GENERAL BELIEF OVERVIEW AT GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH
At Grace Community Church, we hold to the historic Christian faith centered on Jesus—His life, death, and resurrection. The Bible is our final authority, salvation is by grace through faith, and the Church is a family called to worship, grow, and serve together. Below you’ll find our core beliefs along with short explanations of key practices like baptism, the Lord’s Supper, and child dedication. If you have questions at any point, we’d love to talk.
1. We believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God. II Timothy 3:15
2. We believe that Jesus was born of a virgin and is the Son of God. Luke 1:26-32
3. We believe that Jesus died for our sins, so that He might bring us to God. I Corinthians 15:4
4. We believe that Jesus rose from the grave the third day. I Corinthians 15:4
5. We believe that Jesus is our High Priest, who intercedes for us. Hebrews 7:25
6. We believe that Christ will come in Person establish His Kingdom on this earth. Zechariah 8:3
7. We believe in the resurrection of both the just and the unjust, and that the righteous will be raised at the return of Christ. Acts 24:14-15, Revelation 20:4-6
8. We believe in the New Birth of the soul. II Corinthians 5:16-17
9. We believe that the Church is the Body of baptized believers, whose mission is to preach the Gospel to every creature. Matthew 28:18-20
10. We believe that Christ only is the head over all things in the church. Colossians 1:18
11. We believe in the Holy Spirit. John 14:16-17
12. We believe in the Great Commission. Matthew 28:18-20
13. We believe in baptism. Acts 2:41
14. We believe in giving. I Corinthians 16:2
15. We believe in eternal security. Romans 8:1
16. We believe in hell. Luke 16:24, Matthew 18:8-9
BAPTISM
LORD'S SUPPER
CHILD DEDICATION
BAPTISM
Baptism is an outward sign of an inward reality—publicly identifying with Jesus in His death, burial, and resurrection. We baptize believers by immersion as an act of obedience and joyful witness.
If you’re ready to take this step of faith, or simply want to learn more, explore the information below or connect with Pastor Louie for more.
Interested in Being Baptized?
We are so excited that you are interested in being baptized! Baptism is a big step in your spiritual journey, and we want to ensure you fully understand what it means and represents.
What is Baptism?
Baptism is the outward demonstration of an inward decision to follow Christ. It symbolizes the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and serves as a public profession of your faith, showing others that you have placed your trust in Him.
We practice baptism because Jesus both commanded His followers to do so and modeled it Himself. We baptize by immersion, which is the example given in Scripture, and we only baptize those who have personally placed their faith in Christ.
We do not believe that baptism itself cleanses a person of sin or guarantees eternal life. Instead, it’s an act of obedience—following the example of Christ and celebrating the salvation we already have through faith.
If you would like to be baptized at our next scheduled service, or if you would like more information, please connect with Pastor Louie for more.
Preparing for Baptism
Each person being baptized will have the opportunity to share a short video testimony recorded at the church before baptism day.
Your video will be about two minutes long and should focus on:
Your life before Christ (please avoid explicit details about past sins or negative references to specific people or churches).
How you came to know Jesus as your Savior.
How your life has changed since deciding to follow Him.
You can also watch a short video that walks you through what to expect on baptism day—what the baptismal area looks like, what to bring, and how to prepare.
If you have any questions about baptism or want to go deeper, we encourage you to listen to the accompanying audio message by John MacArthur or connect with Pastor Louie for more.
We are thrilled for your commitment to Jesus and the step of obedience you’re preparing to take!
Is Baptism Salvation?
One of the oldest debates among Christians is whether or not baptism takes away sins. While it might seem like a small issue, your stance on this question shapes how you view the significance of what Christ did on the cross.
Infant Baptism
Those who favor infant baptism say that just as circumcision was the outward seal of a Jewish conversion, water baptism is the outward seal of a Christian convert (Genesis 15; Galatians 3:8; Colossians 2:11–12). Since those of the Old Covenant circumcised their children, those of the New Covenant—Christians—ought to baptize theirs (Matthew 19:14; Acts 2:39; 1 Corinthians 7:14).
Those who oppose infant baptism teach that repentance and faith in Christ must come before baptism—something infants cannot yet do. They also point out that Scripture offers no direct example of infant baptism.
Is Baptism Essential for Salvation?
In Acts 10, we see that some Gentiles were filled with the Holy Spirit (and therefore saved) before they were baptized. The Holy Spirit is the seal of salvation (2 Corinthians 1:22). Jesus also saved the thief on the cross without water baptism (Luke 23:43).
Even though many Scriptures highlight the importance of baptism, adding anything to the work of the cross diminishes what Jesus accomplished. The Bible clearly teaches that salvation is by grace through faith alone:
“For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God—not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
Baptism is therefore a step of obedience that follows repentance and confession of sin. Salvation is not what we do, but Who we have:
“He that has the Son has life; and he that has not the Son of God has not life.”
While we should preach that all people are commanded to repent and be baptized (Acts 2:38), adding baptism as a requirement for salvation turns grace into works.
The Meaning of Baptism
Baptism is an outward sign of an inward conversion experience. It identifies us with Christ’s death and resurrection (Colossians 2:11–12), symbolizing death to the old life and the beginning of new life in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Like the Lord’s Supper, baptism is not absolutely necessary for salvation, but it establishes the believer as part of God’s visible church.
What About Mark 16:16?
Mark 16:16 records Jesus saying:
“He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.”
This verse does not teach that baptism causes salvation. It simply states that those who believe and are baptized are saved. Condemnation comes from unbelief, not from a lack of baptism.
If baptism were required for salvation, many other verses would have to read “you are saved through faith and baptism.” Instead, Scripture consistently teaches that faith in Jesus Christ alone saves a person (Acts 16:30–31).
Baptism is a distinct act of obedience that follows belief (Acts 2:38; 10:44–48). The Holy Spirit baptizes believers into the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13), while water baptism publicly declares that faith.
This information comes from the book ‘The Complete Bible Answer Book’ by Hank Hanegraaf. ISBN #0849995442.
For more information on this and other similar subjects, go to www.equip.org or www.christiananswers.net.
LORD'S SUPPER
The Lord’s Supper is one of the most meaningful times in our worship together. It is a simple, sacred act of remembering the sacrifice of Jesus Christ—His body broken and His blood shed for our salvation. Through this act of communion, we proclaim His death until He returns and renew our personal devotion to Him.
At Grace Community Church, we observe the Lord’s Supper six to eight times a year as a regular rhythm of worship and reflection.
When and How Often Should We Observe It?
Jesus never gave specific instructions about when or how often to take the Lord’s Supper. Instead, He simply said,
“Do this in remembrance of Me.”
Our church chooses to observe it several times each year as a focused moment to remember His sacrifice and celebrate His grace.
How Should I Prepare Myself for the Lord’s Supper?
Scripture calls us to approach the Lord’s Supper with reflection and sincerity. 1 Corinthians 11:27–29 encourages every believer to examine themselves before partaking so that we participate in a worthy manner.
Here are five ways to prepare your heart:
Examine Yourself
“Whoever eats or drinks unworthily shall be guilty…” (1 Corinthians 11:27)
Spend time in prayer and reflection before taking communion.Confess Your Sins
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive…” (1 John 1:9)
Confession restores our fellowship with God.Recommit Your Life to Christ
“Present your bodies a living sacrifice…” (Romans 12:1)
Communion is a time to renew our dedication to the Lord.Restore Relationships
“First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.” (Matthew 5:24)
Forgiveness toward others is part of worship.Meditate and Remember
“Do this in remembrance of Me.” (1 Corinthians 11:24)
Focus your thoughts on Jesus—His love, His sacrifice, and His promise to return.
Who Should Take the Lord’s Supper?
The Lord’s Supper is meant for those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ.
“So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup.”
If you have accepted Christ as your Savior, you are welcome to participate as we remember Him together.
What is the Lord’s Supper?
“For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night He was betrayed, took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, ‘This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me.’ In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of Me.’ For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.”
The Lord’s Supper is:
A Simple Act – “The Lord Jesus, the same night He was betrayed, took bread.”
A Reminder – “This is My body, which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”
A Symbol – “This cup is the new covenant in My blood.”
A Statement of Faith – “Whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.”
The bread and cup are symbols—not the literal body and blood of Christ—but they powerfully represent His sacrifice and invite us to remember and proclaim His grace.
Summary
The Lord’s Supper is a moment of remembrance, reflection, and renewal. As believers, we come together to celebrate the life we have through Jesus’ death and resurrection, to confess our sins, to restore relationships, and to reaffirm our faith in Him.
CHILD DEDICATION
Every year on Mother’s Day, we celebrate a special Child Dedication service at Grace Community Church. It’s one of our favorite traditions — a time for parents to publicly commit their children to the Lord and for our church family to pray for and support them.
Child Dedication is a meaningful expression of gratitude, faith, and commitment — not a ritual that brings salvation, but a celebration of God’s gift of life and the responsibility that comes with it.
What Child Dedication is NOT
Before understanding what dedication is, it’s important to understand what it is not:
It does not gain merit in heaven for either the parent or the child.
It has nothing to do with salvation or the Holy Spirit entering the child.
It is not comparable to baptism, which takes place only after someone personally accepts Christ as Savior.
It does not relieve parents of their responsibility to raise their child in the Lord.
Dedication is not a ceremony that saves — it is a commitment of the heart by parents who desire to honor God with their family.
What Child Dedication IS
Child Dedication is a moment where parents commit themselves and their child to the Lord, asking for His blessing, guidance, and strength as they raise their little one.
In 1 Samuel 1:27–28, we see Hannah dedicating her son Samuel to God:
“I asked the LORD to give me this boy, and He has granted my request. Now I am giving him to the LORD, and he will belong to the LORD his whole life.”
Like Hannah, parents who participate in Child Dedication are recognizing that their child ultimately belongs to God. Dedication is an expression of the desire that each child will grow to truly become a child of God, and that parents will surround them with love, prayer, and spiritual teaching as they grow.
As a church family, we join in this dedication by committing to support and encourage each family as they raise their children in faith.
The Purpose of Dedication
When you dedicate your child, you are:
Thanking God for the precious gift of your child.
Acknowledging your responsibility to raise them according to God’s Word.
Committing yourself to lead by example — nurturing their understanding of Scripture and faith in Jesus.
Inviting the church to walk alongside you as a source of support and prayer.
As you dedicate your child, you also dedicate yourselves as parents — reaffirming your own commitment to Christ and His church.
In 1 Samuel 1:27–28, we see Hannah dedicating her son Samuel to God:
How to Participate in Child Dedication
If you desire to dedicate your child this year, please email Pastor Louie with the following information. We’ll include you in our special Mother’s Day Dedication service.
Email: louie.c@gcctopeka.org
Please include:
Your first and last name
Phone number
Full name of the child
Whether the child is male or female
A few photos (some of the child alone, and some of you with your child)
What Happens During the Service
During the first part of the 10:00 a.m. Mother’s Day service, Pastor Louie will share a short message about the meaning and purpose of Child Dedication. Then, parents and children will be invited to the front for a prayer of blessing and commitment.
Afterward, we’ll present a small gift, show the photo video, and take a few pictures to commemorate the day.
To be included in the video presentation and receive a dedication gift, please submit your information and photos by the Monday before Mother’s Day.
A Final Word
As parents, your dedication is a beautiful declaration that you desire to raise your child in the ways of the Lord — to help them grow in love, truth, and grace. As a church, we stand beside you, ready to pray, encourage, and celebrate with you every step of the way.
