Five Essential Functions of Christians

The National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. ascribes to these Articles of Faith which should be adopted by Baptist churches at the time of organization:

EVANGELISM

A.

EVANGELISM

Evangelism is the Spirit-led communication ofthe gospel in such a way or ways that the recipients have a valid opportunity to accept JesusChrist as Lord and Savior and become responsible members of the church. It takes into accountthe essential work of the Holy Spirit, and thenecessity of productive church membership onthe part of the convert.

1.

Sharing the gospel with unsaved persons includes a warning, an explanation, and a call.

A warning because people need toknow about sin and the consequences of sin.
An explanation because of God’s remedy for sin – the gospel (Acts 8:29-35; and
A call to repent (to turn from sin and to turn toward God) and believe the gospel, by faith
(Mark 1:15; Luke 13:1-5; Acts 17:29-31; Romans 1:17; Romans 10:9-13)

2.

We are saved to evangelize the lost. It is our Great Commission, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them inthe name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost”, Matt. 28:19.

B. DISCIPLESHIP

B.

DISCIPLESHIP

Discipleship is a process that begins after conversion and continues throughout a believer’s life. It occurs when one believer engages another and the result is that both become more Christlike in what they think and do. Discipleship is not an option for any church or believer. Christmandated it in the Great Commission.

Mature discipleship means that believers are living for the Lord in all areas of life. They are committed to a life of purity and is taking steps to separate from sin. The life of Christ is the center and focus of their lives. Holiness is the center of Christ likeness.

Characteristics of a Disciple

A disciple is a learner: open and teachable who demonstrates faithfulness (Hebrew 11:6) and a desire to learn and apply the Word of God through hearing it preached and taught, reading it frequently, Bible study, scripturememory, and meditation.
A disciple has a daily devotional time and is developing his/her prayer life.
A disciple has a heart for witnessing, gives his testimony clearly, and presents the gospel regularly with increasing skill.

A disciple attends church regularly to worship God and fellowships regularly with other believers, displaying love and unity.
A disciple demonstrates a servant heart by helping others in practical ways.
A disciple gives regularly and honors God with his finances.
A disciple demonstrates the fruit of the Spirit(Gal. 5:22-23) by an attractive relationship with Christ and his fellow man.

SERVICE

C.

Service

1.

All Christian belief must culminate in service or else the belief itself will wither away.Jesus said in His Sermon on the Mount, “Let your light so shine before men that they maysee your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Also, asrecorded in James 2:17, “Faith, if it hath not works, is dead”.

2.

God calls all believers into service. God has placed within each believer a gift that is to be used to bring Him glory. In service to the church we are to use those God-given gifts.(Luke 22:21, John 9:4, I Corinthians 10:31,15:58)

3.

Every Christian is going to be led to some kind of service for God.

4.

Spiritual gifts are given by the Holy Spirit toevery believer specifically to fulfill our minis-try and service responsibilities.

FELLOWSHIP

D.

FELLOWSHIP

“So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, ⁴⁷praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. (Acts 2:46-47)

1.

Fellowship is joining together in common purpose as Christians.

Believers can have fellowship and share together because they first of all have a relationship with Christ and share Him in common (1 Cor. 1:9; 1 John 1:3).

Fellowship is a relationship, rather than an activity. The principle is that any activity that follows, should come out of the relationship. Just as all believers are united together in a community relationship, so we are all united together in a partnership formed to glorify God.

2.

Its more than friendly fraternizing, it involves connecting with other Christians for strength and maturity. “Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak thesame thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” (I Corinthians1:10)

WORSHIP

E.

WORSHIP

“So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, ⁴⁷praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. (Acts 2:46-47)

Worship is more than just showing up to church on Sunday morning. It is much more than the building we meet in and/or the songs we sing. Jesus says that true worship is when believers worship God “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). This means that worship is an act of love and adoration that pours forth from the very heart and spirit of the believer.

God desires the worship and praise of His people (Psalm 95:6, 96:6, 150). God is the central personality in all of the scriptures, and should be the central personality in all of our worship services. Believers assemble together weekly to offer worship and praise to God as one. Worship is one of the most vital, if not the most vital, functions of the church.

Five Essential Functions of Christians

EVANGELISM

EVANGELISM

1.

2.

B. DISCIPLESHIP

DISCIPLESHIP

Characteristics of a Disciple

SERVICE

Service

1.

2.

3.

4.

FELLOWSHIP

FELLOWSHIP

1.

2.

WORSHIP

WORSHIP

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