Beliefs
There are thirteen basic beliefs found in the Bible that never change, and make up the doctrine of the First Christian Church. The term doctrine means “teaching.” These thirteen beliefs cannot be discussed in this material comprehensively, for space does not permit. Rather, an overview is our goal, with a commitment on each member’s part to grow in our understanding of these beliefs. To understand Bible beliefs is absolutely essential, since beliefs always determine the way we live. The Church is always about teaching God’s way to His people committed to obeying their heavenly Father.
Bible
First Christian Church believes the Bible is the perfect word of God, without error.
God
First Christian Church teaches the Trinity, God in three persons. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Each person of the God-head is a different expression of the One True God. The Catholic Church, as well as the Protestant Churches, teach this too. Christian cults like the Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormons do not. The term Trinity does not appear in the Bible, but it does describe a Biblical reality. This may sound difficult to understand, but it is not really. Each person of the God-head is made of the same God material. God has always existed. He is the first cause of all things. The Trinity is reflected in statements like Genesis 1:26 which says, “Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, in our likeness. . . .’”
Jesus Christ
First Christian Church believes Jesus has always existed as God. He was God and is God. He became the “Son of God” in the sense he left heaven and was born of a virgin. Because he was born like a man, the Bible gives him the title “Son of God.” It is important to understand Jesus has always existed. Catholic and Protestant Churches believe this too. Only Christian Cults and other world religions believe God created Jesus, which is heresy. To make Jesus a created being would negate the work on the cross. Jesus created the heavens and the earth (Colossians 1:17).
The Church
First Christian Church believes the Church is composed of people called out of sin, into righteousness, out of the world, into the Church (I Peter 2:9). Only members of Christ’s Church will be saved from hell and into eternal life.
Faith
First Christian Church believes only those living by faith will be saved. No one can be saved by his/her good works. Everyone has sinned at least once. Just one sin separates us from God. Faith is belief in the fact God sent Jesus to die for our sins. Faith is trusting in the blood of Christ to clean us from all sins (I John 1:9). Faith is obeying the Bible to walk in a new life (Romans 6:4).
Repentance
First Christian Church believes each person must repent in order to be saved. Repentance is turning from sin and turning unto God (Mark 1:15). It means to change one’s mind and direction. Repentance is changing our priorities, attitudes, and lifestyle to comply with the teachings of Jesus Christ. It is the belief that sin kills but Christ gives life (John 4:16).
Baptism
First Christian Church believes when a person accepts Christ as his/her personal Savior, baptism is the natural act of obedience prompted by the person’s faith. Baptism by immersion is a reenactment of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Baptism is the reenactment of the Easter Story for each person’s life (Romans 6:1-10; Colossians 2:12; Galatians 3:27). It is a new beginning, given by the Holy Spirit who comes into the person’s life (Acts 2:38).
Communion
First Christian Church believes that Communion, also called The Lord’s Supper, is taken weekly (Acts 20:7). It is a memorial, a remembrance of the work that Christ did for us on the cross. The unleavened bread represents Christ’s body that was broken for us. The grape juice represents his blood that he shed on the cross. Taking communion is a command done in faith, proclaiming we believe in the second coming, and the fact we will live that coming week, in his will. In communion, we acknowledge that sins are forgiven through Christ. We have the chance to think about Jesus' life and death and how we can live for him. It is sinful to abuse communion by not taking it seriously or by denying its message of love and forgiveness by our actions (I Corinthians 11: 27-33).
Prayer
First Christian Church believes in prayer. Living the Christian life in a holy ,reverent way leads to an effective prayer life. God hears us, answers, and responds. God always answers prayer in ways that will best serve his purpose for our lives. We should always pray and never get discouraged, for God is with us (Luke 18:1)!
Giving
The First Christian Church believes support of God’s work is to be done through the faithful and sacrificial giving of her members (I Corinthians 16:1-4; II Corinthians 8:9). Giving is an act of faith, trusting God to meet our needs. God has promised to supply everything we need (Ephesians 3:20). In the Bible we see giving a tithe is the norm. This is giving ten percent of our income on a weekly basis. Christians have given testimony to the fact, when they began to tithe, that God blesses in unbelievable ways. “Give and it shall be given to you.”
Missions and Global Outreach
First Christian Church believes in outreach. The plain truth is people are lost without Christ. Lostness means eternal hell. The fantastic news is, no one has to go there! God has provided a way out through Jesus! It is the responsibility of the Church to do God’s speaking and outreach (Ephesians 3:10; Matthew 28:19,20). People will not be judged on how much they know or don’t know, rather if they are cleansed through Jesus or not.
The Second Coming of Jesus
First Christian church believes Jesus is coming back. This is what we live for and work toward, our eternal home. This world is passing away and everything in it. Only the things of god last: teaching, serving, and caring for people. Investing our lives in people is our heavenly reward. Living for this world will cause heartache and trouble. Living by faith releases us from fear and worry, and gives hope, courage, purpose, and joy (Revelation 22:20).
Spiritual Growth
First Christian Church believes Christians are to be committed to spiritual growth. The early Christians devoted themselves to “the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, prayer, and communion” (Acts 2:42). Throughout the New Testament problems in people’s lives and congregations were due to a lack of spiritual growth or understanding. “Long for the pure word of God which will make you wise unto salvation” (I Peter 2:2).
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