Basic Beliefs

Basic Beliefs
		Calvary Chapel was founded through spontaneous home fellowship bible study. The body of believers that God sent were of one accord in their desire to have an assembly of believers dedicated to learning God's word by thorough and systematic expository teaching. This teaching has been done book-by-book, sequentially and systematically. A body of doctrine has never been built up. The reason is simple; man's writing of doctrines has always caused dissension in denominations. God's word is our doctrine. All of it! Specifically We believe... Worship of God should be spiritual: THEREFORE: We remain flexible and yielded to the leading of the Holy Spirit to direct our worship. Worship of God should be inspirational: THEREFORE: We give a great place to music in our worship. Worship of God should be intelligent: THEREFORE: Our services and meetings are designed with great emphasis upon teaching the Word of God that He might instruct us how He would be worshipped. Worship of God is fruitful: THEREFORE: We look for His love in our lives as the supreme manifestation that we have truly been worshipping Him. Who was Jesus Christ? The bible teaches us that Jesus Christ was both divine and human. He was truly man, yet truly God. He is our Prophet, Priest and King. His atoning (making us at-one-ment with God) work on the cross is the central purpose of His coming to earth and is the foundation of our faith and redemption from sin. We, therefore, adore and worship Him, our blessed LORD. His incomparable teachings give us timeless principles to solve every human problem. Through His life and miraculous resurrection, we have eternal life and hope. SEE Matthew 7:21-23, 9:2-6, 11:27, 14:33; John 1:1-5, 3:13, 8:14-18, 8:58, 17:5; Romans 4:25; Ephesians 1:5; Philippians 2:5; Hebrews 5:6, 9:24, 10:9-10, 10:19-20. What is Salvation? Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. "For He shall save His people from their sins." Jesus calls all to repentance and saving faith, which when experienced, brings an extraordinary experience called the "new birth." Through Christ's death and resurrection we are made at peace with God, justified as having paid the terrible price of sin. By our unconditional acceptance of His work (the cross) we are adopted into the family of God. What about the Baptism of the Holy Spirit? When new believers are 'saved' or 'born again', they receive a new life' from God. We receive the 'earnest of our inheritance' from God. But before long, it becomes obvious to all believers that we need a special empowering from God to properly commit our lives to Jesus as Lord and not merely as Savior. The bible promises us 'living energy' through the Holy Spirit. As the third person of the Godhead, the Holy Spirit is sent upon us to bestow God's living energy in us for righteous living and ministry. The Holy Spirit is our 'helper'; our 'power'; our constant guide; our 'leader'; our 'comforter'; our 'giver of gifts'; our strength. Jesus is the one who baptizes us with the Holy Spirit (John 1:32-34, 20:22). He sent the Holy Spirit to take His place after the resurrection and ascension. The bible tells us to be controlled by the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). Believers are commanded to ask for and receive the Holy Spirit. Learning to flow with the Spirit in our daily walk (as He leads us) is one of the great highlights of any Christian life. God has a perfect plan for our lives (Jeremiah 29:11) and the infilling or baptism of the Holy Spirit enables us to find that perfect plan by faith as we are daily guided by God's Spirit. The baptism of the Holy Spirit then, is to empower us for living and for ministry. He gives perfect unity and perfect love for one another through servant- hood and humility, enabling us to keep Jesus' commandment that "you love one another." The Gifts of the Holy Spirit A Spiritual Gift is a God given capacity through which the Holy Spirit supernaturally ministers to the body of Christ. It differs from talents/abilities in that it is something you cannot humanly do, but the Holy Spirit does through you. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are listed in Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12 and Ephesians 4. Spiritual Gifts are not given as special privileges to the one who has them. Neither are they intended to draw attention to oneself. Spiritual Gifts are given to glorify God and to edify (build up) His body. Contrary to some teaching in the church today that certain gifts have ceased or expired, the scriptures abound with evidence and support that Spiritual Gifts continue to exist to this day. Consider Acts 2:39, Romans 11:29, 1 Peter 4:10-11. The Holy Spirit never seeks to draw attention to Himself. Rather He testifies of Jesus Christ (John 16:13-14). Neither will the Holy Spirit interrupt Himself. If the Holy Spirit is ministering through the Word or worship, He will not distract by interrupting with a Spiritual Gift. The gifts are to operate in a decent and orderly manner (1 Corinthians 14:40). The Spiritually gifted person can and should exercise control over the gifts (1 Corinthians 14:28, 30, 32). What about Baptism and Communion? Calvary Chapel believes in water baptism by immersion as practiced and commanded by Jesus and the apostles (Matthew 28:19). The taking of communion is a sacrament commanded by Jesus to be taken in remembrance of Him. Both water baptism and communion (taking of bread and juice in remembrance of Christ's body and blood upon the cross) are simple direct commandments of our Lord Jesus Christ. Each carries a very special blessing when observed. Conclusion The list of doctrines could go on forever in a study of theology (a study of the doctrines of God). However, it is our purpose to remain faithful to all the teachings of the Word of God, unstained and unmarred by man's interpretation. The Word of God (bible) is unerring, inspired and given as God's message to us for every need in life. It can be depended upon to be truth. Read it regularly, study it systematically and sequentially, and your grasp upon God's principles and truth will set your spirit free and enable you to minister to others. May the rich blessings of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ be with you as you minister to His people in deep and sweet love. May you become a great ambassador for Him by becoming a 'servant of all.'
	Services Sunday 9:00 AM 10:45 AM Wednesday 7 PM