At Tri-Valley there are no hidden creeds or teachings. We simply try to model our church and worship after things we see in the Bible. No added substitutes - just simple and straightforward praise for the God of creation and His son, Jesus Christ.
Our Approach
• In essential beliefs — we have unity.
“There is one Body and one Spirit...there is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of us all...” Eph. 4:4-6
• In non-essential beliefs — we have freedom.
“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 our beliefs — we show love.
“...If I hold in my mind not only all human knowledge but also the very secrets of God, and if I have the faith that can move mountains — but have no love, I amount to nothing at all.” 1 Cor. 13:2 (Ph)
The Essentials
· ABOUT GOD
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three personalities: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God. (Genesis 1:1,26,27, 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2)
· 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 as King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. (John 1:1-5; 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14,15; 1 Corinthians 15:3,4; 1 Timothy 6:14,15)
· ABOUT THE CHURCH AND THE HOLY SPIRIT
We believe that the church is the body of Jesus on earth, empowered by the Holy Spirit and exists to save the lost and strengthen the saved. (Ephesians 4:1-16)
· ABOUT THE BIBLE
The Bible is God’s Word to us -- It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because the Bible is inspired by God, it is the truth without any mixture of error. (2 Timothy 3:14-17)
· ABOUT HUMAN BEINGS
We believe that every person has worth as a creation of God, but that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:22-24)
· ABOUT SALVATION
We believe that forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life are available to those who trust Jesus as their Savior and Lord. Anyone who seeks to be reunited with God through Jesus should repent of sin, confess their faith, be baptized in Him, and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. We believe that God offers us eternal life with Him and that, being found in Christ, nothing can separate us from His love. (John 3:16; Romans10:9; Acts 2:38-39; Romans 8:38-39)
What We Practice
Beliefs are not worth much unless they are translated into actions. Based on what the Bible teaches, we hold to the following seven practices:
· BIBLE AS OUR SOLE AUTHORITY
“The whole Bible was given to us by inspiration from God and is useful to teach us what is true and make us realize what is wrong in our lives; it straightens us out and helps us to do what is right.” 2 Tim. 3:16
Since God’s Word is the only completely reliable and truthful authority, we accept the Bible as our manual for living. Our first question when faced with a decision is “What does the Bible say?” We practice daily Bible reading, Bible study, and Bible memorization. The Bible is the basis for all we believe.
· AUTONOMY OF EACH LOCAL CHURCH
“Christ is the head of His Body, the church. He is the source of the Body’s life...” Col. 1:18 (GN)
Christ is the recognized head of our church, not any person, group, or religious organization. While recognizing the value of associating and cooperating with other groups of Christians, we believe every local church should be self-governing and independent from any denominational control.
· PRIESTHOOD OF EVERY BELIEVER
“Christ loves us, and by His death He has freed us from our sins and made us a kingdom of priests to serve God...” Rev. 1:6 (GN) “You are...the King’s priests...God’s own people, chosen to proclaim the wonderful acts of God.” 1 Pet. 2:9 (GN)
The Bible teaches that every Christian is called to “full time” Christian service, regardless of his or her vocation. We practice the truth that every believer is a minister by encouraging every member to find a place of service and ministry. Every believer has direct access to God through prayer and Bible reading.
· SIMPLICITY IN WORSHIP
"They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." Acts 2:42
When we are challenged with matters of individual styles and preferences in worship, we seek the guidance of scripture and the model of the early church. The early Christians kept things simple. During corporate worship they carried out a few simple acts of praise and reflection to honor God. A cappella singing, for example, was the simple, standard style of the church for the first 300 years. We choose to follow this pattern as a discipline of simplicity and unity -- to focus our worship on Christ, rather than personal preferences.
· GIVING OF TIME AND RESOURCES
“A tithe of everything you produce belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord.” Lev. 26:30
For Christ's Church to carry out its mission as ambassadors for reconciliation with God, those who have committed to follow Christ must be supportive in giving God a portion of what they have.
· SPIRIT-LED LIVING
(Jesus said), “I am the Vine, you are the branches. If you abide in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; but apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5
We believe the only way possible to live the Christian life is by God’s power within us. We seek to practice a daily dependence on God’s Spirit to strengthen us. (Phil. 2:13, Eph. 5:18)
· TELLING OTHERS ABOUT CHRIST
“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” 1 Peter 3:15
It is the responsibility of every Christian to share the Good News with those whom God brings us into contact. We practice personal sharing about Christ and inviting friends to church.