California Creek 

Introduction To Our Beliefs

In the essential beliefs, we must have unity (Ephesians 4:4-6)

In the non-essential beliefs, we have to have liberty (Romans 14-15)

In all our beliefs, we have to have love (I Corinthians 13)

What does this mean?

All of us come from different backgrounds and cultures where we have developed preferences which are called non-essential beliefs. These are beliefs that we hold very dear because it is what we have learned to become accustomed to, and because of this, we wil sometimes differ in our opinion on certain topics. The non-essential beliefs can be found in the style of Christian music we listen to, in the type of clothes we wear to church and in the translation of scripture we read. Whatever your preference, it must never bring division in the body of Christ.

In the area of essential beliefs, those areas where the Bible is very clear, we must stand united together and never compromise these Biblical truths. Examples of these essential beliefs are listed below. Our convictions rest solely on biblical doctrine and not preference.

Our Essential Beliefs

  1. We believe in the Holy Scriptures as the very Word of God (II Tim 3:16)
  2. We believe there is only one God eternally existent in three persons (I John 5:1-8)
  3. We believe in the deity and virgin birth of Jesus Christ (John 1:1-14)
  4. We believe in the person and ministry of God the Holy Spirit (John 16:7-14)
  5. We believe that heaven and hell are both real and eternal places (Rev. 20-21)
  6. We believe all men are by nature and choice sinful and lost (Rom 3:10-23)
  7. We believe salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ (Eph. 2:8-9)
  8. We believe in the existence and final defeat of Satan (Rev. 20:1-10)
  9. We believe in the second coming of Jesus Christ (I Thess. 4:13-18)
  10. We believe in the eternal life and preservation of all saints (John 6:40)
  11. We believe in the priesthood of the believers (Heb. 4:15-16)
  12. We believe the New Testament Church is an organized body of believers (Eph 4:11-16)
  13. We believe that the church has two God-given ordinances: Baptism and The Lord's Supper (Matt. 28:16-20; | Cor. 11:23-24)
  14. We believe that the church is financially supported by the faithful giving of believers through their tithes and offerings. (| Cor. 16:1-2; Malachi 3:6-10)
  15. Marriage between a man and a woman was instituted by God with Adam and Eve. Genesis 2:24 states: "Therefore a man leaves his father and his mother and cleaves to his wife, and they become one flesh."