Purpose Statement
We exist to make disciples of Jesus Christ who have a growing…
- Heart for God expressed in passionate worship and generous giving,
- Heart for Each Other expressed in authentic fellowship and devoted discipleship, and
- Heart for Our World expressed in intentional evangelism and sacrificial service.
Looking to get involved and join us on your spiritual journey?
Vision Statement
Saturating Eastern NC with churches of Christ-followers who have a heart for God, heart for each other, and heart for our world.
Our Essential Beliefs
In our essential beliefs, we have unity; in non-essential beliefs, we have liberty; in all beliefs, we show charity.
Read about our essential beliefs below, or check out this 10-part sermon series called “Faith Foundations” where we dig into each one.
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; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14)
2. About Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God. He is co equal with the Father. In His incarnation as Jesus Christ he was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. 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.
(Matthew 1:22-23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:15; 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14-15; 1 Corinthians 15:35; Romans 1:34; Acts 1:9-11)
3. About the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is co equal with the Father and 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 keeps the Christian and gifts the Christian for ministry and good works.
(2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13; 14:16-17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12; 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; 5:18; Galatians 5:22-25)
4. About the Bible
The Bible is God’s Word to us. It was written by human authors, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is the Word of 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; 12:5; Proverbs 30:5)
5. About Mankind
Man was made in the image of God. But all of mankind is marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called “sin.” This attitude separates people from God and causes them to be in rebellion against God. Only the grace of God can bring man into God’s holy fellowship. The sacredness of human life is evident in that God created mankind as the crown of His creation; therefore every man possesses dignity and is worthy of respect andChristian love.
(Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:36; Isaiah 53:6; 59:12; Romans 3:23)
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 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 Christ by faith.
(Romans 5:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 14:6; 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1)
7. About Eternal Security
Because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ, the true believer is secure in that salvation for eternity. If you have been genuinely saved, you cannot “lose” it. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self effort of the Christian. It is the grace and keeping power of God that gives us this security in Christ.
(John 10:28-30; 2 Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25; 10:10; 14; 13:5; 1 Peter 1:35)
8. About Eternity
Man was created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. Those that are separated from God will ultimately spend eternity in Hell. Those that have received God’s salvation will spend eternity with Him in Heaven. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence.
(John 3:16; 1 John 2:25; Colossians 1:5; John 14:14; Luke 12:5; Luke 16:2-25)
9. About Baptism
Baptism is the immersion of a believer in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is an act of obedience symbolizing the believer’s faith in a crucified, buried, and risen Savior and the believers own death to sin, burial of the old life, and the newness of life in Christ Jesus. It is a public testimony of the believer’s faith and identifies him with the body of Christ, which is the Church.
(Matthew 3:13-17; Acts 2:41; 6:35-39; 8:12-13)
10. About the Lord’s Supper
The Lord’s Supper is a symbolic act of obedience where Christian believers come together as a church and memorialize the death of Jesus Christ and anticipate His second coming through the eating of the bread and drinking of the fruit of the vine according to Christ’s command. It is the second ordinance of our church.
(1 Corinthians 11:23-29; Mark 14:22-26)
Looking for something specific? We encourage you to join us on a Sunday morning for worship and working through the Bible together through sermons. You can also watch previous messages on our website, or dig into Pastor Gary’s archive of sermons at garycombs.org.