Statement of Faith

Inspiration of Scriptures

We believe in the verbal inspiration of the Bible, both the Old and New Testaments by the Holy Spirit as originally given; they are the final authority for our faith and life. (2 Timothy 3: 16; Hebrews 4: 12)

God

We believe in one God revealed in three co-equal and co-eternal, distinct persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 3:16-17; 28:19-20; Ephesians 2:18)

Man

We believe that man in his natural state is a sinner, lost, undone, without hope and without God. (Ephesians 2: 1-2; Romans 3:23)

Salvation

We believe that terms of salvation are repentance towards Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins and a personal heart-felt faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, which results in regeneration. This salvation is entirely by God's grace and not by human good or works of any kind. (Ephesians 2:6-10; Romans 5:1; Acts 3:19-20, 4:12; Titus 3:4-7)

Divinity and Humanity of Christ

We believe that Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God who by His incarnation and virgin birth took upon Himself the form of man and became the God-Man. In the one person of Christ, there are two natures, human and divine, each in its completeness and integrity. They are distinguishable but indivisible, so that He is fully man and fully God. He lived a sinless life and became the only sacrifice for the sins ofthe world. (Romans 5:1-11; Philippians 2:5-11; Hebrews 9:11-12; 1 Peter 1:18-19; 1 John 2:2)

Holy Spirit

We believe the Holy Spirit to be the third person of the Godhead who is active in the world today. The Spirit indwells and seals the believer at the new birth. We believe the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is a subsequent experience and is available to all Christians to empower us to be witnesses. We believe in, and encourage, the use of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. (John 14:16-17; Acts 1:8; 2:1-4)

Bodily Resurrection

We believe in the physical, bodily resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ. (Luke 24:3 8-43; John 20 :24-29; 1 Corinthians 15 :3-8)

Church

We believe that the Church is Christ's spiritual body on earth today. It consists of born-again believers and has both universal and local expressions. (Matthew 16:18; Acts 20:28)

Heaven and Hell

We believe in the doctrines of eternal punishment for the lost and eternal bliss for the saved; hell for the unsaved and heaven for the saved. (Luke 23 :43; John 14: 1-3; Revelation 20: 11-15)

Satan

We believe that Satan is a fallen, created being who is the "god of this world." He and his well-organized company of demons are opposed to the Kingdom of God and work to defeat and destroy the believer. While his activity is real, Satan and his demon spirits were defeated and over-thrown by Christ's victory at the cross. (Luke 10:17 -20; Colossians 2: 13-15; Ephesians 6:1 0-18)

Ordinances

We believe that believer's water baptism and the Lord's Supper are ordinances of the church and should be practiced regularly. (Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3-10; I Corinthians 11:23-32)

Second Coming

We believe in the visible, bodily return of Christ to this earth to judge the world and to claim His Bride. (1 Thessalonians 4: 13-18; Revelation I :7)

What to Expect at Beach Fellowship

Expect God

We anticipate and expect the presence of God in all of our gatherings! As we daily encounter the presence of God, we behold His glory like looking in a mirror, which continually transforms us as we experience love, joy, and peace. Ultimately, encountering God daily enables us to live a life that is pleasing to Him and empowering to us. Both of these advance His Kingdom on earth just as it is in Heaven.

Expect Honesty

The Spirit of God is the Spirit of Truth. God does not desire hollow religious ceremonies. However, He expects us to come as we are and allow the living truth of His Word to guide and enable us into life-changing choices that honor Him, honor our families, and honor one another.

Expect Love

Jesus said the world will know we are His disciples by the way we love one another. God’s love for all mankind is unconditional. No matter where you have been, what you have done, and how far away from God you may feel you are, God’s love for you is always available and unconditional. At Beach Fellowship we encourage each other to love everyone with this same kind of unconditional love.

What to Practice at Beach Fellowship

Communion

Jesus at the Passover meal positioned all of humanity to remember His imminent death and resurrection through sharing this meal. This relational example is the Biblical foundation for the communion meal celebrated by Christians everywhere. At this meal, Jesus "took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, 'This is My body, given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.' In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is poured out for you'" [Luke 22:19–20].

Baptism

Baptism is a picture of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection and is a public display of our faith in Christ. It is obedience to Christ's command to be baptized and we follow Christ's example Himself as He was baptized. If you are a follower of Christ and have not been baptized since you began following Christ, we would like to celebrate baptism with you. [Colossians 2:12, 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4]

Should I Be Baptized?

Every person who believes in Jesus Christ should be baptized, if possible, because if I am a follower of Christ I should do what He asks. Baptism does not make us a believer, it shows that we already are one. It is this outward display of our inward commitment that illustrates our new life in Christ and reliance upon His inward power. For this reason we do not baptize infants. If you were baptized as an infant, we encourage you, in obedience to Scripture, to be baptized as a believer. “… when they believed… they were baptized, both men and women” [Acts 8:12 , Romans 6:4].

How Do I Know If I’m Ready?

You have become a believer by faith and repentance through Jesus Christ. You demonstrate a willingness to turn from the former and walk into a new life in Christ.