About God
We lean into the belief that God is the creator, giver and sustainer of life. Through him all things were made and by him all things remain. He is eternal; he has always been and will always be. The framework of God is triune: the Father, the Son & the Holy Spirit, yet, he is one.
(Genesis 1; Psalm 90:2)
Further reading:
Genesis in Space & Time, by Francis Schaeffer
Mere Christianity, by C.S. Lewis
About Jesus
We find truth in the teachings that Jesus was (and is) the savior of all things. While living in the first century, he was God “in the flesh.” Simply: God came to earth. And while there were many self-proclaimed messiahs in those days, Jesus, through his physical resurrection, set himself apart. His invitation for all people to trust and follow him is for the purpose of restoring man’s relationship with God and to bring about salvation in one’s life.
(John 1:1-18; 3:16; 14:6-7; Philippians 2:1-11; Colossians 1:15-20)
Further reading:
The Challenge of Jesus, by N.T. Wright
Following Jesus, by N.T. Wright
I Believe in the Historical Jesus, by I. Howard Marshall
About the Holy Spirit
We believe the Holy Spirit to be the third person in the trinity, dwelling within every believer’s life, enabling him to live a life that is pleasing to God. Among the many descriptions in the scriptures of the Spirit’s character and purpose, the overarching one is this: God living in us. Paul (the writer of many New Testament letters) speaks of this being the “mystery” of God. The Spirit’s task is to convict, comfort, counsel, and guide every believer. He also equips us with gifts to serve both the Church and the world.
(Colossians 1:27; Galatians 5:22-26)
Further reading:
Renovation of the Heart, by Dallas Willard
About the Bible
The Bible is the inspired writings of men who were telling the story of God in real places, about real people, in real times in history. We believe that God oversaw the process and that we can fully trust in the teachings and claims of this work as the authoritative “word of God.” This does not erase the difficulty of teaching through and living out such ancient and far-removed stories and ideas. However, we believe that as we dig in and learn the scriptures, they are alive and well and are moving throughout the world in the lives of people.
(2 Timothy 3:16; Psalm 119; Proverbs 30:5)
Further reading:
The Bible Jesus Read, by Philip Yancey
Walking the Bible, by Bruce Feiler
The New Testament Documents, by F.F. Bruce
About Us
The Bible teaches that we were made in the image of God, and, that we were created to be in a fully connected relationship with God. It’s also very easy to see – simply by looking around – that his intended purpose for us is not being played out around the world; people everywhere are disconnected from their creator, living life “on their own” and in search for something greater. We believe that Jesus restores that relationship and empowers us to spread that story through the lives we live and the words that we speak. We have the choice to reject grace and spend eternity without God OR to trust Jesus with our whole selves (heart, soul, mind and strength).
(John 3:16; Genesis 1:27; Psalm 1; Romans 3:23)
Further reading:
The Air I Breathe, by Louie Giglio
Searching for God Knows What, by Donald Miller
The Divine Conspiracy, by Dallas Willard
About the Church
The Church is the corporate expression of God in the world. She exists to help people learn and grow in their relationship with God, and, to be his hands and feet in the community, serving those in need and sharing the story of God with all who will listen. We believe the Church is the all-skate embodiment of three great challenges from Jesus: to love God (Mark 12:30), to love people (Mark 12:31) and to love the world (Matthew 28:19-20).
Further reading:
This Beautiful Mess, by Rick McKinley
Jesus in the Margins, by Rick McKinley
Key Words
[UP] Love God
Bringing life & God together
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. -Jesus, Mark 12:30
[CLOSE] Love People
Meeting the needs of people, both within the Church and in our city
Love your neighbor as yourself. – Jesus, Mark 12:31
[BEYOND] Love the World
Getting involved in the efforts to take the story of God to the nations
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations. – Jesus, Matthew 28:19
