ABOUT US
'All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.'
-2 Timothy 3:16-17
OUR VISION
God's story is a story of love and redemption. The story or message that most clearly shows this redemptive love is the death burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Paul says this message is of "first importance" (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). It is through the stories of the Bible that God reveals His nature and we have formed the following core beliefs at the Powell Church of Christ.
JESUS CHRIST
Jesus was miraculously born of the Virgin Mary (Matthew 1:20; Luke 1:34-35) and became flesh and blood (John 1:1-18; 29-34) without ceasing to be God. He lived a sinless life and performed many miracles to confirm his divinity. He died on the cross as a perfect sacrifice, paying the debt for our sins (Mark 10:45). On the third day after his death he arose from the dead showing his victory over sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:3-8). He appeared to his disciples and then ascended into heaven and now sits at the right hand of God serving as our mediator (Romans 8:34; 1 Timothy 2:5).
BAPTISM
Nearly all groups that profess Christ practice something that they call baptism. We do also. We believe that baptism is by immersion and is an act that re-enacts the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ (Romans 6:3-14). We also believe that it is part of the process of forgiveness for sins (Acts 2:38). In this simple act one expresses his commitment to Christ just as one would in a marriage ceremony.
UNITY
We strive for the unity of all believers as Jesus prayed so that the lost may be won for Christ (John 17) and brought into the family of God. This is expressed by showing our love for each other and those outside the family of God (Galatians 6:10).
TRUTH
BIBLE
We believe that there is an absolute Truth and we are continually searching for it. We believe that Truth is found through the scriptures and is in the person of Jesus Christ. (John 8:32; 14:6).
The Bible is the inspired word of God and is the final authority in life and doctrine (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
GOD
There is only one true God, eternally existing in three Persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit. They are equal and are one God. God created the world out of nothing and by his power he sustains all he has created (John 1:1-5, 10-18; Deuteronomy 6:4).
HOLY SPIRIT
The Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son. He makes people aware of their need for Christ (John 16:7-11). He indwells and empowers the believer (1 John 4:13; Galatians 5:16-26). We are God's children (1 John 3:1) and he has given us the Holy Spirit as a seal of ownership and a guarantee of what is to come (2 Corinthians 1:21-22). The Holy Spirit gives believers spiritual gifts (talents or abilities) (1 Corinthians 12:7-11; Romans 12-4-8) to be used to help others.
SALVATION
Salvation is by the grace of God. The death of Christ on the cross is the only sufficient payment for our sins. All have sinned, but all can be saved. This salvation is available for all who put their trust in Christ as their Savior (Romans 3:21-24; 6:23, John 3:16). Those who trust in Christ accept the free gift of salvation through repentance of sin, confession of their faith, and baptism (Romans 10:9-10; Acts 2:38).
CHRIST'S RETURN
Christ will one day return and judge all people (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). Unbelievers will be separated from God's presence in Hell and believers will be welcomed into God's presence in Heaven to be with him eternally.
CHURCH
The church is the body of Christ on earth empowered by the Holy Spirit to continue the task of reaching the lost and disciplining the saved helping them become mature followers of Christ (Ephesians 4:1-16). The church is a place of fellowship and encouragement (Hebrews 10:25) vital for the growth of our eternal family with the Father, Son, and Spirit.
LORD'S SUPPER
We practice the weekly observance of the Lord's Supper that Jesus asked of us. The Lord's Supper is a meal given by Jesus to commemorate his death on the cross for our sins. It consists of bread and fruit of the vine (1 Corinthians 11:23-26).
PARTICIPATION
Everyone is welcomed to attend and participate in our classes, worship times, and activities. Leadership roles in our congregation are open to those who: (1) have accepted Jesus as their Lord through belief and baptism; (2) are willing to use their gifts from the Holy Spirit to build up the body of Christ; (3) share the love of God with all people, and (4) promote the core beliefs outlined on this page.
FINALLY
At the Powell Church of Christ we sincerely try to follow the Bible and its teachings. However, our ability to logically figure everything out is not the basis for our acceptability before God. Our salvation is based on God's grace through Jesus Christ.
This is a statement of faith from the leadership of our congregation, and we will be glad to discuss it with anyone.