Statement of Essential Beliefs
We believe that the grand essentials of the Christian faith are summarized in the ten statements below. Church members and candidates for membership at Portland Community Church need not subscribe to every point in the Statement of Essential Beliefs in order to be members. But as members grow in the knowledge of God and His Word, we trust that in time they will come to embrace completely the Statement of Essential Beliefs. However, we believe it mandatory that the pastoral staff, program staff, elders and lay leaders subscribe to every point in the Statement of Essential Beliefs.
Scripture
We believe that the Bible, both Old and New Testaments, is the inspired Word of God, without error in the original writings. The Scriptures are the complete revelation of God’s will for the salvation of humankind and the divine and final authority for Christian faith and life.
The Godhead
We believe in one God, the Creator of all things, infinitely perfect and eternally existing in three co-equal persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
God the Father
We believe that God the Father created all things through His Son, Jesus Christ, and calls all humankind through the Holy Spirit to receive His Son in faith.
Jesus Christ
We believe that Jesus Christ is true God and true man, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He died on the cross as the sacrifice for our sins according to the Scriptures. He rose bodily from the dead and ascended into heaven where He now sits at the right hand of God the Father, serving as our High Priest and advocate.
The Holy Spirit
We believe that the ministry of the Holy Spirit is to glorify Jesus Christ, convict humankind of sin, regenerate believing sinners, and indwell, guide, instruct, empower, and seal believers for godly living and service until Christ’s return.
State of Humanity
We believe that humankind was created in the image of God but fell into sin and is therefore lost. Only through regeneration by the Holy Spirit can humankind find salvation and spiritual life.
Salvation
We believe that the shed blood of Jesus Christ and His bodily resurrection provide the only ground for justification and salvation for all who believe, and only those who receive Jesus Christ are born of the Holy Spirit, and thus become children of God.
The Church
We believe that the true Church is composed of all persons who through saving faith in Jesus Christ have been regenerated by the Holy Spirit and placed into the body of Christ, of which He is the head. Only those who are members of the true Church shall be eligible for membership at Portland Community Church.
Jesus’ Return
We believe in the personal, visible and impending return of Jesus Christ to the earth. The blessed hope of Christ’s soon coming challenges the believer to personal devotion and tireless service to God.
The Resurrection
We believe in the bodily resurrection of the dead: the believer to everlasting joy and blessing with God; the unbeliever to everlasting judgment and sorrow apart from God.
Baptism
This is the way we confess Christ as an initiation into His Church. In baptism, Christians are immersed in water or they are sprinkled with water, symbolizing the washing away of sin and Christ’s plunge into our world’s suffering to die and rise again for our salvation. This is what He gave to us to identify ourselves as His disciples. Though baptism is an act of saving faith, it does not and cannot save us: only Jesus does that! It’s an outward expression of an inward experience of faith.
Who should be baptized?
Every person who professes faith in Jesus. Acts 2:41; 8:12
What does baptism mean?
It pictures Christ’s death, burial & resurrection. 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
It illustrates identification with Jesus. Romans 6:4
It is a symbol of our Christian faith. 1 Peter 3:21
Why should I be baptized?
To follow the example and obey the command of Jesus. Mark 1:9; Matthew 28:19-20
To identify openly as a follower of Jesus. Matthew 10:32
If you are interested in being baptized or have any questions,
please email christine@portlandcommunitychurch.org
The Lord’s Supper
Communion signifies the sacrifice of body and blood Jesus lovingly made for us, symbolized with bread and grape juice, and recalls His desire for all to receive Him personally. Participating in Communion, we remember Christ’s radical commitment to us and reaffirm our commitment to Him. While Baptism is done once, at the beginning of our Christian journey, the Lord’s Supper is repeated often throughout our life of Christian devotion.
Matthew 28:19-20; I Corinthians 1:17-18, 8:8, 10:16, 11:23-26; Hebrews 13:9; Romans 14:17