Our Beliefs
Beliefs influence behaviors.
Beliefs aren't nearly as important as actions. But behaviors always begin with beliefs. Here are few of the more important beliefs that inform West Milford Church's actions.
WE BELIEVE THERE IS ONLY ONE GOD.
He exists as God the Creator Father; as Jesus, the Savior and Friend of every individual; and as the Holy Spirit, the Guide and Comforter of those who trust and obey Jesus. (Ephesians 4:4-5, John 3:16-17)
WE BELIEVE THE CHURCH IS THE BODY OF CHRIST...
...of which Jesus Christ is the head. The members of the church are those who have trusted the finished work of Christ. The purpose of the church is to glorify God by loving Him and by making Him known to the lost world. (Matthew 28:19-20)
WE BELIEVE THAT EVERY CHRISTIAN SHOULD LIVE CHRIST AND NOT FOR HIMSELF.
By obedience to the Word of God and daily yielding to the Spirit of God, every believer should be in a growing relationship with Christ.
(1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
WE BELIEVE THAT THE ONLY OBJECT OF OUR WORSHIP IS GOD.
Therefore, our worship services are designed to please Him. Scripture (the Bible) indicates the kind of worship that pleases Him. Like the Church in the 1st century, we emphasize the teaching of Jesus' apostles, the fellowship (serving together) of the church, the breaking of bread (communion - remembering Jesus), and prayer. (John 4:24, Acts 2:42)
WE BELIEVE THAT EVERYTHING WE NEED TO KNOW...
...about God, about life, about what happens after death, about knowing right from wrong...can be found in the Bible. God inspired it, and it is the final authority for everything we do in life. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
WE BELIEVE THAT MANKIND WAS CREATED IN THE IMAGE OF GOD...
...to have fellowship with Him but became alienated from Him through sinful disobedience. As a result, man is incapable of regaining a right relationship with God through his own effort...Only by God's grace can man be made right with God. (Romans 3:23, Ephesians 2:8-10)
WE BELIEVE THAT THE BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST...
...shed on the cross, provides the sole basis for the forgiveness of sin. Therefore, salvation occurs when people place their faith in Christ, accepting His death and resurrection as sufficient payment for their sin. When believing, repentant people express their obedience to Jesus by being baptized (immersed in water), God forgives their sin and gives them the gift of His Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:37-38)
