What We Believe – Tapestry Church
What we believe…
… about 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.
Genesis 1:1, 26, 27; 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14
… about people
People are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like him in character. Men, women and children are the supreme object of God’s creation. Although people have tremendous potential for good, we are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called “sin.” This attitude separates man from God.
Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1, 2
… about the Bible
The Bible is God’s Word to us. Human authors who were guided by the Holy Spirit wrote it. The Bible is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. The Bible is true in all it affirms and teaches. Diversity in interpreting God’s Word in non-essentials (things not on this page!) is an opportunity for acceptance, learning and growth, not conflict and dissention.
2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20, 21; 2 Timothy 1:13; Psalm 119:105,160, 12:6; Proverbs 30:5
... about Jesus
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal 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 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 to earth to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Matthew 1:22, 23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5, 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14, 15; 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4; Romans 1:3, 4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14, 15; Titus 2:13
… about the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son as God. He is present in the world to make people aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides Christ followers with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. Christ followers should seek to live under his influence at all times.
2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13, 14:16, 17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:1
..… about eternity
People are created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin or in union with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is hell. To be eternally in union with him is heaven.
John 3:16; John 2:25; John 5:11-13; Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:15; 1 John 5:11-12; Matthew 25:31-46
..… about our need to be rescued
Salvation is a gift from God to people. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or doing enough good – only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can we be rescued from sin’s penalty. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his or her life by simple faith. Life change results from this relationship and change will continue until death or Christ returns. Christ followers are not perfect, but should always pursue God’s purpose in life.
Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8, 9; John 14:6, 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1
..… about security with Jesus
Because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ, the believer is secure for eternity. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian.
John 10:29; 2 Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25; 10:10, 14; 1 Peter 1:3-5
..… about baptism
Baptism symbolizes the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus and is a public declaration that one has accepted God’s gift of salvation. Baptism does not get one into Heaven, but shows the world that he or she is headed there! And while baptism is not required for salvation, it is a biblical command and demonstrates one’s love and obedience to Christ.
Colossians 2:12; Acts 2:41; Ephesians 2: 8-9; Matthew 28:19-20
..… about communion
Communion, or the Lord’s Supper, is to be experienced by Christ followers to remember his sacrifice for us and to symbolize the new covenant. The elements of the bread and the cup are symbols of Christ’s broken body and shed blood. Communion is not a means of salvation. It is an expression of a believer’s faith in what Jesus accomplished on the cross.
Matthew 26:26-30; Mark 14:22-26; Luke 22:19:20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-29
..… about relationships
We believe that Christ followers should love everyone, and whenever possible, live in peace with all people. Every person should be treated with respect and dignity and we recognize everyone needs help along the journey of life. We are here to help each other, love each other and lead each other into a closer relationship with God.
Galatians 5:22-23; Matthew 22:37-39; 1 Corinthians 13; James 2:1-9
….. about church
We believe in the universal church of which Christ alone is the Head. All Christ followers are members of this universal body. Each local church is free to govern itself. Tapestry will cooperate with other churches that share common mission and ministries around the world to accomplish God’s purpose.
1 Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:18; Hebrews 10:24-25
(The provided verses are for personal study and reflection.)