The Deep Stuff (A.K.A. What Do We Believe)

Core Beliefs

Many people understand that The Journey is a church that worships God, but what exactly does that mean?  This section will list out some of our core beliefs.  Some things may appear a bit obvious and others may be something new.  

At The Journey we believe there are different levels to our beliefs.  There are beliefs we will die for while others we will defend.  Finally there are beliefs we are willing to discuss.

Beliefs we will 'Die For'.

     GOD
There is one living, sovereign God who eternally exists in three persons: God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.
     (Revelation 1:8; Isaiah 43:10-11; Deuteronomy 6:4; 
       Matthew 28:19)
Jesus was sent by the Father to live on earth; he was holy and human, yet had no sin.  Jesus willingly laid down his life and after three days, rose from the grave.  In doing this, Jesus fulfilled the payment for the world's sins.
     (Luke 1:31, 35; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 2 Corinthians 5:21)
The Holy Spirit was sent by the Father and Son to convict the world of sin and so empower all who believe in Jesus Christ. He lives in every believer and is a constant Encourager, Comforter, and Advocate.
     (John 14:16-17)
As followers, we are to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind.
    (Matthew 22:36-37)
    
     PEOPLE
God created people in his image, and everyone matters to God.
     (Genesis 1:26-27: Genesis 5:1-2)
All people are sinners and need God's forgiveness.
     (Romans 3:23)
Those who confess and turn from their sin, trusting in Jesus Christ, will be born again and become children of God, with the promise of eternal life.
     (John 3:16-17; Galatians 3:26)
As followers of God we are commanded to love others.
     (Matthew 22:39-40)


     THE CHURCH, THE BIBLE, & CHRIST'S RETURN
Jesus Christ is the head of the church and all believing people are members.
     (Ephesians 4:15-16)
The Bible is the inspired word of God and is the supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct.
     (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
Jesus Christ will return and there will be a final judgement.
     (Matthew 24:3; Matthew 24:37)
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Beliefs we will 'Defend'.

These are beliefs that are important to us, but not necessarily to all Christians.

     COMMUNION
The Lord's Supper is to be observed by believers to remember the death of Christ, whose broken body and spilled blood was the payment for the world's debt of sin.
     (Matthew 26:26-28)

     FOLLOWERS OF CHRIST
Followers of Christ have the privilege and responsibility to function as ministers and relate directly to God.
     (1 Peter 2:5, 9)

     BAPTISM
Baptism by immersion is the public announcement of faith in Jesus Christ.  Faith in Jesus brings salvation; baptism follows as a public act of obedience and worship.
     (Acts 2:38-41; Matthew 28:19)

Beliefs we are willing to 'Discuss'.

These are beliefs that are not core to our church that we are willing to agree to disagree.  These discussions are not to distract us from the mission of our church.

The role of supernatural gifts (e.g., tongues, prophecy, etc).
The dating of creation.
The specifics of how God used natural processes to create   
    different life forms.
The details and timing of Christ's return.