BeliefsP3

What We Practice
Beliefs are not worth much unless they are translated into actions. Based on what the Bible teaches, we feel
very strongly about the following seven practices:

" Bible as our sole authority
"The whole Bible was given to us by inspiration from God and is useful to teach us what is true and make us realize what is wrong in
our lives; it straightens us out and helps us to do what is right."
2 Timothy 3:15 (NLT)
Since God's Word is the only completely reliable and truthful authority, we accept the Bible as our manual for living. Our first
question when faced with a decision is "What does the Bible say" We practice daily Bible reading, Bible study, and Bible
memorization. The Bible is the basis for all we believe.

" Autonomy of each local church
"He [Christ] is the Head of His Body, the church. He is the source of the Body's life..."
Colossians 1:18 (GN)
Christ is the recognized Head of our church, not any person, group or religious organization. While recognizing the value of
associating and cooperating with other groups of Christians, we believe every local church should be self-governing and independent
from any denomination's control.

" Priesthood of every believer
"Christ loves us, and by His death He has freed us from our sins and made us a kingdom of priests to serve God..."
(Revelation 1:6 (GN)
"You are...the King's priests...God's own people, chosen to proclaim the wonderful acts of God."
1 Peter 2:9 (GN)
The Bible teaches that every Christian is called to "full time" Christian service, regardless of his or her vocation. We practice the
truth that every believer is a minister by encouraging every member to find a place of service and ministry. Every believer has a
direct access to God through prayer and Bible reading.
Romans 5:1-2

" Tithing
"A tithe of all you produce is the Lord's, and it is holy.
Leviticus 27:30 (NLT)
At CCC, we practice tithing for the support of Christ's Body, the Church, as God commands. We recognize that giving 10% of our
income Is the Biblical standard of giving.

" Immersion
"For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ..."
Colossians 2:12 (GN)
We practice baptism by immersion under water - the way Jesus was baptized and the way the Bible commands.

" Spirit-led living
(Jesus said) "I am the Vine, and you are the branches. If you abide in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; but apart from Me you
can do nothing."
John 15:5 (NAS)
We believe the only way possible to live the Christian life is by God's power within us. So, we seek to practice a daily dependence on
God's Spirit to enable us to do what is right.
Philippians 2:13, Ephesians 5:18 and Colossians 3:16.

" Telling others about Christ
"Always be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have."
1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)
It is the responsibility of every Christian to share the Good News with those God brings into contact with us. We practice personal
sharing about Christ and inviting friends to join us in worshiping God at church.