Basic Beliefs
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. (Ephesians 4:1-7)
We have chosen this passage as a theme passage for RiverSong for several reasons…
- A “wide door for effective service” was opened to Paul at Ephesus through which he planted churches throughout Asia.” (1 Corinthians 16:9, Acts 19:26) We see a similar opportunity in Chattanooga through which many churches can be planted throughout the SE.
- Paul writes this letter to the Ephesians, a very diverse community both racially and philosophically, to challenge them to find unity in Christ. We want to take the same message into downtown Chattanooga.
- In verses 1-3, Paul provides a thesis statement for the whole letter. He calls the Ephesians to a life that mirrors the heart of God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We want to call God’s people to the same at RiverSong…
- Humility
- Gentleness
- Patience
- Forbearance in Love
- Diligence to keep the Unity of the Spirit
“Walking” in these will be the bottom line at RiverSong Church.
- In verses 4-7, Paul provides a platform for the unity to which he is calling the Ephesians. We want to build our community on the same platform…
- One Body
- One Spirit
- One Hope
- One Lord
- One Faith
- One Baptism
- One Father
- Each One of us is offered grace and gifts
Our “basic beliefs” are found in these verses.
One Body – Christians complete each other.
One Spirit – (Support for the Trinity) His presence binds us together.
One Hope – Our hope is realized in Christ Jesus. We live in confidence that we are loved by God and saved by His grace.
One Lord – (Support for the Trinity) Jesus is Lord.
One Faith – God is who He says He is and He will do what He says He will do.
One Baptism – Christians are redeemed and gifted for Kingdom service in this very special spiritual event.
One Father – (Support for the Trinity) He is the one to whom Jesus prayed. He is our Father in Heaven.