Beliefs
We Are ThePLACE
At ThePLACE, we believe in the power of faith and the transformative work of Christ in our lives. We hold firm to the core principles of Christianity and strive to live out these values in our daily walk.
The Bible
The Bible is God’s Word to all people. It was written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. Because it was inspired by God, the Bible is truth without any mixture of error and is completely relevant to our daily lives. 2 Timothy 3:15-17
Jesus Christ
We believe Jesus Christ is God the Son, the second person of the Trinity. On earth, Jesus was 100% God and 100% man. He was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, performed miracles, died on the cross for humanity and thus, atoned for our sins through the shedding of His blood. He rose from the dead on the third day according to scriptures, ascended to the right hand of the Father, and will return again in power and glory.
(Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1,14, 20:28; Philippians 2:5-6; 1 Timothy 2:5, 3:16)
Salvation
Salvation is God’s free gift to humanity but as is the case with any gift, it must be received. The way we receive this gift is only by trusting in the death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ. (1 Timothy 2:5; Romans 10:9)
Generosity
Living generously honors God. We give generously so that the world might be transformed. Lives and communities are transformed when we give. Our gifts put love into action and make God’s love real in the lives of others through the ministries of our church. We believe that tithes, offerings, and alms are God’s financial plan for the support of His work. (Malachi 3:10; Matthew 23:23; 2 Corinthians 9:6-12)
Ordinances
Baptism
In Water. Being submerged in water is a public way to celebrate the spiritual change that happened when you were born again. It’s a symbol of having died and been buried, then coming up out of the grave free of our old dead selves (John 3:3-21; Acts 8:27-39). Water baptism does not save you; it’s a celebration of being saved. This is why water baptism is only offered to those who understand salvation and have been saved.
In the Holy Spirit. Being submerged in the Holy Spirit is a free gift from Jesus Christ to anyone who is both saved and willing to receive it (Mark 1:8, Luke 11:13; Acts 19:1-6). This baptism sometimes first shows up as speaking in a spiritual language (also known as “tongues,” Acts 2:4). Since the Holy Spirit is our helper (John 14:26), being baptized in Him empowers us to a life of discipleship (Acts 1:8; Galatians 5:22-23).
The Lord’s Supper (Communion)
The Lord’s Supper, consisting of the elements, bread and fruit of the vine, is the symbol expressing our sharing in a memorial to His suffering and death, and a prophecy of His second coming, and is enjoined to all believers “until He comes” (John 6:48,51,53-57; Luke 22:19,20; 2 Pet. 1:4; 1 Cor. 11:25).
Foot Washing
The ordinance shall be observed as seen fit by all established places of worship, as enjoined in the Scriptures (John 13:1-17; Luke 7:36-50).
God
There is one God who always existed and always will. He exists in three equal persons: the Father; the Son, or Jesus; and the Holy Spirit (the Trinity). The Father sent the word (John 16:28, John 1:14). The Son is the word who became flesh (a man), and he has existed since before the beginning of time (John 1:1, John 1:18, John 1:14). The Holy Spirit is the “doer,” doing the work of the Father and the Son (Genesis 1:2; John 15:26)
The Gifts Of The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is manifested through a variety of spiritual gifts to build and sanctify the church, demonstrate the validity of the resurrection, and confirm the power of the Gospel. The Bible lists of these gifts are not necessarily exhaustive, and the gifts may occur in various combinations. All believers are commanded to earnestly desire the manifestation of the gifts in their lives. These gifts always operate in harmony with the Scriptures and should never be used in violation of Biblical parameters (Hebrews 2:4; Romans 1:11, 12 :4-8; Ephesians 4:16; 2 Timothy 1:5-16, 4:14; 1 Corinthians 12:1-31, 14:1-40; 1 Peter 4:10).
The Church
The church is a local community of believers unified through faith in Christ. It is committed to His teachings and obeying all of His commands and it seeks to bring the gospel to the world. The church works together in love and unity, intent on the ultimate purpose of glorifying Christ
(Acts 2:41-47)
The Five Fold Ministry
The Five Fold Ministry positions of apostles, prophet’s evangelists, pastors and teachers are gifts given to the local church and the universal church. These gifts are given for the equipping of believers to spread the gospel of Christ. We believe both men and women are sovereignly chosen by God for these ministry positions. (Ephesian 4:8-13)