|
Core Beliefs CORE BELIEFSGOD is the all powerful, ever present, eternal creator of the universe. He is loving and just and is personally involved in the lives of people. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1 JESUS is God in human form. He was born of a virgin, lived a perfect and sin free life, was crucified on the cross, was buried, rose from the dead, and is coming back. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:1, 14 THE HOLY SPIRIT is God’s presence in this world, lived in and through the lives of the followers of Jesus Christ and is evident in the life of followers through actions and attitudes. The role of the Holy Spirit is to provide guidance, convict, and comfort the human heart. He gives gifts to men as He chooses. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23a THE BIBLE was written by men as they were moved by God. It is the only accurate and absolute source of truth. We believe it is a practical guide for life. “All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16 ALL MANKIND has sinned and as a result of that free choice, relationship with God was destroyed until Jesus died on the cross. Man is destined for hell and helpless on his own to change that destiny. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23 GOD OFFERED A SOLUTION to man’s dilemma – the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The relationship with God is restored when man accepts that solution and puts his trust in God. Trust is demonstrated through man’s repentance, confession, and baptism (by immersion), resulting in a changed life. “That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9 THE CHURCH is an irresistible community of Christ-followers through which Christ expresses His love. “We are therefore as Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us.” 2 Corinthians 5:20. We believe a person in relationship with Christ will purposefully arrange the habits and practices of his life in order to answer the question, “IF JESUS HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE, HOW WOULD HE LIVE IT?” “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17 |
