Statement of Faith

Our church connects with the people of Oneco, East Bradenton, and Manatee County Florida. We invite them to know Jesus, equip them to fully follow Jesus, and send them out to impact our community and the world for Jesus.

This Statement of Faith describes our core beliefs as a church. There is nothing new about them. The primary, authoritative source of our beliefs is the teaching of Scripture (the Bible). Thus, these essential or core beliefs are non-negotiable, unwavering commitments. Because we believe that the following are consistent with the Scripture, we hold to and claim the belief statements of the historic Apostle’s Creed, Nicene Creed, and traditional and official Doctrinal Standards of the Global Methodist Church.

God

There is one true, eternal, holy, and living God, existing in three separate persons: God the Father as Creator, God’s only Son Jesus Christ as Redeemer and Savior, and God the Holy Spirit as Counselor and Sustainer of life. This is known as the “Trinity.” All three receive equal worship and are uncreated, eternal, equal in worth and glory, distinct but inseparable, forming a perfect and eternal love-relationship. (Gen. 1:1; Mt. 28:19; II Cor. 13:14) 

Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is the eternal second member of the Trinity. Fully God and fully human, He lived a sinless life. Through his voluntary death on the cross, Jesus paid in full the debt of our sin, bridging the gap between God and people for everyone who believes in Him. Three days after His crucifixion, Jesus physically rose from the dead. Soon after, He ascended to heaven, and is now praying for His Church. He will physically return to earth to judge all who have lived. He will reign forever as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. (Jn.1:1, 14; Heb. 1:8; I Pet. 3:18; I Tim. 2:5-6; I Cor. 15:1-8; Acts 1:9-11; I Thess. 4:13-17)

The Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is the eternal third member of the Trinity. He is co-equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to invite everyone into a relationship with Jesus Christ. He lives in every Christian from the moment he or she is saved, providing the Christian with guidance and power for Christ-like living. He gives every believer spiritual gifts to build up the Church. As we daily yield to the Holy Spirit, Christ lives His life in and through us transforming us into His image. (Acts 5:3-4, Jn. 6:44; 16:8-11; I Cor. 12:7-12; II Cor. 3:17-18; Gal.5: 16-23)

The Bible

The Bible is God's inspired, infallible, and perfect Word to all people. Comprised of 66 Old and New Testament books, the Bible describes God’s loving initiative in drawing us back into relationship with Him and each other. No other writings are so inspired by God. The Bible is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. (Isa. 40:8; II Tim. 3:16-17; II Pet 1:20-21)

Salvation

Human Destiny

The Church

The Church is comprised of all who receive and know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Under the authority of the Bible and empowered by the Holy Spirit, the Church is called to exalt and embody Jesus Christ. Through the church, God brings His Kingdom to the world. In Christ’s Name, the Church invites, worships, prays, disciples, preaches the Word, serves, and loves one other and the world, shares communion and baptism (the two sacraments of the church), and works to make disciples of all nations. The Church is not a fortress, where people hide, or a country club that exists to serve itself, but a Spirit-empowered, disciple-making people through which God lives and transforms the world. As such, all are welcome. (Mt. 16:15-19; Eph. 1:22-23; 5:23-32; I Tim. 3:15)