RGF Statement of Faith
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The Identity of Man & Woman
We believe that God created humans in His image, intentionally male and female, with unique and complementary qualities. Our sexuality is a gift from God, offered back to Him through marriage for procreation, union, and mutual delight, or for the single, an undivided devotion to Christ. Christians are called to proclaim the truth and beauty of God’s design and the redemption of sexual brokenness in our lives and culture through Jesus Christ.
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Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” So God created man in His image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” Gen 1:26-28
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The Permanence of Marriage
We believe that marriage was instituted by God to be a covenant relationship between one man and one woman. We believe the institution of marriage was the first and preeminent institution God created. We believe that strong communities are built by strong marriages. We understand that all marriages will encounter trials and tribulations at some point. We are called to minister to these marriages and point them to the saving grace of Jesus Christ.
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“‘Haven’t you read,’ He replied, ‘that at the beginning the Creator made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore, what God has joined together, let man not separate.” Matthew 19:4-6
The Value of Life
We believe that children are the legacy of a family. We believe that mankind was created in God’s image. We believe that all life begins at the moment of conception. We strive to help parents be accountable to God in raising, nurturing, and preparing their children to live a life that glorifies God.
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“For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Psalm 139:13-14a​
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We Believe
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The Bible is the inspired, infallible, authoritative Word of God.
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In the Trinity: there is one God, existing in three persons: The Father, The Son, & The Holy Spirit.
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In the deity and person of Jesus Christ, His virgin birth, His sinless life, His miracles, His death, burial, and resurrection for the salvation of our souls, and His ascension to sit at the right hand of the Father, interceding on our behalf. We also believe and await His return.
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That salvation of the lost, regeneration by the power of the Holy Spirit, and the redemption of a sinful world come through faith in Jesus Christ and Him only. It’s Jesus plus nothing. This is evidenced by water baptism.
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That the gifts, callings, and offices (Ephesians 4) are for today and in operation through the disciples of Jesus.
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In the presence of the Holy Spirit, through whom we can have the power to live a godly and holy life.
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In the spiritual unity of the Body of Christ, His church worldwide, through our faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
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We Value
THE SPIRIT OF UNITY - To work harmoniously toward a shared purpose and vision.
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. – Ephesians 4:3
THE SPIRIT OF INTEGRITY - To possess a commitment to biblical truth and honesty, refusing to allow our character to be corrupted or compromised. May integrity and uprightness protect me because my hope is in you. – Psalm 25:21
THE SPIRIT OF EXCELLENCE - To work as unto the Lord with the highest degree of professionalism, productivity, and skill.
…And every willing man skilled in any craft will help you in all the work. – 1 Chronicles 28:21
THE SPIRIT OF SERVANTHOOD - To demonstrate true humility by seeking, serving, and protecting the well-being of others.
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. – 1 Peter 4:10
THE SPIRIT OF COMMUNICATION - To interact with each other on matters of the ministry in a respectful and timely fashion.
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what helps build others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. – Ephesians 4:29
THE SPIRIT OF SAFETY AND ACCOUNTABILITY - To love, encourage, and correct each other as we do the work of the ministry, each taking responsibility for decisions and actions that impact the ministry.
So in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. – Romans 12:5
THE SPIRIT OF JOY - To have a positive, infectious, and cheerful attitude while performing assigned tasks and responsibilities.
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: – Rejoice! – Philippians 4:4
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