What We Believe: The Doctrines of the Church

We’re in a 10-week study of the doctrine of our church. Our study is examining what we believe are the most central and essential doctrines of the Christian faith. In this week of our study we’ll look at the Doctrine of Humanity. Read our doctrine below and answer the questions that follow.

We believe all human beings, born and unborn, have been created by God in His own image, and are of great value and worth beyond our ability to measure.

Why is doctrine important to an individual believer and the community of believers?

As you read the statement on humanity, what resonates most deeply?

Read the following passages of Scripture, Genesis 1.26-27; Psalm 139.13-18; Isaiah 61; Luke 7.36-50 and answer the questions that follow.

As you read the text, what speaks most personally to you?

How do you give value and worth to all human beings? Specifically, how do give value and worth to those who are different than you, believe differently than you, speak differently than you, love differently than you?

How much do you believe you matter to God?

Where do you find yourself in the story of the woman anointing Jesus with her tears?

Read and reflect on Psalm 8.3-6. Give God praise for His love for you and all of humanity.

We’re in a 10-week study of the doctrine of our church. Our study is examining what we believe are the most central and essential doctrines of the Christian faith. In this week of our study we’ll look at the Doctrine of Creation. Read our doctrine below and answer the questions that follow. 

We believe God created the world from nothing, and governs all things, at all times, in all places. 

1.Why is doctrine important to an individual believer and the community of believers? 

2. As you read the statement on creation, what resonates most deeply? 

Read the following passages of Scripture, Genesis 1-3; Colossians 1.16-17; Romans 8.22-25; Revelation 21.1-7and answer the questions that follow. 

3. As you read the text, what speaks most personally to you? 

4. How do you see God at work redeeming all creation?

5. How did the fall influence creation i.e. natural disasters, sickness, suffering, and shame?

6. How do you see God at work in the re-creation of your world and His world? 

Read and reflect on the following statement: 

Our love story begins with original glory, not original sin. It begins with the original glory of Eden not the fall from grace. Before there was ever a sinner there was already a Savior…salvation recognizes you are created in the image of Almighty God. Darkness corrupted and sin distorted this image beyond recognition, but because of God’s great love for us, Jesus made a way for grace to restore us utterly and completely. J.D. Walt

Read and reflect on Psalm 19. Give God praise for His glory, seen and witnessed in the beauty of His creation.

1.Why is doctrine important to an individual believer and the community of believers? 

2. As you read Sanctuary’s statement on the Holy Spirit, what resonates most deeply?  

Read and reflect on the following passages of Scripture John 14:26; Acts 1:8; Romans 8:26; Galatians 3:14; Ephesians 1:13-14.

How does the Economic Trinity give you a greater appreciation for how the Trinity is revealed in redemptive history?

• God the Father initiates the plan for salvation.
• God the Son accomplishes salvation.
• God the Spirit applies salvation.

3. In John 16:6-7, Jesus says that it is to our “advantage” that He goes away so that the “Helper” can come. How can it be better that it is better that Jesus not be with us physically?

How does the Economic Trinity give you a greater appreciation for how the Trinity is revealed in redemptive history?

• Giver of Life
• Illuminator of Truth
• Source of Power
• Promised Presence

4. How have you experienced the illuminating power of the Holy Spirit in your life?

5. How are you encouraged by the promise of God’s presence that dwells in you by His Spirit?

6. In John 14:8, Jesus says, “I will not leave you as orphans..” How is this promise encouraging to you today?

7. Where do you find yourself today regarding the Holy Spirit?

• Unaware of his presence
• Terrified of his existence
• Embracing his powerful, protective, and illuminating presence

We’re in a 10-week study of the doctrine of our church. Our study is examining what we believe are the most central and essential doctrines of the Christian faith. In this third week we’ll study the Doctrine of Jesus. Read our doctrine below and answer the questions that follow. 

We believe Jesus Christ is God’s only begotten Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He was crucified, died, and was buried. On the third day He rose from the dead. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty.

1.Why is doctrine important to an individual believer and the community of believers? 

2. As you read the statement on Jesus, what resonates most deeply? 

Read the following passages of Scripture, Colossians 1.15-20; Philippians 2.5-11; Hebrews 12.1-3; Hebrews 4.14-16 and answer the questions that follow. 

3. As you read the text, what speaks most personally to you? 

4. What difference does it make that Jesus is truly God and truly man? 

5. How does Philippians 2 describe the two natures of Jesus? 

6. Describe a time when you were “growing weary and losing heart.” How did “considering Jesus” give you hope?

7. Where do you sense Jesus empathizing with you? How does His empathy confidently move you toward His throne of grace? 

Read and reflect on the following statement: 

“Love the person standing right in front of you, the Jesus of my understanding says, or forget the whole thing, because if you cannot do that, then you are just going to keep making stuff up.”

Read and reflect on Revelation 21.23-26. Give God praise for His glory, for His eternal promise and for His unending love.