OUR BELIEFS

We believe in one God, eternally present in three persons: the Holy Trinity. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit are distinct personalities with distinct roles, but one God.

GOD THE FATHER
We believe…God is the one and only Sovereign Creator. God is a spiritual being. He is holy (without sin), all-knowing, all-powerful, everywhere present, and eternally existent. (Ex. 3:14-15, 1.Tim. 6:15-16, Isa.40:13-14, Jn. 4:24, Ps.90:1-6)

GOD THE SON, JESUS CHRIST
We believe…Jesus existed in the beginning with God, and was God. Jesus became “God in the flesh”, born a man through the miracle of the virgin birth by the power of the Holy Spirit. Despite temptation, He lived a sinless life. (Mt. 1:18-25, Lk. 1:26-45, Jn. 1:1-2 Lk. 1:26-45; 14, Heb. 4:14-15)

Jesus was crucified and died a physical death as an atonement-(paid our ransom/took the punishment we deserved)-for the sins of mankind. He experienced a physical resurrection from the grave. (Lk. 23:23-24, 53; 1 Cor 15:3-8; 1 Jn. 2:2)

Jesus came in the flesh as our Savior; He will return in the future in bodily form as the victorious Lord of the universe. (Mk. 13:32-37; Acts 1:9-11; Tit. 2:13; Heb. 9:27-28)

GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT
We believe…the Holy Spirit lives within those who believe in Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit empowers believers to live as His disciples, helping us to become more like Jesus in thought, word, deed and character.

He is our Advocate, our Comforter, and our Counselor.

He intercedes for us in prayer, reminds us of what Jesus has said, and convicts the world of sin. The Holy Spirit is given to all those who put their faith in Jesus Christ as a guarantee of their salvation. (Gal. 2:20-21, Jn. 13:15-17; 16:5-15; Acts 1:8; Rom 15:13; Eph. 1:13-14; 3:16)

MANKIND, SIN & SALVATION
We believe…Men and women were created in the image of God, but are now separated from God by sin. (Gen. 1:26; Isa. 64:6-7; Rom. 3:23, 5:12-21, 6:23; 1 Jn. 1:8)

Faith (belief and trust) in Jesus – based on His sacrifice on the cross – is the only way for men and women to be reconciled with God. (Jn. 14:6, Acts 4:8-12; Rom. 3:25-26)

Salvation, offered through Jesus is based upon grace, not merit. Salvation therefore cannot be earned; it is a gift from God. What we could not do for ourselves (reconcile our relationship with God), Jesus did for us through His death on the cross. (Eph. 2:8-9)

God lovingly offers salvation to every person; every person has the freedom to accept or reject this gift from God. (Jn. 3:16-18; 1 Tim. 2:3-4; 2.Pet. 3:9)

Faith (belief and trust) in Jesus requires repentance (a “change” of mind, a 180 degree turn). Faith in Jesus results in obedience (conforming our lifestyle to that of Christ).

Baptism, by immersion, is a part of the salvation process, and demonstrates our response to God’s offer of salvation as a pledge of willingness to live for Him. (Acts 3:19; 2:38; 8:26-38; Rom. 6:1-4; 1 Pet. 3:21)

THE BIBLE
We believe…the Bible is inspired by God and is therefore without error or contradiction, and is the sole authority for faith and practice. All our beliefs come from the Bible. (In essentials, unity; in opinions, liberty; in all things love). (Romans 15:4; 2 Tim. 3:15-16; 2 Pet. 3:15-16; Jn. 17:17)

THE CHURCH
We believe…the Church of Jesus Christ is not limited to any one institution or denomination; it consists of all who have placed their trust in Jesus Christ to provide redemption for their sins. Lincoln Heights, therefore is but one part of the total Church.

The Church is the Body of Christ on earth, empowered by the Holy Spirit to take the Gospel to the whole world, and train the faithful to live our lives in obedience to Christ. (Matt. 28:18-20; 1 Cor 12:12-17; Eph 4:4-6)