What We Believe

The Gospel

This is the good news of Jesus and his death and resurrection. The gospel is the center of everything we do at Center Church. It is an upside-down story where power is cloaked in weakness, and wisdom in folly. The repeated call of scripture is to believe the gospel. It's an impossible command unless we see the beauty of the gospel and experience its power. This is why we remind ourselves often of its goodness and glory!

— John. 6:28-29; Romans 1:16; 1 Corinthians 1:18, 15:3-4; 1 Peter 2:24

The Trinity

There is one true God, Creator of heaven and earth, who eternally exists in three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

— Genesis 1:1-2; Matthew 28:19; John 1:1-3; Colossians 1:15-20

The Word of God

The Scriptures are true, authoritative, and sufficient.

— John 8:31-32, 20:30-31; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21

God (Father)

God is sovereign. He is love, just and holy. All things display His goodness and glory.

— John 3:16; Ephesians 1:3-14

Jesus Christ (Son)

Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God. He was born of a virgin and is both fully God and fully human. Jesus Christ died as the sacrificial substitute to pay the penalty for sin. Jesus Christ physically rose from the dead, ascended into heaven and will one day physically return.

— Matthew 1:18-25; Romans 5:8, 8:3-4; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 9:28

The Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is given to help, teach and guide. The Holy Spirit builds faith, brings conviction of sin and transforms people into the likeness of Jesus.

— John 16:9-14; Romans 8:9; Galatians 5:22-26

Humanity, Sin, and Salvation

All people rebel against God. We are God's enemies. We are separated from God and under His judgment. We have no capacity to save ourselves. To be saved from sin and its effects, we must believe the gospel (i.e. we trust in Jesus). Our rescue is possible because Jesus has come to us and met the demands of God's Law. We DO NOT save ourselves. Jesus (through his life, death and resurrection) saves sinners. This is the good news of the gospel! Those who trust in Jesus are freed to honor and worship God. They have been made new by Jesus!

— Genesis 3; Ephesians 2:1-2, 8-9; John 1:12-13; 2 Corinthians 5:17

The Church

The church is a universal, living and spiritual body made up of individual persons. Using the analogy of a body, Jesus is the head of the church and all who believe in him are members. The local church consists of believers in Jesus. At Center Church, we gather to treasure Jesus (Gospel), build each other up in Jesus' name (Community) and then walk with Jesus into our homes, cities, places of employment, neighborhoods and wherever else we travel hoping to point others to Jesus (Mission).

— Acts 2:42; Ephesians 2:19-22; Hebrews 10:23-25

The Ordinances

Jesus committed two ordinances to the local church: baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Baptism is immersion in water depicting how Jesus saves people from death to life. Baptism is a public declaration of faith in Jesus for the forgiveness of their sins. The Lord’s Supper was instituted by Jesus as a celebration and reminder of his death.

— Matthew 28:18-20; Romans 6:3-5; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

The Last Things

Jesus will return to earth and establish his kingdom forever. Those who have trusted in Jesus will reign with him, whereas those who persisted in rebellion against Jesus will suffer eternally in hell.

— Matthew 16:27; Titus 2:13; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10