Salvation Through Jesus:
At Faith Before Sight, we firmly believe that salvation is exclusively found in Jesus Christ. His life, death, and resurrection provide the means for humanity to be reconciled with God. Through faith in Jesus, individuals are not only freed from the penalty of sin and death but also receive the promise of eternal life. This foundational truth shapes our identity and mission as followers of Christ.
Verses:
- John 3:16 (NET) – “For this is the way God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”
- Acts 4:12 (NET) – “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among people by which we must be saved.”
- Romans 10:9 (NET) – “because if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
- Ephesians 2:8-9 (NET) – “For by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God; it is not from works, so that no one can boast.”
Discipleship and Sanctification:
Following salvation, we embark on a journey of discipleship and sanctification. Discipleship involves learning from and following Jesus, while sanctification is the process by which we are transformed to become more like Christ. It’s about growing in our understanding of who Jesus is, what He taught, and how He lived, and then applying those principles to our own lives.
Verses:
- Matthew 28:19-20 (NET) – “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
- Romans 12:1-2 (NET) – “Therefore I exhort you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a sacrifice—alive, holy, and pleasing to God—which is your reasonable service. Do not be conformed to this present world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may test and approve what is the will of God—what is good and well-pleasing and perfect.”
- Philippians 1:6 (NET) – “For I am sure of this very thing, that the one who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.”
- 1 Thessalonians 5:23 (NET) – “Now may the God of peace himself make you completely holy and may your spirit and soul and body be kept entirely blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Community:
Faith Before Sight rejects the notion that being a Christian is a solo endeavor. Authentic Christian community is essential for spiritual growth and maturity. Scripture emphasizes the importance of believers walking side by side, supporting, encouraging, and holding one another accountable. We believe that true growth and freedom are found in community, where believers can share their lives, study Scripture together, and pray for one another.
Verses:
- Hebrews 10:23-25 (NET) – “Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us take thought of how to spur one another on to love and good works, not abandoning our own meetings, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and even more so because you see the day drawing near.”
- Acts 2:42-47 (NET) – “They were devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Reverential awe came on everyone, and many wonders and miraculous signs came about by the apostles. All who believed were together and held everything in common, and they began selling their property and possessions and distributing the proceeds to everyone, as anyone had need. Every day they continued to gather together by common consent in the temple courts, breaking bread from house to house, sharing their food with glad and humble hearts, praising God and having the good will of all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number every day those who were being saved.”
- Romans 12:15 (NET) – “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.”
Scripture:
Scripture is central and authoritative in our faith journey. The Bible reveals the character of God, His plan for salvation, and the principles by which we are to live. Through the Word of God, we find wisdom, comfort, correction, and direction for our journey of faith. We are committed to studying, understanding, and applying the teachings of Scripture to every aspect of our lives.
Verses:
- 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NET) – “Every scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the person dedicated to God may be capable and equipped for every good work.”
- Psalm 119:105 (NET) – “Your word is a lamp to walk by, and a light to illumine my path.”
- Hebrews 4:12 (NET) – “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any double-edged sword, piercing even to the point of dividing soul from spirit, and joints from marrow; it is able to judge the desires and thoughts of the heart.”
- Joshua 1:8 (NET) – “This law scroll must not leave your lips! You must memorize it day and night so you can carefully obey all that is written in it. Then you will prosper and be successful.”
Prayer:
Prayer is vital in our relationship with God. Through prayer, we communicate with our Heavenly Father, expressing praise, gratitude, needs, and concerns. We believe in the power of prayer to bring about transformation in our lives and the world around us. Jesus Himself emphasized the importance of prayer, modeling a life of dependence on the Father and teaching His disciples to pray with faith and persistence.
Verses:
- Philippians 4:6-7 (NET) – “Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God. And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NET) – “Always rejoice, constantly pray, in everything give thanks. For this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
- James 5:16 (NET) – “So confess your sins to one another and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great effectiveness.”
- Matthew 6:6 (NET) – “But whenever you pray, go into your room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your