What We Believe

There is one God existing eternally in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 13:14). He is the Creator of all things (Genesis 1:1); He knows everything (Psalm 33:13-15); is everywhere present (Jeremiah 23:23-24); He is just (Genesis 18:25); loving (1 John 4:8,16); and full of grace (Ephesians 2:4-5). He can be sufficiently known only through Jesus Christ (John 14:6).

Jesus is fully human and fully divine (Philippians 2:5-8) existing eternally, fully equal with the Father (John 1:1,2). He was begotten of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary (Isaiah 7:14; Luke 1:34-35). He has proven Himself to be the Son of God by His deeds, fulfillment of prophecy, crucifixion and bodily resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:1-4).

The Holy Spirit is a divine person existing eternally with the Father (John 15:26). He convicts of sin, righteousness and the judgment to come (John 16:8-11). Every believer is equipped with a gift or gifts by the Holy Spirit for ministry (Romans 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians 12; Ephesians 4:7-16).

The Old and New Testament Scriptures are inspired by God (2 Timothy 3:16-17), and without error in their original manuscripts (Matthew 5:18). They contain a complete revelation of his will for the salvation of man, and constitute the divine and only rule of faith and practice (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Those who believe in Jesus Christ as God's Son and our Savior (John 3:16); who repents of their sins and continually make Jesus the Lord of their lives (Acts 3:19); who confesses Jesus as Lord (Romans 10:9-10); and who are baptized (by immersion [Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3-7]); and have accepted the gracious gift of salvation (Romans 6:23) by faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). Those who follow this Biblical plan can have assurance of this Salvation (1 John 5:13).

First Christian Church is a non-denominational fellowship of believers who have no creed but Christ, no book but the Bible, and wear no name but Christian. We believe that Christ is the Head of His Church, and therefore every Christian is a part of His body. We do not believe that we are the only Christians, but earnestly strive to be Christians only. We seek to speak where the Bible speaks, and remain silent where the Bible is silent. We take the Bible, and the Bible alone, as our only rule of faith and practice. The original Church that we read about in the Bible was a church where salvation made you a member, so First Christian Church follows that pattern. We refuse to impose upon people more than the Word of God asks a Christian to be, nor require less than the Word states. Therefore, membership here requires that one accept the gracious gift of salvation by faith, which is belief in Jesus as the Son of God, repenting of sin, confessing Jesus as Lord, and being baptized by immersion.

 The Lord's Supper (Communion) was instituted by the Lord and delivered to the Apostles (Matthew 26:26-29) and is to be observed by believers in remembrance of Him (1 Corinthians 11:24-25). We celebrate communion each Sunday and invite all who trust Jesus Christ as their Savior to participate.

 Jesus calls people to follow Him (Matthew 4:19, 19:21, Mark 1:17, Luke 18:22)!  The Christian (disciple) Life by its very nature is to be distinct from the world (Ephesians 4:22-24, Matthew 28:18-20). Because of this, each believer is set apart (sanctified) by God for His purposes (Romans 6:22). The process of sanctification is carried out through prayer, the Word, witnessing and fellowship (Acts 2:42; Colossians 3:16; Acts 1:8). Each believer has been given a spiritual gift or gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4-6; Ephesians 4:7-8) to be used in serving the Church and others (1 Corinthians 12:7).  Some people believe conversion is the final destination for a Christian, but we believe Scripture defines conversion as only the beginning of a life long pursuit of following Jesus.

  The coming of Christ for His Church can occur at any time and will occur at some time. The Scripture teaches that Jesus will descend from Heaven (Acts 1:11); that all Christians, dead and alive, will be raised to eternal life (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18); and all non-believers will be judged or condemned to eternal punishment in Hell (Matthew 25:31-45; Revelation 20; 2 Corinthians 5:10). 

The movement in which our church was founded is called the Restoration Movement (RM). This was primarily founded by men such as Barton Stone, Thomas & his son Alexander Campbell, these men spent years of intentional time working through their differences in opinion. Though these men had their differences they believed that the New Testament Church was the model we as Christians were called to follow! The effort behind the RM was simply to draw the church to function and look as close to the NT Church as possible. The most common theme agreed on by the RM was "seeking Biblical Unity while allowing the authority of the Scripture speak for itself.  
  Campbell and Stone both spent great amounts of time trying to hold together or build unity in the church, while also being concerned about truly living what the Bible taught. These men were concerned about the proper interpretation of the Word, but were equally concerned about UNITY of the body! How could the later generations miss the point? In a generation enamored to find truth and fact in life, they totally missed the point. Campbell should get some credit because he offered a sense of structure and a road of thought for the church to follow. The Declaration and Address written by Thomas was lived out in his life and proved to be truth among the independent church (Christians Only). It is this concept that is greatly needed to be restored in our culture today.    
  Each Christian must become comfortable being uncomfortable in order to see unity in this church! We must be willing to give much for the sake of Biblical Unity, and make sure that we are promoting a spirit of inclusion. One must seek the Holy Spirit, let every Christian represent their differences, and celebrate them at the same time, as He guides us through the rough collisions. Instead of letting the hurt pile up, it needs to be dealt with by discussing it. The Mystery of the Gospel (Ephesians 3-4) through the Spirit’s leading is the only way this is possible. So strap on your hard hat and enjoy the ride, because the outcome will be heavenly!