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Bethel Christian Church Beliefs

Mission Statement:
To support, enrich and develop the lives of the believer,
and enable them to walk in the wholeness that Christ offers.

 Vision Statement
To see lives transformed, and reconciled to the body of Christ.

 Our Beliefs…

God

We believe there is one and only one eternal, true and living God. God is an intelligent, spiritual and personal Being, the Creator, Redeemer, Preserver and Ruler of the universe. To God, we owe the highest love, worship and commitment. God reveals God-self to us as Father (Divine Parent), Son and Holy Spirit with distinct personal attributes but without division of nature, essence or being. The only existing God is the Maker and Supreme Ruler of Heaven and earth; inexpressibly glorious in holiness and worthy of all possible honor, confidence, and love; that in the oneness of the Godhead there are three manifestations, the Father (God in heaven), the Son (God in flesh), and the Holy Ghost (God in us); equal in every divine perfection and executing distinct and harmonious offices in the great work of redemption. John 4:24; Psalms 147:5; 83:18; Hebrews 3:4; Romans 1:20; Jeremiah 10:10 Exodus 15:11, Isaiah 6:3; 1 Pet. 1:15-16; Rev. 4:6-8 Mark 12:30; Rev. 4:11; Matt. 10:37; Jeremiah 2:12-13 Matt. 28:19; John 15:26; 1 Corinthians 12:4-6; 1 John 5:7 John 10:30; 5:17; 14:23; 17:5, 10; Acts 5:3-4; 1 Corinthians 2:10-11; Phil. 2:5-6; Eph. 2:18; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Rev. 1:4-5

Jesus Christ

We believe that Jesus Christ is the perfect representation of God in human form. He is fully human and fully divine. He is equal with God but took on the form of a servant and committed himself to die on the cross to redeem ALL humanity. Through the shedding of His blood, humanity would experience the security of forgiveness and remission of sins. Jesus Christ arose on the third day following His death as He declared authority over life and death. Jesus Christ lives in ALL believers as the living, ever-present Lord. 1Corinthians 15:3-4; Philippians 2:5-11. We believe that salvation is because of the grace of God through the mediatory work of the Jesus Christ and by his death made a full atonement for our sins; that having risen from the death, he is now enthroned in heaven and uniting in his wonderful person the tender sympathies and grace to ALL people with divine purpose; he is in every way qualified to be a suitable, compassionate and an all-sufficient Savior. Eph. 2:5; Matt. 18:11; 1 John 4:10; 1 Cor. 3:5-7; Acts 15:11 John 3:16; 1:1-14; Heb. 4:14; 12:24; Phil. 2:6-7; Heb. 2:9, 14; 2 Cor. 5:21 Isa. 42:21; Phil. 2:8; Gal. 4:4-5; Rom. 3:21; Isa. 53:4-5; Matt. 20:28; Rom. 4:25; 3:21-26; 1 John 4:10; 2:2; 1 Cor. 15:1-3; Heb. 9:13-15; Heb. 1:8, 3; 8:1 

The Holy Spirit

We believe in the Holy Spirit. A Spirit-led life - God's power within us - is the only way possible to live the Christian life. So we seek to practice a daily dependence on God's Spirit to enable us to do what is right. John 15:5, Philippians 2:13, Ephesians 5:18 We believe that the Holy Spirit sanctifies us; the process by which, according to the will of God, we are made partakers of his holiness that it is a progressive work; that it is begun in regeneration; and that it is carried on in the hearts of believers by the presence and power of God; The Holy Spirit is the Sealer and Comforter, in the continual use for self-examination, self-denial, watchfulness and prayer. We believe all believers are exhorted to be filled with, walk in, be led by and live in the power of the Holy Ghost. Ephesians 5:18; Galatians 5:16, 18, 25; We believe that it is Gods desire that all believers live life under the control of the Holy Spirit and being continuously refreshed with the empowering divine strength of Holy Ghost. We believe that after the initial filling of the Holy Spirit, there are many fillings and there is to be the ongoing filling ministry of the Spirit in the life of the believer for empowerment to effectively and victoriously live a life that glorifies God. Acts 1:8, 2:4, 3:10, 4:31 We believe the Holy Ghost fills or empowers believers for service in the Kingdom of God. Being filled with the Holy Ghost is the result of continuing submission to Divine power and control. Acts 1:8; Ephesians 5:18

The Baptism of the Holy Spirit

We believe the baptism of the Holy Ghost and the filling of the Holy Ghost are distinct, separate valid and valuable ministries of the Holy Ghost which may occur simultaneously at salvation. Being filled with the Holy Ghost should not only be a continuous reality, but an ongoing characteristic of the believers consecrated commitment to holiness. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, we believe that God has given authority to the believer over the Enemy, Satan and victory to be gained by the exercise of the authority in the areas of deliverance, healing and holiness. Ephesians 1:20-23, 6:10-17Thess. 4:3; 5:23; 2 Cor. 7:1; 13:9; Eph. 1:4; 5:18; Prov. 4:18; 2 Cor. 3:18; Heb. 6:1; 2 Pet. 1:5-8; Phil. 3:12-16; John 2:29; Rom. 8:5; John 3:6; Phil. 1:9-11; Eph. 1:13-14 Phil.; Eph. 4:11-12; 1 Pet. 2:2; 2 Pet. 3:18; 2 Cor. 13:5; Luke 11:35; 9:23; Matt. 26:41; Eph. 6:18; 4:30

Justification by Faith

We believe that the great gospel blessing which Christ secures to such as believe in him is Justification; that Justification includes the pardon of sin and the promise of eternal life on principles of righteousness by grace through faith, that it is bestowed, not in consideration of

any works of righteousness which we have done, but solely through faith in the Redeemer's blood and by virtue of which faith his perfect righteousness is freely imputed to us of God; that it brings us into a state of most blessed peace and favor with God, and secures every other blessing needful for time and eternity. John 1:16; Eph. 3:8 Acts 13:39; Isa. 3:11-12; Rom. 8:1 Rom. 5:9; Zech. 13:1; Matt. 6:33; 9:6; Acts 10:43 Rom. 5:17; Titus 3:5-6; 1 Pet. 3:7; 1 John 2:25; Rom. 5:21 Rom. 4:4-5; 5:21; 6:28; Phil. 3:7-9 Rom. 5:19; 3:24-26; 4:23-25; 1 John 2:12 Rom. 5:1-3, 11; 1 Cor. 1:30-31; 1 Tim. 4:8

 The Freeness of Salvation

We believe that the blessings of salvation are made free to ALL people by the inclusive work of Jesus Christ; that it is the immediate duty of ALL to accept salvation by a cordial, penitent, and obedient faith. Isa. 55:1; Rev. 22:17; Luke 14:17 Rom. 16:26; Mark 1:15; Rom. 1:15-17 John 5:40; Matt. 23:37; Rom. 9:32; Prov. 1:24; Acts 13:46 John 3:19; Matt. 11:20; Luke 19:27; 2; Thess. 1:8

Eternal Life

We believe that because God gives man eternal life through Jesus Christ. The Work of Jesus Christ at Calvary forever sealed the believer unto the day of redemption. The believer is secure in salvation for eternity. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian, works or deeds. It is the grace and keeping power of God that gives this security. John 10:29; 2 Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25; 10:10, 14; 1 Peter 1:3-5

Repentance and Faith

We believe that Repentance and Faith are sacred duties, and also inseparable graces, wrought in our souls by the regenerating Spirit of God; where being deeply convinced of our guilt, danger, and helplessness through the conviction of the Spirit we turn to God with unfeigned contrition, confession, and supplication for mercy, while at the same time heartily receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as our Prophet, Priest, and King, and relying on him alone as the only and all-sufficient Savior (4). Mark 1:15; Acts 11:18; Eph. 2:8; 1 John 5:1 John 16:8; Acts 2:37-38; 16:30-31 Luke 18:13; 15:18-21; James 4:7-10; 2 Cor. 7:11; Rom.10:12-13; Psa. 51 Rom. 10:9-11; Acts 3:22-23: Heb. 4:14

God's Purpose and Grace

We believe that divine election is the eternal purpose of God, according to which God graciously regenerates, sanctifies, and saves us. That divine purpose is a most glorious display of God's sovereign goodness, being infinitely free, wise, holy, and unchangeable that it utterly excludes boasting, and promotes humility, love, prayer, praise, trust in God, and active imitation of Gods€™s free mercy; that it encourages the use of means in the highest degree; that Gods purpose is the foundation of Christian assurance. 2 Tim. 1:8-9; Eph. 1:3-14; 1 Pet. 1:1-2; Rom. 11:5-6; John 15:15; 1 John 4:19; Hos. 12:9; 2 Thess. 2:13-14; Acts 13:48; John 10:16; Matt. 20:16; Acts 15:14 Exod. 33:18-19; Matt. 20:15; Eph. 1:11; Rom. 9:23-24: Jer. 31:3; Rom. 11:28-29; James 1:17-18; 2 Tim. 1:9; Rom. 11:32-36; 1 Cor. 4:7; 1:26-31; Rom. 3:27; 4:16; Col. 3:12; 1 Cor. 3:5-7; 15:10; 1 Pet. 5:10; Acts 1:24; 1 Thess. 2:13; 1 Pet. 2:9;

The Priesthood of Every Believer

We believe that every believer has direct access to God and is called to live with spiritual authority, power and grace. Our authority is given through the grace of God in Jesus Christ by His death on the cross. 1 Peter 2:9, Revelation 1:16

The Radically Inclusive Love of God

We Believe in the Radically Inclusive Love of God. We believe that the gospel of Jesus Christ cuts across all barriers that fragment and divide us. We are called to love, affirm, and welcome ALL regardless of race, gender, sexual and/or affectional orientation, class, or life situation. We are to be known for our inclusiveness, reconciliation, and liberation for all who are oppressed. The church has too often allowed particular aspects of a person to place them out of the faith. Therefore, we emphasize the "whosoever" in John 3:16. We are also called to "love our neighbors as we love ourselves" (Mark 12:29-31), and "love our enemies" Luke 6:27; John 3:16-17; Romans 8:1; Galatians 6; Jeremiah 1:4-10, Psalm 71:1-17 and Luke 4:21-32]; Genesis 4:7; 1 Samuel 16:7; Psalm 139:16; Proverbs 3:33-35; John 6:37; Romans 15:7; Ephesians 1:3-6; Colossians 1:19-23

The Bible; the Christian Scriptures

We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired, and is a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction. The Holy Bible reveals the principles and purposes of Gods revelation through the context of history and human interpretation and the sufficient center of Christian union; The Christian scriptures are the inspired record of God's activity with humanity. It is truth provided for the believer as a tool to know the heart of God. It reveals the plan, purposes and will of God for all time. We believe the Bible should be interpreted through the loving lens of Jesus Christ, so that it is used as a tool to liberate, and not oppress, unite and not divide, affirm and not reject. John 1:14; II Timothy 3:16, 1 John 2:5-6, Psalm 119:105; 2Timothy 3:16, 2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:21; 1 Sam. 23:2; Acts 1:16; 3:21; John 10:35; Luke 16:29-31; Psa. 119:11; Rom. 3:1-2; 2 Tim. 3:15; 1 Pet. 1:10-12; Acts 11:14; Rom. 1:16; Mark 16:16; John 5:38-39; Prov. 30:5-6; John 17:17; Rev. 22:18-19; Rom. 3:4 Rom. 2:12; John 12:47-48; 1 Cor. 4:3-4; Luke 10:10-16; 12:47-48; Phil. 3:16; Eph. 4:3-6; Phil. 2:1-2; 1 Cor. 1:10; 1 Pet. 4:11; 1 John 4:1; Isa. 8:20; 1 Thess. 5:21; 2 Cor. 8:5; Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:6; Jude 3:5

Humanity

Humankind was created by a special work of God, in God's image and is the finest of all creation - God said, "It is very good!" and God created this diverse humanity with purpose and destiny. There are many variations expressed in the human creation, yet ALL equal in God's eyes. Regardless of our differences we are called to be of one "spirit". We believe that this diversity reflects the creative and unique possibility and power of our God. While we are all different on the outside, God does not judge the outside, but the "heart". Therefore, we celebrate, embrace, and affirm the diversity of God's human creation. Galatians 3:28; 1 Samuel 16:7

Giving Back To God

We believe in the practice of tithing for the support of Christ's body, the Church. We believe in the spiritual principles of sowing and reaping. We recognize that giving 10% of our income is the Biblical standard given to us. Leviticus 27:30; Malachi 3: 6-12

The Church

The church is a group of believers brought together by the Spirit of God to carry out the Great Commandment by practicing the Great Commission. We are admonished to observe the two ordinances of the church; baptism and the Lord's Supper (Holy Communion) Mat. 22:37-40; Ephesians 5:23-27

Baptism

Baptism is an outward expression of an inward transformation that has occurred in the life of the believer. Baptism is identification with Christ by picturing his death, burial and resurrection. It is the first commandment a new Christian is given from the Lord Jesus. Mat. 28:19; Rom. 6:4

The Lord's Supper

The Lord's Supper is an opportunity for personal examination and reflection on Christ's love and sacrifice. The bread and cup are symbols of His body and blood which were broken and spilled out for us. These are done in "remembrance" of Him. Luke 22:19,20; 1Corinth. 11:23-32

Worship

We view worship from two sides: adoration and service. Worship could be defined as pure adoration, the redeemed person contemplating and praising God in His holy perfection. Reverential adoration and committed service are both prominent expressions of the biblical concept of worship. True worship involves a willingness to serve and genuine service to God must be accompanied by a sense of reverence and adoration. Psalm 95:6,7; Ephesians 2:10

Evangelism: Telling Others about God's Love

We believe it is the responsibility of every Christian to share the Good News with those God brings us into contact with. We practice sharing about God's love and purpose for our lives 1 Peter 3:15

The Power of Prayer

We believe that in prayer and prayerful meditation, we experience the manifestation of God's presence. God speaks to us, guides us, reveals spiritual things to us, refreshes us, and imparts revelation to us. We are promised all forms of healing, direction, guidance, strength, and power if we connect with God in prayer. Prayer is regenerative and enlightening to our spirit. Matt 21:22; Philippians 4:6-7; James 5:13-18

Spiritual Gifts

We believe that spiritual gifts are for the edification of the believer and the Body of Christ (the Church). We believe that God's spiritual purposes and the edification of God's people are manifested in and through these diverse gifts. The word of wisdom, word of knowledge, gifts of healing, the working of miracles, prophesy, unknown and divers (different) tongues, gifts of helps, teaching, preaching and administration, are all useful for the edification of the individual, Body of Christ and entire world. 2. We believe in the perpetuity and continuing ecclesiastical value of all spiritual gifts for the edification of believers and the body of Christ until the end of this church age is by the glorious event at the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 12-14; Romans 12:3-7; Ephesians 4:11-12; 1 Corinthians 13:10, 2 Corinthians 12

The Power of Love

Love, the "greatest force in the world", must motivate all we do. We must constantly be committed to love one another, work hard to promote unity and harmony within the church, and express this love from the church to the world. John 3:16-18, 1 Corinthians 12

Biblical Servant Leadership

We believe in the value of biblical terminology of leadership in the contemporary church: Bishop, Apostle, Overseer, Pastor, Elder, Minister and Deacon. We believe all of these are designations for servant-leaders. Jeremiah 3:15; Acts 20:28; 2 Corinthians 6:4; 1Timothy 3:1-7

The Autonomy of the Local Church

We believe in the full autonomy of the local church as an independent entity under the Lordship of Christ, through pastoral authority, with regards to: local Church government, polity, and operations, Titus 1:5, I Corinthians 5:5, Matthew 18:15-17, 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14-15; With Pastoral discernment, leadership should be submit to other leadership for spiritual-parental accountability, the guidance of an Episcopacy as a covering. Acts 15:1-35; 6:3-5, 11:22; Titus 1:5

The Power of Pentecost

We believe the full gospel includes the proclamation of both the eternal power of Calvary and the potential power of Pentecost for ALL people; We believe that the Power of Pentecost is the spiritual activity and power of the Holy Spirit empowering believers to speak and minister to diverse people, sharing the radically inclusive gospel of Jesus Christ to ALL nations; the baptizing power of Jesus Christ for salvation for ALL people because of Calvary and the filling controlling power of the Holy Ghost for service and holy victorious living because through the empower strength of the Holy Spirit as demonstrated at Pentecost. Acts 1; 1:8; 2; 20:27.