III. The Church — God’s People and Purpose
12. The Church, Mission, and Eternity
We believe the Church is the body of Christ, made up of all believers who have been redeemed by His blood and born again through faith in Him. Jesus is the Head of the Church, and every believer is a vital part of His body. The Church exists to glorify God, make disciples, and carry out the Great Commission — proclaiming the gospel to all nations.
We believe in the future resurrection of the dead and the eternal destiny of all people. Those who belong to Christ will be raised to eternal life with glorified bodies, while those who reject Him will face eternal separation from God. This hope of resurrection and the reality of judgment call us to live in holiness, share the gospel with urgency, and look forward to the day when Christ will make all things new.
Scripture References: Matthew 28:18-20; Ephesians 1:22-23; 1 Corinthians 15:51-54; Revelation 21:1-4
Expanded Explanation:
The Church is not a building but a living body united under one Head — Jesus Christ. Every believer, redeemed by His blood, is joined together in spiritual fellowship through the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:12–13). This unity crosses all boundaries of culture, race, and background. Christ calls His Church to continue His mission: to make disciples, baptize believers, and teach them to walk in His commands. The Church exists to glorify God on earth by representing His kingdom through love, truth, and service.
Our mission is rooted in eternity. The resurrection assures us that death is not the end but the doorway to eternal life (John 11:25–26). Believers will one day share in Christ’s glory with renewed, imperishable bodies, while unbelief leads to eternal separation from Him. This truth gives meaning to both our worship and our witness. Every act of service and every soul reached matters forever because the Church stands as God’s instrument of redemption until Christ returns and makes all things new.
13. Baptism and the Lord’s Supper
We believe Jesus gave the Church two ordinances: baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Baptism is the outward expression of an inward faith — a public declaration of identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. The Lord’s Supper is a symbolic meal of bread and cup, reminding us of His sacrifice and the new covenant in His blood. Both are acts of worship and obedience that strengthen our faith and unity as His body.
Scripture References: Matthew 28:19; Romans 6:3-4; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; Colossians 2:12
Expanded Explanation:
The ordinances of baptism and communion serve as visible expressions of invisible grace. Baptism symbolizes death to the old life and resurrection into new life through Christ (Romans 6:4). It doesn’t save, but it testifies that salvation has already taken place in the heart. Through baptism, believers publicly declare their allegiance to Jesus and their inclusion in His family.
The Lord’s Supper (or Communion) reminds us of the price of that salvation — the broken body and shed blood of Christ (1 Corinthians 11:23–26). When we share in the bread and the cup, we proclaim His death until He comes again. This act renews gratitude, repentance, and unity among believers. Together, these ordinances keep the Church centered on the gospel: we have died with Christ, been raised with Christ, and now live to honor Him.
14. Worship and Prayer
We believe worship is our right response to who God is and what He has done. It is more than music — it is a lifestyle of love, surrender, and obedience. Corporate worship unites believers in adoration and gratitude, centering our hearts on God’s presence. Prayer is our ongoing conversation with God, aligning our will with His and inviting His power to work in our lives and the world.
Scripture References: John 4:23-24; Psalm 95:6; Philippians 4:6-7; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Expanded Explanation:
Worship begins in the heart long before it reaches our lips. True worship is a response to revelation — seeing God for who He is and responding with reverence, joy, and surrender. Jesus taught that worship must be “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24), meaning it is both heartfelt and grounded in God’s Word. Music is a beautiful expression of worship, but obedience, generosity, service, and prayer are equally acts of worship when done for God’s glory (Romans 12:1).
Prayer is the heartbeat of worship. It’s not just asking things from God but aligning our hearts with His purposes. In prayer, we exchange anxiety for peace (Philippians 4:6–7) and weakness for strength. Personal prayer deepens intimacy with God; corporate prayer unites the body in faith. When the Church prays and worships in unity, God’s presence transforms hearts, renews communities, and advances His kingdom on earth.
15. The Gifts and Fruit of the Spirit
We believe the Holy Spirit empowers every believer with spiritual gifts for the glory of God and the good of others. These gifts are to be exercised in love, humility, and order, always pointing people to Jesus. The true evidence of the Spirit’s presence is the fruit of the Spirit — Christlike character formed in us as we walk by the Spirit each day.
Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 12:4-7; Romans 12:6-8; Galatians 5:22-23; 1 Peter 4:10-11
Expanded Explanation:
The Holy Spirit equips every believer with gifts that strengthen the Church and advance God’s mission in the world. These include gifts such as teaching, serving, encouraging, giving, leading, showing mercy, healing, prophecy, tongues, and interpretation of tongues (Romans 12:6–8; 1 Corinthians 12:8–11). Each gift is distributed by the Spirit as He wills, and all are meant to work together in harmony for the common good.
While the gifts display the Spirit’s power, the fruit of the Spirit displays His nature. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22–23) mark a life surrendered to God. Gifts without fruit can become prideful; fruit without service can become passive. The Spirit desires both—power and purity, expression and character—so that together the people of God reflect the beauty and truth of Jesus Christ.