Below you’ll see some basics of our beliefs as well as the scripture references to support our statements.
We believe in God, the Father Almighty and that He created the Heaven and the Earth.
Genesis 1:1; Hebrews 11:3; Revelation 4:11
We believe in Jesus, the only Son of God, Philippians 2:5-11, John 3:16
We believe He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary Luke 2
We believe Jesus was crucified, died, and was buried Luke 23
We believe His crucifixion paid the penalty for our sins 1 Peter 3:18; 1 John 3:16; Isaiah 53:5
We believe that on the third day he rose again. Luke 24
We believe after 40 days He ascended into heaven, and is now seated at the right hand of the Father. Luke 24:50-53; Acts 1:9-11
We believe in the Holy Spirit. We believe He is the promised counselor and advocate. The Holy Spirit produces fruit in a believer’s life as detailed in Galatians and gives Spiritual Gifts as outlined in 1 Corinthians and Romans. John 14-15
We believe the Father, Son and Holy Spirit together are One God. We believe the Holy Spirit is at work in the church, speaking to the people of God and transforming the body of Christ.
Philippians 2:6; Hebrews 1:1-4
We believe the Bible is the Holy, inspired, authoritative Word of God, and the entire book, Old and New Testament is pertinent to the world today.
2 Timothy 3:15-17
We believe salvation, whether called born again, made new, redemption, justification, becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ or any other terminology, is available only through accepting that the blood of Christ was shed as a payment for our sins to reconcile us to the Father. Works are a result of salvation. Salvation cannot be earned or bought.
John 3:5-8; Acts 2:21; Romans 10:9-13; Ephesian 2:8-9
We believe baptism is an act of obedience following salvation. Baptism does not give salvation, however, every person who has accepted Christ’s atoning gift should be baptized as an outward sign of the work Christ has done within.
Romans 6:1-18; 1 Corinthians 1:13-17; Acts 2:41
We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost; the saved to eternal life and the lost to eternal punishment.
1 Corinthians 15:51-57; Revelation 20:11-15
Specific Statements on Controversial Issues
Sycamore Tree Church became an independent congregation in 2017 after much prayer and months of discernment.
We believe God loves all individuals and we will not turn anyone away from worshipping with us;
however, the mainline denomination steered away from Biblical thought on a few principles
(including some of the statements you read above)
So, we felt the need to include the following in our statement of beliefs:
Statement on Marriage and Sexuality
We believe the term “marriage” has only one meaning and that marriage is sanctioned by God. Marriage joins one man and one woman in a single, exclusive union, as delineated in Scripture. We believe that God intends sexual intimacy to only occur between a man and a woman who are married to each other. We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity should occur outside of a marriage between a man and a woman.
We believe that any form of sexual immorality, such as adultery, fornication, homosexuality, bisexual conduct, bestiality, incest, pornography or any attempt to change one’s sex, or disagreement with one’s biological gender is sinful and offensive to God.
We believe that in order to preserve the function and integrity of the church as the local Body of Christ, and to provide a biblical role model to the church members and the community, it is imperative that all persons employed by the church in any capacity, or who serve as volunteers, should abide by and agree to this Statement on Marriage and Sexuality and conduct themselves accordingly.
Because we believe in the biblical teaching that marriage is between one man and one woman, marriages outside those parameters will not be performed by church ministers or on church property.
We believe that God offers redemption and restoration to all who confess and forsake their sin, seeking His mercy and forgiveness through Jesus Christ.
We believe that every person must be afforded compassion, love, kindness, respect, and dignity. Hateful and harassing behavior or attitudes directed toward any individual are to be repudiated and are not in accord with Scripture nor the doctrines of the church.
Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:5-6; Mark 10:6-9; Romans 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9.
Statement on Infant Baptism and Dedication
We believe baptism is reserved for those who are ready to make a public confession of faith in Jesus Christ. We expect those who have accepted Christ as their Savior to be baptized as an expression of obedience and a sign of the work that has been done within their heart. We encourage Christian parents to dedicate their children to the Lord. Dedication will include the promise to keep the child in the fellowship of the congregation, teach the child the importance of scripture and prayer and help the child develop a personal and real relationship with Jesus Christ. Luke 2:21-24
Statement on the Beginning of Life
We believe that human life is sacred from conception to its natural end; and that we must have concern for the physical and spiritual needs of our fellowmen. Psalm 139:13; Isaiah 49:1; Jeremiah 1:5; Matthew 22:37-39; Romans 12:20-21; Galatians 6:10.
Statement of Biblical Authority
This statement of faith does not exhaust the extent of our faith. The Bible itself, as the inspired and infallible Word of God that speaks with final authority concerning truth, morality, and the proper conduct of mankind, is the sole and final source of all that we believe. For purposes of church doctrine, practice, policy, and discipline, our Leadership Team is the church’s final interpretive authority on the Bible’s meaning and application for our congregation.