First Baptist Church

A Gift for New Guests!

While supplies last, we are giving all first or second time visitors to First Baptist Church a new NIV Bible. This is a fresh translation of the Bible in contemporary English.

If your primary language is not English, we may have a translation available for you to read. Please ask the Pastor when you visit.

 

A suggestion for new readers of the Bible

The Bible is a large book - actually it is a library of sixty-six books! In the Bible God tells us his story, which is focused on the Lord Jesus Christ.

God tells his story like a six-act play.
Act 1 - God establishes his kingdom - Creation
Act 2 - Rebellion in the kingdom - Fall
Act 3 - God announces his King - Salvation initiated
Act 4 - The first coming of the King - Salvation accomplished
Act 5 - Spreading the news of the King - God's mission for the church
Act 6 - The return of the King - Salvation completed

We suggest that new readers start with two books that focus on Act 4: The Gospel of Mark and the Letter to the Romans.

In Mark, we learn about King Jesus (chapters 1-8) and about the meaning of his cross (chapters 9-16). As you read through Mark section by section in the NIV translation, ask two questions in each section: What does this tell me about Jesus? Why is this important to me?

In Romans, the apostle Paul explains the way, significance, and outcomes of salvation for people. In chapters 1-11, we read how to be right with God, and in chapters 12-16, we learn how people who are right with God should live for God's glory.