Salvation is God’s free gift to us but we must accept it. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin’s penalty. When we turn away from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ by faith. Salvation is secured by Christ alone and the true believer is secure in that salvation. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian.

Rom. 5:1; 6:23; Eph. 2:8,9; John 14:6; 1 Timothy 1:12; Titus 3:5; Gal. 3:26; John 10:27-29; Heb. 7:25; 10:10,14; 1 Peter 1:3-5

The Holy Spirit is God, co-equal with the Father and the Son of God, Jesus Christ. He is present in the world to make people aware of their need for Jesus Christ. Scripture teaches that the Holy Spirit indwells every believer enabling them to live the abundant life and display the character of Christ.

The baptism in the Holy Spirit, releases the fullness of the Spirit and is evidenced by the fruits and gifts of the Holy Spirit, which empower the believer to serve, to minister, and to witness. As Christians exercise their spiritual gifts, the Church is built up and those who are searching find eternal life in Christ. As Christians we seek to live under His control daily.

John 16:7 13; 14:16,17; Acts 1:8; 1 Cor. 2:12; 3:16,17; 12-14; Gal. 5:25; Eph. 1:13;4; 5:18; Rom. 12)John 16:7-13;14:16-17; Acts 1:8; 1 Cor. 2:12; 3:16-17;12-14; Gal. 5:25; Eph. 1:13;5:18; Rom. 12

Baptism
Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water into the name of the God Father, Son and Holy Spirit. All who repent and believe on Christ as Savior and Lord are to be baptized as a public declaration of faith, symbolizing Christ’s death, burial and resurrection. John 16:7-13;14:16-17; Acts 1:8; 1 Cor. 2:12; 3:16-17;12-14; Gal. 5:25; Eph. 1:13;5:18; Rom. 12


Marriage
Christian marriage is a sacred institution ordained by God for the well-being of mankind and the propagation of the human race. According to scripture, it is a covenant representing the spiritual and physical union into which a man and a woman may enter that embodies and represents the very union that is between Christ and His Church. Gen. 1:27-28; 2:22-24; Psalm 127:3-5; Matt. 19:1-12; Mark 10:6-9; 1 Cor. 7:1-16; Eph. 5:21-33; 1 Thes. 4:3-8; Heb. 13:4

Communion
Communion, or the Lord’s Supper was instituted by Christ to remember his death, the sacrifice of his body and blood, and to proclaim His resurrection and promise to return.

Matthew 26:26-30; Mark 14:22-26; Luke 22:19,20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-29

The purpose of the Church on earth is to fulfill, “The Great Commandment” and “The Great Commission,” and to be the functioning Body of Christ on earth, locally, nationally and internationally. Christians can only live the Christian life as God intended when we commit to relationships with other Christians in a local church. Local churches can best promote the cause of Jesus Christ by cooperating in unity with one another in voluntary association with other churches that share a similar mission, set of values, and convictions.

Matt. 22:36-40; 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; Eph. 2:19; 2 Cor. 9

Gen. 1:27; Psalm 8:3 6;51:5; Isa. 53:6; Rom. 3:23; Isa. 59:1-2

Acceptance of Identity—Approach people as neither inferior nor superior to you; give others the freedom to express their authentic selves without fear of being negatively judged; interact without prejudice or bias, accepting how race, religion, ethnicity, gender, class, sexual orientation, age, disability, etc. are at the core of their identities. Assume they have integrity.

Inclusion—Make others feel that they belong at all levels of relationship (family, community, organization, nation)

Safety—Put people at ease at two levels: physically, where they feel free of bodily harm, and psychologically, where they feel free of concern about being shamed or humiliated, that they feel free to speak without fear of retribution

Acknowledgment—Give people your full attention by listening, hearing, validating, and responding to their concerns and what they have been through

Recognition—Validate others for their talents, hard work, thoughtfulness, and help; be generous with praise; show thanks and gratitude toward others for their contributions, ideas, and experience

Fairness—Treat people justly, with equality, and in an evenhanded way, according to agreed-upon laws and rules Benefit of the Doubt—Treat people as trustworthy; start with the premise that others have good motives and are acting with integrity

Understanding—Believe that what others think matters; give them a chance to explain their perspectives, and express their points of view; actively listen in order to understand them

Independence—Encourage people to act on their own behalf so that they feel in control of their lives and experience a sense of hope and possibility. Use your power to empower rather than to disempower others.

Accountability—Take responsibility for your actions; if you have violated the dignity of another, apologize; make a commitment to change hurtful behaviors

Source: Dr. Donna Hicks, Internationally Renowned Authority on Dignity