|
A Purposeful, Healthy, Church |
-
Share the Gospel with every person...Evangelize
-
Disciple believers to be mature followers of Christ...Disciple
-
Minister to the physical and emotional needs of hurting people...Minister
-
Strengthen the fellowship of the body of Christ...Fellowship
-
Worship God in Spirit and in Truth...Worship |
|
|
|
Basic Beliefs |
|
As important as our beliefs are, they do not determine that which is ultimate truth. Rather, God has spoken clearly and often and our role is to respond with faith. We take our cues from Him, the Unchanging One. |
| |
|
The Bible |
| The Bible, comprised of the Old and New Testaments, is the supreme source of truth and authority. It is uniquely inspired by God, was written by human authors who were led by God's Spirit and is infallible and without error. It will stand forever. |
|
2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21; 2 Timothy 1:13; Psalm 12:6,119:106 |
| |
|
God |
| There is One God, eternally existing in three persons - the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Each possesses all the attributes of Deity. |
|
Genesis 1:1, 26:27; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2 |
| |
|
God the Father |
| With a heart of compassion, God the Father orchestrates a plan throughout history to bring glory to His name. Thankfully, a strategic part of His plan involves the salvation of sinners through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ. |
|
Isaiah 43:7, 10-13, 25, 53:6, 10; 1 John 3:1-2, 5:11-13 |
| |
|
Jesus Christ |
| Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is second person of the Trinity and co-equal with the Father. At a point in history, He became a man, lived a sinless life and voluntarily paid for our sin by dying on the cross as our substitute. He rose from the dead and is the only mediator between man and God. This accomplishes salvation for all who receive grace by trusting in Him alone. One day, Jesus Himself will return to earth to reign as Lord of all creation. |
|
Matthew 1:22-23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-18; Hebrews 4:14-15, Titus 3:5 |
| |
|
The Holy Spirit |
| The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is the person who makes sinners aware of their need for Christ and He lives within every person who embraces faith in Jesus Christ for their salvation. He also provides strength for the daily living of the Christian life and equips believers for growth and service. |
|
John 16:7-13, 14:16-17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Galatians 5:25 |
| |
|
Mankind |
| Human beings are valuable because God's autograph is on them. The Bible calls this "being created in God's image". Yet man, because of his willful disobedience to God, is sinful and separated from God. The only hope for mankind is the forgiveness and life offered by God through Jesus Christ. |
|
Genesis 1:16-27; Psalm 8:3-6; Romans 3:23-24, 6:23 |
| |
|
The Virgin Birth |
| Just as God promised hundreds of years before, Jesus was born of the virgin Mary. Mary and Joseph gave their baby the name, Jesus, for He would save his people from their sins. |
|
Isaiah 7:4; Matthew 1:20-25 |
| |
|
Salvation |
|
Rescue from sin is possible because of the goodness of God. Salvation is a free gift but we must accept it. Salvation comes only through God's saving grace, not human effort, and must be received personally by repentance and faith. |
|
Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 1:12, 14:6; Titus 3:5 |
| |
|
Eternity |
| Every person will live forever. The only question to be answered is, Where? There are two options - heaven or hell. Both are real, irreversible and forever. Those who embrace faith in Jesus Christ for salvation enjoy eternal life with Him in heaven. Those who do not embrace faith in Jesus Christ for salvation will remain separated from Him and will eternally experience the anguish and torment of hell. |
|
John 3:16, 14:17; Romans 6:23, 8:17-18; Revelation 20:15 |
