Core Beliefs
We, the members of Disciple First Church, declare our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and affirm our commitment to live according to the teachings of God’s word and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. We hold the Bible as the divinely inspired and infallible word of God that is authoritative for all matters of life and salvation.
We Believe:
The Scriptures
We believe that the Bible, which includes both the Old and New Testament, is the inspired and infallible word of God. The Holy Scriptures are God-breathed by the divine guidance of the Holy Spirit upon human authors to write. The Holy Scriptures are the supreme authority for faith and practice. (Psalm 119:160; Matthew 5:18; Hebrews 4:12; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21)
The Trinity
We believe in one God, eternally existing in three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. The essence of these three are co-equal, co-eternal, and one. (Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Colossians 2:9; 1 John 5:7; John 14:16-17)
The Deity of Jesus Christ
We believe that Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God that was fully man and God. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. We further believe that Jesus Christ lived a sinless life, performed miracles, was crucified for the forgiveness of sins, was buried, and bodily resurrected from the dead on the third day. He ascended into heaven and will return with power and glory. (John 1:1, 14:9; Hebrews 1:8; 1 Peter 2:24; Acts 1:11)
Salvation Through Faith
We believe that salvation is freely given as a gift from God, received by God’s grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Salvation is not by works but by the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross. Salvation involves repentance from sin, faith in Jesus Christ, and a personal relationship with Him. (John 14:6; Romans 3:23-24; Ephesians 2: 8-9; Romans 10:9; Acts 4:12; Titus 3:5)
The Baptism in the Holy Spirit
We believe that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is a distinct experience that follows salvation. The evidence of the baptism of the Holy Spirit can manifest as speaking in tongues; however, we believe all gifts of the Spirit are made available to the believer. The empowerment of the Spirit prepares believers for Christian service, holiness, witness, and the demonstration of the Kingdom of God on earth. (Acts 1:8; Acts 2:4; Luke 11:13; 1 Corinthians 12: 4-11; Galatians 5: 22-23; Mark 16:17)
The Church
We believe the universal Church is the body of Christ on earth. The church is made up of believers in Jesus Christ whose mission is to fulfill the Great Commission. The church is an assembly of believers for fellowship, worship, teaching, discipleship, and evangelism. (Matthew 28:19-20; 1 Corinthians 12:12-13, 27; Hebrew 10:24-25; Ephesians 1:22-23; Acts 2:42)
Divine Healing
We believe that healing today occurs through the atonement of Jesus Christ. Through faith and prayer in Jesus Christ, healing is made available through the name of Jesus Christ for one’s body, soul, and spirit. (Isaiah 53:5, James 5:14-15; Psalm 103:2-3; Mark 16:18; Matthew 8:17; 1 Peter 2:24)
The Return of Jesus Christ and the Resurrection
We believe in the physical return of Jesus Christ to gather His church. The dead in Christ will rise first, and those who are alive will be caught up with them to meet Him in the air. This event is followed by the Final Judgement and God’s establishment of a new heaven and a new earth (Romans 8:23; 1 Corinthians 15:52-53; 1 John 3:2; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; Titus 2:13; Revelation 21: 1-4; 22:12)
Holiness and Christian Living
We believe that all believers are called to be separate from worldly desires by living a life of holiness and obedience to God’s word. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, believers are enabled to live victorious lives, resist sin, and walk boldly in the Holy Spirit. This is evidence of our transformation in Christ. (1 Peter 1:15-16; Galatians 5:16; Romans 6:13; 2 Corinthians 7:1)
Conclusion
We hold these inevitable truths with great joy and reverence by committing ourselves to live according to the word of God and through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to fulfill the Great Commission. We hold fast and patiently wait for the return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and anticipate the glorious promises of God that await all who are in Jesus Christ.