Statement Of Faith
In essential beliefs - we have UNITY
“We are all one body, we have the same Spirit… There is only one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and there is only one God and Father...” Eph. 4:4-6 NLT
In non-essential beliefs — we have LIBERTY
“Accept Christians who are weak in faith, and don't argue with them about what they think is right or wrong. Who are you to condemn God's servants? They are responsible to the Lord, so let him tell them whether they are right or wrong… Yes, each of us will have to give a personal account to God. You may have the faith to believe that there is nothing wrong with what you are doing, but keep it between yourself and God.” Romans 14:1,4,12,22 NLT
In all our beliefs — we show CHARITY
“Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn't want what it doesn't have. Love doesn't strut, doesn't have a swelled head, doesn't force itself on others, isn't always "me first," doesn't fly off the handle, doesn't keep score of the sins of others, puts up with anything, trusts God always, always looks for the best, never looks back, but keeps going to the end. 1 Cor 13:4-5, 7 (MSG)
THE ESSENTIALS WE BELIEVE
1. ABOUT GOD
There is one God revealed as the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Genesis 1:1,26,27, 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14
2. ABOUT JESUS CHRIST
We believe in the Virgin Birth, The Begotten Sonship, and Deity of Jesus Christ; that He was 100% God and 100% man.
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 makes men aware of their need for Jesus Christ, and lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides us with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing right. The Holy Spirit baptism empowers the church to preach the gospel throughout the whole earth.
2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13, 14:16,17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13, 5:18; Galatians 5:25;
4. ABOUT THE BIBLE
We believe the Bible to be the inspired Word of God.
2 Tim 3:16
5. ABOUT HUMAN BEINGS
We are made in the image of God, as the supreme object of His creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called “sin”. This attitude separates people from God and causes many problems in life.
Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Romans 3:23, 5:12-13, 6:23; Isaiah 59:1-3
6. ABOUT SALVATION
We believe in the salvation of sinners by grace, through repentance and faith.
Eph 2:8,9; Heb. 9:12,22; Romans 5:11
7. ABOUT ETERNITY
People were created to exist forever, either in hell, where they will be eternally separated from God, or in heaven, where they will be eternally with God. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence.
John 3:16; John 14:17; Romans 6:23; Romans 8:17-18; Revelation 20:15; 1 Cor. 2:7-9
8. ABOUT THE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT
The Holy Spirit brings various gifts and enablements, as outlined in Scripture, and these gifts are valid and fully operative today. These gifts always operate in harmony with the Scriptures and should never be used in violation of Biblical parameters. (Our policy at CLC is that anyone who has a ‘word’ to share with the congregation should first come to the pastors on the front row and receive permission.)
1 Corinthians 12, 14
9. ABOUT THE FIVE-FOLD MINISTRY
The callings of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers are functional within the body of Christ until the Lord’s return. The purpose of these gifts to the church is to equip believers for the work of ministry, that the body of Christ might be edified.
1 Corinthians 12:28; Ephesians 4:11-12