 2:12

    We practice baptism by immersion, the way Jesus was baptized, and the way the Bible commands.

  • Communion (The Lord’s Supper)
    “the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”25 In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” – 1 Cor. 11:23-26

    The Lord’s Supper is one of the two ordinances or sacraments of the Church for this age, the other being water baptism. The Scripture reference should be read carefully, as the Lord gives guidelines in observing this ordinance. He also gives warning of participating in an unworthy manner. One does not have to be a member of our local church to take communion, only a repented member of the universal Church.