We Believe:

• There is only one true God, the Creator of all things, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, existing eternally in three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit full of love and glory. Genesis 1:1; Deuteronomy 6:4; Exodus 34:6-7; John 1:1-3; Matthew 28:19
  
  
• The Bible is the inspired, infallible authoritative Word of God that speaks with final authority concerning truth, morality, and the proper conduct of humankind and is the sole and final source of all that we believe. We accept the teaching and practice of the Bible and follow it in all matters of faith, worship, and works. 2 Timothy 3:15-17; Hebrews 4:12-13; 2 Peter 1:21
  
  
• That God created humankind uniquely in his image, either male or female from their physical birth, to live their lives in love and holiness and we uphold the value, quality, and dignity of all human life, from conception through death, therefore, every person should be afforded compassion, love, kindness, respect, and dignity. Genesis 1:26-27; Psalms 139:13; Job 31:15; Jeremiah 1:5; Mark 12:28-31; Luke 6:31
  
  
• That Jesus Christ was fully human and fully divine, that He lived as a perfect example, that He bore the judgment due sinners by dying in our place, and that He was bodily raised from the dead and ascended as Savior and Lord to the right hand of God. Romans 1:3-4; Hebrews 4:14-15; Hebrews 2:14-18; Philippians 2:5-11.
  
  
• That salvation is a gift from God, by grace, through faith in Jesus Christ; that faith shows itself in obedience to Christ through repentance, confession of faith in Him, baptism, and a life led by the Holy Spirit, manifesting the Spirit's fruit. Ephesians 2-8-9; Acts 2:38; Acts 3:19-20; Romans 10:9- 10; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Galatians 5:16-25
  
  
• That God created man and woman in His own image and that God instituted marriage as a lifelong covenant between one man and one woman. Genesis 2:18-25; Mark 10:6-9; Hebrews 13:4
  
  
• In the spiritual unity of all believers in the body of our Lord Jesus Christ, who calls us to be His disciples by embodying His love; by worshipping God; by proclaiming the gospel of God's redemptive love through Christ Jesus; and by caring for all God's creation and actively seeking the good of everyone, especially the poor and needy. Matthew 16:18; Matthew 25:31-46; Matthew 28:18-20; Galatians 3:28
  
  
• In the return of Jesus Christ, through whom God who will judge all people with justice and mercy. John 14:2-3; 2 Timothy. 2:8-21; Revelation 21:1-5

This Statement of Faith serves to clarify and to ensure ongoing faithfulness of the AGAPE community to God's purpose and will. My signature below verifies that I understand and will serve in harmony with these stated beliefs.

*This document is to be read and signed BEFORE application for employment (or affiliation) by anyone desiring to be (1) an employee, including an intern, (2) a Board member, (3) a foster or adoptive family, (4) a "by contract" counselor or home study recipient or (5) a long-term volunteer.