The Deity of The Holy Spirit We believe that the ministry of the Holy Spirit is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ, and during this age to convict men of sin, regenerate i.e., the rebirth of: the believing sinner, to indwell, guide, instruct, and empower the believer for godly living and service. – Beatty Community ChurchStatement of Faith How do we know the Holy Spirit is God? The Holy Spirit is equated with God in Acts 5:3-4, 28:25, 1 Corinthians 6:19, 3:16-17, and 2 Corinthians 3:17-18. He shares in the divine nature ( Psalms 139:7-8, 1 Corinthians 2:10). The Holy Spirit of God is also Jesus’ Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9) which shows the unity of the Three-In-One. The Holy Spirit …Continue reading →
We believe that man was created in the image of God, but fell into sin and is therefore spiritually lost, and only by rebirth through the Holy Spirit can salvation and spiritual life be obtained. – Beatty Community ChurchStatement of Faith Man: Created In God’s Image How do we know man was created directly by God? The account in Genesis 2:7 says God created man in His own image. The story of creation is not figurative but actually happened. Jesus considered this account as literally true (Mark 10:5-6). Man did not evolve. Of all that God created, what makes man unique? Man was created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27, 9:6). He was created to be like God. Man …Continue reading →
We believe in the personal and imminent return of our Lord Jesus Christ for his church and that this “blessed hope” has a vital bearing on the personal life and service of the believer. – Beatty Community ChurchStatement of Faith Jesus’ Second Coming What do we mean by “personal” return? Jesus’ return will be physical and visible (Job 19:25-26, Matthew 24:30, Revelation 1:7), in the same way He ascended to heaven ( Acts 1:9-11). It will not be an invisible “spiritual” return as some cults teach, as Jesus has never left us spiritually. What do we mean by “imminent” return? Jesus’ second coming can happen at any time. He will come unexpectedly – like a thief in the night (Matthew …Continue reading →
We believe that the true church is composed of all such persons, who, through saving faith in Jesus Christ have been reborn through the Holy Spirit and are united together in the body of Christ, of which He is the head. – Beatty Community ChurchStatement of Faith What is the church? The church consists of all who have been saved by faith in Jesus Christ. What is the purpose of the church? The church is to glorify God (Ephesians 3:21), edify believers (Ephesians 4:11-12), and evangelize the world (Matthew 28:19-20). The church is called the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27), which signifies that Christ is manifested through us to each other and to the world (Ephesians 5:30). Jesus Christ …Continue reading →
We believe that water baptism soon after accepting Christ as personal Savior is a testimony of death to sin and resurrection to a new life. – Beatty Community ChurchStatement of Faith What is baptism? Basically, to baptize means to immerse in water. Water baptism is a ceremonial washing. Greeks used the word for dyeing cloth. What is its purpose or meaning? Water baptism symbolizes union and identification with Christ . It is a public testimony symbolizing our dying to self and sin and living for Christ (Romans 6:3-6). It is not a “sacrament” as there is no sacrament concept in the Bible. John the Baptist baptized to repentance, meaning it symbolized the repentance on the part of the one being …Continue reading →
We believe that the ordinance of the Lord’s Supper is a memorial service setting forth in sacred and symbolic manner the death of the Lord Jesus Christ; that all true believers should share in it. – Beatty Community ChurchStatement of Faith What is communion? Communion, or the Lord’s Supper, was instituted by Jesus. It symbolizes His punishment and death for us. What is its purpose or meaning? Communion is a way of remembering what it cost Jesus to save us ( 1 Corinthians 10:16, 11:23-26). The bread symbolizes His body broken for us (Matthew 26:26) – the punishment we deserved. The wine (juice) symbolizes His blood shed (Matthew 26:27-28) which was required to be forgiven of sin. When we eat …Continue reading →
What is faith? Faith is more than just believing something is true. It is placing your trust in that something to the point where it affects your actions. It affects your world-view and therefore how you live. Everybody has faith in something. Faith is not wishful thinking. It is not convincing yourself that something is true just because you want it to be true. Faith is not blind. Faith in God is more than just believing that God exists, that He did certain things, or that He made certain promises to us. It is relying on God to fulfill those promises. As an example of faith, God told Abram (Abraham) that He would make a great nation out of him …Continue reading →
General references When ordering our lives, we need to know what God considers most important. Our number one purpose is to bring glory to God (Psalms 33:1, 96:1-4, Matthew 5:14-16, John 15:8, 1 Corinthians 6:20, 10:31, Ephesians 5:20, 2 Thessalonians 1:10-12, 1 Peter 2:9, 12, 4:11). We should glory in what God has done for us, rather than what we have done (Galatians 6:14). To obey is better than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22). We should desire God’s favor over the world’s (Matthew 6:1-24). It is more important for Jesus to know you and for you to have a relationship with Him than for you to do good works (Matthew 7:22-23, Luke 10:38-42) Knowing Jesus is the most important knowledge (1 …Continue reading →
Israel’s captivity and dispersion The majority of prophecies in the Old Testament refer to what will happen to Israel when Israel does not follow the commands of God. Only a few are listed here. God’s warnings and reasons (Deuteronomy 28:15-16,36-68). The Lord will scatter Israel because of Israel’s sins (1 Kings 14:15). Israel to be carried off to Babylon (Isaiah 39:6-7). Judah’s captivity (Jeremiah 13:19). Israel to wander among the nations (the prophecy of the “wandering Jew”) (Hosea 9:17). Israel to go into exile (Amos 7:11,17). Notice that because of God’s promises to Abraham, Israel would never be totally destroyed but would always have a remnant. The return of Israel – God’s part This is one group of prophecies that …Continue reading →
Amen Signifying something is true. Also: “So be it” Apostle A physical witness of Jesus Christ who was given a direct commission from Jesus to help build up the church. Atone / -ment To reconcile with God. Baptize / -ism To immerse in water. Symbolic of a complete change in one’s life, and of one’s spiritual baptism. Begotten (i.e. God’s Son) Of the same nature. Blessing Favor from God Church The body of Christ on earth, made up of all believers. Covenant A binding agreement. Communion Lord’s Supper. Symbolizes Jesus’ death – remembering what it cost Jesus to save us. Disciple One who studies and practices the teachings of another. Doctrine A teaching, considered true. Edify / -fication Strengthening in …Continue reading →
