Our vision: “That Every Relationship Experiences God’s Power and Peace,” flows from the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus which we believe is the (paradoxical) power of God! It is power made perfect in weakness. The weakness of the crucifixion is (paradoxically) God’s powerful moment when the price of sin was settled for us by Jesus, once and for all. The empty tomb of the resurrection fills each life with assurance death has died. (1 Corinthians 1.18f)
The paradoxes of God lead us beyond reason alone to living out of faith and trust. When we humble ourselves before Him, he exalts us. (Phillippians 2.8-9) We receive through giving. (Luke 6.38) We are freed through serving. (Rom 6.18) And, ultimately we live through dying! (John 12.24)
Come join us in the discovery and participation in our Biblical beliefs that transform us!
About the BIBLE
Everything we believe comes from the Bible, God’s message of love and hope for all. The Bible is the Word of God, handed down to inspire us to the truth that we are saved from our sin and eternal death by the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We believe that the Bible is “God-breathed,” i.e., inspired. In it we learn everything we need to know about God’s love and His gifts to us.
About GOD
There is only one true God – the Triune God – who exists in three separate but equal persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
About US
We all fall short of God’s expectations because we are all born “sinful” – with the reflexive desire to think first of ourselves. Sin can be summed up as all the things we say, think, do, and don’t do, that fall outside of God’s holy will for our lives and end up separating us from God.
About “Being Saved”
Jesus Christ has already done everything necessary to be saved. In His death and resurrection, everyone who believes in Jesus as Savior has been brought back into a right relationship with God. That means that, on account of Jesus, everyone who believes is “justified,” or declared innocent by God. All who believe are forgiven and will live eternally.
About FAITH
It is through faith in Jesus that we receive the forgiveness of sins and eternal life – by believing that He has freed us from the guilt, punishment, and power of sin. Faith is a gift worked in us by the power of the Holy Spirit; it doesn’t come to us through anything we are capable of, but through what God does for us. We simply receive what is already being offered out of God’s great love.
About GRACE
The word itself might remind you of the grace period you are given when paying bills – when your debt can be paid without further penalty. God’s grace is even more wonderful; that’s why it’s called “amazing grace.” While we deserved to pay the penalty for our sins, God had a different plan. Christ paid the debt and we receive forgiveness and eternal life from Him that is offered out of unconditional love. That’s why it’s called grace because it is truly undeserved.
About Baptism
We practice both infant and adult baptism.
Infants are baptized because “original sin” leaves each person reflexively self-centered, infected with spiritual entropy. (Ephesians 2.1; Romans 8.7) God initiates intervention and draws us back to him through Jesus. (John 15.16; Jeremiah 31.3-4) Baptism is a means to draw us with the gift of faith (Acts 22.16; Ephesians 5.26) Faith is a gift – received as an infant receives any gift. A gift to an infant is a gift as determined by the Gift Giver, not the infant’s ability to recognize it. (Matthew 18.6; Luke 10.21; Mark 10.14) Infants have been received into God’s covenant through circumcision – which the Bible equates to Baptism. (Leviticus 12.3; Luke 1.59; Colossans 2.11-12)
For adults, the Bible also says, “faith comes by hearing” (Romans 10.17) through which God creates/sustains faith. (Acts 2.38; 22.16;1Peter 3.21)
For questions about baptism or to schedule a baptism, please contact Pastor Karl at 239.354.9144 x105.
About GOOD WORKS
Since there is nothing we can ever do to earn salvation, we do not do good works in order to be saved; good works are done out of praise and thanks because we are saved. Such good works include, but are certainly not limited to, serving and caring for the needs of others, honoring and giving respect to those in authority, honoring our vows and commitments, and generally doing what is considered by many to be good and right. It’s often said that Martin Luther expressed it this way: God doesn’t need our good works, but our neighbor does.
About LIFE AFTER DEATH
On Judgment Day – we don’t know when – Jesus Christ is going to return. On that day, everyone who has died will be raised and those who are still alive will be bodily transformed. At that time, the final judgment will take place. Those who do not believe will go into eternal damnation in hell and all those who believe in Jesus as Savior will have eternal life in heaven.
For further detailed and specific information please worship with us and/or visit with our pastor.