Who is God? And How should I relate to him?
There is one God. He is kind, generous and loving. He is the Creator of our beautiful universe. He is also its Sovereign Ruler. God has eternally existed in three persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus), and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and one God.
As Christ followers, we live in a mutually honoring and submissive way through close, interdependent community. God does not desire for anyone to miss out on his love and kindness. He desires to bless our lives as we live out our God-given purpose.
What does God think about me?
We are valued by God above all creation (including the angels). In fact, we are made in the spiritual image of God to be like Him in character — completely unique and special.
Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an attitude of disobedience towards God called “sin”. This attitude separates us from God until the relationship is restored through a personal commitment to Jesus Christ. We were created to exist forever — either eternally separated from God by sin in Hell OR eternally with God in Heaven through forgiveness and salvation.
Is Jesus a good teacher or is He God?
Jesus Christ is definitely a great teacher of truth but He is so much more. He is the second person of the Triune God. He is also the Son of God. He's the Messiah (or Savior) of the world. He died on a cross to offer us the free gift of salvation. If we want it, it's ours for the asking.
As Christians, we believe that Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for our sins. He died on a cross and rose from the dead three days later to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven and will return again to earth to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
How am I supposed to relate to Jesus?
Jesus loves us. Completely. So we can relate personally to Jesus as a friend. But He is also God, so we worship and obey Him.
Jesus is like us — He suffered, was tempted, and struggled to follow the Father. And, Jesus is wholly unlike us — He's perfect, powerful and the Creator of our Universe.
As Christians, we try to imitate Jesus, taking risks to sacrifice our comfort, loving and forgiving people and enduring rejection and ridicule. We work diligently to show the world His way of justice, grace, mercy, and love. Our works are done to honor God, not to earn heaven.
Here's what we believe.
Is the Bible relevant and trustworthy?
Yes. It really is. The Bible is God’s Word to all people. 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 the Bible is inspired by God, it is truth without any mixture of error. Therefore, we teach from it regularly, open our hearts to its influence and authority, and ask God to reshape our lives according to it. When the Bible is applied practically to our lives, we can't help but respond with love, kindness, forgiveness, generosity, mercy, justice and thankfulness.
2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:20-21, 2 Timothy 1:13, Psalms 119:105,160; Psalms 12:6, Proverbs 30:5
What is the Holy Spirit? Is it a Ghost??
The Holy Spirit is not a "ghost" like you see in a movie. He is a person, equal with God the Father and Jesus the Son. If you're a Christian, He is your personal Advocate and Helper.
The Spirit is present in the world to make people aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. The Christian seeks to live under His control daily.
2 Corinthians 3:17, John 16:7-13; John 14:16-17, Acts 1:8, 1 Corinthians 2:12; 1 Corinthians 3:16, Ephesians 1:13, Galatians 5:25, Ephesians 5:18
What does it mean to be "saved"?
Salvation — or being saved — is a gift from God to you and I. It comes only by asking Jesus to forgive our sins and asking Him to be our Savior.
Sin — the wrong things we think, say or do — separate us from God. Try as we might, we can never make up for our sin with good works or self-improvement. But, when we turn from our self-ruled life and sincerely ask Jesus to be Lord, we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment we ask Jesus by faith to forgive us. Nothing or nobody can take away our salvation because it is maintained by the grace and power of God.
John 3:16, Romans 6:23, Ephesians 2:8-9, John 14:6; John 1:12; John 10:29, Titus 3:5, Galatians 3:26, Romans 5:1; Romans 10:9-10, 2 Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25; Hebrews 10:10-14, 1 Peter 1:3-5
What really happens when we die?
Humans were created to exist forever — either with God or apart from God. We exist eternally separated from God by sin — or — we exist in union with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is Heaven. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence. Because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ, the believer is secure in that salvation for eternity. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian. It is grace and the keeping power of God that gives this security.
John 3:16, 1 John 2:25; 1 John 5:11-13, Romans 6:23, 1 Corinthians 2:7-9, Revelation 20:15, 2 Corinthians 4:15, John 10:29, 2 Timothy 1:12, Hebrews 7:25; Hebrews 10:10-14, 1 Peter 1:3-5