Beliefs
God
There is only one God (Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 46:9-10; John 17:3; 1 Corinthians 8:4-6; 1 Timothy 2:5). God exists in three persons. The Father is God. The Son is God. The Holy Spirit is God. The God-head is unified while each member is distinct. ( Matthew 3:13-17; Matthew 28:17-20).
Creation
God created all things to demonstrate and declare his Glory. After each day of Creation he declared his creation Good (Colossians 1:16; Genesis 1:31; Romans 1:20). We believe that both men and women are equally created in God’s image. They are equal in value and dignity. Both genders are essential in God’s design to display his glory in humanity. We also believe that there are distinct roles that each gender has been called to within the church and home (Genesis 1:26-27; Genesis 2:7).
Scriptures
The Scriptures are true, authoritative, inerrant, and sufficient (Psalm 19:7-11; 2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:20-21).
Jesus Christ
The eternal Son of God was born of a virgin, and is both fully God and fully human ( Colossians 1:15-20; Hebrews 1:1-3). Jesus Christ died as my substitute to pay the penalty for my sin (John 1:29; Romans 5:8; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Galatians 1:4; 1 Peter 3:18). Jesus Christ physically rose from the dead (Matthew 28:1-20; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-53; John 20:1-21:25; 1 Corinthians 15:12-34). Jesus Christ physically ascended into heaven and will one day return (John 14:3; Acts 1:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:16; Hebrews 9:28; 1 John 3:2; Revelation 1:7).
Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is also fully God. Jesus describes the Holy Spirit as the Helper. The Holy Spirit is essential in the work of salvation, bringing sinners to a point of repentance and faith. We believe that the Holy Spirit continues to work; empowering, indwelling and giving gifts to all who repent and believe (John 16:7; Titus 3:5; 1 Corinthians 6:19; 1 Corinthians 12:4-6).
Fall
Sin entered the world through Adam and Eve’s choice to rebel in the garden of Eden. Since then we are all born bearing sin’s effects. We are by birth and action sinners (We recognize that Adam and Eve were not “born” and were not created sinful; rather, they became sinful through their action). (Genesis 6:5; Psalm 51:5; Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 3:23; Romans 5:12-21; Romans 7:18; Ephesians 2:1-3).
Death
The consequences for sin are felt throughout creation. All of creation groans in sin. The deserved penalty for sin is death, both physical and spiritual (Genesis 2:15-17; Genesis 3:19; Romans 5:12; Romans 6:23; James 1:14-15).
Salvation
Only by trusting in the person and work of Jesus Christ alone can someone be reconciled to God and experience true life and joy (John 3:18; John 14:6; Acts 4:12; Romans 3:21-26; 1 Timothy 2:5-6).
The Church
When someone trusts in Christ, they become part of God’s people. The Church universal is all Christians everywhere. It is the primary means by which God is fulfilling His purposes in the world (2 Corinthians 5:17-20). A local church body is a group of believers in a particular place. All members at Bellwether are united to Christ and to one another. Unity within the church is shown in love for God and for others (1 John 4: 7-21). We practice baptism and communion regularly. We will teach baptism by water for those who believe. Communion will be open to any who profess belief in Jesus Christ for salvation.
Future Things
One day Jesus will return and make all things new. There will be a future physical resurrection of the dead. Those who trust in Jesus Christ alone will be raised to eternal glory. Those who do not trust in Jesus Christ alone will be raised to eternal punishment (Matthew 25:31-46; John 5:28-29; Acts 24:15).