Read the Bible
THE RIVER CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY
STATEMENT OF FAITH
OUR MISSION
Leading people to become fully-devoted followers of Jesus Christ
who love God,
love people and
serve Jesus together.
OUR VISION
To be a thriving community of fully devoted
followers of Jesus, bringing glory to God
by an undeniable influence in
Oakdale and beyond.
OUR BELIEFS
God is the Creator and all-powerful Ruler of the universe.
He has eternally existed in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal with distinct roles, but one God.
Jesus Christ is God: the Messiah, Savior, the Son of God, fully God – fully man.
Jesus was born of a virgin, lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all mankind by dying on the cross. He arose from the dead after three days, proving that He was who He claimed to be and demonstrated His power over sin and death. He is now in Heaven where He is the only mediator between God and people, and He will return again to earth as our victorious Lord to rule and reign as King of kings and Lord of lords.
People are the supreme object of God’s creation.
God loves people. We are made in the image of God, to be like Him in character. Although we have tremendous potential for good, everyone is marred by an attitude of rebellion toward God. This rebellion is called sin; sin separates people from God.
People are created to exist forever.
Every person will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or in loving relationship with God through God’s provision of salvation and forgiveness. Heaven and hell are real.
Salvation comes only through Jesus Christ.
Salvation is a gracious free-gift from God. Men and women can never make up for their sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness and reconciliation can a person be saved from sin’s penalty.
Everyone who trusts Jesus Christ for salvation receives the indwelling presence of the
Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son as God. He provides the Christian with power for loving, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. The Holy Spirit gives us confidence in our relationship to God, frees us from our past enabling us to live Christ-centered lives, and empowers and enables us to serve others through opportunities and gifts for ministry.
The Bible, all 66 books of the Old and New Testaments, is God’s Word to humankind.
The Bible (also referred to as the Scriptures) is inspired by God, and is infallible and inerrant in the original manuscripts; Scripture will not contradict itself. The Bible was written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the unique, full and final authority on all matters of faith and practice, and there are no other writings similarly inspired by God.
The Church
The church is God’s design for community accomplishing His purposes together.
OUR CORE VALUES
We believe joining together in God-directed mission, with vision, ignites passion in people. Our mission is discipleship: being and making fully-devoted followers of Jesus; disciples who become disciple-makers.
We believe proclaiming the authority of God’s Word without reservation is essential for transformation in people.
We believe honoring Jesus Christ in worship is pleasing to God and vital for people.
We believe prayer is powerful and effective.
We believe sharing the good news of Jesus through the enabling power of the Holy Spirit is the responsibility of every Christian.
We believe genuine, caring community is nurtured in networks of smaller groups.
We believe equipping people as servant leaders is an essential aspect of God’s strategy to impact the world for His Kingdom.