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What is the Gospel (Good News)?
Jesus Christ, God’s only son, lived among us teaching us the Good News
that by believing in Him, we might be forgiven for our sins and receive everlasting
life. As he died and rose to sit at the right side of God in Heaven, believers can be
assured of salvation. (see also Romans 1:16-17)
How can I be saved?
Ask Jesus to come into your heart and repent of your sins that you might be
reborn to live according to His will and receive the gift of God’s grace. The Bible
says, “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart
that God raised him from the dead you shall be saved.”
You can ask Christ to be your Lord and Savior even now, and he will
respond and make you a new person. After you pray it is best to seek the
fellowship of other believers so that you can grow in Christ together.
For more information, call the church office at 863-0581.
I have heard about having Christ in one’s heart, where do you find Christ?
In heartfelt prayer we ask Jesus to enter our lives; to change us
according to God’s will.
Why do I need Jesus?
Jesus is the way and the light. Jesus saves us from sin and makes us holy
through our relationship with something infinitely greater than ourselves (see
Romans Chapter 5).
What does it mean to be a Christian?
We believe that the blood of Jesus Christ, God’s only Son has atoned for
our sins. The Holy Spirit lives within us once we accept Jesus as Lord. The Holy
Spirit gives us the ability to overcome sin, to become obedient followers of Jesus’
teachings so that we might become right in God’s sight (Romans 4:4-5). The love
of God is at work in us and the Holy Spirit helps us move away from darkness
and continually seek the light (see Romans 6:23 through Romans 8).
What makes Christianity unique among world religions?
Christianity is the only religion of the world that believes in and follows in
the footsteps of the Son of God…who is of one substance with the Father (John
1:1, Col 1:15-19). Other religions follow prophets, philosophies or a mix of
pagans and spirits. Christianity rests on Biblical revelation. Some religions claim
to be Christian, e.g., Mormons, Jehovah Witnesses, or Christian Scientists; but
they all depend upon the intervention and interpretation of scripture by human
beings who go beyond the fundamental truths found in the Bible.
Why go to church (where there are hypocrites)?
The Bible does not specifically say, “Go to church!” It is absolutely true that there
are hypocrites in every church; in fact, there is no perfect church. But the Bible shows us
over and over that true believers commune with each other in mutual support and
prayer… ever since the first churches were founded as described in the Book of Acts:
“All the believers were in one heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his
possessions were his own, but they shared everything they had.”(Acts 4:32) And in the
Book of Hebrews we are again encouraged to come together: “Let us not give up
meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another---
and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:25)
Those who believe that church is not necessary soon find that they become their
own authority on Biblical interpretation, no longer “love their neighbors,” and lose sight of
their obligation to help those in need.
Aren’t all people going to Heaven?
The answer is a resounding NO! The Apostle Paul deals with this subject in his
letter to the Romans. He clearly explains that all of us are sinners. “For all have sinned
and fall short of the glory of God.” (Rom 3:23) followed by, “As it is written, ‘There is
none righteous, no, not one.’” (Rom 3:23).
Then he later states, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal
life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Rom 6:23) Assurance of heaven comes from acceptance of Jesus as Lord and Savior: “That
if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in your heart that God raised
Him from the dead, you shall be saved.” (Rom 10:9)
Why do we hesitate to share the Gospel?
For most people, discussing the Gospel with strangers or non-Christians means
moving out of one’s “comfort zone.” The most common reasons are:
-Fear of being rejected
-Fear of what one’s friends will think
-Lacking confidence when discussing with fellow workers
-“I don’t know enough!”
-“I am afraid of losing my friends or relatives.”
-“I don’t know how.”
Sharing the Gospel comfortably comes with trust, time and patience.
Who do we go to for help?
Learning how to become Jesus' disciples, we begin by studying the Bible.
Actively involved in worship and praise, we join with other Christians in sharing
our faith. Talking with our pastors and Sunday School teachers, we ask
questions. In prayer, we ask for wisdom and opportunity to share the Gospel with
those who do not know Jesus or who are weak in faith and need encouragement
and hope.
What motivates a person to share the Gospel?
Our heart knows what is true and what God has done for us. Joy is
uncontained and the revelation of who we are without God’s grace helps us
realize how great the gift of God’s grace can be. We want this blessing and love
to be true for others. Jesus has become Master and Lord of our lives.
How do I share the Good News?
Sharing the Gospel with others is frequently a very difficult task. It requires prayer
and preparation. You must trust the Holy Spirit and learn key passages of scripture that
reveals God’s will for all of us. For example, John 3:16, (NIV)“For God so loved the world
that He gave his one and only son that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but
have eternal life.”
Most Christian book stores have excellent booklets on learning how to share the
Gospel. Do not be afraid to fail. The end result is in God’s hands.
Why do we believe the Bible is the Word of God?
We know and teach that scripture points to the living word of Jesus Christ
our Lord. We practice a faith of understanding. We believe that the Bible is the
infallible rule of faith and life for the believer and should be taught, read and
discussed by believers.
What is a Presbyterian?
Presbyterians believe in the trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We
believe that God the Father is Sovereign. We believe that Jesus Christ is His only
son and that the Holy Spirit is Christ’s presence on earth today.
What sets Presbyterians apart?
The Presbyterian Church (USA) is one of the oldest (founded in 1517) and
largest denominations in the country with over 2-1/2 million members. We have
nine seminaries and over 70 colleges and secondary schools.
We have missionaries on every continent on earth today. Presbyterians
have opened more new mission fields than any other denomination.
We are a teaching church, rooted firmly in the reformed tradition with its
emphasis on the authority of scripture.
We are a covenant church. We believe that God works in individuals,
groups, families and societies. This means we have respect for young and old,
rich and poor, and all races. Because we believe that God works through young
and old alike, we are serious about involving youth, not only in participation in
church events, but in planning and decision making. Youth are part of the church
of today, not only the church of tomorrow.
We baptize both infants and adults because it is God’s power and promise
that makes the sacrament effective.
How do I become a member of Rockville Presbyterian Fellowship?
We have membership classes several times a year. Each class lasts two
hours and covers the basics of the Christian faith, our church’s programs and
organization and the duties of members.
For more information, check the calendar on this website or call the
church office at 863-0581.
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