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…” Eph. 4:4-6
In non-essential beliefs — we have liberty.
“Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment 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 14:1,4,12,22
In all our beliefs — we show charity.
“…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.” 1Cor. 13:2
1. About God
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. God has constantly and consistently been trying to gain a relationship with His creation to bless it.
Genesis 1:1, 26, 27, 3:22; Psalms 90:2; Matthew 28:19;
1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14
2. About Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is our Savior. He is the one key for understanding God and scripture. He is our spiritual brother, the central relationship that brings us into God’s family. Because of Christ, we call ourselves Christians.
Matthew 1:22, 23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5; 14:10-30;
Hebrews 4:14, 15; 1 Corinthians 15:3,4; Romans 1:3,4;
Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14, 15; Titus 2:13
3. About the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is the life and presence of God in us. 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 that commitment to a relationship with Jesus Christ. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. He gives every believer a spiritual gift when they enter that relationship with Christ. We are becoming what God designed us to be because the Holy Spirit, God’s Spirit, is making it happen.
2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13, 14:16, 17; Acts 1:8;
1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25;
Ephesians 5:18
4. About the Bible
The Bible is God’s love letter to us. Human authors, guided by the Holy Spirit, wrote it. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. It is everything God wants us to know to guide and prepare us for living as He wants us to live.
2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20,21; 2 Timothy 1:13;
Psalm 119:105,160, 12:6; Proverbs 30:5
5. About Human Beings
People are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. People are the supreme object of God’s creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us hurt that potential by our disobedience of God’s will. Sin separates people from God and causes much of life’s problems.
Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; 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 failures by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can anyone be made whole again. When we bring our lives to Jesus in faith we are set free. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith.
Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8,9; John 14:6, 1:12; Titus 3:5;
Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:17
7. About Church
The church is the body of Christ, is “God with skin on.” The church is present wherever “two or three meet” in Jesus’ name. It is a universal presence that is constantly seen in particular, local and personal moments. A church may take on a special structure and style, but it is only the church when the Savior is present. The church is never a building and never subject to human shaping. It is Christ with us.
Matthew 16:18; Matthew 18:17-20; Acts 2:41-47; Colossians 1:18,24;
Romans 12:3-8; I Corinthians 10:16-17; 12:12-31;
Ephesians 1:19-23; 4-12-16; 5:25-27;
Colossians 1:18; 2:19; 3:10-17