Love
Love is the primary defining attribute of God.
It is the primary motivation for all our actions and the lack of it voids our religion.
It leads us to reach out to people who are different than we are to better understand them and be able to live together as blessings to one another.
It will tear down walls and bring unity.
The love of God will transform our heart, our mind, the way we live, and the way we see others.
1 John 4:7-12, 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, 1 John 4:16-21, Galatians 3:26-28, 1 Peter 4:8, 1 Corinthians 13:4-13
God
God is the creator and ruler of the universe.
He has existed eternally in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
He is all-knowing, all-powerful, and ever-present.
He created mankind in His image, and loves each of us personally, giving us a soul that can live with Him eternally.
Genesis 1:1-2, Genesis 1:26, Psalm 90:2, 2 Corinthians 13:14, John 3:16
Jesus
Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and while on Earth, was God revealed in flesh.
He led a perfect and sinless life and became the perfect sacrifice for our sins.
Jesus was crucified on a cross and resurrected back to life three days later.
His sacrifice has the total power to save us and completely cover our sin and we are lost without it.
Matthew 7:28-29, John 1:1-18, 1 Corinthians 15:1-8, Romans 1:16-17, Ephesians 2:1-10, Galatians 3:26-27, 1 John 1:5-10
The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit lives inside believers and makes us aware of our need for Jesus.
It provides power, understanding and guidance in our personal lives.
It bears fruit in the lives of believers and gives us gifts to use in service to God.
John 14:15-27, Acts 1:1-2, 1:7-11, 2 Corinthians 3:17-18, Ephesians 1:13-14
The Church
The Church, both global and local, is made up of Christians living life together in the name of Jesus.
Churches have many names and denominations, but Christ is head of them all, and calls us to unity for His name’s sake.
Our local church is on mission to be the hands and feet of Jesus in Nacogdoches, Texas.
Acts 2:36-47; Matthew 16:13-19, 28:16-20, Romans 1:32, John 17:21-23
Salvation
Salvation is God’s free gift to us through the sacrifice of Christ.
Our response to Jesus’ free gift is:
A humble, broken, repentant heart.
Confession of Jesus being God’s son and the Lord of our life.
Baptism by immersion for the forgiveness of sins.
A commitment to follow Him and grow to be more like Jesus.
A commitment to share the gift of Jesus’ sacrifice with others.
Serving people in Jesus’ name.
Worship and commitment to a local church family.
Acts 17:30, Acts 8:37, Acts 22:16, John 12:26, Mark 12:30, 2 Corinthians 5:18-20, 1 Peter 4:10-11, Acts 2:42-47
The Bible
The Bible is perfect and is the inspired word of God for us.
It has the power to transform lives into the likeness of Christ.
It is the foundation of our teaching and our ultimate source of truth.
Psalm 119:9-11, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Proverbs 30:5, 2 Timothy 1:13, 2 Peter 1:20-21