WHAT WE BELIEVE

BAPTIST FAITH AND MESSAGE 2000

We adhere to and believe the Baptist Faith and Message 2000. Below are some of the cornerstones of our beliefs.


I. THE TRIUNE GOD

We believe in the one, Triune God, as He has revealed himself in the Scriptures. (Gen. 1:26, Deut. 6:4, John 14:16, 2 Cor. 13:1) God exists in three persons, but each person of the Trinity is fully God. The persons of the Trinity are God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. All human reasoning fails to comprehend this reality. We are unable to adequately describe the Trinity when we try, however this does not make it logically inconsistent or contradictory; the Triune nature of God is a mystery. From creation to salvation to sanctification and redemption, the Godhead works in perfect harmony to accomplish whatever they have willed. In fact, there is no way to live a life in relationship to the Triune God without all three members of the Trinity being involved. 

II. THE BIBLE AND TRUTH

We believe the Bible is the inerrant Word of God given to man to reveal Himself. (Psalm 119; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Romans 15:4) The Bible is completely trustworthy to address every issue we face in life. In hearing the Scriptures, we hear the very Word of God, as all Scripture is inspired by the Holy Spirit. The apostle Paul wrote "all Scripture is 'God-breathed' and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16-17). With the help of the Holy Spirit, we can know everything that God wants to know about him by looking to both the written Word of God and the incarnate Word of God. 

III. WORSHIP

The Gospel frees believers from the bondage of sin to exalt God in all areas of life. (Matthew 22:37-39, John 4:24, Revelation 4:11) We are worshiping creatures. At all times and in all places, we are worshiping something or someone. The Gospel has freed us, and Jesus has given us access to freely approach the throne of grace. With this truth in mind, we gather each week to humbly and boldly approach and worship our God, as one, unified people. During this time of corporate worship we hear Scripture read and preached, we sing, we confess our sin and brokenness, we are reminded of God's grace in Christ Jesus, we respond in praise, we baptize, and we are sent out on mission. 

IV. DISCIPLESHIP

A vital aspect of Gospel is being an active member of a local church. (Matthew 28:19-20, Hebrews 10:25, Ephesians 2:1-10) When we first believe and trust in Jesus, receiving salvation and the promised Holy Spirit, Scripture speaks of us being spiritual infants. The job of God's people is to make disciples, baptizing those who have believed and teaching them to observe all that God has told us by His Word. By constantly pouring ourselves out to each other, encouraging, challenging, calling out sin, and pointing each other to Jesus, we mature and are sanctified (made holy) in our Christian life.

V. FAMILY AND COMMUNITY

Salvation ushers the believer into the family of God, with one Heavenly Father and many brothers and sisters, where Gospel community resides. (Acts 2:42-47, Romans 8:16-17, 2 Corinthians 6:18, Philippians 2:1-4, Hebrews 10:25, Revelation 21:7) There is no Biblical category for a lone Christian. Humans were created to live in God-exalting community with each other. When one believes, he or she joins the family of God, receiving all the blessings and benefits of being part of the local and worldwide family of God. In the Word, it is assumed that every believer is part of a local church body and commanded that the people of God meet regularly to read the Scriptures, pray, sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, and observe the Lord's Supper. 

VI. OUR CITY AND THE WORLD

The Gospel compels us to take the love of God throughout Oklahoma City and the world. (Acts 1:8, Jeremiah 29:7, Matthew 5:16) A true, saving encounter with Jesus opens our eyes to the mercy we've received. This, along with the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20), should compel us to live different lives, focused on spreading the good news of the Gospel to the Oklahoma City metro area, and to all the nations (Acts 1:8). God has placed this church in the heart of the city, so it is only natural that the main initiatives of our ministry be about pushing spiritual darkness out of the neighborhoods and city that we inhabit as a church. This is done through evangelism, missions, social justice, and intentional missional living with our friends, families, and neighbors. 

VII. DIVERSITY

We exist to see all tribes, tongues, and nations worship Jesus in the unity that is only found in the Gospel. True acceptance and love is only found in and through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. (Acts 10:34-35, Galatians 3:28, Ephesians 2:14-16, Revelation 7:9) When Jesus Christ comes back to usher in the new heavens and new earth, there will be people from every nation, tribe, peoples, and languages all worshiping the Risen Lamb, Jesus. The glorious mystery of the Gospel is that through Jesus, God is making people out of all nations. This leads us to rejoice in diversity. No matter our background, race, social standing, political leanings, and current situations, God wants everyone to repent of our sin and turn to HIm for forgiveness.