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.
[Genesis 1:1, 26, 27; 3:22| Psalm 90:2| Matthew 28:19| 1 Peter 1:2| 2 Corinthians 13:14]
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]
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. As Christians, we seek to live under His control daily.
[1 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]
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 or error.
[2 Timothy 3:16| 2 Peter 1:20, 21| 2 Timothy 1:13| Psalm 119:105, 106; 12:6| Proverbs 30:5]
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]
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 their life by faith.
[Romans 6:23| Ephesians 2:8, 9| John 14:6, 1:12| Titus 3:5| Galatians 3:26| Romans 5:1]
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 Heaven. 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]
Here at Island Family Christian Church we like to express our purpose in this way: Loving Christ; loving the body of Christ; Loving the world for whom Christ died. This, to put it simply, is what we are all about.
• In essential beliefs – we have unity.
“There is one body and one Spirit-just as you were called to one hope when you were called- one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” Ephesians 4:4-6
• In non-essentials beliefs – we have liberty.
“Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters… Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls… So then each of us will give an account of himself to God…So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God.” Romans 14:1,4,12,22
• In all things – we show love.
“…If I hold in my mind not only all human knowledge but also the very secrets of God, and if I have the faith that can move mountains – but have no love, I amount to nothing at all.” 1 Corinthians 13:2 (PH)
THE ESSENTIALS WE BELIEVE:
1. 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.
Genesis 1:1,26,27; 3:22, Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14
2. ABOUT JESUS CHRIST
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 judge the world and usher in His heavenly kingdom.
Matthew 1:22,23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5, 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14,15; 1Corinthians 15:3,4; Romans 1:3,4; Acts 1:9-11; 1Timothy 6:14,15; Titus 2:13.
3. 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. As Christians we seek to live under His control daily.
1 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13, 14:16,17; Acts 1:8, 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatins 5:25; Ephesians 5:18.
4. 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 or error.
2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20,21; 2 Timothy 1:13; Psalm 119:105,160, 12:6; Proverbs 30:5.
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
6. 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.
Roman 6:23; Ephesians 2:8,9; John 14:6, 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1
7. 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 Heaven. 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
“For now we are all children of God through faith in Jesus Christ, and we who have been baptized into union with Christ are enveloped by Him. We are no longer Jews or Gentiles, or slaves or free, or even merely men or women, but we are all the same–we are Christians; we are one in Jesus Christ!” Galatians 3:26-28 (LB)
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A CHRISTIAN?
Most people live their entire lives without ever knowing “why”. They exist year after year with no idea of why they live or God’s purpose for their lives. The most basic question a person can ask is, “What is the meaning of my life?”
Everyone wants to be happy. People try many ways:
…Some look for happiness by acquiring possessions.
…Some look for happiness by experiencing pleasure.
…Some look for happiness by gaining prestige and power.
Real happiness comes from understanding your purpose.
WHY AM I HERE
1. God Made Me To Love Me!
God says, “I have loved you with an everlasting love!” Jeremiah 31:3
“Even before the world was made, God had already chosen us to be His through our union with Christ…because of His love, God had already decided that through Jesus Christ He would make us His children–this was God’s pleasure and purpose.” Ephesians 1:4,5 (GN)
2. We Were Created To Enjoy A Personal Relationship With God And To Manage All Of The Rest Of God’s Creation!
“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” Genesis 1:27-28 (NIV)
“God richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” 1 Timothy 6:17
Jesus said, “I have come in order that you might have life—life in all its fullness!” John 10:10
3. When We Know And Love God, And Live In Harmony With His Purpose For Our Lives, It Produces Tremendous Benefits In Our Lives:
Clear Conscience Life and Peace Help with Weakness
Romans 8:1 Romans 8:6 Romans 8:26
Purpose Confidence Security
Romans 8:28 Romans 8:31 Romans 8:39
Power and Strength Fulfillment Freedom
Philippians 4:13 Philippians 4:19 John 8:32, 36
This is the kind of lifestyle God intends for us to live. Why then, aren’t most people really happy?
WHAT’S THE PROBLEM
Man has a natural desire to disobey and to ignore God’s principles for living.
“Look out for #1. Do your own thing.”
“ If it feels good, do it–regardless of what God says about it.”
“ It’s my life and I’ll do what I please!”
The Bible Calls This Attitude: SIN.
“All of us, like sheep, have gone astray, and each of us has turned to his own way.” Isaiah 53:6
“If we say that we never sin, we are only fooling ourselves, and refuse to accept the truth.” 1John 1:8
Sin breaks our close relationship with God. It causes us to fear God and try to live our lives outside of His will.
“The trouble is that your sins have cut you off from God.” Isaiah 59:2 (LB)
“All have sinned and fall short of God’s glorious ideal.” Romans 3:23
When our relationship to God is not right, it causes PROBLEMS in every area of our lives–marriage, career, relationships, finances, etc.
When People Have Problems, They Often Try Many Different Ways Of Coping Before Turning To God.
“ There are ways that SEEM right to man, but they only end in death.” Proverbs 16:25
Even when we know that our deepest need is God, we often try wrong ways of getting to know Him:
* “My mother was a Christian, so…”
* “It doesn’t matter what you believe, just be sincere.”
* “I’ll give up all my bad habits.”
* “I’ll be religious and go to church.”
WHAT’S THE SOLUTION?
Jesus Christ said, “I AM THE WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE. No one comes to the Father, except THROUGH ME!” John 14:6
God himself came to earth as a human being to bring us back to Himself. If any other way would have worked, Jesus Christ would not have had to come. The Way is a Person!
Jesus Has Already Taken Care Of Your Sin Problem!!
“The wages of sin is death, BUT the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23
God did this for us because He loves us and wants us to know Him.
“God demonstrated His love for us in that while we were still separated from God by sin, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8
God is on one side, and all people are on the other side, and Christ Jesus is between them to bring them together, by giving His life for all mankind.”1 Timothy 2:5 God has already done His part to restore our relationship to Him. He took the initiative. Now He waits for each of us to individually accept what He has done for us.
WHAT DOES GOD WANT ME TO DO”
1. Believe that Jesus died to pay for your sins and that he rose again and is alive today.
“ If you confess that Jesus is your Lord, and you believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9
“ But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” John 20:31
2. Confess that God has not been in first place in your life and ask him to forgive your sins.
“ If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from every wrong.” I John 1:9
“ Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven.” Matthew 10:32
3. Repent and be baptized as your response to the message of God’s great gift.
“ Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2: 38
4. Accept God’s free gift of salvation. Don’t try to earn it.
“ For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith, and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God–not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9
Our relationship to God is not restored by anything we do, but on the basis of what Jesus already did for us!
Jesus never asked His disciples to remember His birth. But He did instruct them to remember His death and resurrection. He gave the church a powerful visual symbol of His death when he instituted the Lord’s Supper. The Lord’s Supper is a valuable object lesson that represents a great spiritual truth for believers.
WHAT IS THE LORD’S SUPPER (1 Corinthians 11:23-26)
1. It is a celebration.
“For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread…” (vs.23)
2. It is a reminder.
“and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” (vs. 24)
3. It is symbol.
“ In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink this cup, in remembrance of me.”(vs. 25)
4. It is a statement of faith.
“ For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” (vs. 26)
WHO SHOULD TAKE THE LORD’S SUPPER?
Only those who are already Christians. (Mark 14:22-26)
“ For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself.” (1 Corinthians 11:29)
HOW DO I PREPARE MYSELF FOR THE LORD’S SUPPER?
“Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks from the cup.” 1 Corinthians 11:27-28
1. Self-Examination
“Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord.’ 1 Corinthians 11:27
2. Confessing my sins
‘If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.’ 1 John 1:9
3. Recommitment
‘Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God–this is your spiritual act of worship.’ Romans 12:1
4. Restoring Relationships
‘“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.’ Matthew 5:23-24
WHEN AND HOW HOW OFTEN SHOULD WE OBSERVE THE LORD’S SUPPER?
“On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight.” Acts 20:7
We at Island Family choose to serve communion during our Sunday morning worship services every week.
We can note these historic facts:
(1) The early church assembled. (1 Corinthians 14:23; Acts 11:26)
(2) The early church assembled at a stated time. (Hebrews 10:25)
(3) The early church assembled on Sunday. (1 Corinthians 16:1-2; Revelation 1:10)
(4) The early church assembled to observe the Lord’s Supper. (Acts 20:7)
1. To Follow The Example Set By Christ.
“ At that time, Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptized by John in the river.” Mark 1:9
2. Because Christ Commands It.
“ Jesus said, ‘…go and make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…” Matthew 28:19
3. It Demonstrates That I Truly Am A Believer.
“… many of the people who heard him believed and were baptized.” Acts 18:8
“We know that we have come to know Him, if we obey His commands.” 1 John 2:3
WHAT IS THE MEANING OF BAPTISM?
1. It Illustrates Christ’s Death, Burial And Resurrection.
“Christ died for our sins…he was buried…and He rose again.”1 Corinthians 15:3-4
“By our baptism, then, we were buried with Him and shared His death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead…so also may we live a new life.”Romans 6:4
2. It Is Part Of Our Initial Coming To Christ For Forgiveness Of Sins.
“ …and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins…” Acts 2:38
“And now, what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.” Acts 22:16
WHY BE BAPTIZED BY IMMERSION?
1. Because Jesus Was Baptized That Way.
“ As soon as Jesus was baptized, He came up out of the water.” Matthew 3:16
2. Every Baptism In The New Testament Was Done By Immersion.
(Example) “…then both Philip and the man went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water…” Acts 8:38-39
3. The Word “Baptize” Means “To Immerse In Water.”
The Greek word baptizo means to “immerse or dip under water”.
4. It Best Symbolizes A Burial And Resurrection!
The founders of denominations agree:
Martin Luther… “I would have those who are to be baptized to be entirely immersed, as the word imports and the mystery signifies.”
John Calvin… “The word ‘baptize’ signifies to immerse. It is certain that immersion was the practice of the ancient church.”
John Wesley… “Buried with Him, alludes to baptizing by immersion according to the custom of the first church.”
WHO SHOULD BE BAPTIZED?
Every Person Who Has Believed In Christ.
“Those who believed and accepted the message were baptized…”Acts 2:41
“Simon himself believed and was baptized…” Acts 8:13
At Island Family, we wait until our children are old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them. Some churches practice infant baptism, sometimes called a “baptism of confirmation”. This ceremony is intended to be a covenant between the parents and God on the behalf of the child. The parents promise to raise their child in the faith until the child is old enough to make his or her own personal confession of Christ. This custom began about 300 yrs. after the Bible was completed. If you were baptized as a child, we affirm the spiritual concern that your parents or guardians had for you at the time. However, this is different from the baptism talked about in the Bible which was only for those old enough to believe. At Island Family, it is a membership requirement that every member must have been baptized the way Jesus demonstrated, even though many of us were “confirmed” as children.
WHEN SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?
As soon as you have believed!!
“Those who believed…were baptized…that day.” Acts 2:41
“Then Philip began with the Scripture and told him the Good News about Jesus. As they traveled along down the road, they came to some water, and the man said, ‘Look, here is water! Why shouldn’t I be baptized right now?’ Philip said, ‘If you believe with all your heart, you may.’ The man answered, ‘I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.’ So they went down into the water and Philip baptized him.” Acts 8:35-38
There is no reason to delay. As soon as you have decided to receive Christ into your life, you can and should be baptized. If you wait until you are “perfect”, you’ll never be good enough!
Can my family be baptized together?
Yes! If each family member understands fully the meaning of baptism, and each one has personally placed his/her trust in Christ for salvation, we encourage families to be baptized at the same time. It is a wonderful expression of commitment. Young children who wish to be baptized are taken through age-appropriate materials provided by our children’s ministry, and then a pastor is available to meet with the child and parent(s) to assess his or her understanding.
What should I wear when I’m baptized?
We are very casual at IFCC—so anything that is modest is appropriate. Please bring a change of clothes and a plastic bag for your wet clothes. If you are being baptized at the church, changing rooms are provided.
Will I have to say anything?
We only ask that you answer “yes” when asked if you believe that Jesus Christ is God’s Son.
At Island Family Christian we never ask our members to do more than the Bible clearly teaches. We only expect our members to do what the Bible expects every Christian to do. These responsibilities are spelled out in the Membership Covenant.
The Island Family Christian Church membership covenant
“Having received Christ as my Lord and Savior and been baptized, and being in agreement with IFCC’s statements, strategy, and structure, I now feel led by the Holy Spirit to unite with the Island Family Christian Church family. In doing so, I commit myself to God and to the other members to do the following:
1. I WILL PROTECT THE UNITY OF MY CHURCH
… By acting in love toward other members
… By refusing to gossip
… By following the leaders
“So let us concentrate on the things which make for harmony, and on the growth of our fellowship together.” Romans15:19 (PH)
“Live in complete harmony with each other – each with the attitude of Christ toward each other.” Romans 15:5 (LB)
“Have a sincere love for your fellow believers, love one another earnestly with all your hearts.” 1 Peter 1:22 (GN)
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs…” Ephesians 4:29
“Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be no advantage to you.” Hebrews 13:17
2. I WILL SHARE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF MY CHURCH
…By praying for its growth
… By inviting the unchurched to attend
…By warmly welcoming those who visit
“To the church…we always thank God for you and pray for you constantly.” 1 Thessalonians 1:2
“Go out into the country…and urge anyone you find to come in, so that My House will be full.” Luke 14:23(LB)
“So warmly welcome each other into the church, just as Christ has warmly welcomed you; then God will be glorified.” Romans 15:7(LB)
3. I WILL SERVE THE MINISTRY OF MY CHURCH
… By discovering my gifts and talents
… By being equipped to serve by my leaders
… By developing a servant’s heart
“Serve one another with the particular gifts God has given each of you…” 1 Peter 4:10 (PH)
“God gave…some to be pastors and teachers to prepare God’s people for works of ministry, so that the body of Christ may be built up…” Ephesians 4:11-12
“Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Jesus Christ… who took on the very nature of a servant…” Philippians 2:3-4,7
4. I WILL SUPPORT THE TESTIMONY OF MY CHURCH
… By attending faithfully
… By living a godly life
… By giving regularly
“Let us not give up the habit of meeting together…but let us encourage one another.” Hebrews 10:25
“But whatever happens, make sure that your everyday life is worthy of the gospel of Christ.” Philippians 1:27 (PH)
“Each one of you, on the first day of each week, should set aside a specific sum of money in proportion to what you have earned and use it for the offering.” 1 Corinthians 16:2
“A tenth of all you produce is the Lord’s, and it is holy.” Leviticus 27:30