Question 1

God [Trinity]

Accepted Answer

We believe there is one true God.  He is one God who exists eternally in three distinct persons [each with different roles] – showing Himself to us as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  There is no difference in their nature, essence, or being.

Question 2

God the Father

Accepted Answer

We believe that God the Father is perfect, holy, righteous, powerful, sovereign.  He rules over all creation – as the Creator of all things.  He is a loving, just Father who is faithful to every promise.  And in His grace gave us His Son [Jesus Christ] who provided a way for us to become a child of God through faith in Him.

Question 3

Jesus Christ

Accepted Answer

We believe that Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God.  We believe that Jesus was brought forth into the world by the Holy Spirit, born of a virgin [fully man], lived a sinless life [fully God], died on the cross as payment for sin [fully both at the same time]; thus, providing a way for mankind to be saved and sin to be atoned, by the shedding of His perfect blood.  We believe that Jesus conquered death, rose from the grave, ascended into heaven, sits at the right hand of the Father [God], and will one day return again in power and glory.

Question 4

The Holy Spirit

Accepted Answer

We believe that the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God.  He reveals to mankind his sin and points them to Jesus as the Savior and Redeemer of their soul.  The Spirit brings new life and dwells permanently within those who place their faith and trust in Jesus as Lord.  The Holy Spirit is our guide, counselor and guarantee [deposit] of our souls in Christ.  He gifts us with spiritual gifts to be used in service and mission of our Great God, His Good Gospel, and His Bride [the Church].

Question 5

The Bible

Accepted Answer

We believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God.  It is without error and is the final authority for belief, practice and doctrine.  The Holy Spirit divinely influenced men to write the Scriptures.  The Bible is God’s revealing of His character, nature, being, and purpose to mankind.  The Scriptures point us to salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.

Question 6

Man

Accepted Answer

We believe that mankind [male and female] was created in the image [likeness] of God, by God.  Man was created to be in fellowship with God, but because of sinful disobedience became alienated from His Creator.  Apart from the grace of God, man is incapable of being reconciled to God.  Sin has placed a death sentence on man that cannot be broken by our best efforts, good intentions, or religious practices.  Only through the work of Jesus Christ can the wrath of God toward sin be satisfied, the penalty of death be paid, and man be brought back into relationship with God.

Question 7

Salvation

Accepted Answer

We believe that the grace of God, and His plan of salvation, has been the purpose of God for eternity.  Knowing that His creation [man] would fall prone and prey to sin and find himself in need of being rescued [saved], God planned a way of redemption – a way to buy back freedom, life, and relationship for man.  This plan would atone [pay for, make restitution for] our sin and pay the penalty we are unable to pay.  His name is Jesus. Salvation is offered freely [as a gift from God] to anyone who would place their faith and belief in Jesus Christ as the Son of God, Savior of the world, Lord of all.  When we turn from our sin and place our faith in Jesus, God pardons our sin and we are justified [declared right] because of the work and blood of Jesus Christ who died in our place.  His life [fully God, fully man, sinless and perfect], death [taking the wrath of God], burial [accepting the penalty of our sin], resurrection [destroying the power of sin], glorification [at the right hand of God making intercession on our behalf], and return [ultimate display of His power and glory over all things] are our only hope.

Question 8

The Church

Accepted Answer

We believe the Church is the body of Christ, who is the head.  The Church is a called-out community of believers – who have placed their faith and trust in Jesus Christ for salvation.  The purpose of the Church is to worship and glorify God [by living increasingly according to His will and by making disciples of all nations], of which all believers are called to be a committed and growing member in the Church universal and the church local.

Origin Story Part 21 - Generations Turn