Welcome!

Thanks for taking the time to check us out on the web. Your visit here gives us an opportunity to share with you what Northview is all about and the gospel of our Lord and Savior. It also allows us to connect with you and invite you to be a part of our community. It is through this connection that you will have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of people and grow in your personal spiritual development.

Our mission statement is:

Helping people know Jesus,

Grow to be like Him,

And show Him

To the world.

Our vision though is to make Jesus real in the lives of our members so that they will share the Good News at their work, school, or a ballgame… in other words, live and breathe their Christian faith 24/7.

We are passionate about connecting Jesus to people and one another. Hopefully your visit to us today will start that process with you. We would love for you to worship with us at your first opportunity. Please contact us if you have any questions.

What we believe

Jesus Christ is the one and only Son of God, who died for our sins and arose from the dead.
(1 Corinthians 15: 1-8; John 3:16)

The Bible is the inspired word of God - a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path.
(2 Timothy 3:16; Psalm 119:105)

Every person has worth as a creation of God, but that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
(Romans 3:23)

Forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life are available to those who trust Christ as Savior and Lord.
(John 3:16)

Those accepting Christ should repent of sin, confess their faith, and be baptized into Him.
(Romans 10:9; Acts 2:38)

The Church is the body of Christ on earth, empowered by the Holy Spirit and exists to evangelize the lost and edify the saved.
(Ephesians 4:1-16)

Statements of Faith

We believe in one God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
(Matthew 5:16, 45; 6:1, 4, 8, 9; James 1:17 / John 1:1; 14:9 / Genesis 1:2; John 4:24; 14:16-20; 2 Peter 1:21)

We believe in God the Father Almighty, Creator of all things visible and invisible.
(Genesis 1:1; Acts 17:24-28; Hebrews 11:3)

We believe in Jesus Christ, God's one and only Son, our one and only Savior,
(John 1:14; 1 John 4:9 / John 3:16; 2 Peter 3:18)
Who was born Jesus of Nazareth, both fully human and fully divine, conceived of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary,
(Matthew 21:11; John 19:19 / John 1:14; Romans 5:15-17; Colossians 2:9; 1 John 1:1 / Matthew 1:18; Luke 1:26-38)
Who suffered and was crucified under Pontius Pilate,(Luke 23:1-46)
Who died and was buried, and Who rose again bodily from the dead on the third day,
(Luke 23:44 - 24:8; John 20:24-29; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8)
Who ascended into Heaven and now sits at the right hand of the Father,
(Luke 22:69; Acts 1:1-9; Colossians 3:1)
and Who will return to earth to judge both the living and the dead.
(Matthew 24:36-42; John 14:1-3; Acts 1:10-11; 10:39-42; 1 Peter 4:5)

We believe in the Holy Spirit, Who is an active and operative part of the triune God,
(John 16:5-15; Acts 1:7-8; Romans 8:26-27)
and Who indwells every Christian.
(1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19; 2 Timothy 1:14)

We believe in the Bible and God's Holy Word, Scripture. We believe God inspired the autographs (original writings) of the Scripture and those autographs were consequently without error.
(Mark 12:36; John 14:26; 16:12-15; Acts 1:16; 1 Corinthians 2:12-13; 2 Timothy 3:14-16; 2 Peter 1:20-21)
We accept the Bible as the final authority for all matters of faith and practice.
(Isaiah 40:8; Matthew 5:18; 24:35; Romans 15:4; Hebrews 4:12)

We believe the Bible teaches that man, created by God, willfully sinned against God and is consequently lost and without hope
apart from Jesus Christ. (Acts 4:12; Romans 3:23)

We believe the Bible teaches that salvation and the forgiveness of sins is achieved only by grace through the blood of Jesus Christ.
(Matthew 26:28; Romans 5:9; Ephesians 2:8-9; 1 Peter 1:18-19; 1 John 1:7)

We believe the Bible teaches that one receives God's grace by putting faith in Christ, repenting of sin, confessing Christ, and being immersed into Christ, but that none of these is sufficient in and of itself for the assurance of salvation.(Romans 5:1-2 / Luke 24:45-47; Acts 3:19; 17:30; 2 Peter 3:9 / Matthew 10:32; Romans 10:9; Philippians 2:11; 1 John 4:15 / Acts 2:38; Romans 6:1-7; Galatians 3:27; Colossians 2:12; 1 Peter 3:21)

We believe in the Church of Jesus Christ, founded on the Day of Pentecost and consisting of all Christians everywhere.
(Matthew 16:13-18; Acts 2:14-47)

We believe the Bible teaches that the Elders are to exercise authority over the local congregation.
(Acts 20:28; Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-4)

The Gospel

Why Was I Created? - Part 1

To glorify God

"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." (1 Peter 2:9 NIV)

To know God

"I have made you known to them, and they will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them." (John 17:26 NIV)

To enjoy life in Him forever

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV)

Jesus said
"...I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." (John 10:10 NIV)

But, there is a problem ...

Why Was I Created? - Part 2

The Problem

Because we have sinned (disobeyed God's commands), we have severed our relationship with God and have fallen short of His intended purpose for our lives. This separation will lead to eternal death unless we are reconciled to God.

"..for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God."
(Romans 3:23 NIV)

"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
( Romans 6:23 NIV)

The Question
How can we be reconciled to God? How can we bridge the canyon and make things right with our Creator?

Why Was I Created? - Part 3
Many have tried various ways to get across the canyon without success. Yet, because God loves us He gave His Son to pay the debt we owe.

Jesus said,
"For God so loved the world that he gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
(John 3:16 NIV)

"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
(Romans 5:8 NIV)

Why Was I Created? - Part 4

You have a decision to make.

1. Which side of the canyon are you on? Are you still on man's side trying to get across by your own efforts?
2. Or, have you made the decision to use the bridge created by the cross of Christ?

If you haven't crossed over, what should you do?

Why Was I Created? - Part 5

Steps

1) First, believe.

Believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God who died for your sins and offers salvation as a free gift for all who put their trust in Him.

Jesus said, "For God so loved the world that he gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16 NIV)

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV)

2) Repent of your sins.
To repent means to change your mind. Decide today that you no longer want to live life doing your own thing, but that you want to follow God's path instead.

"Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing might come from the Lord." (Acts 3:19 NIV)

3) Confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
"That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord', and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9 NIV)

4) Be baptized into Christ.
To be baptized means to be immersed with water. It is a symbol of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, reminding us that when we are saved we die to our selves and are raised to live a new life in Christ.

"Peter replied, 'Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38 NIV)

"...don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life." (Romans 6:3-4)

"In Him you were also... buried with Him in baptism and raised with Him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead. When you were dead in your sin and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sin, having cancelled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; He took it away, nailing it to the cross." (Colossians 2:11-14 NIV)


Why Was I Created? - Part 6

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."
(1 John 1:9 NIV)

 

Once you place your trust in Jesus Christ as Savior and cross over the canyon to be reconciled with God, you have been born again into God's family. As a newborn baby there are some things you can do to grow to spiritual maturity. Obedience is very convincing evidence of your sincerity in wanting a joyous walk and relationship with God.

Start reading the Bible every day. This is a sure way to grow closer to God and one of the best ways He communicates with us. If you don't have a Bible, please call our church office at 704-873-9779 to request one.

Pray daily, several times a day, if possible. We have access to our Heavenly Father through His Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Talk to Him as you would your best friend. That is what He wants to be. If you talk to Him on a regular basis you will get to know Him well.

Join with others who love Christ and are believers in Him in a local church where you can worship, grow in faith, and serve God by using your unique gifts.

Baptism - Answers to Questions
According to our understanding of the New Testament, here are our answers to several important questions regarding baptism:

Who should be baptized?
All those who are willing to repent of their sins and confess their belief in Christ should be baptized (Matt. 28:19; Acts 2:38-39).

How should we be baptized?
The word for "baptism" in the New Testament is the Greek word baptizo, which means "to immerse in water." The New Testament says baptism represents the death, burial and resurrection of Christ (Romans 6:1-5). Baptism serves as a symbol of the burial of the old self and the resurrection of the believer's soul to walk in life with Christ. Therefore, at Northview, we baptize people by immersing them in water.

When should we be baptized?
A person should be baptized at the time he or she trusts in Christ. The Bible teaches we are saved by grace through faith (Eph. 2:8), but in the New Testament church, a person's baptism was always the first expression of faith, not separate from it. So baptism was not just a symbol or a memorial of faith, but was intended to offer a means of union with Christ and a benchmark of transformation, marking the place and time a person made a commitment to Christ (Rom. 6:1-8). At Notrhview, we are attempting to restore the original intent and practice of baptism. Therefore, we ask a person to be baptized at the point that he is ready to make a commitment to Christ.

Why should we be baptized?
A person should be baptized to follow the example of Christ (Mat. 3:13-17), to obey Christ's command (Mat. 28:18), to accept forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16), to receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38), to express trust in Christ (Acts 8:12-13), and to testify to God's work in his or her life (Rom. 6:1-8; Gal. 3:27). Baptism also serves to cleanse a guilty conscience (1 Pet. 3:21). The Holy Spirit prompts individuals to recognize their sin and guilt. The only method by which the human soul can be wiped clean of sin is through the blood of Jesus Christ (Heb. 9:27-10:7). This "washing away" of sin is most clearly symbolized in the act of baptism (Acts 22:16; 1 Pet. 3:21).

Should a person ever be rebaptized?
Any person who has trusted in Jesus as the only Son of God and who has willingly been immersed into Christ may become a member of Nothview Church of Christ whether the baptism occurred at Northview or elsewhere. Rebaptism is encouraged for those who lack confidence in their initial baptism experience because they don't remember it, they were coerced, or their heart was not right with God at the time. Anyone who has fallen into sin after having been baptized should repent and seek forgiveness, but rebaptism is not necessary (Acts 8:13-24).

Must a person be baptized during a worship service?
No. Baptisms at other times are acceptable (Acts 8:38; 16:33), but baptisms during worship services are encouraged at Northview because they provide the opportunity to testify to your faith and show humility.
Paul exhorts all believers to unite, for we are all of "one Lord, one faith, one baptism" (Ephesians 4:5). Regardless of our particular beliefs regarding the mode of baptism, it is important for all Christians to seek unity as representatives of Christ's body. We believe the source of unity is the truth of God's Word, and we pray that baptism will be a place of unity, not division, among believers (John 17:17-21).

How do I become a member?
An opportunity is given at the close of every Sunday worship service to walk forward, confess Jesus as your Lord, be baptized and identified as a member of Northview. This process is the same one you can read about in Acts 2:37-41 over 2000 years ago. If you are not comfortable making that walk at the end of worship, we are available 24/7 to accept your confession and baptize you into Christ. If you are already a baptized believer and wish to identify yourself with our family, just let a minister or elder know of your decision and you will be introduced to the congregation.

In addition, we have our Introduction to Northview Class that meets every Sunday at 9:00 am in the office complex. This small, informal class allows you to ask questions, learn about our core values, study God's plan for salvation, and learn about our expectations for being part of the Northview family. Personal Bible studies can be arranged as well by contacting any of our ministers or elders.