OUR BELIEFS
All Scripture is self-attesting and being Truth, requires our unreserved submission in all areas of life. The infallible Word of God, the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments, is a complete and unified witness to God’s redemptive acts culminating in the incarnation of the Living Word, the Lord Jesus Christ. The Bible, uniquely and fully inspired by the Holy Spirit, is the supreme and final authority on all matters on which it speaks. On this sure foundation we affirm these Essentials:
1. We believe in one God, the sovereign Creator and Sustainer of all things, infinitely perfect and eternally existing in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. To Him be all honor, glory and praise forever!
2. Jesus Christ, the living Word, became flesh through His miraculous conception by the Holy Spirit and His virgin birth. He who is true God became true man united in one Person forever. He died on the cross a sacrifice for our sins according to the Scriptures. On the third day He arose bodily from the dead, ascended into heaven, where, at the right hand of the Majesty on High, He now is our High Priest and Mediator.
3. The Holy Spirit has come to glorify Christ and to apply the saving work of Christ to our hearts. He convicts us of sin and draws us to the Savior. Indwelling our hearts, He gives new life to us, empowers and imparts gifts to us for service. He instructs and guides us into all truth, and seals us for the day of redemption.
4. Being estranged from God and condemned by our sinfulness, our salvation is wholly dependent upon the work of God’s free grace. God credits His righteousness to those who put their faith in Christ alone for their salvation, thereby justifies them in His sight. Only such as are born of the Holy Spirit and receive Jesus Christ become children of God and heirs of eternal life.
5. The true Church is composed of all persons who through saving faith in Jesus Christ and the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit are united together in the body of Christ. The Church finds her visible, yet imperfect, expression in local congregations where the Word of God is preached in its purity and the sacraments are administered in their integrity; where scriptural discipline is practiced, and where loving fellowship is maintained. For her perfecting, she awaits the return of her Lord.
6. Jesus Christ will come again to the earth—personally, visibly, and bodily—to judge the living and the dead, and to consummate history and the eternal plan of God. “Even so, come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20).
7. The Lord Jesus Christ commands all believers to proclaim the Gospel throughout the world and to make disciples of all nations. Obedience to the Great Commission requires total commitment to “Him who loved us and gave Himself for us.” He calls us to a life of self-denying love and service. “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).
These Essentials are set forth in greater detail in the Westminster Confession of Faith.
MISSION STATEMENT
Lookout Valley Presbyterian Church’s Mission Statement (updated April 2024)
Love God, Love Others, Serve the World
1 Corinthians 16:14 Let all that you do be done in love. (ESV)
1) Love God
Our love for God is the center of our Mission Statement. When truly loving God the natural progression is to love others as we help our family, our church family, our community and enable the missionaries we support to help people throughout the world.
We must accept God’s love before we can love Him. Loving Him means every area of our life must include Him. We study the scriptures to know the character of God and to worship Him. We love God by being obedient to His commands, by following the Golden Rule & the Great Commission. We show our love for God by living our lives in a way that honors Him. It is then obvious to those around us in and out of church.
2) Love Others
We strive to love others as God loves us. We strive to recognize the difference in character and personality, to love others as they are. We strive to forgive others as the Lord has forgiven us. We strive to help the less fortunate, to encourage others, give joy and love.
We endeavor to take care of needs of others as best as we can, to practice hospitality, welcoming others to our congregation. As believers, we have something to offer that is different from the world - make sure everyone knows about the gospel of Jesus.
By showing love, the Holy Spirit will show through us.
3) Serve the World
We strive to serve the world through local and international means. It could be through tutoring local elementary children after school, “adopting” a local third grade class or participating in the baby shower drive for items for our local planned parenthood association. It is through our contributions to mission work – local and international. It is through acts of kindness, volunteer work, selflessness, compassion and a desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others. It is community involvement. It is loving our neighbors. By injecting ourselves into situations we are able to help, we feel we are part of God's plans.
2 Corinthians 5:7 for we walk by faith, not by sight. (ESV)
