GOD
We believe God is self-existent, and by nature He is eternal, all-knowing, all-powerful, and everywhere. God has eternally existed in three persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus), and the Holy Spirit. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are in agreement and unified with each other role in the Godhead. We believe these three are co-equal and are one God. Genesis 1:1, 26-27; 3:22; Deuteronomy 6:4; Job 38, 39, & 40; Psalm 90:2, 139:1-4, 7-10; Isaiah 40:13-17,45:18; Matthew 19:26, 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14; I Peter 1:2. John 1:1, Colossians 1:15
GOD the FATHER
We believe that God the Father holds all the attributes of God while exercising a unique role in the Godhead. He is the father of Jesus Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit, and yet still one with both as God. God the Father adopts believers in Jesus Christ into a relationship with Him as their Father. John 15:1-4; Deuteronomy 32:6; Isaiah 9:6, 63:16; John 20:17; Romans 8:14-17; Galatians 4:6
GOD the SON - JESUS
We believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God and He is God. He is coequal with the Father and Holy Spirit. He is the savior of the world and through his death and resurrection to restore right relationship with God and man. Jesus took on human flesh in the fullness of time so that He could live a sinless human life and offer Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on the cross. He was raised from the dead, after three days, rose to life victorious over the power of sin and death. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:22-23; John 1:1-5; 8:58; 14:10-30; Acts 1:9-11; Romans 1:3-4; I Corinthians 15:3-4; Colossians 1:15-23; I Timothy 6:14-15; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 4:14-15; Revelation 1:8
GOD the HOLY SPIRIT
We believe the Holy Spirit is coequal with the Father and the Son as God. He brings glory to Jesus and intercedes for the saints, with God the Father, on our behalf. He dwells in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He is a source of comfort, wisdom and power to live the life of a disciple of Jesus. He gives gifts to believers providing them with power to grow in Christlikeness, to understand spiritual truth, and to serve the mission of the church. Genesis 1:1-2; Psalm 51:10-12; John 14:16-17, 16:7-13, 17; Acts 1:8; Romans 5:5; I Corinthians 2:12; 3:16; 2 Corinthians 3:17; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 1:13, 5:18; 2 Peter 1:19-21
SALVATION
It’s only by grace through faith in Jesus Christ that one can receive the free gift of salvation. Eternal life begins the moment one confesses Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of their life. This salvation is evidenced by repentance, confession, baptism by immersion, and a life surrendered to Christ. John 1:12, 14:6; Romans 5:1, 6:23; Galatians 3:26; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5, Romans 10:9-13, Acts 2:38-40
BIBLE
We believe the Bible is God’s Word to us. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. Because the Bible is inspired by God, the Bible is infallible, inerrant, and absolute truth. Psalms 12:6, 119:105, 160; Proverbs 30:5; 2 Timothy 1:13, 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21
MANKIND
We believe people are made in the image of God, ‘male and female He created them’, to be in relationship with Him, to become like Him in character, and to bring Him glory. We believe all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Sin separates people from God, thus affecting all areas of life, resulting in suffering and hopelessness apart from Jesus Christ. Genesis 1:27; Genesis 3; Psalms 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6; Isaiah 59:1-2; Romans 3:23
We believe men and women are absolutely equal in essence, dignity and value but are distinct by divine design. We believe God created two distinct yet complementary genders for our good, His glory, and to reflect His nature and character to the world. As part of God’s created order, men and women are to have different yet complementary roles and responsibilities in the home and church. We believe that husbands and wives are to submit to one another, while honoring and exercising their roles as described in the Bible.
We believe that the Biblical Headship, as modeled by Christ loving the church, applies to husbands in the home. As Christ loved the church and laid his life down for us, husbands love their wives in the same way. 1 Peter 3:7 (NLT) In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered.
Wives are created equal, and exercise leadership, insight, perspective, and wisdom, in support of their husband and family as an act of worship and surrender to God. When men and women live within their God-given roles and design, there is peace and enjoyment in relationship!
We believe as it relates to the church, men and women are both expected to serve and lead; however, the responsibilities of Overseer and Lead Pastor is reserved for qualified men. Gen. 2:18-25; 1 Corinthians 12:4-31; Galatians 3:28-29; 1 Timothy 2:8-15; Titus 2:3-5; 1 Peter 3:1-7
THE CHURCH
We believe the church is the body and bride of Christ and also serves as the household of faith. It is a living temple where God dwells in each of His people. We believe that everyone that has been saved by Christ is a member of His church and called to be a connected and beneficial part of His body. We believe that the church is commanded to love God and others, thus relationship is the primary vehicle through which we share the gospel, and through which the church will grow to maturity. We believe that His church exists throughout the world, and is witnessed and experienced in local autonomous gatherings of believers that are led by overseers as defined in scripture. 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. Romans 13, Hebrews 13
BAPTISM
We believe baptism, by immersion, was both modeled and commanded by Christ. We believe baptism is only for those who believe in Christ Jesus as their Lord and Savior. We believe one who has believed, confessed and repented should be baptized, in a timely act of obedience as a disciple of Jesus. Matthew 28:18-21, Acts 2:37-38, Acts 8:35-39, Romans 6:4, Colossians 2:12, 1 Corinthians 12:13
The Lord’s Supper (COMMUNION)
We believe participating in the Lord’s Supper was both modeled and commanded by Christ to proclaim His death until He returns. Matthew 26:26-28; Acts 2:42-47; 1 Corinthians 11:23-30, 10:16; 1 Peter 2:24; Ephesians 1:7
SPIRITUAL GIFTS
We believe there are a variety of gifts, given by the Holy Spirit, to be used to serve and build up the body of Christ and bring glory to God. We believe God has designed the local church like a physical body, consisting of many members, with Jesus Christ as the head. We believe we are interdependent on each other. Therefore, we believe all believers must be the part God has designed and gifted them to be, if not, the body suffers. Regarding the spiritual gift of speaking in tongues in public settings at Parkview Church: Because this can be an area of contention and confusion between believers, we will not have a place in our church where publicly speaking in tongues is encouraged. Romans 12; 1 Corinthians 12-14; Ephesians 4:1-16; 1 Peter 4:7-11
STEWARDSHIP & GENEROSITY
We believe our whole lives; our time, talents and treasures are to be given gladly and generously in response to God’s grace, mercy and love for us as we participate in His mission. We believe that generosity and stewardship are essential to continued maturity and the accomplishment of Christ’s mission. 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 24:24; Matthew 23:23; Luke 11:42
SANCTITY OF HUMAN LIFE
We believe that all human life is sacred and created by God, in His image (Genesis 1:26-28). We believe human life is of immeasurable worth in all its dimensions, including pre-born babies, the aged, the physically or mentally challenged, and every other stage or condition from conception through natural death. Therefore, we believe that we are called to teach about the value of all human life. Genesis 1:26-28; Psalm 139
MARRIAGE, GENDER & SEXUALITY
We believe that God wonderfully and immutably creates each person as male or female. These two distinct, complementary genders together reflect the image and nature of God (Gen. 1:26-27). Rejection of one’s biological sex is a rejection of the image of God within that person.
We believe that the term “marriage” has only one meaning: the uniting of one man and one woman in a single, exclusive union, as delineated in Scripture (Gen. 2:18-25, Matthew 19:4-6). We believe that God intends sexual intimacy to occur only between a man and a woman who are married to each other (1 Cor. 6:18; 7:2-5; Heb. 13:4). We believe that God has commanded that no sexual activity, of any kind, be engaged in outside of marriage. We believe that neither the federal government, the state, nor the church, nor any other individual possess the authority or jurisdiction to set or alter Scripture’s definition of marriage. Therefore, unions or partnerships that do not conform to the Biblical definition of marriage are not acknowledged by Parkview as marriage.
We acknowledge that there are some individuals that do not have a physical attraction towards the opposite sex, or who do not wish to marry. We believe these brothers and sisters are wholeheartedly supported and encouraged to remain voluntarily celibate as delineated in Scripture. (Matthew 19:10-12, 1 Corinthians 7:1-8, 32-38, Isaiah 56:3-5)
We believe that any form of sexual immorality (including adultery, cohabitation, fornication, homosexual behavior, bisexual conduct, bestiality, incest, pedophilia, and use of pornography) is sinful and offensive to God and harmful to themselves and others. (Matt. 15:18-20; 1 Cor. 6:9-10). Therefore, known or suspected habitual and unrepentant practice of these sexual sins will be reason for denial of membership and/or a revocation of membership and/or employment at Parkview, together with the benefits that accrue therefrom.
We believe that God offers redemption and restoration to all who confess and forsake their sin, seeking His mercy and forgiveness through Jesus Christ (Acts 3:19-21; Rom. 10:9-10; 1 Cor. 6:9-11).
We believe that every person must be afforded compassion, love, kindness, respect and dignity (Mark 12:28-31; Luke 6:31). Hateful and harassing behavior or attitudes directed toward any individual are to be repudiated and are not in accord with Scripture nor the doctrines of Parkview.
We believe that in order to preserve the function and integrity of Parkview as the local Body of Christ, and to provide a Biblical role model to Parkview members and the community, it is imperative that all persons employed by Parkview in any capacity, or who serve as volunteers, agree to and abide by Parkview Doctrinal Statement on Marriage, Gender, and Sexuality (Matt. 5:16; Phil. 2:14-16; 1 Thess. 5:22). Genesis 1:26-27; Genesis 2:18-25; 1 Corinthians 6:18, 7:2-5; Hebrews 13:4; Matthew 15:18-20, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Matthew 5:16; Philippians 2:14-16; 1 Thessalonians 5:22; Acts 3:19-21; Romans 10:9-10; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Mark 12:28-31; Luke 6:31
ETERNITY
We believe people were created to live forever. 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. We believe that Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence. We believe that as we walk out our faith we can have assurance of eternal life with God. John 3:16, 14:17; Romans 6:23; Romans 6:23, 8:17-18; 1 Corinthians 2:7-9; Revelation 20:15
ETERNAL SECURITY
We believe a person is saved by grace through faith in Christ, and faith is evidenced by action and fruit in a person’s life. We believe faith in Christ Jesus as Lord and Savior is eternal security. Below we address the most predominate views of this doctrine:
Some have an Arminian background believe:
- Salvation can be gained and lost (rejected).
- The way you can tell a person is a Christian is by their fruit (growth).
- Arminians do not believe a bad decision means you lose your salvation.
- Luke 15; Romans 11:22–23; Hebrews 6:4–7; 2 Peter 2:20
Some have a Calvinistic background believe:
- Salvation cannot be lost.
- If a person is not showing fruit and growth, they were never saved to begin with.
- Calvinists do not believe you can do whatever you want and be a Christian.
- John 10:28; Romans 8:29–30; 1 John 2:9
NOTE: Both views believe a person is saved by grace through faith in Christ, and this is reflected in a life that is bearing fruit. At Parkview, we encourage everyone to follow and grow in Christ. We believe you can hold either view and still be a Christian. Luke 8:13&14, John 10:27&28, Ephesians 2:8-10, James 2:14, Romans 1:5.
THE END TIMES (The Return of Christ)
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). As to the day and the hour, only God the Father knows. Matthew 12:36; Matthew 24:36; John 5:22, 16:8; 2 Corinthians 5:10; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; 2 Peter 3:7; Jude 6