The Bible
The Bible is God's Word to everyone, written by man through the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is without error and is relevant to our lives today.
(Deuteronomy 4:1-2; Psalm 119:89; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Peter 1:25)
The Trinity
God has existed in relationship with Himself for all eternity. He exists as one substance in three persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Although each member of the Trinity serves different functions, they each possess equal power and authority.
(Matthew 28:19; Mark 1:9-11; 2 Corinthians 13:14; James 2:19; Hebrews 1:8-10; Romans 8:9-11)
The Father
God is all powerful, all knowing, ever present, unchanging, completely worthy of our trust, and above all, Holy. It is in Him that we live, move and exist. He is our Heavenly Father, He is loving, compassionate, and faithful to His people and His promises.
(Exodus 3:14; Numbers 23:19; Malachi 3:6; John 3:16; Acts 17:28; John 5:26)
The Son
Jesus Christ is completely human but, at the same time, completely God. He is the only plan for bringing people who are far from God back into a right relationship with God. He lived a perfect life, so that He could be a substitution for us in satisfying God’s demands for perfection. He defeated death in His resurrection so that we can have life.
(Isaiah 7:14; Acts 1:9; Romans 1:3-4; Philippians 2:5-11; 2 Corinthians 5:19; Romans 10:4)
The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit’s presence assures us of our relationship with Christ. He guides believers into all truth and exalts Christ. He convicts people of their sin, God’s righteousness, and the coming judgment. He comforts us, He guides us, He counsels us, He gives us spiritual gifts, and makes us more like Christ.
(Genesis 1:2; Psalm 139:7; Isaiah 61:1-3; John 14:26; John 16:13; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 1 Corinthians 12:8-10; Acts 1:4-5)
Man
Man was created good and upright in the image and likeness of God and is the supreme object of His creation. Man was created to have fellowship with God but became separated in that relationship through sinful disobedience. Man's inclination to sin necessitates salvation from the power of sin and a Savior to provide that salvation. Man cannot attain a right relationship with God through his own effort. Every person is uniquely created and is worthy of respect and Christian love.
(Genesis 1:26-30; Psalms 8:3-6; Romans 7:14-25; Ephesians 2:1-10; 1 Corinthians 1:21-31)
Eternity
Man was created to exist forever. He will exist either eternally separated from God by sin or in union with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is Heaven. Heaven and Hell are places of eternal existence.
(John 3:16; Romans 6:23; 1 John 2:25; 1 John 5:11-13; Revelation 20:14-15)
Salvation
The blood of Jesus Christ, shed on the cross, provides the only way of salvation through the forgiveness of sin. Salvation occurs when people place their faith in the death and resurrection of Christ as sufficient payment for their sin. Salvation is a gift from God, and it cannot be earned through our own efforts.
(Acts 4:12; Romans 5:8-13; Romans 10:9; Ephesians 2:8-10; James 1:21)
The Church
The Church is a local community of believers unified through faith in Christ. It is committed to the teachings of Christ and obeying all of His commands, and it seeks to bring the Gospel to the world. The Church works together in love and unity, intent on the ultimate purpose of glorifying Christ.
(Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 2:41-47; Mark 16:15-20; 1 Timothy 4:14-15; 1 Peter 5:1-5
contact info @dwilson@swordofthespiritstl.com