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< BACK TO OUTLINE Previous Next II. Humanity — Our Condition and Redemption 6. Humanity and Sin We believe every person is created in the image of God with dignity and worth, yet all have sinned and fallen short of His glory. Sin is rebellion against God that separates us from Him and corrupts every part of human life. We are powerless to save ourselves and in need of God’s mercy and grace. Scripture References: Genesis 1:26-27; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 53:6; Romans 6:23 Expanded Explanation: Humanity was created to reflect God’s image — to know Him, love Him, and steward His creation. This divine image (Genesis 1:26–27) gives every person immeasurable worth, yet it also carries a calling: to live in relationship with our Creator. Sin shattered that relationship. The first humans chose independence from God (Genesis 3), and ever since, sin has infected every heart and system of the world. Sin is not merely doing bad things; it is a condition of the heart that resists God’s authority and seeks self-rule (Jeremiah 17:9). Because of sin, we are spiritually dead and unable to reach God by our own effort (Ephesians 2:1–3). But God’s mercy meets us in that brokenness. Recognizing our sin is not meant to produce shame but to drive us toward grace — the only power that can cleanse and restore the image of God within us. 7. Repentance and Forgiveness We believe repentance is both the doorway into salvation and the ongoing posture of a believer’s heart. True repentance is turning from sin and turning to God in faith, trusting His mercy and grace. Forgiveness is God’s gracious response through the blood of Jesus Christ, cleansing us from guilt and restoring fellowship with Him and others. Scripture References: Acts 3:19; 1 John 1:9; Proverbs 28:13; Psalm 32:1-2 Expanded Explanation: Repentance is more than regret — it’s a change of direction and desire. The Greek word metanoia literally means “to change one’s mind.” It’s the moment when a person stops running from God and starts running toward Him. Repentance is not a single act but a lifelong rhythm for every believer (Luke 9:23). As the Holy Spirit convicts, we respond by confessing sin, renouncing it, and aligning our hearts again with God’s truth. Forgiveness flows from the cross, not from our performance. Because Jesus bore our sins in His body (1 Peter 2:24), believers stand completely cleansed and restored before God. This same forgiveness also compels us to forgive others (Matthew 6:14–15). Repentance keeps our hearts soft; forgiveness keeps our relationships whole. Together, they mark a life continually shaped by grace. 8. Salvation in Christ We believe salvation is God’s gracious gift, offered to all through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is received by grace through faith — not by good works or religion. All who repent and believe in Christ are forgiven, made new, and given eternal life. Salvation marks both a new birth and a lifelong journey of following Jesus in faith and obedience. Scripture References: John 3:16; Romans 10:9-10; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:4-7 Expanded Explanation: Salvation is the gracious act of God by which He rescues humanity from sin and its consequences, restores relationship with Himself, and grants eternal life through Jesus Christ. It is wholly accomplished by the finished work of Christ on the cross and received by faith, not earned by human merit. By His death and resurrection, Jesus broke the power of sin and conquered death, opening the way for all who believe to be forgiven and made new (Romans 3:23–24; Titus 3:4–7). Those who repent and place their trust in Christ are justified by faith, adopted into God’s family, and indwelt by the Holy Spirit. Salvation brings both assurance and responsibility—believers are called to live out their faith in obedience and holiness. While salvation is God’s gracious gift received by faith, Scripture warns that a person can turn away from Christ through persistent unbelief and rebellion (Hebrews 6:4–6; 10:26–29). Therefore, believers are called to continue in faith and obedience, remaining steadfast to the end (Colossians 1:23). Grace does not give license to sin but empowers believers to live transformed lives that reflect the righteousness and love of Christ (Romans 6:1–4; Titus 2:11–12). 9. The Blood of Christ and Atonement We believe the shed blood of Jesus Christ is the full payment for sin and the foundation of our salvation. On the cross, the sinless Son of God bore the judgment we deserved, satisfying divine justice and reconciling us to the Father. His sacrifice was once for all, complete and sufficient. His blood continues to cleanse and sanctify us as we walk with Him. Scripture References: Romans 5:8-9; Hebrews 9:12-14; 1 Peter 1:18-19; 1 John 1:7 Expanded Explanation: The shedding of Jesus’ blood is not merely symbolic — it is the very means by which we are reconciled to God. From the sacrifices of the Old Testament to the cross of Calvary, Scripture declares that “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” (Hebrews 9:22). In His perfect obedience, Jesus became the spotless Lamb of God (John 1:29), fulfilling every shadow and promise of the Law. His atonement satisfied both the justice and mercy of God. Justice demanded sin be punished; mercy desired sinners be forgiven. The cross accomplished both. Now, through faith in Christ, believers are justified — declared righteous before God (Romans 5:9). Yet the blood of Christ also continues its work, sanctifying us daily as we walk in fellowship with Him. Every communion table reminds us: our hope rests not in our effort, but in His finished sacrifice. 10. Grace and Faith We believe we are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. Grace is God’s unearned favor that rescues and restores us; faith is our wholehearted trust in Jesus and His finished work. Good works do not earn salvation but naturally flow from a heart transformed by grace. We live each day dependent on God’s grace, walking by faith, and growing through the Spirit’s power. Scripture References: Ephesians 2:8-10; Romans 5:1-2; Galatians 2:20; Titus 2:11-12 Expanded Explanation: Grace is the heartbeat of the gospel. It means God initiates what we could never accomplish on our own. Salvation begins with grace, continues by grace, and will be completed by grace (Philippians 1:6). Faith, then, is our response — not mere belief in facts, but trust in a Person. It is leaning the full weight of our life upon Christ and His finished work (Romans 4:3–5). Grace and faith always produce transformation. When God’s unmerited favor grips the heart, it compels obedience and good works — not as a means to earn acceptance, but as a joyful expression of it (James 2:17–18). Grace removes boasting; faith removes fear. Together they form the foundation for a life that rests fully in Christ, confident that “His grace is sufficient” (2 Corinthians 12:9). 11. Sanctification and Holiness We believe sanctification is the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit that sets believers apart from sin and shapes them into the image of Christ. It begins at salvation and continues throughout life as we yield daily to the Spirit, obey God’s Word, and grow in maturity. Holiness is not achieved by human effort but produced by the Spirit in those who walk in obedience and love. Scripture References: Romans 12:1-2; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4; Philippians 1:6 Expanded Explanation: Sanctification is both an event and a journey. At the moment of salvation, believers are set apart as God’s own (1 Corinthians 6:11). From that point forward, the Holy Spirit works continually to conform us to the likeness of Christ (Romans 8:29). This process involves both divine power and human cooperation — God works in us, and we respond in faith and obedience (Philippians 2:12–13). Holiness is not about perfectionism but about transformation. It’s learning to desire what God desires and to reflect His character in everyday life. Spiritual growth takes time, often through testing and surrender. The more we abide in Christ (John 15:4–5), the more His life is formed in us. True holiness is never cold or prideful — it is humble, loving, and Spirit-filled, showing the world what God’s grace can do in a yielded life. Previous Next

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< BACK TO OUTLINE Previous Next VI. Justice, Community, and Culture 22. Race, Justice, and Gospel Unity We believe every person is created in the image of God and equally valuable in His sight. The gospel of Jesus Christ tears down dividing walls of hostility and makes us one family in Him. We reject racism, prejudice, and partiality in every form, and we affirm the Church’s call to pursue reconciliation, justice, and unity. While cultural definitions of justice shift, we hold to God’s unchanging standard of righteousness and truth. Scripture References: Micah 6:8; Acts 10:34-35; Galatians 3:28; Ephesians 2:14-16 Expanded Explanation: Biblical justice begins with the character of God. He is perfectly righteous, impartial, and compassionate toward the oppressed (Psalm 89:14). Because every person bears His image, all forms of racism, prejudice, or discrimination are sin. In Christ, the dividing wall between peoples has been broken down, creating one new humanity united by His blood (Ephesians 2:14–16). The gospel does more than call for tolerance—it produces reconciliation. Believers are not only forgiven but also made ministers of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18–19). Our unity is not built on culture, ethnicity, or preference but on Christ alone. While culture often redefines justice according to human standards, Scripture grounds it in God’s moral law and love. Biblical justice seeks both righteousness and restoration—it confronts sin and heals wounds. The Church’s role is to model this unity and truth, demonstrating that real reconciliation happens at the cross, where mercy and justice meet. 23. The Role of the Church in Culture We believe the Church is called to be salt and light in the world—living as a faithful presence of God’s truth and love in every sphere of society. Our mission is not to withdraw from culture but to engage it with grace and conviction, showing the beauty of the gospel in both word and action. The Church must stand firm in truth without compromise while extending compassion to all people, reflecting Christ’s heart full of grace and truth. Scripture References: Matthew 5:13-16; John 17:15-18; Romans 12:2; Colossians 4:5-6 Expanded Explanation: Jesus called His followers to be “salt” and “light” (Matthew 5:13–16)—preserving truth, exposing darkness, and displaying the goodness of God in a decaying world. The Church does not retreat from culture in fear, nor does it conform to it for acceptance. Instead, it stands as a redemptive influence, embodying grace and truth just as Christ did (John 1:14). Engaging culture requires both courage and humility. We must speak truth even when it’s unpopular, yet do so with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15). The Church’s witness loses credibility when it sacrifices truth for approval or truthfulness for harshness. Our mission is to reflect God’s kingdom values in the marketplace, media, education, family, and government—living with integrity in every sphere. When believers live this way, the world sees not self-righteousness, but hope. The gospel becomes visible through our compassion, generosity, and integrity, proving that the love of Christ transforms both hearts and communities. 24. Compassion and Mercy We believe God’s heart is for the broken, the hurting, and the forgotten. Jesus modeled perfect compassion, serving the poor, the sick, and the sinner with humility and love. As His followers, we are called to do the same—feeding the hungry, comforting the grieving, and helping the helpless. Acts of mercy are not secondary to the gospel but expressions of it, revealing the love of Christ in tangible ways. Scripture References: Matthew 25:35-40; Luke 6:36; Galatians 6:9-10; James 1:27 Expanded Explanation: Compassion is not optional for the people of God—it’s the heartbeat of the gospel. Jesus’ ministry consistently revealed mercy in action. He healed the sick, welcomed the outcast, and forgave sinners, demonstrating that God’s love meets people in their need. The parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37) illustrates that genuine faith expresses itself in practical care for others, regardless of status or difference. The Church continues this mission by serving those in physical, emotional, and spiritual need. James calls this “pure and undefiled religion” (James 1:27). Acts of mercy are not replacements for evangelism but partners with it, showing that the gospel is both spoken and seen. When believers love in word and deed, they reflect the heart of the Savior who came “not to be served, but to serve” (Mark 10:45). Compassionate ministry draws people toward Christ and builds bridges for the message of salvation. Every act of mercy is a proclamation of His kingdom—a reminder that God still sees, still cares, and still redeems. 25. Love and Unity in the Church We believe love is the defining mark of every follower of Jesus and the foundation of true Christian unity. The Church is one body with many members, united by the Holy Spirit under the lordship of Christ. Though we differ in background and perspective, we are called to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Truth keeps our love grounded; love keeps our truth gracious. Scripture References: John 13:34-35; Romans 12:9-10; Ephesians 4:2-3; Colossians 3:14 Expanded Explanation: Love is the clearest evidence of discipleship (John 13:34–35). Unity within the Church is not uniformity, but harmony—a diversity of gifts, callings, and backgrounds brought together under the lordship of Christ. The Holy Spirit is the bond that holds believers in fellowship, empowering us to forgive, encourage, and serve one another. Unity must be built on both love and truth. Love without truth becomes shallow sentimentality; truth without love becomes harsh legalism. Paul urges believers to “speak the truth in love” so that the body may grow and mature (Ephesians 4:15–16). Maintaining this unity requires humility, patience, and constant grace. When the Church lives in unity, it testifies to the watching world that the gospel is real. Our oneness becomes a living witness to Jesus’ prayer in John 17:21 — “that they may all be one… so that the world will believe.” A divided Church cannot heal a divided world, but a loving Church can reveal the unity of Christ’s heart to all people. Previous Next

< Back Advanced Birthday & Anniversary Report Instructor: Amy Varner Previous Next

< Back Long Term Care Needs Tutorial Instructor: Amy Varner 1. Entering Long Term Care Needs Go to main care dashboard Click enter care need Change status from “Open” to “Long Term Care” Select the category Other Enter any notes & save 2. Accessing the Long Term Care Bubble on Rock Home Page: Either click ‘Long Term Care’ at the top of the dashboard or scroll down past funerals and you will see the quick view 3. Documenting Care Touches on Long Term Care Needs: Go to the main Care Dashboard with needs listed At the top right, click on ‘Filter Options’ Change the status from ‘Open’ to ‘Long Term Care’ Click ‘apply filter’ You will now only see the long term care needs and can add care touches just like normal Previous Next

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< Back Background Check Tutorial Instructor: Here's a brief video tutorial explaining more about how to request a background check in Rock RMS Previous Next