Beliefs
The Word of God - We believe the Bible is God’s only written word. The Bible is the inspired, infallible, inerrant Word of God. The Scriptures are complete, sufficient, and the sole authority for faith and practice in the believer’s relationship with God. (Ps. 119:160; 12:6-7; Pro. 30:5a; 2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Pet. 1:19-21)
The One True God - The Bible teaches that there is one Holy and Triune God. He eternally exists in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The trinities are three distinct persons but one nature, essence, or being. Co-equal in power and glory, each has a distinct ministry in God’s relation to His creation and people. (Gen. 1:1; Ex. 15:11; Deut. 6:4; Ps. 83:18; 139: 7-9; Matt. 28:19; John 10:30; 15:26; Acts 5: 3-4; 2 Cor. 13:14)
The Person and Work of God the Father - God as Father reigns with providential care over His universe, His creatures, and the flow of the stream of human history according to the purposes of His grace. He is all-powerful, all-knowing, all-loving, and all-wise. God is Father in truth to those who become children of God through faith in Jesus Christ. He is fatherly in His attitude toward all men. (Genesis 1:1; 2:7; Exodus 3:14; 6:2-3; 15:11; 20:1; Leviticus 22:2; Deuteronomy 6:4; 32:6; 1 Chronicles 29:10; Psalm 19:1-3; Isaiah 43:3,15; 64:8; Jeremiah 10:10; 17:13; Matthew 6:9ff.; 7:11; 23:9; 28:19; Mark 1:9-11; John 4:24; 5:26; 14:6-13; 17:1-8; Acts 1:7; Romans 8:14-15; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Galatians 4:6; Ephesians 4:6; Colossians 1:15; 1 Timothy 1:17; Hebrews 11:6; 12:9; 1 Peter 1:17; 1 John 5:7)
The Person and Work of God the Son - The Bible teaches that Jesus Christ is the second divine person of the Trinity. He is God in the flesh and became man without ceasing to be God. Christ was conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, and tempted as we are, yet without sin. Being the perfect “Lamb of God,” Jesus freely gave Himself as the substitutionary sacrifice on the cross and arose from the grave, conquering death. Then, He ascended to Heaven as the advocate before God the Father for those who believe in Him as the only way to Heaven. (Is. 7:14; Matt. 1: 18-25; John 1:1, 14; 3:16; 14:6; Acts 4:12; Gal. 4:4,5; Col. 2:9; Phil. 2:6-10; 1 Cor. 15: 3-7; Heb. 4: 14-17; 1 John 2:1-2)
The Person and Work of God the Holy Spirit - The Bible teaches that the Holy Spirit is the third divine person of the Trinity. The Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. He regenerates, indwells, seals, anoints, and baptizes all believers into truth. It is the privilege and duty of all believers to be filled with the Spirit. (John 3:5; 14:16, 17, 26; 16: 7-14; Rom. 8:9; 1 Cor. 12:12-14; 2 Cor. 3:6, 18; Eph. 1:13, 14; 5:18; Matt. 28:19; 1 Pet. 1:2)
Humanity - Man was created in the image and likeness of God. Humanity willfully chose to disobey God’s command. Thus, man is now inherently sinful and separated from God. Every person is under the condemnation of God with no means of salvation within themself. Only the grace of God can bring man into the right relationship. (Gen. 1:27; 2:17; 3:6; Ps. 51:5; 58:3; Rom. 3:23; 5:12-21; 1 Cor. 2:14)
Salvation by Grace Through Faith - God loves man enough “in that while we were sinners, Christ died for us.” Man’s salvation/redemption was purchased by the Blood of the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary. Christ paid the debt for man's sin through His vicarious death. Man’s only obligation is to admit his helplessness, repent of his sins, and, by faith, trust solely in the finished work of the cross and the resurrection of Jesus. Salvation cannot be earned; it is the free “gift of God” brought to man by grace and received by personal faith in Jesus Christ. (Eph. 2:8,9; Titus 3:5; John 1:12; 3:14, 10:28, 29; Rom. 8:1; Phil. 1:6; 2 Pet. 3:9; 1 John 2:2; 1 Cor. 15: 1-4; Rev. 22:17)
Assurance - Those who trust in the Death, Burial, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ are “sealed unto the day of redemption and eternally saved.” (John 3:8; Gal. 3: 24-26; 1 John 5: 11-13; John 3:16; 6: 36-40)
Satan - Satan is both literal and personal. He was created holy, but through pride and wicked ambition, he rebelled against God, being cast from Heaven and given limited reign on earth with evil spirits. Because of Jesus' sacrifice at Calvary, Satan is defeated, and his doom is certain. Christians have the power of resistance and victory through the Blood of Christ. (Is. 14: 14-21; John 16:11; Eph. 2: 1-4; Rev. 20:10)
The Local Church, Baptism, and Communion - The Bible teaches that the Church is the body of Christ, made up of born-again believers worldwide. Scripture also instructs believers to assemble as the local church for unity, accountability, encouragement, and fellowship. Each local Church is tasked with carrying out the “Great Commission,” observing Baptism by immersion and taking the Lord’s Supper to remember Christ. (Acts 2:42; 16: 30-33; 1 Cor. 11: 23-32; 12:13; Eph. 1:22, 23; 4: 11-15; Heb. 10:25)
Missions and Evangelism - The Local Church is to support the Gospel Message actively carried to the nations abroad, thus having a part in fulfilling the “Great Commission." Every believer must witness the Bible's truths in both word and deed and seek to proclaim the gospel to all humanity. (Matt. 28: 19,20)
Eternity - The Bible teaches there is a literal Heaven prepared for the saints of God and a literal Hell for those who reject the Lord Jesus. (John 14: 1-6; Matt. 31-34; Rev. 20: 11-15; Matt. 25: 41, 45, 46; Luke 16: 19-31)
Christ's Return - The Bible teaches the pre-tribulation, pre-millennial, and imminent return of Jesus Christ. First is the “catching away” of the saints, then seven years of tribulation, and the Second Coming of the Lord to rule and reign the earth for the millennium. (Matt. 24:44; John 14: 1-3; 1 Cor. 15: 51-57; 1 Thess. 4: 13-18)
The Family - God has ordained the family as the foundational institution of human society. It comprises persons related to one another by marriage, blood, or adoption.
Marriage - Marriage unites one man and one woman in covenant commitment for a lifetime. It is God’s unique gift to reveal the union between Christ and His Church. The husband and wife are of equal worth before God since both are created in His image. The marriage relationship models the way God relates to His people. A husband is to love his wife as Christ loved the Church. He is responsible for providing for, protecting, and leading his family. A wife is to submit herself graciously to the servant leadership of her husband just as the Church willingly submits to the headship of Christ. (Gen. 2:18; Matt. 19:4-6, 8; Eph. 5:22-33)
Children - From conception, children are a blessing and a gift from God. Parents should teach their children spiritual and moral values, follow a consistent lifestyle, and lovingly discipline them. Likewise, Children are to honor and obey their parents. (Gen. 1: 26-28; 2: 15-25; 3: 1-20; Ex. 20:12; Matt. 5: 31-32; Mark 10: 6-12; Rom. 1: 18-32; 1 Cor. 7: 1-16; Eph. 5: 21-33, 6: 1-4; Col. 3: 18-21)
The One True God - The Bible teaches that there is one Holy and Triune God. He eternally exists in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The trinities are three distinct persons but one nature, essence, or being. Co-equal in power and glory, each has a distinct ministry in God’s relation to His creation and people. (Gen. 1:1; Ex. 15:11; Deut. 6:4; Ps. 83:18; 139: 7-9; Matt. 28:19; John 10:30; 15:26; Acts 5: 3-4; 2 Cor. 13:14)
The Person and Work of God the Father - God as Father reigns with providential care over His universe, His creatures, and the flow of the stream of human history according to the purposes of His grace. He is all-powerful, all-knowing, all-loving, and all-wise. God is Father in truth to those who become children of God through faith in Jesus Christ. He is fatherly in His attitude toward all men. (Genesis 1:1; 2:7; Exodus 3:14; 6:2-3; 15:11; 20:1; Leviticus 22:2; Deuteronomy 6:4; 32:6; 1 Chronicles 29:10; Psalm 19:1-3; Isaiah 43:3,15; 64:8; Jeremiah 10:10; 17:13; Matthew 6:9ff.; 7:11; 23:9; 28:19; Mark 1:9-11; John 4:24; 5:26; 14:6-13; 17:1-8; Acts 1:7; Romans 8:14-15; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Galatians 4:6; Ephesians 4:6; Colossians 1:15; 1 Timothy 1:17; Hebrews 11:6; 12:9; 1 Peter 1:17; 1 John 5:7)
The Person and Work of God the Son - The Bible teaches that Jesus Christ is the second divine person of the Trinity. He is God in the flesh and became man without ceasing to be God. Christ was conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, and tempted as we are, yet without sin. Being the perfect “Lamb of God,” Jesus freely gave Himself as the substitutionary sacrifice on the cross and arose from the grave, conquering death. Then, He ascended to Heaven as the advocate before God the Father for those who believe in Him as the only way to Heaven. (Is. 7:14; Matt. 1: 18-25; John 1:1, 14; 3:16; 14:6; Acts 4:12; Gal. 4:4,5; Col. 2:9; Phil. 2:6-10; 1 Cor. 15: 3-7; Heb. 4: 14-17; 1 John 2:1-2)
The Person and Work of God the Holy Spirit - The Bible teaches that the Holy Spirit is the third divine person of the Trinity. The Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. He regenerates, indwells, seals, anoints, and baptizes all believers into truth. It is the privilege and duty of all believers to be filled with the Spirit. (John 3:5; 14:16, 17, 26; 16: 7-14; Rom. 8:9; 1 Cor. 12:12-14; 2 Cor. 3:6, 18; Eph. 1:13, 14; 5:18; Matt. 28:19; 1 Pet. 1:2)
Humanity - Man was created in the image and likeness of God. Humanity willfully chose to disobey God’s command. Thus, man is now inherently sinful and separated from God. Every person is under the condemnation of God with no means of salvation within themself. Only the grace of God can bring man into the right relationship. (Gen. 1:27; 2:17; 3:6; Ps. 51:5; 58:3; Rom. 3:23; 5:12-21; 1 Cor. 2:14)
Salvation by Grace Through Faith - God loves man enough “in that while we were sinners, Christ died for us.” Man’s salvation/redemption was purchased by the Blood of the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary. Christ paid the debt for man's sin through His vicarious death. Man’s only obligation is to admit his helplessness, repent of his sins, and, by faith, trust solely in the finished work of the cross and the resurrection of Jesus. Salvation cannot be earned; it is the free “gift of God” brought to man by grace and received by personal faith in Jesus Christ. (Eph. 2:8,9; Titus 3:5; John 1:12; 3:14, 10:28, 29; Rom. 8:1; Phil. 1:6; 2 Pet. 3:9; 1 John 2:2; 1 Cor. 15: 1-4; Rev. 22:17)
Assurance - Those who trust in the Death, Burial, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ are “sealed unto the day of redemption and eternally saved.” (John 3:8; Gal. 3: 24-26; 1 John 5: 11-13; John 3:16; 6: 36-40)
Satan - Satan is both literal and personal. He was created holy, but through pride and wicked ambition, he rebelled against God, being cast from Heaven and given limited reign on earth with evil spirits. Because of Jesus' sacrifice at Calvary, Satan is defeated, and his doom is certain. Christians have the power of resistance and victory through the Blood of Christ. (Is. 14: 14-21; John 16:11; Eph. 2: 1-4; Rev. 20:10)
The Local Church, Baptism, and Communion - The Bible teaches that the Church is the body of Christ, made up of born-again believers worldwide. Scripture also instructs believers to assemble as the local church for unity, accountability, encouragement, and fellowship. Each local Church is tasked with carrying out the “Great Commission,” observing Baptism by immersion and taking the Lord’s Supper to remember Christ. (Acts 2:42; 16: 30-33; 1 Cor. 11: 23-32; 12:13; Eph. 1:22, 23; 4: 11-15; Heb. 10:25)
Missions and Evangelism - The Local Church is to support the Gospel Message actively carried to the nations abroad, thus having a part in fulfilling the “Great Commission." Every believer must witness the Bible's truths in both word and deed and seek to proclaim the gospel to all humanity. (Matt. 28: 19,20)
Eternity - The Bible teaches there is a literal Heaven prepared for the saints of God and a literal Hell for those who reject the Lord Jesus. (John 14: 1-6; Matt. 31-34; Rev. 20: 11-15; Matt. 25: 41, 45, 46; Luke 16: 19-31)
Christ's Return - The Bible teaches the pre-tribulation, pre-millennial, and imminent return of Jesus Christ. First is the “catching away” of the saints, then seven years of tribulation, and the Second Coming of the Lord to rule and reign the earth for the millennium. (Matt. 24:44; John 14: 1-3; 1 Cor. 15: 51-57; 1 Thess. 4: 13-18)
The Family - God has ordained the family as the foundational institution of human society. It comprises persons related to one another by marriage, blood, or adoption.
Marriage - Marriage unites one man and one woman in covenant commitment for a lifetime. It is God’s unique gift to reveal the union between Christ and His Church. The husband and wife are of equal worth before God since both are created in His image. The marriage relationship models the way God relates to His people. A husband is to love his wife as Christ loved the Church. He is responsible for providing for, protecting, and leading his family. A wife is to submit herself graciously to the servant leadership of her husband just as the Church willingly submits to the headship of Christ. (Gen. 2:18; Matt. 19:4-6, 8; Eph. 5:22-33)
Children - From conception, children are a blessing and a gift from God. Parents should teach their children spiritual and moral values, follow a consistent lifestyle, and lovingly discipline them. Likewise, Children are to honor and obey their parents. (Gen. 1: 26-28; 2: 15-25; 3: 1-20; Ex. 20:12; Matt. 5: 31-32; Mark 10: 6-12; Rom. 1: 18-32; 1 Cor. 7: 1-16; Eph. 5: 21-33, 6: 1-4; Col. 3: 18-21)
Distinctives
While all followers of Christ share a belief in the essentials of the Christian faith, there are a few practices that are distinctive to us at Mims:
Truth - The Bible is not simply true but the ultimate source of all truth. We are passionate about standing firm on God’s inherent Word as the relevant standard for living. (2 Timothy 3:16)
Worship - Worship is more than something we do; it is who we are. We are passionate about living free by walking in Spirit, allowing the Lord to receive maximum glory from our lives. (1 Corinthians 10:31)
Authenticity - Being authentic is more than being relatable; it means being honest. We are passionate about living authentic lives and seeking honesty with ourselves, our Lord, and others. (1 John 1:6)
Evangelism - Evangelism is not a supplement; it is essential. We are passionate about sharing our experience with Christ and seeing others transformed by encountering truth. (Matthew 10:7)
Discipleship - Discipleship is not a destination; it is a journey. We are passionate about devoting daily to becoming more like Christ and reflecting His attributes in our words and actions. (Luke 9:23)
Balance - Balance is about not compromising; it is about eliminating extremes and emphasizing essentials. We are passionate about living Biblically balanced lives that seek clarity from Christ. (Proverbs 11:1)
Truth - The Bible is not simply true but the ultimate source of all truth. We are passionate about standing firm on God’s inherent Word as the relevant standard for living. (2 Timothy 3:16)
Worship - Worship is more than something we do; it is who we are. We are passionate about living free by walking in Spirit, allowing the Lord to receive maximum glory from our lives. (1 Corinthians 10:31)
Authenticity - Being authentic is more than being relatable; it means being honest. We are passionate about living authentic lives and seeking honesty with ourselves, our Lord, and others. (1 John 1:6)
Evangelism - Evangelism is not a supplement; it is essential. We are passionate about sharing our experience with Christ and seeing others transformed by encountering truth. (Matthew 10:7)
Discipleship - Discipleship is not a destination; it is a journey. We are passionate about devoting daily to becoming more like Christ and reflecting His attributes in our words and actions. (Luke 9:23)
Balance - Balance is about not compromising; it is about eliminating extremes and emphasizing essentials. We are passionate about living Biblically balanced lives that seek clarity from Christ. (Proverbs 11:1)