As 242 Ministries is a non-denominational gathering of Christian believers, we strive to fulfill the wisdom of one of Christianity’s early scholars, Augustine of Hippo (354-430), teachings:

“In essentials, Unity. In non-essentials, Liberty. In all things, Love.”

242 Ministries recognizes that the people of our Faith Community have vast backgrounds.  Many Christian denominations are represented as well as individuals void of Judeo/Christian ethics.  In this light, 242 Ministries affirms that the Scripture is our guide to sound teaching. We endeavor to live in revelation that there is no creed but Christ. 

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.  2 Timothy 3:16-17

GOD WROTE A BOOK

We believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God and without error in the original writing. The Bible was given by God through chosen people and thus reflects the backgrounds, styles, and vocabulary of human writers. The Bible is the full and final authority on all matters of faith and practice; The Bible’s truth is timeless and speaks to our everyday lives.     Luke 21:33; Romans 15:4; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; Hebrews 1:1-2; Hebrews 4:12; 1 Peter 1:25; 2 Peter 1:20-21 Psalm 119:11,89,105

THERE IS ONE GOD

We believe in the one eternal God who knows everything, is present everywhere at the same time, and possesses infinite power. He is Holy in nature, attributes, and purpose. God is super-dimensional thus called by many different names. This one true God has revealed Himself as Father, through His Son in redemption, and as the Holy Spirit dwelling within us.
Deuteronomy 6:4; Psalm 90:2; Isaiah 44:6,8; Isaiah 45:21-22; Zechariah 14:9; Mark 12:28-30; John 17:3; James 2:19

GOD IS THE ULTIMATE ARTIST 

We believe that in the beginning, God spoke everything we see into existence for His own pleasure and enjoyment.  God’s imagination is endless. He creates simply by the power of His Word.  Nature itself declares His Glory.   Genesis 1; Nehemiah 9:6, Psalm 139:13, 148:1-14, I Timothy 6:17; Revelation 4:11

WHO MAN IS

We believe that mankind is made in the spiritual image/likeness of God. He is the supreme object of God’s creation/affection. Although mankind has tremendous potential for good, we are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called sin.     Genesis 1:26-27; Psalm 8:3-6; 14:1-3; 51:5; Isaiah 53:6; 59:1-3; Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 3:22-23; Romans 5:12; Ephesians 2:1-12

SALVATION IS FOR EVERYONE

 We believe that salvation is a gift from God to man. Man can never make up for his sin by self-improvement, good works, or human effort. We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus. Jesus said we must be born again. In order for this ‘new birth’ to take place, we must repent of our sins, believe in Jesus, and submit to His will for our lives.   John 3:3-7; Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 14:6; Titus 3:5; Galatians 2:16 &; 3:26 Romans 10:9-10, Acts 16:31

JESUS IS THE WAY

 We believe that Jesus of Nazareth was both Son of God and Son of man. Jesus was born of a virgin, lived a sinless and exemplary life, died on the cross in our place, and bodily rose again to prove His victory and empower us for life. Since God lives fully in Christ, Jesus is the only One who can restore us into right relationship with God.   Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:21-23; John 14:6; I Corinthians 15:3-4; 2 Corinthians 5:19; Galatians 4:4- 5; Colossians 2:9; 1 Timothy 2:5
 

MISSION IS ESSENTIAL

Missions are the whole task and endeavor of the Church to reach across geographical and/or cultural boundaries.  We accomplish this by obeying Jesus when sending both people and finance to propagate His message.  A minimum of 10% of the yearly budget will go towards local, national, and global mission.  All church ministries shall have the primary objective of the advancement of the Gospel in both word and action.  1 Chronicles 16:23-24; Psalms 96:3; Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8; Romans 10:13-14; Revelations 14:6

WATER BAPTISM
We believe that as Jesus was baptized as an example, so should those who profess their faith in Him. Baptism is a public declaration of one’s faith in Jesus. It is symbolic of the Lord’s burial. When coming out of the water, a fresh start has begun.    Matthew 3:13-16; Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Acts 8:16; Acts 10:48; Acts 19:5; Acts 22:16; Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12

FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT
We believe that followers of Jesus will produce a lifestyle (“Fruit of the Spirit”) that is
recognizable by both believer and unbeliever.    Matt. 12:33; John 13:35; Acts 4:13; Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 5:9

SPIRITUAL GIFTS ARE FOR THE CHURCH

We believe the Gifts of the Holy Spirit should be evident in the local Church for its edification. The Holy Spirit is expressed through a variety of spiritual gifts. The gifts that are mentioned in the Bible are not necessarily exhaustive and may occur in various ways. All believers are commanded to earnestly desire the demonstration of the gifts in their lives. These gifts always operate in harmony with the Scriptures and should never be used in violation of biblical parameters.     Romans 1:11; 12:4-8; 1 Corinthians 1:7; 2:4; 1 Corinthians 12 & 14; Ephesians 4:16; 1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:5-14; 1 Peter 4:7-11

KIDS ARE OUR FUTURE                                                                                                  

We believe that speaking God’s Word over our children is an act of faith which carries significance into adulthood.  We call this dedicating our kids.  This establishes a responsibility between parent(s) and the Church to raise our children in wisdom.  God promises blessing and protection to the child whose parents are faithful to rear him/her in the services of the Lord.   Psalms 34:11; Isaiah 54:13; Matthew 19:14; Mark 10:13-16; Luke 18:15-16;                  

WE LIKE TO GATHER

We believe in the power and significance of the Church and the necessity of believers to meet regularly together for fellowship, prayer, teaching, and the breaking of bread.    Luke 4:16; Acts 2:42; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2; Hebrews 10:24-25

THE LORD’S SUPPER

We believe that all followers of Christ should participate in Communion, or the Lord’s Supper. It consists of two elements: the bread and the wine. Those elements are symbolic of the body and the blood of Jesus. It is done as a memorial of Christ’s suffering and a celebration of a new plan of salvation. It is an opportunity for believers to examine themselves and experience forgiveness.

Luke 22:13-20; Acts 2:46; 1 Corinthians 10:16-17 & 11:23-34

GOD STILL REPAIRS, RESOLVES, AND RESTORES

We believe that God is still the Healer of His people. The miraculous was illustrated throughout the ministry of Jesus, empowered to His followers, and practiced by the First Church. The supernatural will naturally follow those that believe in His name. Miracles and Healings were also part of Jesus’ work on the Cross and gifts of the Holy Spirit.    Exodus 15:26; Psalm 103:2-3; Isaiah 53:5; Mark 16:17-18; Luke 4:18; 1 Corinthians 12:28; James 5:13-16; Hebrews 13:8

THE LOCAL MINISTRY                                                                                                          

The Bible reveals that both men/women are chosen by God to do the work of the ministry.  They should be recognized by the local church in conjunction with both the church board and exterior church oversight.  We have the ability to both appoint and ordain pastors that will be recognized on state/national levels.  Exodus 30:30; Leviticus 21:10-12; I Chronicles 9:22; II Chronicles 11:15; Mark 3:13-15; I Corinthians 7:17; Titus 1:5; I Timothy 2:7

HE REALLY IS COMING AGAIN

We believe that Jesus will return a second time as He promised.    Matthew 24:36-39; John 14:1-4; Acts 1:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Timothy 6:13-16; Titus 2:12; James 5:7-9; 2 Peter 3:8-10