We strongly believe in Jesus' charge to reach out to everyone.  Even if you disagree with aspects of our theological positions below, we still encourage you to come fellowship and worship with us.  This openness and willingness to grow together is the foundation for all the preaching and teaching in the fellowship of The Sanctuary.

Below is a brief description and associated Bible verses of how we feel led on various issues:

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The Bible

The Bible is God’s Word to all people.  It was written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit.  It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living.  It is interpreted through the character and teachings of Jesus.(/strong>2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21; 2 Timothy 1:13; Psalm 119:105, 160; Proverbs 30:5)

 

The Church

The church is the body of Christ in the world today.  The church is also a local fellowship of Christians under the leadership of Christ. The biblical purposes of the church are worship, fellowship, discipleship, missions, and service.  The two ordinances of the church are baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

The purpose of Sanctuary Fellowship is to Love God and Love People. (Matthew 16:15-19; Acts 2:41-42, 47; 14:23-27; 16:5; 20:28; I Corinthians 1:2; 7:17; Ephesians 1:22-23; 2:19-22)

 

Creation

People are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character.  Mankind is the supreme object of God’s creation. Although people have tremendous potential for good, they are marred by disobedience toward God called “sin.”  Sin separates everyone from God. (Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1-2)

 
Eternal Security

Because God gives individuals eternal life through Jesus Christ, the believer is secure in that salvation.  Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian. God does not violate the free will of any person. (John 10:29; 2 Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25, 10:10-14; I Peter 1:3-5)

 

Eternity

People were created to exist forever.  They will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or in union with God, through forgiveness and salvation.  To be eternally separated from God is Hell.  To be eternally in union with Him is Heaven. (John 3:16; I John 2:25, 5:11-13; Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:15)

 

God

God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe.  He has eternally existed as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit but is one God.(Genesis 1:1, 26, 27; 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; I Peter 1:2, 2 Corinthians 13:14)

 

The Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son as God.   He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ.  He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation.  He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. (2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13, 14:16-17; Acts 1:8; I Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:18)

 

Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ is the Son of God.  He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of every person by dying on a cross.  He arose from the dead to demonstrate His power over sin and death and He ascended to Heaven’s glory. (Matthew 1:22-23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5, 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14-15; I Corinthians 15:3-4; Romans 1:3-4; Acts 1:9-11; I Timothy 6:14-15; Titus 2:13)

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Missions and Evangelism

We value the commission of Jesus to share the Gospel, minister to the needs of each individual and start new churches among all people of the world.  We are committed to being a witness of God's love and grace to everyone we meet while being specific and personal in our mission work. (Matthew 28:18-20;  Luke 24:45-49;  John 20:21;  Acts 1:9)

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Salvation

Salvation is a gift from God to the world.  No one can ever make up for his sin by self-improvement or good works.   Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can one be saved from sin’s penalty.  Eternal life begins the moment a person receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith. (Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 14:6, 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1)

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The Second Coming of Jesus

God, in His own time and in His own way, will bring the world to its appropriate end.  According to His promise, Jesus Christ will return personally and visibly in glory to the earth; the dead will be raised; and Christ will judge all men in righteousness. (Isaiah 2:4; Matthew 16:27, 19:28, 24:27, 30, 36, 44; 26:64; Luke 12:40; 17:22-37; 21:27-28; Acts 1:11; 17:31; Philippians 3:20-21; I Thessalonians 4:14-18; 5:1; 2 Timothy 4:1, 8; Hebrews 9:27-28; 2 Peter 3:7; I John 2:28 and 3:2; Revelation 3:11)

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Stewardship

We encourage people to handle their finances discreetly, honorably, and responsibly, and to practice regular and generous giving. (Matthew 6:19-21,24,33; Malachi 3:10-11; I Corinthians 9:7-14; 16:1-2; 3 John 5-8; 2 Corinthians 9:5-12; Galatians 6:6; I Timothy 5:17-18)

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Teamwork

We work in lay-led teams, which are in turn supervised by the Ministry Team.  We seek to exercise and respond to leadership in a Scriptural manner, and to work in partnership with one another.(Matthew 23:8-11; 18:15-17; Luke 22:24-27; I Corinthians 16:15-16; I Thessalonians 5:12-13; I Timothy 5:1; 17-23; Hebrews 13:7, 17)

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