At Pine Lake Christian Church, we believe our God to be the one and only true God.
We believe Jesus Christ is the Savior and Lord of the church, and that God’s inerrant Word is truth and the foundation of all we do.
We exist to TAKE the gospel to all people, to TRANSFORM hearts to be like Jesus, and to TRAIN disciples to make more disciples.
What We Consider the Essentials
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
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 rose 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 reign as King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. Matthew 1:22, 23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5; 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14,15; 1 Corinthians 15:3,4; Romans 1:3,4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14,15; Titus 2:13
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 (I Corinthians 3:15; 6:19; 2 Timothy 1:14). He is the empowering presence of God in the Christian for works of service, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance for moral living (I Corinthians 12:4-11; Galatians 5:16-25). As Christians, we seek to live under His control daily. 2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13, 14:16,17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:18
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. The Bible is our final authority for all matters of faith and practice. 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20,21; 2 Timothy 1:13; Psalm 119:105,160, 12:6; Proverbs 30:5
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 willfully sin and as a result of our individual sins we are lost and without hope apart from Jesus Christ. Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Ezekiel 18: Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1, 2; Acts 4:12; Romans 3:23
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. We believe that salvation (the forgiveness of sins) comes by grace through the blood of Jesus Christ. We believe that the Bible teaches that the normal pattern we follow to receive Jesus as Savior is to
- Believe in Christ as God’s Son and Savior of the world
- Repent of personal sin
- Confess Christ as Lord
- Be immersed in water (baptized).
- The new Christian must also continue in the faith, growing in knowledge of God and His word, and fellowshipping with the saints. They must walk in the newness of life.
Here are ten different things a faithful Christian does.
- Studies God’s word II Tim.2:15
- Follows God’s instructions Matt 7:21
- Not forsaking the assembling of the saints Heb. 10:24-25
- Prays frequently/fervently Col. 4:2
- Represents Christ Phil. 2:15
- Loves righteousness Matt. 5:6
- Opposes evil and error Eph.5:11
- Controls his tongue James 3
- Cares for the lost Rom. 10:1
- Remain steadfast – faithful 1 Cor.15:58
Each of these is taught clearly in the word of God. Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8,9; John 14:6, 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1,2; Luke 24:45-57; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 17:30; 2 Peter 3:9; Colossians 2:12; I Peter 3:21; Matthew 10:32; Romans 6:1-7; 10:9-7; 1 Pet 2:1-2
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 both real places of eternal existence as written in the Holy Bible. John 3:16; John 14:17; Romans 6:23; Romans 8:17-18; Revelation 20:15; 1 Corinthians 2:7-9