Beliefs

What We Believe at Long Branch Covenant Church

The Person of God

We believe that there is one God, who has always existed and will always exist in three persons:  Father, Son (Jesus Christ), Holy Spirit.   (Link to more detail…) 

God is eternal, all-knowing, all-powerful and present everywhere.  God is completely pure without evil or malice, righteous and just.  His love, kindness and justice were shown in the sacrificial death of Jesus on the cross to provide salvation for all who believe in Him.


The Bible

We believe the Bible is inspired and given by God to reveal Himself to mankind.   As God's revealed truth, the Bible is without error and can not fail. It is our supreme and final authority for our beliefs and practice.


The Human Race

We believe that mankind was created by God in His image, but the entire human race was separated from God by the rebellion of sin.  We believe no man can reconcile himself with God apart from faith in Jesus and His death for us on the cross.

Satan, or the Devil

We believe that Satan exists, and he is the instigator of sin and the fall of the human race. He and his angels oppose God and bring evil. Because of Jesus death on the cross and resurrection from the dead, he and his angels will be punished eternally when Jesus comes again.

Sin

We believe sin is failing to conform to God's will or breaking the law of God in attitude or behavior.

Salvation

We believe salvation from sin and death is the undeserved gift and favor of God, available to all who cease living for themselves and put their trust in Jesus Christ. This results in a life pleasing to God.


Kingdom of God

We believe the kingdom of God to be God's right to rule in every place and over everything through Jesus as the king of this kingdom.

Heaven and Hell

We believe that heaven is the throne of God and the place where God’s presence is to be enjoyed for eternity. For those who are not redeemed,  hell is a place of eternal separation from God.

The Church

We believe that the followers of Jesus everywhere in the world are the universal church,  and that each follower belongs in a local church for mutual worship, instruction in God's will and ways, and service to the Lord and people in the church and the community.

Mission of the Church

The mission of the church is to demonstrate the kingdom of God as people's lives change to become more like Jesus through preaching and teaching of God's Word and mentoring relationships in local churches.


Sacraments

A sacrament is a formal act that is sacred as a sign or symbol of a spiritual reality that was instituted or recognized by our Lord Jesus Christ.

Baptism

Water baptism is a visible testimony that one has faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and have turned from their past lives to follow Him.
 
 
The Lord's Supper or Communion

The Lord's Supper is sharing the bread and the cup to remember Jesus and His death for us. It also speaks of our union with Christ and with fellow believers.

Baptism in the Holy Spirit

We believe that the baptism in the Holy Spirit, distinct from the new birth is the initial filling of God's power demonstrated by bold witness, godly living and speaking in tongues.


Holiness

God demands that His people be holy as He is holy.  That holiness is produced in us by the Holy Spirit as we believe and obey His Word.