WHAT IS BIBLE CHURCH OF COLUMBUS
A. BIBLE DOCTRINE AND BCC
While the church culture of the U.S. has shifted greatly since the turn of the century, we believe that Jesus never changes (Hebrews) and that God’s Word never changes.
While culture changes, and some churches may adjust their beliefs based on the norms of their society, we believe that God’s word remains consistent in its translation and interpretation. Although TOTAL agreement with our doctrinal stance is not necessary for membership, a SUBSTANTIAL agreement is necessary in order to PRESERVE the UNITY of this local body. The following is a brief list of doctrines which we hold to be absolutely essential, as they form the central core of our faith.
1. We believe the BIBLE to be the verbally inspired word of GOD, the sufficient and final AUTHORITY for all matters of faith and practice (2 Timothy 3:16).
2. We believe in the VIRGIN birth of Jesus Christ, and that He is truly GOD and truly man, the only MEDIATOR between God and man. (Matthew 1:23-25; 1 Timothy 2:5; Phil. 2:5-7)
3. We believe the Holy Spirit is GOD and His role includes CONVICTING people of sin, revealing
TRUTH, bringing glory to the Son, and guiding saints in the way of Christ. (John 16:8, 13-14)
4. We believe that ALL have sinned and are under the condemnation of DEATH (Rom. 3:23; 6:23)
5. We believe that Jesus, according to the WILL of the Father, offered Himself as a substitutionary SACRIFICE for ALL mankind, and that all who BELIEVE in Him will have ETERNAL life.
(John 3:16; Heb. 10:5-10)
6. We believe that true faith in the gospel will be made evident by a life of GODLINESS, which is only possible by WALKING with the Holy Spirit. (Eph. 2:10; 5:18ff, Phil. 2:12; John 15: 13)
7. We believe in the bodily RESURRECTION of Jesus, and His ascension into Heaven to the right hand of the FATHER . We look forward to His promised 2nd coming in glory. (1 Corinthians 15:3-8; Hebrews 12:3; 2 Peter 3)
8. We believe that BAPTISM is a faithful response of obedience to God’s grace, signifying one’s IDENTIFICATION with Christ and His CHURCH. (Acts 2: 38-41; 8:12)
9. We believe that the church is the pillar and foundation of the truth, sharing God’s redemptive MISSION through proclamation of the gospel by WORD and DEED, resulting in TRANSFORMED lives committed to God’s glory. (1 Timothy 3:15; Matthew 28: 19-20)
10. We believe that all people will one day stand before God, believers to receive rewards at the Judgment Seat of Christ, unbelievers to hear His verdict regarding their ETERNAL fate of Hell at the Great White Throne judgment. (2 Cor. 5:10; Rev. 20:11-15; 1 Cor. 3:12-15)
B. MISSION STATEMENT AND GUIDING PRINCIPLES
“We exist to EXALT Christ,
to EQUIP others to follow Christ,
and to ENGAGE others to serve Christ
in this community and around the world.”
BCC is a church for all ages, where Christ is exalted and the BIBLE is taught in a PRACTICAL and
life changing way. Our mission statement will be fulfilled through our commitment to these
guiding principles.
1. Teaching the Word
2. Worshipping God
3. Fellowship of believers
4. Evangelism of the lost
5. Compassion for those who feel helpless and hopeless
C. THE TASK OF THE CHURCH
The task of the church has been given by Jesus Christ. Following his RESURRECTION, Jesus announced to His apostles, “All authority in Heaven and on Earth has been given to me. Go, therefore and MAKE DISCIPLES of all the nations, BAPTIZING them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, TEACHING them to observe ALL that I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28: 19-20)
This task is not given to specific believers - staff, missionaries, and Christian workers. It is given to ALL Christians. Christ promises to be with us as we DO His work and carry out His MISSION. As a church, we have a high calling and a weighty task. Everyone must do his part. This task involves the participation of EVERY living member of the local congregation.
Church membership expresses your individual commitment to the local church and represents your union with the local body. It is a NATURAL response of an obedient Christian. It expresses and solidifies your commitment to serving this local body and choosing to submit to its leadership.
Membership is attained by meeting with an Elder for an interview after filling out a membership application.
