Our Beliefs
THE ESSENTIALS WE BELIEVE
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What do you believe about the Bible? – It’s God’s word to us – Our perfect manual for life. 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Psalm 12:6; 119:105, 160; Proverbs 30:5
What do you believe about Humanity? - People are made in the spiritual image of God to be like Him in character. People are the supreme object of God’s creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called sin. (Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3–6; Isaiah 53:6a; 59:1–2; Romans 3:23)
What do you believe about Salvation? – It is God’s free gift for us to accept. Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 14:6; 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1
What do you believe about Eternity? – People were created to exist forever. John 3:16; 12:25; 14:2-3; 17:3; Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:15
What do you believe about Baptism? – Once you have accepted Christ as your Savior, the bible instructs us to be baptized. It is a symbol of your new life as a Christian. Baptism does not "save" you, only your faith in Christ does. Acts 18:8; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 6:4; Ephesians 2:8,9; Colossians 2:12
What do you believe about Communion? Jesus asked His disciples to remember His death and resurrection. Communion is a serious, but simple act of remembrance. I Corinthians 11: 23-26; I John 1:9; Romans 12:1
What do you believe about God? – He is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. Genesis 1:1,26,27; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14
What do you believe about Jesus – He is the Son of God, co-equal with the Father. Matthew 1:22-23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-15; 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
What do you believe about the Holy Spirit – Co-equal with Father and Son. 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; Ephesians 5:18
What do you believe about Stewardship? – We give because God gives to us. Genesis 14:18-20, Genesis 28:20-22, Deuteronomy 14:22-26, Malachi 3:10, Matthew 23:23, Luke 11:42, 2 Corinthians 9:7
What denomination/network is Stone Creek Church? – We are affiliated with the Willow Creek Association, the Purpose Driven Churches Network, and the Assemblies of God.
OUR LIFESTYLE STATEMENT
Beliefs are not worth much unless they are translated into actions. Based on what the Bible teaches, we feel very strongly about the following practices:
A. The Bible as Our Sole Authority - "The whole Bible was given to us by inspiration from God and is useful to teach us what is true and make us realize what is wrong in our lives; it strengthens us and helps us to do what is right" 2 Timothy 3:15 (GN). Since God’s Word is the only completely reliable and truthful authority, we accept the Bible as our manual for living. Our first question when faced with a decision is, “What does the Bible say?” We practice daily Bible reading, Bible study, and Bible memorization. The Bible is the basis for all we believe.
B. The Priesthood of Every Believer - "To Him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by His blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve His God and Father—to Him be glory and power forever and ever! Amen!" Revelation 1:5–6 (NIV). "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light" 1 Peter 2:9 (NIV). The Bible teaches that every Christian is called to full-time Christian service, regardless of his or her vocation. We practice the truth that every believer is a minister by encouraging every member to find a place of service and ministry. Every believer has direct access to God through prayer and Bible reading.
C. Tithing - "A tithe of everything you produce belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord" Leviticus 27:30 (NIV) .
At Stone Creek Church, we practice tithing for the support of Christ’s Body, the Church, as God commands. We recognize that giving 10% of our income is the biblical standard of giving.
D. Baptism by Immersion - "Having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead" Colossians 2:12 (NIV). We believe those who are in fellowship are to be baptized in water by immersion, in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19
E. Spirit-Led Living - "Jesus said: 'I am the Vine, you are the branches. If you abide in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; but apart from me you can do nothing'" John 15:5 (NIV). We believe the only way possible to live the Christian life is by God’s power within us. So we seek to practice a daily dependence on God’s Spirit that enables us to do what is right. As Spirit-led Christians, we should refrain from gambling, secret orders, and should not be involved in immorality (pornography, adultery, fornication, homosexuality, or living together outside of marriage; See 1 Cor. 6:9-10, 18). We support Biblical marriage, family relationships, and we maintain the position of life for the unborn. Spirit-led living includes moderation in all areas of life including habits such as consumption of alcohol.
F. Telling Others about Jesus - "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have" 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV). It is the responsibility of every Christian to share the Good News with those whom God brings us into contact. We practice personal sharing about Christ and invite friends to church. We believe that the Holy Spirit will do the work of salvation in the lives of our families, friends, neighbors, and co-workers as we are faithful and obedient to bring and include people in His life and love.
G. Holy Spirit Baptism - "Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them" Acts 2:2–4 (NIV). Every believer should be encouraged to experience the Holy Spirit Baptism and know the joy of praying with spiritual language.
