I. "What We Believe"
As Christians we hold the Bible to be God's inspired word and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. 2 Tim.3:16
The Bible is God's word to mankind and the foundation of what we believe. The following are some of the reasons why we hold the Bible in the highest regard.
The Bible is the only extensive historical document that provides information about the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. To be like Jesus we need to study and put into practice His life and teaching found in the Bible and this is what we endeavor to do.
Let me put it another way. Since anything you or I know about Jesus is found in the Bible, our focus on the Bible cannot be separated from our focus on Jesus Christ. Through the Bible we learn about, listen to and become disciples of Jesus Christ.
The Bible centers on the person and work of God seen in Jesus Christ. Thus, we study, believe and seek to put into practice the whole Bible; not parts, pieces or portions of it. Jn.5:39-40, Lk.24:7
To understand the Bible accurately we as Christians and disciples of Christ are fully committed to good and accurate "exegesis" (the science of textual interpretation) of the Biblical texts. The goal of this scientific study of the Bible is that we might understand, live like and obey God through His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ.
Let me close with a summary of our major Biblical beliefs.
We believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth and in Jesus Christ, his only begotten Son, our Lord; who was by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary; He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified dead and buried. On the third day He rose from the dead; He ascended into heaven; and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He will come again and judge the living and the dead. We believe in the Holy Spirit and the forgiveness of sins given at and through baptism into Christ's death, burial and resurrection. We believe in the resurrection of the body and life everlasting. Amen.
