STATEMENT OF FAITH
The Bible
We believe that the Bible as God's Word is inspired and infallible. It is fully inerrant in its original manuscripts and superior to all human authority. We do not shape God's Word. God's Word shapes us. God's Word has never failed man. It is a perfect road map that leads to
eternal life with God, through Jesus, the Word made flesh.
The Trinity
There is one God eternally existent in three distinct persons in one divine essence: God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.
Salvation
Eternal salvation is available to every living human being on earth only by God's grace and through faith in Christ alone.
Destiny
We believe that there is life after death and all are on their way to either heaven or hell.
Sacraments
The sacraments, as means of grace, are sacred acts instituted by God in which God Himself has joined His Word of promise to a visible element, and by which He offers, gives, and seals the forgiveness of sins earned by Christ.
CORE VALUES
God's Living Word
The Word of God is the focus of our worship services, the textbook for our teaching ministries, and the foundation of our daily lives. Whether we are preaching, teaching, singing or just talking, we want to be people of the Word. The Bible as God's Word is the center of our congregation.
God's Grace
We want the Good News of God's grace in Jesus Christ to be the centerpiece of our mission. All people need the Gospel and need to hear
it again and again. The Good News is God's power, which saves us, draws us together and motivates us for service.
God's Law
The Law of God cannot save us, but it is necessary for our salvation. We need to see our sin and be driven to the cross of Christ for forgiveness. We need to be reminded that we cannot earn God's love or merit His blessings. We need the ethical guidance that God's
Law gives. We dare not make up our own morality.
Love and Fellowship of God's People
We need each other. We need the spiritual gifts, which the Holy Spirit imparts to His people. We experience God's peace as we worship
and work together, forgive each other, and bear each other's burdens.
We are to Witness and Proclaim the Gospel
We long for people to trust in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, to come to know Him in a personal way. We are called by the love of Christ
and commanded as His disciples to share His Gospel. Our mission is as local as our neighborhood and as universal as the whole world.
We Seek to be People of Prayer
Whether in public worship, small groups or in our personal lives, we want prayer to be foundational. Prayer supports and propels
us in our mission. We desire that prayer be as essential in our ministries as breathing is to our physical life.
Family and Marriage
God's plan for human sexuality is that it is to be expressed only in a monogamous, lifelong relationship between one man and one woman within the framework of marriage, or in celibate chastity. This is the only relationship which is divinely designed for the birth and rearing of children and is a covenant union made and blessed in the sight of God.
605.438.9672 101 Northridge Ave, P.O. Box 301, Milbank, SD 57252 livingword@itcmilbank.com nnnnn