“In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity.”

ESSENTIALS

These essentials must be affirmed by full partners (members).

The Bible The Bible (66 books of the Old and New Testaments) is God’s Word. It is the written revelation of God to us and our only source for belief and living. It was written by human authors supernaturally inspired by the Holy Spirit. It is truth without any error.

2 Tim. 3:15-17; 2 Pet.1:20-21; Ps. 19:7-13; Ps. 119; Mt. 24:35; Mt. 5:18; Jn. 17:17

God There is one true God who is Creator and Ruler of the universe.  He has eternally existed in three distinct and co-equal personalities: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He is all-knowing, all powerful, and everywhere present at all times. He is perfect and unchanging  in all His attributes: Loving, Merciful, Kind, Good, Holy, Just, Faithful, and True.  Gen. 1:1 Mt. 28:19 Psalm 139:1-12, Is. 6:1-7 Psalm 136  I John 4:8  Romans 8:14-16

Jesus Christ Jesus Christ is co-equal with the Father and the Spirit.  He is the only begotten Son of God.  He has existed eternally. He was born to a virgin and lived a sinless life. He died on the cross for the sins of the world and was raised three days later to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to heaven and will return to rule as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. . Col. 1:15-20, 2:9; John 1:1-5; Mt. 1:22-23; Is. 9:6; Heb. 1:1-3, 2:18, 4:14-15; 2 Cor. 5:21; I Cor. 15:3-4; Acts 1:9-11; Rev. 17:14, 19:11-16

The Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son. He is present in the world and in the life of all believers to convict mankind of their need for Jesus Christ and the truth of God’s Word. He brings power for living, ministry, and witnessing to those He indwells. He gives and empowers spiritual gifts to all He indwells.

Jn.14:16-17; Ro. 8:9; I Cor. 2:12; Jn. 16:7-13; Acts 1:8; Eph.1:13-14; Eph. 5:18; Gal 5:22-25

Man Human beings are made in God’s spiritual, moral, reasonable, and emotional image. Mankind is the supreme creation of God, created to know, love, and be like God in character. Every human is precious and valuable to God from the moment of conception.  However, sin entered the human race through Adam.  Sin corrupts us all and leads us into sinful acts. Sin separates from God and from eternal and abundant life. Every person is separated from God by the sin nature and by choice.

Genesis 1:27; Ps. 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6; Romans 3:23

Salvation Salvation is by God’s grace, accepted by faith alone. By trusting Christ and his death on the cross as the full payment for our sin, we are saved as we turn from sin to Him. Salvation is given by the grace of God and cannot be taken away. Our security is rooted in the power and promise of God who is faithful. We are completely forgiven and completely right with God from the moment of salvation.

Eph. 2:8-9; Romans 6:23; Jn. 14:6; Romans 5:1; 8:1,38-39; Titus 3:5; John 3:16; Eph. 1:13

v  DISTINCTIVES

These distinctives will guide our practice and teaching.

Baptism Baptism is an act of obedience to Christ that symbolizes our identification with His death, burial, and resurrection.  As such it is reserved for those who have expressed their desire to be followers of Jesus Christ.  Baptism is by immersion in order to illustrate the death, burial and resurrection of Christ.

Mt. 28:19-20; Acts 18:8; I John 2:3; Colossians 2:12; Acts 2:41

Security and Perseverance of Believers Those who have truly placed saving faith in Christ are born spiritually and are kept secure by the promise and power of God.  Their security is not based on their continued self-effort. While true believers may from time to time fall into sin or out of fellowship and ministry because of neglect of their spiritual life or other circumstances, the reality of their salvation will be shown by positive response to the loving discipline of Christ and the church.  All who are truly saved will persevere in their faith in Christ until the end. Romans 8:38-39;  John 10:28-29

v  NON-ESSENTIALS

Everything else!

Non-essentials must not be allowed to bring us into division and distraction. We choose instead to focus on Christ, unity in Him, and ministry together.

Finances and Stewardship

“The Crossing” seeks to base all of our financial policies on biblical principles.  The reason we do not choose to pass an offering plate is that we believe giving is a matter of the heart, and we do not seek to manipulate people into giving.  We prefer to make our giving into an act of worship that is intentional. Since God owns everything, we see ourselves (individually and as a church) as stewards, not owners.  A steward is a manager – one who manages another’s property.  Biblical stewardship is expected of those who commit their lives to Christ and to church membership. The church is financed through the giving of its members, which we develop through the 3 biblical methods: (1) Prayer (2) Teaching of Tithing and Grace Giving  (3) Vision Casting.

We ask that each adult who decides to partner with us read “The Treasure Principle” by Randy Alcorn. This small booklet summarizes clearly what the Bible teaches about stewardship and the joy of giving.