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.

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Genesis 1:1, 26, 27, 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19;

1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14

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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 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

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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 he/she is 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

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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

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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

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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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Northway’s Culture: A church not for us

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Focused Purpose — We design our programs and our priorities around those who need to hear the Gospel rather than on programs and events that make us happy and comfortable.

 

Welcoming Environment — We work hard to make sure all people are welcome at Northway regardless of race, color, economic status, or religious background.  We never want anyone to be uncomfortable to invite an unchurched friend to Northway.

 

Biblical Authority — Scripture will always be the guide for what we do and why we do it.   Every sermon, worship song, bible study, and devotional will be centered on God’s Word.

 

Life-change — A church committed to the Gospel longs for and expects the Gospel to change lives not only for salvation, but for the entire life of the follower of Christ.

 

Generous Giving — We give money and time in service to our neighbors and our city before serving ourselves.  Whether it’s supporting mission organizations, local ministries or non-profits, or assisting individuals with benevolence, we seek to be generous in all things.

 

Strategic Service — We come to church to serve and not to be served.  We are not consumers, but are being equipped through worship and training to serve others.

 

Future Generations — We believe in doing whatever it takes to impact the next generation and strive to create environments where they will clearly hear the Gospel.

 

Extraordinary Grace — None of us have “arrived” so we understand failure.  That’s why the message of grace is so important, both as we receive it from God, but also as we receive and demonstrate it to each other.