These beliefs form the basis and core of our faith. These are the essentials, or you might say are the "non-negotiables." Based on what the Bible teaches, we feel very strongly about the following eight areas. These beliefs form the basis and core of our faith.
GOD
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three in one and is revealed in the Bible as such: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God. Genesis 1:1, 26-27; 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; I Peter 1:2
JESUS CHRIST
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross, taking the penalty of death which we deserve. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven's glory and will return again someday to earth to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Matthew 1:22, 23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5, 14; Hebrews 4:14, 15; I Corinthians 15:3-4; Romans 1:3-4; Acts 1:9-11; I Timothy 6:14, 15; Titus 2:13
THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need of Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with the power for living, understanding spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. He gives every believer a spiritual gift when they are saved. As Christians, we need to live under His control daily. II Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13, 14:16, 17; Acts 1:8; I Corinthians 2:12, 3;16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:18.
THE BIBLE
The Bible is God's Word to us. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is the truth without any mixture of error. II Timothy 3:16; II Peter 1:20, 21; II Timothy 1:13; Psalms 119:105, 160, 12:6; Proverbs 30:5
HUMAN BEINGS
People are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. People are the supreme object of God's creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called "sin." This attitude separates people from God and causes many problems in life. Genesis 1:27; Psalms 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1-2.
SALVATION
Salvation is God's free gift to us but we must accept it. We can never make up for sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God's offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from the penalty of sin. When we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith we are saved (receive salvation). Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith. Romans 6:23, Ephesians 2:8-9; John 14:6; 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1
ETERNAL SECURITY
Because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ, the true believer is secure in that salvation for eternity. If you have been genuinely saved, you cannot "lose" your salvation, no matter what! Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by self-effort of the Christian. It is the grace and keeping power of God that gives us this security. John 10:28-29; II Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25, 10:10, 14; I Peter 1:3-5
ETERNITY
People were created to exist forever. We will either eternally exist separated from God by sin or, eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be separated from God is hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life. Heaven and hell are real places of eternal existence. John 3:16; John 14:3; Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:15
Beliefs are not worth much unless they are translated into actions. Based on what the Bible teaches, we strongly want to live out the following practices.
BIBLE AS OUR SOLE AUTHORITY
"All scripture is given by the inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." II Timothy 3:16. Since God's Word is the only completely reliable and truthful authority, we accept the Bible as our manual for living. Our first question when faced with a decision is "what does the Bible say?" We practice daily Bible reading, Bible study, and Bible memorization. The Bible is the basis for all we believe.
AUTONOMY OF EACH LOCAL CHURCH
"And he is the Head of the body, the church..." Colossians 1:18. Jesus Christ is the recognized Head of our church, not any person, group or religious organization. While recognizing the value of association and cooperating with other groups of Christians, we believe every local church should be self-governing and independent from any denominational control.
PRIESTHOOD OF EVERY BELIEVER
"and has made us kings and priests of His God and Father" Revelation 1:6. "But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." I Peter 2:9. The Bible teaches that every Christian is called to "full time" Christian service, regardless of his or her vocation. We practice the truth that every believer is a minister by encouraging every member to find a place of service and ministry. Every Believer has access to God through prayer and Bible reading.
TITHING
"Bring all the tithes into the storehouse..." Malachi 3:10. At Crossover, we practice tithing for the support of Christ's Body, the church, as God commands. We recognize that giving 10% of our income is the Biblical standard of giving.
BAPTISM
"buried with Him in baptism" Colossians 2:12. We practice baptism by immersion under water. This is the way Jesus was baptized, and the way the Bible commands.
SPIRIT-LED LIVING
(Jesus said) "I am the Vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing." John 15:5. We believe the only way possible to live the Christian life is by God's power within us. So we seek to practice a daily dependence on God's Spirit to enable us to do what is right.
TELLING OTHERS ABOUT JESUS CHRIST
"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear." I Peter 3:15. It is the responsibility of every Christian to share the Good News with those God brings us into contact with. We practice sharing Christ with those who do not know Him and bring our friends to church.