The Orchard Church has a firm belief in the word of God (the Bible) that is both relevant and key to establishing our beliefs and doctrines. Below is a list of key points of belief, that are firmly rooted in the bible, that help define who we are and provide a framework for the ministry within this local church.
We believe in the Bible as the inspired word of God, given to mankind to lead us to Jesus.
We believe that the Bible is God’s word to mankind. It is complete and serves as the standard from which we teach. All our doctrines and beliefs are rooted in the full counsel of scripture found in the Bible.
We believe in the triune, eternal God.
God is from everlasting to everlasting. He has existed since before time began and will continue to exist for all eternity. The Lord God is one God (Deut. 6:4), one being comprised of three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, who exist in the mystery of oneness (John 17:21). God is one in being and three in person, distinguishable but indivisible (Matthew 28:19; 1 John 5:7).
We believe that Jesus is the incarnate Son of God, who came into the world to provide a way for human beings to be reconciled to God.
The Son, who existed as part of the Trinity from eternity past (1 Peter 1:20), was incarnate in body through the power of the Holy Spirit upon the virgin Mary. Jesus, the incarnate Son, taught the principles of the Kingdom of God, which He established while present on the earth. Jesus was crucified by the Romans, freely laying down His life as a sacrifice for the redemption of all mankind. He demonstrated His divinity and victory over death through His resurrection on the third day. Jesus appeared to many of His disciples after His resurrection and then ascended into heaven, where He now resides, interceding on behalf of those who believe in Him. Jesus will return in glory, descending from heaven in the same way He ascended.
We believe that all people have the opportunity to be ‘born again’ into God’s kingdom by accepting Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross made salvation available to all people. Being born again means to be taken out of the kingdom of darkness of this world and being born into the kingdom of light. A person can walk in their true purpose of fellowship with and service to God, their creator, as they submit to His Lordship. To be born again one simply needs to believe in Jesus as their Lord and Savior and confess Him with their words.
We believe in the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
When Jesus ascended to heaven, He promised to send the Holy Spirit who would empower believers to be His witnesses. The baptism of the Holy Spirit, as documented in the book of Acts, is available to believers today. Through this baptism and continued fellowship with Him, the Holy Spirit equips believers with supernatural gifts, enabling them to effectively witness for Jesus and build up other believers. These gifts are given for the purpose of establishing His kingdom on earth.
We believe God’s purpose in the earth is accomplished through the fellowship of believers, commonly known as the church.
Jesus said He would build His Church, meaning those whom He has called out to be His believers. It is not a single organization or denomination but encompasses all believers throughout past, present, and future.
God’s purpose on earth is to establish His kingdom through His Church. While the universal church is global in nature, God established a pattern seen in the New Testament where believers gathered in local assemblies (churches). Each believer in a local church has a role to play in the growth and edification of the church as they partner with the Holy Spirit, utilizing the unique gifts and abilities He has empowered them with.
The Orchard Church is one of these local fellowships of believers, dedicated to seeing God’s kingdom established on earth.
We believe in the power of prayer.
Prayer is our means of communicating with God. We believe that God is intimately interested in our daily lives, and we do not need to be anxious but can bring our concerns before Him. He hears our prayers and is faithful to respond.
As believers, Jesus commands us to abide in Him—to remain, rest, and live in Him. Our daily lives should involve fellowship with Jesus. The apostle Paul instructs us to ‘pray without ceasing’. It is through this close, connected daily relationship with Jesus that when we ask, He answers.