As a church family, we believe there really is good news found in the Gospel. Jesus invites everyone, people just like you, to change the world and that begins in your own heart, being modeled and transformed to be more like Christ every day. Our vision is to be an inviting group of faithful Christians who glorify God by bringing Jesus’ life and love to all for the purpose of leading them into a relationship with Him.  We are a church family where age has no boundaries. We believe that each generation has its place in the family and in the importance of extending the grace of Jesus across generational barriers. If you would like to know more about our vision or beliefs, please feel free to contact us, or come visit us!

Core Beliefs About…

God:

We believe God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. His nature is holiness and love. He is the Father of Jesus Christ. He conquers all, He knows all, and He is everywhere. In Him we have life and existence. God eternally exists in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equals and are one God. Some suggested passages of study about the holiness of God:  2 Corinthians 13:14; Genesis 1:1, 26, 27; 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; John 14:6-7; Ephesians 4:6; Hebrews 1:8; 1 Peter 1:2; Deuteronomy 6:4.

Jesus:

We believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and he lived a flawless human life and offered himself as the perfect sacrifice in hopes of saving all people by dying on the cross.  After three days, He triumphantly raised from the dead and won the battle over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven and will return again to judge the world and bring all God’s people to heaven forever. We strive to follow and imitate His example. Recommended passages to read are: 1 Timothy 6:14-15; Matthew 1:22-23; Isaiah 9:6; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Acts 1:9-11; Romans 1:3-4; 

John 1:1-5; 14:6-30; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 4:14-15.

The Holy Spirit:

The Holy Spirit is an equal part of the trinity (with the Father and the Son of God) and is God’s power for creation and transformation. Through the power of the Spirit, we are aware of the need for Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit is our guide. From the moment we are raised from baptism, the Spirit lives in Christians.   He helps us pray. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right.  As Christians, it is our goal that every day, we surrender to the control of the Spirit in order for Him to create in us the character of God.  We suggest you study John 14:16-17; 16:7-13; Acts 2:38; Romans 8:1-16; 

2 Corinthians 3:16-18; Genesis 1:2; Galatians 5:22-25; 2 Peter 1:21.

Baptism & Salvation:

Baptism into Christ is repeatedly commanded in the New Testament, where through faith, individuals respond and dedicate their lives to the Good News of Jesus. For believers who understand that only the blood of Jesus can wash away sins, it is the pivotal point where faith, a decision, and action come together to add someone to the Church. Through burial in water we are united with the death, burial and resurrection of Christ and declares that our sins have been forgiven and our new life has begun. The New Testament is filled with examples – here are a few: Matthew 3:16; 28:19-20; Romans 6:1-8; Ephesians 5:26; Titus 3:3-5; Acts 2:38; 8:38; 22:16; John 3:5; 

Galatians 3:26-27.

God longs for you.  He wants to be woven into your life, and he wants you to live with him forever. In a world surrounded by death and despair, God desires to reconcile us through His redemptive power. It is God’s desire that everyone on earth accept his gift of salvation. There is nothing we can do that can earn our salvation. God’s forgiveness can only be obtained through obedient trust, believing what Jesus did on the cross for each of us. Jesus Christ is the one and only hope for salvation and life after death.  Read these passages: Acts 2:38; Ezekiel 33:11; Romans 6:3-4; Galatians 3:23-27; John 1:12; 14:8; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5; 2 Peter 3:9.

Discipleship:

Discipleship is foundational to everything we do at Highlands because it was at the core of Jesus’ ministry and was the last instruction he gave to His followers. Our goal is to provide purposeful pathways for disciples to grow and multiply, helping us all become more like Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. Helpful passages: Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 2:42; 1 Thessalonians 5:11, 1 Corinthians 3:18; Galatians 2:20; John 8:31; Luke 9:23-24; 

John 13:34-35; Acts 1:8.

The Church:

The Church belongs to the Lord. It is his body and every Christian is a member of that body. It is not defined racially, socially, geographically, ethnically, or denominationally. There is only Christ’s body, and he alone adds those He saves to that body. The purpose of the Church is glorifying God through worship, serving others, providing a community of believers and seeking others who are lost in life.  Read: Matthew 16:18; Romans 16:16; 

Ephesians 1:22-23; 4:4-6; 5:22-30; Acts 2:46-47; 20:28; Galatians 3:28.

The Bible:

Put simply, we believe in the Bible and governs our lives to the way God wants us to live. We believe that it tells the amazing story of God’s pursuit of a relationship with us through his son, Jesus and that through him alone, we find salvation. It is a story for each of us to discover, and we encourage you to find out more. Explore the Bible. Study it. We’d love to talk with you about what you learn because it is a continual journey for each of us in our Christian walk.

Worship:

Worship is far more than being together for one hour a week.  Worship is daily and is central to a relationship with God. Not only do we worship individually throughout the week one-on-one with God, but we also worship as a community of believers each Sunday. Having a constant mindset of worship is one that will lead you to a completely new level in your walk with the Lord. We believe Sunday is a chance when we can spend time together worshiping as a full community of believers. When we get together as a group, we are committed to using what is called a cappella singing (voices only) and prayer to express praise in our worship. Each week we celebrate the Lord’s Supper to affirm our covenant relationship with God. We are also committed to using methods and worship formats that will glorify God and draw the hearts of the worshipers into the presence of God as well as encourage one another. We desire worship that is Christ-centered, community-building, and Spirit-led, engaging us in life-changing encounters with God. Worship refocuses our lives and drives all the ministries through which we endeavor to honor God and serve others.  Read these passages:  Acts 2:42-47; Ephesians 5:18-20; Colossians 3:15-17.

Eternity:

“God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.” (I John 5:11-12) People were created in the image of God to exist forever. We will live forever either separated from God by sin or eternally with God through his grace, forgiveness and salvation. Heaven and Hell are real and eternal. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be in God’s presence for eternity is Heaven. Knowing these realities, we desire to use every available resource to draw people to God and the blessing of eternal life.  The Bible exists to draw you, and all of us, to God.  Some passages you will want to read are: 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10; Revelation 20:11-21:5; Matthew 25:41-46; 1 John 2:25; 5:11-13; John 3:16; Romans 6:23; 

2 Corinthians 4:17-5:l.

There is an eternal reward for those who seek him, and there are many blessings for those who are part of his church on earth. Read. Study. Draw closer to Him. May you be blessed with the words of Romans 15:5-7: “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.”