OUR BELIEFS
THE BIG 4
The Big 4 – What we believe about Jesus is the great definer in our culture. Many religions and non-religions in our world will track with us and nod in agreement on anything we say, until we start to talk about Jesus. Christology is the major battleground
JESUS IS SAVIOR
Salvation is God's free gift to us, but we must accept it. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ can anyone be saved from sin's penalty. When we turn from our self-ruled life, repent and turn to Jesus in faith, we are saved from hell, sin and the devil’s plan, and saved for heaven, right-living and eternal life with God. The inward evidence of salvation is the witness of the Holy Spirit, and the outward evidence is a life of Christian growth everyday.
JESUS IS HEALER
God’s healing power is a core doctrine in the New Testament. It was central to Jesus’ life and ministry
(Acts 10:38, Matt 4:23, 9:35, 10:7-8). It was central to His commands toward us
(Matt 10:8, Luke 9:2, 10:9). Healing and miracles were Jesus’ promise to us (John 14:11-14) The laying
on of hands is called an elementary teaching (Heb 6:2), and the prayer of faith for healing is a command
(James 5:14-16). Healing was paid for in Christ’s work on the cross (Isa 53:2-6; Matt 8:16-17; 1 Pet 2:24;
John 3:14 – Num 21:1-9; Rom 8:2). Physical healing is a proof of God’s goodness and love (Ps 103:2-3).
Jesus’ Healing power was prophesied (Mal 4:2; Isa 53:2-6). Jesus’ healing power is central to our
witness for Him (Acts 1:8, 3:1-29, 28:1-11; 1 Cor 2:1-5).
JESUS IS BAPTIZER
The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is a free gift from Jesus for any believer who wants
it (Matt 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; John 1:33). It is not necessary for salvation,
but Jesus offered it to all believers as a promise (Acts 1:4). The Baptism in the
Holy Spirit or being filled with the Holy Spirit is clothing in power (Luke 24:49) so
that we can tell others about Jesus (Acts 1:8). Through the baptism in the Holy
Spirit believer are fully connected to God’s power through Spiritual Gifts (1 Cor 12)
JESUS IS COMING SOON AS KING
Jesus taught that He will return to earth. He was careful to warn His disciples to be constantly prepared for this (Matthew 24:42-51; 25:1-13; Mark 13:37; Luke 12:37). The present age will end with His coming (Matthew 24:3). The assurance of His return was one of the truths with which He comforted His followers before His death (John 14:2-3). At the time of Christ’s ascension two angels came to the group of watching disciples to repeat the promise that He will return. They declared it would be in the same manner as He went away (Acts 1:11). Meaning His second coming will be literal, physical, and visible. Jesus’ second coming is sudden and soon (Phil 4:5; Heb 10:37; Jam 5:8, 9; Rev 22:7,10). We are to expect His return (1 Cor 1:7; 1 Thes 1:9, 10). Jesus will return as conquering king (Dan 7:13-14; Rev 19:11-16, 20:4, 22:3)
4 MORE
THE TRINITY
God exists in 3 persons – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Father God is Creator and Ruler of the Universe, and Father to all believers. God the Father has eternally existed in 3 Persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit who are co-equal and are one God in triune relationship. (Gen 1:1, 26-27;Ps 90:2; Matt 28:19; 1 Pet 1:2; John 14:16-17; 2 Cor 13:14; 1 John 1:5; Luke 3:22)
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He was both fully God and fully man and he literally walked the earth living a sinless life, then offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sin of all people by dying on a cross. He rose from the dead, demonstrating power over sin and death. He ascended into heaven to sit at God’s right hand. (Matt 1:22-23; Isa 9:6; John 1:1-5; 14:10-30; Heb 1:3, 4:14-15, 7:26; 1 Cor 15:3-4, 24-28; Rom 1:3-4; Acts 1:9-11, 2:33; 1 Tim 6:14-15; Tit 2:13; Phil 2:9-11)
Holy Spirit is present on the earth now to pull people toward Jesus. He lives inside every Christian from the moment of the miracle of salvation. He gives power for living, understanding of truth, and guidance into right living. We can be baptized in Holy Spirit so that what is inside of us shows outwardly when we are “clothed in power.” (2 Cor 3:17; John 16:7-13, 14:16-17; Acts 1:8, 10:44-47, 19:3-6; 1 Cor 2:12, 3:16; Eph 1:13; Gal 5:25; Eph 1:13; 5:18; Acts 1:4,8; 2:4, 17-18; 1 Cor 12:1-31; Luke 24:49)
THE BIBLE
The Bible is God’s Word to us, His love letter to us, and His road-map for our lives. Human authors, under the supernatural guidance of Holy Spirit wrote it. It is the supreme source for Christian beliefs and living. The Bible is inspired by God and reveals to us all things necessary for our faith in Him and actions in life. Being written by the Holy Spirit means that the Bible is incapable of error. (2 Tim 1:13. 3:15-17; 1 Thes 2:13; 1 Pet 1:25; 2 Pet 1:12, 20-21, 3:16; Ps 119:105, 160; Prov 30:5; Heb 4:12)
HUMANITY
People are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. Although every person has great potential for good, our character is marred by an attitude that separates us from God called sin. This attitude causes many problems in life. Our only hope is faith in Jesus Christ. A life dedicated to sin results in spiritual and eternal death. After we experience new life in Christ, we are encouraged to destroy the impact of sin in our lives through life in the Holy Spirit. (Gen 1:26, 27, 2:17; Ps 8:3-6; Isa 53:6a, 59:1-2; Rom 3:23, 6:23, 5:12-21)
ETERNITY
People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is hell. To be eternally with Him is eternal life. Heaven and hell are real places of eternal existence. There will be Judgment and a New Heaven and a New Earth. (John 3:16, 12:25; Rom 6:23; Rev 20:11-15; Rom 8:17-18; 1 John 5:11-13; 1 Cor 13:14; 1 Thess 4:16-17; 2 Pet 3:13; Rev 21:22)