What We Believe

WHAT WE BELIEVE

See how we view God, Jesus, the Bible, man, and many significant aspects of our faith.

Firmly rooted in Scripture, the beliefs of Resonate guide our decisions as a church.

OUR BELIEFS

While there are some areas where Christians agree to disagree (Romans 14:1-15; 2 Timothy 2:23-24; Titus 3:9), the Bible makes clear that certain truths are essential convictions of the Christian faith. Resonate considers these truths to be the following:

The Bible

The Bible (all the books of the Old and New Testaments) is the true written message of God to us. We believe the authors were inspired by God and therefore the Bible is completely trustworthy. The Bible is the final authority on all matters to which it speaks.

(Psalm 19:7-11, 119:105; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21)

One True God

There is one God, who exists forever in perfect community as three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

(Genesis 1:26-27; Deuteronomy 6:4; Colossians 1:15-17; Hebrews 1:8)

Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ is fully man and fully God. He is the perfect reflection of God’s character and glory. He lived a sinless life and died on the cross, becoming the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people. All who believe in Him are declared righteous on the basis of His death, and are now treated as if we had lived Christ’s life. He rose physically from the dead and will return again to earth to reign forever with those who are His.

(Matthew 1:18-25; John 1:14, 8:40,58, 11:33; Acts 1:9-11; Romans 5:8-10; Colossians 1:15-17; Hebrews 1:8)

Our Sin

Humans are created in the image of God but each one has fallen short of God’s perfect standard and is in need of salvation.

(Genesis 1:26; Romans 3, 5:12-19; Ephesians 2:1-3, 4:18-19)

Our Salvation

Salvation from our sinful condition is a free gift from God to us. It is not something we earn or deserve. It is offered in grace and received by faith in Jesus Christ alone. Those who believe in Jesus Christ and call on His name are made right with God and given eternal life.

(John 3:16, 14:6; Romans 3:28, 8:31-39; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Galatians 3:26-27; Ephesians 2:8-9; 1 Timothy 2:5-6)

OUR VALUES

Every church has certain values or qualities that make them who they are. Here are some of what makes us unique:

Plurality

The Bible claims that the body of Christ is a “royal priesthood”. This first means that there is only one “high priest” that is Jesus Christ who is designated to be the head of our church. Second, this implies that the role of every believer is called to be priests who would use their given spiritual gifts to serve God and shepherd others.

(Romans 12:6, 1 Corinthians 12, Luke 10:1)

Movement

Our desire is to see our entire city sense a God movement in their lives and in the lives of those around them. This goal will require that we become a church committed to training and multiplying disciples exponentially. It will take more than a single church to bring about a revival to the city, thus we are committed to plant gospel-centric churches and partner with other churches that are like-minded.

Transformation

Since Christ loves for us for who we are and not what we do, it radically frees us from pride and pity. So it’s the integration of this Gospel that empowers spiritual and lasting life-change in a person’s life. We believe the Spirit uses both clear biblical teaching and small groups as a catalyst for such transformation.

(Gal. 3:1-3, Col. 1:6, Ephesians 4:25-26, Hebrews 12:1, Philippians 1:6)

Loving Our City

Because Jesus loves us unceasingly for who we are, the gospel keeps us from basing our identity on the approval of others. This enables us to share the good news without the fear of rejection while not speaking with arrogance and self-righteousness, since Christ’s righteousness was given to us. This same grace drives us to love unceasingly, give generously, and serve sacrificially to bring wholeness to the poor and the marginalized.

Diversity

Since by grace we boast in our new identity in Christ, the gospel removes all cultural, national, and social pride while diminishing race as a primary component of identity. The gospel makes it possible to avoid idolizing one’s cultural strengths while appreciating the differences of others.

(Rom 5:7, Phil 2:2, 1 Cor. 12:5)

Community

More than a building, a name, or a Sunday gathering, Resonate is a community of people sharing lives and resources, accepting one another, and serving the body with our spiritual gifts in ways only the Gospel can empower us to do.

(1 Cor. 12 and 14, Romans 12, Ephesians 4, Psalm 133:1)