At Bay Life, we’re all about Jesus.
We believe that He is God, and we invite you to learn about how you can find forgiveness and new life in Him. We believe the only way to get to know Jesus is to understand what the Bible says about…
God
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God. Genesis 1:1, 26-27; Genesis 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14
Man
Man is made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. He is the supreme object of God’s creation. Although man has tremendous potential for good, he is marred by a nature predisposed to disobedience toward God called “sin.” This nature separates man from God.
Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1-2
Eternity
Man was created to exist forever. After death, one will either exist eternally united with God in Heaven, or exist eternally separated from God in Hell. The gift of eternal life is freely offered to every individual. Heaven and Hell are places of eternal existence. John 3:16; 1 John 2:25; 1 John 5:11-13; Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:15; Matthew 18:8; Matthew 25:44, 46
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 the cross. He rose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven's glory and will return again to Earth to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Matthew 1:22-23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5; John 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14-15; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Romans 1:3-4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14-15; Titus 2:13
Salvation
Salvation is a gift from God to man. Man can never make up for his sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting Jesus Christ as God's offer of forgiveness can man be saved from sin's penalty. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith. Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 14:6; John 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1
Eternal Security
Because God gives man eternal life through Jesus Christ, the believer can securely believe that salvation is for eternity. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by self-effort of the Christian. It is the grace and keeping power of God that gives this security. John 10:28; Hebrews 7:25; Hebrews 10:10; 1 Peter 1:3-5
The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and Son of God. He is present in the world to make men and women aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. The Christian seeks daily to live under His control. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding spiritual truth and guidance in providing ministry to other Christians and the world. The evidence that one is "filled with the Holy Spirit" is the fruit of the Spirit seen in godly character, not in the manifestation of any particular spiritual gift. ** Regarding sign gifts, we believe all spiritual gifts are in use today. However, for the sake of unity, we ask that the gift of tongues not be used during corporate worship services. ** 2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13; John 14:16-17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12; 1 Corinthians 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:18
The Bible
The Bible is God's Word to all people. It is written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. The Bible is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is truth without any mixture of error. 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21; 2 Timothy 1:13; Psalm 119:105, 160; Psalm 12:6; Proverbs 30:5
Ministry
The Pastor and staff are given the responsibility to lead the church and to equip the membership for ministry. Each member has the responsibility to discover and employ his or her spiritual gifts in the life of the church. Every Christian needs to discover and be faithful in his or her ministry for Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:7; Ephesians 4:11-13; Hebrews 13:7; 1 Peter 4:10-11
Worship
The Christian exists to minister to the world, to other Christians, and especially to God, through praise and worship. We exist for the praise of His glory. Worship is celebrative as well as reflective and inspirational. Psalm 100; Ephesians 1:12; Psalm 63:3-4; Psalm 150; Psalm 126:2-3