CARROLL CHURCH OF CHRIST CORE BELIEFS

Transcription

1 CARROLL CHURCH OF CHRIST CORE BELIEFS THE BIBLE We believe God inspired the original writing of the Scriptures to be without error as well as the final authority for all matters of faith and practice. (2 Timothy 3:14-16; John 17:17) 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 and living. Because the Bible is inspired by God, it is infallible, inerrant, and absolute truth. Where it speaks we listen and obey. [Psalm 12:6; Psalm 119:105, 160; Proverbs 30:5; II Timothy 1:13, 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Mt. 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14; 1 Peter 1:2] WHO IS GOD? We believe in the Lord God who is Father, Son and Holy Spirit; the Almighty Creator of all things visible and invisible. Genesis 1:1-2; John 1:1-4; Hebrews 11:3; James 1:17; Colossians 1:15-17; Matthew 10:37. God exists! He created us, loves us, is concerned for our being, desires to provide for us, and sent the Son to redeem us. The Bible teaches us that in all existence, from all eternity, there has been and always will be only one God. God was never created, is completely loving, completely just, completely holy, completely merciful, and that He desires the best for us. God is holy and He can have nothing to do with sin as the Bible says, "His eyes are too pure to look upon evil," (Hab. 1:13). This does not mean that God cannot see what someone does that is wrong. It is a way of describing how holy God is. God cannot sin. He is perfect. In Christianity, God is a Trinity. This means that God is three persons, not three gods. Technically, the doctrine of the Trinity states that in the one God is the person of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Each is not the same person as the other; yet there are not three gods but one. This is similar in analogy to the nature of time. Time is past, present, and future. The past is not the same as the present, which is not the same as the future. But, there are not three times. There is only one thing called time. The reason the word "person" is used in describing the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit is because each exhibits attributes of personhood -- not in a body of flesh and bones, but in personality. In other words, each has a will, loves, speaks, is aware of others, communicates with others, etc. These are attributes of personhood and we see the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit each demonstrate these qualities. Because of the Trinity, God can become flesh in the form of the Son, and still exist in such a way so that He can run the universe. Therefore, the Son can communicate to us on our level. Matthew 28:19, "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit." 2 Cor. 13:14, "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all." The Bible says there is only one God: "I am the Lord, and there is no other; Besides Me there is no God," (Isaiah 45:5). Yet, the Bible teaches that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are each called God.

2 Below is a very brief chart that shows that each of the persons in the Trinity share the same attributes that only God shares. But remember, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit each have wills, and speak, etc. Therefore, we say there are are three persons. FATHER SON HOLY SPIRIT Called God Phil. 1:2 John 1:1,14; Acts 5:3-4 Creator Isaiah 64:8 John 1:3 Job 33:4, 26:13 Everywhere 1 Kings 8:27 Matt. 28:20 Psalm 139:7-10 All knowing 1 John 3:20 John 16:30; 21:17 1 Cor. 2:10-11 A Will Luke 22:42 Luke 22:42 1 Cor. 12:11 Speaks Matt. 3:17 Luke 5:20; 7:48 Acts 13:2 Other Scriptures concerning who God is. Matthew 5:16, 45; 6:1, 4, 8, 9 James 1:17 John 1:1; 14:9 Genesis1::2 John 4:24; 14: Peter 1:21 Acts 17:24-28 WHO IS JESUS? We believe Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God that whoever believes in Him shall not die but have everlasting life! John 3:16; John 14:6. Jesus was born of a virgin mother (Mary) and is the Son of God, Matthew 1: We believe that Jesus is God in human form Philippians 2:5-11. We believe Jesus Christ was crucified, was buried and rose from the dead which makes him the central figure of our Christianity, Matthew 27, 28. We believe the reason he was crucified was to pay the price for our sins Matthew 20:28. We believe that no one comes to the father (God) except through Jesus, John 14:6. We believe Jesus will come again John14:1-3, Acts 1: WHO IS THE HOLY SPIRIT? We believe the Holy Spirit is an active and operative part of the triune God, Who indwells every Christian for the purpose of leading, guiding and transforming us to be more like Jesus. John 16:5-15; Acts 1:7-8; Romans 8:26-27; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19; 2 Timothy 1:14; 2 Thessalonians 2:13.

3 The Holy Spirit has one essential task: to bear witness to mankind of the Father and the Son. The Holy Spirit brings us, in our fallen state, to a place where we seek, see, and accept God and Christ as Lord: (1 Corinthians 12:3b John 16:8) The Holy Spirit is with us, as the representation of the person of Jesus. Indeed, Jesus sent Him to us after His ascension, so that we would be 'comforted' as Jesus comforted His followers when He was with mankind. When Jesus was on earth as a man, He could only be in one place at a time. The Spirit is the omnipresent, ongoing representation of God to the Christian; He is God living in us, leading us in the ways of Christ. (John 16:7; John 14:16-20a) The Holy Spirit guides the Christian in the ways of God and Christ, prodding and reminding, and convicting of sin. He keeps us close to the Father, and is the cause of our re-birth in the Spirit. (Romans 8:14, 15b; John 14:26) As He does this work in the Christian, many changes come about in the Christian's life. Evidences of the Spirit's indwelling are noticeable as 'fruit' in the Christian's new life (born again life) that are totally opposite of the 'normal' living of people who do not have the Holy Spirit in their life. (Galatians 5:22-23a) The Holy Spirit is living within us, as any Christian will attest. The new 'life', the victory over the struggles of the 'old life', the peace that settles our searching and troubled spirits, and the purpose in life that only Christians can claim is the result of the new spiritual birth, caused by the indwelling of God the Holy Spirit. SALVATION We believe the Bible teaches that salvation and the forgiveness of sins is achieved by grace through the blood of Jesus Christ. One receives salvation by accepting God's grace, by putting faith in Christ, repenting of sin, confessing Christ as Lord, and being immersed into Christ, but that none of these is sufficient in and of itself for the assurance of salvation. Matthew 26:28; Romans 5:9; Ephesians 2:8-9; 1 Peter 1:18-19; 1 John 1:7; Romans 5:1-2; Luke 24:45-47; Acts 3:19; Acts 17:30; 2 Peter 3:9; Matthew. 10:32; Romans 10:9; Philippians 2:11; 1 John 4:15; Acts 2:38; Romans 6:1-7; Galatians 3:27; Colossians 2:12; 1 Peter 3:21. To be saved we must: 1. Hear the good news (i.e. the gospel) of Jesus Christ (Romans 10:14) 2. Believe (Hebrews 11:6; Acts 8:37; Mark 16:16; John 8:24) 3. Repent of our sins (Luke 13:3,5; Acts 2:38; Acts 17:30; Mark 10:15) 4. Confess faith in Jesus Christ (Acts 8:36-37; Romans 10:9) {Footnote} 5. Be baptized (in water) for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:37-41; 1Peter 3:21; John 3:3-5; Acts 22:16; Romans 6:3-8; Colossians 2:12; Galatians 3:26-27; Mark 16:15-16; Acts 8:34-39; Titus 3:5; Ephesians 4:5) 6. Remain faithful for the rest of our lives and carry our cross daily (Revelation 2:10; Matthew 24:13; Luke 9:23) This process of remaining faithful consists of striving to develop and form Christ within you. Colossians 1:26-27 says, the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

4 John 14:17 tells us, the Spirit of truth (The Holy Spirit), the world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. Romans 8:9, 11 reminds us that we are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you. 1 Corinthians 3:16 Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you? Ephesians 2:22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. 2 Timothy 1:14 Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us. 1 John 3:24 Those who obey his commands live in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us. John 17:3,22-23 Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. STEWARDSHIP We believe that everything belongs to God and his desire is that we use all that he has given to us for His glory. 1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 9:11, Malachi 3:8-10; Leviticus 27:30; Matthew 6:21. What we do with what we have ultimately reveals what we really believe about God. To thank, praise, serve, and obey him, meaning God, is the clear and obvious response to everything He does for His people. As followers of Christ we are called to live a life of faith and trust in God recognizing that He is the source of all the good things that have been entrusted to us. The call to thank, praise, serve and obey our Lord is central to what biblical stewardship is all about. When we truly and deeply understand that everything we have is a gift from God, generosity will overflow from us. At CCoC we believe that everything we have belongs to God and He has entrusted us to be good stewards. Whether it is in the form of finances, resources, service or time, it is a believer s responsibility to give back to the Lord. Everything we have comes from God 1st Chronicles 29:12 - Wealth and honor come from you: you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all.

5 2nd Corinthians 9:11 - You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. Share our blessings generously 1st Timothy 6: Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. Romans 12:13 - Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Serve others wholeheartedly like our Lord Jesus did all the while giving back to God what he desires of us 1st John 3: If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him. Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue, but with actions and in truth. Mt. 20:28 - just as the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve & give his life as a ransom for many. Ephesians 6:7 - serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men. COMMUNION We believe communion to be a time of union with Christ and His followers, open to anyone who believes Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior; God s own son who died to take away our sin. 1 Cor. 11:23-28; Acts 20:7; Acts 2:42; Luke 22: Communion is also known as the Lord's Supper (Mt. 26:26-30; Mark 14:22-26; Luke 22:14-20; 1 Cor. 11:23-26). It is the breaking of bread (Acts 2:42, 46) and a time to give thanks (Luke 22:17,19). It was originally instituted by Jesus (Matt. 26:26-29) on the night of the Passover meal which was an annual occurrence celebrating the "passing over" of the angel of death that claimed the firstborn of every house in Egypt (Exodus 12). The Lord's Supper, or communion, replaces the Passover meal with the "body and blood" (Mark 14:22-24) of Jesus. It is to be taken only by believers (1 Cor. 11:23-28). For further study see What does it mean to take communion in an unworthy manner?

6 WHAT IS MARRAIAGE? Marriage is God-ordained and goes back to mankind s beginning. "The Creator made them male and female, and said, For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh " Matthew 19:4-5. The marriage relationship encompasses the deepest unity of man and woman in its social and physical expressions. The first woman was declared to be a suitable helper for the man (Genesis 2:18), the perfect complement (Genesis 2:23&24). God intended them to share both blessings and responsibilities. Mutual esteem and self-giving love strengthen the marriage relationship. God intended this physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual union to be focused on one partner only. Marriage is to be an exclusive relationship, a lifelong faithful union with one s spouse. "What God has joined together, let man not separate" (Matthew 19:6). The Old Testament recognized the existence of polygamy (marriage to multiple partners), but still declared that monogamy (marriage to one partner) was the ideal (Psalms 128:3, Proverbs 5:18; 31:10-29; Ecclesiastes 9:9). "Lifelong" means monogamy and sexual fidelity until the death of one partner. Sexual expression with more than one partner violates the holiness of biblical marriage and thus is sin in God's sight. Marriage is a covenant, a solemn binding agreement made before God and man. The religious ceremony of the wedding before church and community emphasizes that marriage is more than a legal agreement between two individuals. The church has a responsibility to support and nurture the marriage that has been affirmed by public vows. Ideally, the relationship between husband and wife should parallel the relationship between Christ and the Church (Ephesians 5:23-30). The husband should love his wife "as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her" (Ephesians 5:25). The wife should submit to her husband as the Church should submit to the Lord (Ephesians 5:22-24). But it is a misreading of Scripture, however, to conclude that the husband can become dictatorial. The entire passage is introduced by the admonition, "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ" (Ephesians 5:21). It is only after each spouse submits one to another from a heart of love that the head/submission relationship will work. The husband has special responsibility for the spiritual leadership and welfare of the wife and family (Psalms 78:5-8, Ephesians 5:23). While the woman has responsibility as a parent, God has called the husband to be the leader in the home. The woman is not inferior to the man. Both have full dignity and equal standing before God. MINISTRY We believe the Elders are to exercise authority over the local church with Christ serving as Head with each believer called to participate/serve in a ministry for Christ. Acts 20:28; Ephesians 4:11-16; Philippians 1:1; 1 Peter 2:9; 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-4; 1 Corinthians 11: And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17

7 While God and the Bible are the ultimate authority for CCoC, there is a leadership structure to keep the dayto-day operations and ministry of the church moving correctly. The leadership of CCoC has a few integral parts. First, elders. CCoC is first and foremost an elder-led church. The elders provide oversight, vision, and guidance to the corporate side of the church and most importantly the spiritual side of the church. Second, ministers. Lead Pastor Steve Young and Youth Pastor Kyle Dana provide the leadership and everyday decision making in cooperation with the Ministry Team Leaders that consists of volunteers from the church body overseeing various ministries for both within and outside the church family. The paid staff is consists of various full-time ministry staff, full-time support staff, and part-time ministry and support staff depending on the season the church finds itself in. At the end of the day, CCoC leadership hopes that the office work our staff, as well as ministry team leaders completes reflects God and brings the members and attendees that much closer to the Father.