What We Believe

"What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us." - A.W. Tozer

wHAT WE BELIEVE

The following are the core beliefs of Indian Field Methodist Church based on the foundational truths taught in the bible. All of our teaching and ministry is rooted in and flows out of these biblical doctrines.

The Bible

We believe the Bible is the inspired, inerrant, and authoritative Word of God. It is the sole and final source of all that we believe and the standard for all doctrine, faith, and practice.
Key verse: 2 Timothy 3:16-17

The Triune God

We believe in one God who exists eternally in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and of one essence, fulfilling distinct roles in the work of salvation and creation.

God the Father

God the Father is the Creator and Sovereign Lord over all. He is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent. He providentially rules over creation and human history and is Father to those who believe in Jesus Christ.Key verses: Genesis 1:1; Isaiah 64:8; Matthew 6:9; John 4:24

Jesus Christ, the Son

Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man. He was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, was crucified, buried, and rose again on the third day. He ascended into heaven and will return to judge the living and the dead. Through His life, death, and resurrection, He provides redemption and justification to all who believe.
Key verses: John 1:1-18; Romans 5:6-21; Philippians 2:5-11

The Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is fully divine and equal with the Father and the Son. He convicts people of sin, regenerates believers, indwells them, empowers them for service, and distributes spiritual gifts for the building up of the Church. He seals believers and enables growth in holiness.
Key verses: Acts 1:8; John 14:16-17; Galatians 5:22-25

Salvation

Salvation is a gift of God’s grace offered to all who accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. It includes regeneration, justification, sanctification, and glorification. It is based solely on faith in Jesus Christ, not on human effort.
Key verses: Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 8:29-30; Titus 2:11-14

The Church

We believe in both the universal Church, which includes all believers in Christ, and the local church, an autonomous body of baptized believers who gather for worship, teaching, fellowship, and mission. The word 'catholic' in our statement refers to the universal nature of the true Church of Jesus Christ.
Key verses: Matthew 16:18; Acts 2:42-47; Ephesians 4:11-16

Ordinances

We observe two ordinances instituted by Christ: baptism and the Lord’s Supper. These are symbolic acts of obedience that represent spiritual truths.

Human Nature and Gender

God created all people in His image, as male or female. These gender distinctions are sacred and reflect God’s design. We affirm the dignity of all human life and the responsibility to treat everyone with love, respect, and compassion.
Key verses: Genesis 1:27; Psalm 139:13-16

Marriage and Sexuality

Marriage is a covenantal union between one man and one woman, ordained by God. Sexual intimacy is to occur only within this union. All sexual activity outside of biblical marriage is sinful and contrary to God’s design.
Key verses: Genesis 2:24; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Hebrews 13:4

Sanctity of Life

We affirm the sanctity of all human life from conception to natural death. Abortion and euthanasia are contrary to God's law. Life is a sacred gift, and only God holds the right to begin and end it.
Key verses: Psalm 139:13-16; Exodus 20:13; Acts 17:28

Christian Conduct

Christians are called to live lives marked by love, humility, and holiness. We are to speak the truth in love, oppose sin, and show grace to all people, including those who oppose us.
Key verses: Romans 12:9-21; Matthew 5:44-48

Protection of Children

Children are a blessing from God and must be protected. The church maintains a zero-tolerance policy for abuse and is committed to providing a safe environment for all children.
Key verses: Matthew 18:6; Mark 10:14

Last Things

Jesus Christ will return bodily and visibly to judge the world. Believers will be resurrected to eternal life with God, and there will be a new heaven and a new earth. We await this blessed hope with joy and expectation.
Key verses: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Revelation 21:1-4