What do we expect of our members at First Baptist Church?  What does it mean to be a Christian, a follower of Jesus Christ?  We believe that the answers to these two questions are the same, and that they involve a lot more than just walking down the aisle to make a profession of faith.  In fact, if you study God's word, it is obvious that God expects much more than we do, typically.  "L.O.V.E. from the Heart" is our attempt to package the answers to these questions in a way that is biblical, relevant, and easy to remember.

The “L” stands for “Love God and Others.”  The memory verse for this step in the process is Matthew 22:37-38.  Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.  This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.  This verse is a great reminder of the fact that our Christian walk is built upon the foundation of a love relationship with God that overflows into a love relationship with those around us.

The “O” stands for “Obey God’s Word.”  The memory verse for this step in the process is John 14:15.  If you love me, you will obey what I command.  A lifestyle of obedience begins with the recognition that God’s word is true and relevant.  It also requires that we read God’s word on a daily basis.  We need to pray that God will instill in us the attitude that the Psalmist had for God’s word.  Psalm 119:16 says, I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.  By the way, being actively involved in a weekly Bible Study class (such as Sunday School) is a great way to grow in obedience.

The “V” stands for “Volunteer for Service.”  The memory verse for this step in the process is 1 Peter 4:10.  Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.  I want to point out that the word “volunteer” is just as important as the word “serve” in this step.  Our service to the Lord should not come out of obligation or duty, but because of our recognition of his mercy in our lives.  That’s what Paul says in Romans 12:1-2.  Therefore, I urge you brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship.

The “E” stands for “Evangelize the World.”  The memory verse for this step in the process is Acts 1:8.  You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.  The word “evangelize” can be a scary one that sends us into a cold chill at the mere sound of it.  But it simply means “to share the good news.”  When a baby is born into the family, that is good news and we like to share it.  When something good happens to us at work, we like to share that with our spouse when we get home.  Evangelism doesn’t have to be any more complicated than that.  Jesus has done something wonderful for us, and we just want to share it with others!

First Baptist Church is committed to being a church that will demonstrate L.O.V.E. from the Heart.