ABOUT ACT!
WHAT IS ACT?
Active Christians Today (ACT) is a non-denominational campus ministry at the University of Toledo and Bowling Green State University. We are affiliated with the Association of College Ministries (www.aofcm.org), a national organization of Christian campus ministries. ACT is also officially registered with Bowling Green State University as an RSO - Registered Student Organization (RSO). Here are some fast facts:
- We are followers of Jesus, but not the only followers of Jesus! We really do believe what Jesus taught, who he claimed to be, and we seek to live like, teach like, smell like, and love like Jesus; aka Jesusy! Our community also includes folks that know what they believe as well as folks still trying to figure life out.
- We love college students! It can sound a bit creepy. But it's true! Love is a verb that is best lived out than just talked about, so we are done talking. Come see for yourself! Follow us on Facebook (facebook.com/actatbg) to stay up to date on all of our upcoming events.
- We want everyone everywhere to know the hope there is in Jesus. This is best shared as real friends, not in pushy or manipulative ways, love doesn't do that. Our desire is to offer true friendship whether or not someone decides to follow Jesus. Our weekly dinners & Bible discussions are open to all who want to explore the teachings of Jesus and begin to live out of the life he offers.
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BELIEFS |
What We Believe
We make every attempt to teach the truth found in the Bible. We always seek to understand what God's Word says about the important matters of faith. While we cannot compromise on essentials of salvation, we recognize that Christian people can sometimes have differences of opinion over certain non-essential issues. We value the freedom we have in Christ to hold these differences in a spirit of love. We have attempted to put the teaching of Scripture on certain topics in understandable language. Please recognize that the words of Scripture are more important than the words we have chosen. We welcome you to join us as we seek to understand God's Word and apply it to our lives. God the Father We believe in one God, the Creator of the Universe and the Giver of Life. God is an all- powerful, all-knowing, and ever present spiritual being. He is truthful, faithful, loving, good, patient, just, merciful, holy, and righteous. As Ruler of the Universe, God reigns supreme over nature, history, and human life. Deuteronomy 6:4-5; Hebrews 11: 3; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Acts 17:24-28 Jesus Christ We believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God and co-equal with the Father. Though Jesus lived an uncorrupted human life on earth, he was murdered on a cross by his own people. After three days, Jesus came back to life, demonstrating his power over sin and death. He later returned to heaven with the Father, and now reigns in heaven, interceding for us until he comes again. He is the only way to the Father. John 1:1-3; 14,18, Acts 2:23-24,36; 1 Timothy 2:5; John 14:6 Holy Spirit We believe in the Holy Spirit, the presence of God in the lives of believers. The Holy Spirit has been given to us by God as a comforter guide, teacher, and down payment on our eternal hope. The Holy Spirit recreates men and women, empowering us to live the new life to which we have been called. His work in us produces lives characterized by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Through His Spirit, God grants gifts and abilities to believers for the strengthening of the church. John 14:16-17; Romans 8:9-14; Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 4:11-13 Humanity We believe men and women are created in the image of God and are completely dependent upon Him. The primary purpose of humanity is to glorify God and to enjoy a relationship with Him. Unfortunately, all men and women rebel against God's standards and deserve the separation from Him that sin brings. Reconciliation with God is only available by His grace for salvation and new life. Genesis 1:26-27; Psalm 23; Mark 12:29-30; Romans 3:23-24 Salvation We believe in the salvation of humanity by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ. By His death and resurrection we are declared righteous in spite of our sins and reconciled to God in spite of our separation from Him. Salvation is appropriated through personal faith in Christ, which is marked by true sorrow for sins, confession of Christ as Savior, and baptism into His name. Salvation is the assurance of an eternal future with God and a meaningful life in the present. Romans 3:23-26; Ephesians 1:13-14; Acts 2:38-39; Romans 10:9 The Bible We believe in the authority of God's Word as it is recorded for us in the Bible. This revelation from God has been inspired by the Holy Spirit and is entirely true. Scripture is useful for teaching, preaching and training in faith. God's Word is the norm and standard for all subsequent Christian teaching. 2 Peter 1:20-21; John 17:17; 2 Timothy 3:16-17 The Church We believe in the Christian church, the community of God's people founded on the confession of Christ. Jesus is the head of the body, the universal church, which is united by its common faith in Him. The church participates in the worship of God, the fellowship and training of believers, and the spread of God's love in the world. The ministry of Jesus continues in the church as people love and help those separated from God and others. Matthew 16:16-18; Ephesians 1:22-23, 2:19-20; 1Peter 5:1-4; Acts 2:42-47 Communion We believe in the declaration of forgiveness established by Jesus through communion. Each participant may know of the forgiveness offered to him or her through the body and blood of Christ. But communion is not just recognized in the church as a reminder of his death for us, it is also a reminder that Jesus will one day return and take us to live with Him for eternity. Matthew 26:26-28; Luke 22:19-20; Acts 2:42-47, 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11:23-29 Baptism We believe in the demonstration of God's grace established by Jesus through Christian baptism. Baptism is recognized in the church as a mark of God's grace and personal faith. Through immersion, the believer participates in the death and resurrection of Christ and celebrates the grace of God for salvation. Matthew 28:19-20; Romans 6:3-7; Galatians 2:26-28; Colossians 2:11-12 Eternity We believe in the present reign of Christ in heaven and over the earth and that the kingdom of God will be made complete when Christ comes to earth again. All people will be judged by Christ. Those who belong to him will spend eternity in his presence, which is Heaven. Those apart from him will spend eternity outside of his presence, which is Hell. Matthew 25:31-46; Revelation 20:11-15, 21:1-4 |
