Requirements for Membership
What is a "Born Again" believer?
The words "born again" have always signified something of great importance to those who believe in the Bible. They are expressive of the new birth, which follows the believer's death to, or separation from, sin, and delivers us into the kingdom of God.
The expression is heard frequently today. Many people claim to have experienced this unusual phenomenon. But what is it? What does it mean to say someone is born again? And, how does it happen? What is our involvement, if any, that causes this birth to occur?
These questions are important, and worthy of careful investigation. By examining what the Bible has to say about this matter, we should be able to find the answers.
In John 3:1 and following, the Bible depicts a meeting that occurred between Nicodemus, a Pharisee and ruler of the Jews, and Jesus. During their conversation, Jesus said to Nicodemus: "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." Nicodemus must not have understood what Jesus meant, for he asked: "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?"
Jesus answered: "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.' "
By answering this way, Jesus taught that physical birth is not the same as the new birth. The new birth was something quite different. Man had to be "born of water and of the Spirit."
What is Water Baptism?
Being immersed in water pictures the death of Jesus Christ dying for our sins. Being raised from the water is a portrayal of Jesus' resurrection in which He conquered sin and death. Thus, being baptized by immersion, the believer visually shows the spiritual death, burial, and resurrection of the believer's life. Baptism emphasizes to the new believer, and to those who witness the baptism, that as a Christian and child of God the Christian now is to live a godly life, resisting sin, and not giving it a place in their lives.
Water baptisms are held throughout the year, but generally correspond to Foundation Bible Classes for church membership. For scheduling and questions please call the church office at 718.290.2000.
What is the Foundation Bible Class?
Foundation Bible Classes are held to lay a solid, biblical foundation for spiritual nourishment and growth. For both new and mature Christians, this class works through the systematic teaching of the Word of God, so each one may understand their position in Christ and become a functioning member of the body - locally and at large. Classes are held for 7 consecutive weeks.
There are two courses available:
Course Level 1 - Basic Christian Fundamentals
Course Level 2 - Advanced Biblical Studies
Course Level 1 is a requirement for membership at The Brooklyn Tabernacle. Both Level 1 and 2 are held during one of our 3 semesters each year (spring, summer and fall). These classes are held on Friday evenings from 7pm–9pm. During our summer and fall semesters, we also offer daytime classes of Part 1 on Thursdays from 10am-12pm.
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