WHAT WE BELIEVE
Belief is the state of mind that shapes our activities and attitudes about God and one another. We encourage you to examine these beliefs and explore the Biblical basis for yourself in applying them to your daily life.
We believe in the historic Christian faith, reflected in these statements:
About God
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three personalities: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are coequal and are one God. Genesis 1:1, 26, 27, 3:22, John 14:6-9, 15-17, John 16:7-15, John 3:16-17, Matthew 28:19, 2 Corinthians 13:14, 1 John 4:9-10, Psalm 90:2
About Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is coequal with the Father and Holy Spirit. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven and will return again someday to earth to reign as King. Colossians 1:13-23, Colossians 2:8-14, 1 Corinthians 15:3-8, Matthew 22:36-40, John 14:1-3, Hebrews 1:1-3, Acts 10:42-43, Luke 23:44-24:53, Philippians 2:5-11, Romans 5:6-11
About the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is coequal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. He gives every believer spiritual gifts when they are saved. As Christians we seek to live under His control daily. Romans 5:5, Romans 8, 1 Corinthians 12-14, John 14:26, John 16:7-15, Acts 1:4-8, Romans 4:1-5, Galatians 5:16-25, Ephesians 3:16, Ephesians 4:3-4, Ephesians 5:18
About the Bible
The Bible is God's Word to us. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs about living. Because it is inspired by God, it is truth without error. God’s unchangeable Biblical message ought to be presented in relevant and contemporary ways, free of religious jargon and understandable to the people of our community. Matthew 5:17-19, Acts 17:11, 2 Timothy 2:15, 2 Timothy 3:14-17, Hebrews 4:12, Joshua 1:7-8, 2 Peter 1:16-21, 2 Peter 3:14-18, Psalm 19:7-11, Psalm 119
About Salvation
Salvation is God's free gift to us but we must accept 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. When we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith. Romans 6:23, Ephesians 2:8-9, John 1:2, John 14:6, Titus 3:5, Galatians 3:26, Romans 5:1, Romans 10:9-10
We believe in teamwork.
We work in lay-led teams, which are led and trained by selected ministry leaders. We respond to leadership in a scriptural manor and work in partnership with one another. We have a core belief that we are in this thing…this journey with and of Christ…together. Romans 12: 1-18, 1 Timothy 5:1-2; 17-22, Matthew 23:8-11, 18:15-17, Luke 22:24-27, 1 Corinthians 16:15-16, 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, 1 Timothy 5:1;17-23, Hebrews 13:7, 17
We believe in responsible financial stewardship.
We encourage people to handle their finances honorably and responsibly, and to practice regular and generous giving. It is because of the generous gifts of people that we are able to make a difference in our community through relationships and programs. Matthew 6:19-21, 24, 33, Malachi 3:10-11, 1 Corinthians 9:7-14, 16:1-23, John 5-8, 1 Timothy 5:17-18, 2 Corinthians 9:5-12, Galatians 6:6
We believe in community.
We express our strong value of community by seeking to reach out and connect with a diversity of people. We want to be personal and caring in a world that is increasingly fragmented and impersonal. We are not afraid to be vulnerable, human, and honest with each other. We believe our spirituality fulfills rather than denies our humanity, and we believe this approach strengthens community. John 15:12, Acts 2:42-47, Romans 12:3-18, Galatians 6:1-5, 10, Colossians 4:5-6, 2 Timothy 4:1-5
We believe in unity among Christians
Life Change recognizes diversity among Christians in nonessential areas. We do not press for uniformity in these areas, but rather encourage people to search the Scriptures, seeking balance, mutual understanding, humility and love. Additionally, we seek to respect one another’s differences without a quarrelsome, arrogant or divisive spirit, and to return continually to the great commandment, to love God and one another. 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, Romans 14:1-15:7, 16:17, 2 Timothy 2:14-17, 23-26, James 3:13-17, Philippians 2:1-5