NEXT STEPS
WE BELIEVE GROWING PEOPLE CHANGE. WHEREVER YOU ARE IN LIFE, WHATEVER IS GOING ON,
YOU WILL ALWAYS HAVE A NEXT STEP TO TAKE AS YOU GROW.
YOU WILL ALWAYS HAVE A NEXT STEP TO TAKE AS YOU GROW.
JESUS
IT ALL STARTS WITH JESUS
Everyone has an opinion about Jesus. Maybe you think He’s a great teacher or a prophet. Maybe you think He didn’t exist at all. Whatever you believe, we can probably agree that Jesus changed things. He has changed many of us, the invitation is to you as well...
I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well.
JOHN 14:6
Jesus claimed He knew God. Throughout history, many people have made the same claim. But Jesus also said He was God and backed it with many miracles. This upset the religious leaders of His day so much that they killed Him - but history also shows he rose from the dead. All that was 2,000 years ago. Why does it matter to us now? How does who Jesus is and what He’s done affect your life now in your 9 to 5, trying to take care of your kids, paying bills, or just keeping your head above water?
God, the Creator of the universe, has a purpose for you and your life. He loves you and wants to help you because He is a good God. Based on that, His plans are better than your plans. You don’t have to measure up to some impossible religious standard to know Him. You just have to take a few simple steps.
If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,‘ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9
You don't have to be perfect. Through His death on the cross, and then coming back from the dead, Jesus took all of your wrong and gave you all of His right. If you believe that and commit to following Him, your life will never be the same. It’s as simple as repenting of your sin, declaring you want to follow Jesus, and believing He is who He says He is. He will guide you the rest of the way.
Believing in Jesus is the first step on the greatest journey of your life. You haven’t finished the race —you’ve just begun... The best is yet to come!
SALVATION
Salvation is made possible by the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Without Jesus, a person is separated from God and His
unconditional love for all eternity. However, God loved you so much that He made a way for your sins to be paid for and forgiven, and for you to
be saved.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." JOHN 3:16
THE BAD NEWS
Everyone, except Jesus, has sinned. Paul, who preached the Gospel in the first century church, said in Romans 3:23, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” You cannot be good enough on your own to save yourself, even if you think you are a good person. In Romans 6:23, Paul states, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” Jesus calls us to confess, turn from sin (which is called repentance), and ask God for forgiveness.
THE GOOD NEWS
The gospel literally means "good news." When we repent and confess of our sin and admit that we can't do this on our own and we are not the ones who have saved ourselves, we are set free by Jesus.
Acts 3:19 says, “Repent, then, and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” Paul wrote in Romans 10:9–13, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. As Scripture says, ‘Anyone who believes in Him will never be put to shame’.”
Because of this promise, we are offered something so much better than the bondage that comes with sin. We are offered true and real freedom through Christ. The reason God has placed us on Earth is to come to know Jesus and live a life devoted to Him. Jesus is the only way to have true freedom in life. If you recognized that you don’t have a relationship with Christ, He wants to save you.
Everyone has an opinion about Jesus. Maybe you think He’s a great teacher or a prophet. Maybe you think He didn’t exist at all. Whatever you believe, we can probably agree that Jesus changed things. He has changed many of us, the invitation is to you as well...
I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well.
JOHN 14:6
Jesus claimed He knew God. Throughout history, many people have made the same claim. But Jesus also said He was God and backed it with many miracles. This upset the religious leaders of His day so much that they killed Him - but history also shows he rose from the dead. All that was 2,000 years ago. Why does it matter to us now? How does who Jesus is and what He’s done affect your life now in your 9 to 5, trying to take care of your kids, paying bills, or just keeping your head above water?
God, the Creator of the universe, has a purpose for you and your life. He loves you and wants to help you because He is a good God. Based on that, His plans are better than your plans. You don’t have to measure up to some impossible religious standard to know Him. You just have to take a few simple steps.
If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,‘ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9
You don't have to be perfect. Through His death on the cross, and then coming back from the dead, Jesus took all of your wrong and gave you all of His right. If you believe that and commit to following Him, your life will never be the same. It’s as simple as repenting of your sin, declaring you want to follow Jesus, and believing He is who He says He is. He will guide you the rest of the way.
Believing in Jesus is the first step on the greatest journey of your life. You haven’t finished the race —you’ve just begun... The best is yet to come!
SALVATION
Salvation is made possible by the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Without Jesus, a person is separated from God and His
unconditional love for all eternity. However, God loved you so much that He made a way for your sins to be paid for and forgiven, and for you to
be saved.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." JOHN 3:16
THE BAD NEWS
Everyone, except Jesus, has sinned. Paul, who preached the Gospel in the first century church, said in Romans 3:23, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” You cannot be good enough on your own to save yourself, even if you think you are a good person. In Romans 6:23, Paul states, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” Jesus calls us to confess, turn from sin (which is called repentance), and ask God for forgiveness.
THE GOOD NEWS
The gospel literally means "good news." When we repent and confess of our sin and admit that we can't do this on our own and we are not the ones who have saved ourselves, we are set free by Jesus.
Acts 3:19 says, “Repent, then, and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” Paul wrote in Romans 10:9–13, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. As Scripture says, ‘Anyone who believes in Him will never be put to shame’.”
Because of this promise, we are offered something so much better than the bondage that comes with sin. We are offered true and real freedom through Christ. The reason God has placed us on Earth is to come to know Jesus and live a life devoted to Him. Jesus is the only way to have true freedom in life. If you recognized that you don’t have a relationship with Christ, He wants to save you.
BAPTISM
WHAT IS BAPTISM AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
Baptism is going public about your faith in Jesus and communicating to the world your heart-felt commitment to following Him. It's the next step after salvation.
We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. ROMANS 6:46
COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS & ANSWERS ABOUT BAPTISM
People often have questions regarding baptism: Why should I be baptized? What if I’ve already been baptized—do I have to do it again? Does it matter if someone is sprinkled or dunked?
1. WHAT IS BAPTISM?
Baptism is an outward expression of an inward commitment. It’s a public declaration of how Jesus changed your life. Being baptized shows others that you’ve decided to follow Jesus, and allows them to celebrate this decision with you (Acts 16:31-34).
Baptism doesn’t save a person; it’s a symbol and celebration of salvation (1 Peter 3:21). The power that brought Jesus back to life is the same power Jesus uses to change our lives – and that’s worth getting excited about!
2. WHY SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?
Jesus instructs us to be baptized and set the example by being baptized (Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 1:9).
Obedience to Jesus shows we believe and follow Him. (1 John 2:3). Because Jesus went public about His love for us, we can go public about our love for Him. Being baptized shows that we turn away from a life of sin toward Jesus, the only one who can change us (Acts 2:38-41).
3. WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO BE BAPTIZED?
For everyone who decides to follow Jesus, baptism is the next step. Anyone who commits his or her life to following Jesus is ready to be baptized (Acts 8:12).
4. DO YOU BAPTIZE CHILDREN?
As parents, we can help point our children to Jesus, but they are the ones to decide if they will commit their lives to Him (Romans 10:9). We suggest to parents to dedicate their kids. Any instance of baptism follows a person’s decision to trust Jesus for his or her salvation and commitment to follow Him (Acts 10:47-48). At CTK, we wait until children are old enough to express their own decision to follow Jesus and understand the meaning of baptism.
5. WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN IMMERSING, SPRINKLING & OTHER WAYS OF BAPTIZING?
Baptisms in the Bible were by immersion. The original word for baptism most often referred to being immersed or submerged in water. Jesus was baptized by being immersed in the water and rising out of it (Matthew 3:16, Mark 1:10).
Submersion in the water symbolizes the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Being submersed underwater represents our death to sin and old way of life, and being raised out of the water is a picture of how Jesus raised us and gave us a fresh start in life (Romans 6:3-5).
6. DO I NEED TO BE BAPTIZED AGAIN?
If you haven’t been baptized by immersion since you decided to follow Jesus, we want to help you take your next step of being baptized. Once you’ve taken that step, there’s no need to be baptized again.
God never asks us to take a next step that isn’t good for us. He always gives us more than we deserve or can imagine, including the joy we receive from listening to Him and doing what He says.
SIGN UP TO BE BAPTIZED
If you would like to be baptized, please email us at office@ctksnohomish.com and we will gladly walk you through the steps!
Baptism is going public about your faith in Jesus and communicating to the world your heart-felt commitment to following Him. It's the next step after salvation.
We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. ROMANS 6:46
COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS & ANSWERS ABOUT BAPTISM
People often have questions regarding baptism: Why should I be baptized? What if I’ve already been baptized—do I have to do it again? Does it matter if someone is sprinkled or dunked?
1. WHAT IS BAPTISM?
Baptism is an outward expression of an inward commitment. It’s a public declaration of how Jesus changed your life. Being baptized shows others that you’ve decided to follow Jesus, and allows them to celebrate this decision with you (Acts 16:31-34).
Baptism doesn’t save a person; it’s a symbol and celebration of salvation (1 Peter 3:21). The power that brought Jesus back to life is the same power Jesus uses to change our lives – and that’s worth getting excited about!
2. WHY SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?
Jesus instructs us to be baptized and set the example by being baptized (Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 1:9).
Obedience to Jesus shows we believe and follow Him. (1 John 2:3). Because Jesus went public about His love for us, we can go public about our love for Him. Being baptized shows that we turn away from a life of sin toward Jesus, the only one who can change us (Acts 2:38-41).
3. WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO BE BAPTIZED?
For everyone who decides to follow Jesus, baptism is the next step. Anyone who commits his or her life to following Jesus is ready to be baptized (Acts 8:12).
4. DO YOU BAPTIZE CHILDREN?
As parents, we can help point our children to Jesus, but they are the ones to decide if they will commit their lives to Him (Romans 10:9). We suggest to parents to dedicate their kids. Any instance of baptism follows a person’s decision to trust Jesus for his or her salvation and commitment to follow Him (Acts 10:47-48). At CTK, we wait until children are old enough to express their own decision to follow Jesus and understand the meaning of baptism.
5. WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN IMMERSING, SPRINKLING & OTHER WAYS OF BAPTIZING?
Baptisms in the Bible were by immersion. The original word for baptism most often referred to being immersed or submerged in water. Jesus was baptized by being immersed in the water and rising out of it (Matthew 3:16, Mark 1:10).
Submersion in the water symbolizes the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Being submersed underwater represents our death to sin and old way of life, and being raised out of the water is a picture of how Jesus raised us and gave us a fresh start in life (Romans 6:3-5).
6. DO I NEED TO BE BAPTIZED AGAIN?
If you haven’t been baptized by immersion since you decided to follow Jesus, we want to help you take your next step of being baptized. Once you’ve taken that step, there’s no need to be baptized again.
God never asks us to take a next step that isn’t good for us. He always gives us more than we deserve or can imagine, including the joy we receive from listening to Him and doing what He says.
SIGN UP TO BE BAPTIZED
If you would like to be baptized, please email us at office@ctksnohomish.com and we will gladly walk you through the steps!
COMMUNITY GROUPS
At CTK, community groups are the primary approach to caring for people and providing an opportunity to be involved. The first part of our mission statement is that we desire to create authentic Christian community. None of us are meant to do life alone and are best served in community with fellow believers that are committed to be real and Christ-centered. Community groups are an essential component of who we are as a church. We define community groups as Christ-centered groups of 5-20 people who meet regularly for authentic relationships, spiritual encouragement, and serving together. Here at CTK we have a number of ways to get involved:
Growth Groups:
-- Developing deeper relationships with God and each other, using specific studies
Outreach Groups:
-- Meeting needs in the Snohomish area
Activity Groups:
-- People meeting with common interests
Life Groups:
-- Caring, sharing, and praying with one another in a casual environment
Service Groups:
-- Meeting needs within the church body
Growth Groups:
-- Developing deeper relationships with God and each other, using specific studies
Outreach Groups:
-- Meeting needs in the Snohomish area
Activity Groups:
-- People meeting with common interests
Life Groups:
-- Caring, sharing, and praying with one another in a casual environment
Service Groups:
-- Meeting needs within the church body
SHARE
WHY STORIES MATTER
Human beings are natural-born storytellers. We love to share our lives and our stories. But why do we tell stories at CTK? We tell stories to speak the truth about the way things are and proclaim the gospel. We often think of stories and celebratory numbers as just statistics that the church wants to share but statistics aren’t about numbers and performance. Statistics are about people. And every number and piece of data tells a story. Driving every statistic, in every ministry, is a realization that God is at work to make all things new. He doesn’t make us new so that we can boast in our accomplishments. He is at work in us so that He might be glorified.
WHY SHARE MY STORY?
God is reconciling all things back to Himself, and stories help tell this greater story. They testify to who God is and what He has done and is doing in Christ, reaching past mere intellect to stir and shape our affections.
The gospel of Jesus Christ transforms hearts and lives. It may be seemingly radical, like Saul’s conversion on the road to Damascus, or it may be a slow, gradual awakening. Whatever the case, it’s always miraculous and amazing that God would save sinners like us and use stories like ours.
In the small book of Philemon in the New Testament, we see these words, "6 and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ. 7 For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you." Sharing our story reminds us of God's goodness to us and encourages others that He will do the same for them!
We would be honored if you would share your story with us. Email us at office@ctksnohomish.com and please put "My Story" in the subject line.
Human beings are natural-born storytellers. We love to share our lives and our stories. But why do we tell stories at CTK? We tell stories to speak the truth about the way things are and proclaim the gospel. We often think of stories and celebratory numbers as just statistics that the church wants to share but statistics aren’t about numbers and performance. Statistics are about people. And every number and piece of data tells a story. Driving every statistic, in every ministry, is a realization that God is at work to make all things new. He doesn’t make us new so that we can boast in our accomplishments. He is at work in us so that He might be glorified.
WHY SHARE MY STORY?
God is reconciling all things back to Himself, and stories help tell this greater story. They testify to who God is and what He has done and is doing in Christ, reaching past mere intellect to stir and shape our affections.
The gospel of Jesus Christ transforms hearts and lives. It may be seemingly radical, like Saul’s conversion on the road to Damascus, or it may be a slow, gradual awakening. Whatever the case, it’s always miraculous and amazing that God would save sinners like us and use stories like ours.
In the small book of Philemon in the New Testament, we see these words, "6 and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ. 7 For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you." Sharing our story reminds us of God's goodness to us and encourages others that He will do the same for them!
We would be honored if you would share your story with us. Email us at office@ctksnohomish.com and please put "My Story" in the subject line.
SERVE
WHY WE SERVE
Jesus modeled for us what it means to serve one another. He even when to the extreme to die in our place so that we could have relationship with God. We serve others so that they may experience the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ and may be able to be like Jesus in serving others.
For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Mark 10:45
Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Romans 12:10-13
DIFFERENT PARTS
From whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. Ephesians 4:16
Each of us have unique gifts and passions. Not everyone is made to do the same thing. That is what makes the body of Christ so incredible and unique. If you would like to learn more about spiritual gifts and take a test that helps develop and identify your gifts then click here to download the pdf. SHAPE test.
There are many opportunities to serve. We want you to find the one that best suits your passion, personality, and availability. If you have made CTK Snohomish your church and are ready to serve, please email us at office@ctksnohomish.com and put "Interested in Serving" in the subject line.
Jesus modeled for us what it means to serve one another. He even when to the extreme to die in our place so that we could have relationship with God. We serve others so that they may experience the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ and may be able to be like Jesus in serving others.
For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Mark 10:45
Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Romans 12:10-13
DIFFERENT PARTS
From whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. Ephesians 4:16
Each of us have unique gifts and passions. Not everyone is made to do the same thing. That is what makes the body of Christ so incredible and unique. If you would like to learn more about spiritual gifts and take a test that helps develop and identify your gifts then click here to download the pdf. SHAPE test.
There are many opportunities to serve. We want you to find the one that best suits your passion, personality, and availability. If you have made CTK Snohomish your church and are ready to serve, please email us at office@ctksnohomish.com and put "Interested in Serving" in the subject line.
GIVE
WHY WE GIVE
God is a giver. In fact, Jesus described his mission with these famous words, “For God so loved the world he gave . . .” Generosity is one of God’s chief attributes. As those created in His image, God expects us to be generous givers as well. Better than that, we are invited to share in His nature, exhibited in generosity.
At Central Faith, we honor God by being open-handed with our time and talents, and also with our finances because how we handle our money reveals a lot about our priorities. That’s why we consider giving to be an important part of our worship. By giving regularly to God, we honor Him as our provider and invest in His work in our community. It also shows trust in God’s ability to provide in all things.
HOW WE GIVE
To keep up with a rapidly changing world and to ensure that your giving can be done conveniently, we have multiple ways for you to give:
In addition to our general fund (tithe), Central Faith also accepts giving for missions and our building fund.
God is a giver. In fact, Jesus described his mission with these famous words, “For God so loved the world he gave . . .” Generosity is one of God’s chief attributes. As those created in His image, God expects us to be generous givers as well. Better than that, we are invited to share in His nature, exhibited in generosity.
At Central Faith, we honor God by being open-handed with our time and talents, and also with our finances because how we handle our money reveals a lot about our priorities. That’s why we consider giving to be an important part of our worship. By giving regularly to God, we honor Him as our provider and invest in His work in our community. It also shows trust in God’s ability to provide in all things.
HOW WE GIVE
To keep up with a rapidly changing world and to ensure that your giving can be done conveniently, we have multiple ways for you to give:
- During the service
- By Mail (825 Avenue D, Suite 2, Snohomish, WA 98290 -- (Make checks payable to Central Faith Church)
- From your computer (via Push Pay site)
- From your mobile device (get the Push Pay App from App Store or Google Play)
- Via Online Bill Pay (contact your financial institution)
In addition to our general fund (tithe), Central Faith also accepts giving for missions and our building fund.
BIBLE
GROW IN THE WORD
Reading the Bible for at least 10 minutes a day can change the rest of your days. It will bring you hope, encouragement, guidance, and practical advice on the every day issues you face. The Bible is relevant to everyone, everywhere, at any time. There is no book like the Bible. It is still the most popular book in the world, and for good reason!
You can’t have a close relationship with someone you never talk to. The Bible truly is God's word, and is the primary way He speaks to us. And it’s the absolute best way to discover how to follow Jesus on a daily basis. If you want to know more about God and His promises, reading the Bible is your next step.
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Psalm119:105
WHERE DO I START?
The Bible can be intimidating if you’ve never read it. We think of the Bible with a lot of “thee’s” and “thou’s.” We want to make it easy for you to get started and build a habit of spending time with God by reading His word every day. Whether you are a non-believer interested in Jesus and salvation or a new believer diving into scripture for the first time; our suggestion is to start by reading one chapter in the gospel of John every day, starting today.
The reason we suggest this is because the more you read scripture the more you find that it's all about Jesus and in the gospel of John we pick up right as Jesus begins His ministry. You learn right from the start about relationship with Jesus and what it means to be a disciple of Jesus.
STUDYING THE BIBLE
This PDF. guide will help you better study scripture and apply it to your life.
studying_the_bible.pdf
Download File
BIBLE READING PLANS
Not sure where to start reading your Bible?
Here are some great reading plans to get you started:
You Version Bible
You Version Kid's Bible
Bible Gateway Plans
Podcast Reading Plans
Reading the Bible for at least 10 minutes a day can change the rest of your days. It will bring you hope, encouragement, guidance, and practical advice on the every day issues you face. The Bible is relevant to everyone, everywhere, at any time. There is no book like the Bible. It is still the most popular book in the world, and for good reason!
You can’t have a close relationship with someone you never talk to. The Bible truly is God's word, and is the primary way He speaks to us. And it’s the absolute best way to discover how to follow Jesus on a daily basis. If you want to know more about God and His promises, reading the Bible is your next step.
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Psalm119:105
WHERE DO I START?
The Bible can be intimidating if you’ve never read it. We think of the Bible with a lot of “thee’s” and “thou’s.” We want to make it easy for you to get started and build a habit of spending time with God by reading His word every day. Whether you are a non-believer interested in Jesus and salvation or a new believer diving into scripture for the first time; our suggestion is to start by reading one chapter in the gospel of John every day, starting today.
The reason we suggest this is because the more you read scripture the more you find that it's all about Jesus and in the gospel of John we pick up right as Jesus begins His ministry. You learn right from the start about relationship with Jesus and what it means to be a disciple of Jesus.
STUDYING THE BIBLE
This PDF. guide will help you better study scripture and apply it to your life.
studying_the_bible.pdf
Download File
BIBLE READING PLANS
Not sure where to start reading your Bible?
Here are some great reading plans to get you started:
You Version Bible
You Version Kid's Bible
Bible Gateway Plans
Podcast Reading Plans
NEED HELP?
If you're still not sure what your next step is, we'd be happy to help. Email office@centralfaith.org and let us know that you would like help with finding out what your next step is.
