What We Believe

Southview Christian Church is an independent, non-denominational church. We are affiliated with the independent Christian Churches/Churches of Christ of the North American Christian Convention. We do not believe that we are the only Christians, but we seek to be Christians only. We try to speak where the Scriptures speak, and be silent where they are silent. We have no creed but Christ, no book but the Bible.


We believe in God.

God is the creator of the universe. He is the one true God, infinitely perfect and eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Genesis 1, Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; John 14:26; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14.)


We believe in Jesus Christ.

Jesus was truly God and truly man, existing for eternity and having been conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. Jesus lived upon the earth, performed many miracles, was crucified, and was raised to life on the third day. His death was necessary to pay the penalty for our sins and His resurrection was evidence of His victory over death. He ascended into heaven where He now reigns as our High Priest and Mediator. One day He will return to earth for His Church. (Matthew 1:22-23, 24:34-42; John 1:1-5; 8:58; 10:30-38; 12:45; 14:10-30; 17:5, 24; Hebrews 1:3; 4:14-15; 7:3; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Romans 1:3-4; Acts 1:9-11; Colossians 1:17; Revelation 20:15.)


We believe in the Holy Spirit.

His ministry is to glorify Jesus Christ and, during this age, to convict men of sin, indwell, guide, instruct, comfort, and empower the believer for godly living and service. (Romans 8; 2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13, 14:16-17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; 5:18; Galatians 5:25.)


We believe in the Bible.

We believe the Old and New Testaments are the inspired Word of God, without error in the original writings. The Bible is the complete revelation of His will for the salvation of men, and the divine and final authority for Christian faith and life. We believe the Word is true and literal, and therefore believe in the reality of Satan, heaven, hell, and the coming judgement day. (2 Timothy 1:13, 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Psalm 12:6; 19:105, 160; Proverbs 30:5.)


We believe Jesus is the only way to heaven.

We have disobeyed God and deserve punishment, but salvation was provided by a loving God as a free gift. We are saved by God's grace, through our faith, in baptism (immersion). Salvation is only possible through Jesus Christ. (John 3:16; 14:6; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38, 4:12; Romans 3:23, 5:1-8, 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; Colossians 2:12; Galatians 3:26.)


We believe In Baptism.

We believe that baptism by immersion is the correct form as evidence by the example of the early church. We believe that baptism should take place after belief and repentance, therefore we do not baptize infants for salvation.

 

We believe that baptism is the point where forgiveness of sins occurs (Acts 2:38; 22:16). It is a symbol of Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:4) and identifies us as members of His body (Galatians 3:26-27; I Corinthians12:13). We do believe that baptism is essential to salvation, following the example and commands of our Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 3:13-17; 28:18-20; Mark 16:16; I Peter 3:21).


We believe in unity of Christians.

In the above beliefs, we desire to have unity. As far as non-essentials, matters of opinions, and interpretations of the Bible, the church allows its members liberty. We have a vision to unify all believers under Christ and the Bible because Jesus' prayer for His Church was that they be one. (Ephesians 4:4-6; Romans 14, John 17.)


What We Believe About the Church.

We call our church "Southview Christian Church" because our goal is to influence the south Kansas City metro. We call ourselves "Christians" (Acts 11:26). We believe Jesus Christ is the head of the Church and has placed elders in the church as its leaders (Ephesians 5:23; 1 Timothy 3:1-7). One of the main purposes for meeting together is to celebrate communion (the Lord's Supper) which we choose to participate every first day of the week (Acts 20:7).


Vision and Mission

One of the last things Jesus said to His followers is recorded in Matthew 28:18-20 – Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Jesus’ clear message to His followers was for them to go and make disciples.

 

That is our focus also. We use the term "disciple" because in many areas of society today, the word "Christian" has become very watered down. Most of America views themselves as "Christians," but very few of them know what scripture says or live it in their daily lives. A disciple is a follower of Jesus on a mission to serve and share God's love with other people. In other words, a disciple loves God and loves other people.