What We Believe
In essential beliefs- we have unity. (Ephesians 4:4-6)
In non-essentials- we have liberty. (Romans 14:1,4,12,22)
In all our beliefs - we show charity. (I Corinthians 13:2)
The Bible is the word of God. It our guidebook for this life. It reveals God’s will for us, and presents the on-going story of God calling all people towards Him. (2 Tim. 3:16, 17; 2 Peter 1:20, 21; Matt. 5:18; John 16:12,13).
Jesus is God’s son, who came to Earth both fully man and fully God. He was born through the Virgin Mary. His death and resurrection was the final payment for the penalty of our sins. It is through Jesus that we can have a relationship with our Creator. (John 1:1, 2, 14; Luke 1:35) (Rom. 3:24; 1 Peter 2:24; Eph. 1:7; 1 Peter 1:3–5) (Acts 1:9, 10; Heb. 7:25, 9:24; Rom. 8:34; 1 John 2:1–2).
The Holy Spirit acts as God’s hand (activity) in our lives. He is the supernatural agent of both human life change and community with God. (John 16:8–11; 2 Cor. 3:6; 1 Cor.12:12–14; Rom. 8:9; Eph. 5:18)
Man was created directly and immediately by God, in His spiritual image, for the purpose of community with God and to please Him. The first man was tempted by Satan, who had chosen to become the enemy of God, and sinned by disobeying God, and because of this all men have been born rebels since that time. Every person has a tremendous potential for good, but all are marred by a nature of rebellion and disobedience toward God, All persons need to be saved from their sin of rejecting God.
Salvation is the initial step in the Christian life. It is choosing to believe in Jesus Christ. It is a gift given freely from Christ. There is nothing we can do to earn it or work for it. Jesus gives it by grace to anyone willing to accept it. (Eph. 1:7, 2:8–10; John 1:12; 1 Peter 1:18–19).
The Christian Life begins at Salvation and continues until we meet Jesus after death or willingly reject Him. Only through our relationship with Jesus can he change our nature to become like Him. A Jesus-like nature is marked by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Gal 5:22-23)
The Church is all people who have chosen to believe in Christ. It is made up of smaller groups known as local churches. Local churches are characterized by the people who make them up, not necessarily by a building or meeting place. (Eph. 1:22, 23; 5:25–27;
1 Cor. 12:12–14; 2 Cor. 11:2) (Acts 14:27, 18:22, 20:17; 1 Tim. 3:1–3; Titus 1:5–11)
To view text of all Bible references, please visit Bible Gateway.
If you have any further questions or would like more explanation, please contact Brandon at b3.bowers@gmail.com
