The
Bible
We believe the scriptures of both the Old and New Testaments are
the inspired word of God. (2 Timothy 3:16-17) We believe the Holy
Spirit guided and directed human authors to create God’s written
means of communication with us, which reveals God’s love and
plan to be in relationship with all of humanity. The Bible is God’s
blueprint for living the Christian life and is our source for faith
and practice.
God
We believe in one God, who exists in three distinct persons…the
Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Each person of the Trinity is equally
the one God in being, essence, character, power and eternal qualities.
Jesus
We believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Savior who came to earth
in the flesh to reveal God to humans and to restore all of fallen
humanity to a personal relationship with God. We believe Jesus was
conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary; he is
both fully human and fully God. Jesus lived a perfect, sinless life
and embodies the truth about God and the Truth of God. Jesus willingly
died on the cross to demonstrate God’s love for sinful humans
and to provide salvation for all humanity. His sacrifice in our
place provides all humans the means to be reconnected with their
loving Creator. We believe in the physical resurrection of Jesus
from the dead. Jesus ascended into heaven, where he rules as our
Lord (absolute authority) and advocate. Jesus will return to earth
in the future to establish God’s perfect peace and justice
for all time.
The Holy Spirit
We believe in the divine personhood of the Holy Spirit as an equal
part of the Trinity. The Holy Spirit is God present, living within
each follower to empower a life that reflects the lifestyle, values
and character of Jesus. The Holy Spirit is the change agent in the
lives of Jesus’ followers, illuminating God’s word for
understanding and application in the life of each. The Spirit is
involved in progressively transforming each follower into the image
of Christ, and is actively working within the Christian community
and world at large to bring about God’s plan of redemption
for all people and all creation.
The Church
We believe the Church (also known as the Body or Bride of Christ
in scripture) is a spiritual organism made up of all those in a
personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ, who are called
to live in fellowship and worship together. We believe in the priesthood
of all believers: everyone in relationship with Christ is gifted,
empowered and called to serve within God’s mission to reach
the world. The Church is God’s vehicle on earth to bring about
God’s justice and mercy for all people. |
City Lights Newsletter (pdf file)
