Core Beliefs

Salvation

God sent His only son, Jesus, to bear mankind’s punishment for sin by dying on a cross. On the third day, Christ Jesus physically rose from the grave. These acts are God’s way of showing His love for us. Any person who believes in their heart Jesus died and rose for them and confesses this with their own mouth will be forgiven of their sin and given everlasting life with God in heaven. Jesus’ death and resurrection provide the only way anyone is granted this free gift of grace and love from God. There is no other way to be saved–neither works, material goods, or other people–but Christ alone. All people are invited to accept Christ. Anyone who believes and confesses will be saved. God is not being exclusive, but rather, He desires all people call on Jesus and be saved. This is a free love gift given to each person and all you need to do is accept the free gift. Once this gift is received, it cannot be taken away, meaning, once you are saved, you cannot lose your salvation.

Isaiah 45:22; 53:6; Matthew 1:20-21; 16:15-16; 27:40-42; 27:50; 27:54; 28:6; Mark 15:24-25,29-30; 15:37; 15:39; 16:6; Luke 1:31-32,35; 13:10; 23:46; 24:5-7; John 3:3; 3:16; 10:10; 10:27-29; 14:6; 19:17-18; 19:30; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 4:12; 16:31; Romans 5:8; 5:15-17; 10:9-10; 10:13; Ephesians 2:8-9; 1 Timothy 2:3-4; 1 John 5:13

God, Jesus, & Holy Spirit

There is only one God in three persons: God the Father, God the Son (Christ Jesus), and God the Spirit (Holy Spirit). This is often called the Trinity. While it is difficult to understand and comprehend by mankind, it is due to God’s absolute glory, power, and sovereignty that such a trinity exists.

John 1:1,14; Romans 3:23; Philippians 2:11

Holy Bible

The Bible is God’s holy, inspired, and completely true word. God reveals Himself, His plans, His purposes, and His glory through the Bible. The sixty-six (66) books of the Old and New Testaments are the full, complete, and closed canon. Scripture is useful and beneficial for teaching, correction, guidance, and revelation of God’s salvation through His son, Jesus.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

Nature of Man & Sin

Each individual possesses a sin nature, meaning everyone is inclined to choose sin by their very nature. Every person sins and there is only one punishment for sin: death. God alone is perfect and free of sin. Only God can forgive sin. Only those who believe in Jesus as Lord and Savior receive forgiveness.

Acts 2:38; Romans 3:10; 3:23; 5:8; 6:23; Hebrews 9:22

Heaven & Hell

Heaven is an absolutely real place where the throne of God is located. All those who are saved will spend eternity in heaven in God’s presence. Hell, likewise, is an absolutely real place. Those who reject God by rejecting His son, Jesus, will spend eternity in the fire of hell. God created hell for Satan and all those who follow the devil by rejecting God and His son. Hell is referred to as eternal death. Jesus died on the cross and rose again so any person who believes in Him will not go to hell, but will go to heaven.

John 3:16, 18

Baptism

Baptism is the first of two ordinances given to us by Christ Jesus; the Lord’s Supper is the other. Baptism is done after the individual confesses Christ as Lord and Savior. It is done out of obedience and symbolizes the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. Baptism does not grant or guarantee salvation, but proclaims and symbolizes salvation.

Lord’s Supper

The Lord’s Supper is the second of two ordinances give to us by Jesus. The supper, often called the Eucharist or celebration of the Lord’s Table, comes from the Jewish Passover meal. The wine (or grape juice in some denominations) used is a representation of Jesus’ blood. The bread represents Jesus’ body. Neither are at any time the actual body and blood, but represent the body and blood of Christ. The Lord’s Supper neither grants nor guarantees salvation. This ordinance should be practiced regularly.

Evangelism & Discipleship

Evangelism, put simply, is telling the world about salvation through Christ. Discipleship is growing more mature and closer in your personal relationship with God through Christ. Both are part of a Christian’s life. Every believer is called to tell others about Christ and to grow in their relationship with Jesus.

Matthew 9:37-38; 28:18-20; Luke 9:23; Acts 1:8

Church Attendance

Every Christian is directed to attend church regularly–not just on Christmas and Easter only. We encourage you to find a Bible-believing, Bible-teaching church in your community. When attending a church, Christians must not seek to be fulfilled in their own lives, but seek ways to serve God through the church. All things, including church attendance and participation, are done to glorify God.

Hebrews 10:25

Eschatology & End Times

John Rothra believes in a premillenial return of Christ and a real millennial reign of Christ on earth. Basically, this means he believes Christ promised to return again and taken all those who believe home with Him. After this event, Christ will reign on earth before the establishment of the new heavens and new earth recorded in Revelation.

If you have any questions regarding these beliefs or any other Christian doctrines, feel free to contact us.