We recognize that there are some CORE issues and some PERIPHERAL issues of christianity. An example of a CORE issue would be the resurrection of Jesus. An example of a PERIPHERAL issue would be how often you should take communion. This is an issue about which there is room for more than one opinion. Whether to sing hymns or contemporary worship is a PERIPHERAL issue while the fact that we have only come to God through Jesus is a CORE issue.
In CORE issues…We have UNITY.
“There is one body and one spirit…there is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of us all” Ephesians 4:4
In PERIPHERAL issues…We have LIBERTY
“Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgement on disputable matters. Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. So that each of us will give an account of himself to God. So whatever you believe about those things keep between yourself and God” Romans 14:1,4,12,22
In our BELIEFS…We show LOVE
“If I hold in my mind not only all human knowledge but also the very secrets of God, If I have the FAITH that can move mountains but have no love, I amount to nothing at all.” 1 Corinthians 13:2 (PH)
ABOUT GOD
The Trinity. God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three persons: The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit. These three are equal and are one God.
Gen 1:1,26-27,3:22, Psalms 90:2, Matt 28:19, 1 Peter 1:2, 2 Cor 13:14
ABOUT JESUS CHRIST
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless 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.
Matt 1:22-23, Is 9:6, Jn 1:1-5, 10-30, Heb 4:14-15, 1 Cor 15:3-4, Acts 1:9-11, 1 Tim 6:14-15, Titus 2:13
ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in this world to make man aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He provides the chrisitan with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. He gives every believer a spiritual gift. As christians we seek to live under His control daily.
2 Cor 3:17, John 16:7-13, 14:16-17, Acts 1:8, 2:4, 1 Cor 2:12, 3:16, Eph 1:13, Gal 5:25
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 God inspires it. It is the truth without any mixture of error.
2 Tim 3:16, 2 Pet 1:20-21, 2 Tim 1-13, Psalm 119:105/160/12:6, Prov 30:5
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 tramendous potential for good, all of us are marred by what God called “sin.” This separates people from God and causes many problems in life.
Gen 1:27, Psalm 8:3-6, Isaiah 53:6a, Rom 3:23, Isaiah 59:1-2
ABOUT SALVATION
Salvation is God’s free gift to us, but we must accept it. We can never make up for our sin by self improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus 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.
Rom 6:23, Eph 2:8-9, John 14:6, Titus 3:5, Gal 3:26
ABOUT ETERNITY
People were created to exsist forever. We will either exist eternally seperated from God by sin, or eternally with God through Salvation.
John 3:16, 14:17, Rom 6:23, 8:17-18, Rev 20:15, 1 Cor 2:7-9