Welcome to First Baptist Swansboro!

Our church logo symbolizes our understanding that Jesus Christ is the central focus of our faith which is our shield of defense against evil and an eternal anchor for our souls.

The first and most obvious image in the logo is the Cross. This is significant in that the central truth of our faith is God has loved us and sent His Son to die for us (Romans 5:8).  The sacrifice of Jesus Christ will forever remain the very foundation of our faith (1 Corinthians 3:11), and will be the compelling force for our witnessing lives (1 John 1:7; 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-10). Faith in His vicarious sacrifice for us may seem a foolish endeavor, but we know it has demonstrated the very wisdom of God on our behalf to grant us eternal life

​(1 Corinthians 1:18; John 3:16).

The image of the anchor reminds us that after Christ’s suffering and death He arose from the grave, guaranteeing for the people of faith the hope of eternal life.  The scriptures speak of this hope as “an anchor of the soul, sure and steadfast” (Hebrews 6:19).  That is, our faith in Christ is sure because of His Resurrection from the dead (1 Peter 1:3), which secures our inheritance promised by the Father (Ephesians 1:11); and while we live on this earth, this hope binds our fellowship together as a memorial to the Resurrected One (Acts 4:32).

Finally, the shape of the logo as a shield recalls the imagery of God being the defender and protector of His people (Psalm 18:2; 28:7).  He is our Sovereign in whose word we trust (Psalm 119:14). By His providence, He intercedes for His people to move them forward to accomplish His purposes (Psalm 84:11).  It is this “shield of faith” that emboldens the confidence of the family of God in “extinguishing the flaming darts of the evil one” (Ephesians 6:16).  His authority and presence are our refuge, and nothing can destroy that kind of faith (Psalm 16:8). 

Lawrence O. Harper, D.Min.

Pastor Emeritus

First Baptist Church Swansboro