Values

THE BELIEFS THAT ARE IMPORTANT TO US
AT SUMMER STREET CHURCH

• THE BIBLE: We believe that the Bible is the Word of God. As originally given by God, the words written in the 66 books of Scripture are exactly what God wished to convey to us, without error. The Bible is God's perfect message to our hurting world. (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20, 21; Matthew 5:18)
  
  
• GOD: We believe that there is one God who exists in three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He is perfectly and infinitely loving, just, and holy. This God is knowable by us today and is the only fitting object of our worship.                 (2 Corinthians 13:14; Isaiah 37:16; Jeremiah 23:23, 24;      1 John 4:7, 8)
  
  
• JESUS CHRIST: We believe that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is fully God. Having always existed, He became a real human being born to the virgin, Mary. He lived a perfect, sinless life on earth revealing the love and truth of God. His death on the cross paid the penalty for our sins and is the only basis for our salvation. He rose from the grave and is now our mediator and advocate in heaven. He gives us eternal life and forgiveness of sins through our faith in Him. He is the only way to God. (John 1:1, 2, 14; 14:6; Luke 1:35; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Romans 3:24, 25; 4:1, 3-5)
  
  
• HOLY SPIRIT: We believe that the Holy Spirit is fully God. He lives in every believer to lead, teach, glorify Christ, and equip us for service. He unifies all Christians and empowers us to live for God today. (John 14:26; Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 12:12-14; Ephesians 1:13, 14)
  
  
• HUMANITY: We believe that every person is created in God's image and thereby has inherent value. Tragically, we all suffer separation from God due to sin. God's love overcomes this separation through the forgiveness that Jesus Christ's death provides. His gift to us of new life includes fellowship with our Savior today as well as the assurance of eternity with Him. (Genesis 1:26, 27; John 1:12; Romans 5:12; 6:23; Ephesians 2:12)
  
  
• SALVATION: We believe that salvation comes through Jesus Christ alone. This gift of God is individually received by personal faith in Christ and includes forgiveness of sins, new focus and enablement in life, and eternity with God. (John 3:3-7; 3:16-18; Acts 4:12; Romans 3:22-24; 10:9, 10; Ephesians 2:8,9; 2 Corinthians 5:17)
  
  
• THE CHURCH: We believe the true church around the world is composed of all those with personal faith in Christ as Savior, regardless of local church affiliation. This local church is a part of the whole church and joins together under Christ's Lordship for worship, spiritual growth, fellowship, and the spread of the Gospel. Observance of Communion and Believer's Baptism are in obedience to our Lord. (Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 12:12-27; Ephesians 2:19-22; Heb. 10:24, 25; Matthew 28: 19, 20; Acts 8:26-40; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26)
  
  
• THE FUTURE: We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ will return to this earth to take believers to be with Him and then to bring judgment, yet as believers in Jesus Christ we will enjoy eternal life with God in heaven.
  (Matthew 24:29, 30; John 14:1-3; Acts 1:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18; Revelation 19:11-16)