Understanding Our Core Beliefs at La Hermosa Christian Church in Newark NJ

At La Hermosa Christian Church, we lay our faith on a strong foundation of core beliefs that shape our lives and community. These beliefs guide our understanding of God and His teachings, influencing how we interact with each other and the world. In this post, we will explore six essential beliefs that define our church. Whether you are a long-time member or a new visitor, we invite you to explore these truths with us.

THE BIBLE

We hold a strong reverence for the Bible, viewing it as the true Word of God. The Bible consists of 66 books, inspired by the Holy Spirit, and serves as our final authority on matters of faith. In 2 Timothy 3:16, we read, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness." This belief reinforces our commitment to studying the Scriptures and applying their lessons to our lives.

The Bible is not only a historical record; it is a living guide that speaks to our hearts. It offers wisdom, comfort, and direction for navigating life’s challenges. For instance, during tough times, many in our community have found solace in Psalm 23, which reassures us that we are not alone in our struggles. At La Hermosa, we encourage everyone to engage with the Bible—whether through personal study, group discussions, or sermons. By diving into its pages, we find the answers to questions that matter most.

GOD

Our belief in God forms the cornerstone of our faith. We affirm that there is one God who exists in three equal Persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This doctrine of the Trinity is captured in Matthew 28:19, where Jesus commands us to baptize "in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." Additionally, 2 Corinthians 13:14 reminds us of the distinct roles each Person plays in our lives.

Recognizing God as a Trinity enriches our relationship with Him. The Father is our Creator, the Son is our Savior, and the Holy Spirit acts as our Comforter and Guide. This belief fosters a strong sense of community within our congregation. For example, during our weekly prayer group, we often reflect on how each Person of the Trinity supports us in different aspects of our lives, from guidance in decisions to comfort in times of loss.

JESUS CHRIST

Central to our faith is our belief in Jesus Christ. We affirm His divinity, eternal existence, virgin birth, sinless life, sacrificial death, resurrection, and promised return. John 1:14 states, "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us." This truth emphasizes the incarnation of Christ, who came to reveal God to humanity.

Jesus' teachings serve as our perfect example. In John 17:4, He declares, "I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do." His sacrificial death on the cross and resurrection are the cornerstone of our faith, offering hope and redemption. Acts 1:9 provides assurance of His return, encouraging us to live in anticipation. Many within our church community have shared stories about how their belief in Jesus has transformed their lives, emphasizing restored relationships and newfound purpose.

HOLY SPIRIT

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in our faith journey. We believe in His divinity and active presence in our lives. The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, transforms our hearts, and bestows spiritual gifts. As mentioned in John 16:8, "When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment."

Titus 3:5-6 highlights the transformative work of the Holy Spirit, stating that we are saved "through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit." Ephesians 1:13 reminds us that we are sealed with the Holy Spirit, securing our status as God's children. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live out our faith every day, enabling us to serve others and make a positive impact in our community.

MANKIND

We believe that humans are created in the image of God, as outlined in Genesis 1:27, affirming the inherent dignity of every person. Yet, we also recognize the reality of sin. Through Adam's disobedience, sin entered the world, causing separation from God. Genesis 2:17 and Genesis 3:6-17 recount the fall and its consequences.

Romans 5:12 tells us, "sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin." Understanding our sinful nature urges us to seek redemption through Jesus Christ. This belief fosters compassion and grace toward others, reminding us that we are all in need of God's mercy. For instance, our outreach programs aim to support those struggling with addiction or homelessness, reflecting our commitment to loving and helping all individuals, regardless of their past.

SALVATION

At La Hermosa, we hold that salvation is a gift from God, received by grace through faith. John 3:16 captures this beautifully: "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." This underscores that salvation is not earned through actions, but rather a product of God’s grace.

Ephesians 2:8 reminds us that "it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God." Justification, the act of being declared righteous before God, is a central theme in our faith, as seen in Galatians 2:16. Romans 10:13 adds hope, stating, "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." This promise of salvation provides comfort and assurance to our lives, guiding us through our spiritual journey.

Embracing Our Shared Faith Journey

Our core beliefs at La Hermosa Christian Church create the foundation of our faith and community. They shape our understanding of God, His Word, and our purpose in the world. We invite you to explore these beliefs further and consider how they can impact your life. Whether you seek answers, a supportive community, or a deeper faith, we encourage you to join us at La Hermosa Christian Church. Together, we can grow in understanding God and experiencing His love.

A warm and inviting interior of La Hermosa Christian Church

We look forward to meeting you and sharing in this faith journey together!