What We Believe
What is your story?
Have you had more bad days than good? Has this year been great
or have you had better? Well, no matter what season of life we
find ourselves in, we all have one thing in common; God is at
work all around us and His story is alive and well today.
Westview Christian
Church is a community of people who don’t have it all
together. Instead, we are people who have caught a glimpse of
God and His grace and His provision. Our desire is to be a
part of His story. A story filled with strength for the weak,
humility for the proud, comfort for the hurting, and
forgiveness for the imperfect.
Our
church is based on Biblical principles and is non-denominational. The Bible is preached, with
messages that offer up direction for living God's Word. There
is a good deal of music, followed by Communion Meditation and
the taking of the Lord's Supper at each Sunday Morning
Service. I think you will find our church comfortable and the
message one that will bless your heart.
We could go on and
on about our core beliefs but the fact is we only know one
thing for sure, God is a God of restoration. He is actively
pursuing our hearts, minds, and our lives. In response we
strive to give Him everything and to tell others about Him.
THE ESSENTIALS WE BELIEVE
1.
ABOUT GOD
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed
in three personalities: the Father, the Son, and the Holy
Spirit. The three are co-equal and are one God.
Genesis 1:1,26-27,3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter
1:2;
II Corinthians 13:14
2. ABOUT JESUS CHRIST
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus
lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect
sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He
arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power
over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven's glory and will
return again someday to earth to reign as King of Kings, and
Lord of Lords.
Matthew 1:22-23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5, 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14-15; I
Corinthians 15:3-4; Romans 1:3-4; Acts 1:9-11; I Timothy
6:14-15; Titus 2:13
3.
ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is
present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus
Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of
baptism. He provides the Christian with power for living,
understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what
is right. He gives every believer a spiritual gift when they
become a Christian. As Christians we seek to live under his
control daily.
II Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13, 14:16-17; Acts 1:8; I Corinthians
2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 1:13;
Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:18
4.
ABOUT THE BIBLE
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 it is inspired by God, it is the truth without any
mixture of error.
II Timothy 3:16; II Peter 1:20-21; II Timothy 1:13; Psalm 119:105, 160,
12:6; Proverbs 30:5
5.
ABOUT HUMAN BEINGS
People are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in
character. People are the supreme object of God's creation.
Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all
of us are marred by an attitude that separates people from God
and causes many problems in life.
Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1-2
6.
ABOUT SALVATION
Salvation is God's free gift to us but we must accept it. Salvation and
the forgiveness of sins are achieved only by grace through the
blood of Jesus Christ. The Bible teaches that one receives
God’s grace by putting faith in Christ, repenting of sin,
confessing Christ, and being immersed into Christ, but that
none of these is sufficient in and of itself for the assurance
of salvation.
Romans 5:1-2; Acts 3:19; Ephesians 2:8-9; Matthew 10:32; Romans 10:9;
Acts 2:38; 1 Peter 3:21
7.
ABOUT ETERNITY
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 eternal life.
Heaven and hell are real places of eternal existence.
John 3:16; John 2:25; John 5:11-13; Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:15;
Matthew 1:8; Matthew 2:44,46
OUR LIFESTYLE STATEMENT
What we practice
Beliefs are not worth much unless they are translated into actions.
Based on what the Bible teaches, we feel very strongly about
the following seven practices:
1.
Bible as our sole authority.
"The whole Bible was given to us by inspiration from God and
is useful to teach us what is true and make us realize what
is
wrong in our lives; it straightens us out and helps us to do
what is right.” 2 Tim. 3:15
Since God's Word is the only completely reliable and truthful
authority, we accept the Bible as our manual for living. Our
first question when faced with a decision is "What does the
Bible say?” We practice daily Bible reading, Bible study, and
Bible memorization. The Bible is the basis for all we believe.
2.
Autonomy of each local church.
"Christ is the head of his Body, the church. He is the source
of
the Body's life ...” Col. 1:18 (GN)
Christ is the recognized head of our church, not any person, group, or
religious organization. While recognizing the value of
associating and cooperating with other groups of Christians,
we believe every local church should be self-governing and
independent from any denominational control.
3.
Priesthood (Ministry) of every believer
"Christ loves us, and by His death He has freed us from our
sins
and made us a kingdom of priests to serve God ... " Rev. 1:6 (GN)
"You are ... the King's priests ... God’s own people, chosen
to
proclaim the wonderful acts of God.” 1 Pet. 2:9 (GN)
The Bible teaches that every Christian is called to "full time"
Christian service, regardless of his or her vocation. We
practice the truth that every believer is a minister by
encouraging every member to find a place of service and
ministry. Every believer has direct access to God through
prayer and Bible reading.
4.
Tithing
"A tithe of everything you produce belongs to the Lord;
it is holy to the Lord.” Lev. 26:30
At Westview Christian Church we practice tithing for the support of
Christ's Body, the church, as God commands. We recognize that
giving 10% of our income is the Biblical standard and the
starting point of giving.
5.
Immersion
"For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ,
and in baptism you were also raised with Christ ... ” Col.
2:12
We practice baptism by immersion - the way Jesus was baptized, and the
way the Bible commands.
6.
Spirit-led living
We believe the only way possible to live the Christian life is by God's
power within us. So we seek to practice a daily dependence on
God's Spirit to enable us to do what is right. (Phil. 2:13;
Eph. 5:18)
7.
Telling others about Christ
"Always
be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give
the reason for the hope that you have.” 1 Peter 3:15
It is the responsibility of every Christian to share the Good News with
those whom God has brought us into contact. We practice
personal sharing about Christ and inviting friends to church.
(Jesus
said) "I am the Vine, you are the branches. If you abide
in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; but apart
from
Me you can do nothing.” John 15:5
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