What we Believe
Jesus
We believe that Jesus is the one and only Son of God who was God in flesh. (Colossians 2:9)
We believe that Jesus was born of a virgin, and died for the sins of humanity. (Isaiah 7:14, I Corinthians 15:1-8)
The Bible
We believe that the Bible is the inspired and infallible word of God, the written record of the supernatural revelation of God to man, absolute in its authority, complete in its revelation, final in its content, and without any error in its teaching. (II Timothy 3:16-17, II Peter 1:21)
Humanity
We believe in the historical creation of man. (Genesis 1:27)
We believe in the sanctity of life and that life begins at conception. (Psalm 139:13-16)
We believe that all of humanity has value because we were created in the image of God. (Genesis 1:27, Genesis 2:7)
We believe in the sanctity of marriage between one man and one woman. (Genesis 2:4, Jeremiah 29:6, Isaiah 62:5, Leviticus 18:22)
Salvation
We believe in the substitutionary death of Jesus Christ on the cross to atone for the sins of humanity. (Isaiah 53:3-6, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Romans 5:8)
We believe in the literal, bodily resurrection of Jesus from the dead as prophesied. (1 Corinthians 15:1-4)
We believe in the literal return of Jesus as promised. (John 14:1-6, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18, 2 Peter 3:3-4, 10, 13)
We believe that Heaven is a real place … and Hell is a real place … and that all humanity will be assigned to either Heaven or Hell, at the return of Jesus Christ, as determined by his/her response to Jesus in their life. (2 Corinthians 5:6-10, Hebrews 9:27, 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9, Revelation 20:15)
We believe that everyone has sinned and fallen short of God’s plan. (Romans 3:23)
We believe that forgiveness is extended to those who accept Christ as their Lord and their Savior. (John 3:16)
We believe that those putting their faith in Christ should repent of their sins, confess our faith, and are baptized into Him. (Acts 2:38)
We believe that New Testament teaches baptism by immersion, modeled for us by Jesus himself, and all who put their faith in Christ should be immersed. (Acts 2:38)
The Holy Spirit
We believe that those who receive Christ receive the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. He marks them as a possession of God, and manifests the fruit of the Spirit in their lives, manifests righteousness in their character, and reveals to them their spiritual gifts for ministry. (2 Corinthians 1:21-22, Galatians 5:22-23)
We believe that a spiritual gift is a special ability, given by the Holy Spirit, to be used to minister to others and build the body of Christ. (Romans 12:6-8, 1 Corinthians 12:7-11, 1 Peter 4:10)
The Church
We believe the Church is a body of Christ-followers who should live in community and enjoy the connection possible in the fellowship. (Acts 2:44-47)
We believe the “will of God” is discerned through the direct teaching of the Scriptures as well as through prayer, wise counsel, and a careful consideration of circumstances (Proverbs 16:3; Proverbs 19:21; James 1:5; James 4:13-15; Romans 12:1-2)
We believe that we are “Christians only,” but not the only Christians. (John 10:14-16)
We believe that the church, while standing on the truth of scripture, must show love for all people as the defining trait of Christ followers. (Mark 12:30-31)
We believe that the Church is the body of Christ and exists to reach the lost for Jesus, help the saved to grow in maturity, and mobilize the saved to accomplish God’s purposes in the world. (Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 2:42-47)
We believe in the weekly observance of The Lord’s Supper (Communion), modeled by the New Testament Church. While this is not specifically commanded in scripture, it is a constant expression of gratitude and love for the sacrifice of Jesus for the sins of humanity. (Acts 2:42)
We believe that each believer should give generously and intentionally, a regular portion of his or her income to God through the local church as a spiritual discipline. (Malachi 3:10, 1 Corinthians 16:2, 2 Corinthians 9:6-7)
We believe that each believer should use generously and intentionally, his or her gifts to serve in the local church and/or in the community. Serving people is an expression of who God is to us. (Proverbs 22:9, 1 Corinthians 12:5-6, 1 Peter 4:10-11)
We believe that Jesus will one day return to reclaim His church. We believe that those who have accepted Him will spend eternity in Heaven. We believe those who reject Christ will spend eternity in Hell. (Matthew 24:36-40, John 5:24-25)
This statement of belief is not intended to be the extent of our beliefs. We believe that the Bible itself, as God’s inspired word is the final authority on all things concerning truth, morality and how God expects humanity to conduct themselves. In short, the Bible is the final source of all that we believe.
Signposts of Full Devotion
Here at FCC, we believe that Jesus has called us to live as His Disciples, and a Disciple is a fully devoted follower of Jesus. A question that is often asked is “What does it look like to be a fully devoted follower of Jesus? How do I know if I am on the path of full devotion?” Therefore, we have identified “signposts” associated with a person’s spiritual journey. While each step is a person’s spiritual journey is taken deep within the heart, the signposts are easy to spot.
ACCEPT CHRIST ... BAPTISM
Baptism is a picture of what Jesus did for us. It symbolizes his death, burial and resurrection. He has commanded those who choose to follow Him to be baptized.(Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 2:38-41, Romans 6:1-8, Galatians 3:27)
WORSHIP TOGETHER ... ATTEND SERVICES
Another signpost is a commitment to a worship service. The bottom line ... if you’re a fully devoted follower of Jesus, you go to church. (Hebrews 10:23-25, Ephesians 2:19-22)
BECOME A FAMILY MEMBER ... GIVING AND SERVING
We believe every follower of Jesus should be committed to a local church family. It is our belief that the church is a family, that God wants us to be a member of a family, and that family is where the richest relationships take place. Anyone can attend a service (and any are welcome), but family means that a person is committed to and invested in the vision and mission of the church by giving and serving, in the church and/or in the community at large. (Matthew 6:24, I Peter 4:10)
CONNECTED AND GROWING ... SMALL GROUPS
Spiritual growth happens when we build relationships with one another, study God’s word, and experience life together. Life groups provide a comfortable environment to do all three. (Acts 2:42-47, 20:20)
REACHING OUT ... MICRO MISSIONS
Micro Missions are special service projects in our community. It is our way of taking the love of Jesus outside the walls of our church. (Colossians 4:5)
DISCIPLE ... COACH
This signpost can take place anytime, anywhere. It’s where someone helps someone else take the next step that he/she needs to take. For example, inviting someone to attend a worship service with you; If you are involved in a small group, then inviting someone to come to your group with you. If you serve in a ministry, invite someone to serve with you. Our desire is to be a place where disciples are committed to making disciples. (Matthew 28:19-20)
Mission Statement
First Christian Church exists to connect people to Jesus and to one another.
At First Christian Church, we hold as values that…
- Jesus is the leader of the church and the source of truth.
- The church should be culturally relevant while remaining doctrinally pure.
- Lost people matter to God and therefore matter to His church.
- Loving God and giving Jesus our best.
- Excellence honors God and inspires people.
- The pursuit of full devotion to Christ and His cause is normal for every believer.
- Building Heathy, God honoring relationships.
- Following Christ means living a life of service to others.
- Spiritual growth is a continuous, life-long process.