WHAT We BELIEVE

Confessions of faith

 

A confession of faith is a formal declaration of what we believe. It allows us to clearly articulate our core doctrines and convictions. Our confession establishes unity around essential truths, guides our teaching and practice, and ensures that what we preach aligns with what we live. When you attend Light of the Valley, you can expect our beliefs, teaching, and practice to be fully consistent with one another.

 

WHAT WE BELIEVE

 

The Nature of God

We believe there is one living and true God, eternally existing in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. These three are equal in power and glory. This triune God created all things, sustains all things, and sovereignly governs all things.

We believe God the Father is an infinite, personal Spirit—perfect in holiness, wisdom, power, and love. He is actively involved in the affairs of humanity, hears and answers prayer, and saves from sin and death all who come to Him through Jesus Christ.

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Jesus Christ

We believe Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin. He lived a sinless life, performed miracles, taught with authority, died a substitutionary atoning death, rose bodily from the grave, ascended into heaven, and continually intercedes for His people. We believe in His personal, visible return to earth.

 

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The Holy Spirit

We believe the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son. He convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. He regenerates, sanctifies, and empowers believers for ministry. The Holy Spirit indwells every believer and serves as Helper, Teacher, and Guide.

 

We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit and the biblical gifts of the Spirit. We practice these gifts in accordance with Scripture and in proper biblical order (1 Corinthians 12–14).

 

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The Scriptures

We believe the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments are the inspired Word of God, without error in the original manuscripts, and the final authority for faith and practice.

 

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Humanity and Salvation

We believe all people are sinners by nature and choice and are therefore under condemnation. God regenerates by the Holy Spirit those who repent and confess Jesus Christ as Lord. Jesus baptizes believers with the Holy Spirit for empowerment in service.

 

We believe there is only one way to God—through Jesus Christ alone.

 

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The Church and Ordinances

We believe in the universal Church, the spiritual body of Christ, of which He is the Head and all born-again believers are members.

 

We believe Jesus instituted two ordinances for the church:

1. Water baptism by immersion

2. The Lord’s Supper (Communion)

 

Baptism and Communion are reserved for those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ. Communion is available weekly, with corporate observance on the first Sunday of each month.

 

We practice the laying on of hands for ordination, commissioning, healing, and prayer.

 

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Eternal Realities

We believe in the bodily resurrection, the final judgment, the eternal blessing of the righteous, and the eternal conscious punishment of the wicked. 

We believe hell is real and that those who reject Christ will face eternal separation from God. 

We believe Christ will personally and visibly return to establish His kingdom. 

We hold to a pre-tribulation view of the church, believing the Bride of Christ will not go through the tribulation period.

 

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Worship

We believe worship should be:

  • Fruitful — producing love and obedience in our lives.
  • Spiritual — led by the Holy Spirit.
  • Intelligent — rooted in the teaching of Scripture.
  • Inspirational — expressed through music and praise. 

Our worship is contemporary and vertically directed toward God. Worship is not about receiving, but giving glory to Him.

We do not encourage self-focused or attention-seeking expressions in worship.

 

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Sanctity of Life and Human Dignity

We believe life begins at conception and is sacred. We are a pro-life church.

 

At the same time, we extend grace, compassion, and healing to anyone who has experienced abortion. There is forgiveness and restoration in Christ.

 

We affirm the dignity of every human being as created in the image of God. All human life—regardless of ethnicity, background, or status—is equally valuable before Him.

 

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Christian Living

We believe believers are called to be doers of the Word, not hearers only. You will be challenged to grow. 

We believe every follower of Christ should serve within the body in some capacity. 

We require a season of consistency (approximately three months) before placing individuals into formal ministry leadership roles. This allows us to know one another before laying hands in recognition of ministry. 

We believe the church is a hospital for sinners and saints alike. All are welcome to come as they are.

 

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Giving

We believe in tithes and offerings as an act of worship. Giving is voluntary and cheerful. We do not pressure or manipulate for financial support.

 

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Teaching and Cultural Engagement

We believe in teaching the whole counsel of God and will not avoid difficult or controversial topics. We also address current events and equip believers to respond biblically.

 

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WHAT WE ARE NOT

 

Not Seeker-Driven

We do not tailor messages to satisfy personal preferences. We prioritize biblical truth over cultural comfort (2 Timothy 4:3–4).


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Not Prosperity-Oriented

We reject the prosperity gospel, word-of-faith teachings, and “name-it-and-claim-it” theology. We do not believe poverty is proof of weak faith.

 

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Not Cessationist

We believe the gifts of the Spirit continue today but must function in biblical order.

 

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Not Charismatic Extremism

We do not practice or endorse unbiblical manifestations such as:

  • Being “slain in the spirit”
  • “Holy laughter”
  • “Grave soaking”
  • Sensational signs and wonders

 

We do not believe God uses theatrical signs to attract followers.


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Not Politically Driven

We do not align with political parties or elevate political leaders. Christ alone is Head of the Church.


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Leadership Convictions

We do not believe women hold the office of pastor, bishop, or elder.

We do not believe a true born-again believer can be demon-possessed.

We do not believe in generational curses under the New Covenant.


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Doctrinal Boundaries

We do not believe:

  • All religions lead to heaven.
  • Communion becomes the literal body and blood of Christ.
  • The church should incorporate secular psychology into its doctrine.
  • Emotional hype produces genuine spiritual transformation.

 

We hold that salvation is found in Christ alone.

 

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OUR HEART

You will be challenged to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.

We are committed to biblical faithfulness, spiritual sincerity, and Christ-centered worship.

 

Our aim is simple:

  • To preach the Word faithfully.
  • To love people genuinely.
  • To glorify Jesus Christ above all.