What We Believe

Who is God?

God is the creator and sovereign ruler of the universe and all that is in it. He has eternally existed in three distinct personalities: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three co-exist as the one and only God. 

(Genesis 1:1, 26-27; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Ephesians 4:4-6)

 

What about this man named Jesus?

Jesus Christ is the Son of God who came to earth to save us from our sins. He lived a sinless life, even though he was tempted in every way, and willingly offered himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all men and women by dying on a cross. He demonstrated his power over sin and death by rising from the dead after three days. Shortly after his resurrection, Jesus ascended to Heaven and promised to return. Salvation can only come through Jesus Christ. 

(Matthew 1:21; Luke 19:10; John 3:16; Philippians 2:5-11; Hebrews 4:14-15; I Corinthians 15:3-4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Acts 4:12; Colossians 1:15-23)

 

Who is the Holy Spirit?

The Holy Spirit lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. In conjunction with the Bible which He inspired, the Holy Spirit provides the Christian with understanding of spiritual truth and guidance in doing what is right. 

(Acts 2:38; I Corinthians 3:16; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:26-27; I Corinthians 2:12; Galatians 5:22-26)

 

How did human beings come into existence?

Men and women are created by God and are made in his image. When God created us, he gave us the freedom of choice. Unfortunately, we often use our freedom to disobey God, which is sin. This sin separates us from God, placing us in need of a savior - Jesus Christ. 

(Genesis 1:27; Isaiah 53:6; 59:1-2; Romans 3:23)

 

Is there life after death?

Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence. We can live forever with God in Heaven, a place of ultimate joy, by doing His will; or, we can be eternally separated from God in Hell, a place of extreme torment, by refusing to obey Him. 

(Matthew 10:28; Philippians 2:10; Matthew 7:21; I John 5:11-13; Revelation 20:15)

 

What about salvation?

Salvation is a free gift from God. It cannot be achieved through good works or self-improvement because the death of Jesus Christ on the cross is the only sufficient payment for our sins. All people have sinned, but all people can be saved. 

(John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9; Hebrews 9:26-28; Acts 2:39; Romans 3:23)

 

Salvation from sin is available to all who obey the teachings of Jesus Christ. Those teachings about salvation include:

  • Believing in Christ's power to save (Acts 16:31-33; Galatians 3:2) 
  • Confessing that Jesus Christ is the Son of God (Romans 10:9) 
  • Repenting of one's sins (Luke 13:3; Acts 2:38: 3:19; 17:30) 
  • Participating in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ through baptism (Romans 6:3-4) 
  • Receiving forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit at baptism (Acts 2:38; Galatians 3:26-29; Titus 3:3-7; 1 Peter 3:21) 
  • Living faithfully by God's standards (Romans 14:7-8; Ephesians 4:1; 2 Peter 3:11; 1 John 2:24-25)

 

Is the Bible more than just a book?

The Bible is the inspired word of God and is our authority in life and doctrine.  It was written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit and is without error. Its contents reveal God's character, our purpose, and life's meaning. The Bible's principles are true for all people, for all places, and for all times. 

(Psalm 119:105; 2 Timothy 3:16; Proverbs 30:5; 2 Peter 1:20-21; John 20:31; Psalm 119:160)

 

What is the importance of the Church?

Jesus Christ established His church for the purpose of spreading His message of hope through word and deed and encouraging Christians to persevere in their faith. God adds us to the church at baptism. Every member is a minister and every Christian is encouraged to find a place of service in the local congregation. Each congregation of Christ's church is designed to be self-governing and ministered to by elders, also called shepherds or overseers. Elders are men who encourage the spiritual growth of each member and guard the church from teachings that are contrary to the Bible. 

(Matthew 16:18; 28:19-20; Ephesians 4:1-16; 5:23; Colossians 1:18,24; Acts 2:41,47; Romans 12:3-8; I Peter 2:9; I Timothy 3:1-7, 8-13; 5:17; I Peter 5:1-4)