What We Believe
Neighborhood Church of Santa Clara is affiliated with the Assemblies of God, and is part of the Northern California and Nevada District. As an Assembly of God church, we adhere to the 16 basic tenets of faith of the Assemblies of God:
INSPIRED SCRIPTURES
The Scriptures are verbally inspired of God and are the revelation of God to man, the infallible, authoritative rule of faith and conduct. (2 Timothy 3:15-17; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Peter 1:21)
ONE TRUE GOD
The one true God has revealed Himself as the eternally self-existent Creator. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 43:10-11; Matthew 28:19; Luke 3:22)
DEITY OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST
We believe that Jesus Christ was more than a prophet or a great man; that He is the eternal son of God. (John 1:1)
FALL OF MAN
Man was created good but by voluntary transgression fell into spiritual death, which is a separation from God. (Genesis 1:26, 27; Genesis 2:17; Genesis 3:6; Romans 5:12-19)
SALVATION OF MAN
Man's only hope or redemption is through the shed blood of Jesus and must receive forgiveness by an open confession of Christ as Savior. (Romans 10:9)
ORDINANCES OF THE CHURCH
- Baptism in Water (Immersion)
According to the Scriptures all who repent and believe on Christ as Savior are to be baptized. (Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 10;47-48)
- Holy Communion (grape juice and bread)
Instituted at the Last Supper, it is a memorial of Christ's suffering and death and is enjoined on all believers 'till He comes' (1 Corinthians 11:26)
BAPTISM IN THE HOLY GHOST
When Christ ascended, He promised the sending of the Holy Spirit that would baptize believers with power and divine ability to be His witnesses throughout the earth. (Acts 1)
INITIAL PHYSICAL EVIDENCE OF THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY GHOST
The baptism of believers in the Holy Ghost is witnessed by the initial physical sign of speaking with other tongues as the Spirit of God gives them utterance (Acts 2:4).
SANCTIFICATION
Sanctification is the process by which believers are made to grow into maturity and Christ-like servant hood as they serve and follow after the Lord.
THE CHURCH AND ITS MISSION
The primary purpose of the Church of God involves bringing in new believers into the Kingdom of God who are then raised up into mature believers and sent out to minister to the hurting.
MINISTRY
One of the main goals of every believer is to find their God-given purpose and ministry. Our job is to help them discover it and assist them in accomplishing their purpose.
DIVINE HEALING
God is in the healing business and many divine healings.
THE BLESSED HOPE
Through the gift of salvation we look forward to eternal life in the presence of the Lord! (1Thessalonians 4:16-17; Romans 8:23; Titus 2:13; 1 Corinthians 15:51-52)
MILLENIAL REIGN OF CHRIST
We believe according to the Bible in the visible return of Christ who will come for all those who confess their belief in Him and who look for His coming!
FINAL JUDGEMENT
There will be a final judgement for the enemies of God which include the Devil and his angels and all who reject God's salvation (Matthew 25:46; Mark 9:43-48; Revelations 19:20; Revelations 20:11-15; Revelations 21:8)
THE NEW HEAVENS AND THE NEW EARTH
A time is coming when God will perfect a new heaven and a new earth according to His promise (2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21; Revelation 22)
Our Purpose Statement
Neighborhood Church exists for these purposes: To Bring them in, Raise them up, and Send them out!
