Our Beliefs
The Bible is God’s Word to people. Human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit, wrote it. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because God inspires it, it is the truth without any addition, deletion or error. 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 and encourage daily Bible reading and Bible memorization.
Psalms 119:105,160; Matthew 5:17-19; Acts 17:11, 24:14; II Timothy 1:13; 3:16,17; II Peter 1; 20,21 & 3:15
We understand that God, existing in three persons, is the Creator and Sustainer of the Universe.
God is the creator and the ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three personalities: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God. The third person of the trinity, the Holy Spirit, is present in the world to make people aware of their need for Jesus. He also lives in every Christian to provide them with power for living, understanding spiritual truth and guidance in doing what it right.
Genesis 1:1,26,27; Psalms 90:2; Isaiah 43:10; Matthew 6:6,7:11; John 1:1,14,10:30; Acts 5:3,4:2; Romans 8:15;
II Corinthians 3:17,18; Titus 2:13
Acknowledge that Jesus of Nazareth is the Christ, Son of the Living God and Savior of the world.
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Yet, 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 the cross. He arose from the dead after three days in victory over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven’s glory and one day will return to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:22,23 16:16,17,27; John 1:1-5, 3:16; Acts 1:10,11; Romans 5:6-11; I Corinthians 15:3,4
We seek help of the Holy Spirit who works for our conversion, guarantees our salvation and re-news us by giving us strength for living and power in prayer.
The Holy Spirit, the third person of the trinity is present in the world to make people aware of their need for Jesus. He also lives in every Christian to provide them with power for living , understanding to discern spiritual truth and guidance to do what is right.
John 14:26; 16:7-14; Acts 1:8; Romans 8:11,26; Galatians 5:22-25
Believe that salvation is through the grace of God, “not by works, so that no one can boast”.
We all sin by going our own way and not living up to the revealed will of God for mankind. The ultimate penalty of sin is eternal separation from God. But God loves us so much that He sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to cleanse us from our sins by dying on the cross for you, for me, for everyone. He sends his Holy Spirit to convict us of our need to be saved from our sins. When we are convicted, we can choose whether or not to surrender to Jesus as our Lord who will save us. Salvation is a gift from God, but He doesn’t save us against our will.
John 1:12,14:6; Romans 3:23, 5:8, 6:23, 10:9-10; Galatians 3:26; Romans 323
Practice Baptism by immersion into Jesus Christ
Jesus commanded His followers to “go and make disciples(followers)…baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.” Baptism is a natural response of faith by those who have chosen to surrender to Jesus. In the New Testament Church, those who believed were baptized (immersed) into the name of Jesus. Baptism is described in Scripture as identification with Christ’s death , burial and resurrection. Just as Jesus Christ was raised from the dead to walk in newness of life, those who surrender to Christ are raised from the waters of baptism to live a new life for Jesus their Lord. Baptism expresses our repentance, obedience and surrender to Jesus Christ. When we surrender, He washes away our sins. Baptism also identifies a new believer as a member of Christ’s body, clothed in Him.
Acts 2:27,41; 16:33; 22:16; Romans 6:3-4; I Corinthians 12:13; Galatians 3:27; Colossians 2:12; I Peter 3:21
Regards its people not as the only Christians, but as Christians only and desires unity with all Christians based on a common commitment and obedience to Jesus as revealed in His Word, the Bible.
The church is the body of Christ. It is also referred to as a Family, Bride, Vineyard, Temple, Building, Kingdom and Flock. It is not a physical building, but a group of believers; not a denomination, sect or association, but a spiritual body. The church’s purpose is to do the ministry of Christ (evangelize, make disciples, show compassion) with the love of Jesus so that the world may see Jesus Christ in their lives. Dayton Christian Church exists to bring people into a growing relationship with God, by sharing the Good News of Jesus with our words and our lives.
Acts 11:26; Romans 12:4-8; Ephesians 4:11-13; Colossians 1:18
Invite into membership all who would commit themselves to the Lordship of Christ and who have expressed their surrender to Him in baptism(immersion)
Individuals become members of Christ’s body when they surrender their lives to Jesus. Local church membership is not a Biblical mandate, but an expression of commitment, unity, and willingness to serve with that body of believers. It is within the context of church membership that Christians are able to express the love and unity that sets them apart from the rest of the world.
John 13:34, 15:17; Romans 12:4,10; I Corinthians 12:24; Ephesians 4:25; Colossians 3:15
Observe the Lord’s Supper (Communion) weekly.
The Lord’s Supper is a simple act that reminds us of what Christ has done through His sacrifice on the cross. The emblems of the Lord’s Supper represent Christ’s body and shed blood. We partake of the Lord’s Supper as an expression of our faith in Jesus Christ and a reminder of His Second Coming. During the Lord’s Supper, believers are to examine themselves, confess their sins and recommit their lives to our Lord Jesus Christ. As was the practice in the early church, we partake of the Lord’s Supper every Sunday.
Mark 14:22-26; Acts 2:46; 20:7; I Corinthians 11:23-29; I John 1:9
Encourage its members to develop in their lives the mind and manner of our Lord Jesus Christ
We believe that the only possible way to live the Christian life is by God’s power within us. So, we seek to practice a daily dependence on The Holy Spirit to enable us to do what is right. Our daily dependence is developed as we spend time with God in His Word, in prayer and in meditation upon Him. Ultimately, our goal is a change in our attitudes and actions causing us to live humble, holy lives and to bring glory to Christ who lives in us.
Psalms 119:105; Mark 14:22-26; John 15:15; Acts 20:7; Romans 12:1; I Corinthians 11:23-29; Galatians 5:22; Ephesians 5:18; 6:15-18; Philippians 2:1-13; 4:6; I John 1:9
(The above statement of faith contains in principle the essential elements of our faith. However, our leadership (Chairman of the Board & the Elders & Deacons that make up that board) are always concerned about making it more easily understood for all those who read it. They can, therefore, make changes as they feel it would be helpful and any input you have to make would be welcome.)