From its founding in 1857, The Fountain (Then, First Christian Church) has chosen to focus on the essentials of the faith. Influenced by the Christian Restoration movement, our desire has been to reflect the slogan: “In the essentials, unity; in the non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity.” We recognize that the challenge is in determining what those essentials of the faith are. As an independent body, we hold to the following as the "essentials" of the faith:
GOD
We believe in one God, Creator of all things, eternally existing in three equal persons, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. (Genesis 1:1; Matthew 3:16-17; 28:19)
JESUS CHRIST
We believe that Jesus is our Lord and Savior, the sole redeemer of all mankind, and that through His atoning sacrifice we can be reconciled with God. (John 14:6; Acts 4:12; Romans 10:9; Galatians 2:20) We also believe that Jesus is God incarnate. (John 1:1-5, 14; Philippians 2:5-11; Colossians 1:15-17) Jesus is both God and man. He is God the Son, the second Person of the Trinity, and at the same time is also a real flesh and blood human being.
THE BIBLE
We believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God, sufficient for all matters of faith and conduct. (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21) It is accurate, reliable and applicable to our daily lives.
BAPTISM
We believe that all who accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior are to be baptized, which we practice by immersion. Baptism is not a requirement for salvation, but is a declaration of submission and obedience to Jesus and is, therefore, vital in the spiritual life of the believer. (Matthew 28:19)
COMMUNION
We believe in celebrating the act of Holy Communion whenever we assemble as saints to worship, and we extend an open invitation to all believers to share in this celebration with us. (Mark 14:22-25; 1 Corinthians 10:16-17, 11:23-26)
MARRIAGE
We believe that marriage is a sacrament of the Church, instituted by God and defined by Him. It is not man's to redefine. This church recognizes marriage specifically as the legal union of one man and one woman in an exclusive, lifelong relationship. Legitimate sexual relations are exercised solely within marriage. Hence, sexual activities, such as, but not limited to, adultery, fornication, incest, homosexuality, pedophilia and bestiality are inconsistent with the teachings of the Bible and the Church of Jesus Christ. (Genesis 1:27, 2:24; Matthew 19:4-6, Hebrews 13:4, Romans 1:18-24)
OUR MISSION
We believe that our Christian mission (purpose) is to bring people to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and to disciple them. (Matthew 28:19)
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