God
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three personalities: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are coequal and are one God.
Genesis 1:1,26,27,3:22
Psalm 90:2
Matthew 28:19
1 Peter 1:2
2 Corinthians 13:14
Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is coequal with the Father and Holy Spirit. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven and will return again someday to earth to reign as King.
Matthew 1:22,23
Isaiah 9:6
John 1:1-5,14:10-30
Hebrews 4:14-15
1 Corinthians 15:3-4
Romans 1:3-4
Acts 1:9-11
1 Timothy 6:14-15
Titus 2:13
The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is coequal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. He gives every believer spiritual gifts when they are saved. As Christians we seek to live under His control daily.
Acts 1:8
1 Corinthians 3:17
John 16:7-13,14:16-17
Galatians 5:25
1 Corinthians 2:12,3:16
Ephesians 1:13,5:18
The Bible
The Bible is God's Word to us. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs about living. Because it is inspired by God, it is truth without error.
2 Timothy 3:16, 1:13
2 Peter 1:20-21
Psalm 119:105, 160, 12:6
Proverbs 30:5
Human Beings
People are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. People are the supreme object of God's creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called "sin". Sin separates us from God and causes many problems and disfunctions in our life, from personal shame to global crisis.
Genesis 1:27
Psalm 8:3-6
Isaiah 53:6a
Romans 3:23
Isaiah 59:1-2
Salvation
Salvation is God's free gift to us. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God's offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin's penalty. When we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith we begin the transformation that saves us. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith. That is when our eyes are opened to receive Christ’s influence and leadership in our lives, both by the Word of God and the Holy Spirit. We have the opportunity to live this out in our daily lives.
Romans 6:23
Ephesians 2:8-9
John 14:6, 1:2
Titus 3:5
Galatians 3:26
Romans 5:1, 10:9-10
Eternity
People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life in Heaven. Heaven and hell are real places of eternal existence.
John 3:16, 14:17
Romans 6:23, 8:17-18
Revelation 20:15
1 Corinthians 2:7-9
Gifts of the Holy Spirit
We believe the gifts of the Holy Spirit are for today.
We believe they manifest in everyday life and should be desired by the believer to help spread the Good News and assist us in loving people in ways that go beyond natural human affection and wisdom.
In our services and gatherings we see the gifts of the Holy Spirit operate but it is done decently and in order and without the unnecessary drama of attention seeking often associated with the Gifts. Much of the times that the gifts are in operation they are operating when the receiver doesn’t even know what is happening. God uses the Gifts of the spirit to minister to unbelievers and believers alike as a sign He is present and that He is here to show you His love and affirmation.
1Corinthians 14 (NLT) and the entire Book of Acts shows us the “Gifts” in action.
Romans 14:1, 4, 12, 22
1 Corinthians 13:2
Church Affiliation
Real life church is a non denominational church that is connected to ILM (Integrity Leadership Ministers Fellowship) and the MVMA (Maple Valley Ministerial Association). Many churches identify with a denomination or fellowship organization for integrity and accountability purposes. But we also believe that relationship(s) with the local church community is the most important accountability for our church and the healthiest for the following reasons:
1) Local relationships are harder to hide from, lie too, boast to, and fake in front of because the relationship isn’t “out of sight, out of mind”.
2) Local accountability is found by submitting to many diverse ministries with doctrine and values that differ. When we gather with everyone that believes the same we don’t challenge or question our belief systems. We can easily lead people astray or into error when we all think the same.
3) Relationships that provide true accountability require relationship that knows the church’s and the pastor’s reputation in the community. This requires regular contact, not occasional lunches or yearly conferences.
Pastor Steve and RLC are committed to keeping our church in a healthy relationship with our local churches and pastors. In addition to the local pastors association, Pastor Steve has pursued for over 12 years personal friendships many with local pastors. They meet weekly for prayer and quarterly for retreats, activities, lunches and personal dinners which promote healthy conversation, counsel and fellowship.