Our Beliefs
While these are not all of our essential beliefs, they represent a summary of our beliefs regarding those most central to the Christian faith as found in the Bible. Our full statement of essential beliefs is available from our pastors.
1
GOD
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. The triune God exists eternally as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and yet one God.
Genesis 1:1, 26-27, 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:4; Ephesians 1:3-14
2
JESUS CHRIST
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is eternally 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 the 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 someday to earth to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:22-23; John 1:1-5, 14:10-30: Hebrews 4:14-15; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Romans 1:3-4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14-15; Titus 2:13
3
THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Holy Spirit is eternally co-equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make people aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. He gives all believers spiritual gifts when they are saved. As Christians we seek to live under His leadership daily.
2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-15, 14:16-17; Act 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 1 Corinthians 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:18
4
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 alone is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and Christian living. Because it is inspired by God, it is the truth without any mixture of error. It is speaks to and is sufficient for our entire life.
Psalms 119:105 & 160; Proverbs 30:52 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21; 2 Timothy 1:13
5
PEOPLE
People are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. We are the supreme objects of God's creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us have chosen to do wrong. Consequently, all of us are marred by attitudes and actions of disobedience toward God called
"sin." Sin distorts the image of God in each person. These attitudes and actions separate people from God resulting in spiritual and eternal death. They are the sources of many problems and destruction in our lives today.
Scriptures: Genesis 1:26-28, 2:18-25; Leviticus 18:20; Psalm 8:3-6; Psalm 139; Isaiah 53:6a, 59:1-2; Matthew 15:18-20; Romans 1:18-27; Romans 3:23; 1 Corinthians 6:9-19, 7:25; Galatians 5:19-24; Hebrews 13:4
6
SALVATION
Salvation is God's free gift of eternal life and the forgiveness of sins that can only be received by faith. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God's offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin's penalty which is death. When we turn away from sin and a self-ruled life and surrender to Jesus in faith, we are saved.
Scriptures: John 1:12; 10:10 & 10:28-30, 14:6; Romans 5:1, 6:11 & 23, 8:15; 2 Corinthians 5:17-18, 6:9-11; Galatians 3:26; Ephesians 2:8-9; Colossians 1:13; Titus 3:5
7
ETERNITY
People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation or eternally separated from God by sin. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life, experienced ultimately in Heaven. To be eternally separated from God by sin is Hell. Heaven and Hell are real places of existence.
Scriptures: John 2:25, 3:16; Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:15
8
THE CHURCH
A church is a self-governed local congregation of baptized believers, associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel, observing the two ordinances of Christ: believer's baptism by immersion and Lord's Supper. Its purpose is to glorify God by extending the gospel to the ends of the earth and teaching obedience to God’s Word. Its scriptural officers are pastors (elders) and deacons.
Matthew 16:15-19, 18:15-20, 28:18-20 Acts 1:8, 2:41-42,47, 5:11; 6:3-6, 14:23, 27, 15:1- 30, 16:5, 20:28; 1 Corinthians 1:2, 6:9-11, 7:17; Ephesians 1:22-23, 2:19-22, 3:8-11 & 21, 5:22-32, Philippians 1:1; Colossians 1:18; 1 Timothy 3:1-15, 4:14; 1 Peter 5:1-4
Sundays at 10am
2333 Western Ave,
Guilderland, NY 12084
