The Bible is the inspired Word of God. God has provided us with His authoritative and trustworthy guidebook on what to believe and how to live.
There is one true God, who exists in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God created and sustains the whole universe, but has a special love and concern for people.
Jesus Christ is both fully God and fully man. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin, Mary. Later, He died on a cross as a sacrifice for our sins. Furthermore, He rose from the dead, went to heaven, and promises to return again.
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about the Holy Spirit
God, the Holy Spirit, makes us aware of our need to turn from sin to Jesus Christ. He actually takes up residence in the lives of those of us who turn to Christ, giving us the assurance of salvation. He guides, motivates, transforms and empowers us to live a life that honors and serves God.
The first human beings were created perfect and innocent. They had a close relationship with God, but became alienated from Him through sinful disobedience. Now we all find ourselves either rejecting or neglecting God, trying to be self-sufficient and independent. As a result, we are totally incapable of coming back into a right relationship with God by our own efforts.
- about a relationship with God
Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins. He also rose from the dead and offers to us the free gift of life. Jesus Christ is the only way to restore our relationship with God. Complete forgiveness is offered as a gift to all, but must be received by trusting in Jesus alone for our own personal rescue from sin's penalty and power.
The church is not a building, but believers in Jesus Christ. The church consists of all people worldwide who are committed to the Lord Jesus Christ, our ultimate leader. Hope Community Church is one local and visible expression of Christ's body on earth.
- about baptism and the Lord’s Supper
Water baptism and the Lord's Supper are ordinances that God has established for the church to observe. At Hope, we practice baptism by immersion, which signifies the believer's new relationship with Christ. The Lord's Supper is a remembrance of Christ's death on our behalf.
- about the return of Jesus Christ
Jesus, our living Lord, will someday return to earth for His church just as He promised. Ultimately all people will be raised from the dead and will stand before Him to be judged. Depending on their response to Christ in this life, people will either live with Him forever in a gloriously perfect new heaven and new earth, or will be eternally banished from His presence.
