The Valued Beliefs of Epworth Church

We Believe…

GOD is the one true God and creator of the universe, who desires to have a loving relationship with us.

The Lord is the everlasting God; he created all the world. He never grows tired or weary. No one understands his thoughts. He strengthens those who are weak and tired.
Isaiah 40:28-29 TEV

JESUS is the Son of God who came to earth to teach us God’s will and way, died for our sins, and was resurrected to offer us eternal life. By accepting Him as our Savior, He becomes the leader of our life, our teacher and our example.

This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
1 John 4:9-11 NIV

Through the HOLY SPIRIT, God enlightens us with His work, empowers and inspires us to act, intercedes on our behalf, and enables us to grow in grace and truth.

But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
John 14:26 NIV

GRACE is the unearned gift of God. God’s grace works on us drawing us to Him and works in us as we claim Jesus as Savior. God’s grace is the power that works through us transforming us into the likeness of Christ.

For it is by God’s grace that you have been saved through faith. It is not the result of your own efforts, but God’s gift.
Ephesians 2:8 TEV

THE BIBLE is the living word of God. Devoted reading, group study, and faithful application of the Bible strengthens our faith and guides our Christian living.

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching the truth, rebuking error, correcting faults, and giving instruction for right living, so that the person who serves God may be fully qualified and equipped to do every kind of good deed.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 TEV

PRAYER is a time devoted solely to God as we open ourselves through praise, confession, giving thanks and making our requests known to Him – both individually or with others. Prayer is a vital way for God to reveal His power and presence in our lives.

Don’t worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. And God’s peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7 TEV

WORSHIP is when we gather together as the body of Christ to praise, honor, and commit our lives to God, seeking a renewal of our relationship with God and becoming attuned to his loving presence in our lives

Offer yourselves as a living sacrifice to God, dedicated to his service and pleasing to him. This is the true worship that you should offer. Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your minds. Than you will be able to know the will of God – what is good and is pleasing to him and is perfect.
Romans 12:1b-2 TEV

DISCIPLESHIP is the process of becoming a fully devoted follower ofChrist. We must commit ourselves to actively seeking God’s purpose and guidance in our lives. Our lives are transformed by Christ as we grow in His image and as we share with others in study, prayer and obedience to His teachings.

We ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will, with all the wisdom and understanding that his Spirit gives. Then you will be able to live as the Lord wants and will always do what pleases him. Your lives will produce all kinds of good deeds, and you will grow in your knowledge of God.
Colossians 1:9b-10 TEV

ALL PEOPLE matter to God and to this church. Everyone has God-given abilities and talents that can be utilized to spread the life-changing message of Jesus Christ.

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Romans 12:9-10 NIV

SERVICE to others is Christ’s love in action. God calls us to take risks and willingly share our time, talents, and treasures. We serve best when we seek God’s guidance and follow where He leads. Christianity is not a spectator sport.

God has given each of you some special abilities; be sure to use them to help each other, passing on to others God’s many kinds of blessings.
1 Peter 4:10 LB