What We Believe

Our Faith is Based on the Following Truths:

Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is God, along with the Father and the Holy Spirit.  He set aside the things he could do as God, and became a man.  He lived a perfect life, then died on a cross, paying the penalty for our sins.  Three days later, Jesus rose from the grave, conquering death.

The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is God, co-equal with the Father and the Son.  From the moment someone asks Jesus to be in charge of their life, the Holy Spirit makes a permanent home in that person, guaranteeing salvation, God's strength, wisdom and guidance in their lives.

The Bible
The Bible is the Word of God.  People who were chosen and inspired by God wrote it.  We can trust the truth of the Bible completely.  It is the only perfect guide for how to live and what to believe.

Humanity
God created all people.  Our potential to be like God in our character was damaged when we decided not to follow God, but went our own selfish ways.  The only way for us to recover our relationship with God and our wholeness is by asking Jesus Christ to enter into and lead our lives.

Eternal Life & Salvation
God did all the work to make eternal life possible.  There's nothing we can do to earn it.  When we realize that we've turned away from God we simply need to ask God for forgiveness and put our life fully in the hands of Jesus Christ.  When this happens, we're reconnected with God forever.  Those who believe that Jesus is God, that he died and rose again, and ask Jesus to take charge of their lives are saved and will live forever in the presence of God in heaven.

Faith & Practice
Thriving Marriages recognizes that it cannot dictate in areas where the Bible is silent.  Rather, each believer is to be led in those areas by the Holy Spirit.  We agree to disagree, and to love each other.

In short . . . we take the Bible and Jesus Christ seriously but we're not legalistic, which means...

In essential beliefs we have unity.

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus.”
-Romans 15:5

In nonessential beliefs we have liberty.
"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm then, and do not let yourselves be burdened by a yoke of slavery.”
-Galatians 5:1

In all our beliefs we show love.
"Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.”
-I John 4:7