Please Read our Statement of Beliefs listed below:
CHURCH DOCTRINE AND DENOMINATIONAL AFFILIATION
Ultimately, the Bible provides our direction and instruction in how we conduct our individual lives and function of the church. In a rapidly changing world and fluid culture, doctrines give clarity to how we interpret the words of the Bible regardless of what is popular or perhaps even legal. Our doctrinal positions are not for the sake of argument and are not to be used divisively, rather they are to unite us on a common ground and understanding of Scripture. Hope Community church has a shared doctrine, which has been meticulously crafted from a deep study of Scripture by faithful men and women, many of whom lived long before us. Therefore, it is not to be modified lightly.
STATEMENT OF BELIEFS
About the Bible
The Bible is inspired by God, and it is the revelation of Him to man. It is fully authoritative and without error. We can trust it in every circumstance and situation. It provides the foundation for all other doctrines and practices.
Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:15-17, 2 Peter 1:19-21
About God
God has always existed in perfect power and holiness. He is Creator of the universe, and He rules over every aspect of creation still today. He exists in three persons - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Scripture: Genesis 1, Deuteronomy 6:4
About Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is God's Son, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He is fully God and fully man. He lived a perfect life, died on a cross, and after three days, He defeated sin and death and rose from the grave. He will return one day to rule and reign.
Scripture: John 1:1-18, Colossians 1:13-22
About the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity. He works in the world to make all people understand their need for Jesus Christ, and He indwells every believer from the time of salvation. He empowers Christians to live a supernatural life.
Scripture: Genesis 1:2, Acts 1:8, Ephesians 1:13-14
About Salvation
Because of our sinful nature, man cannot enter into heaven no matter how good of a life he may have lived. Jesus Christ came to earth to take the punishment for sin, and our only hope for salvation is faith in the truth that Jesus died for our sin and made a way for us to gain the righteousness it takes to enter heaven.
Scripture: Genesis 3, Romans 3:10-23, Romans 6:23, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Ephesians 2:8-9
About the Church
The Bible teaches that the universal Church is the body of Christ in the world today. A local church is made up of baptized followers of Jesus Christ, gathered for worship and scattered to serve. The church should live out the mission of Christ as His body, taking the gospel to the community and the world around them. The church is led by a group of men known as elders and pastors, who serve as spiritual leaders and shepherds.
Scripture: Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 2:41-47, Colossians 1:18, 1 Peter 5:1-5
About Baptism
Baptism is an act of obedience for every believer. We practice baptism by immersion, symbolizing the imagery of salvation through Jesus - that our old selves have been crucified and buried, and that we now live in new life by the power of His resurrection.
Scripture: Matthew 3:16, Mark 1:9, Romans 6:3-4, Colossians 2:12
About Marriage
The covenant of marriage between a man and a woman is holy, sacred, and beautiful. We view marriage as God's divine design of a sacred covenant between a man and a woman. According to Scripture, marriage reflects the relationship between Jesus and the Church. Just as Jesus lovingly and sacrificially gave His life for His bride, the Church, the husband fulfills that role by giving his life for his wife. And the wife responds to the husband's sacrificial, loving initiatives by trusting his leadership in her.family's life, just as the Church responds to Jesus by trusting His leadership.
Scripture: Genesis 2:23-24, Matthew 5:31-32, Matthew 19:1-12, Ephesians 5:25-33