Our History
"The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) proposed to establish a mission with the same faith and order that is of the SBC. The leaders that led the mission were Reverend Jesus Rios and Brother Jose Gonzalez, with cooperation from brother Francisco Ciprian. The Lord blessed this work in such a way, that on the 24th of April, 1948, this mission was organized as the first Spanish-speaking baptist church in the state of California."
Primera began with a group of families that had a longing to hear the word of God and a desire to reach the lost in the bustling city of San Jose California. The church took root in the community. Ministries sprouted from within the congregation, people's lives were transformed by the gospel and the budding church began to blossom. Primera Baptist Church moved from its original location in downtown San Jose to South San Jose. However, Primera is more than just a building. By God's grace and God’s grace alone it has continued on and seventy years later God’s work still lives on through His church.
WHAT WE BELIEVE
ABOUT GOD
God is the creator and ruler of the Universe. He has existed eternally in three persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and one God.
Genesis 1:1, 26, 27; Genesis 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; I Peter 1:2; II Corinthians 13:14
ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation, providing the Christian with an understanding of how to live and an understanding of spiritual truths and directions towards what is right. He gives each believer a spiritual gift at the time of his salvation. As Christians, we must live under His control on a daily basis.
II Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13; 14:16-17; Acts 1:8; I Corinthians 2:12; 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:18
ABOUT MAN
Man is made in the image of God–to be like Him in character. Man is the supreme object of God's creation. Although man has potential for good, he is tainted by the tendency to disobey God. This disobedience is called "sin". Sin separates people from God and causes many problems in life.
Genesis 1:17; Psalm 8: 3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1, 2
ABOUT ETERNAL SECURITY
Because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ, the believer is secure in that salvation for eternity. Salvation, cannot be lost. Salvation is obtained and maintained by the grace and power of God. Man can do nothing to escape it.
John 10:29; I Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25; 10:10-14; I Peter 1:3-5
ABOUT JESUS CHRIST
Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and is co-equal with the Father. Jesus Christ lived a human life without sin, and offered himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of the world by dying on the cross. He rose from the dead on the third day, to demonstrate his power over sin and death. He ascended to heaven and will return to earth to reign as King of kings and Lord of lords.
Matthew 1: 22-23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5;14: 10-30; Hebrews 4:14-15; I Corinthians 15:3-4; Romans 1:3-4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14-15; Titus 2:13
ABOUT THE BIBLE
The Bible is the Word of God. It was written by human authors under the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme resource of truth for Christian belief and life. Because it is inspired by God, it is the truth without any measure of error.
II Timothy 3:16; II Peter 1: 20, 21; II Timothy 1:13; Psalm 119: 105, 160; 12:6; Proverbs 30:5
ABOUT SALVATION
Salvation is God's gift to us, but it is necessary to accept it. We cannot be justified by good works or personal improvement. Only by trusting that Jesus Christ is the propitiation for the forgiveness of our sins so we can we be saved from the penalty of sin. When we repent from a self-controlled life, to a life controlled by Christ, we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment you receive a Christ as your Savior and Lord of your life.
Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 14:6; 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1
ABOUT ETERNITY
People were created to exist forever, either existing apart from God because of sin or eternally united with God through forgiveness and salvation. The eternal separation from God is hell. Living in eternal union with Him is eternal life. Heaven and hell are real places for an eternal existence.
John 3:16; John 2:25; John 5:11-13; Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:15; Matthew 1:8; Matthew 2:44, 46