what we believe
Although it's impossible to fully articulate what we believe about God, His Word, and His people on a webpage, this summarizes what we believe. We believe in holding strong to our core Christian convictions while embracing freedom of belief in areas where Scripture allows. As Evangelical Friends, we submit and adhere to our doctrinal statements of faith as articulated in our Faith & Practice.
god
We believe that there is one true living God who exists eternally in three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. They exist as one and share the same nature, attributes, and perfection.
(Matthew 28:18-19; Mark 12:29; John 1:14; Acts 5:3-4; 2 Corinthians 2:13, 10:11; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21)
god the father
God the Father is the creator of the universe and is a personal God who desires a relationship with all people. He is a supernatural being who has always existed and will always exist. He is the ruler of all creation who hears and answers prayer. He is perfect in all that He is and does.
(Genesis 1:1; Psalm 89:26; Isaiah 9:6; John 6:27, 45-46; I Corinthians 8:6; II Corinthians 1:3; Galatians 4:6; Ephesians 5:20)(Matthew 28:18-19; Mark 12:29; John 1:14; Acts 5:3-4; 2 Corinthians 2:13, 10:11; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21)
jesus christ
Jesus Christ is God's only begotten Son. We believe in His conception by the Holy Spirit, His virgin birth, sinless life, miracles and teachings, and that He offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on the cross. He rose from the dead on the third day to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to heaven and will return again to earth to reign as King and Lord.
(Ephesians 4:1-8; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5; I John 5:20; Isaiah 53:3-4)
the holy spirit
The Holy Spirit 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 becoming like Christ in our thoughts, words, character, and actions.
(John 14:16-17, 26, 15:26, 16:7-14; Galatians 5:18, 22-25; Acts 1:8; I Corinthians 6:19-20)
the church
The true Church is composed of all people who trust in Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. Believers are united together in the “Body of Christ,” of which Jesus is the head. Garden Grove Friends Church is a community of believers who have organized themselves for service to God's purposes and His Kingdom.. Our church is responsible to provide opportunities for fellowship, growth, teaching, and serving by using one’s spiritual gifts as given by the Holy Spirit.
(Romans 12:5; I Corinthians 12:12-28; Ephesians 3:6, 4:11-16, 5:23)
the bible
The Bible is God's Word to all people, written by human authors through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the only source of truth and authority for all Christian beliefs and living. It is inspired by God without error.
(John 17:17; II Timothy 3:16-17; Psalm 119:105; Proverbs 30:5)
baptism
At the moment we become Christians we are baptized into the body of Christ, and this spiritual baptism is completely sufficient for the believer.
(Mark 1:8; Ephesians 4:4-6; Romans 6:3-4; Colossians 2:11-12; Luke 3:16; I Peter 3:21)
The physical act of water baptism by immersion after accepting Christ as personal Lord and Savior is not needed for salvation or spiritual standing, but is a person’s testimony of death to sin, and resurrection to a new life in Christ.
(Acts 2:28, 8:12, 16, 36-39, 10:47; Matthew 28:16-20)
communion
Our relationship to God, as believers, provides us with the privilege of moment by moment communion with God. It is the silent communion of our spirit with the Spirit of God that is essential to our continued walk with Him. (John 6:33, 48, 51, 14:16; Romans 8:11; Ephesians 3:14-17a; II Corinthians 13:5; Revelations 3:20)
The "Lord's Supper" is a time of remembering the death of the Lord Jesus Christ and for examining one's life. The taking of the elements does not result in spiritual benefit but provides the believer with a physical method of remembrance in a Scripturally approved manner. (I Corinthians 11:23-28, 10:16-17; Luke 22:17-20)
In accordance with traditional Friends belief, GGFC teaches the necessity of spiritual baptism and communion, but affirms water baptism and the Lord's Supper for those whose conscience would lead them to partake. We celebrate communion on the first Sunday of each month.
