Our Beliefs
Lighthouse believes in:
- The Bible - God's Word, the Bible, is the solid foundation for all of life. It is inspired by Him, showing us who He is and how we are to live in light of that revelation. We grow in our faith by spending time reading His Word and doing what it says (2 Timothy 3:16-17; James 1:22).
- The Eternal Godhead - There is only one God, the triune Lord: Father, Son and Holy Spirit who existed before all time and who will live beyond all time (Deuteronomy 6:4; Exodus 3:14; 2 Corinthians 13:14).
- The Fall of Humanity - We were created to live forever in unbroken fellowship with God, but by voluntary disobedience and self-centeredness we were separated from God and His life (Romans 5:12).
- The Plan of Salvation - God's love for us was so great that while we were still sinners, He became human and paid the penalty for all of our sins on the cross, and restored us to fellowship with the Father. This salvation is available to any who will believe in Jesus (John 3:16; Romans 5:8).
- Salvation by Grace - We cannot earn God's favor, nor add to what Jesus did on the cross for us. We are saved only by His grace. Anything we do for God is but a response of love to say thank you (Ephesians 2:8; John 14:15).
- Repentance and Salvation - Repentance means to change the way we think, which will result in a change in our actions. We repent of our sins and from trying to work our way to acceptance before God. We receive by faith the grace of God's forgiveness of our sins, leading to salvation and a brand new life (1 John 1:19; 2 Corinthians 5:17).
- Water Baptism - We publicly affirm our faith by being baptized in water. Baptism is the point of our identification with Christ's physical death and resurrection. Through baptism, our old ways are buried with Jesus, and we are raised to walk in newness of life, dedicated to God (Mathew 28:19; Romans 6:4).
- Holy Spirit Baptism - Jesus baptizes us in His Holy Spirit. Baptism in the Holy Spirit gives us power to be His witnesses. We are to be filled with and walk in the Holy Spirit daily (Matthew 3:11; Acts 1:8; Ephesians 4:30-32).
- The Gifts and Fruit of the Holy Spirit - The Holy Spirit gives gifts to every believer. These gifts help to govern, equip, and grow His church to do the work of the Kingdom. His fruit is the evidence of a spirit-filled life (1 Corinthians 12:1-11,28; Ephesians 4:11-13; Galatians 5:22).
- Communion - Through the Lord's Table, we recall and celebrate our union with Jesus in a very tangible way. We are to celebrate this union in the places we gather and with any who call on His name (1 Corinthians 11:23-26).
- Commitment to a Local Church - God calls us to be vitally connected to a living fellowship among committed disciples. This includes a decision to consistency, devotion to personal growth, and dedication to the well being of others (Acts 2:42; Hebrew 10:24-25).
- Prayer - Prayer draws us into a personal relationship with God and is meant to permeate all aspects of life and ministry. It involves both speaking and listening to the Lord. Prayer is the means by which we come to see God's will done on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:9-10; Colossians 4:2).
- Healings and Miracles - Healings, miracles, signs and wonders are to be a common experience as we declare the good news of the Kingdom (Matthew 10:7-8; Acts 4:29-30; 1 Corinthians 2:4).
- Sharing All Things - The spirit of giving is at the heart of the church. As believers, we are to reach out to those around us in practical ways. We also financially support the local church through the giving of our tithes and offerings (Malachi 3:10; 2 Corinthians 9:6-8).
- Unity and Simplicity - We are to diligently guard the Spirit's unity in a peaceful way. Unity and simplicity of devotion to Christ are keys to experiencing His fullness (Ephesians 4:3; John 17:22-23).
- Praise and Worship - We are created to worship God and enjoy Him forever. Praise and worship is not just an activity we do, but rather it is a way of life (John 4:24; Psalm 63:2-5).
- Everyone a Minister - Every member is a minister and every work can be a ministry in order to extend the Kingdom of God to the places where we live, sleep, eat, work and play (I Peter 2:9).
- Church Growth - We are the laborers in God's harvest of making disciples of all nations. We plant, water and harvest, but God gives the increase (Matthew 28:19; 1 Corinthians 3:6).
- The Return of Christ - The physical second coming of Christ is imminent (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).
- The Final Judgment - All will stand before the judgment seat of God to give an account of their life (2 Corinthians 5:10; Hebrews 9:27).
- Heaven and Hell - Heaven is the literal glorious eternal home of those who have a personal relationship with Jesus as Lord and Savior. There they will live in unbroken relationship with God and one another forever. Hell is the literal place where those who reject Christ as Lord and Savior will spend eternity separated from God, His life and love forever (John 14:1-3; Revelation 7:15-17; 20:10,15).
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