In a world of widely varying religious doctrines, we believe it is important to define some of our core beliefs. A core belief is that which we consider to be of central importance to living out the Way of Jesus.  We hold to other beliefs and values that may not be listed here, but these core convictions are the foundation of all our other values.  We would be glad to discuss other beliefs with you any time.  Many of these are covered in our WestArk 101 class for new members.

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Jesus Christ

This is where we begin.  Jesus is the center of our faith and discipleship and sets boundaries.  Jesus is the Son of God and God has exalted him to rule with grace over all creation. Jesus was sent to this world for the purpose of saving us from our sins, revealing God to us, and restoring a creation broken by the corruption of sin.  Jesus was miraculously born to a virgin.  He humbled himself in obedience to God and showed us what human life was really intended to be.  Jesus lived a sinless life and was unjustly crucified by a sinful humanity on a cross.  He was buried but after three days he was resurrected by God to claim victory over sin and death.  After that, he appeared to many witnesses and ascended into heaven where he is exalted and honored at the right hand of God and serves as our king and mediator.  Jesus lives and we can know him. Jesus promised to return to this earth one day at a time of God's choosing in order to judge the world and make all things new.  He will establish a New Heaven and a New Earth where all believers will live eternally with him without the corruption and suffering of sin.​

John 1:1, 14; Matthew 16:15; John 4:25-26; Matthew 17:5; John 3:16-17; 1 Corinthians 15:1-9; Philippians 2:5-11; Hebrews 1:1-13; 2 Peter 3:8-11

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God

God is the Creator of everything that exists.  He is the only true God and reveals himself to us as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  The essence of his being is love. We are called to love God and love others because all humans are created in the image of God.  God is passionately pursuing justice but also rich in mercy and grace.  Nothing is too difficult for God and his judgment is good.  He is at work redeeming us and all creation from the distortion of sin and evil.

Genesis 1-2; John 1:3; Romans 1:20; 1 Corinthians 8:5-6; Ephesians 4:4-5; John 17:3; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14

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The Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is God's presence.  The Spirit works within us to make us more Christ-like and to produce the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5).  The Spirit also works to teach us, remind us of what Jesus taught, comfort us, convict us of our sins so we will repent, empower us to help others and guarantee our inheritance (eternal life).

John 14:15-27; Romans 8:1-17; Galatians 5:16-25; John 16:5-15

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The Bible

The Bible is God's Word and it is the final authority in all matters of faith and life. We believe that the Bible holds us all accountable to God.  We preach, teach, and study God's Word that contains the good news because we have discovered it to be the truth that leads to hope. We have added bible references to all of these core beliefs because we hope to show that these core beliefs come from a source greater than us.

2 Timothy 3:15-17; Hebrews 4:12-13; 2 Peter 1:20-21

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Salvation

All people are created in the image of God for the purpose of living in eternal relationship with him.  However, sin has marred God’s creation.  Our sinfulness separates us from God and makes it impossible for us to live with him.  The only way that this can be undone is through the mercy and justice of God which was shown by sending his Son (Jesus).  His obedience and death reconciles us with God.  Salvation is a free gift from God initiated by God’s grace.  It is available to all who put their trust in Jesus by repenting of their sins, confessing their faith in him and being baptized into Christ.

Genesis 1:27; Acts, 2:36-40; Ephesians 1:4-5; Romans 3:22-26; Romans 5:12-21; Romans 6:22-23

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The Church

The church is not merely an institution or organization headquartered in a building. The church is the living body of Christ made up of his disciples. There is only one church but it is comprised of many parts.  The head of the church is Jesus Christ and, as such, he is the foundation and center of everything we do and believe.  The purpose of the church is to follow Christ by living out the greatest commands, to glorify God, and to love God and love all people.​

Ephesians 4:4-16; 1 Corinthians 3:10-11; 1 Corinthians 12:12-27; Mark 12:28-34; Matthew 22:34-40; Acts 2:42-47

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Service and Godly Behavior

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus described the Kingdom of God as a way of life.  Those who hear his words and put them into practice are wise builders who construct their lives on a solid foundation.  Disciples of Jesus are followers of Jesus and we do not devote ourselves to good deeds to earn our way into heaven.  Rather, we live as those who are looking forward to the heavenly state of affairs even now. Along with our mission to make disciples, we are also eager to serve others and do what is right because God's mercy motivates us to love mercy, his holiness convicts us to do justice, and his grace compels us to be humble.  

Matthew 5-7, 2 Peter 3:11-14, Titus 3:4-8, Micah 6:8