Our Doctrine
WHAT WE AT SHERWOOD FOREST CHURCH BELIEVE:
The
following doctrinal statement is intended as a summary statement, not a comprehensive review. It is subscribed to by all the
leadership of the church and is taught to all people within the church family. While there may be differences of opinion about
some doctrines of Sherwood Forest Church these basic tenets of the faith are held dear by the church body. Should you wish
a full doctrinal statement, please contact us at pastor@sffwb.org. The Christian life is a growth and maturity process. Wherever you are on your journey with Christ, or
if you haven't yet begun that journey, we invite you to join us in worship and fellowship.
WHAT WE BELIEVE:
CONCERNING THE BIBLE
The original writings of both
the Old and New Testaments were breathed by God into the prophets, apostles, and apostolic associates by means of the Holy
Spirit. The Holy Spirit chose the words employed by the writers according to their personalities and backgrounds. We believe
these writings are without error and are of supreme and final authority in the lives of believers in every age and every generation.
ABOUT GOD
There is but one true and living God,
who eternally exists as three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, who exclusively share in the work of creation,
maintenance of the universe, redemption, and judgment.
REGARDING MAN AND HIS NEED
Man was created in the
image of God, but because of Adam's sin that image has been marred, and all human beings are now born with a sinful nature.
Human beings are unable to function in moral responsibility before God. All individuals need a spiritual regeneration before
they can become what God intended for them to be.
ABOUT GOD, THE SON
The Eternal Son, Jesus Christ,
entered into the human race as the virgin-born son of Mary. He was named Jesus, fulfilled Old Testament prophecies about the
Messiah, was rejected by Jewish leaders, condemned by Pontius Pilate, crucified by Roman soldiers, buried in a borrowed tomb,
but on the third day arose bodily from the dead in accordance with the predictions of the Old Testament Scriptures.
CONCERNING REDEMPTION
Jesus Christ died on the
cross as a sinless substitute for sinners of all ages and times. The Father was in this manner, through the ministry of the
Holy Spirit, reconciling the world to Himself. All who receive the risen Jesus as Lord, by repentance and faith, are spiritually
born into a permanent membership in the family of God.
REGARDING GRACE AND ATONEMENT
Atonement for the
sins of all people has been freely provided through Jesus Christ. The grace of God that brings us to salvation has been freely
extended to all people. The grace of God is sufficient to save each and every human being who turn to Christ in repentance
and faith.
ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT
We believe that the resurrected
Jesus ascended to heaven and on the day of Pentecost sent the Holy Spirit to baptize the Church as the Body of Christ in the
world. The Holy Spirit came to en-dwell, guide, teach, and empower all who believe. He imparts to them the life of Jesus so
they may live godly lives and engage in loving service to any who are in need.
CONCERNING THE CHURCH
The Church consists of all
who have been regenerated by the Holy Spirit. It finds expression as local churches, operating under the direction of Jesus
as Lord and Head of His body. The Holy Spirit works through deacons, pastor/teachers, and evangelists who have been called
to equip the saints to fulfill the work of the ministry as described in the Scriptures.
REGARDING THE ORDINANCES
Salvation is a free gift
of God to all who place their faith in His Son, Jesus Christ, as their Lord and Savior. Jesus directed new believers to follow
that step of faith with water baptism as an outward symbol of their spiritual identification with His death, burial, and resurrection.
Jesus directed His followers to participate together in the memorial supper to remember His death until He comes again in
glory. He also taught His followers to perform acts of humility and service; following His example of humility in washing
His disciples’ feet.
ABOUT CHRISTIAN RESPONSIBILITY
All believers have
been made new persons in Christ through spiritual rebirth. We are still capable of acting on urges of the sinful nature (or
the flesh) with which we were once identified. When we do act on the urges of our sinful nature, we only produce works which
do not please God. We can, however, choose to rely upon the Holy Spirit living within us. It is our responsibility to individually
make that choice which leads to a fruitful life that glorifies and pleases the Father.
CONCERNING THE FUTURE
We believe that Jesus Christ
will return to this earth in visible human form, judging the evil of the world and calling the Church into eternal companionship
with Himself. The prophetic predictions of the kingdom describe both the present spiritual blessings upon the Church and the
future literal establishment of His kingdom. It will conclude with a final resurgence of evil which will be totally and finally
overcome by God. The new heaven and new earth will be created in which righteousness alone shall eternally dwell. All human beings will be raised from the dead, at their proper time, to participate
either in the eternal life prepared for those who have been redeemed, or to participate in the eternal punishment reserved
for the devil and his angels.
Contact Us:
We will be most happy to provide you
a full doctrinal statement should you so desire. Please contact us at pastor@sffwb.org
