Christianity is about having a significant relationship with Jesus. All people have that need even though they may not know how to define it. God created humanity to have relationship with Him, but from the beginning people have resisted God’s call for their lives to pursue their own interests and desires. [Isaiah 53:6/ Romans 3:23] The Bible calls this attitude of independence/disobedience and selfishness "sin". The results of attempting to live independently of God results in our being separated from God [Ephesians 2:1/Isaiah 1:18] and being under the condemnation of this guilt [Romans 6:23]. The ultimate consequence of our sin is eternal separation from God. The Bible calls this the "second death". Jesus came to give us eternal life instead of the separation of sin.
Jesus came to bridge the gap that exists between God and us.
All good relationships require commitment. Belonging to a Church Family is no different. We value the commitment people make to belong to Covenant. To become a member at Covenant means that one has:
1. Accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior of their life
2. Followed Jesus in professing this commitment by baptism
3. Attended the membership class
4. Made a commitment for membership at Covenant
We hold the Scriptures as our sole authority in matters of faith and practice.
Essentials of the Faith
1. The Bible is the authoritative and inspired Word of God [II Timothy 3:15-17; II Peter 1:20-21]. The Bible is the God’s perfect revelation that forms the basis for our faith. [Acts 17:11]
2. There is one God, master and creator of the universe [I Corinthians 8:6; Colossians 1:16-17] Who reveals Himself as three distinct persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. [Matthew 28:19; John 14:26; Ephesiana 3:14-19]
3. Jesus was both fully human and fully divine [Philippians 2:6-8; Colossians 1:15, 2:9], born of a virgin through the Holy Spirit [Isaiah 7:14; Luke 1:26-38] lived a sinless life [II Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 4:15] perfectly revealing God [John 1:14-18; Hebrews 1:3] and bringing to us reconciliation with God [II Corinthians 5:19].
4. All people are separated from God by their sin [Romans 3:10, 23] but can receive reconciliation to God through Jesus’ death on the cross [II Corinthians 5:18-20], the perfect and only acceptable sacrifice for sin [I Peter 3:18; Hb 10:14; I Timothy 2:5-6].
5. All people must put their trust in Jesus Christ alone [Ephesians 2:8-9; John 14:6; John 3:16] through personal commitment in order to receive eternal life, which includes life in the Spirit [Romans 8:14-17] while on earth and an eternal home in heaven [John 14:1-6; Revelation 21:1-5]. Those who die in their sin without Christ face an eternity of punishment in hell [Revelation 20:15].
6. The Holy Spirit of God indwells all believers upon conversion [Romans 8:9,15-16; John 14:16-17] to gift, guide and empower them for obedience and service.
These core beliefs are consistent with those expressed in the Baptist Faith and Message.
Who is Jesus?
God has always had a special love for all people. He created humanity with a unique capacity among all His creation: People have the capacity to know God. He gave people a spiritual nature so that they might communicate with Him and relate to Him. You see, He desires that they be a part of His family. He wants them to have the joy of belonging to His Kingdom.
It is true that God loves us. We can become a part of His family and kingdom. Jesus has made that possible.
Jesus. . . why do I worship Him? Why is He revered over other religious leaders? What sets Him apart from all other leaders? These are great questions and worth thinking about.
Was any other leader as consistent as Jesus? Jesus never messed up or did wrong; He passed the character test. "He does all things well." Yes, Jesus was the God-man; perfectly God, perfectly human.
Was any other leader as inclusive as Jesus? Jesus accepted all people who were willing to interact with Him. He accepted isolated lepers, self-identified wrong-doers, broken-hearted people with shattered dreams and lives. Jesus drew a circle of love around the whole world.
Was any other leader as forgiving as Jesus? When His arms were stretched out upon the cross, Jesus offered forgiveness to all who listened. He even offered it to those who didn’t. And He is still doing so today.
Jesus
Yes, He’s different than other religious leaders. He alone is the unique God-man, the Son of God. He alone lived a life that was without sin toward people or God. He alone has offered unconditional love to our world.
But don’t just take my word for it. Read His and you will find that He says:
"Come unto Me all of you who are weak and burdened down. I will give you rest."
