About Norfolk 1st Ward
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At Norfolk 1st Ward, Norfolk in Virginia, we believe what The Bible tells us, and The Bible says that Jesus paid the penalty for our sins by dying on the cross of Calvary for us, then being raised from the dead the third day. Do you believe He paid the full debt for your sin? Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit. The Bible says that we can have eternal life, by simply receiving the free gift God offers through his son. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 10:13
We believe that the true church is composed of all those who have been saved by God's grace through faith and regeneration by the Holy Spirit and are thereby united together in the body of Christ of which He is the Head. This church is manifest in local churches, whose membership should be composed only of members of the true church. The two biblically-mandated ordinances of the church, baptism and the Lord's Supper, visibly and tangibly express this gospel, strengthening our faith. They are to be celebrated by the church in obedience to Christ, but are not a means of salvation.
About The Holy Spirit: We believe the Holy Spirit dwells within all believers, empowering our lives with his presence and power to live a godly life and accomplish God's will. (John 16:5-15; Romans 8:10-11; 1 Cor. 3:16)
About Separation of Church and State: We believe that each local church is self-governing, and must be free from interference by any external ecclesiastical or political authority; that every human being is ultimately responsible to God in matters of faith and life; and that each person is free to worship God according to the dictates of his/her conscience. We further believe that governments are established by God; that Christians, as good citizens, should be subject to governing authorities insofar as possible, recognizing our greater allegiance to God and His kingdom in matters wherein human authorities conflict with clear, biblical mandates.