Core Beliefs
The following are the core beliefs of First Assembly Marianna based on the foundational truths taught in the Bible. All of our teaching and ministry is rooted in and flows out of these biblical doctrines.
Scripture
The scriptures are inspired by God and declare His design and plan for mankind.
The Godhead
There is only one true God–revealed in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (commonly known as the Trinity).
Deity of Christ
In the deity of the Lord Jesus Christ. As God’s son, Jesus was both human and divine. The Lord Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God.
The Fall
Though originally good, man willingly fell to sin, ushering evil and death, both physical and spiritual, into the world.
Salvation
Jesus Christ came to reconcile us with God. He lived a life without sin and willingly died on the cross to pay the penalty for our transgressions. God raised him from the dead and now, by grace, offers as a free gift eternal life to all who follow Christ, by faith, as their Lord and Savior. That is why salvation can be found in Christ alone.
Ordinances of the Church
Water baptism by immersion after repenting of one’s sins and receiving Christ’s gift of salvation, and Holy Communion (the Lord’s Supper) as a symbolic remembrance of Christ’s suffering and death for our salvation are ordinances commanded by Scripture.
Baptism in the Holy Spirit
The baptism in the Holy Spirit is a special experience following salvation that empowers believers for witnessing and effective service, just as it did in New Testament times.
The Church
The Church is meant to be the visible body of Christ, sent into the world to glorify God and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Ministry
A divinely called and scripturally ordained leadership ministry serves the Church. The Bible teaches that each of us must commit ourselves to reach others for Christ, to worship Him with other believers, and to build up or edify the body of believers–the Church.
Consummation
Jesus Christ is returning one day to judge both the living and the dead and to usher in the fullness of God's kingdom on earth.