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What We Believe
“Does
The Stadium Vineyard have a doctrinal statement?”
Before we state what we believe,
we need to articulate three important keys to beliefs:
| In essential beliefs—we have unity |
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“There is one Body and one Spirit...there is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of us all...” Ephesians 4:4-6 |
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There are a few things that are non-negotiable to be Christian. These essential beliefs define Christianity—what it is, and what it isn’t. |
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You brother is never your enemy. |
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And in all things we have love, we have charity. |
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You can be so theologically correct, and you can have all the things worked out in Revelation about who the beast is and who the red horse is and what the bowl is and what the trumpet is and when this happens. And you can have Daniel figured out to the nth degree, but if you are not a loving person, who cares? It doesn't matter! |
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The bottom line is we have unity in the things that matter, that we allow each other liberty in the things that aren't as important, and above everything else we relate to each other in a loving way. |
| In non-essential beliefs—we have liberty. |
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“Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters...Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To his own master he stands or falls...So then each of us will give an account of himself to God...So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God.” Romans 14:1,4,12,22 |
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While there are a few things on which we must agree, there are many things where Christians believe differently. For these beliefs, we have liberty. |
| In all our beliefs—we show charity |
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1 Corinthians 13:2 "If I hold in my mind, not only all human knowledge but also the very secrets of God and if I have the faith that can move mountains, but have no love, I amount to nothing at all." |
The Essentials We Believe:
1. About God
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed
in three personalities: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are
co-equal and are one God. (Genesis 1:1,26,27, 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1
Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14)
2. About Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father.
Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for
the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days
to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven’s glory and will
return again someday to earth to reign as King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. (Matt.
1:22, 23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5; 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14,15; 1 Cor. 15:3,4; Rom.
1:3,4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Tim. 6:14,15; Titus 2:13)
3. About the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the
Son of God. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus
Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides
the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance
in doing what is right. He gives every believer spiritual gifts when they are saved.
As Christians, we seek to live under His control daily. (2 Cor. 3:17; John 16:7-13,
14:16,17; Acts 1:8;1 Cor. 2:12, 3:16; Eph. 1:13; Gal. 5:25; Ephesians 5:18)
4. About the Bible
The Bible is God’s Word to us. It was written by human authors,
under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of
truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is the
truth without any mixture of error. (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20,21; 2 Timothy
1:13; Psalm 119:105,160, 12:6; Proverbs 30:5)
5. About Human Beings
People are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like
Him in character. People are the supreme object of God’s creation. Although every
person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an attitude of
disobedience toward God called “sin.” This attitude separates people from God and
causes many problems in life. (Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Romans 3:23;
Isaiah 59:1, 2)
6. About Salvation
Salvation is God’s free gift to us but we must accept it. We
can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting
in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin’s penalty.
When we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith we are saved. Eternal
life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith. (Romans
6:23; Ephesians 2:8,9; John 14:6, 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1)
7. About Eternity
People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally
separated from God by sin, or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation.
To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is
eternal life. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence. (John 3:16;
John 14:17; Romans 6:23; Romans 8:17-18; Revelation 20:15; 1 Cor. 2:7-9)
These are our non-negotiables!
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