What We Believe

A faith worth knowing,
and a God worth trusting.

These are not just doctrines written on paper. They are the truths we have staked our lives on — the convictions that shape how we worship, how we love, and how we live.

Scripture
01
Foundation
The Holy Scriptures
2 Timothy 3:16–17
2 Peter 1:20–21

The Bible is the living Word of the living God.

We believe the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments are the inspired, inerrant, and infallible Word of God. Every word is God-breathed — not merely a human record of spiritual experience, but God's own revelation of Himself to humanity.

"The Bible does not need to be defended. It needs to be let loose."

Scripture alone is our supreme authority in all matters of faith and practice. It is the lens through which we interpret life, the measure by which we test all teaching, and the foundation on which we stand.

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16–17
Trinity
02
The Godhead
The Triune God
Deuteronomy 6:4
Matthew 28:19
2 Corinthians 13:14

One God. Three persons. Eternally, perfectly one.

We believe in one God, eternally existing in three co-equal, co-eternal persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Each person of the Trinity is fully God, distinct in person yet one in essence, will, and glory.

The Father is the sovereign Creator and sustainer of all things. The Son is the eternal Word who became flesh. The Holy Spirit is the divine presence who indwells, guides, and empowers every believer. Together — and yet not divided — they are the one true God.

"Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one." Deuteronomy 6:4
Christ
03
The Son of God
Jesus Christ
John 1:1–14
Isaiah 9:6
1 Corinthians 15:3–4

Fully God. Fully man. Risen and reigning.

We believe in Jesus Christ — the eternal Son of God, who took on human flesh through a miraculous virgin birth, lived a sinless life, and died on the cross as a substitutionary atonement for the sins of all who would believe.

"He is not the moral teacher of history. He is the risen Lord of eternity."

On the third day, He rose bodily from the grave — conquering sin, death, and hell. He ascended to the right hand of the Father, where He intercedes for His people today. He will return visibly and gloriously to judge the living and the dead.

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God... The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us." John 1:1, 14
Grace
04
The Gospel
Salvation by Grace
Ephesians 2:8–9
Romans 10:9–10
John 3:16

Saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.

We believe that every human being is born into sin, separated from God, and unable to save themselves through good works, religious effort, or moral achievement. Salvation is entirely the work of God.

God, in His grace and mercy, sent His Son to bear the penalty for sin. Salvation comes by repenting of sin and placing personal faith in Jesus Christ — His death, burial, and resurrection. It is a gift, received by faith, not earned by works.

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast." Ephesians 2:8–9
Church
05
Community
The Local Church
Matthew 16:18
Acts 2:42–47
Hebrews 10:25

Not a building you visit. A family you belong to.

We believe in the church — the body of Christ, made up of all who have been born again by faith. The local church is a congregation of baptized believers, covenanting together for worship, discipleship, fellowship, and mission.

The church exists to glorify God, to edify believers, and to proclaim the gospel to the world. It is not optional for the Christian life — it is the primary context in which faith grows, gifts are deployed, and Christ is made known.

"The church is the plan A of God — and there is no plan B."
"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together." Hebrews 10:24–25
Baptism
06
Ordinance
Believer's Baptism
Romans 6:3–4
Matthew 28:19
Acts 2:38

A public declaration. A beautiful picture of grace.

We believe in believer's baptism by immersion — the full immersion of a professing believer in water, following repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. Baptism does not save; it is an outward symbol of an inward reality.

Going beneath the water pictures death to the old life. Rising from the water pictures resurrection — new life in Christ. It is the first act of public obedience for a new believer, and one of the most moving moments in the life of any local church.

"We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life." Romans 6:4
Prayer
07
Communion with God
Prayer & Worship
Philippians 4:6–7
1 Thessalonians 5:17
John 4:23–24

Prayer is not a formality. It is conversation with God.

We believe that prayer is the lifeblood of the Christian life and the church. Through prayer, believers commune with the living God — bringing their needs, confessing their sins, thanking Him for His grace, and aligning their will with His.

We also believe that God calls His people to worship in spirit and in truth — through Scripture, song, preaching, and the Lord's Supper. Worship is not a warm-up act; it is the heartbeat of who we are as a church.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Philippians 4:6
Eternity
08
The End of All Things
Eternal Life
John 5:28–29
Revelation 21:1–4
1 Thessalonians 4:16–17

This life is not the end. The best is yet to come.

We believe in the bodily resurrection of the dead — both the saved and the lost. Those who have placed their faith in Christ will be raised to eternal life, dwelling with God forever in a new heaven and new earth, free from sin, sorrow, and death.

"The grave is not the end. It is a doorway."

Those who have rejected Christ will be raised to face the righteous judgment of God. We do not hold this truth lightly — it is the very reason we are passionate about sharing the gospel. Eternity is too real and too long to stay silent.

"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." Revelation 21:4
"These things are true. Not because we decided they would be — but because the God of the universe has spoken."
Pastor David Holloway  ·  Lakeland Baptist Church