The Refuge Church — Belief & Doctrinal Statement
1. God: Eternal Love, Present Father
We believe in the one true God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—eternally existing in loving unity. God is not distant or demanding but present, pursuing, and faithful.
Scriptures: Genesis 1:26; Deuteronomy 6:4; John 14:9-10; 2 Corinthians 13:14; 1 John 4:8-10; Genesis 28:15; Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5; Philippians 2:13
2. Jesus Christ: The Center of All Things
Jesus is the eternal Word made flesh. His incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection, and indwelling presence define our theology, our hope, and our life.
Scriptures: John 1:1-14; Colossians 1:15-20; Hebrews 1:1-3; Philippians 2:5-11; Revelation 1:17-18
3. The Cross: Where Grace Speaks Louder than Sin
The cross was not about appeasing an angry God but about revealing a loving One. At the cross, Jesus absorbed death and released life.
Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 5:19-21; Romans 5:8; Galatians 2:20-21; John 12:31-33; Isaiah 53:4-6
4. The Resurrection: The Beginning of New Creation
Jesus’ resurrection is not only proof of victory—it’s the launch of new creation. We live not just forgiven, but re-created.
Scriptures: Romans 6:4-5; 1 Corinthians 15:20-22; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Colossians 3:1-4; Revelation 21:5
5. Salvation: By Grace, Through Faith, Unto Union
Salvation is a gift of grace—God’s empowering presence that meets us where we are and transforms us from within—received by faith, resulting in union with Christ. It’s not behavior modification—it’s spiritual regeneration. This is the gospel: that in Christ, God came near, bore our brokenness, defeated death, and now lives in us.
Scriptures: Ephesians 2:8-10; Galatians 2:20; John 15:4-5; Romans 6:1-11; Colossians 1:27
6. The Holy Spirit: Indwelling Power and Gentle Flame
The Spirit forms Christ in us—not just with power but with presence. Pentecost continues today through Spirit-filled, Spirit-formed believers.
Scriptures: Acts 2:1-4; John 14:16-17; Romans 8:9-11; Galatians 5:22-25; 2 Corinthians 3:17-18
7. Scripture: Christ Revealed from Beginning to End
The Bible is inspired, authoritative, and reveals Jesus from Genesis to Revelation. We interpret the Old through the lens of the New.
Scriptures: Luke 24:27, 44-45; John 5:39; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; Hebrews 1:1-3; Romans 15:4
8. The Church: The Body, Not a Brand
The Church is the visible expression of Christ on earth—formed in love, healed by grace, and sent in power.
Scriptures: Ephesians 1:22-23; 1 Corinthians 12:12-27; Romans 12:4-5; Acts 2:42-47; Matthew 5:14-16
9. Baptism & Communion: Signs of Union, Not Rituals of Requirement
Baptism and communion are sacred signs of grace—not religious obligations or checkpoints. They declare our death, burial, and resurrection in Christ.
Scriptures: Romans 6:3-5; Colossians 2:12; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; Acts 2:38-41; Galatians 3:27
10. The Kingdom of God: Already Here, Still Unfolding
The Kingdom is not just future hope but present reality. It is now, not-yet, and always expanding through surrendered lives.
Scriptures: Luke 17:20-21; Matthew 4:17; Romans 14:17; Hebrews 12:28; Revelation 11:15
11. Eschatology: Victorious, Not Fearful
We do not fear the future—we anticipate restoration. Jesus is returning to finish what He started.
Scriptures: Isaiah 9:7; 1 Corinthians 15:24-26; Revelation 21:1-5; Romans 8:18-25; Acts 3:21
12. Humanity: Made in His Image, Called to His Heart
Every person carries divine dignity. Grace doesn’t modify behavior—it restores identity.
Scriptures: Genesis 1:27; Psalm 139:13-16; Luke 15:20-24; Romans 8:29-30; Ephesians 2:10
13. Mission: From the Margins to the Movement
God doesn’t build through status—He raises the overlooked and welcomes the willing. We are sent to the broken and the humble, the hurting and the hopeful—because grace begins at the margins but belongs to all.
Scriptures: Luke 4:18-19; Matthew 28:18-20; 1 Corinthians 1:26-29; Acts 1:8; Micah 6:1
Our Core Values
- We value the Gospel of Grace & The Kingdom
- We value relationships
- We value worship
- We value kindness and respect
- We value our community
- We value generosity
- We value commitment