About the Scriptures

We believe that the entire Bible is the inspired Word of God and that men were moved by the Spirit of God to write the very words of scripture. Therefore, we believe the Bible is without error.

About God

We believe in one God who exists in three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We believe that Jesus Christ is the second member of the Trinity (the Son of God) who became flesh to reveal God to humanity and to become the Savior of the lost world.

About Humanity

We believe that all people were created in the image of God to have fellowship with Him but became alienated in that relationship through sinful disobedience. As a result, people are incapable of regaining a right relationship with God through their own efforts.

About Salvation

We believe that the blood of Jesus Christ shed on the cross, provides the sole basis for the forgiveness of sin. God freely offers salvation to those who place their faith in the death and resurrection of Christ as sufficient payment for their sin.

About the Christian Life

We believe that all Christians should live for Christ and not for themselves. By obedience to the Word of God and daily yielding to the Spirit of God, every believer should mature and be conformed to the image of Christ.

About the Church

We believe that the church is the body of Christ, of which Jesus Christ is the head. The members of the church are those who have trusted by faith the finished work of Christ. The purpose of the church is to glorify God by loving Him and making Him known to the lost world.

Values

We have identified four key values...based on Jesus's encounter with the Samaritan woman in John 4.

- Relationships. Jesus began a real relationship with the woman at the well. We value people over programs. We believe life-change happens best in relationship. Our ministry will flow through relationships with people.

-Reaching. Jesus intentionally initiated a conversation with the Samaritan woman. We must also initiate conversations and relationships with a goal of sharing Jesus with people who need to know him.

-Life-Change. The woman in this story experienced a radical shift in values and priorities. Her life changed. We desire to see people's lives changed by the gospel of Jesus Christ.

-Innovation. Jesus did several things in this encounter that went against the normal behavior of the day. We must be willing to go beyond what is comfortable and try new things to do whatever it takes to share Jesus.

By-Laws

The By-Laws of Cleveland's First Baptist Church explain the organization and structure of the church including leadership roles and responsibilities. It is a guiding document to help a large group work together in unity for the purpose that Christ has given.