I’m exploring faith

It starts at the cross.

You don’t need a church background to begin. New to Jesus, from another faith, or not sure what you believe? Here’s what following Jesus actually means, in plain words. No pressure. Take it one step at a time.

1

Repent

To repent is to turn around: stop going your own way, admit your sin to God, and turn toward Him. It’s a change of mind that becomes a change of life.

2

Believe in Jesus

Believing isn’t just agreeing that Jesus lived. It’s trusting Him with your life, as the Son of God who died for you and rose again.

3

The cross

Everything centers here. On the cross Jesus paid for our sins with His own blood. That’s where forgiveness comes from, and where a clean conscience begins.

We talk about the cross a lot, because Scripture does.

4

Baptism in water and Spirit

Jesus’ followers were baptized in water and received the Holy Spirit. We insist on both. They’re part of the new birth, not optional extras.

5

The beatitude attitude

Jesus taught His followers to rejoice even when things go wrong (Matthew 5). Life with Him isn’t trouble-free. It’s joy that holds up under trouble.

6

Then keep growing

Faith is a path, not a single moment. We walk with you through four stages: F-I-R-M.

Your first steps →

Who we are, in plain words

Not many denominations.
One Body in unity.

Like the first Church

We want to be the Church described in Acts chapter 2. A Virginia church based in Pearisburg, active in the USA, Colombia, Ecuador, and Nigeria.

Acts 2:42 is our model: the apostles’ doctrine, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer.

We meet in homes, like the first Church did. Day by day they broke bread in their homes (Acts 2:46).

Simple, and for everyone

Under the New Covenant we only have to follow the Spirit, love, and keep a clear conscience. It’s that simple.

We’re an integral part of the One Body, the Church, wherever we are, whatever someone’s background. We call ourselves “Christians.”

This is what we do: we help you grow. We guide each person through four stages, all the way to their vocation, their Ministry.

“So then, brethren, stand FIRM and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us.”

2 Thessalonians 2:15 · NASB

Important questions

Two questions to start with.

For everyone

Who is the One God?

The Father. There is one God and Father of all, with one Lord, Jesus Christ, and one Spirit (Ephesians 4:4–6). How they work together →

For everyone

What is needed for salvation?

Five things:

  1. Repentance
  2. Faith
  3. Baptism in water
  4. Baptism in the Holy Spirit
  5. Perseverance

Your first steps · F is for Fundamentals

This is where everyone starts.

The Foundations God laid, the “doctrine of the Apostles” (Acts 2:42). Get these right and everything you build afterward stands firm.

Is this true of me? If not, here’s the next step.

  • I have repented: I’ve turned from my sin and toward God. Talk with us about what repentance really means.
  • I believe in Jesus and understand what He did on the cross. Read about the cross on our Exploring Faith page, then ask us anything.
  • I have been baptized in water. Ask us about baptism. We’d be glad to talk it through.
  • I have received the Holy Spirit. Ask us about the baptism in the Holy Spirit.
  • I’m living with a clear conscience before God and people. Make things right where you can. A clear conscience is how the New Covenant works.

Visit

We’d love to meet you.

We meet in homes, like the first Church did. Reach out and we’ll help you find your way, questions and all.

Location

Based in Pearisburg, Virginia
Giles County · New River Valley
Active in the USA, Colombia, Ecuador, and Nigeria

Contact

hello@firmchristianministries.org
Send us a message →

Homes

Our ministry is based in the home.
Why homes →

Have a question? Ask us. Already part of a church? See how FIRM works alongside it.