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CORE BELIEFS |
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Our core beliefs and values are biblically centered and rooted in the historic Christian faith. We have included scripture references to support the biblical basis for our beliefs, but this is not meant to be an exhaustive or exclusive list.
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What We Believe About ... |
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Creator of all that exists both known and unknown.
Is one God in three persons-Trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit).
Is holy, sovereign, eternal, mysterious, good, loving, all knowing and all-powerful.
Worthy of worship and glory.
He passionately desires an intimate relationship with all people through His son, Jesus Christ. This relationship is based on faith, friendship, personal growth and service.
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God incarnate (came in the flesh as a human) Born of a virgin Lived a sinless life Ministered and served as a model for us Suffered, was crucified, buried, and rose from the dead Ascended to heaven and will return again The way, the truth, and life.
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Sent from God to live within all who believe in Jesus Christ Teaches, empowers, encourages, gifts, comforts, convicts, fosters unity and love within the community of faith.
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The inspired and unchanging written Word of God. God inspired all, not just portions of the Bible. He used the unique personalities, gifts and faith of many writers to communicate His plans and promises for all of creation. The messages of God have not only been inspired, but also preserved throughout the ages for all humankind. While there are many writers there is only one Author, God Himself. The story of God's passionate pursuit of people ultimately fulfilled in the revelation of God incarnate (Jesus Christ)---"The Word became flesh," and "We beheld His glory." A book of faith and salvation. Provides the sole foundational truth and guide for God's people and followers of Jesus Christ. The Bible becomes real, meaningful and powerful to people when their hearts are open and illumined by the Holy Spirit.
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Salvation is how God saves a life from the penalty and power of sin. Sin is eternal separation from God. Every person is created in the image of God, but through sin (falling short of God's moral standards) all people break the intended love relationship with God. As a result, we suffer the consequences of a broken relationship that can affect us now and forever. God sent His son, Jesus Christ, who suffered death on a cross and rose from the grave 3 days later so we don't have to suffer those consequences and can be restored to a right love relationship with Him, and other humans. Salvation is a result of God's grace through professing faith in Jesus Christ alone. Forgiveness comes as a result of repenting (turning away) of our sin and believing (faith) in Jesus Christ. Faith in Jesus Christ is essential for salvation. This results in a new relationship and is also known as a new birth, being born from above or again. Does not make Christians "perfect". Because we are human and imperfect we continually need forgiveness of sins, but are no longer separated from God forever. Produces good works, or "fruit of the Spirit" and a changed life. You become a committed follower of Jesus Christ. Salvation is an ongoing and a maturing process (growth, also called discipleship). We have "been saved", are "being saved" and will "be saved" in the end times through faithfulness to God.
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Is not necessary for salvation, but is a natural and biblical step that follows professing faith in Jesus. No one, not a parent, relative, or friend can profess this faith for us whether we are a child or adult. A symbolic act of obedience following the earthly example and commands of Jesus. It is not the change in a person's life, but symbolizes the change through life in Christ. Believer's Baptism is necessary for church membership. We accept and recognize the baptism of believers by Christian churches of like faith and order. While we dedicate and commit infants to the Lord with their parents, we do not practice or accept infant baptism as Believer's Baptism. Believer's Baptism is only for those who publicly profess faith in Jesus Christ by themselves and understand the commitment they are making. We do not advocate or practice rebaptism for those who have already received Believer's Baptism. Scriptural baptism occurs once. There is no biblical evidence to support rebaptism as necessary when a person makes a recommitment to Christ or has a change in beliefs if they have previously professed Christ and received scriptural/Believer's Baptism.
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Every Christian/Believer has direct access to God without the need for any mediator other than Jesus Christ. No one can determine God's will or direction for your life or petition forgiveness for your sins. Each individual Believer is responsible to God alone. Because Jesus Christ broke the barrier between God and people, we do not have to go through a priest or other clergy to have personal access to God. His once for all sacrifice fulfills the promise and purpose of the Old Testament priesthood. As Believers we are to share in Christ's priestly ministry.
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Is the body and bride of Christ. He alone is the head and we are subject to Him. Every part of the body is important, equal and necessary. Members should have an intimate, personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Members should encourage, love, serve, and exhort one another to build up the body and not cause division. Is not a specific denomination, building, or address, but is made up of all Believers, many who choose to unite with a specific denomination or cooperate together with other Christian organizations and ministries.
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An autonomous, local body of Believers with Christ as the Head. Led by fallible, imperfect people God has called, gifted and equipped to shepherd, lead, exhort, admonish, correct, encourage, sacrifice, love and prepare the saints for ministry. A like minded faith community where followers of Christ:
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