ABOUT GOD

God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He eternally existed in three personalities: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God.

Scripture reference: Genesis 1:1,26-27, 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Romans 15:30; 1 Corinthians 12:4-6; Deuteronomy 6:4; 1 Corinthians 8:4; Galatians 3:20; Colossians 1:15-16; Psalm 19:1-6

​

ABOUT JESUS CHRIST

That Jesus Christ is true God and true man, having been conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless life; He died on the cross, as a perfect sacrifice for our sins according to the Scriptures. Further, He arose bodily from the dead 3 days after the crucifixion, ascended into heaven 40 days after the resurrection, where, at the right hand of the Majesty on High, He is now our High Priest and Advocate. He will return again someday to earth to reign as King of Kings, and Lord or Lord's.

Scripture reference: Matthew 1:22-23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5; 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14-15; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, 14-20; Romans 1:3-4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14-15; Titus 2:13; Matthew 28:19; 1 Corinthians 12:4-6; 2 Corinthians 13:14; 1 Peter 1:2; Hebrews 2:14-17; Isaiah 53:4-6; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:24; Revelation 1:17-18; Revelation 20:10

 

ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT

The Holy Spirit is co - equal with the Father and Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He intercedes on our behalf. He provides the Christian with power for living, and guidance in doing what is right. The ministry of the Holy Spirit is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ and, during this age, to convict men, regenerate the believing sinner, and indwell, guide, instruct and empower the believer for godly living and service. He gives every believer at least one spiritual gift when they are saved. As Christians we seek to live under His control daily.

Scripture reference: 2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13; 14:16-17; 15:26-27; Acts 1:8, 5:3-4; 1 Corinthians 2:12; 3:16; 12:13; Ephesians 1:13, 3:4-5, 5:18; Galatians 5:16-25; Romans 8:12-14,26-27; II Peter 1:20-21

 

ABOUT THE BIBLE

The Bible is God's word, both Old and New Testaments, to us without error in the original writings. Scripture is the complete revelation of His will for the salvation of men and the Divine and final authority for Christian faith and life. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. Because it is inspired by God, it is the truth without any mixture of error.

Scripture reference: II Timothy 3:16; II Peter 1:20,21; II Timothy 1:13; Psalm 119:105, 160, 12:6;Proverbs 30:5; Ephesians 3:2-5; Matthew 19:3-6; I Peter 1:19-21

 

ABOUT HUMAN BEINGS

People are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. People are the supreme object of God’s creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are corrupt by an attitude of disobedience toward God called "sin." This attitude separates people from God and causes many problems in life.

Scripture reference: Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53, 59:1-2; Romans 3:23

 

ABOUT SALVATION

Salvation is God's free gift to us but we must receive 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. We must turn from our self-ruled life to Jesus in faith in order to be saved. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by belief, repentance, confession and baptism. Our salvation is not earned it is received by total surrender and acceptance of this fact. Jesus Christ said, "I am the WAY the TRUTH and the LIFE and not man comes to the Father but through me."

Scripture reference: Romans 6:23 Ephesians 2:8-9; John 14:6; 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26-27; Romans 5:1; Acts 2:38; Romans 6:1-4; Colossians 2:9-15; Romans 10:9-10

 

ABOUT ETERNITY

People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or exist 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 in Heaven. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence.

Scripture reference: John 3:16; 2:25; 5:11-13; 14:17; Romans 6:23, 8:17-18; Revelation 20:15; Matthew 1:8; 2:44; John 10:29; 2 Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25; 10:10, 14; 1 Peter 1:3-5; I Corinthians 2:7-9

 

ABOUT THE CHURCH

A relationship with Jesus Christ causes all believers to become members of his body, the church. There is one true church universal made up of all those who acknowledge Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. The scripture commands believers to gather together to devote themselves to worship, prayer, teaching the Word, to observe the ordinances commanded by Jesus, fellowship, service to the body through the development and use of talents and gifts, and outreach to the world. Wherever God’s people meet regularly in obedience to His command, there is the local expression of the church. Under the protection and oversight of elders its members are to work together in love and unity, intent on the ultimate purpose of glorifying Christ and making disciples of all nations.

Scripture reference: Matthew 28:19-20; 22:36-40; Acts 2:42; Ephesians 5:23-25; Romans 16:3-5; Acts 2-7

 

ABOUT ORDINANCES

There are two ordinances that have been committed to the local church: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Our Lord and His apostles commanded baptism. Baptism should occur immediately upon confession of faith in Christ, as modeled for us in Acts. Baptism by immersion is taught in scripture and symbolically portrays the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Lord’s Supper is the commemoration and proclamation of His death until He comes again. Though the elements of communion are only representative of the flesh and blood of Christ, the Lord’s Supper is nevertheless an actual communion with the risen Christ.

 

ABOUT FAITH AND PRACTICE

Scripture is the final authority in all matters of faith and practice. This church recognizes that it cannot bind the conscience of individual members in areas where Scripture is silent. Rather, each believer is to be, led in those areas by the Lord, to whom he or she is ultimately responsible. We believe the Statement of Faith to be an accurate summary of what Scripture teaches us. Anyone who calls Community Christian Church their home should not advocate doctrines that are not included in the Statement of Faith in such a way as to cause disunity in the local church.

 

WHAT WE PRACTICE

Beliefs are not worth much unless they are translated into actions. Based on what the Bible teaches, we feel very strongly about the following eight practices:

1. BIBLE AS OUR SOLE AUTHORITY

   • ​“The whole Bible was given to us by inspiration from God and is useful to teach us what is true and make us realize what is wrong in our lives; it straightens us out and helps us do what is right.” 2 Timothy 3:15-16 Since God’s Word is the only completely reliable and truthful authority, we accept the Bible as our manual for living. Our first question when faced with a decision is, “What does the Bible say?” The Bible is the basis for all we believe. We practice daily getting into the Word for direction in our lives.

2. PRIESTHOOD (MINISTRY) OF EVERY BELIEVER

   • ​“Christ loves us, and by His death He has freed us from our sins and made us a kingdom of priests to serve God ... " Rev. 1:6 and “You are ... the King's priests ... God’s own people, chosen to proclaim the wonderful acts of God.” 1 Pet. 2:9 The Bible teaches that every Christian is called to "full time" Christian service, regardless of his or her vocation. We practice the truth that every believer is a minister by encouraging every member to find a place of service and ministry. Every believer has direct access to God through prayer and Bible reading.

3. AUTONOMY OF EACH LOCAL CHURCH

   • “Christ is the head of his Body, the church. He is the source of the Body's life ...” Col. 1:18 Christ is the recognized head of our church, not any person, group, or religious organization. While recognizing the value of associating or cooperating with other groups of Christians, we believe every local church should be self-governing and independent from any denominational control.

4. IMMERSION

   • ​“For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ ...” Col. 2:12 We practice baptism by immersion under water - the way Jesus was baptized, and the way the Bible commands.

5. PROCLAIMING TO OTHERS ABOUT CHRIST

   • ​“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” 1 Peter 3:15 It is the responsibility of every Christian to share the Good News with those whom God has brought us into contact. We practice personal sharing about Christ and inviting friends to gatherings.

6. COMMITTED TO THE MISSION OF CHRIST

   • ​And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20 It is the responsibility of every Christian to make disciples who make disciples who make disciples.

7. TITHING

   • ​“A tithe of everything you produce belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord.” Lev. 26:30 At Community we practice tithing for the support of Christ's Body, the church, as God commands. We recognize that giving 10% of our income is the Biblical standard of giving. More is often given as one grows!

8. SPIRIT-LED LIVING

   • ​We believe the only way possible to live the Christian life is by God's power within us. So we seek to practice a daily dependence on God's Spirit to enable us to do what is right. (Phil. 2:13; E ph. 5:18) (Jesus said) "I am the Vine, you are the branches. If you abide in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; but apart from Me you can do nothing.” John 15:5