Living Hope Community Church- although affiliated with Church of God, Anderson Indiana, is non-denominational and seeks to unite all Christians on the simple New Testament basis of a personal experience in the saving power of Christ.
Therefore, we have no book or creed of authority in matters of Christian faith and practice but the Bible.
In essential beliefs — we have unity: “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
In non-essential beliefs — we have liberty: “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
In all our beliefs — we show charity:“...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.” 1 Corinthians 13:2
AS AN INDEPENDENT, NON-DENOMINATIONAL
CHURCH, WE BELIEVE IN THE FOLLOWING ESSENTIALS:
Authority of Scripture: 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 Tim. 3:16-17, 2 Pet. 1:20-21; 2 Tim. 1:13; Ps. 119:105,160, 162; Pr. 30:5)
Man’s sinful state: Man is by nature a sinner from birth (Ps. 51:5)
Jesus Christ: Christ was virgin born, fully human and fully divine, sinless, died on the cross for our sins, was raised from the dead on the third day, and is coming again (Mat. 1:18; Heb. 4:15; 1 Cor. 15:3-4; Jn. 14:3; Jn. 1:1)
Salvation: Salvation is a free gift bestowed by God’s grace and received by faith (Eph. 2:8-9) A believer’s salvation is secured by Christ alone (Jn. 10:27-28, Rom. 5:1-2, 6:23; Eph. 2:8,9; Jn. 14:6, 1:12, Tit. 3:5, Gal. 3:26; Jn. 6:47)
Sanctification: To sanctify is to “consecrate or set apart for Holy use”. Christians are to sanctify themselves to God (Rom. 12:1, 1 Thes. 4:3, 2 Tim. 2:21). (Lk. 1:73-75; Jn. 17:17; 1 Thes. 4:3; 5:23-24; Heb. 10:14-15) Sanctification is progressive in the life of the believer in that it should be practiced daily. The longer we walk with God, the better we learn to consecrate ourselves.
Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit, fills, convicts, comforts, empowers, teaches, leads and guides us (Eph. 1:13-14).
Holiness: God alone is holy (1 Sam. 2:2). Christians however, are to imitate His holiness in their lives (Lev. 19:2, 1 Pet. 1:15-16, 2 Cor. 5:17 ) Holy or righteous living includes a faithful study of the teachings of Jesus and a continual effort to live out the implications of those teachings day by day.
Baptism: Bible baptism (immersion) is the public statement/testimony that a believer has died (been buried) to their old life in sin, and have been blessed with a new life (raised up) in Christ. Such baptism is also symbolic of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection (Ac. 8:36-38; Rom. 6:1-4)
The Church: God’s Church is not a building nor a particular set of believers – but rather a collection of all true believers. We do not consider ourselves to be another denomination, with a prescribed creed and an unbending organizational structure. Neither are we a sect with legalistic statements on, and enforcement of, lifestyles. Our allegiance is to the Lord Jesus Christ alone. Our congregation is the local embodiment of the universal Church. All who are saved are in the Church by God's action (Ac. 2:47). Please see our Mission Statement for a more complete biblical explanation as to the purpose of the Church.
Spiritual gifts and responsibilities: Every believer is responsible to discover, develop, and use his or her God-given gifts in service to God (I Cor. 12). Church leaders are charged to equip believers for service (Eph. 4:11-13)
Eternal reward and punishment: People 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 heaven. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence and are designed by God to be either our punishment, or reward, for accepting or rejecting Jesus Christ as the Lord and savior of our lives. (Jn. 3:16; Jn. 14:17; Rom. 6:23, 8:17-18; Rev. 20:15; 1 Cor. 2:7-9)
