core dorctinal beliefs
5. The Baptism in the Holy Spirit
We believe in the baptism in the Holy Spirit as an experience distinct from and subsequent to the new birth, providing the believer with power for living, boldness in witness, and the gifts of the Spirit for service (Acts 1:8; Acts 2:4).
6. The Gifts of the Holy Spirit
We believe that the gifts of the Holy Spirit, including prophecy, tongues, healing, and other manifestations of the Spirit, are available and operative in the church today for the edification of the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:4-11).
RIVERGATE
INTERDENOMINATIONAL MINISTRIES.
11. Care for Creation
We believe that God has entrusted humanity with the care and stewardship of the earth. As commanded in Genesis, we are called to nurture and protect the environment, recognizing it as God’s creation and a reflection of His glory (Genesis 1:26-28; Psalm 24:1).
12. Belief in Second Chances
We believe in the grace of God that offers second and multiple chances in every area of human life. Whether in marriage, faith, finances, or family, we affirm that God’s redemptive power is available to restore and renew. No situation is beyond the reach of God’s grace, and His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23; Joel 2:25-26).
CORE DOCTRINAL BELIEFS
1. The Authority of Scripture
We acknowledge the Bible as a compilation of inspired revelations given by God through men, women, and prophets of old. We believe that the inspiration of the Bible is perfect and divine, despite any shortcomings in writing, expressions, translations, and interpretations. Where the Bible is consistent with the nature of God as revealed through His Christ and the apostles, it stands as the final authority in all matters of faith and conduct (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21).
7. The Lordship of Jesus Christ
We believe in the absolute Lordship of Jesus Christ over every area of life. As believers, we are called to live in obedience to His Word and in the power of the Holy Spirit, demonstrating the character of Christ in our daily lives (Philippians 2:9-11; Galatians 5:22-23).
8. The Church
We believe that the Church is the body of Christ, comprised of all who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ. We are called to gather for worship, fellowship, teaching, and the observance of the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper (Ephesians 1:22-23; Hebrews 10:25).
2. The Trinity
We believe in one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and co-eternal, sharing the same divine nature and essence (Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14).
9. The Great Commission
We believe in the Great Commission, that every believer is called to be a witness for Christ, sharing the Gospel with all people and making disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:18-20).
3. The Deity of Jesus Christ
We believe in the full deity and humanity of our Lord Jesus Christ, His virgin birth, His sinless life, His miracles, His substitutionary death on the cross, His bodily resurrection, His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and His personal return in power and glory (John 1:1-14; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
10. The Second Coming of Christ
We believe in the personal, visible return of Jesus Christ to the earth to establish His kingdom. We await His coming with anticipation, believing that it will bring the final fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan and the establishment of a new heaven and new earth (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; Revelation 21:1-4).
4. Salvation by Grace Through Faith
We believe that salvation is a gift of God’s grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ. It is not by works, but by trusting in the finished work of Christ on the cross. Through His shed blood, we are forgiven, justified, and reconciled to God (Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 5:1)
RIVERGATE INTERDENOMINATIONAL MINISTRIES, THREE HILLS (2024)