WHAT WE BELIEVE
At The Springs, we believe that it is crucial to hold to sound doctrine, because our beliefs affect how we live our lives. We believe The Holy Scriptures to be the primary rule and authority for faith, morals, and service, against which all other authorities must be measured. We stand in agreement with the the ancient creeds of the universal church, and believe them to be permanent, unalterable doctrinal standards. Below is a summary of some important topics and what we believe about them.
God
We believe in the one true, holy and living God, Eternal Spirit, who is Creator, Sovereign and Preserver of all things visible and invisible. He is infinite in power, wisdom, justice, goodness and love, and rules with gracious regard for the well-being and salvation of men, to the glory of his name. We believe the one God reveals himself as the Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, distinct but inseparable, eternally one in essence and power.
Jesus Christ
We believe in Jesus Christ, truly God and truly man, in whom the divine and human natures are perfectly and inseparably united. He is the eternal Word made flesh, the only begotten Son of the Father, born of the Virgin Mary by the power of the Holy Spirit. As ministering Servant he lived, suffered and died on the cross. He was buried, rose from the dead and ascended into heaven to be with the Father, from whence he shall return. He is eternal Savior and Mediator, who intercedes for us, and by him all men will be judged.
The Holy Spirit
We believe in the Holy Spirit who proceeds from and is one in being with the Father and the Son. He convinces the world of sin, of righteousness and of judgment. He leads men through faithful response to the Gospel into the fellowship of the Church. He comforts, sustains and empowers the faithful and guides them into all truth.
The Holy Bible
We believe the Holy Bible, Old and New Testaments, reveals the Word of God so far as it is necessary for our salvation. It is to be received through the Holy Spirit as the true rule and guide for faith and practice. Whatever is not revealed in or established by the Holy Scriptures is not to be made an article of faith nor is it to be taught as essential to salvation.
The Church
We believe the Christian Church is the community of all true believers under the Lordship of Christ. We believe it is one, holy, and universal. It is the redemptive fellowship in which the Word of God is preached by those divinely called, and the sacraments are duly administered according to Christ’s own appointment. Under the discipline of the Holy Spirit the Church exists for the maintenance of worship, the edification of believers and the redemption of the world.
Humanity & Sin
We believe man is fallen from righteousness and, apart from the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, is destitute of holiness and inclined to evil. Except a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God. In his own strength, without divine grace, man cannot do good works pleasing and acceptable to God. We believe, however, man influenced and empowered by the Holy Spirit is responsible in freedom to exercise his will for good.
Salvation
We believe salvation is the gift of God’s grace received through faith in Jesus Christ. God’s grace reaches toward us before we ever respond, calling us to repentance, forgiveness, new life, and restored relationship with Him.
Sanctification & Holy Living
We believe God not only forgives us, but transforms us. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, believers grow in holiness, love, obedience, and Christlike character. We are called to love God fully and love others as Jesus loved us.
Sacraments
We believe Baptism and Holy Communion are sacred gifts given by Jesus to the Church. Baptism marks our identity in Christ and entrance into the family of faith, while Communion reminds us of Christ’s sacrifice and nourishes us through His grace.
Mission & Discipleship
We believe every follower of Jesus is called to make disciples and share the love of Christ in everyday life. The Church exists to bring hope, serve others, and participate in God’s work across the street and around the world.
Marriage & Sexuality
We affirm the dignity and worth of EVERY person as someone deeply loved by God. We believe God created humanity male and female in His image, and calls us to live with holiness, integrity, and love. We affirm the sacred covenant of marriage made between one man and one woman.
Judgement and Eternity
We believe all people stand under the righteous judgment of Jesus Christ, based on our response of faith to Him. His return will mean either eternity with Him or eternity apart from Him.
If you are looking for a more in depth discussion about one of the topics above, or are curious where we stand on a different issue, please reach out! We would love to talk more about our beliefs and how we got there. You can also find the Global Methodist Book of Doctrines and Disciplines where the issues above and many others are explored in much more depth. For that, click "Learn More."
