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What We Believe
Our Vision
- Developing Eternal Relationships with God, His Word and People
Our Statement of Faith
About Baptism
About Commmunion
| What We Believe |
- 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 (Ph)
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| The Essentials We Believe: |
- About God
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three personalities: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These
three are co-equal and are one God.
Genesis 1:1,26,27, 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14
- About Jesus Christ
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 someday 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 co-equal 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. He gives every believer a spiritual gift when they are saved. As Christians, we seek to live under His control daily.
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 5:18
- About 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 of error.
2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20,21; 2 Timothy 1:13; Psalm 119:105,160, 12:6; Proverbs 30:5
- About Human Beings
People are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. People are the supreme object of God's creation. 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.
Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Romans 3:23 ; Isaiah 59:1, 2
- About 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 as 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 begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith.
Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8,9; John 14:6, 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1
- About Eternal Security
Because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ, the true believer is secure in that salvation for eternity. If you have been genuinely
saved, you cannot "lose" it. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian. It is the grace and
keeping power of God that gives us this security.
John 10:29; 2 Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25 , 10:10 ,14; 1 Peter 1:3-5
- About Eternity
People were created to exist forever. We 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 eternal life. Heaven and Hell are real places of
eternal existence.
John 3:16; John 14:17; Romans 6:23; Romans 8:17-18; Revelation 20:15; 1 Corinthians 2:7-9
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| Why Should I Be Baptized? |
- To follow the example set by JESUS.
"At that time Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptized by John in the river."
Mark 1:9
- Because Christ COMMANDS it.
"Jesus said, 'Go then, to all people everywhere and make them my disciples, baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and then teach them to obey everything I have commanded you.'"
Matthew 28:19-20
- It demonstrates that I really am a BELIEVER.
"...many of the people who heard Him believed and were baptized."
Acts 18:8
"We know that we have come to know Him, if we obey His commands."
1 John 2:3
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| What is the Meaning of Baptism? |
- It illustrates Christ's BURIAL and resurrection.
"Christ died for our sins...He was buried...and He rose again."
1 Corinthians 15:3-4
"For when you are baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ."
Colossians 2:12
- It illustrates my NEW LIFE as a Christian.
"When someone becomes a Christian he becomes a brand new person inside. The old life has passed away and a new life has begun!"
2 Corinthians 5:17
"By our baptism then, we were buried with Him and shared His death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead. so also we may live a new life!"
Romans 6:4
Baptism doesn't make you a believer - it shows that you already believe. Baptism does not "save" you; only your faith in Christ does that. Baptism is like a
wedding ring - it's the outward symbol of the commitment you made in your heart. "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith...it is the gift of God -
not by works, so that no one can boast."
Ephesians 2:8-9
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| Why Be Baptized By Immersion? |
- Because JESUS was baptized that way.
"As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water."
Matthew 3:16
- Every baptism in the NEW TESTAMENT was by immersion.
(Example) "...then both Philip and the man went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water..."
Acts 8:38-39
- The word "Baptize" means to DIP UNDER water". The Greek word baptizo means "to immerse or dip under water".
- It best symbolizes a burial and resurrection!
The founders of denominations agree:
- Martin Luther..."I would have those who are to be baptized to be entirely immersed, as the word imports and the mystery signifies."
- John Calvin..."The word 'baptize' signifies to immerse. It is certain that immersion was the practice of the ancient church."
- John Wesley..."Buried with Him, alludes to baptizing by immersion according to the custom of the first church."
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| Who Should Be Baptized? |
Every person who has BELIEVED in Christ.
- "Those who believed and accepted His message were baptized.."
Acts 2:41
- "Simon himself believed and was baptized...."
Acts 8:13
- "But when they believed Philip as he preached the Good News...and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women."
Acts 8:12
At Evergreen Valley Church , we wait until our children are old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them.
Some churches practice a "baptism of confirmation" for children. This ceremony is intended to be a covenant between the
parents and God on the behalf of the child. The parents promise to raise their child in the faith until the child is old
enough to make his own personal confession of Christ. This custom began about 300 years after the Bible was completed.
This is different from the baptism talked about in the Bible, which was only for those old enough to believe. The purpose
is to publicly confess your personal commitment to Christ.
At Evergreen Valley Church , it is a membership requirement that every member must have been baptized the way Jesus
demonstrated, even though many of us were "confirmed" as children.
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| The Baptism Service. |
- When Should I Be Baptized?
As soon as you have believed!
"Those who believed...were baptized... that day ! "
Acts 2:41
"Then Philip began with the scripture and told him the Good News about Jesus. As they traveled
along the road, they came to some water, and the man said, 'Look, here is water! Why shouldn't
I be baptized right now?' Philip said, 'If you believe with all your heart, you may.' The man answered, 'I believe that
Jesus Christ is the Son of God.' So they went down into the water and Philip baptized him."
Acts 8:35-38
There is no reason to delay. As soon as you have decided to receive Christ into your
life, you can and should be baptized. If you wait until you are "perfect", you'll never feel "good enough"!
- Can my family be baptized together?
Yes! If each family member understands fully the meaning of baptism, and each one has personally placed his/her trust
in Christ for salvation, we encourage families to be baptized at the same time. It is a wonderful expression of commitment.
We offer a "First Steps" class for children. "First Steps" will be offered through our Children's Ministry.
However, it is important to remember that baptism is a personal statement of faith, not a family tradition. It is usually
not wise to delay your baptism while waiting on other family members to accept Christ, particularly children. This puts an
undue pressure on them, and delays your obedience.
- What should I wear when I am baptized?
Women should wear dark colored shorts and a top over a one-piece swimsuit. Men may wear dark colored
shorts and top. Bring a change of clothes, a towel, and a plastic bag for your wet clothes. We provide changing rooms.
- Will I have to say anything?
At the beginning of the service, the pastor will briefly explain the meaning of baptism. You will wait at the edge of the pool
for your turn to be baptized. The pastor will introduce you, ask you a few questions, briefly lower you just under the water,
and then you can leave the pool, dry off, and watch the others. Later you
will be mailed a certificate of your baptism. We encourage you to invite all your relatives and friends to attend your baptism.
- Special Needs?
Pastors can perform a private baptism in special circumstances.
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| What is the Meaning of The Lords Supper? |
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Jesus never asked His disciples to remember His birth. But He did instruct them to remember His death and
resurrection. He gave the church two visible symbols (called "ordinances") as reminders of His death. These
two ordinances are: Baptism and The Lord's Supper. The Lord's Supper is an object lesson that represents a
great spiritual truth for believers.
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| What Is The Lord's Supper? |
(1 Corinthians 11:23-26)
- It is a SIMPLE ACT.
"The Lord Jesus, on the night He was betrayed, took bread..."
(vs. 23)
- It is a REMINDER.
"...and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, 'This is my body, which is for you; eat it in remembrance of me.'"
(vs. 24)
- It is a SYMBOL; but not a mere SYMBOL.
"In the same way, He took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood; drink it to remember me.'"
(vs. 25)
- It is a STATEMENT OF FAITH.
"For whenever you eat the bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes back."
(vs. 26)
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| Who Should Take The Lord's Supper? |
Only those who are already BELIEVERS .
( Mark 14:22-26 )
"For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment upon himself."
1 Corinthians 11:29
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| How Do I Prepare Myself For The Lord's Supper? |
"Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning
against the body and blood of the Lord. A person ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup."
1 Corinthians 11:27-28
By...
- Self-Examination
1 Corinthians 11:27
- Confessing My Sins
1 John 1:9
- Recommitment
Romans 12:1
- Restoring Relationships
Matthew 5:23-24
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| When and How Often Should We Observe The Lord's Supper? |
Jesus never said when or how often believers should observe The Lord's Supper.
At EVC we observe communion every Sunday.
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What We Believe