Discovering Rolling Hills Baptist Church

Becoming a Member of Rolling Hills

Joining a church family is a matter that one must take very seriously. What is taught and shared in this church can change your life. It will influence your family in a positive way. Where you go to church can impact you, your spouse, and your children. Therefore, it is a decision one must make carefully. That is why this Discovery Class is so important for you to attend.

I am often asked, “What do I need to do to become a member of Rolling Hills?” I want to share with you the “glue” that makes one a member of not only Rolling Hills, but more importantly, the Kingdom of God. This “glue” is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A CHRISTIAN?

Describing oneself as a Christian can mean different things to different people. A person may say that they are a Christian because they are not Jewish, Hindu, etc. They may think that they are a Christian if their parents were members of a church. They may claim that they are followers of Christ because their parents had them christened in a church.

The Bible, however, describes a Christian in different terms. Jesus in the third chapter of John, says that a follower of Christ (Christian) must be “born again.” Being “born again” means you are changed from within by the power of God in your life. You are a new person. How does one “become a Christian?” Let us look in the Bible and see it’s description of a believer.

The Bible tells us that God loves us and wants us to have ETERNAL life. What is the meaning of “eternal life?” Eternal life means a full and meaningful life right now, and life in heaven with God after we die. The Bible tells us “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

This verse gives us assurance of God’s promise that the believer will live with Him in heaven. Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10

No only do we have assurance of living in heaven with our Lord but we also have the chance to live a more fulfilled life here on this earth. With a relationship with Christ, we have the opportunity to reach more of our potential as persons.

Does that sound great?! God wants us in heaven with Him and wants our lives to have meaning and be fulfilling here on this earth. God planned this kind of life for you and wants you to have it. How do you get it and what keeps you from receiving it automatically?

The reason we don’t have eternal life automatically is that we are all sinners and our sins separate us from God. Sin means that we disobey God. We choose to do wrong. Since no one is perfect, we are all sinners. The Bible declares, “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23. “For the wages of sin is death” Romans 6:23. This means that you are separated from God now by your sins and if you die in yours sins you are going to be separated from God forever. This place of separation is called Hell. Being good and doing religious things does not make you a Christian. Just joining the church does not make you a Christian. Being baptized does not save you. Nothing we do can bridge the gap between us and God. The Bible tells us “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works…” Ephesians 2:8-9.

Only Jesus can save you from sin and separation from God. Jesus tells us “I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through me.” John 14:6. Jesus is the only way we can get into the family of God. “But God showed his love for us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8. When Jesus died on the cross He paid the price for our sins so that we might have eternal life.

Now, you must repent of your sins to God and allow Jesus to be your savior. Acts 20:21 states that we are “…to turn with repentance to God and to have faith in our Lord Jesus.” To repent means to be sorry for your sins and to turn to God for forgiveness of them. “Repent therefore and return, that your sins may be wiped away.” Acts 3:19. When you allow Jesus to be your savior, you place your faith in him. Faith in Jesus should be understood in two ways: (1) believing that Jesus is God’s son who died on the cross for us and (2) inviting Jesus into our lives to be our Savior and Lord.

What decision will you make? If you desire to allow Jesus to be your savior you must do the following:

1. Admit you are a sinner.
2. Be willing to turn from your sins to God for forgiveness.
3. Believe that Jesus is God’s Son who died for you.
4. Invite Jesus into your life to be your Savior.

If you are willing to take these steps then you need to pray and give Jesus control of your life. Here is a suggested prayer:

Dear God:
I Know that I have sinned and done wrong. I ask you to forgive all my sins. I want to live your way with your help. Jesus, I do believe you are God’s Son who died for me on the cross. I now invite you into my life. I want to live for you and serve you. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

If you prayed a prayer like that and meant it, you are now a Christian, a child of God. What are your next steps:

1. Publicly profess your faith in Jesus. Matthew 10:32-33
2. Become a member of a Bible believing church in your community.
3. Be baptized as Jesus commanded all His followers. Matthew 28:19-20
4. Establish a daily habit of Bible reading and prayer.
5. Share your Christian experience with others.

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING BAPTIZED

I. WHY SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?

1. To follow the example set by Jesus.
   
   “At that time Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptized by John in the river.” Mark 1:9

2. Because Christ Commanded it.
   
   “Jesus said, ‘Go then, to all people everywhere and make them my disciples, baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and then teach them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Matthew 28:19 – 20

3. It demonstrates that I am really a believer.
   
   “….many of the people who heard Him believed and were baptized.” Acts 18:8
   
   “We know that we have come to know Him. If we obey His commands.” 1 John 2:3

II. WHAT IS THE MEANING OF BAPTISM?

1. It illustrates Christ’s death and resurrection.
   
   “Christ died for our sins…He was buried… and He rose again.” 1 Cor. 15:3 – 4
   
   “For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ.” Col. 2:12

2. It illustrates my new life as a Christian.
   
   “When someone becomes a Christian he becomes a brand new person inside. The old life has passed away and a new life has begun.!” 2 Cor. 2:12
   
   “By our baptism then, we were buried with Him and shared His death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead…so also we may live a new life.” Rom. 6:4

Baptism doesn’t make you a believer-it shows that you already believe. Baptism does not “save” you; only your faith in Christ does that. Baptism is like a wedding ring-it’s the outward symbol of the commitment you made in your heart.

“For by grace you have been saved, through faith…it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast.” Eph. 2:8 – 9

III. WHY BE BAPTIZED BY IMMERSION? (TOTALLY UNDER WATER)

1. Because Jesus was baptized that way.
   
   “As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water.” Matthew 3:16

2. Every Baptism in the Bible was by immersion.

3. The word “Baptize” means to “To dip or immerse under water.” It best symbolizes burial and resurrection! The founders of denominations agree:

   Martin Luther---“I would have those who are to be baptized to be entirely immersed, as the word imports and the mystery signifies.”

   John Calvin---“The word “Baptize” signifies to immerse. It is certain that immersion was the practice of the ancient church.”

   John Wesley---“Buried with Him, alludes to baptizing by immersion according to the custom of the first church.”

IV. WHO SHOULD BE BAPTIZED?

Every person who has accepted Christ.

“Those who believed and accepted His message were baptized…” Acts 2:41

At Rolling Hills Baptist Church we wait until our children are old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them.

Some churches practice a “baptism of confirmation” for children. This ceremony is intended to be a covenant between the parents and God on behalf of the child. The parents promise to raise their child in the faith until the child is old enough to make his/her own personal confession of Christ. This custom began about 300 years after the Bible was completed.

This is different from the baptism talked about in the Bible which was only for those old enough to believe. The purpose is to publicly confess your personal commitment to Christ.

At Rolling Hills Baptist Church it is a membership requirement that every member must have been baptized the way Jesus demonstrated, even though many might have been “confirmed” as children.

V. WHEN SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?

As soon as you have believed.

“Those who believed…were baptized…that day!” Acts 2:41

There is no reason to delay. As soon as you have decided to receive Christ into your life, you can and should be baptized. If you wait until you are “perfect,” you’ll never feel “good enough!”

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

“Can my family be baptized together?”

Yes! If each family member understands fully the meaning of baptism, and each one has personally placed his/her trust in Christ alone for salvation, we encourage families to be baptized at the same time. It is a wonderful expression of commitment.

However, it is important to remember that baptism is a personal statement of faith, not a family tradition. It is usually not wise to delay your baptism while waiting on other family members to accept Christ, particularly children. This puts undue pressure on them.

“Will I have to say anything?

No. At the beginning of the service the pastor will introduce you, briefly lower you just under the water, and then you can leave the pool, dry off, and return to the service. However, if you desire, you may share briefly about your decision to follow Christ. We encourage you to invite all your relatives and friends to attend your baptism.

“Special needs?”

In special circumstances a private baptism can be performed.

THE MEANING OF THE LORD’S SUPPER

Jesus never asked His disciples to remember His birth. But He did instruct them to remember His death and resurrection. He gave the church two visible symbols (called ordinances) as reminders of His death. These two ordinances are: Baptism and The Lord’s Supper. The Lord’s Supper is an object lesson that represents a great spiritual truth for believers.

Baptists believe the bread and cup are symbols that call the worshiper‘s attention to Jesus. (1 Cor. 11:23 – 26)

Who should take the Lord’s Supper?

Only those who are already believers. (Mark 14:22-26)

A Warning for Everyone

“For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment upon himself.” 1 Cor. 11:29

NOTE TO PARENTS: Children who have not yet received Jesus Christ should be taught to refrain from participation in the Lord’s Supper.

“How do I prepare myself for the Lord’s Supper?”

“Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner shall be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. A person ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup.” 1 Cor. 11:27 – 27

We examine ourselves by…

1. Self-examination (1 Cor. 11:27)
2. Confessing my sins (1 John 1:9)
3. Recommitment (Romans 12:1)
4. Restoring relationships (Matthew 5:23-24)

“When and how often should we observe the Lord’s Supper?”

Jesus never said when or how often believers should observe the Lord’s Supper. He instituted it on a Thursday night. Our church observes the Lord’s Supper once a quarter. We rotate the time of observance between the morning services and the evening service.

The Purpose, Strategy, and Structure of Rolling Hills

OUR PURPOSE STATEMENT:
“To Know Christ and Make Him Known”

All the ministries of our church including: Sunday School, Life Change Discipleship, Children, Youth, Adult, Music, Women’s & Men’s Ministry, are strategically structured to fulfill our purpose statement.

OUR SUNDAY SCHOOL PURPOSE STATEMENT:
“To Reach the Lost and Disciple the Saved”

THE ESSENTIALS WE BELIEVE:

1. ABOUT GOD

God is the 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, co-existent, co-eternal, and are one God.
(Genesis 1:26-27, 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14; 1 Peter 1:2)

2. 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 and reign as King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.
(Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:22-23; John 1:1-5, 14:10-31; Acts 1:9-11; Romans 1:3-4; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; 1 Timothy 6:14-15; Titus 2:13-14; Hebrews 4:14-15)

3. 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 also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. 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(s) when they are saved. As Christians we seek to live under His control daily.
(John 14:16-17, 16:13; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; 2 Corinthians 3:17; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 1:13, 5:18)

4. 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 inerrant, truth without any mixture of error.
(Psalm 12:6, 119:105, 160; Proverbs 30:5; 2 Timothy 1:13, 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21)

5. ABOUT HUMAN BEINGS

People are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. People are the supreme object of God's creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called "sin." This attitude separates people from God and causes many problems in life.
(Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a, 59:1-2; Romans 3:23)

6. ABOUT SALVATION

Salvation is God's free gift to us, but we must accept it. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God's offer for forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin's penalty. When we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith, we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith.
(John 1:12, 14:6; Romans 5:1, 6:23; Galatians 3:26; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5)

7. ABOUT ETERNAL SECURITY

Because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ, the true believer is secure in that salvation for eternity. If you have been genuinely saved, you cannot "lose" it. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian. It is the grace and keeping power of God that gives us this security.
(John 10:28-29; 2 Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25, 10:10, 14; 1 Peter 1:3-5)

8. ABOUT ETERNITY

People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence.
(Matthew 5:22; John 2:25, 3:16, 3:36, 5:24; Romans 6:23; 2 Peter 2:4; Revelation 20:15)

OUR LIFESTYLE STATEMENT

What We Practice

Beliefs are not worth much unless they are translated into actions. Based on what the Bible teaches, we feel strongly about the following seven practices:

BIBLE IS OUR SOLE AUTHORITY

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

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?" We practice daily Bible reading, Bible study, Bible application, and Bible memorization. The Bible is the basis for our belief.

AUTONOMY OF THE LOCAL CHURCH

"And he (Jesus) is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy." Colossians 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 denominational control.

PRIESTHOOD OF EVERY BELIEVER

"You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." 1 Peter 2:9

The Bible teaches that every Christian is called to "full time" Christian service, regardless of his or her vocation. We practice the truth that every believer is a minister by encouraging every member to find a place of service and ministry. Every believer has direct access to God through prayer and Bible reading.

TITHING

"A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord." Leviticus 27:30

(Jesus said) "You give a tenth of your spices-mint, dill, and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law-justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former." Matthew 23:23

At Rolling Hills Baptist Church, we practice tithing for the support of Christ's Body, the church as God commands. We recognize that giving 10% of our income is the Biblical standard of giving. Tithing means we do not have to depend upon non-Christians to underwrite the Kingdom of God's work through His church. Offerings are amounts given above the tithe.

IMMERSION

"…having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead." Colossians 2:12

Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is act of obedience symbolizing the believer's faith in a crucified, buried, and risen Savior as well as the believer's death to sin, the burial of the old life, and the resurrection to walk in the newness of life in Christ.

SPIRIT LED LIVING

(Jesus said) "I am the Vine, you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5

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

TELLING OTHERS ABOUT CHRIST

"Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have." 1 Peter 3:15

It is the responsibility of every Christian to share the Good News with those God brings into contact with us. We practice personal sharing about Christ. We also encourage people to invite their friends to church.

OUR STRATEGY

Rolling Hills is committed to being a lighthouse in our community.We do this by following the purpose driven strategy of going beyond the four walls of the church into the community and by being a service to the community throughout the week.

Our strategy is four fold:

We are committed to MEMBERSHIP

I. Membership is a commitment to Christ and Rolling Hills Baptist Church.

“You are members of God’s very own family…and you belong in God’s household with every other Christian.” Eph. 2:19

“We are all parts of Christ’s Body, and it takes every one of us to make it complete, for we each have different work to do. So we belong to each other and need all the others.” Rom. 12:4 – 5

We are committed to MATURITY

II. Maturity is a commitment to the habits necessary for spiritual growth.

“Continue to grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 3:18

“Take the time and trouble to keep yourself spiritually fit.” 1 Timothy 4:7

We are committed to MINISTRY

III. Ministry is a commitment to discovering and using my God-given gifts and abilities in serving God and others.

“God has given each of you some special abilities; be sure to use them to help each other…” 1 Peter 4:10

“There are different kinds of service to God…together you form the Body of Christ and each one of you is a necessary part of it.” 1 Cor. 12:5, 27

We are committed to MISSIONS

IV. Missions is a commitment to Share the Good News with others.

“…you will be my witnesses for me…to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8

“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do it with gentleness and respect…” 1 Peter 3:15

WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A MEMBER

The difference between “attenders” and “members” can be summed up in one word…COMMITMENT.

At Rolling Hills we recognize the need for a formal membership. We ask you to commit to membership for four reasons:

I. A BIBLICAL REASON: CHRIST IS COMMITTED TO THE CHURCH

“…Christ loved the church, and he gave his life for it.” Eph. 5:25

II. A CULTURAL REASON: IT IS AN ANTIDOTE TO OUR SOCIETY

We live in an age where very few want to be committed to anything…a job…a marriage…our country. This attitude has even produced a generation of “church shoppers and hoppers.” Membership swims against the current of America’s “consumer religion.” It is an unselfish decision. Commitment always builds character.

III. A PRACTICAL REASON: IT DEFINES WHO CAN BE COUNTED ON

Every team must have a roster. Every school must have an enrollment. Every business has a payroll. Every army has an enlistment. Even our country takes a census and requires voter registration. Membership identifies our family.

IV. A PERSONAL REASON: IT PRODUCES SPIRITUAL GROWTH

The New Testament places a major emphasis on the need for Christians to be accountable to each other for spiritual growth. You cannot be accountable when you’re not committed to any specific church family.

WHAT IS EXPECTED OF ME AS A MEMBER?

At Rolling Hills we never ask our members to do more than the Bible clearly teaches. We only expect our members to do what the Bible expects every Christian to do.

The Rolling Hills Baptist Church Membership Commitment

I. I WILL PROTECT THE UNITY OF MY CHURCH

…By acting in love toward other members

…By refusing to gossip

…By following the leaders

“So let us concentrate on the things which make for harmony, and on the growth of our fellowship together.” Rom. 15:19

“Live in complete harmony with each other – each with the attitude of Christ toward each other.” Rom. 15:5

“Have a sincere love for your fellow believers, love one another earnestly with all your hearts.” 1 Peter 1:22

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of our mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs…” Eph. 4:29

“Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be no advantage to you.” Heb. 13:17

II. I WILL SHARE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF MY CHURCH

…By praying for its growth

…By inviting the unchurched to attend

…By warmly welcoming those who visit

“To the church…we always thank God for you and pray for you constantly.” 1 Thess. 1:2

“Go out into the country…and urge anyone you find to come in, so that My House will be full.” Luke 14:23

“So, accept each other, into the church, just as Christ has accepted you; then God will be glorified.” Rom. 15:7

III. I WILL SERVE THE MINISTRY OF MY CHURCH

…By discovering my gifts and talents

…By being equipped to serve by my pastors

…By developing a servant’s heart

“Serve one another with the particular gifts God has given each of you…” 1 Peter 4:10

“God gave…some to be pastors and teachers to prepare God’s people for works of ministry, so that the body of Christ may be built up…” Eph. 4:11 – 12

“Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Jesus Christ…who took on the very nature of a servant…” Phil. 2:3 – 4, 7

IV. I WILL SUPPORT THE TESTIMONY OF MY CHURCH

…By attending faithfully

…By living a godly life

…By giving regularly

“Let us not give up the habit of meeting together…but let us encourage one another.” Heb. 10:25

“But whatever happens, make sure that your everyday life is worthy of the gospel of Christ.” Phil. 1:27

“Each one of you, on the first day of each week, should set aside a specific sum of money in proportion to what you have earned and use it for the offering.” 1 Cor. 16:2

“A tenth of all you produce is the Lord’s, and it is holy.” Lev. 27:30

THE STRUCTURE OF ROLLING HILLS

Our Affiliation

When Rolling Hills Baptist Church began, three groups gave our church financial support to help us get started:

1. The Gwinnett Metro Baptist Association

91 Churches that fellowship together and work together to reach Gwinnett County.

2. The Georgia Baptist Convention

3,400 churches that fellowship together with the goal of evangelizing our state.

3. The Southern Baptist Convention

41,000 Churches that cooperate together in a worldwide effort of missions.

These three groups gave our church support to help us get started. We now wholeheartedly support these three groups in helping start many other new churches.

WHAT IS THE SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION?

1. It is the largest association of Christian churches in Georgia and in America. One out of every ten churches in America is affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention. We have 41,000 churches and 15.8 million members-more than most other denominations combined.

2. It is the most diverse association of churches. SBC churches include every race, nationality, and ethnic group. Each Sunday, services are held in over 80 languages in the U. S. In Gwinnett County our association includes Korean, Chinese, Hispanic, African American, and Romanian Southern Baptist Churches.

3. It is one of the fastest growing groups. The SBC baptizes over 1,150 new Christians a day in the U.S. and begins 5 new Churches a day!

“Why not just be an independent church?”

We are an independent church! Every SBC church is completely independent. There is no denominational control or hierarch, as there is in most other denominations. Each church is self-governing and determines its own affairs.

• Every SBC church chooses its own pastor.
• Every SBC church owns it own buildings and assets.
• Every SBC church determines its own programs.

The advantages of being a part of the SBC is:

1. It allows us to identify with other Christians around the world who are known for their commitment to the Bible.

2. It allows our church to participate in the largest missionary organization in the world. Through the SBC “Cooperative Program” we help support over 10,000 missionaries in 154 countries around the world. More than 75,000 Southern Baptists volunteered for mission service in the recent year, including 25,000 teens who led 2,300 people to Christ.