Statement of Belief
The Lighthouse Ministry of Wagner
Salvation Essentials
God –
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three person: the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit. These three are equal and are one God. Scripture References: Genesis 1:1, 26-27; 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Isaiah 45:18; Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14; 1 Peter 1:2; Matthew 3:16-17
God the Father –
We believe that God the Father holds all the attributes of God while exercising a unique role in the triune God. The Godhead is in agreement with the role of each: God as Father, Son as sacrifice, and Spirit as power. He is the father of Jesus Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit, and yet still one with both as God. The Father adopts believers into relationships with him as their Father. With Christ, believers have the privilege of being heirs to God’s glory. He actively prunes/disciplines believers to strengthen them for His glory. Scripture References: Luke 1:35; Matthew 3:17; Romans 8:15-17; John 15:1 & 2; Hebrews 12:7-11
Jesus –
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is equal with the Father as God. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people dying on the cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven’s glory and will return again someday to claim His own and take them to Heaven. Scripture Reference: Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:22-23; John 1:1-5; 8:58; 14:10-30; Acts 1:9-11; Romans 1:3-4; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; 1 Timothy 6:14-15; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 4:14-15; Revelation 1:8
Holy Spirit –
The Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. As Christians we seek to live under His control daily. Scripture References: John 14:16-17; 16:7-13, 17; Acts 1:8; Romans 5:5; 1 Corinthians 2:12; 3:16; 2 Corinthians 3:17; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 1:13; 5:18
Mankind –
People are made in the image of God to be like Him in character. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God, called “sin”. This attitude separates people from God and causes many problems in life. To put this simply, we all have a sinful nature. However, we are not separated from God because of the sinful nature but because we give into it and sin. Scripture References: Genesis 1:27; Genesis 3; Psalms 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Isaiah 59:1-2; Romans 3:23
Salvation –
Salvation is God’s free gift to us, but we must accept it. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ and God’s offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin’s penalty. When we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ as Lord of his life. This is evidenced by repentance, confession, and a life committed to His service. Scripture References: John 1:12, 14:6; Romans 5:1, 6:23; Galatians 3:26; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5
Bible –
The Bible is God’s Word to us. It was recorded by human witnesses under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is truth without any mixture or error. The Bible is infallible, inerrant, and absolute truth. Where it speaks, we listen and obey. Scripture References: Psalm 12:6; 119:105; 160; Proverbs 30:5; 2 Timothy 1:13, 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21
Non-Salvation Issues
Eternity –
People will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or exist eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is eternal death in Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life in Heaven. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence. Scripture References: John 3:16; 14:17; Romans 6:23; Romans 8:17-18; 1 Corinthians 2:7-9; Revelation 20:15
Baptism –
We teach those who believe the message of the gospel, have repented, and confessed Christ as Lord and Savior will be baptized as an act of obedience in following Jesus. In the book of Acts people were immediately baptized. We want to respond with the same sense of urgency in a timely act of obedience following a confession of faith. Baptism is defined as to be immersed. Our part of obedience is a physical baptism by immersion in water. God’s part is a spiritual baptism. Baptism is a picture of death and resurrection. Scriptural References: Matthew 28-18-21; Acts 2:37-38; Acts 8:35-39; Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12 Because we do not believe a baby, or a small child, is lost before the age of accountability (the age where they have the ability to know the truth about God, Jesus and sin), we do not baptize infants. Matthew 18:1-6
The Church –
The church is the body and bride of Christ also the household of faith. It is a living temple where God dwells in His people. We believe that everyone that has been saved by Christ is a member of the church. We believe that the church exists throughout the world, and is witnessed and experienced in local autonomous gatherings of believers. Scripture References: Ephesians 4:16; Romans 12:4 & 5; Ephesians 5:24-32; Galatians 6:10; 1 Peter 2:4-5; 1 Corinthians 3:16; Acts 14:23; Matthew 16:16-18; Acts 2:42-47; Romans 12:5; 1 Corinthians 12:12-27; Ephesians 1:20-23; 4:3-10; Colossians 3:14-15
The Leadership Model of the Church –
The Lighthouse is a non-denominational Christian church. While recognizing the value of associating and cooperating with other groups of Christians, we believe the local church should be governed by Pastoral Leadership Team who have been chosen from among the members. We have concluded that the biblical model for church leadership is that Christ is the head of the church, and the local Pastoral Leadership Team are responsible to carry out His will in the local assemble of believers. Scripture References: Acts 14:23; 1 Timothy 5:17; Ephesians 5:23-25; 1 Peter 5:1-4
Communion –
Communion is a memorial, a new covenant, and a proclamation. It is a sacred event for those who have a vital, biblical relationship with Jesus. Communion at The Lighthouse is defined as Scripture defines it.
“For I received from the Lord what I also pass on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘This is my body, which is given for you; do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood, do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me. For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. Therefore, whoever eats the bread and drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself. That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep.’” 1 Corinthians 11:23-30 Scriptural References: Matthew 26:26-28; Acts 2:42-47; 1 Corinthians 11:23-28; 10:16; 1 Peter 2:24; Ephesians 1:7
Relationships –
We believe that God created us for relationship – relationship with God and with one another. We emphasize the greatest commandments which are to love God with all of our heart, mind, soul and strength and to love others as ourselves. It is by our primary relationship with God, through Jesus, with the Holy Spirit working in us, that love and all godly fruit is possible. It is by our love for one another as Christians that people will know we are true disciples of Jesus Christ. We bring glory to God by living our lives in authentic, life changing relationship with Him and with one another. Scriptural References: Genesis 1-2; Deuteronomy 6:4-5; Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 22:34-40; John 13:34-35; 1 Corinthians 13; 1 John 1:5-7
Priesthood of every Believer –
The Bible teaches that every Christian is called to “full-time” Christian service, regardless of his or her vocation. We practice the truth that every believer is a minister by encouraging every member to find a place of service and ministry. Every believer has direct access to God through Bible reading/study, prayer and the leading of the Holy Spirit. Every Christian is to be a disciple developing relational environments in which they share their faith with those around them by word and by action. Scriptural References: Revelation 1:6a (NASB95), 1 Peter 2:9, 1 Peter 4:10
Spiritual Gifts –
God has designed the local church like a physical body, with Jesus Christ as the head. God gifts each of His children in unique and special ways to serve and build up the body. Therefore, spiritual gifts are not for personal benefit or glory, but to bring glory to God, as well as encouraging and building up the church. 1 Corinthians 14:4 No one individual can have all the gifts. 1 Corinthians 12:17-30. We are interdependent on each other; together we are the body of Christ which is a clear demonstration of true diversity. There is no division as we all have equal concern and need for each other. One is an eye, another is a hand, another is a foot; and some are presentable while other parts are un-presentable. We all must be the part God has designed us to be, if not, the body suffers and becomes ill. “If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.” Romans 12:6-8 Unfortunately, some division can come with reference to the use of tongues. God gives rules in His word for the use of tongues. If someone speaks in a tongue it will be one at a time. 1 Corinthians 14:27 There must be an interpreter. 1 Corinthians 14:28 There must be one who discerns whether it comes from God. 1 John 4:1 It is noteworthy that 1 Corinthians was written to house churches. To preserve unity in the body of The Lighthouse, we ask that the gift of speaking in tongues not be exercised in public meetings (services/small groups). Scriptural References: Romans 12; 1 Corinthians 12-14; Ephesians 4:1-16; 1 Peter 4:7-11
Stewardship and Generosity –
At The Lighthouse we give generously to support the church, the body of Christ, as God’s word commands. We recognize that giving 10% of our income is defined as a tithe, the biblical starting point of giving to the local church. But we do not stop there. We believe that our whole lives are a response to God’s grace and love for us. And so we consider it our privilege and our challenge to live lives of extravagant generosity. We view our entire lives as an offering to the Lord, and so we live our lives in such a way that we are no longer asking the question, “God, how much are you asking me to give?” but rather, “God, how much are you asking me to keep?” In living this way, we seek to honor God through ultimate sacrifice of our time, gifts and resources for the purposes of His Kingdom. We encourage everyone to live obediently as it pertains to their finances, which includes tithing. If tithing has not been a part of your life practices we encourage you to explore what God says about finances and step out on this faith journey. Began by committing to trust Him in this area. Take a step of faithful obedience and set aside a percentage of your income to give faithfully. As we courageously walk with God in this area He will grow each of us in the area of generosity and sacrifice. Trusting the Lord in this area will bring peace to your life as you grow in the worshipful response to God. Being a part of The Lighthouse means that you are committed to following God as He grows and changes you to be a person of generosity. Everything over 10% is an “offering of gratitude” for the great things God does for us every day. The offering of gratitude is a privilege to give and is in addition to the tithe. We believe that the local church wherever you attend is the storehouse and you should give your tithe there. The offering may be given at your discretion to any worthwhile ministry, church or organization. We also recognize that we must be good stewards of our time and our talents – everything we have, as the Lord has blessed us with these things as well. Like any other form of obedience, tithing is a matter of the heart. Scriptural References: Leviticus 27:30; Malachi 3:7-12; Acts 4:32-5:11; 2 Corinthians 8:1-9:15; 2 Corinthians 9:6-15; Mark 12:43; 2 Samuel 24:24a; Matthew 23:23; Luke 11:42
Stances on controversial issues:
The End Times –
We believe there will be a literal return of Christ and a judgment day. We also believe there will be a literal rapture (a catching up of the saints). How and when this will happen has been a source of great debate. We believe the details are in God’s hands and this is not a salvation issue. Scripture References: Matthew 12:36; Matthew 24:36; John 5: 22; 16-8; 2 Corinthians 5:10; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; 2 Peter 3:6; Jude 6
Eternal Security –
We teach that a person is saved by grace through faith. Faith is evidenced by action. Scriptural References: Ephesians 2:8-10; James 2:14; Romans 1:5 There are different perspectives regarding eternal security. Often this issue is recognized by the question “Can you or can you not lose your salvation?” Both sides of the issue believe you know a tree by its fruit (John 6:44). A person is not lost because they sin but because they reject Jesus. This has been a long standing argument between scholars from two different theological camps. The Armenians believe salvation can be gained and lost. The Calvinists believe once a person is saved he or she can never be lost again. There are great scholars who stand on both sides of this debate and there is a scriptural support for both perspectives. Both believe that a person can be identified as a Christian if there is a change in behavior – fruit. The Holy Spirit produces a changed character over time. In our church we will encourage those who have given their lives to Christ to grow. If they fall down in their faith we will help them to get back up and continue on with Christ. We believe that a Christian can have great confidence in their salvation. The Armenian believes that only a person who has denied their faith in Christ is lost. The Calvinist believes that a person who has denied faith in Christ was never saved to begin with. Again, either way, faith in Christ saves us. Ultimately we have people from both backgrounds in our church and we have decided that this is not a salvation issue.
Ordination –
The Pastoral Leadership Team may ordain men into full-time ministry. These men will have demonstrated in their lives the character and purpose of Jesus Christ, through study, teaching, positive family relationships, their daily walk, and a written doctrinal statement and personal review by the Pastoral Leadership Team. An ordained pastor is permitted to perform the ordinances of the church: Communion, Baptism, Weddings & Funerals, Preaching and Teaching, as well as Baby Dedications. The Pastoral Leadership team may withdraw ordination.