What We Believe

These statements are the collective non-negotiable beliefs of the Elders of Englewood Christian Church. They exist to guide our biblical studies and protect our church body as we strive to honor God in all we say and do.

Psalm 12:6; 119:105,160; Proverbs 30:5; 2 Timothy 1:13; 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Romans 10:17

God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are coequal and are one God. 

Genesis 1:1, 26-27; 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14; 1 Peter 1:2

Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:22-23; John 1:1-5; 14:10-30; Acts 1:9-11; Romans 1:3-4; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; 1 Timothy 6:14-15; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 4:14-15; Colossians 2:9

The Holy Spirit is a personal being who is coequal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world and works to make all people aware of their sin and need for salvation. He also lives in every Christian to guide, comfort, correct, and guarantee salvation. As Christians we seek to live under His control daily. 

John 14:16-17; 16:7-13; Acts 1:8; Romans 5:5; 1 Corinthians 2:12; 3:16; 2 Corinthians 3:17; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 1:13; 5:18

Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; 59:1-2; Romans 3:23

Every human is created in the image of God and all human suffering is a result of being separated from God. Sin is the cause of this separation and therefore must be removed. The sacrifice of Jesus Christ was necessary to make restitution for sin on behalf of all people who place their faith in Him. Salvation is given to us by God, 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 and God’s offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin’s penalty. When we place our faith in Jesus and turn away from our self-ruled life we can be saved. Salvation comes to us by grace through faith and this faith is based on God’s word (Romans 10:17). According to the scriptures our faith is evident in our decision to become like Christ in his “death, burial, and resurrection”. This transformation is evident in our desire for repentance, confession, baptism by immersion, and a life committed to His service. 

Mark 16:16; Luke 13:3; John 1:12; 3:16; 14:6; Acts 2:38; Romans 5:1; 6:3,4-6, 12-13, 23; 10:9-10; Colossians 1:13, 23; 2:6-12; 3:1-4; Galatians 2:20; 3:26; 5:1,24,25; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5; Revelation 2:10b

Every Christian has the responsibility to remain faithful to his decision to follow Jesus Christ. The New Testament is dedicated to guiding Christians to live faithfully in the decision they have made to follow Christ. There are examples given in the New Testament warning those who do not remain faithful and to serve as encouragement to the Church to GROW in Christ continually. Hebrews 6:1-8  The Scriptures teach that a person can be identified as a Christian based on his behavior—fruit. Matthew 3:8 The Holy Spirit produces a change in character over time. At Englewood Christian Church we encourage those who have given their lives to Christ to grow. This is a biblical mandate. 2 Peter 1:5-11; Matthew 5:13-16; 1 Peter 2:1-3 When people fall down in their faith we will help them back up and continue on with Christ. Galatians 6:1-2 We believe that people should have great confidence in their salvation and that their confidence should increase their faithful living on a daily basis.  

God has designed the local church like a physical body, with Jesus Christ as the head. God gifts each of His children in unique and special ways to serve and build up the body. Therefore, spiritual gifts are not for personal benefit or glory, but to bring glory to God, as well as encouraging and building up the church. 1 Corinthians 14:4, 12; Ephesians 4:11-13   There are also some spiritual gifts that are no longer needed or required in the present church age, but were for the sole purpose of verifying the message of the gospel, the messenger who spoke the message or the specific acts done at that time. With the completion of the Word of God, his final authority, those gifts ceased. 1 Corinthians 13:8-12 The gifts of the church are spread among the individuals of the church. The body of Christ represents unity and diversity as does the “Triune” God we serve. There is no division as we all have equal concern and need for each other. Some parts are presentable while other parts are un-presentable. 1 Corinthians 12:17-30 When every individual accepts and fulfills, with great faith, the role God has given to each we have greater potential as God’s Church. Romans 12:6-8 The congregation should be able to recognize a spiritual gift when contributed and gifts are to be exercised with control so that services have order. 1 Corinthians 14:16; 32-33; 40

We believe there will be a literal return of Christ and a judgment day. How and when this will happen has been a source of great debate. We believe the details are in God’s hands and this is not a salvation issue, nor should it cause dissention within the church. 

Matthew 12:36; John 5:22; 16:8; 2 Corinthians 5:10; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; 2 Peter 3:7; Jude 6

People will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or exist eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is eternal death in Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life in Heaven. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence. 

John 3:16, 14:17; Romans 6:23; 8:17-18; 1 Corinthians 2:7-9; Revelation 20:15

Englewood Christian Church is an independent non-denominational Christian church. While recognizing the value of associating and cooperating with other groups of Christians, we believe the local church should be governed under the supervision of her local elders; men who are appointed according to their scriptural eligibility. Others are called to serve in the church under the authority of the local elders.

Acts 14:23; 1 Timothy 5:17

Communion at Englewood Christian Church is practiced as Scripture defines it. "For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, 'This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.'" 1 Corinthians 11:23-25 Communion is a memorial, a new covenant, and a proclamation. It is a sacred event for those who have a vital, biblical relationship with Jesus. 1 Corinthians 11:26-30 We take communion every week in our services. Christ is the Head of the Church and we proclaim His glory every Sunday through this memorial action.  

The Old Testament figures on giving can be larger than 10% and the New Testament does not give a fixed amount.  We practice tithing and recognize that giving 10% of our income is a good biblical model of giving to the local church. Everything over 10% is an "offering of gratitude" for the great things God does for us every day. A tithe of everything a person produces belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord. Leviticus 27:30; Malachi 3:7-12 The offering is a privilege to give and is in addition to the tithe. Jesus taught about tithing: "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices mint, dill, and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former." Matthew 23:23 We also recognize that we must be good stewards of our time and our talents, as these are blessings from the Lord as well.

Sunday School at 9:00 am
Sunday Worship at 10:30 am