2. About Jesus Christ: Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered himself as a perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He rose from the dead after three days to demonstrate his power over sin and death. He ascended into heaven’s glory and will return again someday to earth to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. (Matt. 1:22-23, Isaiah 9:6, John 1:1-5, Heb. 4:14, 1 Cor. 15:3-4, Acts 1:9-11, Rom.1:3-4, 1 Tim. 6:14-15 and Titus 2:13)
3. About the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make people aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. He gives every believer a spiritual gift when they are saved. As Christians we seek to live under his control daily. (2 Cor. 3:17, John 14:16-17, John 16:7-13, Acts 1:8, 1 Cor. 2:12, Eph. 1:13, Gal. 5:25 and Eph. 5:18)
4. About the Bible: The Bible is God’s Word to us. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is the truth without any mixture of error. (2 Tim 3:16, 2 Peter 1:20-21, 2 Tim. 1:13, Ps. 119:105, Ps. 160, Ps. 12:6, and Prov. 30:5)
5. About Human Beings: People are made in the spiritual image of God to be like Him in character: People are the supreme object of God’s creation. Although every person has a tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called "sin". This attitude separates people from God and causes many problems in life. (Gen. 1:27, Ps. 8:3-6, Isaiah 53:6, Rom. 3:23 and Isaiah 59:1-2)
6. About Salvation: Salvation is God’s free gift to us but we must accept it. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin’s penalty. When we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his or her life by faith. (Rom. 6:23, Eph. 2:8 & 9, John 14:6, Titus 3:5, Gal. 3:26 and Rom. 5:1)
7. About the Church: The Church is the people of God. It is the Body of Christ, called by God and empowered by the Holy Spirit to be the primary instrument for God’s redemptive purposes in history. The church gathers as a family of faith to worship God, to grow in Christ, and to make Christ known to the world. ( Matt. 16:13-19, Acts 2:42-44, 1 Cor. 12:27, Eph 2:19-22, Eph. 4:4-6 and 1 Peter 2:9-10.)
8. About Eternity: People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence. (John 3:16, John 14:17, Romans 8:17-18, Revelation 20:15, 1 Cor. 2:7-9)
Sanibel Community Church
Distinctives
We are a multi-denominational community church. While it is impossible for us to fully embrace and affirm the tenets of all denominations, we make every effort to be a place where people from a wide range of denominational backgrounds feel at home. In the midst of our denominational diversity, there are several disctinctives that are important to us.
We affirm a rich heritage of diverse expressions of worship. We conduct at least three worship services each Sunday that are each unique in expression and scope. Here at Sanibel Community Church you will see worshippers witness a broad spectrum of Biblical expressions of praise and worship.
We affirm that by the Holy Spirit, God imparts gifts to His people. In accordance with Scripture we affirm the operation of Spiritual gifts in His Church today.
We affirm Christian baptism. As a multi-denominational church, we accept people into membership who were baptized as infants, or who received baptism by sprinkling or pouring, however, our practice of baptism is immersion of believers. We embrace God’s grace for children in the act of child dedication.
We affirm sexual purity. We consider sexual intimacy to be a precious gift of God to be experienced only in the covenant relationship of marriage between a man and a woman.
We affirm the sanctity of Life. God is the author of life and we join with Him in upholding the value of life. We are pro-active in promoting alternatives to abortion or euthanasia, proclaiming the sufficiency of God’s grace and mercy in the time of need.
We affirm evangelism and missions. We are a great commission congregation. We are intentional in reaching these Islands for Christ…and beyond these Islands to the world with a serious commitment to world missions, including the sending of mission teams.
We affirm the centrality of prayer. Daily individuals and groups are praying. We encourage every follower of Christ to be devoted to prayer.
We affirm the priesthood of all believers. We believe that every follower of Christ is a minister, gifted, equipped and called to be involved in the extension of Christ’s Kingdom throughout the earth.
We affirm spiritual growth through intentional discipleship and nurturing. Sanibel Community Church is a training center, equipping the saints for the work of ministry. Through Family Bible School, various courses and small group Bible studies we intentionally assist in the process of growing in spiritual maturity.
We affirm the priority of nurturing children. We come alongside the family to assist in the spiritual growth of children from cradle to adulthood. Our Family Bible School and LOGOS Program are first-class disciple programs for children of all ages.
We affirm the necessity of Christian Fellowship. We enjoy being together as God’s people, bearing one another's burdens and sharing one another's joys. Our courtyard fellowship time is an important time of connecting as church family. Our small groups are not only an opportunity for spiritual growth, but a vital part of our Christian fellowship.
We affirm the unity of the Church. Our Covenant of Membership statement reflects our commitment to guard the unity of the church. We affirm the unity of the local Church, as well as the Whole Body of Christ throughout the earth.
We affirm mercy ministries expressing the compassionate care of Christ. We are committed to reaching out and administering the “cup of cold water” in Jesus’ Name. We are concerned about the needs of the total person; spiritually, emotionally, and physically. As Christ’s representatives, we will provide assistance to help meet these needs.