We
believe that although Jesus was crucified and buried, He rose
from the dead and lives today in the hearts of believers.Without a personal relationship with Jesus, Christianity
has no meaning or value at all.However, we believe that Jesus longs for a passionate
relationship with His followers and we strive to draw near to
God through worship, prayer, reading His word and serving
others.
"This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his
one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.
This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and
sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins." - 1
John 4:9-10
2. We Value the Authority of the Word of God.
We believe the Bible to be the verbally inspired Word of
God and our only rule for faith and conduct. The foundation of all that we teach
and do is God's Word.
"But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become
convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from
infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for
salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is
useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that
the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." - 2 Timothy
3:14-17
"Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass
away." - Matthew 24:35
3. We Value the Power of Prayer.
As God's people, we have seen
first hand how the power of prayer is able to effect change in people, churches
and nations. Without the priority of prayer, our church will never be effective
in the work the Lord has for us to do.
"The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." - James
5:16b
"Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you
ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three
come together in my name, there am I with them." - Matthew 18:19-20
4. We Value our Pentecostal Heritage and the Supernatural
Power of God.
Our
Pentecostal heritage dates back to the book of Acts when God poured out His
power on the disciples and baptized them with the Holy Spirit. The disciples began to minister in the power of the Holy Spirit and
performed great miracles and wonders. That
same power is available today for all who will accept it. We believe and can testify that God still empowers believers and performs
miracles today.
“When the day
of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like
the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where
they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and
came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and
began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” - Acts
2:1 -4
“The
apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders among the people.” - Acts
5:12a
5. We Value the Worth of Every Individual.
The
Bible tells us that Jesus has accepted us all without regard to race, gender or
social status. In the same way, we
believe that every person deserves the right to come to church without being
prejudged. It is our goal to provide
an atmosphere of love and acceptance that mirrors the love and acceptance that
God extends to all of us.
“Then Peter began to speak: ‘I now realize
how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every
nation who fear him and do what is right.’” - Acts
10:34
-35
6. We Value our Responsibility to our Community.
Calvary
Temple
has been placed in this community for a purpose. We take seriously the charge God has given us to be a source of spiritual
light to those who live around us. It
is also important to us to live above reproach so that the character of Christ
can be seen through our actions.
“You are the
light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a
lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives
light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before
men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” -
Matthew
5:14
-16
“We
put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be
discredited.” - 2 Corinthians 6:3
7. We Value Biblical Standards of Leadership and Stewardship.
It
is our firm conviction that the Lord Himself has ordained the leadership of the
church to serve the Kingdom purposes that He has established. The Bible is our standard for the conduct and selection of leadership.
Without strong and accountable leadership, the church will not accomplish
its mission. We also believe that
God has made us stewards of the resources He has entrusted to us and we strive
to ensure that they are managed with great care.
“To
the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s
sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds
of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you
must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money,
but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being
examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the
crown of glory that will never fade away.” - 1
Peter 5:1-4
“Now
it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.” - 1
Corinthians 4:2
