Extended Version of R|C’s Core Beliefs
We believe God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He exists eternally in three persons: The Father, the Son, and the Spirit. There is one God in three persons. (Genesis 1:1, 26, 27; 3:22; Psalm 90:2; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14)
We believe Jesus Christ is God the Son who lived a life without sin and chose to die on a cross as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people. He rose from the dead after three days to prove His power over sin and death. He ascended to His rightful glory and will return again to reign as King of kings and Lord of lords. (Matthew 1:22-23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5; 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)
We believe the Holy Spirit is God, present in the world now and making us aware of our need for Jesus Christ. He lives in every Christian and provides the capacity for understanding spiritual truth and living the life God envisions. We strive to live under His control daily. (2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13, 14:16-17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13-14; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:18)
We believe the Bible is God’s Word to all people, written by humans under the special and supernatural direction of the Spirit. It’s the ultimate authority and source of truth for Christian belief and living. (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21; 2 Timothy 1:13; Psalm 119:105, 160, 12:6; Proverbs 30:5)
We believe humanity is made in the spiritual image of God to be like Him. Every human being is made in God’s image and therefore has value, dignity, and worth and should be treated as such. People are the supreme object of God’s creation. Although people have tremendous potential for good, they are born in a condition of disobedience toward God called sin. It is impossible for humanity to be made right with God by their own efforts. This condition and resulting choices separate people from God. (Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1-2)
We believe humans are saved by God’s grace, through faith. It is a gift from God to all people. No one can make up for sins by self-improvement or good works. We are saved from sin’s penalty by trusting in Jesus Christ and his sacrifice as God’s only chance of forgiveness. We show our faith publicly through an act of baptism. (Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 14:6; 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1)
We believe eternity is how long we were created to exist with God. We will either be separated from Him by sin or with Him through the forgiveness He freely offers in Jesus. To be separated from God eternally is hell. To be with Him eternally in heaven. (John 3:16; 1 John 2:25, 5:11-13; Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:15)
About the Christian Life
We believe all Christians should live for Christ and not for themselves. By obedience to the Word of God and daily yielding to the Spirit of God, every believer should mature and be conformed to the image of Christ.
We believe the Church is the body of Christ on earth. We exist to proclaim the great news of new life in Jesus Christ through word and action, to teach each other to obey His teaching and commands and to equip His followers to serve. The Church consists of everyone who has trusted in Christ for salvation. (1 Corinthians 12:27; Matthew 28:19-20; John 10:10; Ephesians 4:11-14; Acts 2:38)
Our Affiliation: We are part of a network of churches around the world. Our district is made up of 103 churches throughout Indiana. We are part of the Wesleyan Denomination.
Extended Version of R|C’s Core Beliefs
We believe God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He exists eternally in three persons: The Father, the Son, and the Spirit. There is one God in three persons. (Genesis 1:1, 26, 27; 3:22; Psalm 90:2; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14)
We believe Jesus Christ is God the Son who lived a life without sin and chose to die on a cross as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people. He rose from the dead after three days to prove His power over sin and death. He ascended to His rightful glory and will return again to reign as King of kings and Lord of lords. (Matthew 1:22-23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5; 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)
We believe the Holy Spirit is God, present in the world now and making us aware of our need for Jesus Christ. He lives in every Christian and provides the capacity for understanding spiritual truth and living the life God envisions. We strive to live under His control daily. (2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13, 14:16-17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13-14; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:18)
We believe the Bible is God’s Word to all people, written by humans under the special and supernatural direction of the Spirit. It’s the ultimate authority and source of truth for Christian belief and living. (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21; 2 Timothy 1:13; Psalm 119:105, 160, 12:6; Proverbs 30:5)
We believe humanity is made in the spiritual image of God to be like Him. Every human being is made in God’s image and therefore has value, dignity, and worth and should be treated as such. People are the supreme object of God’s creation. Although people have tremendous potential for good, they are born in a condition of disobedience toward God called sin. It is impossible for humanity to be made right with God by their own efforts. This condition and resulting choices separate people from God. (Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1-2)
We believe humans are saved by God’s grace, through faith. It is a gift from God to all people. No one can make up for sins by self-improvement or good works. We are saved from sin’s penalty by trusting in Jesus Christ and his sacrifice as God’s only chance of forgiveness. We show our faith publicly through an act of baptism. (Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 14:6; 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1)
We believe eternity is how long we were created to exist with God. We will either be separated from Him by sin or with Him through the forgiveness He freely offers in Jesus. To be separated from God eternally is hell. To be with Him eternally in heaven. (John 3:16; 1 John 2:25, 5:11-13; Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:15)
About the Christian Life
We believe all Christians should live for Christ and not for themselves. By obedience to the Word of God and daily yielding to the Spirit of God, every believer should mature and be conformed to the image of Christ.
We believe the Church is the body of Christ on earth. We exist to proclaim the great news of new life in Jesus Christ through word and action, to teach each other to obey His teaching and commands and to equip His followers to serve. The Church consists of everyone who has trusted in Christ for salvation. (1 Corinthians 12:27; Matthew 28:19-20; John 10:10; Ephesians 4:11-14; Acts 2:38)
Our Affiliation: We are part of a network of churches around the world. Our district is made up of 103 churches throughout Indiana. We are part of the Wesleyan Denomination.
