WHAT WE BELIEVE

PHILOSOPHY

Our philosophy of education is to provide a Bible-based Christ-centered approach that leads the student to a relationship with Jesus Christ.  This approach should equip the student with knowledge, skills, and attitudes to be an effective Christian in today’s world.

STATEMENT OF FAITH

As a ministry of Sylvan Hills First Baptist Church, the statement of faith for Abundant Life Christian Academy is not different than that of the church.  The following statement of faith is not inclusive of all we believe.  It does include those areas vital to maintaining the historical and Biblical view of the Christian faith so that those from a non-Christian background might understand the basis for our teaching of the Scriptures.

BIBLE

We believe the Bible to be the inerrant, inspired Word of God.  It consists of sixty-six books from Genesis to Revelation.  It is God’s complete revelation of Himself and His will for mankind.  It is the only standard by which to establish and evaluate the historic Christian faith. (II Timothy 3:16-17, II Peter 1:19-21, Acts 1:16)

GOD

We believe there is one and only one true God.  God has revealed Himself in His Word as the Godhead consisting of three persons identified in Scripture as the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit.  This is known historically as the Trinity.  They are equal in every divine perfection and execute distinct but harmonious office.  (Exodus 20:2-3, Genesis 17:1, John 4:24, Ephesians 4:6)

JESUS CHRIST

We believe Jesus Christ is the virgin-born Son of God.  He was begotten of the Holy Spirit and born of Mary.  Jesus Christ pre-existed in eternity past and is co-equal with the Father and the Holy Spirit.  Christ took upon Himself a human body for the purpose of giving His life, the sinless perfect sacrifice, as a ransom for the sins of mankind.  His death on the cross and blood atonement were part of God’s plan of salvation.  Jesus experienced a physical resurrection from the grave and now sits on the right side of the throne of God.  One day Christ will return to the earth and rule over it as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  (Revelation 17:14, John 3:16, Matthew 1: 18-25, John 8:58, Luke 24:1, I Timothy 2:6)

SALVATION AND ETERNAL LIFE

We believe as a fallen, sinful creature, man must by faith alone receive for himself the sacrifice for sin provided freely by Jesus Christ.  It was necessary the sacrifice be a blood atonement for it to be genuine.  Salvation is also referred to as being “born again”.  Salvation frees man from the penalty of hell and promises him unconditionally, a home in heaven.  (Romans 10:9-10, Ephesians 2:8-9, John 3:16, I Peter 1:18-19, Hebrews 9:22)

CHURCH

We believe the church is a congregation of born again, baptized believers associated by a covenant of faith and fellowship.  The church meets for the purpose of worship, teaching, discipling, and exercising of the two ordinances of the church, baptist and the Lord’s Supper.  The only true head of the church is Jesus Christ who calls men by the Holy Spirit to be under shepherds and lead the church.  (Ephesians 5:23-24, I Corinthians 11:2, Matthew 28:19-20, Ephesians 1:22-23)