What We Believe

Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. - 2 John vs. 9

Anyone familiar with historic Christian doctrine will find that the statements below fall in the center of evangelical theology ("evangelical" means theology derived from the 'evangel,' or the Gospel; in other words, it's biblical theology rather than speculative theology rooted in man-made tradition). We try hard not to be hard-nosed about matters on which Scripture is not clear, and we're not dogmatic about matters where honest, Bible-based believers have held divergent views.

We want our core beliefs to be centered in Jesus and His message as found in and supported by the clearest passages of Scripture. More obscure doctrine or teachings with less support are left to individuals to sort out on their own – we take no "official" position in these areas.

As a church we have no written doctrine or creed except for the Bible itself. However, in order to help people get to know us better, here's a summary of what we believe. . .

Church as Community
We believe in actively loving and caring for one another and, as a church, we seek to channel our time, money, personal resources, and energy into people. Consequently, before programs and facilities, we are interested in a substantial ministry to people. In order to accomplish this, our church life is simple and not highly structured. The Sunday morning meeting is informal with emphasis on worship, prayer, teaching, and fellowship. Small groups meet during the week to promote care, encouragement, and growth among believers (Acts 2:41-47, 4:32-35; Rom. 12; Gal. 6:2; Eph. 2:14-22, 4:1-2, 32; Col. 3:12-17; I Pet. 2:4-12).

Non-Denominational
Our church did not originate from any particular denomination, does not belong to any conference or denomination, and does not prescribe to any one denomination’s doctrinal statement, covenant, or constitution. Seeking the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, we wish to have association or fellowship with other groups of Christians or churches. We are open to opportunities for expressing our unity with the worldwide Body of Christ and working for His Kingdom (John 13:34-35; Eph. 4:1-6).

The Scriptures
We believe the Bible is God’s authoritative and inspired Word. It is without error in all its teaching, including creation, history, its own origins, and salvation. Christians are to submit to its divine authority, both individually and corporately, in all matters of belief and conduct (John 5:39;10:35; II Tim. 3:16-17; I Pet. 1:23-25; II Pet. 1:20-21; Psalm 12:6, 119:105, 160; Prov. 30:5).

The Trinity
We believe in the Trinity: that God is three Divine persons in One Nature, co-equal and co-existent. The Trinity is the basis of all reality and exists as infinite and personal. Because He is infinite, God is limitless in power, in presence, and in knowledge. He exists above and apart from all that He created. Because He is personal, He may be known by man (Matt. 3:16-17, 28:19-20; Luke 3:21-22; John 1:18, 14:8-20; II Cor. 13:14; I Pet. 1:1-2; Jude 21).

Jesus Christ
In lieu of the misunderstandings about the person of Jesus Christ, we would like to state clearly what we do believe regarding Him. To that end, we believe the following doctrines, which have their basis in the Bible, are essential:

  • That Jesus Christ is the second Person of the Trinity; therefore, He has always been God
  • That He became a man through the virgin birth and yet did not cease to be fully God
  • That he led a perfectly sinless life, even while He was tempted in all respects like we are
  • That He performed supernatural miracles as acts of compassion and proofs of His deity
  • That He gave up His life as a sacrifice to God the Father in order to redeem man from sin and its consequences
  • That He rose again from the dead in order to show His victory over death
  • That He ascended into heaven and is now seated at the right hand of God the Father
  • That He will come again at the end of the age to judge all mankind; to the righteous He will give eternal life with Him; to those who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be eternal separation from Him

Personal Salvation
We believe that the salvation of an individual is a free gift of God received through repentance from sin and faith in the person and work of Jesus Christ. This salvation is expressed in a public confession through baptism and participation in the church, the Body of Christ. (John 1:12, 3:16-18, 10:28; Rom. 10:9-13; Acts 2:41; Eph. 1:13-14; I Pet. 1:3-5)

Baptism and the Lord's Supper
We believe baptism and the Lord’s Supper were initiated by Christ and are intended for our participation in this age. They are, however, not to be regarded as means of salvation. We encourage all members to participate regularly at the Lord’s Table (Matt. 26:26-30, 28:19-20; Acts 2:37-41; 10:47-48; 20:7; I Cor. 11:23-32)

Government
We believe the government of the local church is carried out by a plural eldership which is committed to serving the congregation. Their primary function is the ministry of the Word and prayer. One of Jesus’ favorite metaphors for spiritual leadership, one He often used to describe Himself, was that of a shepherd—a person who tends God’s flock. A shepherd leads, feeds, nurtures, comforts, corrects, and protects—responsibilities that belong to every church leader. In fact, the word pastor means shepherd (Acts 20:28-30; Eph. 4:11-13; I Tim. 3:1-13; 5:17; Tit. 1:5-9; Acts 6:1-7; Hebrews 13:17; I Pet. 5:1-4).

Spiritual Gifts
We believe each member of the body of Christ has at least one spiritual gift. Not all members have the same gifts, or the same ministries, or the same effects; but these gifts are given for the common good of the body. All members and gifts should work together. Spiritual gifts should be used to serve others and glorify God. Above all, we believe that love is more important than the most spectacular gifts, and without this love all exercise of spiritual gifts is worthless (Rom. 12:3-8; I Cor. 12:1-11, 28-31; 13:1-3; I Pet. 4:10-11)

Hope
We believe in the hope that has always characterized the church of Jesus Christ. We look forward to the second coming of Christ in bodily form and our participation with Him in the Kingdom which He will fully establish (John 14:1-3; Acts 1:11; I Cor. 15:51-58; I Thess. 4:13-18; Tit. 2:13; Heb. 9:27-28; I Pet. 5:4)

What We Do Not Believe

He must hold fast to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it." Titus 1:9

At Christ's Church, we reject some popular doctrines of some Christian groups because we believe them to be in error Scripturally. This does not mean that we will not fellowship with those holding these views, nor is it our intention to argue our position with any Christian believer. We are content to disagree, and we desire to have nothing but love and fellowship with anyone who calls on the name of our Lord in truth and sincerity:

1. We reject the "positive confession" doctrine put forth by the faith movement teachers that says that we as human beings can have unlimited health and wealth because we, like God, have the ability to create our own reality by the confession of our lips. This teaching affirms that if a person will 'confess' health and wealth consistently, then that is what they will have, and, conversely, the Christian living in sickness or poverty is settling for less than his full inheritance in Christ.

  • At Christ's Church, we believe that many believers both in the Bible and in daily life are often afflicted not because their confession is wrong, but simply because we live in a foreign world. We believe the health and prosperity doctrine is a perversion of Scripture, encouraging the exercise of a coveteous heart toward a materialistic world. It is often used to fleece the flock of God. We do not believe that God can be commanded by man to heal or provide, but that we must always submit to His perfect will even in affliction (I Cor. 4:9-13; II Cor. 12:7-10; Hebrews 5:7-8)

2. Additionally, we reject the teaching that uses human prophecy to supercede the Word of God. There are some Christian groups which claim to have prophets and apostles of equal validity with those who wrote the Bible. Moreover, they claim that the prophetic utterances from these people take precedence over the Word of God.


3. Finally, we reject the over-emphasis of spiritual gifts and experiential signs and wonders to the exclusion of Biblical teaching. We are a Bible-based ministry that avoids programs and gimmicks in favor of the simple teaching of the Word of God in love to His people.

  • At Christ's Church, we focus on a personal relationship with God through worship, prayer, and the teaching of the Word of God. While the gift of tongues is an authentic manifestation of the Spirit when exercised Biblically (I Cor. 14:27-28), it is sometimes abused and even counterfeited today. Therefore, we do not allow spasmodic speaking in tongues during services because we do not believe that the Holy Spirit would interrupt Himself (I Cor. 14:33a).

By clarifying some of what we believe at Christ's Church, our purpose has simply been to help you gain insight into who we are. It has not been our intention to say that we are right and everyone else is wrong. We seek the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace and love, and believe that God has called us to a unique ministry that fulfills His special purpose in this generation. May God bless you as you seek to draw near to Him in love.


For Further Thought and Reflection:

---- Our Statement of Attitude
---- Biblical Unity & Biblical Truth - A Necessary Tension
---- Calvinism & Arminianism - A Discussion of Doctrine
---- "TULIP" or "DAISY"
---- Q&A on Calvinism from the Berean Call Newsletter
---- John Piper on the Prosperity Gospel