1. God's Works
    1. Creation
      God created everything that ever was or is or will be. There is nothing that came into being without God. The account of creation in Genesis is the actual, factual, and accurate account of the beginning of our world and universe. Man & woman were created directly by God in His image. All creation was created 'very good'. God continues to maintain creation by His power. Gen. 1:26-29, 2:7 , 18-24; Psalm 33:6,9; Matt. 19:4, Col. 1:16-17
    2. The Fallen Creation
      1. Satan
        Sin came into being by the single act of one created heavenly being, Satan. He asserted his will in opposition to the clear and known will of God, and continues his opposition of God's permissive will until that future day of perpetual imprisonment . Ezek. 18:13-17; Isa. 14:13-14
      2. Man
        Sin came into mankind and the physical world by the single act of one historical man, Adam. He asserted his will in opposition to the clear and known will of God. That act irrevocably corrupted humanity thru all history with a sin position, a sin nature, and sin effects. And man continues his opposition and rebellion to God's permissive will to this day. Gen. 3:1-24; 5:3; Psa. 51:5; Is. 64:6; Jer. 17:9; Mark 7:21-23; John 3:6; 5:40; 6:35; Rom. 1:18,24-32; 3:9-18,22-23; 5:12,18-19; 6:23; 1Cor. 15:22; Eph. 2:1-3; 4:17-18; 1John 3:8
      3. Angels
        Angels were created by God. Some angels followed Satan in rebellion and opposition to God's permissive will. They continue to this day in opposition to the will and plan of God. Job 1:6-7; Eph. 6:10-18; 1Tim. 4:1; 2Pet. 2:4; Jude 1:6; Rev. 12:7-9; 20:10
      4. Future of the Fallen
        Judgement on sin is required by a holy and just God. Eternal punishment awaits the sinful. Only the shed blood payment of Jesus Christ can pay the penalty for sin for mankind. This future judgement will follow the removal of the church to be forever with Him. Rev. 6:1-19,21
    3. The Unfallen Creation
      1. Angels
        Angels were created by God. Some angels did not follow Satan in rebellion. They continue in service to God. Dan. 10:13; Mark 8:38; Luke 15:10; Eph. 1:21; 3:10; Heb. 1:14; Rev. 7:12; 12:7
    4. The Redeemed of Creation
      1. Man
        God is Love. The Father acted according to His nature by sending His Son. The Son acted and paid the penalty of sin on the Cross. He died for us. He died in our place. If we believe that fact, we will be saved. The Spirit seals us onto salvation. Now saved, who can separate us from the Love of God! Salvation is by faith alone, in Christ alone. No work or ritual can save us or advance our standing with God. Is. 45:21; John 3:16; 6:44; 12:32; 16:7-11; Acts 10:34-35; 16:31; Rom. 5:8; 8:32; 1Tim. 2:4; 1Pet. 1:3-5; 2Pet. 2:2; 1John 2:2
      2. The Present Collection of Redeemed
        The Church is the collection of all individuals, living and dead, who have placed their faith in the historical fact that Christ died for their sins. They are all immediately indwelt by the Holy Spirit. They are technically described in Scripture as "In Christ". The Church comprises all redeemed individuals since Pentecost and until the Return of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Church is manifested both universally and locally. The head of the church is Jesus Christ. It is built upon His deity. Rom. 12:5; 1Cor. 12:12-14; Eph. 1:20-23; 4:3-16; 5:25-27; Col. 3:14-15

        The universal Church is visible in discrete local assemblies called churches. These churches are made of redeemed individuals who associate together under local autonomous leadership under Jesus Christ. The local leadership is composed of elders/overseers who oversee the spiritual health, welfare, and doctrine of the local group. The purpose of the local assembly is the growth of individual believers, fellowship, mutual care, witness, and worship. Rom. 12:5; 1Cor. 12:12-14; Eph. 1:20-23; 4:3-16; 5:25-27; Col. 3:14-15

        The local leadership character and responsibilities are best described in the Pastoral Letters of Paul. The elders/overseers provide spiritual guidance, direction, and protection for the local assembly of believers. One of the elders functions as pastor-teacher for the growth of the individuals of the local body. Others believers provide activity as deacons (servants) for the physical good of the local assembly. Rom. 12:5; 1Cor. 12:12-14; Eph. 1:20-23; 4:3-16; 5:25-27; Col. 3:14-15
      3. Future of the Redeemed
        Jesus Christ will suddenly, imminently, and literally return to grasp all those "In Christ" to be with Him forever. Believers will be instantly changed to be like Him. Following this event, the Man of Sin opposes God during a seven year period of wrath and tribulation. This is the prophetic 70th week of Daniel. After this, the Messiah reigns on the throne of David for 1000 years over a earthly Jewish kingdom. This period precedes the final rebellion of Satan and judgement upon sin. John 14:1-3; 1Cor. 15:51-52; Phil. 3:20; 1Th. 4:13-18; Titus 2:11-14
    5. God's Administration of Creation
      God has administered His creation in an ever increasing display of His love and His Grace. These discrete administrations (periods of history) are observable in Scripture and commonly called dispensations. God's character and method of salvation never change, however the manner of His administration has increasingly revealed His wisdom and provision of Grace. The church and Israel are different, have different futures, and must not be confused. John 1:17; Eph. 1:10; 3:1-10; Col. 1:25
Back