At New Life we... Recognize the Bible as the only sufficient guide for the Church and for the Christian life. The Bible is God’s word to people. It was written by human authors who were supernaturally guided by God’s Spirit. Designed to be our “owner’s manual,” it is the ultimate source of truth about life. Because it came from God, it is completely true and relevant for all people, from all cultures, for all of time. Our teaching is based on its principles, and we encourage Bible reading, study and memorization. · Understand that God, existing in three persons, is the Creator and Sustainer of the Universe. God is the creator and ruler of the universe. He eternally exists in three personalities: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are the one God. The Bible refers to this as the Godhead or Trinity. · Acknowledge that Jesus of Nazareth is the Christ, the Son of the Living God and Savior of the world. God came to our world in the form of Jesus Christ. He lived a sinless life and demonstrated His power over creation by healing the sick, walking on water, stilling a storm, and many other miracles. He offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for our sins by dying on the cross. His resurrection three days later confirmed His claim to be God in a human body. Although He ascended to heaven after His resurrection, He will one day return to earth and raise all who have died. Those who have chosen by faith to become His children will be taken with Him to live in heaven forever.
· Seek the companionship and help of the Holy Spirit in our daily lives. The Holy Spirit is present in the world to make people aware of their need for Jesus. He is the constant companion of every Christian, living in our hearts. He provides us with comfort, strength, understanding, instruction and guidance.
· Believe that salvation is offered through God’s grace and not earned through man’s good works. We all sin by going our own way and disobeying God. The ultimate penalty of sin is eternal separation from God. But God loves us so much that He sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to pay the penalty for our sins, purchasing our forgiveness. He offers this forgiveness free of charge to all people who believe in Jesus as God’s Son and become His followers. Eternal life is given on the basis of what Jesus did on our behalf and our choice to accept it by faith, not as a reward for anything good that we have done.
· Practice baptism by immersion into Jesus. Jesus commanded His followers to "go and make disciples (followers)...baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.” Baptism is a natural response for those who have chosen by faith to become followers of Jesus. We baptize by immersion because that was the form Jesus Himself used. This simple ceremony symbolizes His death, burial and resurrection…and it also symbolizes our dying to our old sinful life and resurrection into a new righteous one – following Christ. Baptism expresses our repentance and surrender to Christ, and identifies us as a member of Christ’s body, the church. · Don’t view ourselves as the only Christians, and desire unity with all other Christians based on a common commitment and obedience to Jesus as revealed in His Word, the Bible. The church is God’s family. It is also referred to as a Christ’s Body, Bride, Vineyard, Temple, Building, Kingdom, and Flock. It is not a physical building, but a world-wide group of believers; not a denomination, sect, or association, but a spiritual family. The church's purpose is to do the ministry of Christ on earth with the love of Jesus so that others may turn to Him for salvation and eternal life. · Invite into membership all who commit themselves to the Lordship of Christ and who have expressed their surrender to Him through baptism. People become members of Christ's body when they surrender their lives to Jesus. Local church membership is not a Biblical requirement but an expression of commitment, unity, and willingness to serve with a local group of believers. It is within the context of church membership that Christians are able to express the love and unity that sets them apart from the rest of the world. · Encourage our members to develop in their lives the attitude and actions of Jesus. We believe the only possible way to live the Christian life is by God's power within us. So we practice a daily dependence on God's Spirit by spending time with God in His Word, in prayer and in meditation upon Him. Ultimately, our goal is to experience a change in our attitudes and actions that causes us to live humble, wholesome and happy lives that honor Jesus. FINAL THOUGHTS While we provide these statements to guide our ministry and inform others, our first and foremost priority is to God's Word. At New Life, we are committed to the preaching and teaching of the Bible above and beyond any Statement of Faith or Creed. We encourage and welcome you to join us as we study and follow God's Word. If you have any questions about the beliefs and purposes of New Life, our pastoral staff is available to meet with you. You may contact them through our office at 765-0956. |