Foundational Beliefs

Like many other churches we have foundational beliefs that shape our faith. These include:

• God exists in three distinct persons: The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:18)

• Jesus is God’s ultimate revelation to humanity. Through His faithfulness, Jesus the Messiah redeems us and invites us to participate in God’s restorative plans for the world. (John 1:1-18, Galatians 2:270-283-0269

• The Bible is God-breathed, authoritative, and has the power to transform our lives. (2 Timothy 3:16)

Distinct Beliefs

At Third Baptist Church, we appreciate the diversity of thought among God’s people. Since Jesus the Messiah has set us free (Galatians 5:1), we value the freedom which manifests itself in the following ways:

• Soul Freedom - Each person is responsible for her or his own relationship with God. Only in freedom can a person give one's heart and life to Christ. Through soul freedom we recognize the importance that God places on the free will given to humanity. Through soul freedom we recognize that no one else can answer for us: not the church, not a creed, not the denomination, not the clergy.

• Bible Freedom - The Bible is foundational to us as individuals and as a congregation. Every Christian has the freedom and right to interpret and apply Scripture under the leadership of the Holy Spirit.

• Church Freedom - Each church is intended to be a fellowship of like-minded believers, autonomous in its governance and affiliations. All affiliations with associations and conventions are voluntary. In affiliating with an association or convention, a church does not relinquish any of its autonomy or independence regarding either theology or governance.

• Religious Freedom - Because each person is responsible for his or her own relationship with God, it is imperative that no person or human institution, particularly government, be a coercive influence either in support of or in opposition to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Each individual must be afforded the right to define their own relationship with God.

• Persons – Every person is made in the image of God and invited to participate in God’s restorative plans for the world. Men and Women receive gifts from the Holy Spirit and are equally encouraged to share their gifts with our faith community. Consequently, women are encouraged to preach, teach, and serve in all leadership capacities at Third Baptist Church.