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The Bible as our sole Authority
"All Scripture is God-breathed and is
useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,
so that man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."
2 Tim. 3:16-17
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.
Autonomy of the Local Church
"And he is the head of the body, the
church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so
that in everything he might have the supremacy." Col. 1:18
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.
Priesthood of Every Believer
"...and has made us to be a kingdom and
priests to serve his God and Father. " Rev. 1:16 "But you are a
chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to
God...." 1 Peter 2:9
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.
Tithing
"A tithe of everything from the land,
whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the
LORD; it is holy to the LORD." Lev. 26:30
At Spring Creek we practice tithing for
the support of the Christ's body, the church, as God commands. We
recognize that giving 10 % of our income is the biblical standard for
giving.
Immersion
"Having been buried with him in baptism
and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised
him from the dead." Col. 2:12
We practice baptism by immersion under
water, the way Jesus was baptized, and the way the Bible commands.
Spirit-led Living
(Jesus said) "I am the Vine, you are
the branches. If a man abides in me and I in him, he will bear much
fruit; apart from me he can do nothing." John 15:5
We believe the only possible way to live
the Christian life is by God's power within us. We seek to practice a
daily dependence on God's Spirit to enable us to do what is right. Phil.
2:12; Eph. 5:18
Telling Others about Jesus
"Always be prepared to give an answer
to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope you have."
1 Peter 3:15
It is the responsibility of every
Christian to share Jesus with those with whom God brings in contact with
us. We practice personal sharing of Christ and inviting friends to
church.
Mankind
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 of disobedience toward God called sin.
This attitude separates people from God and causes many problems in
life. Gen. 1:27; Psalms 8:3-6; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1-2
Salvation
"For it is by grace you have been
saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of
God--not by works, so that no one can boast."
Eph. 2:8-9
Salvation is God's free gift to us but we
must accept it. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement of
good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God's offer of
forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin's penalty. When we turn from
our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith we are saved. Eternal
life begins the moment one receives Jesus into their life by faith. Eph.
2:8-9
Eternal Security
Because God gives us eternal life through
Jesus Christ, the true believer is secure in that salvation for
eternity. If you have been genuinely saved, you cannot lose it.
Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by
self-effort of the Christian. It is the grace and keeping power of God
that gives us this security. John 10:29; 2 Tim. 1:12; Hebrews 7:25,
10:10, 14
Eternity
People are created to live forever. We
will either live 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 eternally existence. Jn. 3:16; 14:17; Romans
6:23, 8:17-18; Rev. 20:15; 1 Cor. 2:7-9
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