What We Believe
At the Swatara Church of God we hold to the faith that has been received by the historic Christian Church for centuries and we desire to live out that faith in a way that is relevant and engaging for people today.
We Believe:
Salvation is found in Jesus Christ alone God sent his Son Jesus Christ to pay the price for our sins by dying on the cross in our place. Now, through faith in that sacrifice we are offered forgiveness of our sins and reconciliation with God. Therefore, it is only through faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ that one can enter into the Kingdom and presence of God in heaven. John 14:6; Romans 1:16,17
The Lordship of Jesus Christ Jesus Christ is not only our Savior, but our Lord. In other words, Jesus Christ is not only the forgiver of our sins, but the leader of our lives. He has authority over our beliefs and behavior. Just as Jesus died for us so should we live for him. Romans 6:23, 10:9
The Empowering of the Holy Spirit Upon accepting the grace of forgiveness in Jesus Christ, God grants us his own spirit to be our encourager, comforter, power, and peace. Each of us is given unique but essential spiritual gifts to serve him and we are commanded to let the fruit of his presence be revealed in our daily lives. Ephesians 1:13-14; Galatians 5:22-25; Acts 1:8
The Authority of Scripture The Bible is the authoritative Word of God. It should be believed in its entirety. We are not free to interpret the Bible any way we please, but must read it as individuals, as a corporate body, and in the context of the history of the church. 1 Timothy 3:16-17
Expectant Prayer Prayer is the way in which we communicate with God. Prayers are not empty words, rather we pray with the expectation that God hears our prayers and answers them according to his will and what is best for us. Philippians 4:6; Ephesians 6:18-20
Passionate Worship God has called his people to love him with all their heart, with all their mind, and all their strength. Worship on Sunday is one way we show him that love, but the aim is to make all of life worship. Worship is not blind recitation of words or music, but rather an authentic act from the heart. Worship is a matter of Spirit and Truth. Matthew 22:37-40; Psalm 29:2
The Ordinances of the Lord’s Supper, Baptism, and Feetwashing Jesus Christ himself instituted the ordinances and they are essential to the Christian life. The Lord’s Supper is the celebration of our fellowship with Christ as we recall his life, death, resurrection, ascension, and coming again. Baptism asks others to witness the change from our old life before Christ to our new life with him. Feetwashing is the celebration of Jesus becoming human and our desire to be like him in love and service to others. Luke 22:17-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; Acts 2:32; John 3:5; Acts 2:38; John 13:1-17
Commitment to the Great Commission Our faith is not a private matter, but rather believers are called to actively share their faith with others. In Matthew 28 Jesus left instructions for his church, telling us to take the Good News about Jesus to the world and to teach people all that Jesus has taught us. Matthew 28:18-20
Openness, Honesty, and Integrity in the Church Community The church should be an open community where all are welcomed to come and meet Jesus regardless of outward appearance or inward struggles. The Church is the Body of Christ and the Family of God and we should love each other deeply, care for each other’s needs, support each other in our journey for the Lord, and treat each other with respect and devotion as a family should. Colossians 4:5-6; 1 Corinthians 12; Ephesians 2:19-22
A more complete summary of our beliefs can be found in the We Believe statement of the Churches of God, General Conference (www.cggc.org).
Contact us by calling 717-564-6673 or emailing [email protected]
