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The One, True God
There is only one living and true God! He has neither a beginning nor an end, and He is the Creator and Sovereign Ruler of all that was, is, and is to come. He is definition of holiness, worthy that all creation would bow in His presence, and He never fails. He is not only wise, strong, and loving, but the very author of these things.
Above all, mankind owes an eternity of worship to Him, because He has not forgotten nor neglected His creation. He is not distant, and though He has the affairs of the entire universe to care for, none is as important to Him as the personal, intimate relationship with His children, evidenced by the fact that His Son was sent to secure this redemption.
He exists in the unity of the Godhead, three perfect persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, who enjoy equal perfection and harmony of existence.
The Living Christ
God’s Son, a member of the triune Godhead, was sent to Earth, born of a virgin, lived a perfect life, died a cruel death, was raised from the dead, and bought all of mankind back from rebellion. Jesus tore down the barrier of sin between God and man, and secured our place as joint heirs of a royal priesthood with Him. Having ascended, He now sits at God’s right hand serving as our advocate before a just and holy Judge.
The Holy Spirit
Also a member of the Godhead, the Holy Spirit is alive and active. He was there at the creation of the universe, He upheld Christ in His earthly ministry, He powered the foundation of the church, and serves to sustain and grow it by gifting its members for service. His ministry is to the believer is of the most personal nature, as He comforts, strengthens, and guides us. He is the peace of the dove, the intensity of the fire, and the quiet, yet distinct whisper of wind. He not only resides in and immerses the believer, but He also empowers the ones whose hearts are submitted to Him.
God’s Word
Desiring that all man know and do His Will, God left us with His Word, the Bible. It is complete, without error, and absolutely powerful. Though transcribed by human hands over many years, it was authored by the very breath of God, and reveals to us the thoughts of the Almighty. We need no further supplement because Scripture has everything we need to be like Christ! It is meant to be taken at face value, it doesn’t need to be decoded, but it does need to be read in context.
The Fallen Man
God, desiring His own special people, created a holy mankind. Unfortunately, Adam made the same choice that we would and voluntarily broke fellowship with God by his disobedience. Having fallen from our position of holiness with the Father, we chose a Christ-less eternity. Atonement and restoration could only be made by sacrificing a perfect Lamb, one who lovingly laid down His own life to satisfy a Just God.
God’s Plan of Salvation
Because of our rebellion, we deserve eternal punishment. God infinitely loves, and at the same time is infinitely just. Only one equation could fully satisfy both aspects of His nature, and His only all-sufficient Son had to die on our behalf. By accepting His Free Gift and rejecting our sin on the basis of faith, we can be restored to the fellowship with the Creator that was intended from the beginning. Sin is no longer held against us because it was laid on Jesus’ body and crucified on an ugly cross. Now, when God looks at us, He doesn’t see our rebellion, He sees the blood of His Son and declares us righteous!
The Preservation of God’s Children
Christ’s gift to us is not conditional, does not expire, and is not ambiguous. God reclaims His special people permanently, and we never have to fear separation from His holy presence again!
God’s Church, Christ’s Body
Among so many gifts that God gave His people to help them be like Christ, one of the greatest is His church. This is not a supernatural organization nor was it given to rule or enslave us. Instead, it is a special gathering of His children to help us worship Him, to tell others of His Gift, help each other grow, serve each other’s needs, and enjoy each other’s fellowship. The church provides an intimate connection with other believers based on love and unity, not tradition and formality.
Among the many ministries of this church, two special offices are identified to lead and assist it’s members. The men who are called to shepherd the people and oversee the ministries are called pastors or elders. God also chose to assist the pastor/elder by providing a group of people called deacons who are called to serve the church members.
God has asked the church corporate to honor Him through several ordinances. First, God asks His People to publicly identify with His Son’s suffering by being immersed in water. Secondly, He has asked us to remember His Son’s death through a reflective time known as communion. Using the symbolism of His broken body and blood, we can commemorate His incredible work on our behalf.
Christ’s Imminent Return
Someday very soon, God the Father is going to smile at His Son and say “Go get the kids!” When that day comes, the clouds will part and we will see the Savior of All Mankind face-to-face. This will be the day that God’s work in us will be completed and we will be welcomed into His warm existence to share all the riches and power and glory with Him forever! All pain will be gone and all sadness will be banished, because the only thing that will consume our existence is the awesome glory of the One who gave everything to us who had nothing!
