The Bible
The Bible is the inspired Word of God. Written by 40 men over a period of approximately 1500 years, it is God’s written testimony of the world revealing who He is, who we are, the great gap between us due to our sins. Through the Bible, God shows us His way (the only way) for salvation. It stands alone above the words of all men and angels, past, present, and future.
God
There is only one God and He is made up of three distinct persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The Son is equal to the Father, but all things are subject to Him. The Godhead has no beginning or end. He is the Creator of all and over all things. God is love, perfect in holiness, and righteous in all His ways.
Jesus Christ
He is the only begotten Son of God, sent by God the Father into the world to save all those who come to Him for salvation according to the scriptures. He was fully God and fully man, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin named Mary. He lived a perfect life, fulfilling all righteousness required by God His Father. His righteousness is freely given to all those who put their trust in Him. He yielded Himself up to death on a cross, died and was buried, and rose again the third day. He ascended into heaven 40 days later and is coming again to receive all those who know Him.
The Holy Spirit
He is the Person of God in the world today. He was sent here by God the Father and the Son 50 days after the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 10 days after His ascension. He convicts the world of sin, of righteousness, and of the judgment to come. He indwells every believer, giving new birth, making a new creation, all who believe on Jesus Christ for salvation according to the scriptures. He empowers for service through spiritual gifts and callings to ministry for every believer. The Holy Spirit and all His gifts are just as available today as they were in the New Testament and will be until Jesus comes.
Mankind
Mankind is God’s highest creation, made in the likeness and image of God to serve, to worship, to know, and to obey Him. The first man and women sinned against God, separating them and all mankind after them, from God. Without the righteousness of God Himself, no one can see God, and all are doomed for eternal judgment. Man cannot do anything apart from God to restore His relationship. God must call us to Himself, and we must say yes to His Son, Jesus Christ. Those who come to Him will be saved from their sin and are given eternal life with Him. God loves mankind and doesn’t want anyone to die without knowing Him. He makes Himself available to all.
The Church
The Church as a collective group, are all those who have been born again by the Holy Spirit by grace through faith in the Person and work of Jesus Christ according to the scriptures. There are local churches who make up the Church around the world. The Church, whether local or not, does not operate by hierarchy of leadership, but Jesus Christ is the Head and He has given leadership gifts to men to lead each local gathering. The Church is also called the body of Christ and each believer a member of His body. Each one is equally important, and each one has been given a spiritual gift to participate as the Holy Spirit leads. God wants His people to mature spiritually, and to show Him as He really is to the world who does not yet know Him.
Hell
Hell is the place of eternal torment prepared for Satan and all the angels God created, but who rebelled against Him. Any person who does not accept God’s forgiveness for their sins through faith in His Son will suffer in hell forever with the fallen angels. No one has to die without Christ. It is a choice we make.
Heaven
Heaven is where God is and where everyone who receives Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord will reside forever.
The End-times
There are several main events overarching the end-times:
1) Salvation for those who believe on Jesus Christ.
2) Condemnation judgment for those who reject Jesus Christ.
3) God is going to pour out a spirit of grace on Israel, many of whom will see and believe on Jesus Christ.
