Included in this Statement of Faith are brief descriptions and scriptural references for a variety of theological issues that provide the framework for our preaching, teaching and leadership at Peters Creek Baptist Church.
We believe in the one, living and eternal God who is the Creator of all. He is holy, perfect, and loving in nature. God is personal in that He concerns Himself with the affairs of all people. God has revealed Himself as God the Father, Jesus Christ the virgin-born Son, and the Holy Spirit, all of whom are the same essence though distinct in personality. Deuteronomy 6:4; John 1:1-13
We believe that each word as well as the whole of the message of scripture was inspired by God. Therefore, we affirm that the Bible is the sole authority for Christian faith and practice. 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21
We acknowledge the existence of Satan and his demons, the enemies of God and humankind, who seek unlawful dominion through the overthrow of God's gracious rule. Genesis 3:1 4; John 8:44
We believe that Adam's original sin resulted in our spiritual death, separation from God, and the need of God's forgiveness for all persons. Genesis 1:27-31; Genesis 2:16-17; Genesis 3:1-6; Romans 5:19
We believe that our redemption was accomplished through the death, burial, and bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ. We are thereby saved from the penalty of sin by God's grace through personal faith in the atoning work of Jesus Christ, bringing us into a relationship of peace and fellowship with God. Ephesians 1:7; Hebrews 9:12; 1 Peter 1:18-19
We believe that those who receive Christ as Savior and Lord will rejoice eternally in God's presence, and that those who reject Christ will be eternally separated from God. John 10:27-30; Ephesians 1:13-14; 1 John 5:11-13
We believe in the imminent physical return of Jesus Christ to receive all believers, according to His promise. John 14:1-6; Acts 1:10-11; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
We believe in the Church, a living and universal spiritual body with Christ as its head and all believers as its members. The local church is a visible example of a community of believers committed to worship, ministry, spiritual growth, and service. Acts 2:42-47; 1 Corinthians 12:13
We believe that all persons are created with a need to acknowledge the sovereign majesty of God. Worship is the personal and corporate expression through which the believer experiences the nature, personality, and will of God. We believe that the Christian should make a commitment to private and corporate worship on a regular basis. Psalm 95; John 4:21-24; Hebrews 10:25
We believe that all Christians have received God-given spiritual gifts for the purposes of personal ministry involvement, encouraging corporate faith, building unity in the Church, and investing in the spiritual growth of all believers. The church is responsible to encourage the discovery of spiritual gifts, and to provide an environment where every member is given the opportunity to pursue ministry based on giftedness. Ephesians 4; Romans 12; 1 Corinthians 12
We believe that all Christians have been commissioned by God to actively proclaim the good news of Christ's love and sacrifice. Every believer is responsible for maintaining a lifestyle that invites others to personal faith in Jesus Christ. Matthew 28:18-20; John 17:20-23
We believe that baptism is a public symbol of the believer's death to the old life and resurrection to new life in Christ, and that bodily immersion, as the New Testament example, is required for membership in this local fellowship. Mark 1:5-10; Acts 8:36-39
We believe that the Lord's Supper is a symbolic commemoration of Jesus Christ's sacrifice, His broken body and shed blood, and that this celebration is open to all believers. 1 Corinthians 11:16-29; Matthew 26:26-30
We believe that in response to God's gracious care for our needs, Christians are to cheerfully and responsibly provide financial support for the ongoing ministry of Christ's Church. Further, we believe that members should maintain a regular and proportionate giving plan, understanding the need to support both the home base ministry needs as well as the world-wide needs of the Church. 2 Corinthians 9:6-9
The Statement of Faith does not exhaust the extent of our beliefs. The Bible, as the inspired, infallible Word of God is our authority concerning truth, morality, and conduct, and is the sole and final source of all that we believe. For purposes of faith, doctrine, practice, policy, and discipline at Peters Creek Baptist Church, the Leadership Council is our final interpretive authority on the Bible's meaning and application. 1 Corinthians 11:16-29; Matthew 26:26-30
6300 Library Road | South Park, PA 15129 (412) 833-6111