Statement of Faith
GOD
We believe in one God who eternally exists in three distinct persons (The Trinity): the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God (1 John 5:6-8; Philippians 2:6). God the Father is the sender of the Word. (John 16:28; John 1:14) The Son is the Word made flesh, and has existed with the Father from the beginning. (John 1:1; John 1:18; John 1:14) The Holy Spirit proceeds forth from both the Father and the Son, and is eternal. (John 15:26). God the Father is the Creator and Ruler of the Universe. We believe that He is limitless in power, knowledge, wisdom, love, and holiness. We also believe that He has revealed himself as the Father of the redeemed. Genesis 1:26-27; Psalms 90:2, 97; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14.
We believe in one God who eternally exists in three distinct persons (The Trinity): the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God (1 John 5:6-8; Philippians 2:6). God the Father is the sender of the Word. (John 16:28; John 1:14) The Son is the Word made flesh, and has existed with the Father from the beginning. (John 1:1; John 1:18; John 1:14) The Holy Spirit proceeds forth from both the Father and the Son, and is eternal. (John 15:26). God the Father is the Creator and Ruler of the Universe. We believe that He is limitless in power, knowledge, wisdom, love, and holiness. We also believe that He has revealed himself as the Father of the redeemed. Genesis 1:26-27; Psalms 90:2, 97; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14.
JESUS CHRIST
We believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is the second person of the Trinity and is co-equal with the Father. Jesus was born of a virgin, lived a sinless human life and offered himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all men by dying on a cross. He rose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven’s glory where He sits at the right hand of the Father. He will return again to earth to reign as King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. Matthew 1:22,23; Isaiah 9:6; 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.
We believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is the second person of the Trinity and is co-equal with the Father. Jesus was born of a virgin, lived a sinless human life and offered himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all men by dying on a cross. He rose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven’s glory where He sits at the right hand of the Father. He will return again to earth to reign as King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. Matthew 1:22,23; Isaiah 9:6; 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.
HOLY SPIRIT
The Holy Spirit is present in the world to make humans aware of their need for Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation (Acts 2:38). The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son of God. The Holy Spirit provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right and gives every believer a spiritual gift when they are saved. As Christians we seek to live under the Holy Spirit’s control daily. 2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13, 14:16-17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25.
The Holy Spirit is present in the world to make humans aware of their need for Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation (Acts 2:38). The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son of God. The Holy Spirit provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right and gives every believer a spiritual gift when they are saved. As Christians we seek to live under the Holy Spirit’s control daily. 2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13, 14:16-17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25.
BIBLE
The sole basis of our beliefs is the Word of God: (What God {Father, Son & Holy Spirit}) speaks and has spoken, Jesus Christ (Word of God that became flesh), and the Holy Bible; the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments. It was uniquely and fully inspired by the Holy Spirit and was written without error in the original manuscripts. It is the supreme and final authority. The Bible is the inspired Word of God to and for all people – the product of men who spoke and wrote as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. His holy Word is what we accept as our infallible guide in all matters of life and doctrine. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is the truth without any mixture of error.
2 Timothy 1:13, 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Psalms 119:105, 160; Proverbs 30:5; Luke 24:27, 44-45; 1 Thessalonians 2:13.
The sole basis of our beliefs is the Word of God: (What God {Father, Son & Holy Spirit}) speaks and has spoken, Jesus Christ (Word of God that became flesh), and the Holy Bible; the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments. It was uniquely and fully inspired by the Holy Spirit and was written without error in the original manuscripts. It is the supreme and final authority. The Bible is the inspired Word of God to and for all people – the product of men who spoke and wrote as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. His holy Word is what we accept as our infallible guide in all matters of life and doctrine. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is the truth without any mixture of error.
2 Timothy 1:13, 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Psalms 119:105, 160; Proverbs 30:5; Luke 24:27, 44-45; 1 Thessalonians 2:13.
HUMANITY, THE FALL AND REDEMPTION
We believe that man was created in the image of God to have fellowship with Him, but became alienated from that relationship through sinful disobedience. God created man in His own image. And man, as he was originally created, was innocent before God. But man chose to sin by disobeying God, and therefore was alienated from his Creator and came under divine condemnation. Thus, all human beings are born with a corrupt nature and without spiritual life, and are totally incapable of pleasing God in and of themselves and is totally incapable of coming back into a right relationship with God by his own effort. Through Adam’s fall, sin came into the world. “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.†Jesus Christ came in the form of man and gave His life to restore us back to God, undoing the work of the devil. (Romans 5:14; Romans 3:10-12 & 20-23; 1 John 3:8). Salvation is the gift of God available to all human beings, which we receive by faith in Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 2:8). A human being’s first step toward salvation is godly sorrow through repentance. The New Birth is necessary for all human beings, and when experienced, produces eternal life. (2 Corinthians 7:10, 1 John 5:12; John 3:3-5; Romans 10:9-10; Jeremiah 17:9; Ecclesiastes 12:14; Genesis 1:27; Psalms 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a, 59:1-2).
We believe that man was created in the image of God to have fellowship with Him, but became alienated from that relationship through sinful disobedience. God created man in His own image. And man, as he was originally created, was innocent before God. But man chose to sin by disobeying God, and therefore was alienated from his Creator and came under divine condemnation. Thus, all human beings are born with a corrupt nature and without spiritual life, and are totally incapable of pleasing God in and of themselves and is totally incapable of coming back into a right relationship with God by his own effort. Through Adam’s fall, sin came into the world. “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.†Jesus Christ came in the form of man and gave His life to restore us back to God, undoing the work of the devil. (Romans 5:14; Romans 3:10-12 & 20-23; 1 John 3:8). Salvation is the gift of God available to all human beings, which we receive by faith in Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 2:8). A human being’s first step toward salvation is godly sorrow through repentance. The New Birth is necessary for all human beings, and when experienced, produces eternal life. (2 Corinthians 7:10, 1 John 5:12; John 3:3-5; Romans 10:9-10; Jeremiah 17:9; Ecclesiastes 12:14; Genesis 1:27; Psalms 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a, 59:1-2).
SALVATION
The Word of God declares clearly that salvation is a free gift from God, based on the merits of the death of His Son, and is appropriated by faith. Salvation comes only through Jesus Christ. Salvation is brought about through personal repentance (to turn from your sin and intend to lead a new life in Christ through the Holy Spirit), belief on the Lord Jesus (justification), and a personal acceptance of Him into one’s life as Lord and Savior (regeneration). Salvation is to be accompanied by baptism which is a response to the command given by Jesus Himself as a condition of discipleship. The new life in Christ includes the privileges of adoption and inheritance in the Kingdom of God’s Son. Salvation is secure in the unchanging commitment of God, who does not lie and is forever the same. Salvation should produce an active lifestyle of loving obedience and service to Jesus Christ our Savior. Men and women are freed from the penalty for their sins not as a result of their own works, goodness, or religious ceremony, but by the undeserved favor of God alone. God declares righteous all who put their faith in Christ alone for their salvation. Romans 5:1, 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 1:12, 3:16-17, 10:29, 14:6; Titus 3:5-7; Galatians 3:26; Hebrews 7:25, 10:10, 14; Romans 3:24-25; 1 John 1:9.
The Word of God declares clearly that salvation is a free gift from God, based on the merits of the death of His Son, and is appropriated by faith. Salvation comes only through Jesus Christ. Salvation is brought about through personal repentance (to turn from your sin and intend to lead a new life in Christ through the Holy Spirit), belief on the Lord Jesus (justification), and a personal acceptance of Him into one’s life as Lord and Savior (regeneration). Salvation is to be accompanied by baptism which is a response to the command given by Jesus Himself as a condition of discipleship. The new life in Christ includes the privileges of adoption and inheritance in the Kingdom of God’s Son. Salvation is secure in the unchanging commitment of God, who does not lie and is forever the same. Salvation should produce an active lifestyle of loving obedience and service to Jesus Christ our Savior. Men and women are freed from the penalty for their sins not as a result of their own works, goodness, or religious ceremony, but by the undeserved favor of God alone. God declares righteous all who put their faith in Christ alone for their salvation. Romans 5:1, 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 1:12, 3:16-17, 10:29, 14:6; Titus 3:5-7; Galatians 3:26; Hebrews 7:25, 10:10, 14; Romans 3:24-25; 1 John 1:9.
HELL & ETERNAL RETRIBUTION
The one who dies in his sins without accepting Christ is hopelessly and eternally lost in the Lake of Fire and, therefore, has no further opportunity to hear the Gospel or repent. The terms “eternal†and “everlasting†which are used in describing the duration of the punishment of the damned in the Lake of Fire, carry the same meaning of endless existence as used in denoting the duration of joy and ecstasy of the saints in the presence of God. (Hebrews 9:27; Revelation 20:15)
The one who dies in his sins without accepting Christ is hopelessly and eternally lost in the Lake of Fire and, therefore, has no further opportunity to hear the Gospel or repent. The terms “eternal†and “everlasting†which are used in describing the duration of the punishment of the damned in the Lake of Fire, carry the same meaning of endless existence as used in denoting the duration of joy and ecstasy of the saints in the presence of God. (Hebrews 9:27; Revelation 20:15)
SANCTIFICATION
The Bible teaches that, without holiness, no man can see the Lord. We believe in the Doctrine of Sanctification as a definite, yet progressive work of grace, beginning at the time of salvation, and continuing until the return of Christ. (Hebrews 12:14; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; 2 Peter 3:18; 1 Corinthians 3:18; Philippians 3:12-14; 1 Corinthians 1:30)
The Bible teaches that, without holiness, no man can see the Lord. We believe in the Doctrine of Sanctification as a definite, yet progressive work of grace, beginning at the time of salvation, and continuing until the return of Christ. (Hebrews 12:14; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; 2 Peter 3:18; 1 Corinthians 3:18; Philippians 3:12-14; 1 Corinthians 1:30)
THE RESURRECTION
Jesus will return to the earth as King of kings and Lord of lords. Those who have died in Christ will rise first and those of us who live will rise to meet Him also. Then God will make all things new – a new heaven and a new earth. His coming is imminent and we must live as such! (Acts 1:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; Revelation 21:1-8)
Jesus will return to the earth as King of kings and Lord of lords. Those who have died in Christ will rise first and those of us who live will rise to meet Him also. Then God will make all things new – a new heaven and a new earth. His coming is imminent and we must live as such! (Acts 1:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; Revelation 21:1-8)
CHURCH
We believe the church is the Body of Christ, the family of God made up of every Christian. It is expressed through local congregations of Christians. It is a place where the Holy Spirit empowers Christians to use their gifts in reaching non-Christians with God’s salvation message, and in helping each other grow spiritually; all of this is done with and in the Love of God. The church is led by the Holy Spirit through the Pastor He has established. Along with Elders, Deacons, ministers and ministry leaders who support God’s vision and work as revealed by God and relayed through the Pastor that God has established. (Acts 2; 1 Corinthians 12; Ephesians 2:19, 4:11-13; Hebrews 10:25).
We believe the church is the Body of Christ, the family of God made up of every Christian. It is expressed through local congregations of Christians. It is a place where the Holy Spirit empowers Christians to use their gifts in reaching non-Christians with God’s salvation message, and in helping each other grow spiritually; all of this is done with and in the Love of God. The church is led by the Holy Spirit through the Pastor He has established. Along with Elders, Deacons, ministers and ministry leaders who support God’s vision and work as revealed by God and relayed through the Pastor that God has established. (Acts 2; 1 Corinthians 12; Ephesians 2:19, 4:11-13; Hebrews 10:25).
BAPTISM & THE LORD’S SUPPER
Jesus Christ has instructed those who believe in Him to be baptized in water as a symbol of their new birth in Christ. Baptism is by immersion and is only for those who have personally believed in Christ. Baptism in water by immersion is a direct commandment of our Lord, and is for believers only. The ordinance is a symbol of the Christian’s identification with Christ, His death, burial, and resurrection. (Matthew 28:19; Romans 6:4, Colossians 2:12; Acts 8:36-39). The promise of the baptism in the Holy Spirit as a commensurate experience is available to all believers (Acts 10:44-48; Acts 19:6; Acts 1:8; Mathew 3:11).
The Lord also instituted the Lord’s Supper as a remembrance of His suffering, death and resurrection. Neither baptism nor the Lord’s Supper have any merit in helping a person obtain eternal life. However, they are outwardly expressed response of a committed relationship with Jesus Christ and are commanded to be done in remembrance of Him.(Mark 1:4, Acts 22:16, 1 Corinthians 11:23-30).
Jesus Christ has instructed those who believe in Him to be baptized in water as a symbol of their new birth in Christ. Baptism is by immersion and is only for those who have personally believed in Christ. Baptism in water by immersion is a direct commandment of our Lord, and is for believers only. The ordinance is a symbol of the Christian’s identification with Christ, His death, burial, and resurrection. (Matthew 28:19; Romans 6:4, Colossians 2:12; Acts 8:36-39). The promise of the baptism in the Holy Spirit as a commensurate experience is available to all believers (Acts 10:44-48; Acts 19:6; Acts 1:8; Mathew 3:11).
The Lord also instituted the Lord’s Supper as a remembrance of His suffering, death and resurrection. Neither baptism nor the Lord’s Supper have any merit in helping a person obtain eternal life. However, they are outwardly expressed response of a committed relationship with Jesus Christ and are commanded to be done in remembrance of Him.(Mark 1:4, Acts 22:16, 1 Corinthians 11:23-30).
SEXUALITY
God’s plan is for us to walk in holiness in all areas, especially in what we do with our bodies. God’s Word affirms heterosexual union for married persons and committed celibate behavior for unmarried persons as the only Biblical options for human sexual conduct. We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a woman. We believe that any form sexual immorality (including adultery, fornication, homosexual behavior, bisexual conduct, bestiality, incest, polygamy, pedophilia and use of pornography) is sinful and offensive to God. (Genesis 1:27; 2:24, 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8; Hebrews 13:4; Romans 1:18-32; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11).
God’s plan is for us to walk in holiness in all areas, especially in what we do with our bodies. God’s Word affirms heterosexual union for married persons and committed celibate behavior for unmarried persons as the only Biblical options for human sexual conduct. We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a woman. We believe that any form sexual immorality (including adultery, fornication, homosexual behavior, bisexual conduct, bestiality, incest, polygamy, pedophilia and use of pornography) is sinful and offensive to God. (Genesis 1:27; 2:24, 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8; Hebrews 13:4; Romans 1:18-32; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11).
MARRIAGE, GENDER AND SEXUALITY
Though He is gracious, God is also holy and we believe that God wonderfully and immutably creates each person as male or female. These two distinct, complementary genders together reflect the image and nature of God. Rejection of one’s biological sex is a rejection of the image of God within that person. We believe that the term “marriage†has only one meaning: the uniting of one born biological man and one born biological woman in a single, exclusive union, as delineated in Scripture. We believe that God intends sexual intimacy to occur only between a man and a woman who are biblically married to each other. Because God has ordained marriage and defined it as the covenant relationship between a man, a woman, and Himself. Therefore, SGCC will only recognize relationships and marriages that meet the criteria as defined by and outlined in the Holy Bible as between one born biological man and one born biological woman, who are in agreement with their born biological assignment as given by THE CREATOR Almighty God. (Matthew 19:4-6, Genesis 1:27; 2:24).
We believe that every person must be afforded compassion, love, kindness, respect, and dignity. Hateful and harassing behavior or attitudes directed toward any individual are to be repudiated and are not in accord with Scripture nor the doctrines of SGCC. We will walk in love as commanded by God but we must also walk in obedience unto and agreement with God and His definitions of male, female, marriage and sexual morality (Amos 3:3), Genesis 1:26-27, Genesis 2:18-25; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; 1 Corinthians 6:18; 1 Corinthians 7:2-5; Matthew 15:18-20; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Hebrews 13:4 Matthew 5:16; Philippians 2:14-16; 1 Thessalonians 5:22; Mark 12:28-31; Luke 6:31.
Though He is gracious, God is also holy and we believe that God wonderfully and immutably creates each person as male or female. These two distinct, complementary genders together reflect the image and nature of God. Rejection of one’s biological sex is a rejection of the image of God within that person. We believe that the term “marriage†has only one meaning: the uniting of one born biological man and one born biological woman in a single, exclusive union, as delineated in Scripture. We believe that God intends sexual intimacy to occur only between a man and a woman who are biblically married to each other. Because God has ordained marriage and defined it as the covenant relationship between a man, a woman, and Himself. Therefore, SGCC will only recognize relationships and marriages that meet the criteria as defined by and outlined in the Holy Bible as between one born biological man and one born biological woman, who are in agreement with their born biological assignment as given by THE CREATOR Almighty God. (Matthew 19:4-6, Genesis 1:27; 2:24).
We believe that every person must be afforded compassion, love, kindness, respect, and dignity. Hateful and harassing behavior or attitudes directed toward any individual are to be repudiated and are not in accord with Scripture nor the doctrines of SGCC. We will walk in love as commanded by God but we must also walk in obedience unto and agreement with God and His definitions of male, female, marriage and sexual morality (Amos 3:3), Genesis 1:26-27, Genesis 2:18-25; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; 1 Corinthians 6:18; 1 Corinthians 7:2-5; Matthew 15:18-20; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Hebrews 13:4 Matthew 5:16; Philippians 2:14-16; 1 Thessalonians 5:22; Mark 12:28-31; Luke 6:31.
SANCTITY OF HUMAN LIFE
We believe that all human life is sacred and created by God in His image. Human life is of inestimable worth in all its dimensions, including pre-born babies, the aged, the physically or mentally challenged, and every other stage or condition from conception through natural death. We are therefore called to defend, protect, and value all human life. (Psalm 139:1-24; Romans 13:9; Proverbs 24:11-12).
We believe that all human life is sacred and created by God in His image. Human life is of inestimable worth in all its dimensions, including pre-born babies, the aged, the physically or mentally challenged, and every other stage or condition from conception through natural death. We are therefore called to defend, protect, and value all human life. (Psalm 139:1-24; Romans 13:9; Proverbs 24:11-12).
FINAL AUTHORITY FOR MATTER OF BELIEF AND CONDUCT
The statement of faith does not exhaust the extent of our beliefs. The Bible itself, as the inspired and infallible Word of God that speaks with final authority concerning truth, morality, and the proper conduct of mankind, is the sole and final source of all that we believe. For purposes of SGCC’s faith, doctrine, practice, policy, and discipline, Almighty God (Father, Son & Holy Spirit) working through our Pastor is SGCC’s final interpretive authority on the Bible’s meaning and application and governance of God’s people and His Church.
The statement of faith does not exhaust the extent of our beliefs. The Bible itself, as the inspired and infallible Word of God that speaks with final authority concerning truth, morality, and the proper conduct of mankind, is the sole and final source of all that we believe. For purposes of SGCC’s faith, doctrine, practice, policy, and discipline, Almighty God (Father, Son & Holy Spirit) working through our Pastor is SGCC’s final interpretive authority on the Bible’s meaning and application and governance of God’s people and His Church.