What We Believe
The Bible
The Bible is God's Word inspired down to the very words in the original documents. Translations are inspired as they reflect the originals. Being God's Word, the Bible is true, authoritative, and without error. It is the basis for belief and practice.
(2nd Timothy 3:16-17; 2nd Peter 1:18-21; Matthew 5:17-18).
God
There is only one true God, and He is perfect, eternal, and unchangeable. He is also holy, righteous, just, loving, gracious, merciful, and more. Though God is one, there are three distinct persons (Father, Son, and Spirit).
(Exodus 3:14; 20:1-3; Matthew 3:16-17; 2nd Corinthians 13:14).
Man and Sin
Man was created in the image of God, but sin (the breaking of God’s law) has separated man from God and brought death to all men. Man has no ability to make himself right with God and is bound for eternal separation from God. (Genesis 1:26-27; Romans 3:10-26; Ephesians 2:1-10).
Salvation
Man is separated from God because of sin, but Jesus Christ took the punishment for sin when He died on the cross. On the third day, He rose again, conquering death. If a person places his or her faith in Christ, he or she is forgiven of sin and made right with God. Also, the person will one day be in heaven with Christ forever. No effort of man’s can ever make one right with God. Forgiveness comes only through faith.
(2nd Corinthians 5:21; Romans 10:9-10; Ephesians 2:8-10).
The Church
All believers from Pentecost to rapture make up the body of Christ, the church, and the church is seen in its local assemblies. The New Testament describes the local church as the group where one should use his or her spiritual gifts, where truth is protected and taught, where God is worshiped, and where the ordinances of baptism and the communion are kept. It is also the group from which the gospel is shared locally and around the world.
(Ephesians 4:1-16; 1st Corinthians 12; 1st Timothy 3:15).
Baptism and Communion
Baptism by immersion is an act of obedience in which a believer pictures the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. The believer publicly identifies with Christ and professes commitment to Him.
(Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 2:38-42; Romans 6:3-4).
Communion is meant to done in remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice. The bread symbolizes His body, and the cup symbolizes His blood. Communion should motivate the believer to sorrow over sin, gratitude for Christ’s loving sacrifice, and joy in forgiveness and life.
(Matthew 26:26-30; 1st Corinthians 11:17-34).
The Bible is God's Word inspired down to the very words in the original documents. Translations are inspired as they reflect the originals. Being God's Word, the Bible is true, authoritative, and without error. It is the basis for belief and practice.
(2nd Timothy 3:16-17; 2nd Peter 1:18-21; Matthew 5:17-18).
God
There is only one true God, and He is perfect, eternal, and unchangeable. He is also holy, righteous, just, loving, gracious, merciful, and more. Though God is one, there are three distinct persons (Father, Son, and Spirit).
(Exodus 3:14; 20:1-3; Matthew 3:16-17; 2nd Corinthians 13:14).
Man and Sin
Man was created in the image of God, but sin (the breaking of God’s law) has separated man from God and brought death to all men. Man has no ability to make himself right with God and is bound for eternal separation from God. (Genesis 1:26-27; Romans 3:10-26; Ephesians 2:1-10).
Salvation
Man is separated from God because of sin, but Jesus Christ took the punishment for sin when He died on the cross. On the third day, He rose again, conquering death. If a person places his or her faith in Christ, he or she is forgiven of sin and made right with God. Also, the person will one day be in heaven with Christ forever. No effort of man’s can ever make one right with God. Forgiveness comes only through faith.
(2nd Corinthians 5:21; Romans 10:9-10; Ephesians 2:8-10).
The Church
All believers from Pentecost to rapture make up the body of Christ, the church, and the church is seen in its local assemblies. The New Testament describes the local church as the group where one should use his or her spiritual gifts, where truth is protected and taught, where God is worshiped, and where the ordinances of baptism and the communion are kept. It is also the group from which the gospel is shared locally and around the world.
(Ephesians 4:1-16; 1st Corinthians 12; 1st Timothy 3:15).
Baptism and Communion
Baptism by immersion is an act of obedience in which a believer pictures the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. The believer publicly identifies with Christ and professes commitment to Him.
(Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 2:38-42; Romans 6:3-4).
Communion is meant to done in remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice. The bread symbolizes His body, and the cup symbolizes His blood. Communion should motivate the believer to sorrow over sin, gratitude for Christ’s loving sacrifice, and joy in forgiveness and life.
(Matthew 26:26-30; 1st Corinthians 11:17-34).
Our Pastor
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Pastor Steve Sebring grew up near Milton, Indiana, and his wife, Amy, grew up in Belvidere, Illinois. They met at Northland Baptist Bible College and were married in June of 2008. After years of waiting and praying for children, they adopted their son, Liam. Aside from ministry, Steve enjoys woodworking while Amy enjoys baking and essential oils. Together, they have a great time watching short track racing and checking out garage sales and antique stores. The Sebrings have been serving with LABC since September of 2015.
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