Beliefs of Church on the Horizon

In essentials, we have unity.

"There is one Body and one Spirit ... there is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of us all ..." Ephesians.4:4-6

In non-essentials, we have liberty.

"Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters ... Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To his own master he stands or falls ... So then each of us will give an account of himself to God ... So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God." Romans 14:1,4,12,22

In all our beliefs, we show charity.

"... If I hold in my mind not only all human knowledge but also the very secrets of God, and if I have the faith that can move mountains, but have no love, I amount to nothing at all." I Corinthians.13:2

***We value diversity and every individual is unique, foregoing the need for uniformity. However, unity and harmony are the top priorities of our church family. While we come from different backgrounds, our common beliefs draw us all together. These are things we believe are essential.

1. About God.

God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three personalities: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God. Genesis 1:1,26,27; 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; I Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14

2. About Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus was virgin-born, lived a sinless human life, demonstrated His authority through many miracles, and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to His Father in heaven, and is coming again. He will return someday to earth to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Matthew 1:18,22,23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1

3. About the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. Scripture teaches that the Holy Spirit indwells every believer enabling them to live a victorious, abundant life and display the character of Christ. The Holy Spirit empowers the believer to witness and endows spiritual gifts which enable the believer to serve and minister in the church. As believers exercise their spiritual gifts, the church is built up and those who are searching find eternal life in Christ. As Christians we seek to live under His control daily so to become like Christ in character, thought, speech, and action. John 16:7-13, 14:16,17; Acts 1:8; I Corinthians 2:12, 3:16,17; 12-14; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 1:13; 4,5:18; Romans 12

4. About People.

Man was made in the spiritual image of God to be like Him in character, the supreme object of God's creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us from birth are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called "sin." Because of sin, all people are under a curse and are in a state of spiritual separation from God. The ultimate result of sin is death. Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; 51:5; Isaiah 53:6a; Romans 3:23 ; Isaiah 59:1,2

5. About Eternity.

People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life. 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; I Cor. 2:7-9

6. About Salvation.

Salvation is God's free gift to us but we must accept it. We can never make up for our sin by self improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God's offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin's penalty. When we turn away from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith we are saved from eternal death. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith. Salvation is secured by Christ alone. Romans 5:1; 6:23; Ephesians 2:8,9; John 14:6, 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; John 10:27-28

7. About the Security of the Believer.

Because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ, the true believer is secure in that salvation. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian. It is the grace and keeping power of God that gives us this security. John 10:29,29; 2 Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25 ; 10:10 ,14; 1 Peter 1:3-5

8. About the Bible.

The Bible is God's Word to us. It was written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is the Truth without any mixture or error, containing the answer for every need and situation of life. 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20,21; II Timothy 1:13; Psalm 12:6; 119:105,160; Proverbs 30:5

9. About the Church.

The purpose of the church on earth is to fulfill five God-given purposes primarily found in two passages of scripture known as "The Great Commandment" and "The Great Commission." Therefore, the church exists to turn seekers into fully committed followers of Jesus Christ. A fully committed follower of Christ commits to membership in God's family, growing in Christ-like maturity, serving in ministry in the church, and fulfilling Christ's mission in the world in order to magnify God's Name. Matthew 22:36-40; 28:18-20 Ephesians 2:19; 4:11-16; John 17:1-26; Acts 1:8; 2:41-47; 20:24; Psalm 34:3; 122:1; 150:6