Our Beliefs

Beliefs

Faithful Central Bible Church: Statement of Faith

God

We believe that there is one eternal God, existent in three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. (Genesis 1:26; Matthew 3:16-17; Matthew 28:19)

Holy Scriptures

We believe that the Bible is inclusive of all the books of the Old and New Testaments. The original writings are inerrant as well as infallible, and are the divinely inspired Word of God written by authors who were inspired by God. This true written message of God is the final authority on all matters to which it addresses and therefore is also the source of all doctrine, instruction, and correction. (Psalm 19:7-8, Psalm 119:105; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21)

The Fall of Man and Salvation

We believe man was created in the image of God, but because of voluntary disobedience, man ‘fell’ which allowed sin and death to enter the world. Man’s relationship with God was severed, and the innocence and purity of humanity was lost. Mankind however, was not lost forever because Christ later died for us. He pardoned all who believed in Him granting them salvation by grace through faith. (Genesis 1:26; Genesis 3:6-7; John 3:16; Romans 3:23; Romans 5:6-10; Romans 10:9-10; Ephesians 2:8-9)

Daily Christian Living

We believe that God has given us everything we need to live daily as a Christian. Living as a Christian happens as we use the Bible to determine our beliefs, actions and deeds while voluntarily following Christ and depending on the Holy Spirit. We believe by walking with God we enter a growth process with Him and others that is not about perfection, but progress. This transformation occurs throughout our entire life and one day we will live eternally in His presence. (Romans 12:1-2; Philippians 4:8-9; Colossians 4:8-9; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; 2 Peter 1:3)

Discipleship

We believe that Jesus discipled His followers through times of prayer, small and large gatherings, fellowship, teaching, and serving others. We strive to continue Jesus’ model today as a lifestyle.

We believe that after Salvation, Discipleship can begin if believers decide to follow Christ as their Lord. While there are various approaches to discipleship (i.e. one-on-one, small groups, classes, service, etc.) none would be effective without spiritual disciplines like studying the Word of God, Prayer, Fasting, Worship, Solitude, Service, and Giving. This discipleship lifestyle is a journey toward an authentic relationship with God and better relationships with others. (Matthew 16:24; Matthew 28:18-20; John 13:34-35; Acts 2:42-47; Galatians 5:13-14)

The Work of the Holy Spirit

We believe in the divine personhood of the Holy Spirit. The work of the Holy Spirit continues today as He gives: spiritual gifts, guidance, comfort, counsel, revelation, protection, unity, and empowers believers to serve God and others. At the point of Salvation, believers receive an un-removable seal that is set upon them as an indication they are set apart for God and belong to Him.

The spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12-14) are still active today. We believe that living a Spirit-filled life may be evidenced by love, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Ephesians 5:15-20; Galatians 5:16-26; Acts 2:16-18).

The Church

We believe that the Church is the body of Christ, and that its role is to continue the work of Jesus Christ on earth today. The Church also exists everywhere local believers do. We are a combination of all the various church communities all over the world that have accepted Jesus as Savior and Lord and therefore make up the Universal Church. (Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 2:19-22; 1 Corinthians 12:12-27; Colossians 1:18)

Baptism and the Lord's Supper

We believe in Baptism by immersion in water as an outward expression of an inward commitment of faith in Jesus Christ. We believe the commemoration of the Lord's Supper with bread and wine and that the Lord’s Supper is done in remembrance of Christ’s redemptive work on the cross. (Matthew 28:19-20; Luke 3:21-22; Acts 8:34-38; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26)

The Return of Christ

We believe in the second coming of Jesus Christ, and the final judgment. This second coming and return of Christ is certain, but the day and time is unknown. This final judgment will determine the eternal status of both unbelievers and believers based upon each person’s individual faith and personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Rewards will be given to believers and there will be a final judgment of unbelievers. (Matthew 24:36, Matthew 24:42-44; Mark 13:32-37; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Revelation 1:7)