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What We Believe
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Our Core Principles
"Then you shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free." John 8:32.
At First Christian Church - Eureka Springs (FCC), we believe in the essential biblical truths that have been held sacred by Christ’s followers since the church began. We affirm that these truths are unchangeable, yet fresh and applicable for each new generation. We choose to focus on these essential teachings while encouraging discussion, debate, and conversation of the secondary or non-essential teachings, seeking a deeper understanding of God and His Word.
FCC is affiliated with the independent Christian Churches and Churches of Christ of the Restoration Movement, which arose in the early 19th century on the American frontier under the leadership of such men as Barton Stone and Alexander Campbell. We seek to honor Jesus’ prayer in John 17, promoting world evangelism by practicing unity in the church, which is based upon the restoration of Biblical authority and the essential elements of New Testament Christianity.
Our approach to worship and understanding is captured in a few time honored phrases:
Each congregation is self-governing under Christ, so individual churches may differ from one another on non-essentials. Therefore, the statements that follow are designed to help people understand the essential teachings we confess:
At First Christian Church - Eureka Springs (FCC), we believe in the essential biblical truths that have been held sacred by Christ’s followers since the church began. We affirm that these truths are unchangeable, yet fresh and applicable for each new generation. We choose to focus on these essential teachings while encouraging discussion, debate, and conversation of the secondary or non-essential teachings, seeking a deeper understanding of God and His Word.
FCC is affiliated with the independent Christian Churches and Churches of Christ of the Restoration Movement, which arose in the early 19th century on the American frontier under the leadership of such men as Barton Stone and Alexander Campbell. We seek to honor Jesus’ prayer in John 17, promoting world evangelism by practicing unity in the church, which is based upon the restoration of Biblical authority and the essential elements of New Testament Christianity.
Our approach to worship and understanding is captured in a few time honored phrases:
- No creed but Christ, no book but the Bible, no law but love.
- The Bible is the only guide to faith and practice.
- Where the Bible speaks, we speak; where the Bible is silent, we are silent.
- In essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, in all things charity (love).
- We are not the only Christians, but we are Christians only.
Each congregation is self-governing under Christ, so individual churches may differ from one another on non-essentials. Therefore, the statements that follow are designed to help people understand the essential teachings we confess:
About God |
There is one God, eternally existing in three distinct persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and each possesses all of the attributes of God. God is the Creator and Sustainer of the universe and everything in it.
Genesis 1:1,26,27, 3:22, Ps 90:2, Matt 28:19, 1Pet 1:2, 1Cor 13:14 |
About Jesus Christ |
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is one with God the Father and the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ is our Savior, who was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, died on a cross for all sin, and was raised from the grave after three days to demonstrate His defeat of sin and death. He ascended into heaven and will return again to earth to reign as our powerful King.
Matt 1:22-23, Is 9:6, John 1:1-5, 14:10-30, Heb 4:14-15, Rom 1:3-4, Acts 1:9-11, 1Tim 6:14-15, Titus 2:13 |
About The Holy Spirit |
The Holy Spirit is one with God the Father and Jesus Christ. Those who accept Christ
as their Savior will receive the Holy Spirit to live inside them. The Holy Spirit serves as our comforter, guide and advocate. The Holy Spirit is given to Christians and provides guidance in living, an understanding of the Bible, and prayerfully intercedes for them. 2Cor 3:17, John 16:7-13, 14:16-17, Acts 1:8, 1Cor 2:12, 3:16, Eph 1:13, Gal 5:25, Eph 5:1 |
About The Bible |
Our foundation is based firmly upon the Bible as our final authority on Christian beliefs and as a guide to living. The Bible is divinely inspired by God, without error, given to man so that we may know and understand the truth of God and His love.
2Tim 3:16, 2Pet 1:20-21, 2Tim 1:13, Ps 119:105,160, 12:6, Prov 30:5 |
About Humanity |
All people are made in the image of God and were created to live the adventure of following Jesus Christ. Although people have tremendous potential for good, we also have the freedom to do evil. Our disobedience toward God is called “sin” and sin is what separates a person from God.
Gen 1:27, Ps 8:3-6, Is 53:6a, Rom 3:23, Is 59:1-2 |
About Salvation |
Salvation is not something that can be purchased or earned. It is a free gift from God provided by Jesus' sacrifice on the cross and is received only through faith. It is available to everyone who accepts Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord. That faith is expressed through repentance of sin and baptism by immersion.
Rom 6:23, Eph 2:8-9, John 14:6, 1:12, Titus 3:5, Gal 3:26, Rom 5:1 |
About Eternity |
People were created to exist forever. Every person will either exist eternally in union with God in heaven through following Jesus Christ, or eternally separated from God in hell by refusing to follow Him.
John 3:16, 2:25, 5:11-13, Rom 6:23, Rev 20:15, 1 John 5:11-12, Matt 25:31-46 |
About Church |
Church is God’s plan for organizing His people to accomplish His purposes on earth. He calls us into fellowship, not only with Himself, but also with other Christians. He wants us to work together, get along, and care for each other. There is one universal, invisible church that consists of all true believers all over the world, sometimes called, "The Body of Christ." However, this universal church is composed of many separate, autonomous local churches with local leaders. All believers are added to Christ’s invisible church when they are saved, and are expected to associate, fellowship, and serve Christ in a local congregation.
Acts 2:41-47, Acts 8:3 & 9:4, 2Cor 8:1-4, Heb 10:25, Gal 6:2,5, Phil 2:1-4 |
About Membership |
Members are received into First Christian Church of Eureka Springs by: (a) making a public confession of faith in Christ and being baptized by immersion; or, by (b) having previously been baptized by immersion at some other church, making a public statement of faith in Christ and expressing a desire to become a member of First Christian.
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