Vision
Generations Church exists to glorify God in our community, to make disciples and to multiply churches; so the next generation is equipped to glorify God better than we do.
For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalm 100:5
O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds. So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come. Psalm 71:17-18
Beliefs
THE BIBLE
The Bible, the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments, is inspired, authoritative, and sufficient. Any creeds or confessions of men, while helpful in outlining and preserving the historic faith, remain secondary and subordinate to the revealed word of God.
We seek unity in essential beliefs. We value liberty in non-essential beliefs. We pursue love in all things.
ABOUT GOD
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God.
“Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.” Psalm 90:2
Genesis 1:1, 26, 27, 3:22
Matthew 28:19
1 Peter 1:2
2 Corinthians 13:14
ABOUT HUMANS & HUMAN DEPRAVITY
People were created in the image of God to be worshipers of His. People are the crown jewel of God’s Creation. Although created in God’s image, sin has infiltrated every area of human existence, and therefore made humanity fully broken, and incapable of living the life God designed for us to live. All humanity has inherited the debt of sin in this world, but also contributes to sin.
Genesis 1:27
Psalm 8:3-6
Isaiah 53:6a
Romans 3:23
Isaiah 59:1,2
We believe in the historical and literal fall into sin of Adam as the first created man, which we call original sin. We believe that due to Adam’s sin, all men receive the guilt and corruption of his sin and consequently are deemed sinners by heritage and choice. Humanity, in and of itself, is selfish and does not seek God, but rather seeks his or her own pleasure.
Genesis 3
Romans 5
1 Corinthians 15:22
THE ATONEMENT
We believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross as a substitute for sinners. We believe that by the death of Jesus Christ, the penalty of sin (past, present and future) has been paid for all who believe in Him as Lord and Savior.
Hebrew 2:17
Romans 5:11
2 Corinthians 5:18-21
JUSTIFICATION
We believe that a sinner is justified (declared not guilty) with God not by his/her own merits but by the unmerited grace of God. Even faith is the gift of God. We believe that sinners are saved by grace through faith and not by works.
Romans 4:25
Romans 5:16-18
Ephesians 2:8-10
ABOUT ETERNAL SECURITY
Because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ, the believer is secure in this salvation for eternity. 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 this security.
John 10:29
2 Timothy 1:12
Hebrews 7:25; 10:10-14
1 Peter 1:3-5
ABOUT THE CHURCH
The Church is the living body of Jesus Christ on earth. He is the head and the source of its life. We believe that all true believers need to be a part of a local church, so that they can grow in their faith through instruction, worship, and fellowship with other believers.
Ephesians 5:23
Romans 12:4-8; 1
Corinthians 12
Ephesians 1:22-23; 4:1-16
Colossians 1:15-20
ABOUT CHURCH LEADERSHIP
We believe that men and women are created both equal and distinct. Men and women are partners together in every area of ministry. Both men and women are created in the image of God, and in Christ inherit true righteousness, holiness, and relationship with God. All ministries in the church are open to all qualified men and women, with the singular exception of the office of Pastor/Elder. Women serve as deacons, teach, lead worship, serve communion, and can serve on the staff team.
1 Timothy 3
Titus 1; 1
Corinthians 11:1-12
ABOUT THE SACRAMENTS
We believe there are two sacraments given by Jesus Christ to strengthen our faith as members of His Church. The first is Baptism, which is a sign and seal of God’s eternal covenant of grace for us and our children. Baptism symbolizes the washing away of our sins through the blood of Christ, and unites us in the death and resurrection of Jesus on our behalf.
The second is the sacrament of Communion. The broken bread symbolizes the broken body of Jesus Christ. The cup symbolizes the blood of Christ poured out at the cross for our salvation. Christ, spiritually present in the bread and cup, is a means of grace that strengthens us, and is celebrated to remind us of Christ’s sacrifice on our behalf until he returns.
Genesis 17: 1-10
Deuteronomy 7:9
Matthew 19:13-15; 28:19
Acts 16:14-15; 30-33
Mark 14:22-25
2 Corinthians 11:23-26
1 Corinthians 1:16
Romans 6
FINAL THOUGHTS
When the time is fulfilled, Jesus Christ will return in power and glory to judge the world, and to complete His total victory over sin, death, and Satan. At that time, those who are followers of Jesus will enter His reign forever. Those who are not Christ’s will be eternally separated from Him.
Acts 1:6-11
Mark 13:24-27
Revelation 1:7
1 Peter 4:5
Matthew 24:29-31; 25:31-46
RESOURCES
Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy
