A Community Following Jesus Together

Jesus became "God in the flesh" when He voluntarily set aside His glory in Heaven and became a Human Being (John 1:1-14). He was born through the miracle of a virgin birth and lived a sinless life, was crucified and died physically as a substitutionary payment to atone for our sins and was physically resurrected from the grave (Matthew 1:18-25, 1 Corinthians 15:3-8). After rising from the dead, Jesus ascended into Heaven (Acts 1:9), and He will return in bodily form as Lord of the Universe, to gather His Followers and judge those who have rejected Him (Acts 1:9-11, Hebrews 9:27-28).

The Bible is a library of books, written by approximately 40 Authors over a 2,000 year period of time. "All Scripture is God-breathed", meaning the God was actively involved, influencing the Prophet and Human Authors to communicate God's message to Mankind. Therefore, the Bible is our sole authority for faith and practive. All our beliefs for faith and Christian living come from the Bible (2 Timothy 3:15, 2 Peter 1:21)

The Church of Jesus Christ is not limited to any one institution or denomination; it consists of all who have trusted Jesus Christ for redemption of the sins and forgiveness. Each local church or gathering of Church Followers meets regularly for worship, prayer, fellowship and teaching from the Bible. Sebastopol Christian is, therefore, but one local congregation, and is part of the greater Church. (1 Corinthians 12:12-17).

 Faith (belief and trust) in Jesus and His sacrifice on the cross, is the only way to be reconciled with God (Acts 4:8-12). Salvation cannot be earned; it is offered through Jesus based on grace, not merit. What we couldn't do for ourselves (reconcile with God), Jesus did through His death on the cross (Ephesians 2:8-9). God lovingly offers salvation to every person, and every person has the freedom to accept or reject this gift at any time (John 3:16-18). Faith comes by hearing the good news message about Jesus, believing that He is the Son of God, that He died for our sins, was buried and was raised from the dead on the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Saving faith requires repentance (changing our lives to conform our lifestyle to Christ's), and results in obedience. Baptism by immersion publicly expresses our willingness to live for Him and in submission to His leadership (Acts 8:26-38), Romans 6:1-4).