Motivating Beliefs

Belief about God: God is the creator of all things (Gen 1:1), has always existed (Rev 1:8), is love (1 John 4:8), and expressed His love for man and all creation by giving His Son to die as a sacrifice for all (John 3:16).

Belief about Christ: Jesus is the Son of God (Matt 16:13-17) who was present through creation (John 1:1-3) and who became human through a virgin birth (Luke 1:26-37). He is savior (John 4:40-42), teacher (John 13:13-14), and judge (2 Tim 4:1) for all mankind and gives salvation through his death, burial, and resurrection (Acts 4:8-12). He is our great high priest (Heb 4:14) who sits at the right hand of God (Mark 16:19).

Belief about the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is from God (1 Cor 6:19) and was sent by Christ (John 16:7) to all baptized believers at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4) and continues to be given to all who are baptized in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38). The Holy Spirit is our counselor (John 14:26) and guide (John 16:13). The Holy Spirit determines and gives spiritual gifts to all baptized believers in Christ (1 Cor 12:1-11).

Belief about God's Word: God's word is true, complete, and necessary to live a Christian life (2 Tim 3:16-17).

Belief about salvation: Salvation returns people to God (1 Pet 1:18-25). Because of sin, we all need salvation (Rom 3:22-24) which comes through Jesus Christ and is available as a gift from God to all people (John 3:16-17). The gift is received through belief in Jesus Christ, confession and repentance of sins, baptism in his name for the forgiveness of sins, and receiving the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:37-38).

Belief about eternity: Salvation gives Christians the hope of eternal life (Rom 6:22-23). We believe Jesus Christ is preparing a place for all Christians and will return to take Christians to be with him (John 14:2-3), the Father, and the Holy Spirit forever (Rev 21-22).