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The Bible is God’s Word to all people, written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. It is our guide to understanding God and the meaning to life. Because it is inspired by God, it is truth without any error. Since God’s Word is the only completely reliable and truthful authority, our first question when faced with a decision is “What does the Bible say?” (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21; 2 Timothy 1:13; Psalm 119:105, 160, 12:6)
People are made in the spiritual image of God to be like Him in character. People are the supreme object of God’s creation and were created to live the adventure of following Jesus Christ. Although people have tremendous potential for good, they are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called sin. This attitude separates people from God. (Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1-2)
Salvation is God’s free gift to us but we must accept it. We can never make up for our sins by self-improvement or good works. We are saved from sin’s penalty by trusting in Jesus Christ and His sacrifice as God’s offer of forgiveness. We are saved by grace through faith and those trusting in Christ as Savior and Lord should repent of their sins, confess their faith and be baptized into Him. (Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 14:6; Romans 10:9-10; Romans 6:3-6; Acts 2:37-41; Matthew 28:19-20)
People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is hell. To be eternally in union with Him is heaven. Heaven and hell are real places of eternal existence. (John 3:16; 1 John 2:25, 5:11-13; Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:15)
The church is the body of Christ on earth. It exists to communicate the good news of new life in Jesus Christ to the world, to teach His followers to obey His teachings, and to equip His followers for ministry. The church exists to help each believer to grow to become a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 12:27; Matthew 28:19-20; John 10:10; Ephesians 4:11-14; Acts 2:42-47)
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