THE BIBLE
We believe that the Bible (consisting of 66 books) is God’s authoritative and inspired Word. It is without error in all it’s teachings, including creation, history, its own origins, and salvation. Christians must submit to its divine authority, both individually and corporately, in all matters of belief and conduct, which is demonstrated by true righteous living. (2 Tim 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21)
THE GODHEAD
We believe in one God, Creator and Lord of the universe, the co-eternal Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:19; 2 Cor. 13:14)
JESUS CHRIST
We believe that Jesus Christ, God’s Son, was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, lived a sinless life, died a substitutionary atoning death on the cross, rose bodily from the dead and ascended to heaven where as fully God and fully man, He is the only mediator between God and man. (Isaiah 7:14; 9:6; Matthew 1:18-21; 1 Cor 15:3-4; Mk 16:19; 1 Tim. 2:5)
NATURE OF MANKIND
We believe that human beings, though created in the image of God, are sinful, guilty, and lost without Christ, and that this truth is a necessary preliminary to the gospel. (Gen. 1:26; Ps. 51:1; Rom. 3:23, 5:12; 1 Jn 1:9)
SALVATION
We believe in the necessity of the work of the Holy Spirit for the individual’s new birth and that salvation is: a) by grace, b) requires repentance, c) experienced through a personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, d) for the regeneration of all who receive Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit and become the children of God, and e) manifested by a changed life. (1 Cor. 12:3; Eph. 2:8; Rom 10:9-10; John 1:12; 2 Cor. 5:17)
THE RETURN OF CHRIST
We believe in: a) the personal, visible, bodily return of Jesus Christ to earth, b) the bodily resurrection of the just to eternal life in the glory of God’s presence, and c) the bodily resurrection of the unjust to judgment and everlasting punishment. (Acts 1:9-11; 1 Thess. 4:15-17; 2 Cor 5:10)
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MISSION
LOVE GOD
Become more like Jesus Christ through regular obedience in prayer, worship, and study of God’s word
2 Peter 1:3-9
LOVE EACH OTHER
Support our church family in all areas of life through intentional relationship
John 13:34-35; 1 John 3:16-18
LOVE AND SERVE THE WORLD
Share the good news of Jesus Christ through words and actions
John 3:16-1; Matthew 9:35-38
VISION
Emerald City Bible Fellowship is a multi-cultural Christian community that exists to learn, share, and demonstrate the gospel of Jesus Christ in the Rainier Valley neighborhood and beyond.
INSPIRATION
Principles of Christian Community Development:
Relocation – Living in our area of ministry
Reconciliation – Connecting individuals to God and each other
Redistribution – Outreach to our community
VALUES
Holistic Approach
We are committed to addressing the spiritual, emotional, physical and social needs of our community internally and externally | Matthew 4:23; Luke 2:52
Location
We are committed to bring an active presence to the rainier Valley neighborhood | John 1:14; Philippians 2:5-8
Reconciliation
We are committed to the journey of connecting individuals to God and each other across different backgrounds and experiences to promote forgiveness, healing, respect and unity. We are committed to speaking the truth in love | 2 Corinthians 5:17-21
Empowerment
We are committed to increasing the capacity of our community by identifying and developing the talents and leadership potential of each person | Romans 12:3-8; Ephesians 4:11-13
Bold Faith
We are committed to a creative and courageous approach to ministry, taking initiative and risk as we follow God | Hebrews 11
Discipleship
We are committed to supporting each other as we become devoted followers of Jesus by providing opportunities and accountability for spiritual growth | 2 Peter 3:18
Ownership
We are committed to fully participate in the vision, mission and values of ECBF through our talents, time and resources | Nehemiah 2:17-18 and Chapter 3