The Sufficiency of Scripture When we speak of the sufficiency of scripture, we refer to the fact that the Bible is the final authority in all matters of faith and practice. The Bible was divinely inspired and preserved by God and is the only sufficient foundation for the local church in all generations. (Deuteronomy 4:2; 12:32; Psalms 12:6-7; Proverbs 30:6; 2 Timothy 3:16-17;Hebrews 1:1-2; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Revelation 22:19). _____________________ A Biblical View of Salvation Salvation is an undeserved freely offered gift of God. The Bible makes it clear that we are NOT saved by works, but we are saved by grace through faith alone. Jesus Christ shed His blood and died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins and He rose up from the dead 3 days later for our justificaion. We believe in the return of Jesus Christ at a time of God's choosing. (Romans 3:23; 5:8; 6:23; 10:9-10; Ephesians 2:1-10; John 3:16-17; John 14:6) _____________________ Christ Exalting Worship The New Testament has surprisingly little to say about worship styles. However, one thing is sure, we are to engage in Christ exalting worship through praying, preaching, Scripture reading, singing, giving, honoring and obeying God (John 4:23-24; Romans 12:1-2; 1 Corinthians 14:15; Ephesians 5:18-20; Philippians 2:9-11; Colossians 3:16). _____________________ Biblical Worldview Christianity is not merely a religion, it is also a lifestyle, a philosophy; a worldview. We are to think biblically about every aspect of our lives (Romans 12:1-2; II Corinthians 10:5-6; Colossians 2:8; 1 Peter 1:14-16). _____________________ Biblical Community The Church is not a building, but a community of believers. As such, we are to live in fellowship and community with one another. We must do more than just occupy pews near each other on a weekly basis to call ourselves a church. (Matthew 18:15-18; Romans 12:3-18; Acts 2:41-47; 4:32-35; 6:1-7; Hebrews 13:17) _____________________ Biblical Manhood/Womanhood God has given clearly defined roles to men and women in the home and in the church (I Corinthians 16:13-14; I Kings 2:1-3; Proverbs 31, 12:4; Titus 2:3-5; I Tim 5:14). While these roles have come under attack in our culture, God has not changed. We embrace, teach, and celebrate these distinct roles. _____________________ Family Discipleship While the church is called to make disciples, it is clear that God has given the family as the primary discipling agent. Children are entrusted to parents for their spiritual nurturing. (Genesis 12:8; Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Psalm 78:5-8; Psalm 113:3; Ephesians 6:1-4; II Tim. 3:14-15).