ANACORTES CHRISTIAN CHURCH
We at ACC seek to practice Christianity in a non-sectarian and non-denominational manner. As a New Testament church we desire to have no creed but Christ, follow no book but the Bible, and wear no name but Christian. Accepting the Bible as our final authority, we avoid the formation of human creeds and statements of faith as a necessary basis for fellowship. For the sake of a brief overview we offer the following foundational truths that guide our ministries. This is not intended as an exhaustive theological statement, but includes those things we feel are most important in helping others understand our basic beliefs. We encourage questions and inquiries, and will always refer seekers to the Word of God as the anchor and foundation of faith.
GOD – (Genesis 1-2; Colossians 1-2)
Creator of the world. A living God who has worked in history, and who is still active in the affairs of mankind. God's purpose and desire is to have fellowship with humanity.
JESUS – (John 3:16-17; Acts 4:12; Romans 5:6-10; Philippians 2:5-11; Colossians 1:13-18)
He is the Christ, Messiah (“Anointed One”), the Only Begotten Son of the Living God, Savior of all who accept Him as Lord by faith. He is totally divine and human, and His sacrifice bridged the gulf between God and mankind. He is the only means of salvation. Jesus is head of the church, the reigning monarch.
THE HOLY SPIRIT – (John 16:7-14; Romans 8; Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 1:13, 5:18)
Is God (together with God the Father and God the Son), convicts humanity of their sin, and provides people the power to enable, equip, and guide others, and live for God. Leads believers into the truth.
MANKIND – (Genesis 2-3; Romans 3:9-30)
Created in the likeness of God. By free will, sinned and fell from righteousness, unable to save him or herself. Capable of making choices for God or against Him. God loves each person and wants everyone to be His child. People often reject this love. Through Christ alone our sins can be forgiven, and we can have hope and purpose in our living.
THE BIBLE – (2 Timothy 3:14-17)
The Word of God and our only rule of faith and practice. The very breath of God. Both Old and New Testaments are entirely sufficient and good for teaching, correction, reproof, training in righteousness, and equipping God's people for service to Him.
THE CHURCH – (Acts 2; 1 Corinthians 3:16-17; Ephesians 2:11-21)
The Body of Christ on earth whose mission is to carry out His work in the world. The church is His people and the dwelling place of His Spirit. This fellowship involves each member as we share in expressing gratitude to God through our worship, praise, and service.
THE CHRISTIAN – (Romans 8; Galatians 2:20-21; Hebrews 10:25)
One who is in Christ and in whom Christ dwells by His Spirit. A follower of Jesus Christ can go directly to God through prayer (1 Timothy 2:5-6), and can understand the Word of God and apply it to daily life. The Christian recognizes a responsibility to God to be a good steward of all he or she has in this world and will want to be faithful in private and public worship and in study of the Word.
SALVATION – The Bible teaches that we are saved by God’s grace through our faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). Salvation is a free gift and cannot be earned or deserved. People receive Christ by a saving faith. Evidences of a saving faith are: repentance (Acts 3:19), confession (Romans 10:9-10), baptism (Acts 2:38), and faithful living (Colossians 3:1-17).
BAPTISM – Baptism is immersion in water of a repentant believer. In the New Testament Church, every believer was commanded to be baptized (Acts 2:38). Baptism is a picture of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Romans 6:4). Baptism is associated with: cleansing and forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38, 22:16), circumcision of the heart (Colossians 2:11-12), and salvation (1 Peter 3:21). Baptism is not optional for the true believer.
COMMUNION (THE LORD’S SUPPER) – (1 Corinthians 11:23-32)
Jesus established two ordinances, Communion and Baptism. Communion is to be observed by believers who have examined themselves. Parents are encouraged to take responsibility for their children’s decision about this important sacrament. While there is no set frequency of partaking, the Lord's Supper is commanded by Jesus in the New Testament and the example of the apostolic church indicates at least weekly observance (Acts 2:42; 20:7). For this reason we make the Lord’s Supper available at least weekly at Anacortes Christian Church.
THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST – (Revelation 22:20)
Jesus will personally return to this earth (John 14:3) and gather His church (1 Thessalonians 4:17). It will be at a time when no expects it (2 Peter 3:10). We recognize that many opinions and positions are held regarding the second coming of Jesus Christ. For us it is enough to know He will fulfill His promise, return again, and gather His people to Himself.
CHURCH GOVERNMENT – The Bible teaches that elders are to be the governing body of the church. Their qualifications are listed in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. The role of the elder is to be the shepherd of the flock of God (1 Peter 5; Acts 20:28). This congregation practices the principle of local autonomy and has no other governing body beyond the local elders. We are independent, governing ourselves under the Lordship of Christ and the Word of God. We do cooperate with other Christians in the great task of world evangelization as commanded by the Word of God.
STEWARDSHIP – (1 Corinthians 16:2; 2 Corinthians 8 & 9)
The church’s work and ministry is supported through the tithes and offerings voluntarily given out of love and gratitude in response to God's gifts.
SPIRITUAL GIFTS – Every believer in the church receives the gift of The Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38; Romans 8), and every believer is uniquely gifted by God (1 Corinthians 12:11). We are all ministers of Christ, using our gifts in service for the building up of Christ's church (1 Peter 4:10).
PRAISE AND WORSHIP – God inhabits the praise of His people (Psalm 22:3). The Bible teaches (and in fact commands us) to praise the Lord and worship Him (Psalm 150). Praise may be expressed by clapping and shouting (Psalm 47:1), by singing (Psalm 95:1), by bowing (Psalm 95:6), by kneeling (Psalm 95:6), by lifting hands (Psalm 63:4). Worship is the pouring out of all our being in adoration to God. Corporate worship services are to be conducted in an orderly manner (1 Corinthians 14:40).
FREEDOM – There is ultimate freedom in Jesus Christ (Galatians 5:1). There is freedom of thought in matters of opinion where the Scriptures have not spoken. Christians can agree to disagree on areas of opinion and through it all to love as Christ loves (Romans 14). We endeavor to live our lives with one another in peace and follow the maxim: In essentials unity, in opinions liberty, in all things love.
Updated 3/08, Edited 11/6/2024