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WHAT WE BELIEVE:
I.
The Bible is the Word of God- In accordance with
II Timothy 3:16 and II Peter 1:21, the Bible was written by men
under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit as a supernatural
revelation of God. The Scriptures are literally God- breathed and
contain no mixture of error. The truth of scripture and the person
of Christ are the foundations of the church and stand in direct
opposition to the moral ills of society.
II.
Salvation is by Grace Alone- In accordance with
Ephesians 2:8-9, we are saved by God’s grace at the point of
personal faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Man is sinful and
does not have the ability to save himself, least of all by good
works. However, in accordance with James 2:14-17, our faith will be
evidenced by good works, obedience, and the fruit of the Holy
Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).
III.
The Believer is Eternally Secure- In accordance
with John 10: 27- 28 and Romans 8:38-39, if an individual has made a
true, heart-changing decision to accept Christ, then they can never
lose their salvation. When a saved person sins, their fellowship
with God is interrupted, but never broken (I John 1:9). Likewise,
those who do not trust Christ in this lifetime will spend eternity
in hell (Revelation 21:8).
IV.
In the Priesthood of the Believer- In accordance
with I John 2:1 and Hebrews 4:14-16, Christ Himself is our advocate
and High Priest. We have no need for human intermediaries because
the blood of Christ has made each believer a child in God’s own
family. Therefore, we have direct access to God in confession,
prayer, worship, and through His scriptures.
V.
Baptism is by Immersion for the Believer- In
accordance with Matthew 28:19-20 and Romans 6:3-5, Baptism is done
in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It is not a
means of salvation, but it is the believer’s symbolic identification
with the death and resurrection of Christ and the cleansing of the
Holy Spirit. In accordance with the Greek translation, true baptism
is by immersion as an act of obedience and it is reserved for person
who can express a certain degree of sincerity and understanding of
their faith (as determined by church leaders.)
VI.
Church Government is Congregational- In accordance
with Colossians 1:18 and Acts 13 and 15, Christ is the head of the
Church. Under His direction, Immanuel is Pastor-led, Deacon-served,
Committee-functioned, and Congregationally-approved. The
congregation, under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, is the most
basic unit of church government. Through prayerful submission to God
and His Word, they are responsible for selecting their leaders,
developing the church constitution, preserving unity and purity in
the body, and exacting church discipline when necessary. |
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