Aspen Grove Church "With Country Church Values"
1. Authority of Scripture
We believe the Bible is the inspired, infallible Word of God and serves as the ultimate authority for faith and practice.
2. The Trinity
We believe in one God who exists in three persons:
God the Father – Creator and sustainer of all things.
Jesus Christ – The Only begotten Son of God. Born of the virgin Mary, fully divine and fully human, who died for the sins of humanity.
The Holy Spirit – The presence of God who convicts, guides, and empowers believers.
3. Salvation
Salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works.
People have free will to accept or reject salvation.
Believers can fall from grace (i.e., lose salvation through persistent sin and rejection of faith).
4. Free Will & Human Responsibility
OFWB reject predestination and emphasize that God gives humans the free will to choose salvation.
We believe God desires all people to be saved, but individuals must personally accept Christ to be born again.
5. Baptism & The Lord’s Supper
Baptism by immersion is practiced as a symbol of faith and obedience, but it is not required for salvation.
The Lord’s Supper (Communion) is observed as a memorial of Christ’s sacrifice.
Foot Washing is also practiced as an act of humility and service, following Jesus' example in John 13.
6. The Church & Worship
The church is a local body of believers who worship, teach, and evangelize.
Worship includes preaching, prayer, singing, and the ordinances (baptism, communion, foot washing).
They emphasize congregational autonomy, meaning each church governs itself under biblical principles.
7. The Christian Life
Believers are called to live a holy life, avoiding sin and striving to reflect Christ.
Personal responsibility and moral integrity are emphasized.
Evangelism and missions are important in spreading the Gospel.
8. End Times & Second Coming
Belief in God's judgment based on faith and actions, and in eternal life for faithful followers.
We believe in the literal second coming of Jesus Christ.
They reject extreme end-times speculation but hold to a general belief in the resurrection of the dead and final judgment.
The "Plan of Salvation" according to the New King James Version (NKJV) of the Bible outlines the steps and teachings of how a person can be saved through faith in Jesus Christ. Below is a summary based on NKJV scripture:
1. God's Love for Us
John 3:16 – "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."
God loves us so much that He sent His Son, Jesus, to die for our sins. This is the foundation of salvation.
2. All Have Sinned
Romans 3:23 – "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
Every human has sinned and fallen short of God's perfect standard. This is why we need salvation.
3. The Penalty for Sin
Romans 6:23 – "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Sin leads to death, but God offers eternal life through Jesus.
4. Christ Died for Us
Romans 5:8 – "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Jesus’ sacrifice is proof of God's love and the means of our salvation.
5. Repent and Believe
Acts 3:19 – "Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord."
Repentance (turning away from sin) and faith in Jesus are essential steps in salvation.
Romans 10:9-10 – "That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."
Salvation comes through believing in Jesus and confessing Him as Lord.
6. Receive the Gift of Salvation
Ephesians 2:8-9 – "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast."
Salvation is a free gift from God, not something we can earn by our own efforts.
7. Be Baptized
Acts 2:38 – "Then Peter said to them, 'Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'"
Baptism is a public declaration of faith and obedience, symbolizing the cleansing of sin.
8. Live a New Life in Christ
2 Corinthians 5:17 – "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new."
After accepting Christ, believers are called to live transformed lives through the power of the Holy Spirit.
9. Continue in Faith
Philippians 2:12 – "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling."
Salvation is a lifelong journey of faith and growing in a relationship with Jesus.
The Plan of Salvation is all about acknowledging our need for a Savior, believing in Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection, and committing to live according to His teachings.