// Beliefs
Jesus Christ and Salvation
We believe that Jesus Christ was and is the Son of God. He was born into the world through a virgin birth and lived as both fully God and Man. His life and ministry brought purpose and healing to all people – the rich and the poor, the healthy and the sick, the accepted and the outcast. Likewise, his death on a cross, resurrection three days later, and ascension into heaven were for all people, so that we might come to have not only purpose and healing, but also hope and empowerment through our faith in Him. We believe that all who do trust in him for their salvation will have eternal life with Him and that one day He will return to bring all things into account. (John 1:1, John 14:2-3, Acts 10:42)
The Holy Spirit and Christian Life
We look to the very present ministry of the Holy Spirit. As the eternal and third person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit continually directs us to Jesus Christ and roots our life deeper in Jesus Christ. Through the presence of the Holy Spirit, we are enabled to live out the fruits of the Spirit, we are empowered to serve others, and impassioned to share the gospel. (Galatians 5:22-23, 1 Corinthians 12, Acts 2)
The Bible as God’s Word
We believe that the Bible is the inspired and authoritative Word of God. We believe that it tells us the story of how God has created, sustained and saved humankind. As God’s expressed word to us about both purpose in Him and eternal life with Him, the Bible is our final authority in all matters of faith and practice. (2 Timothy 3:16)
Unity of Believers
While there are many expressions of the church throughout the world, there is essentially one church that is made up of all who have received Jesus Christ as Lord. We believe God’s Word teaches that when a person comes to have faith in Jesus they become apart of God’s unified body of people, the church. (Acts 2:46-47)
For this reason, Eastland Church does not have a formal membership or membership requirements. However, we encourage any person who is new to Eastland Church or new to the Christian faith to take part in new member gatherings that are hosted periodically by one of our pastors.
Ordinances as Rich Experiences
Ordinances are worship and faith disciplines which have specifically been ordained by Jesus in his instructions to his followers. We believe the ordinances are symbolic of something that is happening in the believer as a direct act of God's Spirit. The symbolic act witnesses to an inner reality. These symbols affirm and remind us of what God has done in Christ. Eastland Church practices the ordinances of baptism, communion and foot-washing.
Baptism by immersion is a first step for the new believer. Through baptism the new believer experiences a new spiritual dimension to his or her life, and also serves as a witness to the church that he or she is now an active participant in the faith community. (Mark 1, Acts 2:38)
Communion (The Lord’s Supper), is an affirmation of oneness in Christ. The bread and cup are symbolic of the grace experienced in the life of the believer. Eastland Church takes communion on the first Sunday of every month, on Christmas Eve, and on Maundy Thursday before Easter Day. (1 Corinthians 10:16-17)
Foot-washing is an ordinance practiced by many church groups. It is an act symbolizing the servant ministry of all Christians to each other and to the world. Men and women typically assemble in different rooms where they practice the washing of each others feet, sing together and share testimonies about God’s blessings with each other. Participation is not considered a test of one’s faith, but instead it is a spiritual experience that Christians are encouraged to observe and join. (John 13)
Other Rich Experiences
Infant dedication is not considered an ordinance, but is consistent with the instructions of Jesus to “let the children come to me (Jesus), and do not hinder them…” (Matthew 19:14) Parents are encouraged to present themselves with their infants for a time of dedication in public worship in order to acknowledge the child as a gift from God, commit themselves to rear the child in awe and respect of God, and ask God's blessings upon the body, mind, and spirit of the child.
Marriage and Family are gifts from God and should be entered into with wisdom and discernment. A wedding ceremony or any other celebration of family is a worship experience that acknowledges God’s gifts. Therefore we believe in providing whatever guidance and support we can through such awesome moments in the life of others.
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