¶ … practicing Baptist, I believe that the Bible acts as a guide and living witness for all believers. The Bible shows all believing Christians how God intends human beings to live. It instructs believes that we should all dwell upon this earth, always with an eye upon our own ultimate salvation as well as the ultimate salvation of all souls. Salvation is both personal and collective, and will be understood, finally and completely with the ultimate realization of the last judgment.

In the Baptist mindset, God is a willing and active participant in all human lives, and brings us together with His spirit in our hearts. This is why Baptists know that baptism is for believers in Christ alone. I believe that it is a powerful and positive statement that in my Church, Baptism is only for those who are able to consciously declare Jesus is Lord. Baptism is not a causal sacrament. Baptism is a statement of one's fundamental commitment to Christ and to the larger Christian community as a believer.

God believes that the nature of humanity may have a tendency to sin, to fall, as was exemplified in Eden. I hope, by laboring in the name of Christ and carrying on the works of Jesus Christ, I can overcome my own sinful tendencies. The best way to counteract the foibles of humanity is to engage in positive and constructive works of action, in the context of the Christian community. This is why I take such comfort from my Baptist Church, and being with members of my Church.

In church, as in life, every member has an active and intelligent role to play in the Christian community. Even if these roles may differ from person to person, all Baptists strive to serve one another and serve God as the angels serve the Almighty in heaven. Service, reflection on the nature of faith and mission, a sense of equality even towards those who are different from myself -- these are the core principles of my Baptist faith.