Here at Richwoods, we believe it’s important to agree on very important things (which we call “essentials”), to have freedom to disagree on less important things (“non-essentials”), but no matter what, to be kind to one another and to show love, humility, and grace in everything we do. Here are some things we think are very important:
Jesus Christ: Jesus is part of God (who, along with the Father and the Holy Spirit, makes up the Trinity). He came to live on earth amongst us. He died for sins he did not commit, and when he did, our sins died with him. Because of this wonderful gift of forgiveness (which we call “grace”), we are free to have a close relationship with God again! Jesus sends us out into the world, to help people know and love him.
Grace, Faith, and Works: This grace that we have received from God is a blessing that comes from him; we didn’t do anything to earn it. The Bible says that our faith in Jesus is what saves us, not anything that we can do on our own, so it’s all about God’s love for us. But the Bible also says that “faith without works is dead,” so while we can’t earn our salvation, we want to demonstrate our gratitude by loving and serving others.
Baptism: The Bible asks the question, “What must we do to be saved?” and answers “Repent and be baptized!” The word “baptism” means “to submerge,” so it is our practice to fully submerge people who want to follow Jesus with their lives!
The Bible: The Bible is God’s word, recorded for us by God inspiring his people to write down what he did, what he said, and what he wants them to remember and do. Although it was written by mere men, the Bible was inspired and carried by the Holy Spirit and contains God’s timeless truths.
The Church: The church isn’t a building—the church is made up of God’s people…WE are the church! We get together regularly to encourage one another, to worship God, and to love and serve others. Come join us!
There are some things that we think are still important, but we don’t have to agree on them all. We call these things our “non-essentials,” and it includes questions like, “What happens when we die?” “What are spiritual gifts and how do I use them?” and “Who should I vote for?” We can love ourselves and each other enough to have grace when we disagree. We’d rather love and respect people that we disagree with, than only be around people who think just like us. The Bible gives us wisdom on how we respond to people with whom we have disagreements:
“I have the right to do anything,” you say–but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”–but not everything is constructive. No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.
1 Corinthians 10:23-24
Accept the one whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters… Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master servants stand or fall… So then each of us will give an account of ourselves to God… So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God.
Romans 14:1, 4, 12, 22
It is okay to have questions and doubts—God gave you a wonderful mind that he wants you to use! Come have a conversation with us and let’s see where we end up.