Week 2

Our Beliefs

Curious about what we believe? These beliefs are rooted in the authority of Scripture

and aligned with the historic Christian faith. They shape who we are, how we live, and

how we follow Jesus together.

 

Who Is God?

God is the eternal, uncreated Creator and sovereign ruler of all things. He is perfect in

truth, justice, holiness, and love. Though God is one in essence, He has eternally

existed as three distinct persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—equal in power and

glory, united as one God.

Genesis 1:1; Genesis 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14

 

Who Is Jesus?

Jesus Christ is the Son of God, eternally one with the Father. He entered human history

through the Virgin Mary, lived a sinless life, and willingly gave Himself as the perfect

sacrifice for the sins of the world by dying on the cross. On the third day, He rose from

the dead, defeating sin and death. Jesus ascended into heaven and will one day return

in glory to reign forever as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Matthew 1:22–23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1–5; Hebrews 4:14–15; 1 Corinthians 15:3–4; Acts

1:9–11; Titus 2:13

 

Who Is the Holy Spirit?

The Holy Spirit is fully God, equal with the Father and the Son. He works in the world to

reveal humanity’s need for Jesus and lives within every believer from the moment of

salvation. The Spirit empowers believers to live godly lives, helps them understand

spiritual truth, guides them in righteousness, and comforts them with peace. He also

gives spiritual gifts to every believer, and we seek to live daily under His leadership.

John 14:16–17; John 16:7–13; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 3:16; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians

5:18

 

What Does the Bible Say About People?

Human beings are created in the image of God, designed to reflect His character and

represent Him in the world. We are the pinnacle of His creation and deeply valued by

Him. Yet all people have sinned—choosing independence from God—which results in

broken relationships, spiritual death, and the distortion of God’s good creation.

Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3–6; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1–2

 

What Is Salvation?

Salvation is a free gift of God’s grace that cannot be earned through good works or

self-effort. It is received by trusting in Jesus Christ alone for forgiveness of sins. When

a person turns from a self-directed life and places their faith in Jesus, they are saved.

Eternal life begins immediately and continues forever as the believer follows Jesus as

Lord.

Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8–9; Romans 10:9–13; John 1:12; Titus 3:5

 

What Is Baptism?

Baptism is a public declaration of a person’s decision to follow Jesus. It is an outward

expression of an inward transformation and symbolizes identification with Christ’s

death, burial, and resurrection. Baptism by immersion follows personal faith in Jesus.

While not required for salvation, it is an important first step of obedience and a vital

part of the Great Commission.

Matthew 28:19–20; Romans 6:3–4; Colossians 2:12; Acts 8:36–38

 

What Is the Bible?

The Bible is God’s inspired Word—a unified story written by human authors under the

guidance of the Holy Spirit that ultimately points to Jesus. It is the final authority for

Christian belief and daily living. Because it is God-breathed, the Bible is trustworthy

and true in all matters of faith and practice.

2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20–21; Psalm 119:105; Proverbs 30:5

 

What Happens After We Die?

People were created for eternal existence. Every person will spend eternity either

separated from God because of sin or united with Him through salvation in Jesus

Christ. Hell is eternal separation from God, and heaven is eternal life in His presence.

Those who are truly saved are secure forever—salvation is preserved by God’s grace

and power, not by human effort.

John 3:16; John 10:29; Romans 8:17–18; Revelation 20:15; 1 Peter 1:3–5

 

What Is God’s Plan to Redeem All Things?

God began restoring all creation through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, declaring

victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness. One day, Jesus will return to fully

defeat evil and establish His eternal kingdom. God will make all things new, restoring

creation to His perfect design and dwelling forever with His people.

Romans 8:19–21; 1 Corinthians 15:20–26; Revelation 21:1–4; Ephesians 1:9–10

 

What Is God’s Design for the Family?

Marriage is a lifelong covenant between one man and one woman, designed by God to

reflect the relationship between Christ and His Church. It provides the foundation for

intimate companionship and the raising of children. Children are created by God and

are fully human lives, worthy of protection and care from the moment of conception.

They are a blessing and a heritage from the Lord.

Genesis 2:24; Ephesians 5:31–33; Psalm 127:3–5; Psalm 139:13–16

 

What Is the Biblical View of Human Sexuality?

Sexuality is a sacred gift from God, intended to be expressed exclusively within the

covenant of marriage between a husband and wife. It strengthens marital unity and

fulfills God’s design for humanity. Those outside of marriage are called to live lives of

sexual integrity through self-control and reliance on the Holy Spirit. Our identity is

found not in sexuality, but in Christ alone.

Genesis 2:24; 1 Corinthians 6:18–20; Hebrews 13:4; 1 Thessalonians 4:3–5

 

What About Eternal Security?

We believe in both the sovereignty of God and the free will of humanity. While these

truths can be difficult to fully understand within our limited perspective, Scripture

teaches that our justification before God is grounded solely and permanently in the

finished work of Jesus Christ. This work is the unchanging foundation of the believer’s

faith. Salvation is sustained by the grace and power of God, not by human effort. The

indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit confirms this truth. Human free will responds in

faith, the Holy Spirit brings understanding, and the sovereign power of God secures

our salvation forever.

(John 10:29; 2 Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25; 10:10–14; 1 Peter 1:3–5)