Our Purpose

Our mission is not our own, but the mission of Jesus Christ, which is to reach the lost world and restore relationships with God. As Jesus sent His disciples he told them, "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." (Matthew 28:19-20)

We desire to make disciples by connecting the unconnected with Jesus, growing together in relationship with God, and serving the world with Him.

Foreword

This church has people with many different backgrounds, but we are a team. We are more interested in glorifying God than arguing over non-salvation issues. “How can we agree rather than disagree?” is a very important question we seek to answer. “How can we apply the truth of scripture in a way that shows love for our Father and love for one another so that Jesus is glorified in all we do?” For the sake of unity and maintaining purity in our doctrine in some key areas Scripture clearly teaches on, these are our non-negotiable Statements of Faith.

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 or error. The Bible is infallible, inerrant, and absolute truth. Where it speaks, we listen and obey. (Psalm 12:6, 119:105,160; Proverbs 30:5; 2 Timothy 1:13, 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21)

God

God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are coequal and are one God. (Genesis 1:1,26-27, 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14; 1 Peter 1:2)

Jesus

Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is coequal 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 the 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 claim His own and take them to Heaven. (Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:22-23; John 1:1-5, 14:10-30; Acts 1:9-11; Romans 1:3-4; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4;1 Timothy 6:14-15; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 4:14-15)

Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is coequal 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. As Christians we seek to live under His control daily. (John 14:16-17, John 16:7-13; Acts 1:8; Romans 5:5; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; 2 Corinthians 3:17; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 1:13, 5:18)

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 and 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 with God begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ as Lord of his life. This salvation is evidenced by repentance, confession, baptism, and a life committed to His service. (John 1:12, 14:6; Romans 5:1, 6:23; Galatians 3:26; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5)

People

People are made in the image of God, to be like Him in character. 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. This means everyone needs Jesus. (Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; 59:1-2; Romans 3:23)

Eternity

People will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or exist eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is eternal death in Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life in Heaven. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence. (John 3:16, 14:17; Romans 6:23; 8:17-18; 1 Corinthians 2:7-9; Revelation 20:15)

Non-Essential Issues

Although the issues listed above are what we believe to be essential to salvation, there are beliefs that are varied within different traditions or denominations. These issues are not essential to salvation and although we understand there are those who hold tightly to some of these issues, we seek to be unified even in our differences. Some examples on non-essential issues would be: election, eternal security, roles of men and women, and spiritual gifts. We, as the elders, have come to an agreement on these issues, but we don't require agreement from every person who attends Rogue Valley Christian Church nor do we condemn those who differ. We invite those with different views and opinions to discuss the issue humbly without causing division, but for the sake of unity, refrain from teaching or promoting their view in our church context. For those who cannot do so, we request they seek another fellowship where their views can better serve the Church.