Who is God?
God is the creator and sovereign ruler of the universe and all that is in it. He has eternally existed in three distinct personalities: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three co-exist as the one and only God.
(Genesis 1:1, 26-27; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19, II Corinthians 13:14; Ephesians 4:4-6)
Who is Jesus?
Jesus Christ is the Son of God who came to save us from our sins. He lived a sinless life, even though he was tempted in every way, and willingly offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all men and women by dying on a cross. He demonstrated His power over sin and death by rising from the dead after three days. Shortly after His resurrection, Jesus ascended to Heaven and promised to return. Salvation can only come through Jesus Christ.
(Matthew 1:21; Luke 19:10; John 3:16; Philippians 2:5-11; Hebrews 4:14-15; I Corinthians 15:3-4; Acts 1:9-11; I Thessalonians 4:13-18; Colossians 1:15-23)
Who is the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. In conjunction with the Bible which He inspired, the Holy Spirit provides the Christian with understanding of spiritual truth and guidance in doing what is right.
(Acts 2:38; I Corinthians 3:16; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:26-27; I Corinthians 2:12; Galatians 5:22-26)
Who are Men and Women?
Men and women are made in the spiritual image of God. When God created us, He gave us the freedom of choice. Unfortunately, we often use our freedom to disobey God, which is sin. This sin separates us from God, placing us in need of a Savior - Jesus Christ.
What about Salvation?
Salvation is a free gift from God. It cannot be achieved through good works or self improvement because the death of Jesus Christ on the cross is the only sufficient payment for our sins. All people have sinned, and all people can be saved.
(John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9; Hebrews 9:26-28; Acts 2:39; Romans 3:23)
Salvation from sin is available to all who obey the teachings of Jesus Christ. Those teachings about salvation include:
Believing in Christ's power to save. (Acts16:31-33; Galatians 3:2)
Confessing that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. (Romans 10:9)
Repenting of one's sins. (Luke 13:3; Acts 2:38, 3:19, 17:30)
Receiving forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit at baptism. (Acts 2:38; Galatians 3:26-29; Titus 3:3-7; I Peter 3:21)
Living faithfully by God's standards. (Psalm 119:105; II Timothy 3:16; Proverbs 30:5; II Peter 1:20-21; John 20:31; Psalm 119:160)
What is the Bible?
The Bible is the inspired word of God and is the final authority in life and doctrine. It was written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit and is without error. Its contents reveal God's character, our purpose, and life's meaning. The Bible's principles are true for all people, for all places, and for all times.
(Psalm 119:105; II Timothy 3:16; Proverbs 30:5; II Peter 1:20-21)
What is Communion?
The Lord's Supper or communion is a time for Christians to remember how Jesus died on the cross to take the punishment for our sins. We remember this by eating bread that remind us of Jesus' body and by drinking grape juice or wine that remind us of Jesus' blood. We do this together with other Christians.
(1 Corinthians 11:26; Matthew 26:26-28; Luke 22:19)
What is baptism?
Baptism is a way to publicly show others of God’s grace working in our lives. Through baptism we are initiated into Christ’s holy church, incorporated into God’s mighty acts of salvation, and given new birth through water and the Spirit. (Romans 6:3-6:6; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Galatians 3:27)
What about Eternity?
Men and women are created to exist forever. You will either exist eternally separated from God by sin or in union 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 places of eternal existence.
(John 3:16, 2:25; Romans 6:23; 1 John 5:11-13; Revelation 20:15)
Why is the Church Important?
Jesus Christ established His church for the purpose of spreading His message of hope through word and deed and encouraging Christians to persevere in their faith. Every member is a minister and every Christian is encouraged to find a place of service in the local congregation. This congregation of Christ's church is designed to be self-governing and ministered to by elders, also called shepherds. Elders are men or women who encourage the spiritual growth of each member and guard the church from teachings that are contrary to the Bible.
(Matthew 16:18, 28:19-20; Ephesians 4:1-16, 5:23; Colossians 1:18, 24; Acts 2:41, 47; Romans 12:3-8; I Peter 29; I Timothy 3:1-13, 5:17; I Peter 5:1-4)