First Baptist Church
Statement on Biblical Sexuality
Welcome to our Resource Page
Welcome to our resource webpage for the First Baptist Statement on Biblical Sexuality. Since approving the statement, we have received many questions about what the Bible teaches concerning sexuality and marriage. In response to this, we have put together this webpage. On this page you will find all our church resources on LGBTQ+ issues, the Sexuality Statement, and biblical wisdom for living in a world confused about gender and sexuality.
Frequently Asked Questions
As a member of First Baptist Church, I believe that God creates people in his image as either male or female, and that this creation is a fixed matter of human biology, not individual choice. I believe marriage is instituted by God, not government, is between one man and one woman, and is the only context for sexual desire and expression.
Genesis 1:27; 2:24; Matthew 19:5; Romans 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
On October 9, 2022 at a special called business meeting after the Sunday morning worship service, the congregation overwhelmingly approved the following motion:
“That First Baptist Church adopt the Statement on Biblical Sexuality and require every member to agree with it. The church authorizes its staff to make good faith efforts to encourage all current members to endorse this statement. Any person not asserting their agreement with the statement by March 19, 2023, will be considered by the church to have resigned their membership.”
All current church members are being asked to sign the Statement as well as any new, incoming prospective members going through the membership process. We ask that one form per individual be filled out.
Per the motion adopted by the church, you will be considered to have resigned your membership from First Baptist. But you can always join again by going through our membership process – attending the membership class, meeting with a pastor, and being voted on by the congregation.
No, not in any way. We believe members of the LGBTQ+ community are free to live their lives as they wish, the same as we are.
First Baptist Church has made no statements opposing LGBTQ+ rights and so no statement exists for members to sign.
Yes. We agree with the Bible and nearly every society throughout all of human history that the existence of two genders is a basic biological fact.
Yes. Every single person is welcome to attend any of our services.
Videos
Celebrating Marriage in Age of Opposition | February 19, 2023
Heath Lambert Reacts to Surprising News Coverage
Common Myths on Our Sexuality Statement
Who is Welcome at First Baptist Church of Jacksonville?
What is the Truth about First Baptist and the Sexuality Statement?
Is First Baptist Being Judgmental?
Is First Baptist Church Targeting the LGBTQ+ Community?
Open Mic Night: Addressing Community Concerns on the Sexuality Statement | January 29, 2023
Video Overview on the purpose of the Sexuality Statement
Announcement on the Sexuality Statement | September 25, Town Hall.
Is First Baptist Discriminating?
LGBTQ+ Talk from Controversial Conversations Sermon Series
Testimonies
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“First let me say that I am not a church member and that I don’t even live in the state of Florida. I read about your church’s statement on Fox news. I live in Georgia. I attend a Baptist church here. I, like you believe that marriage being designed by God is for one man and one woman. I just wanted to thank you and your church for the stand you are taking. In today’s world we are being forced every day to accept and condone behavior that is contrary to our beliefs. It is not an easy thing to stand for your beliefs and be ridiculed but it is what we are called to do. The Bible says that we are in this world but not of this world. Sometimes, just as Christ did, we must take a stand and teach our children to take a stand for our beliefs. If we don’t stand, we will be forced to conform. Thank you for taking that stand. Stand Fast!”– Man from Georgia
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“As a sister in Christ, I just want to thank you for having the backbone to stand for God and the rights of His Bible. I praise God for the very few men that we have left that can actually stand up to the tyranny of evil this world is under… Your message is being passed around the world and you are not alone, many of us agree to your stance, I just wish we had more that could be more courageous as you stand for what a true Christian church believes in, your congregation is blessed to have such a strong leader, but in saying that, a strong leader, makes a strong congregation and I am incredibly encouraged to hear your congregation fully agrees with you and supports you. May God bless your church humbly and continue to lead you all in His Grace.”– Woman from Ireland
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“My wife and I along with 2 of our 4 daughters are missionaries in Guatemala…I realize you do not know who we are, but we are praying for you, your family, and the church. I appreciated your post about which type of church you are. Our goal..is to be Faithful and Loving…Anyway, thank you for preaching the Word, standing up for the Word, and doing your best to live the Word.”– Missionaries in Guatemala
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“I just want to say “thank you” for the position you and the members of FBC Jax have taken on sexuality and biblical marriage. It is time for us as Christians to stand on the truth of the Scriptures. May God grant us more pastors with the courage to take a stand!”– Pastor from Arkansas
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“Thank you for taking a stand in the Biblical principle of marriage and gender identity. This is a subject many Pastors are not willing to take a definite stand on today. We read about this in the National news. Only GOD knows how many hearts will be opened because of the truths that you have shared. Blessings to you and your congregation. We are praying for you.”– Family from Missouri