what we believe
Here are some foundational beliefs that will help you know what Goodwill Tabernacle Baptist Church stands on.
GOD
… is spirit, “Supreme Being” who created all things known and unknown to humankind. God is the source of life for all organisms, creatures and beings that live and breathe. God is Father of all, who is over all, through all and in all. God reveals “God-Self” to humanity as desired, while at the same time existing apart from and not subject to the limitations of the universe or the human experience.
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(Hebrews 1:1-3, Ephesians 4:6, John 1:18; 4:24, Roman 1:18-20)
jesus christ
…is God. Taking on human flesh made him both equally and fully God and man. Jesus Christ came to be the once-and-for all sacrifice for the sins and its penalty for all humankind. Since sin is finite and eternal, only God could pay the price of sin because God is finite and eternal. His sacrifice on the cross, death, burial and resurrection is the very foundation of the Christian faith.
(Philippians 2:8, John 1:14; 3:16, Hebrews 10:12-14, Mark 15:33-47)
holy spirit
… is the third person of God’s holy trinity. Living inside of those who believe and accept Jesus Christ as their Savior. Is how God talks to us through the bible, prayer, and life circumstances. Convicts us to keep us from making bad decisions and committing acts that deplete us of abundant life. Sent to teach, correct, encourage, give understanding, peace and comfort. Working inside believers, calling and leading us to a greater level of obedience. Conforming us to the likeness of Jesus Christ.
(1 Corinthians 3:16; 12:13, John 14:26; 16:13, Act 1:8, Ephesians 1:13-14)
salvation
…is a gift available to anyone upon believing and accepting Jesus Christ as Lord & Savior. It is the total work of God on humanities behalf, rescuing believers from the power of sin and eternal punishment. Salvation is personal, universal and available to anyone who believes and receives it.
(Ephesians 2:8-9, 2 Peter 3:9, John 3:16, Romans 10:9-10)
the bible
… is God’s word and message given to us in human language. It has eternal relevance and it speaks to all humankind. It is written in history but it isn’t like any ordinary book, but more! The Bible contains words that are living and active, providing general instructions on how to live life right and in accordance with God’s plan for all creation. God’s message through the Bible is the foundation of faith, hope and guidance for all paths of life.
(2Timothy 3: 16-17, Roman 10:17; 15:4, Psalm 19:7-11; 119:105)
the human
condition
… is complex, complicated and very often dysfunctional! The dysfunction is symptomatic and indicative of an innate cry for the need of the function of God in our lives—the very lives God created. Humanity is God’s special creation! Created to do wonderful and extraordinary things in this world; but apart from God, incapable of fully understanding and living life the way God designed it.
(Romans 3:23, 1 John 1:8-10, Jeremiah 17:9, Ephesians 2:10)