Core Beliefs
The following are the core beliefs of Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church, rooted in the foundational truths taught in Holy Scripture. We believe the Bible provides the foundation for what we believe, how we live, and how we carry out the mission God has entrusted to His Church.
THE BIBLE
We believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God, written by human authors under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Scripture is true, trustworthy, and authoritative and serves as our final standard for faith, doctrine, and Christian living.
Scriptural Basis: 2 Timothy 3:16–17; 2 Peter 1:20–21; Psalm 119:105; Psalm 119:160; Hebrews 4:12.
We believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God, written by human authors under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Scripture is true, trustworthy, and authoritative and serves as our final standard for faith, doctrine, and Christian living.
Scriptural Basis: 2 Timothy 3:16–17; 2 Peter 1:20–21; Psalm 119:105; Psalm 119:160; Hebrews 4:12.
GOD
We believe there is one true and living God who eternally exists in three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. God is the Creator and Sustainer of all things, visible and invisible, and He alone is worthy of all glory, honor, worship, and praise. God is perfect in love, power, holiness, goodness, knowledge, wisdom, justice, and mercy. He is eternal and unchanging.
Scriptural Basis: Genesis 1:1; Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19; John 1:1–3; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Colossians 1:16–17; Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8.
We believe there is one true and living God who eternally exists in three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. God is the Creator and Sustainer of all things, visible and invisible, and He alone is worthy of all glory, honor, worship, and praise. God is perfect in love, power, holiness, goodness, knowledge, wisdom, justice, and mercy. He is eternal and unchanging.
Scriptural Basis: Genesis 1:1; Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19; John 1:1–3; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Colossians 1:16–17; Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8.
REVELATION
We believe God has made Himself known through creation, through His written Word, and ultimately through His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus is the perfect revelation of God and the visible image of the invisible God.
Scriptural Basis: Psalm 19:1–4; Romans 1:19–20; John 1:14, 18; John 14:9; Colossians 1:15; Hebrews 1:1–3.
We believe God has made Himself known through creation, through His written Word, and ultimately through His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus is the perfect revelation of God and the visible image of the invisible God.
Scriptural Basis: Psalm 19:1–4; Romans 1:19–20; John 1:14, 18; John 14:9; Colossians 1:15; Hebrews 1:1–3.
HUMANITY
We believe every human being, male and female, is created in the image and likeness of God and therefore possesses God-given dignity, worth, and value. Humanity was created to know God, glorify Him, enjoy fellowship with Him, and faithfully steward His creation.
Scriptural Basis: Genesis 1:26–28; Genesis 2:15; Psalm 8:4–6; Isaiah 43:7; James 3:9.
We believe every human being, male and female, is created in the image and likeness of God and therefore possesses God-given dignity, worth, and value. Humanity was created to know God, glorify Him, enjoy fellowship with Him, and faithfully steward His creation.
Scriptural Basis: Genesis 1:26–28; Genesis 2:15; Psalm 8:4–6; Isaiah 43:7; James 3:9.
THE FALL & SIN
We believe humanity was created good, but through Adam and Eve’s disobedience, sin entered the world. As a result, humanity became separated from God, and sin and death affected the entire human race. Every person is a sinner and stands in need of the saving grace of God.
Scriptural Basis: Genesis 3:1–24; Romans 3:23; Romans 5:12, 18–19; Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:1–3.
We believe humanity was created good, but through Adam and Eve’s disobedience, sin entered the world. As a result, humanity became separated from God, and sin and death affected the entire human race. Every person is a sinner and stands in need of the saving grace of God.
Scriptural Basis: Genesis 3:1–24; Romans 3:23; Romans 5:12, 18–19; Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:1–3.
JESUS CHRIST
We believe Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, fully God and fully man. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, lived a sinless life, performed mighty works, willingly died on the cross for our sins, was buried, and bodily rose from the dead. He ascended into heaven and now reigns as Lord.
Scriptural Basis: Matthew 1:18–23; John 1:1, 14; Colossians 2:9; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Corinthians 15:3–4; Acts 1:9–11; Philippians 2:5–11.
We believe Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, fully God and fully man. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, lived a sinless life, performed mighty works, willingly died on the cross for our sins, was buried, and bodily rose from the dead. He ascended into heaven and now reigns as Lord.
Scriptural Basis: Matthew 1:18–23; John 1:1, 14; Colossians 2:9; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Corinthians 15:3–4; Acts 1:9–11; Philippians 2:5–11.
SALVATION
We believe salvation is the gracious gift of God and cannot be earned through human effort or good works. Jesus Christ died for our sins and rose from the dead so that sinful humanity might be reconciled to God. Salvation is received by grace through faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. There is salvation in Christ alone.
Scriptural Basis: John 3:16; John 14:6; Acts 4:12; Romans 3:23–24; Romans 5:8; Romans 10:9–10, 13; Ephesians 2:8–9; Titus 3:4–7.
We believe salvation is the gracious gift of God and cannot be earned through human effort or good works. Jesus Christ died for our sins and rose from the dead so that sinful humanity might be reconciled to God. Salvation is received by grace through faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. There is salvation in Christ alone.
Scriptural Basis: John 3:16; John 14:6; Acts 4:12; Romans 3:23–24; Romans 5:8; Romans 10:9–10, 13; Ephesians 2:8–9; Titus 3:4–7.
THE HOLY SPIRIT
We believe the Holy Spirit is fully God and actively works in the world and in the lives of believers. The Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin, brings new life to those who believe in Christ, indwells every believer, guides us into truth, produces spiritual fruit, gives spiritual gifts, and empowers Christians to live holy lives and fulfill Christ's mission.
Scriptural Basis: John 14:16–17, 26; John 16:7–13; Acts 1:8; Romans 8:9–14; 1 Corinthians 12:4–11; Galatians 5:22–25.
We believe the Holy Spirit is fully God and actively works in the world and in the lives of believers. The Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin, brings new life to those who believe in Christ, indwells every believer, guides us into truth, produces spiritual fruit, gives spiritual gifts, and empowers Christians to live holy lives and fulfill Christ's mission.
Scriptural Basis: John 14:16–17, 26; John 16:7–13; Acts 1:8; Romans 8:9–14; 1 Corinthians 12:4–11; Galatians 5:22–25.
THE CHURCH
We believe the Church is the body of Christ, made up of all who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ. The local church gathers for worship, biblical teaching, fellowship, prayer, discipleship, service, and mission. The Church has been commissioned by Jesus Christ to make disciples, proclaim the gospel, serve others, and demonstrate God's love in the world.
Scriptural Basis: Matthew 28:18–20; Acts 2:42–47; 1 Corinthians 12:12–27; Ephesians 1:22–23; Ephesians 4:11–16; 1 Peter 2:9–10.
We believe the Church is the body of Christ, made up of all who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ. The local church gathers for worship, biblical teaching, fellowship, prayer, discipleship, service, and mission. The Church has been commissioned by Jesus Christ to make disciples, proclaim the gospel, serve others, and demonstrate God's love in the world.
Scriptural Basis: Matthew 28:18–20; Acts 2:42–47; 1 Corinthians 12:12–27; Ephesians 1:22–23; Ephesians 4:11–16; 1 Peter 2:9–10.
BAPTISM & THE LORD'S SUPPER
We believe Jesus Christ gave His Church two ordinances: Baptism and the Lord's Supper. Baptism is the public testimony of a believer's faith in Jesus Christ and identifies the believer with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. The Lord's Supper is observed in remembrance of Christ's sacrificial death and in anticipation of His return.
Scriptural Basis: Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38–41; Romans 6:3–4; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26.
We believe Jesus Christ gave His Church two ordinances: Baptism and the Lord's Supper. Baptism is the public testimony of a believer's faith in Jesus Christ and identifies the believer with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. The Lord's Supper is observed in remembrance of Christ's sacrificial death and in anticipation of His return.
Scriptural Basis: Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38–41; Romans 6:3–4; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26.
CHRISTIAN LIFE
We believe followers of Jesus Christ are called to live transformed lives characterized by holiness, love, obedience, humility, justice, mercy, generosity, and service. While Christians are not saved by good works, genuine faith produces a life increasingly shaped by Jesus Christ.
Scriptural Basis: Romans 12:1–2; Galatians 5:22–25; Ephesians 2:10; Colossians 3:12–17; James 2:17; 1 Peter 1:15–16.
We believe followers of Jesus Christ are called to live transformed lives characterized by holiness, love, obedience, humility, justice, mercy, generosity, and service. While Christians are not saved by good works, genuine faith produces a life increasingly shaped by Jesus Christ.
Scriptural Basis: Romans 12:1–2; Galatians 5:22–25; Ephesians 2:10; Colossians 3:12–17; James 2:17; 1 Peter 1:15–16.
THE GREAT COMMISSION
We believe every follower of Jesus Christ has been called to participate in God's mission. Jesus commands His Church to make disciples of all nations, proclaim the gospel, baptize believers, teach His Word, and serve as His witnesses in our communities and throughout the world.
Scriptural Basis: Matthew 28:18–20; Acts 1:8; Romans 10:13–15; 2 Corinthians 5:18–20.
We believe every follower of Jesus Christ has been called to participate in God's mission. Jesus commands His Church to make disciples of all nations, proclaim the gospel, baptize believers, teach His Word, and serve as His witnesses in our communities and throughout the world.
Scriptural Basis: Matthew 28:18–20; Acts 1:8; Romans 10:13–15; 2 Corinthians 5:18–20.
RESURRECTION & THE RETURN OF CHRIST
We believe Jesus Christ will personally and visibly return. There will be a bodily resurrection, and Christ will judge the living and the dead. Those who belong to Christ will enjoy eternal life in the presence of God, and God's redemptive purposes will ultimately be fulfilled in the new heaven and new earth.
Scriptural Basis: John 5:28–29; Acts 1:11; 1 Corinthians 15:20–26, 51–57; 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18; 2 Timothy 4:1; Revelation 21:1–5.
We believe Jesus Christ will personally and visibly return. There will be a bodily resurrection, and Christ will judge the living and the dead. Those who belong to Christ will enjoy eternal life in the presence of God, and God's redemptive purposes will ultimately be fulfilled in the new heaven and new earth.
Scriptural Basis: John 5:28–29; Acts 1:11; 1 Corinthians 15:20–26, 51–57; 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18; 2 Timothy 4:1; Revelation 21:1–5.
MARRIAGE & FAMILY
We believe marriage is a sacred covenant established by God and designed to unite one man and one woman in a lifelong relationship of love, faithfulness, and mutual commitment. From creation, God established marriage as the union of male and female, and Jesus affirmed this divine design. Marriage also serves as a beautiful picture of the covenant relationship between Christ and His Church.
We believe husbands and wives are created equally in the image of God and therefore possess equal dignity, worth, and value before Him. Within marriage, husbands and wives are called to love, honor, serve, remain faithful to one another, and build homes centered upon Jesus Christ and His Word. We believe sexual intimacy is God's gift to be enjoyed within the covenant of marriage, and we believe families are called to nurture the next generation in the knowledge, love, and ways of the Lord.
Scriptural Basis: Genesis 1:26–28; Genesis 2:18–25; Matthew 19:4–6; 1 Corinthians 7:2–5; Ephesians 5:21–33; Colossians 3:18–21; Hebrews 13:4; Psalm 127:3–5; Deuteronomy 6:4–9.
We believe marriage is a sacred covenant established by God and designed to unite one man and one woman in a lifelong relationship of love, faithfulness, and mutual commitment. From creation, God established marriage as the union of male and female, and Jesus affirmed this divine design. Marriage also serves as a beautiful picture of the covenant relationship between Christ and His Church.
We believe husbands and wives are created equally in the image of God and therefore possess equal dignity, worth, and value before Him. Within marriage, husbands and wives are called to love, honor, serve, remain faithful to one another, and build homes centered upon Jesus Christ and His Word. We believe sexual intimacy is God's gift to be enjoyed within the covenant of marriage, and we believe families are called to nurture the next generation in the knowledge, love, and ways of the Lord.
Scriptural Basis: Genesis 1:26–28; Genesis 2:18–25; Matthew 19:4–6; 1 Corinthians 7:2–5; Ephesians 5:21–33; Colossians 3:18–21; Hebrews 13:4; Psalm 127:3–5; Deuteronomy 6:4–9.
CHURCH LEADERSHIP
We believe Jesus Christ is the supreme Head of the Church and that all authority within the Church ultimately belongs to Him. Christ has entrusted qualified spiritual leaders with the responsibility of shepherding, teaching, equipping, protecting, and providing spiritual oversight for His people according to the Word of God.
We believe the local church is to be led by the Pastor, who serves as the primary shepherd and spiritual leader of the congregation, alongside qualified elders who share in the responsibility of providing spiritual oversight, biblical wisdom, accountability, prayer, and care for the church. Together, the Pastor and elders are called to lead through godly character, sound doctrine, prayer, humility, and servant leadership rather than domination or personal ambition.
Pastors and elders do not replace the authority of Christ or His Word. They serve under the authority of Jesus Christ, the Chief Shepherd, and are accountable to God for the manner in which they care for His people. Their responsibility is to equip believers for ministry, guard the doctrine and spiritual health of the church, provide direction for the congregation, and lead the church in fulfilling its God-given mission.
We also believe deacons are called to be servants of the church, assisting in meeting the practical needs of the congregation and supporting the ministry and mission of the church. Biblical church leadership is therefore not about position, power, or prestige, but about faithfully serving Christ and His people.
Scriptural Basis: Matthew 20:25–28; Acts 6:1–7; Acts 14:23; Acts 20:17, 28; 1 Corinthians 11:3; Ephesians 1:22–23; Ephesians 4:11–16; Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:1–13; 1 Timothy 5:17; Titus 1:5–9; Hebrews 13:7, 17; 1 Peter 5:1–4.
We believe Jesus Christ is the supreme Head of the Church and that all authority within the Church ultimately belongs to Him. Christ has entrusted qualified spiritual leaders with the responsibility of shepherding, teaching, equipping, protecting, and providing spiritual oversight for His people according to the Word of God.
We believe the local church is to be led by the Pastor, who serves as the primary shepherd and spiritual leader of the congregation, alongside qualified elders who share in the responsibility of providing spiritual oversight, biblical wisdom, accountability, prayer, and care for the church. Together, the Pastor and elders are called to lead through godly character, sound doctrine, prayer, humility, and servant leadership rather than domination or personal ambition.
Pastors and elders do not replace the authority of Christ or His Word. They serve under the authority of Jesus Christ, the Chief Shepherd, and are accountable to God for the manner in which they care for His people. Their responsibility is to equip believers for ministry, guard the doctrine and spiritual health of the church, provide direction for the congregation, and lead the church in fulfilling its God-given mission.
We also believe deacons are called to be servants of the church, assisting in meeting the practical needs of the congregation and supporting the ministry and mission of the church. Biblical church leadership is therefore not about position, power, or prestige, but about faithfully serving Christ and His people.
Scriptural Basis: Matthew 20:25–28; Acts 6:1–7; Acts 14:23; Acts 20:17, 28; 1 Corinthians 11:3; Ephesians 1:22–23; Ephesians 4:11–16; Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:1–13; 1 Timothy 5:17; Titus 1:5–9; Hebrews 13:7, 17; 1 Peter 5:1–4.