The Bible, God’s Truth

The Bible is the infallible Word of God.  It was written by forty men that were inspired by God to write the truth.  The Bible will forever be the most important book ever written, as it is read by millions yearly.  – Deuteronomy 4:1-2; Psalms 119:11; Isaiah 40:8; 2 Timothy 2:15; 2 Timothy 3:16-17

The Father

God is Our Heavenly Father, Maker and Creator of all things.  He is all powerful, all knowing, ever present, unchanging, unfailing – Exodus 3:14; Numbers 23:19, John 3:16, 4:24, 5:26, 14:1; Acts 17:28; Romans 3:3-4

The Son

Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation.  He is completely human, yet completely God.  He is perfect, in that He is the only One who can be substitute for us.  He died on the cross and shed His blood for our sins.  He defeated death by way of resurrection so that we can have life.  – Isaiah 7:14, 53; John 1:1, 14, 3:16, 17:1-5; Acts 1:9; Romans 3:23-26; Colossians 1:15, 2:9

The Holy Spirit

The third part of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit leads, guides, and protects.  The Holy Spirit is the Comforter, sent to earth by God.  The Holy Spirit is God, the third person of the Trinity.  The Holy Spirit is a person, with mind, will, and emotions. – John 16:7; Acts 5:3-4; 1 Corinthians 2:10-11, 6:19;

The Trinity – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

God is one, existing as three Persons:  God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Each member of the Trinity serves different functions, but all have equal power and authority. – Genesis 1:2, 1:26; Mark 1:10-11; 1 Corinthians 2:10, 11:23-26, 12:4-7 

Man

Man is made in the image of God.  Man was created to have fellowship with God.  As a result of disobedience, Man cannot maintain a relationship with God on his own.  Man is uniquely created, worthy of respect and love. – Genesis 1:26-30; Psalm 8:3-6; Ephesians 2; Colossians 1:21-22

Eternity

God created Man to exist forever.  Man will either exist eternally in Heaven or Hell.  Unity with God will be in Heaven.  Separation from God will be in Hell. – John 3:16, 36; Romans 6:23; 1 John 2:25, 5:11-13; Revelation 20:15

Gifts of the Holy Spirit

Spiritual gifts are given for the edification of the body of Christ.  These are chosen and given freely by God.  The Holy Spirit empowers us to utilize the gifts as the Lord desires. – 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, 12:28-31; Ephesians 4:11-12

Salvation

Salvation is defined as “the act of being delivered, redeemed, or rescued.”  Jesus Christ shed his blood on the cross so we can be free.  As a result of this act, we are promised a life of eternity.  We are saved by grace through faith. – John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 3:23, 5:12; Ephesians 2:4-5

Sin

Defined as transgression of the law of God and rebellion against God.  The penalty for sin is death.  But by faith in Jesus Christ, we have redemption through His blood. – Deuteronomy 9:7; Ephesians 1:7; Romans 3:23, 6:23; 1 John 3:4

Baptism and Communion

These are two of the ordinances of the church.  Both give us an opportunity to remember what Jesus Christ did for us.  Water baptism symbolizes what Jesus has done for us.  By complete immersion in the water, it symbolizes burial with Him, no longer being slaves to self or sin.  By being raised out of the water, there is a symbolic resurrection, raised to new life in Christ to live with Him forever.  Water baptism by immersion is the Biblical method of baptism because of its symbolic representation of the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.  The Lord’s Supper or Communion, represents what Jesus Christ did for us.  We can celebrate what we receive as a result of His sacrifice. – Matthew 3:16-17; Romans 6:3-4; Luke 22:7-22; 1 Corinthians 11:23-29

The Church

A local body of believers unified through faith in Christ.  The ultimate purpose is to glorify Christ. – Acts 2:42; Revelation 21:2-3