At GFCOG, we consider ourselves to be orthodox in our beliefs. That is to say, we hold tightly to the fundamental teachings that have always been espoused in mainstream Christianity. These doctrines are:
About Jesus: We believe that He was the promised Messianic King and Son of God, was born into the world in Bethlehem where He grew to manhood and lived the life of a sinless carpenter. He spent His life serving others-- feeding the hungry, healing the sick, raising the dead, teaching us the way to God, dying as an atoning sacrifice for sin, but rising victoriously from the tomb.
About the Triune God: We believe in the Triune God- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, who created all things visible and invisible. We believe that Jesus was the Son of God, fully human and fully divine. Further, we believe that the Holy Spirit is a present reality, convicting us of sin, illuminating God's word, providing evidence to us that we are the children of God, and glorifying Jesus in our eyes. (Gen 1, Jn 1:1-14, Jn 16:5-16, Rom 8:9, 15-17)
About Salvation: We believe that all humans have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. This means that each person has put themselves where only God deserves to be in their lives, choosing to be their own lords. In Jesus' sacrificial death upon the cross, God substituted himself for us and took the punishment for our sinful rebellion. Through claiming the sacrifice of Jesus for ourselves and renouncing our rebellion, we can be made right with God.
This message forms the core of the gospel- that we were so bad that the Son of God had to die for us, but we were so loved that He was willing to do it! We believe that this message changes a person from the inside out. The sacrifice of Jesus gives us a radical new identity freeing us from self-righteousness (We were so bad that Jesus had to die for us, so how can we be spiritually proud?), guilt (We have been forgiven!), and pressure to conform to the world (Since Jesus thinks so highly of us that He was willing to give His life for ours, who cares what others think about us?). Thus, salvation liberates us, breaking the bonds of things (even good things) that once controlled and motivated us.
About Scripture: We believe the whole Bible is the Holy Scripture, God-breathed, and authorative for the Christian's life and for the church. We believe the Bible instructs us how to lives as followers of Jesus Christ. (2 Tim 3:15-17)
About the Christian Life: We believe that Christians are called to live lives of gratitude for the creating and redeeming work of God. As people who are overwhelmed by gratitude, we believe Christians naturally embrace God's call to sacrificial living that displays itself in wholehearted love for God and other humans. Practically, this radically affects our attitude towards God's will for our lives and our kindness to those we encounter. (Mat 22:36-40, Rom 12:1-2)
About Jesus' Return: We believe that Jesus will come again at a time of God's appointing and He will come for judgment. Those who are Christ's followers will dwell with God forever in Heaven; while those who have continued in their rebellion against God will be eternally separated from Him in Hell. Therefore we live in anticipation of His return, which could be imminent. (Mat 25:31-46, 1 Thes 4:13-18)