About St.Nicholas Bethel Baptist Church
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People often visit churches based on their preferences (similar taste in music or style of teaching), but they stay at a church because of its missional principles. Here at St.Nicholas Bethel Baptist Church, we refer to these principles as our DNA Statements. These statements paint the picture of the kind of values and church we are striving to be, and prayerfully, you will see them demonstrated through our mission, vision, and ministry at every level of St.Nicholas Bethel Baptist Church at Jacksonville. We are a mission-driven church. Everything we do is to help people find and follow God. We are a kingdom-first church. We are here to build God's kingdom, first and foremost. We are an everyone's welcome church. St.Nicholas Bethel Baptist Church, Jacksonville, Florida is a place where you can belong before you believe. We are a better together church. Life was never meant to be lived alone. An authentic biblical community is experienced best when you get connected. We are an all in church. We are a church built on the sacrifices of many, not the talents of a few. We are a nobody's perfect church. God meets us right where we are at and loves us enough never to leave us there. We create safe places for people to process their faith with grace and truth. We are a generous church. We strive to always go beyond the minimum. We are a life-giving church.We will be known more for what we are for than what we are against. We are a next steps church. No matter where you were at in your spiritual journey, God has the right next step for you! We are a gospel-driven church. We will lift high and proclaim the name of Jesus. The only name by which we are saved, rescued, and redeemed.
We believe that sin, both what we have done and what we have failed to do - the Bible calls it "missing the mark" - describes the reality that things are not as they should be. We are self-obsessed, broken, fearful, and oppressive. We all see the problems in this world, and those of us who are humble enough to admit it realize that we've all played some role in contributing to the problems we see. Sin, its guilt, and its consequences are what Jesus came to save us from.
About Sanctification: Sanctification is the ongoing process of yielding to God's Word and His Spirit in order to complete the development of Christ's character in us. It is through the present ministry of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God that the Christian is enabled to live a godly life.
About Separation of Church and State: We believe that each local church is self-governing, and must be free from interference by any external ecclesiastical or political authority; that every human being is ultimately responsible to God in matters of faith and life; and that each person is free to worship God according to the dictates of his/her conscience. We further believe that governments are established by God; that Christians, as good citizens, should be subject to governing authorities insofar as possible, recognizing our greater allegiance to God and His kingdom in matters wherein human authorities conflict with clear, biblical mandates.