What We Believe

The “offense (stumbling block) of the Cross” is a term the Apostle Paul used to help us evaluate whether we have understood the gospel (Galatians 5:11). At first blush, the gospel tends to offend us (if we are not offended, we probably haven’t understood!) These offenses come in at least two ways:

1. Men are basically sinful, not basically good, and are not able to achieve their salvation by their own efforts or good deeds. They must repent, that is, change their mind concerning their sinfulness and God’s just punishment for their sins. This is an offense to their pride. Acts 3:17-26.

2. Jesus Christ is the exclusive savior for all men. An offense to those trusting in other gods or ways of redemption. Acts 4:12

The summary of the Gospel in the New Testament contains six points:

1. Jesus fulfilled the Messianic prophecies of Judaism.

2. He went about doing good deeds and performing miracles/signs which affirmed his claims to deity.

3. He was crucified according to God’s plan to provide salvation for all men.

4. He was raised from the dead and exalted to heaven to verify his claims.

5. He will return in judgment.

6. The appropriate response is repentance and belief/faith.

This summary is found in the following passages: Romans 1:1-5; I Corinthians 15:1-11; and in the early sermons from the book of The Acts of the Apostles: 2:22-42; 3:13-26; 4:8-12; 5:30-32; 10:36-43; and 17:16-34.

We hope you will come visit us. Remember, if you have trusted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, we are already brothers and sisters in the universal Body of Christ. We trust God would help us to be a blessing to you as we serve the Lord together!