Who are the people that make up the congregation of White River UPC, and what makes them any different from others? At first glance, one might not notice any significant difference other than our ladies dress differently and have long hair. Take a closer look and get to know some of us a little more and the differences will be more evident. One thing we have in common with everyone else is, we are ALL sinners saved by grace.
Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God".
We are a group of people who are as diverse as any other group. We come from different places, backgrounds, personalities, family dynamics, etc. Some have served God their whole lives while others have found Him somewhere along the way, but regardless of the time span, God has transformed each of our lives in powerful ways. We are all on the same journey, but at different places along the way. Some are very seasoned and some are still young babes in Christ. So, what do we believe, one might ask? I'm glad you want to know.
We believe that there is only ONE God. Deuteronomy 6:4 "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord." John 14:9 "...he that hath seen me hath seen the Father...". John 10:29-30 "My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. I and my Father are one."
We believe that one must repent of their sins, be baptized with water immersion in the NAME of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins (Hebrews 9:22 ), and be filled with the Holy Ghost with evidence of speaking in an unknown tongue, according to the plan of salvation outlined in Acts. "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." Acts 2:38. This is essential to salvation. Jesus said to Nicodemus, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." John 3:3. Jesus also answered Nicodemus's question about how can a man be born again, thinking of the natural birth. John 3:5-7 "Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again."
We believe that Jesus Christ was God manifested in the flesh, he was crucified on a cross on a hill called Mt. Calvary and rose again on the third day. We believe that the Holy Ghost/Spirit is the Comforter that He promised His disciples in John chapter 14 verses 16-26, John 15:26, John 16:7, and was poured out in Acts on the day of Pentecost. We believe the "church" did not begin until the book of Acts. The Holy Ghost is for whosoever will come unto him. "For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall Call." Acts 2:39. The church of God is moving forward. Matthew 16:18 "And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."
We believe that as God's children we should look and act differently from the "world". 2 Corinthians 6:17 "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate..."
We believe that living for God is a daily process and one makes the conscious decision to keep God at the forefront of their life or put Him on a back burner. God gives us free will, the ability to make our own choices, He does not make puppets out of us. "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness..." Matthew 6:33.
We believe that no one is undeserving of God's love and no one is turned away. We believe God has placed White River in the heart of West Fork as a soul saving and healing station , not just for physical healing, but spiritual, emotional, or otherwise. Please come join us, we would love to have you!
