Statement of Faith
God’s vision is to reach the world through the local church. The local churches in our area must work together with the understanding that the health of the community is our responsibility. We declare that we are on the same side working for the same cause—the advancement of the kingdom of God in southwest Florida and around the world.
We therefore affirm that:
1. We strive for unity and peace as the body of Christ
2. We, the pastors of our city commit to strengthen each other in prayer and encouragement.
3. We agree to participate, when possible, in scheduled meeting times for Forum discussion and scheduled events which are on the OCWC calendar.
4. We agree that our fellowship of believers finds common ground on the following beliefs.
WE BELIEVE...The Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, are God’s inspired, infallible Word, and declare His design and plan for mankind.
2 Timothy 3:16,17; Matthew 4:4; John 17:17
WE BELIEVE...There is only one true God; revealed in three persons...Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (commonly known as the Trinity).
Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Genesis 1:1; Genesis 2:7; Acts 17:24-28; John 17:3
WE BELIEVE...In the deity of the Lord Jesus Christ. As God's Son; Jesus was both human and divine. He was born of a virgin becoming truly man. He offered himself as a sinless, substitutionary sacrifice for a lost human race through his death on the cross. He was physically resurrected from the dead to show that his redeeming work was perfectly accomplished and completely satisfactory to the Father. He ascended into heaven in order to begin his present heavenly ministry as our High Priest, as Head of the church, and as our Advocate before the Father. One day He will return in power and glory.
Romans 5:8; 2 Cor. 5:21; Hebrews 4:15; 7:26-28; 1 Peter 2:21-24; 3:18 Luke 24:50-51; Ephesians 1:22-23; Hebrews 8:1-2; 1 John 2:1 Acts 2:32-33; Romans 1:2-4; 1 Corinthians 15:3-6; Matthew 24:44; Mark 8:38; Acts 1:11; Hebrews 9:28.
WE BELIEVE...Though pronounced good at creation, man willfully fell to sin; ushering, both physical and spiritual death and evil, into the world.
Genesis 1:26-27; Psalms 8:3-6; Ecclesiastes 5:18-19; 1 Corinthians 10:31; 1 Timothy 6:17; Gen. 3:1-24; Psalm 51:5; Isaiah 59:2; Rom. 1:18-20; 3:10-12; 23; 5:12-19; 1 Corinthians 1:30; 2:14; Ephesians 2:1-5
WE BELIEVE... that Jesus Christ is building His Church on the earth and that although she may exist at present in many different branches, she remains One in Christ.
Acts 2:47, 9:31; Ephesians 1:22, 3:20.
WE BELIEVE...God has offered us forgiveness of sin through repentance and faith in Christ. This city is won when individuals give their lives to Jesus Christ as personal Savior and Lord.
Romans 6:23; also see Romans 5:15-16; Ephesians 2:8-9; also see Romans 3:28; 5:1 1 John 5:11-13; also see John 3:16; 10:28-29; Romans 8:30; 38-39; Revelation 20:11; Jude 6; Hebrews 9:27; 2 Peter 3:7; Revelation 20:10-15; 21:1-4