What We Believe

Church Statement of Beliefs

 

1. The Triune God:

   We believe in one God, eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This Trinity is co-equal and co-eternal, deserving of worship and reverence.

 

2. The Bible:

   We believe that the Bible is the inspired, infallible, and authoritative Word of God. It is our ultimate guide for faith, conduct, and doctrine.

 

3. Jesus Christ:

   We believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He lived a sinless life, performed miracles, died on the cross for our sins, rose bodily from the dead, and ascended to the right hand of the Father. He will return in glory to judge the living and the dead.

 

4. Salvation:

   We believe that salvation is a gift from God, received by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. It is not earned by our works but is granted to those who repent of their sins and accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

 

5. The Holy Spirit:

   We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit, who indwells all believers, empowering them for godly living, service, and witness. The Holy Spirit imparts spiritual gifts for the edification of the church.

 

6. The Church:

   We believe in the universal church, the body of Christ, consisting of all believers across the world. We also value the local church as a community of faith where believers gather for worship, fellowship, discipleship, and mission.

 

7. The Sacraments:

   We believe in the practice of two sacraments instituted by Christ: Baptism and the Lord's Supper (Communion). Baptism is an outward sign of an inward grace and commitment to Christ, and Communion is a commemoration of Jesus' sacrifice and a means of grace.

 

8. Christian Living:

   We believe that Christians are called to live a holy and righteous life, following the teachings and example of Jesus Christ. This includes loving God and our neighbors, practicing justice and mercy, and proclaiming the Gospel.

 

9. The Resurrection and Eternal Life:

   We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost. Those who are saved will experience eternal life with God in heaven, while those who are lost will face eternal separation from God.

 

10. The Return of Christ:

    We believe in the personal, imminent return of Jesus Christ. This hope motivates us to live faithfully and to spread the Good News of His salvation to all the world.

 

These beliefs form the foundation of our faith and guide our mission as we seek to live out the teachings of Jesus Christ in our daily lives.

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Gifts of the Holy Spirit

 

The gifts of the Holy Spirit, also known as spiritual gifts, are special abilities given to believers by the Holy Spirit for the purpose of building up the church. These gifts are outlined in various New Testament passages, primarily 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12, and Ephesians 4.

 

1. Wisdom (1 Corinthians 12:8)

 

    •    Description: The supernatural ability to apply knowledge in a practical way that aligns with God’s will.

    •    Purpose: To provide insight and guidance, helping believers make decisions that honor God.

 

2. Knowledge (1 Corinthians 12:8)

 

    •    Description: The ability to understand deep truths about God and Scripture.

    •    Purpose: To instruct and enlighten the church about God’s nature and plans.

 

3. Faith (1 Corinthians 12:9)

 

    •    Description: Exceptional confidence in God’s promises and power.

    •    Purpose: To inspire and strengthen the faith of others, particularly in difficult circumstances.

 

4. Healing (1 Corinthians 12:9)

 

    •    Description: The ability to heal physical, emotional, or spiritual ailments through divine intervention.

    •    Purpose: To demonstrate God’s compassion and power, bringing restoration and wholeness.

 

5. Miracles (1 Corinthians 12:10)

 

    •    Description: The ability to perform acts that transcend natural laws through God’s power.

    •    Purpose: To authenticate the message of the Gospel and reveal God’s glory.

 

6. Prophecy (1 Corinthians 12:10)

 

    •    Description: The ability to deliver messages from God, which may include future events or current exhortation.

    •    Purpose: To edify, exhort, and comfort the church.

 

7. Discernment of Spirits (1 Corinthians 12:10)

 

    •    Description: The ability to distinguish between true and false spirits or teachings.

    •    Purpose: To protect the church from deception and ensure doctrinal purity.

 

8. Speaking in Tongues (1 Corinthians 12:10)

 

    •    Description: The ability to speak in languages unknown to the speaker.

    •    Purpose: For personal edification and, when interpreted, for the edification of the church.

 

9. Interpretation of Tongues (1 Corinthians 12:10)

 

    •    Description: The ability to interpret messages spoken in tongues.

    •    Purpose: To provide understanding and edification to the church when tongues are spoken.

 

10. Serving (Romans 12:7)

 

    •    Description: The ability to identify and meet the practical needs of others.

    •    Purpose: To support and build up the church through acts of service.

 

11. Teaching (Romans 12:7)

 

    •    Description: The ability to explain and apply the truths of Scripture.

    •    Purpose: To educate and spiritually nourish the church.

 

12. Encouragement (Romans 12:8)

 

    •    Description: The ability to inspire and strengthen others through words and actions.

    •    Purpose: To motivate and support fellow believers in their faith journey.

 

13. Giving (Romans 12:8)

 

    •    Description: The ability to generously share resources with others.

    •    Purpose: To support the work of the church and help those in need.

 

14. Leadership (Romans 12:8)

 

    •    Description: The ability to lead and guide others effectively.

    •    Purpose: To organize and direct church activities in a way that aligns with God’s will.

 

15. Mercy (Romans 12:8)

 

    •    Description: The ability to empathize with and care for those in distress.

    •    Purpose: To provide comfort and support to those who are suffering.

 

16. Apostleship (Ephesians 4:11)

 

    •    Description: The ability to plant and oversee new churches.

    •    Purpose: To expand the reach of the Gospel and establish new faith communities.

 

17. Evangelism (Ephesians 4:11)

 

    •    Description: The ability to effectively share the Gospel with unbelievers.

    •    Purpose: To bring people to faith in Jesus Christ.

 

18. Pastoring (Ephesians 4:11)

 

    •    Description: The ability to shepherd, care for, and guide a congregation.

    •    Purpose: To nurture the spiritual growth of the church members.

 

Works of the Holy Spirit

 

The works of the Holy Spirit encompass various roles and activities that the Spirit performs in the life of believers and the church.

 

1. Conviction of Sin (John 16:8)

 

    •    Description: The Holy Spirit convicts individuals of their sin, leading them to repentance.

    •    Purpose: To bring people to a realization of their need for salvation and a right relationship with God.

 

2. Regeneration (Titus 3:5)

 

    •    Description: The Holy Spirit renews and transforms individuals into new creations in Christ.

    •    Purpose: To impart new spiritual life, enabling believers to live in accordance with God’s will.

 

3. Indwelling (1 Corinthians 3:16)

 

    •    Description: The Holy Spirit resides within believers.

    •    Purpose: To provide ongoing guidance, comfort, and strength.

 

4. Empowerment (Acts 1:8)

 

    •    Description: The Holy Spirit empowers believers for service and witness.

    •    Purpose: To equip believers with the boldness and ability to spread the Gospel and serve the church.

 

5. Teaching (John 14:26)

 

    •    Description: The Holy Spirit teaches and reminds believers of Jesus’ words.

    •    Purpose: To deepen understanding of Scripture and lead believers into all truth.

 

6. Guidance (Romans 8:14)

 

    •    Description: The Holy Spirit guides believers in their daily lives and decisions.

    •    Purpose: To direct believers towards God’s will and purpose.

 

7. Assurance (Romans 8:16)

 

    •    Description: The Holy Spirit assures believers of their adoption as children of God.

    •    Purpose: To provide comfort and confidence in their relationship with God.

 

8. Intercession (Romans 8:26)

 

    •    Description: The Holy Spirit intercedes for believers in prayer.

    •    Purpose: To help believers pray according to God’s will, especially when they do not know how to pray.

 

9. Sanctification (2 Thessalonians 2:13)

 

    •    Description: The Holy Spirit works in believers to make them holy and set apart for God.

    •    Purpose: To transform believers into the likeness of Christ, purifying them from sin.

 

10. Producing Fruit (Galatians 5:22-23)

 

    •    Description: The Holy Spirit produces Christ-like character traits, known as the fruit of the Spirit.

    •    Purpose: To manifest qualities such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in the lives of believers.