Does the Bible Really Say That? #2
October 6, 2024 | by Rob Thomas
In today's message, Pastor Rob emphasizes that the phrase "God helps those who help themselves" is not found in the Bible and encourages believers to focus...
The Bible
We believe that the Bible is the inspired and authoritative Word of God to all people. It was written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. The Bible is flawless and applicable to our daily lives. (2 Timothy 3:15-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21)
The Trinity
We believe that God exists eternally in three co-equal persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. The Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit were together from the beginning. (1 John 5:7-8; Ephesians 4:4-6; 1 Peter 1:2)
The Father
We believe that God is the Father and Sustainer of all things. He is all-powerful, all-knowing, ever-present, unchanging, and completely Holy. He is loving, compassionate, and faithful to His people and His promises. (Exodus 3:14; Numbers 23:19; John 3:16-17)
The Son
We believe that Jesus Christ, fully God and fully man, is the only way for us to be reconciled to God. For man’s redemption, He left heaven and became incarnate by the Holy Spirit through the virgin Mary. Jesus embraced every human limitation and temptation and lived a perfect and sinless life. He died on the cross and defeated death in His resurrection so that we can have everlasting life. (John 1:14; John 17:1-5; Galatians 4:4-5; Philippians 2:5-11)
Holy Spirit
We believe that Holy Spirit is fully God. The Holy Spirit convicts, cleanses, sanctifies, comforts, guides, and empowers us as we enter the kingdom of God as His sons and daughters. The baptism of the Holy Spirit equips believers with God’s power to be His witnesses. (Romans 8:9-11; Matthew 28:19; Acts 1:8)
People
We believe that all people were created in God’s image to have fellowship with God. The relationship between man and God was separated by sinful disobedience. Because of sin, all people are under a curse and are in a state of spiritual separation from God. The ultimate result of sin is death. Jesus Christ is the Redeemer of all people. (Genesis 1:26-30; Romans 7:14-25)
Salvation
We believe that although all people have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory, God has made salvation possible through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We believe that God desires for all people to be saved. Salvation occurs when people place their faith in the death and resurrection of Christ as the only sufficient payment for their sin. Salvation is a gift from God, and it cannot be earned through our own efforts. Salvation is by grace through faith, and grace is God doing for man what he could not do for himself. (Romans 6:23; Colossians 2:9-10)
Eternity
We believe that people were created to exist forever. All people will exist either eternally separated from God by sin or in communion with God through forgiveness and salvation in Jesus Christ. Heaven and Hell are places of eternal existence: Hell is what it is to be separated from God eternally; Heaven is what it is to be in communion with God eternally. (John 3:36; 1 John 2:23-25)
The Church
We believe that the Church is made up of everyone who puts their faith in Jesus Christ. The Church exists to continue the ministry of Jesus Christ and further advance His kingdom by committing to the teachings of Christ, obeying all of His commands, and carrying the Gospel to the world. (Matthew 16:18-19; Revelation 21:2-3)
Water Baptism
We believe that water baptism is the declaration to the world of our salvation. Through baptism, we identify with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. We do this as an act of obedience to Christ. (Matthew 28:19-20, Romans 6:4, Ephesians 2:6)
Divine Healing
We believe that divine healing is the right and privilege of every believer, provided by Jesus Chirst in the finished work of the cross. (1 Peter 2:24, Matthew 8:17, Isaiah 53:4-5)
Marriage
We believe that marriage was designed by God and defined in the Bible as a sacred covenantal bond between one man and one woman. (Matthew 19:4-6, Ephesians 5: 22-33)