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Our Distinctives |
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We know that the modern Church (all believers worldwide) is diverse, and what a blessing that is. What we present here are a few things that make us unique within the the Body of Christ.
- Bible
- The Bible is God's Word in every part. It is authoritative and without error on every matter it addresses. We believe and teach the inerrancy and infallibility of God's Word. (Isaiah 40:8)
- Evangelical
- An individual decision to trust Jesus Christ is necessary to begin the relationship with God and the adventure for which He created us. We as a church and as individuals have the responsibility to tell others how they can be saved. (Romans 10:14)
- Lay Ministers
- We believe in the priesthood of every believer -- that is every Christian is uniquely gifted by God and is equally valuable in accomplishing God's mission for the church. The priesthood of every believer means that each of us who know Christ has a special relationship with God and enjoy a special responsibility -- to bring His love and provision to people in need. (1 Perter 2:9, Hebrews 4:18, Ephesians 4:11)
- Immersion
- We believe that because it illustrates all which occurs in the life of an individual who trusts Christ as Savior, baptism should be received following the decision of an individual to trust Christ and by the total immersion of the body in water. We are baptised: 1) To obey Christ's command and follow His example; 2) To symbolize the washing away of our sins and our new life in Christ; 3) To testify to the gospel. (Matthew 28:19, Romans 6:3-4, 2 Timothy 1:8)
- Eternal Security
- We believe that although sin can interrupt a Christians fellowship with God, it cannot interrupt his relationship with God. Keeping on's salvation by works is no different from getting one's salvation by works. God's unconditional love is the basis and model for our own relationships with others. (Romans 8:38-39, Romans 8:15)
- Far-Sighted
- We believe that God calls us to reach beyond the walls of our church, working together with other Christians to touch the entire world with God's love and truth. We are committed to missions. We believe in becoming involved in and supporting ministries whose goal is to reach people for Christ outside of the Mesilla Valley, as well as uniting wih other churches to meet the needs of and reach people for Christ within the Mesilla Valley. (Matthew 28:19, 1 Corinthians 1:2)
- Spiritual Gifts
- We believe in one baptism of the Spirit which occurs at the time of conversion. Apart from this the Holy Spirit gives gifts and experiences to individuals which are a part of His unique work in the life of each person. (Every experience must be evaluated by and find a precedent in Scripture). We believe that the works and gifts of God's Spirit continue to be active in the church today. Every Christian is baptized by, with, in the Holy Spirit at the moment of salvation. (1 Corinthians 12:11, 13, Titus 3:5)
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