Things we most surely Believe!

Luke 1:1 Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth a declaration of those things most surely believed among us.

ST. Luke begins his gospel with the idea that many have attempted to tell the story of Jesus, but I will declare the things that are most surely believed among us. It is thought that Luke interviewed individuals that were eyewitnesses (v2) though he himself was not.

We as believers need to have things that WE SURELY BELIEVE.

We at ENCOUNTER have four fundamental beliefs that we build all doctrine upon.

1. THE BIBLE IS THE WORD OF GOD

God's Word is the only completely reliable and truthful authority, and 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 and Bible study. The Bible is the basis for all we believe. 

"All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right." - 2 Timothy 3:16 (NLT)

2. JESUS CHRIST IS THE SON OF GOD

Jesus Christ, second Person of the Trinity, lived a sinless life on earth and voluntarily paid for our sin by dying on the cross as our substitute. This accomplished salvation for all who receive grace by trusting Him alone. He rose from the dead and is the only mediator between God and us. He baptizes believers in the Holy Spirit and will return to earth to consummate history.

"Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” - John 14:6

3. YOU MUST BE BORN AGAIN

God created humans to have fellowship with Him, but they defied God by sinfully going their own way. As a result, we need God's saving grace to end our alienation from Him. Salvation comes only through God's grace - not human effort - and must be received personally by repentance and faith. At the end, everyone will experience bodily resurrection and judgment. Only believers will enjoy eternal fellowship with God. 

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" 2 Corinthians 5:17 

4. BELIEVERS CAN BE SPIRIT FILLED AND SPIRIT LED

We believe the only way possible to live the Christian life is by God's power within us. Every believer can be filled with the Holy Spirit by simply asking. We seek to practice a daily dependence on God's Spirit to enable us to do what's right. 

"... you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you..." - Acts 1:8

"be filled with the Holy Spirit" - Ephesians 5:18

Blessed and Highly Favored,

Pastor Russ