Statement of Faith

Walnut Grove Church is an independent non-denominational church whose one purpose is to help people discover the God who made them and who desires to have relationship with Him. As we discover this amazing God, we also discover an abundant life full of purpose and promise that is available to those that decide to follow God on this amazing journey. Below are the beliefs we hold about God, about the Bible, and about the truths contained within.

The Bible

We believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God and the only infallible guide and rule of our faith and practice. (Psalm 119:89; Matthew 24:35; 2 Timothy 2:15, 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21.)

God

We believe there is one God. In the unity of the Godhead, there are three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, equal in every divine perfection and attribute, fulfilling distinct but complementary roles in the great work of redemption. (Genesis 1:26; Matthew 3:16-17; 2 Corinthians 13:14; 1 Timothy 1:17; 1 John 5:7.)

(1) God the Father

We believe in God the Father, the co-Creator with the Son and the Holy Spirit, who is the eternal, all-powerful, all-knowing, everywhere-present, and unchangeable Creator of all. (Deuteronomy 32:6; Psalms 103:13; Isaiah 63:16; Matthew 6:9; John 3:1, 5:19-23, 17:1-11; Acts 17:28; Romans 8:14-16; Ephesians 4:6.)

(2) God the Son

We believe in God the Son, co-Creator with the Father and Holy Spirit, who took upon Himself human form, being conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, and given the name, Jesus. His death by crucifixion and His bodily resurrection reconciled the human race to God. He ascended to heaven where He is seated at the right hand of the Father making intercession for us as the King of kings and Lord of lords. (Isaiah 53:1-5; Matthew 1:21-23; John 1:1-3, 11:25-26; Ephesians 1:20-23; Philippians 2:1-6; 1 Timothy 2:5.)

(3) God the Holy Spirit

We believe in God the Holy Spirit, co-Creator with the Father and Son, who is now sent by
the Father through the Son to convict the world of sin, lead us into all truth, and empower and equip the Church to carry on Christ’s work on earth. (Genesis 1:2; John 14:26, 15:26, 16:8; Acts 1:8.)

The fall of mankind

We believe the human race is fallen from its original, created goodness because of the sin of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. (Genesis 1:27, 3:1-6; Isaiah 53:6; Romans 3:10, 3:23, 5:12, 5:19.)

The plan of redemption

We believe Jesus Christ was the sacrifice God planned from the foundation of the world for the sin of the human race. By shedding His blood and dying on the cross, Jesus made provision for the salvation of all people. (Isaiah 53:5; Titus 2:14; Hebrews 7:25; 1 Peter 1:19-20.)

Salvation

We believe, because of our total inability to save ourselves, salvation is by God’s grace alone. It is received by faith with repentance and acceptance of Jesus Christ as personal Savior. (John 3:3, 3:16-17; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 2:8-10; 1 Peter 2:24.)

Water Baptism

We believe water baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is an outward sign of an inward work and is commanded by God following conversion. (Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38; Romans 6:4.)

Communion

We believe in partaking of the bread and the cup of communion in remembrance of the Lord’s death, burial, and resurrection. We celebrate an open communion for all believers regardless of church affiliation. (Luke 22:7-22; 1 Corinthians 11:23-28; 2 Corinthians 13:5.)

Spirit-Filled Life

We believe the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in every believer at the moment of salvation. The Holy Spirit is a divine person, sent to be with all followers of Jesus. He will convince the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment. He will guide believers into all truth, be a witness to them that Christ rose from the dead, and He will empower all believers to share the Gospel all over the world through the gifts and character that best reflect God’s love for all of humanity (John 14-16, Acts 1:8, 1 Cor. 12:7-11)

We believe every Christian should walk and abide in daily fellowship with the Holy Spirit and experience continual renewing of God’s power to live a Spirit-filled life in attitudes, thoughts, speech, and conduct. In order to build up and equip both individual believers and the Church of Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit gives spiritual gifts that are to be earnestly desired and exercised in
the spirit of love. The fruit of the Spirit to be cultivated in the life of every believer is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (John 15:4, 15:8; Acts 4:31; Romans 8:1, 8:5, 12:1-2, 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 3:17, 12:7-11, 12:31; 2 Corinthians 7:1; Galatians 5:16-25; Ephesians 4:11, 4:30-32, 5:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:22; 1 Peter 1:15, 4:10-11; 1 John 2:6.)

Divine Healing

We believe the power of God to heal the sick and afflicted is provided for in Christ’s death on the cross. God is willing to and does heal today. You will see regular opportunity given for people to receive prayer for healing at our large and small group gatherings. (Isaiah 53:4-5; Matthew 8:16-17; Mark 16:18; Acts 3:16, 10:38; James 5:14-16; 1 Peter 2:24.)

Resurrection

We believe the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ assures the believer of bodily resurrection and eternal life. (Matthew 28:1-7; Romans 6:1-10; 1 Corinthians 15:20-22; 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18.)

Second Coming of Christ

We believe the second coming of Christ will be personal, visible, and triumphant. (Zechariah 14:4; Matthew 24:36-44; Acts 1:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10, 2:8; Titus 2:12-13; Revelation 1:7.)