In essential beliefs - we have unity. "There is one body and one Spirit...there is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of us all..." Ephesians 4:4-6
In non-essential beliefs - we have liberty. "Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgement on disputable matters… Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To his own master he stands or falls... So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God...So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God." Romans 14:1, 4, 12 and 22
In all our beliefs - we show love. "...If I hold in my mind not only all human knowledge but also the very secrets of God, and if I have the faith that can move mountains - but have no love, I amount to nothing at all." 1 Corinthians 13:2
THE Beliefs WE BELIEVE and VALUE:
1, ABOUT GOD: God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three persons: The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are Co-equal and are one God. Bible References: Genesis 1; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14
2, ABOUT JESUS CHRIST: Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is Co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He rose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven's glory and will return some day to earth to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Bible References: Matthew 1:22-23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5; John 14:6-30; Hebrews 4:1-15; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Romans 1:3-4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:1-16; Titus 2:13-14; 2 Corinthians 5:20-21
3, ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT: The Holy Spirit is Co-equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth and guidance in doing what is right. As Christians, we seek to live under his control daily. The Holy Spirit provides each Christian with the necessary gifts to serve God and others. Bible References: 2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13; John 14:16-17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12; 1 Corinthians 3:16; Ephesians 1:13-14; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:18; John 14: 26; 1 Timothy 4:14; Ephesians 4:11-14; 1 Corinthians chapters 12 and 14.
4, ABOUT THE BIBLE: The Bible is God's Word to us. Human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit wrote it. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because God inspires it, it is the truth without any mixture of error. Bible References: 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Psalm 119:105; Psalm 12:6; Proverbs 30:5; John 20:30-31
5, ABOUT HUMAN BEINGS: People are created in the image of God, and can choose to understand and listen to God. God has appointed man ruler over all creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are sinners and this separates us from God and causes many problems in life. Bible References: Genesis 1:27; Psalms 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1-2.
6, ABOUT SALVATION: Salvation is God's 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 as our personal Lord and Saviour can anyone be saved from sin's penalty. When we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into their life by faith. Bible References: Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 14:6; John 1:12-1 3; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1-2
7, ABOUT ETERNAL SECURITY: God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ. The person who believes is secure in their salvation for eternity. The grace and power of God maintain salvation, not the self-effort of the Christian. It is the grace and keeping power of God that gives us this security. Bible References: John 10:25-30; 1 Peter 1:3-5; 1 John 5:6-12.
8, ABOUT
ETERNITY: God created people to live forever. We either exist eternally
separated from God by sin, or live eternally with God through forgiveness and
salvation. To be eternally separated from God is eternal punishment (Hell). To
be eternally in union with God is eternal life. Heaven and Hell are real places
of eternal existence. Bible References:
John 3:16; Matthew 25:31-46; Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:15; Matthew 5:30; 18:9;
23:33; Mark 9:43-45; Luke 10:15; Hebrews 6:1-8; Isaiah 14:11; 33:11-14; 48:22;
50:11; 57:21; 66:22-24; Daniel 12:2.
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