What We Believe

Basic Foundation

In essential beliefs -we have unity.
“There is one body and one Spirit…there is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of us all…”  (Ephesians. 4:4-6).

In non-essential beliefs - we have liberty.
“Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters…Who are you to judge someone else’s servant?  To his own master he stands or falls…So then each of us will give an account of himself to God…So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God.”  (Romans 14:1, 4, 12, 22).

In all our beliefs - we show charity.
“…If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I knew all the mysteries of the future and knew everything about everything, but didn't love others, what good would I be? And if I had the gift of faith so that I could speak to a mountain and make it move, without love I would be no good to anybody.” (I Corinthians 13:2).  (New Living Translation)

Basic Beliefs

His will revealed in the Bible is our only source of authority

 “The whole Bible was given to us by inspiration from God and is useful to teach us what is true and make us realize what is wrong in our lives; it straightens us out and helps us to do what is right.”  (II Tim. 3:15).

 Since God’s Word is the only completely reliable and truthful authority, we accept the Bible as our manual for living.  We practice steady Bible reading & Bible study.  The Bible is the basis for all we believe.

 Responsible stewardship through tithing

 “A tithe of everything you produce ...  belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord.”  (Leviticus 27:30).

 “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”  (2 Corinthians 9:6-7).

 At CLCC, we practice “cheerful giving” for the support of Christ’s Body, the Church, as God commands. It is important to recognize that giving back is a part of our  worship to Christ.

Immersion

 “For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ…”  (Colossians 2:12). [Good News].

We practice baptism by immersion under water – following Christ’s example (Luke 3:21-22).

Spirit-led living

 (Jesus said) “I am the Vine, you are the branches.  If you abide in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; but apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5).

 We believe the only way possible to live the Christian life is by God’s power within us.  So we seek to practice a daily dependence on God’s Spirit to enable us to do what is right.  (Philippians. 2:13, Ephesians. 5:18).

 Telling others about Christ

 “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”  (I Peter 3:15).

 It is the responsibility and privilege of Christ-followers to share the Good News with others. We believe at Clear Lake Christian Church  that we are given a unique opportunity to share the love of Christ and bring others into this unique relationship.

Involvement in ministry by all

 “Christ loves us, and by his death he has freed us from our sins and made us a kingdom of priests to serve God…” (Revelation 1:6). [Good News]. “You are…the King’s priests…God’s own people, chosen to proclaim the wonderful acts of God.” (I Pet. 2:9) [Good News].

 The Bible teaches that every Christian is called to “full time” Christian service, regardless of his or her vocation.  We practice the truth that every believer is a minister by encouraging every member to find a place of service and ministry.  Every believer has direct access to God through prayer and Bible reading.

 Autonomy of each local church

 “Christ is the head of his Body, the church.  He is the source of the Body’s life…”  (Colossians 1:18). [Good News].

 Christ is the recognized head of our church, not any person, group, or religious organization.  While recognizing the value of associating and cooperating with other groups of Christians, we believe every local church should be self-governing and independent from any denominational control.

 New life for all who desire it

 “I came so that everyone would have life, and have it in its fullest.” (John 10:10) [Common English Version].

 “I am the light of the world. If you follow Me, you won’t be stumbling through the darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” (John. 8:12 ). [New Living Translation].

“So if the Son sets you free, you will indeed be free.” (John 8:36). [New Living Translation].

 Jesus offers to all an entirely new way of living life. He offers a life that is full and free from the control of sin. He offers a sure thing in an uncertain world.