Purpose and Mission Statement

PURPOSE

The chief objective of Gateway Church of Brawley will be to glorify God (1 Corinthians 10:31; Ephesians 1:3-14). In recognition of this purpose, we will endeavor to conduct our lives and services in a worshipful way, with the reality of God in view, so that we may ascribe to Him and reflect back to Him, as He enables the characteristics of what He is, especially His truth, holiness and love.

A consequent purpose of Gateway Church of Brawley will be to edify one another, that is to build up toward Christ-like maturity (1 Cor. 14:26; Eph. 4:16). This will call for the sharing of God’s truth in the teaching and studying of God’s Word, for publishing of whatever materials will aid in spiritual growth, for the living of holy lives, and for a loving fellowship in the things of Christ, sharing whatever we have with one another as others have need and as God may direct.

As well as edification, a parallel purpose of Gateway Church of Brawley will be to involve others in world-wide evangelism (Matt. 28:19-20; Acts 1:8) This may be accomplished by declaring God’s good news about Christ to those who live near us and by sending missionaries under God’s direction to do the same in other places across the world. We will endeavor by God’s power to manifest changed lives in all our relationships and to show Christ’s compassion wherever people are needy and suffering.

DOCTRINE

The views of faith and principles of this church.

In Essential Beliefs — We have unity

There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called—5one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6one God and Father of all…—Ephesians 4:4-6

In Non-Essential Beliefs — We have Liberty

Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters...Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls...So then each of us will give an account of himself to God...So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God—Romans 14:1, 4, 12, 22

In All Beliefs — We show Charity

If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.—I Corinthians 13:2

1. ABOUT THE BIBLE

The Bible is God’s inspired Word written to us by human authors, acting under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is the truth without any mixture of error. 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21; 2 Timothy 1:13; Psalm 119:105- 160, 12:6, Proverbs 30:5

2. ABOUT GOD

God is the Creator of all things, holy, infinitely perfect, and eternally existing in a loving unity of three equally divine Persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Having limitless knowledge and sovereign power, God has graciously purposed from eternity to redeem a people for Himself and to make all things new for His own glory. Genesis 1:1,26-27; 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14

3. ABOUT GOD THE FATHER

God as Father reigns with providential care over His universe, His creatures, and the flow of the stream of human history according to the purposes of His grace. He is all powerful, all knowing, all loving, and all wise. God is Father in truth to those who become children of God through faith in Jesus Christ. He is fatherly in His attitude toward all men. Genesis 1:1; Matthew 28:19; John 14:6-13.

4. ABOUT JESUS CHRIST

Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven’s glory and will return again someday to earth to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Matthew 1:22-23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5, 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14-15; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Romans 1:3-4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14-15; Titus 2:13

5. ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT

The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth and guidance in doing what is right. At the time of salvation, the Holy Spirit gives to every believer spiritual gifts as He desires. As Christians we seek to live under His control daily. 2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13, 14:16-17; Acts 1:8; 1 Cor. 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:18.

6. ABOUT HUMAN BEINGS

Adam was created in the image of God, and is the supreme object of God’s creation. When Adam sinned in the garden, his nature changed from innocence to sinfulness, and that innate sinfulness was transferred to all of his descendants. Genesis 2:15-17, I Corinthians 15:12, 20-22, 45

7. ABOUT SALVATION

Salvation is God’s free gift to us but we must accept it. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin’s penalty. When we turn from our self-ruled life and come under the lordship of Jesus Christ in faith, we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith. Romans 5:1; Romans 6:24; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 14:6, 1:2; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26.

8. ABOUT THE CHRISTIAN LIFE

The Christian life is a life of obedience to our Lord Jesus Christ and is evidenced by the fruit of the Spirit, the greatest of which is love. This results in a transformation of mind and will that seeks to be like Jesus in attitude and purpose through the power and work of the Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:22; Romans 12:1-2; Philippians 21:5,12-13; 2 Peter 1:3-11.

9. ABOUT ETERNITY

People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence. John 3:16, 14:17, Romans 6:23, 8:17-18; Revelation 20:15; 2 Corinthians 2:7-9

10. SATAN

Satan is the enemy of God and the people of God. We believe that Satan was judged at the Cross. At the second coming of Christ, Satan will be eternally bound and cast into the abyss. Rev. 20:1–3, Rev. 12:9-12.

11. ABOUT MARRIAGE AND FAMILY

Marriage is between one genetic male and one genetic female. Marriage is the only legitimate and acceptable context for a sexual relationship. The husband is the spiritual leader of the home and is to love his wife as Christ loves the church. The wife is to submit to her husband as unto the Lord. Children are to obey their parents in the Lord. Parent are to raise their children in the training and admonition of the Lord.

Mark 10:6-8; Ephesians 5:22-33, 6:1-4

12. ABOUT PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY

Although a core value of Gateway Church is that “we believe that ministries to children and teenagers should be given high priority,” scripture also teaches that it is the parent’s God-given responsibility to bring up their child in the fear and admonition of the Lord, through instructing them and living out the life of Christ before them. Proverbs. 22:6. Colossians 3:21, Romans 6:4, Deuteronomy 4:9-10, 6-9, 11: 18-21, Joshua 24:15 b